Page 3 of Arranged Pleasures
Outfit members who will be able to monitor the room and will test the new services:
Giulio
Jeremiah
Danny
Leo
Vito
Nico
Nico. Nico. Nico.
I read his name obsessively and repeatedly. Does he…no, would he… No. Emelia. Stop. I flip to the last page seeing if there is anywhere else where it says he may do things with the women and when I get to the last page my heart feels ten times less heavy.
In red ink, Nico wrote on the bottom. I know that handwriting so well.
Take my name off the list. My men can test it. I have no interest.
-Nico
I released a breath; I had been holding. Holy shit. Thank God. Still faithful to me. Always. He is still faithful even after all these years and three children. He hasn’t tired of me and in this world, that is rare. Made men usually take on mistresses. It’s almost guaranteed. For Nico to turn down dozens of stunningand sexually experienced women daily, means that I still have him. Will I always, though?
I put the paper down and leave the office. Stepping into our bedroom so I can get dressed and ready for a morning breakfast date with Nico, I’m met with my husband with a towel around his waist. Water droplets fall from his slightly longer hair that he usually slicks back for business. There is not an ounce of fat on that man. His skin is still red from the hot scalding water he prefers when he showers. I lay my hand on my chest, taken aback by his stunning beauty. The world gets the man in the suit, put together and ready to take on the wars outside, but I get the unhinged Nico, relaxed and a real man. Not a crime lord.
“Emelia?” he calls through the haze and I shake my head.
“Yes?” I peer up at him.
He studies me. “You look pale, what’s wrong?”
I shake my head instantly. I don’t want to bring him in on what I know. Nico would punish me if he knew I read that and inserted myself in his work. And to know that I am…curious about what he has done before me.
“Nothing, I think I am just tired, and I have a lot to do today.” He eyes me over, testing me, and I turn to grab some clothes.Change the subject, Emelia.
“I have to meet with the other wives. My favorite thing.” I mock. He knows I hate meeting with these women, but we do it for charity. Truth be told, I plan to skip it and I will send in a check. My mental capacity has been filled to the brim. “We have to plan for the gala next month.” And just like that he moves on and thank God he bought it.
I know I will spend the rest of the day thinking about that proposal and those rooms. Curious, jealous, and wondering what it is that me and Nico are missing together?
Chapter Two
NICO
“Nico, you pay attention. You are the example for your brothers.” I kneel down and come eye to eye with my eldest. He is eight and is the copy-paste version of me. When I was younger, I would always cause trouble with my teachers. I decided to homeschool Nico, Matteo, and Luca just as my parents did. In this life, there are many people who are a threat to us and do not leave children and wives off the table for payback. Keeping them safe and giving them the best itemized education was a double win.
But Nico, the second, loves to give Mrs. Nelly a run for her damn money.
“Yes sir,” he says and I fix his bow tie.
All the boys wear a uniform for school. Nico is eight, Matteo nearing seven and Luca five. When Emelia was ready to have kids, I didn’t slow down. I kept knocking her up the second we got the clear after each one. We are currently trying for one more and I’ve enjoyed the process just as I do every time. Though I’ll admit, the long period of time that we have not been able to get pregnant has posed to be a frustration for us both.
“Good, Matteo and Luca, you be good. Listen to Mrs. Nelly. If she reports that you did all your work without giving her trouble, I will take us to Greta’s for dinner and Manny’s Pastry for dessert.”
“Yay!” they holler in unison. We have gone to Greta’s for a long time, and it’s become a family tradition.
“Good, say goodbye to Mamma.” I turn to Emelia, and she’s smiling wide at us. Such a goddamn goddess.