Page 101 of Mafia And Maid
I know what I am. I know the kind of image I show to the world. I know how others perceive me when I walk into a room. I relish the power it gives me. What I’ve made myself into over the years is no secret. The world wanted a monster, and I was more than happy to fill that role. But knowing she sees that in me is worse than any words or slurs thrown my way.
“I don’t think you’re a monster.”
“You don’t know me very well.”
“From what I’ve seen”—her hand squeezes mine on her thigh—“you’re not the worst out there by far. You don’t hide who you are.” Her nails drag over the lines along my forearm, making my muscles tense. My body jumps at the electricity that swallows me whole whenever she touches me. “You’re not a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You’re just a wolf. Fangs, claws, and all. You don’t try to be something else. And I appreciate that.”
Her words ring in my ears. I swallow thickly, letting the soft hum of the world envelop us. Rosa leans against me further, a soft sigh leaving her.
“Rosa?”
“Yes?”
“Will you let me help you in the kitchen?”
It’s not what I want to ask. But it’s what falls from my lips. It’s safer this way.
Her body tenses in my arms. “Why?”
“I like watching you cook. And I was hoping you’d teach me?”
She twists in my arms. Her blond brows are puckered, and her big brown eyes cloud with confusion.
Before I’m even aware of what I’m doing, my hand cups her cheek, keeping her from fleeing from me.
“But why? I’m not that good. I mean, you could have some chef teach you or someone who knows what they’re doing.”
“I don’t want that. I want you to teach me. At least then, maybe I can give you a night off or something. And more time with Ethan.”
I watch the wheels in her mind turn, working over why I’m doing this. I watch it all flash across her eyes. I hate how what’s happened to her has sapped her confidence, making her second-guess and doubt everything. It’s another tick in the reasons why her husband will be a dead man as soon as the moment presents itself.
I brush my thumb over her cheek with the lightest of touches. “Rosa, I just want to help. All I want is for you to have more time with Ethan. And for me to spend more time with both of you too.”
She nods. “We can figure something out.”
“I’d like that, Rosa.”
Turning back around in my arms, her head lays against my shoulder, and I watch her fingers idly drawing along my tattoos, tracing the patterns as she keeps an eye on Ethan. The soft expression on her face warms something in my chest, sliding beneath the blackened bits of my heart to something that beats weakly beneath it.
She’s going to hate it, but I’m determined to step up for her. To step in and help. Not because she needs it. But because I need to be near her like I need oxygen. I need her in my arms, next to me, within reach. And I plan on having my next hit of her very soon.
I smile, the plan formulating in my head.
CHAPTER 24
CAMILLO
I back away from the enormous bed as soundless as I can. The silky sheets no longer smell like me but like her, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ethan’s small body rests against the fabric, exactly where I placed him, passed out already for his nap.
The door clicks shut softly behind me before I rush down the stairs.
I’m giddy—a word I never thought I’d say about myself, let alone experience, but I’m excited. The adrenaline is pumping through my body.
A soft hum guides me to where Rosa is diligently stirring a pot of pasta, the hearty smell of homemade Bolognese sauce filling the room and making my mouth water.
A grin tugging my lips up, I slowly make my way behind her.