Page 84 of Vengeful Vows

Matteo is more reserved, and I don’t blame him. It may take years, but I’ll earn his trust.

Excused, I leave the room to find Aunt Gina waiting for me.

“You have a big role to fill, Nico.”

Like the entire Moretti family, she was fond of Roberto.

“Your house needs to be in order.”

Everyone else—Roberto, the don, Matteo—all assume that since I’ve married and bedded Bella that everything is fine.

My aunt knows better.

“Be the man your wife needs.”

“I appreciate the advice.” Though I have no idea what she means, I kiss her on the cheek as I leave.

Over the next few days, Bella and I remain in our usual routine, polite strangers who fuck with abandon, only to have her curl into a ball on the far side of the mattress afterward.

On Sunday, precisely at three thirty p.m., she meets me near our home bar, looking stunningly beautiful in her dress and heels, her hair teasing her shoulders.

We haven’t dined together in almost a week.

I’ve been busy with Don Raffaele and Matteo, and when I was free last night, she had a fundraiser. “Champagne?”

“Please.”

When I offer it to her, I attempt to kiss her, and she turns her head and crosses to the window.

I growl.

If we didn’t have to leave in ten minutes, I’d fuck her up against the window in punishment for dismissing me—dismissing us. “I won’t put up with this behavior, Bella.”

“Mmm.” She’s gazing at the skyscape, unconcerned by my words.

“I mean it, little flower.”

“And?” Slowly she turns to face me. “You’ll prove what? That you can make me respond by fucking me?”

She crosses the room to where I’m standing, tips her head back and meets my gaze. Carefully she puts down her glass. “You’ll feel like you’re in control and that I have to tolerate your kisses because you’re my husband? Fine. Kiss my cheek, Nico, if you must.” She taps a spot. “I’ll endure for the sake of my family.”

Jesus.

Is that what she thinks about our lovemaking at night? Something she must endure?

I plow my hand into my hair.

Goddamn it.No.I know she likes it. She sobs and calls my name when she surrenders to me.

And then she cries herself to sleep.

“We’re going to be late.” She walks to the door.

My aunt’s words echo in my head, haunting me.“Be the man your wife needs.”

I’m no closer to understanding what that means, but I’m certain of one thing. I will crack Bella’s shell and make her yield to my wishes. If that makes me the most selfish bastard in the world, so be it.

CHAPTERTWENTY