Beautiful Trouble: A Dark Mafia Romance

That made total sense. This fight between Roman and Darren was only the beginning—a template for future Oligarch wars.

And those battles would be much, much worse.

“I’m happy you’re going to be my sister-in-law.”

“Just sister.” Penny grinned and hugged me. “And I’m happy too.”

Another knock at the door. I nearly jumped out of my dress.

Charleigh burst into the room. She frowned at Penny then looked at me.

“It’s time.” She gestured at the hall.

I nodded, glanced back at the wedding present from Cassie, then followed Charleigh to my future, my heaven, and my hell.

23

Winter

The ceremony was short and sparsely attended.

Present were the family and the staff, several members from mafia organizations I didn’t know, some important business relationships, and Kaspar. The group barely filled half the medium ballroom, much less the large one. The priest gave a simple and straightforward ceremony, and before I knew what was happening, Darren kissed me with the perfect amount of tongue in front of a bunch of strangers, and I was dragged back down the aisle.

My wedding. A whirlwind. Less than twenty minutes long.

The rest of the day was a blur of handshakes, well wishes, and some dancing. The reception was a quiet affair, and I found myself sitting with Darren and Penny for the majority of it, eating all that ridiculously good food the kitchen had spent the last few days preparing.

I watched the sun go down and felt a twinge in my stomach.

I didn’t know why I was nervous. It wasn’t like sex with Darren was a new thing.

But the thought of going up into his room and lying down in his bed—I could barely comprehend what it all meant.

I was his wife. I said the words, signed the paper. It was real.

Winter Servant.

“So what do you think? Was it everything you dreamed of and more?” Penny asked as we stood outside. The sun was nearly down, only the last long rays of light were left. Most of the guests were leaving already.

“It was fast. It felt like a second.”

“I know what you mean. I’m sorry you didn’t get a big, lavish party. And that you probably didn’t know anybody here.”

I shrugged and tugged at my hair. “It’s fine. Just looking forward to getting out of this dress.”

“Are we about to have the wedding night talk again?”

“Oh god, stop it, you know what I mean.”

“Sure, sure, just saying. I’m available if you need help. I’ve got diagrams.”

“There are diagrams?”

“Of course. How else do you learn?”

“I don’t know. Google? YouTube? Pornhub?”

She laughed and shook her head. “Not in a house like this, sis. You’ll figure it out.” She touched my shoulder. “Anyway, I’m getting cold, and I think your husband’s looking for you. Better go in.”

I followed her gaze. Darren stood near the house, looking down at the two of us. He waved toward me, and I thought I caught another smile.

Penny headed up to her room. Darren stood close, watching my face carefully. “How do you feel?”

“Like a new woman.”

“I mean it.”

“I’m fine. My feet are tired. My lips hurt from smiling at everyone. I’m ready for it to be over.”

“Unfortunately, it’s only the start.”

“You really know how to sell yourself.”

He didn’t smile. His eyes were serious, his lips pulled down.

Those handsome lips.

He held out his hand. “Come on.”

I thought going upstairs with him would be hard. I expected to be scared. The thought of that bed, this night, it had me sweating for days.

Now that the moment was here, I found it easy to put my hand in his and follow him up the steps, down the hall, and into his room.

Things with him should’ve been harder.

He kidnapped me. Wanted to kill my best friend’s husband.

He ruined the comfortable little life I’d built for myself.

Forced me into a marriage I didn’t want.

And yet he was the first person to look at me like I mattered. The first man to make me feel something other than revulsion.

There was fear. There was pain.

But who the hell wanted an uncomplicated love?

If that was what I felt, anyway.

Give me messy. Give me broken and crazy.

Anything less and I’d be bored.

Darren was anything but boring.

He shut the door and helped me get out of the dress. We didn’t talk. We didn’t need to. I knew what he wanted and he knew I’d give it to him without a fight.

Tonight, at least.

He took the pins from my hair and took out the braids. He worked carefully, quietly. It was so different from the way that Kathy and her daughters touched me. That was professional and brusque.

Darren was gentle and careful and loving. His fingertips lingered. He didn’t shy away from my skin.

Finally, the hair hung free. I turned and began to unbutton his shirt.

He grabbed my wrists.

His eyes blazed hot enough to burn.

“You need to understand something.” His breath was sweet and intoxicating.