The Filthy One

Next to me, Marco’s growls says more than any vocalized threat.

“Take care of yourself.” Kai’s last words bring unshed tears to my eyes. I want to scream that it’s all fake, that it’ll all be over soon—in three months—but I don’t.

I play my role as I turn to Marco and he takes my hand from Kai’s, ignoring him completely, and brings the back of my palm to his mouth with a kiss that melts my stubborn heart.

“I will erase every single touch of his from your body tonight, Dolcezza. And then some.”

With those words, this wedding party needs to move the fuck on so I can get my punishments. And my orgasms.

An hour later, after I promised to love and cherish and blah blah blah, at the foot a bronze cross—how the fuck did they even get that monstrosity up here?—we are sitting at the dais of the wedding party table while everyone chats on and on, and Marco’s hand is right back where it always is when we sit together. His parents are as lovely as the first time I met them, if not a little intimidating. His father, Alberto, doesn’t say much, but he sees it all. He watches everything around him, guards protect him at every turn—two stand behind him always—as he assesses me every now and again. We danced once and he asked me what loyalty meant to me.

It was all very Godfatherly. Yet, a little sweet, too. In a fucked up crime family way.

His mother, Gabriella, is the original mold for Lina, without a doubt. A little less naïve though, for sure.

On my thigh, one thumb teases my skin like the devil on a good girl’s shoulder.

A light tap on my shoulder pulls me back from the intensity of Marco’s touch. When I turn, Kai is towering over me, his expression solemn with a hint of pain in his honey-colored eyes.

Marco’s grip on my thigh intensifies almost to the point of pain and I realize he’s reeling in his possessiveness just long enough to find out what Kai wants with me.

“Hey.” Kai’s eyes dart from me to Marco and back to me. “Ev’s not feeling too well. His leg’s throbbing so we’re gonna head out, if that’s okay?”

Marco’s grip relaxes as he snaps his fingers in the air. Immediately, Stefano is at his side.

“Have the car take River’s family home or wherever they need.” I smile at his efficiency. There’s something about a man who takes action.

Taking Kai’s hand in mine, I squeeze and rise to my feet despite Marco’s vice grip trying to hold me down. With one deadly scowl his way, my husband gives me a devil’s grin that promises a whole lot of hurt with my pleasure as he releases me.

“I’ll walk you all out.”

I can feel Marco’s gaze boring into my back, watching every one of my steps as I walk away. It’s like he’s taking this whole marriage thing seriously.

“I’m sorry, sis, but my leg is killing me right now. Do you mind if we head out? I need a joint to ease the pain.” Bending at the waist, I give my little brother a huge hug. I hate that he’s leaving but his health is more important than this charade.

“Of course, Ev. I mean, it’s over anyway. We’ll probably just have some Champagne and call it a night.” Petal throws her arms around me and squeezes with all her dainty might.

“I can’t believe you’re married.” Lowering her voice just for me, she adds, “And before Kai.”

“I heard that.” Kai’s rumble is surprisingly close, making me jump just a little.

“Good.” Wow, Petal’s throwing punches tonight. Must be the alcohol. Or maybe it’s the exposure to so much money. It makes her grumpy.

After walking them out, I head back to my table and take my seat next to my husband, where his hand returns to its original position on my thigh. It’s like he constantly needs to touch me.

“It’s time.” Vincenzo’s voice rings out and all chatter ends immediately. The men stand at once, a choreography I don’t necessarily understand.

“What’s going on? Is everyone leaving?” Looking up at Marco, his smile is sincere, almost giddy, as he places his lips at the corner of my mouth.

“It’s time, Dolcezza. My time.” He stares at me for longer than is decent as every pair of eyes watches us. “No. Not mine, our time.” As he towers over me, I’m even more confused now than I was seconds ago.

“The rite will begin.” Alberto speaks, and the space has a balm of reverence that falls on it. “I, Alberto Guiseppe Mancini, of sound mind and pure heart, step down from the responsibility bestowed upon me by my ancestors and God.”

Marco pulls me up so we are both standing as Vincenzo hands us each a white cloth. I have no idea what is happening, this whole scene was never a point of discussion between us and I’m sure everyone in attendance can see right through me.

“Marco Adriano Mancini, of sound mind and pure heart, do you accept your fate by stepping up to the throne bestowed upon you by your father and ancestors before him?” My new father-in-law sounds like a cult leader. I’m half expecting someone to be sacrificed right there on the dance floor.

I gasp when Enzo pulls out a knife and hands it to Marco.