Wife (Betrothed 1)

“It’s freezing outside.”

“Yeah, but I’m sure her cunt is nice and warm.” He nudged me in the side then nodded his head in her direction. “She’s got one hell of an ass.”

I glanced at her but wasn’t impressed by what I saw. I’d never been picky when it came to women, but Sofia ruined all other women for me. They had nothing compared to her gorgeous face, sexy legs, and pussy made of crystal. “Have fun.”

“What are you gonna do?”

Go home with my woman. Just not sure how I was gonna pull that off. “Not sure.”

He glanced at Sofia across the room. “I talked you up to her.”

“She told me.”

“Hoped it helped.”

“It did.” Big time.

“I’ll admit she’s an exceptionally beautiful woman, but what’s your fascination with her? You can have any woman you want, and she’ll want you back. But you seem to like the one woman who doesn’t. Is that why you’re obsessed with her? Because you can’t have her?”

I had no idea why I felt this way. All I knew was I didn’t want anyone else but her. “I’m not sure. If I ever figure it out, I’ll let you know.”

He clapped me on the back and rose to his feet. “I’ll see you later, man.”

“Night.”

He walked away and picked up the waitress. They walked off together.

My eyes moved back to the woman who’d stolen my obsession. A young man was talking to her now, probably lingering behind so he could have the opportunity to ask her out. He was a good-looking guy but nowhere near her caliber.

I could be jealous, but I wasn’t.

Real men don’t get jealous.

She must have turned him down because he walked away empty-handed.

I handed the ticket to the valet outside so they could retrieve the car.

Sofia and her family entered the lobby a moment later, their coats protecting them from the cold they would have to feel once they walked outside. Even with her body encased in enough fabric to hide her curves from sight, her legs were enough to make mouths drop.

Maria spotted me, and a spark of mischief came into her eyes. She broke away from her husband and walked up to me. “Heading home?”

“Yes. It was a lovely evening. Thank you for the invitation.” I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

She turned her face, giving me good exposure. “We’re very happy that you attended.”

The Ferrari pulled up to the curb. “Have a good night.”

“Hades.” Her slender fingers gently wrapped around my arm. “Gustavo and I will be here a little longer. Would you mind taking my daughter home?” She turned to her daughter. “Honey, come here.”

It looked like I had her mother’s approval. She was playing matchmaker right in front of my eyes.

Sofia turned to us, clearly uncomfortable at the sight of us talking. She joined us, rigid and cold in her mother’s presence. The heat we’d shared on the balcony was long gone because her resentment overshadowed everything.

“Hades is going to take you home,” Maria said. “We’ll be here awhile longer, and I don’t want you to wait around.”

“I can walk.” That was Sofia’s preferred method of transportation…even though it pissed me off.

Maria laughed it off, but her eyes showed her embarrassment. “You’re funny, honey. Good night.” Once she put the two of us together, she walked away so the magic between us could spark.

Even though we were already two explosive volcanoes.

I extended my arm to her. “Let’s go.”

Sofia was still annoyed, so she didn’t take my arm. She walked forward and stepped into the nighttime air, holding her head high like a queen.

I opened the door for her then got behind the wheel. I turned up the heat before I drove away.

She looked out the window. “Is this your car?”

“Damien’s.”

“And where is he?”

“Getting blown.”

She smiled slightly and pulled her coat tighter around her.

“Your mother seems to like me.” My line of business wouldn’t be a problem for us like it would for most people. Maria had a realistic view of the world. She understood I was powerful enough to remain invincible in my work, so obviously, I could protect her daughter. I could provide for her. I could keep that hotel running smoothly and protect the Romano family.

“Don’t take it as a compliment.”

“Hard not to. It’s difficult to earn the approval of the mother.”

“You don’t need her approval.”

No, but it would be much easier.

“Besides, I’m not sure how much she would like you if she knew what we did on the balcony.”

“Seems to me that’s exactly what she wants.”

She turned her head back toward the window, dismissing the conversation.

I could feel her negative energy, feel her anger heat up the car.

“You shouldn’t be so hard on her.”

She snapped. “Don’t tell me how to feel about my own family. You think you know everything, but you know nothing.”