Cruel Saints

Not caring that we’re surrounded by family and business associates, I nip at her lips. Elena closes her eyes, and then I claim her mouth. I’ve been slowly dying from not taking what I wanted this past week.

I gave her time to settle in, to get used to the idea of us.

No more.

My tongue sweeps into her mouth, and then I devour her. I memorize the sweet taste of her tongue.

I lift both my hands, and framing her face, I keep her in place as my hunger grows.

My tongue strokes hard over hers, branding her mine.

My teeth tug at her lips, claiming her.

My lips savor Elena’s, knowing I’ll never taste anything as good as her again.

Elena’s fingers tangle with my hair at the nape of my neck, and then she begins to kiss me back.

Fireworks explode above us, and the guests begin to cheer, and I couldn’t care less.

This moment.

Kissing my wife.

It’s all that matters.

A moan drifts from Elena, and I drink it like a man dying of thirst.

Christ, I want more of those moans.

We’ve passed decent, and we’re well on our way to filthy by the time I force myself to end the kiss. I nip one more time at her swollen lips, and then we breathlessly stare at each other.

This time there’s no horror to chase the excitement from Elena’s cheeks. She doesn’t run from me, and all hell doesn’t break loose. Instead, Elena stares at me with wonder as if I performed some miracle.

We just look at each other as the music continues to play. The guests continue to enjoy the reception. The fireworks fade into the night.

Everything in me wants to drag her to our bed so I can spend the rest of the night claiming her body, but knowing it’s too soon for her, I take a step back. “Thank you for the dance.”

“Uh-huh,” she mumbles, still staring at me with the same look of wonder on her face.

“Keep looking at me like that, and I’m going to send everyone home and drag you to bed,” I warn her.

It snaps her out of the trance, and frowning at me, she mutters, “Then don’t kiss me like that.”

I let out a chuckle. “Not a chance.”

As I take hold of her hand, I don’t miss the smile tugging at her lips. I lead her back to Aunt Ursula’s side and leave her in the safety of my aunt's company while I attend to some of the guests.

As I take a glass of champagne from a server’s platter, Alexei comes to stand next to me. His eyes scan over my face then he smiles. “You look happy, my friend.”

“Considering all the shit we’re dealing with, I am.” I take a sip of the bubbly drink. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

He nods, then Demitri comes to murmur something to him. Alexei’s eyes snap to mine, then he mutters, “We have to leave. You understand?”

“Of course.” I hold out my hand to him. “Thank you for being my best man.”

I get a smile from him before he and Demitri walk to the veranda. When I glance back to the guests, it’s to see Tino walking toward me.

Fuck. I hated having him and Dante here today.

“Son,” Tino taunts me.

“Don’t fucking call me that,” I growl at him, instantly pissed off.

Our eyes lock, and for a moment, we stare at each other. The air begins to crackle with tension.

“Any news?” he finally asks.

“No.” Even if I had news, I wouldn’t share it with him.

A sneer begins to tug at his lips, then he mutters, “Enjoy my daughter.”

I clench my jaw and watch him with unadulterated hatred as he walks away from me.

Needing to calm down, I glance to where the women are, and only seeing Aunt Ursula, I set the glass down on the nearest table and walk to her.

“Where’s Elena?” I ask when I reach my aunt.

She smiles brightly at me. “She’s just changing dresses. Leo’s with her.”

I instantly relax, knowing Elena has a guard with her.

My aunt wraps her arm around my waist. “Are you enjoying your night?”

A smile forms around my mouth as I place my arm around her shoulders. I give her a sideways hug. “I am. Thank you for the beautiful reception.”

“You’re welcome, but next time you plan a function, give me more time.”

I let out a chuckle. “I will.” Seeing how happy my aunt is, I ask, “You’re still moving in, right?”

She nods. “Your wife already gave her permission, so you can’t change your mind now. We’ll bring all my belongings over tomorrow.”

My smile grows. “I’m glad to hear that. It warms my heart that you and Elena get along.”

Something catches my attention, and I glance back at the house. My eyes scan over all the guests, the guards, Tino, and then my smile fades. There’s no sign of Dante.