Page 67 of Covert Desires

In fact, there is nothing on my to-do list today—nothing except the newly-crowned Don Ricci, who’s currently lying passed out beside me in our giant four-poster bed.

Just like when we were on the island, there’s not a stitch of clothing on his perfectly sculpted body.

Every day, as soon as he locks that bedroom door behind him, the clothes are discarded into a messy pile on the floor. I’ve given up on trying to make him fold it neatly—one battle at a time.

Returning to the city had been easier than I thought it would be. The pilot was very cooperative once he understood his lack of a choice in the matter.

Nobody stopped us when we drove into the family compound. The staff and the guards were actually happy to have Nico back. Turns out nobody likes his asshole brother.

That little fucker squealed like the pig he was as soon as I waved that explosive collar’s key in front of his face. One of the easiest confessions I’ve ever gotten.

With J.’s help, Ricardo was swiftly charged with the murder of his father, and Nico’s name was cleared.

If it were up to my little brat, he would’ve sunk his brother to the bottom of the ocean, but I couldn’t let him. It was the only family he had left…

So, we had the little shit Ricardo locked up. In his own private, cushy cell, but a cell, nonetheless. He’d be safe there. And out of our way. That’s the only part I cared about, that and not adding more trauma to Nico’s long list of fucked-up family memories.

Dealing with the inn was even easier. True to his word, as always, Nico had sent for my stuff when the clean-up crew returned to deal with the carnage we left behind. I don’t know what happened to the others we left alive, but only Stefano was allowed to return.

I also don’t know if they found someone to take over the inn in time or if they canceled the bookings for this season, but I don’t particularly care. When I’m ready, I’ll put the place back on the market. It won’t be hard to sell, not in that location.

For now, I want to revel in the fact that we’re free to make new Christmas traditions this year.

I told Nico to clear the schedule for the next three days for our special scene.

He’s trying so hard to be good. It makes me immensely proud. Even when he fucks up, he always owns up to it; tries to be better—in work and in our relationship.

He’s had a shitload of stuff to do since we got back, catching up on everything and making some changes to the business. I can tell how stressful it has been. The doubt never leaves his mind.

But I know he’ll be the best Don.

I patiently tell him so every night as he falls asleep with his face buried in my chest, usually suckling on a nipple.

Some days, we don’t even hook up or do anything traditionally sexual—we just hold each other, naked body pressed to naked body, soothing my skin with his.

Things feel different now, more real.

Our dynamic couldn’t continue as it did on the island—I made Nico sign a contract, one that properly outlines his limits and needs, mine.

I don't want to force his submission; I want him to surrender it freely like the gift it is. It's a beautiful exchange. One where he holds all the power. With a single word, he could stop it all if he wanted to.

As much as he insisted he didn’t need a safe word, I would not budge on this one. Our exploration of his submissive side could only continue under more consensual conditions. He was no longer my prisoner, after all.

As for me, I haven’t just gone from one holiday to the next. I finally have purpose, something to do. Nico made me the head of his security. I get to recruit the new guards, train them, set up new systems and protocols to keep us safe.

The family has so many businesses; keeping everyone alive is a full-time job, one that I’m happy to do. Give me another couple of months, and the Ricci army will be impenetrable.

It feels amazing to finally receive the respect and recognition I deserve. Nico has full confidence in me, and it’s not a job I take lightly.

It does mean that we’ve spent most of our days apart. As painful as that is, I actually don’t mind. Because when Nico closes that bedroom door behind him at night and takes off his clothes, I know I have his full attention, he’s mine…and he’sneedy.

Especially on the days I don’t give him permission to come. He’s so cute when he gets frustrated and desperate. Sometimes, the brat defies me, but it’s nothing a little well-meaning punishment can’t correct.

I’ve sent him off to work many a morning with his ass burning bright red beneath his fancy suit. But nobody knows except us; it’s our little secret.

Nico grunts in his sleep, pulling me back to the present.

Snoring lightly against my breasts, legs draped over mine like he’s afraid I’ll leave while he’s asleep, he stirs only slightly when I run my fingers over his semi-erect cock.

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