Page 28 of Corrupt Desires

Cracking his eyes open, he peers down at me.

“Fucking hell, Em. This pussy was made for me,” he states before slapping my ass cheek.I’m absolutely positive that left a deliciously red handprint. He soothes the sting, rubbing my ass and praising me at the same time.

Feeling his absence behind me, I turn and lift my head, watching James open a kitchen drawer and pull out a hand rag. Running the cloth under warm water and ringing it out, he comes back around and starts cleaning up his mess on my ass and back.

He’s so tender and nurturing in his aftercare, murmuring words of praise and endearment the entire time. There are multiple sides to this man, and I’m just starting to see them all.

Once he’s wiped us both clean, I straighten and grab the clothes that are strewn about the floor, getting dressed once again. There’s a silence between us, but it isn’t uncomfortable, more like we are just enjoying each other’s presence.

* * *

After we both cleaned up,we reheated and ate our breakfast, discussing our plans for the week ahead. James has a few court cases that he needs to work on from his study, and I would like to visit with Matteo and Lorenzo again at some point. Though, we haven’t agreed upon a location to meet up at that could be deemed safe enough. James thinks there is a mole on the inside, while I’m adamant that our people are loyal.

“I’m just saying, Em. How could they have known exactly where you would be that night?”

“They knew where I lived enough to send a severed head to my doorstep. It’s not such a far stretched notion that they’ve had eyes on my house since I left, just hoping for me to come back.”

“You have a point, but we need to make a plan to end this once and for all,” James replies, running his hand through his tousled hair, frustration clearly written upon his face in the tense line of his mouth and his furrowed brows.

“And what, exactly do you have in mind, James?” I ask, standing up from my position at the island and pacing to let out this bundle of energy running through my veins. I’m itching for action, not talking. I’m used to having a target on my back, it comes with the territory, but this is different.

“I think we need to pay a visit to your parents. We should see if they would consider negotiating with the Romanis. There has to be something else they want other than you.”

“I really wonder if Anthony is working with the Romanis on this, or if this is his own agenda. The Romanis have had tentative peace with my family for decades. I know we kinda fucked up and killed their son, and they have always seemed like they are just biding their time, but something feels off,” I ramble while I pace, trying to piece together this puzzle. It makes sense that Anthony would try to take advantage of the situation. He’s always been a snake in the grass, but what doesn’t make sense is that we haven’t heard anything official from the Romanis. Hell, his parents are still technically in charge; Anthony hasn’t taken over anything yet.

Technically, in situations like these, there are supposed to be rules and laws established between the families that come into play to maintain peace.

“Maybe there is more going on than what your parents have shared with us…” James suggests tentatively, standing up from his position at the island to come around to my side. He steps in front of me, effectively stopping my pacing, and places his hands down upon my shoulders. I meet his gaze and find nothing but love and compassion shining from their depths.

“Listen, it won’t hurt to at least stop over there and pay them a visit. Ask a few questions, fill them in on what happened last night.”

“Ay dios mio… Fine. We can go over there. It would be nice to see them anyway. I’ll call Matteo and Lorenzo to meet us there. What time do you think I should tell them?”

“Let’s plan on the safe side, Em. Say, two hours? That gives us an hour to finish up here and an hour to make the drive. I have a few loose ends to finish on this case I’m working on, then I should be good to go.”

Agreeing on the plan for the day, James goes up to his study for a bit to finish up his case, and I text Matteo.

Hey Matty, James and I are going tostop at the estate today at 12pm.

You and Lorenzo wanna meet us there?

Ciao, principessa. Lorenzo and I areheaded there now actually. We will wait there for you.

Ok, sounds good.

How are things with your husband? *laugh emoji*

Very funny, Matty. Things are betterthough. I’ll have to fill you inwhen we hang out next, just the two of us.

Ahh, I knew it would get better for you, Em.

I’ll see you soon. Can you ask James to bringhis Aston Martin today? The boys wanna talk cars.

*eyeroll emoji* Sure.

You’re the best! See you soon!

Boys and their toys, I swear. Knowing that I don’t have a lot of time to get ready, I head upstairs to quickly shower and get ready for the day while James works on his case.

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