Page 40 of Consequences
I stare down at my glass as I silently addand then I don’t have to think about Benjamin’s words.
The thought of my Caro with another Dom? One I don’t even know if I can trust? My stomach churns at the idea, even if I am slightly curious about what would happen if Hollis and I were both working Emilio over.
Cristian is silent, and I wait it out. There’s so much going on that moving could be difficult, but it’s the only way he and I can reassert our commands—even if he doesn’t want to acknowledge it.
Finally, he breaks the silence. “I’m not sure if this is a good idea or not,” he says slowly. “Our families…”
“I know. They’ve merged. Or at least I assume they have. Do you really want that?” I press, dropping my gaze to my hands. The scarring and lack of finger reinforces the exhaustion of being a Boss.
“No,” he responds quietly. “But I am not sure we have a choice. Even Carter…”
I scowl, knowing he prioritizes his husband and son’s happiness. And I partially control that with Cole and Ignacio. Fuck knows, he probably has the same thoughts toward Tennant, Hollis, and Jude’s well-being. But fuck. Merging? We’re allies. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Do you want to lose the Amato name? Because if we merge, I refuse to give up the Martelli name.”
Muttering curses under his breath, he shakes his head. “Fine. You’ve convinced me. I still do not see this going well, but you’re right. We need to at least try.”
“If nothing else, I need to get my Boys back under control. And if things need to be addressed afterward, well, then we will. But my Boys need reminders.”
Cristian grimaces, likely knowing what my choice of punishments will be, but says nothing. “I’ll talk with Doc and have the ambulance at your disposal. When are you thinking of leaving?”
“Tomorrow, first thing. We should have another family dinner tonight. I don’t want to break the alliance, and if I force them to leave immediately, it could create fissures.”
“I agree. Well, Padrone, it appears we both have plenty to do before dinner.” I swallow the last of the alcohol before setting it aside. “This will be interesting.”
I tilt my head in confirmation of that. I know exactly what he’s saying. Neither of us are giving this plan high chances of success, but if anything, it’ll give me time to remind my Boys that even if they have Amatos, they are still Martellis. And their loyalty is to me.
Loyalty. Courage. Victory. That is the way it has always been done, and fuck knows I won’t be the one to break it.
“Ishould lock you up.”
Benjamin laughs. “And put me where? There’s not anywhere on this planet that Lio wouldn’t find me.”
I huff. “He’s more injured than I am. I have time to build you a nice little hideaway, where I can keep you, and no harm can ever come to you.”
His gaze softens and he takes my hand. “It’s sweet that you want to protect me, but you can’t from this. I need to do it. It’s not only the rules I agreed to live by, but…a sense of pride as well. How can I say I’m strong if I need my boyfriend to protect me from everything? No, Nocciola, this is something I must do—not just for breaking Il Padrone’s rules, but for Ignacio, for you, and for myself.”
“You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone, Amore. You’ve already given so much.”
He smiles and brings my hand to his mouth. “To you, but you are not Il Padrone. You don’t have my loyalty first, youcan’t. And it hurts me to say that. I need to do this.”
I shake my head, reaching for him with my other hand, ignoring the way the movement pulls at my wounds. Benjamin glares, but I ignore him. “Come here. I need to feel you next to me.”
“Ten…”
I roll my eyes. “No sex. I don't need the lecture from Doc, but I need to feel you, Topolino. Especially since you're leaving me.”
He shakes his head in exasperation, but kicks off his shoes and climbs carefully into the bed, curling up against my side. He's not as tiny as Roman, but still enough of a twink that he fits perfectly against me.
Wrapping my arm around him, I sigh.Thisis what I needed. The weird ache deep inside at the thought of him leaving is soothed a little with his touch. “The thought of you being punished makes me want to stab somebody. I know it's something you need to do, and I don't have to understand it, but I need to accept it. That still doesn't mean I won't inspect every single inch of you the next time I see you.”
He chuckles. “I expect nothing less.” He hesitates before asking, “You're okay if I fuck them? Sex is… It's how we reinforce our bonds.”
“I know the Martelli way, Amore. I don't care if sex is just sex, but…”
“I don't have plans to fuck Ignacio.” He shifts and looks up at me. “We're friends. I have to work with him, and I still care about him, but our relationship is different. I…I don't know what I would do if we're all together. Sex with him was never bad, but… I don't want to hurt you either.”
Brushing my fingers against his cheek, I sigh. “I don't want to limit you when you're not with me, but I can't say the idea of himtouching you doesn't make my blood churn with the need to stab him. I don't trust him with you. I don't trust him with Roman either, but the little shit won't hesitate to stab him if Ignacio does something he doesn't like.
