I get a chorus of “Yes, Boss,” and I nod, heading for the front door.
My family falls in line, and we split into two different SUVs. Carter, Tennant, and I in one, Roman, Hollis, and Jude in the other.
It's far more people than I would normally be comfortable taking into another territory. With the exception of the Christmas party we had that established this alliance, it is simply not done, but I couldn't deny any of them the journey. Not only that, they are all instrumental to the meeting. Everyone has a job, and getting information from the source, rather than second hand, is always better.
As we head to the Martelli mansion, I hold Carter's hand in mine, a little tighter than usual, but it's the only thing keeping me grounded. That and the remembrance of Allesandro’s lips on mine.
“I expect you to act like a Second, not a lover, Ten,” I say quietly, not looking at him. “I know you're good at compartmentalization, but this is unprecedented. After what happened this morning…”
“He interfered where he had no right to,” Tennant replies cooly. “I do not care if he thought I was in the wrong. I am not allowed to say anything about Benjamin's punishment, so he has no right to comment on how we go about our internal issues.”
“They don't know us,” I say carefully, meeting ice blue eyes. “They don't know what you and I have. Now is not the time to show them.”
He huffs and waves me off, relaxing against the seat. “Don't worry about me. I won't make things more difficult for you.As long as that bastard stays out of my way—and away from Benjamin—it’ll all be fine.”
“Tennant…”
“No. I respect Il Padrone and his control over his Family, but I will not tolerate that fucker encroaching on what is not his. Not unless Benjamin tells me otherwise, and unless something changed with Benjamin’s feelings today from the last time we spoke about it, he has no claim to my Topolino.”
I sigh and Carter squeezes my hand, offering me silent comfort. I trust Tennant to keep his word that he won't make waves with Allesandro, butfucking hell. I'd appreciate it if he wasn't so damn protective.
The closer we get to the Martelli mansion, the more…feelings rise up in me. Confusing ones.
My lips tingle with the ghost of his kiss, and something stirs deep inside. Desire, yes, but it's… more than that.
Would I let him fuck me?The answer is yes. It's…exciting and terrifying to think about, as I haven't slept with anyone except my husband in ten years, but the thought ofhimtaking me…
Dolce Cuore…
The endearment makes me smile, since there’s no exact Italian translation forsweetheart. That he made his own for me…
My breath catches in my throat at the memory of the softness in his bright blue eyes right after he kissed me. It happened hours ago, the feel of him shouldn’t still be so vivid, yet it is imprinted into my skin.
When the car pulls up to the Martelli house, my heart skips a few beats.
Carter gives my hand another squeeze and I look at him. “You okay?” he asks.
Swallowing, I lick my bottom lip, swearing I can still taste Allesandro on my tongue. “I’m fine. Let’s get this over with.”
My husband studies me carefully, but nods and follows Ten out of the car, before reaching back for my hand. I allow him to help me from the vehicle, glad to lean on his strength as I work on getting my feelings under control.
As a family, we enter the Martelli mansion, where Il Padrone and his Boys are waiting for us. When intense blue eyes meet my own, my heart skips a beat and my breath catches.
Fuck, maybe I should have lectured myself instead of my family…
Watching the Amatos walk into our home is eerie. There’s a level of pageantry, even if they don’t realize it; from the way they move to the absolute silence. I flick my eyes between Master and Cristian, curious about their relationship.
Master told me about the kiss and…fuck, it sounded hot. After everything they went through, it makes sense to me, but I wonder how Carter is handling it.
For a moment, I wonder if I should talk to Carter personally, but…fuck, what the hell would I say? Maybe I should have asked Benjamin for tips on that… Not that he’s been paying much attention today, too caught up in his Nocciola visiting. There’s been a layer of anticipation covering the house all day, and even I haven’t been able to fight it.
Master’s reminders resound in my mind. This is business. We must behave. And most importantly, our actions reflect the Martelli name. With most of us up for punishment soon, nobody wants to step a toe out of line, even if it’s fucking tempting. When I catch Hollis’s eye, the fissure of tension ratchets up in me, and I have to lock my muscles to stay in place. Swallowing, I turn my attention to Master.
“Welcome,” he states simply, finally turning his attention to all of the Amatos. “Let’s head into the study so that we can discuss where we are with everything.”
He turns on his heels, leading the rest of us there. I approve of the location, as his office, while large, would be uncomfortable if trying to fit thirteen people in there. He gestures to the seat next to him for Cristian, and Carter immediately steps forward, leaning against it. Cristian grasps his husband’s hip as I lower myself to the floor at Il Padrone’s feet.
It causes more than enough stares, and while it's not something Master requires, I need it for my own stability. When he cards his fingers through my hair, I breathe a sigh of relief, thankful he recognizes my need.