Page 53 of The Mafia's Bride
Lex is no better, not speaking to me unless I give him what he wants.
I’d rather pull off all my eyelashes and nails with a rusty spoon.
Sullenly, I hang up my various clothes, the bedroom furniture covered with designer clothing, shoes, and purses. I didn’t think I had this much but seeing it all laid out, it’s overwhelming. A few boxes hold various books and items like stuffed animals I was given as achild. My jewels and beautiful priceless pieces lay on all the tables and chairs so as not to tangle. I don’t have a case to put them in here, so I’ll need to figure that out.
If I keep them. They’re all trophies my father forced me to wear.
Thankfully, my furniture wasn’t delivered. That’d make this huge room, with dark stained floors, and large canopy bed seem confined.
Much like the rest of the home, it’s comfortable, warm. Nico and Maria designed their home to reflect her upbringing in Italy. A large Italian farmhouse, with tiled floor in the main areas, this home is filled with good memories that wash over you the minute you enter. It has a large courtyard in the back and a bright tomato garden along the sides. I even spotted some grapevines further along the back of the property, fighting to grow against the late spring coolness.
This room is more masculine, darker but it still has traces of Maria’s touches. With high ceilings, a glinting chandelier and small, lace doilies in the corners, it’s as if she’s had to sneak them in when Lex wouldn’t notice.
Stepping back from the walk-in closet, I wrinkle my nose. My things fit. Like this space was designed for me. Lex has designer suits on one side, expensive ties, and cuff links all put in neat rows on the shelves. My clothes on the opposite side blend right in, like they’ve always been here.
God. This isn’t good.
Ripping his suits down, I make sure to crumple and dig my heel into every piece. I want him to be mad, annoyed, just like how I feel. If I can’t get even with him physically, I can take it out on his precious clothing.
I’m still livid about last night.
Walking back into the bedroom, I sigh, rage fleeing, and melancholy erupting. All my things are here. I’m officially a De Luca now.
How do I screw up my marriage now?
My phone pings, pulling me from the pity party I was about to collapse into.
Danica: Wanna head out tonight?
I force a smile, sniffling slightly, giving her a thumbs up emoji that I don’t feel.
I’m not in the best mood to go out. These moods are meant for me to hide in my room, under the covers, watching funny cat videos and eating the expensive chocolate I always kept hidden in my bedside table. These are the nights for hiding and dissolving into my sadness, letting the depression win.
But I don’t want to do that, not when I need to end this arrangement. I have to find a way to push him into a divorce and get out.
Harder now, when he seems so intent on keeping me.
Grabbing a dress and pair of heels, I turn toward the shower. Lex said not to speak to Danica, but I was done listening. Pops couldn’t control me, and Lex certainly can’t either. I’ll show him why.
Was it terrible to use a friend as bait, driving your supposedly murderous husband insane? Maybe. But it was the only way I knew I could get under his skin.
Danica was my secret weapon and I planned on using her to the fullest extent.
21
SLOANE
The black Guipure lace mini dress is more a thin caress of crafted lace slapped over my curvy frame. With my studded red bra and matching thong, it’s more indecent to stay covered than not.
Eyes turn my way, widening with alarm and surprise as they realize what I’m wearing but alsowhoI am. Who has decided to grace this club tonight, and the cameras are already being pulled out.
Resident party-girl back after a much-gossiped wedding and a brief reprieve and the crowd is buzzing with palpable excitement. People whisper, some openly gawk. This is what I wanted. This is why I came here.
I need the attention, the distraction, I need to be so outrageous that Alessio is completely done with me.
Danica winks, noticing the same heads turning, but whereas I’m enjoying the buzz along my nerves, her look is downright ravenous.
“You look incredible,” she murmurs, holding our joined hand above our heads. Gold bangles jingle, swallowed up by the roar of the crowd and the solid beats of drifting music from inside the warehouse club.
