Page 89 of Nicoli

The air is soft and warm, the breeze gentle and slow. The moon and stars are on full display in all their splendor, like it’s casting their magic down on us. Maybe it’s the thrill, the excitement, the hint of nerves, but I’m entirely electrified. Just the idea of it all makes my heart quicken, and my skin burns with anticipation.

Nicoli pulls me closer and presses his lips to mine tenderly, caressing my neck with soft kisses before looking deep into my eyes. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you look in red?”

“Does this dress carry your stamp of approval?”

“Oh, it does. I just hope you’re not attached to it, because I love the sight of torn lace all over the fucking floor.” He places his thumb on my bottom lip, applying pressure. “Remember. You do exactly as I say. Exactly.”

“I will.”

“Good. Now let’s go show the world my new queen.”

* * *

Nicoli

I’ma fool for doing this. Every instinct inside me is screaming for me to take her home—especially with Nunzio Ferrero being here tonight. I hate this tactical game we need to play—a battle of wits. I’d much rather charge into this fucker’s house and slaughter each and every person who merely knows his goddamn name. I’m not patient. I don’t play games with fuckers. You piss me off, I drive a knife through your heart. You fuck me over, I plant lead in your skull. Threaten those I hold dear, and I will make you suffer in a way that’ll have you praying for an eternity in Hell.

Alexius expects too much of me, even though I’d probably demand the same if I were in his shoes. And Mira is way too accepting and understanding. I wish she’d show more hesitance and have difficulty understanding how all this works because then I’d have a pretty fucking solid excuse not to go through with this. But my wife is showing more backbone than I ever expected. Looking beautiful in her red dress that clings perfectly to her curves, the lace enclosed around her neck with her hair tied up high, she exudes elegance and poise. It’s like she’s finally stepped into the role she’s been born to play. Her confidence is that of a queen and ruler of man, a woman whose smile can seduce and lips that poison—an enchantress capable of anything. But that still doesn’t put me at ease. Just because she’s stronger than anyone has given her credit for doesn’t mean I can throw her to the wolves and hope they won’t bite.

Just then, I spot Nunzio Ferrero getting out of his limousine, buttoning up his suit jacket. The man’s a fucking snake, and he looks the part too.

He catches me glaring at him and struts toward me like we’re old friends from high school who were co-captains of the fucking lacrosse team. He has four men flanking him—a giant wall to protect the serpent wannabe-king.

“Nicoli,” he greets.

“Nunzio.” I pull Mira closer and slip an arm around her waist.

Nunzio’s slimy gaze drips down her body, and I want to tear his damn eyes out. “I was surprised when I received your brother’s invitation. I’ve been trying for years to get into this place.”

My nostrils flare. “Any specific reason?” We both know the answer, but I challenge him anyway.

“When one hears about paradise on Earth, it’s only natural to want to witness it for yourself.”

“Or create your own,” I say, and by the way he looks at me, I know he’s reading between the lines.

He huffs. “I don’t see the harm in two different versions of paradise coexisting.” He straightens his shoulders underneath his suit jacket. “Anyway. So, tell me, what I can expect from my first visit here? Any forbidden fruit for men with…darker tastes? You know what I mean?”

I’m picking up what he’s putting down, and I sure as fuck ain’t playing. “Like rape?” I bite out between clenched teeth and feel Mira stiffen beside me.

“No one said anything about rape.” His eyes flicker to Mira and then back at me again. “There’s nothing wrong with heavy petting or a little rough play between adults. You know what I mean?”

“I’m afraid we don’t,” Mira chimes in. Where is a roll of duct tape when you need it? “Please explain what it is you mean…exactly.” She spits out her last word, and I can practically taste her venom.

Nunzio is taken aback by Mirabella, not used to women speaking their minds, I bet. And he simply stares at her in a way that makes my fucking skin crawl.

Mira smiles. “Mr. Ferrero, if you are referring to dubious acts that entail hurting or harming any of the girls under our employment, I’m afraid this is not the place for you. But I do know of one that is far better suited for someone with your tastes.”

Nunzio rolls his tongue in his mouth.

“I think they call it Hell.” Mira speaks the words so fucking smoothly, it’s like an open palm slap to the cheek—and the look on Nunzio’s face confirms it.

His nostrils flare, and his eyes are dark orbs of rage. “It seems your wife isn’t familiar with her place, Mr. Del Rossa. Perhaps you need to teach her.”

Maximo steps in on Mira’s other side, and I gently ease her back as I take a step forward, boxing her in between Maximo and myself.

“Friendly warning, Nunzio. Keep your filthy mouth off my wife.”

“Then you better keep her on a fucking leash, or someone else will be forced to teach her tricks,” he spits out. “Like to go on her fucking knees.”

---