The Mafia Contract Series

I am utterly speechless. Mrs. Bourne has shown me to a room fit for a queen and apparently, it’s all mine.

A neutral paradise of silks, brocades, and bling.

The biggest bed ever created sits in the middle, dripping with soft throws, comforters, and cushions that I long to lose myself in. Ornate moldings are everywhere and a giant chandelier sparkles from the rose in the ceiling.

Mirrors stand proudly against walls and soft lighting illuminates a room I never want to leave.

The windows are covered in organza and silk and set before it are two tub chairs expertly covered in beige linen, with silk cushions standing proudly to attention. The soft cream carpeting looks newly laid, and the white feather tree is a decadent statement piece dressing the room with a modern quirk.

“Impressive, isn’t it?”

Mrs. Bourne says proudly, and I nod in wonderment. “It’s outstanding.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Mr. Sontauro flew in the best designer from Los Angeles. She’s a miracle worker, don’t you think?”

“I do.” I’m astonished that he went to so much trouble and I’m surprised when Mrs. Bourne’s voice softens as she whispers, “Give him time.”

My gaze swings to her and she colors a little. “He’s had a hard life and doesn’t know how to let down his guard.”

“That makes two of us, then.”

Sighing, I stand like a fish out of water in a gown that I despise in a strange home. Mrs. Bourne obviously takes pity on me and says quickly, “If you head through that door, there’s a closet stocked with more comfortable clothes. Mr. Sontauro instructed me to order what I believed appropriate, so I hope I got it right. If not, please let me know and I’ll return them, and you can choose more suitable things.”

“He did that?”

I’m astonished, and she nods. “Like I said, give him time. He hides it well, but underneath the pain he wears, like armor, is a lost soul who doesn’t know he needs love.”

Her words surprise me, and she obviously regrets speaking them because she says abruptly, “Anyway, I’ll leave you to settle in and arrange some food. When you are ready, head back downstairs and take the third door in front of you to the right. That will lead you to the kitchen where I’ll be, and you can eat in there rather than eat alone. Unless you prefer to eat alone, that is.”

She looks anxious and I smile with relief. “No, that sounds absolutely perfect.”

I watch her leave and as the door closes behind her, I stare in awe at my surroundings. I love this and am pleasantly surprised. I’m not sure what I expected, but it certainly wasn’t this.

I head through the door and blink in disbelief. It’s almost as if I’ve walked into the most luxurious store. Once again, an ornate chandelier hangs from a molded masterpiece, and a pale pink chaise longue is set before a marble island with the biggest fresh flower display I have ever seen. A wall of shoes in every color nestles under a carved white pelmet and mirrored shelves are home to matching designer bags.

With a squeal of pleasure, I investigate what lies behind the doors and fall in love with the array of soft cashmere, finest silk and pure linen, gowns, jackets, and skirts. Soft silk blouses in every color look expensive and I don’t think there’s an item of clothing ever invented missing from this closet paradise. Spying an archway to the left, I blink as I notice it leads to an elegant bathroom. An egg-shaped bath stands at the end of another shiny white marble floor and the glass screen to the chrome shower gives even more space to a room that really doesn’t need it. Two vanity basins are set before a huge mirror and black and white framed prints are arranged on the walls in black frames.

I grab a glass bottle of oil resting by the bath and turn on the faucet, splashing some in the stream of hot water, creating a sensuous scent of relaxation.

I almost rip the hated dress from my body as I long to relax in the deep scented water and as I step inside and lie back, I regard the view from the window showcasing an immaculate orchard of fruit trees outside. The smoky glass tells me I can see out, but nobody can see in, and I know I couldn’t have imagined a room like this if I was asked.

It’s perfect in every way and I can’t believe this is happening.

Finally, for the first time in many years, I can relax knowing this is it. I’m married and so what if it’s a business arrangement? I can do business; I can live with that.

Thinking of Daphne back at home makes my heart lurch suddenly. My only regret about leaving is that she’s still there and picturing her own marriage to the certain beast my father will want to do business with, makes my own situation seem like a fairy tale. I can’t even begin to imagine the horrors she will endure and I’m grateful Angelo told me from the beginning how it was going to be. I can live with this, without love, all the time it’s here in this magnificent paradise.

I hear the door creaking in the bedroom and wonder if Mrs. Bourne forgot something and call out, “I’m in here.”

Briefly wondering if I should get out and cover my nudity, I decide against it because the water is so relaxing I don’t care if she sees me like this.

Then I wish I hadn’t been so reckless because a deep voice filled with amusement says from the doorway, “I see the bath at least is to your liking.”

My head snaps to the side and my breath hitches when I see Angelo leaning against it, looking amused.

“What the fuck?”

I can’t help shouting and draw my legs to my chest in a desperate attempt to cover up.

“Get out.” I’m furious, but he just laughs, pushing off the wall and sauntering confidently toward me, his eyes never leaving mine for a second.

“Naughty girl.” He whispers with amusement and drops to his heels beside the bath, his hand swirling the water and brushing against my thigh.

“Is that any way to speak to your husband?”

“But you said…” I blink furiously because don’t I speak English now? He told me I would be left alone. He drags his wet finger from the water and places it against my lips and, leaning in, whispers, “I came to say goodbye.”

“You’re leaving?” I’m shocked at that, or am I the one going? Is he bored already and if he is, what a fucking weirdo?

“I have business to attend to and decided it would be rude to leave without saying goodbye.”

He drops his finger and with a gleam in his eye, he pumps some liquid soap into his hand and says huskily, “Allow me.” I tense as he rubs circles on my back in a slow and leisurely show of possession, reminding me I signed up for this and actually he can do what the fuck he wants.

I’m not sure why I like it though and as the hot steam from the water combines with the oil, the touch of his hand on my skin causes my eyes to close and a low moan makes its way into the room. I don’t even care how he takes that because what’s so bad about this, anyway? He can’t see anything, not really, and so I remained crouched in the bath as he massages my back in a leisurely fashion.

“Does that feel good?”

I nod because it does and if anything, I don’t want him to stop.

Then I almost jump out of the freaking bath when his lips kiss a soft trail along my neck and he whispers, “You taste like temptation.”

“Well, um, I don’t mean to.” I blink furiously and, he doesn’t seem in any hurry to stop as his fingers continue exploring my back and then brush against the side of my breast, making me gasp.

“Do you like that, my caged bird? Do you like it when your master gives you attention?”

I don’t even register his words because I don’t want him to stop and trying so hard to remain in control, I whisper, “No.”

His soft chuckle surprises me because I didn’t know he had it in him and I’m shocked when he turns my face to his and whispers, “Liar.”

Then he kisses me in a bold move of attack and as I fall down the rabbit hole, my only thought is, thank God for that.