When I woke in the middle of the night, Samuel wasn’t in bed with me. I sat up and turned on the light. Blinking against the sudden brightness, I put on my nightgown which lay beside me and scooted to the edge, then slid into my wheelchair.
What if he’d lied? What if he was with F. right this very moment?
I shook my head and moved toward the elevator in the hallway, then let it take me downstairs. It was dark except for a sliver of light coming from Samuel’s office at the end of the hallway branching off the entryway. I followed the light. The door was ajar, but it was silent behind it. Swallowing, I nudged the door with my hand, and it swung inward. I wheeled inside, then stopped when I spotted Samuel on the couch, his head tilted to the side, his expression softer than usual in sleep. It couldn’t be comfortable for him to sleep like this. I moved closer and noticed the almost empty bottle of gin beside Samuel on the sofa. How much had he drunk? I got even closer, and the intense smell of alcohol hit me. Considering how deeply Samuel slept despite being a Made Man and trained to be vigilant, I feared he’d drunk most of the liquor tonight.
Why? Because I’d accused him of cheating? Because I was right? Samuel didn’t strike me as someone who would let that bring him to his knees. But how well did I really know my husband?
His phone must have dropped to the floor. It lay beside his naked foot on the hardwood floor. It was his second phone. Supposedly his phone for unsavory characters. Keeping my eyes on Samuel, I bent forward, trying not to make a sound, and reached for the phone.
Should I really spy on him again after his reaction yesterday?
With my fingertips against the phone, I hesitated. Samuel wanted me to trust him, but his actions made it difficult. Why did he come down here to get drunk?
A battle raged inside me. I hated being like this, so distrusting. I wanted to believe Samuel. But his secrecy and all the words that our society had put in my head were messing with me. I hated it. My fingers curled around the phone when Samuel stirred. I jerked up, dropping the phone. Samuel leaped up, pulling his gun, his eyes harsh until they settled on me. I was frozen in shock.
Slowly, he sank back down and lowered his gun.
“Fuck, Emma, I could have hurt you. Why did you sneak up on me?” He put the gun back down where it had rested beside him on the sofa.
“I didn’t have to be sneaky. You were completely out of it.” My eyes darted to the bottle of gin on the sofa.
Samuel’s expression hardened. “I sometimes have trouble sleeping, so I take sleeping pills.”
My eyebrows rose. Maybe he had taken sleeping pills too, but the alcohol alone would probably have knocked him out. “Why didn’t you come back to bed? I was worried.”
“I’m not used to someone controlling my every step.”
I swallowed and gave a terse nod. With a strained smile, I gripped my wheels and reversed. “You’re right. I have no right to impose on you.”
Anger and disappointment battled inside me. I had on occasion found Danilo asleep at his desk as well—never drunk, though—and he’d always appreciated it when I’d woken him so he could find restful sleep in his bed.
Samuel released a low breath, raking his fingers through his hair. “That came out harsher than intended.”
He stood, then looked around until his eyes settled on his phone on the floor. He picked it up, then leveled his eyes on me with a hint of suspicion.
I held his gaze, not giving away anything.
“I’m coming to bed now.”
“If that’s what you want,” I said, still with that same tight smile, and left the room. Samuel appeared beside me as I waited for the elevator door to slide open. His fingers cupped my shoulder lightly as we entered together. I tilted my head up. He looked exhausted and still not one hundred percent himself. He was surprisingly steady on his feet, though. Maybe he hadn’t drunk as much as I thought. His eyes met mine. “I told you I’m not the catch everyone makes me out to be.”
I pursed my lips. “This could easily be rectified. Just don’t get angry when I’m worried about you.” And tell me the truth about F.
“You have no reason to worry, Emma. I’ve been a Made Man for many years. The shit I’ve done and seen has hardened me.”
I nodded, but I wasn’t convinced. Made Men thought they were immune to feelings, but I knew how good their masks were.
Samuel went to the bathroom while I stretched out in our bed. I could hear water running, followed by the electric toothbrush. When Samuel emerged, his hair was wet at the front, and he looked alert. He slipped under the covers. The scent of alcohol was almost entirely gone and replaced by the eucalyptus note of his toothpaste.
He put his head down on the cushion, staring up at the ceiling. He didn’t look tired at all. It was four in the morning, and I doubted his sleep had been sound before now, but I didn’t think he’d go back to sleep.
“You look wide awake.”
He chuckled. “I am.” His eyes searched my face. “You should try to sleep. I’ll stay here until you have fallen asleep if you want.”
I closed my eyes, but could tell that I was too agitated to sleep now. I sighed and opened my eyes again, finding Samuel’s gaze on me.
“Can’t sleep?”
I shook my head. “I’m an early riser. Not this early, but five o’clock in the summer, so it’s too late for my body to fall asleep again.”
“But we went to bed late,” Samuel reminded me, and my face heated, thinking of our encounter yesterday.
Samuel’s gaze traced my heated cheeks, his lips twitching.
“We could both get up. I’d love to swim a few lengths in the pool.”
Samuel sat up with a nod and raised his arms in a slow stretch over his head. My eyes trailed over his strong arms and muscled chest, feeling a familiar warmth settle in the depth of my core. I looked away and cleared my throat. “I think I’ll join you,” Samuel said. “It’ll banish the last of my tiredness.”
Samuel went ahead after changing into his swim trunks. I had to find my bikini first, but then followed him downstairs. The air outside was still cool as the sun hadn’t risen yet. Samuel had turned on the pool lights, letting the water appear a fluorescent turquoise.
“The pool is heated,” Samuel assured me as he came to my side.
“That’s good,” I said with a laugh, rubbing my arms.
“Would you like me to help you into the pool?” Samuel asked.
My first impulse was to say no. I could get into the water alone, but then I noticed his gaze on my chest, checking me out in the triangle bikini, and changed my mind. “Yes, I’d appreciate it.”
Samuel slid his hands under my legs and behind my back and easily lifted me. I gave him a small smile. He walked over to the part of the pool where stairs descended into the water. He carried me until I was engulfed by the warm water. It wasn’t body temperature or close, but it wasn’t too cold either. He released my legs, and I righted myself until I was in front of him with my hands on his shoulders. For a moment, I considered kissing him, but I knew where this would lead. And while I was eager to try out sex in the water someday, I didn’t want to resort to intimacy again, not to mention that I wasn’t sure if the neighbors would be able to see us.
Samuel’s expression made it clear he would have been up for more. I released him and allowed my body to float on my back, then began to crawl backward. Samuel watched me for a couple of moments before he began to swim his own laps butterfly style. We swam for a while until my teeth began to chatter. The outside temperature had risen, but the water still managed to lower my body temperature to an uncomfortable level.
I stopped and swam toward the edge. Samuel immediately did the same. I hoisted myself out of the water and perched on the rim. Samuel came my way and touched my knees as he straightened to his full height. The water only reached his pecs now. I didn’t feel his touch, but the sight of his strong hands on my skin still sent a flood of need through me.
“Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?”
Surprise widened my eyes. “A date?”
“A date.” He moved his hands higher and rubbed my thighs absentmindedly. “We’re married, so it’s time I take you out and show you my favorite place in my city.”
“Your city,” I said with a smile. His father still seemed fit, so I wondered when Samuel was supposed to take over.
“My father and I rule together even if he’s officially Underboss.”
“Where are we going tonight?”
I had to admit I was a bit nervous about going out in public so soon after our wedding. I wasn’t sure how well-trained the press was in Minneapolis, but people would definitely stare at us. Our marriage had made waves even in the outside world.
“It’s a small Italian restaurant. Renato’s grandparents own it. My family and I have eaten there often for as long as I can remember, and I used to play in the kitchen with Renato when we were young kids. That’s how our friendship developed.”
“He’s quite a character.”
Samuel chuckled. “He’s loyal and trustworthy.”
“I am too, you know?”
Samuel sighed. He lowered his hands from my legs and stepped back. “I have trust issues.”
Because of his sister? I had only heard the rumors of how she’d saved Remo Falcone from the Outfit, but only Danilo, Samuel, his dad, and Dante knew the full truth.
“It’s okay.” A hint of guilt filled me when I remembered how I’d wanted to check his phone again tonight.
“Would you like me to carry you out?” Samuel asked.
I shook my head. “Can you give me a towel?” Samuel got out of the pool and took one of the fluffy towels that rested on one of the sunchairs. He draped it over my shoulders. Then he picked me up and put me down on the sunchair. I peered up at him, and he surprised me with a heated kiss. He pulled back after a moment with a tight smile. “I shouldn’t start something I can’t finish.” He looked at his watch, then sighed.
I blew out a little breath, trying to gather my wits about me. I glanced up at the surrounding houses. The pool was mostly hidden from view by hedgerows, but I still worried about people catching a glimpse of us.
Samuel positioned himself in front of me. “Nobody can see anything now.”
I opened my bikini top and tugged it away, then dropped it beside me on the lounge chair. Samuel’s eyes practically devoured me as my nipples hardened even more in the light wind. I leaned back and tugged my bottoms down so I could really dry myself.
“Fuck, Emma. I really wish I had more time.” His voice sent a shiver down my back. He shoved down his swim trunks, revealing his erection. I was at eye level with it, and I could have leaned forward and taken him in my mouth. My face heated. Where had that thought come from?
Samuel grabbed the towel and wrapped it around his waist. I cleared my throat and wrapped my own towel tighter around my body. It was funny that I had thought the physical aspect would be a problem in our marriage. That obviously wasn’t going to be the case. Building trust and an emotional base would be much harder.
SAMUEL
Renato and I stepped into the newest whorehouse of the Outfit. It was our most sophisticated with whores that were referred to as models and who looked like they might actually be one, at least in catalogs or ads, not the Paris Fashion Week.
Renato motioned around. “What do you think?”
Half-moon-shaped dark green leather booths offered privacy thanks to the satin curtains that could be closed completely. In alcoves over the booths, fake Roman statues added to the exclusive appearance. Dark wood panels covered the front of the bar and the lower part of the walls, with golden wallpaper on the upper part.
A door behind the bar opened, and a tall woman with red hair in a purple jumpsuit stepped out. She was in her early forties and was responsible for picking out girls for Renato’s whorehouses. He owned five in total and had been managing them as Captain under my rule since his father had stepped back from managing the brothels after a stroke.
She strode purposely over to us, and Renato’s mouth pulled into a leer. I released a sigh.
“Samuel,” Autumn said with a charming smile before she turned to Renato and allowed her smile to become more sultry. She leaned forward and pressed a lingering kiss to his cheek, leaving a lipstick stain on his skin. Those two had been fuck buddies since Autumn made Renato a man thirteen years ago. He had a strange bond with her, even if he fucked other women all the time.
“Samuel wants a tour so he can approve of this project,” Renato said, pride ringing in his voice. Autumn touched his shoulder. “Everything’s ready. I picked three more models. I’m sure you’ll approve.”
“Lead the way,” I told her.
She moved ahead, swaying her hips. Renato smirked, then we followed her into the backstage area where the “models” could serve their customers whatever they wanted. At the very end of the long hallway was the lounge room where the women could change clothes and put on makeup. When we stepped inside, twenty-five women turned their heads toward us. Most were in their early twenties, and only a few were in their thirties. There was something for every appetite.
I assumed they were only dressed in skimpy underwear so I could evaluate them. Though, that was really Renato’s job. He tested every whore before she started working for him.
Autumn moved past the women as if she owned the place herself, then pointed at the last three women. “These are our newest additions. Would you like to test them now, Renato?”
Renato scanned the busty dark-skinned woman, then a petite Asian woman, and a tall blond woman. “What about you, Samuel? Would you like to test any of these ladies? Their talents are extraordinary.”
I sent him a scowl that shut him up. “I’m sure our customers will appreciate it.”
Renato shrugged.
I turned on my heel and left.
Renato followed me and stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. “So you are adamant about the fidelity thing?”
I glowered at him. “I am. Considering your father will hand over the Captain title to your brother if you aren’t married before your thirtieth birthday, you should consider the fidelity thing too.”
Renato’s expression darkened briefly. “I’ve thought about it.”
I cocked an eyebrow. Renato has been fucking so many whores and other women over the years, he was notorious even in our circles. I certainly hadn’t lived like a monk, but I’d never reached the level of manwhorehood that Renato had. It had caused him trouble finding a wife.
“My father won’t budge. He insists I marry someone from a conservative family.”
“I thought none of them wanted to give you their daughters.”
Renato shrugged. “Not from Minneapolis and not from Chicago, but I might have found someone.”
“Who?”
“Apparently, Giorgia’s family is very pious and strictly Catholic, as conservative as they come.”
“No, Renato. What are you up to now?”
“Let’s just say I made a deal with Giorgia Farina, and she’s willing to become my wife. Now I just need you to put in a good word for me with her brother and mother.”
I closed my eyes. “She’s Emma’s best friend.”
“That’s good for Emma, right?”
“I don’t know. Not if Giorgia cries her eyes out over your manwhore ways every day.”
“It’s a marriage of convenience. Giorgia knows what the deal entails.”
“All right. But if I find out you lied to the girl and pretended to be in love, I’ll kick your stupid ass.”
“Deal.” Renato clapped my shoulder.
I released another sigh.
Autumn appeared in the doorway. “Are you going to test them out now?”
“Of course. You know me. I take my job very seriously.” He sent me a grin. “You sure you don’t want a good cock suck?”
I definitely wanted my cock sucked, but not by one of these women. Since Emma had been at eye level with my erection today, I could think of nothing but her beautiful lips around my dick.
“I’m taking Emma to dinner at La Cantina tonight.”
Renato searched my eyes. “Good for you. Have the gnocchi for me. I haven’t been there in a week. We need to have lunch there again.”
I nodded, then turned on my heel and headed to the bar where the barkeeper was testing different cocktails.
“Negroni,” I said.
He frowned, but his expression smoothed the moment he recognized my face. He gave a quick nod and began to mix the drink, then pushed it over to me. I took a sip, then nodded appreciatively. It was good. I emptied it, then had another before I pulled my car keys from my pocket and got up.
“I could call you a taxi.”
I sent the man a look that made him pale. “I advise you to keep your nose out of your customer’s business, but especially out of mine. I make the rules in this city.”
I strode away, pissed off.
