Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 68628 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68628 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Wow. "Can you tell me a little bit more about where we are?"
He opens his eyes and yawns. "Yes… and no. It's best if nobody knows where we are. That way nobody can track us. I took your cell phone because I don't want you to call Eden right now. I'll be in touch with Sergio and eventually, soon, we’ll go back to the club. But for now, we're here." He gives me a sharp look. “Do you have a job to check into? Pets at home?”
I look away. “No.”
The only people who care about where I am are at the club.
I try to figure out where we are. From what I know of the Boston area, it's likely we would have gone to one of the many beaches in Massachusetts. Or we could have driven either south to Rhode Island, where the beaches are plenty, or north to Maine. That would be nice. I've always wanted to go to Maine.
"Wait. You took my cell phone?"
"I don't want you plastering stuff on social media."
"Do you think I'm gonna make a TikTok in my wedding dress showing off my new mobster husband?"
He rolls his eyes and checks his watch.
"We're going to stay here at least a week. I've had your stuff brought in. There's food waiting for us."
Is this my new husband trying to be nice to me? Because he has a long way to go. Even though this is nothing but a farce, I've been so consumed with the concept of marrying him that I haven't really thought about the practical side of things. I barely packed a bag, I don't have a lot of money in my bank account, and even though I've only been taking temporary jobs since I came back to Boston, I sort of have a home at the club.
And I’m alone with this grumpy bear in the middle of nowhere.
He opens the door and stretches. "Let's go."
I'm starving and I'm looking forward to getting settled, so I don't give him any more shit.
For now.
It is definitely not a hotel, but some kind of mansion. It's nothing like the castle where we got married. It’s much smaller yet still imposing in its own way. There's even a balcony that overlooks the beach, complete with white columns, and a beautiful plateglass window. I can't wait to take my morning coffee sitting out there.
It's quaint, but well-kept and lovely. His long, long strides make quick work of the walk and I trot after him, trying to absorb every detail.
"Maine. At least I know that much. We’re in Maine." I try to stifle the grin that spreads across my face. I can't wait to eat lobster, maybe look at some lighthouses and, if I'm lucky, maybe even see a moose. I know this is Maine because I've seen this very beach in a painting. There's a lighthouse painting in the foyer of The Castle. Eden told me that it was of a place not far from Kennebunkport.
He only gives me a sidelong glance, confirming my suspicions.
"Do you own this house?"
"Do you ever stop talking?"
"Never. Oooh, maybe you’ll have to gag me.”
He gives me another side-eye, but this one is a little wolfish and for some reason, makes my heart skip a beat. I imagine a blindfold in those hands of his. I imagine… let’s just say I imagine lots of things.
I’ve been on display, of my own volition, and I never knew who was watching. In retrospect, that was maybe not the smartest move.
It’s a major turn-on. I like knowing that I'm on display. But now that I know that he was one of the people watching, I'm not so sure anymore.
He shrugs. “Gagging… a distinct possibility. Or maybe some impact play.”
"Impact play? I had no idea that you were interested in that. I've never spanked a guy before, but if that’s really something you're interested in…"
He immediately reaches for me. I try to evade his grip, but I’m not fast enough. I squeal as he drags me closer to him. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, sweetheart. You’re mine now. You may not know it, but I saved your life. You belong to me.”
Saved… my… life?
Since when does failing to kill someone qualify as saving their life?
And what does belonging to Adriano Bruno really mean?
CHAPTER SIX
“GROUND RULES”
Adriano
I leave her to explore our honeymoon destination and call Sergio.
“You’re safe?” he says, answering on the first ring.
“Yeah.”
“Does she know anything?”
“No.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah.”
“Alright. Tonight, you two go. You know what you’re looking for. You know how to play this angle.”
“I’m on it.”
He blows out a breath on the other end of the line. “You know what’s at stake, brother. And you know I trust you as much as my own flesh and blood.”
It’s the only reason I’m here and not six feet under. “I do. Thank you.”