Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
“You were enjoying the pool. You don’t have to worry. Food has been made.” He picked up a piece of cheese. “Delicious.”
Maria wanted to leave but he was The Boss. She couldn’t defy him, even though every single bone in her body was telling her she had to. No, she couldn’t do it. If she did, he would be angry with her, and he’d already shown her mercy. Other men would have killed her.
She slid into the chair beside him, making sure the negligee at least gave her some modesty.
“Now, are you a cheese or a ham lover?” he asked.
She looked over the food. It was all antipasti, and looked so delicious.
“Both,” she said.
He clapped his hands. “A woman after my own heart.”
She smiled but then became aware of the fact her hair was wet, and this was no way to meet The Boss.
“You’re worried, but trust me, don’t be. I told Calvin not to alert you to my presence, and you looked like you were having a lot of fun.”
“You saw me?”
“Yes. It’s why I decided to come and have lunch ordered. I figured you had forgotten.”
“I had.”
“So, you enjoy swimming?”
“Yes, er, do you?” she asked.
“I do. Tell me, Maria, how is married life?”
Maria had no idea what was going on here. She’d never heard of anyone saying The Boss had paid a visit after a marriage.
Your circumstances are not the same.
He gave you this ultimatum.
Death or marriage.
“It’s good,” Maria said.
“And what about any babies? Will there be any babies?” he asked.
It had only been a few days, but she didn’t know if she should tell him that Draven didn’t want to have children. She kept trying not to look into his eyes, but the truth was, he was a hard man to avoid. He was in charge, The Boss, the man who’d given her a chance at life. Admittedly, it had been a freaking hard one, with no guarantee she was going to live, but it had been a lifeline. That was all she needed.
She was saved from answering as she heard the front door finally open, and the heavy footfalls of Draven’s boots. He was home. However, she wasn’t exactly dressed appropriately. This was going to be bad. She had that sick feeling swirling in her stomach, which was never a good thing. There were no brown paper bags, nothing for her to use.
She was fucked.
****
Antwone had called him about lunch.
Draven was busy trying to keep their freaking city together. That was his job as capo, to exterminate all threats and keep Antwone on top. He also had spies in all areas as well to make sure the capos were loyal to his brother. He was not going to allow anyone to threaten his only family.
His brother had also warned him that Maria had been unprepared for his visit and was enjoying the pool. He advised him to not be pissed off with how she was dressed. Stepping into the dining room, he saw his brother was in his seat, and Maria was in her usual seat. His wife was dressed in a silk slip that covered her bathing suit. She was still wet as well, as it covered her body.
“Ah, the man of the house himself,” Antwone said, getting to his feet.
Draven preferred to avoid their social visits, especially when there were other people present. He didn’t want their façade to slip. Maria was his wife but he didn’t know if he could trust her. His and Antwone’s past was going to stay buried.
Maria and Antwone stood as he approached.
“If I knew you were going to insist on lunch, I wouldn’t have left.”
“But then, I wouldn’t have been charmed by your lovely wife.” Antwone winked toward Maria who offered a smile.
Draven liked that she didn’t blush. He shook Antwone’s hand, and they all sat down to eat lunch. He noticed his brother was filling Maria’s plate. His wife didn’t complain but when Antwone went to add more of the same, Draven stopped him.
“I think you’ve filled her plate.”
“Ah, silly me. I like to see a woman with a good appetite.”
Draven wasn’t happy. Antwone was becoming too familiar. This was why he avoided these public displays. They had grown up together. They knew each other so well.
Draven filled his plate, and took a bite of meat and some cheese. He kept looking toward Maria. There was a sparkle in her eyes. Antwone had told him she’d been enjoying the pool and now he was curious as to what style bathing suit she wore under the slip. He wanted to ask, but instead kept his thoughts to himself.
Antwone managed to keep the conversation going, talking about the weather and mundane things, drawing Maria into joining in as well. He told a few lame jokes that his wife seemed to find funny. Draven didn’t care.