“Why?” I’m so freaking close to losing my shit.
Nikolas darts forward, his hand wraps around the back of my neck, and I’m yanked flush with his body. With the unnervingly intense look I used to fear tightening his features, he growls, “Because no other man will hear you fucking whimper and cry for his cock.”
“Neither will you,” I hiss.
Again the corner of his mouth lifts. “I love a good challenge, my wife.” Quickly the amused expression is replaced with a serious one. “You’ll act the part of a happy bride in front of the guests. Once we get home, we can continue this.”
Lifting my chin with pride, I force a smile to my face. “Once we get home, you better hide because I’m grabbing the first sharp object and stabbing you.” This time I’m the one to hook my hand through his arm. “But until then, I’ll act the part of a mafia princess.”
“Not princess, Moró mou. Queen.”
As we walk to the exit, two things hit. First, the word babe was said the way you’d address a lover you care about and not just someone you’re fucking, and second… I’m the Greek mafia queen.
Chapter 23
Nikolas
By the time I finally get to take my seat at the bridal table, I’m ready to go home.
With my bride.
My eyes move to Tess, who looks exquisite in her wedding gown. The tears she cried earlier did nothing to ruin the makeup. Her anger, Christ, it makes her look like a true queen.
My queen.
I didn’t get any work done yesterday, unable to focus on anything but Tess… getting married. It was too late to cancel, and with every passing minute, I felt more caged… out of control.
Until I was forced to face my true feelings and admit the unmistakable truth to myself. I wanted Tess. Her fear, her passion, her feistiness. I wanted it all to myself because I’ve fucking fallen in love with her.
I didn’t recognize the emotions, because I’ve never loved a woman before.
It was sobering, coming to terms with the real reason I was trying to get rid of her. She has power over me no one’s ever had. She can break me.
I’ve been taught to keep my friends close but my enemies closer. The same goes for Tess. I need to keep the only weakness I have right by my side and protect it with my life.
If Tess falls, I fall.
If she dies, I die.
No amount of whiskey could bury the realization, and thirty minutes before the wedding was set to take place, I spoke with Christos and my father. They couldn’t argue. One of the benefits of being the head of the mafia.
I’ll find a suitable wife for Christos, but Theresa is mine.
I’m still adjusting to the emotions I finally allowed to take root in my chest. Mostly, they make me feel like I’m going to lose my mind. The only thing keeping the chaos at bay is Tess.
It’s fucking crazy. The person responsible for the turbulent emotions in my chest is also the only one who can calm them. I’m like a rabid dog who becomes nothing more than a helpless puppy around his master – Tess.
I’m so fucked.
But at least she’s mine.
Andreas comes to the table, and I rise to my feet to hug my friend.
“You’re welcome,” he mutters, his voice thick with amusement.
“Fuck off.”
We chuckle as we pull apart, and I turn to my wife. “Tess, I want you to meet someone very important to me.”
She does nothing to hide her true feelings as she shoots me a glare while rising to her feet, then as if she’s flipping a switch, a smile sparkles on her face. It’s for Andreas, not me.
“This is Andreas Deroukakis. He’s my second in charge and best friend.” And one of the few men I’ll trust with Tess’ life.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Tess says.
When Andreas holds his hand out, I push it away. “You don’t have to touch her to greet her.”
My friend lets out a bark of laughter, then turns his attention to Tess. “You look beautiful, Tess. Congratulations on the wedding.”
“Thank you.” With her duty done, Tess drops down in the chair beside me, letting out a tired groan.
Andreas leans closer, murmuring softly, “Your bride doesn’t look too happy.”
“Of course not. She hates me,” I state the obvious.
“Still, she said yes.” Andreas pulls back, and his eyes lock with mine. “Something to think about.”
I watch him walk away, thinking about what he just said. Tess could’ve made a scene, but instead, she said her vows.
Sitting down, I let my eyes drift over her face.
Sure she’s angry, but she doesn’t look like someone who thinks her life ended today.
“Why did you say yes?” I ask.
Tess doesn’t even bother looking at me. “It’s easier to kill you in your sleep.”
The corner of my mouth curves up, and I let out an amused chuckle. I wrap my arm around her shoulders, and leaning into her, I whisper, “I think you said yes because you can’t get enough of my cock.”