23
Monroe
Days pass by in a blur after the wedding…wedding. I still can’t believe I’m actually married. Even though I want to forget most of that day, I have to admit that everything that followed hasn’t been bad.
There has been a shift in Alaric. He wasn’t lying when he said being married means something to him. He wants me to be his equal at least in some ways. He’s been giving me more freedom every day. I can decide what to eat, wear, and even where to go. As long as he is with me, he will take me anywhere I want to, which is why I’m surprised when he tells me we can’t visit Gram’s today.
“Why can’t we go?”
“I have something else planned for us today.” Alaric winks, handing me the creamer.
“One of your…?” I don’t even know what the hell to call it. Kinky sex sessions?
“No.” He shakes his head, knowing exactly what I’m talking about. “Not sex, though I wouldn’t mind sinking my cock into that tight pussy before breakfast.”
“Can I drink this first?” I pour a generous amount of creamer into my coffee and stir it with a spoon. When he nods, I continue. “So whatdoyou have planned?”
“It’s a surprise, but I promise you’re going to like it, love it actually.” I’m about to grill him for more details when a knock on the door has us both perking up.
Alaric walks to the door, peeking through the side window before opening it. “Savio,” he greets, opening the door wider. Savio walks into the space, and immediately, my stomach is in knots.
Just when I felt a resemblance of normalcy, I’m reminded that my life is anything but normal now. My husband is a hitman who works for the mob. This is my life now.
“What brings you here?” Alaric asks, motioning to the kitchen table. Savio takes a seat but doesn't take off his jacket.Good, he doesn't plan on staying long.
“I’m here to deliver the list. I wanted to bring it to you personally.”The list?Savio pulls a piece of paper from the inside of his jacket and hands it to Alaric, who took the seat beside him.
“Of course,” Alaric takes the piece of paper without looking at it. I remain standing at the kitchen counter, holding my cup of coffee with both hands. “I will get that done quickly. I know how important this is… for all of us.”
“Do you need me to look after her while you’re busy?” Savio asks.
I tighten my grip on the mug. The thought of Savio taking me anywhere alone has me on edge. He never hurt me or has been cruel like his brother, but I don’t think he is a particularly kind man either.
Alaric lifts his gaze to where I stand as though he is assessing the situation, wondering if I would make a run for it while he is gone. He hasn’t let me out of his sight, and I didn't even have time to think about trying to get away. Now that it is on my mind, I don’t think I even want to get away anymore.
I’m well aware that our relationship is not normal. Most people would call it toxic, but the crazy thing is that I've been happier for the past few days than I have been in a very long time. Alaric has been caring for me like I’m his treasure. He tends to every single one of my needs, no matter how small. He gives me his full attention every day and holds me to his body every night.
“I think she’ll be all right,” he finally answers.
“Good, I’ll head out then. Let me know if you need anything else.” Savio pushes up from where he is sitting and heads to the door.
“Wait,” I blurt out, making him stop mid step. “I just wanted to ask you something… um, about your maid… Ciara.”
“What about her?” he questions, his tone almost defensive.
“I just wanted to make sure she is okay. She helped me get ready the day of the wedding, and she was so nice to me.” I don’t mention the odd things she said or that I’m actually worried about her.
“She is doing fine…” He trails off as though he’s thinking about something. “I can bring her by sometime. Maybe for dinner?”
“Really? I mean, yes, please!” I agree eagerly. I haven't had a friend since eighth grade, which is when I started working two jobs to make sure Grams had the money for her medicine.
A grin ghosts over Savio’s lips before he turns away from me and opens the door. He leaves, and Alaric locks up after him.
“Get ready, so we can leave. I want to spend the morning with you since I’ll be busy the rest of the day,” Alaric announces.
I finish the coffee in my hand. Once the mug is empty, I rush into the bedroom to get ready. Alaric is dressed and ready to go ten minutes before I am, but he simply sits on the edge of the bed and patiently waits for me.
“Ready,” I call out after I manage to wrangle my hair into a messy bun at the top of my head.