Caged (Dark Empire #2)

Twenty-Seven.

Ethan

Today couldn't have gone any better. It was by far the best Christmas ever. My family accepted the fact that Mags was a part of our marriage which was everything. Ashlee’s presents were more than I expected. I knew that she'd ordered some online, but I never expected them to be so thoughtful.

I glanced at the bracelet around my wrist and smiled. I would never remove it.

I then turned my eyes to the other end of the sofa where Ashlee had fallen asleep in Mag's arms. My parents and Mario were all sitting chilling, my dad reading the newspaper and my mum reading a book. Mario had put a Christmas film on TV although he was the only one who was actually watching it. We were staying here tonight since we'd all had a few too many drinks to drive.

I smiled as I watched Mags looking down at Ashlee. He was absolutely enamoured by her, and who could blame him? She was perfect. The best gift of all was that Magnus had agreed to move in with us. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders knowing that she would have him there. No matter what she thought, I knew I wasn't enough. She needed his rough handling as much as she needed my gentle love-making. Together, we could give her everything. I’d get a larger bed ordered and help Mags with his stuff over the next week. I didn't know what he wanted to do with his house and everything, but we’d deal with it.

My dads phone rang, and he left the room to answer it.

"Ethan,” Mags whispered.

“Huh, yeah?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.” I frowned, my heart hammering at his tone.

“I, erm... Fuck, this is awkward,” he muttered.

“Mags, you can tell me anything.”

Mag’s took a deep breath. "How can I show my commitment to Ashlee?”

I released a breath. "She knows, pal.”

“I mean, you both have your rings. You’re married. What do I have? I want her to know that I’m as committed as you are.”

My eyebrows narrowed as I took in his words. I understood where he was coming from, but she knew.

"Oh, please, that girl is crazy about both of you. Don’t you see the way she looks at you? She knows,” Mario said.

Mags released a sigh. "I just want to prove that I’m not going anywhere. It’s easy for Ethan because they are legally bound together. I don’t have that.”

“Magnus, I admire that,” my mum said with a smile. "How about giving Ashlee a ring from yourself? You can wear one as well.”

"Would she wear a third ring?” Mags whispered.

“Of course. You can see what she's wearing now, so just find one that's not too bulky that'll go with them.”

Mags released a soft sigh. "Thank you, Tara.”

He smiled down at Ashlee, stroking a lose strand of hair out of her face. She was out cold after all of the food and alcohol we’d consumed. I doubted that she’d even wake up before we went to bed.

I smiled at my wife and relaxed back content that for once, everything was perfect.

***

I woke up to Ashlee practically pining me to the bed sprawled out across my chest. As far as I was concerned, there was no better way to wake.

Except for her lips around my cock. That was definitely the best.

I glanced over and noticed that Mags was gone. I was surprised but I didn't think too much of it.

I didn't get out of bed, instead enjoying a carefree morning with my wife in my arms. She eventually stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

"Morning, sweetheart,” I said with a smile.

“Hey,” she replied groggily.

I placed a kiss on top of her head. "How did you sleep?”

“Really good. I don't actually remember falling asleep.”

I chuckled. "Yeah, Mags had to carry you to bed. You fell asleep on the sofa.”

Her cheeks blushed. "Sorry.”

“Don’t apologise, Ash.”

“Speaking of Mags. Where is he?” She looked over at his empty spot.

“I have no idea, baby.” I reached over and grabbed my phone from the cabinet, unlocking it to find no messages from him. There was only a few text messages from some made-men. Probably duplicates which had been sent to Ro as well. "He hasn't sent me anything. Maybe he’s downstairs.”

"Oh,” she whispered. "I didn't hear or feel him get up.”

I noticed the way her expression dropped a little, a flicker of worry crossing her face. Her vulnerability made my protective instincts flare. I hoped Magnus had a damn good explanation for leaving her like this. We might not always wake up together—hell, our lives didn’t exactly follow a normal routine—but she deserved better than to be left wondering, especially today, when we had nothing but time.

“Let's go and have a look,” I said, smiling as I placed a kiss on her head, my lips lingering a moment longer, trying to reassure her. I pulled the duvet back and threw on yesterday's trousers and shirt, my mind racing with possibilities.

After Ashlee got ready, I slipped my hand into hers, feeling the warmth of her touch as we made our way downstairs to the kitchen, every step filled with an undercurrent of unease.

“Ah, Ethan and Ashlee,” my mum greeted us with a warm smile that did little to ease my tension. "Can I get you both a drink?”

“Coffee, please,” I said, leading Ash to a seat, my eyes scanning the room for any signs of Mags. I pulled out her chair, then sat beside her, my hand still holding hers.

As my mum placed two mugs in front of us, I asked the question that had been gnawing at me. "Have you seen Magnus? He disappeared this morning.”

“I haven't, I’m afraid,” she replied, her voice laced with concern.

It was unusual for anyone to be doing anything on Boxing Day, even with our busy lives.

Ash gave me a worried look, her eyes searching mine for answers. "I’m sure he's somewhere, sweetheart,” I said, trying to comfort her.

But my words did little to calm my racing thoughts. I stood abruptly, pulling out my phone, and dialled Magnus’s number as I left the room. The tension in the air was palpable. Every ring of the phone seemed to echo the uncertainty that had suddenly gripped our morning.

“Ethan,”he answered on the fourth ring.

“Where are you?”

"Out.”

“Where? Ash is worried. She seems a little upset that you just disappeared.”

He released a sigh. "I know, but I needed to do this. I’m on my way back now. I won't be long.”

"Okay,” I muttered. "See you soon.”

I hung up and ran my hands through my hair. I had no right to tell him what to do when we weren't working, but I saw her concern and sadness when she realised that he'd just left without a word. It wasn't fair on her.

When I retook my seat beside her, my mum was absent from the room. "He'll be here soon.”

“But where is he?”

“I’m sure he has a good reason, sweetheart.” I released a sigh as I stared into my mug. "Ash, I know this thing between the three of us is still fairly new, but Mags is his own person. We can't tell him what to do every moment of the day.”

"I know that,” she muttered. "I don't tell you what to do, do I?”

I fought the urge to scoff. Like she could ever tell me what to do. I’d spank that ass of hers raw if she even tried.

“You still tell me when you’re going out though. I just want to know what's happening. I’m scared, Ethan. I’m scared that I’ll wake up one day and he’ll be gone. That he’ll realise that I’m not worth it anymore. That he won’t want this.”

Fuck, her words cut through me. "Ash, baby, that won’t happen. Mags loves you as much as I do. He’ll never leave you. Neither of us will.”

She blinked back a few tears. "How do you know that?”

“Well, for one, I’m married to you. You’re my wife, Ashlee, forever and always. Two, Magnus fucking loves you like you’re his wife. As far as I see it, you belong to him as much as you belong to me.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

She didn't believe me. The doubt in her eyes cut deeper than any blade. I just hoped that Mags had a good reason for disappearing without leaving a message, because if he didn't, things were about to get dangerously complicated.

The door creaked open, and he walked in just as I finished my coffee, a self-satisfied grin plastered on his face. I felt my muscles tense, my pulse quickening. He shouldn't be that happy after what Ashlee had just said to me. I could sense the undercurrents of trouble brewing beneath his cheerful facade. The air was thick with unspoken words.

“Ashlee Prezello.” He walked straight up to her and grabbed her hand, pulling her off the stool to her feet. "I have something to ask you.”

I frowned.

He stuck his hand into his pocket and pulled a small box out, and I realised then what he was doing, the darkness lifting around me. I’d spent too long living in this dangerous life to think anything other than the worst.

Mags dropped to one knee as he opened it, revealing a thin silver band with a few small diamonds on it. "Red, would you do me the honour of wearing this ring as a commitment and promise to me? Would you be mine now and for always? I fucking love you, Ash, and I want everyone to know it.”

“Mags,” she choked through a sob. "For fuck’s sake, yes.”

He grinned and stood, sweeping her into his embrace and kissing her hard. "Thank you, princess.”

He pulled another ring out of his pocket, a black ring like mine. "And will you allow me to wear this ring as a promise that I am yours?”

"Of course.”

Tears were streaming down her face, but she was grinning so hard.

"I thought you'd changed your mind about us.”

"Red, I will never change my mind about you. My heart fucking beats for you these days.” He grinned at me. "The three of us are a family. I just wanted something to show my commitment to you. To prove that I’m not leaving you.”

She leaned up and kissed him, and he grabbed her head to deepen it.

“May I put the ring on you?”

"Please,” she murmured.

He slipped it on next to her wedding ring. It complimented the other two nicely, all three of them containing diamonds.

“Mags, next time maybe let me know. She was scared that you were gone,” I said.

He chuckled. "Red, never think that.” He placed a kiss on top of her head. "I needed to do it before I chickened out. I was scared that she'd tell me to fuck off or something.”

"What?” Ashlee's eyes widened. "Never. I love you, Mags.”

"Good,” he said with a grin, picking her up and spinning her. She laughed before he placed her back down. "Now what's for breakfast? I’m starved.”

I laughed. "Well, either I can cook or you can do what you do best.”

"Let's see what I can rustle up.”

Just as Ashlee moved to sit down again, I pulled her between my legs, wrapping my arms around her waist.

“Ethan. ” She giggled in the most adorable way.

“Mmm?” I brushed my lips across her neck.

I didn't let go as Mags began cooking, my cheek resting against hers.

“Something smells good.”

I rolled my eyes as Ro came and took a seat beside me.

“Want some?” Mags asked.

“Hell yes.”

“Ro,” I muttered.

“Brother, you are so lucky to have him cooking for you.”

"You could learn to cook yourself,” I said.

“Says you. When was the last time you cooked?”

“I’ve cooked my wife pasta.”

Mario laughed. "I know for a fact that you can't cook anything else.”

I shook my head in amusement. "We have Mags now.”

Magnus laughed. "I’m not being your personal chef, pal, but I’ll cook some meals occasionally.”

"I love your pancakes,” Ashlee said with a grin.

“I know, Red. We’re having a proper breakfast today though.”

The smell was always bound to draw my mum back to the kitchen.

“Smells delicious as always, Magnus,” she said.

"There's enough to go around,” Mags said. "Does Stefan want a plate?”

“Yeah, I’m sure he’ll have some. Thank you, Magnus.”

“So, lovebirds, are you coming to the New Year's party at Raptors?” Mario asked.

“Really, Ro?” I sighed.

“I’m sure Ashlee would enjoy it,” he said with a grin. “Non comportarti come un vecchio stronzo.”

“Non mi comporto vecchio,” I hissed.

“Boys,” mum warned. She wouldn't be able to understand us.

“Allora dimostrami che mi sbaglio, fratello.”

“Fine, we’ll come,” I snapped.

“Fantastico.” Mario grinned. "So, Ashlee, do you think Hannah would like to come as well?”

“Just Hannah?” Ashlee raised an eyebrow.

“And Grace obviously”

“They’ll come.”

“Brilliant.”

“Tu e quella ragazza non finirete bene,” I muttered.

"Lei è disperata per questo. Non riuscirà a resistermi.” He smirked.

I chuckled. “Non si sottometterà come vuoi tu.”

“Don’t you hate not understanding, Red?” Mags said.

“Yeah, it isn’t fair,” Ash muttered.

Mario laughed. "We’ll see, brother.”

"Boys,” mum warned again. She smiled at Ashlee. "Don’t mind them.”

“Do you understand them?” Ash asked her.

“I’ve learnt bits and pieces over the years, but I’m not fluent. I couldn’t tell you what they both said. They spoke too fast for me to catch anything.”

I chuckled.

“You should have more consideration for your wife, Ethan,” she said.

“He started it,” I protested.

“Aren't you both too old to be playing the blame game?”

Mario barked a laugh which made mum shake her head.

Dad came in just as Mags was dishing up. I assumed that my mum texted him. It was a big house after all.

“Thank you, Magnus,” he said, taking a plate to the table. Everyone joined him while I grabbed a carton of orange juice and glasses for everyone.

Breakfast was a delicious fry up incorporating some of yesterday's leftovers. Everyone enjoyed it, especially Ashlee.

“Boys, can we have a talk in my office?” My dad asked once we had all finished. "You too, Mags.”

He stood and left without waiting for a reply. When my dad asked something, he wasn't actually asking. It was an order.

“I’ll wash up. You three better go,” mum said as she stood.

“I’ll help you,” Ashlee said.

“No, you don't have-”

“Please, I insist.”

I stood and placed a kiss on the top of her head, before following Mario out of the room with Mags.

“Any idea what this is about?” I asked.

“No, but I haven't had a chance to tell him about our conversation yet,” Mario replied.

Great. I was hoping that he could have dampened the blow for me.

“Take a seat. I want your opinion on how to deal with the Volkov's.”

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "I need them to leave me alone, dad.”

"We all do, which is why-”

“But I don't want to take part in any more raids,” I cut him off.

“What?” His eyebrows narrowed like I'd just spoken a different language.

“Dad, I have a family to think about.”

My dad glanced at Magnus before turning his attention back at me. "Son, you’re not the only one with a family.”

“Dad, Ethan spoke to me about this,” Mario started to say.

“Look,” I cut him off. "I just can't keep doing it. Dmitry is out for my blood more than everyone else’s. I can't do that to my wife. The risk is too high with both of us out there. At least this way, she’ll always have me, even if the worst did happen to Mags.”

My dad released a sigh. "He always saw you as soft, Ethan. Those videos, what Ivan and he did... He saw your pain and tears as a weakness and he's never forgotten it. He sees you.”

My throat seemed to close up.

“You’re not weak or soft, son. To deal with everything you did, I think you’re possibly the strongest of us all. “ He released a sigh. "I understand and it's okay. Work in the background, Ethan, and help us plan.”

I nodded. I knew that he always cared and looked out for me, but his understanding had taken me by surprise. I released a long breath. It was the biggest weight lifted from my shoulders knowing that I would never leave my wife as a widow.