Chapter 24
MADALINA
“ I f you're not up to this we can cancel.” Dario zips up the back of my dress for me, and I can tell from the look on his face that he’s got his doubts.
“I’m up to it. In fact, I think it’s just what I need.” Since I got home from the hospital Dario has treated me like an invalid. He’s paranoid about what happened last week and pissed off that whoever did it got away from his men. I try to keep us off the subject because it gets him so frustrated. I’m not in denial, what happened was scary, but we both need to focus on the fact that our babies are okay.
Since Dario made his confession I’ve seen him in a different light. What he did was still very selfish, not to mention immoral, but every time I feel our babies wiggle around inside me, I feel grateful for it.
“I’ve upped security and I want you to stay close, and when I say close, I mean right by my side.” He speaks against the skin on my shoulder before he kisses it. Just feeling his whisper against my skin makes my pussy wet. Everything turns me on these days and although I read somewhere that it’s a normal symptom at this stage of pregnancy, I still find it extreme.
“I can manage that.” I spin around and wrap my arms around his neck. Since the accident, Dario has been so attentive and sweet that I’ve almost forgotten who he is and what he’s capable of.
He’s dedicated all his time to making sure I have everything I need. He even participated in a chick flick movie marathon with me yesterday and pretended to enjoy it.
It still didn’t hide the fact that finding the person who killed Lucian is on Dario’s mind, and although he hasn’t told me yet, I know he thinks it’s related to what happened to my father because I heard him and Vito talking about it.
I refuse to let it scare me when we have so much to look forward to, especially now that I find my husband more than just tolerable.
“This dress is far too tight. I look huge in it.” I look down at the fabric that stretches over my round stomach.
“That's why I chose it. I want everyone who comes here tonight to see how big and strong our girls are getting.” He rests his hands on top of mine.
“So big that you're going to have to put my shoes on for me.” I glance back up at him and smirk.
“It’ll be my pleasure.” He leads me over to the bed so I can sit down, then taking the shoes that match my dress from the box, he lowers onto his knees in front of me.
“You look ridiculously sexy, Mrs. DeMarco.” He rolls his palm over my growing belly before he kisses it. Then kneading his fingers into my thighs, he lifts my foot to rest on his shoulder. He keeps his eyes focused on mine as he presses kisses down the inside of my leg and when he licks the inside of my foot and lets my toe slip into his mouth, I stare down at him in shock.
“What are you doing?” I giggle.
“I just realized I’ve never kissed you here before. I don’t like that there's a part of you I haven’t worshiped, yet.” He licks the sole of my foot before placing a soft kiss on my ankle and then sliding my shoe on for me.
“Well, I do enjoy being worshiped,” I admit, wondering if this man will ever stop surprising me. I can feel myself falling harder for him, every day and as much as I’d like to blame my hormones, I know it’s far deeper than that. Being Dario’s wife means I get to see a side of him that no one else does, and I wonder how it will feel when we step out of our bubble tonight and join society again.
He makes me laugh some more when he kisses the toe on my other foot before fixing the buckle on my shoe, and as he rolls his tongue back up the inside of my leg he pushes the dress I’m wearing, up my thighs.
“You're going to make me late to my own party,” I warn him, as I rest back on my elbows and allow him better access by spreading my legs.
“Do you think I give a fuck about the people downstairs?” His fingers grip the waistband on my panties and I lift my hips from the mattress so he can slide them off.
“Everything that matters to me is right here.” He balances both my legs over his shoulders and buries his head between my thighs, making me moan when his tongue trails through my center.
“You're so wet for me, I think you like me kissing your feet, pretty girl.” There's a grin on his face when he pulls his mouth away and leaves my clit pulsing for more.
I nod my head back because I’ve figured that I like any attention this man gives me.
“Pregnancy makes you so fucking desperate and I love it.” He teases me with leisurely strokes of his finger while he watches me squirm.
“Dario.” I hear how needy I sound, and know for sure that he’ll be getting off on it, but this isn’t about power play for me, anymore. I don’t care if he knows how much I crave him. I’m accepting of the fact that he’s my husband now, and as my husband it’s his duty to give me what I need.
“Dario, please.” My voice comes out growly this time.
“Don’t worry, princess, I’ve got you.” He winks before his head drops, and when his warm, wet tongue replaces his finger, I grip the sheets. Both his hands slide up to rest each side of my stomach and I guess from the way he caresses it that he knows how much I love to have him touch me there.
At first, I thought Dario said all the nice things about my changing body to make me feel better, but I know now that he really is obsessed with it. His hands are continually on me, especially my bump. Sometimes I catch him just staring at it and I’m glad he finds it so attractive because I have a feeling it’s going to get a whole lot bigger as the months go on.
I don’t care about messing up my hair as I lie back and let his tongue work me closer to release and I hear myself start to whimper as I raise my hips to get more of him.
“Such a needy girl.” He laughs, pulling his mouth away and looking over the ridge of my stomach at me. “You taste so good for me. Give me more.” He rubs his lips together as his finger massages my clit. “Come for me, pretty girl, show me how much you appreciate my tongue.” He spits directly at my clit before spreading his saliva with his fingers, then giving me fast flicks of his tongue and sucking at me mercilessly. I do my best to stay quiet, fully aware that the house is full of caterers and arriving guests who we should be downstairs greeting, but I’d much rather be up here, doing as he requests and coming all over his tongue.
“Mmmm…Good girl.” He kisses his way back up my body until his nose is flush with my cheek.
“Come on, let’s go greet our guests,” he whispers before kissing me and ensuring I taste myself on his tongue .
“Are you kidding?” I stare at him out of shock and disappointment.
“You said you didn’t want to be late.” He shrugs, standing up and straightening his tie.
“Dario you…you're not finished.” I shake my head.
“I am for now.” He scoops my panties up off the floor and tucks them into his pocket.
“No, no, no. We didn’t fuck yet,” I remind him, staring helplessly between my open legs and
wondering why he’s not inside me.
“Pretty girls shouldn’t use curse words,” he scolds me.
“So, punish me.” I maneuver myself back into an upright position.
“I think what I have planned will be punishing enough. I’m sure the party will go quickly unless, of course, Lorna decides to outstay her welcome. You know how chatty she can get.” He’s teasing me and I can see how much pleasure he’s getting from my reaction.
“Dario, you know my needs are…delicate.” I rest my hand on my bump, I swear that I’m the size of a woman ready to give birth to a single baby, and I’m hoping it will make him take pity on me. I may have come once already, but I was already building up to more, my pussy is aching to feel him inside me, and if this is a game, it’s a cruel one.
“ Very delicate.” He rubs the side of my belly, proudly. “But this is your party, you can’t be late.”
“Screw being late.” I wrap my hands around his neck and kiss him. “Come on, we can make it quick.”
“Or, I can make you suffer all night, then take my time with you when everyone goes home.”
“As appealing as that sounds…” I huff sarcastically, “I need it, now.” I try being cute by biting my lip but he just laughs at me .
“Do you really think that's going to work?” He shakes his head.
“I don’t know.” I shrug as I rub my palm against the front of his slacks. “What I do know is that you fucked these babies into me, and created this monster, so you have a responsibility, Mr. DeMarco.” I stroke circles over my belly and smile up at him.
“And I’m going to fuck plenty more into you too. Being pregnant looks far too good on you.” His arm wraps around my waist, pulling me even closer to him and when my belly bumps against his solid abs and acts as a barrier between us, he strokes his hand underneath it.
“Patience, baby, you know I’ll make it worth the wait.” He kisses me softly, before pulling down my dress, taking my hand and leading me out the door.
Lorna and Serena are already here putting the final touches to the decor and I notice Dario smile at them both gratefully as I make my way over to hug them both.
“Where's Nic? He is coming, isn’t he?” I panic when I see no sign of him. Despite the fact Dario tries to hide it from me, I know he and my brother hate each other. I just hope it doesn’t make him distance himself.
“You look sensational.” Serena pats my tummy. “You really are glowing.”
“What happened to your hair at the back?” Lorna screws up her face and when I look across at Dario, the way he tries to hide his smirk by rubbing his fingers over his lips, does nothing to ease the ache between my legs.
“Here, let me fix it,” she sighs, starting to pick out the grips and neaten it up for me.
“You still haven’t told me where Nic is.” I stare at my stepmom and wait for a response.
“I’m sure he’ll be here. He’s been busy since your father died.” She smiles sadly .
“Ahhhh, there’s the birthday girl!” I spin on my heels when I hear the voice bellow out from behind me.
“Mr. DeMarco.” I smile a fake smile for my father-in-law as he strolls toward me.
“Please, you must call me Dad.” His words put a sour taste in my mouth, and I can see that Dario finds them in bad taste too as I allow the man to kiss me on each cheek.
“Thank you.” I manage to look grateful and when I feel Dario take my hand I’m surprised by the tension in it.
“I’m glad you could make it.” My husband doesn’t sound at all genuine.
“It’s my daughter-in-law’s first party. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I see you are well.” His eyes drop to my stomach and Dario’s hand protectively rests over it, the way his palm strokes and soothes some of the unease in my chest.
“She’s doing a great job,” he tells his father-in-law, and when Lorna looks at me I can tell she’s feeling the exact same vibe as I am.
This is awkward.
“All good practice for when you produce a son.” He turns his back to take a glass of champagne from one of the passing waiters and Dario’s fingers squeeze mine, I have to shake my head and remind him to keep his cool. His father may be out of order but I’m very aware of his reasons why. My family was never meant to manage the Queens district, it’s because of Dario’s demand that my brother is now in charge of it, and I can see the resentment Theode has for that.
“I’m sure your granddaughters will be very fond of you.” I put on an even brighter smile and play the old man at his own game. Then seeing that the first of our guests has arrived, I move past him so I can greet them.
“How are you feeling?” Dario kneads his fingertips into my lower back a few hours later.
“Exhausted,” I admit, keeping the smile on my face as I look over the room that’s still full of people.
“You’ve been on your feet for far too long, especially wearing those heels,” he points out.
“I’m fine, you can draw me a nice warm bath once everyone has gone and make me feel better then.” His chin rests on my shoulders as his hands reach around my waist to smother me.
“Deal.” He kisses my cheek.
“I think my brother likes Lorna,” he whispers, diverting my attention to the other side of the room where they are talking. I can see she’s enjoying his company by the huge smile on her face, and she definitely finds him attractive because she keeps twisting her hair around her finger.
“Your father hasn’t spoken a word to him all night,” I point out, confused at the relationship between them all.
“He rarely does, especially in public.” One of the babies fidgets under Dario’s palm and he kisses my cheek and laughs when he feels it too.
“Why?” I ask, desperate to learn more about the family my babies are being born into.
“I guess when Mom was alive it was out of respect for her, and old habits are hard to shake off.”
“But everyone knows he’s his son, right?”
“It’s no secret. My father may not be proud of Cassio but he’s never been one to turn his back on his responsibilities. He ensured he was raised right, and has always taken care of him financially.”
“I know he’s not your favorite person, but he really was good to us that day,” I remind him. In fact, I don’t know what I’d have done if he wasn’t there. I was such a mess.
“Why do you think he’s here?” Dario whispers .
I rest my head back against him and close my eyes, imagining how good it’s going to feel to get out of this dress and into the bath when everyone’s gone. I don’t get to relax for too long, because Dario’s body quickly tenses. I open my eyes and see my brother stumbling toward us and I make a long, heavy sigh.
“Hey, sis, happy birthday.” His pupils are blown, clearly he’s high and Dario quickly repositions himself so he’s standing in front of me.
“Nicolas, you shouldn’t be here like this.” He lowers his voice to avoid causing a scene.
“But it’s my little sister's birthday,” he tells him, before looking at me. “I’m sorry, no gift. It’s hard to know what to get you, now.” He scowls at me over Dario’s shoulder. “It’s okay, DeMarco, you can stand down. Unlike the fucker that put her in hospital, who’s still out there by the way, I won’t hurt her.” Dario surprises me when he actually steps aside, though he does wrap his arm around my back and tugs me tight into him.
“Please, don’t cause a scene,” I whisper to my brother feeling the anguish burning off him as he stares at Dario.
“Cause a scene? I wouldn’t dare.” He laughs, and when I notice Cassio pause his conversation with Lorna and look toward us, I can sense this is becoming a problem.
“I just came here to wish you a happy birthday and check in on my nieces.” His hand reaches out to touch my stomach and Dario immediately snatches at his wrist.
“I don’t think so.” He shakes his head and holds it firm.
“She’s my sister.” Nic laughs and I gasp along with the rest of the room when Dario twists my brother's arm awkwardly against his back.
“And she’s my wife. I told you not to touch her,” he growls into Nic’s ear. “You're embarrassing her, and yourself,” I hear him whisper before he shoves him toward Vito. “Get him out of here,” he orders, then smiling politely at all of our guests, he takes me back in his arms and kisses my forehead.
“It’s time for you all to leave,” he announces, keeping his eyes focused on me, and I feel my stomach flip when I think about what I’ve got coming to me.
He waits for everyone to start making their way to the door before he speaks.
“I’m sorry you had to see that, but he was in no state to be around you.”
“I don’t know what’s gotten into?—”
“What was all that about?” Lorna interrupts.
“He was buzzed, he should never have come.” I can’t help being a little mad at him, myself.
“He’s acting like such an idiot.” She shakes her head.“You're right about that.” Cassio steps up beside her sliding the olive off the cocktail stick, that was resting on his glass, with his teeth.
“Hey, you don’t know my brother, our dad just died and he’s having a hard–”
“I told you that boy is a liability.” Thadeo joins the conversation and when Dario shakes his head back at his father firmly, I know I’m missing something.
“We need to talk about this.” Thadio eyeballs him. “All three of us.” He looks at his other son and snarls.
“Tomorrow,” Dario tells them both, then leaving everyone to see themselves out, he starts leading me toward the stairs.
“Madalina.” Serena rushes after us with a worried look on her face. “Your brother, he’s not himself.” Her eyes plead up to Dario. “He’s grieving, please.”
“Dev, please ensure Mrs. Conte gets home safely,” he orders one of his men before looking back at her. “You should speak to your stepson, remind him of his father’s values,” he tells her .
“Dario, he’s just having a tough time. Please try and reason with your father. If you take away his district, he’ll have nothing.”
“Good night, Mrs. Conte.” Danti makes no promises and I smile at her over my shoulder as he leads me up the stairs.