Chapter 5 #2
My eyes did another sweep. “No, they can look, but if anyone touches . . .” My gaze grew dark.
“I’m untouchable, remember?” She grinned, and even that was sinful. My fucking wife.
“Will you be okay here alone?” I pulled Nari into my side and addressed her mother.
She smiled and nodded. “I’ll be fine. I’m not really alone, am I?
” She motioned to Conner and Floyd, who would be stationed here while we were out.
I was driving us and didn’t feel the need to have anyone shadowing.
The dinner would have security just in case anyone grew some balls and decided to try their luck.
It was always a precaution when it came to high-profile events like the one we were attending tonight.
“Consider them invisible. If you need anything . . .”
“I won’t; have fun. You both look stunning.”
I offered a dip of my head before leading the way to the door.
Dinner was at Gian Monelli’s home. He lived in a gated property just outside of town.
The Monellis owned a chain of exclusive jewelry stores that had been in his family for centuries—the pieces they custom-made created bidding wars.
Tonight was to showcase some of those that had been recently crafted.
A select group was invited, which included several members of our syndicate.
Gian’s home sat on six acres and was roughly 14,000 square feet.
Overkill, in my opinion, but it suited his lifestyle.
Gian had a wife and no children. From what I knew, he wanted them, but his wife was barren.
That had me glancing down at Nari’s stomach as we walked down the winding hall escorted by one of Gian’s staff.
I wasn’t sure how I would handle being with a woman who couldn’t bear my children, but love was love, and no situation mirrored the next. What they had worked for them.
As we reached the area where cocktails were being served, Nari’s hand tightened in mine. She was anxious. I didn’t like the reaction, but understood, so I kissed her shoulder.
“Relax.”
Her eyes met mine just before we entered. A server at the door dressed in a tux greeted us with a smile before speaking. “Drinks for you and the lady, sir?”
She couldn’t have alcohol, but I was sure they had others, so I waited until she shook her head softly.
“No, thank you,” I responded as we moved deeper into the room.
I was approached by several people who greeted me before acknowledging my wife.
I made introductions but kept her close.
I could feel the stares from those still uncertain about why she was by my side and not Aila; however, they wouldn’t dare speak about it.
Our marriage was now public knowledge. But the history behind our union remained our personal business.
That baffled those who understood Aila was in line to be my wife.
“Finalmente. Conozco a tu hermosa esposa. La has mantenido oculta, pero no te culpo. Ella es impresionante.” (Finally, I meet your beautiful wife. You’ve kept her hidden, but I don’t blame you. She’s stunning.)
Saulo was in his sixties and his wife was in her thirties.
She was his second marriage and gave birth to their first and his sixth child on the day of my father’s funeral, so he wasn’t there.
He flew in days before to provide his condolences, and I met him alone, so this was his first time meeting my wife.
He reached for Nari’s hand, but her eyes drifted to me, unsure.
I nodded, and she allowed him to take hers, planting a kiss on her knuckles.
“I am Saulo Perez.” He grinned. “An associate of your husband, and you are?” He arched his brow, waiting, although he already knew exactly who my wife was. He likely had a file printed and on his desk as soon as word reached him that I had chosen Nari as my wife.
“Nari Akel,” she offered with a soft smile. The word “stunning” did her no justice. My wife was extraordinarily breathtaking.
“Mrs. Nari Akel, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your husband is a well-respected man, and you are in good hands.”
“I hope so,” she returned lightly. His smile expanded when she cut her eyes at me.
“I give you my word.” He paused, locking his arms behind his back.
“Now, explore, enjoy. There are some beautiful pieces that should suit your taste. Make this man empty his pockets for you. It’s only right for a woman as beautiful as you to be donned in expensive jewels.
” He winked, and I chuckled. Nari blushed.
Saulo’s hand came down on my shoulder as his eyes met mine and he offered a subtle nod.
He approved. Not that it mattered one way or another, but I did take pride in his acceptance of my wife.
“Have a good evening, both of you.” He walked away, and she turned to me, her eyes expressive as she watched him cross the room.
“What did he say to you?”
I offered a warm gaze. “That you were stunning and he understood why I kept you hidden.”
“Hidden?” She frowned. “Are you hiding me?”
“No, but I have turned down a few invitations because I didn’t think you were ready to be exposed to this part of my life again.”
“Are you sure that’s why?”
“What other reason would there be, sweetheart? The fundraiser left you feeling uneasy. You didn’t have to say the words for me to know you weren’t in a hurry to attend another event.”
“But we’re here tonight?”
“I wasn’t able to turn down the invitation. It would have presented as rude, almost disrespectful.”
“Agreed. I would have been seriously offended.” Gian approached with his wife at his side. “Kincaid is a good friend and business associate. Had he declined, I’m not sure how I would have taken the rejection very well.”
“It’s good to see you.” Gian extended a hand, which I shook before he turned to my wife. “And this is the lovely wife. She is gorgeous, Kincaid.”
“Careful, amore.” (Love) Cella’s narrowed eyes landed playfully on her husband, and he grinned, joining in on the amusement.
“Just an observation, mio angelo.” (My angel.)
“Mrs. Akel, this is my wife, Cella.”
“Nari,” she began. “Nice to meet you.” She extended a hand, which Cella accepted.
She smiled softly before returning the greeting. Her regard focused on eagerly taking in my wife from head to toe.
“Pleased to meet you as well. You are gorgeous. Good job, Kincaid.”
“Glad you approve.”
“Oh, I do. She’s lovely. Peccato per mio marito che i tuoi voti siano sacri.” (Too bad for my husband that your vows are sacred.)
Gian shot his wife a look, and I chuckled. You’re damn right they are. I will not be sharing my wife with anyone—ever.
“Ah, una donna così gelosa.” (Such a jealous woman.)
Nari’s nose crinkled a little and she inched closer.
She had no idea what was happening and I wouldn’t tell her.
Gian was attracted to my wife. If I would allow it, he would sleep with her.
He and Cella had an understanding about their marriage that included “outside” relationships.
I didn’t see how either was okay with the agreement to see others, but hey, to each his own.
“Welcome to my home, Mrs. Akel. Spend lots of money tonight.” He winked at her before taking his wife at the small of her back to leave.
“What was that? It felt like a private joke.”
“Nothing of importance, I assure you. Let’s go see what they have.” I kissed Nari’s cheek and led her to the outside perimeter of the room, where glass enclosures housing the custom pieces were on display.
“These are beautiful.” I watched as she fell in love with a necklace and bracelet set.
It was loaded with tiny diamonds assembled to look like little flowers.
The creation would be hers. I’d make sure of it.
“They make them?” She lifted her eyes to me then lowered them back to the glass case that held her new addiction.
“His family, yes. Gian no longer does as often as he used to. He’s getting old and claims his eyes aren’t as reliable as they used to be.”
She flashed a smile over her shoulder. I was directly behind her, my hands in my pockets, but I kept my wife close. Touching her in any way gave me life.
“How much are these? I bet they’re expensive.”
“Don’t worry about the bottom line. You’re married to a capo.” Alisha eased beside Nari, and the two shared a warm, silent greeting.
“What did I tell you about that shit, Lish?” Darius stood behind her, mirroring the proximity to his wife that I shared with Nari. Alisha always referenced our life as a Mafia family. We were so far from it; however, it was the only way her mind could process what we were a part of.
“What? It’s true,” she fussed before turning to Nari. “No red?”
“I decided to switch it up.” She glanced at me, and I winked.
“Well, I approve. You’re wearing this dress.”
“So are you.” They went back and forth, doling out compliments before dragging each other to the next display. Darius and I gave them space, but not too much.
“Anything new?”
“No, but we have an understanding about Manchester.”
“Does that include you killing him?”
I shrugged. “If it’s necessary, but I won’t ask for permission.”
“I didn’t expect you to.”
“Kincaid?”
I turned to my left and noticed Mya smiling seductively. The first thing I did was locate my wife, then her husband, who was across the room, brownnosing. He had cornered Saulo. My regard made it back to Mya, and I spoke.
“You look well.”
“Well? Damn, Caid. You say that shit to your mom’s ugly friends.
” Mya shot Darius a nasty look, and he chuckled and stepped away.
I would have preferred he stayed. Nari was still very sensitive about my association with other women.
We both had a nasty, jealous streak, but my reactions were slightly more refined than hers.
I glanced across the room and noticed she was occupied with Alisha, enjoying the pieces on display.