6. Nicolai
CHAPTER SIX
NICOLAI
After everything she’s endured, Luna’s concern warms my heart. She could have asked me anything, but she asked about my famiglia . She’ll never know how much that meant to me. “They’re distraught, but they’ll be fine. How are you feeling?” She shrugs but doesn’t answer.
I’ve no doubt she’s overwhelmed, and that’s to be expected. “I hope you don’t mind, but I asked our guests to stay the night. I didn’t want to take the risk of anyone else getting hurt if they left. We have plenty of room to accommodate everyone here.”
“Not at all. There’s strength in numbers.” Sometimes I forget she’s only twenty-one. She’s like an old soul in a young woman’s body.
“Yes. Yes, there is. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to shower.
” I know she’ll be fast asleep when I get back, and that’s okay.
Today didn’t go as planned, but I’m thankful, since it could have been so much worse.
Losing three of my men has taken its toll, and I know Luna will be upset when I tell her that Thomas was one of them.
He sacrificed his life saving ours, and although I can’t bring him back, his family will be well taken care of.
I toss my bloody clothes in the trash bin and then set the shower.
When the hot water meets my flesh, I exhale.
I’m physically and mentally exhausted as I watch the blood and sweat swirl around in the drain before disappearing.
It’s all I can do to stand upright as I hang my head under the water, placing my hands against the wall to hold me up.
I know the sooner I wash, the sooner I can go to bed, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to sleep.
Especially tonight, with Luna sleeping so close beside me.
This married shit is going to be a big adjustment.
Turning around, I grab my body wash and start scrubbing.
My face, chest, and arms first. Then my legs, feet, and finally my cock, which thickens against my palm as the warmth of the water mingles with my touch.
I let the rhythm take over: slow, firm strokes to start, and then I pick up the pace.
Knowing if I don’t find release, I’ll be fucking my wife the minute I slide into bed.
A guttural groan catches in my throat as the friction deepens, my hips pushing against my own hand, until the tension explodes and I paint the walls with my own release.
My head falls back, and I let the water stream down my face as I ride out the waves of pleasure.
My hand slows but doesn’t stop, milking every last drop of my orgasm.
I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, echoing the pulsing in my cock as I shut off the water and dry off.
It takes everything I have to walk into the bedroom and crawl into bed.
Looking up at the dimly lit ceiling, I will myself to fall asleep, but the sweet scent of a woman wraps around me, keeping me awake.
My wife.
It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m a married man, and maybe it never will. I always thought that Bianca and I would be getting married, but my brother’s death changed everyone’s lives. Luna’s a beautiful woman, and with the proper guidance, she will be flawless. The perfect Mafia boss’s wife.
“This isn’t the way you wanted to spend your wedding night, is it, Nicolai?” Ah, my little siren was bluffing. Good to know for future reference, but tonight I don’t want to play games.
I turn to my side, with my arm tucked beneath my pillow. There’s just enough light to cast a shadow, illuminating her eyes. She looks so sad that something stirs inside my chest. I want to think it’s my heart, but mine’s been dead for quite some time.
“It’s not what I had envisioned for tonight, but I’m grateful that you and my family are safe. We have the rest of our lives to fulfill our marriage, and we will when the dust settles.”
I hate it when she dips her chin because now, I can’t see her face. “My dress was covered in blood today. Did it belong to Thomas?” Fuck! I was hoping she’d be able to get a good night’s sleep before I had to break the news to her.
“Thomas died a hero today because he was doing his job and protecting us, Luna. Every soldier here knows the consequences of their job, and they do it willingly. I can’t bring him back, but I can assure you that his family will be taken care of.
” I know she’s crying when I hear her sniffling, and damn if I don’t feel guilty since I insisted on having that damn wedding in the gardens, and my men died protecting us.
“I’ll be right back. I need to use the restroom,” she sniffles, and I let her have this moment to grieve for her bodyguard.
After several minutes pass, I become impatient. For the next few days, I won’t let her out of my sight. Not with the current threat hanging over us. I throw back the covers and head toward the bathroom, only to collide with a warm body stepping out. She stops short. I don’t.
Her eyes flick down, then back up, slow and deliberate. “You’re naked,” she mutters, arching a brow. “You walk around like that and expect me to take you seriously?”
Grabbing her wrist, I slowly bend down and whisper, “I’m the last man you want to mock.”
Her eyes meet mine, and I catch the flicker of hesitation. “I wasn’t mocking. Just stating facts.”
“Facts don’t excuse disrespect.” My grip tightens, just enough to remind her. “You’re in my bed, in my house, under my protection. Act like it.” She jerks her wrist free, and just this once, I let her walk away.
“Put some underwear on, Nicolai,” she throws over her shoulder.
“This is how I sleep. You’ll adapt.”
She pauses at the edge of the bed, then turns slowly. “Suit yourself. But if the estate gets breached tonight, I’m not the one swinging a weapon with my junk out.”
She slides under the covers, not sparing me a second glance.
I cross the room, slow and deliberate, and stop beside the bed.
“You’re lucky I’m feeling generous tonight,” I say quietly. “Ridiculing me in my own home? That earns you a punishment.”
She stiffens beneath the covers but knows better than to respond. So, I close the gap between us and climb in beside her.
As soon as my head hits the pillow, I let the darkness take me, knowing she’s right where she belongs.