10. Nicolai
CHAPTER TEN
NICOLAI
Once again, I lead her through the winding halls beneath the estate.
A cavernous maze of lefts and rights designed to disorient.
She stumbles slightly, lightheaded. Whether it’s from the lack of oxygen or the way I had my hand around her throat minutes ago, I don’t ask.
She’s quiet now, and I prefer it that way.
If I wanted to stifle her screams or bury her body, this would be the place. But I didn’t bring her down here for that.
I brought her here to remind her who she belongs to.
“We’re almost there,” I say, glancing back at her. “Then we can clean up for dinner.”
“I’m not hungry,” she mutters.
I spin her around before the words finish leaving her mouth. She sways, and I catch her by the waist, steadying her. Her eyes flick up to mine, and I know what she sees. Danger. Dominance. The kind of man any sane woman would run from.
But Luna? She doesn’t so much as blink.
She’s been around men like me her whole life. Men who take what they want. Men who punish and protect in the same breath. Giovanni taught her fear. I’m teaching her obedience.
“Maybe you misunderstood me,” I say. “I didn’t ask you to dinner. I said we could get cleaned up and get ready for dinner. There’s a difference.”
Her lips part, but I don’t give her room to argue.
“As my wife, it’s your place to be by my side, whether you have an appetite or not. It’s an insult to the chef if you don’t show. Not to mention more work for the kitchen staff if they have to bring you a tray.”
I lean in, just enough for her to feel the heat of my breath.
“You’ll come with me. And you’ll eat.”
We step into the central part of the house, and I close the door behind us. Her shoulders drop, and she finally lets out a breath. She hated being down there. Good. She thought she could wrap me around her finger early on. That was her mistake. But she’s learning the hard way.
Now I’m waiting until she finishes getting ready before we go down to dinner.
Luna will soon find out that I follow the traditions my family set years ago, and that’s never going to change.
Whether there’s one sitting at the dining table or twenty, we will be there every night.
If, for any reason, I’m called away because of business, then she will dine alone.
No exceptions. Bedrooms are for sleeping and fucking, and that’s where it begins and ends.
I need to catch my breath when she opens the bathroom door and steps out in a long-sleeved red mini dress with a heart-shaped cutout, leaving her breasts on full display.
And a pair of three-inch heels to match.
It nearly brings me to my knees, but I school my features, so I don’t give anything away.
In this business, I’ve learned to be expressionless.
It’s usually second nature. With Luna, it’s much more difficult.
Not because she’s my wife; quite the contrary.
She’s had my attention since she stepped inside this house for the first time.
Not in the way you might think, I can assure you.
She’s conniving, which is an extremely dangerous trait in this business.
In a few short strides, I’m standing in front of her.
Her plump lips match the color of her dress, and fuck if I don’t want her on her knees with them wrapped around my cock again.
I shake that thought and place my hands on her shoulders.
It’s safer. “You look stunning. It’s a shame I’ll be the only one to witness your beauty, since our guests have left and Mother and Bria are on an extended holiday. ”
She purses her lips and gives me a once-over, then says, “I’m not much for small talk, so it’s refreshing to know it’ll just be the two of us.”
I always thought she was that way because my brother controlled her. Turns out, it was never about him. It was always her choice. And I know I’ll keep learning more about my wife. Some of it good. Some of it not. But it doesn’t matter. She’s bound to me for life.
“Let’s not keep Laurent waiting, shall we?” She takes my arm as I hold it out for her, and we head downstairs. Being late isn’t just rude. It’s disrespectful. And I don’t tolerate disrespect.
When we walk into the dining hall, I quickly pull out her chair on the far side of the table.
I’m taken aback when she stops me. “Do I need to sit way over here? It’s just us.
Let’s sit together for once.” The lady of the house has always sat at the other end of the table, but what harm would it do?
“Do you want to sit next to me, moglie ?” I chastise myself for indulging the thought.
“I’d rather talk to my husband than shout across the room.” Scheming. I know that look. What’s circling in that pretty little head?
“Roger, could you grab Mrs. Caputo’s place setting. She’ll be dining next to me from now on.”
“As you wish, sir.” He does what I instruct, so I pull her chair out and she takes her seat. Promptly after he steps back, the servers bring out the first course.
She stays silent while the servers arrange the antipasto. I allow it, this time, since she insisted on sitting close to talk. Isn’t that what she wanted?
When the servers remove our plates, they set down the risotto, and I sit back, sipping my glass of wine. Luna does the same, but there’s still no conversation. I’m getting angry since she’s testing my patience.
She sighs as she pushes her plate away. Something’s bothering her, and although I don’t have time for feelings, I want to know what’s on her mind.
“I’m a lot of things, Luna, but a mind reader is not one of them. What’s bothering you?” As quickly as one plate is removed, the next one appears.
“Gio kept me a prisoner because he didn’t trust me. I guess I’m wondering if you plan on doing the same.” Now she studies me with an unwavering glare. I will not tolerate disrespect in my home under any circumstances.
Grabbing her wrist, I lean into her personal space. “This is not a discussion I plan on having with you while in the dining room. And make no mistake, Luna, until I fully trust your intent, I will do the same as Gio.”
“Which means the pool and the gardens are the only outside space I’ll be free to roam.” Why does she insist on tormenting me so? This is the second time today she’s infuriated me, and to think I was optimistic that we could live in a peaceful environment. I must have been mad.
“I told you it’s not up for discussion, and I meant every word. Do not test me.” My appetite’s gone. When Roger sets down the tiramisu, I’m relieved; it’s the final course. There will be no lingering over coffee tonight. I’ll take her upstairs and pray I don’t lose my temper.
“I will not tolerate you disrespecting me in my home, let alone in front of my staff. Do you understand?”
“I understand, and I apologize. I’m just not feeling like myself tonight.”