10. Chris
CHAPTER 10
CHRIS
One week later
I t took me one taste of her and I'm so fucked. One word was enough to make my heart out of my chest and give it to her. I've jerked in the shower for the millionth time during the past week and it wasn't enough. Sharing the same bed was a mistake. I knew it the moment I agreed with her not to leave her alone at night. I used to let her fall asleep and leave in the room next door but when she had a nightmare and panicked it broke my heart and I promised to stay here with her. Now though I crave her even more but she needs time to heal and I'll give it to her even if it means I’ll die of blue balls. I don't want her to remember or relive whatever the bastards did to her. Whenever she'll be ready for me, I'll rock her world.
Watching her having a proper meal makes me happy. I don't want to ask her why she is waiting for me to start eating or why she eats so little. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with those bastards.
“Are you calmer now?” Ferdinando nudges me.
I nod not taking my eyes off her. “Thank you for your help. Whenever you're ready, I'll be more than happy to merge our societies.”
He pauses his fork while looking at me. “You sure you’re not emotional about your dad’s departure?”
I drink my orange juice as I smirk. “Neanche un pò.” Not even a bit.
“Oh, il Consiglio will be so pleased with the news,” he states as I feel so proud and relieved of what I did. In the last two years, I made sure to stay on their radar and eventually they've asked for a meeting. La Sacra Corona has adopted me, having my back. They are my family, the only one I've ever had since Mom died.
Driving to Magnolia, I hold Leila's hand. It's time for her to have a proper wardrobe since she didn't want to bring anything with her and last time I sent her shopping, she came back with a pair of jeans and a blouse. “Make sure to buy everything you need. Tomorrow night we'll have a special event to attend so please make sure to wear a red dress.”
“Is it a formal event?”
“The Bonetti family is about to be officially part of La Sacra Corona,” I announce. I don't want there to be any secrets between us, she needs to know Dad was no one in the mafia while I made sure to reach the higher circle and sit at the bosses’ table.
I park the car and give her my credit card. “Have fun and buy everything you like.”
“You won't come?” she stutters, surprised.
I laugh as I get out of the car and walk toward her side. I open the door for her and help her get out. “Ferdinando and I will do some shopping too. You're safe here, free your mind and go enjoy your girlie day. Tomorrow night, after the event, we'll leave Italy.”
Her head snaps at me. “Leave Italy to go where?”
I kiss her forehead as I take her hand and lead her inside the Magnolia Shopping Center. “Seattle. I have a few meetings I can't push but we'll be back if you...”
“Not that there's something for me here.” She takes a deep breath. “Chris, what will I do over there? I can't…”
“You'll be my Queen,” I say as Elena peers at us. I take both of her hands and brush my lips over them. “I don't want you to ever worry about anything, baby. Let me take care of my family.”
She gets on her tiptoes and kisses me. “We'll talk about that later,” she murmurs as we reach Ferdinando and his sister. Elena drags Leila away as I focus on Ferdinando.
“I hate shopping,” I complain as I look around.
He chuckles, “Tell me about it, that's why I have a personal shopper.”
“Yeah, they get along pretty good.” I nod toward the ladies, who are laughing in front of a shop.
He pats my shoulder while shaking his head. “Which means you're in trouble. Elena will corrupt her.”
I roll my eyes at his silliness. “She's not that bad.”
“Keep saying it later too.”
The next three hours flew by but at least I've done my shopping too. I'm drinking coffee when the ladies come back.
I point at her two bags while my gaze shifts from Leila to Elena and back to Leila. “Tell me that's not all?”
“It's what I need,” she murmurs as I take her bags and hand them to Elena before I drag Leila back toward the shops. “Where are we going?”
“We'll have it together.” I march toward the lingerie shop.
“Good afternoon.” The saleswoman smiles at us as I take a look around.
“I need everything you have in her size, color and shape. Better cotton, lace and silk.”
“Chris, I don't need all of that.”
“You do, trust me.” I smirk at her. “I told you to buy everything you need and I'll make damn sure you won't miss anything.” I focus back on the saleswoman when Leila squeezes my hand.
“There's no need to buy everything. We'll take just…” She walks toward some stands and picks four cotton pieces and I roll my eyes. While she looks around, I beckon Natalie and point to a few more bras and sexy pieces. It'll look divine on her.
“Your girlfriend is a lucky girl.” Natalie giggles as she flutters her eyelashes at me.
I hand her my credit card as I nod. “Mia moglie.” My wife .
She hands me the bags and I pull Leila by my side. “That's what I mean when I send you to go shopping.”
“Chris, you've spent a fortune in lingerie, and that shop is an exclusive one.”
I swirl her around and kiss her and then I nod to the next shop. “Oh look, shoes. Do you want me to buy all the shops one at a time, or you'll choose what you like?”
“Jesus Christ, okay, okay, I get it,” she growls in exasperation.
Two hours , and so many bags, later finally we walk out of the shopping center. I haven't missed how much she has struggled to buy more than one outfit at a time. Once in the car I point at the box on the dashboard. “That is yours.”
Leila leans over to kiss me. “You shouldn't have…” She stops as takes out her new cell phone.
“You're sure I can have one?”
The hell? I blink a few times before realizing I haven't replied to her. “Of course. Elena’s number and mine are already in it. It's time to fill that contact list and have a life.”
“And you'll be part of it.” Her voice is barely audible but I heard her. I can't tell her I've always loved her, it'll freak her out.
One step at a time, no rush, I remind myself.
I drive back to Ferdinando's manor as Zack motions to a few guards to help us with the bags. When Elena sees how many bags we have she bursts out laughing. “I told you.”
“You're not funny.” Leila giggles. “Next time I'll make sure to follow your advice.”
“Wise girl.” I wink at her, making her blush. I head upstairs as Leila follows me. I close the door as she sits on the bed.
I've emptied my pockets on the nightstand and strip off my shirt. “I feel like we need to talk.”
“I'm sorry.”
“What for?” I peer at her but she doesn't know what to say. “That's what I was talking about. I don't want you to apologize or ever have fear of me, Leila.” I sit next to her. “I know you haven't told me everything and I want you to. I want you to be yourself and live your life, do whatever you want to do without asking permission.”
“But…”
I shake my head as her eyes meet mine. “No butts. I want you to be happy.”
She hugs me tight. “I'm trying to and I don't want to disappoint you.”
I caress her head while she sobs. I know this change won't happen tomorrow or in a day or two. It'll take time. “The only way to disappoint me is for you to close in your shell and let the past mark your present and future.” She nods at me while sheds her tears away. “But baby, those tears are one thing I don't want to see anymore.”
The light, sweet kiss she deposits on my chest makes me feel like I'm burning from inside. Millions of jolts scatter over my skin and I'm wondering what it would feel to claim her, make her mine forever. I've always cherished the little memories we've had and even though nothing happened between us, my soul knew she was the one, and now she's here.
I've asked Elena to take care of her and make her shine. Not that she needs all that girly stupid shit, she's gorgeous the way she is, but I know she wants to feel immaculate. At least that's what she said.
My family cufflinks are the last thing I pick up before wearing the jacket. Another look at the mirror to make sure the red pocket square is in place as I pick the velvet box with me and walk out the room. Ferdinando is chatting with Alex and Zack as I pat his shoulder. “I've never been a fan of red.” I chuckle.
“You may change your mind.” He nods behind me as I turn around. Leila and Elena are walking toward us and, yeah, red is definitely my favorite color now. Leila's beauty is breathtaking and the dress looks superb on her.
“Tell me it's not too much.” She pauses in front of me as I shamelessly drool over her.
Ferdinando clears his throat, making me realize I'm making a fool of myself. “Nothing is too much on you.” I hold my hand out and make her swirl around. “Actually something is missing.”
She shows me the heels she's wearing and fuck me, they'll be stuck in my head all night. “I have them, no worries.”
I smirk at her as I turn her around. “Those are so fucking sexy on you, but…” I whisper in her ear as I place Mom's necklace around her neck. “This is something of mine, it was my mom's favorite.”
She touches it as looks over her shoulder. “Thank you,” her red lips mime.
I brush my lips with hers as I take her hand. “Everything for you.”
“Now it's time for you, Mr. Grumpy, to find the one.” Elena nudges his brother as she links her arm with Leila.
“Fuck off little brat, you're enough to handle.” He scoffs while we walk toward our cars.
The Chateaux is absolutely majestic. This place is so off limits for people that it has two gates and so many armed guards that patrol the area. They made sure to hide the castle from curious eyes since it's the official place where il Consiglio meets. They rule our world and make them untouchable as Ferdinando is. The first time I've been invited here was because they wanted my dad's head. I could have helped them or died when they erased the Bonetti clan from this world. Mine wasn't a real choice since it was what I craved for, and I agreed to help them get rid of those who exposed La Sacra Corona more than it was necessary to earn their respect and trust.
“I'm feeling so nervous,” Leila whispers while peering out of the window.
I kiss her hand and smile at her. “You'll get used to it, baby. This is where we'll get married.” Her head snaps at me as her eyes meet mine but says nothing. “No worries, it won't be tonight.”
“Chris…” She parts those red lips as my name leaves her mouth in a breath.
“One step at a time, baby. For now, enjoy the party.”
The car stops as the footman opens my door. I get out and walk to her side. She clings to my arm as we head toward the entrance. The lanterns and also the red roses around it creates that cozy but still classy atmosphere although a little creepy as the fog rises.
The ballroom is crowded with the elite of high society, secret services and also the government from all over the world. Although it may seem a simple party, this is much more. I've spotted some members that rumor has it are part of il Consiglio but since officially I haven't been introduced to them, and all I've seen were seven people wearing a violet robe that covered their faces, I just tilt my head and greet them.
The ritual itself is more like a toast but the meaning of it binds me and my future family for eternity. It's what I am and I'll do anything to make sure no one will ever mistreat us.