Page 22 of Vicious Union

“Because I can’t let things go too far. I can’t fuck you on the bathroom counter for the first time.”

“Why not?” Not that I really want my first time to be on a bathroom counter.

He looks at me like I’m deranged. “Because even though you drive me insane, we’re still going to be married. You’ll be my wife. I can’t fuck my wife on the bathroom counter.”

“At least not until we’re married.”

“You speak like you’ve fucked men on bathroom counters before. Have you?”

“Does it matter?”

“Just tell me, Caterina.”

I walk up to him and poke him in the chest. “If it bothers you so much, that’s your problem. Not mine. You don’t get to kiss me, then stop, then toy with me, then slut shame me. I’m not doing that.” I open the bathroom door and step out.

“I could just drag you back in here and spank you all over again.”

“You could,” I say, not looking back. “But you’re not going to.” I leave Emilio standing alone in the bathroom, hopefully contemplating what an asshole he’s been.

I’m not going to let him get me down.

CHAPTER 7

Emilio

Caterina is going to drive me insane.

One second, we’re kissing on second, and the next, we’re arguing. She thinks it’s all my fault. I think it’s all her fault. Why can’t she just bend to my will? Why does she have to make everything so hard?

Even though I haven’t seen her in a week, it still feels too soon when our rehearsal dinner for the wedding shows up on the calendar. I’ll have to pretend to like her in front of my entire family, but I’m not good at faking my emotions. What you see is what you get.

“Why are you in such a mood?” Gabriella asks once I arrive at the restaurant where the rehearsal dinner is being hosted. It’s your typical high-end place with dark wood everywhere and industrial styled windows and lights and chairs. It’s like something out of a social media post.

I fucking hate it.

But I didn’t choose this place. Caterina did.

Gabriella is there with Rocco and Lara. No one else has arrived yet.

I give Gabi a look. “Why do you think?”

“Oh, that’s right.” She rolls her eyes. “Because you’re not happy with your future wife. I thought Caterina was pretty. Way too pretty for you.”

I scowl.

She points at my face. “See? When you do that, you’re not doing yourself any favors.”

“I’m just focused on getting through this meal.”

“Who’s here for a party?” Massimo shouts when he steps through the door.

I scowl harder.

Gabriella laughs and pats me on the arm.

My family and I take our seats while we wait for Caterina and Francesco to arrive.

“I wonder what’s taking them so long?” Lara asks.

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