Page 13 of His Stolen Bride

Santino

Ioffer the priest a cigarette.

He looks at me like I’m the devil. I shrug and take a drag, letting the poison pool in my lungs before blowing it in his face.

He grimaces but doesn’t protest. After all, he’s more than happy to accept a hefty payment for his services as well as a visit to the brothel in the nearest town.

“She coming?”

“Yeah.” I straighten my collar and dust the ashes off my shoulder.

“You ready?” Lucenzo strides up, his eyes still wary.

I shrug. “I’ve never considered myself the marrying kind.”

“Too busy busting skulls and watching out for Cato.”

“Yeah.” I can’t disagree there. My life has revolved around the Davincis for as long as I can remember. Cato has always been loyal, and I’ve returned the favor. That bond is the reason he’s head of the family here in Italy. And now, it’s my time to forge a new path and make my own name. With Cato at my back, I’ll seize the reins of Giuseppe’s faltering organization and turn it into an unstoppable force.

“You seem nervous.” He watches as I light the next cigarette with the dying embers of the first.

“What makes you say that?” I flick the butt into a golden flowerpot behind the priest.

“No reason.” Lucenzo eyes my cigarette as I take another long drag.

I’m running on fading adrenaline, nicotine, and fumes, though I did have a small bite of the frittata I made for Bella. Did she like it? I hope so. I’m not a chef, but I learned how to cook when Cato and I were coming up. We’d be out doing dirty work and hunkered down in a flat or a tiny villa, both of us unable to leave the safehouse. So, I’d cook. At first, it was garbage, but then I got better. And now I’m good. Cooking for Bella was a particular delight. I should feel ridiculous, but I don’t. I want her to know that I’ll always take care of her.

“You want to punch me?” Lucenzo offers.

“I’m fine.” I finish the cigarette and toss the butt, then shake out my hands. Lucenzo knows me well. I’m a violent man, one who shows no mercy to his enemies. Sparring with him would help relieve the pressure, but I don’t have time for it. Not when I’m on the cusp of my wedding.

I run a hand through my hair and settle down. We’re in the ballroom at the back of the estate, though I suspect it hasn’t seen any balls in quite some time. The paintings are faded, the ceiling peeling, and the floor cracked in a million places. It’s a fine villa, just in need of a lot of work.

My eyes keep returning to the wide double doors. I want to see her. I can close my eyes and find her face, the shape of her body, but I need more. I touch my lips when I remember my stolen kiss. She was so warm, so soft. All for me. Every last bit of her. This alliance is forever, and I want to put heirs in her belly sooner rather than later.

Just the thought of my seed inside her tight cunt makes my cock start to thicken. I can only imagine how sweet her cherry is, how perfect it will taste on my tongue. She’s never known true pleasure, never felt the touch of a man. I’ll be her first, her last, her only. Maybe it makes me a caveman, but the thought of having her all to myself sends a pleasant thrill through me.

But she won’t give in easily. She’s a fighter. I found that out quickly. But she won’t fight me for long. Not when I get her on her back with my tongue between her legs. She’ll beg for my cock, and I’ll have no choice but to give it to her, to spread her ample thighs and—

“Santino.” Lucenzo interrupts my spiraling fantasy.

“What?” I snap my gaze to him.

“She’s here.”

I look up. My breath stops. There’s no music, no wedding march, but I swear I could hear angels singing as she approaches. Her eyes find mine, and I can’t look away. Not from the vision in the light pink dress. Her dark hair cascades over one shoulder, and she walks to me in measured steps. Her lips are parted, and I can feel her pulse pounding with every step she takes.

Does she have any idea how beautiful she is? Giuseppe was a fool to not claim her. I don’t know how I can wait to take her. Fuck, I’d like to have her right now. The priest can watch for all I care, just as long as she’s moaning my name as I give her all I’ve got.

When she reaches me, I catch the scent of roses.

“Beautiful.” I offer her my arm.

She stares at it for a long moment.

“We have a date.” I lean closer to her and press my lips to her ear. “You are a vision.” When I pull back, she looks up at me with something verging on surprise. Does she truly not know the effect she has on me? If she’d look a little lower, she would.

“Please.” I offer my arm again.

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