Page 109 of Ruthless Desire

Her eyes lock onto mine, pupils blown wide like she can read my thoughts. I fuck her harder, driven by an insatiable need to possess, to consume, to obliterate any thought but me from her mind.

When we finally collapse, spent and panting, I pull her close. She curls into me, her head resting on my chest. For a moment, everything is perfect.

But as sleep claims me, that nagging doubt returns. Is this real? Or just another move in our endless game of predator and prey?

Morning comes too soon, bringing with it the harsh light of reality. We're on a plane back to Accel City before the sun fully rises, leaving behind the illusion of marital bliss.

Natalie sits beside me, her gaze fixed on the clouds outside. She's been quiet since we left the villa, lost in thoughts I can't begin to fathom.

"Second thoughts, Mrs. Corleone?" I ask, unable to keep the edge from my voice.

She turns to me, her expression carefully neutral. "Just wondering what's waiting for us back home."

Home. The word sends a thrill through me. It's the first time she's referred to Accel City - to my world - as home.

"Nothing we can't handle," I assure her, taking her hand. She doesn't pull away. Another small victory. "The Corsinis think they can challenge us? They'll learn the true meaning of terror."

A ghost of a smile flits across her face. "And how do you plan to teach them?"

I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear. "With blood and fire, moy voron. We'll burn their empire to the ground and dance in the ashes."

She shivers, but not entirely from fear. There's a darkness in Natalie that calls to my own, a potential for cruelty that I'm only beginning to unlock.

"And what's my role in all this?" she asks, her voice low.

I pull back, studying her face. There's a hunger there, barely concealed. It makes my blood sing. "You'll be by my side every step of the way. My queen, my partner in all things."

Natalie nods, something like resolve settling over her features. "Alright then. Let's show them what we're capable of."

The rest of the flight passes in a haze of planning and anticipation. By the time we touch down in Accel City, I'm itching for action.

Alonzo meets us at the private airstrip, his face grim. "Boss," he greets me, eyes flicking to Natalie. "Welcome back. We've got a situation."

I feel Natalie tense beside me. "What kind of situation?"

Alonzo hesitates, clearly uncomfortable discussing business in front of my new bride. I wave him on impatiently. "Spit it out. She's one of us now."

He nods, still wary. "The Corsinis made a move on the Casinos. Hostages taken."

Rage boils in my veins, hot and familiar. "Those fuckers think they can waltz in and take what's mine?" I snarl. "They've signed their own death warrants."

Natalie's hand on my arm surprises me. "What are you going to do?" she asks, her voice steady.

I turn to her, expecting to see fear or reproach. Instead, there's a cold calculation in her eyes that sends a shiver of desire through me.

"I'm going to remind them why I'm the king of this fucking city," I growl. "And you're going to help me."

We drive straight to the compound, the air thick with tension. Natalie sits beside me, her fingers drumming a restless beat on her thigh. I catch her hand, stilling the nervous movement.

"Having second thoughts, solnyshko?" I ask, searching her face for any sign of weakness.

She meets my gaze, her eyes hard as flint. "No. I made my choice when I said 'I do.' I'm in this with you, Dante. All the way."

Pride and possessiveness surge through me. This is what I've wanted all along - Natalie, fully committed to our dark union. "That's my girl," I purr, bringing her hand to my lips.

The compound is a hive of activity when we arrive. My men move with purpose, preparing for the coming storm. Enzo meets us at the door, his face grim.

"The Corsinis are mobilizing," he reports as we make our way to the war room. "They've called in reinforcements from out of town. Looks like they're gearing up for all-out war."

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