Page 34 of Black Widow's Kiss

After spending most of the day designing my outfit, I spent another hour soaking in the master bath’s hot tub. All of the day’s stress melted away. Refreshed, I moved to the makeup stand I had set up in the guest bath and got to work. When I was finished, I had to wonder where the day had gone. I barely had enough time to order the food before Dante would come home.

Yesterday he had kept me waiting all night. That might have helped to inspire my completely reasonable reaction. No text or call saying, ‘Honey, I’m going to be late’? How long had he expected me to stand there? I was wearing heels.

But, that was what wives did, didn’t they? Standing waiting dutifully for their husbands? I did my part. I expected him to do his.

Once the food was delivered, I found my husband’s spaghetti bowl and dished up. Setting the table, I waited for 6pm to hit, then put on my shoes. To match the countryside style, I chose flat sandals. They weren’t flattering for my somewhat masculine feet. But if he didn’t like it, he would have to look away.

Taking my position on the edge of the counter within the open floor plan, I would have a clear view of the elevator. When the elevator rang, I would pick up the bowl and the performance would begin.

To my surprise, I didn’t have to wait long. Within five minutes of standing there, I heard it. My hubby was home. Grabbing the bowl and presenting it in front of me, I smiled.

There was something different about Dante as he entered this time. His eyes were steel. They scanned the room for me.When I was found, he approached me like a stalking lion. I nearly creamed my panties.

Parked in front of me, he judged what he saw. My makeup was perfect. There wasn’t a thread out of place. There was nothing I had gotten wrong.

“No,” he proclaimed with authority.

“I’m sorry?” I asked confused by the word.

“I said no.”

I didn’t know how to respond. I wasn’t sure what was going on. Was he trying to tell me what to do?

“Go to the bathroom and wash your face,” he ordered.

What? Was he the crazy one? I had spent all day on my face. I was deciding what I would use to hurt him with when he repeated it.

“I said, go to the bathroom and wash your face,” this time saying it with an emphasis on every word.

“No,” I replied unsure what either of us would do next.

Dante tilted his head surprised. He was clearly a man who was used to getting what he wanted. But he was going to have learn that I wasn’t one of his yes men. More than that, he was ruining our moment.

Ignoring all of that, he slowly paced in front of me, his eyes never leaving me. If I didn’t know better, I would think he was deciding whether or not to eat me.

“I have let you get away with some crazy shit since you’ve been here…”

“You have let me…?”

“I am speaking!” he demanded.

I paused, having been spoken to like this before but in an entirely different context.When it was clear that I wouldn’t interrupt him again, he continued.

“I have let you get away with some crazy shit since you’ve been here, but no more. From now on, you will do what I tell you to do, and nothing more. Do you understand me?”

I was… confused. Listening to him speak, a wave of heat washed through me. It was a rush.

“And, if I don’t?” I challenged.

He stared at me unflinchingly.

“Then you will be punished.”

My breath hitched. My heart raced.

“I would like to see you try.”

Dante stepped back caging his rage. Fear and arousal battled within me. Stiffening his spine, he stepped inches in front of me and the spaghetti bowl. I could feel his heat. It was intoxicating.

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