Page 465 of Hate Mates

If it’s the last thing I do, Aria will be mine. She will love me, and I will marry her. And fucking Gabe? I’m going to kill that useless junkie piece of shit, and make sure that Aria forgets his very existence.

SIX

Aria

THREE MONTHS LATER

Ipull back the crisp white sheets and toss a leg out, before lifting my hand and admiring the platinum diamond ring wrapped around my ring finger. I used to think I’d never get married, now I live in a massive house with servants waiting on me at every turn, and a man who kept his promise and treats me like a princess.

My life before is a far cry from today. As much as I love being a trained nurse and working for my independence, it’s nothing on the life I have now.

Our wedding wasn’t a normal affair. I know every little girl dreams of the big white wedding, but honestly, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. But then love and life isn’t a fairytale either.

“Aria Simpson do you take Vincente Diego to be your husband? Will you love him, cherish him and above all, forsake all others for him?

“I do.”

Pulling in a breath, I sigh. All I saw was him. Not the men in the black tux’s who stood around guarding the whole event. I didn’t have Stacy there. In fact, I haven’t had time to speak to heryet, I don’t know if she’s searching for me or whether she’s given up.

We married in the grounds of the mansion; the house had been in Vincente’s family for years. We mingled with the few guests that were here but it was soon over. It wasn’t the way my daddy would have wanted my life to go, damn, he didn’t believe the mafia even existed, only what he saw on CNN. He liked to believe we lived in a perfect world. And when he died, a part of me died with him. I think that’s why I let Gabe treat me badly for so long

The door opens dragging me from my memories and I smile when Vincente appears. Dressed in just a tee and joggers, very casual for him, and carrying a tray. “There’s my gorgeous wife.” My smile widens as he places the tray down on the table at the side of the bed. He rushes to me and bends to kiss my lips. His hand rubs across the tiny bump that’s now forming. “And how is my baby?”

“I’m good.” He chuckles and rubs my nose with his. “I could be better…” He leaves another swift kiss to my lips and leans down, settling a small kiss on my belly.

“And why would that be?” His hand smooths across my belly as he slides back in beside me.

“I woke up and you weren’t here.”

“Did you miss me?”

Rolling to my side, I run my fingertips up his chest to his face. “Always.”

“How about I make up for it?”

Sliding his hand down my belly and into my underwear, his slightest touch has me arching off the bed. My legs part instantly and his fingers slide inside of me. “How much do you want me, Aria?”

The way he says my name always takes me back to the night we met. For a short name, he’s always made it sound sosensuous, pronouncing it in its entirety. I love that he doesn’t shorten it. “So much.” The gasp falls from my lips.

“I need to be inside my wife.” His mouth finds mine and he kisses me ferociously, with so much control that I can’t not let him take over. Since the first time we had sex, he has me completely. Mind, body and soul. After fighting to remove clothing he slides inside me, filling me wholly, totally consuming me. Gasps and moans fill the air as he moves, I push back as he thrusts, and my head tips back. I feel his hand wrap around my jaw and grip just tight enough to show me he’s the one in control, and brings my face back down. “Open your eyes, Aria. They open on his command and he stares into my soul. “I love you so much. I will never let anyone hurt you.” I nod. “You or our child. Do you believe that?”

I’m not sure what has him rattled, but something does. “I know, Vinny.” His mouth cocks up. Vinny is just for us, in this room or whenever we’re in private.

“Are you ready to come with me?”

“Yes.” I gasp on another thrust.

“Hold tight.” His hands move to my hips and his finger press deep into my thighs. I welcome the discomfort as he drives in and out of me, and I meet every movement.

“Oh shit, Vinny. I’m ready.” He pumps harder still as I wrap my legs around his hips and lock my feet against his back. He grunts against my neck while I’m lost in my own climax until he stills inside of me. We stay in the same position for a while.

As his lips find mine and they meld together, confirming our commitment to one another, a cell rings from somewhere, totally breaking the moment. His lips leave mine and he at least has the decency to look sorry.

He pulls his head back, “I’m sorry princess, I have business to attend to.”

“Go. I understand.”

He slowly pulls out of me, rolls away and gets out of bed. With his hands rubbing his face and sighing, he quickly stands and finds his cell. I watch him as he touches his screen and holds it to his ear.

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