Page 10 of Cage the Storm
I need to catch my breath when she opens the bathroom door and steps out in a long-sleeved red mini dress with a heart-shaped cutout, leaving her breasts on full display. And a pair of three-inch heels to match. It nearly brings me to my knees, but I school my features, so I don’t give anything away.
In this business, I’ve learned to be expressionless. It’s usually second nature. With Luna, it’s much more difficult. Not because she’s my wife; quite the contrary. She’s had my attention since she stepped inside this house for the first time. Not in the wayyou might think, I can assure you. She’s conniving, which is an extremely dangerous trait in this business.
In a few short strides, I’m standing in front of her. Her plump lips match the color of her dress, and fuck if I don’t want her on her knees with them wrapped around my cock again. I shake that thought and place my hands on her shoulders. It’s safer. “You look stunning. It’s a shame I’ll be the only one to witness your beauty, since our guests have left and Mother and Bria are on an extended holiday.”
She purses her lips and gives me a once-over, then says, “I’m not much for small talk, so it’s refreshing to know it’ll just be the two of us.”
I always thought she was that way because my brother controlled her. Turns out, it was never about him. It was always her choice. And I know I’ll keep learning more about my wife. Some of it good. Some of it not. But it doesn’t matter. She’s bound to me for life.
“Let’s not keep Laurent waiting, shall we?” She takes my arm as I hold it out for her, and we head downstairs. Being late isn’t just rude. It’s disrespectful. And I don’t tolerate disrespect.
When we walk into the dining hall, I quickly pull out her chair on the far side of the table. I’m taken aback when she stops me. “Do I need to sit way over here? It’s just us. Let’s sit together for once.” The lady of the house has always sat at the other end of the table, but what harm would it do?
“Do you want to sit next to me,moglie?” I chastise myself for indulging the thought.
“I’d rather talk to my husband than shout across the room.” Scheming. I know that look. What’s circling in that pretty little head?
“Roger, could you grab Mrs. Caputo’s place setting. She’ll be dining next to me from now on.”
“As you wish, sir.” He does what I instruct, so I pull her chair out and she takes her seat. Promptly after he steps back, the servers bring out the first course.
She stays silent while the servers arrange the antipasto. I allow it, this time, since she insisted on sitting close to talk. Isn’t that what she wanted?
When the servers remove our plates, they set down the risotto, and I sit back, sipping my glass of wine. Luna does the same, but there’s still no conversation. I’m getting angry since she’s testing my patience.
She sighs as she pushes her plate away. Something’s bothering her, and although I don’t have time for feelings, I want to know what’s on her mind.
“I’m a lot of things, Luna, but a mind reader is not one of them. What’s bothering you?” As quickly as one plate is removed, the next one appears.
“Gio kept me a prisoner because he didn’t trust me. I guess I’m wondering if you plan on doing the same.” Now she studies me with an unwavering glare. I will not tolerate disrespect in my home under any circumstances.
Grabbing her wrist, I lean into her personal space. “This is not a discussion I plan on having with you while in the dining room. And make no mistake, Luna, until I fully trust your intent, I will do the same as Gio.”
“Which means the pool and the gardens are the only outside space I’ll be free to roam.” Why does she insist on tormenting me so? This is the second time today she’s infuriated me, and to think I was optimistic that we could live in a peaceful environment. I must have been mad.
“I told you it’s not up for discussion, and I meant every word. Do not test me.” My appetite’s gone. When Roger sets down the tiramisu, I’m relieved; it’s the final course. There will be nolingering over coffee tonight. I’ll take her upstairs and pray I don’t lose my temper.
“I will not tolerate you disrespecting me in my home, let alone in front of my staff. Do you understand?”
“I understand, and I apologize. I’m just not feeling like myself tonight.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
LUNA
My fatheralways told me my smart mouth was going to get me killed, and maybe he was right if the grip Nico has on my arm is any indication of how angry he is as he hauls me up the stairs. Why? Because I dared to ask him if I’d have more freedom being married to him. I should have known they’re all cut from the same cloth, and he wouldn’t be any different than his brother.
He finally releases my arm when he opens the door to our suite. Instinct has me rubbing the sting since old habits die hard. You’d think I’d be used to it since I was married to the devil himself, but if Nicolai continues, he’ll surely surpass him. I don’t bother to speak; I head straight to the bathroom.
“Do not walk away from me, I’m not done with you yet.” I stop dead in my tracks, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of turning around. And to think, a few short hours earlier, I was asking him to fuck me, but instead, he choked me with his cock.
He’s silent but deadly since I can feel the heat radiating from his body against my back. His breath is warm on my neck. My muscles tighten, half-expecting his hand to fist in my hair again, and the cold edge of a blade pressed against my throat.
The thought doesn’t terrify me. Death stopped being frightening years ago—when you’re born intola famiglia, it’sjust another Tuesday. You grow up watching men vanish after Sunday supper and learn to spot the blood stains they missed on the marble floors. After a while, the knife at your throat feels less like a threat and more like an old acquaintance stopping by.
“Why do you insist on disobeying me at every turn? Have you not learned anything since living under this roof?”
Other than the Caputo family, are a bunch of assholes?I want to scream.No, because I’ve been a prisoner here for so long that I’ve forgotten how to interact with people in general.
