Page 72 of The One Night Match
I never had an issue before, never had any problem being a grumpy asshole, because I was one. But my kitten is changing me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I lead Riley toward the stage where Mom and Lexi are waiting, along with Colten and several other high-ranking members of the family. I’m hoping no one notices Dennis andVernon are missing, although Colten already has their alibi prepared. They’re on a fact-finding mission in Montana for the week, getting some intel about a new gang that has cropped up.
Their families have been receiving regular updates from them via text, not that their wives would be missing them. They’re both probably enjoying a well-earned holiday, if I’m honest.
Lexi gives me a knowing look, but Mom is oblivious to the fact that I just fucked my wife in a broom closet, and she’s leaking my cum as she takes her place beside me at the podium.
This is a tradition I plan to do away with. It’s archaic in a lot of ways, and unnecessary in others.
The Welcome Ball started three generations ago, and every woman who has married into the family has been thrown one, regardless of whether they’re at our level or further down in the ranks, although my mother has really gone all out for Riley tonight. It’s only the women who face this level of scrutiny, which is one of the many reasons I loathe the tradition.
The round of applause that broke out as we entered tempers slightly, and I dip my head to press a kiss to Riley’s temple.
It’s a fine art appearing not to care, but also getting the point across that if you touch my wife, I’ll end you faster than you can take your next breath.
“Thank you all for coming to celebrate my beautiful wife,” I say evenly into the microphone. “As you all know, Riley and I were matched using a relatively new service at the Mafia Matchmaker, and we can say with certainty that they know what they’re doing. Riley is a smart woman who is more than capable of taking her position by my side, and I’m excited for you all to get to know her tonight. Although I recognize this is a night for the wider organization to get to know my wife, I will be by her side throughout to ensure her safety after a recent attempt onher life. I hope this won’t hinder your ability to get to know her the way I have.”
Another round of applause fills the ballroom, and I tug Riley to my side, positioning her in front of the microphone. “Hi, everyone!” She gives a shy wave, and I can’t help but think how fucking cute she is. With me, she’s a ball of fire ready to argue at every turn, but with strangers, she plays the part of the meek Mafia wife perfectly. “Thank you all for being here tonight. It means so much to have a family like the De Lucas welcome me with open arms. I’ve enjoyed getting to know a few of you over the last few weeks, and I’m really excited to chat with you all tonight!”
Lexi lets out a wolf whistle that makes the room laugh before they clap again, and when I look down, I find Riley looking up at me, the emotions in her eyes so close to what I feel in my chest every time I look at her.
I dip my face down and press a soft kiss to her lips, unable to help myself, and this time it’s not just Lexi cheering us on.
Once Dennis and his rats are taken care of, the family will be a much safer place on the inside, and maybe I won’t have to be the same heartless man my father was.
And then maybe I’ll deserve Riley.
THIRTY-EIGHT
RILEY
The mind-blowing orgasm only holds my anxiety at bay for so long before I’m right back where I started with a boulder sitting on my chest, making every breath feel like its very own marathon.
Cruz remains by my side as what must amount to the entire De Luca organization comes to learn everything they can about the woman who married their leader.
Some ask standard questions like what my favorite movie is, how I like my eggs, if I prefer summer or winter. While others choose to get philosophical. Do I think stealing to feed your family is inherently wrong? Would I kill one person to save ten?
It probably wouldn’t be so bad if we stayed in one lane for more than a question or two, but as it stands, the topics are bouncing around like they’re trying to throw me off guard.
Which they probably are.
The worst part, though, is that Cruz can’t intervene. He can’t do anything to stop their too-personal lines of questioning, and it’s wearing on him almost as much as it is me.
“And what would you say is your biggest weakness as a leader?” Monica sneers at me. Despite the fact that everyone who came before her has asked their one or two questions andthen has allowed the person behind them to take their turn, this is her fourth question, each one more irritating than the last.
I plaster a fake smile on my face and lean into Cruz. “Hmm, my greatest weakness as a leader.” I tap my chin. “Probably my short temper when it comes to people trying to steal my husband.”
Cruz snickers, his hand tightening around my waist.
Monica’s face turns a deeper shade of red, but my smile never drops. Every question that has been asked of me, I’ve answered to the best of my ability, but not with this bitch. She’s getting every bit of sarcasm and snark I can conjure.
Her stepbrother stands behind her, the hatred in his cold blue eyes making me more uneasy than I would like to admit. His eyes haven’t moved from me the whole time they’ve been standing in front of us, and it’s beginning to make my anxiety peak.
Monica huffs, her fake lips pursing before she looks up at Timothy. “Ask your questions.”
“How much to get a ride on the new queen?” He leers.
I open my mouth to reply, but I’m quickly cut off by Cruz’s low growl. I squeeze his hand, trying to settle him without words.
