Page 90 of Pain and Possession

I groan inwardly, adjusting my arm that's been asleep for the past ten minutes as the door opens slowly. I quickly shake my head, shushing gently as Noè steps in. He flashes me that warm smile that makes my heart flutter as he walks over to the rocking chair gently removing one of the sleeping toddlers from my arms. Gio fusses for a minute before he snuggles in tighter to his dad's chest, content being rocked in his arms like always.

I would've sworn when we found out we were having identical twins at least one of the boys would be a mamas boy but nope. They're sun rises and sets with their dad. I nibble at my lip trying to stop the stupid smile from spreading across my face. Noè is an amazing father, just like I knew he'd be despite his doubts and adorable nervousness in those first few weeks. Endlessly patient when my postpartum anxiety kept both of us up for nearly three days straight. Constantly calling Marcus to reassure me the boys were okay. The way he comforted me when my milk never came in, assuring me it didn’t make me any less of a mother.

I stand gently kissing the top of Felix's head before slowly lowering him into his bed next to Gio's. Unsurprisingly they seem to sleep better the closer they are to each other. Both of them are adorable carbon copies of their father save for my round, amber-colored eyes. I giggle as we step out into the hallway of the compound, not usually where we stay but Noè insisted tonight. Nona apparently had gotten right to work fixing up his old bedroom as a nursery shortly after he officially announced my pregnancy. I yelp as he lifts me, slinging me over his shoulder, my sore sex already throbbing for him.

"I've got a surprise for you little doll." He mumbles his lips pressed against my side as he peppers kisses there. I blush and nod as Nona passes us in the hall chuckling to herself, her knitting needles in her hand as she slips into the boy's room. Always content to stay close to her great-grandsons, especially when they aren't getting into everything.

"I don't know if I can handle any more of your surprises today." I say under my breath as he trails his hand up the back of my leg slowly. Inching his way towards my aching core. Evidently my husband takes wedding anniversaries very seriously. He chuckles teasing the sensitive area outside of my jeans.

"This one has been a long time in the making." I go to respond but quickly stop when I realize the path he's taking. My heart begins to pump harder in my chest as he opens the door to the basement. The familiar dark corridor and concrete walls adding a new depraved layer to the arousal leaking into my underwear.

"Noè…"

"Yes doll?" His grip tightens on me, always does just before he does something depraved, something that reminds me exactly the kind of man he is. The kind of beautiful monster I fell for, splattering hard into the floor far before I realized I had begun my descent.

"Why are we down here?"

"Tsk tsk. Patience."

I take a shaky breath as he sits me down in front of Kurt and Buffy both men I've grown incredibly close to since the night of the ball. Despite Noè's near constant threat of dismemberment every time Kurt says something off kilter, they were both assigned to me. To be my personal bodyguards full time soon after.

I still don't need bodyguards.

Noè said they lurked around me anyway so might as well make it their job title. I tilt my head to the side, giving them both a disapproving stare, "Of course you're involved." It's no secret that Kurt is nearly as trigger-happy as my husband when it comes to mine and the boy's safety. Who he's lovingly nicknamed, thegremlins.A nickname that will not be catching on if I've got anything to do with it. They just smirk handing Noè a black strip of cloth, making my pulse pick up another ten trillion notches.

"Leave us." He orders as he steps up to me slipping the cloth over my eyes.

"Is that necessary?"

"You sound nervous."

"My mobster husband just dragged me down to his kill room and blindfolded me. That warrants a certain degree of nerves." Darkness takes over the already morbidly lit basement as he chuckles. Not the warm one he normally uses with the boys and me but something else entirely. His hands leave me, the sound of the metal doors swinging open soon followed by whimpering. Noè's hands quickly find me again, resting on my lower back and gently leading me deeper into the cold room. I'm assuming the heaters were turned off to make it more uncomfortable for its current occupant.

"Please! Please let me go home. I have a wife! A pregnant wife!"

What have you done to land yourself here?

His hands suddenly leave me again, air whooshes past my prickled skin as he lurches towards the person in front of me, "Don't you fucking dare speak in front of her." My heart jumps into overdrive at the chilling edge of his voice. It's cold, clipped, dangerous… even for him.

Whoever you are. I almost pity you.

Almost.

The man cries in guttural sobs as Noè's hands trail up my arms slowly, making their way past my breasts to my throat. I bite down on my lip as his finger teases the wide scar there, "Are you ready?"

I nod. My palms itching to reach up and tear the blindfold from my eyes. He doesn't make me wait long, nor does it take my eyes long to adjust. The basements murder mood lighting is usually dim anyway. I stare down at the pale sweaty man strapped to a chair in the middle of the empty room save for a table of tools I assume is meant for him. Knives of varying size, a handgun, wrench, pliers and a ton of other mundane objects that are meant for nefarious intent.

"Who is he?" I ask my eyes leaving the quivering man for my husband whose cold exterior has given way to something far softer. Something in my stomach churns, forcing my eyes back to the man. The wide horrified look in his eyes, his green eyes…

"Brandon?"

He glances towards Noè as of seeking permission to speak, Noè nods. Spit drips onto Brandon's chin when he opens his mouth, "Olive… Olive it's been a while. I-“

Noè cuts him off sending his fist into the side of Brandon's head. The impact fills the room, Noè brimming with rage as he pants. His fists clenching with restraint. I wish I could say it's been so long since I've seen Brandon's face, that it doesn't still make its way into my nightmares.

That day in the shower feels like so long ago. A lifetime since the night when Noè said those words. Made the vow to lay him at my feet. He did something far better than that. My eyes well with tears as I glance again at Noè, my body trembling as I take a step towards him. Kissing him deeply.

This is my gift. Revenge and what a wonderful gift it is.

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