Page 11 of Fragile Union

No one in this world is completely innocent. That’s not possible. Hell fucking no. We all hold some responsibility for the atrocities that happen. I’m not clean, far from it. While I’ve not killed people and I never want too. I don’t want to hold that guilt in my soul. I am responsible for the funding of the Irish Mafia, I’m the one they come to when they need to launder their money. I’m their go to when they need to figure out a way to get rid of real estate, or to acquire some. I know all the men and women’s secrets, even though I didn’t want to. But I would never tell a soul.

I’m not clean. I have my hand so far inside of the organization that I bleed it. But I won’t let it take me under as it has done the rest of my family.

“What are you thinking so hard about?” He asks as he leads us to the penthouse suite.

I decide against telling him that I’ve heard he’s a monster and switch things up. “Now you’re going to be Underboss of Connecticut, will we be moving?”

He opens the door to the suite, but he keeps his eyes on me. “Do you want to move?”

I shrug. “It doesn’t make a difference to me. You’re the one who needs to decide what’s best for you. You’ll be the boss there Rome; you’ll be leading the men. Would it make more sense for you to be close to them or would you prefer to stay where we are? We’re married now and that means wherever you choose, I’ll be by your side.”

He bends at his knees and lifts me into his arms as though I weigh nothing more than a small child. I let out a surprised squeal but hold onto him for dear life. “It’s a two hour drive, so if we did move, it wouldn’t be as though we’re across the country.”

Once he has the door closed, he holds me against him as I slide down his body, his mouth gently touches mine before I pull away, and my nerves start to take over.

I turn away from him and take in the room, it’s huge and so pretty. There’s a beautiful bouquet on the table and some chocolates beside them along with a bottle of vodka. Seems as though Makenna knew what I would need tonight. “You don’t need to decide tonight. But it’s something to think about. It would also mean you’re out of Dante and Makenna’s shadows,” I say looking back at him, addressing his statement.

His eyes narrow in on me and he stalks toward me. “You and your fucking aunt.” He shakes his head, the heat in his words isn’t as intense as the lust in his eyes. “Stay out of my head, Holly, you’ll not like what you’ll find.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “It’s a little bit late to warn me of that, don’t you think? I mean we are married, and you know as well as I do, in this life that we lead, there’s no such thing as divorce.”

He grits his teeth. “Not fucking happening. I’d wrap my hand around your throat and squeeze the life out of you before you even thought about leaving,” he sneers.

I open my mouth to tell him to go fuck himself, but I don’t get a chance. His lips are on mine as his hand goes to my hair, pulling it from the tie that’s held it together all day. My hair tumbles down my back.

“Mine,” he growls as he pushes away from me. “Strip,” he commands, and I stare at him with a slack jaw.

He can’t be fucking serious.

“I said strip and don’t make me repeat myself.” The hardness to his tone is matched by the stony expression he has on his face.

I reach behind me for the zipper to my dress, hating that I’m going to have to bare myself to him. I manage to undo the zipper and the dress falls from my body and pools at my feet.

I stand before him dressed in my bra, panties, garters, and heels.

“Take it all off.”

I swallow hard as I step out of my shoes, I keep my gaze on my dress as I strip out of my underwear.

“Look at me.” He has this authority to his voice, one I’m unable to ignore. I raise my head and meet his gaze. His beautiful brown eyes blazing with hunger. “Fucking beautiful.” He takes a step toward me and it takes every inch of control to stand my ground and not flinch. “You’re perfect, Holly.” His voice is hoarse. “Silky and smooth,” he says as he runs his hand along my thigh. “And all fucking mine.”

His hand spans the base of my back as he pulls me into his body. I crash against him and our lips meet, his tongue sweeps into my mouth and steals my breath. God, why, oh why, does he have this effect on me? Why do I want him so much?

His other hand reaches up into my hair and he tugs, the pain makes me gasp but it’s not awfully painful, just enough to bite. “Lay down, I want to see you,” he instructs me, and I can’t deny him. Not when he speaks to me like that.

His eyes darken with lust as he takes in every inch of my naked body. My heart beats faster as he continues to stare at me, I shift slightly, needing to cover up. His gaze is too intense, his breath hot against my naked body.

“Don’t hide your body from me,” he growls, his voice thick and hard.

I bow my head and rest my hands at my side. The fear begins to run through my body. I have no idea what to expect. I’ve heard losing your virginity will hurt, it’s never good for a woman their first time. But Rome has had plenty of experience and that’s what frightens me the most. He knows what he’s doing, what he likes and what he doesn’t.

What if I do something wrong? What if he thinks I’m useless in bed?

“You have no idea how fucking sexy you look,” he breathes. “Your breasts are the perfect size,” he murmurs as he captures them in his hands. “Your nipples are a pale pink and yet pebbled from the cool air.” His thumb runs across my right nipple and I bite back a moan.

“Tell me something, doll face, will you ignite under me like I imagine?”

His hands leave my breasts and skim down my body. My skin is on fire from his touch. I’ve never felt so turned on in my life. When he gets to my pussy, he licks his lips. “You’re glistening already,” His tongue swipes at my opening and I practically come off the bed, my back bows and I moan loudly.

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