Page 12 of His Violent Vow

Chapter Six

Kat looked at the enormous Colonial-style mansion Angelo called home in silent wonder. Her father’s house was located in the older part of the city.

Properties had been built close to each other. High walls and iron fences surrounded the Marino Mansion, making it more prison-like in appearance.In stark contrast, Angelo’s house sat on a small green acreage surrounded by trees and manicured grass. Kat no longer felt like she was in the city.

“I’ll have the butler move your belongings to the bedroom,” Theo told her.

“Thank you,” she said, nearly forgetting he was there.

“I’ll show you around,” he offered.

“Thank you,” Kat said.“I’d appreciate that.”

Theo introduced her to members of the staff, including the head housekeeper, Maria, who had apparently worked for Angelo’s predecessor, the former Don. Kat knew little about the Vitale Familia history but she was aware that the Don before Angelo hadn’t borne any sons. He had chosen Angelo, one of his most trusted lieutenants, to lead instead.

Theo showed her the rooms of the house. She also noticed some of Angelo’s lieutenants were in residence. She took initiative and introduced herself. This was her life now and she wanted to get to know the important people in her husband’s world. Kat also wanted to make herself useful in some way.

Kat hadn’t completely gotten over the fact that Angelo lied to her when they first met but she was learning to move past it. Her husband could be a potential friend and ally in the future. The sizzling chemistry between them didn’t hurt either.

After Theo finished the tour, he excused himself. He left Kat in the bedroom she shared with her husband. Since Kat wasn’t sure what to do next, she explored the bedroom. It contained a massive king-sized bed with incredibly soft sheets and pillows.

The bathroom caught her interest, because it contained a large walk-in closet. It didn’t escape Kat that Angelo had cleared some space for her. The thoughtful gesture made her smile.

Angelo had lingered that morning so they could have breakfast as well. Her husband, despite his ruthless reputation, could also be unexpectedly sweet at times. Maybe it was Kat’s turn to surprise him?

Her luggage and boxes sat in a pile in one corner, so she decided to unpack. Engrossed in her task, Kat was startled by her ringing phone. Where did she leave that infernal device? After fumbling around for a few moments, she found it on the bed. She saw Angelo’s name flashing across the screen and answered.

“I’m on my way home. How is everything?” Angelo asked her.

He didn’t seem to be in a rush, so she told him about the tour Theo gave her and thanked him for making room for her clothes in the closet.

“How was your day?” Kat asked. It surprised her he answered her, albeit leaving out the more dangerous details of his job.

“I’ll see you soon, Wife,” Angelo said after, then hung up.

Suddenly remembering she wanted to make dinner for him, Kat exited the bedroom. It took her a good five minutes to find the kitchen. Maria seemed irritated she barged in at first, but after Kat explained her intentions, the no-nonsense grey-haired housekeeper gave her a nod.

Maria asked the staff to leave the kitchen, then explained to Kat where to find all the ingredients she might need. Cooking took longer than Kat expected, because she wasn’t used to this kitchen. An hour later, she nearly had dinner prepared. Roasted chicken with potatoes, pumpkin soup, and a chef’s salad to go with it along with some wine, which she chose from Angelo’s cellar. She’d gotten permission from Maria beforehand to look through Angelo’s impressive collection of wines.

“Someone’s been a busy little bee.” Hearing that familiar voice, Kat spun on her heel.

Seeing Angelo, she suddenly felt self-conscious. Kat wore an old shirt and jeans, paired with a messy apron she borrowed from one of the kitchen staff. She intended to take a shower and put on a nice dress before her husband arrived. Kat guessed she lost track of time. Kat ran nervous fingers through her hair. She tied it into a bun earlier, but strands had managed to fall out while she was cooking.

“You made me dinner.” Angelo sounded surprised.

“Should I have not?” Kat asked, feeling a little awkward in his presence.

What was she playing at? Kat stood in an unfamiliar kitchen and house. Angelo claimed what was his was now hers, but it didn’t feel that way, not yet. Kat suspected she wouldn’t feel truly at home here for a very long time.

“No, it’s a pleasant surprise. Come here,” Angelo ordered. The unexpected forcefulness and hunger in his voice took her by surprise. When she didn’t make a single move, Angelo crept closer. He tugged the hem of her apron and pulled her close.

“I’ll get food stains on your suit,” she whispered when their bodies pressed close.

The heat and familiar scent of him washed over her, made her weak in the knees. How could he have so much power over her already, when they were still strangers to each other? No, that wasn’t completely true. After he protected her from that assassin, something between them had shifted. It was like Kat understood him, even just a little.

“I don’t care,” Angelo said softly. He slid his hand up her cheek. She kissed him first, loving how he instantly got hard for her. Kat could feel his erection through his trousers. Angelo gave her arm a warning squeeze, before stepping back. Kat studied his face, wondering if she’d done something wrong.

“Let’s have dinner first, because if we don’t, I’m tempted to throw you over my shoulder and carry you right to our bed,” Angelo said.

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