Page 5 of The Almost One

“Oh, Marco. We don’t need to discuss names, it’s unbecoming.” Translation: the “who” is a possible threat.

“As you saw for yourself, we are most definitely still married and if you hadn’t interrupted us, we’d be fucking right now.” My crude language is intentional, I need to see her reaction to better assess the situation.

Not a flinch. Not a gasp. Not even an eye roll, which would have been completely out of character.

“There’s no need to be so common, Marco. I understand that men have needs, but this is bigger than your little infatuation. Both chapters of our organizations are counting on our alliance to stay strong and in control. This”—she rolls her hand in the air like she’s gesturing to something inconsequential behind her, or someone—“obstacle is not boding well for either of our families.”

Linking my fingers together, I lean back in my chair and stare at Elizabeth until I can sense her discomfort.

“I am married and by law of our traditions, there is no dissolving our union. So I’m not sure why you’re even here, to be honest.” Our vows were promised in blood, there’s no going back from that. But more than that… I refuse to let River go.

“There is one way.” Her words are muttered but I hear them loud and clear. It takes every ounce of my tightly-reined-in control to hold myself back from throwing Elizabeth out of my office and my home.

“Watch yourself. Those are words that can start a war you cannot win.” On the outside, I’m the definition of calm. On the inside, I’m consumed by my rage.

“Hmm, she knows nothing of our protocols. She’s unpredictable and hot tempered. What happens when she can’t handle her duties? What happens when she’s the cause of bloodshed in the streets of our cities? What will you do then, Marco?”

I don’t need to explain myself or my actions. I am the underboss, second only to my father, as the ruler of our families. More often than not, I put some humanity in my job, but when veiled threats are aimed at my wife, all fucking bets are off.

Standing, I place both palms on the unforgiving wood of my desk and lean in as close as I can so Elizabeth can see the determination in my eyes. So she can see there is no changing my mind. Ever.

“We’re done here.”

* * *

Only when Elizabeth has been cordially escorted out of my home does my mind focus on what’s important.

Taking out my phone, I decide it’s time to play a little with my food.

Me:

Are you naked on our bed?

Tesoro:

No

She’s such a little liar.

Me:

Are your legs spread wide enough for me to see your cunt?

Tesoro:

You wish.

I don’t just wish; I know she’s up there naked and ready because this thing between us is too strong to resist.

Me:

Now, play with your clit and get yourself nice and wet for me.

Tesoro:

*middle finger emojis*

Because she can’t see me, I let my grin spread wide across my face. There are five middle fingers on that text message. Which means I get to punish her five times.

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