CHAPTER SIXTEEN

DALIA

I didn't expect it to go well, obviously, but when Domenic promised he'd be safe and we didn't hear screaming, I became hopeful, only to have that optimism crushed like a cracker under my shoe. There has never been a time before today that I lied to my brothers. It's not a good feeling. I'm furious with the way they behaved. And if I'm honest with myself, I'm pissed at myself and Aries for forcing me to do this.

"Damn it, Dalia. We got back an hour ago and still you haven't said a word to me."

Grabbing my purse, I walk to the stairs, I stop without turning to look at Aries, "You know what? I don't have anything to say to you. I just lied to my brothers for this farce of a goddamn marriage. You mean nothing to me and I mean nothing to you. Yet, I told my brothers the exact opposite. I said I didn't know who they were anymore, but the truth is I don't know who I am."

ARIES

Fuck. None of this is getting me closer to finding Sierra. And I don't want to hurt Dalia, that was never the goal. After calling to check on my mom, and listening to her cry for twenty minutes, I decide to head upstairs to my angry wife. The woman that thinks she means nothing to me. The truth is she was never supposed to. However, she's quickly worming her way into whatever is left of my fucking black heart. I snort as I laugh at myself as I make my way upstairs. I've heard about it for years. They call it the Dalia Effect, like she has some sort of powers like a fucking witch. The theory is that she is pure-hearted like her mother and has this ability to draw you in, calm the wildest of beasts, and create peace all around her. Although that didn't happen tonight. Perhaps her brothers are immune to her charms, or it's all bullshit. She's not a goddamn mythical creature.

I step into the bedroom, which I designed myself so it's perfect to me, although I find myself wondering strangely if she likes it. The walls are painted a light gray. There's a tall dresser on the one side of the room, espresso in color, with two matching end tables on either side of the bed. A large armoire and a television that drops down from the ceiling. However the most beautiful thing currently in my large bedroom is her, my wife.

I find her laying in my bed with a scowl on her face. The moon shines through the window, creating a near glow on her crown, and she looks like a beautiful twisted angel. She has the blankets pulled up to her neck, her dark hair is splayed all around her, and those green eyes stare at me with pure fury.

I don't say a word to her. Staring back at her with a smirk, as I drop my clothing, I grip my cock in my hand and she squeezes her eyes tight, no doubt attempting to shut me out. Stifling a chuckle, I climb into the bed behind her, happy to find that she's only wearing a t-shirt and panties. Wrapping my arm around her, I pull her into me, "No," she says quietly.

"Yes."

After moving her hair off her neck, I press my face into her skin and inhale that sweet floral scent before dragging my lips up her neck.

"Aries, no. You said you wouldn't."

I chuckle against her flesh, "I said I wouldn't fuck you unless you wanted it. I never said I wouldn't hold my wife and kiss her when she's upset."

"Is our marriage even legal?"

Turning her over to face me, I stare at her with surprise, "Is that what you think, Wife? You think this is all fake?"

Her lashes flutter as she raises her gaze to mine, "Isn't it?"

I run my thumb down her cheek because there's something about her, there's this constant need to have my hands on her, "Not by a longshot, Dalia. Our marriage is legal."

My pretty little wife rolls her eyes at me, "That doesn't make it real, Aries."

I tell her honestly, "I didn't intend to care about you, but I do. That's real."

She blinks quickly like she's trying to stop the tears from falling, "Are you still planning to let me go after you find her?"

Nodding slightly, I say, "I am. Dalia, I don't go back on my word. Ever."

Closing her eyes, she whispers softly, "What if I don't want you to?"

"It's okay to give me your body and let me make you feel good, baby, but keep your heart. Don't let me near it because I'll only destroy it. This marriage has an expiration date. Nothing has changed."

Dalia is quiet for a few minutes before responding, "I understand. I'm really tired, I need to go to sleep."

DALIA

I said I couldn't possibly fall in love with him and I don't know what I feel for Aries, but the thought of never seeing him again makes my chest burn. Am I falling for a man that feels nothing for me? I think I am, and that makes me the stupidest woman ever. He forced me into marriage, raped me our first time together, made me lie to my brothers to save them, and is turning me into someone I hardly recognize. Yet, the thought of him telling me I can go, and walking away from him, devastates me. I'm so conflicted because I don't want to feel anything for him but the truth is, I do. When he finds his sister it'll be the best day of their lives, and my worst.

Aries is an absolute sex fiend, so I was surprised when I turned over and he didn't try anything. He just held me, which only made me feel worse. His arms wrapped around me provide me with comfort I didn't know I needed, until I wake up from a nightmare in the middle of the night, trembling with fear, as my eyes dart around the room. I clutch my pounding chest as the realization dawns on me that I'm in Aries' bed. I'm not back there again. The sadness of being alone nearly swallows me whole. I've always been alone. What the hell is wrong with me? For my entire life, since I was eight years old, every night is exactly the same. I think happy thoughts when going to bed, hoping that will change the outcome even though it never does. Then I'm back there again. Sometimes watching while my mom gets raped and beaten. Sometimes it's me being pummeled by violent men grunting while doing things to me no eight year old should ever experience. It always ends the same. Me laying on top of her chest crying, "Mamma! Come back." Then I wake up drenched in sweat and tears. It takes several minutes to catch a true breath after experiencing panic for I don't know how long. Yet, with Aries I have never had a nightmare, except now that he's not here.

I turn to my side and grab my phone, finding a text from Aries, I open it.

Aries: Good morning, Wife. I got a text from your brother telling me to meet Benji about my sister. I didn't want to wake you since you looked so peaceful. Please make yourself at home.

A smile crosses my face, because somehow I just knew they'd do the right thing. I text Dom because that also feels like the right thing.

Me: Thank you. You're officially my favorite ogre.

Dom: You're welcome. You have the uncanny ability to make me see the difference between right and wrong. That and Giada yelled at me for three hours after you left. You should probably thank her too.

After a quick shower, I got dressed and made my way down to his kitchen to make coffee, and hopefully find something for breakfast. As I sip my hot drink, I smile again before frowning. If Benji is helping him that means he'll find her soon. I'm sure of it. That means this thing between Aries and myself is nearly over.

"You can go back to your life and pretend you never met me."

Normally I talk to Giada, Kat, or Natalia about shit going on, but I can't this time because I have no doubt each of them would tell their husband whatever I would say. It doesn't upset me that they'd tell their husbands for two reasons. One, they tell them everything and I probably would too if I were in their shoes. Two, they would be concerned about my well being. I mostly get that. But the end result I can't handle. I'd never see Aries again because he'd be dead. When this started, I agreed to this sham of a marriage because I didn't want my brothers to end up in prison. It was about their safety, protecting my family, but now I'm more concerned about Aries. I'm not sure I even believe he'd have ever done anything to put my brothers away, but at the time I didn't know that. I could be wrong about him but I don't think I am.

This entire situation sucks but, of course, I want him to find his sister. I know all too well what she's probably going through right now. The hell that she wants to desperately escape but knows there's no way out.

Benji has been working for my brothers for years. That man could find a needle in a haystack and I have no doubt if anyone can find her, it'll be him.

I realize I don't have a car and I need to get to work, so I text Aries, who surprises me with a quick response.

Me: I need to go to work and I don't have a car here.

Aries: What time?

Me: I need to leave in an hour.

Aries: Not a problem, Wife. Andre will be waiting outside for you. Let me know if he's inappropriate, at all.

I roll my eyes at my phone before texting him back.

Me: I'm sure it'll be fine. It's too bad you and my brothers don't get along. You're all overbearing ogres.

Aries: Tonight you'll see exactly how overbearing I can be.

I want to stay mad at him but I can't. While I'm still not pleased about things, I find myself giggling over his last message like a stupid teenage girl.

Me : I'm not afraid of you. I hope you're having a good day.

Aries: I'm jonesing, baby. Send me a picture to get through the day.

Me: What kind of picture?

Aries: Preferably one without clothing.

Again, I roll my eyes and giggle at his insanity.

Me: I'm already dressed. You missed your chance.

Opening up my camera app I take a picture of myself and send it to him.

Me: This will have to do.

Aries: Fuck, Wife. Are you sure you have to work? I'll be done in an hour and I'd love to stay inside your tight pussy all day.

Me: Shocked emoji. Mr. Lombardi, you're filthy. And yes, I have to work.

Aries: Mrs. Lombardi, you love it.

Yeah I do, but I'm not going to tell him that. With a stupid grin on my face, I get a quick breakfast of toast and orange juice while I finish getting ready for the day.