Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34

S elena

Time was a funny creature.

Maybe I was one of those weirdos who believed the ticking clock was like a predatory animal lurking in the shadows, prepared to strike when you were least prepared.

I'd been afraid of time passing for as long as I could remember. Even as a child I'd worried I was going to miss something.

Maybe that's why I'd tried to remain studious, to learn everything I could. Maybe that's also why I'd missed out on far too much, fearful I would lose track of things.

Now it was as if time was standing still, forcing me to face things, many of which had been painful.

Like seeing Valerio's entire world turned upside down for almost a month. Both he and his brothers had been scrutinized in the news more times than I could have imagined. Thank God, Valerio had taped Timothy's confession. And also, one board member was working with the police to clarify any missing points. Still, our world was chaotic at best.

Lies had been fabricated because everyone wanted their fifteen minutes of fame, all three brothers followed. They'd been hounded by both the press and the police alike. They'd become celebrities all over again. At least the tide had finally turned, all three men now considered heroes. Their sexy faces were on the covers of countless magazines as the three most powerful men in the country.

As if that notoriety wouldn't go to their heads. But I had my way of keeping Valerio on track. A smile laced my lips matching the throbbing between my legs.

To my amusement Valerio had received at least ten marriage proposals over the last couple of weeks alone.

Who knew becoming infamous would make you so popular?

Well, then again, his net worth had also been splashed across every newspaper and magazine for the world to see.

As far as I knew, he hadn't accepted any of them. I rolled my eyes as I walked through the kitchen, running my hand across the surface of the preparation island. Everything was stainless steel, high dollar and perfect. I was in awe of the building, the location, and the fact the man I loved hadn't forgotten about our deal. I was shocked he would still do this or would want me to run another business but it was perhaps the most touching thing I could imagine.

And it made me love him that much more.

When I heard a noise, I spun around to face the sexy man, unable to keep a grin from my face.

"Champagne, huh? That's why you didn't bolt inside with me right away?" I asked rather coyly as I sashayed closer. He was so handsome, even in just the way he poured the bubbling liquid.

"I do have tricks up my sleeve still, baby." His voice was low and husky, deliciously sensual and as always, electrified me.

I moved even closer, planting my butt on the counter a few inches away. As I swung my legs, he lifted his gaze. There was something spectacular about seeing the amount of lust in his eyes.

It was funny how I could do nothing but stare at him all day.

Okay, so maybe that was a teensy tiny lie.

Unless he was naked.

Well, then I'd need to wrap my hand around his cock. Or suck the tip.

"I see that. When did you have time to find this place?"

He laughed and lifted the glasses, gently pushing my knees apart before handing me one. "A rich man never gives up all his trade secrets."

"Uh-huh. You are a brat."

"Men can't be brats, cupcake. You know that."

"I know nothing of the kind."

The gleam in his eyes was tempting, a little too much so. I was in the sexy sundress he'd insisted I wear, of course without a bra, and my nipples were already poking through the slender material.

He dropped his eyes, issuing a single growl before lifting his glass. "What do you think?"

Instead of answering right away, I rubbed my palm down his lower abdomen to the thick bulge between his legs. As I stroked and squeezed, he continued making guttural sounds.

"I think someone is way too happy with themselves." My purr was meant to entice him.

"Oh, really? Well, what's wrong with wanting to make my fiancée happy?"

"So, I'm still your fiancée? I mean I watched a couple of those rather risqué vids you got. A couple of the girls were pretty hot looking. Besides, there's no need for us to get married at this point. We solved the mystery. Timothy is facing lots of time in prison, especially since the FBI linked him to a pretty nasty Russian dealer for the poison. My father has agreed to sell you his company. Your brothers have agreed to sit on the newly formed board of directors of the combined firm. You can be the playboy you oh-so want to be."

"Uh-huh. And you're going to be the happy little cupcake business owner?"

I took a sip of the bubbly while giving him a mischievous look over the glass. "Why, yes. And you'll need an appointment if you want to lick icing off this body. Plus, it will cost you a pretty penny too."

"While you certainly can drive a hard bargain, you seem to forget something pretty important," he said in an even, deep voice.

"What's that, boy toy?"

He slowly slipped one strap of my dress down, his eyes never leaving mine. When he exposed my breast, I shuddered.

"I own you. Every. Single. Inch." He brushed his fingers along the outside of my breast, tickling me until goosebumps popped along my naked skin.

"Not according to the contract I signed. I'm still my own person."

"Oh, no. We are getting married and you will surrender to me. But I want more than your body, cupcake." He lifted his gaze once again as he dared to rub his fingers close to my nipple, finally flicking a single finger back and forth across the already hardened bud.

"What's that?" I breathed.

"Your heart." When he dipped his head, pulling my sensitive nipple into his mouth, I was thrown by the dazzling sensations. So much so, I couldn't think straight.

I fisted his hair as I threw my head back, and the feel of his hot, wet mouth was almost too much. He knew exactly how to get to me. The horrible man that he was.

A series of moans slipped past my lips, the fluorescent light above not the reason for the speckles in front of my eyes.

"You are so… bad," I whispered, licking my bottom lip.

"Yes, I am, but you're the one who needs discipline." He pulled away, winking and not bothering to adjust the strap.

In his tight blue jeans and cobalt blue polo, along with his hair tousled from riding over in the convertible he'd just insisted on purchasing for little old me, I thought him the sexiest man alive.

" Moi? Never." I jumped off the table with my glass in my hand, spinning in a full circle before returning to the space in the front. I envisioned the many incredible things that I'd enjoy in the house, the colors I'd paint the interior.

He wasn't far behind, allowing me to take my time. "Is it suitable?"

"Hmmm… I think it might do."

"You brat."

I rushed to him, throwing my arms around his neck. "Thank you."

"A deal is a deal."

"That's not all this is to you. Is it?"

As I pulled away, he sighed. "No, baby. I just want you to be happy. Even if I do expect you to keep up with your duties at the offices."

"Oh, yes. There's that." I was still vice president, although both Braxton and Gage would assume the crucial positions within the expanded company, my father staying on as a highly paid consultant.

My mother was happy.

And I was talking again with my father.

He'd had tears in his eyes when he'd arrived at the hospital, terrified that I'd been seriously hurt. How sad it could take a crisis for families to figure out what was most important to them.

"Now, I have the best designers and contractors on standby to handle altering your upstairs office as well as anything you need. You'll have room for tables over here and here," he said as he walked away from me, pointing to the incredible areas in front of the picture windows. He was right. I would expand with fancy coffees and teas, maybe some frozen drinks for the summer. But my main gig would be the most delicious cupcakes in the business.

"I love it. And I love you."

He seemed shocked I'd said the words, although I had before.

Just like he had, although he'd never admit it.

But I'd heard him when he'd dragged me from the burning car and to the hospital. And several times since. He was a tough man whose armor was hard to break through, but the sweetness and gooeyness inside was exactly what I needed.

And worth the effort of peeling away all those layers.

"You are going to be my wife and not just for a year. Forever. That's it. I won't take no for an answer. Do you understand me?"

Unable to help myself, I saluted him while I answered. "Why, yes. Sir."

He shook his head slowly and advanced like a predator, lifting me off the floor and swinging me around. He'd finally told me what he'd almost done to Timothy, his anger nearly getting the best of him.

I was thankful his brothers had intervened so we could have a future without him in prison.

Although… Timothy was a piece of work. He'd gone to great lengths to sabotage his boss while acting the dutiful employee and learning his craft well.

I had no idea how long he'd been plotting but he'd easily manipulated the other board members through blackmail.

A part of me felt bad for them. The other? Not so much.

They were idiots with dirty little secrets.

I knew it was a tactic Valerio had used and would likely use again. Still, I'd taste the softer side of the hot man.

"You are one beautiful cupcake."

"So," I mused as he let me down. "Where are we going on our honeymoon?"

"To the islands. Where I'll be allowed to play with you for endless days and nights. And when you return, you'll be my submissive completely."

"You have a lot to learn about women, you know."

"And years to do it."

"Do you know what's funny?" I asked, giving him the most heated look I was capable of.

"What's that?"

"I thought I'd made a royal mistake when I accidentally texted you."

"You did, cupcake. And I was lucky enough to reap the benefits."

Valerio

In the whirlwind of the last two weeks after signing the contract for the building housing her bakery, we'd finally managed to get the wedding back on track. While much smaller than previously planned, the intimacy had allowed us to share our special day with those we really wanted near us. My lovely cupcake had been happy and that was all that mattered.

Her mother and father had been there, both beaming more than either one of us could have imagined. Somehow, we were all just one big happy family now.

I felt like a lucky man, more so than I believed possible. I also felt more at peace than I had in a long time, even sleeping nights through.

A part of the reason was time passing.

But the largest part was due to the fact my wife had remained by my side, refusing to allow me to fall into despair. Life had taken many turns, but I felt more in control of my entire world and it was a good feeling.

With all the criminal charges that had been brought against so many people, including Harbour Enterprises, the news had remained abuzz concerning just how powerful the Royal Empire had become.

We were, and we weren't finished yet. The future would be as bright as the stars in the sky.

Here I was getting philosophical again. My cupcake had a powerful effect on me.

With my family by my side, we were going to take the entire business to new heights.

Including of pleasure.

Perhaps spending more time at one of the resorts would serve my marriage well.

I was such an evil man.

She stood by the craps table in her stunning red dress and stilettos, ready to toss the dice again. I couldn't help but marvel in the way she'd attracted the attention of every man in the room not only with her beauty but with her amazing skill.

I moved behind her, ensuring all those hungry men knew she belonged to me. When I pulled her hand closer, I noticed she had the dice. I brought her hand to my lips, taking a quick second to notice we were being watched intently. I heard groaning from a number of the players, all men of course. I kissed her fingers then forced her to open her hand so I could blow on the dice.

"Be careful, baby. You're teasing my guests and you should learn to be very careful when betting all you have."

"I'll keep that in mind, lover boy."

"That's master to you."

I took a step back, marveling in the fact I was a happy man. And we were here in my kinky resort together.

Where I did plan on introducing her to all the naughty rooms one by one.

Maybe more than once.

Grinning, I tried to keep my patience as I sipped on my scotch, watching her more intently than before.

She threw me a look over her shoulder before tossing the dice.

I should have known she'd win again, which meant her giant ego would need to be popped. I knew exactly how to do that.

The crowd erupted, several applauding. She'd won somewhere in the neighborhood of five hundred thousand dollars.

The little vixen.

"Time to go, my cupcake." I nodded to one of my employees. "Jake will cash you out and put your winnings in the safe."

She blew Jake a kiss and I could swear half the men at the table had hard-ons. She said nothing as I grabbed her hand, leading her through the crowd of admirers to a special elevator I hadn't taken her on yet.

Only when we were inside did she finally look up at me, batting those long eyelashes of hers. "So, what are you going to do with me?"

"You'll see. But it will entail teaching you a valuable lesson or two."

"How come?"

"Because you refuse to follow rules. We'll take care of that." Unable to resist, I cupped her chin, first sliding my finger into her mouth and allowing her to suck. But the draw to her luscious lips was too intense and the woman far too irresistible.

I captured her mouth, immediately thrusting my tongue inside, enjoying the taste of red wine and cinnamon. She knew how the combination drove me wild. Tonight was no exception.

But I'd have to practice the art of patience as she deserved a taste of what she believed the world of BDSM was all about.

In an entirely different way.

After breaking the kiss, I guided her from the small space down a hallway. "What are you doing, bad boy?"

"Giving you what you want," I told her.

"And what's that?"

"Patience, my dear girl. Have patience." I finally moved in front of the room I wanted, opening the door slowly.

As she walked inside, I sensed she was taken by surprise. "A real-life dungeon. Complete with torches, a cage, a jail cell, and the most ancient-looking torture instruments. The scent of leather and steel is incredible. I love it."

"Well, that's good since you're going to serve me well inside this room."

"And what makes you think I'll agree?"

"Because I will you command you to do so. In fact, you're going to undress right here. Right now."

She turned around, her heels clipping against the floor. When she placed her hand on my chest, taking her time to lift her pretty little head, I realized I was one whipped man.

My cupcake had turned my world upside down.

For the better.

"Perhaps you're right, but you should remember something." She still had to rise onto her tiptoes, whispering into my ear. When she backed away, my cock was in full distress, her words echoing yet I remained enamored as she peeled off her dress, revealing her nakedness underneath.

My mouth watered.

And her words?

"You are the breath of my life, the light of my world, but never forget, husband of mine. You actually belong to me."

How right she was.

My father had tried to warn me.

Women actually ruled more than the roost.

They also ruled a man's heart and soul.

And I for one felt like the luckiest man alive.

The End