KINSLEY

My metallic embroidereddress left little to the imagination, showing off my arms, thighs, cleavage, and stomach. Nick stands next to me by the entrance, engrossed in a conversation with a businessman. I link my arm through my husband"s, waiting patiently for their talk to end. I yearn for a discussion about medicine instead of how Nick can persuade Governor Magarelli of New Jersey to install a traffic light at some intersection near his house.

Imagine my surprise when I learned Dillon Magarellis brother Dominic was the governor. Looks like the Magarellis run the state. And have a lot of mafia influence in the city of Newark.

Wendall is very knowledgeable when it comes to the mafia. I also asked him if he was a gangster. He said if something were to happen, he'd jump into assist without hesitation. Yup, definitely a gangster moonlighting as a butler.

I scan the expansive ballroom, taking in every detail. The ornate ceiling boasts intricate gold carvings on each block, while cream-colored moldings separate them and draw your attention to their exquisite design. Twenty sparkling chandeliers, reminiscent of those from centuries ago, hang from the ceiling, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the room. It"s a perfect location for a glamorous gala event.

My husband"s laughter sounds forced, and I can tell his mind is elsewhere. The thought of killing Torrance Aiello consumes him. Ever since he found out that Norah was ordered to kill me at his command. I have no doubt that Norah told her father I posed a threat to her position in Nick"s life. She had always been jealous of our relationship, but she never had a chance with him. After all, Nick saw her as nothing more than a business transaction, which only fueled her resentment.

Lately, Nick hasn"t been sleeping well; instead, he drowns his sorrows in bottles of Jack Daniels in the entertainment room. I"ve had to help him up the stairs to our bedroom the past couple of nights. He needs to pull himself together, but it"s hard for him to let go of the past. He blames himself for everything that has happened - someone tried to kill me, our child was murdered, and I was sexually assaulted. It is his mafia life that was the cause of the mayhem.

Nick hasn't kissed me or tried to have sex with me. Now that he knows about the sexual assault, he probably looks at me like a wilted flower. A chill darts up my spine. The vile assholes tainted what was once his.

Maybe he had second thoughts about our union. He didn't know he was getting a used-up version of the woman he fell in love with.

After he finishes speaking to the businessman, we stroll to the bar for whiskey, where he'll ultimately start another night of drowning in his sorrows.

"Nick, we don't have to have babies," I blurt out in a whisper shout over the soft ballad the band on stage is playing.

"In five years, I'll be on my way. If two and a half years is better, I won't hold it against you. Go back to the agency and find another wife," I say.

Kinsley, why are you saying this to him? You know you're falling madly in love with him again. Fuck, this is why I didn't want to be intimate with Nick Pitucco. Yes, I knew I had to have sex with my husband. Having sex with a stranger would've been easier than a man I had deep feelings for. The way he used to look at me was all-consuming.

His jaw ticks. It looks like I've gotten under his skin. He takes my hand, walking with wide determine strides. I jog in my metallic stilettos to keep up. He enters a private bathroom and locks the door behind us.

Nick picks me up and plants my ass on the exquisite black marble countertop.

His hands land on either side of me, caging me in. His jaw is still tight.

"Did I make you feel unloved?" he asks.

His green eyes are a darker shade now as they stare into mine. Do they turn that shade when he's mad?

"You don't look at me the same. There used to be a glint in your eyes. It's like now you feel sorry for me."

His forehead lands against mine. "Baby, I apologize for dwelling on what happened. Kinsley, you almost died because of me."

Butterflies soar in my belly.

He kisses my nose. "I don't love you any less. I love you more. You're a strong, resilient woman."

A smile tugs at my lips. God, I love him.

"We don't know each other anymore. Or not in the same way we did. We'll have date nights at home for now just until I can take care of the problem. As far as us starting a family... Mrs. Pitucco, you will carry my babies. We'll work on that tonight. I plan to kiss every inch of your body. Hopefully, I can alleviate some of the pain your attackers caused."

"You started the process the other night. Healing me. I had been celibate because I was raped. I tried dating, but it didn't work out. With you it's different. You know how to please me."

My hands come up, framing his angular jaw. "You work so hard to please me."

I lean in, pressing my lips against his. Nick takes over hungerly feasting on my lips."

His large palm grips my ass.

I break our kiss and peer up at him. "I still have feelings for you." I inch two fingers together. "Just a little."

He chuckles. "I know you do. Come on, beautiful. We're here on business. I also have a few friends I'd like you to meet."

We mingle with more of the high-powered guests. I'm on my second cocktail. I don't want to drink too much, or I'll tell the man I'm still in love with him.

I am beginning to understand that when Nick withdrew, it had nothing to do with me. Solving the issue at hand was all he focused on. That is likely how he handled problems when he lived on his own. However, from now on, things will be different.

The band plays another soft ballad while the guests mingle.

A group of people approach.

The man leading the group pulls Nick into a bro hug. "Good to see you."

"Dillon, it's good to see you too," Nick replies, stepping back.

In my head, my brows shoot up because I think the woman he's with is his wife Sierra. The smile on my face is pleasant. But wait, what if it isn't Sierra? Men cheat in this mafia underworld.

"Dillon and Sierra, I'd like you to meet my wife, Kinsley."

It is her. She's beautiful. Her gray eyes match her husband's. Her long, coily hair is pulled up into a messy yet elegant bun. She's a tall woman. Her husband is only a few inches taller than her.

I shake Dillon's hand, then Sierras. They look good together. Her skin is a pretty honey brown.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," I say.

The rest of the group steps forward. I'm introduced to Dominic and Carmen Magarelli. Wow, I'm meeting the governor of New Jersey. Carmen's pretty brown eyes light up as we shake hands. Her caramel skin looks so smooth.

I shake hands with Luca and Lexis Esposito. Lexis has skin the color of chocolate with almond-shaped brown eyes. Her husband looks at her like the sun rises and sets on her ass. I love that.

Next, I shake hands with Marco and Emoni Esposito. Emoni's silver gown draws attention to her ample bosom. Her warm, dark brown eyes hold mine. Her mahogany complected face is done up, but I can tell she doesn't need to wear a stitch of make-up. Her husband looks like the king of bad guys with the tattoos peeking out from the collar of his gray suit.

Lastly, I smile at Tony and Nadine Magarelli, the hitman and hitwoman of the Magarelli crime family. Her brown eyes light up when she remembers me from her boutique. The gold gown hugs her frame, making her mocha skin look radiant.

The guys all have an edge about them with their olive complexions, sexy, chiseled faces, and muscled bodies. Dillon looks like he has a fitness gym in his house. He's so buff.

"Kinsley, it's good to see you again. I had no idea why you needed the one-of-a-kind dresses. I hope they're serving their purpose."

"Well..."

"Oh, they are." Nick answers for me, caressing the small of my back as he plants a kiss on my temple. A flush of heat warms my body. He's getting me excited. He knows what he's doing.

Nick gives the group a quick run-down on our history. It appears the men knew about me, but the women didn't. That makes sense.

"I would imagine we have a lot to talk about as far as rules go in our world?" Sierra says.

"Yes," I reply.

"My mother has a rare disease. I need money to create a cure. A lot of money. Nick chose me because of our past. I signed the marriage contract to save a life. Every chance I get, I'll research."

"I remember when we met Faye mentioned you researched often," Nadine says. "Carmen's the other person I spoke of. She loves research."

Carmen smiles.

"Maybe she'll be willing to help. That's if her husband will share her with you." Nadine glares at Dominic.

He glances between me and his wife. "Let's see. Save a life or hog my wife's time." He appears to actually be pondering on which action is more important.

Carmen smacks his arm. "Dominic," she warns.

"Babe, I'm just kidding. Of course, I choose to save a life." His hand gruffly runs over his bearded face like he really doesn't.

"I'm willing to part with my wife two to three afternoons a week," he says.

Sierra snorts. "Dominic's super obsessed with his wife, so two to three afternoons away from her is huge."

Laughter bubbles around the group.

"Hey, I don't have to have all of her time. Did you forget I run the great state of New Jersey?" Dominic reminds the group.

"And how many times do you FaceTime her a day?" Lexis asks.

Dominic points a finger at Lexis. "Hey, people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Your husband keeps you locked in a castle." A shit starting grin lifts the corners of Dominic's lips.

Luca rolls his golden-brown eyes. "Do you always have to go there?"

"Yup, every time," Dominic says.

"As much as I look forward to my wife having fun on the upcoming girls" trip, I look forward to the couples" retreat so I can have my wife all to myself." Dominic presses a kiss to the crown of Carmen's head.

She giggles.

They're going on a girls" trip. Sounds fun. If I didn't have so much going on right now, I'd hit the road with Faye and Shaylee.

Your life is different now.You can't hang out with them unless you can keep them safe.

I push down the sadness and meet Carmen's gaze. "I don't want to impose. You probably have a full schedule."

"I love research. Especially new research. I've found a few cures in the past few years."

"That's remarkable." I beam.

"Sunday night we can come over and talk about the other stuff," Emoni says.

"I'd like that. A lot." I grin.

Nadine pulls me into another hug. "We're adding more black girl magic to our circle," she gushes.

I instantly feel accepted. And I look forward to getting to know the ladies.

***P***

Nick pulls me into his arms on the car ride home.

Earlier tonight, Nick had donated three hundred thousand dollars to charity.

After we ate dinner, I had felt a set of eyes on me from across the ballroom. Only Nick"s friends know I'm his wife. He didn't introduce me as Ms. Pitucco to anyone. Now that I think about it, he only introduced me as his date. I'm sure that had been done to protect me.

But I feel someone knows I'm back in Nick's life. Specifically, the evil bastard Torrance.

"I love you, Kinsley. Know that I will die to protect you," he murmurs in my ear.

"Nick, don't say that." My lips graze his chin.

"Kinsley, I need you," he groans.

My heart slams against my ribcage. "Nick, I need you too."

He taps the button raising the partition.

"I need to touch your pussy," he growls.

I gather the fabric of my dress and tug it up my hips.

Nick pulls me onto his lap and slides his hand into the front of my jeweled thong. He clenches my earlobe between his teeth.

"I'm thrilled to have you all to myself forever." He slips two fingers into my soaked pussy, pulls them out, and pushes them into his mouth.

I watch as he sucks my juices off his fingers.

"So fucking good. Your pussy has always been my weakness, Kinsley."

I don't waste time reaching behind my back, unbuttoning his gray slacks, and stroking his dick.

"I knew you'd know what to do," he says.

He circles two fingers over my clit, bringing me to the edge of my orgasm.

I stroke his cock faster.

"You better fuck me like you used to. No holding back, Kinsley."

"No, holding back," I repeat his words.

"I'm going to squirt all over your face," I moan between kisses.

Nick"s voice interrupts our passionate moment.

"Beans, are we almost home?" he asks urgently.

"Yes, sir. Pulling into the driveway now."

The second the Rolls-Royce comes to a stop in the garage, Nick whisks me out of the car and into the house.

My arms curl around his neck as I suck on his perfect pink lower lip.

"Mrs. Pitucco, I'm hard as steel."

I nip at his lower lip again. "You always are for me."

The look of vulnerability on his face touches my heart. This man still only has eyes for me. As soon as we're locked away in our master bedroom, we shed our clothes.

"Fuck me good, Nick."

With a swift motion, he tosses me onto the bed and our fingers intertwine above my head, locking us in a heated embrace. Tonight, I crave the raw passion we shared before I knew the cruel truth about him - that he was a ruthless mafia boss. The thought only adds to my arousal, knowing the power he holds and the danger that surrounds us.

I stroke his throbbing cock between us and spread my legs open for him eagerly.

His rough hands caress my breasts, igniting a fire within me as his lips trail down my neck and towards my hardened nipples.

"Nick," I cry out, lost in the pleasure of his mouth on my body.

He takes one mahogany bud into his mouth, sucking and nipping at it until I"m arching off the bed. My fingers instinctively tug at his silky, jet-black hair, urging him on.

But he doesn"t stop there. His lips continue their journey across my belly, pausing at the scar that serves as a constant reminder of the danger that comes with loving him. "The bastards hurt my baby," he growls, anger seeping through his voice.

Tears well in my eyes.

"You're mine, Kinsley," he whispers fiercely against my skin.

His nose nuzzles against my lavender-scented mound, a fragrance he loves. Yes, I'm putting forth effort to make my husband happy.

He spreads apart my folds with his thumbs and sucks on my clit until he's sending waves of pleasure coursing through me. I squirt all over his face as promised. My legs shiver uncontrollably.

"Nickulas," I scream out in pleasure.

"This pussy only belongs to me," he growls possessively. "It should"ve only ever been mine."

My heart aches for us. Years ago, we had to go our separate ways, but now we're together again. This time as husband and wife.

Soft kisses press against my second hole, the one that had been violated so brutally.

"I'll kill them all with my bare hands," he says between heated breaths. "For hurting my woman."

I run my trembling fingers over his sculpted shoulders,feeling the anger and love radiating from his body.

"It"s okay now, Nick," I whisper, trying to soothe him.

But he isn"t satisfied until he has worshipped every inch of my body with tender kisses and caresses.

Nick hovers over me and buries his face in my hair as he slides deep into my pussy. I bite down on his neck, claiming him as mine.

As he circles his cock inside my walls, he stares into my eyes with love and adoration.

Each thrust sends tremors of pleasure through my body.

I stroke his face, overwhelmed with emotion. "Nick, I love you," I gasp between breaths.

His smile is one of pure satisfaction as he pulls me off the bed and carries me to the wall across the room.

With delicious force, he slams into me, driving me wild with desire. He"s always been addictive to me, but luckily he"s my husband and I can have him whenever I want.

"I"ve never stopped loving you, Kinsley," he whispers in my ear, planting soft kisses along my cheeks.

My hunger and need for him only intensify as I place one leg against his chest. Nick holds the other against his side, giving him full access to me.

With each slow stroke inside me, he orders me to take all of him.

My back hits the wall as I claw at his flesh in ecstasy. "Oh Nick, don"t stop," I cry out in pleasure.

"I won"t, beautiful," he promises, plunging deeper into me until I can"t hold back any longer.

With one final cry, I reach my climax, feeling him release inside me.

"I love watching you come, Mrs. Pitucco," he breathes, his voice filled with reverence.

I smile up at him, hoping we made a baby together.

Sunday morning, Nickcarries me outside to the gray sofa in front of the pretty heather gray fire pit. There's a breakfast buffet lining the decorative slate stone.

"Who cooked breakfast?" I arch a brow.

"I did. Remember, I used to cook for you all the time?"

I swipe a strip of bacon off the tray and chomp on it. "Yes, I remember." I smile.

He sits across from me, sipping his drink.

"Still drinking iced green tea?" I inquire.

"Yes."

His smile drops. "I have to ask. Do you know when we conceived our child?"

My heart clenches in my chest.

I force a half smile. "Yes, it was the morning you just had to have me. You were really stressed about something. I forgot to take my birth control pills for two days in a row." I rub my brow.

"I had planned to start a new pack. That's why I persuaded you to let me get on top. So I could be in control. But it was like you needed to come inside of me. Despite having a busy day of exams, I planned to stop by the drugstore and get the morning-after pill. However, in the chaos of studying and taking exams, it slipped my mind. I never ended up getting it. When the doctor told me I was pregnant, I knew it had to be from that time. I would've kept the baby."

"I wanted to get you pregnant," he admits.

"The last night we made love, I wished you weren't on the pill so you would've had my child. Then you would've run away with me. But then I said, not my Kinsley. She's too responsible."

If I had known about our baby, I wouldn"t have mentioned it to him. I would have raised the child on my own, without his help. Norah would have been his wife at that time. That vile creature couldn't have been in my child's life.

"Well, I wasn't." I picked up the fork and dug into the scrambled eggs.

He changed the subject. "After I fuck you good in the shower, we're going for a boat ride on our yacht."

I cringe. Not sure I'll ever look at boats the same.

"Nick, I prefer to do something else. The boat ride will only trigger my anxiety."

He releases a long sigh. "We're going out on the lake."

I drop my fork and it clinks against the tray. "Nick?"

He moves next to me. "You're the Captain today."

"Yeah, that changes everything," I say sarcastically.

"If you have a panic attack, I'll be right there. We'll breathe through it."

I give in. "Ok."

Nick wraps his arms around me. "You're not alone, baby. I'm here. You have to let me be there for you."

I exhale and nod against his chest.

Nick does exactly what he said he'd do. He had guided me through the panic attack. And our afternoon became more relaxed.