His Tesoro (Empire of Royals, #1)

by Emilia Rossi

This had been a shit day on top of a shit week on top of a shit month.

The priest cleared his throat, and she gave an annoyed huff before saying, “I do.” Fuck, that was… cute. It was almost enough to make me smile.

“Matteo is thirty-eight,” Romeo continued. “Old fucker.” Angelo snorted. “And how old are you?” Romeo flipped him off. “Thirty-seven,” he answered begrudgingly, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Her eyes crept down my bare chest before snapping back to my face, and I felt the inexplicable urge to lift something heavy.

“Stealing is wrong,” Sofiya said seriously.

I needed to get laid, or I was in serious danger of making a move on my wife.

“You know, some men buy sports cars when they’re having mid-life crises. Or a private jet. They don’t go ambushing Albanian safe houses for the thrill of it.” “I already own a private jet.” I set off towards the small house ahead, a lone light in the window the only thing illuminating the way. “Oh, he’s practicing his comedy routine now,” Romeo huffed.

“A woman at poker night?” But at my scowl, he cleared his throat and quickly added, “It’s about time.” I crossed my arms. “Don’t take the cookies away from me,” he pleaded.

I managed to stay in my office for forty-three minutes. Forty-three minutes of agony, my skin itching knowing that Sofiya wasn’t upstairs. There was no reason for me to feel this way, no reason for me to feel the need to know she was safe and waiting for me. Sienna told me I couldn’t trap my wife in the apartment. I didn’t want to trap her. I just needed her to be within reach at all times. I slipped into the wheelchair store unnoticed by all except Angelo, who lifted his chin at me as I moved behind a tall display. I didn’t want Sofiya to know I was here. I wasn’t even sure why I was here.

The more I watched her, the more I wanted to be close to her. For the first time in years, I felt the urge to take time off from work. I imagined spending the day with Sofiya, going outside with her how she wanted. But I had responsibilities. I needed to find an interpreter for the girls to see what information they had, and check in with Franco, who was monitoring the Albanians’ movements. But for some reason, my feet weren’t moving to the door.

“But you’re tired,” he said. I cocked my head. “How do you know that?” He crossed his arms. “I know everything.” He sounded so grumpy I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.

“These Mafia men are so dramatic,” Sienna said, spinning back towards me. “And they say women are the emotional ones.”

“You are my wife and I’m your husband. You’re in pain, so I’m going to fix it.”

A wave of overwhelm washed over me, and I couldn’t stop myself from leaning forward and resting my head on his chest. I was so tired and my meds hadn’t kicked in yet. “I’m so confused,” I whispered. Matteo’s arms wrapped around me, and he pulled me closer. “Come on, tesoro. I don’t like seeing you in pain.”

“You have to take care of yourself. Or I’ll be forced to do it for you.” He traced a finger across my shoulder. “But maybe I wouldn’t mind that.”

It was physical attraction, nothing more,

I should leave her and go to my own bed. She wasn’t supposed to be anything to me. Just a player on the chessboard in this game Rustik and I were playing with the Albanians. But for some inexplicable reason, I didn’t want to leave her. My body moved of its own accord, lying down beside my wife. Maybe I would stay for just a few minutes to make sure she didn’t wake up and need something. It would be very inconvenient if she woke me again with a loud crash. It was logical to stay. I wasn’t sure what logic made me pull her against my chest and wrap my arms around her, but when she let out a contented sigh, the knot that had been in my chest all night eased completely.

Apparently Mafia Dons didn’t have streaming subscriptions. Probably too busy being scary and murderous.

I hadn’t planned to return to the apartment until Sofiya was asleep, but as each minute ticked by, I grew more and more restless. I wasn’t restless because of her. It had been a long day, that was all, and I wasn’t going to let my wife keep me from my own fucking home.

“I asked Angelo if I could go to your shooting range. I want to keep my skills sharp. Wouldn’t want to turn into one of these bozos.” She waved at the TV. “Bozo?” I raised my eyebrows. “However will they survive such an insult?”

“No.” “Meanie.” “You have got to work on your insults.”

“Dr. Amato is sooo nice.” “Simply delightful,” I said dryly. “Do you like her more than me? She’s really pretty.” I huffed, running my hand through my hair. “Go to sleep, Sofiya.” “Wait, but do you?” she asked, lunging forward to grab my hand. I sighed. “No, tesoro. I don’t like her more than you. Now goodnight.” I forced myself out of her room, pushing down the tiny voice that told me I should have stayed.

“Romeo and I were racing,” she said. “I crushed him, of course. Oh! And we practiced some moves. Look what I can do.” She wheeled back onto her back tires, a huge smile on her face. But I was on the verge of a fucking heart attack. Images of her losing balance and crashing to the ground flashed before my eyes. “Stop that,” I growled, running to her side and forcing her back on four wheels. She stared up at me with an adorable pout. “It’s too dangerous. You’re going to hurt yourself.” “But I looked good, right?” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “You always look good, tesoro,” I muttered.

I might do just about anything to ensure she was always as happy to see me as she’d been this evening. And the thought scared me shitless.

Then I hopped in the shower and jacked off—definitely not fantasizing about my wife the entire time—until

I cursed myself for moving too slowly this morning. I’d missed watching her move around the kitchen like she belonged here, in our home.

I blinked, trying to remember what we’d been talking about. I honestly wasn’t sure I could remember my own fucking name right now.

She leaned back into my chest with a smile and I tightened my hold on her. Just to make sure she didn’t fall.

“Why the fuck would you rather be stuck on some alien planet than meet Bigfoot?” Angelo asked. “I said I would only choose it if they were sexy aliens.” “Sexy aliens?” “Read a book, Angelo. Alien romance is very big.”

Just then, the apartment door opened and I heard the sound of pattering feet before a dog popped its head around the corner. It was a beautiful golden retriever with bright eyes and a wagging tail. And he was wearing a service dog vest. “Oh, hello.” I said as the dog walked over to me and laid its head on my lap. “Where did you come from?” Matteo strode into the kitchen. “I see you’ve met Noodle.” I gave Matteo a bewildered expression. “Noodle?” “They said we couldn’t change his name,” he said, sounding put-out. “But he was the best they had. Passed all his tests.” I looked back down at Noodle’s service dog vest. “Are you saying…” I trailed off, not wanting to speak the words out loud in case I was mistaken. “This is your service dog.” My lips parted. “You got me a service dog.” Matteo crossed his arms. “Yes.” My husband looked as stern as ever, but inside my heart was melting. “What? Why?” “Getting a dog was on your list, and I figured you might as well get one that’s useful.”

“Is he supposed to be on the couch?” Matteo asked, frowning. “You’re going to say no to this face?” I squished Noodle’s cheeks between my hands and we both stared at Matteo with big, sad eyes. “Fuck,” he muttered, running his hand through his hair.

“You are not teaching Noodle to attack people.” The dog in question wagged his tail, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as he looked between the two of us. Matteo ran his hand down his face. “Not with that fucking name I can’t.” I grinned. “Noodle is perfect the way he is.”

“Aren’t you the best boy? My sweet little baby.” “He’s not your baby,” Matteo said, crossing his arms. “He’s an employee.” I snorted as Noodle lay his head in my lap. “I think someone is jealous,” I whispered conspiratorially as I stroked his soft fur. “I’m not jealous of a dog.” I held my hand out to my husband. His brow furrowed in confusion, but he took it, and I pulled him down beside me. He sat with a huff, unbuttoning his suit jacket. I held my breath as I rested my head against his shoulder, ready for him to pull away at any moment. But he didn’t. He just shifted on the couch cushion and put his arm around me.

Her smile was brittle, and she wasn’t quite meeting my gaze. My heart pumped faster, each thump sending a shock of pain through me because I caused that, and nothing in the world was right when my tesoro was sad.

A smile transformed Sofiya’s face, and I wanted to burn it into my mind forever.

Maybe I could convince her to go to a nice restaurant. Somewhere impressive that showed how I could care for her. Her hand slipped into mine, and she leaned against my shoulder. I froze at the unexpected contact, desperately wishing I wasn’t wearing this suit jacket. I wanted to feel the heat of her skin against mine.

“You wanted a plain fucking hot dog with ketchup?” “Yes,” I answered primly. He slowly shook his head. “I’m not sure I can allow that, tesoro. I’m pretty sure it’s the law that hot dogs must be served with mustard and relish.” My heart skipped a beat. My husband, the Mafia Don, had just cracked a joke. “Good thing my husband isn’t committed to following the law.” I kept my face serious, but I felt like singing, dancing, pumping my fist in the air, especially when the corner of Matteo’s mouth twitched. “Fine,” he huffed.

“Do you think…” I started before trailing off, suddenly nervous. His hand cupped my cheek, his thumb caressing my jaw. “What is it, tesoro?” “Could we try holding hands while we walk?” I hadn’t had a chance to really test out my motorized assist outside, but I only had to steer with one hand when I used it, leaving my other one free. Matteo’s hold on my face tightened a fraction as some emotion flashed over his eyes so quickly I almost wasn’t sure it was real. He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to my forehead. Then he straightened, took my hand in his, and we made our way through the park.

I’d spent all night trying to make up my mind. My hand had been on her doorknob twice before I turned back. Even though Sofiya and I had been together all day, it somehow wasn’t enough.

It had been too long since I’d fucked someone. That had to be the reason for my current mental state.

I rubbed at my chest even though I knew the strange tightness wouldn’t dissipate until I was back with Sofiya. One of my soldiers had betrayed me. A vital shipment of weapons was gone. Arben was making me look like a fool. But what I was angriest about was that it had pulled me away from my wife. I wouldn’t get to see her get up this morning, looking all messy and rumpled. And for that, the Albanians needed to die.

The fact that he had saved my wife’s life today was the only thing keeping me from chopping off his fucking hand. I wanted to be the only one she touched.

“Don’t argue,” I said, giving her a stern look. “You won’t win this one.” “I’m glad you know I’ll win most of our arguments,” she said primly. Fuck. I almost felt tempted to smile as the elevator ascended to our apartment.

“What are you doing, tesoro?” Could he hear the way my heart pounded at the term of endearment? “I’m… leaning.” “Leaning?” “Yes,” I said. “Okay. You lean all you want.”

“I’ll take being shot at every day if it leads to this,” I said, snuggling deeper into Matteo’s embrace. His hold on me tightened. “Don’t fucking joke about that.” I ran my nose down the column of his throat, surprising myself with my boldness. “Who says I was joking?” He sighed. “How about I promise to hold you every day if you promise not to get shot at?” “Deal.”

“What else do I need to be careful of?” My heart felt like it was going to burst at his care for me, and I couldn’t stop myself from leaning in for a kiss. “I’m not sure,” I said, a little breathless. “Just don’t freak out if I dislocate something.” He frowned. “You will not dislocate anything.” “I’m not sure you can command that.” I traced my fingers along his jaw. “But I’ll try my best.”

I felt that strange twinge in my chest I now realized was emotion.

“I’ll give you what you need. But one day, you’ll know that the safest place for you to be is in my arms.”

“There’s no rush. We’ll take all the time you need.” My aching cock begged to differ, but I was going to make this good for her, even if it killed me. I would erase the feel of any other man inside her, ruin her for anyone in the future. She was mine.

“Are you alright? Am I hurting you?” She closed her eyes and shook her head, taking deep breaths. “It’s okay. You just feel really big.” Her eyes popped open as if she could sense my smug expression. “Don’t even start with some toxic man crap.” I kissed the tip of her nose. “I would never.”