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“I pray for your soul,” Chiara muttered. “Don’t have one, but cheers.”
beautiful things didn’t want to be reminded of the ugliness in the world.
“While we’re at it—don’t open the door if I seek you out at night. Only let the devil in if you’re prepared to let him drag you into hell.”
The facade of an insentient child was slipping almost as fast as my patience for this marriage.
“Did you find everything you were looking for?” he cooed. “She found a husband who owns the entire neighborhood,” I answered on her behalf. His gaze jerked to me. Recognition flashed in his eyes, and his face drained of color. “Y—yes, sir. Of course. I was just trying to be polite.” Gulping, he pushed our shit faster into grocery bags, forgetting to scan half the items. “Being too polite to my wife might be hazardous to your health.” “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t realize…” “Stupidity is not an excuse. This is your first and final warning.”
Remember—if she’s uncomfortable, I’m uncomfortable. And if I’m uncomfortable…” He trailed off, casually leaning a shoulder against the wall and exposing the gun in the holster beneath his tailored peacoat. “Everyone gets real uncomfortable.”
“Got something to say to me, wifey?” I offered my middle finger and an angelic smile. He tipped his head back and laughed humorlessly. “How much of a pushover can you be, Lila? I make your decisions for you, I take away your will, your words, your bleeding freedom. I took that whore’s number.” He pointed upstairs. “I’ll keep pushing your buttons until you break, because I refuse to play dumb like the rest of your family. Your brother took out my eye but make no mistake—I can still see through your bullshit.”
“What was my purpose?” “Making my wife yell at me.” He tugged his wallet out of his breast pocket, pulling a wad of rolled cash and patting her cheek with it. “Here. Use it to buy some self-respect.”
“I’m an excellent marksman and a terrible enemy. Go to sleep, sweetheart. Nothing can hurt you now that I’ve laid claim on you.”
“Don’t be mad at him when he gets angry that those walls are tumbling down. The debris must be a bitch.”
“Protecting you is a compulsion at this point. I’d stop the night from falling if darkness scares you, Lila.”
“You’re a horrible person.” “Yes, but I’ll make a damn good husband if you let me.”
I’d gladly burn for this woman just so she could feel the warmth of my flame.
“I love you with a force that could destroy planets and universes, Lila.”
