ILLICIT DESIRES | 18 +

Chapter 56

NEXT DAY

ROMAN

Yesterday was the Best Day of My Life.

I saved Rita's mother. I proposed to Rita. I fucked Rita — until she moaned a yes.

She was too happy, too overwhelmed by her mother's return, to say no anyway. I knew that. That's why I didn't wait. I detained the moment of bringing her mother back to propose.

A little selfish, I know. But all I want is her.

I want to keep her safe. I want to make her mine. I love her with an unquenchable intensity that thrives on madness. I fucking go mad without her.

Peace — a fragile, cloying thing — settles in me, knowing I saved her mother and my siblings before Antonio could wreak havoc on them all.

Now, she won't look at me with rancid blame. She sees me as her mother's savior, not her potential executioner. Her regained trust in me is important, and I want to keep it whole — without shredding it again.

That's why I spared the insufferable man I still call my brother. I want Rita to know she can rely on me — that I am forgiving when it comes to family.

I take my phone, exhaling smoke profusely from my nose as I smoke. Weed is just the best shit in the entire world, after my little flower.

"Patricia," I say to the head maid.

She was inducted into my service after a rigorous background check. Every iota of compassion I had left was expunged by betrayal, so I verify everything now.

No one leaves my household unscathed after a betrayal. Those who try — dissipate quietly from existence. It's written in their contracts: lifetime loyalty in exchange for lifetime abundance.

"Tell my brother to come see me," I say.

"On my way, Mr. Esposito," she murmurs.

Moments later, he knocks. I tell him to enter.

"You're a lucky son of a whore," he hums, sinking into the chair opposite me.

I smirk. "Now, why would you think that, brother?"

"You've always had a predilection for charming your way into women's cunts," he says, studying me. "And now you've landed on wealth thicker than Antonio's dick. So, what's next?"

"I'm going to marry her."

He frowns. "Marry her? You already have the fortune. Why? Because of the baby?"

"Not only because of the baby," I reply evenly. "But I want equal rights — as a father, as her partner."

He waves a hand, dismissive. "You'll probably get them. She's already... unsteady."

Yes. Society looks at her with pity now — queasy eyes full of sympathy. She's been denigrated, reduced to gossip and shame. But I won't let her wallow in that.

"She's my family," I say. "Her decisions matter. Always will."

He narrows his eyes. "You really love her?"

I smile. "I'd die for her."

He sighs. "If I'd known, I'd never have handed her to Antonio. Thought she was another fling."

"She's not a fling," I say. "She's soon to be my wife. Treat her as you treat Mia — with respect."

"And she's ready to marry you... after everything?"

I grin.

"Why are you grinning?" he asks, frowning.

"I just fucked her yesterday and made her moan a yes."