Tainted Vows | Book 1 'Til Death Do Us Part Duet | Mafia Romance | 18+

Chapter 14

Hello Kittens,
How are y'all?
I've been procrastinating. Yep. There I said it. Hence, it took me almost two weeks I think to write.

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Liliana

My lips tingled.

They throbbed.

Stung.

Yes, stung would be the relevant word.

Fortunately, not a solitary soul witnessed the ravage in my lower lip since the cut is on the inner side. Not that it is huge, a mere scrape perhaps, - still gauges as a warning.

Absentmindedly, my hand flew on my lips. A hiss breaking out. The area near the bite is still tender zapping the electricity towards my core as I memorized the kiss.

The bite.

Dominic could have pecked; rather, he preferred violence.
What did I expect?
Roses and unicorns?
An unladylike scoff fled at the ridiculous notion.
That was like him.
Dangerous.
Violent.
Merciless.

"May I have the honour of the first dance?" My father-in-law's, James' voice cracked in startling me from the reverie, his wide-open palm waiting.
Smiling at the older replica of my husband- who is not in sight, I took his hand. He guided me to the centre of the room filled with people's buzz.

Now, everyone's eyes on us.
On me.
The bride.

"I believe you know how to waltz," James whispered as he took me in arms, we both standing at a respectable distance.
"Only the basics, Uncle James," I supplied exhaling a shaky breath. I wasn't a good dancer. His blue eyes tapered letting the wrinkles rise at the end - signs of getting older.
"I'm Dad now, am I not my daughter?" He lent pressure on the 'my daughter '. As hastily those words evacuated his mouth the cold reality of my mistake crashed in.
"I'm sorry, that was out of habit," I sheepishly smiled.
"Then I suggest, you must change the habit. Starting at this very moment," he answered with a twinkle in his blue orbs.
"Yes, Dad." I swallowed.
It felt strange, bizarre calling him Dad. His chest puffed, the blue glinting softly. An emotion I've witnessed rarely - love.

Before I could say anything, slow music filled in. James guiding me in the steps. He twirled me in a small circle and resumed the waltz. His eyes glistened in fatherly affection. He leads me on the floor gracefully taking small steps so that I could catch up.
I am surprised the former Mafia King knows his way to dance but then again, one in such a position should know everything. My tensed body calmed in the comfort of James and the slow soft music.

But not for too long, the little relaxed moment came to an abrupt halt, James looking over my shoulder with pride. I didn't have to look back on who the person is. His presence screamed bloody murder. The chill in the air rose to a notch gliding down the length of my spine, raising the tiny hair on the back of my neck and concurrent seizing of the giggles and laughter. James lifted my hand kissing it softly twirling me to face the person.
My reality.
My husband.

"She is all yours," James said vacating the dance floor. Dominic gave nothing in his impaling glory. Not even a curt nod.

If only looks could kill, I would be ten feet under the cold stone-hard ground. However, I stayed rooted in my niche aware of my body being immobilized by his piercing stare.
Jutting my chin, smirk plastering on my lips, standing tall I defied him to back down. To walk away.
His eyes zeroed in on my lips. His nostrils flaring. Realisation dawned on him. He knew better. One mistake and the hungry vultures would feast upon.
Take his position.
His throne.
His crown.