Duchess Trilogy: Book 1: Mafia

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Truth of the Past

Aubrie's POV

The sex with Ryan was my first time and it was unforgettable. It did hurt a little in the beginning, but we took our time with it. The burning passion for one another, the feeling, the movements, the closeness of skin... It was purely magical for my first time.

I opened my eyes to feel around for Ryan, but I felt a cold, empty bedspread next to mine. I sat up and realized it was just me in our bedroom. Confused, I went ahead and went to the bathroom to take a shower and get dressed for the day. Once I finished, I headed downstairs towards the kitchen. I ran into the familiar Castellano guys and Janja sitting along the bar of the counter space, discussing the possible location of Carmine's Capos. Janja turned to see me and began to grin ear to ear.

"So... how was the date, Aubrie?" She says in a curious and teasing tone.

I couldn't help but blush hardcore from Ryan and I's night. "It was wonderful. I was hoping to say something with Ryan around. Do you all know where he is?"

"I haven't seen him this morning," Janja said.

Suddenly, I felt warm arms wrapped around my stomach, hugging me from behind. I smile, knowing it is him. I turned my head to be able to kiss him, to which he leaned in and did so sweetly.

"I'm right here, my... Fiancée." He says happily. Then Janja and the guys cheered and congratulated both of us. She then pulled out some champagne from the fridge and opened it all for us to drink a round of toast. When we finished our glasses, John walked in, confused about the celebrations. We told him the news, and he nodded happily.

"A happy congratulations indeed, eh? A salute, my friend!"

We then all shout together in unison, "A salute!" And take another drink of the champagne.

"Well, let us not get too carried away," John stated as he was removing his jacket and hat. "I got some news at the hand of Carmine and his pals. Word has it they were trying to get into one of the family's wine cellars on the outskirts of town. Another fella of mine even said they are trying to get a wine business going and changing their family name."

"I doubt nobody knows the name of the family, huh?" Ryan asks.

"The rumor is that they bought property title from the Royal Blackwood family, and a gentleman is keeping them in hiding. But until they are confirmed, then we can't go snooping on the family just yet." John states as he takes a drag from his cigar and walks to the outdoor playground outside of the kitchen.

We all nodded in agreement that it wasn't the best time to go anywhere at this time. I then walked around the bar and served myself some cereal for breakfast as they continued with their plans.

Janja walks away from them and comes to sit and eat beside me. "It honestly has been challenging finding these guys, but we will get them soon. I'm sure of it."

I nod, believing her words, then continue with my cereal, listening to the conversation.

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Ryan's POV

A month later...

It's been a month since my proposal to Aubrie, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Yeah, it was a little sudden and very early to be offering a proposal this soon into a relationship, no less even on a first date, but I just wanted her to feel safe. But since a month ago, I haven't been able to keep my hands off of her. I love how she has been the same way with me, too.

This weekend begins finals week for Aubrie, and she was a bit stressed about it all. So to let her have her space, I went undercover with Janja for the weekend to see if we could find any clues to the Blackwood family. Janja knew a friend through the Blackthorn family and was insisting on visiting Queen Mary from the Kingdom of Wales. It was a long journey through the plane and car, but we finally arrived.