Unknown Territory [Mafioso Book#3] (SAMPLE)

Chapter XI: Stephen with a Ph.D

On this particular night, the couple lay sleeping when the bedroom door swung open silently. The footsteps soundless as they stopped at the edge of the bed before the person jumped on the two. The suddenness had Nicole wake up with a scream as Salvatore grabbed his gun, a second scream joining in the cacophony.

Turning on the lamp, Salvatore held the gun outstretched before recognizing the face before him.

"Goddammit," He heaved a breath and put the gun down with a clang. "Fuck you, man."

Nicole looked at the man before her who had a messed up wavy hazel mane and dark brown eyes as he wore vision glasses, a stubble sported on his jaw and a wide grin on his lips.

"Salvi!" He squealed in delight, tackling her husband as they both went toppling off the bed and onto the floor. "I missed you, baby!"

Leaning over the bed, she saw the other man wrapped around Salvatore like a koala and stroking his hair, an exasperated smile on her husband's face as he patted his back.

"Missed you, too," He admitted with a fond look as Nicole couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the words.

After a couple of minutes of lying on the floor, the two men stood up, dusting off when the stranger caught sight of Nicole seated on the bed and looking at the two in amusement.

"Why hello there," He purred, sitting down next to her and taking hold of her hand. "My! What a delicate ring. Befitting for such beautiful hands," He placed a kiss on the back of her palm and Nicole couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when she noticed her husband shaking his head.

"Aren't you going to introduce us, Salvi baby?" The man asked, snuggling closer to Nicole as she looked at Salvatore in fright at the blatant actions of the man.

"Well, Nicole, meet Stephan Finch, my friend-"

"-Best friend, baby, don't mix it up." Stephan intervened, still caressing Nicole's hand.

"My best friend since high school," Salvatore shook his head with a chuckle. "And Stephan, meet Nicole..." He trailed for a moment.

"His wife," Nicole finished for him with a broad smile and pulled back her hand.

Stephan looked at her for a moment, staring at her unblinkingly before standing up in haste. He grabbed hold of Salvatore's hand, seeing the silver wedding band around his finger before looking back at Nicole's emerald ring.

"You..." Stephan choked out, pointing between the two. "You got married, and didn't even tell me? Much less fucking invite me?"

"Stephan-" Salvatore tried to explain.

"I was supposed to be your best man! You promised! You ass, you said I could be best man!"

"It was a small reception,"

"A reception, nonetheless!" Stephan exclaimed, flailing his arms. "What a great man you are! You always keep your promise! What happened to this one, huh?" He demanded, shoving at Salvatore's chest.

"Stephan, listen to me." The taller man tried to reason. "Can we talk about this in my study, hmm? You can say whatever and lash out, but please, not my room."

"In your study? You want to do this in your study?"

"Yes,"

"Fine." Stephan seethed. "Come on then!"

With that the other man walked out of the bedroom and towards the study leaving Salvatore to stand by his bedside and pinching the bridge of his nose, sighing before he turned towards Nicole.