"I'm not marrying someone he picks, so calm down."
"I'm calm."
"You're presenting calm, but you're not calm." She giggles, her body shaking against mine. Now that does calm me.
"It doesn't matter what he wants. In this, he has no say."
"You know my father, right?" I know him better than she does, at least the darker side to him. I know what the man can do to a person. I've witnessed it firsthand. Dario is the one who trained me how to do it. "I don't want there to be this big fight. Like I said, I'm happy and excited right now. The last month has been rough. I want to enjoy this before everything once again turns into a mess."
"Are you saying you want to keep this between us?" I think that's what she's getting at. Cosima nods. I hate that she’s askingthis of me. I’ve waited for what seems a lifetime to have her. I want everyone to know that she’s mine.
"Please?" I don't want to, but it’s not just about what I want anymore. We do need to find a way for this to come out without everyone losing their shit. Cosima might be mine, but I have a great deal of respect for Dario and Rochelle. If not for them, my life would have turned out differently.
"How about we make a deal?" I'm an asshole and willing to do what I need to keep Cosima.
"What kind of deal?" She eyes me suspiciously, as she should.
When it comes to her, I’m willing to play dirty.
Chapter Seventeen
COSIMA
This is going to be hard, but I think it is possible. I glance over to Z, who is driving. I can see the tension in his body. Okay, maybe not. I would almost laugh, but it’s not the time.
“You good?” I reach over, placing my hand on his thigh. It’s nice to be back stateside. There is no place like home. We got off the plane a few minutes ago and are heading in the direction of the farm.
I know my father kept asking Z when he'd be back home. Z has always come and gone, living two separate lives. One he keeps to himself in a world I don't understand, and then there’s the one he has with our family. Both lives carry a heavy weight.
“I’ll be good.” His concentration on the road is fierce. Too fierce.
Z has always been the most laid-back of everyone, or has appeared to be. Right now if anyone were to see him, they'd know something is going on, but he might be letting it show now because it's only him and me. I know it’s ridiculous, but I like that he’s letting me see him in a more vulnerable state.
“Are you sure?” I slide my hand over to his cock, rubbing him over his slacks. I hate how tense he is.
It doesn't matter how many times we go at it, we're both already ready for more. And trust me, we've been all over each other for the last few weeks, forgetting about the rest of the world.
“Cosima,” he warns, as if that would stop me.
“We’re married,” I remind him, hoping that will help ease the tension. It's crazy to think that. I'm not only married but pregnant too.
Us getting married had been what Z wanted. He said it would give him a level of peace. I wanted it too, of course. I mean, I’ve dreamt of being Z’s wife for as long as I can remember. There was no question in my mind, so giving him that peace was easy.
I’m just hoping it will last once we decide to let everyone know about us. Even after we tied the knot, he still seems to be on edge about it. Does he truly believe my parents will try to tear us apart? I don't think they would, but you never know.
It could cause a ripple effect through the family. A family I think Z isn't sure would stick by him in the end. My father holds loyalty in high regard, and he could see this as a betrayal by Z.
The wedding was quick and took place on a hillside in Italy, but it was sweet, nonetheless. It belongs to only us.
We married with just the two of us and the officiant and her wife. I haven't told Marks or Tova. They are going to be pissed if and when they find out, but right now, I want to be in this moment with Z. For us to start our lives together without having to worry about outside opinions.
Plus, Tova has announced she is pregnant. I'm not stealing her moment. She and my brother deserve the attention.
"You took your ring off." Yeah, he hadn't been thrilled about that. I wear it on a chain around my neck, tucked under my shirt, to keep it near my heart. He's been equally annoyed about taking his ring off too.
He got all huffy about taking it off on the plane. That was freaking adorable.
"Our marriage is more than a ring."
