"He can drive me crazy at times, but he means well."
"You'll never find a husband that way," Aldo Gallo says, picking up his wine glass to take a sip. I'm letting that one slide.
"I don't think Cosima will have a problem finding a husband if she wants one," Tova chimes in.
Aldo’s son is the only one I don't need to worry about. He hasn't glanced toward Cosima except in passing. The man already has a lover he keeps hidden away. It doesn't matter what decade it is. Some of the old fucks from previous generations are firmly entrenched in their beliefs and remain intolerant of same-sex relationships.
Yes, I know all the Gallo family secrets. It's difficult to keep them from me. This is particularly challenging in today's world. Especially when it's me searching for them.
I keep thinking the old man is going to end up dead any day now. I have no doubt Aldo would kill his son's lover. I don't understand why he doesn't kill his own father. I would.
There isn't a soul I wouldn't slaughter if I found them to be a threat to Cosima, family or not. They would die before any harm could ever come to her. I would make sure of it.
"This is why I miss the old days." Aldo sighs. "Women don't want to get married these days. It's my father who had a hand in it."
"I strongly disagree." I fight a smirk; the old fuck has now pissed off my wife. "We want to marry; we just want to marry the right man. One with loyalty. We all care about loyalty, don't we?" Cosima gives the sweetest smile that is anything but sweet. It does make my cock harden slightly.
"More importantly"—War raises his glass to his sister—"I trust my sister to pick her husband, so whoever wants her hand will have to earn it."
"I couldn't agree more." I lift my glass too before taking a sip.
The server brings in the first round of food, everyone falling into conversation. A few men try to pull Cosima into discussions, but she keeps her attention on Tova. I reach under the table, putting my hand on her bare thigh.
Cosima's dress has been a distraction all night. One I needed. She's breathtaking as always. I give her thigh a squeeze, drawing her attention to me. I nod toward her untouched food, which elicits an eye roll from her.
"Watch it," I warn.
"If anyone should watch it, it's you." Cosima picks up her fork, taking a bite of her salad.
My wife isn't wrong. I need to remember to keep my anger in check. It won't do anyone any good, but it's still bubbling up inside me. Two men at this table have a clear intent to pursue Cosima.
It makes me want to pull out my gun and blow their brains out for the mere thought before laying Cosima across the table and fucking her. She'd part those lush thighs for me, knowing she belonged to me.
You'd think with time and knowing Cosima only wants me that it would temper my jealousy, but it hasn’t. I don't think anything can. Especially since no one knows about us. It might lessen it a bit if we weren’t keeping our marriage a secret. That’s not the situation we’re in, though. I'm even growing hostiletoward her father and the idea he thinks he has some say in Cosima's life. He doesn't. In fact, he lost that long ago.
The rest of the dinner goes off without any outward problems. They are still stacking up inside of me, however. Sal's whole demeanor and the words he said earlier are sticking with me. I can’t seem to shake them.
“Anyone else want a cigar?” Dario asks the table, standing. There is a mumble of agreements.
“Cosima, will you come to the kitchen with me?” I hear Tova ask her.
“I don’t know, kitchens and I don’t get along too well,” she says, making Tova laugh. I stand at the same time as her, my hand going to her hip. I lean my mouth to her ear.
“Be a good girl,” I tell her. Cosima licks her lips.
“Or what? I get a spanking?”
“That, and no one dies.” Her brows lift.
“Z—”
“I’m not joking.”
“Well, this dress is white, and I love it, so please don’t do it near me.” Cosima tries to lighten the tension. It’s not going to work, but I don’t want her to stress over me.
“That dress was never going to make it through the night.” A small giggle leaves her.
Damn, do I love that sound. Normally, it soothes me, but tonight, that is not the case. All I can think about is anyone threatening to take those precious sounds from me.
