Page 82 of Coercion

Preston

By the time I get to the bar, I know Nico is going to be pissed. I left without so much as goodbye, I stormed out the place and for anyone who chose to look I’m sure they saw my wife over my shoulder, as I clearly marked my territory like some sort of neanderthal.

Inside, the place is a hive of activity, like something is about to go off. I grab one of our lackey’s as he’s strolling past.

“What’s going on?”

“Our supply got hit.” He says. “Last night. Did you not see your phone?”

No, I didn’t. I haven’t looked at it once. I was too busy revelling in the memories of what it felt like to finally claim my wife.

I jerk my head for him to piss off, chastising myself for acting like a bloody lovesick idiot as I pull my phone out to see the multiple messages and missed calls.

“Where have you been?” Noah asks, coming up to me, looking just as fraught as everyone else around me.

“Busy.” I say. Not a lie. I have been busy, busy fucking my wife.

“Nico is looking for you. He’s been asking for you for the last hour.”

“Where is he?”

Before anyone can answer, a fist comes flying at my face. I stumble back, grasping my jaw.

“You fucked her.” Nico snarls. “You fucked my goddaughter.”

I draw myself up, preparing for the inevitable backlash because there’s no point in denying it. “I didn’t do anything she didn’t want.”

He slams another fist into me. Again, I stumble. All the men around us fall silent, watching this sudden display.

“I told you she was off limits.” Nico growls. “I told you she was untouchable.”

“She’s my wife.” I snarl back. “Did you really think I wouldn’t do it?”

His eyes widen. He launches himself at me and though I’d dearly love to defend myself and fight back, that’s not really an option when it’s Nico Morelli beating the shit out of you.

I raise my arms, protecting my face as best I can while taking blow after blow.

“We had an agreement, Civello.” He shouts.

I don’t reply. I just grunt as each blow lands.

“How long did it take, huh? How long before you got your cock wet?”

“Like you wouldn’t have done the same.” I snap back.

He pauses, staring at me with a face full of fury. “I would not…”

“You fucking liar.” I snarl. “Look at you with Eleri. Look how you were.”

“That’s different and you know it.”

“How is it? How is it different?”

“Because she’s not twenty one fucking years of age.” Nico says, curling his fist, slamming it into my rib cage.

“Yeah?” I spit back. “And from what you said, if you hadn’t met Eleri, Ruby would be your wife now. Tell me, Nico, tell me you wouldn’t have fucked her then.”

He shakes his head, stepping back. “You…”