Page 29

Six months later...

I ’m only supposed to be walking past the shelter. I’ve an appointment down on the beach and I intend to make it on time. I know only too well the consequences of being late. I do not have a husband who forgives such things.

I can’t resist going inside. It’s been up and running for a while unofficially, but tonight’s the grand reopening. I promised I would help with things, but I’m meant to be having the day off first. Even on my days off, I find myself popping in.

Amelia’s in there at the moment. Her course is finished, and she’s now a fully qualified veterinary surgeon. I tell myself I’m just going in to say hi but I know the real reason.

I want to see her being interviewed by Carol Thompson for Channel 27. “It’s the grand reopening,” Carol is saying when I walk inside. “Tonight’s the night. How do you feel?”

“Great,” Amelia replies. “We’d like to thank everyone who donated their time so we could get the new shelter up and running as fast as possible.”

“You’ve done a great job and I believe you’re going to give us a tour?”

I duck back out. She doesn’t need me getting in the way and I’ve got an appointment to keep. I’m delayed again on the way to the beach when I run into Caroline and Eddie. They both put hands on my bump. “How’s it coming along?” Eddie asks.

“How’s yours?” I reply, putting my own hand on Caroline’s bump. “Kicking you like crazy?”

“Starting to. I’m glad the morning sickness is over.”

“Me too. Dino had to do pretty much everything for the first couple of months.”

“Did he complain like Eddie does?”

“Never said a peep to me.”

She shoves Eddie in the arm. “See, that’s how a couple should be.”

Eddie sticks his tongue out. “You didn’t marry me for my mild-mannered attitude. You married me because I’m a real bad boy.”

Caroline laughs. “Who got rid of the spider from the bathroom this morning?”

“That’s not the point.”

“And who squealed when he saw a mouse outside the diner last week?”

“Also not the point.”

“I’ve got to go,” I say, leaving them to it. I glance at my cellphone to check the time. Now I’m officially running late. He’s not going to be happy and I’m going to pay for it. I can’t help but smile.

I get to the beach and there he is, sitting on the bench overlooking the harbor. He doesn’t look that different at first to anyone else brave enough to come down here in the cold of late fall.

It’s only when you get closer that you see the cut of his suit and how damned tall he is. That makes him stand out no matter where he is.

I glance around me. A few people fishing. Some more metal detecting over in the corner by the cliffs. A few hardy souls out surfing and body boarding.

No one looking my way. No one knows how powerful my husband is. Not one. Only me. I know exactly how powerful he is. I’ve got the bruises on my ass to show for it.

He’s Capo dei Capi, running the families from this little coastal town and no one has any idea. As far as the Gianni famiglia is concerned, he’s out of the game and Corrado is running things for him.

They don’t know he’s in charge of every single thing. Every few days he sends out his messages, but the rest of the time we’re building our life together, a simple plain life.

For now.

Not sure how plain it’ll be when the mansion’s finished. At least a year to go, so for now we’re in my place. Feels strange sometimes without my father there. The funeral was very strange.

Celebrating the death of a man I know is still alive and out there somewhere. I even found myself weeping as if he was truly gone. I’ve not heard anything since from him, but I know he can look after himself.

Sometimes I get sad, wondering if I’ll ever see him again. Then I look at my bump and pray I’ll get a chance to introduce him to his grandson. Maybe it’ll happen. Maybe not. I just have to wait and see.

I walk onto the beach and turn so I’m facing Dino from about twenty yards away. That’s when I get the message on my cellphone.

I look down and see the command that’s been given to me. Punishment for my lateness. I have to obey. He’s the only man I will always obey. Except when I feel like misbehaving, of course.

I undo my jacket and unbutton my blouse. With the top buttons undone, my tits are half visible. I know that’s not enough, so I pull them free, leaving them exposed.

I walk slowly toward him, taking my time, my heart racing.

My nipples are rock hard in the cold air and by the time I get to the bench, I’m soaking wet. He looks up at me and nods. “Good girl,” he says, walking over to where he’s parked his car. I follow, trying to ignore the eyes looking my way from the passersby.

When I get to the car, he holds open the passenger door and I climb inside. He gets in and starts the engine, turning to look at me and then down at my chest. “I’m glad you’re willing to honor and obey,” he says, leaning over and licking my nipples one after the other.

I gasp and it’s some time before I can reply. “For better or for worse,” I reply, reaching over and fumbling for his zipper.

He bats my hand away. “You can wait until we get home.”

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Then you’ll be punished.”

“Good to hear.” I reach for his cock again.

We drive away from the beach, leaving the cold sea air behind us. I can’t wait to get home to find out just how he’s going to punish me. One thing for sure, whatever he does to me, I’m going to deserve it.

I’ll make sure of that.