Page 106 of My Solemn Vow

“They call themselves the Brass Skull Company,” Ian answers. “Ridiculous name but —”

“Well, this is awkward.” I scrunch up my features. “Berto and Gregorio were backing them in a pot-growing operation last year. Berto was pissed when they lost a whole crop because he had a buyer in Canada lined up. But they smoothed it over with a massive amount of absinthe and moonshine.”

“Well, that’d do it,” Royal huffs. “Know what strain they were growing?”

“I have no idea other than it was high-quality pot. That’s not something I knew about. He was interested in using the D’Medici network because everyone knows Italians have run illegal substances since long before Prohibition. If there are no illegal liquor or drug sales...” I laugh. “Well, the joke used to be that it’s because the D’Medicis lost to the Cavanaghs in the truce.”

The irony of it makes me laugh and gets a similar reaction from Royal.

A weight lifts again at the table. They don’t seem concerned with my involvement and are accepting the information.

“I bet his kid goes to school with my cousins currently, and he’s afraid... after, uhm, well, that Berto might try something with his kid,” I say.

“Logical.” Valor nods, sitting back in the chair. “Brass Skull Company starts buying from us because they’re afraid of Gregorio and Eduardo after the deal fell through. It’s a bigger jump to believe the idea that they’d ambush us only to then ask us to pay them to clean it up. Except if they’re cash short and having security worries.”

“Let’s try to confirm this theory with your next victim.” Ian pushes his chair from the table, clearly ending the conversation, and he gives me a smile, “Antonella, it was great to spend time with you. I’m so grateful for you, but this old man goes to bed early. Since Valor will be up late, we’ll keep Kerrianne. The little raptor awakens early.”

“It was good to meet you too.” My smile is genuine. The belonging here in this conversation eased my fears more than I expected.

46

VALOR

NOT THE RIGHT FUN

Kerrianne fell asleep listening to Mom reading. So, after a quick kiss to her forehead and a hug goodbye for my mom, we head back home to deal with the ‘project’ in the basement.

I follow Antonella up the stairs to our bedroom to change. She reaches behind her, arm bending at an awkward angle for the zipper.

“I’ll help you.” I step forward, reaching for her.

She huffs but continues to reach for it. “I’ve been doing this long before you came into my life.”

“Four.”

I salivate at the thought. I had two plans depending on how many ‘infractions’ she earned herself. At four, there’s still a high possibility that I’ll edge her or force her into four orgasms. But more than six, and I’m taking my hand to her ass again.

I get hard no matter which option I think of.

Antonella quits fighting me, and I hold the fabric away from her skin as I slide the zipper down its track.

Stroking her leg at the table, I could feel a seam in her stockings, and maybe it’s wishful thinking, given that lingerie underwedding dresses is usually more common than daily wear, but that seam could mean...

She slips her dress off her shoulders, and it drops to her waist before she lowers it the rest of the way.

Garter belt, garters, and thigh-high stockings.

“Fuck.” She lets her hair down, and it tumbles across her shoulders and down her back. She’s the picture of a pinup cocktease. “Let me see you.”

Antonella turns slowly, her brows scrunched together. “Valor, it’s hardly the first time you’ve seen me in my undergarments.”

“Five. I assumed you only wore them because it was our wedding. It’s a regular thing, isn’t it?” I’m salivating.

I step closer to her, dancing my fingers along the band around her waist.

“What are you counting?” She crosses her arms in front of her chest and leans back.

“Six.” I smirk at her. “Every time you’re a brat, I add one more to what I’ll do to you.”