Page 52 of The Reaper's Bride

“I know that. I’d just like to be informed about things that involve me in the future, like Matilde being sent away. Spending my days with only your stepmother to share this house with is… not ideal.”

He chuckles wryly while ruminating on that. I snuggle up even closer and won’t mention that he’s hugging me to him as if he craves the closeness, too. “Are you unhappy being my wife?”

My brow furrows, and I carefully touch his chest. “No, I’m not unhappy...”

“I sense there’s a ‘but’ coming in that sentence.”

“I wish I had a purpose.”

He rolls to his side to face me, studying my eyes in the dark. “What do you mean? You are my wife.”

“I’m your trophy wife. A tie to strengthen the Trio. A plaything for you to bed.”Your bride for a brother.

“I don’t see you that way.”

“Yes, you do.” He scowls, making me laugh. “I don’t believe it’s yourintentionto see me that way, but you do.”

His scowl deepens, and I flick his nose to lighten the mood. “Only you could get away with doing that.”

“The Reaper may be terrifying, but he is strangely patient with his little wife,” I whisper, loving that he’ll allow me to tease him.

“Tell me what you want, Caterina,” he huffs, half amused and half annoyed.

“I realized part of the reason I was angry over Matilde leaving was I was jealous of her having a job.”

“Being married to me is much different than Matilde being the daughter of a soldier from Palermo. Shopping trips, visiting parks or museums with Armando are one thing, but you know I can’t just send you off to unprotected places every day. It’s too risky. I may be feared in Vegas, but there are men every bit as brutal as me here, men who are my enemies.”

“I know, but I would enjoy having a task or responsibility. It doesn’t have to be every day. It could be something useful to you and the Trio… as long as it’s nothing illegal.” He’s trying hard not to laugh at the contradiction. “Alessio, I want a purpose beyond being Mrs. De Luca and raising children and hosting parties like my mother would expect. I don’t even get to host parties here because Bibi does that. And neither of us want children yet.”

I expect a rejection. Instead, I feel his warm hand at my hip. “Let me think about it. I’m sure we can come up with something that is safe, legal and fulfilling for you after Sofia’s wedding.”

My smile can’t be contained. All my life I’ve been kept safe in my golden cage and longed to fly. I’m shocked he’s evenconsidering giving me a key. “Thank you, thank you!” I squeal, burying my face in the crook of his neck.

The hand on my hip drops down to my bare butt. “Don’t thank me yet. I may decide to let you do all the dirty work for me.”

“I won’t torture anyone.”

“You already torture me every time you suck my cock.” I giggle and he starts stroking my ass, his fingers coming closer and closer to their goal. “Did the dresser make your ass sore?”

I nod against his chest, my heart starting to race with fresh anticipation and excitement when he works his other hand between my thighs. “Very sore. It might need to be kissed.”

“Oh, I’ll kiss more than just your ass, wife,” he murmurs, crawling beneath the covers to drive me wild yet again.

28

Caterina

“I don’t understand. I thought you’d be flying to New York with us.”

Alessio’s father is standing nearby but he cups my cheek regardless, a rare display of tenderness outside our bedroom. “It’s just a day. Urgent business can’t be ignored even for my sister’s wedding preparations. Tomorrow, I’ll join you. Maybe even in time for Frankie’s audition.”

Just last night, he’d jokingly called the trip to New York our honeymoon and I’ve been looking forward to it so much but arguing will not change my husband’s responsibilities nor endear me to my father-in-law who gave them to him. “Tomorrow,” I say, echoing his promise. “I’ll see you there, and let us pray Frankie has an excellent audition, and Carlo and Sofia’s wedding is free of any tragedy.”

Alessio smirks and kisses my forehead. “You can do the praying, kitten. I doubt any prayers of mine would be answered.”

The car slips into traffic a few minutes later, and I expect a silent ride to the airport. Frankie is going to meet us there so I’ll have company for the flight at least. Valdo fears his father, but he also craves his attention whenever he can get it, and Bibi rarely wants to talk to me.

“I’m glad we have a moment to chat,” Bibi says a moment later. I smile pleasantly, hoping this will be brief. “I know things may seem more lax here than in your father’s house, but I’d appreciate it if you would think of Valdo in the future.”