When I pulled away, I could see just how dark her eyes were, and knowing she was affected by me, like how I was affected by her, was hot. She was so fucking hot. She licked her lips, and I looked away because I knew I couldn’t control myself.
My daughter was right there, and I needed to get better control of the situation. Clearing my throat, I prepared their plates before making my own. I leaned over and cut up the chicken pieces for Aofie, and she thanked me before digging in.
Elena reached for her fork and knife and dug into the poultry, stew, veggies, and other assortments Fiona had made for us.
Enjoy, mo ghra amhain.
We ate silently, excluding Aofie asking for water or some more french fries. Elena didn’t mind helping her, wiping her mouth, or moving her bangs out of the way. It was such a warm sight to see Elena tending to Aofie, and I knew it was her nature to be kind and sweet.
She didn’t have to show up, she could have thrown a fit and made a scene, but she didn’t. She chose to be respectful because of my daughter and showed up so as not to upset her. My eyes traveled over her arms, and the fork tightened in my hand when I remembered the bruises.
Fiona informed me of them when I sent her to talk to her, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I wanted to know who touched and hurt her and if they were still alive. Whoever it was wouldn’t die a merciful or peaceful death.
I’d break every single fucking bone in their body before cutting them into tiny little pieces. They’d die a brutal death for thinking they were allowed to lay a finger on my wife, on my woman. No one would ever hurt her in my care or protection, and I’d die protecting her.
I’d die for her, kill for her, and do it without a second thought. She didn’t dress up for dinner, but I didn’t mind. If she was comfortable, then I couldn’t care less. I love how her hair looked down in its wavy state more than I enjoyed seeing it wrapped up in a bun. It was like she was hiding from me.
Her clothes were baggy and didn’t showcase her body, making me wonder if she was insecure. If she was, she didn’t need to be. Surely, God had taken his time with her. Her body was created and molded as if he used the finest silk, the softest cotton, and everything else that was beautiful in this world.
She was made of rare beauty and elegance that every other woman lacked. It was like God conjured Elena from the feathers of angels. My eyes were greedy, and I had forgotten about the meal as I stared at her. I couldn’t pry my eyes away.
You could have a gun aimed at my head, tell me the room was on fire, and I still wouldn’t stop looking at her. Then, as if sensing my eyes on her, she looked away from her plate and turned to look at me.
What ?
You’re so beautiful. You take my very breath away, mo ghra amhain. I answered her honestly ; if she looked stunned or taken aback, she didn’t show it.
She didn’t even look at me long enough for me to understand how she felt. Instead, she looked down and ate as if I hadn’t said anything.
Daid, am I beautiful, too ? Aofie asked.
I stood and went round the table to where my daughter was sitting.
Of course you are. Finish eating ; then, I want you to brush your teeth and get into bed. I’ll be there to tuck you in and read you a story.
Okay.
She gave me an enthusiastic nod of her head. I kissed her forehead and skimmed my knuckles against her cheeks. I left the table and walked outside to where the pool and patio were.
Pulling out a cigarette, I tucked it between my teeth and barely lit it before my phone rang. Sighing in frustration, I yanked my phone out of my pocket and answered it.
Igor, my friend, what can I do for you ?
Roman tells me you were most successful with your wedding. Congratulations. His voice was firm with a deeper baritone.
I exhaled the smoke and leaned my head back on the wall. Thank you. How is your daughter ? I hope she and the baby are well and in good health.
They are.
I’m sure you didn’t call me just to congratulate me. So tell me, what it is I can do for you ? I asked.
The Polish Mafia are small but very determined to cross limits and boundaries that are not theirs. He explained.
I hear they have a strong man leading them. Maybe that is where they get their courage from.
There is a difference between courage and stupidity. He clarified.
How many Polish men are estimated ? Less than a thousand ? I asked.
More or less.
Whatever you need, Igor, you have my support, I reassured him.
Tomorrow, come to my place-seven in the morning. I will be waiting. We will discuss details then.
Of course. See you then. I hung up and dialed Liam’s number. Igor wants to talk about ridding the Polish out of Henderson. Tomorrow be at my place at six.
In the fucking morning, Oisin ? He groaned irately.
Yes. See you. Do not be late, Liam.
I won’t, cousin. I’ll see you.
Good night.
I ended the call and shoved my phone into my pocket. I finished the cigarette and tossed it on the ground before walking back inside. To my surprise, Elena had cleared out the table and was in the kitchen cleaning up and doing the dishes.
Leave them, I said.
She narrowed her eyes at me and set the plates down.
No, that’s rude. Fiona cooked. The least I can do is help clean up. Instead of barking orders at me, why don’t you help me ?
What do I get for helping you ? I teased.
Nothing. You don’t get a reward for being a considerate human being. Maybe you can do one good thing today since you ruined my wedding and killed half of my brother’s men.
I ruined your wedding ? I scoffed. So, you wanted to marry that old Italian pig ?
She hid her grimace well but not well enough. I could see right through her facade.
I did want to, actually. You think because what ? You know my favorite flowers or that you were a complete fucking stalker, you know me ? You don’t know the first thing about me, and you never will.
Every iota in my being clenched tight at her words, and I fisted my hands to the side.
Stalker ? I chuckled menacingly. That’s the tip of the fucking iceberg, wife. You have no idea what I’m capable of. I spared your brother’s pathetic life for your sake and your sake only. If I wanted the Great Don to die, he would’ve died the second I fucking stepped foot inside the church.
He endangered your life by not taking extra precautions, and he was selling you to a scum-fucking-bag that would have abused you and raped you into submission. So long as I’m fucking concerned, I did you a goddamn favor. I know deep down you know it. I don’t care if you choose to admit it to yourself or not.
That’s not my concern, Elena. My concern is for you and your safety. Here in this house, on my land, you’re safe and well-protected, and as long as I’m breathing, you always will be.
So go ahead, Elena, throw your tantrums and swear up and down at me, but know I don’t give a fuck. Not a single one. You’re mine. You’ve been mine, and you’ll always be mine. End of fucking discussion.
Elena
Oisin’s personality could be categorized as an unhinged person on crack. After his screaming speech last night, he stormed out of the kitchen, leaving me with the mess in the kitchen and an even bigger mess in my head. I didn’t know what to make of anything.
First, he shoots up my wedding, kills I don’t even know how many men, including Marcelo, forces me to marry him, kidnaps me, and is now making me live with him in his house against my will. It didn’t make any sense.
My rational mind couldn’t even begin to fathom a single thing. I couldn’t, for the life of me, wrap everything around my mind. Why did he kidnap me ? Why was he stalking me ? Why was he obsessed with me ? I mean, it had to be an obsession.
Some maddening infatuation that he had for me, but why ? Out of the entire population of Nevada, why has this man latched his Irish claws on me ? Not only was he obsessed with me, but he had redone my room for my comfort and remodeled his entire kitchen for me.
I redid the kitchen for you. I know you love to bake and cook.
If there is anything missing, will you let me know ? I’ll buy it for you.
Fuck him because I do love to bake and cook and fuck him because the kitchen was a dream, and I wanted to live in it. I wanted to bake, let my thoughts disappear into nothing, and focus on something that brought me pure joy.
I was also not very keen on bumping into Oisin because as much as I hated him and hated everything he did, he was right. I knew he was. His saving me was a silent dream, and I should be thankful to him.