In the cold hall, Drake weaved his way through. His shoulders were squared, his eyes serious, and his expression cold as ice. At the end of the hall stood three guards, securing a room.
Drake gave them a nod, and one of the guards knocked on the door, announcing his presence. Upon receiving permission, the guards opened the door, letting Drake step inside.
The room was large and imposing, with dark walls. In the middle of the room was a king-sized bed, where a man lay surrounded by three women, their hands and lips shamelessly exploring him.
“What is it, Drake?” Cassian Moore raised his gaze to Drake, his calloused hand squeezing the ass of the woman straddling him. “Care to join before discussing whatever it is that’s on your mind?”
“It’s about the new Don,” Drake said, his tone cautious. “He just got married.”
Cassian’s brow furrowed as he sat up abruptly. “Klaus Barnard got married?” he questioned, disbelief sharpening his voice.
“Yes. He tried to keep it a secret. His wife’s name is Morticia Addams. I learned about the marriage through one of her team members,” Drake said carefully.
Cassian’s jaw tightened, the words striking a nerve. He shoved the woman off him with little care, her squeal of protest falling on deaf ears. Rising from the bed, he began pacing the room.
“Who the hell does he think he is? I clearly told him about the deal the Moores struck with me-that I’m to forge an alliance with them,” Cassian spat, his voice filled with venom. “He’s supposed to marry my daughter, not some… unrecognizable whore!”
“Klaus Barnard doesn’t recognize our deal since it was with Alex Moore, who is dead-”
“That’s not how the mafia deals with things. A deal is a deal!” Cassian roared. “I thought, since he had spoken to my daughter once and even befriended her for a short while, he might find her alluring after divorcing Tasha!”
One of the women attempted to console him, but Cassian yanked his hand away and glared at them. “Get the fuck out! All of you!”
They scurried away, leaving Cassian alone with Drake. He resumed pacing, running his fingers through his hair as he thought of the promise he had made to his daughter. Elena had already grown fond of Klaus, and Cassian had assured her that their marriage would solidify the alliance the Moores had promised him.
“Who is this girl, in particular? And how in the world did she manage to capture that cold devil’s heart?” he muttered aloud. Klaus was known for being cold and ruthless-he rarely gave anyone the time of day.
He was strict, straightforward, and never entertained women, even though many swooned over him. Some had speculated he might be gay, but there was never a man in his life either.
And now, suddenly, a man like that was married?
“Perhaps she’s someone he knew from the past. Someone close?” Drake suggested with a shrug, and Cassian nodded in agreement.
“Someone close,” he echoed, his tone bitter. “Find out who she is-every single damn thing about her. Family, background, home-everything. You hear me?”
Drake gave him a light bow. “I’ll get on it.” With that, he turned and left the room.
Cassian clenched his jaw, his fury simmering. Being the strong leader of his domain, no one had ever dared to break a deal with him before.
Even if Alex had made the agreement, Klaus should have followed the damn rules.
—
The sun rose beautifully, casting warm gold and crimson hues into the room. The wind blew through the curtains, making them sway gently in the large, comfortable space, furnished with an aura of tranquility.
On the soft white bed lay Morticia, her face scrunching slightly as the sunlight settled on her. Not wanting to get up, she slowly turned to the other side of the bed, only to frown when she felt the space empty.
Her eyes fluttered open, confirming her suspicion. The bed was indeed empty.
Where is he? she wondered, swinging her feet onto the cool marble floor while clutching the quilt to cover her naked body.
As she opened the door, a sweet aroma wafted into her nostrils, bringing a smile to her lips. Her husband was cooking.
Gently, she descended the stairs, her eyes locking onto the tall, imposing figure in the kitchen. His expression was serious, a clear indication that he was fully focused on preparing the meal. He was so engrossed that he didn’t notice her standing in the doorway, watching him.
Morticia lingered, savoring the sight. Every day felt like the first time she’d seen him. Was he getting more handsome with each passing day?
The upper buttons of his white shirt were undone, and his slightly messy hair gave him an effortlessly rugged and attractive look.
Finally, they had married last week and were now on their honeymoon. Their wedding had been the happiest day of her life-not extravagant, just a gathering of close family and friends that had deepened the bond between them.
She had worn the most beautiful gown she’d ever seen, made solely for her. And Klaus… he had looked like a striking demigod as her brother, Vincent, walked her down the aisle towards him.
She recalled the way Klaus had struggled to hold back his tears while hers flowed freely like a river. Their vows made made wonderfully, the bond between them was forever.
Their wedding night had been equally unforgettable, with red roses scattered across the floor as they made love. Feeling each other’s warmth under the light, their whispers of love filling the air.
It had felt like her first time because this time, it was with her husband-Klaus Barnard, the man she had loved nearly her entire life.
“Are you sure you weren’t a chef in a previous life?” she teased. Her voice cutting through the silence.
Klaus’s attention snapped toward her. “Good morning, Mrs. Barnard,” he greeted with a grin, his deep voice resonating as he set down his work and strode toward her. He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her deeply.
When he pulled back, his gaze darkened as he noticed the quilt wrapped around her bare body.
“You’re tempting me right now,” he murmured, pressing another kiss to her lips.
Morticia giggled and gently pushed him back. “I haven’t brushed my teeth,” she said playfully, trying to stop him.
Klaus took her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it gently.
“I love you, wife,” he whispered.
“I love you, hubby,” she chuckled.
As if recalling something, his expression turned serious. “How do you feel? I wasn’t too rough last night, was I?” he asked softly.
Morticia had been expecting the question. Klaus had been gentle with her throughout their honeymoon, but she had missed his rougher side. So, she had intentionally provoked and seduced him until he finally lost control.
With a giggle, she leaned closer and whispered in a sweet, teasing voice, “I like it rough, hubby… it’s like a breath of fresh air.”