The Captive Series by C.M. Steele

tighter. I held her tight as we took a little nap.
    When we woke, we took a fast shower and walked down to my office to go over the rest of the plans.
    “Luciano, why do you want to marry me?” Uh oh, where the hell is this going? I looked at her sideways as she sat in my lap.
    “Did I not say you belong to me? Plus, do you think I want my babies to be bastards? No way in hell. I have been trying to get you knocked up since our first time. Haven’t you noticed, baby?”
    I wanted to tell her I loved her, but I was scared as fuck. I was pretty sure she didn’t feel the same, and I was afraid of what my reaction would be if she didn’t say she loved me too. I needed to change the subject before it got seriously out of control. We had to get married tomorrow. I couldn’t have her trying to get out of it, not that I would let her. I wanted a happy bride walking toward me, not one shooting daggers.
    “We got shit to do. Come on, baby. I have a couple of calls to make. Go and talk with Rosa about the food arrangements for tomorrow.” I gave her a swift kiss and a pat on the ass as she walked out of my office. I was glad she let it go and did as I asked.

Chapter 6
    It was my wedding day. It was the day most girls dreamed about. You found a prince, he slayed all your dragons and took you to his castle as his bride, but most of all he loved you. I was missing the most of all . I tried to fight it, but I knew it was already too late. I think it was in the hospital that I fell in love with him. I didn’t want to be in love with him. He was a thug who killed people without remorse. His mob kidnapped me, and I guess in a way, so did he. With him, I never had a choice of where this was going, but once I gave up my virginity to the man, it was a definite. He must be one of those old-school guys that because I was a virgin, I was the marrying type.
    I was sure that was how I got his family’s approval. They must have found out that before he ravished me, I was pure. Luciano had been avoiding me until the ceremony, because his mama had been threatening him that it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. And I was missing him like crazy.
    There was a knock at the door, and when I opened it, who should be standing there but the man who occupied my thoughts constantly.
    “Bellissima, I had to see you.” He walked up to me with his eyes darkening while he licked his lips.
    “Luciano, you know it is bad luck to see me before the wedding,” I warned him.
    “Cara, It’s only bad luck if I see you in your dress. Right now I need some of your sweetness. It has been a whole five hours.” I refused to fight it; I ran into his open arms as he kissed me deeply. “Cara, Cara, Cara.”
    “Dio Mio, what are you doing in here, Luciano?” Oops! Signora Rossi walked in on us, pulled him away, and walked him toward the door. Luciano looked like a little boy who got his toy taken away. Toy—that’s what I was to him, simply one of his possessions. Damn, I needed to get rid of these bad thoughts.
    “Fine.” He stole one quick peck and laughed as he exited the room.
    Both my mother-in-law and I laughed at his silliness, but it couldn’t be helped. It was adorable and almost made me think he truly cared for me.
    “Come, we must get you ready. You cannot marry my son looking like this.” She looked at my silk short robe that was half opened by Mr. Quick Hands. I blushed and covered myself up. I couldn’t tell if she liked me or not. She probably thought I wasn’t good enough for her son. I mean, she played nice and all, but her tone told me that she didn’t trust me.
    “You shouldn’t be marrying my son if you are going to look like you are headed for the gallows instead of beaming with joy.”
    I mumbled under my breath, “You try telling him that,” but I still did as I was told.
    Within an hour I was cosmetically ready to walk down the aisle to him, but emotionally I wasn’t ready.
    “You will walk down to my son and