Owning the Mafia Don

Proserpina

I felt awful, clutching my stomach as I lay, trying to hold down nausea. It was close to midnight, and I remembered belatedly that it was Valentine’s Day.Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

Smiling ruefully, I rolled over.

My husband had never bothered with such things. He would probably have looked askance at me if I had said anything about it.

I sighed and swung my legs to my feet. Lucien was on his way to Argentina, and I wished he had not had to go. Schwartz had called to make sure I was okay, sweet man that he was. He had been on the way to attend a charity ball.

It had amazed me. The Handsome James I knew would have run a mile from such fake events.

He had sounded gruffly embarrassed when I had prodded him and finally, he had said, exasperated,

“Okay, I am accompanying a friend who needs an escort.”

I had dissolved in peals of laughter at that, and he had joined in after a while, chuckling good-naturedly.

My curiosity had been piqued,

“Who is she, James, tell me?’ I said it teasingly.

“Aww…stop it, Proserpina.” He had said, and I had been delighted to hear the emotion in his voice.

Finally, I had thought happily as we said our goodbyes, finally, James had found a woman who he seemed to be interested in.

But that had been hours ago. Now I felt a weariness that was so intense, I longed to have Lucien beside me, his heavy body engulfing me, his powerful arms holding me.

“Never again, I thought fervently,” I am so done with having babies.”

And then, smiling, I stroked my belly.

The sound of the phone alerted me. I picked it up almost immediately when I saw it was Lucien.

‘Hmmm?’ I said softly, thrilled to hear his rasping voice.

“Not asleep, eh woman?’ He growled, and I smiled, pushing my hair off my face.

‘No…mmm…”‘ and then I went on softly, rolling onto my side, staring out at the darkness, “No, I just miss you…and am already waiting for you…’I whispered.

My hesitation was something he caught on to immediately.

“What is wrong?’ he asked hoarsely.

“Nothing, Lucien, I said softly,’ I just miss you…’

There was a long silence, and then he spoke, his tone rough.

‘If I could have made Schwartz do it, I would not have made this journey, woman.’

I smiled.

“I will be waiting for you, my Master.’ I said softly and felt his voice grow thick with passion as he said,

“Woman, I …you are not here for me to drag into the washroom and have my way with you. Remember that.’

I rolled onto my back, gurgling with laughter.

We said our goodbyes, and I replaced the phone. But I knew I would not sleep for a long time.

***

I came awake to the sound of Ria’s excited screeches.

“Mumma, Mumma!’

I sat up slowly and went into the bathroom before going across to see what had made her so happy.

Opening the door, I almost fell back in surprise.

The entire corridor was like a huge garden.

Roses, roses, and more roses.

The bouquets were arranged all down the stairs, I could glimpse the living room which was also filled with colour, everywhere. And the fragrance!!!

I gasped.

Ria and Piers emerged, still in their pyjamas, grinning in glee.

“It is Wally’s Day.’ Announced Ria happily.

I began to laugh as she went on,

“So Pappa got the house covered with roses for you.’

I sank onto the floor, tears in my eyes, and hugged Ria and Piers who had come closer.

“Mumma always cries when Pappa sends flowers, ‘said Piers knowledgeably, and I kissed his small, lean tummy lovingly. Claude had also emerged from the nursery and made his determined way to us, his small plump fist flailing as he saw that his siblings were in my arms. He sat down and began to throw a full-fledged tantrum just as my phone rang.

“Get Mumma’s phone, pumpkin,’ I began but Ria had already picked it up.

“Pappa, Mumma began crying again when she saw the flowers. Next time, send some ice cream. I think Belgian chocolate ice cream should be good.’ She advised my husband importantly, and I dimpled at her in exasperation.

It was a video call, Lucien had wanted to see my reaction first-hand.

I smiled self-consciously when my daughter finally handed me the phone. I knew that I looked awful.

Lucien looked tired. He had landed a few minutes ago, he said.

His grey eyes studied me as he growled,

‘Roses for the one I love.’

And then, in a hoarse tone, thick with passion, he added,

‘Happy Valentine’s Day, wife.’

***

Schwartz

When they arrived at the venue, he was not surprised to see the cameras and the celebrities who were being photographed.

Senator L.. Rodericks was a name to be reckoned with, and the fact that he belonged to little Hollowford did not prevent him from being a big-time player in Washington.

James Schwartz stepped out of the car, taking the hand of the beautiful woman, who stepped out elegantly. She did not have the raw appeal of Proserpina. But she was elegant, and people observed her with interest.

The Senator came forward and kissed her on the cheeks effusively when they were inside the large, tastefully decorated hall.. Aiyana smiled and acknowledged his affection but in a smooth, indifferent manner.

She was a woman who had seen the darker side of the world and was not charmed easily.

They sipped drinks, standing together, and many of the guests glanced their way for Schwartz with his handsome golden looks and Aiyana with her brooding, unsmiling, exotic demeanour made a striking couple.

But Schwartz was aware that he was growing increasingly aware of the woman beside him. Proserpina had teased him gently when he had informed her that he was heading for the charity dinner with a woman friend. Schwartz shook his head mentally; that woman knew him too well.

Aiyana looked at him curiously and asked

‘Did you just say something?’

He smiled and shook his head.