The Mafia’s Wanted Desires

JAXON

I tapped my cigarette on my ashtray, driving into the compound. I pulled over in the garage, got out of the car, picked up the paper bag beside me, alongside my phone, and then I let myself out of the car, shutting the door. My eyes surveyed the compound that was crawling with guards. I peeled my gaze off them, heading into the house. The door was held out by the guard at the post, who threw me a curt bow. I didn’t spare so much as a glance in his direction before walking past him like a breeze.

I knew the living room would be void of workers by now, including the kitchen, and in a way, it made me less irritated. I ambled into the kitchen and fixed myself a steaming cup of black coffee, sauntering out of the kitchen. I made my way upstairs and stopped short at the lobby, weighing my options in my head. I looked down at my blood-stained shirt and hands, subtly shaking my head at the thought of going to meet Peach like this. I knew she would be asleep by now but it still felt so disrespectful.

So, with that thought in my mind, I made a beeline for my study.

I stepped into the dim room, approaching my table where I dropped the paper bag, sliding into my swivel chair to keep myself busy with paperwork for the night. I couldn’t afford to fall asleep. I had so much unattended work to go through. I groaned, a pounding ache hammering at the sides of my head. I brushed my fingers through my hair, pushing a few strands off my face.

My eyes grew so itchy with each passing second, threatening to snap shut. My body was kicking against the effect of the coffee, exhaustion consuming me. But then, the thought of sleeping terrified me so much.

I couldn’t lose to my demons.

Not tonight, at least.

But then, the door creaked open and my head shot up from the papers, my gaze dropping to the small frame of my wife that slipped through the door, brushing a few strands of her hair, which she has tucked in a messy bun, away from her face. She looked so sleepy, constantly rubbing her eyes.

Against how tired I was, my lips slowly twitched, stretching in an uncontrollable grin as my eyes did a slow crawl over her frame. Her lithe frame was clad in a sexy red two-piece nighty; a small thin-strapped top that barely dropped a few inches below her boobs that were poking the light material of the shirt, coupled with skin-tight shorts that showcased her massive curves.

She was breathtaking.

“What are you doing in here? By this time?” She queried in a stern tone, every trace of sleepiness completely drained off her face.

“Working,” I lied smoothly, averting my gaze from her face. My heart sank at that action because all I wanted to do was sit down here and gaze at her all night. Her light footsteps drew nearer. It occurred to me then, that I was still wearing my shirt which had splatters of blood stains across it, alongside my bloodied knuckles.

My body grew still, my mind growing faint.

I didn’t want her to see me like this.

She couldn’t see me like this.

I was going to get up abruptly from my seat but she was quicker because she had me tamed in no time, getting on my lap and straddling me. I couldn’t bring myself to look her in the eye because I didn’t know what to say to her.

“Baby, look at me…” Her silky voice trailed off, overly soft. My mind urged me on but my brain told me an entirely different story. But she didn’t allow that to deter her. She brought her finger beneath my jaw, tilting my face to meet her warm, waiting gaze.

“I am so sorry…I was going to change the shirt…I am so sorry…I have no…Fuck, I am sorry, Peach. It’s just that…” I was stuttering. I didn’t know how I was going to tell her that one of the men working for me at the warehouse got on my nerves and I shot him.

I didn’t know how…

However, she stunned me with her next words.

“You don’t have to lie to me, Arden. You are not staying here because you are working. You are hiding. You don’t want to sleep because you don’t want nightmares to reoccur, so you are throwing yourself into work.” She analyzed, her tone thick with so much affection.

I couldn’t conceal my shock at the words that left her mouth because as much as I hated to admit it, she was right. She was so right. She has done enough already. I didn’t want her to feel like I was a burden she had to bear. It wasn’t her problem and she shouldn’t be the one solving it.

“How many times do I have to tell you that we are in this together?” She demanded, her voice filled with hurt as she expressed herself. My chest tightened at the look on her face, sadness creeping into me.

“It’s all on me, Peach. I don’t want you to worry__” I retracted my statement in no time, seeing one of her perfectly carved brows tugged up at me in irritation. I exhaled, my shoulders slumping in defeat, and then I sunk into the chair, soaking in the view atop me. I couldn’t help the way my lips curved in a smile at the sight of her bemused honey-brown orbs that bore holes into me.

She shifted forward, her legs falling limp by sides as she cradled my face in her arms, peering into me with utmost softness and scrutiny. Her warm breath emitted her lips as she took me in, and brushed the skin of my face daintily, caressing it and eliciting a soft sigh of contentment from me.

“We are in this together. I already told you. I am not leaving. You don’t have to be scared when you have me with you and it’s alright to admit that you are scared of having those nightmares again. It’s perfectly fine. It doesn’t make you any less of a human…” She paused, watching me to make sure her words were sinking into my brain as she wanted.

“Vulnerability isn’t weakness, Arden. I wish you could see that.” Her voice came out so small, her eyes growing misty. The weight of those words hit me all at once, ripping me off my defenses. There was something about those words that made me want to put my walls up so high but then, a part of me just wanted to let go and allow myself to feel everything and that part was so dominating.

“You are so strong, baby. So strong and you don’t have to go through this alone, so please, let me help you. Let’s get through this together. As one.” She offered, her voice coming out in a croak. It didn’t conceal how soft, warm, and convincing it sounded.

My hands slowly rested on the small of her back, pulling her close to me and allowing her dizzying scent to cocoon me. She exhaled, cradling my head to her soft chest and I sighed in contentment, a sense of calmness washing over me and taming my demons. Everything else seemed to fade into nothingness, my resolve breaking into pieces. And for that second, I let everything go and give in to the euphoric feeling that was accompanied by being in her arms.

Fuck, I could have her pressed to my body so tightly and still crave her to be closer to me. I was obsessed with her. She was the only constant thing in my life. The only thing that made sense and triumphed over every other shitty feeling.

She made me feel…safe.

“I got you something,” I smiled against her chest, suddenly feeling so drowsy. She chuckled, her fingers crawling into my hair and massaging my scalp. I hummed at how good it felt, suddenly not interested in taking my head off her soft bosoms. But, I knew I had to. I let her go, sending her a large grin, and then I retrieved the paper bag on my desk, handing it to her.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I watched with keen interest when she peered into the bag, brought out the medium-sized velvet box, and unboxed it. My whole world felt like it halted when a warm smile crept up her lips as she assessed the diamond necklace in the box.

“I saw it at a jewelry shop during my trip. I thought it would look good on you.” I divulged and heard her release a shaky breath that had me furrowing my brows in confusion.

“Peach, what’s wrong? Don’t you like it?” I queried, panic surging through me.

“Of course, I love it! It’s so beautiful!” She choked out a sob and I exhaled in relief, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. I took the necklace from her, aiding her in wearing it around her neck and I was right. The glittering object glowed under the dim lights and felt like it was specifically made for her.

The necklace was stunning. She looked up from her neck, her eyes locking with mine in a soft stare. They shone with warmth and admiration, housing a hint of gratitude in them.

“Thank you,” She whispered.

And nothing could have prepared me for what she did next and nothing could always prepare me for that. I’ll forever be thrown off balance by that action.

Her lips descended on mine, her warm, soft lips brushing against my lips, embedding themselves into its soft skin as I opened up to her, kissing her back with the same amount of intensity she poured into the kiss. The kiss wasn’t demanding. Instead, it was soft, and slow and left me overly breathless, craving every inch of her. It was no news that I was consumed by every bit of her but kissing her tonight felt so different.

It felt more intense, ridding me of my senses.

I would do anything for this woman.

Be anything for her.