Chapter 18

Chapter 18

　　I stood in the middle of the living room, not sure what to do. One thing was for sure: I wouldn't let that dog freeze to death outside. Leo was the master of this house, in our society's eyes—my master.

　　I walked over to the terrace door.

　　"Don't."

　　The word, without being said loudly, held absolute authority. Leo was used to giving orders in every area of his life and expected unwavering obedience.

　　I didn't look his way. If I saw his sharp eyes and powerful face, I might lose my courage. That wasn't going to happen. This was the beginning of a new life, and if I let him trample all over me, I'd be doomed.

　　"Amelia, don't." Warning rang in his voice. Or what? He pushed off of the sofa when I opened the door and picked up the shivering ball of fluff. The dog remained quiet as I pressed it to my chest. I could feel matted fur from months of neglect.

　　Leo towered over me, barring my way. I tipped my head up to meet his furious gaze. "That thing stays outside." His eyes were harsh, but I didn't look away. "I gave you an order."

　　An order? "It seems I'm as badly trained as your dog." Mother's warning words about insolence rang in my head. It was too late, not that I would have taken anything back.

　　Leo's face flashed with more surprise than anger. "Set it back down. I won't allow you to bring it inside."

　　Allow. Order. I was his wife, not his slave. But again, he was Underboss and probably didn't understand the difference. "If the dog isn't allowed inside, then I'll stay outside with it. We can keep each other warm." I turned to walk over to one of the lounge chairs, but Leo's arm shot out, stopping me.

　　I flinched. Father never hit me. Mother did twice. It wasn't firsthand experience that had me wince, but I'd seen men hit women and children. My uncles, in particular, were of the violent sort. It happened often in our circles.

　　Leo frowned and his fingers gently closed around my elbow. I regarded him curiously. "That flinch was unnecessary, and I don't want it to happen again, all right?"

　　"You don't want me to react that way or I won't have reason to react that way?"

　　A ghost of a smile crossed Leo's face before the stern look was back. He leaned down so we were at eye level. "You won't ever have reason to."

　　"You sure?" I said it more to annoy him than anything else, but my words were softened by a tiny smile.

　　"Absolutely."

　　"Good."

　　His expression conveyed confusion. Was I that much of an enigma to him? "Now put the dog down."

　　My smile widened. "No."

　　He looked incredulous. Releasing my elbow, he cupped my chin between his thumb and forefinger and brought our faces even closer. This time I didn't flinch, and I could see that it pleased him. "I gave you an order. I'm your husband and my word is the law."

　　"I know. And if you insist that the dog stays outside, I will too."

　　Leo narrowed his eyes. His breath held the hint of the spicy liquor, and I felt the crazy urge to taste it on his lips. "Do you really think I believe you'll spend the night in the cold for a dog?"

　　I stared back stubbornly.

　　He barked out a laugh. "I think you might actually do it. Your parents didn't mention your stubborn streak when they bartered you away."

　　"They were too eager to marry me off to the cruelest Underboss of the Famiglia," I muttered.

　　"The cruelest Underboss, hmm? That's what they call me?"

　　"They did, and other people do too."

　　"Why would your parents tell you something like that about your future husband?"

　　"To get me in line. My mother worried you might beat me to death if I'm insolent."

　　Something on Leo's face shifted, a shadow of the past. "They shouldn't have scared you before our wedding."

　　"Is it a lie, then?" I whispered. For some reason, his mouth appeared even closer than before.

　　"There's no scale to judge someone's cruelness."

　　"That means it's the truth." He didn't contradict me. I couldn't read the look on his face. Acting on impulse, I leaned forward and brushed my lips across his then darted my tongue out, tasting the liquor clinging to his mouth. Smoky and sweet.

　　Leo stiffened, but the look on his face became even more intense than before. "What was that?" His voice was a low rasp that I could feel everywhere.

　　"A kiss?" I didn't have much experience, but I doubted anyone could mess up a simple kiss.

　　"Are you trying to influence me with your body?"

　　My eyes grew wide. "No. I could smell the liquor on your breath, and I was curious how it tastes."

　　Leo chuckled. "You are a strange girl." His mouth twisted. "Woman."

　　He looked down at the dog in my arms. It was snuggled against me peacefully. Without a word, Leo turned around and returned to his glass of whisky on the table. I stepped inside and closed the door. Stroking the dog, I followed my husband.

　　"What's its name?"

　　"Loulou," Leo said, a strange note to his voice. I stopped beside him.

　　"Can I have a sip of your whisky?"

　　Leo's eyes bored into me. "You've never had whisky before?"

　　"No. My father didn't allow me to drink alcohol. I had my first glass at our wedding."

　　"Many firsts for one day." A small shiver passed down my spine at the contemplative growl. "You aren't old enough for hard liquor."

　　My lips parted in indignation. Was he serious?

　　He downed the remains of his drink, and before I could say something snarky, he cupped the back of my head and pressed his lips to mine. Gently at first, his eyes searching mine. I grasped his bicep and stood on my tiptoes—his permission. Then he really kissed me, his tongue stroking mine, discovering my mouth. The taste of whisky swirled in my mouth, intoxicating—not as much as the kiss though. God, his kiss set me aflame.

　　When he pulled back, I was dazed. Only Loulou squirming in my other arm brought me back to reality.

　　Leo glanced over my head. "What is it, Sybil?"

　　I whirled around. Sybil hovered in the doorway, wringing her hands and looking anywhere but at me. She must have caught us kissing, and even though we hadn't done anything indecent or forbidden, considering that we were married, acute embarrassment washed over me.

　　"The children are asleep, and I cleaned up. Is there anything else you need from me?"

　　"No, you can go."

　　His clipped voice rubbed me the wrong way. Even if Sybil was working for him, that didn't mean he had to sound like a drill sergeant. Sybil nodded and with a fleeting smile at me, she left.

　　"Can I see your children?"

　　Leo's brows furrowed. "The dog stays here, and we have to be quiet. I don't want them to wake."

　　"Where should I put Loulou?"

　　"We lock it in a room because the thing can't behave itself."

　　I pressed my lips together, following Leo as he led me into the lobby and motioned at a door.

　　I pushed it open and my heart clenched. It must have been a storage room before, judging by the small window and shelves lining the walls. A torn apart basket, a litter box, and two empty bowls were the only indication that a dog lived here. There were no toys. I picked up one of the bowls and handed it to Leo. "Can you fill it with water?