King’s Demands by Piper Stone

Chapter 17

“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life… love gives us a fairytale.”—Unknown

Dante

“You look incredible,” Michael said as he approached, sliding the single lovely red rose into my lapel.

I glanced down, rolling my eyes. “Didn’t we just do this?”

“For the wrong reasons, brother. Stop fidgeting. This is exactly what you need in your life.”

My brother was usually right. I heard the bells ringing in one of the steeples and sighed. While there was nothing ordinary about our life or our love, enemies still ready to consume and destroy, I knew in my heart that loving Julieta was the only thing that mattered.

Even though I still had difficulty at the thought of being married in a church.

The cathedral had been exquisitely decorated with flowers, even a red carpet flowing down the checkerboard aisle. Everything was perfect.

As my other brothers walked in, Cristiano tugging at the neckline of his shirt, all I could do was laugh.

“Don’t laugh at me. The damn circulation is being cut off in my neck,” Cristiano huffed.

“You’ll deal with it. Or else,” I told him.

“So, our little brother is getting married,” Lucian said as he slapped me on the back. “Do I need to go over the particulars with you?”

“Try it, buddy. I’m still stronger than you are.” I winked as he rolled his eyes.

“A happy day,” Vincenzo said quietly. “Peace for a little while.”

“Maybe,” Michael stated.

“None of that. We are here to celebrate and that’s what we’re going to do,” Cristiano stated in his usual authoritative tone. “Or else.”

While the five of us laughed, I knew there would always be a threat hanging over our heads. That was the way of the King family.

“How is Bella?” I asked as the organ music filtered into my ears.

Cristiano grinned. “My little angel is coming home tomorrow. But don’t worry. Emily and little Michael are here.”

While Michael rolled his eyes, I pressed my hands against my tuxedo. “I think we should call him Dante.”

All four brothers groaned, although there were smiles on their faces.

“By the way, we’re exploring mining operations in South America,” Lucian said with a grin on his face. The man would never give up a lucrative opportunity.

“Let me guess. Black opals?” I asked as I lifted my eyebrow.

“Absolutely. I can see dollar signs in the future.”

An Angelique popped her head in, a smile on her face, I could tell she was amused. “It’s time, boys. Don’t keep the lovely bride waiting.”

“You know what happens if you do,” Michael said, half under his breath.

It was my turn to roll my eyes. “She’s under my command.”

“Oh, he will learn,” Vincenzo chortled.

“Yes, he will,” Lucian added.

“I’m the master of the house,” I stated, already laughing softly.

As I walked out into the massive cathedral, I felt a moment of heartache.

For my beautiful baby sister.

For my sister-in-law.

And for the man I’d considered my best friend.

It was time to forge a new path as well as a new life.

With the woman I loved.

I could no longer feel my legs, Cristiano forced to lead me to the appropriate location, but when my sweet niece sauntered down the aisle, taking her stint as a bridesmaid so seriously, my heart nearly melted.

Then came my beautiful bride.

In her long white dress, two dozen red roses in her hand.

And I knew in my heart that this was exactly where I needed to be.

For she was the love of my life.

* * *

A gorgeous day.

There was no way to describe the clear blue sky or the way the white, fluffy clouds shifted across the horizon. With the light breeze and incoming front, the humidity was low, allowing for a perfect afternoon reception.

I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off my bride, enjoying the way she interacted with everyone attending the reception. As I took a deep breath, I marveled at the beauty of the day, my thoughts drifting to the future. Everyone from the family had attended, all enjoying the festive afternoon. I couldn’t remember the last time we’d all been together simply sharing the moment with our family and friends. Even Julieta’s mother had made it safely to the United States. I’d been surprised how much sadness the woman had expressed for the loss of her husband.

A man she also seemed to hate.

But family had a way of getting under your skin, the need to protect something that could allow you to forsake all others. At least she would remain stateside, getting to know her daughter in a completely different way.

“You look serene, son.”

A smile crossed my face as my father approached, handing me a glass of champagne. “I am for once in my life.”

“I heard what you did for your buddy’s wife. That was something special,” he said more in passing.

My father rarely gave compliments and when he did, they were usually regarding the work performed in the organization.

“She deserved something special to happen in her life.”

“Just like you did. I’m proud of you, son. I know I don’t say the words often enough, but I am.”

I yanked the sunglasses from my face so I could see my father’s eyes. “Thank you, Pops. That means a lot to me.”

He took a few seconds, inhaling then taking a sip of the bubbly. “I know you don’t like being a part of the family business. While that pissed me off from the beginning, I learned that my way wasn’t always the best way. What I’m trying to tell you is that if you want to do something else with your life, no matter what that is, I’ll support you.”

I thought about his words, another pang shifting into my heart. “You know what, Pops? I didn’t truly value our family the way I should have. Being with Julieta has helped me to understand that family means everything.”

He seemed surprised, the smile on his face beaming. “I’m glad to hear you say that, son. I really am.”

As my mother approached, every move as graceful as all those I’d remembered through the years, I felt more pride in my family than I had since my return.

“You have a beautiful and very special bride,” she said as she tugged on my arm, pulling me down until she was able to kiss me on the cheek.

“She is all that and so much more.”

“When can I expect grandchildren?”

Her question filled me with laughter. “Not for a while, Mama. That’s not in our cards yet.”

“Then what is?” Her tone was more demanding.

I shifted my gaze until I was able to catch sight of Julieta. “You know what? Getting a house. I think having a little garden, maybe a swing in the backyard would be a nice idea.”

As I heard my father chuckling, I gave him a hard look. “What did you do, Pops?”

“I just might have anticipated your decision.” When he pulled a set of keys from his pocket, I grimaced.

“No, you didn’t.”

“So what if I did? Can’t I purchase my baby boy his own house? It’s time you move out of that cold condo. The place has no personality if you ask me.” He forced the keys into my hand, muttering under his breath. “Don’t worry. I know you don’t like grandiose locations. It’s a simple bungalow.”

I grasped the keys as well as his hand, doing something I hadn’t in a long time. I gave him a bearhug, pulling him close. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Now it’s Dad, huh? I think I like Pops better.” He laughed as he pulled away, his attention almost immediately pulled away by one of the guests. “If you’ll excuse me, son, I see the senator. It was good of him to attend.”

As if the man had any choice. I shook my head, gazing down at the set of keys. While I didn’t think Julieta would like being forced into a house not of her choosing, maybe we could work something out.

“You seem happy, son. I’m just thrilled for you.”

My mother remained by my side, her voice a lovely reminder of all the stories she’d read to me when I was young. “I need to ask you a question.”

“Of course.”

I turned to face her, choosing my words carefully. “Why didn’t you like Katrina?”

“What do you mean? I liked her very much.”

“No, you didn’t. She was the reason I made my final decision to join the Marines.”

Her usual calm demeanor seemed broken, her eyes reflecting a hint of pain. A moment of resignation crossed her face. “Because she was the daughter of Russian mafia.”

“What? No, she was just an exchange student.”

“Her father sent her to America for her education. Don’t you know that every woman who comes into our children’s lives is checked out thoroughly? I know that’s hard for you to hear, but the last thing I wanted was for you to become involved with someone that could potentially destroy your life.”

My always protective mother. A flash of anger rolled into my system, but in my heart I knew she’d been trying to protect me. “I should be angry with you.”

“But you won’t because you found the love of your life.”

“With ties to a major cartel.”

She placed her hand on my arm, shaking her head. “My darling son, the Morales family was never really any threat to our family. Somewhere inside you already knew that. Now, go and enjoy the party.”

My mother backed away before I had a chance to say anything. All I could do was laugh. Teresa King was one formidable woman who had the pulse of not only the entire family, but also the business.

Whether the rest of us wanted to believe it or not.

As I filtered through the crowd, receiving congratulations from almost everyone, my eyes were firmly focused on my lovely bride. All I could think about was devouring her that night, claiming every inch of her.

I took her into my arms, champagne sloshing over the side of the glass. I craved having her in my arms and nothing would deny me any longer.

So help me God.

“My husband. You seem happy,” Julieta said as she pressed her hand against my face.

“Only because you’re in my life.”

“You better not forget it.”

“Or what?”

She laughed, the sound sparkling in the light breeze. “You know I have my feisty ways.”

“Yes, I do. But remember, I’ll always be the one in charge.”

“We shall see about that.”

Laughing, I lowered my head, pressing my lips against hers. As several of our guests started to clap, I realized that I could be the luckiest man alive.

* * *

“I don’t like surprises,” Julieta said as she stared out the passenger window.

I adored looking at her every chance I had. On this day, and even with a storm approaching, I’d removed the canvas top on the Jeep. The way the wind blew threw her long curls was simply breathtaking.

“You’re going to like this one.”

“I doubt it.” She folded her arms then turned her head, laughing in her gregarious manner. “I’m joking. I just can’t help but wonder what you’re up to.”

I gave her a wicked smile before rounding the corner. I’d been shocked by my father’s choice, the house more modern than the ones my brothers lived in. However, there was enough hominess that I knew she would be happy. I’d also added a little something special.

“You’re just going to have to learn patience.” My words only brought another string of curse words in Spanish, although I knew she was teasing me.

When I slowed down, she shifted in her seat, scanning both sides of the street. “What is this?”

“You’ll see. Remember, patience.”

“Which you have?”

I laughed as I pulled into the long driveway, the only house on the street with almost total seclusion. When I eased the Jeep to a stop, she seemed even more perplexed.

“A friend?” she asked.

“Better.”

Whistling, I cut the engine, immediately climbing outside. I waited until she did the same, walking around the front of the vehicle. I took her hand, pulling her toward the entrance. When I placed the key in the lock, she sucked in her breath.

“You bought a house?”

I waited until I’d opened the door, leading us both inside. Then I let her go. I’d taken the liberty of adding a few things, although I knew she’d want to be the one making the decorating decisions.

“My father did. As a wedding present.”

She turned to face me, opening her mouth then shaking her head. “What if I don’t like it?”

“Then we sell it.”

A smile crossed her face as she walked inside. Within seconds, I heard a gleeful sound and a rush of happiness flooded my system.

I found her in the kitchen, brushing her hand across the new appliances. “This is gorgeous. It’s ours?”

“All ours, baby.”

I was almost never surprised at her reactions, but today, she seemed happier than almost any time since we’d been together.

With the exception of our wedding.

As she started jabbering about what we could do with the place, I thought about my father once again.

He’d worked his entire life to provide for his family. While not the warmest of men, he had a way of making certain his children knew how much he loved them.

The way she moved through the house gave me a smile. When she finally opened the door to the media room, I held my breath.

Julieta darted a glance over her shoulder before walking inside. I’d left the two DVDs on the coffee table. “You didn’t.”

“I thought we could watch a couple movies later.”

“The Terminator and Die Hard. I can’t…” She turned to face me. “You’re amazing.”

I walked closer, gazing down the length of her. “No, you are.” Sweeping her into my arms, I tangled my fingers in her hair, tugging until she was forced to look me in the eyes. “Just remember that I’m the master of this house.”

“Not on your life, buddy.” When she rose onto her tiptoes, brushing her lips across mine, memories of Brad’s letters floated into my mind. Maybe I could be the romantic guy after all.

“I think my bride needs a lesson in who’s boss.” When I shifted her over the couch, slapping my hand against her bottom, her squeal was my reward.

I’d spent a good portion of my life consumed in anger and guilt.

Now it was time to replace the wretched feelings with something else.

Love.

Love of my family.

Love of my life.

And love of the woman who’d changed everything.

The End