Indebted to the Mafia King

Chloe

The first few days after I learned that Mateo was no longer on this planet were a bit chaotic. Tony and his men had so much to do: cleaning up the mess, assigning the new positions each one of them would take when it came to protecting our family and the house, determining who would go back to dealing with the Saints' businesses, and so on.

In the past couple of weeks, I've managed to create a routine for myself and Ellie. It took me a while to process that I wouldn't have to continue hiding or running away anymore, but eventually things just became... easier.

It's funny how easily and quickly humans get used to things. In the first few days, I was still scared to leave the house by myself, even with a couple of guards accompanying me, or Rocco taking me from place to place inside a bulletproof car. I would always watch over my shoulder, expecting someone to jump out of a bush or something and kidnap me-or worse-kill me.

But Tony assured me he wouldn't get rid of the security system we had established because we are still part of the mafia, and we never know when the next enemy will strike, and that sort of made me relax a bit.

When I finally started to calm down and enjoy life, my mom came to us, asking if she would be allowed to throw us the wedding reception she wanted so badly. And then, things just became chaotic.

For a good reason now, of course. I'd take this kind of concern every day if it meant I wouldn't have to fight for my life and to protect the ones I love.

Tony and I ended up getting married at the church like my mother always wanted, and to be fair, it'd been a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid, too. I was happy she pushed us to do it, and I was even happier when Tony said he wanted it to happen as well.

The ceremony was beautiful and emotional, albeit quick.

Then we moved to the reception at our mansion on Staten Island. Since it was only for family and friends, and the house's backyard is huge, we thought it'd be okay to throw it here. Safer and cozier.

Tony's arm is around me as we walk around at the party, greeting guests and chatting with old friends we haven't seen in a while. It feels nice to see them and realize nothing has changed even after years without seeing each other.

A slow song starts playing, and Tony turns to me, offering me his hand and the brightest smile I've ever seen on his face. I'm not much of a dancer, much less someone who likes to be the center of attention, but I guess I can't escape dancing with my husband on our wedding day.

It would also be impossible to refuse him when he's looking at me like that.

So, I let him guide me toward the dance floor, feeling the eyes of our guests on us as we stride through the party. But Tony's intense gaze is on me, and that alone makes me forget about everything surrounding us as he places his hand on my waist and slowly pulls me against him, the warmth in his body enveloping me.

I follow his lead, moving from side to side to the rhythm of the song. I lean my head against his chest, closing my eyes and allowing myself to relish this moment.

Never, in my wildest dreams, did I imagine I'd be marrying Tony one day. Sure, I dreamed about it more times than I can count, but not once did I really believe it was something achievable.

I had convinced myself this would always just remain a dream.

But now, here I am, celebrating our official marriage. Not a sham one anymore. But a real one, with all the perks-and cons-that come with it.novelbin

"How are you feeling?" His low voice brings me back to reality, his chest reverberating as he speaks.

I look up at him, a huge smile spreading across my face. "Just about how happy I am," I reply with a shrug. "I never thought I'd one day actually get to marry you."

His arms tighten around me, and he brings me even closer to him, dipping his head enough for our noses to touch.

"Me neither. But now that you're mine, don't expect me to ever let you leave me," he warns me in a joking tone, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I don't expect you to," I reply. "I can't wait to start the rest of our lives together."

"Since you brought it up, I have been thinking..." Tony trails off, his eyes entirely focused on me. There's a playfulness behind them, but he looks kind of serious all of a sudden. "What?" I press, anxiety getting the best of me.

"Do you ever think about having more children one day? Giving Ellie a baby brother or sister?"

His question catches me off guard. I wasn't expecting him to talk about children with me so soon. Sure, we have Ellie, but he is still getting the hang of what it's like to be a father while handling an entire mafia empire. He's doing a phenomenal job, though, and sometimes I wonder how he does it.

But, honestly, I would be lying if I said I never pictured our family growing. I want to have more children with him. Damn, I'd love to have more, to actually allow him to participate in my pregnancy, to be there for me through the good and bad times, to get to live everything we were deprived of when I was pregnant with Ellie.

Just thinking about it makes my eyes fill with tears.

"I would love that actually," I finally say, receiving a passionate kiss in return.

"Good, we can start practicing soon," he murmurs against my lips, his hand sliding down to my ass and squeezing it provocatively.

I lightly slap him on the shoulder, making both of us chuckle.

"I hate to interrupt the happy couple, but there is someone here wanting to be a part of the dance," Mom muses, approaching us with Ellie who is reaching for her daddy with wide open arms. Tony scoops her up, rocking her to the rhythm of the new song playing.

"Dada," she muses in her sweetest voice.

I smile watching them playing together on the dance floor. The entire song plays, and when it ends, I search for the first waiter I can find so I can grab whatever drink he is serving.

I'm thirsty, slightly sweaty, and already exhausted. I just wish I could get to my honeymoon with Tony. For the next couple of days, we'll finally have some time to ourselves.

But at the exact time I'm thinking about that, as if summoning trouble, someone shows up in our backyard wearing a very dark, serious expression I wasn't expecting to see on any of my guests' faces today.

Cal heads toward Tony, who has spotted him too and is now giving Ellie back to my mom and walking in the direction of his friend. Without even thinking, I follow him, approaching Cal to see what this is about.

He was invited to the wedding, and if it wasn't for his expression, I wouldn't think anything is wrong. But my instincts are yelling at me that something is definitely off.

And I confirm all my fears when I get close to them and hear Cal telling Tony, "We have a problem."