I was crying. Crying on my wedding day. On a day that I was supposed to be the happiest.
"Carmen, please honey. Don't cry. You're going to make me emotional as well." Mama said while dabbing the white tissue under my eyes.
Her own brown eyes were getting glossier with each passing second. Her beautiful dark skin glowed under the lights and her braided black hair was tied back. Her yellow dress clanged to her slender figure like a second skin.
Mama was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. The world has seen. She was a supermodel after all.
That's how she and Papa meet.
Their marriage caused a big scandal at that time because Papa was the son of a Don while Mama was just a regular girl. Well, a model. They were from two completely different worlds. While Mama was from South Sudan, Papa was Spanish.
They met during an event hosted by Chanel in the nineties. Their love in my eyes was epic. Papa fought for their marriage and till today they are happily married.
They loved each other with so much passion, it made me want that for myself as well.
But I was not going to get it. I was marrying a man I'd never even met before.
Dominic Ferrari.
A Don of the Ferrari family in Sicily.
He was thirty-seven years old. From what I heard he was married while he was in his twenties but he and his wife quickly got divorced. Also, they never had kids.
And now... now I was the one to marry him. At twenty-two I was getting married to the Don of a ruthless Mafia family.
I sat in front of the vanity mirror, looking at my reflection made me want to cry even more. I always dreamed of this day, being in the white dress. It was always a dream where I was marrying the man I love. Just like my parents felt on their wedding day.
Luck was never on my side though.
Mama withdrew her hand and straightened her back. She placed her palms on my shoulders. "You are so beautiful, my pretty girl. You know how much me and your Papa love you. We never wanted things to be like this." I did know.
Because of the cultural differences and Mama not being Spanish, our family was constantly on the radar. Every little mistake I made, we paid grandly for it.
This time it was with marriage.
Being a daughter of a Don was a hard job. In a sense, that people expected you to be the best. I was not supposed to be seen with a man before I marry and yet that is exactly what happened.
The only time I visited my friend, Samuel, at his house I had to be spotted by my Aunt, Rosa. My Papa's side of the family wasn't fond of Mama or me. They were not even trying to hide it.
So when Rosa saw me leaving his house, she made a big fuss out of it. Everyone found out about it. The only time I had to be there for him, this had to happen.
Samuel was my good friend. We met during high school and have been friends since then. Because he had a big fight with his boyfriend, he wanted someone to be there for him. And as his friend, of course, I was going to be there.
That mistake now costs me marrying a man fifteen years older than me. No one from the families here was ever going to accept me as their daughter-in-law. I was seen as a shameless person who spent her nights at strangers' houses.
All of the bachelors were not going to marry someone like me. Usually, girls who have made rebellious decisions were married off to older men. Someone who already had kids and they were looking only for a trophy wife.
Not a single man was willing to marry me because of that single mistake.
But Dominic Ferrari didn't seem to mind I guess. Papa was happy to hear that at least he was acceptive of taking me as his bride. It was a big deal if the daughter was not married by twenty. And I was already two years late because of the whole chaos that occurred two and a half years ago.
I would spend my days at home, crying because of my terrible fate.
The knock on the door startled both me and Mama. She turned around and walked towards the tall French doors. They were decorated with different gold patterns.
She grabbed the knob and opened it. Papa immediately walked inside and he started making his way towards me.
I carefully stood up from the chair, holding the soft white material under my hands.
"Mija, you look stunning," Papa said when he was close enough to take hold of my hands. He squeezed my palms and then went in for a hug.
Our arms circled around each other and I carefully laid my head on his shoulder, trying not to mess up the makeup even more. Aunt Rosa has already been complaining about how I look today.
She made fun of my dress. While she wanted an extravagant one, I wanted a simple one. Mama was thankfully on my side. The dress was body-hugging and was made out of a very soft material that felt really nice and was not uncomfortable. It had a deep V neckline and the back was exposed.
The train was long enough so people wouldn't get close to me which I liked. I didn't need anyone breathing down my neck.
"He will be good to you, Carmen. I know Dominic takes care of his family. He will take care of you." He ran a hand over my curled hair. "You know how much I tried for you to have the best opportunities, but when it comes to this,... You know I can't stop what people think and do." I knew how much Papa did everything in his power to give me the best life.
"I'm just really glad that I'm finally seeing you in a dress. I know this is not what you would want but I can guarantee you that Dominic will be nice to you. If he does something you don't like, you will tell me right?"
"Of course, I will Papa." I nodded and he leaned closer and placed a kiss on my forehead.
"Okay then. The ceremony will start in about twenty minutes. I will wait for you outside, I have to talk to Julio." With that, he turned around and went to Mama. He kissed her forehead as well and then exited the room.
Mama walked towards me, her heels clicking on the floor.
"Let me fix this." She took hold of the veil and fixed the bobby pins. I fanned my face and let out a sigh. I had to gather myself. It was not like I was the first girl to get married. Even though his age intimidated me, I had hope that he would leave me alone. I doubt he will be much at home with his line of work.
"And for tonight..." She started but I immediately stopped her.
"Mama, please!" My face got hot and I groaned. She always had to embarrass me in the worst situations.
I knew exactly that the marriage was supposed to be consumed tonight. And I tried my best not to think about that. I haven't even had my first kiss and the whole situation made me terrified. That's why I tried to push those thoughts away.
"Okay, okay." She nodded.
We chatted for a few more minutes and then it was time to go. And then it hit me. I was actually really getting married and I was moving to another country.
I had to move to Italy with him. I don't know how long we'll stay here but I assume it won't be long.
When we got out of the room, we were immediately greeted by Papa. He was with Julio, his Capo. Julio was in his fifties and just one year ago lost his son. Tiago was two years younger than me and he was a very sweet and cheerful guy. I remember just like yesterday when he baked me a cake for my birthday. It had a horrible taste but at least we had a lot of fun. He was like a younger brother I never had.
Mama and Papa never had another child after me. Before Mama got pregnant with me she had two miscarriages. So when I was born, I was their miracle.
Papa never really cared that he didn't have a son. Someone who will take over the family.
He always used to say that he was more than blessed to have a daughter like me.
Papa placed the veil over my face and held my hand. He turned to me and gave me an encouraging smile. We made our way to the main doors that led to the garden.
The wedding took place in one of the mansions Dominic apparently owns here. It was very beautiful and extravagant.
My heartbeat increased with each step we took. I didn't lift my head but rather tightened my hold on the bouquet in my hands. I didn't even for how long we walked till I saw the red carpet underneath my feet.
We were close.
I shut my eyes for a second and took a deep breath. Everything that happened after that, passed in a blur. Papa let go of my hand and I was standing in front of my soon-to-be husband. I still didn't lift my head. The only thing I was able to see was his shining dress shoes and his vainy-tanned hands. There was one gold ring on his index finger.
The veil was preventing me from seeing a clear picture in front of me.
We were asked the big question and we both murmured a yes. His strong voice made me shiver and I felt him take a step forward when I heard the officiant say 'You may kiss the bride'.
Dominic took hold of the veil and slowly lifted it up. I held the bouquet closer to me and when the veil was completely off, I looked up.
There in front of me stood a breathtakingly beautiful man. His dark chocolate hair was pushed back, and styled to perfection. His brown, whiskey-like eyes which were rounded with thick dark lashes, were boring into mine. He had high cheekbones and his jaw was covered with a light stubble.
My eyes flew to his plump lips and I felt my heart hammer in my chest. This was happening. Really happening.
Dominic leaned forward and his intoxicating cologne filled my nose which made me close my eyes. Soft lips were placed onto mine and lingered there for a few seconds. His rough hands were holding my face in place and I tilted my head further.
When we pulled away, the sound of people cheering reached my ears.
Dominic's eyes never left me and I felt my face get hot in embarrassment. His hand which was on my face a few seconds ago, was now on my back. His warm palm was placed on my bare skin and I almost jerked at the contact.
My eyes flew to Mama and Papa and they were both smiling at me, their eyes full of tears. I know how hard this was for them. Papa always had in mind for me to marry someone from the Spanish families, so I could be close to them. I guess fate had a different plan for me.
Dominic and I didn't exchange any words during the party. I quietly sat on my chair and didn't dare to look at him. He was mostly chatting with the other man and I was thankful for that.
Mama and Papa were occasionally visiting me by the table and I continued to wait for the moment everything ended. I was tired of this. I was tired of putting a smile on my face when all I wanted to do was cry.
My mind like on purpose was nonstop going to places that made me anxious. Thoughts about tonight erupted in my brain.
The party was coming to an end and it was time to leave. I don't know where he lived here but I was going to find out soon because Dominic placed his hand on my back again and guided me to the car that was waiting for us. It was a dark green Ford Thunderbird from the 1956.
How did I know that? Because Papa was obsessed with car collecting. He wanted this one so badly, and now I guess his son-in-law has it.
He opened the door for me and I slowly and carefully sat on the leather seat.
He sat on his seat and drove off. My veil was blown behind me while red and orange colors decorated the sky. A few black cars were following us but they drove far away from us.
We drove for about twenty minutes. I watched the sky change colors till the sun was completely hidden behind the hill. I occasionally averted my eyes to the man beside me. I was still fascinated by his beauty. He was extraordinarily handsome.
When I was told that I was to marry a thirty-seven-year-old man, I didn't expect him to look like this. His body was very well-defined and it was evident that he put much work into it to be the shape it is right now.
The black suit was glued to him and imprinted every single muscle.
He was tall. Like way taller than me. Even though I was 5'8 I was still way shorter than him.
His rough tanned hands were gripping the wheel, now there was another ring on his finger. The ring that showed that he was a married man.
I looked down at my hand, my gold ring glistening. And I was a married woman too.
A big, I mean very big house appeared in my vision. It was old-style looking and had tall doors at the entrance to the driveway.
When we got closer they quickly opened. Dominic rounded the big fountain and parked the car in front of the house. Two guards stood there and an elderly man opened the doors.
Dominic got out and stepped by my side. He helped me get out and we started walking up the stairs.
"Congratulazioni, Don!" He said with a smile and Dominic nodded at him. (Congratulations)
"Grazie, Carlo." He responded back. I just softly smiled at the man named Carlo. (Thank you)
Before I could take another step, I was lifted off the floor. Dominic has placed one of his hands behind my back and one behind my knees. He was now carrying me in a bridal style.
My mouth opened in shock and I fisted his suit jacket, not wanting to fall down. What was he doing?
I turned my face away from the embarrassment. This was too much. I was not prepared to be embarrassed on such a level.
His strong hands held me close to him while he started walking. We got inside and my eyes traveled over the interior. It was beautiful. The ceilings were high and there were grant stairs in the middle.
He started walking upstairs and without any struggles took me to the second floor. We went to the left hall and walked to the very last door.
He kicked it open and we were inside a gigantic bedroom. The windows were huge and overlooked the sea. The outside was now dark but the few lights on the balcony illuminated the inside.
Dominic placed me on the floor and flicked the lights on.
I stood there not knowing what to do. I turned and looked behind me at the bed, then I turned to Dominic. He was slowly taking his suit jacket off, his eyes on me. I gulped and ranked my gaze over him. His shoulders flexed and the white shirt imprinted every muscle with each movement he made.
I let my hands fall next to me not knowing what to do.
He started rolling up his sleeves, his tanned skin on display. There were a few tattoos on his left arm.
When he successfully rolled them up, he took a few steps towards me and now he stood directly in front of me. His cologne hit my nose again and consumed my lungs.
I bit my lip and my eyes connected with his collarbone. I didn't dare to look up.
But Dominic had another plan when he placed a few fingers under my chin and lifted my head. Our eyes collided. Brown on brown. He analyzed my face slowly and then his eyes stayed on my lips.
My breath hitched when he leaned forward. Closing my eyes I felt his soft lips again, for the second time today. But this time it was no innocent kiss.
He cupped the back of my head and crashed his mouth on mine. I tried to move my lips in sync with his but failed. He was more dominant and more in control. When he fisted my hair, I let out a whimper in pleasure and he used that opportunity to push his tongue in my mouth.
Our tongues touched and I couldn't help but moan against him. The small throaty noise made him groan. My hand let go of the bouquet and flew to his chest.
My heart was ramming against my chest and I bet he was able to feel how nervous I was.
And I guess he did because he pulled away. The loss of contact made me pinch my eyebrows together. My lips tingled.
When I looked up at him his eyes were already on me, his lips swollen and were glistening with our saliva.
He lifted my head again and licked his bottom lip.
"From now on. If you need money, you come to me. If you need pleasure, you come to me. If anyone disrespects you, you come to me. You come to your husband, sì?" He raised his thick eyebrows.
My throat dried and I couldn't use my voice so I just nodded.
"I need your words, bella."
"Yes," I said breathlessly.
"Bene."
"But what about you..." And I didn't know how to continue. What about his pleasure I wanted to ask. I don't think I'll be able to take it if he had other women on the side.
"When it comes to my pleasure?" I slowly nodded.
"Of course, I'll come to you. To my wife. Where else would I go?" A relief washed over me. A big weight was lifted off my shoulders. This was something that was always on my mind.
I didn't want to be just left to the side and for him to do whatever he wanted.
"As your husband is my duty to take care of you. Whatever you need you ask your husband. No one else. Whatever you may ask I'll do it." Whatever I wanted? Really?
I didn't expect him to say that. I thought that he was going to say to stay away from him as much as possible.
"So if I ask you to make breakfast, you'll do it?" I jokingly asked and immediately regretted it. What kind of stupid question was that? I shut my mouth and I wanted to slap myself for saying something like that.
His lip tugged upwards just for a second. He stepped away and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Go and change. There is something for you to wear in the bathroom. I have to make a few calls." He turned around and started walking over to the door. I watched his strong figure disappear behind the doors.
I let out a loud breath. I tilted my head back and closed my eyes.
I didn't want to waste any time because I needed a shower. I was in this dress the whole day and I immediately had to change.
Slowly, I made my way to the other door that was wide open. I assume this was the bathroom. And when I flicked the lights on, indeed was.
The bathroom itself was bigger than my bedroom at home. It had a bathtub next to the big windows and a shower stall that was big enough for a few people.
My eyes traveled to the cabinet where I spotted a towel, a bathrobe, and a white satin nightdress.
I took off my veil and placed it beside them. Next, I took off the dress. I was left only in my underwear. I put my hair up with one of the hair clips that I found on the vanity. There were a new couple of feminine products there.
I didn't have time to wash it and dry it so I decided to wash only my body.
When I got under the water, I started cleaning myself but my heart wouldn't rest. Even though the hot water somehow relaxed my body, I still wasn't at peace.
After I was done with everything, I dried off my body with the towel and let my hair down again. It was still in the same condition as before. Blow-dried and made into soft waves.
I cleaned my face as well, brushed my teeth, and then it was time to put on the night dress. I lifted it up in my hands. It was made of satin material and had a thin line of lace at the neckline.
The straps were thin and it looked really short.
Shit! I don't have any extra underwear.
Should I wear it without one? I rubbed my face in frustration and decided to do it. I can't wear the same ones from earlier.
I slipped the flimsy material over my body and looked at the mirror. It exposed quite a lot of cleavage. It was tight at the waist and fell down my hips and reached just below my butt.
Wow great. How am I supposed to sleep in this?
I fanned my face and walked outside. The bedroom was quiet and I went to the bed and sat on it. I didn't know what else to do.
I roamed my eyes over every little thing and no doubt this was his bedroom. In the back of my mind, I thought that we wouldn't really share a room for sleeping.
After a few more minutes, the door startled to open and I fisted the sheet underneath me.
Dominic walked inside and his eyes found me. He shamelessly checked me out and then started to take off his wristwatch. He placed it on the cabinet and then started opening the buttons of his shirt.
He did it slowly while not taking his eyes off of me.
I looked down at my lap, my legs exposed and I pulled the dress further down.
He took the shirt completely off and I quickly took a look at him. He did notice and I saw him smirk in satisfaction. The next thing he did was start to unbutton his pants, but before he completely took them off, he walked towards the bathroom.
He didn't care to close the door and after a minute I heard the shower run.
On the other side just a few feet away from me, he was showering. My face was going to permanently feel hot in his presence I realized.
When the water stopped, he walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist, hanging dangerously low on his hips. The water drops were dripping down his abs and his wet hair was tossed back.
My mouth opened in awe and I felt my throat get dry.
That was my husband
He returned back just with black briefs on.
"You can sleep on whatever side you want." He said and I realized that I was staring at him like a creep.
"Oh, it doesn't matter to me." He didn't say anything back and walked over to the other side. He pushed the covers off and laid on the soft mattress.
So I guess nothing was happening tonight. Which I was thankful for. I debated for a few more seconds and then pushed the covers off on my side as well. I slid under them and laid on the very far end. As far as possible from him.
I turned on my side, my back to him. I was scared that my dress was going to get ridden up so I secured the covers around me.
An hour went by and I couldn't sleep. Dominic must have fallen asleep because his breathing was even and he didn't move.
Another hour went by and I felt movements behind me and a hand was sneaked around my waist.
Dominic pulled me closer to him and my back crashed to his chest. His knee was placed between my legs and I couldn't move.
I felt him bury his head in my neck. He must have done this unintentionally in his sleep. Because why else would he want me this close?
I didn't dare to move so I stayed in his hold. His hand tightened around me and I was practically squished underneath his body.
My eyes closed and I tried my best to sleep.
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The rays of sunlight woke me up. They were peeking through the windows and fell directly on my face.
My body was tangled up in the sheets and my hair was a mess around my head.
I slowly rubbed my eyes and turned on my back. I looked around and I was not at home. I was a married woman. This was my home now. I didn't know if I should cry or laugh. This was ridiculous. Who would have thought that I was actually going to get married this fast?
When the whole 'scandal' happened I thought that it would take at least ten years for someone to actually want to marry me.
But here I was. At twenty-two already with a husband.
I rolled on my side again and I spotted a small folded paper on the pillow. I grabbed it in my hand and opened it.
Yes, I would.
After you eat your breakfast, you can go shopping and buy whatever you need. We are leaving for Italy tomorrow.
-Dominic
I smiled at the words and I realized that there was a tray of food on the nightstand. I pushed myself up and took it in my hands. The smell of the pancakes covered with chocolate made my mouth water.
There was also a black card placed on the nightstand.
I dig into the pancakes and filled up my stomach piece by piece.
A smile formed on my face again and I touched my lips. Still feeling the kiss from last night. A kiss that was stolen by my husband.
CARMEN HERRERA
22 years old
DOMINIC FERRARI
37 years old
Older man in booksð©>>>>>
But if I see one in real life I'm running away as fast as I can.
By the way I would want one Dominic for myself. I can't help but white age gap storiesð. Does anyone know good books with an arranged marriage? Cause I need them.
Your thoughts on the story?
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