Club, Mason, Lauren

EMMA

Levi and Alex exit at the penthouse level, leaving Diablo and me alone to continue to our apartment.

I’m still too mad to talk to him. There weren’t any more meetings planned for the day. I just made up an excuse to escape Anthony’s house as fast as I could.

Lauren’s desperation was at an all-time high. Diablo didn’t even bother to push her away when she kissed him. That alone was enough to make my blood boil.

I unlock the apartment door and head straight to the bedroom to change into my workout clothes. I need to burn off this anger before I confront Diablo, or I might say something I’ll regret.

When I come out of the bedroom, I find Diablo gazing out of the massive window, a whiskey in his hand.

“Emma, sweetheart, we need to talk.”

“Not now, Diablo. I’m heading to the gym. We can talk when I get back. I need to blow off some steam.”

“Emma, please don’t avoid me. Not now.”

“Diablo, I’m not running away. I’m just going to the gym. If we talk now, it’ll end in a fight and that’s the last thing we need.

“We’ve been making progress and I don’t want to ruin it with a pointless argument. Please, just give me some space for now. I’ll be back in an hour or two.”

I turn away, leaving Diablo staring after me. He’s not happy. Well, neither am I. I’m fuming.

After three hours of intense workout, my body feels like it’s been through a grueling training week all over again. But at least I’m calmer and ready to talk to Diablo.

When I walk into the apartment, I see the dining table set for two. A mouthwatering aroma wafts from the kitchen.

I lean against the kitchen doorframe, watching the man I love.

“Quit staring, sweetheart, or we might not make it to dinner or the club tonight,” he teases.

“It smells amazing, Diablo. I didn’t know you could cook.”

“It’s one of my hidden talents, sweetheart. I only cook for people I love—and sweetheart, I love you.”

“I love you too, Diablo, but you seriously pissed me off today.”

“I know I have a lot to learn and to make up for, but can we at least eat before you start lecturing me?”

I open my mouth to let him have it, but then I decide against it. He’s trying to make this work and so should I. In the past, we would have been arguing non-stop.

The least I can do is enjoy the delicious meal he’s prepared before we start arguing. It could be a new tradition, eating before we fight. The thought makes me giggle.

“What’s so funny, sweetheart?”

“Nothing, D.”

“No, tell me. What is it?”

“I was just thinking this could become a new tradition, you cooking for me before we fight.”

“Well, maybe sometimes you need to cook for me too, sweetheart. I know I messed up today—that’s why I’m cooking.”

I smile at the love of my life and give him a quick kiss. I notice he’s already showered and dressed for the club tonight.

“Do I have time for a quick shower, babe?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

I dash to the bathroom for a quick shower. I slip on my bathrobe, which ends mid-thigh. I’m not sure what I want to wear to the club tonight and I don’t want to keep Diablo waiting.

“Damn, sweetheart, please tell me you’re at least wearing underwear under that.”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out, babe.” Dinner passes quickly. It’s delicious. My man can definitely cook.

I clear the table and load the dishwasher. When I walk into the living room, I find Diablo with a whiskey in hand. He’s already poured mine. I take it and sit down.

Diablo turns to me.

“Alright, sweetheart, let’s get this over with.”

“Diablo, you need to understand how things work. If you ever do what you did today again, there will be serious consequences. I’m not sure we’ll get off so lightly next time.

“You crossed a line today. If you want this to work, you need to understand the hierarchy.”

I explain everything to him in detail—the rules, the expectations, the hows, whens, and whats. When I finish, I can see his mind working overtime.

“I’m not happy with this, Emma, but if this is what it takes to get my status back, then so be it. I trust you completely.”

I get up from the couch and walk over to Diablo.

“Babe, I’m here for you. I’m yours as you are mine. Just don’t do anything to mess it up, and I’ll always be here.”

I kiss him passionately, but stop him before things get too heated. With us, it barely takes a kiss to get us going. If I don’t get dressed now, we won’t make it to the club tonight.

I decide on a yellow outfit. I put on a pair of bright yellow dress shorts, a white top that covers just my breasts, leaving my toned midriff exposed, an open jacket, and yellow stilettos.

I curl my hair and let it hang loose. I apply minimal makeup with a light brown lipstick. I realize my hair is actually longer than my shorts. From behind, it looks like I’m not wearing anything.

When I walk into the living room, I find Diablo, Levi, and Alex each with a whiskey in hand. This is a far cry from this morning. At least they’re not fighting.

I clear my throat to announce my presence. Diablo walks over to me, wraps me in a hug, and kisses me.

“You look stunning, sweetheart,” he says before kissing my temple. I blush and thank him.

“So, are we ready for round two with Satan’s daughter?” I ask. Everyone laughs as we head down to the club.

When we arrive, Levi gets our drinks as usual. Diablo and I down two rounds of my favorite shots before deciding it’s time to hit the dance floor.

Dancing with him feels amazing. Memories of the last time we danced together flood back.

I glance over my shoulder and spot Lauren making her grand entrance into the club. And, of course, she’s clinging to Mason’s arm.

Mason, who’s been bombarding me with texts. His messages have been getting more and more explicit, making it crystal clear that he wants me in his bed, not just in his life.

And right behind them is Anthony.

This night is about to take a turn.

They weave their way through the crowd on the dance floor, heading straight for us. Lauren flashes me a smile that couldn’t be more fake before turning to Diablo and planting a kiss on each of his cheeks. She seems a bit more subdued than usual.

Mason shakes Diablo’s hand, introduces himself, and then turns his attention to me.

“Emma, baby, it’s been a while. You’ve been ignoring my texts. Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s rude to ignore people?”

“Mason.” I nod in acknowledgment.

But Mason isn’t satisfied with just a nod. He pulls me away from Diablo, whose arm is wrapped around my waist, and plants a quick kiss on my lips. He keeps his hands on my hips, holding me close.

“Mason, let go. You know Diablo and I are together.”

“Baby, I don’t know anything of the sort,” I glance at Lauren, who’s smirking at me. This is her doing. She brought Mason here to stir up trouble between Diablo and me.

Well, she’s in for a surprise.

I pull away from Mason and return to Diablo’s side.

“Diablo and I are together. Officially.”

“I’m his girlfriend and officially off the market,” I emphasize the word “officially” each time I say it, making sure both Mason and Lauren understand that Diablo and I are a couple.

“Not if I can help it, Emma. Not if I can help it,” Mason smirks.

“Where’s the VIP room? I’m ready for some real entertainment,” Anthony interrupts, breaking the tension. Judging by Diablo’s tight grip on my waist, I can tell we’re in for a big fight tonight.

I had decided not to tell Diablo about Mason, hoping he’d just go away. But it seems Mason has other plans.

I extricate myself from Diablo’s grip and lead the trio to the VIP room. I make sure they have champagne, whiskey, and snacks. I also send one of my best girls to keep Anthony entertained.

When I return to Diablo, he pulls me close, pressing me against his body.

“You’re mine, Emma. Only mine. Do you understand?”

“Always, Diablo. I’m yours just like you’re mine.”

I pull his head down for a passionate kiss. His hands roam up my back, then one slides down to my ass. With the other, he grips my throat, squeezing just enough to make me moan.

How does he always know just what to do? I usually don’t kiss anyone in the club. It’s bad for business. I push lightly against his chest and he breaks the kiss, looking into my eyes.

“We’re not done with this, Emma. I want you to tell me everything about you and Mason. And then I’m going to fuck you senseless, so you know who the only man in your life is.”

“I already know who that man is, Diablo. It’s you. But you’re right, you need to know about Mason.”

The rest of the night passes without any more drama—if you don’t count Lauren grinding against Diablo on the dance floor every chance she gets and Mason constantly trying to get my attention.

It’s disgusting, what they’re trying to do.

Diablo and I excuse ourselves and head back to the apartment. Alex and Levi retire to the penthouse for the night.

After a quick shower, I find Diablo on the bed in just his boxers, leaning against the headboard. He must have showered in the guest bathroom.

He’s in a bad mood and not in the mood to wait for my explanation about Mason.

“Start talking, Emma,”

I knew this was coming. I expected Diablo to be honest with me, and I should have been honest with him.

I start telling him about Mason and me, about the calls and texts. When I finish, I can see the anger in his eyes.

“What the fuck, Emma? I’ve had to deal with a lot of shit today, and now this. Is there anything else you need to tell me? Because I can’t handle any more.

“I’m sick of all these men throwing themselves at you and you not telling me everything. And now the worst one of all wants what’s mine—Mason Magaddino.

“Did you sleep with him, Emma? Be honest with me. I need to know.”

“No, of course not. I told you, I’m yours and you’re mine. Why do you think I’ve been avoiding him? He’s just a business partner—nothing more, nothing less.

“Please don’t let your jealousy and my failure to tell you everything ruin what we’ve built. I’ll deal with Mason when the time comes.”

“Fine. But the way he looks at you, I don’t think he’s going to give up that easily,” he says.

But I have a feeling he’s not going to let this go.

“He will, Diablo, because you’re the only man for me,” I say honestly.

He pulls me roughly toward him, gripping the back of my head. He brings his head down and kisses me hard. The kiss starts off fierce but quickly turns passionate, making us forget all about Lauren and Mason.

We spend the next two days in bed, making love nonstop.

On the third day, I wake up alone. Wondering where Diablo is, I put on my robe and search the apartment. He’s not here. I hope he just went to get breakfast and didn’t do anything rash.

I take a quick shower and dress in nude shorts, a white shirt, and a matching jacket. I apply my makeup and curl my hair, letting it hang loose. As I’m putting on my last shoe, I hear the front door slam. Diablo must be back.

I get up to greet him, but Diablo storms past me, heads straight for the bathroom, and slams the door behind him. What the hell?

“Diablo, what’s wrong?” I ask, knocking on the door. I try the handle and, finding it unlocked, I walk in to find Diablo washing his hands.

The sight of blood dripping from his knuckles and his nose startles me. I hadn’t noticed his nosebleed when he first stormed in.

“Diablo, what the hell happened? What did you do?”

“I took care of things, Emma. That’s what I did.”

“What do you mean ‘you took care of things?’”

“I went to Mason’s place to have a chat, but things got out of hand and we ended up in a fight.”

“You did ~what~? Diablo, please tell me you’re joking. I’m begging you, tell me you didn’t fight Mason.”

The moment his eyes meet mine, I know the truth. He did. He fought Mason.

“Diablo, do you realize what you’ve just done?”

“Yes. I defended what’s mine and made sure he knows who you belong to.”

“No, Diablo, it’s not that simple.”

“What are you saying, Emma?”

“You’ve just ignited a war, Diablo, a war that I have to end. Mason now has the right to challenge me to a fight with him and any number of his guys.”

“If I lose, I lose my position as the top Mafia boss. I can’t have Alex and Levi fight alongside me; it’s just me, alone. And if I lose, I become his.”

The color drains from his face.

“What do you mean ‘his,’ Emma?” Fear tinges his voice.

“I’ll become his wife, and by default, he’ll become the top Mafia boss.”

“What have you done, Diablo? What have you done?” I whisper again.

I look into his eyes and see fear.