Hard Earned Cash: A Dark Mafia Romance

by K. L. Hiers

  In spite of their recent victory, there was a nagging feeling that Jimmy couldn’t shake. He knew in his gut that this battle with the Luchesis wasn’t over. Cold was still up to something, and whatever it was, Cold was not sharing any details.

  Jimmy didn’t have time to worry about it too much, especially with the wedding only days away. The last-minute preparations were a hurricane of activity that sucked up all of his free time and most of his sanity. Jimmy was swept from the venue to approve the decorations and back to the restaurant to finalize the menu and then back to the venue again for more decor overseeing.

  Charlie, still on assignment and pretending to be their wedding planner, was at his side to navigate the madness. In spite of his earlier struggles with the event, Jimmy was actually starting to get excited. He didn’t even mind working with Charlie to put all the finishing touches together for the big day.

  Before he knew it, he was getting ready for the rehearsal dinner at Ingrid’s. By this time tomorrow, he and Roderick Legrand were going to be married.

  Well, they were already married in a not-so-legal legal sense, but tomorrow they were going to say the words and do the real matrimonial thing in front of everyone.

  It was really happening.

  Fresh from a hot shower, Jimmy giddily followed Cold over to their closets to get dressed for the evening. He could see the black garment bags still hanging up that held their wedding tuxedos, a tremor of excitement running up his spine knowing that they would be putting those on tomorrow.

  For tonight, Cold had selected a black pinstripe three-piece suit that he would certainly look phenomenal in. Jimmy’s suit was more modern with a bright red jacket and black pants that he was certain had been tailored specially to show off his backside.

  Jimmy secretly enjoyed dressing up for Cold. He liked when Cold picked out his clothes and told him what to wear. Being a mafia husband had its perks, and being spoiled rotten with designer clothes was definitely one of them. Although he ultimately preferred the comfort of a well-worn pair of jeans, it was fun to put on fancy duds for a night out.

  He had always appreciated such fine clothing on Cold. One of his favorite things was to watch him get dressed up in his many fabulous suits, and he was very familiar with Cold’s meticulous ritual and finding that he wanted to take part in it.

  There was something sensual in the way Cold carefully fastened each button and attentively adjusted every hem and crease. His focus on obtaining nothing less than perfection was beautiful, and Jimmy found the whole process got him pretty hot. He didn’t know how to ask if he could participate, thoughtfully watching Cold shed his robe.

  He lingered outside Cold’s closet, eyeing him and continuing to worry at his lip so hard that he nearly broke the skin.

  “Something on your mind, Jimmy?” Cold asked knowingly, offering him a small smile.

  “Could I...” Jimmy began, rocking back and forth on his heels anxiously. “Uhm...”

  Although very beautiful, it wasn’t his lover’s naked body that had him so worked up. It was pretty much the opposite, and Jimmy didn’t know what to say.

  “Yes?” Cold asked curiously, tilting his head.

  “Could I help you get dressed for tonight?” Jimmy finally blurted out.

  Cold looked surprised, a rare expression for him, turning to study Jimmy’s face for a few moments. He nodded, gesturing Jimmy over with a finger as he said, “Yes, you may.”

  Jimmy rushed to his side, beaming excitedly, gushing, “Thank you!”

  Cold chuckled, gesturing to the suit. “At your leisure, Jimmy.”

  Jimmy stood at the ready, twitching with nervous energy, asking, “What’s first? Underwear, right? I mean, of course—”

  “Unless you’d prefer I go without for the evening,” Cold teased softly.

  Jimmy blushed, falling over himself to grab a pair of black silk boxers, stammering, “I-I don’t think I could control myself knowing you’re all dressed up with no underwear on.”

  “In that case, definitely going without.” Cold chuckled wickedly. “Please, put them back.”

  Jimmy gulped, returning the boxers back into the drawer, his face hot and grinning. He knew that after underwear came socks, selecting a black pair of dress socks and matching sock garters. He showed them to Cold, asking, “These?”

  “Perfect,” Cold nodded.

  Jimmy knelt down, slowly working Cold’s socks onto his feet and rubbing his fingers reverently along the lines of his calves. Cold had the most spectacular legs, and he blushed as he buckled the sock garters around his gorgeous thighs.

  Each buckle clicked into place, the sounds making Jimmy’s cock jump beneath his robe repeatedly. He wouldn’t be able to hide how turned on he was for long as he gazed adoringly up at Cold. “Now the suit?”

  “The pieces of a suit should always match,” Cold said breathlessly, offering Jimmy the pants from the hanger. “There is some exception for a three-piece, where the waistcoat may be of a contrasting color to add some flair.”

  Jimmy bundled up the legs so Cold could step into them, kissing his knees and his thighs as he stood to pull them up. “Belt?”

  Cold nodded at a neatly organized rack that held at least a dozen belts. “A belt needs to complement the suit and should match your shoes.”

  Jimmy dragged his fingers over each one before settling on a sleek black one. He shivered when he touched it, certain he had met this particular one before. “Yes?”

  “Excellent choice.”

  Jimmy carefully slipped the belt through the loops, wrapping his arms around Cold’s waist as he brought it around. He very purposely avoided Cold’s cock as he adjusted the pants around his hips, fingers dragging over his stomach as he asked, “And the shirt?”

  “French cuffs. Always. White is a common color choice,” Cold replied with a quiet sigh, clearly enjoying Jimmy’s attentions as his cock started to stiffen up. “Other colors are acceptable, but it must always be lighter than the tie you wear.”

  Jimmy took the shirt from the hanger, stepping around Cold to pull it over his arms. He stepped back in front of him to start buttoning it, teasing little touches dancing along his chest and stomach as he went.

  Cold watched him work away at each button, his breath noticeably hitching as Jimmy continued to take his time. He wanted to do this right, do it the way Cold would, do it perfectly.

  Jimmy enjoyed tucking the shirttail in, feeling Cold’s warm bare skin all under his fingers and brushing up against his thick cock as he pulled up the zipper. He buckled his belt, checking the fit before glancing around the closet for the next item.

  “Cufflinks,” Cold reminded him.

  Jimmy knew where they were, picking out a stunning diamond pair from the case and showing them to Cold for his approval.

  “Another wonderful choice,” Cold confirmed, something tense in his tone now.

  Jimmy eagerly slid them into the slits of the cuffs, folding the creases slowly. He laced their fingers together as he turned Cold’s wrists to inspect his work, kissing his knuckles. He gasped when Cold suddenly pushed his thumb into his mouth.

  “A full Windsor is the only acceptable knot for a tie,” Cold said, his eyes intently focused on Jimmy’s lips, “but you must make sure the tie is long enough to accommodate it.”

  Jimmy hummed, softly sucking Cold’s thumb and running his tongue over it hungrily. He pulled off with a wet pop, asking heatedly, “How long does it need to be?”

  “Long enough so that once it’s tied, the end will just reach your waistband or the top of your belt buckle,” Cold said quickly, licking his lips. “Even though it will be tucked into the waistcoat, the proper length is essential.”

  “Waistcoat! Right!” Jimmy grabbed the vest off the hanger, quickly pulling it over Cold’s shoulders and starting to button it up. Cold’s hands were suddenly at his throat, pulling him in close to bite his ear. Jimmy groaned eagerly, struggling to finish the buttons.

  “What about th-the ti
e?” Jimmy gasped.

  “Yes,” Cold growled, his teeth dragging roughly over Jimmy’s jaw.

  Jimmy had no idea how to tie one, but he grabbed it anyway. He hadn’t even looked at the color, and he didn’t think Cold would care. He draped it around Cold’s neck, groaning low as Cold’s quick hands slipped inside his robe.

  Cold grabbed at the small of Jimmy’s back, dragging their hips together and forcefully grinding forward. The momentum of his body pressed Jimmy back against the wall, his hands flailing for balance.

  “Shit! Dropped the tie,” Jimmy protested, watching it slip off Cold’s neck.

  “Fuck the goddamn tie,” Cold snarled ravenously, pushing Jimmy’s robe out of his way.

  Jimmy wrapped his arms around Cold, flushed and aching for his lover to touch him. Cold grabbed Jimmy’s cock, while at the same time leaving a blazing trail of bites and scalding kisses across his shoulder and throat.

  Jimmy bucked up against Cold’s strong grip, his head falling back against the wall with a loud smack. He was so caught up with passion that he barely felt it, twisting his neck to seize Cold’s lips in a fierce kiss.

  “You’re incredible,” Cold was growling into Jimmy’s mouth as he jerked him off. “Every crease, the fucking folds... you even made sure the garters were straight...”

  “I wanted it to be perfect,” Jimmy panted. “Fucking perfect...”

  “You are fucking perfect. Now, come on, my perfect boy... come for me.” Cold groaned, stroking Jimmy to his end with a loving kiss, directing his hot load all over his stomach.

  Jimmy writhed and cried, shaking with every wonderful pulse of his orgasm. He felt so proud of himself, proud for pleasing Cold and getting him so wound up by performing so well.

  He wasn’t just a good boy; no, he had been perfect.

  Cold pulled away with a soft kiss, straightening out his suit. Other than lacking his tie and a few buttons on his waistcoat being undone, he looked flawless.

  Jimmy was a flushed and sweating mess, grinning dopily as he collapsed against Cold’s shoe rack. He raked a hand through his hair, laughing, “Wow... I should help you get dressed all the time.”

  “I certainly wouldn’t mind,” Cold chuckled.

  “Want me to, ahem, take care of you?” Jimmy asked shyly, fully aware of the firm bulge tenting the front of Cold’s trousers.

  “Oh, definitely,” Cold said, unbuckling his belt. “On your knees, Mr. Poe.”

  Jimmy obediently dropped down, opening his mouth and moaning as Cold filled it with his thick cock. He sucked softly, his eyes fluttering closed as Cold pushed deeper. He swallowed around a tickle in his throat, reaching up to squeeze Cold’s hips.

  Cold didn’t mind the touching now, winding a hand in Jimmy’s hair to hold him firmly in place as he began to thrust harder. “There, there.... Just like that, my good boy. My perfect boy.”

  Jimmy’s cheeks warmed from the praise, and he opened his mouth as wide as he could so Cold could fuck his throat even deeper. He loved the burn in his scalp from Cold pulling his hair, groaning as the thrusting began to speed up. Tears were pooling in his eyes, and he could hardly breathe, gasping sharply when Cold suddenly pulled out.

  Cold still had a tight grip on his hair, jerking himself off as he snarled, “Stick out your tongue, Mr. Poe.”

  Jimmy immediately stuck out his tongue as far as he could, beaming up at Cold as he got the first taste of his cum. More thick ropes followed after, pooling in Jimmy’s mouth, and he moaned as he swallowed it all down. He licked his lips with a happy hum, smiling sweetly. “Yeah, definitely helping you get dressed more.”

  Cold snorted, fixing his pants and retrieving the tie Jimmy had picked out from the floor. He gazed over Jimmy’s naked form, drawling, “Not that I mind the view, but you really should get dressed, love.”

  “Mmm.” Jimmy stood up and stretched his arms, asking casually, “Should I plan on wearing any underwear to the rehearsal tonight?”

  “No,” Cold replied with a wink. “Definitely not.”

  Once Jimmy was dressed and ready, Cold led him downstairs to find Jerry patiently waiting in the foyer for them. He whisked them away in the limo to the restaurant, a crowd of reporters anxiously waiting outside and filling the sidewalk until a few were spilling out onto the street.

  “What in the world?” Jimmy asked, blinking with big eyes at all the people swarming toward the limo.

  “Mmm, the trial may be over but the story is still hot,” Cold mused, taking Jimmy’s hand and giving it a firm squeeze. “I expect we’ll be seeing more of them around.”

  “Why can’t they just leave us alone?” Jimmy gritted his teeth. “This is our freakin’ rehearsal dinner! This is private!”

  “They won’t be able to come inside,” Cold soothed. “Just stay close to me and ignore them.”

  Jerry opened the door and did his best to clear a path for Cold and Jimmy to quickly step into the restaurant. Jimmy kept his head down, trying to shut out the screaming voices and camera flashes. It was overwhelming, and even when the doors of the restaurant swung closed behind them, he could still hear the roar of voices.

  His chest was starting to feel too tight, and he was instantly transported back to that dank basement where Gary had held him prisoner. The terror washed over him in a suffocating wave, and he was instantly nauseous. He could feel his hands shaking, and he clung to Cold like a lifeline. “Shit. I’m sorry. It’s, it’s just all so... loud. It’s too loud.”

  Cold cradled Jimmy close, guiding him to the banquet room as he said, “There. It’s over now. I’ll make sure they’re gone by the time we leave, I promise.”

  “Th-thank you.”

  “Breathe for me, Jimmy,” Cold went on, that ridiculously rich voice of his chasing away Jimmy’s panic. “Breathe.”

  Jimmy took a big breath, exhaling slowly and offering a shaky smile. “I’m okay.”

  Cold opened his mouth to speak again but he was interrupted when Rowena spotted them, loudly squealing, “Hey! There’s the happy couple! Come on, get your butts in here!”

  “We’re coming!” Jimmy called back, his smile brighter when he saw everyone waiting for them. His father, Maury, Dario, and all the Gentlemen were here. He saw Charlie standing off to the side, staring their way, but Jimmy quickly deduced it wasn’t him or Cold that the federal agent had his eyes on.

  It was Jerry, who was also looking right back with the oddest smirk on his face.

  “Rehearsal is super easy!” Rowena announced loudly. “Jules and Roddy will be waiting at the altar with the priest guy. Maury walks with me down the aisle, then Daddy Poe walks Baby Poe down the aisle and boom! It’s time to get married! How easy is that?”

  “Really? That’s it?” Jimmy laughed, hugging his father in greeting and exchanging a big grin.

  “Thought there would be a bit more to it?” David teased.

  “Meh.” Rowena waved her hand and shrugged. “More or less!”

  Cold held out Jimmy’s chair for him to sit down, taking his seat at the head of the table. He was amused by his sister’s rushed rehearsal summary, smirking as he drawled, “Well, I suppose that’s the plan then.”

  “Right,” Jules grunted, “now we can get to the part of the rehearsal dinner that matters. The dinner!”

  “Sounds great,” David agreed, smiling warmly at Jimmy from across the table. “You okay, sport? You look a little spooked.”

  “Yeah, sorry,” Jimmy mumbled, scratching at the back of his neck. “All those reporters outside sort of freaked me out. It’s been a pretty crazy week. Month. Whatever.”

  David reached over the table to pat Jimmy’s hand. “Don’t worry about them. You and Roderick have a bright future ahead of you, and I’m so happy I get to be a part of it tomorrow. I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” Jimmy gushed.

  Maury plopped down next to Jimmy, grabbing him in a rough hug around his shoulders. “I love you, too, you cheeky lil’ shit. Look at you! All fancy and shit
now, livin’ big.”

  “Living happy,” Jimmy said firmly. “And I love you, Maury. I kinda wish both you and my dad were walking me down the aisle.”

  “Maury’s welcome to join me,” David offered with a warm smile. “He’s helped raise you, you know.”

  “Nah,” Maury said, shaking his head. “I was only helpin’ out ‘cause you couldn’t do your fatherly thing. You’ve already missed too fuckin’ much, David. This? This is all you, my friend.”

  “Thank you,” David said, casually wiping at his eyes. “That’s very kind of you, Maury.”

  Jimmy felt a warm hand on his knee, turning to find Cold smiling at him. He reached down to lace their fingers together, enjoying the quiet affection.

  There was a time in Jimmy’s life where he didn’t think his father was ever going to get out of prison, and yet, here he was, free and hours away from giving him away to the love of his life.

  Things were much better now compared to the sad days of only having a few bucks and nineteen cents in his pocket.

  Since Rowena had taken care of her version of the rehearsal, everyone began to order their meals. The food arrived quickly and the drinks flowed while Jimmy drifted in and out of various conversations.

  As dessert made its rounds, Cold excused himself for a brief moment to talk to Tamerlane outside. Dario took the opportunity to come bouncing over, rapidly tapping Jimmy’s shoulder.

  “Hey, Dario!” Jimmy grinned and set down his fork. “What’s up?”

  “Have you decided on a song?” Dario asked excitedly, keeping his voice low. “You know, for the wedding?”

  “Oh, shit,” Jimmy squeaked.

  “Gonna take that as a ‘no.’”

  “Shit, shit, shit!” Jimmy groaned exasperatedly. “I have to sing something at the reception! I mean, everyone will be expecting me to!”

  “You don’t even have to do it at the reception! You could totally be all romantic and sing it during the wedding ceremony! Like, dude, that could be your vows!” Dario pumped his fist. “Ultimate romantic gesture. Sing your heart out before you put that ring on.”

  “We technically already have our rings, and that still totally sounds great except I don’t know what I’m going to sing!” Jimmy hissed urgently.