As we walked through the mall, I dragged my mother into shop after shop. Mathis’ only instructions were to come home with a large credit card bill, and my mother was making it damn near impossible. Me, on the other hand, easy pleasey! Even though we had made up last night, and by made up, I mean had the most amazing sex all night long, I was still kind of ticked off at him. Knowing that no matter how much I spent, I could cover the bill with my savings account made it okay though. At least in my eyes.
“How about this hat, Mom? It would be perfect for church.”
She shrugged without saying a word. Something completely unlike my mother. Normally she never shuts up.
“Okay, Mom. What’s wrong?” I didn’t want to push her, because she could be hard to deal with, but something was seriously eating at her and I wanted to know what it was. Come to think of it, I probably didn’t want to know, but curiosity killed the cat. Or the ginger. Whatever.
“This Mathis guy... Are you happy, Jennifer? This all seems so strange.”
Bingo. I knew it was my husband. What do you say when you don’t even know the answer to the question?
“Mom, don’t worry about my marriage. We are happy. Don’t you see it when we are together?” Which was the truth, one damn fight in our whole...what... three days of marriage. That should be some kind of record right?
“I know, I just worry about you Jenny. Are you pregnant?”
I almost tripped over the manikin displaying a hot sequined dress. I couldn’t help but laugh at her assumption, but I guess being from the Midwest it was a pretty suitable assumption.
“No, mother. I am not pregnant.”
“Then what was the hurry?”
There was no answer, so I just shrugged as I grabbed the attention of the girl working behind the counter. That dress would be mine and I would knock my husband’s socks off with it. My train of thought had changed so much in the past few days.
“Do you love him?”
Damn, she was really doing a great job of screwing with my shopping game today.
“Yes, I do love him.”
I guess that finally answered that question.
But how do you fall head over heels in love with someone in a whole hand full of days?
SHIT HAS HIT THE FAN
(Mathis)
The clients I was meeting for lunch were late. I was usually a laid back person but when it came to business, everything had to be spot on. On time. Smooth. My biggest pet peeves were these cocky types that felt they could walk all over me because they fucking had more money. Who the hell cares? I had money too but you don’t see me taking advantage of people. Or monopolizing their time. Okay, maybe I did. But that was no more. I almost busted out laughing. Who would have thought that Mathis Verlinden would change his ways? Be a better person? Not me, that’s for damn sure. But I was certainly enjoying my new skin.
There were a few certain people that would shit bricks if they found out that I had married. I guess it was only time before they knew since my face was plastered all over the Vegas papers.
I took a sip of the red wine, letting the fruity taste seep into my taste buds before swallowing. I always enjoyed a good glass of red. Red.
My pants tightened, my thoughts scattering to images of a pale curvy red headed thing that I had sent out shopping with her mom. I shook my head. Jennifer’s parents were something else. They put Bible thumpers to shame. I was all for religion, a higher power, and things like that but don’t force me to believe what you believe. I know there’s a God. I know my sins, and I know that I will have to fucking pay for them. No one has a right to judge others.
I shook my head, ridding myself of my inner rant and thought about the one thing that had invaded my mind since she walked into my club a couple of nights before.
Jennifer or Jenny Sunshine. I sighed. That woman was going to be the death of me and I fucking loved it. Every minute of it. Every inch of her.
She was still pissed at me. I could tell but I was thankful that we had made up somewhat last night. Letting her make love to me was one of the hardest things I ever had to do but she needed it. I needed it. I didn’t plan on giving her that much control in the future though. I just couldn’t no matter how hard I tried.
“Mr. Verlinden?”
I looked up and smiled at the waiter standing beside me and cleared my throat. “Yes?”
“Your lunch guests are running behind, but will be here in about five minutes,” he said, ringing his hands together.
“That’s fine. Thank you.”
The waiter nodded and walked away.
Fucking clients thought everyone was running on their time.
My stomach twisted, the hairs on the back of my neck tingling. Something felt off.
“Mathis Verlinden.” A heavy hand landed on my shoulder causing me to look up at the deep voice.
Antonio Conti stared down at me, his Italian boyish looks hiding the cobra that lived deep inside. His black eyes twinkled as he sat down beside me. “How’s it going?”
I rolled my eyes and opened my mouth to speak when another person joined our table, sitting on the other side of me. My gaze travelled to him. No. It fucking couldn’t be. Could it?
The man sneered. “Hello, brother.”
Antonio looked between the two of us. “I had no idea that you were brothers. But, I can see the resemblance now.”
Fucking bullshit. Antonio knew. He set me up.
“Yan,” I bit out.
Yan Verlinden, older than me by a couple of years but, still the biggest dick in the whole fucking world. No matter, he always threw me under the bus. It started when we were boys and never stopped.
“How long has it been?” he asked, his voice clipped.
Not long enough. “Fifteen years,” I mumbled.
Yan smirked and ran a hand through his black hair. His piercing gray eyes bore into mine and if we weren’t in a public setting, I would punch the shit out of his smug grin.
“Now, this is interesting,” Antonio grinned. He was like a kid at Christmas, all bright eyed and practically bouncing in his seat. I swore he got off on other people’s misfortune. That’s why he wanted my clubs. That’s why he has tried undermining me for years, taking what is rightfully mine. Not anymore though.
“I heard you got married.”
I turned to my brother and leaned back. “Good news travels fast.” I was wondering how long it would take for people to find out.
Yan rubbed his hands over his mouth. “I also heard that she’s a high paid whore.” I couldn’t help but watch the nasty smirk spread across his lips. He was purposely trying to get under my skin, just as he had our entire lives.
My back stiffened. “She’s not a whore.”
“But she was. Once a whore, always—”
“Finish that sentence and you’ll be getting my fist as your next meal,” I growled.
“Now, now children. Let’s play nice. I have a business to steal…er…be a part of.” Antonio called the waiter over.
God, what was I getting myself into?
After ordering another drink, Antonio turned back to me. “Where’s your pet?”
My jaw clenched. “Dean’s around.” They didn’t need to know that he was sitting at a table with an elderly couple only a few feet away from us. The older folks agreed to have him sit with them as long as they got a picture with me. Fucking epic.
Antonio smirked. “So, since you obviously know my business associate, let’s get down to it then.”
“You can either work with me or go somewhere else to spend your money. I’m not selling my clubs.”
“This is a nice suit. How much did it cost? Five grand?” Yan asked, brushing off my shoulder.
I frowned.
“How would Jenny Sunshine feel if she found out about the illegal businesses you’ve had? Money, drugs, weapons, women…everyone eating out of your fucking hand…”
With an even stare, I looked at my brother. What had happened to make him hate me
so much? My stomach twisted. Memories of my father beating him came to mind. Always comparing the two of us. I bit back a sigh. If I were him, I guess I would hate me too.
“Tell her,” I ground out. She would know before they had a chance to tell her anyways. I would tell her on my own. No secrets. She told me about her relationship with Jude and his woman. I was damn determined to make this work. For her and for me. For us.
The sound of laughter echoed through my apartment as Jennifer strolled into the vast living room.
“Well I’m glad…no…really, Nora. I am happy for you.”
I smiled, knowing she was talking about Nora and Dean. The guy had finally settled down. Not sure for how long but whatever.
“No, I don’t think you’re crazy.” Jennifer stopped when she came into the dining room and saw me sitting at the table. She grinned and walked up to me, before placing herself in my lap.
I kissed her shoulder and wrapped my arms around her middle, breathing in the sweet scent of lavender.
She placed a peck on my mouth and frowned. “Nora, I’ll call you back.” She hung up the phone and threw it on the table. “What’s wrong?”
I didn’t know why I was surprised but shock tore through me that she could tell something was off. “How do you know something’s wrong?”
She tapped lightly on my glasses. “I noticed that you only wear them before bed or when you have a headache. Clearly it’s too early for you to be getting ready for bed so something has to be wrong.”
“Perceptive,” I mumbled.
“Talk to me. Please,” she pleaded, entwining our fingers.
I looked down at our joined hands in her lap. “I had a business meeting today.”
She nodded in encouragement.
“My brother was there.”
Jennifer gasped. “What? How the hell did that happen?”
I chuckled and sighed. “He’s a business associate of the guy that’s trying to buy my clubs from me, Antonio Conti.”
“He wants your clubs?”
I nodded. “They’re all over North America in prime locations. At first, I thought he wanted to work with me but soon found out that I was wrong.”
“Okay, but I sense something else is going on ,” she said, running her other hand through the hair at my nape.
The touch, although small, eased the tension that had built in my body since seeing Yan that afternoon. “They threatened to go to you regarding my past if I didn’t sign over my clubs,” I said in one breath.
Jennifer frowned. “Your past?”
I looked away and nodded. “My clubs are legal. One hundred percent but I have underground dealings with anything and everyone. You name it? I have my hand in it. But…” I looked up and met her blue gaze, and breathed a sigh of relief.
No judgment. No yelling and screaming on how much of a loser I was. She listened attentively, to every word that left my mouth, and I think I fell in love with her even more at that moment.
“I want to change. You make me want to change. Call me crazy. Call me fucking delusional, but you make me want to be a better man.”
Jennifer let out a heavy breath. “Wow…well I wasn’t expecting the whole illegal business thing but, I have no right to judge you. I figured something was up with how rich you are though.”
I smiled. “My Jennifer. So perceptive and smart.” And she was. Which was just another thing I adored about her.
She laughed lightly. “Just…I know I probably have no right to ask this of you but I’m only asking because I love you.”
I loved how her cheeks reddened every time she said those three words.
“No more. I don’t care what kind of illegal jobs you were in. I don’t want to know. I will worry though if you keep them. I know you have Dean to protect you but he’s only one man. Please. Do that for me,” she said, cupping my cheeks.
“I will change. I promise you that. For you and for me. I’m getting too old for the drama, anyways. The money is not worth it.” That was the truth. If I could go back and change the wrongs I did, and the people I hurt, I would. There were a few that I could call or visit…visit would probably be better. I made a mental note of doing just that.
“One last thing.”
Jennifer turned in my arms and straddled my waist. “What?”
“My brother, Yan and Antonio might come to you, telling you about me. Act surprised. Whatever they say. Can you do that for me?”
She chewed her bottom lip and thought a moment before a slow smile spread on her face. “I always wanted to be an actress.”
MARRIED THE MOBSTER?
(Jenny)
When Mathis told me he was involved in illegal business dealings, I wasn’t all that surprised. The lavish lifestyle was more than a man who grew up poor, and invested in a couple clubs could provide. There was something off and even though he promised that it would come to an end, I worried.
I worried about him and myself. I worried about our new relationship and the fact that whether or not I liked it, I was now a target to anyone who knew we were married. I also had the fact that despite being out of business myself, I had clients. A long list of clients who were still blowing up my phone for the opportunity to spend a night with me or one of my girls. One of my girls. Girls that I didn’t have.
Thoughts churned around in my mind about becoming the newest Heidi Fleiss. I could pull it off. I knew enough women who were working for asshole pimps who occasionally beat the living shit out of them. With Dean’s help, and my own security team I could buy their freedom.
Would it be completely outrageous to ask my husband to help me? Probably, but as a businessman, he could see where I was coming from. Not like we were some kind of Leave it to Beaver couple anyway. It was a business investment. A sound one at that, especially in Las Vegas.
His study door was closed as I paced back and forth, thinking about how to approach him. Since his brother and some Italian Joe Schmo cornered him three days ago, he had been on edge. Although they had not made their move yet. At least on me. It was only a matter of time before they did.
Just as I was growing the lady balls to knock on the door, it slid open, and there he stood. Glasses on, wildly messy hair, and his tie undone hanging haphazardly around his neck. He was a gorgeous, stressed, disaster. But, I knew I had to get it out now or forever hold my tongue on this idea.
“Everything okay, Jenny?” his voice was quiet, smooth, and loving.
It made my body vibrate with want, and need for his touch more than ever.
“I wanted to talk to you about something business-related.” I slowly pushed him back into his office, holding onto his hand and directing him into the expensive leather chair we had the opportunity to christen last night after a series of long and stressful phone calls he endured.
“I am not sure I like where this is going,” he mumbled as I pushed him back into the chair.
“Nothing to be worried about, love. Everything is fine. I just had an idea I wanted to run by you, since of course, you are my husband. Isn’t that what couples are supposed to do? I am not used to this whole marriage shit, but I am pretty sure I am right.” I ramble when I get nervous. I wondered if he had picked up on that yet. I was rambling and my heart began to race.
“Spit it out, Jenny!” his tone became clipped and I knew he was in a mood. I moved backwards and planted my ass on his desk, crossing my legs and anchoring my elbow on my knee. Posing with my chin in my hand I finally just got to my point.
“I wanna become a Madame.”
“You want to... WHAT?” his voice boomed, and his eyes darkened.
Shit. I was in trouble. Maybe this was a bad idea. But damn it, I don’t want to be one of those stuffy rich housewives. This is my life too!
“Hear me out before you go all alpha fuckin’ cave man on me, Mathis! It is a good fucking idea!” I wanted him to give me a fair shot, but I was wondering if that will even be an option when he rolls his eyes at me. I wanted to slap him across the face ev
ery time he did that. Maybe a good slap would fix the problem he was clearly having with his eyes. Asshat.
“Listen, I know a lot of working girls. Many still work for nasty asshole pimps. They would absolutely love to work for someone like me. I have a huge client list, you know as well as I do my client line is still blowing up. This could work out well for our favor. OUR favor, Mathis. Us!”
His fingers ran through his dark hair and he lets out an aggravated sigh. “Jenny, do you think this is a good idea? I mean, we would need to set up protection for them, and to cover our own asses. We would have to find girls as well. I don’t want to deal with these men begging for you when they call.”
I could understand his concern. “Strict rules, Mathis. The first time they ask for my service they get a warning. The second time they lose their spot on the clientele list. I know enough girls to get started and, we could have Dean set up the security details.” I wanted to get down on my knees and beg him, pretty please, but Jennifer Sunshine didn’t beg. Well, not often.
I really needed to stop thinking of myself as Jennifer Sunshine too, because as much as I have loved and hated my name over the years...I was no longer a Sunshine. I’m a Verlinden now. It may not really fit me, but I had to legally change my name. Another step to solidify our budding relationship.
“I’m gonna have to think about this, Jenny.” His uncertainty bothered me. I wanted to convince him that no matter what happened, I was his girl and only his. The possessive asshole in him was exactly what was holding him back. I knew him well enough by now to figure that out.
“Mathis?”
“Hmm,” he replied, looking up through his long dark eyelashes.
“I’m gonna legally change my name this week. Say goodbye to Jennifer Sunshine. Hello to Jennifer Verlinden.”
He didn’t want to smile, but he couldn’t hold it back.
“And honey?” I asked while I slid off the desk.
“Hmmm” he replied again.
“You look stressed. Let me help you unwind a little bit.” Instead of the shoulder rub I had offered so many nights this week. I dropped to my knees in front of him and pulled his soft cock out of his expensive dress pants and went to work pleasing my husband.
Uncomplicated: A Vegas Girl's Tale Page 8
