Mobster’s Fake Wife

by Raven Rivers

  Staring at him wide-eyed, Bethany asked quietly, “Why are you even here with me when you’re so obviously in love with her?”

  Standing so abruptly, his chair almost tipped over, Valisy looked away. For a brief moment, he looked like he was going to say something. Instead, he turned on his heel and stalked off towards the spare room, grabbing his bag along the way.

  Bethany sat stunned by this latest revelation. Unable to get past the part of the story about how much he cared for Dina, she wondered if the real problem was that she didn’t want him but didn’t want anyone else to have him either. Dysfunctional people were weird that way. Weighing all the options in her mind, she slowly made her way to his room.

  Pushing the door open without knocking, she realized he was in the ensuite shower. Sitting on the bed beside his huge black leather duffle bag, she waited for him to finish. Within moments, he stepped into the room with a towel tied around his waist. Little beads of water trickled down his gorgeous body.

  Sighing, he stated warily, “I wish to get dressed, Miss Bethany.”

  Shrugging, she slid back onto the bed, brought her knees up, and wrapped her long, slender arms around her legs. “Go right ahead and get dressed. I’ve seen it all before, remember?”

  A hint of a smile ghosted across his lips. “You are a confusing woman, wife.”

  “At least you are never bored with me around. When you’re dressed, I want to talk.”

  The slight smiled dropped from his face, replaced with the blank expression she was coming to think of as his poker face. “As you wish, wife.” Tugging the towel from around his trim waist, he rubbed it over his pale skin. If they were giving out awards for blinding white skin, Valisy would win first place, Bethany thought absentmindedly.

  Her eyes slid over his bulky form, taking in all the details. It wasn’t a wonder it looked like he was trying to burst out of all his clothing. His muscles were huge and it seemed that each and every bulge had a badass tattoo wrapped around it. Hell, even his huge dick had a tattoo curled around its thick trunk.

  This man was everything her mother ever warned her about and more. Yet she wanted him with every ounce of her being. It didn’t feel very nice to covet another woman’s man. Regardless of what their marriage certificate said, Valisy belonged to Dina in all the ways that really mattered.

  “What is it you wish to discuss?”

  Valisy’s deep voice pulled her from her thoughts, back into the moment. She saw him standing in front of his dresser completely dressed. He was leaning down, with both hands resting on the edge, staring at her in the huge mirror. The back of his head was still moist and tiny damp strands of hair clung to the back of his shirt.

  “Why can’t you be with Dina? Does Timur think she’s not good enough for you?”

  “I have no wish to have Dina for a wife.”

  “Why not?”

  His beautiful ice blue eyes closed for a brief moment. “Being with her is bittersweet. She is a reminder of every truly horrible thing that ever happened to me. We were young together, abused together, and hungry together…always so hungry. We consoled each other. She held me the first time I was abused as a child.”

  “Abused?”

  “I know you probably cannot tell by looking, but she is three years older than me. I found out many years later that she offered herself to my abuser. Dina used her frail, still developing body to protect me from the kind of abuse that eats away at a man’s soul. Do you have any idea what that kind of thing does to a woman?”

  Shaking her head, Bethany tried not to look as horrified as she actually was.

  “It messes with your ability to tell right from wrong. It leaves you feeling helpless, worthless, and filled with rage. Though I had no knowledge of her sacrifice on my behalf, I fought for her and stole food for her. When we were older, she was the only girl who respected me as a man, the first girl I ever had sex with. Our entire relationship was born of and thrived on needs we didn’t know how to get met in more appropriate ways. We were two broken, misguided people thrown together by chance. Our bond was forged in a crucible filled with pain and misery, the likes of which most people cannot begin to fathom. If you grow to hate me, at least hate me for the right reasons.”

  “I don’t hate you.”

  “You were meant to be my chance at something better. I’d hoped for us to fall in love, like the normal people this country seems to be filled with. Americans fall in love over coffee and conversation, not pain and suffering. They smile and laugh as their love blooms over romantic dinners and lovemaking between soft pink sheets. Their love is innocent, pure, and not tainted with the ugliness the rest of us are subjected to. This was my American dream, and now I fear that it is not to be.”

  “If I give us another chance, what of Dina?”

  Turning around, he leaned back against the dresser and folded his arms over his chest. “She was upset at the prospect of sharing me with another woman. Dina is quite damaged in some ways. Having nothing has led her to be territorial of the one thing she truly thought of as her own. You thinking she could possibly be attached to me in the same manner you are implies you have no understanding of her emotional maturity. I’m certain she sees me as a long-term best friend who she can come to when she’s desperate for sex, money, and a friendly shoulder to cry on.”

  “You’re the person she turns to when the world lets her down and I’ve have taken that away from her.”

  “Yes.” The word came out as barely a whisper as his shoulder dropped slightly.

  “You love her.” Bethany phrased it as a statement, not a question.

  Nodding, he agreed. “Yes. But that is nothing like being in love with her.”

  “And me?”

  “I am falling in love with you quicker than I ever dreamed possible. You are my wife in every sense of the word. I will put no other person before you. Now that I have clarified my feelings with Dina, there will be no more chasing after her. She will need to find a new man to turn to when she is in need. I will not be unfaithful with her, share our money with her, or allow her poor boundaries to cause problems between us. If you reject me, I wish it to be because I am not the right man for you, not because of any foolishness with Dina.”

  Bethany slowly slid one foot down, pushing the duffel bag to the floor. Never taking her eyes off him, she patted the bed beside her. “Where I come from, marriage promises are sealed with a kiss.”

  Walking forward to stand in front of the bed, he asked, “You accept me out of pity for all that I have endured?”

  “Hell no, I don’t pity you. I respect you and Dina both because you managed to stick together and make it through some horrific shit that would have caused a lot of people to just throw in the towel.”

  “You truly want me?”

  Reaching out, she pulled him down beside her. One large hand came up to cup her rear, and he pulled her forward. “I am getting another chance, am I not?”

  Nodding, she smiled up at him. “Yeah, if you want one.”

  “I do.”

  “You already said that.” Referring to their wedding vows put a smile on his face.

  “As did you, my Bethany.”

  “I guess we should make good on those sometime soon.”

  Dropping his lips down to nibble along the column of her neck, he whispered seductively, “Now is good.”

  Turning his head to receive her kisses, she captured his lips. Suddenly, the large man was all hands, lips, and sexy hard-ons. She quickly pressed him back. “Not now. We don’t have much time before we have to meet Timur.”

  “Just as well, I want to take my time with you the first time we are together.”

  Something about hearing those words made her want to use him for her own personal bouncy castle, but she rolled off the bed and headed for the door, with Valisy at her heels.

  Chapter 14

  The Jade Dragon

  ~ Bethany ~

  Jade’s shop was ominously named The Dragon’s Dungeon. Immediat
ely upon crossing the threshold, Bethany spied her. She was an older woman. She looked to be around Timur’s age. It was difficult to tell because she dyed her hair jet black. It complimented her Asian features. She wore a simple silk blouse paired with a slim skirt and pumps. A brilliant smile flashed across her face when she saw them.

  “Valisy, it has been many ages since I last saw you. Who is your pretty friend?” Glancing down at Bethany’s hand, she exclaimed, “A wife! How exciting. You must be quite taken with her to have given her your grandmother’s ring. You hung on to that ring when you were poor and going hungry. It is satisfying to see the sacrifice was not wasted.”

  The big Russian looked embarrassed as he propelled her forward for introductions. “Miss Jade, may I present my wife, Bethany. Bethany, this is Miss Jade. She is a very dear friend, who worked tirelessly to see that Timur’s home was outfitted with the finest furnishings money could buy.”

  “That was an act of love. Antiques are my life. Still, I have rarely enjoyed a man’s company so much in my life. Please tell me he is well.”

  Bethany spoke up. “He is quite well, Miss Jade.”

  “So, what is he up to these days?”

  Valisy replied matter-of-factly. “Crime. It is all we are ever up to.”

  Miss Jade laughed. “Still as cloak and dagger as ever, I see. In the two years I spent around Timur, I can’t say I ever saw or heard tell of him engaging in criminal activity of any kind. Made we wonder if he really is into nefarious dealings, or if it’s just all for show.”

  Valisy’s eyes got big and he opened his mouth to speak.

  Bethany interjected. “We do have one small worry where Timur is concerned.”

  The woman’s face drew into a frown.

  “He seems lonely. You know how attractive he is. I’m afraid he just doesn’t see it. He has even resorted to taking a house cat for companionship. A very poorly behaved one to be exact. We’re very worried the animal will destroy the precious furnishings, but taking the cat away will leave him lonelier than ever.”

  The woman regarded her speculatively. “He has a cat…a creature with fur…living in his home? Now that would be worth a look.”

  “I’m certain he would be pleased to see you. Perhaps we can dine together this evening.”

  “I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see Timur again.”

  “As you know, he takes his meals at eight o’clock.”

  “I won’t be late. It will be good to see the dear man again.”

  As soon as they hit the street, Bethany got the feeling of being watched again. It sent the hairs on her neck up. She looked around, but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

  Valisy frowned at her. “That far surpasses any level of meddling I expected from you.”

  “We haven’t known each other that long. You’ll soon figure out I don’t consider it meddling.”

  They met Timur at the designated hydroponics site, surveyed the entire area, and decided to hire an independent appraiser to value the property and machinery. As they were leaving, Bethany casually mentioned their visit with Miss Jade.

  “Valisy and I were shopping today. We bumped into a friend of yours. Miss Jade asked us to tell you hello.”

  Timur stopped dead in his tracks, turning to them. “You spoke with Miss Jade? Did she ask about me? Did she look well?”

  “Well, this was my first time meeting her, but I thought she looked absolutely stunning. Her hair was dark and glossy. She had it arranged in a really adorable style high on her head, with little gemstone clasps holding it up. She seemed really nice. She did ask after you.”

  She saw the older man swallow hard. “I’m pleased that she is well. I expect to pay her a visit soon. At the rate my little rascal is going at my favorite chair, I will need a new one soon.”

  “We told her all about your new pet. She was delighted to hear of your new interest in furry creatures. I think she may be a cat lover as well. In fact, she was dying to meet your new little friend. We invited her to dinner tonight. Would you like to join us?”

  “I would be agreeable to dining out.”

  Bethany did her best to conjure up a confused expression. “I just realized she won’t be able to see your little one if we dine out. Shall I have Draj order something special in tonight?”

  Timur eyes blazed. “Yes. Tell him to order from Sarlon’s. Miss Jade was always fond of their food. Valisy, you know I eat at eight o’clock sharp. Don’t be late.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll text Miss Jade about the change of plans.”

  Timur seemed a little preoccupied as he slid into his vehicle. They watched as his vehicle disappeared down the dusty road.

  Bethany beamed, quite pleased with own attempts at matchmaking. It served the old coot right. It would do him good to get a taste of his own medicine. If things worked out between him and Miss Jade, so much the better.

  She turned to Valisy. “Trap set. I think they’re both still sweet on each other.”

  “I have never seen him look quite so determined.”

  “We need to make up some excuse to bow out early to give them some alone time.”

  “That shouldn’t be too difficult. You are really enjoying yourself, aren’t you?”

  “Feels like sweet revenge to me. He fitted me with a husband, and now I am fitting him with one.”

  “Except Miss Jade is a woman.”

  “Un-huh, whatever you say.”

  Chapter 15

  Reunited

  ~ Bethany ~

  Bethany came out wearing a long black gown. It was a little more modest than she normally wore, proving she had no intention of stealing the spotlight from Miss Jade. She pulled her hair up in a French twist and finished with a pair of pumps. Instead of making a production of showing herself off to Valisy like last time, she hurried to the tiny closet in her foyer to retrieve her long velvet coat.

  He came up behind her, assisting her into the heavy covering.

  “You look extremely nice tonight. I think you would be beautiful wearing just about anything, but seeing you in an evening gown is a special pleasure.”

  Bethany elbowed him back and turned to face him. She kept the tone of her voice polite and impersonal. “Thanks. Let’s not get confused about what this evening’s about. This is an important moment in time for Timur. Being an older man, he doesn’t have the years left that someone like you does. You can afford to screw up off and on. You’re still relatively young, and Timur needs this evening to go off without a hitch. Miss Jade is clever and sophisticated. It will be a challenge to draw them together. Let’s stay focused, shall we?”

  “As you wish, Bethany.” His tone was tight, and his face betrayed not a trace of his feelings on the matter.

  The ride to Timur’s home was free of distracting conversation, leaving Bethany the opportunity to mull over the situation with Miss Jade. The older woman was quite beautiful in her own way. She could easily see her on Timur’s arm. Strangely enough, images came to mind of Miss Jade sharing drinks with him in his limo, sitting across a small candlelit table from him, and even sitting by his side on the platform at the Broadway. Who knew older people could be so versatile?

  They both really cared for and respected each other, that much was clear. She wondered exactly what had fractured their relationship. Her gut feeling was that Timur didn’t want to put her in an awkward position by being with him. Then again, maybe she balked when he laid down the law about security protocols. Rejecting security would have been a deal breaker for Timur because he would have had no way to protect her from the many dangers associated with being his partner. Miss Jade seemed like a mature, headstrong woman. Maybe she decided it was just too much to deal with. Whatever had transpired, it was clear they were both eager to see each other again.

  When they arrived, Timur and Miss Jade were deep in conversation as they played a game of chess. The small round table they sat at held little more than the chess set and a glass of wine. They were both very switched on w
ith each other.

  Bethany slowly realized she need not have worried about upstaging Miss Jade. The woman had apparently gone all out in terms of dress for the evening. She had her hair pulled up away from her face, but it fell in hundreds of tiny ringlets around her shoulders and back. No woman alive had that much hair. It seemed to have tripled in bulk since they last laid eyes on with her. Bethany shrewdly came to the conclusion that the woman must be wearing hair extensions. Though those ringlets looked thoroughly authentic, they simply weren’t. Her clothing had a distinct Eastern flare. Black form-fitting silk blouse and pants with a sheer gold trimmed floor length duster in black. Her gold jewelry was intricate and appeared to be antique. Her makeup was perfect. With the joy of being with Timur lighting up her face, the effect was almost too beautiful to be believed.

  “Miss Jade, you look breathtaking tonight.”

  The woman tossed her an amused expression and nodded her thanks. She turned to Timur. “Perhaps we should postpone our game until after dinner.”

  “As you wish, Miss Jade.”

  He stood and held out his arm. Miss Jade slipped her hand around his bicep and gave it a little squeeze. Timur’s eyes danced with excitement as he gazed down at her. As they approached, Bethany could clearly hear a scratching noise. Timur reached down, grabbed his scratch-happy kitten, and promptly dropped her in the bottom half of a Matryoshka doll. The little kitted appeared swallowed up by the wooden cavern. She immediately calmed down and began pawing at some grass in the bottom of the little nest he had made for her. Timur sat the doll on his coffee table and turned to Bethany.

  Bethany said, “I would not have thought of putting a kitten in a nest. Nests are for birds, not mammals.”

  “I mix catnip with the grass. My little pixie loves it.”

  Miss Jade looked up at him. “You seem to have grown quite attached to her.”

  His lips turned up ever so slightly. “I am very taken with my evil little monster. Would you like to see the damage she did to my favorite chair?”