007: this gangster is a best man

Allera's POV:

"Who the hell was that guy?!"

Carter doesn't even wait for me to step one foot into the house before he's on me.

"No one." I answer, kicking my shoes off and throwing my purse wherever.

"No one?! And you were all over him like a fucking slut?"

"Can we do this in the morning? I've had a really shitty day."

"We're doing it now."

I face my husband. Deep down, I feel a spark of satisfaction. I guess Devon was right.

"You opened our marriage, Carter. I'm doing just that, having fun and adventure. He was perfect, I'll tell you that. It got me thinking, maybe I'll borrow a page from your book and find a cute lady. Have the best of both worlds. That would be—"

I don't get to finish.

He grabs my arm, slamming me into the wall. The impact sends pain shooting through my back.

"Carter!"

He sucks in a breath through his teeth. "You must think this is funny, huh? How dare you let another man touch you?! You're still my wife!"

"Bullshit! Now you're playing the wife card?! Did you think about how your wife would feel if she saw you balls deep in another woman? And getting railed by another man?!"

"You've lost your mind."

Just when I think I can enjoy his jealousy more, he pulls back and wiped all traces of anger from his face.

"You wanted a rule, here's one. You must introduce him to me."

"I will do no such thing. You wanted a fucking open marriage, that's what you'll get. Piss me off, and the next thing I send will be a video of me bouncing on his cock."

His jaw drops.

I swallow thickly, shocked at the words that just came out of my mouth. I don't even know if they're true.

Carter blinks. His eyes narrow, like he's searching for something hidden deep in my eyes. He seems to find it, because he starts laughing. "It was staged, wasn't it?"

My heart screeches to a halt.

The satisfaction I felt turns to a heavy sludge of fear.

My expression must have betrayed my feelings, because Carter laughs harder, nodding to himself like he just unveiled the mysteries of the universe.

"That's right. The Allera I know won't throw herself on a man like a cheap whore. What was your plan? Make me jealous?"

My hands clench into fists so tight that my nails cut into my palms.

"You love me, Allera. You can't even imagine touching another man. Which is why you must stop this petty rubbish at once."

Red bleeds into my vision.

This was it. The same thing that happened years ago that led to the stupid bet with Daphne. The same bet that landed me here.

You can't do it. The Allera I know won't do it. You're too soft, too innocent, too principled.

Something stirs inside me. A challenge. A burning desire to prove him wrong. And with it comes stinging tears.

Carter knows me too well. And that hurts. The fact that he can see right through me and know what I'm thinking. Know the kind of effect he has over me.

He shakes his head, clicking his tongue in disappointment. "Pack a bag. We're leaving for Lake Como tomorrow."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"My mom is getting remarried, babe. You have to be there. I can't be there without my wife."

I grit my teeth. His mom...Cynthia Stein, a very successful chef. Michelin three-star certified. I've met her a handful of times. I'll never forget the taste of the truffle lobster risotto she made the first day Carter introduced me to her.

"After we return from the wedding, we'll see a Couples therapist. I've booked already."

"How about a divorce lawyer, save us both the stress?" I spit.

"If you think I'll divorce you after seeing how it ruined my mother, you're sorely mistaken."

Anger rushes over me. I recall that Cynthia was in the middle of a very nasty divorce once, it made headlines. Abusive husband and all. What I don't understand is how it justifies what Carter did to our marriage.

"I'm not your mother, Carter."

He rolls his eyes. One time I would have found it cute and sassy, now it just grates on my nerves. "Go to bed, Allera. I've had enough of your nonsense to last me a lifetime."

"That makes two of us!" I shoot back.

I watch him leave, heading for the guest room. He's mad if he thinks I'll sleep in the same bed he just defiled.

****

Carter's parents aren't filthy rich.

They live in Greenwich in a nice suburban neighborhood. At least they did when they were still together.

Which is why when I arrive at the wedding destination, my jaw hits the ground. Wow, her new husband must be loaded.

A villa.

One that has a gorgeous view of the Lake covered in early morning mist. I drag my suitcase up the stone path, my exhausted eyes widening as I drink in the exquisite house and the lush gardens surrounding it.

It's 9am, yet the air is frantic. Workers racing up and down, voices rising in the air, I can feel the tension just by standing there.

"Allera my sweetheart!"

From the front steps comes Cynthia Stein. She's a gorgeous, petite, dark haired beauty, with a warm tan and brilliant golden eyes. She's sporting her signature black four petal flower hair pin, I've never seen her without it on TV.

She pulls me into a long, deep hug, the soft scent of her skin clinging to mine.

"Hello Mrs Stein," I say as we pull apart.

She waves dismissively. "Please. Aren't we both Mrs Steins?"

I gasp, my eyes widening. "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry! I'm used to calling you that and—"

"Just call me Cynthia." She slips her hand into mine. "Come. You must be so exhausted."

"Yeah," jet lagged too.

"Where's your husband?"

My expression sours. "He said he had some friends to meet up with."

"Friends? Here?" Cynthia frowns. Then a bright smile spreads across her face. "I'm sure he'll be here soon. I'll show you to your room, I had it specially made for you. I remember you like the water." She leans in, cupping her hand over my ear. "Yours has the best view of the lake."

My eyes water and I want to hug her again. Maybe kiss her too, for good measure. "Thank you, Cynthia."

"I should be thanking you, for taking such good care of my boy. I've never seen him so happy before."

If only she knew what her boy was putting me through. I'd tell her, but I'm simply not in the mood.

"There you are. The wine orders have been cancelled. Your beloved has a wine cellar worth—"

No.

Fucking.

Way.

That voice. That smooth voice that promises to wreck anyone who listens too much. That voice I've been thinking about for a full week.

"Ah, what do we have here?" Devon chuckles. He walks over to me, leaning down and peering into my face. "Miss Akiyama. What a pleasant surprise."

Heat rises to my cheeks, clouding my head. I face Devon, sucking in a breath as our eyes meet. "What are you doing here?"

He leans back, spreading his arms, a cocky smirk on his face. He looks majestic, the morning sun hitting him just right, illuminating the sharp panes of his face and turning his eyes a dull gold. "This gangster is the best man."