AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That means you liked it.”
“So, what if I did?”
He shook his head like it confused him. “If you like fooling around with me, why would you want to rule out the sex?” I didn’t know how to answer that, and I must have looked torn because Valerio immediately added, “Remember, no lies.”
“I don’t hate the sex with you,” I said, even though it was not the full truth. I loved fucking Valerio, but I would probably never say that. “I just don’t want to give you a free pass. Men in our world think they can fuck their views whenever they want. I won’t stand for that.”
“And I would not do that,” he seemed offended. “We will live together, Luce. We are both aware of the tension between us. If we both want to fuck we fuck. It is simple as that. There is no underlying meaning about not ruling out the sex.”
I hated that his words made me look like a scared freak, but I had every reason to be. I liked that he assured me, but I was still going to be wary in the future. “Okay then. If we both want, we can have sex.”
“And what about sex with other people?”
I thought about it. Valerio was the best sex I have ever had, so I would probably not need any other person. However, he was probably excited to abolish his celibacy. “What do you want?”
“Down with whatever you want. I told you I can be monogamous.”
Okay, that word actually freaked me out. I didn’t feel the need to fuck someone at this second, but Valerio also not needing it made things different for me. It was dangerous. Exclusivity would make things too real.
I could not risk Valerio catching feelings. I had to put some distance.
“I don’t think I can be,” I said casually, even though we had just promised not to lie. “We should have an open marriage.”
His throat worked in a swallow, but he didn’t look mad or scary. “Okay, but for safety, we should be careful. We should both make sure no one in our circles knows about it to start a rumor. Also, we should share it with each other when we have sex with someone else.”
“Why is that?” I turned defensive. That was not good for my plans.
“I should know when you do for your safety, and it is only fair that I tell it to you too. I mean, if you want to find someone at the club, I will probably be with you anyway. You cannot do it when you are out with your friends from the Outfit, so you’ll have to do it when you are with me.”
“What if I get a lover?” I had zero intention of doing that, but I wanted to push him, and everything he said made total sense. He was able to be sensible when needed.
“Again, you will have to inform me so I can make sure about your safety and the secrecy of our agreement. I don’t care what people say about me, but I don’t want people to attack you. I will fucking kill anyone who does, but only after the deed has been done.”
Damn. When he talked like this, I thought maybe annoying Valerio was better because he was just too attentive. This was so easy for any girl to fall. I was afraid of being lured by him. “Thank you,” I said with a dry throat.
“Is there any other thing?”
“I don’t think so. Do you? Should we agree on rules about how to act in public? Or house rules?”
“House rules will probably shape as we live together. I don’t think I am a horrible roommate but I like communication. Just try not to surprise me.”
“I would peg you for someone who likes surprises.”
“Okay, you can surprise me if it is a good kind of surprise.”
I throw my hand in the air. “Don’t worry. I can't be bothered.”
“I am a lucky man,” he said with a smile. “Also, about the public thing, I don’t think we need to pretend. When we are with my family, you can be hundred percent yourself. I know you won’t disrespect anyone intentionally. They are not annoying like me after all.”
I didn’t care about the joke and said, “I would never do such a thing.” I wanted to keep a distance from Valerio, and that might entail giving him an attitude but using his family was a low blow. He helped me immensely even though it might put his family in danger, and I was not going to be a bitch about it. I have never been that kind of person. I knew what gratitude was.
“I know,” Valerio said with his rare seriousness. “I also don’t want you to put on an act when we are in Outfit events or something. I don’t care for what people think of me. I actually try harder to annoy them. There might be some lines that shouldn’t be crossed, but I trust you about them. You have grown up in this world; you know your limit. Don’t pretend as you did back in LA. I married a fucking Ice Queen, and I want everybody to see it.”
“Another thing to annoy them?” I asked with a small smile. I actually liked his attitude toward the Made Men. They usually deserved it.
Valerio didn’t smile back. Instead, his expression remained serious, and he said, “More like something to be proud of.”
I couldn’t help my growing smile despite all my intentions of keeping him away. Being the subject of someone’s pride was a first for me, but I realized I liked it way too much.
