CHAPTER 43

Ellis entered the luxurious bathroom of the suite, her mind filled with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The warm, golden glow of the candles danced around the room, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. She looked at the elegant marble bathtub, already filled with steaming water, waiting to envelop her in its comforting embrace.

As Ellis undressed, she couldn't help but reflect on the unusual circumstances that had brought her there. The arrangement to marry Vittorio Amorielle had arisen out of necessity, a desperate attempt to pay off her brother's half-million-dollar debt. The contract she had signed with Vittorio bound them in matrimony, but now she found herself navigating uncharted territory.

As she stepped into the bathtub, the hot water embraced her tired body, relieving the tension that had accumulated throughout the day. Ellis let out a long sigh, her thoughts turning to the dinner with Vittorio's family.

Her mind wandered, contemplating the role she would have to play for Vittorio's relatives - his cousins, and his uncle and aunt, Matteo and Carmela. Ellis knew she would need to feign love and affection for her new husband in front of them, pretending that their marriage was based on true love rather than a business transaction. The weight of this charade weighed heavily on her heart, adding to the already confusing mix of emotions she was experiencing.

As she immersed herself in the warm water, Ellis closed her eyes and allowed her thoughts to wander. The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows on the walls, creating a comforting atmosphere that offered a moment of respite from the whirlwind of her emotions. She reflected on the enigma that was Vittorio Amorielle, the man she had married - a complex individual with a dangerous reputation in the world of organized crime.

Feelings of uncertainty mixed with a flash of curiosity within her. Ellis wondered if there might be more to Vittorio than met the eye, beyond the tough exterior she had glimpsed during their brief interactions. The journey they were about to embark on would undoubtedly reveal more about the man she had married and the life she had been thrown into.

Lost in her thoughts, Ellis decided that she would proceed with caution, protecting her heart and honoring her commitment to Don Vittorio. She would not let him get close enough for any other feelings to arise, besides duty.

Ellis got out of the bathtub, promising herself that she wouldn't stray from her purpose. She was determined. Clad in a plush robe, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, meeting her own eyes with a determined gaze.

***

Ellis stood in front of the bedroom mirror, with a selection of dresses spread across the bed, when Vittorio returned. She had an air of concentration as she evaluated each option, trying to find the perfect outfit for the dinner hosted by Vittorio's uncles, Matteo and Carmela. The soft moonlight filtered through the window, highlighting the baby blue shade of the flared dress she had chosen.

Vittorio silently entered the room and observed his young wife with a discreet smile. His dark eyes roamed over every detail of her reflection in the mirror. Her wavy brown hair was loose, gracefully cascading over her shoulders, adding a touch of femininity to the ensemble.

Ellis was completely absorbed in her task, carefully examining the dress to ensure it was perfect. She held the fabric between her fingers, feeling its smooth and pleasant texture. Vittorio appreciated the determination on her face, the way she was determined to make everything go well. A mischievous smile formed on his lips as he admired the sight of his wife.

As Ellis twirled to assess the fit of the dress, Vittorio admired how it gently embraced her curves, accentuating her natural elegance. He couldn't help but smile as he noticed how the baby blue color enhanced her delicate skin tone, making her appear even more radiant. She felt beautiful and confident.

Vittorio's silent admiration lasted only a moment before Ellis finally noticed his presence in the room. She turned around, surprised, and her bright smile illuminated the room.

"Don Vittorio, are you there? What do you think of this dress?" she asked, her voice soft and full of anticipation. "Do you think it's appropriate for tonight?"

Vittorio approached, his eyes fixed on her. He reached out to gently caress her cheek before responding.

"Ellis, you look stunning. This dress is perfect, just like you," he sincerely said, his eyes sparkling with tenderness.

Ellis blushed slightly, a shy smile playing on her lips, feeling happy and flattered by his opinion. Before she could thank him, Vittorio began undressing, preparing to take a shower.

"Hey! What the heck are you doing?" she asked, surprised, feeling a bit embarrassed by his sudden gesture.

Vittorio chuckled softly and gave her a mischievous look.

"Well, my dear wife, now that we are married, there's no need to be shy. We need to get used to the idea of sharing everything, including moments like these, in the days to come. Are you telling me you've never seen a naked man before?" Vittorio asked.

"I have..." Ellis timidly replied, nodding her head in agreement. "I'll try to get used to this new dynamic."

As Vittorio entered the bathroom, she watched him for a moment, her thoughts wandering. She couldn't help but admire his muscular body, the way his muscles stood out beneath his skin. A daring thought crossed her mind, imagining how things could be different if it weren't for the marriage contract.

"A glass of water and a pack of crackers, and I could endure for hours," she commented to herself.

She bit her lip, suppressing those thoughts, knowing she needed to focus on the circumstances they were in. The brunette went to the mirror, adjusting her makeup, needing to meet the expectations of Vittorio's family and him as well.

Vittorio emerged from the bathroom, now wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist, and noticed Ellis' lips part and then her biting them lightly. He approached his suitcase and said, "Ellis, I'm ready whenever you are."

"When I'm ready for what?" Ellis asked nervously.

"When you're ready to go downstairs for dinner," Vittorio replied, picking out the clothes he would wear for dinner. He stared at Ellis and smiled mischievously. "Unless you want something else..."

"No..." Ellis whispered. "I'm fine."

"Do you want me to change in the bathroom?" Vittorio asked, pointing to the other room. "Or can I change here?"

"It's as you said," Ellis began, sitting on the bed. "I need to get used to this contact, especially since we're married and... we need to keep up appearances."

"Sure, all for appearances, right?" Vittorio said, mischievously. "I think this might even help improve our

interaction."

"Sure... if you say so," Ellis agreed.

The brunette was sitting on the edge of the bed, legs crossed, watching the mafioso closely as he dressed. Vittorio removed the towel wrapped around his waist, leaving only his underwear, and then dried his hair with it before slowly getting dressed, piece by piece, while keeping his eyes fixed on Ellis. He knew she was watching his every move, and that awareness added a hint of fun to the situation.

With each movement, he made an effort to be careful and seductive, knowing he had his wife's full attention. Ellis noticed how each movement was calculated and graceful. She appreciated the way he moved with confidence, exuding a certain air of authority.

First, he slipped on a white linen shirt, buttoning it precisely. Ellis observed the defined muscles of his arms and the exposed neck, fascinated by the combination of strength and elegance he displayed. She desired Vittorio with every movement, the way he slid the shirt over his muscular shoulders and carefully adjusted the buttons.

Next, Vittorio put on dark pants, perfectly adjusting them to his waist. Every gesture was smooth and deliberate, showing meticulous attention to detail. Ellis couldn't look away, completely fascinated by the spectacle unfolding before her.

As he fastened the black leather belt, Vittorio looked at Ellis and found her bright eyes fixed on him. A smile formed on his lips, revealing a glimpse of satisfaction as he realized she was watching him with admiration. Every detail was noticed, from the way he secured the belt to how he chose his shoes.

Ellis felt a wave of heat coursing through her body, realizing she was fascinated by this complex and enigmatic man before her. She had to admit that the attraction was growing between them.

Vittorio finished dressing, putting on a dark jacket that completed the elegant ensemble. He approached Ellis, and she could smell his subtly masculine cologne filling the air.

He extended his hand in a silent invitation and asked with a mischievous smile, "Shall we?"

Ellis felt her cheeks flush as a smile played on her lips. She reached out and intertwined her fingers with his, stepping closer with an admiring gaze.

"Let's."

"I hope you enjoyed the reverse strip tease," Vittorio commented as they walked toward the door.

"It was... very... nice," she nervously replied. "Thank you for... that."

Vittorio's eyes sparkled with satisfaction upon hearing Ellis' words. He knew he was attracted to her, but now it was clear that the physical attraction was mutual. In an atmosphere of complicity, the two left the room and headed to dinner.