Forbidden Temptation My Mafia Fiance's Alpha Father

Chapter 36

Chapter 36 Brooklyn

Jayde is watching me closely, a strange look on her face, like she can see right through me to the other side.

I can tell there's a lot she could say right now, a lot that she's observed between me and Aden.

She and Aden aren't married, but they're very close. Partners, even.

I wonder if Jayde is jealous of whatever attraction exists between me and her lover, or if this is simply something she expects. Something she is used to from an insatiable man like him.

Then I stop myself from laughing outright. Jayde has got to be one of the sexiest women I've ever laid eyes on. There is no way she could ever be jealous of me.

As if reading the turmoil inside me, Jayde finally speaks. "Come on, baby Brooklyn. Let's go have a drink." Honestly, it sounds like a great idea. All of this has been... a lot. So many dresses, Aden's watchful eye, not to mention that all of this is to marry a man who doesn't even want me. Not really.

So I let Jayde help me out of the wedding gown and into my regular clothes, before following her through the kitchen and out into a beautiful little garden behind the mansion that I didn't know was even here. "Oh wow," I say, looking around. "It's beautiful out here."

There's a full grill and wet bar pressed up against the house, modern amenities against the stone structure. Next to it is a stone patio with a hand-carved wooden table covered by a tall pergola that has grape vines curling all around it.

The whole area is surrounded by tall hedges, keeping out prying eyes.

Jayde bends down to remove a bottle of wine from the fridge and pops it open, filling two delicate glasses that she takes down from the rack above the sink. I sit down at the table as she brings the glasses over. "This is Aden's latest vintage," she says as I raise the glass to my lips. The wine is dry, but I feel a little bit of bubble against my lips as I sip. Delicious.

in the glass, I suddenly realize something. "Wait, you said Aden picked out the wedding dresses. Has

has my wardrobe restocked every couple of months,

Aden has made me his little Barbie doll, dressing me up so that I look just the way he

the idea, a tiny piece

says. "He likes control. Of everything." She raises an eyebrow. "But I say, fine by me, if it gets me Italian cashmere and silk

and I can't

so nice to have a chance to sit with you one-on-one," Jayde interrupts my thoughts. "You know, have

another sip. "I used to do this all

says, giving me a warm smile. "You can consider me your sister now, if

at her and nod, trying not to think about Jolie, how

leaning forward. "How are

I definitely can't tell her the truth. I promised Hudson I wouldn't. But, frankly, I'm dying for someone to talk

leans in. "Don't be shy," she says.

actually sure I can, but I can confide in her without revealing

"I mean, I really like Hudson a lot... But, I'm

"Do you mean...physically?"

realizing that we're getting a little too close to

whisper more.

to admit that I have no way of

at me before sitting back with a gasp. "You mean...you

My blush deepens.