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“Marriage had the potential to work for them. Riley would have access to the Walker family fortune, and Drake would have a wife at home, showing how stable and reliable he was to the district attorney.”
“How could this happen? Why didn’t you tell me this sooner? I thought we were friends.” Alessandra’s voice was shriller than she meant it to be, and Noah winced.
“I’m trying to be your friend, Alessandra. I think I should leave.”
Alessandra shook her head. “No! Please, don’t go. I’m sorry, Noah. You’re right. It’s a lot to take in, and I shouldn’t take it out on you. It’s just so hard to wrap my head around everything.
“Things only became more complicated when he married me. He was so cold at first. Sometimes it still feels like he harbors resentment towards me.”
Noah pulled her in again. “I’m sorry you’re going through all of this. I think Drake projected his struggles onto you because you awakened something he’d buried so long ago. It doesn’t excuse his behavior, but Drake loves you.”
That evening when Alessandra returned home, Drake wasn’t there. She tried calling multiple times, and every call went straight to voicemail. Every message was left unread. Finally, she fell asleep on the couch at three in the morning.
Dreams of Drake and Riley swirled through her head, causing her to toss and turn. Asleep or dreaming, her husband’s actions continually hurt her.
***
Chapter Thirty
Drake was still flying high days after their fantastic night at the club. Now that they were cemented as Dominant and submissive, it was time their marriage received the same treatment. He went to the same jeweler who made Alessandra’s custom collar and ordered an eternity wrist cuff to wear over her scars. It was diamond-studded to look similar to a diamond tennis bracelet.
For the first time, he envisioned forever with someone. He was busy ring-shopping to propose to Alessandra. At times he couldn’t fathom how messy their marriage began. She was a bride without a proposal, and it was time to rectify that. He planned to take her on a second honeymoon to a private island where they could be naked the entire time. They could make love on the beach under the stars, in the bed, or on any other surface in the private bungalow where the mood struck.
Drake worked up the courage to tell Alessandra he loved her for the first time. He’d wanted to say it in the bath at the club, but he hadn’t wanted her to feel as though he was only saying it because she was naked in his collar.
Alessandra deserved the best in life. He had overheard her talking about her dream wedding when she thought he wasn't listening, and he was determined to make it happen for her. His stomach churned at the thought of her running away. But if she ran, he would follow her to the ends of the earth.
* * *
The Russo case was officially resolved. Marcello was set to be released within the next twenty-four hours. In the end, Jerry had no choice but to dismiss the charges. The whole trial was a shit show.
The district attorney requested a meeting with him.
“Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Walker. Please have a seat.” Alan Foxx, a stately-looking man with silver hair and a strong jaw that matched his steely gaze, held out his hand, indicating it wasn’t a suggestion. Drake looked at the man he once respected, who now held the future of his career in his hands.
“I’ve been following your career for some time, Mr. Walker, and your track record has been impressive.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Alan leaned forward and laced his fingers, resting his hands on the desk in front of him.
“The Russo case was always a long shot. Putting the son of a crime boss behind bars would’ve been a huge win for the city. Saying I’m disappointed with the outcome is an understatement.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you—”
The man lifted a hand to stop Drake.
“The deck was stacked against you. I read the transcripts and followed the case. I have no issue with the way you handled yourself. That being said, the U.S. Attorney’s office has denied your application. I’m afraid I cannot promote you to Assistant District Attorney either.”
“May I ask why?”
“Your affiliation with the Russo family is cause for concern. I can’t allow their power and influence to infiltrate this office.”
“With all due respect, my marriage has no effect on my ability to perform my job.”
“I appreciate your commitment to your position. Unfortunately, my decision has been made. I appreciate your dedication to the law and hope you continue to have a successful career.”
A dumbfounded Drake didn’t know how to respond. The first thing to pop into his mind was the word divorce. If he and Alessandra were no longer together, that would show how committed he was to his job.
