Conquering Love (The Santorno Stories)

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  “Me, neither.” Cameron looked at them. “We need to do some digging; you catch the plate, Nik?”

  “Yup, we have some work to do.”

  Because of the threat to the grandkids, Damon Santorno had come from Malta to discuss plans. He sat with Paul and Mark and told them what he had learned so far. It didn’t go over well, just as he knew it wouldn’t.

  “This is just like Damon and Moretti!” Paul hit the wall. “Jesus Christ, Damon! I thought Colin would be protected!” Stefan’s son Damon had been adopted and eventually hunted down by his evil biological father, named Moretti. Colin had been adopted by Mark and Paul.

  The elder Damon stood up. “Watch your tone Paul Joseph Greystone. I have done my best to protect my boys as well as your own. We are in luck. The orphanage called when Colin’s father inquired about him.”

  “I am Colin’s father.” Paul hissed. He felt Mark’s hand in his own and he sighed. “I’m sorry, Damon, I’m just worried.”

  “I am as well; my boys are in danger.” Damon looked at Stefan. “I may have to tell the truth.”

  “Should have kept your dick in your pants, Dad.” Stefan chuckled.

  “Stefano!”

  “Whoa, what?” Mark looked at Damon. “I thought Max and Cameron were adopted by you?”

  “Yes and no. I had many women over the years.” Damon heard Stefan cough and he waved a hand at him. “I also had enemies, when my…” Damon searched for a word, “women had my children; my enemies took them. One was my worst enemy in the Italian mafia, the other was a German. When I found out where the boys were, I got them back with the help of Antonio and Marco.”

  “And it was fun.” Marco smiled wide.

  “I could not in good conscience keep my boys in my life. Therefore, I had paperwork created. When Michael Remo and Corbin Dalton came to me, I thought they would be well protected with them.”

  “So, Max and Cameron are your biological children?” Paul looked at Damon, mouth hanging open.

  “Yes, they are my sons.” Damon had a small smile. “I have missed them very much.”

  “Somehow, Dad, I think they feel a connection to you. They take after you. I’ve seen them.” Stefan smiled at his father.

  “Stefan has brothers.” Mark smiled at him.

  “I do.” Stefan smiled wide. “It’s been hard not to squeeze them to pieces.”

  “You may be able to soon, Stefano. I must protect them.” Damon sighed. “They are targets.”

  “So is Colin.” Mark looked at them. “What do we do?”

  Paul smiled. “Tell Nikolai.”

  “Oh, Lord.” Mark rolled his eyes. “It’s going to get bloody.”

  “Can you think of anyone else better to watch out for our son?” Paul arched a brow at Mark.

  “Aside from Vince?” Mark laughed. “Nope.”

  Nikolai sat in silence for about two seconds, then all hell broke loose. Colin was reading a book as his boyfriend flew out the back door of Stefan and Jordan’s house. They all heard shouting and then the unmistakable sound of wood cracking. Paul watched Colin as he sighed, turning a page. Vince and Andrei sat in total silence as their son went to work. Vince knew it wouldn’t do any good to try and stop him; he had to get the rage out.

  “So, new deck?” Stefan looked at Jordan.

  Jordan looked out the window. “Well, he’s chopping down a tree so we could use that wood if we needed to.”

  “Should we…” Mark started.

  “Nope.” Vince sighed. “He has to get it out.”

  “Well, I think it is clear that our son is in love with you, Colin,” Andrei chuckled softly.

  Colin’s brow rose. “What gave it away?”

  “I’m worried, Colin.” Paul looked at his son, and he was his son, he had been from the day he picked Colin up at six months of age: big brown eyes looking into his own, that angelic face with a huge smile, and a big drool bubble. Colin was his son and he always would be.

  “Don’t be, Dad. I’m sure Nikolai will now be in the house with me and up my ass every second of every day.”

  “Nice choice of words.” Mark chuckled.

  Andrei snickered and Vince smacked his leg. “Yes, that follows with Nik. He will be all up in your shit and on your ass, as you so beautifully put it.”

  Colin sighed and put the book down. “I’m used to it; Nik wouldn’t be Nik if he didn’t scream ‘overprotective’.”

  James had come in with Theo and looked at the assembled group. He had been briefed on Max and Cameron and was now in charge of training them further with Sergio and Nikolai’s help. Now he looked at all the faces in the living room and heard loud cracking sounds from out back.

  “Nikolai?” James looked at all the assembled men.

  “Chopping down a tree.”

  Ah.” James nodded. “So, he’s been told.”

  There was a loud crack followed by the sound of a tree hitting the water, and then more chopping noises. Stefan sighed and sat back on the couch, taking Jordan’s hand. Little Jordan had been informed about Viktoriya’s uncle and had gone into a rage much like Nikolai’s, although the deck at his house was now in pieces in their backyard.

  “Where are Max and Cameron?” Theo looked around the crowded living room.

  “They are on their way, Stefan answered. Dad has been racking his brain on how to tell them who he is to them. They’ve been under the impression for almost nineteen years that they are the sons of their fathers. He’s worried they are going to be pissed off.”

  James chuckled. “You don’t think it’s strange that they both go to the range every weekend? That they killed people without blinking an eye and are both exceptionally smart and show an adept skill in the ring? Hell, those boys are Santornos through and through.”

  “Let’s hope they are understanding then.” Jordan sighed.

  chapter fourteen

  Max was filling his car up, and Cameron had gone inside the store for sodas. Jesse was at the range with Toby, and Max couldn’t wait to see him again. Things had progressed with them and Max was ready to take it to the next level; he hoped Jesse was.

  Cameron came out holding two sodas and a huge bag of chips. They had just left the range themselves and were now on their way to Stefan and Jordan’s house for some meeting.

  Max was smiling at Cameron. They had been best friends from the moment they met and had a lot in common. Their first year at school, they had come out to each other and Max knew Cameron always had his back. Cameron’s face went from a smile to a frown and Max turned around to see what he was looking at. Four men in suits were exiting a car, and two of them were huge, even bigger than Sergio, and they were headed their way.

  “Ah, Maximo and Cameron! How lovely to see you.”

  The accent was strong and Italian. Max raised a brow and immediately put his hand on the gun in the waistband of his pants.

  “And you are?”

  “You do not remember me; you were just a baby but we are here to collect you.”

  “Collect us? What are we? Baseball cards?” Cameron threw a look at Max and his own hand went to the gun in his pants. “I’m not going anywhere with you, asshole.”

  “I thought you would say that.” The man motioned to his two goons and they advanced on Max and Cameron.

  Both Max and Cameron pulled their guns out and shot a warning in the air. Both men stopped and Max smiled. Within seconds, another car pulled up and Sergio exited with Antonio and Marco.

  “Hello, dickheads.” Sergio aimed his gun at the first man. “Get in the car guys,” he instructed, never taking his eyes off the goons. “We got this; go to the Youngblood house.”

  “Ah, Stefano. Your brother will explain the circumstances to you, as well as your father. I’m sure.”

  “What?” Max looked at the man, who was walking closer. Marco cocked his gun back.

  “That will be far enough, Augusto. I am sure you are aware of what Mr. Santorno will do if you so much lay a finger on his boys.”
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br />   Augusto smiled at the looks on Max and Cameron’s faces. “He did not tell you?”

  “That’s enough, Augusto.” Antonio moved forward, standing between Max, Cameron, and the four men.

  “Antonio, so good to see you. I believe the last time I saw you it was your back I was looking at as you took the babies from my home.”

  “They were not yours to keep, Augusto,” Antonio snarled.

  “What the fuck is going on?” Cameron looked dazed.

  “You and Max are Santornos, Cameron. It is shameful that Damon did not tell.” Augusto smiled. “Maybe he is ashamed of his bastard sons.”

  “Fuck you, Augusto!” Marco snarled at him. “Get back in your car and drive away, now.”

  Cameron glared at the man with Augusto. “Who the fuck are you?”

  “That is Phillip.” Antonio looked at him. “Another one who thought he could take from Mr. Santorno.”

  “But you took care of that didn’t you, Antonio? Tell me, how do you sleep at night?” Phillip smiled.

  “Very well, thank you for asking,” Antonio replied politely.

  “How do you, asshole?” Sergio stood in front of Phillip. “Get back in the fucking car or I put a bullet in your fucking skull.”

  “This is your son, Antonio? He is just like you.” Augusto smiled looking at Sergio. “Crude.”

  “Now.” Sergio bent forward.

  Marco looked at Max and Cameron, at their confused and angry faces. “Please go to the Youngblood house; they will explain.”

  “Goodbye boys, it was so nice to see how much you have grown.” Augusto smiled and turned with Phillip. “We shall speak soon, eh, Antonio?”

  Antonio waited for Max and Cameron to get into the car and drive down the street before turning his attention back to Augusto and Phillip. They were obviously pleased with themselves; they had done what they set out to do.

  Antonio pulled Augusto to his face. “Stay away from Max and Cameron, Augusto. It will not end well for you.”

  “If I want them, I know how to get them. Jesse and Toby, is it?”

  Sergio flew forward and pushed him into the car, knocking his head into the window of the limo. “Don’t make me lose my temper; I will snap your neck like a fucking twig.”

  “Such language.”

  “Fuck off.” Marco put the gun to Augusto’s temple. “Leave.”

  The three of them watched the limo leave in the opposite direction of Max and Cameron, and Antonio sighed and called Stefan. The conversation was short. “They know.”

  Damon paced the floor. His boys knew. What was worse, it had come from his enemies and not his own mouth. He had brought Michael and Corbin to the house to try to explain to his sons why they never knew they were his children. His hands shaking and then Stefan’s hand was in his.

  “You did what you had to do, Dad.”

  Damon tried to smile but it fell flat. “They are going to be angry.”

  “Oh, we are already there.” Max stood in the front doorway with Cameron.

  “Is it true?” Cameron glared at his father, standing next to Damon.

  “Let me explain!” Corbin said hastily.

  “Is it true?!” Cameron made his way into the living room looking from his father to Damon Santorno.

  Max looked at his own father’s face and knew it was. He couldn’t even look him in the eye. “Oh God, it is isn’t it?”

  Michael Remo moved toward his son and took his hand. “Your mother couldn’t have children.”

  “I knew it!” Max shouted. “I knew, somehow. I mean I know you loved me and I know she did but in some small way I just never fit in, did I? Son of a notorious mobster living in the oh-so-pristine Remo household.”

  “That’s not true, Max.”

  “It’s Maximo Santorno remember?” Max stepped back glaring at Damon. “And you, what? I wasn’t good enough to keep?”

  “That is not true. I love you very much! I needed to protect you.” Damon moved to take Max’s hand.

  “Don’t touch me!” Max looked from Damon to the man he had always known as his father. “This is all kinds of fucked up!”

  “Max!” Stefan spoke sharply. “Dad did what he had to do. He had enemies; obviously he still does and he tried to keep you safe.”

  “Oh, the big brother speaks.” Max looked at Stefan. “You are just as guilty, lying to my face!”

  “How do you think my father knew you would be a target? Because he struggled for years to keep his enemies from me. He didn’t want the same for you and Cameron.”

  Stefan looked at him, eyes narrowed. “You can be pissed off all you want but Santorno blood runs through your veins just like mine, you little shit. We can take this out back if you want.”

  “Stefano.” Damon looked at his sons.

  Cameron was still looking at his father, the man who had raised him, and now he could see the fear in his eyes. “What’s wrong, Dad?”

  Corbin looked at his son. “I love you. That won’t change no matter what.”

  “You may be angry with me, but I did what I had to do to protect you – and even now, you are in danger,” Damon pronounced.

  “Then, I guess you should have kept us then, because either way we are screwed. By the way, we just had a nice meeting with some really weird guys.” He glanced at Cameron. “Let’s go.”

  “Max, please.” Michael moved toward his son; no matter what he still loved Max as his own child.

  Max looked at Damon. “Cam is my brother.”

  “Yes, both your mothers loved you very much.” Damon knew it would take time; right now, both his sons were angry.

  “Do I even want to know what happened to her?” Max looked at Damon’s face. “That’s what I thought. Come on, Cam.”

  Stefan watched his brothers leave with a nice hard slam of the front door. He sighed and looked at his father. Damon looked as though he had been punched in the gut. “Dad.”

  “It is okay. I knew they wouldn’t be happy.” Damon sighed.

  “This has been fun.” Corbin muttered, slumped at the kitchen table with his face in his hands.

  “This isn’t going to be easy, guys. Right now, they’re both in shock, it’s just going to take time. They’re incapable of being reasonable right now,” Jordan explained. They all looked like hell, even Stefan.

  “They are protected, right?” Michael looked at Damon.

  “I think right about now, Max and Cameron would shoot anyone on sight who didn’t look familiar.” Stefan smiled.

  “Glad you find this funny.” Corbin sighed.

  “It’s not funny, but like it or not they are both Santornos and the blood that runs through their veins is the same blood that runs through mine. I’m not worried about them. It’s Toby and Jesse I’m worried for.”

  “They have guards.” Damon sat back with a sigh.

  “Damn, Dad. Three sons, all gay.” Stefan cracked up. “Couldn’t spare one straight sperm?”

  “Stefano.”

  “Ah, Dad. Come on, they will come around.”

  “I hope so.”

  Max dropped Cameron off at his dorm room and went to his own. He was pissed off. More than that, he felt betrayed by the very people he had trusted with his life. He felt the wetness on his eyelashes and wiped his eyes. He had known somehow; deep down he had known that his family wasn’t really his. He knew they loved him; he could feel it. But there were times he would catch quiet whispers and then his mother and father would abruptly stop talking when he came into the room.

  Damon Santorno, his biological father. It was too much to take. Although, when he had first met him, he had a flash of memory of some kind and he felt close to him, like he had known him forever. When Damon had hugged him, he had felt something. Not only that but he felt close to Stefan Youngblood, and now to find out he was his brother. Max shook his head and opened the door to his room.

  Jesse sat on his bed.

  “Hi.” Jesse looked at Max. He had been crying.

  Max
grabbed him and held him tight, loving the feel of Jesse’s arms around him. He kissed his neck wanting to feel him closer. Jesse’s hands ran down his back and then Max’s shirt was coming off. He pulled away from Jesse and looked into his eyes before pulling Jesse’s shirt off. His hand felt for the button on Jesse’s jeans.

  Jesse’s hands went to Max’s jeans and he unbuttoned the top button and slid the zipper down. His eyes never left Max’s. His hands slid the denim over Max’s ass and he stroked his hand over his ass, squeezing it while his other hand found Max’s hard prick ready and waiting. He ran his thumb over the head and watched as Max’s eyes closed, a soft groan leaving his lips.

  Jesse kissed Max thoroughly. He moved to his neck and kissed it, letting his tongue trail down to his collarbone. He slid lower, licking Max’s nipples and taking one between his teeth, biting it softly. Max’s hands were in his hair as Jesse slid down to his knees and studied Max’s impressive cock. He licked it from shaft to tip with one long swipe and sucked in the head.

  “Jesse, oh fuck!” Max leaned his head back as Jesse’s tongue swirled around his crown.

  Jesse swiped his tongue through the slit, loving the taste of pre-come. He wanted it all. He ran his hand up and down Max’s length, working in time with his mouth. Max’s legs were shaking as Jesse ran his tongue down to his balls and scooped one up in his mouth, letting it roll around on his tongue. He kissed along the vein on Max’s cock, feeling it pulse. Max’s balls were tightened in his hand and he knew he was close to the edge. One long swipe of his tongue and a hard suck on the head and Jesse got what he was waiting for. Max exploded in his mouth with a loud growl.

  Jesse was still sucking his cock softly as Max came down from his orgasm.

  “I want you, Max.” Jesse looked into those green eyes and he wanted Max, wanted Max inside him.

  Max wanted Jesse, too. He was ready, had been from the day Jesse Walker had kissed him. He grabbed the lube from the nightstand and a condom and looked at Jesse questioningly. Jesse took the condom and threw it across the room. They were both virgins and he wanted Max bare. Max went to work covering his hard cock with lube. Jesse was naked on his bed, his cock laying on his stomach, the tip glistening with pre-come.