by Cora Reilly
“But he isn’t,” I said softly. “An innocent woman is.”
Nino didn’t contradict me. I wished he had.
“What about the nightgown? You didn’t answer my question. If it was only so Serafina had something to sleep in, he wouldn’t have asked for a specific color.”
“He wants her to wear it when he records a video message for her family tomorrow.” His emotionless eyes searched my face. “We ordered pizza, should I bring you some up?”
For a moment I could only stare. Sometimes I tended to forget how Nino dealt with matters, how easily he could push aside the bloody part of the business from his mind because they didn’t bother him. “I’m not hungry. I’ll take a bath. I don’t feel so good.”
Nino didn’t stop me when I walked into the bathroom, but his eyes followed me. I drew a bath, slowly slipping out of my clothes. When Nino had told me he loved me, I’d thought about bridging the subject of having kids. I’d started taking the pill before my marriage because I hadn’t been sure if I could risk getting pregnant as Nino’s wife. Now I knew that I and a baby would be safe in the Falcone mansion, well protected and even loved, but this new development with Dante’s niece raised new doubts. Nino had only recently discovered his emotions, and Remo had a woman locked in his wing.
Neither fact made me want to bring a baby into this world—this house.
I turned off the faucet and tested the water with my fingertips before I stepped in. Nino entered the room, his eyes roaming my naked body. I didn’t hide myself from him. There was a longing in his gaze that went straight into my heart. I sank into the water, flinching at the hot temperature. “You can join me if you want.”
Nino tugged his shirt over his head then slipped out of his pants and boxers. The muscles and colorful tattoos that had scared me not too long ago now brought a familiar warmth to my belly, but it was only a brief burst. I was too torn and emotionally drained to be up for that kind of physical closeness, especially not when a young woman was scared out of her mind in another part of the house.
Nino joined me in the bathtub, then opened his arms. I shifted until my back was pressed up against his chest and I was nestled between his strong arms. He kissed my throat. I could feel him growing hard against my backside, but I ignored it. Nino nibbled on my shoulder and his hand stroked my knee, then slipped up my thigh, higher and higher until I stopped him with a soft touch. I sensed his unspoken questions. Could he really not understand why I wasn’t in the mood for sex?
“Don’t you feel guilty?” I asked quietly.
Nino leaned back, his hand moving back to my knee and rubbing my skin lightly. “Kiara,” he said tiredly. “I’m not a good man. I’m not a decent man either. I don’t feel anything in regards to other people, which makes me so good at what I’m doing for the Camorra. And no matter what you might hope for, that won’t change.”
A small shiver passed down my spine. Nino didn’t only supervise the finances of the Camorra, he was also responsible for many acts of cruelty. Fabiano wasn’t the Camorra’s best torturer even if he was their official Enforcer, that much I’d figured by now. I’d seen small glimpses of Nino’s and Remo’s demons when they’d dealt with Durant, but it was only the tip of the iceberg. “But you care about me and your brothers?”
“I do,” he murmured. “But that’s the extent of my feelings.”
I swallowed. “What about children? Would you care for them?”
It was awkward, but I turned in the bath to face him.
Nino became still. He nudged my chin up so I had to meet his gaze. “You mean our children?”
“Yes,” I said quietly. His face stayed impassive. Could he ever love our children?
“You’re taking the pill.”
“I do. I’m not pregnant ... I was just wondering.”
Nino nodded. I wished I knew what he was thinking, but his face didn’t give anything away. “I don’t know what I’ll feel for children. But I think I’d care for them as I care for you.”
I leaned forward and kissed him lightly, then retreated to turn and relaxed back against him. This was enough for now. My thoughts returned to Serafina. She must be terrified—how could she not be? I had been terrified when I’d been given to Nino, and I’d had time to prepare for my wedding. This girl had been taken by force, ripped away from her home, her family. What she knew about the Falcones, about Las Vegas, was likely even worse than what I had been told. After all, the Outfit and the Camorra were still at war, and after this kidnapping that would never change.
I shuddered.
Nino caressed my arm “Kiara,” he said quietly. “Don’t let this drag you back into the past.”
“It won’t, but it’s difficult for me to bear the thought of the girl’s terror.”
I felt Nino nod, trying to understand my pity but unable to grasp the concept. He didn’t care about Serafina. He couldn’t.
I linked our fingers. I’d try to be our conscience.
The water soon grew cold and Nino helped me out of the tub then proceeded to rub me dry. His touch left tingles in its wake as always but I didn’t allow myself to relax into it. We settled in bed, both naked, wrapped in each other. Nino was still aroused, but he made no move to initiate intimacy again.
I fell asleep in Nino’s arm, marveling at the power of love. Despite what I knew of Nino, of what he was capable of, I loved him.
CHAPTER 2
KIARA
Nino stirred and gently untangled himself from me. I watched through half closed eyes him getting dressed in a black shirt and jeans, not saying anything. He threw a quick glance over his shoulder at me before he left for the video recording. The moment the door closed, I swung myself out of bed and threw a bathrobe over my nightgown. I had an inkling where the recording would take place. I needed to see Serafina with my own eyes.
Even more than that, I needed to figure out a way to help the girl without betraying my new family—because that’s what the Falcones were.
I crept through the corridor and made my way toward the door that led into the basement.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
I cried out in surprise and jumped away from the hot breath on my neck. Whirling around, I hit Savio’s chest hard.
A grin flitted across his face. “Ouch,” he said, rubbing the spot in exaggeration.
“You’re in an awfully good mood considering a girl is being tortured in the basement,” I said, turning and trying to continue, but Savio stepped in my way.
The amusement disappeared from his expression, which was a rare event. Savio always either smirked or grinned. “Someone’s always being tortured,” he said mockingly.
I couldn’t believe him. With Nino I understood why it didn’t bother him; it was his emotional disposition, but Savio didn’t have that excuse.
He sighed, running a hand through his usual impeccably styled dark hair. “The girl’s not being tortured.”
“Are you sure about that?” I asked, trying to sidestep Savio. He mirrored my move.
“I can’t let you go down there. Orders from Nino.”
Angry, I quickly ducked past Savio. His arm came around my waist and he lifted me off the ground. Tension shot through me and I sucked in a startled breath. Savio carried me a few steps then set me down and peered into my eyes. “Come on, no panic attack, all right? I touched your waist. No danger.”
I swallowed.
“Hit me again, if that helps.”
“What?” I asked, confused, and my panic subsided.
Savio gave me the cocky grin. “I know you enjoyed hitting me.”
I knew what he was trying, and under different circumstances I might have laughed.
“Let me pass,” I said.
“No,” he said. “If you try again, I’ll hold you.”
“I don’t care.” Once again I tried to walk past Savio and this time he grabbed my shoulders and pressed me against the wall, holding me fast. I squirmed, my body tightening, but he didn’t rel
ease me.
“Kiara, I won’t let you go down there. I gave Nino my word. Give up. I don’t want to have to restrain you.”
I shivered at his proximity.
“Fuck,” he breathed. “You know I’d never hurt you, right?”
I looked up into his face, into brown eyes that had held wariness in the beginning but were softer now. I gave a sharp nod and began to relax in his hold.
He let go of me and stepped back, then ran a hand through his hair again. He looked at me. “I really wish I could have been there when Nino and Remo dismembered him.”
I knew who he meant and I was surprised by his admission. Savio and I had gotten off on the wrong foot, and I often still had the impression that he resented the new restrictions my presence had brought.
He leaned one shoulder against the wall beside the basement door. “Remo would never hurt an innocent woman like your uncle hurt you.”
There wasn’t the hint of doubt in his voice.
“How can you be sure?”
“I know Remo,” Savio said simply, for a moment again dropping his arrogant smirk.
Like Nino, he had unfailing trust in Remo. I huffed, wishing I could share their convictions. “I want to go into the kitchen, if that’s still allowed?”
Savio stepped back after a moment of hesitation. I walked past him toward the kitchen. He followed me like an annoying shadow.
I whirled on him. “Am I a captive in this house now too?”
Savio raised his palms. “This is Remo’s game, not mine. Talk to him, if you don’t like what’s going on.” He smiled in a way that suggested I wouldn’t. Maybe the arrogant smirk was his protection. They all wore different masks, Nino his lack of emotions. Remo his anger, and Savio his arrogance. I wasn’t quite sure about Adamo’s mask yet, but he was wearing one too, I was sure of it.
I turned on my heel and continued into the kitchen, wondering why these twisted Falcone men wormed their way into my heart a bit more every day.
After a quick breakfast, I moved into the library, pointedly ignoring Savio who leaned beside the basement door, typing on his phone. I wouldn’t spend all day in the bedroom while Remo played captor, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Serafina.
I was lounging on the couch when Nino came in. The moment I saw the haunted look in his eyes I knew something had gone horribly wrong. Dropping my book, I pushed to my feet and hurried over to him, trying to suppress my rising worry.
“Are you okay?”
Nino cupped my face and kissed me fiercely, catching me by surprise. My body sprang to life, answering to the need in his kiss until it became more, heated, too much. I tore away from him, shaking my head, even as my body throbbed with desire. “Tell me what happened.”
Nino’s gaze dropped to his forearm where his fingers traced the scars. He frowned, pain and sadness flashing in his eyes before emotionless calm wiped them away. “Remo recorded a live video for Cavallaro and Serafina’s family, but her choice wasn’t the one Remo had anticipated.” There was no emotion in his voice, only that terrifying calm.
I backed away. “Don’t tell me you gave Serafina that choice?”
My insides convulsed, twisting tighter and tighter. Nino continued to regard me with that quiet scrutiny. “Remo is playing mind games, but Serafina is strong-willed. She chose pain, forced his hand in front of Cavallaro.” His gaze flickered to the scars on his wrist. “She chose her wrist for the cut ...she ...”
“Remo cut her?” I took another step back then turned around. “I’m sick of it. I’ll have a word with him. Someone has to.”
I rushed toward the door to confront Remo. Nino slung his arm around my waist from behind and held me tight. First Savio, now him. Anger and frustration flooded me, and a worse feeling of helplessness. “Let me go.”
“Only if you promise not to go to my brother.”
I squirmed in his grip. “Let me go.”
“No,” he said firmly.
I twisted and peered up at him, swallowing my hurt. “You promised to never use your physical power against me.”
His arms loosened slightly, but not enough for me to slip away, and a pained look crossed his face. “I’m protecting you. I’d never use my strength to cause you pain, I swear it.” He kissed the side of my head. “Don’t compare me to your uncle.” His voice rang with a note of vulnerability that startled me so much I turned in his hold to see his face better. It was impassive, but his eyes weren’t.
“I’m not,” I said. “I’m not scared of you or of you restraining me like this, but it makes me feel powerless and I hate it.”
“Your protection is always my top priority. I’ll take making you feel uncomfortable if it serves that purpose.”
I sighed. I didn’t want to fight with Nino. In his mind, his reasoning made sense.
“Where is she?” I asked Nino, who followed close behind me as we headed into Remo’s wing. My pulse was still up from my confrontation with Remo but I was glad that I’d managed to talk him into letting me visit Serafina.
Nino motioned toward a door to our right and stopped me before I could go in. “Be careful. People who are backed into a corner are dangerous.”
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”
“I know.” He said it in a way that made me pause because of the steely undertone.
I knocked and, when no protest sounded, I turned the key and pushed inside.
Serafina was on the bed, her eyes filled with surprise. She was beautiful in an angelic way; long blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin.
“Kiara Vitiello,” she said.
My name coming from her lips, I could practically hear all the stories she’d heard about me. People whispered about the bloody wedding, about what Remo and Nino had done, about the reasons for their actions.
“Kiara Falcone now, but yes, that’s me.” Nino stood close behind me as if he expected an attack any moment. His worry warmed my heart and annoyed me equally. I doubted Serafina would talk to me as long as he was present. She didn’t have reason to trust me, but she had plenty of reason to mistrust him and his brothers.
I told him, “You don’t have to stay. Serafina and I are going to talk. She poses no danger to me.”
Nino wasn’t looking at me, his calculating eyes firmly focused on Serafina. “I will stay.” He closed the door after him and leaned against the wall to watch everything. “And if you make a move toward my wife, the consequences will be very unpleasant.”
How could he say something like that? I gave Serafina an embarrassed smile before I moved close to Nino and pressed my palms against his chest. He lowered his gaze to me, the remnants of harshness still in his eyes. “She’s an innocent woman, Nino. You shouldn’t threaten her, much less consider hurting her.”
Nino’s expression remained hard. “I don’t care who she is, woman or man, innocent or guilty. If she poses a threat to you, I’ll cause her the amount of pain necessary to make her back off.”
I swallowed at his voice. When Nino was around me, he made it so very easy to forget what he was capable of. To me he was loving and gentle, but not to others.
“I don’t want you to hurt her.”
“I always respect your wishes, but this is something I won’t promise you. Protecting you is the only thing I care about. As long as she acts accordingly, she’s safe from me.”
“Nino,” I tried again. He shook his head and made it clear I wouldn’t be able to change his mind about the matter. I moved closer to Serafina, who eyed me as if I was the enemy. I was probably the only person in this house, except for Adamo maybe, who cared for her wellbeing, but our conversation showed that she had no intention of opening up to me.
“I doubt you’ve come to offer your help. You are loyal to the Falcones,” she said at last, sounding almost accusing.
“I am. They are my family.”
NINO
Hearing Kiara say that she was family, my chest felt lighter and some of the tension slipped away. She smiled softly at me
, still loving and caring despite what she often witnessed us doing.
I’d been content with our family, of just my brothers and me building a tight-knit unit. I hadn’t seen any necessity to extend it, and still hadn’t considered it when I’d been set up to marry Kiara for tactical purposes. It had seemed impossible that anyone could fit into our family, that anyone could become part of our life and gain our trust, especially a woman, but Kiara had surprised us all. She found her place in our family in her own quiet, thoughtful way, accepted us despite our many faults, and tried to better us in subtle ways. That she considered us capable of being better men was something that filled me with contentment, even if her attempts were bound to fail.
Kiara turned back to Serafina and leaned close to her. I took a step in their direction. Sitting so close to the enemy was foolish. What was she telling Serafina? Vigilance and distrust were the foundations of my nature, but I couldn’t imagine Kiara betraying us in any way. I didn’t want to even consider the option that she could.
After their talk, I led Kiara outside and locked the door. “What did you tell her?”
Kiara peered up at me, frowning. “Don’t you trust me?”
“I do,” I said quietly, then cupped the back of her head, trying to remind her that she trusted me enough to touch her there. “You remember the rule we established at the beginning of our marriage? No lies. Don’t keep secrets from me, Kiara.”
“Secrets aren’t necessarily lying. You should know, Nino. I think you have more secrets than I do.”
That was true, but it wasn’t because I didn’t trust Kiara with them. “Do you want to know every aspect of our business, everything I do?”
Her lashes fluttered, hesitation clouding her expression. Kiara was clever, she knew the nature of my work, but there was a difference between knowing in general and knowing the sordid details. “No, I don’t think I could stomach it.”
