by C. A. Szarek
The man hadn’t called him back after he’d ended their call, and Gian didn’t want to admit his uncle might be right about them slowing down, or taking a break. He was in a hurry to get back in his father’s good graces. A break, even for a week, hurt his target. It was an impressive amount, to show his dad he was worth it.
He could handle anything.
No, he didn’t want to call his uncle. He had to solve this problem on his own.
“Dammit,” he muttered.
Well, was his cover really blown?
Yes.
Even if he couldn’t pinpoint the current level of danger, he was no longer secure in his little Vegas bubble.
“Fuck.” Gian ran his hand through his hair and glanced at his Rolex. His father had gifted it to him for his sixteenth birthday, and the damn thing made him think fondly of the asshole, if only a little.
It was barely ten p.m. and there were two more hours of this torture, the annual gala.
Just because Nico Giovanni had released him from the wall and dropped his declaration, didn’t mean the cop would let things go.
Quite the opposite, most likely.
His fiancée had nothing but good things to say about her big brother, and raved about how proud she was of him being a police detective. The glory boy had made detective at age twenty-seven or something. She never discussed him around their father, of course. Big Tony always grimaced at any mention of the son who everyone seemed to call Gio.
Maybe old habits did always die hard.
Antonio Giovanni had been best friends with Gian’s father Luciano, along with Cesare Fratelli, where they’d grown up in Chicago. Gian’s grandfather had then run the family business—the Falcone Syndicate, as his own Daddy Dearest like to refer to it.
Big Tony, Luciano and Cesare had gotten it in their heads to establish a casino in Vegas, following Bugsy Seigel’s footsteps of course, and had “borrowed” some money—a lot of money for the times—from Grandpa Falcone, or so the story went.
His father never discussed what’d happened afterward, but somehow Luciano and Cesare had ended up out in the cold, and The Giovanni had been born.
Cesare Fratelli went on to open his CPA firm and handled the Falcone finances on the “it looks legal” side of things. His job was to keep federal noses and alphabet soup agencies where they belonged. Out of Falcone books and assorted “businesses.”
Uncle Dino had always refused to explain what’d happened surrounding the casino. His father’s younger brother either didn’t know or was too embarrassed to say. Or had been sworn to secrecy, maybe paid off, knowing his family.
Who the hell knew?
That ledger was supposed to tell Gian, and he still couldn’t fucking find it. He needed to take another shot at the office, but hadn’t safely had the chance.
His grandfather had been rather ruthless, so why Big Tony had been allowed to live baffled Gian. If his father had taken the full blame for missing money, that purpose hadn’t been solved, either. It wasn’t unheard of for a mob-boss to whack his own son, but Gramps hadn’t laid a finger on Luciano’s head. Maybe his father hadn’t had the balls to off someone he’d grown up with, but that didn’t seem much like Luciano, either. His dad was a lot like ol’ Grandpa.
The man hadn’t hesitated to kick Gian to the curb over a little disagreement. Okay, a lot of disagreements, but still. His mother had begged his father not to disown him, but the plea had fallen on deaf ears.
He hadn’t called her since the night of the big fallout that’d caused him to leave Chi-town. Uncle Dino was the only Falcone he’d had any contact with. He didn’t regret his father—at all—but even as a grown man, he had to admit he missed his mother. A little. She’d always been good to him, duchess of Italian guilt or not.
Conversations and the clinking of glasses and silverware on plates were background noise to the calculations going on in his brain. Soothing music played from a live band on the stage, so the dancing must’ve started.
What the fuck was he going to do?
Gian scanned the huge ballroom. The gala was in full swing.
Could he slip away?
If he did, what the hell was he going to do anyway? Brood in the penthouse he shared with Elise?
He’d like to take another run at Big Tony’s office, but even if all known Giovannis were present in this room, it wasn’t a good idea to try again so soon. There was no logical explanation for why he’d be in that room. He couldn’t risk getting caught.
His identity was already blown by big brother, and Gian hated to admit he didn’t know what the fucker was going to do with that information.
He didn’t want to run to his uncle for a few reasons. Didn’t want Dino to try to rescue him, or tell him, I-told-you-so, especially since the older man had wanted to delay the money laundering. After all, his uncle had been down with his plan all these months. He also didn’t want the only Falcone who didn’t hate him to have a reason to see him as weak.
He’d have to handle Elise’s brother, and he couldn’t kill the bastard.
Yet, anyway.
It was smarter not to have a body trail, especially starting with a dead cop, future family, or not. He’d for sure have to figure out everything the fucker knew beforehand. No one except Uncle Dino knew Gian’s whereabouts, so if he did need to dispose of Nico, he’d have to do it himself, and he’d never been fond of the mess of killing. Didn’t trust anyone to outsource it, either.
He growled and reached for his phone. Started a text for Uncle Dino to call him, but then deleted it and pocketed the device in his Armani tux. He didn’t have the burner and he didn’t want to risk anything on his “real” cellphone.
“Hey, where are you right now?”
Gian jumped and sucked back a curse at the low inquiry. He met Elise’s dark brown eyes, trying to smile away her obvious concern. “No worries, tesoro. I’m here.” He grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth, pressing a kiss to her soft knuckles.
Only one corner of her mouth shot up, missing his mark. “You look really worried.” As she spoke, her brow knitted.
He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips.
Gian intended to marry her after all, and even if he was trying to steal her family’s business out from under them, there was nothing that said he couldn’t like her, right?
His fiancée’s expression softened a little. “The gala is going great, so you’re not worried about that. So, what is it? You and I make a great team.”
Elise was always trying to ‘diagnose’ him like that.
“You’re right. We do make a fantastic team, and I think you worry too much.”
She cocked her head to one side. “Probably. There’s a lot to freak out about these days.”
“Don’t think about your dad, babe. Even he said for you to enjoy tonight. He’ll be out of the hospital before you know it, and we will be able to talk him into chemo. It’ll work out.”
They’d had to endure a phone call with the old bastard earlier that evening, and of course, since Big Tony didn’t think Elise should handle the affairs of the huge casino; he’d had to be present, too. Like the old man required proof of life that his legacy wouldn’t collapse from him being in the hospital for the last few days.
Her smile was sad, like she doubted him, and she averted her gaze. She took a big inhale that made her fantastic tits rise, and strain against the hot Versace platinum number she’d poured herself into.
Gian wanted to make her smile for some reason. He cupped her face. “Did I tell you how scrumptious you look?”
She granted his wish, her luscious mouth curved up, in 1000-watt territory.
“Thanks. I think so, but I don’t mind hearing it twice.” Elise eyed him up and down, and tugged on his jacket’s lapel. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
His libido awoke with a jolt down his spine. He growled and leaned down to nip her mouth. “Don’t make me spirit you away from here.”
She grinned, an
d it made his balls ache. “Sorry, honey, we need to stay until this shindig is over. Dad said Giovannis need to be visible, and he’s right about that. We can’t have big money nervous. There are too many casinos around. It’s all about amenities, remember?”
“Your brothers are here.”
Elise sobered. “Sam and Dom aren’t enough, unfortunately. I have to be here. You, too, are integral.” She paused, biting her bottom lip. “Brothers… You’re not worried about what happened with Gio earlier, are you?”
He feigned appropriate surprise. “Hell no.”
She cocked her fair head to one side and he wanted to sweep those glorious pale locks off her neck and kiss her there. That always made her melt into him.
Damn, he needed to get a hold of his…lust for her.
“You sure? Don’t worry; I’m going to kick his ass for the stunt he pulled.”
Gian forced a laugh. “He just cares about you, tesoro. I don’t blame him for trying to protect you. He didn’t know about me, after all.”
The asshole had been clever citing big brother duty; he had to give him that.
However, what had kept him rattled the rest of the night was what the fuck he would’ve said if Elise hadn’t come down the hallway. He needed an answer that made sense to keep Nico off his back.
It was only a matter of time before her brother would force the issue again.
Only knowing what the cop had uncovered about him would make him feel better. Would help determine his next move.
A guilty flush of pink kissed her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I just didn’t know how to tell him. Gio is…well, like you said, always protective. Dad approving of you is only another reason to make him contrary. You know how they get along.”
Gian tapped her pert little nose. “Don’t blame him. I feel the same way. Protective is a smart way to be, concerning you.”
She beamed again. “I love you.”
He told himself to relax. It was a good thing she loved him. He was fully in with her, and they really did have Big Tony’s blessing.
“Me, too.” He stopped short of saying the words. Love was weakness, and not something he’d ever felt for a woman, other than his mother. He didn’t love her. Would never love her, as much as he admired her smarts. Gian never returned her three-word-declaration with anything other than, ‘me too’ or ‘ditto’. She’d never called him on it.
Elise was a good business woman, but he was better. She was too trusting, which was a damn good thing, or he wouldn’t have accomplished all he already had.
When she wrapped her arms around him, he pulled her in and held onto her for a moment.
“Hey, wanna dance with me?” he whispered above her ear.
She pulled back and smiled again.
Elise Giovanni certainly was a beautiful woman, especially with those killer dark eyes and naturally blonde hair that made them even more striking. High cheekbones and a heart-shaped face added to her appeal. He couldn’t complain about her appearance, or her skill in bed.
“Sure. We only have to last until twelve, then I’ll dance for you.”
“Oh yeah?”
She nodded, a twinkle in those midnight orbs. “Naked.”
Gian’s cock liked that idea. He smiled; this time it was genuine. “Deal.”
His fiancée giggled, and he guided her out to the dance floor.
His troubles we far from over, but maybe they should both follow Big Tony’s advice and enjoy the evening.
****
Gio’s head was blissfully quiet. Maddie and pleasure were the only things consuming his thoughts, absorbing his concentration. He wanted to draw it out. Make it last.
Maybe forever.
That should scare the shit of out him, but it didn’t. His life hadn’t been right since she’d walked out on him eight long years ago.
He might’ve only seen her again thirty-six hours ago, but that didn’t seem to hit his radar either.
Gio cupped her shoulder and dragged his palm down the soft skin of her biceps, elbow and her wrist. She lay in her bed with her back facing him, deliciously naked, and her ass tucked into his thighs as he lay behind her.
When he neared her hip, he caressed her there, then moved on, skimming his fingers over her perfect bottom. It was made up of just the right amount of muscle and roundness to hold it high and tight, and make him want to bite her there; nibble and tease her flesh, but his tongue also tingled to taste her elsewhere.
He tugged her onto her back, and drew his fingertips over her lower belly, then lower between her legs.
She moaned, but didn’t open her eyes. Maddie lifted her arm and tucked her hand behind her head on the pillows, elbow bent. A soft smile curved her mouth, as tempting as she was.
Her delectable breasts shifted with her movement and caught his eye; Gio watched her nipples. He leaned down and sucked one into his mouth. At the same time, he started to rub her clit.
She gasped and buried her free hand in his hair.
He smiled against her plump breast, and ran his tongue around her areola. “Hmmm, Mads, I want you again.” He ran two fingers up and down her slick folds, and slipped them inside her.
She was already wet for him.
Maddie gasped and pulled his hair.
Their eyes met.
“I won’t be able to walk tomorrow.”
Gio chuckled. “Guess I’m just that good.”
She smirked. “That, and the fact it’s been forever for me. And you’re a fan of rough sex.”
He stilled, then frowned. “Did I hurt you?”
Maddie’s golden locks scattered with the hard shake. “No, Gio. You always give it to me the way I need it. The way I need you.”
His heart thumped and words evaporated. He wiggled his fingers inside her and she tilted her chin up, making a sound in her throat.
“You’re so damn tight. How many lovers have you had after me?” He cursed the question when it fell out. Didn’t really want the answer. Kinda wanted to shoot any man who’d touched her.
Her pretty hazel eyes widened when their gazes met. “You’re really asking me that when you’re inside me?”
Gio groaned. Her choice of words gave him ideas that only his hands on her—fingers in her—wouldn’t satisfy. He twisted his wrist and she gasped, reaching for him. He grabbed her hand with his free one, and entwined their fingers. “Never mind.”
Maddie bit her bottom lip and averted her eyes. “Not as many as you, I’m sure. And no, I don’t want to know.” Her voice shook, as if she was hurt at the thought of him with another woman.
He had to swallow again, and squeezed her fingers.
Jealous, he could handle. The idea pleased more than he wanted to admit.
Hurt, he couldn’t deal with; especially if he was the culprit.
Sure, he’d had sex after Maddie. He was no saint, but he hadn’t been a whore, either. The only lovers he’d had were when shit had gotten to him and he’d needed a release. Always quick interludes that didn’t mean much. Not like her. He was a guy, after all. It might be a cliché to state a man had needs, but it didn’t make it less true.
No matter the female, they never quieted, contented, his brain like she could.
Maddie had always been on his mind, even then.
“I don’t want to hurt you, so what if I just taste you instead of taking you?”
Her expression was grateful, as if she appreciated the subject change. Or maybe it was just his proposal. “If you want.”
“Want? Driven to, is more like it.”
Finally, she smiled a little.
Gio released her fingers after pressing a kiss to her knuckles and shoved her thighs wider. He settled his shoulders between her legs and inhaled the honeyed scent of her arousal. Closed his eyes and smiled, then dipped down to lick her.
Maddie gasped and grappled for a hold, but he planted her hands at her sides.
“I know you don’t like giving up control, but let me make you feel good, Mads. I want to. I lo
ve this.”
She nodded. Something darted across her eyes, but it was gone before he could question what.
He kissed right above her pubic hair, and continued downward, tasting, licking, nipping her tender swollen flesh.
Gio kept his fingers inside her, but rocked them, instead of thrusting hard like he wanted, since she was worried about being sore. His cock had been inside her for two rounds, and he’d take her as many times as Maddie let him, but he’d never want to hurt her.
She whimpered his name.
He swirled his tongue around her clit and sucked her into his mouth, reaching for her G-spot inside.
She bucked off the bed and lifted her hips, but he didn’t slow or stop his ministrations. She buried a hand in his dark locks and tugged again, but he didn’t give a shit if she yanked it out. Not when she was shaking in his grip like she couldn’t get enough.
Hell, he couldn’t get enough.
Maddie’s free hand flailed, and her nails scraped the back of his shoulder and left biceps, but it didn’t matter if the touch had a bite.
The only thing that mattered was how she tasted, and how her impending orgasm flooded his mouth with more of her essence. How her sex clutched his fingers, and how her clit pulsed under his tongue.
Gio crooked his fingers, rubbing her most sensitive spot on the inside, and intentionally nicked her swollen nub with a tooth.
She tossed her head back, making her hair fly, and screamed his nickname. Her thighs quivered and her sex constricted and relaxed in waves as the climax rolled over her.
Maddie came in his mouth. His tongue coated with the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted. He lapped up every drop.
She collapsed to the bed panting, and he couldn’t tear his eyes away.
She was the most gorgeous thing he’d ever seen.
Her skin glistened with sweat, sporting a rosy glow from head to foot, from arousal and coming hard. Maddie’s hair was mussed from thrashing on the pillows, and an extra slash of crimson was across those high cheekbones up to her ears.
