Santino (Mafia Heat Book 4)

by Ella Jade

  “We’re lucky to have one another.” Sal smiled at his bride. “You’re my everything.”

  “The guests are beginning to arrive,” my mother said. “Let’s go greet them, mingle, eat, and drink.”

  “Lots of drinking!” Gianni shouted.

  My mother rolled her eyes. “Have a great time but don’t do anything stupid.”

  As everyone filed out of the room, Luca lingered behind. “You have the most astonishing family.”

  “We’re pretty unique.”

  “You’re all so close and I can feel how much you love each other. It’s so special.”

  “People have their opinions about my family, and some of them may be right, but what most of them will never understand is how our parents raised us to be good people. We put family above all else. The best thing about living here and being part of all of this is I know I’m never alone.”

  “And now I know I’m not alone.” She kissed me. “Thank you for letting me share part of this.”

  “You can share all of it with me.” We may have been moving fast but when I was with her, I wasn’t searching for anything else. She was right about my family but having her here made everything complete. “You’ve quickly become my world.”

  “Have I?”

  “I can’t imagine a day without you with me.”

  “I don’t think that day will ever come.” She straightened my tie. “I might have gotten attached to you.”

  “Despite trying so hard not to?”

  “I was being cautious in the beginning. You did have a reputation.”

  “I still do.”

  “Yes, but now that I know you, that reputation isn’t as scary as I once thought.”

  “Good.” I took her hand. “Because the last thing I want to do is scare you.” We walked out of the study. “Arouse you, stimulate you, even infuriate you at times.” I smirked. “And make you so ridiculously happy that you never want to walk away from me.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” She kissed my cheek. “Except to that really cool champagne fountain I saw out on the patio.”

  “Lead the way, baby.” I’ll follow you anywhere.

  A FEW HOURS AND A LOT of drinks later, the night seemed to be really taking off. Dinner was done and now most people were either dancing in the heated tent by the lake or surrounding the massive dessert room filled with every Italian pastry imaginable. Sal had so many food connections that everyone wanted to be featured here tonight.

  “I can’t believe how many people are here,” Luca said. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

  “My parents know a lot of people.” I leaned against the banister of the main staircase. “I wish my grandmother could be here.”

  “How come she isn’t?”

  “She’s in Italy spending time with her sisters. Normally, she would come home for something like this, especially for Sal. He’s her favorite. But she was at his wedding and reception in Italy with our Italian cousins, so she did celebrate with them in her country. My parents are leaving for Italy next week and for her to travel back and forth would be too much for her.”

  “I can understand that.”

  “There will be other parties.” I brought her closer to me. “Other weddings.”

  “If they’re anything like this, I look forward to them.”

  “My mom gets better with each one.” I trailed my lips along her jaw. “She makes it her life’s mission to be the talk of every magazine, social media outlet, and entertainment article.”

  “I think she succeeded tonight.” She put her head back so I could access her neck. “We should stop.”

  “Why?”

  “There are too many people here.”

  “Would you like a tour of the upstairs?” I nodded toward the steps. “I’ll show you my old room.”

  “I’d love one.” When she bit her lip, I knew what we’d be doing upstairs. “Show me the way.”

  With her hand in mine, I led her up the stairs and down the long hallway.

  “That’s the master suite.” I pointed to my parents’ bedroom as the top of the steps. “That’s the guest bedroom and this one is Gia’s room when she stays over.”

  “I know this one.” She motioned toward the sitting room. “That’s where we had our hair done today. It’s such a wonderful space.”

  “That’s always been my mother’s sanctuary. When she needed to get away from her five boys she escaped in there. We weren’t allowed to bother her when she was in there.”

  “This hallway is never ending.”

  “We call this the guys’ suite.” I opened the double doors that led to all of our bedrooms. “On this side is Dominick and Gianni’s rooms. They’re connected by a bathroom. The same on this side.” I pointed to the left side. “That’s Vincenzo and Sal’s room. They’re also connected by a bathroom.”

  “It must have been so cool growing up here.”

  “Bedtime was crazy. We’d hop from room to room until we finally settled down. Sometimes we didn’t end up in the right room. My mother never knew who was going to be on whose bed. Dominick and I are eight years apart. He was always the coolest thing to me. I always felt so safe when I was with him. I’d often crawl into his bed when I was afraid.”

  “He seems to be all of your protectors.”

  “He takes pride in that job.”

  “The room in the center.” She placed her hand on the doorknob. “Is this one yours?”

  “Yes.” We entered the room. “It was the nursery and since I was last, I stayed here. It didn’t have a bathroom and my dad thought it was awful that I had to walk a few feet to use one.”

  “Heaven forbid.” She snickered. “I had to share a bathroom with both of my parents.”

  “Well, my dad had this one built for me.” I guided her into the en suite. “When I was young, I loved the zoo. It was decorated with animals and the tub had a cool faucet shaped like a lion’s head. When I was twelve, we updated it to a more grown-up space.”

  “It’s bigger than my bedroom now.” When she laughed, I admired the carefree sparkle in her eyes. “I love this house.”

  “We all do.” I closed the door behind us as she made her way further into the room. “That’s why we’re here so much. It’s home. Growing up here was the best part of my childhood.”

  “I can see why.” She stopped in front of the mirror, gazing at me from the glass. “You’re all very fortunate.”

  “I feel much more fortunate now that I have you.” I stood behind her, kissing the back of her neck as I took her hips in my hold. “I can’t tell you how many people came up to me today wondering who you were and how I managed you.”

  “I don’t want this night to end.” She placed her hands over mine, guiding them to her breasts. “But it was a good idea to come up here for a few minutes. I like the alone time.”

  “I know how you can like it a little more.” I squeezed her breasts. “Can I show you?”

  Her lust-filled eyes connected with mine in the mirror. She didn’t have to say anything. I knew what she wanted. What she needed.

  Moving my hands to the zipper at the nape of her neck, I slowly lowered it, kissing my way along her spine as I shimmied the dress down her flawless body. Gliding my fingers to the center of her back, I unclasped the hook of her strapless bra. She parted her lips as I trailed my hand between her breasts and to her throat, tugging her head backwards so I could taste her mouth.

  Unbuckling my belt, I unbuttoned my pants before slipping my hand inside her panties. Discovering how wet she was made my cock painfully hard. Her juices coated my fingers but that wasn’t enough. When I withdrew my hand from her heat, she gasped.

  “Don’t worry.” I turned her to face me before kneeling down. “I know what you want.” I moved her panties to the side, giving me better access for what I wanted next. “A little taste before I fuck you.”

  “Oh...” she moaned when I swiped my tongue along her entrance. Gripping her backside with my free han
d, I brought her closer to me, licking and sucking her sweet arousal. Her legs trembled against my arms as I pushed my tongue deeper, taking my time to please her.

  She grasped the edge of the sink, when I added my fingers, working in perfect sync with my tongue. When she rocked against my face, I increased my tempo, making her hips thrust faster. Withdrawing my tongue so that I could look up at her when she came, I continued moving my fingers until she quivered under my touch, quietly whispering my name.

  Taking the sides of her panties in my hands, I slithered them over her hips and down her legs, leaving her in nothing but her sparkling, silver heels. I stood to meet her, kissing her mouth, swirling my tongue inside her mouth.

  “I like the way you taste.”

  “I like when you taste me.”

  “Turn around.” I spun her to face the mirror. “Should we finish what we started?”

  “What do you think?”

  I lowered my zipper. “Arch your back.” I pushed on her lower spine before gripping my cock and thrusting inside her.

  “Oh!” She screamed. “Yes!”

  “Shh.” I placed my hand over her mouth. “Do you want my brothers running up here with guns blazing?”

  Her eyes widened. “They wouldn’t.”

  “Be quiet.” I removed my hand.

  “I can’t help it,” she whispered. “It feels so good.”

  “You can scream all you want later.” I covered her breasts with my hands, holding her still as I slammed my pelvis forward. “When we’re in my bed.”

  “Oh!” She looked back at me. “Sorry.” She giggled. “I’ll be quiet.”

  “What am I going to do with you?”

  “Tie me up?”

  “That’s definitely a possibility.” I rammed deeper into her, holding her hips so she didn’t bash into the sink. The warmth of her sex mixed with the slickness of her arousal made pumping into her one of the best experiences of my life. Her smooth skin glistened with sweat while her soft curls once so neatly pinned up fell down her back.

  “Santino.” She reached behind to touch my face. “Yes.”

  I quickly turned her to face me, propping her on the counter and swiftly reentering her. She spread her legs, allowing me to get closer to her, kissing her face and lips. Grabbing her calves, I plunged forward as she dropped her head and buried her muffled screams into my shoulder.

  “Luca, baby, I can’t... ah fuck!” I let go when she clenched around my swollen cock, releasing everything I had into this encounter, into her. She held onto me as she came, gasping for air, trying to stay as quiet as she could.

  “God!” She let out a huge breath. “What is wrong with us?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m completely naked in the bathroom of your family’s home on the night of your brother’s wedding reception.”

  “You’re not completely naked.” I chuckled as I kissed her. “I left your shoes on.”

  “You’re crazy.” She pushed her hair from her eyes. “I’m a mess.”

  “You’re spectacular, especially after I fuck you.”

  “We better get back downstairs.” She lowered her legs. “I’m going to be sore tomorrow.”

  “It’ll be worth it.” I pulled up my pants and tucked my shirt in, buckling my belt as Luca watched my every move. “What?” I raised my zipper and buttoned my pants, feeling relaxed and sated. Being with her always mellowed me out. Who needed drugs when I had her?

  “I was admiring you.” She pressed her palm to my cheek. “You’re really hot.”

  “I know.” I winked before scooping up her bra and panties. “I think you’re going to need these.”

  “Thank you.” She took her underwear from me. “I need to fix my hair.”

  “I’ll leave you to get dressed and I’ll meet you in the foyer. We can get dessert if you want.”

  “You mean what we just did wasn’t dessert?”

  “That was the appetizer.” I kissed her. “This house has a lot of hidden spaces.”

  “I look forward to exploring.” She ran her lips along my jaw. “I’ll do anything with you.”

  “I better get out of here.” I caressed her breasts, licking my lips when her nipples peaked. “I’m tempted to carry you to my old bed.”

  “As tempting as that sounds, we better get back to the party.” She slipped off the counter. “I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

  “I’ll be waiting for you.” I leaned against the door, admiring her sleek back and perfect bottom. Her toned legs never seemed to end. She caught a glimpse of me in the mirror.

  “What are you doing?” She fastened her bra.

  “Making sure I memorize every inch of you.”

  “Why, Santino Marchelli, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were taken with me.”

  “I’m more than taken with you.” I opened the bathroom door as a foreign thought flowed through my mind. I’m in love with you.

  As I walked down the hall and to the staircase, I wondered if the sex had been that great that I thought I loved her or had spending all this time with her do a number on me? I’d never been in love before. Could I really love her? Why not?

  When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Antonio stood in the foyer. I hadn’t seen him all night. I hadn’t seen him much since I... stay focused. There was no reason to think about what had happened with Franco. There was no way he suspected my family, especially not me. As far as everyone knew, I was as legit as Salvatore and Vincenzo.

  “Santino,” he greeted me. “How are you?”

  “I’m well.” I shook his hand. “Are you enjoying the party?”

  “It’s impressive. Your mom always knew how to entertain.”

  “She’s amazing.”

  “Your parents have such a wonderful family. All five of you boys have grown into loyal, smart, and successful men. They have a lot to be proud of.”

  “We do the best we can.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short.” His mouth formed a hard line. “I spoiled my kids. I didn’t raise Nadia, so that’s probably why she turned out the way she did. I’m sure you’ve heard about Franco.”

  “What about him?” Had I missed something?

  “I haven’t heard from him in months.” He frowned and I noted the sorrow in his tone. “He wasn’t happy that I mended fences with your father. He also wasn’t thrilled with the way I handled him kidnapping Nadia and shooting Vincenzo. He was out of control and I told him that.”

  “What choice did you have?”

  “I’d like the chance to tell him I forgive him. I want an opportunity to reconcile with him but with each day that passes, I don’t think that’s going to be possible.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What can you do? The boy was always a wild card. His mother is grieving for him and I don’t have a body for her to gain closure. If you hear anything, please let me know.”

  “I don’t think I’ll... why would I hear anything?”

  “I know you’re working with your father now.”

  I hadn’t realized my new job as my father’s advisor had gone public.

  “These things have a way of getting around in tight circles. I’d consider it a personal favor if you heard anything and came to me. I’ve asked the same thing of Gianni and Dominick.”

  “I don’t know anything.” I wished that were true but I had no trouble looking him in the eyes and lying to him. If I could go back and get to Sal before Franco found him, Antonio and I wouldn’t be having this conversation. Although, Franco should have answered for shooting Vincenzo long before I shot him. No regrets.

  “There you are,” Vincenzo said as he and Nadia approached us. “We were looking for you.”

  “Just catching up with Santino.” Antonio smiled at them. “He’s going to make a wonderful attorney for your father’s other business.”

  Vincenzo shot me a disapproving glance.

  “Erica and I got you some dessert,” Nadia said, trying to stop this convers
ation. “We’re sitting in the living room. Won’t you come and join us?”

  “I’d love to.” He placed his arm around his daughter’s waist. “Lead the way.”

  “They seem to be getting along,” I observed. “That’s good.”

  “Nadia is finally ready to accept him as her father.” He nodded. “He may not have been my first choice for a father-in-law but if she’s happy, that’s all that matters.”

  “I know what you mean.” I gazed up at the staircase as Luca made her way down the steps. Her presence probably stopped a lecture from Vince and for that I was grateful.

  “Hello, Vincenzo.” She stood next to me. “Where’s Nadia?”

  “In the living room having dessert. Would you like to join us?”

  “We’ll find you in a bit.” I didn’t really want to have to continue my conversation with Antonio. “We’re going to get a drink and look at the dessert room.”

  “See you soon.” Vince smiled at us. “In case I haven’t said it, you two make a fabulous couple.”

  “It’s all Luca.” I placed my hand on the small of her back. “She brings out the best in me.”

  “Oh, I know that.” Vince smirked as he walked away from us.

  “Ass.” I shouted after him.

  “Leave your brother alone,” she said.

  “He started it.” I pressed my lips to her temple. “You put yourself back together rather nicely. You look perfect.”

  “You mean no one will know what we did upstairs?”

  “Well, I wouldn’t go that far.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “There are security cameras all over this house. I’m sure the guys at the main gate enjoyed the show. What do you think all of those monitors are for?”

  “What? How could there be...” She smacked my shoulder. “You’re teasing me.”

  “I am but you’re so freakin cute I can’t help it.”

  “Is everything okay? I saw you talking to Antonio before I came down. It looked intense so I didn’t want to bother you.”

  “I wish you would have.”

  “Don’t you like Nadia’s dad?”

  “He’s okay.” I played off her questions. “He and my father go way back. They had a falling out years ago so he wasn’t around most of my life. I’m not used to him but because he’s Nadia’s dad we gave him the benefit of the doubt.”