by K. L Mann
I won’t tell her that she’s already at the point of no return with me. She couldn’t leave even now without me lurking in the shadows everywhere she went. I just need to give her the verbal warning before I mark her permanently.
Seems she likes the threat though, because her legs trap Luca’s head in place and she comes, screaming through her orgasm.
“Cut me! Mark me, make me yours forever. Please!”
And I obey.
We both do.
And then time bleeds until it’s up.
Arianna
Our last days of full-fledged secret freedom were spent more in bed than anywhere else. We kissed, we fucked, we laughed and we loved. We watched movies, ate greasy food and lived as if the real world didn’t exist.
Luca and Gio talked to my father without me. I was upset at first that they went to him before telling me about it, but overwhelmed with relief when they explained how positively he reacted. Not only is he happy for me, he’s not even upset about me leaving campus. He said he was happy to have me home and even happier knowing that Luca and Gio were mine.
The only truly daunting task remaining is coming closer. Moments from now my brother will be home and I truly hope his presence doesn’t break the spell we’ve come under in these two weeks. I’m happier than I’ve ever been and it’s all because of Luca and Gio.
We’re made for each other, all of us. You can say it’s wrong to love more than one man at a time, and you’d be wrong. Because even though I haven’t said it out loud, I do love them. The love for them has been building inside of me for years now and I’ve just been too stubborn or nervous or whatever to do more about it.
I thought I hated Luca and I thought he hated me, but I could never hate him. I should have looked more into the fact that talking to him came so easily. I shouldn’t have let him push me away with stupid little comments. I should have done a lot of things differently, but I can’t find myself regretting anything. I wouldn’t want our situation to be different in any possible way. We’re perfect the way we are.
“Hey bitches! I’m home!” Katherine yells from the foyer, loud enough to make me jump in my chair at the kitchen counter.
I throw myself out of my seat and run into the hallway, desperate to hug her. Luca and Gio follow behind me at a safe distance, their poker faces perfectly in place. We’ve prepared for this. We’re going to tell Lorenzo at dinner with our parents so he’ll have to keep his cool. Gio thinks he’ll figure it out first though. All the security footage has been wiped clean, but he doesn’t think my lying isn’t any good. He’s probably right.
“I missed you so much!” I nearly scream, rushing over and throwing myself into her arms. “You’re so tan! And you got tattoos! You didn’t tell me you were doing that!” I babble, letting go of her waist to take in her new look. She’s got a full leg sleeve of badass looking Medusa’s, Siren’s and Witches designed in all black and white ink. It’s totally her style.
“I wanted it to be a surprise.” She grins, looking me up and down like she already knows what I’ve been up to for the last two weeks.
“I’m home too, Arianna,” Lorenzo drawls, crossing his arms, coming up behind her. He’s tanner too, they probably fucked on the damn beach all day, gross.
“I know. I just don’t like you as much.” I smirk, then stick my tongue out at him. “We both know Marco has always been my favorite brother.”
Lorenzo glares at me but let’s a little smile slip.
“I’m Katherine’s favorite brother too, I brought tequila,” Marco says entering the foyer out of the blue, carrying two bottles of clear liquor. I bet Luca asked him to be here, sneaky fuck. “Can’t have a true family dinner if the two black sheeps of the family aren’t black out drunk, can we?” He grins, planting two kisses on Katherine’s cheeks and handing her a bottle.
She smiles big at him. “Bet I can finish my bottle first.”
These two are insane. If Marco weren’t 17, I swear he could be her soulmate. Don’t get me wrong, they’d be awful for each other responsibly speaking, and Katherine is completely in love with Lorenzo but still. They’re a match made in crazy heaven and I’m glad they have a sibling-type bound over a romantic one.
“Maybe the blackout can wait until after dinner? Mamma will be pissed if you try to climb Lorenzo like a fucking tree at the dinner table,” I remind her with a gag.
Marco sighs. “Unfortunately, she’s right. We can get a little buzzed first, but I’m bringing Jules so…”
My mouth drops open in shock. He’d told me over the last couple of days that things were getting more official between them but this is insane even for my crazy little brother. He’s never had a girlfriend, let alone brought one to meet the family.
“You are!?” I cut him off immediately, jumping up and down. “Why the hell didn't you tell me!? You’re bringing her to the estate? Does papa know?”
“Who’s Jules?” Lorenzo cuts in.
“Marco’s super-hot girlfriend! That’s who!” And that’s not a lie at all, I stalked her socials when he started getting serious eyes when he talked about her. She’s gorgeous and surprisingly girly. I hadn’t expected that from Marco but I relished it. I can’t wait to force her into being my friend and going shopping. Katherine hates shopping.
“Tell me you're kidding,” Gio groans, rubbing a hand through his hair. “Jules from the club? As in–”
“Yes,” Marco barks. “Yes, as in Juliana fucking Romano. I already told the old man, and I already got clearance.”
“You’re dating Juliana Romano?” Lorenzo asks, looking at Marco like he’s insane. “Isn’t she like 15?”
“Christ sakes, no. We’re the same age, old man. Keep up. We can talk about it later, when certain ears aren’t around,” he hisses, rolling his eyes.
“Why don’t you talk now? I want to steal Arianna away to gossip anyways, I want to hear all of the celebrity buzz I’ve missed.” Katherine declares, wiggling her brows at me. It’s a blatant lie, she most definitely doesn't care about celebrity news but no one bats an eye at the declaration. Marco agrees and Katherine pulls me upstairs with her, running and giggling up the stairs. She makes sure no one has followed, pulls me into her room and slams the door shut.
“You’re fucking them, aren’t you?” She nearly squeaks asking me. My face goes red, I don’t even have to answer. “Oh my God! Lorenzo is going to murder them! Luckily he doesn’t have this.”
Jesus.
Luca
I can’t help but cackle, tipping my head back. “You’re dating a Romano?”
Marco glares daggers at me, reminding me that he knows my secret. He won’t say anything though, not until the time comes, and it’s coming quickly.
“Yes,” he sighs, rubbing his temples.
“And papa knows?” Lorenzo cuts in with a wicked grin at his brother.
“Yes, I already told him the whole story,” Marco grits, taking a deep breath. “Do you guys remember how Deluca Romano accused our old man of having his guys killed off? He was losing like a man every month, all sketchy low-level assholes that would just disappear without a trace? He thought no one else could be doing it except for the Vitale’s because of our family’s reputation?”
“Don’t tell me you were playing fucking Robin Hood this whole time,” Gio accuses, nearly scoffing at him. They really have to get over their distaste for each other if we’re going to make this work.
Marco doesn't take offense though. He simply shakes his head and laughs a little under his breath. “Nope. Jules was playing fucking Dexter. She flirted with each and every one of them, coaxed them back to a warehouse, drugged them, and cut them all to pieces. She’s killed 18 of her father’s lackies in the past two years.”
“No. Fucking. Way.” Gio can’t hide his amusement. “All this time, you’ve rejected the bloody business and you fall for a damn serial killing madwoman? Jesus Christ, welcome to the family man.”
I expect a grimace or curse from Marco but it doesn�
��t come. He sort of smiles instead.
“You love her,” Lorenzo determines, placing his hands on his hips. “You’re going to do the next Challenge Night aren’t you? That’s the deal you made with papa?”
Marco grinds his teeth. “Yeah. I’m going to do the fucking Challenge Night, then Jules will be under our protection and she can get the hell away from her father and avoid getting herself killed.”
“Congrats?” I ask with a shrug. The sound of car doors closing lets me know it’s time. Marco hears it too. That’s why he’s here, that’s why our other guests are here as well.
“Time for your news now, boys.” Marco grins, setting down his bottle and stepping between Lorenzo, Gio and I. “Forbidden love seems to be the Vitale way, doesn’t it?” He sighs, shaking his head, faking disapproval. Gio glares at him but he doesn’t back down, his shoulders remain tall and confident.
Arianna thinks we’re waiting until dinner, but we can’t. We can’t lie to his face, not even for her. I’d burn the goddamn world down for her, but lying to Lorenzo for this long has been more than enough.
“What news?” Lorenzo asks, watching Gio with a careful eye.
Marco quirks a brow at Lorenzo. “How many guns do you have on you?”
“Katherine has the one I was carrying in her purse. She got a bit handsy in the car…” Lorenzo hisses a curse under his breath. “Which is extremely convenient considering you seem to be about to tell me something that will make me want to shoot you all. Is that correct?”
Damn that woman is smart.
“Sorry,” Gio says with a sigh, looking at me. I nod, implying he should continue. “We can’t keep it from you anymore. We’re seeing Arianna. Luca and I, we’re dating her.”
The instant the words come out of his mouth, Lorenzo is going to kill us with his bare hands. I can see it in his face, until the only saviors we have walk into the room. Mr. Colombo and Mr. Vitale each stand at one of Marco’s sides, keeping the distance between Lorenzo and I.
Lorenzo grinds his jaw, his fists clenching tightly into fists. “Say you’re lying and this is some fucked up prank,” he bellows, not caring to keep his voice down. “Tell me this is a joke. Tell me, I didn’t leave you here to protect my little sister and you didn’t end up screwing her!”
“Jesus man, it’s not like that,” I try to rush to defend us, but Satan himself holds a hand to me. Mr. Vitale implies I should let him take over with the gesture and I obey gratefully.
“Son. Let us speak like civilized men. Luca and Gio are family, and as much as you may feel betrayed, who else could deserve your sister's love? Surely not some common man from college?”
“She can’t get involved, we’ve kept her in the dark for twenty fucking years and now it’s inevitable!” Lorenzo retorts, yelling in a hushed tone.
“I struggled with the same concept.” Mr. Vitale blows out a breath, nodding his head in thought. “Would my daughter ever truly love outside of our world? After careful consideration, I think not. I believe we’ve done a disservice to her. She deserves the truth as much as Katherine does. Especially if we plan on expanding and allowing women into the fold. My daughter deserves to be happy, and if that means she wants Luca and Gio, who are we to stop her? In the past couple of years, I’ve learned how poor of a job I’ve done with Marco and Arianna,” he admits, frowning at his youngest son. “I pushed Marco into a life he was hesitant about the wrong way and I kept Arianna from a life she craved. Surely you can’t think of any other men who could keep her safe? Even in the face of danger that comes with our lives, she’s never been safer than with their hearts.”
“I resisted for so fucking long, Lorenzo,” Gio chokes up. “She started flirting with me like three goddamn years ago. You’re my brother, blood be damned. But Arianna? Arianna has never been my sister, and she’s never been Luca’s. She’s always been there, peeling back the layers of blackness and sprinkling her fucking sunshine into them. She’s amazing, brilliant, witty and hilarious and fuck, I can’t imagine breathing without her anymore.”
Lorenzo opens his mouth, but I start talking first.
“I can’t even explain how unworthy of her I still feel,” I admit with a frown. “She’s the brightest light in this dim world, Lorenzo. I can sleep next to her. I don’t even think about that old fight club when she smiles at me. I can’t hear my mom's screams when she’s giggling. I felt like I was guilty for even enjoying her presence but when she showed me kindness, and admiration? I fell for her and I can’t feel guilty about it anymore, I won’t. I’d rip out my heart and give it to her if she asked.”
Again, Lorenzo is cut off before he can reply. This time by Marco.
“Luca made her a fucking wonderland tent in the gardens; twinkly lights and everything. He leaves her damn hand written notes on her pillows and Gio practically worships the ground she walks on,” he adds smoothly. “They aren’t just fucking with her for shitty reasons. You know I’ve always been on A’s side but if I even suspected they were messing with her in some way, I would have gladly helped you skin them alive. Gio and I are the furthest thing from friends and I still love to hate him because shit, the way she looks at him? At both of them? It’s real, and it’s Arianna’s turn to be happy. Can’t we give that to her?”
My heart is hammering in my chest. Marco has never once stood up for me and my intentions, let alone Gio’s.
“If you hurt her…” Lorenzo starts.
“I’m not physically, mentally, or emotionally capable of causing her actual harm. I can’t even think about her in pain, it makes my muscles weak and my stomach ache. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you, but that was her choice. She never has choices and we wanted to give her one for a change. Technically, we aren’t supposed to be telling you now.”
“That’s right you’re not, you traitors!” Arianna growls from the staircase with Katherine at her side.
“We had to–” Gio starts but she interrupts by running down the stairs and jumping into our arms, wrapping around both of us as best as she can.
“Alright, alright,” Marco drawls, rolling his eyes. “I think we could all use a drink.”
“That’s what I’m talking about,” Katherine cheers, jumping into Lorenzo’s arms to make him smile. She always knows how to pull him out of one of his moods.
Arianna
Time flies as we all catch up. Katherine gushes about the honeymoon, Lorenzo brags about her and how amazing she is. But then Marco, being a little tipsy, breaks out his phone and shows Katherine his favorite video of me.
Yeah, that one.
“You shot someone!?” Katherine screams, her eyes widened and a hand covering her heart.
Everyone’s heads turned toward her and then to me as they followed her gaze.
Papa watches me carefully. “Shot someone? Arianna?”
“Nice going, loud mouth,” Marco mumbles, trying not to laugh.
“It’s not a big deal, papa. It was just her foot,” I reply, trying to stay calm. Neither Luca or Gio seem worried at my side.
Lorenzo is looking over Marco’s shoulder now, watching the clip as well. “You shot someone in the club?”
This gets Mr. Colombo to look concerned. “The Club? My club?”
Covering my face, I groan but Gio steps in for me, taking away the burden of explaining.
“So that’s kind of my fault,” he begins, shaking his head like he’s ashamed. “I found out she’d been with Luca, cause the fucker got to her first by the way. Anyways, that’s when I went a little crazy and stormed off. Got drunk for like two days and then mad. I sent her a picture of a hooker with me at the club, so she showed up. The dumb bitch thought she could talk back to Arianna. Called her crazy, said Marco was a little psycho and a bunch of other shit. Luca held her back, but she grabbed his gun from his back holster and aimed that shit right at her chest. She told her that Vitale’s carry condition one, and that meant there was a bullet in the chamber with her heart’s name on it. It was the craziest villain monologue
ever and snapped me back into reality real fucking quick. Though, being the asshole that I am, I said she wouldn’t shoot her and my girl here took that as a challenge, shot her in the foot in the middle of VIP,” he pauses, smiling at the memory. “Arianna told her she was banned from all Colombo–Vitale businesses and staked her claim on us. Marco pushed out the ban notice himself. It was a night of interesting occurrences for sure.”
“Gio had Vito take her to a doc and he came home with us. She didn't die but I doubt she has that foot anymore. She was all sorts of fucked up. But yeah, in Arianna’s defense it was Gio’s fault she was at the club. But in Gio’s defense, he found out about Arianna and me so, it’s sort of my fault too,” Luca says casually.
As they spoke, the video was passed around.
“Nice aim sweetheart,” Papa praises.
“I think this might beat out when Katherine decked Nicole in the face,” Mr. Colombo says with a chuckle.
“Oh, it definitely does,” she agrees.
Chapter #14 Up In Flames
“Certainty is the calm before the storm.”
–Stewart Stafford
Arianna
Dinner went so well that we decided to make a night out of it. Our parents all stayed back to enjoy a night in while the next generation of Vitale’s left to relish being young.
Club Lucifer with the men I’m obsessed with is amazing. I feel like I’m on top of the world. I’m a bit disappointed when they need to go off to the office for a bit but Katherine keeps me entertained, throwing back shots and dancing her ass off while Lorenzo stands guard. He’s never enjoyed crowds but he’s being a good sport and letting us go wild.
Since she’s had a million drinks, Lorenzo takes her to the bathroom and stations me at the bar where Vito can see me from his position near the door. Marco and Jules have snuck up into VIP to talk which I encouraged. We talked a bit at dinner and I got to inform her that she would be my best friend soon enough. She didn’t seem turned off by the idea. But that’s a story for another day.
