by S. Van Horne
However, I’m struck with a memory of him on the phone with my brother all those years ago when he didn’t want me following him around. Despite his words now, I need to know if he still sees me that way. It’s something that needs to be answered before we go any further.
“Am I still that annoying little girl you thought I was?” I ask, trying to keep the tears at bay.
I watch his expressions go from confused, to shock, to understanding. He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.
He leans his forehead against mine, and then opens his eyes dropping the mask that normally covers them.
“No, Len. I’m sorry you heard that. I haven’t thought of you that way since I saw you walking into Gates N Sons after your college induction night. I’m so sorry, Len. I didn’t mean it,” he says, looking deep into my eyes.
I take a deep breath and then lean up to his ear.
“Take me home, Dante. Make me yours. I want you,” I whisper as seductively as I can.
I take a step back; I gaze into his eyes showing him the desire that’s swamping my body.
He grabs my hand. “Say goodbye to Andy and the girls. Tell them no calling you at all this weekend. You’ll see them soon enough on Saturday. Until then, you will not be leaving the bed unless I say otherwise.”
Then, he looks over at Eagle and nods his head. Eagle looks at him, then at me, and a slow smile stretches across his face. He nods, letting Dante know he has the other girls covered.
“Bye, bitches! See you Saturday,” I yell at Andy and the girls.
Smiles and cheers are coming from them, they know how much I love Dante. I just hope it’s the same on his part. I also have to somehow find a way to tell him I’m a virgin.
This is going to be interesting.
DANTE
We walk out, I look over my shoulder and see my future. Marriage, babies, careers we love, and family surrounding us. For the first time ever, I feel free and that everything’s finally coming together. I think back to yesterday and what happened…
I’d almost lost my shit when I’d overheard Sin’s moans as I was walking through her house. After the talk with Len and she went upstairs, I walked out to the deck and punched him in the stomach. I told him and Doc that if I ever heard them talk to her like that again I wouldn’t think twice about putting them in their place again. They had laughed and said that they couldn’t wait until I had a talk with Lucky about how much I wanted to bang Len.
Shit, I was scared to talk with him too.
I went into Seal Security after I left there to talk to Lucky about the note that came with the roses. I wanted to throw up when I saw what that sick fuck wrote on that note.
MY BEAUTIFUL LEN,
I MISS SEEING YOUR SMILING FACE. YOU’VE BEEN SO BUSY, I HAVEN’T HAD A CHANCE TO SAY HI. AS I LAY IN BED AT NIGHT, I WONDER WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE ONCE YOU’RE IN MY ARMS. IT WONT BE LONG NOW. UNTIL THEN, THINK OF ME LIKE I THINK OF YOU.
YOURS ALWAYS
The inquiry at the floral shop came up empty. The camera showed a homeless guy coming in with cash, a note, and information on what to get. We found the guy two blocks down, and all he could tell us is it was a guy in a black hoodie who offered him a hundred dollars if he would follow the directions on the paper. After he brought back the receipt showing he followed them he gave him the money and left.
We ended up putting more cameras out around the house to see if we could catch this guy in the act of sneaking around. We talked to the hospital about security and wanting more eyes on her. We were informed that due to HIPPA, some shit that’s about privacy for the patients, there are places that cameras can’t be placed. So, for now, all we can do is amp up more security and make sure she understands not to go anywhere alone. We talked with the hotel, where the party will be held, and they are aware of the situation. They understand there will be more security, and we’ll need to access things that aren’t normally available for guest. There isn’t anything else we really can do until this fucker decides to play his cards and try something.
Once we got that sorted I decided to come clean with Lucky. I was expecting him to kick my ass but was surprised when he cracked up laughing and said it was about damn time. He’s known for years that I’ve wanted his sister. He respects me for fighting it due to our friendship, but he’s thrilled and happy I was finally stepping up, especially since this sick fuck is out there.
He knows his sister is safe with me. Though he did say he was going to punch me because he warned his friends to stay away from his sister. He also said if I hurt her he would kill me and bury me where I wouldn’t be found. He didn’t get his name Lucky for nothing.
I got my nickname Ghost for a reason. I can enter a room, assess it fast, and kill without a sound being made. It’s why I was in charge of our team.
I showed him the engagement ring that I’d bought in Dubai during one of our downtimes between missions.
“When did you buy this, Dante?” he asked as he looked at the ring and its matching band.
It’s a combined two-karat diamond ring and band set. It has a square diamond at the center and two round diamonds on each side of the center diamond, then baguettes on each side of them. The band has baguettes, a round diamond on each side then another row of baguettes on each side of them. It’s white and yellow fourteen-karat gold. I can’t wait to see it on her finger.
“I got it when we were in Dubai the first time,” I say looking at the ring in his hand.
“That was four years ago. Why did you get it then?” He looked up at me.
“Nine years ago I felt a pull towards her that I couldn’t understand. As time went on, I knew I would claim her one day, or I at least hoped I would. I couldn’t do it while we were in the Navy. I wouldn’t do that to her knowing that I might not come back home. When I saw that ring, I just knew it was her, and that one day she would wear it on her finger. From that moment on, I didn’t look or sleep with another woman,” I explained.
Lucky stared at me with a stunned expression on his face.
“In my just in case letter, I wrote about the ring and gave instructions on it needing to go to her after she read her letter. I should’ve talked with you about this a long time ago. I just didn’t know how and didn’t want it to ruin the friendship we had. I just can’t wait anymore Lucky. I need her like the air I breathe.” I exhale, then I take back the ring and put it in its case.
He studies me for a while, and I try to read his face.
“Do you think this is too fast?”
He takes a deep breath, looks at the box, and then looks me in the eye.
“Personally, I don’t think it’s going too fast, seeing how you’ve both known each other for over thirteen years. I think that’s something you both should probably discuss when you talk about getting together. For what it’s worth, I give my blessing. I know you’ll take good care of her. I also know she feels the same. When I first realized it, I wanted to beat the hell out of you. But as the years went on, I knew you were right for her. Take good care of her, man. She’s special, I know I don’t have to tell you that.” He gets up and gives me a hug.
“Now, you have to talk to the moms and dads, as well as the twins. Good luck with that.” He laughs out.
“Shit, any advice? I’m going to talk with them Friday when I take her to talk to the moms about the party,” I question as I start to get nervous.
He laughs, shakes his head, and walks away. Damn him, I hope they agree to this. If they agree, I’ll be asking her on Saturday. I know this is moving fast, but after wasting nine years, yeah, that wasn’t going to happen anymore.
Our Moms’ aren’t going to be able to give her the wedding they want. They’ll have three months from Saturday to plan that shit. Yeah, that isn’t going to be a good conversation either. I can see them trying to stop that and make it a long engagement. I’ll have to make it up to them by allowing them to go full out for a party later. Maybe, they can do it for our
year anniversary. I’ll have to think of something…
I snap back to the present when I spot my truck. Pulling her along with me, I pick her up, and sit her inside. Then, I lean over her and put on her seatbelt.
“Baby, once we get to your house, you better be ready. It’s going to be a long night,” I tell her as I shut her door.
I run to my side, adjusting myself as I go. God, I’m ready for her. I know the first time I have to be gentle. I’m not sure how gentle I can be, but I’ll do it for her.
I rush to her house, our breathing the only sound you can hear. I can tell she isn’t doing any better than I am. Fifteen minutes later, I’m pulling into her driveway. I reach out the window and punch the code on her garage door. After pulling into her garage, I turn to her and take a deep breath.
“I need you to stay here. Let me shut the door and check the system. I’ll come and get you when all is clear. Lock the door until you see me,” I tell her, kissing her forehead.
I jump down from the truck and make sure I watch the garage door as it shuts. I walk into the side door and pull my gun and check the system. Fuck, it looks like there were two attempts not even an hour ago on entering. I wonder for a brief moment why I wasn’t notified of this. I pull out my phone and see I have five missed calls from Lucky.
I silently type in the code and wait for the all clear to show on the monitor. Then, I enter the code to alarm the system for staying. I slowly make my way through the house, checking the rooms. Next, I throw the switch to check the backyard. We have a night vision system where it stays dark outside when the switch is on yet the screen by the back door shows everything clearly as if it’s light outside. I don’t see anyone there. As I walk back to the garage, I pull my phone and text Lucky.
Me: Did you get the two attempts that were made at Len’s house? Please, tell me you were able to catch the fucker who was attempting to break in.
Lucky: Yes, all was checked. I tried to call Eagle and you but figured after five failed attempts that you both couldn’t hear your phones at the club. Face was hidden on the camera. We missed him by five minutes. Did you check everything?
Me: Yes, all is clear. I’m here now. Might be busy, so make sure whoever is watching the system knows that I might be indisposed.
Lucky: Just because I gave you permission to be with my sister doesn’t mean you can tell me what you’re doing to her, you sick fuck. I still owe you an ass kicking.
Me: Keep it up, and I’ll tell you details. Now, I’m off to get Len out of my truck. Later, asshat.
Lucky: You’re going to be hurting after the ass kicking that’s coming your way. Later, fucker.
A burst of laughter comes out from me at his comment, and I put away my phone. I walk over to her side of the truck and tap on the window. She unlocks the door and opens it.
“That took a while. Is everything okay?” she asks with a worried look on her face.
Even with her worrying, she’s still the most beautiful woman in the world.
“Yeah, mio tutto, everything’s fine. Come here. Let’s get you inside and upstairs,” I say, reaching for her.
I pull her out of the car and set her down to grab my bag from behind her seat. I shut the door, turn around, and pick her back up. She wraps around me like a monkey, and I carry her into the house.
“I can walk you know,” she says with a smile.
“I know, but I want to carry you into the house. I don’t want you out of my arms. Do you want to talk first, or do you want to go into the bedroom?” I ask.
“We should talk, but can we do it in the bedroom?” she says, looking into my eyes.
She runs her fingers through my hair, something I’ve seen her do this with her hair when she’s nervous. I wonder if it’s because she hasn’t told me she’s a virgin.
“Yeah, just keep your hands to yourself. I know how you get when you drink. You can’t keep your hands off of me,” I say, trying to get her mind off her nerves.
“You’re so full of shit.” She laughs as I carry her upstairs.
Dropping her on her bed, I walk over to her dresser.
“Okay, let’s talk this out. What do you want to know? What are you feeling?” I take a deep breath and wait.
Each second that passes more agonizing than the one before.
Seven
LEN
I scoot to the edge of the bed and take a deep breath. I don’t know if I should tell him I’ve crushed on him since I was twelve. I remember how he used to see me, however, if I want to start this right, I have to tell him everything.
“I’ve had a crush on you since the day I first saw you. I slowly fell in love with you over the years. You were my first kiss, and that day gave me hope. I didn’t do anything until I was eighteen. It was my junior year in college, and I just got back from visiting Neil. While I was there, I overheard him talking to a girl about a threesome you guys had. She kept going on and on about you and him. I came back and kissed the first boy who asked me out. We dated for eight months. We had oral sex and, when he wanted to further it, I knew I had to end it. I couldn’t give him the one thing that I wanted to give to the man I love.
“I went on dates after that and only had oral sex with one other guy in medical school. We decided to start a relationship shortly after we started our residency. We dated for over a year. When we broke up, it was awkward because we had to continue with our residency together. He ended up moving to a different state when his fiancé’s, now wife’s, family was killed in a car crash. She was also a first year resident who went to school with us. I’m still friends with her.”
I take a deep breath.
“Anyway, that’s why I won’t date people at work. I always knew it wouldn’t go far, and I didn’t want any awkwardness at work. I love my job, so I’ve dated here and there through friends.
“That means that if this is something we’re going to do, you need to understand I haven’t ever been with someone. I don’t have the experience you have. I don’t know what to do past the foreplay stage. I also want to know what this will mean afterwards. What are you wanting after tonight? Is this just a fling or are you wanting me to be with you? I want to know what I’m getting into. I don’t want to think it’s something longer when you’re just wanting to sleep with me because you just want to know what it’s like to get into my pants.”
I look up into his eyes when I’m done. I see a mixture of feelings; rage, love, lust, desire, and possessiveness. He takes a deep breath and pulls off his shoes, then his belt. He unsnaps his pants and then takes off his shirt. My mouth drops open. Across his chest is the words famiglia è tutto. Also, both nipples are pierced and his biceps are covered in tattoos. There’s a tribal type tattoo above his heart. It wraps around what looks like a heart with a key hole and inside is the color of my eyes…light sky blue. He slowly walks towards me. I look up into his eyes.
“Len, let me make this clear, I never want to hear about you with another guy. Nothing more needs to be said about that. As I answer your questions and tell you my feelings and thoughts can you just nod if you understand?”
I nod.
“Good girl. Now, I started falling for you the moment you walked into Gates N Sons. But I already told you that. I didn’t tell you that I already gave you my heart four years ago. I realized that you were it for me. I haven’t been with anyone since that day. I stayed away all these years because of my friendship with your brother. I also knew I couldn’t be what you needed. I couldn’t leave you behind. But now, I’m home.
“I plan on being everything you need, everything you want, and everything you desire. So, to answer your question, no it isn’t me just wanting to know what it’s like to be inside your pants, like you said. This is me telling you that I’ll be the first and the last man in them.”
I take a shocking breath at what he just explained. He hasn’t been with anyone in four years?
“That means you will never have another boyfr
iend or date another man. I’m going to be your boyfriend, your lover, your best friend, your protector and very, very soon your husband and the father of our children.”
By now, he’s standing between my legs and his fingers are running down my neck towards my breast.
“And, mio tutto, I’m so glad that you’re inexperienced. That’s a good thing for many reasons. One being that I won’t have to kill anyone, and for another, because you will learn what I like in the bedroom as we explore what you like as well,” he says to me as he starts pushing down the straps of my sundress down.
I’m trying to process what he just said, but I can’t really think because I’m in a fog of Dante.
“Are you ready? I don’t know if I can hold back much longer. You ready to belong to me and no other?” he says as he continues to trace my collar bone.
“Yes, I’m ready, amore,” I answer him.
A smile starts to break on his face and I can’t help but smile back. It then dawns on me that I’m finally getting the man of my dreams.
“I like it when you call me amore. I’ll always remember the first time you called me that. There’s one more thing I need to say before we go any further. Stand up.”
I stand up, and my dress falls to the floor and puddles at my feet. I step out of it and kick it aside. I hear a sharp breath and look up at Dante’s face. His face has transformed, and I see the deep desire in his eyes as he takes in my strapless bra and boy shorts. There isn’t much to them, but their lace material and navy blue color.
“Are you okay?” I reach out for him.
“Fuck! Damn, Len, you’re testing my patience. You look fucking amazing. Are all your panties like this and with matching bras?” he asks, taking in my body again.
“Um… yes. I buy them online. I spend a lot of money on them, but I like nice bras and panties,” I tell him looking away because it’s embarrassing how much money I spend on them.
