by Piper Stone
“Please tell me what happened.”
“No. Not today. Maybe not ever.”
“That means that what we share means nothing to you or else you would be able to tell me something about your life, anything to help me understand why you have so much anger inside of you.”
He cocked his head, still looking at me so intently. “What I want and what I can have are two entirely different things. Yes, I do have reasons for my anger, Catherine.”
“Because of your damn business, the need to hunt down everyone who gets in your way.” I didn’t phrase my words as a question. I already knew the answer.
“I do what is necessary.”
“So you’ve told me. In order to protect your family.”
“Do you think that’s easy, Catherine? Do you honestly believe that I want to carry a weapon with me everywhere I go, concerned that some asshole will be outside a restaurant or hiding in the bushes in order to find the perfect kill shot? I don’t, but that’s the life I was born into.”
“One that you can change.” My voice held the same kind of irritation as his. “And I think you thrive on the violence, the power that you have in your hands. You don’t want to change because it would mean losing all your influence. As I said, you could make a choice, but that’s not something you’ll do.”
I could see fury in his eyes as his nostrils flared, but for once he didn’t react with venomous actions. “Maybe you’re right. If only I could believe it’s that easy.” His words were said so quietly that I had to strain to listen.
“Take a vacation. Allow your brothers to handle business for a little while.”
As he laughed, the booming sound continued to create wave after wave of desire, my nipples aching for his rough touch.
“That would be incredible. Maybe we will be able to do that at some point. I’ll take you anywhere you’d like to go.”
“As long as I obey your rules then you’ll give me the world.”
He bristled from my accusation. “Yes, Catherine. We all have rules we must follow. The sooner you come to accept that, the better off it will be for you. I don’t want to be forced to punish you on a regular basis, but I will as necessary until you accept.”
“Until you break me.”
Lowering his head, he took several deep breaths before nipping my earlobe. The sensuous feeling showered me with sensations, goosebumps rising on my arms. “I will break you, my lovely bride, but not in the way you’re thinking.”
He breathed across the nape of my neck before darting his tongue into the shell of my ear. I continued tingling, my nipples aching to the point of pain. A whiff of my desire floated between us, and I hated it. I couldn’t stand the way I was even more attracted to him, but there was no turning back.
We’d reached a plateau that would never be anything but filthy and immoral. We were drawn to each other in an inexplicable way, and my resolve was crumbling as my need for him continued to increase.
“As I told you. You will never break me.”
He growled in a low-slung manner as he dragged his tongue down the side of my neck. “You will be surprised.” He rolled his hand down my arm, exacerbating the tingles. The man left me breathless by a simple touch and nothing more.
“And I might just surprise you.”
“You do almost every day, my bride.” He continued allowing his fingers to travel, shifting to my thigh, swirling his fingers before sliding the hem of the dress as high as possible. Then he moved my legs, slipping in between them. “I want you.”
“You already have me.”
“No, I hunger for you right now.” He danced his fingers along the inside of my leg before cupping my mound.
“Oh.” I couldn’t stop from moaning, every muscle in my body tensing.
“You’re so wet. You crave having my cock buried deep inside of you.”
I bit back another series of cries, fearful that someone would walk into the room at any second. “No. Never.”
His chuckle was dark, laced with the kind of danger that encompassed every inch of the man. “Don’t lie to me, my princessa. The truth looks much better on you, even if laced with defiance.” He brushed his lips across mine before pushing the lace material into my pussy.
“Oh. Oh.” I wrapped my hand around his, guiding his fingers up and down. Every sound he made only aroused me even more.
“You’re becoming insatiable.”
“Maybe so.” I was lightheaded, my pulse racing as he continued rubbing. Within seconds, I could swear he was going to push me into an orgasm. When he wrapped his finger around the thin elastic of my thong, I pushed his hand away. “Don’t tear them.”
“Then I suggest you lift your hips so I can remove them. I am going to fuck you.”
I watched as he removed his weapon, carefully placing it several feet away, as if I would try to use it. Or maybe just to keep it near in case the house was compromised. Either way, that made me very sad.
“Right here,” I whispered.
“Right here in this very kitchen. I assure you that I will fuck you in every room when I desire.” He eased away, his eyes becoming dilated as he waited for my response.
I pushed up on the counter, allowing him to slide my dress up to my waist then slowly peeling my thong down my hips and thighs. When he had them in his hand, a sly grin crossed his face.
“Do I need to gag you in order to keep you from screaming out my name?”
I wasn’t used to his playful side, his actions keeping butterflies swarming in my stomach. “No. I don’t think that will be necessary.”
Matteo pulled my soaked panties to his mouth and nose, taking a deep breath. “Ambrosia of the gods.” When he shoved them into his pocket, I bit my lower lip to keep from crying out.
He had a way about him that sparked something deep inside I’d long since thought dead, pushing me to the outer rim of my sanity. I wanted him and nothing that my inner mind could say would be able to end my yearning.
The brutal man took his time unfastening his belt and for a few seconds, I was certain he was going to use it to punish me. But his hunger to be inside of me was too great. After unzipping, I reached down, sliding my hand into the material. The feel of having his thick, throbbing cock in my hand was amazing.
“Your touch excites me, Catherine.”
“Mmm…” I pumped up and down several times, enjoying the way his mouth twisted, his eyes closing. I felt more in control at this moment that I had ever before with him, almost as if we could have feelings for one another.
“Be careful what you ask for, my bride. I’m in no mood to be teased tonight.”
I managed to slide my hand down further, cupping and squeezing his swollen balls. As his breathing became labored, I could tell the beast dwelling deep within him was clawing at the surface. He wouldn’t be able to hold back for long.
He pressed his lips against my cheek then tipped his head away. “I’m not a patient man.” When he tugged down his trousers, I took several deep breaths in anticipation. Then he yanked my bottom to the very edge, sliding the tip of his cock up and down my pussy. “You drive me insane, Catherine. I can’t wait any longer to thrust deep inside of you.”
As soon as he rolled onto the balls of his feet, he plunged the entire length of his cock inside, his body shaking as he issued a series of growls.
Another wave of gyrating vibrations shot through me like a wildfire. I clawed at his shoulders, wrapping my legs around his hips in a desperate effort to hold on.
He became a savage animal, pumping into me hard and fast, using his muscular thighs to hold me in position.
My muscles were forced to accept his wide girth and within seconds, they clenched and released over and over again. I couldn’t hold back several scattered moans, using one hand to push up from the counter in my effort to meet every brutal thrust.
I gasped when he spun me around, shoving me against the island. His actions were completely uncontrolled and within seconds, items from the surface
were tossed to the floor, the clanging sounds making me laugh.
He couldn’t seem to get enough, the veins in his neck pulsing as he intensified his actions. I allowed myself to slide into the beautiful moment, pretending that we were just two lovers and nothing more. Seconds later, there was no way to hold back my orgasm.
“That’s it, baby girl. Come for me. I want to hear you scream.”
When he pummeled me against the bank of cabinets, the clattering sound of china bouncing and glasses clinking together only seemed to fuel his drive. He pounded into me harder and faster, his muscles straining.
There was no holding back. I dug my nails into his arms as the climax rushed into my system. And he got his wish, my scream filtering into the kitchen, a slight echo floated all around us. The climax was intense, my breath stolen. I blinked several times in some crazy effort to focus, but as the pleasure shifted into utter ecstasy, all I could do was smile.
The man was relentless, pushing my limits as he continued thrusting brutally. Within seconds, I was shot into another stratosphere, the second orgasm turning into one beautiful wave.
“Yes. Yes. Yes,” I managed, dragging my tongue across my parched lips.
His growl was sweet music to my ears, the way he continued to grip my hips just a reminder that the savage man truly believed he owned me.
Every. Single. Inch.
He continued his guttural sounds as he pumped deep into me, but whatever words he was saying in his native language did little more than echo in my ears.
“You’re so beautiful when you come,” he whispered.
I entwined my feet, wrapping one hand around the back of his neck then darting my tongue around his mouth. A moment of surprise shifted into me as I realized I wanted him to erupt deep inside, filling my womb. There was no making sense of my burning desire or the closeness I suddenly felt. Maybe the fact he was a powerful aphrodisiac had blinded me to some degree. At that moment I couldn’t care less.
“Fuck me, Matteo. Just…” My words trailed off as I tried to gaze into his eyes.
“I’m going to fill you with my seed.”
His words were subtle yet powerful and I wasn’t certain why. But as he drove harder and deeper, his face pinching, I was shocked how much I continued to crave him. Within a few seconds, his entire body began to spasm, his actions becoming more erratic. As I held on, a smile crossed my face as I tightened my pussy muscles.
Matteo threw his head back, his entire face registering the joy he felt at that moment.
And an odd part of me knew I could fall hard for the man.
And it scared me to death.
“You know, I want to be able to trust you,” I managed. Several minutes had passed, but the closeness we’d shared before remained. However, I could tell his mind was already somewhere else. He’d eased me back onto the counter, fingering my neck then sliding the tip to the swell of my breasts.
“You have no understanding of the life I’ve led and a part of me doesn’t want you to endure what I have all these years.”
While his words seemed heartfelt, every touch he gave me soft and inviting, I couldn’t handle the yin and yang of his darkness versus light.
“I’m not certain I’ll ever understand, but trust is vital to me. Maybe that will never happen, Matteo, but it’s important to me.”
“I know that’s what you need. That will come with time. I do hope you will also learn to respect me. There are reasons for rules and my insistence on them.”
“Respect is earned, Matteo. I don’t know you, so how could I respect you?”
He brushed his knuckles across my cheek, shaking his head slightly. “You’re just too beautiful.”
“Thank you. I hope you understand I need you to open up with me.” I wasn’t certain whether he was even taking my sentiment seriously.
Inhaling, a slight smile crossed his face. “That is going to take time, princessa. I’ve never felt comfortable enough to be open with anyone.”
“That’s just another aspect that makes me so sad. Tell me one thing. What is beyond the knoll we were standing on? Why do you get so angry when I mention it? Will you at least trust me enough to tell me what’s there?”
His eyes flashed and he looked away momentarily, his chest rising and falling. “Just a place with a gazebo that I designed years ago.”
A gazebo. His eyes had already changed, the pain within them coming from a dark, unwanted place.
“I don’t understand. Why would a gazebo cause you so much pain? There are lots of incredible spaces on this gorgeous estate.”
“Leave it alone, Catherine. The subject is off limits.” He eased me off the counter, lifting a single eyebrow. “Will you be able to walk?”
“I already told you that I was tough.”
“Then come have dinner with me.”
There was still a part of me that wanted to be able to reject everything that he did, but I was finished fighting with him. At least for now. The truth was difficult to fathom. I wanted to get to know everything about him. What made him tick. Why he was angry. And what fueled the electricity that continued to surround us. He made me shake, forcing my knees to knock and my heart to race. He was all consuming, yet hungry to provide passion.
And I wanted him more than my rational mind could accept, but not just the rough sex. I longed for closeness with the man inside. Maybe that highlighted a flaw deep within me.
He led me by the hand and the second he noticed me limping, he picked me up into his arms, cradling my heated body against his chest. The man was so strong, his hold more protective than ever before and every inch of me was swooning like some lovesick girl.
“You might be tough, my princess, but I won’t allow you to endure unnecessary pain. Although, of course, I will discipline you if needed.” The twinkle in his eyes was a clear indication he was trying to lighten the mood. He took a deep breath as he studied my face, leaning over and pressing his lips against mine.
The man was far too complex, unleashing emotions I’d never experienced before.
He took his time walking through the house, going to a location that I’d never been to before. The dining room held an almost gothic feel, the dark wood and oversized furniture reminding me of something I’d seen in a house built a century before. The table was lavishly set, open wine already positioned for us. There were at least a dozen candles lit and the music was an incredible and very sensual classical piece.
When he lowered me onto one of the chairs, he leaned over, giving me a stern look. “Do not attempt to leave this room. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
My answer gave him a sultry smile. He took a few seconds pouring me a glass of wine, slowly sliding the tall stem in my direction. The look on his face was even more dominating than before. When he dipped a single finger into my glass, I could swear he was adding a touch of his aura. The way he sucked on his finger was evocative of the complexity of the man, but my pussy tingled all over again from the quiet action.
I watched as he walked out of the room and finally took a deep breath. The moment had been more surreal than any of the others, but I remained troubled by what he hadn’t said to me.
I also had much more curiosity about the gazebo, unable to wrap my mind around what had occurred. A murder perhaps? I shuddered at the thought, but I couldn’t dismiss the possibility. As I reached for the wine, fingering the glass, the sixth sense inside of me rumbled as it sorted through the limited information. There was no doubt whatever had happened was an experience that Matteo couldn’t leave behind.
A single taste of the rich cabernet gave me a series of tingles, the wine from his family’s vineyards. A small part of me wondered whether he would ever consider leaving the criminal life behind, investing in something else entirely.
A family.
The thought was startling as well as slightly revolting. My exhaustion must be clouding my judgment. There was no way I could tolerate having a family with a murderer.
&nb
sp; Or could I?
I rubbed my head, also wondering who else my father had been working with. If I was to believe Matteo, his father had been set up, murdered in cold blood. Could my father condone something so horrific? The answer was as easy as all the rest. Yes. As I thought about the various people that I’d known my father had associated with, the only person I could think of was a pompous pig of a senator who had his sights set on becoming president.
I allowed all the training I’d received as an attorney to flow into my mind for the first time in almost two weeks. While business was business, no matter the circumstances, there was a very personal feel to the murder. A part of me wondered if I could help.
Oh, my God. What was I saying? Was I prepared to destroy my flesh and blood? I took another sip of wine, uncertain of why I was so conflicted.
Because you’re falling in love with Matteo.
I wanted to pry the little voice out of my head. No way.
Then why are you tingling?
The sound of the door opening dragged me out of such a ridiculous thought.
As Matteo returned, a domed platter in his hand, I was instantly nervous. There was no reason, but every part of me shivered. As he approached, the look on his face changed, becoming darker and just like I’d seen minutes before.
“I thought we could do dessert first,” he whispered in a husky tone.
“That sounds decadent.”
“I assure you that it is, but the only kind of dessert I’ll ever eat.”
After placing the tray on the table and moving my glass of wine further away, he raked his arm across the surface of the table, sending the gorgeous gold-edged empty plate that had been in front of me along with silverware to the floor. He didn’t flinch as we both heard the sound of shattering glass, the rugged man wasting no time lifting me by the hips and placing my bottom on the same spot where the china had once been.
Then he thumped down on the chair, the force he used creating a creaking sound in the wooden legs, growling as he bent my knees and widened my legs.
