by Ella Jade
“I’m leaving.” Dominick got up from the edge of my bed. “I’ll check on you later.”
“You don’t have to leave because I’m here,” Nadia said.
“I’m not.” Dom headed for the door. “I need to speak with my dad.”
“Thank you.” Nadia turned to face him before he could leave.
“For?”
“Saving us, taking such good care of your brother, not killing my brother.” She shrugged. “The list is endless.”
“I owe you an apology.” When Dominick glanced at me, I smiled. “I wasn’t very kind to you.”
“Your instincts were right,” she admitted. “I was hiding something.”
“You had your reasons.”
“My reasons could have gotten me killed.”
“Welcome to the family.” Dominick grinned. “Just take care of my brother.” He walked out of the room and down the hall.
When Nadia moved closer to the bed, my pulse regulated as a calmness came over me. “I can’t read him.”
“Most people can’t but he wouldn’t have apologized if he didn’t mean it.” I patted to the space next to me. “Come here.”
She did as I asked, taking a seat on the bed with me. “Do you need anything?”
“Just you.” I took her hand.
“How could you say that after everything I’ve done?”
“None of what has happened is your fault.”
“I owe you an apology.”
“You don’t,” I assured her. “I should be the one apologizing for letting you go last night. I put you in danger.”
“Our families put us in danger.” She closed her eyes, squeezing them shut and trying to hold back the tears. “There’s so much to process. How do you live like this?”
“I stay out of it.” I moved myself up, so I could prop my back against the pillows. “I’ve never wanted any part of it.”
“But you came after me and before that, you helped me. Without you I would’ve been dead.”
“I wouldn’t change a thing about us.” It occurred to me that she never answered my question outside the warehouse. Could she see a future with me or was all of this way too much? Now that she knew who she was would she run fast and far?
“You wouldn’t?” She shifted her gaze to the floor.
“Would you?”
Chapter Twenty-two
NADIA
I’m Falling For You
There were so many things I would change about this past week but meeting Vincenzo wasn’t one of them. I was on the verge of a whole new life. I learned things about myself over these last few days. The most important lesson being I was a survivor. I witnessed a murder, was chased by a deranged mob enforcer, shot at, kidnapped, and watched the man I care very deeply for get hit with a bullet. I also found out my father was a mob boss who cheated on his wife when he got my mother pregnant. It had been a hell of a week.
“I wouldn’t change meeting you.” He was the best thing to happen to me. “The connection we created at the safe house is something I’ll remember for as long as I live.”
“But?” His strong jaw relaxed and his eyes softened.
Is he as vulnerable as I am?
“I feel like my world is about to change.” I wanted him with me on this journey. Would he stay? “There are so many things I’m learning about myself that I had no clue existed.”
“Finding out who your father is?”
“Yes.”
“I can see how that can be unsettling but I’ll help you however you need me to. I have some experience in dealing with difficult families.”
Difficult is an understatement.
“You know what else is unsettling? My brother kidnapped me and tried to kill you. Your brother tried to kill him. Your father shot him. Are we out of our minds?”
“I can see how you think the cards are stacked against us.”
“Don’t you?”
“I’ve always kept my life separate from my father’s.”
“Until you met me.” It would be easier for him to walk away and forget all about me.
“We can’t keep secrets from one another if this is going to work.” He stroked my hair, reassuring me that he wasn’t going anywhere. “My family doesn’t operate that way for a reason.”
“Because you could get shot?”
“Exactly.” He kissed my knuckles. “I know you were afraid but now you understand that it’s better to be honest.”
“If I could do it again, I would have told you my suspicions. I went about it all wrong.”
“It’s understandable but now that you know me, you can trust me.”
“You need to know about Christopher.” How could I have forgotten to tell him? “It was so hectic but he was the one who gave me to Franco.”
“We know.” His body tensed. “That was a huge mistake on our part. Dominick is reviewing all security as we speak. He’ll weed out anyone he thinks is a potential problem.”
“What will happen to him?” I shouldn’t care because Christopher could have gotten me killed.
“Well...”
“On second thought, I don’t want to know.” My fascination with the Mafia was no longer as exciting as it once was. I’d much rather stick to documentaries and movies. “It’s better if I don’t.”
“Now you’re getting it.”
“I’m not sure I could ever look at my new family and see anything but what they do for a living.”
“I’ve known my family my entire life. They will always be more to me than what they do. You don’t know yours. Maybe someday you’ll want to know them. If that happens, I’ll be there to help you. No matter what you decide.”
“You can still be with me knowing who my father is?”
“I don’t care who your father is. I’ve fallen for you and I don’t plan to let you go.”
“Really?”
“Really.” He caressed my lips with his fingertips. “We need to put all of this drama behind us and concentrate on a normal, happy, gun-free relationship.” He ran his hand over the bandage on his shoulder. “Starting right now.”
“How do you feel?” I gently rubbed my hand over the bandage. “Are you in pain?”
“No.” He laid back on the pillows, lifting his unharmed arm and tucking it under me. “You must be exhausted.”
“Adrenaline kicked in hours ago.”
“Have you eaten anything?”
“Your mother ordered dinner. It should be here soon.”
“Of course she did.” He kissed the top of my head. “That’s good. She likes feeding people.”
“Right now she’s freaking out on your dad and brothers.”
“This was my fault, not theirs.” He held me tight. “When I found out Franco had you nothing was going to stop me from getting to you.”
“I’m flattered you wanted to be my knight in shining armor but from now on I’d much rather you leave that kind of stuff to Dominick and Gianni.”
“Why is that?”
“Because, Mr. Marchelli, I’m falling for you too and I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“My organized crime days are over.”
“They were short-lived.”
“I’m a very happy attorney.” He trailed his fingers along my arm. “I’m a happier one now that I’ve found you.”
“Can I kiss you?”
“You don’t have to ask.”
Running my palm along his stubble, I lost myself in his reassuring gaze. “Thank you for saving me.”
“I didn’t do much.”
“You took a bullet for me.”
“If I recall.” He kissed his way from my ear to my jaw, causing me to shiver when he spoke. “You stepped in front of the gun to protect me.”
“What else could I do?”
“Not that. You can’t ever do that again.”
“Tell me again how we can work.”
“We can work.” He brushed his lips along mine. “I’m not giving up.”
> “I don’t want to give up either.”
“I thought you were going to kiss me.”
I pushed my tongue inside his mouth, swirling it around and seeking out his. An immediate sense of relief flowed through me. We were going to be okay.
He ran his fingers through my hair, holding my face to his. Our breaths increased as he tightened his grasp on my hair. Our mouths meshed together, fighting for control. Neither of us wanting to part until we were forced to.
“I see you’re feeling better.” Jennie stood in the doorway with Gianni and Sal. “I’m glad.”
“You’re busted.” Gianni carried in the takeout bags. From the aroma flowing out of them, I assumed it was something Italian.
I scooted away from Vincenzo but he took my hand and held me close to him.
“Something smells good,” Vince said. “Did you get that from Tony’s?”
“Yeah, don’t tell Mama Stella.” Sal moved the bed tray over as Gianni took out the containers and neatly arranged them on the tray.
“How come?” I asked, my mouth practically salivating from the scent. My stomach realized how long it had been since I’d eaten. Now I was ravenous.
“Because she hates when we get Italian takeout.” Gianni explained. “She says it’s blasphemy.”
“Sometimes it can’t be helped.” Jennie smiled at me. “You’re taking very good care of my son.”
“Yeah.” Gianni laughed. “He likes when your tongue is down his throat.”
“Shut up.” Vincenzo scoffed.
“Am I lying?” Gianni raised a brow.
“That’s enough,” Jennie said. “Set up the food so we can leave them alone.”
“You’re not eating with us?” They couldn’t possibly think the two of us could eat all of this food.
“No.” Jennie placed two water bottles in front of us. “You and Vincenzo need some quiet time together. I’ve arranged for you to stay the night if you’d like, Nadia.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Vincenzo squeezed my hand. “You’re exhausted. You should go home and rest.”
“I don’t want to leave you.” I looked to his mother. “The staff won’t mind if I stay?”
“I’ve had their break room catered with enough of Tony’s delectable food to last them until morning. They’re not going to make you leave.” Jennie directed her words toward Vince. “I’d feel better if Nadia stayed but if you make her leave then I’ll stay.”
“I don’t think he could make her do anything.” Sal winked. “You’re one tough girl.”
“Thank you.” I had no idea how tough until this week. “I’d like to stay.”
“Then it’s settled,” Jennie said. “I’ll have some necessities sent over for you both.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Of course.” Jennie leaned down and kissed her son’s forehead. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
“I’m sorry.” Vince kissed her cheek.
“You should be.” Jennie hugged me. “Take care of him.”
“I will.”
“Make sure you both eat.” She walked to the doorway. “I’ll be back in the morning to make sure they discharge you at a reasonable hour. You can stay at the main house where I can keep an eye on you while you recover.”
Gianni and Sal both said their goodbyes and followed their mother out, leaving us with enough food to feed six people.
“Who is going to eat all of this?” I asked.
“You haven’t eaten since lunch yesterday.” He kissed my hand. “You’ll eat more than you think.”
“Are you hungry?”
“A little.” When he pulled himself into a seated position, I adjusted his bed and propped the pillows behind him.
I moved the chair by the window closer to the bed, so I could sit. I opened the containers. One appeared more delicious than the next. Pasta, meatballs, sausage and peppers, eggplant, fresh rolls, and Cannoli for dessert.
“Wow.” I shook my head. “You people know how to eat.”
“This is good but Mama Stella’s is ten times better.”
“Can I come over for dinner on Sunday?”
“You can come over every Sunday.” He reached for my hand. “My life wouldn’t be the same without you in it.”
“I’m looking forward to a little normalcy when it comes to us.”
“Not too normal.” He winked. “Where would the fun in that be?”
Chapter Twenty-three
NADIA
I’ll Show You Savage
One Month Later
As I stepped out onto the terrace of Vincenzo’s bedroom balcony, I gazed at the afternoon sun soaring over the city skyline. The stunning view took my breath away every time I experienced it. Whether it was a moonlit sky, a warm summer afternoon, or when the sun set over the buildings, I had to take a moment to appreciate it. Spending time here was the highlight of my week and not only because of the terrace.
Vincenzo and I had become attached to one another. Our explosive beginning would always be part of our history but the memories we made this summer were the best I’d ever had. The weekends we spent making love in his penthouse, the weeknight dinners at various places in the city, the Sunday’s at his family’s house, and getting to know his parents, siblings, and extended family. In such a short time, we were building a life together. One that I was so pleased to be a part of.
My mother wasn’t thrilled that I was in a relationship with a Marchelli. She tried to keep me away from that environment but destiny was stronger. I was meant to know where I came from. That curiosity led me to Vincenzo. My mother adored Vince. He charmed her in the most dazzling ways but she was afraid his family was too dangerous. They were, but I had faith Vincenzo would keep me safe. We would keep one another safe.
I wasn’t ready to embrace my new family. Antonio reached out the night Vincenzo was in the hospital but I wouldn’t take the call. Vince explained to him that it was too soon and I would be the one to initiate when and if I wanted. I wasn’t there yet. Would I ever be? Only time would tell.
“Special delivery.” Vince came into the bedroom holding a package.
I peeked through the balcony doors as he set the large, flat box on the bed. “What’s that?” I came inside and sat on the bed.
“The front desk called and said you had a package.”
“I didn’t order anything.”
“You didn’t?” He ran his palm along his stubble. “Huh?” He looked at the label in the center of the box. “It’s addressed to you.”
“What are you up to?”
He shrugged but he couldn’t hide that kissable smirk. “Open it.” He took my chin in his hand and gently kissed me. “I thought you might want it for tonight.”
“What is it?” I crawled to the center of the massive bed and placed the box in my lap. “It’s from that boutique you took me to last week.” We’d done some shopping last Saturday. Vincenzo took me to a trendy boutique. The same one Gianni got my clothes from when we were at the safe house. They had the most exquisite items. It was my new favorite store.
I opened the package, noting how it smelled of the shop as I peeled back the shimmery tissue paper to reveal a stunning navy blue cocktail dress. “This is beautiful.” I took the soft material out of the box, hopping off the bed to hold it up in front of me.
“I saw it last week and thought it would be perfect for the opening of the winery.”
His parents were hosting a lavish party at their new winery this evening. Everyone in his family had been talking about it all week. I had designed the new logos for the company and launched a website for the winery. The new graphics were being revealed tonight. I was excited to be part of it.
“It’s wonderful.” I gazed in the mirror imagining what I’d look like wearing such an elegant dress. “I can’t wait to put it on.”
“There are a few more packages in the hall.”
“What for?”
“You need sexy shoes and hot underwear to go with
this.” He took the dress from me and carefully draped it over the chair. “I’ll be thinking about that underwear all night.”
“What am I going to do with you?” I wrapped my arms around his waist.
“I can think of a few things.” He gripped the hem of my sundress. “We have to take this off first.”
“We have to get ready for tonight.”
Ignoring my statement, he tugged the dress over my head. Moving my hair to the side, he kissed my neck as he slid his fingers to the clasp of my strapless bra.
“We’ll be late.”
“I don’t care.” Tossing the bra on top of my dress, he lowered his lips to my breasts. “I’d much rather do this before we go.”
“Not after?” I slithered my hands underneath his t-shirt, caressing his stomach.
“We’ll do it after too.” He swirled his thumb around my nipple. “Possibly during if the opportunity presents itself.”
“Hmm...” I shimmied his shirt over his head, kissing along his collarbone to his chest. “I’m too focused on right now.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He dropped to his knees, pressing his nose to my panties. Hooking his fingers on either side of the tiny silk, he slipped them over my thighs and down my legs. “I need a taste.” His hot breath caressed my bare flesh as he slowly licked his lips.
“You know what that does to me.” I moaned when he brushed his fingers along my mound, seeking out my entrance. He held my hand as I stepped out of my underwear.
“I have an idea but I’ll test my theory.” When he inserted his fingers inside me, I grasped his shoulder for support. “So eager.” He kissed below my belly button, trailing his tongue lower. “What do you want me to do now?” He gazed up at me, his lust-filled eyes connecting with mine. “This?” He licked my hip bone as his fingers moved deeper.
“Kiss me.” My voice was weak.
“Here?” He pressed his lips to my stomach.
“Stop teasing me.” I shifted my pelvis. “You know where.”
“Dirty girl.” He removed his fingers, ghosting his hands along my calves and up my thighs before grasping my backside. Darting his tongue out, he licked my slit, taking his time, gently blowing on my wet skin. “Kiss you like this?”
