by Amy Cecil
She steps up and faces Darius. “You know you were the one person I thought I could trust, the one person who I thought always had my back. I trusted you. Michael trusted you. And the fact that you took our trust and threw it out the window really pisses me off.” She pauses, then says, “I came in here tonight wanting to see you suffer. I wanted Michael to torture you. But now, seeing the pathetic waste of a human being that you are, none of that really matters now.” She turns back toward me. “Just kill him, Michael. Get it over with and let’s go back to the house and forget he’s ever existed.”
She starts to walk toward the door as I take out my gun.
Darius yells, “But, Z—”
Zaira turns back around, grabs the gun from my hand, and charges toward Darius. “I told you to never call me Z again!” she yells and fires two bullets that land right between Darius’s eyes. Holy fucking shit. Well that’s the last thing I expected.
She stands there with the gun in her hand and her body is shaking. Darius is dead, his brain matter spattered behind him.
I walk toward her slowly and say, “Zaira, sweetheart, it’s over. Give me the gun, darling.” I reach out my hand for the gun, but she continues to stare at Darius. “Zaira, honey, the gun please?” I ask.
She blinks a couple of times and turns to face me, lowering the gun to her side. I clasp my fingers around it and say, “Why don’t you give me that?”
She hands me the gun and falls into my arms and begins to cry.
“Shh, sweetheart, everything’s gonna be okay,” I say as I rub her back as she clings to me.
Between sobs, she breaks from my embrace. “Michael, can you take me back to the house, please?”
“Of course, darling.” I turn toward Ricco. “Can you clean this up?”
“Of course, Michael. We got this.” I think all the boys are still in shock at what just happened because other than Ricco’s response, nobody utters a word. Zaira and I make our way out of the watershed and get in the golf cart. I start it up, and make our way back to the house.
Once we get to the house, I help Zaira out of the golf cart. We make our way toward the door, but Zaira grabs my arm to stop me from going inside. I turn back around and can see the love and desire in her eyes. She leans forward and nuzzles her head into my neck.
“Michael, I’m numb. I’m afraid I will never feel again.” She pulls away and looks me straight in the eye. “Make me feel again, please,” she pleads.
Well, fuck me! “Sweetheart, you just killed a man, and the numb feelings are understandable. It will pass. I’m not so sure you and me ending up in bed is going to change how you feel. You are going to wake up in the morning and regret it. I know it. You have to deal with your feelings, Zaira. You have to deal with Darius’s death.”
“Michael, look at me please,” she says, and I don’t look away. “Yes, I’m upset because I killed a man tonight, but I’m not sorry. I’m glad he’s dead.” She pauses and says, “I’ll deal with that in my own time. But right now, Michael, I’ll tell you exactly what I need . I need to feel your arms around me. I need to feel your kisses and your touch. I need to feel you pulsating inside of me. I need you.”
So much for taking it slow. My head is telling me to say no, my heart is begging to pull her into my arms, and my dick is saying go for it. I pull her close and lift her chin to raise her eyes toward mine, “If I agree to this, there is no turning back. It’s everything or nothing. You’re mine now and always. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she whispers, and I hear desperation in her voice. “Kiss me, Michael, please.”
“No.” I can’t help but chuckle at her disappointed expression. “Not here.” I sweep her up into my arms, exactly the way I should have done when we returned from Vegas, and carry her into the house, up the stairs, and straight to my bedroom. Once I get the door open, I carry her inside and place her on her feet.
She stands before me, and I notice she’s trembling. “Baby, are you okay?” I ask.
“Yes, it’s just that, well, I’ve wanted this for so long.”
“So long?”
“Oh, Michael, I should have never left. I tried to be strong. I tried to stand by my principles, but I couldn’t because at the root of everything, it came down to one thing. I love you.”
“Fuck, baby.” I pull her into my arms and nuzzle her neck. “I almost fucking died without you. I tried to move on, but I couldn’t. It’s always been you, baby, always.”
She pulls back. “Kiss me!”
I crash down onto her lips, and she hungrily responds to my kiss. I devour her mouth. I can’t fucking stop kissing her. She pulls at my shirt, pulling it out from my jeans. Breaking the kiss, she glides my shirt up my body and over my head. Her hands roam my bare chest, and just the feel of her touching me has me on edge.
I pull at her blouse, not even taking the time to undo the buttons. They go flying everywhere when I free her from it. She is wearing a bright-pink lacy bra that looks fucking fantastic on her. I reach behind her and undo the hook, and she slides the straps from her shoulders and lets it fall. Her breasts are pert and perfect, her nipples hard and aroused. She reaches for my belt and struggles to get it off, but eventually she has my belt off and my jeans unzipped. She reaches around my waistline, and in one fell swoop, she has my jeans and my underwear down around my ankles.
I step out of them and do the same to her and then I take her lips again. We are now completely naked, and the feel of her body against mine is like coming home. God, I’ve missed her.
I pick her up and gently toss her onto the bed, and without missing a beat, my body is now on top of hers. “This is gonna be hard and fast, baby. I can’t wait to be inside you.”
“Do it, Michael. Take me,” she says, and I enter her swiftly until I am balls-deep inside. She’s so fucking tight, and her warmth surrounds me. Pure heaven. I begin to move, slowly at first, but it doesn’t last long. Before I know it, I’ve got her legs resting on my shoulders and I am pounding into her with a fierceness I can’t explain. I just can’t get enough of her.
She moans. “Oh God, Michael, harder, please.”
I pump her harder and faster, and I feel her pussy walls tightening. The tingling begins in my balls, and before I know it, I’m coming inside of her, filling her with my seed as she reaches her release. She’s so fucking beautiful, but more beautiful when she comes and I am the cause.
“You’re fucking perfect,” I say as I slowly pull out of her.
She smiles and purrs, “You’re not so bad yourself.”
I can’t help but laugh. She’s such a tease, and I love that about her.
Chapter 21
Zaira
Michael lies beside me, and I snuggle against him in the crook of his arm. He wraps his arm around me, and I realize I have never felt better. I have never felt safer than when I am in his arms. This is so right, and I am so thankful I didn’t ruin everything for us. I fall into the deepest, most restful sleep I have had in ages. Life is good.
***
I wake to the sound of a phone ringing. Drowsily, I look around and see Michael sound asleep beside me. I know it’s not mine because the abductors took it. Shaking Michael, I say, “Baby, wake up. It’s your phone.”
He mumbles and rolls over on his side. Damn.
I get out of bed and ruffle through our clothes to find his jeans. When I pull the phone from his pocket, the ringing becomes louder and Michael begins to stir. Crawling back into bed with his phone in hand, I say, “Michael, wake up. Your phone is ringing.”
He jumps as if I told him the house was on fire and reaches for his phone.
“Yeah,” he says. I can’t hear what is being said on the other end, so I just hear his side of the conversation. “Oh, fuck man, I’m so sorry.”
Oh no, it must be Ice.
“No, I don’t want you to worry about anything. We’ll take care of getting you all and Hawk back to Edinboro.” He pauses and says, “There’s nothing more you can do now. W
hy don’t you come back to the compound, get some rest, and I will ensure Hawk’s body and the plane are ready to head back first thing in the morning.” He listens for a moment. “I know, man, and I’m so fucking sorry.” Then he disconnects the line.
“Oh, Michael, I’m so sorry,” I say. “I know he was a good friend, and I know how much the MC means to you.”
“Thanks, baby. I just feel it’s all my fault.”
“You shouldn’t feel that way. Those boys are programmed to protect each other, always putting their life on the line to save a brother. If it wasn’t Ice he was saving, it would have been another member. It’s unfortunate that it happened here, but you and I both know, it could have happened anywhere in any situation.”
“I know. I’ll be okay.” He looks at the clock and sighs. “As much as I would like to stay in bed with you all day, I have shit to do.”
“Me too,” I say.
“What do you have to do?”
I grin. “Move in.”
“Oh, fuck, I like the sound of that.”
I giggle. “I thought you might.”
While Michael showers, I remain in bed. I can’t help reveling in the fact that I am actually here, in his bed, with him. Once he is showered and ready to leave, he comes to me and kisses me. “See you later, love?” he asks.
“Definitely.” I nod, and my lips curve into a bright smile. “I’m gonna start having my things moved. Is there room for me?” I ask teasingly. “I mean, if not, I can have them moved to my old room.”
“Absolutely not,” he replies. “There’s plenty of room in the closet for your things. There are many empty drawers too. Just move what you need to and arrange it however you like.” Michael’s closet has built-in dressers, and there are so many of them, I’m sure there is room.
After he leaves, I decide to get myself out of bed. I shower and get dressed and then I call Vince. He answers on the first ring.
“Hey, Zaira, are you okay?” he asks.
“I’ve never been better, Vince.”
“Well, that was the last thing I expected to hear. You were kidnapped.”
“Well yeah, I was, but… Michael and I have reconciled. Can you stop the process for the divorce?” I’m so anxious and happy that I just blurt it out. I really wanted to tell him differently, but somehow these things have a way of taking a life of their own.
“Well that is the best news I have heard all day. Of course I can.”
“Good, and also, I’ll need to get my stuff moved. I assume you can arrange that for me?”
“With pleasure. But seriously, Zaira, are you all right? They didn’t hurt you, did they?” he asks, and I can hear the concern in his voice.”
“They didn’t hurt me. Put me in some uncomfortable situations, but nothing I couldn’t deal with.” I’m not going to give him details of my abduction. He doesn’t need to know them.
“That’s good to hear. And you are sure about Michael?”
“Oh, Vince, I’ve never been more sure of anything before. I forgive him and you. I know it was the right thing for you both to do, and I’ve accepted it.”
“Well, it’s about time,” he replies. “I’ll make sure everything is taken care of today.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back shortly to pick up some things to get me by until all my things get moved.”
“I’m working from home today, so I’m sure I’ll see you.”
“Sounds great. Talk to you later.”
He says good-bye, and I disconnect the line.
I make my way into Michael’s closet and set to arranging things to make room. He was right. There are a lot of empty spaces, but his things are scattered throughout the closet. I work to move his things on one side, and my things will go on the other. That will keep it organized and in order.
Once the closet is ready, I make my way downstairs and to the dining room for breakfast. Domenic and Francesca are just finishing up their breakfast when I walk in.
“Ah, there’s my girl,” Domenic says.
“Hello. You are looking much better today,” I reply. I give him a kiss on the cheek as well as Francesca. I love them both so much and am so happy I have been lucky enough to gain them as in-laws. They both have always treated me as if I was their own daughter, and now, I am.
“I am feeling better, but then again, I have a good nurse.” He looks at his wife and smiles sweetly. “So Michael tells me you are staying.”
“I am,” I reply. “I hope you both are good with that.”
“Oh, darling, we couldn’t be happier,” Francesca says. “You are back home where you belong.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry if I caused any problems over the course of the last couple of months.”
“Other than Michael being a royal pain in the ass, there have not been any problems,” Domenic says with a laugh.
“Well, I’ll be sure to keep him in line from now on,” I tease.
“See that you do. I’m too old to deal with a love-sick puppy,” Domenic replies, and we all laugh.
I get my breakfast, and they both stay with me until I am finished. We chat, and it’s like I never left. I’m home.
Vince wasted no time in getting my things moved, and they arrived a couple of hours after breakfast. I spent the rest of the day putting things away and settling in. It’s getting close to dinner time, and I realize I haven’t seen Michael since this morning. I finish and make my way to find him.
Chapter 22
Michael
“Ice, man, I am so sorry for your loss,” I say and pat him on the back. “I am forever in your debt. You helped me get my girl back, and I know what it’s cost you. Anything you want or need, you got it.”
He nods but doesn’t say anything as he sits.
“I’ve made the arrangements to have Hawk’s body taken to the airport and put on my plane. It’s fueled and ready to go when the girls are ready,” I say. “I can arrange to have your bikes sent back if you want to fly with the girls.”
He shakes his head. “No. We want to ride. It will do us all good.”
“Well if you change your mind, just let me know.”
“I will.” The expression of defeat leaves his face, and just like that he becomes a man with a mission for revenge. “We’re about ready to go, but there is something I want from you.”
“Anything.”
“What are your plans for retaliation?” he asks.
“Right now, Romeo is being detained by immigration. From what I am told, they will deport him back to Mexico. Once that happens, I intend to strip him of everything he loves and then end him.”
“I want in,” Ice replies. “The entire MC wants in.”
“Of course, we won’t make any move without you.”
“Good.” He gets up to leave but turns back. “Oh, one more thing… Romeo is mine.”
I nod. “You got it.”
He hesitates a moment. “Michael, don’t take what happened personally. It’s a sacrifice we all take, an oath of the club. Hawk did what he would have done in any situation. I don’t blame you or your family.”
“I know, but it is sure good to hear you say that. I’ve been beating myself up about this.”
“Don’t. We’ll get our justice in the end. I can assure you that.”
“Oh, yes we will.”
“We’ll talk soon,” Ice says.
“Safe travels, man,” I reply and Ice turns to leave.
“Oh shit, I totally forgot.” Ice turns back toward me again. “It’s about Sainte.”
“Yeah, what about him?”
“He wants to remain with the MC.”
“And he couldn’t ask me himself?” I ask. I’m irritated, but I also understand he would need Ice’s permission first to remain with the MC, and he really isn’t tied to the family. I mean, fuck, yeah he is, but if he needs a change, I would never make him stay. I know Sainte is as good as his word, and he would never turn on the family, especially knowing the connection the Vitalis have with the MC.
I’m sure he wants to remain because of Honey and things he’s still working through, and I can’t fault him for that. It’s why Ice wanted him in the first place.
“Well, he asked me if he could patch in. I told him I was fine with it but needed to check with you. I guess he assumed I would say something and it would leave him off the hook,” Ice replies.
“So you’re good with it?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“And your old lady?”
“She doesn’t know yet. I plan on telling her after the funeral. I really wanted her to get to know him before we dropped that bomb.”
“Yeah, probably for the best.” I nod. “It’s obvious he wants to go, so I won’t hold him back. It’s fine with me. I probably won’t see him before you all leave. I’ve got a meeting in the city, but tell him he’s always got a place here if he chooses to return.”
“I will, and thanks, Michael, for everything.”
“Safe travels, my friend. I’ll be in touch.”
He nods, turns back toward the door, and leaves.
After Ice leaves, I really want to go see Zaira, but I know I can’t. I’ve got a fucking meeting at Bella Celeste that I can’t miss. I guess my Zaira time is gonna have to wait until I get back. I have to remember I can’t always stop everything to spend time with Zaira, no matter how much I want to, but it sure is sweet knowing she will be here when I return.
Leaving my office, I proceed down the hallway, Ricco following behind. “Is the car ready?”
“Yep, should be waiting out front for us.”
“Good. Let’s get into town, get this meeting over with, and return home.”
“You got it, boss.”
***
When we get to Vitali Tower, Ricco drives into the parking garage and parks the R8. We make our way to the top floor and proceed to my office. When I turn the corner, I am greeted by Laurel. Fuck, I totally forgot about her.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Vitali,” she says eagerly.
“Hey, Laurel,” I say curtly. I know using her to make Zaira jealous was a dick thing to do, but leading her on would be worse. I make it a point to remain very professional with her and hope she will get the hint. As I walk past her, I see a glimmer of disappointment and am relieved my message was clear.
