by C. M. Steele
“I don’t care. You’re pregnant. Get your pretty ass in the kitchen and eat. I’m going to take my little boy with us to talk shop.” Does he mean they’re talking about killing more people? He nods at me without a word and takes the boy with him as if he read my mind. Fuck, did I say that aloud?
“Ugh. That man thinks I need to be on bedrest when I’m pregnant. Anyway, let’s eat. I’m starving.” She takes my hand and leads me into the kitchen.
“Did he kidnap you too?” I ask Aria, wondering if that’s how they get their women. Fucking cavemen.
A man with a chef’s uniform starts laughing as he comes out of the pantry. Oops—I hadn’t seen him there. “Giuseppe, this is Mariana. She’s new to our world,” she says with a wink.
He sets down the ingredients that were in his arms onto the counter in front of us. “It’s a pleasure to meet such a lovely creature. Now, what can I make you for breakfast?”
“You don’t have to.”
“Ah, very charming, but you’re too modest. How about some pancakes and sausage?” he insists and frankly it sounds too good to pass up.
“That’s fine.”
“So, anyway. I wasn’t kidnapped. I was promised to my husband.”
“They still do things like that?” I know that I’m being rude, but I thought women had backbones—like I’m one to talk.
She giggles and then takes a drink of juice that her chef set down for her. “Yes and no. Honestly, I’m not complaining. I was at first, but I’d already had a crush on the big goon before I learned of our engagement.”
“So you weren’t mad at your parents?” I’d tell them to fuck off and run away.
“Hell, yes, I was. I was afraid to marry him because I thought he believed I was nothing but a piece of property. Honestly, I couldn’t resist him. Anyway, it wasn’t long before I learned that my husband was obsessed with me and had asked for my hand two years before we got married. Crazy, right?”
“Very.” And yet, I want to know more about their relationship.
“So here we are. Happily married and with a small and ever-growing family.” She rubs her baby bump, grinning from ear to ear which makes me sad.
I’m not here because Nero’s madly in love with me. “What does it matter? I’m just a liability. I saw something I shouldn’t have, so he took me captive.”
“Yes, you did, but that’s not why he brought you here. He’d already decided to let you go, and then he couldn’t stay away. It has nothing to do with what you saw. Nero doesn’t believe you’ll snitch on him, but he needs an excuse to keep you close to him.”
“Are you serious?” I wonder if she’s right about that.
Giuseppe nods while Aria continues. “I’m telling you that’s the truth. He’s a fool, but the man is a little crazy about you.”
She makes a good case for Nero. I sigh. “I guess that would explain some of his behavior, but he blows from hot to cold.” Like last night and then this morning where he made me come for him.
“Ah, is this about dinner last night?” she asks, taking a drink of her orange juice.
“Damn, you know everything,” I huff.
She pats my hand and tilts her head to get my attention. I meet her gaze, and she says, “Look, I love Nero like a brother, and that means making sure he’s happy and healthy. The man has a sweet tooth, just so you know. Anyway, I listened in and gave him my two cents, for what it’s worth. He was a bit stressed out and didn’t mean to come off as harsh or dismissive. They had important things to discuss, and time was of the essence.” She takes a drink of her orange juice before adding. “He’s afraid if he gives you free rein, you’ll run away from him.”
Ugh. I suppose he does have a reason to be concerned about me fleeing, although my feet don’t want to rush to the door. Instead, I keep myself planted, relaxed, and strangely anxious for his return. The way he made me come is insane, and my body craves a repeat performance with every second that passes.
“Oh.” I don’t have an answer to all her revelations, but thankfully, Giuseppe is not only a masterful chef, but he’s also quick and he sets our plates in front of us.
“This looks and smells fantastic,” I confess as I grab the syrup and coat my pancakes. I’m hungrier than I thought.
“It really is. I swear you have no idea. This man is a magician.” She pats Giuseppe’s hand.
He smiles and says, “I’ll clean up while you ladies enjoy.”
“Let’s take this in the dining room.” We’re about to go into the dining room when a man comes up to us.
“Signora Bianchi?”
“Yes, Luigi?”
“The boss said to give you these.” He hands her a stack of mail.
“Oh, goodness, this is a lot. Thank you, Luigi.” She takes the letters and smiles. “I guess Ireland is fabulous for my sister.”
I wonder if her sister is just like her, beautiful and energetic. “Is she there alone?”
“No, she’s with her husband and children. I personally had a bad experience over there and don’t care for it that much, although it’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“I’ve never been.” There’s so much more to that story and I want to know more but I won’t press.
“Well, one day you can make Nero take you. He hardly ever takes a day off, but I’m sure he’ll make time for you.”
“I think you got our relationship twisted. The man kidnapped me.”
She scoffs. “And you’re upset that he dismissed you last night at dinner, right?” I can’t reply because any denial out of my mouth would be a bald-faced lie. “See? You’re attracted to him, despite everything. Just go with the flow. The man needs you to be his anchor. Can you be the reason he loves to come home?”
“What about what I need?” I want to kick myself for letting my emotions show, so I take a bite of my sausage.
“And what is that?” she challenges.
“Someone who won’t abandon me when things get hard.” I’ve had enough abandonment issues that I don’t believe I could handle more.
“Oh, so last night…”
“I didn’t realize how bothered I’d been about it, but I couldn’t sleep all night.” Nero’s definitely more to me that my captor and I knew that from the moment he held me in his arms after I fainted. The kiss outside the women’s shelter only proved it some more, but last night was the icing on the cake. Nero could break me.
“Trust me when I say he’s not going anywhere.”
“What about having other lovers?”
“That’s a hard fucking no,” Nero growls. For a man his size, he moves with such stealth and agility. He stalks toward me, sliding his hand to the back of my neck and tilting my head so our faces are an inch apart. “Don’t ever think I’d allow another man to take my place.” He kisses me hard and fierce, a connection so profound it’s filled with possession.
When Nero pulls away, I’m panting and Aria says, “Idiot, she’s talking about you banging other chicks.”
“No one, and I mean no one, will ever take your place.” He kisses me again, and this time it’s so tender that I nearly melt in my seat. I cling to the lapels of his suit jacket.
“Um… I think it’s time I go before you two start screwing at the table. Come on, Giuseppe. Let’s give them some privacy.”
As soon as they leave the kitchen, Nero whispers, “So where were we?”
“Apparently about to screw on the counter,” I toss out there, hoping he might be willing to take the bait.
“No. The day I make you mine, it’ll be in our bed.”
“I don’t want to be your prisoner anymore.”
“I’m never letting you go, Mariana.” Immediately those words shoot straight to my heart and crush all my hopes. I shove him away. Tears well up in my eyes, knowing I’m nothing more to him.
He wipes my tears and says, “Is it really so bad to be with me?”
“I can’t be your captive forever.”
“I’m your captive, Mariana. Whether yo
u know it or not, you’re all I think about. I should have stayed on task that day and you wouldn’t have seen the ugly side of my life, but as I was driving around, I spotted you an hour earlier. All thoughts were on finding you instead of what Dom sent me to handle. I lost control of the situation because I wanted to hunt you down. I went about it the wrong way, but I’m fucking obsessed with you.”
“Then what are we doing?” I ask. I’m so confused.
“We’re gonna start all over. I’m Nero Bianchi, second-in-command of the Bianchi Family and all of its businesses. And you are, angel face?”
“I’m Mariana Conlon, I’m unemployed, and I obey every law.”
He smiles down at me and asks, “How about you have dinner with me tonight?”
“Really? Outside?” I’m bouncing in my chair at the idea of us being a real couple.
“Not just yet, but not because I don’t trust you, angel face. We’re having some problems, and it’s not safe.” Now that’s something I can understand given how we met.
“Can I cook dinner?” I ask.
“If you’d like, but I’d rather you relaxed. How about you finish your pancakes, and we spend the afternoon watching a movie and making out?”
“I’ve never done that before,” I confess, ducking my head with embarrassment.
He tips my chin with his fingers, and I meet his gaze. “That’s really good because I’d have to find all those little punks and fuck them up.” The look on his face is serious as hell.
“Can you give me a kiss now?” I ask, needing his sexy, talented mouth on mine, devouring me.
“I’ll give all the kisses you want.” His mouth is on mine, slipping his tongue past my lips, playing with mine. He pulls back just enough to attack my ear with his lips and teeth. “I’ll kiss you anywhere you want.”
“So on the sofa, the bed…”
“Brat. I meant I’m going to kiss your large, sexy breasts all the way down until I’m kissing your mound, licking and sucking on your pussy.” I shiver with need, closing my legs around his thighs.
“That sounds so good.”
With a growl, he kisses me again and says, “Too good. Eat your breakfast, and I’ll be nice and make you come.”
“It’s not nice to make me wait.”
“Who said anything about making you wait?” He lifts me off the chair, taking a seat there and sitting me on his lap so I’m facing my food. Nero’s fingers flick open the button on my shorts before deftly sliding his hand under my panties until he cups my kitten. I moan, rolling my hips to get more of his hand between my legs. “Eat before I do.”
“You want a bite?” I offer my fork with a piece of pancake on it.
“Of you. Now eat your food, or I’ll stop.”
“Please don’t,” I beg.
“Then be a good girl for me.” Every word from his mouth sends pleasure over my entire body. I don’t know how he expects me to eat this way, but I’ll do my best while he gives me his best.
“Yes, sir.” I take a bite and chew before he slips a finger through my wet lips.
“So sticky, and I bet it’s so damn sweet. I can’t wait to have your cunt on my tongue,” he whispers along the shell of my ear. He sucks my earlobe between his teeth and then takes a gentle nibble.
“Nero, oh my goodness.” I clench my legs together, nearly sliding off his body, searching for relief.
“Eat,” he commands.
“Yes. Fuck, yes. Okay.” I take another bite while he strokes my clit, and pumps one finger into my soaked pussy. His other hand slips under my top and bra, cupping my tits and giving them a rough squeeze. With a pluck of my hardened nipple, I nearly buck off the seat as my orgasm hits me hard. Shaking and clenching around his finger, I hump his hand.
“There you go. Ride my fingers, rock that ass on my cock. I can’t wait to come inside your tight little pussy.” His gruff, deep voice gives me that little push to send me over the edge.
“Fuck, Nerrooo,” I stammer, riding the wave of my orgasm and using him to get me off.
“That’s it. Now. Finish your food.” He pulls his hand free, bringing it to his lips and sucking off all my juices. “Damn, I’m gonna need to have you on my tongue soon. Eat now, please.”
“What about you?” I ask, knowing his dick is rock hard, considering I was rubbing it along my ass with each flex of my hips.
“I plan to eat—very, very soon.”
I mean this. I reach out and stroke the massive package that’s ready to burst from his black slacks. “This isn’t about me. It’s about showing my woman that I can make her happy.”
“What if it makes me happy to make you happy?” I offer. His eyes darken with desire, sending my pulse racing. Lust shoots through my veins even though I just came on his hand and I have a feeling that being this close to him will always drive me into a frenzied, horny state.
“Baby, you have no idea how you already do that, but if it makes you happy to see the power you have, be my guest. I’ll fucking take whatever you want to give me.”
With an arch of my brow, I slide off my chair and drop to my knees, grabbing his belt and freeing it from the loop. I unclasp his pants and tug on his zipper, which nearly gives way. Nero’s cock jerks under his boxer briefs. Yanking the material down, I let his massive length out to play.
“Sit.” He does as I command. I’ve never done this before, but I think I can figure it out.
“Don’t tease me, amore. Suck it,” he growls, running his fingers down my cheek.
“Like this?” I ask softly before sliding it into my mouth a few inches and feeling his body flex under my fingers as I use his thighs for leverage.
“Yes,” he hisses through his teeth, clenching his fists at his sides. Popping my mouth off, I lick from the base to the tip before greedily sucking on the fat head. Shit. My pussy floods again, aching for more. Sucking harder and faster, I push down deeper, nearly taking him all the way in before gagging and letting off. His fingers move to my head, sprawling out around the back of my skull; he’s itching to fuck my face. I can feel he’s holding back, but I’m ready for this. I want him to show me how to please him.
I release his cock. “I didn’t say you were finished.”
“Neither did I,” I sass, grazing my teeth along the tip. Tremors run through him as he grips my hair. “Take what you want. I’m yours.”
“Damn right you are. Now, suck good because I want you to choke on my cock,” he growls, pulling my hair just hard enough to sting, but nothing painful. I take him down deep and then he takes over, pumping his hips up until my nose brushes against his pubis and his cock sits in my throat. “Fuck, baby, you’re so good. I’m gonna come. Pull off, or I’m gonna nut.” I suck hard and he unleashes his lust-filled orgasm, roaring as he shoots his load. It’s so far back I hardly taste him as he coats my throat.
Finally he lets go and I pull back, resting my head on his thigh. Nero scoops me up and holds me in his arms. “I think you’re trying to kill me,” he grunts, his heart racing out of control.
I lift my head up and look up at him with disbelief. “I believe you were the one choking me.”
His face floods with concern. “I hope I wasn’t too rough with you. I just lost control.”
“It was so good. I wasn’t bad for a first timer?”
His eyes shoot open with a look of genuine surprise. I guess I did a good job. “You could have fooled me, angel face.”
“I need a nap now,” I mutter as we sit on a kitchen chair, clothes disheveled and half off.
“Let me take you to bed, and then we can watch a movie later.” He kisses my lips softly and I want more, but I’m too tired to push it.
“Okay.” He stands up and sets me on my feet. Then he tucks his cock back into his boxers before pulling up his pants and zippering them closed.
“Let’s go.” Lifting me up into his arms, cradling me, he carries me back to my room. A hint of sadness overcomes me, but I mask it before he can look down and read my expressi
on.
“I’m going to handle some business. It’s going to be a little while.”
“It’s fine. I’ll be sleeping.” I give him an exaggerated yawn and roll onto my side with my hands under my head and my knees bent.
“Rest, angel face.” He presses his lips to my temple and then leaves. This time, I don’t hear the latch on the door. My heart does a flip in my chest as I smile to myself. I might not be sleeping in his bed, but he trusts me enough to leave the door unlocked. I turn onto my back and look up at the ceiling.
Where does this go from here? I feel like I jumped the gun on this relationship. I’ve done things I’ve never done with anyone. I had a boyfriend in high school, but we only kissed and never the way Nero kisses me. His kisses are loaded with intent, passion, and hunger. I can’t even remember my ex’s kisses.
“I think I’m in love with a killer.”
No. I know it. I love the devil’s henchman.
Chapter Seven
Nero
She’s pissed that I haven’t fucked her yet. I’m pissed at myself for letting the teasing go so far when she’s not my wife just yet. It’s been three days of pure torment since that moment in the kitchen when I brought her to orgasm with my fingers and she sucked me off. Hell, I haven’t gotten that image of her down on her knees out of my head, and every night I beat off to that vision. I’ve kissed her a lot since then but work always gets in the way of much more. I want her to ride my face and cock until I fill her with my seed and then she can’t leave me.
Rubbing my hand over my face, I think about my sweet sleeping beauty upstairs. It’s still quite early and I have a lot to tackle, but all I long to do is rush upstairs and take what’s mine. My doorbell rings, and Tony answers it.
“Nero, Signore Bianchi is here to see you.” I walk around the desk and step out in the hall to greet my zio.
“Zio, what brings you to see me?” We briefly hug, and I lead him to my office so we can speak privately. Like Domani’s, my office is completely soundproof. He arches his brow at me with a smirk. I’ve kept Mariana and our situation from them because I know what I’m doing isn’t right, even though I don’t know how to smooth things out completely between Mariana and me.
