Legally Bound 5.5: Legally Unbounded (Legally Bound Series)

by Blue Saffire

  ~B~

  Tasha

  I don’t know what to say. The scene set before us is breathtaking. There are huge, at least six feet tall, iron torches that seem like they are rising out of the ground everywhere. They’re all intricately designed so the flames inside show through the cutouts. The flames are licking out the tops as well.

  In the center of them all is a hot air balloon. It’s massive, with pretty blues and purples. The large wicker looking basket beneath is just charming.

  LaSalle scoops me into his arms and carries me over to the basket. He places me inside, before throwing his legs over the side, to get in as well. I spin in a circle feeling like a little girl. I’ve always wanted to get inside one of these.

  I take in the small bench seat on one side, a picnic basket is sitting on it. There’s not much else to see, but two tanks in opposite corners. The inside of the basket is spacious.

  I look up at LaSalle with furrowed brows. “I thought someone was supposed to operate these for you. We’re not going up,” I ask eagerly.

  “You should have faith in your man. I’m one of many talents,” LaSalle says, as he wraps his arms around me.

  “Is that right,” I purr and beam up at him with a goofy smile.

  “Yes, that is very right,” he croons, before kissing me.

  We get loss in the kiss for a few minutes, before LaSalle breaks it and looks down at me with a smile. He shakes his head and releases me. He goes to the basket and takes out two champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne.

  Popping the cork, he pours two flutes and passes one to me. He set the bottle back in the basket and comes to stand next to me. Wrapping his hand with the glass in it around my waist, he winks and gives me a sexy crooked smile.

  “Are you ready,” he asks, while staring into my eyes.

  “Yes,” I say breathlessly.

  He reaches with his other hand, for the cord over our heads and pulls. We start to lift slightly and I can feel myself becoming giddy. We rise higher, eventually, we start to clear the trees. The view is astonishing.

  LaSalle’s arm around my waist squeezes and I look up into his eyes. I know I’m grinning out of control. My face hurts from the smile I can’t let go of.

  He places his other hand on my hip and lifts his glass. “To us,” he murmurs.

  “To us,” I repeat and down the champagne.

  He takes both our glasses and returns them to the basket. LaSalle comes back and I’m back in his arms. I sigh in happiness.

  “I want you to understand something,” LaSalle starts. “This may have started with me wanting to keep you safe, but I know that my heart doesn’t beat without you. That night in the club, it felt wrong to go after you, but it felt just as wrong to let you go.

  “You took something with you. Something I didn’t think I would ever get back. The road that got us here was not a pretty one, but it’s ours. I’ve learned that our love doesn’t have a choice.

  “We were destined to love each other. I don’t breathe the same when you’re not around. I’m myself the most when I’m with you, and I’m okay with that. You’re my safe place. You understand me, because you’re the other half of me. You’re my eternity. Our love is infinite,” LaSalle says so passionately, tears wet my cheeks.

  He leads me to the edge of the basket. “Look,” he whispers next to my ear and kisses my temple.

  I look over the edge down below and gasp. The torches, there were not just in random positions. From this height, the flames look like the ground has been set ablaze in an infinity symbol, wrapped within a heart. It is the most amazing sight I’ve ever seen.

  I turn to look at LaSalle and find him in the middle of the hot air balloon, on bended knee. I cover my mouth as more tears flow. I’m frozen in shock.

  “Monique Natasha Gabriel, you carry my heart with you wherever you go. My soul is lost without you. I’m not whole without you. Because of you this next chapter of my life makes sense. Will you marry me?” He says as he locks eyes with me.

  I nod my head, yes. LaSalle tilts his head to the side. He shakes the gorgeous ring at me. As if the one I’m wearing isn’t already amazing enough.

  “I didn’t hear that,” he teases.

  “Yes,” I choke out and fling myself at him.

  He catches me lifting to his feet. I cup his face and kiss him. LaSalle groans and deepens the kiss. I slip my hands into his hair.

  “Does sex in a hot air balloon get me into the mile-high club,” I break the kiss to ask.

  I watch the lust that fills his eyes. “It will today,” he growls.

  chapter THirty-SIX

  Drowning Desire

  Misha

  I’m here in Italy, waiting to wish the woman I’ve been obsessed with, well, as she marries my longtime friend. Man like me doesn’t make many friends. I know LaSalle is capable of turning the tables on me if business requires, but he would do so with respect and honor.

  That is not the reason I have chosen to move on. It has been seven months since my fiancée was murdered. I still feel lost. Milanie deserves better.

  Tasha loves LaSalle. If nothing else, I have always wanted her happiness. I’ve always wanted to make her happy. A blind man could see that she loves him and he loves her. I, being blind man here.

  I look around at the women surrounding me. This was not my best idea. I came to Club Desire Italy, thinking I could get lost in good fuck.

  This is why I left my Milanie in the States. I needed some time to get lost in vodka and pussy. I have vodka, Da. Pussy, that is another story. I’ve come here every night for the last three nights.

  The women are beautiful, gorgeous in fact. Nothing but the best in Club Desire, but none of them are for me. I haven’t felt my cock stir once.

  I try to tell myself, I’m not looking for love. I just need good fuck to forget, but my body, heart, and mind are taunting me. I feel like I’m betraying a woman that no longer breathes and a woman promised to another man.

  I chuckle at myself and lift my drink to my thoughts. The pretty blonde next to me huffs and stands to leave. I wave her off. She was not my type to begin with.

  “Misha, this is not you,” Remi sighs beside me. “You are bringing the ambiance down in my club.”

  “I do no such thing,” I grumble.

  “Yes, you are,” the other twin, Ramses says. “Maybe it’s time to visit home.”

  I turn my eyes to Ramses and look him over. I frown at him, but his words hit their mark. I’m just not going to let him know that.

  “Why do you two sit with me if you think I bring down club,” I snort.

  “Because it’s in our best interest to make sure you are safe and those around you remain breathing,” Remi scoffs.

  “Ah, you mean you are here to make sure I don’t let loose crazy,” I chuckle.

  “More or less,” they say in unison.

  I knock back the rest of my drink. “Da, I thought so. Good night, thank you for your hospitality.”

  I stand to leave. Pulling my phone from my pocket. Every time I go to call America, I think to call Kurtrina, before changing my mind and calling Shura instead. This time is no different, only I actually hit call, when I pull up her number. I blame the vodka.

  “Hello,” her voice comes through the phone stabbing me.

  “Plan has changed. Your sister’s wedding is next weekend. You will bring Milanie to me at wedding,” I say like asshole I am.

  “Hello to you, too, Misha,” she says, ignoring my words. “Milanie asked for you today. She will be happy to hear you called. Happier to know we’re coming to see you.”

  “You are not coming to see me. You give me my daughter and join your sister for wedding,” I growl.

  “You’re an asshole,” she snaps. “I have no clue what my sister saw in you.”

  “Me either,” I say bitterly and hang up.

  chapter Thirty-Seven

  Kings and Queens

  LaSalle

  I look into the foyer mir
ror in my Uncle’s home. I’ve worn many suits over my life, but this black suit, shirt and tie, represent something new this time. As I look into my own eyes, I no longer see two men staring back at me.

  Only one remains. It’s that one that Tasha wants. It’s the man that I want to be, that I have to be. Not just for her, but because it’s who I am. I will no longer exist in denial.

  Today is the day. Before now, I was just Don Locatelli in theory. Everything I’ve done has been in theory. While there was cause to fear me, it was a fear that had not been vital until now.

  Now, I have answers for the questions that have been murmured. Now, I won’t stop until I’ve reached my goal. Now, I am Don LaSalle Samuel Locatelli.

  Brown arms wrap around me from behind and I smile. I cover one of her hands with mine and bring it to my lips. Her pretty little head pops to the side so that I can see her in the mirror, causing my smile to broaden.

  I love that she hasn’t straighten her hair for this occasion. Instead, she has three of what she called, flat twist, on the left side and the rest of her hair is wild and free in her naturally thick coils. My cock swells just thinking about how my hands were wrapped in it this morning, when she woke me to one of the best damn blowjobs of my life.

  I think we have a mutual love of her sucking my cock. Tasha and I have been exploring all of her hidden talents over the last few days. I groan as my mind goes to bending her up like a pretzel and fucking her lights out.

  I turn and wrap my arms around her. I have to catch my breath. She looks as divine as she did the first time I ever laid eyes on her. Once again, she is wrapped in gold. The strapless dress calls attention to her chocolate skin, almost setting her aglow.

  Her sexy gold heels, give her at least six more inches in height. Tasha doesn’t normally wear much makeup, but as I stare at her face, she looks like a flawless work of art.

  The bronzes, golds, and a hint of blue makes her eyes pop. Her lips are even painted a glossy gold. Just pure perfection. No man will be able to keep his eyes off of her.

  I palm her ass, bringing her into my groin. Not wanting to mess her makeup, I dip my head and kiss her neck. Not able to help myself, I flick my tongue over her shoulder.

  “You are so gorgeous, you take my breath away,” I whisper in her ear.

  The beaming smile that brightens her face is like new life to me. My chest swells. We are about to enter the ballroom to announce her as my fiancée. In one week, she will be my wife. For one week, I will spoil her and our guests, in a weeklong celebration leading to our wedding.

  She reaches to straighten my tie. “You look edible yourself,” she sings as her eyes glow with mischief.

  I squeeze her closer. “Why are you tempting me when we don’t have time for me to please us both,” I groan.

  “You’re Don Locatelli. They can all wait,” she purrs.

  I bend to place a trail of kisses on her neck again. “A true leader respects the time of everyone. Come, let’s introduce the world to my queen,” I croon in her ear.

  ~B~

  Tasha

  I smile up at LaSalle through my lashes. There isn’t one trace of indecision in him. This is my man. He oozes the confidence I’ve known him for since I was a young girl.

  The man that stood outside my bedroom door and saved my life. The dark knight that moved through the shadows and handled his business. It wasn’t my imagination, this is the man I saw.

  I’ve watched him fight kissing my lips, since he turned to face me. Butterflies rise in my belly, when I see that restraint break. He dips his head and kisses me soundly, as if he just has to have a taste.

  I moan and cling to his suit jacket. Man, the things this man can do with his mouth. Let’s not even get into the fact that he is wearing the hell out of this suit.

  When he pulls away, I sway a little on my heels. LaSalle chuckles and pecks my lips once more. I reach to wipe his lips clean of my lipstick. A quick glance in the mirror tells me the good stuff is worth the price. My makeup is still flawless, my lips have survived, LaSalle.

  He wraps his arm around my waist and we start for the entrance of the ballroom. I’m eager to see this Alliance. From what LaSalle has told me, I will be meeting the main players, as well as the hidden players tonight.

  I’m nervous and excited all at the same time. We stop briefly at the entrance, as LaSalle nods to one of the men standing there. The man disappears into the ballroom and the next thing I know, we are being announced like true royalty.

  LaSalle ushers me forward and I have to hide my stunned surprise. I know he told me this was a worldwide alliance, but I still pictured a room full of Italian’s waiting for us. Not this.

  This is more like a ball for a national embassy gathering, or something. Why do I feel like I just walked into the UN? So, this is The Alliance. I’d be lying if I said you couldn’t feel and tell that we just stepped into a room of total power. Yet, somehow, I get the feeling that I’m standing next to the most powerful man of them all.

  I look up at LaSalle and I know my feeling is right. He gives my waist a gentle squeeze and I straighten my back and look forward. In this instant, I understand why he has been running from bringing me into this life. I’ve just stepped into one hell of a role.

  With my head held high, I take in the room. There are men and women of all colors and ethnicities. I can’t help my curiosity as to what has brought them all together. I swell with pride when it dawns on me that my man had something to do with it.

  I don’t show my awe as I scan the room, but I do take note of all the faces. It starts to become clear to me that I’ve come across many of these men at some point in my life. When my eyes find my father, it clicks. My father has in some way had a hand in this from the beginning.

  I have so many questions. I bank them all for later as LaSalle moves us further into the room and starts with greetings and introductions. We greet the entire Mairettie clan first.

  “Welcome to the family, Dear,” Minnie sings. “These are my amazing in-laws, Marcello and Marie Ann Mairettie.”

  “It is so nice to meet you,” Marie Ann says with a brilliant smile. Her eyes shone with tears. “Oh, Sam, you look so happy.”

  LaSalle pulls his grandmother into a hug and kisses her cheek. “That, I am,” he replies and he pulls me back into his arms and kisses the side of me head. I blush, and lace my fingers with his.

  “Marie Ann, we are to call the boy by his name now. Sam was the little snot-nosed boy that ran through your roses. This, this is my grandson. A legacy to himself. LaSalle, you make me proud,” Marcello says.

  “Even if I no longer carry the Mairettie name?” LaSalle questions his grandfather.

  “You have built an empire in the Mairettie name. As have your brothers. I feel no slight at all. I’ve known who you would become from the day you were born,” he replies.

  “We haven’t built a thing,” Bobby counters. “Marcus and I are just carrying on a Legacy.”

  Marcello snorts. “Do you not read the reports from your own firm? You youngsters have taken that firm to levels your father and I only dreamed of. Trust me, you have built more than you know.”

  “I love my boys. They’re always underestimating who they are, but when they open their eyes, it is a beautiful thing,” James croons. “Go, go, greet your other guests.”

  LaSalle nods and we move through the Locatelli side of the family. And I thought I met everyone. Lord, the men in this family are breathtaking, no make that panty dropping gorgeous. Their blue eyes all carry a level of mischief, something I’m seeing more and more of in LaSalle’s grey ones.

  Speaking of eyes, Remi and Ramses have remarkable eyes. Both twins have hazel-amber ones with dangerous smiles to match. Their eyes seem to blaze with an ethereal glow.

  Their brown skin that I’ve learned is courtesy of their Persian heritage, is just ice cream on some delicious looking cake. Their dark features highlight their eyes and gives them both a regal look.

  “You h
ave to let us treat you to some time at Desire Italy for a wedding gift,” Remi smirks.

  “We both know that shit isn’t happening,” LaSalle pulls a face.

  “I thought you would say that,” the other twin says, with mirth in his eyes. “We just thought we would offer.”

  “Never…gonna happen,” LaSalle annunciates.

  Both twins rumble with laughter. Ramses pats LaSalle on the shoulder and shakes his head. Remi winks at me, but steps back from LaSalle as he does so.

  I can’t help being curious as I listen to the exchange. From LaSalle’s reaction, I note to ask him about this Desire Italy later. Whatever it is has his feathers in a bunch.

  “Congratulations, old friend,” Ramses says, reaching into his suit jacket. He pulls out a jewelry box and an envelope. “My father sends his regards and a promise to be here in time for the wedding.”

  He hands LaSalle the envelope, but turns to me and opens the jewelry box. “LaSalle is like a brother to us. You have become the queen of his heart, so we will treat you as such. This is just a small token from the Vahid family.”

  I nearly choke. Small, my ass. The diamond necklace nestled in that box is mammoth. I look to LaSalle and he nods.

  “Thank you,” I breathe in awe.

  Ramses closes the box and hands it over to LaSalle. I breathe a sigh of relief because I would be a nervous wreck walking around with that thing. Heck, LaSalle requested I wear the ring he choose for me on my right hand. So, I’m now wearing over ten carats in diamonds on my hands alone.

  We move through several more families. Eventually, we get to the Blacks, who happen to be cousins of Brooklyn and Logan. Phew, another family that should lock away it’s men. Fine is not the word.

  I’ve met Wyatt and Toby once, and I thought they were sexy. I had no idea that there were five more degrees of sexy. I’m still having trouble believing I missed all this hotness at Ellen’s funeral and repass. I must have been more distraught than I realized.

  I thought Logan was attractive with his thick locks of dark hair and green eyes. Trust me, Brooklyn is no slouch either. He just gives off a don’t fuck with me vibe, but those seven Black brothers.