Ruthless: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  “Come for me, my little Minx. Come!” His command reverberated into my ears, rocketing my entire body into that perfect place of raw ecstasy.

  The orgasm came in wave after wave, stealing my breath. I opened my mouth in a silent scream, tossing my arms over my head. I was sent to a place of the sublime, fire twisting through my muscles. “Oh. Oh. Oh!” The scream jetted out as I came again, my toes curling.

  He waited until I’d stopped shaking, continuously pumping then taking a giant stride backward. “This is only the beginning.”

  I stared at him with hazy eyes, struggling to focus and my legs dangling off the table. What the fuck was he doing? Panting, I licked my dry lips, confused. I glared at him, studying the returned arrogance, the curled lip.

  Everything was in slow motion as he turned me over, smacking my ass with several rapid swats, one coming after the other. He pulled the strands of hair from my face, lowering down until he could whisper in my ear, “No other man will ever touch you again.”

  And I knew they wouldn’t. He would kill anyone who tried.

  The coldness of the wooden table was comforting as he placed the tip of his cock at my asshole. I fought the smile and failed, clawing the edges of the table as he slowly slid his shaft inside, past the tight ring of muscle. The pain was excruciating but with every inch pushed further inside, the anguish shifted, morphing into something that I’d yet to experience with him. There was no way of describing the fire burning from deep within or the command he had of my body. I was his for the taking.

  I was his for the owning.

  And even though my mind fought against everything that was happening, I let myself go, if only for this moment in time.

  Gio kept a rhythm, driving in slow and even motions, filling me so completely. I heard his savage growls, the guttural nature of his breathing. He was lost in his own ecstasy, his ravaging actions shoving me against the table. Seconds later, he fisted my hair, holding on as if needed, never breaking his orchestrated actions.

  There was no way of knowing how long the explosive session lasted, but when he came, erupting deep inside, I was simply in a vacuum state, my mind frozen in time. I knew he’d kissed my shoulder, moving his lips down the center of my back.

  I could still feel his scalding breath, quivering every time he danced his fingers along my skin. I was lulled into relaxation, finally able to concentrate on the explosive music. So passionate. So erotic. He’d planned this so well, the pure seduction.

  A smile crossed my face. The man had won this round, peeling away yet another layer.

  Damn his soul to hell for eternity.

  At some point, he gathered me into his arms, cradling me against his chest, humming softly as he headed out of the dining room.

  I was exhausted, unable to think in any clear manner. He kissed the top of my head as he walked through the house, heading up the stairs and into what he called my room. I anticipated he’d position me in the center of the bed, but I was wrong. In the gentlest manner, he eased me down onto the seat of the toilet, brushing the hair out of my eyes and kissing my lips.

  “Be patient, my sweet girl.” His voice echoed in the dense space. So masculine. So certain of his command.

  I was vaguely aware he started the water in the tub, kneeling down and placing his hand in the water every few seconds. His gaze was never far away, darting glance after glance. Was he terrified I even had the strength to run?

  My vision was still hazy, the same chill covering my body. I studied him, the man who’d stolen me from my work, my home and my life. His back was riddled with scars, wounds from a battle that no one should have to endure. Everything about him was roughhewn, but there was a level of tenderness to him, one so easy to hold onto. I bit back a series of strangled cries, uncertain of how he’d react.

  The fear remained, heightened from the realization of what I was facing, but there was more. A need. I had a desire of my own, perhaps to get through to the man I’d been allowed to see at least a few times. He was horrible, a killer, but in a small portion of my mind, he was also my hero.

  Whether or not there was a contract on my life suddenly didn’t matter. What did was the way he handled me, cared for me. No one in his world would understand this weakness. I was a thing, a possession, yet I knew I was so much more.

  I was his deadly little secret.

  There would be those who used me against him. Would either one of us be strong enough for the fight?

  I watched as he opened a small bottle, pouring a long string of liquid and stirring the water until the puffy white cloud seemed to overtake the bathtub. Why did he care? Why was he treating me with such tenderness? I would never receive an answer, nor should I ever ask lest I break the final bubble between us. When he seemed satisfied, he turned off the water, turning slightly and offering a smile.

  I wasn’t certain if he expected a response or a thank you, but I gave him neither. If he was annoyed, he didn’t show it, the dimples on his cheeks even more incredibly handsome.

  Boyish grin.

  Dancing eyes.

  Disheveled hair.

  Like this, he could be the boy next door instead of a ruthless killer. The irony was laughable.

  “I don’t think it’s too hot.” Gio moved to crouch beside me, taking my hand into his. When I didn’t respond, he lifted me, his rugged arms holding me in a manner I’d never been held before.

  I pressed my hand against his chest, the electricity all consuming. Any attempt was futile. Ridiculous.

  Slowly lowering me into the water, he made certain that my head was positioned on the edge of the tub, testing the water once again. “How does that feel?”

  “Fine.” The single word was almost inaudible.

  This time, he sighed, the light finally leaving his eyes, the harsh glare returning. He rose to his feet, peering down in an authoritative manner. “You will rest the remainder of the night and stay in your room.”

  “And what if I don’t?” Of course, he was going to lock me in.

  “If you attempt to leave this house, you will be punished. If you attempt to try and find help in any manner, you will be punished. Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. Ever. Trust. If I feel I can trust you then you will be rewarded. And if not, the discipline you will endure will be the most painful of your life.” His eyes were black as coal, anger setting his jaw to stone.

  I nodded, trying to maintain my composure.

  He kept the hard gaze pinned on me, disappointment crossing his face. “Tomorrow we will begin your training.”

  Training. I held my breath at the thought. Shackles and chains, floggers and whips. What the hell did he have in mind?

  With that, he walked out of the bathroom and bedroom, slamming the door as he left.

  “Oh!” I’d ceremoniously found the single way past his defenses.

  Ignoring his charm. Making him ache.

  And for some reason, I was profoundly giddy.

  * * *

  “I told you that you would be punished. You defied me. You angered me. What’s worse, you disappointed me.” His voice was shaking as he approached. In his hand was a riding crop, his grip firm. He stood in front of me, the scowl creating deep lines in his face. He rubbed his hand through his hair, taking several deep breaths. “All I’ve done is care for you. Love you. Give you everything you could ever desire and you defy me. Why? What have I done that was so horrible you’d want to escape?”

  Horrified, I opened my mouth to beg for forgiveness, but he would only believe I was lying. I’d disobeyed his simple orders. I’d left the house. I wasn’t trying to run, only go outside in the beautiful sun.

  “Nothing. I swear,” I finally managed.

  “I only wish I could believe you.” He closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath and holding it. Control. He was gaining utter control.

  “Please, don’t punish me.”

  “You know the rules, my sweet and beautiful Minx. You broke them much as you’ve broken my heart
. I’ve been very patient with you, more so that I should have been. Now, you must pay the price.” Reaching out, he snagged my simple dress, yanking with enough force the material ripped.

  Yelping, I tried in vain to keep him from ripping it away, as if the light covering would keep me from feeling the anguish. “I’ll be good. I promise, I’ll be good!”

  “Yes. You will.” His words were full of such command, but as I stared into his glorious eyes, I could swear I noticed tears.

  As he dragged me into his office, pushing me over his desk, I whimpered softly. I never wanted to disappoint him. Ever.

  “Hands grasping the edges and you are not to move in any manner or we will start again,” he instructed.

  I closed my eyes, my heart in my mouth, so afraid. I was so very afraid. I heard his wrist snapping only seconds before the crop was brought down, cracking against my bottom. While the agony took my breath away, I knew this was for the best.

  He spanked me hard and fast, one coming down after the other. “You will learn and soon, you’ll be perfect.”

  Snapping my eyes open, I gulped for air, gasping as the visions continued. Perfect. I would never be perfect in anyone’s eyes, especially my own. A dream. It was only a dream. I shifted, the sheets sliding against my ass cheeks and only a portion of last night had been a prefabrication in my mind. The man had spanked and fucked me. “Jesus.” I held my hand over my mouth, trying to catch my breath as accepted where I was. The house.

  Correction, his house.

  The sun streaming in the windows wasn’t the only reason I’d awakened, the dream far too real. While the bath had been relaxing, luxurious in every manner Mr. Charming had hoped, the fact Gio had locked me in had set the tone for the night.

  And brought the nightmares.

  He would find a way to punish me again and soon. I knew it. Sadistic. He was a horrible, sadistic man. I huddled under the covers, allowing myself to fully awaken.

  Everything was so quiet, the room at the far end of the house, or maybe I should say wing. I’d seen little, but was still enough to know how large the estate truly was. I half expected to find my arm shackled, but as I rubbed my wrist and stared at the location where the chain had been secured, I realized that it was gone. Gio had removed it in the middle of the night.

  I wasn’t certain whether I was incensed or infused with some morbid level of comfort at the fact he’d come to check on me. I eased out of bed, walking to the windows, taking more time to study my surroundings. I peered outside. He’d told the truth. For as far as the eye could see, there was nothing but thick forest, a few breaks but other than two buildings surrounding the house itself, there were no others in sight, not even a road.

  Even if I escaped my prison, there was no way of knowing which direction to go. I laughed at his tenacity even as I walked toward the closet, swinging open the doors. I’d taken the time to sort through what had been brought for me.

  All new clothing. Jeans. Sweaters. Beautiful blouses. But mostly the most exquisite and expensive dresses I’d ever seen. Silks. Satin. Lace. Whoever had shopped had figured out my size to a ‘T.’ I couldn’t get over how much money had to be in the various outfits. Even the lingerie was opulent, French in design. And the colors? Bold. Nothing about this man was demure and I assumed he preferred me in shocking red.

  What there wasn’t were shoes. He was clever in his methods of imprisonment.

  Slipping into jeans and a red sweater, I pulled my hair into a ponytail before adding a little makeup. I didn’t feel like dressing up for whatever training session he had in mind.

  I stood in front of the door, laughing out loud. There was no bell, no intercom system. Was I just supposed to wait? I played a hunch and was right, turning the knob with ease. Walking into the hall, I noticed that every one of the upstairs rooms was closed, with the exception of one. My curiosity piqued, I padded toward the end of the hall, not at all surprised at what I found.

  The master’s suite. Everything was dark wood, masculine in design and every piece of furniture oversized. Just another aspect fit for a king. What was surprising was another bookcase full of books. Gio was a brooding man, but well educated and trained in the arts. If only he’d been born into another bloodline. How sad. I didn’t bother going inside. I didn’t plan on spending any time under his sheets. I would play his game, but I refused to fall for him.

  As I headed downstairs, I was amazed just how quiet everything seemed for such an expansive space. There was no one but Giovanni in this huge house. While exquisite in almost every way, what a lonely and foreboding place to live. No light or love. No family.

  No sound.

  Except for his music.

  The piano strings coming from an unseen music system was far more appropriate for morning coffee. The aroma of hazelnut and cinnamon was amazing, my mouth watering for all the right reasons. There was no one in the kitchen but evidence there had been, pastries and fruit laid out on beautiful dishes. The kitchen was open, leading to a great room complete with another stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass doors covering a significant portion of the entire wall shared between them.

  I poured a cup of coffee, continuing to be impressed with the food stored in his graphite refrigerator in my search for cream. There was no expense spared in any manner. Not for the great Giovanni. Blood money. I couldn’t help but think of everything that he’d acquired, all the expensive goodies and treats as payment for his brutality. Sighing, I took a sip of coffee and walked into the great room. This space was far more modern, sleek wood and steel complementing the leather furniture, but everything was light and bright, bold colors accentuating everything.

  I hadn’t noticed before, but I could see what appeared to be a pool, complete with a cabana and hot tub located on the grounds. Steam rose in billowing clouds from the water, creating a dreamlike atmosphere for the tropical setting. Cool nights and only mild days meant the pool was heated. The sight was magnificent. Palming the glass, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the exquisite setting.

  I walked out onto the patio, drinking in the fresh scent of flowers. The area was pristine, just the right amount of turf versus foliage. I meandered down the stone path, making it to the water’s edge. The water shimmered, palm trees swaying in the breeze, a waterfall spilling beads and mist at one end. No wonder he loved it here. A finally allowed a smile. At least I could enjoy the view. Seconds later, I sensed his presence, gathered a scent of shower gel and exotic cologne, the combination of scents igniting the same fire as the night before. I also sensed something else.

  His anger.

  Turning slowly, he had the same despondent and disappointed expression as the night before and even in the bright sun, there was no light in his eyes.

  “You disobeyed me. Now, you’re going to be punished.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Giovanni

  I’d expected some level of obedience, at least until she believed she’d earned my trust. She’d left the house, setting off the alarms without even thinking. I was angry, livid in fact but not knowing where she’d gone for even a few minutes had torn me apart inside. My rage had nearly blinded me, and I lost control for a few minutes. Christ. The last thing I needed was to lose my shit especially since my enemies would stop at nothing to take away any happiness and she would be their target. I’d given Antonio the night off, something that would need to change. He would need to be my eyes and ears as I handled business.

  Taking a deep breath, I slid the gun into my waistband after surveying the area, confident that security hadn’t been breached. Veridi’s eyes followed what I was doing, a limited level of fear in them.

  “I’m sorry, Gio. I just wanted to take a walk outside in the sun. I’m barefoot. You made certain I couldn’t go far and I certainly wasn’t trying to escape.” She held the same defiance as the night before, perhaps even more so today.

  “Get inside.” I heard the nasty edge in my voice and rubbed my eyes.

  “I’m not a child.
”

  “Then don’t act like one.”

  Veridi pursed her lips and I could tell by the venom lacing her eyes that she wanted nothing more than to spew off a litany of grievances, reminding me yet again what a horrible person I was. At least she obeyed without question, moving around me and walking straight toward the house.

  I held back, taking several deep breaths and rubbing my jaw. The phone call from Marco before it was even six had me on edge, even more so than before. The rumors were already circulating that I was hiding out, certain people even going as far as saying I was scared given the massacre. I laughed bitterly, but the perceptions were almost as damaging as the truth.

  So much for remaining dead.

  If I was considered weak, the hunter would soon become the hunted. It would be a matter of a day, maybe two before my house was compromised. New York had made solid overtures, even contacting certain vendors. Blood was already in the water. I had to get through to her and I needed to go out for a few hours. There was no way I could take her with me. I stood staring at the water, determining the best course of action. I would need to hit hard and fast, which meant gathering every one of my trusted men in the same location and determining a plan.

  As far as Michael? I might need to play the game, pretending I had no clue he was likely behind the hit. My acting skills would be put to the test.

  Pulling out my phone, I dialed Antonio, getting him on the first ring. “You need to come. Bring essentials for a few days. I need to transact some business.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be there within thirty minutes.”

  I ended the call. Even though I’d purchased two burner phones, I would keep the same practices as before—short conversations with no details. I couldn’t risk anything at this point.

  After a few minutes, calming my rage, I ventured back to the house. She was in the kitchen, huddled up against the counter, her face ashen as she stared at the reaction to my fit of rage.

  The entire breakfast I’d set out for her, for us was in pieces all over the floor, much like the broken dishes from the night before.