Ruthless: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  “Don Calduchi,” Michael said in a strangled voice before taking my hand and pressing his lips against the ring.

  I heard a series of guttural sounds, some shock. Perhaps awe. This had been the right thing to do.

  “Don Calduchi,” several of the others said at the same time.

  When Michael finally resumed his full height, his eyes darted back and forth across mine, searching. I gave him no reason to be concerned.

  The final chapter of the game had begun.

  “Thank God, you’re all right, Gio.”

  “You look good for a dead man.”

  The comments filtered in and out of my mind, my concentration elsewhere. Michael reluctantly moved to stand with the rank and file, his lips pinched. If everyone expected me to take my father’s seat, it wasn’t something I was ready to do just yet.

  “We have a single objective,” I said, waiting to finish as I glanced around the room. Daniel and Marco stood closest, hanging on every word. The various made men, most of which had worked for my father for several years stood stoically in the background, hanging on every word. Michael remained indifferent. “Find the son of a bitch who betrayed us.”

  “I heard members of the New York syndicate were in town,” one of the made men stated. We called him The Brute for a particular reason. His muscle had been used extensively with our vendors and clients who didn’t pay what they owed.

  “That may be true. They are looking for blood in the water. We’re going to give it to them on a silver platter.” I offered a smile, shifting my gaze toward Michael. If he was uncomfortable as my insinuations, he certainly didn’t show it.

  “Word on the street it was New York, but we’re not certain that’s the case,” Marco offered, knowing what I would say.

  “Maybe you should have a meeting with Bruno Giotano.”

  The don of New York was a pompous asshole who enjoyed brutality in a way I couldn’t fathom. “Perhaps. Time will tell. Talk to every informant and all our vendors. People talk. It won’t be difficult to find the rat.”

  “Good enough,” Marco answered for all of them.

  “Keep me informed. I’ll be staying at my house for now. Marco, assign a few of the soldiers to secure my estate. The rest need to be on the street.” I could feel Marco’s look of disdain without looking in his direction. I didn’t waste any additional time, walking out of the room.

  And I could smell the rat.

  Chapter Twelve

  Giovanni

  I sat in my own driveway for a solid ten minutes, debating my next move. I’d never second guessed a single action in my life. Why the hell start now? I had the reins, full control of a multimillion-dollar operation, including all aspects of power and control. I exhaled at the thought. My father had taught me that trusting my gut was the only way to go and the day I stopped doing so, I would be dead. Funny thing is that I never cared about my safety.

  Until now.

  Until Veridi.

  I wasn’t a praying man, my Catholic upbringing a frailty of my mother’s I’d given up a long time ago. On this day I was questioning everything. However, if my calculations were correct, a move certainly wouldn’t be made tonight. My return was enough of a shock factor to force a lull in the violence. The news would hit the streets within two hours, and there wasn’t an asshole around stupid enough to make a move without securing an army.

  Tomorrow could be an entirely different story.

  Cutting the engine and climbing out, I fingered the keys as I scanned the perimeter. The security cameras could detect a breach in the perimeter a full two miles away, buying time. Everything was quiet, exactly how I’d left it.

  Maybe too quiet.

  I walked into the house and immediately Antonio was on his feet.

  “Boss.” He gave a nod of respect, his eyes managing to find the massive ring on my finger.

  “Did my guest try anything?” I asked, immediately heading toward my office. I was curious as to what, if anything, was being stated in the press. If I knew Captain Talifero’s tactics, which I did very well, he would put his own spin on my resurrection, one that would befuddle the Feds, forcing them to take a full step back.

  “Good as gold. I think she’s in her room,” Antonio answered. He seemed far too uncomfortable. “She’s a nice girl, if you don’t mind me saying so, boss. For a doctor and all. Fixed you up pretty good.”

  I didn’t answer immediately.

  “I mean, I wouldn’t touch her or anything. She’s not my type. She’s your type, sophisticated.”

  “Relax, Antonio.” I offered a slight smile as I turned on my laptop, waiting only seconds until I could enter in the security code. “You are absolutely correct. She is a very nice person.” While I certainly appreciated his security abilities, he and I weren’t friends.

  He wiped his hands on his jeans. “Can I do anything else, boss? Mrs. Saltori was here. She left dinner in the oven.”

  “Just keep watch on the perimeter. A few of the guys will join you.”

  “Will do, boss. Glad to see you’re doing okay.”

  I cocked my head, eyeing him. The comment seemed strange, but I let it go. He took another glance at the ring secured on my hand, his stare laced with fear. Earning trust was a powerful tool in my organization. Losing it wasn’t in anyone’s best interest. He knew the score. “If there’s any breach in security, let me know. Otherwise, keep scarce.”

  He narrowed his eyes then smiled, as if he anticipated what my evening would be. “Will do.” He watched intently as I walked to one of two closets in the room, opening my hidden compartment. I had several in the house, locations where I kept weapons, money, and other important documents. I snagged my favorite Glock as well as a Ruger. I had a Beretta and another Glock located in my bedroom. I wanted these armed and ready.

  “You expecting some shit tonight?” he asked, a scowl on his face.

  I snapped in a magazine, sliding the Glock into the desk drawer. “Best to be prepared.”

  Antonio nodded again, hesitating as if he something else to say.

  After placing the Sig on my desk, I pulled up the security system, eyeing every camera angle. There was nothing indicating any activity. I sighed, easing into the chair and scrolling as he walked out. News of the massacre had fallen mostly off the radar, the only exception a report that the Feds were getting close to solving the case. Imminent arrests would be made. I couldn’t help but laugh. They couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag.

  I’d glean nothing else until morning, when undoubtedly the shit would hit the fan. Turning off the computer, I swiveled in the chair as my thoughts drifted. I wanted tonight to be special. I’d already made the decision. Tomorrow I’d have Veridi taken to a secure location until the shit blew over. She could hate me all over again.

  But tonight, she was all mine to taste.

  To punish.

  To fuck.

  Inhaling, I envisioned her naked body covered in my seed, her lovely mouth pinched from ecstasy. I closed the lid on the Mac, pushing it aside. Veridi’s punishment would be severe, enough for her to understand that consequences to disobeying were never forgotten in my house.

  I walked toward the second closet, opening both doors and peering at my private collection of implements I’d purchased over the years. I had a penchant for whips and floggers, leather tawses and riding crops, having purchased dozens over the years. The few women I’d dated had called me a sadist. Maybe I was.

  I pulled my preferred tawse into my hand, a prize within my collection, designed and crafted in Scotland. Running the well-worn leather through my fingers, my cock twitched at the thought of using it on Veridi’s rounded bottom. I placed both the strap and one of the half dozen riding crops on the edge of my desk. This would be the perfect location for a corporal punishment. Satisfied, I grabbed the Sig, shoving it behind my back into the waistband and moved into the hallway.

  A few strains of music caught my attention. Piano music. Smiling, I closed my eyes, r
emembering my first piano lesson. I’d been terrible, unable to concentrate and refusing to listen to the teacher, but the love of music had lived through my wretched youth. Veridi had found my music collection.

  The moment I walked out of the room, I realized that what I was hearing wasn’t recorded but live. A shiver shifted down my spine, my hand grasping the doorjamb. Veridi had located my music room, the one place in the house that I truly adored and allowed to be completely myself. Her fingers were trickling over the keys, the haunting music settling into my very soul.

  I walked just inside the room, leaning against the doorway. Her back was toward me, the Steinway positioned in the center of the room. While the Bach piece was certainly less complicated than Rachmaninoff, she played flawlessly, her long fingers dancing over the keys. I was mesmerized in a way I hadn’t been in years, some of the best memories of my childhood resurfacing.

  When she finished, her head dropped and for those few precious seconds, I was in a slight daze. Then I clapped, several emotions ratchetting up my adrenaline. “That was... extraordinary, a beautiful reminder of special times in my past.”

  Veridi jerked up, tipping her head in my direction. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come in here.”

  “No, as I told you, you have every right to be in any room in my house.” I walked closer, drinking in the perfume she’d decided to wear. The hint of jasmine was a sinful aphrodisiac, creating several twitches in my already aching cock. I noticed her grip on the edge of the piano was firm and her body language cautious. “You play beautifully.”

  “I haven’t played in months. I just... I couldn’t.”

  “Is there a reason why, other than your hectic schedule?” I tried to keep my comment light, my desire for her increasing with each passing second.

  She seemed ashen, her eyes unfocused. “My past experiences with playing the piano were...” The words trailed off, her face pinched, suggesting she couldn’t quite place the reason why. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Everything with you matters, sweet Veridi. You know you can tell me anything.”

  Nodding, she lifted her gaze. “I actually feel like I can, although that sounds ridiculous.”

  “Then what happened to dissuade you from playing?”

  “Because it was forced.” The words seemed to echo. “My mother required me to take lessons. She said that a child wrapped in cultural events would never be prone to evil.” She laughed, the sound full of scorn.

  I’d heard the phrase before. Where, I wasn’t certain. “An odd thing for a mother to say and proven not to be the truth.”

  She rolled her eyes. “My mother was cold, at least to me and the jury is out on your behavior.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I think your mother would disapprove of me. We can discuss at great length later, but it’s time for your punishment.”

  There was a sense of relief crossing her face, a slight shake of her head. She had no desire to delve into her past. Perhaps our childhoods were both fraught with experiences we’d prefer to forget.

  “Yes. I understand,” she muttered.

  I caught a hint of her usual defiance, creating an instant shift in my mood.

  “Remember those manners I mentioned.” Fisting her hair, I yanked with just enough force she whimpered.

  “Yes, sir.” She didn’t try to fight me, but her eyes held such sorrow and in them I could see my own reflection, the very same thing she was seeing.

  A true monster.

  I slipped my fingers through her long locks and pressed my lips against her forehead.

  Veridi gripped my arm. “Don’t.”

  The single word was damning. I kissed her lips softly, a lover’s kiss then let go of her hair. I was surprised when her hand eased around my waist, but when her fingers found the gun, she recoiled. “Better, sweet Veridi. No matter what you think, I will always be in charge and you will treat me with respect.”

  “Respect is earned, Gio.”

  “Only for the lucky few.”

  “You mean forced with your gun?”

  I rubbed the backs of my fingers across her cheek, half surprised she didn’t flinch. “Things are coming to a head.”

  “Someone is coming to kill you.” Her comment was a statement. “A world filled with violence.”

  There was no sense in answering her. She understood better than most. “Come.” Taking her hand into mine, I led her into my office, noticing how her eyes immediately fell to the edge of my desk.

  She took cautious steps until she was able to reach out, sliding her fingers along the handle of the crop. “Like in my dream. Jesus.”

  “Dream?”

  “You were spanking me with this outside for some ridiculously stupid infraction.” She half laughed. “And you were enjoying the scenario just like you are now. Does it give you a sense of dominance, Gio or it is about control?”

  I hated to admit her words were startling, but they were. Only now wasn’t the time for me to answer them.

  “Remove your clothes.” I watched the mixture of expressions on her face, a look of shock turning into frustration.

  “A riding crop.” She offered the words as a statement, not bothering to look in my direction as she undressed.

  Even from where I stood, I could see the tremor in her legs and the light sheen covering her skin. She was nervous, much more so than she’d been with any other round of discipline. She also covered herself, one arm crossing over her breasts and the other placed in front of her bare pussy. The simple gestures of shame made me hunger for her that much more.

  I adjusted my aching shaft, but the tight pinch remained. Even my balls were swollen more than usual. “Lie across the desk.”

  “Yes. Sir.” She did so carefully, gripping both edges.

  “Do you understand why I’m punishing you?” Selecting the tawse first, I held the strap under my nose, drinking in the scent of leather as I flicked the three tongues.

  “Complete and utter disobedience.”

  Starting from the base of her neck, I dragged the thick leather all the way down to her buttocks. “Endangering your life. No one can take you away from me. Even you.”

  I cracked the tawse against her right buttock, my entire body igniting with fire.

  Moaning, she clenched her fists, taking a deep breath.

  I issued two more, the sound reverberating into the air. Hell, I was shaking all over, the adrenaline rush more intense than I expected.

  Veridi bit back a cry but her body jerked and she curled her legs at her knees.

  “Relax, my sweet girl. This will be a stern reminder that I own you.” I gave her four more, taking my time and keeping the rhythm exactly the same. Beads of sweat formed along my hairline, my breathing more ragged. Punishment sessions never brought this kind of reaction.

  When I cracked my wrist again, slicing two more solid smacks, she flinched and pushed up from the desk.

  “Fuck!” She dropped her head, wiggling in the most provocative manner.

  I brushed my fingers across the small of her back before pushing. “Stay in position.”

  Thumping down, she gulped for air. “I’m my own woman, Gio.”

  “Not as long as you’re under my care.” The blushing shade had turned into a warm crimson and I rubbed the tip of my finger around the curve of both buttocks, electricity shooting through me. Fuck, I wanted this woman. I needed this woman.

  She was my only hope for salvation.

  I sneered at the thought, spanking her over and over again. I was practiced in my methodology, striking exactly where I wanted to, but the sense of losing control with her was always in the forefront of my mind. She was also my kryptonite.

  The spanking continued, my control rechecked, but at the end, I was the one taking deep breaths.

  Veridi moaned, her long arms reaching out. She clasped her fingers over the wooden edge, gripping until she was white knuckled. Even in the dim lighting, I was able to see the shimmer dancing on her flushed face. S
he blinked several times before closing her eyes.

  And I could swear there was a smile on her face.

  I dropped the tawse, unable to resist her draw, the exotic perfume filtering across my nostrils as I leaned over. Planting my hands on either side of her, I lowered down until I was able to drag my tongue all the way down her spine. Her bones seemed to ripple at my touch, her eyes clenching shut.

  “Mmm...” The soft purr was nothing more than dynamite.

  I was famished, my muscles tensing with need, licking all the way down to the cleft of her ass. “Pain then pleasure. Never forget.”

  “As if I could. Sir.”

  I blew across her bottom before taking both ass cheeks into my hands. She widened her legs on her own, tempting me with her pretty pink pussy lips. My mouth watered as I used my vantage point to lift her a few inches off the desk. Crouching down, I offered a series of husky growls before darting my tongue across the base of her pussy.

  “Oh... Yes...”

  The taste of her was just as exquisite, her cream slickening both inside thighs. I craved the flavor of her, the only substance that seemed to quench my thirst.

  Veridi pressed her palms against the cool wood, lifting up until there was a slight arch in her back. Her face held the look of raw bliss, her lower lip quivering.

  I caressed her pussy lips with my tongue, sliding up and down ever so slowly. The heat from her bottom filled my hands, tinging my skin even more. I slipped my tongue just inside, swirling several times then pulling all the way out and licking my lips. “We’re not finished yet.”

  The tension returned, her eyes flitting open and glaring at the crop.

  Crack!

  I allowed the sound to filter into the air, making certain she could see the slash through the air. I was surprised she didn’t react in any manner other than her fingers digging into the wood. Her legs were still splayed open, a direct invitation in more than one way. I rubbed my jaw then issued four hard cracks in succession, moving from the top of her bottom to the crease above her thighs.