Ruthless: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Piper Stone

  “I worry about you. You deserve everything that you want out of life, including a decent family.”

  “And you don’t?”

  He pinched my nose, offering a half smile. “I had a decent life. Don’t think that because of what my father did I didn’t have the best education and clothes, toys of all kinds, and my mother’s love.”

  “But your father killed people for a living.”

  “My father did what was necessary to protect his family, but he was a harsh, cruel man, destroying my mother’s love, even her decency. He placed the organization above his family at all times and at all costs. That’s the reason my brother wants nothing to do with our family. And honestly? I don’t blame him.”

  “That’s why you’re so distant, closed off. You really do believe that you’re like him. You think you’re going to destroy me.”

  “I did my best to protect Jagger.” He chuckled after saying the words. “He was a runt as a kid, picked on all the time. Hell, we both were. We were at a Catholic school and the kids had no idea who we were or who our father was, neither did the parents. At least at first. As he got a little bit older, the kids started bullying him. By then, I’d been taught how to take care of myself. I knew it was time for Jagger to learn. So, I taught him.”

  “That’s what big brothers are for.”

  Inhaling, he glanced toward the window. The sliver of moon had found the crack in the blinds, shining directly over our bed. I could tell his hand was shaking, a lump forming in his throat.

  “Jagger didn’t need my kind of help. I was also an angry kid, full of rage.” Gio snickered. “Even more than I am now. One of the school psychologists suggested that I needed full-time counseling. My father laughed in her face.”

  “Why did she say that?”

  He turned his head in my direction. “Because I beat the bully who’d accosted my brother to within an inch of his life.”

  I knew he expected to see shock and disgust in my eyes, but I could only feel an intense level of despondency. “You did what you had to do.”

  “I did what exactly my father taught me to do, Veridi. All he understood was violence and that carried through into our household. That was the single time in my life that he told me he was proud of me. My father, don of Chicago told me that I was finally a man. He said I was old enough to handle the business and from that day forward, I was brought into the fold.”

  “What does that mean?” I shuddered, unable to express my sadness for him. What a horrible way to live.

  Gio’s eyes held the answer, but I could tell he shut down, the darkness settling in even more than before. He didn’t let go, but the distance between us was wide.

  “Jesus Christ,” I whispered.

  “God had nothing to do with it,” he said absently. “When I died on that table, I was headed straight for hell. Seeing my mother... She warned me about my life, but it’s too late to change anything.”

  “No, don’t say that, Gio. You can always start over, build a new life and one you choose. You are a wonderful man and you have a good soul.” I knew the moment I spoke the words that they were futile.

  “You can’t run from this life, Veridi, especially when you are born into it. I will be the new don of the Calduchi family until my death. That is my destiny. Am I like my father? In far too many ways.” He moved to a sitting position, staring at the wall.

  I sat up, tugging the covers around me. “Is that why you’re wearing the new ring? An acceptance of your role as head of this... family?” I was shocked when he grabbed my wrist with vehemence, yanking just enough I let out a hoarse whimper. “Gio. You’re hurting me.”

  “My family is important and they require a leader. I have responsibilities, a requirement to honor my father.”

  “The one you hated so much.”

  His eyes were wild from anger, his breathing raspy. He continued to squeeze my wrist, his lips twisting. Then he let me go, jerking to his feet. “I have a phone call to make. You should rest.”

  With that, he stormed out of the room.

  I’d seen the look in his eyes before, a telling of the damaged soul who wanted nothing more than to be a decent human being, an amazing lover. But there would never be any way to get through to him, not completely. He was lost to the Calduchi reputation, drunk on its power. I slapped my head into my hands, taking deep breaths and willing the tears away.

  But they fell, sliding down my cheeks. Love wasn’t enough for anyone like him.

  I threw back the sheets, now more furious with myself than ever. How many times did I have to dip into this well before I learned a lesson? I was in danger around him and his life. I took long strides into the bathroom, closing and locking the door. Flicking on the switch, I was pitched into another realm, my reflection telling no lies.

  I would be lost forever without him.

  Fuck.

  Fuck.

  Fuck.

  At that moment, I needed to wash him away, to rid my skin of his indelible scent. I couldn’t get the shower going fast enough or the water as hot as necessary, but I tried. Stepping inside, I stood under the water, doing everything I could to reform the resolve I’d had my entire life. I’d been the one to protect myself, not my parents. They’d been aloof, leaving me alone for days at a time. I’d never understood why they couldn’t love me enough, why I was the kind of child they pushed aside.

  Just like Giovanni was shoving me away. That was just fine. Dandy in fact. I needed to get on with my life and he was going to let me go or else. Damn him. Damn his dark and gorgeous eyes. Damn the way his hands cradled me against his chest. Damn the glorious feeling as he thrust his cock deep inside.

  Damn. Him. To. Hell.

  I rubbed my face, almost digging my nails into my skin as the near scalding water trickled over my head and in my mind, washing away my sins. I closed my eyes, feeling more encouraged that I would get through this. He couldn’t hold me prisoner forever, no matter what the brooding man believed.

  One hand wrapped around my hair, tugging my head until I was able to see Gio’s eyes as he loomed over me.

  “Did I say you could take a shower?” he asked, his heated breath skipping over me. There was no anger in his voice, the gentle man returning.

  All my resolve seemed to crumble, all the common sense that I’d used my entire life tossed by the wayside. He had such an effect on me, forcing desire to the surface. “No, sir.”

  “You’re going to need to be punished.” He ran a finger down the side of my face, growling in a low, throaty sound, sending chills dancing down my body. It didn’t matter that steam had already risen or that the water was brutally hot. All that mattered was the way he was touching me, igniting me.

  Dear God, I wanted this man.

  “Yes, sir.”

  He jerked my hands over my head and I noticed the rope he’d brought with him. “You seem to forget so easily who’s in charge. What are we going to do with you?”

  “Teach me to be the perfect submissive?” I gave him another defiant look, although my words were said in a teasing manner.

  “In time. Right now, I have something else in mind.” Gio curled his lip as he wound the rope around my wrists, securing it easily to the massive showerhead positioned directly in the center overhead.

  Water shot from four other spouts, cascading down the length of my body. My feet were barely on the floor and I struggled, twisting and turning as he took a step back. “What are you going to do?”

  He chuckled, allowing the sound to echo in the dense space. “Do you remember the shower in your house?”

  “Don’t leave me in the dark. Not today.”

  “That’s not what I’m remembering about the delicious event.” He stood in front of me, using the tips of his fingers, trailing them down from my face to my neck. “I remember the way you moaned, calling out my name when I touched you, when I finger fucked you. And when I ate you.”

  “Yes, I...” I dragged the tip of my tongue across my lips, my mo
uth and throat parched. I wanted his cock in my mouth. I longed to taste his sweet seed, swallowing every drop.

  Gio continued his path, sliding his fingers down the sides of my breasts, tickling my waist. “For a brilliant woman, you underestimate what I can do to your body with only my fingers and my mouth.”

  I didn’t forget. I could never forget the dazzling sensations or the ecstasy ripping through every cell in my body. I took several deep breaths, the anticipation killing me. I was excited, goosebumps popping along every inch of skin, even in the blazing heat.

  As he leaned closer, darting his tongue around my earlobe, he shifted his fingers further down, swirling the tips around my hips. “Good girls get everything they want.”

  “And bad girls?”

  “Get what I want.”

  “And what do you want?” I dared to ask, panting after saying the words.

  “Everything.” There was something so primal about the single word, unearthly in a manner that kept me on edge. He snarled and bit my lower lip, swishing his head back and forth as if he could eat me alive. His fingers danced down to my thighs, swirling in circles and zigzags.

  I closed my eyes, but vibrant colors swirled across my field of vision. Reds. Blues. Oranges. They all melded together in a dazzling display. Even my ears were ringing as his fingers tickled my pussy, the touch feather light. A single smack to my bottom forced me to gaze at him in wonder and the harshness from earlier had completely faded away, the hungry man who’d given me a full night of passion returned.

  “When I’m through with you, you’ll never disobey me again. That is my solemn promise.” His tone had dipped to a dangerously low level, more like a beast than a man, carnivorous in nature. How could any man have this kind of effect on me?

  But he did.

  He slowly dropped to his knees, pressing his lips against my skin as he did so. Exhaling, he peppered kisses down the front of one leg, chuckling yet again as he moved to the other.

  My pussy squeezed involuntarily, almost climaxing. I clenched then released, clenched then released, gulping for air. Even the air seemed denser, forcing me to take one deep breath after another. My heart raced, my blood boiling and the moment he darted his tongue across my clit only once, I let out an elongated whimper.

  “Quiet, my little Minx or I’ll be forced to keep you hanging here for hours.”

  “Yes, sir,” I managed. The scent of him seemed to cover every portion of my body, floating into my nostrils. How could I be drunk on his fragrance alone? My vision was foggy, a lust-filled haze, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the way he took his time, licking and nipping my skin. He was nowhere near my pussy and it was driving me mad with desire. I struggled with my bindings, the creaking of the rope mixing with my ragged moans.

  Gio gave me a stern look before lifting one leg, positioning it on the shower bench. “Do not move or else.”

  I wanted to defy him just to see what he would do, but I also wanted his mouth on my pussy, his tongue tasting my clit. I needed his fingers thrusting hard and fast. “Eat me, please.” The words slipped from my mouth with ease and I laughed. “I’ll do anything.”

  “Anything, huh? You’ll be my dirty little girl?”

  “I’ll be your sexy, obedient slut, giving you anything you want.”

  He moved his open mouth to the very inside of my thigh, sliding up to the point of being oh-so close to my pussy. I jutted my hips forward, trying to encourage him.

  To beg him.

  Pulling away, he lifted his eyebrow. “Only when I decide.”

  “I’ll suck your cock every hour of every day if you’ll lick me.”

  “Hmmm... That sounds fabulous.” His fingers kneaded my skin, staying so close to nirvana, but teasing me in such a shameful manner.

  I bit back another cry as he brushed his fingers up and down the crease in my other leg, whisking the tip only once across my clit. “You can fuck me anywhere, anytime.”

  “Let me think. My beautiful, intelligent sex slave. Is that what you’re telling me?”

  “Yes. Oh, God, yes. Anything. Please.”

  “Deal. Accepted.” He spread my legs ever wider, one leg fully in the air, and buried his face into my pussy.

  I screamed, my muscles clamping around his long tongue, trying so desperately to pull it in deeper. I could no longer breathe as he pinched my clit, the contradiction of absolute pleasure and the hint of pain pushing me to the very precipice. I was falling into an abyss, my body electrified. “Oh, Gio. Oh...”

  “You taste so sweet,” he muttered before pulling my clit all the way into his mouth and sliding several fingers inside my pussy, pumping in the perfect rhythm, like a metronome keeping music in time.

  And I heard the chords in my mind, the powerful concerto that had drawn me to him in the first place. A series of visions flashed in front of my mind, one beautiful summer day. An amazing piano player, the music so powerful that I hadn’t been able to steal myself away. This was like a dream, my mind reeling as my body convulsed.

  He continued feasting, licking all the way up and down, his fingers flexed open as the orchestrated notes picked up, thrusting harder and faster.

  “Oh, God... I’m going to...” I couldn’t finish the sentence. I couldn’t think straight. Everything was a wonderful blur as my entire body trembled in his massive hands.

  The hard smack against my pussy lips was jarring, forcing me to open my eyes wide once again. I could see the hunger covering his face, so carnal. Beautiful in the strangest way. But there was more.

  Ownership.

  Defiance.

  Need.

  He needed me as much as I needed him, the coupling so wrong but the sensations tantalizing in every manner. His sounds became more animalistic, a carnivore feasting on his prey and I could no longer hold back. There was no way of obeying him.

  The climax rushed up from my toes, exploding as popping sparks floated in front of my eyes. “Oh, God. Oh. My. God!” My scream was bedraggled, hoarse by the time I finished.

  And he refused to stop, taking me to new heights of raw ecstasy. His mouth. His tongue. His fingers. I couldn’t tell one from the other nor did I care. The climax became a giant wave, thrashing over me, drenching me as much as the water surrounding me. I had no voice left, only heavy panting.

  “Perfect,” he whispered, rubbing his mouth against my leg.

  I was vaguely aware he’d stood, dragging his hands along my sides as he did so. I was keenly aware when he pushed his cock between my legs, taunting me with his thickness.

  “Do you want this?” he asked, a lilt in his voice.

  “Yes. Please.”

  “You want my cock inside of you?”

  “Please, my glorious sir. Fuck me.”

  His laugh boomed into the small space, filtering into my ears in a languishing fashion. “Then this time, you’ll have everything you crave.” He stared into my eyes as he slid his cock up and down my pussy then thrust all the way inside.

  “Fuck...” He stretched me wide open, my muscles acting as if he’d never fucked me before. Everything about this was entirely different, the fire and connection between us like dynamite. I was thrown into another wave of bliss, my entire body now shaking violently.

  He rose up onto the balls of his feet, the angle shifting. I could see the strain of his muscles and on his face as he plunged, the same rhythm as he’d had with his mouth.

  Practiced.

  Perfection.

  I gave up trying to see, closing my eyes and allowing him to take me where he wanted to go. For several glorious minutes, he continued, issuing guttural noises the entire time. Then finally he crushed his lips over mine, swirling his tongue. We were so deeply entrenched, our bodies as one. I wanted more. I would give him more. I would...

  Another climax took me by surprise, thrashing into my body, electrifying every muscle. I could no longer scream, only accept what he was giving me.

  All of himself.

  Seconds later, he threw
his head back, roaring and filling me with his seed.

  I wasn’t certain how long he remained inside, his body as close to mine, but when he finally freed my hands, I collapsed into his arms. He stroked my wet hair, breathing raggedly into my ear. I had no idea what to say or how to explain what I was feeling.

  “I’m sorry. I was cruel,” he finally whispered.

  “Not cruel, just worried. I know you care about me.”

  He eased back, cupping my face. “More than you know. I want so many things, but I don’t know how to make certain they come true.”

  “Just be yourself.” The words seemed to sadden him even more.

  “If only that was acceptable, but it’s not.” Reaching over, he turned off the water, shutting down yet again.

  “Don’t, Gio. Don’t shut down. We can talk.”

  He brushed hair from my eyes. “Yes, we can and I will.”

  The single gesture meant more to me than he could understand. I nodded and pressed my hand against his chest. “Don’t shut me out.”

  “There are things you can never know, but I can’t shut you out. I should, Veridi. I should take you away from my house and from my life, the only real way to protect you.”

  “I can protect myself. I’m not the kind of helpless woman that you’re used to.”

  “No, you’re not, but even you can’t stop the inevitable.”

  “The inevitable?” Was he trying to terrify me all over again?

  Shaking his head, he opened the shower door, stepping out and tossing me a towel. As he wrapped one around his waist, I let out a deep breath.

  What in the hell was I supposed to do?

  I jerked the towel around me and remained in the bathroom for a few minutes. When I walked into the bedroom, he was on the phone. He’d turned on a light, yet the candles continued to flicker, drawing my attention.

  “You’re certain,” he said, hissing under his breath. “Well, I want the evidence.” He paced the floor, rubbing his other hand through his hair, fury rippling from his muscles. “Yeah, I got it. Keep him there until backup arrives. I’ll take care of this.”