For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate)

by Naomi, Soraya

  As usual, his scent awakens my senses - citrus and clean air and all Luca. “Thank you.” I move my head slightly toward him, our lips brushing. I feel Luca smile against my mouth before stepping back and walking in. It takes me a moment to gather my thoughts and close the door.

  He stands confidently in the living room. “Are you ready to go?” he asks when I turn around to face him.

  “Yes.” My skin is flushed from the thoughts roaring through my mind. Luca takes my coat off the back of the kitchen chair and holds it out for me, so I tuck my arms in and close the buttons.

  He tenderly releases my trapped hair from under my coat and caresses a few strands before letting it fall back over one shoulder. “Shall we go?” He opens the door for me.

  “Let’s go.”

  I’m stunned by the sight of his car when Luca clicks the device that unlocks the doors of his black Maserati as we walk toward it, and we step into the immaculate and sleek car.

  “Where are you taking me, Luca?” I watch him easily maneuver his car through traffic.

  A smile tugs at his lips. “It’s a surprise.”

  “As long as there’s food, I’ll be happy.”

  His eyes stay focused on the road. “So easy to please, Fallon.”

  “Isn’t that a good thing?”

  “Depends on the situation,” he counters suggestively.

  I raise my brow and shake my head, and then I watch the city go by while we drive in peaceful silence until arriving at a high rise.

  Luca hands his keys to the valet and comes over to open my door. We head toward the elevator, through a lobby with an old French, burlesque-style décor. My eyes are darting around, taking in the superb sight. I greet a man that has disrupted my line of vision, and Luca places his hand possessively on the small of my back at that moment. I tilt my head and smirk.

  He returns a guiltless smile and Luca leans in to say, “When we return from dinner, we’ll enjoy the art in the lobby.”

  My eyes twinkle because he’s in tune with my thoughts constantly.

  The elevator takes us to the eightieth floor, to a restaurant with the most spectacular view of Chicago. I frown when I realize I’ve never heard of this restaurant. Not that I know all the restaurants around here, but I would think that a high-class restaurant with this view would be more popular. There are only a few tables, maybe ten.

  The hostess, an Italian beauty, greets us, “Mr. DeMiliano, your table is ready.”

  She takes my coat, and I follow her through the entirely-carpeted restaurant. The floor and walls are adorned in deep red and gold velvet carpet, providing it a distinguished look. As Luca treads behind me, I mouth melodramatically Mr. DeMiliano over my shoulder and send him a charmed smile.

  He motions with his forefinger for me to turn around and keep walking while he’s restraining his amused expression.

  She seats us at the floor-to-ceiling window. The moment I sit down, the city lights are powering on through Chicago. From left to right the golden yellow lights illuminate a darkening purple city and sky.

  Luca holds my chair out for me to sit and discusses something with the hostess before taking his seat. “Can I surprise you with excellent Italian wine?”

  “Yes, please.” I take in the man seated across from me. The subtle lighting in the restaurant makes his eyes look darker. He exudes confidence and strength in every pose. My focus shifts to the amazing view. The entire city is lighted as the sky is blackening. A waitress hands me a menu while she explains that it’s fusion cuisine, French and Italian, then she leaves.

  Luca’s looking at me expectantly. “Do you want to order from the menu, or I can ask the chef to make us small samples?”

  I beam a dazzling smile at him. “You had me at small samples.”

  An appreciative gaze takes over his eyes. He momentarily looks at the bar, and I’m amazed by the waitress, who is at our table within seconds with our drinks, and Luca gives our order.

  I scrutinize my surroundings. There are actually only twelve tables here. Four are occupied by other couples. Two men, who quickly look away when I turn around, are seated at one table. The man who sits facing me continues talking to his company, but there’s a slight shift in their posture. They have a threatening appearance.

  “Fallon…. Fallon.”

  I turn back to Luca.

  “What’s wrong?” Luca looks beyond me and then immediately back to me.

  “You know those men?”

  “I’ve seen them here before. They’re also regulars.”

  I relax. “Okay, I think they recognized you too.”

  “I do come here often.”

  “It’s a beautiful restaurant. I’ve never heard of it.”

  “It caters to just a few clients.”

  “Really? And Mr. DeMiliano is one of those clients.”

  “Fallon.” He shakes his head amusingly. “Stop saying my name constantly. You have no idea what it does to me.” His lips curve in a sexy grin.

  I can guess what it does. “It’s a sexy last name.” I raise my brows a few times in quick succession.

  He laughs as we both raise our glasses. “To a wonderful evening, Fallon.”

  “To a wonderful evening, Mr.— Luca.”

  Throughout dinner we laugh and tease. I’ve eaten the most delectable hors d’oeuvres: prosciutto with olive and oranges, mushroom tuna, lobster salad on endive spears. He feeds me some of his favorite foods, and I have to admit: he has excellent taste in food. We eat our dessert – a dark chocolate cake - in silence. Best. Dessert. Ever.

  When we leave the restaurant, Luca shows me the artwork in the lobby, but my mind is somewhere else. During the car ride home, I check my phone; two messages from Teagan asking me if I’ve already gotten laid.

  Luca’s lost in thought when his phone rings, and he silences it without checking the caller ID. He takes my hand and places it on his thigh, absentmindedly stroking my fingers while he drives me home. He parks in front of the condominium and walks me up to the entrance.

  “Coming up with me?” I ask reservedly. I’m a little hurt when he seems to consider my offer instead of answering right away.

  Luca takes my keys out of my hands. “Yes.” He opens the door and we take the stairs to the first floor.

  After we enter my apartment, he instantly takes my coat and his jacket to hang them on the solid wood coat rack. Luca walks over to the window and looks at the street. “In the middle of all the action,” he speaks dreamily.

  “Do you want wine or something else to drink?” I casually lean against the wall connecting to the open kitchen and try to act nonchalant. He turns to gaze at me in full force, and I feel heated under his scrutiny as the air thickens.

  “No.” He saunters over to me gradually, licking his lips while his look is full of lust and fire.

  I push off the wall, drawn to him, and he catches me when I fall into his arms and his lips search for mine. His hands palm my neck and hip aggressively while his lips capture mine. Our mouths open instantaneously and our tongues push against one another. Luca’s taste of wine and mint has me moaning in his mouth, and passion flares wildly in my lower stomach from his rough kisses. He groans as his hands dig into my hip and my ass, lifting me to him. I stand on my toes when he molds me against his body. Every part of our bodies is tightly pressed together as we hungrily devour each other, and the tips of his fingers stroke the bare skin under my dress. I feel his arousal growing against the soft flesh of my stomach and let my fingers sink into his silky, dark strands of hair.

  What I’ve wanted to do since that first night we met. He sighs in appreciation and bites my lower lip, then traces his tongue smoothly over his bite mark. He never breaks eye contact. Luca’s sensuous and skillful kisses are tender yet rough.

  We’re both panting as he forces me backward, and we fall on the couch without breaking our kiss. Every time I think Luca will end the kiss, he explores me more deeply. I grind my hips against his arousal and hurriedly tug his s
hirt out of his pants as he lifts himself slightly off me to help. Our movements are equally frantic, and I bury my hands under his shirt to trace his abs, sides, and back. His hot skin is smooth to the touch. I feel him shudder under my caress when I dig my nails gently into his back, and he moans while pushing his hardening arousal between my legs.

  He breaks our kiss to untie the knot of my halter at my neck. Luca helps me to sit up as he kneels on the floor, between my thighs, and sweeps my hair tenderly over one shoulder while he grazes his teeth over my flushed skin. His hands roam over my lower body, bunching my dress in his palms, bringing it over my head as I lift my arms, and throwing it behind me. I’m greeted by a boyish grin when he notices that I’m not wearing a bra. He cups my breasts forcefully while kissing the tender spot where my shoulder and neck meet. Then he yanks off my panties in one fluid motion. I smile up at him sweetly as the air hits my naked skin, sitting before him in only black stockings with embroidered lace at the top and my sandals.

  He stills and just stares at me for a moment. Luca shakes his head as if he’s clearing his mind of an unpleasant thought, and his eyes darken even more, the green entirely invisible. “Sei da mozzare il fiato.” You’re breathtaking. His hands sweep over my body, from my legs up to my narrow hips, over my stomach to palm my breasts.

  All I hear is our heavy breathing. All I feel is his touch on my soft skin. My whole body is on fire from his touch everywhere, and my skin revels in the quiet of his caress.

  Luca twists his hand in my hair and leans me toward him to taste my lips again. I pull back from his kiss to undo the upper buttons of his shirt because I’m naked and he’s still fully clothed. He smirks and watches me work his buttons while his fingers gently brush my bangs out of my face. The manner in which he’s constantly touching and caressing me overwhelms me. I push back his shirt over his shoulders and let it flutter to the ground. Luca watches me tracing the outline of his well-defined muscles and hisses when I unbuckle his belt and palm his hardening length through his boxers. I stroke him a few times before he grabs both my legs and pulls me forward. He’s on his knees between my legs, so we’re at eye level. Luca forces me to the edge of the couch by grabbing my behind and pulling me toward him.

  Molding my soft flesh, he says between kisses, “I’ve been wanting to taste you for a while.” And he coaxes me to lie back against the couch with his hand on my cleavage.

  I lean back, exposed to him. The coldness of the couch on my back and the warmth of his hands on my body are a titillating contradiction. Luca’s head lowers to lick my nipple. My head falls back, and I twist my hands into his hair, pushing my breast into his mouth. He sucks hard on my nipple and groans against my breast while his right hand trails down leisurely over my stomach and between my legs. His fingers caress me, then he pushes his middle finger inside me once, twice before stopping. I writhe underneath his passionate touch when Luca licks and bites his way down my body and grabs me behind my knees to urge them apart. As he breathes in deeply, I feel the cold rush of his breath against my inner thighs, making me hyperaware of every moment of his passionate seduction.

  My back bows in anticipation of his mouth on me.

  “Pull your legs up, Fallon,” he directs me in a lustful tone.

  I pull my knees up to my chest and Luca secures his fingers around my ankles, holding them firmly in place. He hisses in satisfaction as his eyes are fixated on me before he lowers his mouth on me. Moaning loudly, I push back against his face. Our slow seduction has fueled our unbridled craving for each other. I open my eyes to watch him taste me and am met with his lust-filled stare. He’s been constantly watching my reaction to his seduction. Chills run through my body when he plunges his tongue inside me. The pad of his thumb rubs me carefully, yet fiercely, as the tingles start to form in my lower stomach. I’m on the precipice of exploding as he relentlessly pleasures me with his tongue. The powerful circulating motion on my most sensitive part and his silky tongue make it impossible for me to keep my eyes open, so they roll back, and my other senses intensify again now that I’ve shut out the world.

  I scream and moan his name before reaching my peak. “Luca! Luca!” I shudder when ecstasy reaches me, and my body pulsates with the pleasure he’s given me. I ride out my orgasm, only aware of my breathing and Luca’s continuous groans. He continues to lick me leisurely and confidently, until he feels my orgasm subsiding.

  He’s about to say something - standing between my legs with his hands trailing up and down my thigh - when we’re interrupted by his ringing phone.

  Didn’t he put it on vibrate earlier? And doesn’t he have voicemail?

  It keeps on ringing and ringing, so I raise my brows, hoping to prompt him to speak.

  He sighs and gets up to answer his phone.

  I dress in my panties, pick up my bra and dress, and head to my bedroom. Grabbing my silk robe in the bathroom, I put it on and meet Luca back in the living room. He’s standing by the coat rack with his phone in hand, swiftly typing away. His shirt has been buttoned and tucked back into his pants. One hand tangles through his hair, and his demeanor reminds me of the night we met in the club. There’s a hard edge to him, a contradiction in his actions and emotions that make him equally desirable and unsettling. I take this moment to slowly walk up to him.

  Without looking up, he informs me, “I have to go.”

  I glance at the screen and notice he has many missed calls and messages. He’s obviously troubled about something. “Okay, you can wash up in the bathroom, if you want?”

  His phone disappears in his pocket. “No, I want to smell you on me.”

  I scrunch up my nose, but I can’t prevent the corner of my lip from tilting up at his dirty confession.

  He laughs at me.

  “I’m glad you can still laugh. Is something wrong that you have to leave so suddenly?” I ask him tentatively.

  A rueful smile shows on his face before he masks it. “Yes, a situation with a friend of mine.” He cups my chin. “I’ll call you.”

  I have no idea what just happened, so I only stare at him with a blank expression.

  Luca takes his suit jacket - which seems oddly heavy - and opens the door. A gentle kiss is placed on my lips, and he immediately stills for a second, making me think that he has surprised himself by initiating this kiss.

  I close the door immediately and lean back against it. He had a lot of missed calls. I’m a little confused about why he left so abruptly. I still feel his hands all over my body, and glancing at the couch, I can’t hold the upward curve of my lips. Teagan would be proud of me.

  I grab my purse and head back to my bedroom to take a shower, but I stop to look at myself in my mirror. My lips are swollen, my hair is all over the place, and I have bite marks on my neck. I trace the marks with my fingers, a tangible memory. My phone alerts me of a message.

  Fallon, I’ll call you later. I had a wonderful evening with you.

  Then why leave so abruptly? I can never tell what’s next with Luca. During my shower, I remember I have a busy week ahead, so I text him back when I’m lying in bed.

  Luca, I’m actually very tired and decided to head to bed early. I’ll talk to you this week. Night

  Silencing my phone, I leave it on my nightstand beside my bed.

  CHAPTER 9

  Luca

  Luca, I’m actually very tired and decided to head to bed early. I’ll talk to you this week. Night

  I read her text and realize that I need to handle this more delicately because I can’t believe I feel remorse over leaving her. And I actually give a shit that she could be mad. Instead of pacifying my desire for her, this date has accomplished the exact opposite.

  I connect my phone to the car charger while I’m speeding through the streets to aid Adriano at the warehouse up north. The last money drop-off to our Syndicate regarding Crystal Lake was compromised, and Adriano and I need to find out why.

  I’m calling her now. It rings and rings. And voicemail.

&nbs
p; My agitated state disperses when I smell a hint of her on me. A small smile tugs at my lips as I think about how her presence calmed me during dinner. For a guy who can never put his guard down, she made me feel peaceful and relaxed to live in the moment. I lick my lips and adjust my pants thinking about how badly I want to drive myself into her. Watching her climb toward release with my lips on her had me rock hard and begging for relief.

  Her soft skin that feels like satin and her breasts that fit perfectly in my palms.

  Focusing on the street, I reach the old, brown-brick warehouse quicker than expected. I’ll handle Fallon tomorrow.

  Adriano’s sapphire black M3 is parked to the side. Before exiting my car, I call Adriano to let him know that I’m here and take my compact semi-automatic Smith & Wesson .45 ACP out of my jacket. The door unlocks before I reach it.

  “Damian,” I greet. One of our soldiers on Adriano’s team lets me in.

  Adriano’s voice is rising in the warehouse. “I’m losing patience with you, idiota.”

  The scene is set up in the left corner. The warehouse has four rooms on the right for private handlings, but Adriano likes the effect of the big warehouse where his voice can resonate off the walls.

  One man, face dripping in blood, is strapped to a wooden chair with his hands tied to the back and feet tied together. The chair has plastic underneath for quicker clean-up, a job handled by the prospects and soldiers.

  Adriano’s wearing his white latex gloves to prevent from leaving fingerprints and grips the guy’s hair, yanking his head back in one quick move. An agonizing whine comes from our captive. “Look who’s here,” Adriano says to Jack.

  The guy’s eye is almost swollen shut and is turning purple. He looks at me through the slit of his eyelid.

  “Luca.” Adriano gives me an exasperating look. “He’s lying and covering for someone.” Adriano forces the guy’s head back more, stretching his throat as Adriano stands over him. “I brought in the big guns now. Pun intended.” My Capo’s mouth twists in a satanic smile. “You’ll be sorry you didn’t confess when it was just me.”