Mine : You Can't Help Who You Fall In Love With... (The Winterburg Series Book 1)

by Linzvonc

  He shook his head at the fridge and shut it before turning towards me, taking in my position on the counter. He walked over, his hands running up my thighs as he pulled me close to him.

  “One, you have no food worthy of human consumption in that fridge. Two, you are telling me the house is empty,” his green eyes met mine as my heart raced in my chest, excitement building as he moved his hands to hold my face.

  “Do I devour you here and now, then take you somewhere delicious for dinner? Or do I just devour you all night long and fuck the food?”

  I gasped as he pulled me off the counter in one swift movement, a deep growl coming from his mouth as his lips crashed against mine. My hands were clawing at his top, desperate to touch his skin, a shiver running through my body as he held me against the wall. My legs wrapped around his waist as his fingers roughly squeezed my nipples.

  “Oh God, Cal....”

  “Shh,” he muttered, his mouth on mine, flipping me around, pressing my body against the wall.

  “Gretch? Are you decent? I see Cal is here!” called a voice as he groaned with irritation, his hands smoothing my top down as he let me go reluctantly.

  The door opened and in walked Nancy, followed by a grinning Josh.

  “Did we interrupt anything?” Josh asked innocently, his eyes taking in my flushed expression and swollen lips.

  Cal nodded at him and turned to gaze at me. “Nothing that can’t be continued later.”

  His voice was gruff, and I bit back a smile, knowing he was sexually frustrated.

  As was I, my nipples hard and visible through my thin t-shirt, my shorts hiding the fact my panties were soaking wet.

  Nancy raised a perfectly pencilled brow in my direction as she studied me.

  “Did you finish your assignment? She’s been so anxious about this damn thing,” she directed the last part to Cal, who shrugged.

  “Good thing she isn’t just a beauty then, huh? Come on, baby, let’s go eat.”

  Nancy sneaked a glance at him as he passed, fanning herself dramatically to me.

  “Sorry! If someone interrupted me with that, I would eat them.”

  I rolled my eyes, used to the fact that many of the women in New York would kill for a night with Cal.

  I still felt jealousy, but it was like no one else was in the room when he was with me, plus his eyes followed me everywhere. It was like there was an invisible cord that connected us. He would only have to tug it slightly and I would fall over trying to get to him.

  I know. Cliché. But so true.

  He is mine, and I am his.

  Part Two: Chapter Two

  CAL

  Damn her roommate.

  I was seconds away from being balls deep in this delicious woman until Nancy walked in with her jock boyfriend. I felt Gretchen’s head on my shoulder as I drove, her sweet perfume mixed with her naturally intoxicating scent making me hard instantly. She kissed my neck, causing me to grip the steering wheel tightly.

  What was she trying to do to me?

  Her kisses trailed down my stomach as she unzipped me, her hand pulling out my hard cock. Her mouth suddenly wrapped around the tip, her tongue flickering expertly on the shaft as I groaned with pleasure. I managed to pull over, earning myself a couple of horns from the neighbouring cars in the process.

  If they only knew why, they would shut the fuck up.

  I cut the engine and allowed myself to lean back, her mouth hot and wet as it worked my cock, her hand under her mouth, slowly wanking it in. I grabbed a handful of her hair, pulling it slightly as I felt her moan against me.

  I slid my other hand down her back, realising she still wore those tiny fucking shorts. I caressed her ass cheek with my free hand, moving her soaking wet panties aside.

  I love that she gets so wet for me.

  I plunged my finger roughly inside of her and she gasped against me. I fucked her with my finger before adding another, expanding her hole slightly. Her juices ran down my fingers and I smiled wickedly, she rocked against my hand, her pussy tightening around my fingers.

  Fuck this.

  I slipped my fingers out of her easily as she snapped her head up to glare at me as I smirked at her.

  “Cal!” She groaned, the urgency in her voice sending me insane.

  I pulled her onto me, shifting so her knees were on either side of me. I used my fingers to guide my cock into her as she slowly lowered herself down onto me. She bit her lip as she accommodated my full length, wincing slightly as she moved up and down my shaft.

  I steadied her by holding her hips, despite wanting to bury myself inside of her hard and deep. I couldn’t understand how she could still be so tight after fucking me for over a year, but she was.

  I’m not complaining.

  I tried to restrain myself as she groaned, riding me slowly, her hands on my neck. Her curls escaped the loose bun she had it in, her full lips open as she gasped. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful creature I had ever laid eyes on. She opened her eyes and nodded at me wordlessly as I gripped her hips, moving her easily up and down the full length of my cock, causing her to cry out as I slammed her back down relentlessly.

  Her mouth was on mine as she began to orgasm, and I picked up the pace, knowing how she liked it.

  “Come for me, baby,” I whispered into her ear as she cried out, gasping for breath. I let myself go, growling as I exploded, my balls tightening as I shot load after load deep into her.

  She rested her head on my shoulder as we sat there, our bodies throbbing from the intensity of our lovemaking.

  “I swear to God, no one in the world has sex like we do,” she muttered, and I smiled.

  “You’re biased,” I reminded her in-between kisses. She pouted at me as she slid off me, my cock slick against my stomach. I pulled my jeans back up, the scent of sex hanging heavily in the car. She fixed her hair as I gazed at her, unable to believe she was mine. She pulled at her hairband, and her hair tumbled around her: my favorite thing in the world to watch.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

  “Biased, too,” she smirked.

  I raised an eyebrow in response.

  “I like the fact you have nothing to compare it to, Raven,” I muttered.

  The thought of any man touching her made my blood boil in my veins.

  “True. Maybe I should branch out, experiment, and see how it stands then?”

  She was teasing, I knew that. But it didn’t stop me from narrowing my eyes at her.

  “If you ever let another man touch you like I do, the next time you see him will be at his grave.”

  She laughed and kissed me hard as I wrapped my arms around her.

  “I love how possessive you are.”

  I suppose I was. But I just wanted to protect her from all the dangers in the world—slimy bastards included.

  “I thought you were hungry?” she teased.

  I glanced down at her shorts and smirked.

  “I was. Now for food. Best get takeout. Can’t sit in a restaurant like that, baby.”

  She rolled her eyes as she clipped her seatbelt on, reminding me to do the same.

  Same argument, different road.

  “If you get stopped—” she started, sighing with annoyance.

  “Which I won’t.”

  She pursed her lips then, and I held back a smile.

  I love winding her up.

  “You’ll get fined. Then you’ll lose your license.”

  “I’ll still drive.”

  She squealed in exasperation. “You’re impossible. What if you are in an accident?”

  I rubbed her thigh softly. “Just calm down, Raven. Enjoy the post-sex bliss that is making you glow right now.”

  She smiled then, and I contemplated pulling over again.

  God, she is fucking amazing.

  Part Two: Chapter Three

  GRETCHEN

  I woke suddenly, sitting bolt upright in bed.

  Instantly his arms were around me,
his voice soothing me. The nightmares were rarer than they were before, but when they came, they were terrifying. I grabbed the glass of water beside my bed and gulped, as though it would wash away the memories.

  “I’m so sorry, baby,” he mumbled from behind me, as I turned to gaze at him. His blond hair shimmered in the moonlight that stole in through the window, sadness written all over his face.

  “Angel, you saved us. I just sometimes can’t get his face out of my mind,” I shuddered as I climbed back into bed beside him, feeling safe as he kissed the top of my head.

  “I’d do it again, in a heartbeat. I will always protect you, mio amore.”

  “I love you.” I slipped into a restless sleep as he held me tightly, whispering that he loved me back.

  When I woke the next morning, I found the bed empty. I reached across the bed; the empty sheet cold now that he wasn’t there. I grabbed my phone to see a text from him.

  CAL:

  Morning beautiful. Had some stuff to do today, sorry I left you. You’re fucking stunning. Wear a trash bag to school today. I love you.

  I grinned as I swung my legs out of bed, showering quickly. I threw on my skinny jeans and one of Cal’s many t-shirts he’d left here, closing my eyes as his scent washed over me. Feeling closer to him, I slicked on some lip gloss and mascara and grabbed my backpack.

  It didn’t take long to get to class, meaning I had time to grab a coffee on the way.

  “Hey, weren’t you in my psychology lecture last week?” A deep voice asked, as I turned to see Professor Creed gazing at me with his chocolate brown eyes.

  I beamed as I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I was, it was amazing. I feel like I learned so much from you,” I gushed, aware I was gibbering.

  He raised his eyebrows in amusement as I heard the barista asking for my order in an irritated tone.

  I quickly ordered my usual, asking for extra shots of the sugar-free caramel syrup.

  I smiled shyly as Professor Creed placed a blueberry muffin on the side, before ordering his espresso to go. I snuck a glance at him, aware he was very attractive for an older man. He wore a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, grey suspenders attached to his trousers. Thick reading glasses framed his dark brown eyes, his jet-black hair slicked back. He smiled as he paid, before he caught my eye.

  “What are you wanting to do when you graduate?” he asked, his eyes alight with intrigue.

  “I want to be a therapist,” I answered firmly, having known all my life what I wanted to be.

  He nodded with approval as he spoke. “Really? What is it about therapy that attracts you?”

  “I think it’s the fact that I could be the only person that someone may see that day. That by simply listening to them will ease their pain somewhat. I could make a difference to their life.”

  “With that view, you’ll make a fantastic therapist. Never give up.”

  Our eyes met, and I smiled, glancing away as his eyes lingered on me for slightly longer than necessary. I shook off the thought, realizing my lack of experience with men made me feel like every one of them had an agenda. I blamed Cal for that; he suspected that every male on the planet had a plan to woo me.

  “It was a pleasure to meet you. If you ever need any help at all, just get in touch.”

  He held out a white embossed card, drawing my attention to the platinum wedding ring on his finger. I sighed with relief, mentally kicking myself for assuming he was checking me out. I examined the card and nodded gratefully.

  “I will, thank you so much.”

  He hesitated briefly before nodding in the coffee counter’s direction.

  “Your latte is ready,” he chuckled as I whirled around, colliding with a woman in a suit who stared at me haughtily.

  “I’m so sorry—” I began as she glared at me before walking away. My cheeks flamed with embarrassment as I smiled an awkward goodbye to the Professor, making my way out of the coffee shop and onto the busy street. I realized my heart was racing.

  What is wrong with me?

  I’m not skittish or clumsy normally. I shrugged, sipping my latte in delight as I made my way to my first class.

  Part Two: Chapter Four

  CAL

  “So, what you’re saying is, there’s a possibility. It’s my girlfriend’s birthday, and I’d love to surprise her.”

  The travel agent flushed as I smiled at her from across the desk.

  “Maybe, but you would need to book it today. There are only two seats left on the flight.”

  I handed her my credit card with a broad smile. “I knew you could do it,” I eyed her name badge with interest. “Beth.” she tapped away on her computer, refusing to meet my eyes.

  “I need the names as they appear on the passports, please.”

  After it was all booked, I slid the envelope into the inside pocket of my jacket, stepping outside into the crisp New York air. I lit a cigarette as I watched the tourists snapping photos of everything—the street signs, the sidewalk, and even the damn sky. I noticed a girl watching me with interest from the corner of the street, her long red coat billowing in the wind. I felt my heart slow as my eyes took in her slender frame, her waist-length black hair loose around her shoulders.

  It couldn’t be her.

  I released the smoke I held in my mouth slowly as she gazed at me, her hand covering her mouth in shock.

  Fuck.

  Lucia.

  We stood like that for what felt like an eternity until I noticed a man standing by the side, suited accordingly. He followed her gaze to me as his eyes flickered in recognition. He whispered something in her ear as she nodded blankly, letting him guide her to a waiting limousine by the sidewalk.

  He closed the door before making his way towards me.

  Michael Salvatore, Lucia’s youngest brother. He had the same caramel coloured skin as Lucia, his blue eyes framed by thick dark lashes.

  “I didn’t realize you were back here, Leonardo.”

  I winced at his use of my full name. He shook my hand, his dark eyes studying me intently.

  “You should join us for dinner this evening, so we can extend our gratitude for your help in Winterburg.”

  This wasn’t to be mistaken for an invitation, it was a command, and I recognized it as such.

  “Of course.”

  He nodded as he made his way back to the car, turning back to me briefly before he opened the door.

  “Bring your Amante.”

  My eyes met his as he sent me a chilling smile, before climbing into the car. My blood ran cold as it sped away, the dark windows preventing me from seeing the passengers.

  Gretchen cannot be part of their world. Ever.

  My phone buzzed in my pocket; I answered it gruffly.

  “Hey beautiful. It’s so fucking good to hear your voice. What are you doing tonight?” my heart soared as she apologized for having made plans with Nicole, a girl from her class.

  “Baby, I’ve got some business to attend to.”

  She fell silent as she always did at the mention of business, something I’d not mentioned in a while.

  “Is it Verno?” she whispered, the fear clear in her voice.

  “It’s nothing to concern yourself with, my love. Just enjoy your evening with your friend, and if it’s not too late, I will call you when I get home. It will be simpler when we live together,” I smiled then, knowing mentioning our living situation would distract her.

  “Cal, I would love to live with you. You said not in New York,” I could almost see her pouting.

  “You’ve got what, two years left at school? Then that’s it, we can live anywhere you want. But here, I live in Brooklyn. You know I don’t want you too involved with my work here.”

  I was met with stony silence, and I sighed.

  “I’ll call you after. I love you.”

  I heard her voice soft in my ear whisper, “I don’t care how late it is. Love you more.”

  I ended the call and stared up at the sky.

/>   I’m not looking forward to this.

  Four hours later, I drove up the long driveway, leading to a mansion set far back, surrounded by trees and water fountains. To the left of the property, five black cars were parked in a neat line, as a gardener tended to the flowers beside them. Security was tight here, and I would place my bets that even the gardener was heavily armed—looks were deceiving. Having left my gun at the front gate with security, I felt exposed, but confident that if needed I could look after myself to an extent.

  If they wanted me dead, I would be by now, that much was certain.

  I exhaled as I slid out of the truck, reaching into the cab to get my suit jacket from the hanger, knowing appearances mattered with this family. A burly man stood guard at the front door, his eyes boring into me as I walked forward, his hand on his gun.

  “Leonardo Cape. Here to see Michael.”

  He pressed the button on his earpiece and spoke in fluent Italian, not taking his eyes from me once. I heard the words ‘blond punk’ and tried to hide the anger from my face. I knew some Italian, and this dude had just insulted both my appearance and intelligence.

  He nodded and opened the door for me, the smell of authentic Italian food wafting out, making my empty stomach grumble loudly. You didn’t show up to an Italian dinner without a ferocious appetite, and I’d made sure I was ravenous. I stood in the grand hallway, my stomach churning at the memories this place held.

  “Leonardo. Where is your Amante?” Michael walked down the sweeping staircase; his arms opened wide as he greeted me.

  “She sends her apologies. She is a student and had prior commitments,” my mouth ran dry as his eyes narrowed.

  It was disrespectful for her to not come, I knew that, but until I had no further choice, she remained in her world for as long as possible.

  “That’s a shame. I was so looking forward to meeting her.”

  I followed him into the dining hall where a large table had four places set for dinner. The room had incredible paintings hanging worth millions. I nodded at them appreciatively and took a seat opposite Michael as he gazed at me with interest.

  “So, tell me how you came to be back in New York with no prior authorization.”