by Cala Riley
“This way, Tesoro.”
He guides me into a room that houses a large table with at least twenty chairs around it. He pulls out a chair for me to sit then takes the seat next to me. Giovanni walks up with some contraption in his hands.
“It’s clear, boss.”
“Thanks, Gio. Take her purse to my room. We will talk later.”
Giovanni nods, take my purse from me, and closes the door behind him.
“This is one of two rooms in my home that is secure.”
“How can you be sure?”
After his warning in the car, I am nervous to talk. I don’t want to say something I shouldn’t.
“You just saw Gio sweep it for bugs. We do that once daily and again before every single meeting. We usually also sweep every guest, but I highly doubt you are wearing a wire and Gio has probably already swept your purse by now.”
I nod in understanding.
“We also have a mole within the FBI so he usually tells us if they are planning to try and place a bug. Sometimes we let them succeed before giving false information and destroying the bug. Most time, we change out plans last minute. We do that anyways, so it doesn’t look suspicious. It doesn’t matter anyways, no signals can be sent from within this room, including cell signals.”
“So, what, the cable man comes to fix your cable and plants a bug?”
His deep chuckle washes over me causing me to shiver.
“Are you cold?”
He stands and takes off his suit jacket before wrapping it around my shoulders. I immediately notice that he has two guns on each side of his hip. The mystery and danger in that sends a thrill straight to my center. I don’t know when I became this woman who likes the bad boy. I suppose maybe it was always there. Either way, the man in front of me turns me on like no other.
“There you go. Anyways, something like that. We usually fix everything ourselves so we don’t ever have strangers in here. If we can’t fit it, we most likely don’t need it.”
“Makes sense. What other room is secure?”
His eyes darken.
“My bedroom.”
Dirty thoughts race through my mind.
“Don’t want them hearing your dirty deeds?”
“They wouldn’t hear them always. I don’t bring women here. This is my home, not some fuck pad. Entrance is a privilege that not many have. I sure as fuck ain’t bringing some easy pussy here.” He tells me with such conviction.
I don’t question the delight I feel from his words. I don’t want to think about the fact that he just admitted girls and most men aren’t allowed here, yet I am. I don’t want to know what that means. The lines I have drawn get a little bit more blurred each time we see each other.
“Why there then?”
“A man is most vulnerable when he is sleeping. If they know when I am sleeping, then my enemies would attack while the feds would know when to take me. You can never be too cautious in my line of work.”
“You think of everything, don’t you?”
“It’s my job.”
“So what meeting did I interrupt earlier?”
“That is privileged information.”
The high I had from his earlier statement fades.
“Are you saying I am not privileged?”
“I didn’t say that. I am still trying to decide if I can trust you.”
“What is stopping you?”
“You are unpredictable. You don’t know when to keep your mouth shut. Who is to say that if the FBI pulled you in tomorrow that you wouldn’t turncoat on us. On me.”
I feel the hurt at his words. He really thinks I would turn on them.
“I’m no rat, Bash. I wouldn’t give the FBI any information because they don’t give two shits about me. They would turn me over to Ryan in a heartbeat and probably watch as he beat the last glimmer of life out of me. As for my mouth, I know when to keep it shut. I just choose not to shut it around you. I feel we have the type of relationship that I shouldn’t have to, but if you tell me I’m wrong, then that can change right now. I might be unpredictable, but I am loyal, Bash. You protected me when I didn’t ask for it. You cared for me when I needed it. You took extra steps to protect those close to me. You didn’t have to do that. For that, you have my undying loyalty. I would rather rot in jail or 6 feet under than give you up.”
A look of surprise passes his face. I wasn’t lying. I meant every word I said. I understood the need to keep my mouth shut about them before I met them. That became more apparent when he killed someone in front of me. Then he stepped in when he didn’t have to and protected me from my past. Why would I turn on him when he didn’t turn on me?
“It was a commission meeting.”
“Like the school commission?”
He reaches out and grabs my hand.
“For the five families. When we get together, it is to discuss and squash any issues between families. It’s a big deal to get all five Don’s in a room together.”
“Oh shit. I am so sorry.” I cringe at the thought of pulling him out of there.
I guess he wasn’t kidding about it being an important meeting.
He reaches out and cups my cheek.
“Apology accepted. If my men tell you I cannot be reached, trust that there is a reason for it. With that being said, if it is important and you really do need to speak with me, Gio or Lo will always get me. No questions asked.”
“Why would they? I was surprised they caved earlier. Why would they interrupt you for me?”
“That’s enough questions now. I won’t lift your protection, but if you would like someone new, I might be able to arrange that.”
I sigh.
“The guy you have on me now is grumpy. He wouldn’t even tell me his name. I don’t need protection, but if you are going to force it upon me, you could at least pick someone who won’t be such a dick. Did Lorenzo tell you he hesitated when I told him I hurt my ankle and needed a ride? What kind of protection is that?”
I feel myself get worked up all over again.
“You’re hurt? Let me see?”
He begins to pick up my left leg.
“No. I lied, but that is not the point.”
He drops my leg.
“I will talk to him and assign someone new to you, but don’t lie about being hurt again. Deal?”
“Only if you introduce me to him first. If he is going to be tailing me, I at least deserve to know him.”
“You drive a hard bargain.” He says, but he has amusement in his eyes. “Deal.”
He reaches out his hand and I shake it.
Why do I feel like I just made a deal with the devil?
∞∞∞
I yawn and stretch as I open my eyes. For a moment, I am alarmed. I don’t recognize the ceiling above me. I think back to last night.
After we talked, Bash lead me to the den where we watched a movie together as we ate pizza he ordered. After we were done eating, I laid on my corner of the couch and stretch my feet out. Bash started to rub them and I didn’t miss the heat in his eyes as I moaned at how good it felt. Half-way through the movie, I started to doze from exhaustion and his ministrations. Needless to say, I don’t remember the end.
I vaguely remember being lifted into the air, but when Bash’s voice told me to go back to sleep, I listened. For some reason, I feel like I can trust him with my life.
I sit up and look around. The room looks normal enough. I am sitting in the middle of a huge bed. I would say it was a king, but it seems much larger. To my left is a dresser with a mirror on top. Next to that, there is a door which opens outward, so I am guessing it is a closet. In front of me, there is are curtains covering the entire wall. I imagine there is a window behind it, but I can’t say for sure. To my right there is another door while the wall is otherwise empty.
Another door on the other side of the bed opens and I jump. I didn’t notice it there before. Steam billows out into the bedroom as a towel clad man walks into the room while towel
ing his hair. I screech and he stiffens as he drops the towel in his hands.
“Jesus, Tesoro. You scared me.”
Bash.
I should have known it was him. I have never seen him in anything other than suits. Standing in front of me now, I am able to see every plane of his body. Man, Bash looks sexy with wet hair. I move down his body and note several tattoos covering his torso. I lick my lips as I wonder if he would let me kiss each one of his abs individually. I allow my eyes to dip further as I trace the V leading down to the top of his towel. I bite my lip. I felt what was under there last night and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. This man is packing some serious heat beneath that towel.
A growl erupts from him and my eyes shoot to his.
“Keep biting your lip, Tesoro and I will forget all my vows of being honorable and take you right there in my bed.”
I feel the heat spread though my body at his words.
Yes Please.
I want to beg. Hell, I think I even whimper a little at his words. My body is all on board for some sexy time with this gorgeous beast standing in front of me.
Thankfully, my mind kicks in to stop me from making any decisions that I would regret
I go to speak, but the huskiness in my voice makes me stop and clear my throat.
“Keep dreaming, lover boy. What are you doing in here half-naked anyways? There was no other bathroom for you to use in this huge ass mansion of yours?”
“Sure, there are. This one just so happens to be mine so I am partial to it.”
His words click finally.
My bed. Mine.
“What am I doing in your bed?”
He chuckles.
“Most girls wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
“I think we have established I am not like most girls.”
“That we have. You fell asleep on the couch. I brought you in here so you would sleep more comfortably.”
I cringe. Of course, he did. I cannot believe I trusted him. I look down and find myself fully clothed in my outfit from work. Thankfully, I wore pants last night, but my low-cut top has ridden even lower. I tug it up to make sure the girls are covered. I feel slightly uncomfortable having slept in my bra, but otherwise, I seem okay.
“Where did you sleep?”
He chuckles.
“Right there.”
He technically points to the edge of the bed in front of him, which I could fit at least four people between there and myself, but I still feel a little panicked.
“Don’t worry, Sof. I was the perfect gentleman. I didn’t even throw a pillow at you as your snored keeping me up half the night.
“I do not snore!” I feel the blush light up my face.
“Are you telling me there was a lumberjack in here sawing some wood last night? I wonder where he ran off too.”
His boyish smile catches me off guard. I have seen the smirk he gives that is calculating. I have also seen the smile he gives before he pulls the trigger. This smile is different. It is almost like he let his guard down and is giving me a real smile. One I will tuck away and remember the next time he is a dick.
“He probably left when he heard the shower turn off. You know since you walked out here practically naked. I hear lumberjacks really prefer the V to the D.”
The smile on his face grows.
“Sorry to disappoint him then. Unfortunately, my clothes are in here, so unless you want a show, which I am happy to provide, then I suggest you get your lazy ass out of bed and get a move on.”
“No thanks. I didn’t bring my magnifying glass with me.”
I wink at him, but gulp as the lie burns on my tongue. I still remember the feel of him in my hands. That is one memory that will be saved for later use.
I get up and head towards the bathroom, but he crowds into my space.
“Trust me, baby. There is nothing small about this.”
He reaches down and drops his towel before gripping his member. I keep my eyes trained on his even though they want to stray like the traitors they are.
“It’s not about the size, Bash. All that really matters is what you can do with it.”
He leans in closer. At this point, I could stick my tongue out and swipe his lip. I have to bite mine to stop myself. Bash catches the motion as his eyes stray to them.
“I could provide a demonstration if you would like.”
My throat suddenly feels dry. I want to respond but I am caught speechless.
Yeah, seductive Bash is a force to be reckoned with. My legs feel wobbly just from his words. I can only imagine what a night in bed with him would do.
When I don’t answer, Bash closes the distance as his hand comes up to cup my face and kisses me. The next thing I know, he is walking me backwards until I am pressed up against a wall. He turns his head and deepens the kiss. I gasp at the sensations overwhelming my body. Bash uses the opening to skim his tongue across mine.
I get lost in the kiss. I surrender myself to every move his lips make over mine. Before I know it, he has my shirt half-way up my torso while his hands caress my skin.
The lust filled haze starts to lift as I push him back. He only gives me an inch. I am busy trying to catch my breath when his hand reaches my breast. I push him back again.
“Bash.” I murmur.
He continues to trail kisses down my neck.
“Bash!”
He gives me a smile.
“Yes, Tesoro.”
“Stop!” I smack his hand as he attempts it again.
“You are so responsive. Every touch. Every kiss. Everything I do elicits a response from you. I can’t deny that it turns me on.”
I can feel the evidence of his pleasure pressing against my stomach. My body is practically begging for it, but my mind has taken back control and she knows this man spell heart break.
“Back up.”
When he doesn’t move, I shove him.
“Do you not understand me? I said No. Now back up.”
That gets to him. He backs away and grabs his towel before putting it around his waist.
“Maybe listen the next time you decide you want to force yourself on a woman.”
Next thing I know he is back in my space.
“I don’t have to force myself on ANYONE. You wanted that as much as I did. I am just the only one willing to admit it. Why is that, Sofia? Maybe you should think about that.”
He takes a couple steps back.
“We are done here. There is a new toothbrush in the bathroom for you. I also had Gio put your bag in there. Towels are under the sink if you want a shower.”
He dismisses me as he walks into his closet. I don’t waste another minute. The erratic beating of my heart is making it hard for me to breath. I do the only thing I can do. I lock myself in the bathroom.
Chapter Seven
Bastiano
“You look frustrated.”
I walk into the kitchen and find Gio and Lo sitting at the table. Leo smirks at his statement.
“That woman is infuriating.” I growl out as I go to the fridge and grab the carton of orange juice.
“Yet, you find her addicting.”
I turn to glare at Gio, but I find that he is lost in his own thought. He spoke out loud as if he were speaking about me, but I have a feeling he was speaking of himself.
“Something like that. Lo, can you go check on her please. I don’t trust myself to be in the same room with her right now.”
He nods at he gets up and leaves.
I sit at my place at the table and pick up the paper. Scanning the paper, I am caught off guard when Gio speaks again.
“If you really care for her, I think you should make it official. It would be safer for her and you. Not only physically, but emotionally. Don’t let her get away. It will be your number one regret.”
“Shit, Gio. Are you okay?”
I set my paper down and give him my full attention. He gets up and takes his cup to the sink.
�
��I’m fine, I promise. Just think about it.”
With that, I am left alone. I don’t remember the last time Gio left me sitting somewhere alone. That was the thing. He once watched a Capo get popped while sitting alone at a restaurant. Ever since them, he tried to always be with me. Lo too, but Gio is on a different level. The fact that he just got up and walked out tells me something is seriously going on with him. I make a mental note to make time to have a serious discussion with him. Whatever is eating at him, he needs to resolve sooner rather than later.
I pick my paper back up and twenty minutes later Lo returns with a freshly showered Sofia. I about drop my glass that I had just lifted to my lips when I see her.
She is no longer dressed in her work uniform. Instead, she is wearing one of my white button downs and a pair of my pajama pants and fuck me if she isn’t the most gorgeous sight I have ever seen.
“Sorry, I had to borrow some of your clothes. Mine smelled bad.” She scrunches her nose up and I am surprised that I find it adorable.
Damn my emotions are all over the board when it comes to this woman. I’m convinced that we need to just fuck and get it over with. My goal is to fuck her out of my system while we solve this problem she has. Once that is all settled, and we have fucked dozens of times, then I will be able to let her go on with her life as planned, while I come back here and live mine. Or I hope so at least.
The ping of loneliness in my chest comes out of nowhere. I push it back as I smile at her.
“Looks better on your anyways. Sit. Have fruit.”
I point to the fruit bowl I am sure Lo pulled out this morning. I asked him to make sure there was food for her to eat before I went to bed last night. He gave me a knowing smile, but did as I asked.
“Oh. Thanks.”
She sits down and fills a bowl before she starts to nibble.
“Do you want coffee? Orange juice?”
“Coffee is good.”
“We have a variety. What kind do you like?”
“Oh, you don’t have to make a pot just for me. OJ is fine.”
I laugh at her.
