Beautifully Brutal (Southern Boy Mafia #1)

by Nicole Edwards

  “What’re we gonna do today?” he asked, leaning back enough to see her face.

  Courtney smiled. “It’s Ashlynn’s birthday,” she said sweetly. “We’re gonna party like rock stars. And later tonight…” She kissed his mouth. “You can return that favor.”

  “In the club?” he inquired, loving the feisty side of his soon-to-be wife.

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “Oh, it definitely is,” he whispered, licking his way into her mouth once more. “More than anything.”

  Twenty minutes later, Max was in his office while Courtney showered. He had business to attend to before they let loose for the night. And more importantly, he needed to have a conversation with Leyton.

  As it was, they’d had to increase security tenfold. Now that he’d taken over the Southern Boy Mafia, moving into the role his father had held for years, things were changing.

  Drastically.

  Strangely, they were getting stronger, more powerful, garnering more respect. It was almost as though Samuel had been holding them back, which, no doubt, he probably had been. The man hadn’t been in his right mind for quite some time, and although Max understood Samuel’s overall objective, the way in which he’d gone about getting things done left something to be desired.

  For instance, taking a thirteen-year-old as a bride for a payment of a debt.

  Sitting in his desk chair, Max pulled out a folder he kept locked in the bottom drawer of his desk. It contained all of the information regarding every member of the Southern Boy Mafia. Not their personal information, though. Those details were locked in another safe, one that no one except for Max and his second-in-command knew. Which, at that point, was no one.

  That was the reason for the meeting he’d scheduled with Leyton. He needed Leyton’s input on who would take over as underboss now that Max was boss. It wasn’t an easy decision.

  “Mornin’, sir,” Leyton called when he came into the room.

  “Mornin’. Have a seat,” Max stated, nodding toward the chair across from his desk.

  Leyton kept his eyes firmly on Max.

  Max hadn’t informed Leyton why he was calling him into his office so early on a Friday morning, but the other man clearly knew it was important. After closing the door behind him, Leyton took a seat, his eyes never straying from Max.

  Leaning back in his chair, he ordered his thoughts.

  “I need your opinion,” Max began. “I’ve given a lot of thought to the organization and the direction it needs to go.”

  Leyton nodded.

  “The leadership of the Adorite family, or Southern Boy Mafia”—Max grinned—“whichever you prefer to call it, has always remained within the family. We’ve always instated the next in line, which technically means that Brent would move into my previous role, however…”

  Leyton lifted an eyebrow, but he didn’t speak.

  “I’m not sure Brent’s ready, or even willing, for that matter, to take over that position. He’s got little initiative.”

  “Have you talked to him?” Leyton inquired.

  Max leaned forward, resting his forearms on his desk. “At length, yes. He informed me that he’s not ready, but I’m inclined to believe that he’s never had the intention of taking over. He just never out-and-out admitted that part.”

  “I’d have to agree,” Leyton stated, crossing his ankle over his knee and resting his hands on his stomach. “He’s content with the day-to-day, but as far as decision making, I don’t think he’s interested.”

  “I know someone who is, someone I think would be able to handle the position brilliantly.”

  “Ashlynn?” Leyton inquired.

  Max had actually given plenty of thought to that. “I spoke with my sister,” Max told him frankly. “She was flattered, but she turned me down flat. However, she wasn’t my first choice, either.”

  Leyton’s eyes narrowed on him, and Max knew he was trying to figure out what direction he was headed. So he decided to enlighten him. “I met with my brothers and sisters yesterday, as you know. And we came to a decision.”

  “Which is?”

  “My first choice for second-in-command has always been you.”

  Watching his friend closely, Max fought the urge to smile when Leyton’s eyes widened, his jaw hanging open.

  “Me? But I’m not…”

  “Not what? Family?”

  “Yes,” Leyton said firmly.

  “We tend to disagree. Technically, no, you’re not family. There’s no Adorite blood in your family line, but that’s not the definition of family. At least not as far as I’m concerned.”

  “What did they say when you suggested it?” Leyton’s eyes were still wide, but his cool demeanor had returned, as though their feedback wasn’t important. Max knew better.

  “It was unanimous.” Leaning back in his chair once again, Max smiled. “So, that means if you’re willin’, then we’re offerin’ you the position. Just remember, with that power comes responsibility. And once in, never out.”

  Leyton’s lips curved upward. “I’ve been in this from the beginning. You of all people should know that.”

  “I know you have, which is the reason for my choice. You’ve never let me down.”

  “What about Courtney? What did she say?”

  Max smiled. “Courtney only had one concern, of course. She’s always the voice of reason.”

  “And that was?”

  “My safety. According to her, without you, I’m vulnerable.” Max had actually found their conversation amusing, but he’d understood her point. If Leyton were to move into the role, it left a hole in his own security, and with the position he was taking over, that was a serious aspect they couldn’t overlook.

  “She’s a very smart woman,” Leyton replied. As he sat up straight, Leyton’s expression turned serious. “Who’ll take over my position?”

  “I know who I’d suggest, but I’m gonna ask you to answer that one,” Max told him frankly.

  “Dane,” Leyton stated without thought.

  Max nodded. He’d been thinking the same thing, but he wanted Leyton to elaborate.

  “The man took a bullet for your fiancée,” Leyton continued. “He’s proven his loyalty time and time again. Aside from Rock, he’s the only one I would trust with your life.”

  “And what about you?” Max inquired. “Who’ll step into that position for you?”

  Max could sense that Leyton didn’t think it was necessary, but there were precautions that had to be taken. In their world, the police were out to get them as much as anyone else, so expecting the good guys in blue to ride in and save the day was never an option. And as Courtney had said, they were vulnerable, even if they didn’t want to admit it.

  “Can I have some time to think about it?” Leyton asked.

  “Think about what? Taking over the position? Or who’ll be watchin’ your back?”

  Leyton grinned. “You should always know that I’ll do whatever you need me to do, and I’ll do it to the best of my abilities, boss. If you trust me to help run this organization, I don’t have any questions. As for someone watchin’ my back, I’ll need to weigh my options. I’m not willin’ to take your security from you, which means I’ll have to get creative.”

  “Will one of Ashlynn’s boys work?” Max knew that Ashlynn had more than they all did when it came to her security, but due to her position within the company and her visibility, that was necessary.

  “No,” Leyton stated adamantly. “Those boys are right where they need to be. I trust them with her life, and that’s all that matters.”

  Max considered that statement for a moment. His thoughts drifted back to the time he’d caught Leyton and Ashlynn making out in the hallway, and he wondered whether that had escalated. Surely he’d have known because he saw everything. If it had, they’d hidden it well. Then again, Max knew that not only was Leyton loyal to him but he was loyal to the entire family, which meant he’d go to all lengths necessary to ensure that Ashly
nn was protected. Regardless of what his underlying reasons were, or if they were more personal than business.

  “Oh, and one more thing…” Max watched as Leyton’s eyebrows lifted in question. “Second-in-command or not, I better not ever catch you fuckin’ my sister anywhere. Certainly not in my bed or my favorite fucking chair, or anywhere else in my goddamn house. Got it?”

  Leyton’s confused expression amused Max. Yes, he’d heard that entire tirade the night he’d been shot and Leyton had saved his life. He’d never forgotten that, either.

  When Leyton didn’t say anything, Max laughed. “We good?”

  “Yeah,” Leyton said with a chuckle. “Whatever you say, boss.”

  “Then it’s settled?” Max focused on Leyton again. “Effective immediately. We’ll announce tonight.”

  “And my first assignment?” Leyton asked, getting to his feet.

  “You can start by moving the fuck out of my house,” Max joked. “Check your account. You’ll find more than enough to get your own place.”

  Leyton laughed, as Max had thought he would.

  “My pleasure. It ain’t easy to sleep with all that moanin’ and groanin’ goin’ on in your room.”

  Max smirked. “Trust me, that won’t be stoppin’ anytime in the near future. At least not if I have anything to say about it.”

  Reaching out, Max waited for Leyton to shake his hand.

  Leyton looked down, then placed his palm against Max’s. “You’ve always been like a brother to me. It’s an honor, boss. Truly.”

  “Give it time.” Max chuckled. “The first time you’re shot, you probably won’t feel that way.”

  “True. Very true.”

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  It was never a question … until her. Until them.

  Leyton made his way through the crowded club. He felt different, and he didn’t need to wonder why that was. The announcement had been made tonight, which hadn’t been done at the club the way Max had said it would be; instead, it had been handled over dinner, where all of the Adorites, including Courtney, had come together. Max’s future wife had felt that something more official needed to take place rather than just a speech at the club where they’d be celebrating Ashlynn’s twenty-sixth birthday.

  The day had been surreal.

  Many people wouldn’t understand, but for him, this was an honor. Maybe being imbedded in a mob family didn’t appeal to everyone, but for Leyton, it was more than a career choice. They were family. Regardless of the job or the end result, ultimately, he had a place he belonged.

  That hadn’t always been the case for him.

  Word was spreading quickly through the club with the others, and Leyton found himself shaking hands a lot. He’d already run into a few associates who informed him that they’d like to speak to him at the first available opportunity.

  That was business, so he’d informed them to reach out next week. He’d meet then.

  Tonight was about having a good time.

  After nodding to Courtney and Max, who were sitting at the bar smiling at one another like no one else was there, Leyton took the stairs up to the VIP section, looking for one person in particular. The guest of honor.

  She’d disappeared nearly half an hour ago, and he was just making sure she was all right. Or so he told himself.

  The sound of a woman moaning had him slowing. He didn’t know who was beyond that curtain—at least not for sure—but the sensual moans were familiar.

  His breath lodged in his throat when he turned the corner to find…

  Ashlynn.

  Lord have mercy.

  Unable to look away, Leyton remained glued to the floor, his eyes traveling over the sleek lines of her body hidden behind the black silk of her dress. It should’ve turned him off to see the woman who’d invaded his deepest, darkest fantasies as of late in such a position, but it didn’t. In fact, his dick instantly hardened as he took in the scene.

  Ashlynn was impaled on the dick of her head of security, Jase Malone, riding him like a woman obsessed.

  “That’s it, baby,” Jase groaned. “Ride my dick. Are you thinkin’ about him right now?”

  Leyton’s eyes widened when he heard the question. Who? Who the hell was he talking about?

  “God, yes,” she cried out.

  “Are you thinkin’ how good it’d feel if Leyton’s big dick was fillin’ your ass?”

  “Yes,” she affirmed, breathless.

  “You want him fucking your sweet ass while I’m plowin’ this pretty pussy?”

  “Both of you,” she confirmed. “I want to feel you both.”

  Leyton’s eyes slid down to where the two were connected, watching as Jase’s dick slid in and out of Ashlynn while the man’s big, bronze hands gripped her ass cheeks, separating them as his finger explored her asshole.

  “Tell me what else you want, baby,” Jase encouraged.

  Ashlynn continued to ride him, impaling herself on Jase’s thick cock. Leyton’s body was rock hard as he took them in. He could so easily make all their fantasies come true simply by moving into the room, releasing his dick, and filling her ass. It was tempting; there was no doubt about that.

  Then again, he didn’t want to die, and Max had already threatened him. But did Max know about this…? About Jase?

  “I want to feel your mouth on my pussy,” Ashlynn said between cries of pleasure. “I want you to bury your tongue deep.” Ashlynn sucked Jase’s tongue into her mouth as though showing him what she wanted. “And I want to watch Leyton’s dick slide in and out of your ass. I want to see him fuck you, take you, make you fucking beg.”

  It was Jase’s turn to groan. Or fuck, maybe that’d been him, Leyton didn’t know, but the erotic scene flashed in his head.

  How the fuck had she known? He’d always been careful to hide his bisexuality. From everyone. So, did she know? Or was that just a fantasy?

  “Fuck yes,” Jase growled. “I want to feel his dick in my ass, fucking me hard and fast while I lick your pussy.”

  They were both breathless.

  “I need more,” Ashlynn pleaded.

  “Turn around for me,” Jase instructed.

  Leyton took a step back, hiding in the shadows, not wanting them to know he was there.

  Jase’s cock slipped from Ashlynn’s cunt as she stood. When she was facing the other way, Jase got to his feet and ordered her to bend over the arm of the sofa. She did as instructed, her skirt hiked up, Jase’s slacks around his thighs.

  Leyton had always had a thing for Ashlynn. The woman was sexy as fuck and wild as all get out. Although he hadn’t quite known she was this wild. His own sexual proclivities had kept him from pursuing her fully—before he’d known that Max would saw his balls off and feed them to him if he did—but clearly he’d had no reason to worry where she was concerned. Ashlynn Adorite could clearly handle anything Leyton would want from her.

  Jase filled Ashlynn’s pussy from behind in one fluid move, his thick cock going deep.

  “Fuck me, Jase. Fuck me the way you’d fuck Leyton. The way you’ve told me you want to.”

  Holy shit.

  That wasn’t expected. Not at all.

  And now, Leyton couldn’t take his eyes off Jase, admiring the man’s lean, muscular form as he slammed his hips against Ashlynn. The man was sexy as fuck, there was no doubt about that. He was a couple of inches shorter than Leyton, definitely not as broad, but there wasn’t a damn thing small about him. His blond hair was kept short, his aquamarine eyes glowed, and he had a smirk that’d caught Leyton’s attention before.

  Yep, the guy was pure sin, and the two of them together were a temptation not easy to resist, but somehow Leyton managed.

  When Jase shoved two fingers into Ashlynn’s ass, making her beg for more, Leyton thought he would come in his pants.

  But when Ashlynn’s head turned and her sparkling hazel eyes met his, a seductive smile tipping her lips, Leyton knew… She’d wanted him to find them. She’d set this up.


  And fuck if he didn’t want to join in, but he knew better.

  Loyalty was everything in Leyton’s world. And he was nothing if not loyal to Max. If Ashlynn’s brother found out that Leyton and Jase were making her a filling in their heated sex sandwich, there was no doubt that they’d both lose their lives.

  Or worse.

  Their balls.

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Whatever you want …

  you just have to ask.

  By three o’clock in the morning, Devil’s Playground had cleared out.

  Since Max hadn’t opened the club to the public that night, it hadn’t taken long to make sure it was empty, and while Dane and the others did that, Max sat with Courtney at the main bar, watching her intently.

  “Did you have a good time tonight?” he asked when she finished her drink and turned her full attention back to him.

  “I did. I think everyone did.”

  Leaning in, he couldn’t resist running his lips along her jaw, then down her neck. “I still owe you something.”

  “You do,” Courtney agreed. “And I’m ready to take you up on it.”

  Max pulled back, looking her in the eyes. “Here?”

  “Why not?” she asked.

  The next thing he knew, she had hopped up onto the bar, sliding down so that she was sitting in front of him, her legs spread wide. Without having to say a word, Courtney pulled her skirt up to her hips, baring her pussy to his hungry gaze. She was grinning down at him, clearly eager.

  He’d known she hadn’t been wearing panties. He’d figured that out when they’d been dancing and his hand had not-so-innocently traveled up her inner thighs. She’d been slick and warm, just as she was now.

  “Spread your legs wider,” he ordered, pushing the stool away when he got to his feet.

  Courtney’s eyes sparkled as she did as he instructed, widening her legs for him.

  Starving for the taste of her, Max placed his hands beneath her knees and hefted her legs up and open, giving him better access. The position spread her wide as he swiped his tongue over her heated flesh, licking her slowly.