by Piper Stone
There was something about his words that were so damn haunting. He’d never been allowed to have a childhood. I turned slightly, still hiding behind my drink, still unable to look him in the eyes. “Did he... punish you?”
“He raised his hand as if to slap me for daring to defy him, but something odd happened. He lowered his arm and crouched down to my level. There was such sadness in his eyes, as if he had no idea what to say to his own son. When he reached out, I refused to flinch and his gentle touch was shocking to me. My father had never tucked me in. He’d never attended a birthday party. He was far too busy. On that day, I could see tears in his eyes.”
“What did you do?” I realized I was leaning in, now barely an inch away from him.
“I placed my hand on my father’s face, telling him that it was all right that he couldn’t take me.” Lorenzo snorted. “I was eight years old consoling my monstrous father.” He sighed, giving me an awkward smile. “Anyway, for the first time, my father told me how proud he was of me for standing up for what I believed in. Then he let me in on a little family secret.”
I twisted my mouth, uncertain if I wanted to hear the rest.
“He said that our family wasn’t normal in any manner, that we couldn’t attend various events or festivities like all the other children in my class. When I asked him why, he said that there were too many enemies hungry and very willing to find any weakness, prepared to destroy our family. He said that it was his responsibility to keep his family safe. Sadly, years later I realized that he’d been right.”
Another obvious tragedy in Lorenzo’s past. All I’d really been thinking about was myself, forgetting that the life he led he hadn’t chosen.
Lorenzo offered a slight smile. “Anyway, he told me that I would soon hold that responsibility as the firstborn son, and he knew I was capable of protecting those I cared about. Of course, I was too young to fully comprehend what he was telling me, but at that moment, I felt like king of the hill, as if my father was telling me I was special.”
The sadness in his voice brought tears to my eyes. “I’m... sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. That was the night I began to grow up. He also told me that I needed to be very careful who I placed any level of trust in and that I would learn caring about anyone had risks.”
“That’s a shitty thing to say to a little boy.”
Lorenzo lifted a single eyebrow. “Is it? He was preparing me for the life within the dark realm of a mafia family. I respected him much more after that day.”
“Why are you telling me this?” I finally asked.
He took the last step in my direction, towering over me. “Because I believed every word my father told me and until recently, I trusted no one. I cared for no one.”
I opened my mouth but there were no words to say.
“Until you came into my life, Sierra. You are capable of bringing my world to its knees. I was ready to tear the city apart in my effort to seek revenge when I thought you were dead. You have changed my life but in doing so, I’m forced to face demons that I’d locked away years ago. I never want to hurt you and I do trust you with all that I have.”
Perhaps there was no real reason for him to trust me or for me to believe anything that he’d said. But I did. He’d finally allowed me into his inner sanctum, and I had no doubt he’d never done that before. As I captured a glimpse of his very soul through his beautiful eyes, I knew there was no turning back. For whatever reason fate had brought us together again, I refused to fall victim to my own fears and allow it to be stripped away. “I—”
He placed a single finger over my mouth, shaking his head. “Stop talking. We’re not going to waste any time. What we have tonight might not happen again for some time.”
“Why?”
“I think Dante is right. Someone is actually attempting to protect you. Things are escalating, and my guess is they will reach a boiling point within days.” He used his body to push me against the edge of the counter, taking the drink out of my hand. His eyes twinkled as he took a sip before placing the glass on the counter with a hard thud. “I’ve told you before. When I want something, I take it. No ifs. No questions. No hesitations. And. I. Want. You.”
There was such angry desire in the man, as if he’d unleased the beast. While I’d been apprehensive before, all I wanted was to have him fill me.
Lick me.
Fuck me.
I planted both palms on his chest, clenching his thick jacket, my breath skipping. “I want you. Not just not tonight, but...” Why couldn’t I finish my sentence, sharing with him what I honestly desired? This wasn’t about love at first sight or even going from enemies to lovers. This was about accepting a life that I had no real understanding of but with a man—the only man I knew who could fulfill my desires, giving me everything I’d ever wanted.
“Forever,” he growled and took my hands into his, lowering his head until he pressed his lips against mine. He held the position, finally using his lips to open mine, darting his tongue just inside.
For a man with no patience, his tender and calculated actions were enough to drive me to the point of insatiable need. I tipped my head, forcing our lips together, drinking in his sweet essence. He smelled of testosterone and brawn, a man ready to seek revenge on all those who would attempt to destroy any portion of his life. The taste of him was even sweeter, a reminder of our intense connection.
I slipped my arms around his neck, intertwining my fingers in his hair as the kiss became more passionate, turning into a desperate need shared between us. His breathing was ragged as he lifted me onto my tiptoes, taking more control, ravaging me with his mouth. He finally unleased his beast, growling past the kiss as he ground his hips against mine.
The feel of his throbbing cock made me swoon, my mind reeling as the intense longing rushed into every cell and vein. I was lost to this man with no sense of rationality any longer. Whatever danger was about to occur, we would face it together.
At least I believed we would.
He yanked me away from the counter then gripped both sides of my face, using enough force I opened my eyes wide. When he broke the kiss, he took several rapid breaths, the hot air invigorating. “Mine. I’ve told you that before, but no man will ever attempt to hurt you again. Do you hear me? Do you?”
“Yes. Yes!”
With almost no effort, he tossed me over his shoulder, taking long strides out of the kitchen. There was no need to comment to Dante. The soldier knew his place. He’d keep us safe and alive.
At least for tonight.
I was totally electrified, a heightened level of red-hot heat searing every nerve ending. Lightheaded, I was torn by how much I adored him. This time, it wasn’t only my body that had betrayed me. My heart and soul had followed suit.
Lorenzo took the stairs two at a time, not asking which room I’d taken. He simply went to the end of the hall, kicking open the partially closed door, slamming it shut and storming forward. There was no light, no warm glow of a spring moon shining in through the blinds, yet he knew his way, dumping me onto the softness of the bed.
Neither Dante nor I had selected what I guessed was the master bedroom, both feeling like unwanted strangers and nothing more.
There were no words as Lorenzo moved around the room, although I heard the sound of a closet door opening. I held my breath, concentrating on the rapid beating of my heart. When the light from a single candle added a warm glow to the room, I couldn’t help but take a deep breath. He was magnificent tonight, although his roughhewn appearance was a little frayed around the edges.
He had been worried. Such warmth rushed into my system at the notion.
I watched as he removed his weapons, laying them carefully on the small nightstand, both ready for action. He would never relax, could never simply be a man. On this night, he was my protector as well as my lover.
He was also my master.
Of my desires.
Of my training.
Of my pain.
And of every moment of pleasure he’d allow.
In other words, he was breathtaking.
He stood three feet away from the bed, his chest rising and falling at he stared down at me. Even though I wasn’t able to see the darkness in his eyes, I felt his heated gaze through every inch of my body. Another growl slipped past his lips as he tore off his coat, tossing it aside. He removed his shirt next, yanking it over his head and shoulders then advancing toward the bed.
“Take off your clothes. I need to see all of you,” he commanded in the husky voice I’d come to love.
I eased off the bed, every part of me shaking as I fumbled to unfasten the button on my jeans, part of a handful of clothes purchased at Dante’s insistence before we left town. Lorenzo’s eyes never left me as I struggled to remove my clothes, barely able to slide the jeans over my hips.
Lorenzo moved closer only when I only had on my red thong, the single sexy purchase I’d made.
For him.
For the man I both feared and loved.
“Stop,” he commanded before I was able to remove them. “So damn beautiful.”
The second I felt the heat of his body, I let out a single whimper. He was so overpowering in every manner, his needs and desires mixed into one.
“Turn around,” he stated.
I obeyed instantly, clenching my fists as I performed the required act.
“Mmm... I’d almost forgotten just how incredible you were.” He reached out, using the tip of his index finger, swirling around first one nipple then the other.
Another whimper escaped my lips, the electricity soaring to the point my entire body was humming from the high voltage.
He trailed his finger down my stomach, fingering the thin elastic of my panties. When he began to ease both sides down my hips, I was forced to grasp his shoulders for fear of falling. I could no longer feel my legs. I’d lost all sense of time, unable to focus. The man had that kind of hold on me, dominating in every way.
As the soft lace began to fall to the floor, I closed my eyes. I had no memory of kicking them to the side but when he tapped the inside of my thigh, a subtle demand to open my legs for him, I realized just how naked and vulnerable I was.
And I loved every second of it.
“Place your hands behind your head,” he directed as he flexed his fingers open, brushing the tips down my face.
I was drunk from his scent, his prowess, and did as he asked, finding myself leaning into him. I knew better than to utter a single word, his concentration so extreme.
He dragged his fingers across my breast, sliding them around my back as he moved behind me. “Bend over, doll.”
I bit back a moan as I bent at the waist, knowing exactly what he was searching for. The second he twisted the plug back and forth, I let out an exaggerated breath.
“You wore it,” he whispered, thrusting the thick rubber in and out several times.
“Yes, sir. Of course, sir.” The words seemed to come so easily, as if I’d belonged to him for years.
“A good girl. Perhaps your spanking won’t be as severe.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Perhaps I’d craved his firm hand, the tingles associated with the slice of pain. I no longer questioned my feelings for him, simply forced to accept that he’d imprisoned me with his mind and the glorious body that had brought me such intense and beautiful rapture.
He brought me to a standing position, immediately dropping his head and biting down on my neck as he cupped and squeezed my breasts. “Delicious.”
My knees almost buckled as he bit even harder, marking me once again as his. When he pinched my nipples, twisting them brutally, I dropped my head, taking several deep breaths. There wasn’t anything that could feel so exquisite.
Seconds later, he released his hold, walking back in front of me, a wry smile on his face. As he unfastened his belt, taking his time to slide the thick leather from the belt loops, his nostrils flared. I could tell his mouth was watering, longing to punish me for some unknown sin.
Perhaps worry.
Perhaps fear.
I didn’t care, almost ready to beg him to spank me. I wanted to feel alive, to know that he would stop at nothing to keep me safe.
When he was completely naked, he threw back his head, issuing a husky roar so primitive in nature. It was as if he wanted the world to know I belonged to him.
No matter the consequences.
With a quick snap of his hand, he snagged my wrist, sitting down on the bed with an exaggerated move and yanking me over his lap. For all the spankings I’d received during the last few days, this was much more personal.
“You’re going to be a good little girl and maintain position for me,” he said in a husky tone as he pressed his hand against the small of my back.
“Yes, sir.” I planted my hands on the floor, not bothering to ask why he was giving me a round of punishment. At this point, it honestly didn’t matter. The thought was riveting, scintillating in a manner I wasn’t expecting.
He rubbed both ass cheeks, caressing them lovingly. His breath was still labored, the weight of the world crushing down on him. The first two smacks were almost loving, the sensations dazzling. He kneaded my skin again before sliding his finger down the crack of my ass.
“I can’t wait to fuck that tight little ass of yours. I’ve thought of nothing else.”
Another shudder swept through me from his promise. As he began to spank me in earnest, moving from one side to the other methodically, I was floored at my body’s reaction. My pussy clenching. My nipples aching.
He took the time to twist and thrust the anal plug several times before resuming the discipline. The pain intensified as he smacked me hard and fast, yet the anguish was dull in comparison to the desire raging deep within.
“Oh...” I realized I’d kicked up my legs as the pain intensified and even the feel of his thick cock pressing against my tummy wasn’t deterrent enough.
“Bad girl. You know better,” he whispered as he dipped his fingers between my legs, sliding the tip just between my swollen folds. “I think I know what you need.”
As he pulsed his finger in and out, I undulated my hips, longing to have his cock buried deep inside.
Lorenzo fisted my hair, tugging as he leaned over. “Not yet, sunshine. I haven’t finished disciplining you yet.”
I could tell he was reaching for his belt, the slight noise the buckle made echoing in my ears. Tensing, I wanted to beg him not to use the strap, to assure him that I’d be good no matter what he asked, but I knew my pleading wouldn’t matter. This was a mere reminder that I was owned.
The first crack of the thick leather and I bit down on my lower lip, the pain instantaneous. The second brought tears to my eyes but not from the pain, from the beginning of a release that I’d never experienced before.
“That’s it, baby. Let go. I’ll always be here.”
His words caused more of a reaction that I dared to admit. I was tossed into a quiet moment of peace, even as the tears continued to fall. I heard the cracking sound of his wrist as well as the whooshing of the belt in the air, but no longer felt pain, only pure joy, a true bliss. My entire world had been turned upside down by this brooding, brawny, and aggressive Italian not once but twice. Only this time was so much better.
He continued the spanking for several additional minutes. I fought making any kind of sound, but a whimper left my mouth, my heart racing. Growling, he finally tossed the belt to the side. The warmth on my bottom was nothing in comparison to the tingling sensations as he rubbed his rough pads down the length of my spine. No matter how dangerous this man was, he fueled the fire sweltering within his massive body. He was a powerhouse, a man with no conscience yet a man who gave everything in order to demolish the intense loneliness.
I was his weakness.
His kryptonite.
His salvation.
And I knew in my heart that I would also be his demise. Something within me snapped, my mind even cl
earer than before. The emotional rollercoaster was too much to take. I adored him, but there wasn’t a way I could think of that we would be safe together. There would always be an enemy attempting to take what was most precious to him.
No. No. That was wrong. I closed my eyes, struggling with what to do, wanting to tell him over and over again that I loved him.
He’d take risks in order to keep me alive. He’d compromise his home, his wealth, and his family in order to protect me.
There was no way I was going to allow that to happen.
Not now.
Not ever.
And so, I’d have to say goodbye. Somehow.
Then my heart would be broken but he’d be alive.
Chapter Ten
Lorenzo
“Go remove your plug. I’m going to fuck that tight ass of yours.” My demanding voice seemed to surprise Sierra, her eyes opening wide.
She hesitated, chewing on her inner cheek and shifting from foot to foot. I could tell there was something on her mind. There was even a sadness in her eyes as if she was contemplating whether or not she would obey my command. I realized this entire experience was difficult, for both of us. Maybe I was a fool to think even tonight could be normal in any manner.
But I refused to back down.
“If I have to ask you again, I’m going to spank your wet pussy, Sierra. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, sir.” She moved toward the bathroom, her head hung low.
Exhaling, I walked toward the window, staring out at the lightly falling snow. If only this was nothing more than a few days spent with... I half laughed as I thought the words that had been burning deep with. The woman I loved. Shit. I couldn’t deny my feelings for her. There was no way.
The weakness was suffocating, yanking me into another dimension. By all rights, I should walk away from her. Then maybe she’d actually live a normal and long life. I leaned my head against the frigid glass, taking several deep breaths until I sensed her presence behind me. I turned slowly, studying the woman standing in her bare feet. She was a strong girl, capable of fighting off a monstrous creature like Axel, but tonight she seemed so small and all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her.
