21. Nico
twenty-one
Nico
I stop at the red light and watch a group of college students walk across the street. One guy whistles at my car in appreciation, and pride fills my chest.
I fucking love my Wraith. This model isn’t made anymore, which makes it even more special.
The pride I feel isn’t really about the car itself, but more about how far I’ve come.
That dickhead sperm donor of mine left me and my pregnant mother to fend for ourselves, and we fucking did it. We didn’t just survive; we thrived without him.
Ma worked her ass off to provide for me and Talia. I’m a success because of her sacrifices. When I realized I was a natural at baseball, I threw myself into the sport in hopes of one day making it to the show, so I could return the favor and take care of my family.
And I did. I fucking made it. No thanks to my so-called father. I am the man that I am because of my mother. She provided me with the tools I needed to succeed. I have everything I need; I always have.
I’m brought back to the present as the group of twenty-somethings inch closer to my car and try to peer inside. The dark tint of my windows keeps me invisible as I chuckle at them. They give up and clear the crosswalk for me to make a right turn down the street.
My heart skips as I spot Savannah up ahead, looking fine as fuck in a tight pair of black leggings and an oversized sweatshirt.
She’s standing in front of the glass entrance doors with a plastic bag in her hand, and by the look on her face, she’s annoyed.
The fire usually directed at me is aimed at another man.
I slow the car down to a creep as she crosses her arms over her chest and shakes her head in irritation.
What the fuck?
My car rolls past her, but something in my gut has me slamming on my brakes and putting the car in park. Hazards on, I block the road and kill the engine.
In the rearview mirror, I watch the man dressed in a shitty designer suit crowd her space.
Without hesitation, I fly out of my car. I don’t know who the fuck this guy is, but he’s about to meet the business end of my fist if he steps one inch closer to Savannah.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find you?” The man sneers.
“Just hoping, Bradley,” Savannah snaps back. That sharp tongue, even aimed at someone else, makes my dick jump.
As I approach, wondering how to insert myself, I decide on a tactic that will keep me calm, get me closer to what I want, and get rid of the trash all in one fell swoop.
“Why do you have to be such a bitch?”
Savannah has her back to me, but I see the way her shoulders tense at the douche’s insult.
Fucking prick.
“What the fuck did you just say to her?” I growl as I step beside Savannah and grip the back of her neck with my palm.
A jolt of energy runs through me as I touch her silky skin. The rage that burned through my veins like torched gasoline simmers as I hold on to her.
Savannah grounds me, just like I knew she would. A sense of calm washes over me, and the urge to punch this asshole in the face for disrespecting her dissipates.
For the moment.
I’ll be more than happy to knock his teeth out if he keeps running his mouth.
“Get lost, buddy. I’m here to talk to Savannah. My fiancée,” he says smugly, and my hackles rise.
Fiancée? Fuck no.
“You get lost, Bradley. You are not my fiancé,” Savannah hisses.
Fuck, I like it when she’s spitting fire. Her eyes sparkle, and her cheeks flush a pretty pink. She’s fucking stunning.
“You heard her. Get lost, buddy.” I return the smug smile and glare at the prick.
“Who the fuck are you?” The preppy dick eyes me up and down. He has no idea who I am, but I can see the judgment as he takes in the tattoos covering my neck and hands.
Arching a brow, I do the same. I’m not impressed or worried about the scrawny man in front of me.
He’s shorter than I am and has blond hair and blue eyes.
He’s so fucking California vanilla. No wonder Savannah broke up with him.
I bet he couldn’t even get her off. He looks like the selfish type.
He and his weak-ass bottom of the barrel designer suit and leather shoes can fuck right off.
“Savannah’s boyfriend,” I answer coolly as I draw her closer to my side. She comes willingly, melting into my side like she belongs there. She grips the back of my shirt in silent agreement, making me over the moon happy…and hard. “Which reminds me.”
Gently gripping her throat, I tilt her chin up with my thumb and kiss her forehead, her nose, and her mouth with a soft caress. My lips tingle as if they’ve touched a static balloon, electricity flowing through me.
If the faintest kiss feels like this, I can only imagine what it’s going to be like when I really kiss her.
Un-fucking-real.
“Hello, gattina.” My voice is rough as my heart pounds like a hammer in my chest.
Her eyes widen as she swipes her tongue across her bottom lip, tasting me on her mouth. For the first time since I’ve known her, Savannah sounds sweet and breathless as she whispers, “Hi.”
The world melts away as I stare into her amber eyes. Flecks of orange streak her irises, and it’s like looking into a fire. Warm and comforting. I could get lost in her gaze.
Her eyes search mine, and the electricity between us is undeniable as it snaps like a live wire. Her pulse flutters under my fingertips, and I know she feels this too.
She fits so perfectly in my hand. I give her neck another little squeeze before I kiss her again. First her top lip, then her bottom. She smells and tastes like sweet berries and sunsets. Savannah places her hand on my chest and kisses me back. It’s all lip. Chaste.
A prelude to more.
“Seriously, Savannah, this guy?” The douche scoffs, breaking us apart.
I was so lost in Savannah, I forgot he was here.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Savannah glares at Brad whatever-the-fuck his name is as she stays glued to me. Her body heat penetrates me to my soul.
How the fuck am I going to let her walk away after that kiss?
“Look at him.” The dude has the audacity to point at me.
I know what I look like. I might be covered in tats, but I’m also good-looking as fuck. I’m not saying that to be conceited. It’s just the truth. I smirk at Bradley as he waves his arms in the air like an angry baboon.
“He looks like a fucking criminal, and you come from one of the most respected medical families in the country. It’s practically a requirement that you marry a doctor, not some bro covered in tattoos.”
Okay, now this guy is pissing me off.
I’m about to break the fucker in half when Savannah steps in front of me, protecting me from this little pissant.
“You have no clue who this man is or what you’re talking about.
If you haven’t realized, I don’t give a crap about what my family thinks.
Why do you think I changed my name? And as for who I date?
That is none of your business. We are so over, Bradley.
Do not come back here, or so help me, I will file a restraining order against you.
And I’ll tell everyone exactly how small your dick is. ”
Called it. I can’t help barking a laugh.
“Fuck you,” Bradley curses, his fists balled. I don’t know if he’s talking to me or Savannah, but either way, I don’t fucking like it.
“Pfff.” Savannah waves Bradley off before cocking her hip. “No, thanks. That’s why I’m with a real man now.”
Fuck, I like the sound of that.
Wrapping my forearm around Savannah’s heaving chest, I tug her tight to my body.
“It doesn’t matter who your family is; you’re not even worth the hassle,” the dickhead jeers.
“Believe me, she’s worth it.” I kiss Savannah’s neck, ignoring the sexy little gasp she releases as she grips my arm with her fingers.
I continue with my warning. “Now get the fuck out of here. And if I ever see you around my girl again, I’ll be more than happy to rearrange your pretty little face for you. ”
“Whatever.” The preppy prick storms off, leaving me and Savannah on the sidewalk.
I can tell she is still reeling as I hold on to her. We watch Bradley in silence as he dips into a forest-green Ferrari and peels off down the road.
Good fucking riddance.