Chapter 32 – Alessandro
T he documents were spread over the desk. My eyes felt glazed. Pinching them between my thumb and pointer, I rubbed the lids. If I was smart, I would call it quits and go to the family room.
Where my bride was reading on that device she’d purchased.
Being the head of my security, Dante showed me the titles she read. I still found it hard to believe that those kinds of books were written, let alone read! Fairy smut? Men with bat wings? And that was just the twisted beginning of the rabbit trail.
Stalkers and hitchhikers, blue aliens and actual sea monsters, secret societies and hockey players, the list was endless.
What they all had in common was dominant men and strong women. It relieved some of the tension at knowing how hard I took Penelope against the shower.
My dick stirred at the memory—and at the resolve to take her even harder as soon as I could be assured that her side was healed.
“Alessio, you busy?” the siren called out from the other side of my door.
A dark grin spread across my face. “Come in.”
The curvy sight framed in the doorway sent my dick fully erect.
Fucking hell.
She took in the pile of papers and the stack of folders. “You sure I’m not disturbing you? I can come back later when you’re less busy.”
“Did you wear that in public?” The question came out harsher than I meant it to.
“So what if I did?” She arched a brow in challenge. “It’s my dress.”
“Just tell me who I am going to kill, because I am going to destroy anyone who looks at you in that,” I drawled.
Penelope didn’t flinch. Oh, no. My pretty little wife marched into the home office, slammed the door, and planted her hands on her hips.
“Save your death threats. I’m here to make a deal with you, Don Mancini.”
Oh, damn. This I couldn’t wait to hear. I swept my hand graciously in front of me. “What do you need, vespina?”
She hesitated only a moment before speaking up. “Something you need to know about me is that I’m resourceful; I’m not afraid to do whatever is necessary to get what I need.”
I hummed. Where was she going with this?
“When we needed a laptop, I found the extra money by doing chores at the neighbor’s ranch—” Penelope took a deep breath “—and when my sister decided to be a nurse, I moved heaven and earth to make it happen.”
“I know.” And I’ve been wondering how you did that with your salary.
“I bought this dress with the intention of putting on a little show for you.”
Leaning forward, I steepled my hands and pressed my lips against the tips of my fingers. “What’s that going to cost me?”
Her smile was stunning. Dazzling with the strength that could easily knock a man down. “I want Serena to come with me to the Jefferson Children Society benefit.”
So that’s what you’ve been plotting, little one. “Out of the question.”
“Come on.” She sashayed toward me, and I stifled a groan to see her hips shiver in that flashy, shimmering dress. “Isn’t there anything I can do to convince you?”
Pushing back, I rose. “I must say, wife, I’m surprised. This is an entirely new side of you, one I didn’t anticipate.”
That observation had Penelope’s gaze dropping to the ground, but just as quickly, she lifted it. There, shining back, was the defiant streak I was coming to adore.
“How much do you know about my past?” There was a breathless quality to her voice.
I shrugged. “You worked since high school at the Holiday Inn. Two years ago, you were promoted to head housekeeper.”
“Maids don’t make a lot of money.”
Dread coiled in my gut. “Yet you helped put your sister through nursing school.”
Penelope nodded. “Without debt.”
“I remember. And I haven’t discovered how exactly you did that.”
A triumphant smile shone on her face. “I danced.”
“You danced—” The incredulity died on my tongue as I realized exactly what kind of dancing she was talking about.
Oh, dio, no.
“I’m sharing this secret to explain how I know how to do this, but don’t you dare judge me, lupo. Your past isn’t squeaky clean either!”
I cleared my throat, suddenly finding it hard to breathe with the weight on my chest from the news. “I’m not judging. But how did you keep it off the records?”
“The owner paid cash, plus the tips were cash.” Penelope held up her phone, finger hovering over the play button of the music app. “It’s been a few years, but I still remember a few routines. I’m hoping I can use them to barter your sister’s company.”
My voice came out sounding like I ate gravel. “And here I was planning to fuck that pretty mouth for daring to buy such a dress.”
Instead of being turned on by my words, Penelope’s nose wrinkled. “We never serviced clients. Anyone who asked was thrown out.”
There was something else she wasn’t telling me. It was there, buried in the tangled web of her past.
“You can stop being worried about me being scandalized by the lengths you went to earn money, Penelope,” I promised, hoping she was convinced by the tone of my voice. “As you say, we’re not saints in the mob. In fact, the famiglia owns several gentlemen’s clubs.”
Daggers flashed in her eyes. “You spend your time there.”
“Rarely. That’s not part of the business I manage.” This jealous side of her was intoxicating.
Her chest heaved as she struggled to control her emotions. “Is that so?”
“It is.” I made a point of looking up and down her body in a long, lingering look. My cock strained against the slacks at the thought of her shimmying and twirling. “Penelope, tell me, am I going to have to kill every man in North Dakota?”
She snorted, not taking me seriously. “No, just in Carrington and the surrounding county.”
That was still a large list and would require a vast amount of bloodshed.
“Show me.” I leaned against the desk.
“You’ll pay?” she asked eagerly.
I both liked and hated her enthusiasm. Would I? It was a hard rule that Serena stay out of the spotlight. Assassins were everywhere and staying alert while conducting business was difficult without having to worry about my sister’s safety.
But I was bringing Penelope into that arena. There was no doubt in my mind that she could handle herself. Serena was cut from the same strong cloth. Why not bring her along? Especially if she kept my wife company.
Leaning back, I pulled a wad of cash from the drawer. “Will this buy me a dance?”
Penelope scowled. “I want Serena to come to the gala.”
Stabbing the screen on her phone, Penelope tossed the device on the seat of a chair and began to shift her body.
“You said your country boys paid cash,” I countered. “Let’s call that the opening rate.”
With a dramatic eye roll, Penelope began to move.
The music pulsed through the dimly lit room, its seductive beat throbbing in time with her body. She moved with a fluidity that was both sensual and commanding, her every motion a tantalizing invitation to take—to claim.
“Did my sister put you up to this?” I asked, hoping she hadn’t.
“No, but she wants to go.” Penelope wasn’t even winded. Her silhouette, outlined by the light, was pure temptation. Each sway of her hips, each arch of her back, radiated an intoxicating power that drew me in like a moth to a flame.
“Why do you want her with?” I tapped a finger against the armrest, gaze locked on her twirling figure. I struggled to resist the urge to touch her, to feel the heat emanating from her skin. Her movements were deliberate but effortless, as if she had been created by the music itself.
I shifted in my seat, stifling a groan as my wife bent then snapped straight. Her legs, strong and graceful, moved with a feline precision that left me mesmerized. And when she dipped low and caught my gaze with smoldering eyes, I knew I couldn’t resist her any longer.
But Penelope still hated me. What had I been expecting? A moment of passion to solve all our problems?
She won’t hate me forever.
The resolve behind that statement felt stale. Already one soul was lost because I failed as a husband. It didn’t seem I was doing any better this time around. My money didn’t appeal to her. Neither did the clothes or jewels.
It has to be enough. I would make a more expensive gesture. Just because I hadn’t figured out what to buy for her, didn’t mean there wasn’t something. Part of the fun was in the challenge. There was something out there that would make her happy, make her stop hating her life here, and I would find it!
The world seemed to fade away as she danced for me alone. With every step, she whispered promises of mystery and pleasure. And when the music finally came to an end, she stood before me, beaming and glistening with sweat, a vision of beauty and desire.
In that moment, it was just her and I. And as she smiled at me with a knowing look, we both acknowledged the fact that I would give her whatever she asked—because she was a goddess brought to life by the rhythm of the music.
It took every fiber of my being not to reach for her. “Again.”
“Oh, so you liked that?” Her smile was coy and knowing.
Fucking hell, I couldn’t tell her how much. This was going to be how she controlled me.
“How much for another dance?” I ground out.
“I don’t want your money, lupo,” she said tightly.
I pushed the cash toward her. “You earned this. You’ll take it.”
She glared at the pile. “Fine, but don’t be pissed when I give it to a needy family at church on Sunday.”
This woman. “I said it was yours, and it is. Now…how much for another dance?”
“Serena comes to the gala,” was her immediate demand.
Rising, I went around my desk to stand in front of her. I reached out and plucked the thread-thin straps on her shoulders, snapping the silky material.
“Fine,” I agreed, unable to believe I was giving in. “Serena can come, but this time…take. It. off.”
Penelope smiled happily and leaned over to select another song from her phone. Her body grazed against mine. My jaw clenched tight at the contact. To distract myself, I moved some of the papers, no longer caring about the precise organization, and perched on the edge of the desk.
The sultry notes of a new melody filled the air, slower and more sensual than before. Penelope’s eyes locked onto mine as she swayed her hips, her fingers trailing along the hem of her dress. With agonizing slowness, she inched the fabric upwards, revealing smooth thighs inch by tantalizing inch.
“I’m going to North Dakota first thing in the morning,” I growled.
She cocked her head, but her body didn’t break from the lithe movements.
“I’m going to blind every man who’s seen you dance,” I vowed, gripping the edge of the desk until my knuckles turned white. “I’m going to cut the ears from anyone who’s heard about your performance.”
“Did I mention I wore a mask?” she stated lightly. “They don’t know it was me.”
Interesting. “Why’s that?”
“Couldn’t have my family finding out.” She laughed. “Or the parish priest.”
“Ah, that’s very kind of you not to tempt him out of celibacy,” I mused.
This time, her laughter made the rhythm of her body falter. “I’m not that good, lupo.”
I reached out, snatching her arm. Those beautiful hazel eyes watched me.
“You could tempt a priest to sin, vespina,” I promised. “Don’t ever underestimate yourself like that again.”
Her chin bobbed.
For a second, I considered ending the dance and taking her. But instead, I released her and resumed my death grip on the desk. I paid for the dance, and I wanted her to finish it, even if it killed me to wait.
Penelope stepped closer.
My breath caught in my throat as she turned, presenting her back to me. Looking over her shoulder with a smoldering gaze, she unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor in a whisper of silk. The sight of her bare skin, illuminated by the soft glow of the room, sent a jolt of electricity through my body.
She moved with feline grace, her body undulating to the rhythm. Every curve, every dip and swell of her form was a work of art, and I couldn't tear my eyes away. Her hands roamed her body. The skimpy swaths of lace that covered her intimate areas teased me, forbidding me from seeing everything.
“Take those off,” I growled.
She spun around, wrapped her hands loosely around my neck, and curled her body over me.
“No.” The word popped next to my ear.
An animalistic sound clawed from my throat. “Penelope,” I warned.
She smirked. “I’m in charge.”
I pinned her in place, my hands digging into her waist. “I said, take them the fuck off.”
Penelope’s eyes flashed with defiance, a wicked smile playing at her lips. She rolled her body despite my hold.
“And I said no,” she purred, her voice low and husky. “You wanted another dance, and that’s what you’re getting.”
She sauntered closer, her hips swaying hypnotically. The lace material barely concealed her most intimate areas, and I could feel my control slipping with each step she took. She placed a finger on my chest, pushing me back.
“Patience,” she whispered, her breath hot against my ear. “Good things come to those who wait.”
With that, she spun away, her body moving in perfect sync with the music. Her hands glided over her curves, teasing and tantalizing. She arched her back, letting her head fall, exposing the long line of her throat. I longed to taste her skin.
Fuck, what was I waiting for? She was right there.
I surged forward, grabbing her wrist and tugging her body against mine. My hands slid over her body, slowly, carefully feeling every inch of her.
“This is my dance, and I’m paying for it.” I pulled the clasp of the strapless bra. The hooks came undone with a pop and filled the room with a dark promise.
“Touching’s extra,” she panted. Her eyes blazed with excitement. It was hard to believe she used to do this professionally. The only way I was going to survive this show was to push that from my mind.
But the wicked voice that sought to torment my every waking hour pushed me to know the truth.
I hummed under my breath. “You’re very good at this.”
“Thank you.”
“I swear to you, I don’t judge your past, but if another man touched you—”
“No one,” she murmured, voice as delicate as the lace. “Not while I danced.”
Now while she danced….
“But they did?” I insisted, stopping her and holding her still.
Penelope pursed her lips. “They tried. They never succeeded.”
Blood—there would be so much blood spilt when I was done.
“I’ve gotten over it, Don Mancini, so wipe that murderous look off your face and don’t ruin this moment,” Penelope said fiercely.
For her sake, I wrestled control of my features. There would be names on my desk by morning, and soldiers sent to collect the culprits by tomorrow night.
But right now, I focused on my wife.
With deliberate slowness, I tugged the bra from her body.
It fell to the floor, revealing her perfect breasts. The lower regions were covered with a slip of black cloth—which I would tear from her later. I cupped those full beauties in my hands, savoring their softness, their weight. Penelope’s breath hitched as I brushed my thumbs over her nipples, feeling them harden under my touch.
“Alessio,” she moaned, her body arching into mine.
I fucking loved that name on her lips. No one called me that, and now, it would only be her name for me.
“You’re doing so good, vespina. Don’t stop now,” I growled.
“It’s kind of hard to move with you holding me,” she panted, her chest rising and falling under my touch.
“Hmm,” I growled. “Then kiss me.”
Her brow arched. “Kissing’s extra.”
Leaning over my desk, I was about to pull a wad of cash from the drawer when a stack of yellow squares caught my eye instead. I handed the post-it note to her and a pen.
“Whatever the price, write it down and I’ll pay it,” I said, running my hand over her body. She didn’t like cash, she didn’t like jewels—this way, I would learn what it was that drove my beauty.
Penelope let out a long whistle. “Whatever I want? That’s a dangerous proposition, Don Mancini.”
“Whatever the fuck you want,” I enunciated each word.
“For a kiss?”
I nodded. “For a kiss.”
Penelope set the post-it note down and stepped between my legs. “Come here then.”
Her fingers slid against my neck and gave a gentle tug. I dipped my head, and she captured my lips in a searing kiss a moment later. Her mouth opened beneath mine, our tongues dancing together in a passionate collision. My hands roamed her body, tracing every curve, every dip and valley. She was a masterpiece, and I intended to worship every inch of her.
When her teeth sank into my tongue, holding it in place for a moment, before smiling against my mouth, I groaned roughly.
Pulling back, I gazed down at her. Part of me still couldn’t believe she was real—that she was here.
“You feisty girl,” I growled.
“You like it.” Penelope closed the distance. Her fingers tangled in my hair, pulling me closer. I could feel the heat of her body against mine, the rapid beat of her heart echoing my own. The music faded into the background, replaced by the sound of our shared breaths as I pulled her onto my lap.
She didn’t resist. She didn’t pull away.
Encouraged, I reached between her to the slip of black cloth. It was wet.
Fuck me. I loved how turned on she got for me.
As I stroked her through the pitiful excuse for panties, her fingers fumbled with the buckle of my belt.
I let her unsnap it before I caught her wrists. “Not yet,” I murmured against her lips. “I’m not finished with you.”
Penelope whimpered in protest, her body trembling with need. I trailed kisses down her neck, savoring the taste of her skin, the scent of her perfume. My hands cupped her breasts, thumbs circling her nipples as she arched into my touch.
“I want this,” she gasped, rocking her hips against mine.
I smirked, nipping at her collarbone. “Patience, vespina. You teased me; now it’s my turn.”
I lifted her so her knees braced the desk and her body was within reach. My lips traveled lower, kissing a path between her breasts and down her stomach. Penelope’s fingers tightened in my hair. I paused, looking up at her flushed face. I drove my fingers into her slick center.
Her moan sent a bolt of pure need shooting painfully through my dick.
Standing and turning, I laid her out on my desk. Her back scattered the papers, but my inner control was long gone, my mind focused on something far more important than organization.
My voice came out hard. “Spread those legs for me.”
A moment of hesitation flickered through her eyes.
“Come on, Penelope, show me that pretty little pussy.” I wasn’t asking, and she realized it.
When she opened her thighs, I groaned. She was beyond beautiful. There were no words to describe how perfect this fiery woman was.
It was time to devour her.
Bending, I licked her pussy.
Penelope gasped and arched her back. I savored her, relishing every moan and whimper that escaped her lips. My hands gripped her thighs, holding her open as I feasted with a passionate hunger.
“Let me hear you. Don’t hold it in,” I growled.
Penelope's legs trembled as my tongue explored her most intimate folds. Her fingers clutched at my hair, urging me closer as breathy moans escaped her lips. I savored her taste, intoxicating and uniquely hers, as I teased and pleasured her with my mouth.
“Oh, mother of god, Alessio,” she cried out, her hips bucking against my mouth.
I slipped two fingers inside her, curling them to stroke that sensitive spot within. Her walls clenched around me as I sucked her clit, bringing her closer and closer to the edge. Penelope’s fingers tangled in my hair, urging me on as she chased her release.
“That’s it,” I murmured against her slick flesh. “Let go for me.”
With a passionate cry, she shattered, her body quaking with waves of pleasure. I sucked until she shivered.
“That’s too much,” she protested.
I flicked my tongue over her clit. “Is it?”
She hesitated. “No…but you told me to talk.”
“I did, what a good girl.” I pressed a kiss to the inside of her thigh, making her hiss. That delicious sound in my ears sealed her fate. I pushed to my feet and held out my hand. “Come upstairs.”