Chapter 29
TWENTY-NINE
Marchello
A storm was brewing behind Lissia’s eyes, and I was in her path.
What the hell? Is she going to fight me now?
She tugged the throw off the bed and wrapped it around her. I grabbed her wrist and held her still, daring her to get up off the floor.
“Didn’t you hear what I said?” I asked.
“Oh, I heard you.” She snatched out of my grasp. “I just can’t believe you.”
“I want to marry you. I want you to be my wife.” I threw my hand in the air. “I thought that would make you happy.”
“It would have if it wasn’t a demand.” She leaned against the bed and pulled her legs into her chest. “It’s supposed to be a question. One that would allow me to choose.”
That hadn’t occurred to me. Our relationship had been unconventional from the start. I figured she would be on board and we would go from there.
I didn’t have time for a fight. I needed to marry her as soon as possible. I had to make my position clear. Anyone who came after my wife, would suffer at my hands.
“I know you’re a caveman.” She sighed. “But you watch TV and read books. You have to know what a proper proposal looks like.”
“I do.”
No one had ever put me in my place this way. Not even my father. It should have infuriated me, but she had a point.
“You inadvertently rescued me from an arranged marriage—a union you know I would have been forced into if not for you.” She smoothed out her tangled sex hair. “What would make you think I would respond well to you telling me that we’re getting married?”
“I was caught up in the moment. I didn’t think it through, but for the record, I’m nothing like the arms dealer.”
“So, your ridiculous demand wasn’t sincere? We’re not getting married?”
“Wait?” What’s going on here? “No, you said I rescued you once. I’m doing the same thing now.”
“By forcing me to marry you?”
“You’re overreacting. It’s not being forced if it’s something you want to do.”
“Barbaric. How do you know it’s what I want when you haven’t even asked?” She leaped off the floor. “Just when I think we’re on the same page, you find a way to set us back.”
She paced the room, then stopped in front of the window and kept fidgeting with her hands.
I stood, adjusted my pants, and joined her by the window that overlooked the incredible New York City atmosphere. The buildings lit up the sky, illuminating the room and accentuating her goddess-like beauty.
I admired her fierceness. Her fiery personality only served to make me desire her more. She could have fallen into line and agreed to marry me, but instead, she was bold enough to tell me exactly what she thought of my idea.
She didn’t face me as I took in her mesmerizing body. She was still wrapped in the soft fleece throw that she liked to cuddle under when she came to bed to read or play on her phone. Her wild hair cascaded down her back, sweeping over her bare shoulders that the blanket didn’t cover.
“What did you mean when you said you were trying to rescue me again?” she asked.
Hell. I shouldn’t have said that. I was off my game tonight. The less she knew, the safer she was.
“If you were my wife, I could guarantee your safety.” I ran my fingers down her arm. “No one would hurt you.”
“You of all people know that’s not true,” she whispered. “Your father couldn’t protect your mother.”
I clenched my fist and took a deep breath. She didn’t mean to hurt me. She was only speaking the truth. No matter how harsh her words may have been, she was right.
“This is different,” I said. “I will do everything in my power to make sure you don’t have the same fate as my mother, and marrying me will ensure that you don’t suffer an unspeakable torture.”
“What do you mean?” She turned and gazed into my eyes. “What has happened now?”
“It doesn’t matter, but we have to focus.”
“How can I focus when you’re clearly keeping something from me? Haven’t you learned that I’m just going to investigate on my own?” She motioned toward the door. “Is that what you want? For me to go and get my own answers?”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
“I’m back to being your hostage then?”
“Let’s be fair.” I touched the ends of her hair. “You were never my hostage.”
“Treat me like your equal and tell me what’s going on.”
“Collins has been spotted in the city.” I glared out the window, hating not knowing where he could be and when he would show his ugly face.
“This city?”
“I’ll find him, and I will eliminate him.” There were too many complications when it came to killing Gian, but Collins was a different story. She wouldn’t get in my way again. “I promise he won’t hurt you.”
“Then why the rush to marry me?” Her body tensed. “Just kill him and be done with it.”
“I intend to, but your conviction over this matter surprises me.”
“He tried to kill us,” she said. “He hurt me when he had me at the cabin, and he swore that if given the chance, he would do vile things to me.”
“What kind of things?” My jaw twitched. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“They were threats,” she said. “He was talking nonsense because he was mad I went with you.”
“What threats?”
“He said that if I wasn’t a virgin, I wouldn’t be a suitable bride, but he could still make money off me…” She closed her eyes. “He’d make me be with his associates. He said men would pay a lot of money for me.”
“Fuck.” I released her and stepped back.
What Milo had heard was more than an idle threat. Collins was making good on his promise. I had to find him and blow his head off before he could hurt her.
“What’s wrong?” Lissia touched my shoulder. “I know you wouldn’t let that happen.”
“It’s already happening.”
“What are you talking about?” Her brow crinkled. “I’m safe with you.”
“Milo’s intel uncovered some disturbing information about Collins and his plans for you.”
“He already tried to kill us,” she said. “What could be worse than that?”
“What he has planned for you is a lot worse than death.” I ran my hand along my jaw, fighting the urge to tear apart this city until I found him.
“Oh my God.” The color drained from her face. “His plans? He wants to…”
“I won’t let him touch you.” I reached for her hand. “I promise you that.”
“Your solution is to marry me?” She yanked her hand out of mine. “You’re so romantic.”
“Don’t pull away from me.” I gripped her arm and slammed her into my chest. “I don’t like it.”
“Stop it.” She huffed.
“I vowed to protect you. That’s what I’m doing. If you’re my wife, no one in their right mind would align with Collins. No one would go against me.”
“Listen to yourself.” She raised her voice. “You’re ordering me to marry you in some absurd business move.”
“Business move?” I released her from my hold. “Do I have to remind you that I wouldn’t even be in this situation if you hadn’t blown my whole world apart?”
She opened her mouth, but a sarcastic, blood-pressure-raising retort didn’t follow. Instead, she looked down in defeat and turned to face the window.
“I shouldn’t have said that,” I said. “You’re my entire world.”
How did we end up here? Probably because I fucked up this proposal.
“You want me to marry you because you want to protect me.”
“I won’t apologize for that.”
“I’m not going to be a mafia bride, Marchello. I won’t be a duty or an obligation to you, and I won’t allow you to force me into an arrangement that isn’t sincere on your part.” Her voice cracked. “I can’t. I won’t. You mean too much to me.”
“I know that.” I turned her back to me. “Do you think that’s what I’m doing? Do you think that’s what I want?”
“I don’t know what you want. One second we’re having mind-blowing sex, and the next, you’re demanding I marry you so I’m not sold off in some terrifying auction.”
“Well, if it’s any comfort, I do believe that anyone who bought you would give you back in the first hour.”
“How dare you!”
“Shh…” I pressed my finger to her lips. “The reason I know that is because there is no one meant to be with you more than I am, and I didn’t give you back.”
“You wanted to,” she said.
“I do want to marry you to protect you. There is no safer name for you than mine, and I want to give it to you.” I took her face between my hands. “Not out of duty or obligation. We crossed that line long ago.”
“But you came up with this idea when you found out what Danny was planning.” She gazed into my eyes. “That isn’t how I want to start our future. I don’t want you to marry me because you think you have to.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
“Am I?”
“I only found out about Danny’s plan tonight.” I released her from my hold and went over to the dresser. I slowly opened the top drawer and took out the pale blue box, then I joined her by the window.
“What is that?”
“I’ve had this for a few days.” I held up the box. “I probably should have led with this before I demanded you marry me, but I got caught up in my rage and fears of what could happen to you if I’m not careful.”
“Is that…” She stared at the box. “You bought a…”
“Have I rendered you speechless?” I laughed. “If an engagement ring was all it took, I should have asked you this question a while ago.”
Popping open the jewelry box, I revealed the stunning princess cut diamond mounted on a platinum setting. The large diamond sat high, with several smaller diamonds surrounding it.
“Lissia, my one and only princess.” I dropped down in front of her and took her trembling hand in mine. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Um…” She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “If I say yes, you’ll be stuck with me for the rest of your life.”
“It’s not a bad problem to have.” I squeezed her hand. “Do you want to be stuck with me?”
“Yes.” She put her hand over her mouth. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything.”
I plucked the ring from the box and slid it on her slender finger, admiring the way it fit.
“It’s perfect.” She held her hand in front of her face. “Amazing.”
“If it’s not what you would have chosen, we can get whatever you want.” I stood and wrapped my arms around her waist. “I want you to be happy.”
“The ring is gorgeous.” Her smile lit up her face. “I’ll always be happy with you.”
“I love you.”
I swept my lips across her mouth. When she draped her arms around my neck, the blanket she had been covered in dropped to our feet, leaving her in nothing but the sparkling ring that brought us one step closer to a powerful and undeniable future.
I glided my hands along her soft sides as I trailed my mouth down her neck to her throat. Guiding her against the wall, I leaned my hand against it as I locked my gaze with hers. Her quick breaths caused her chest to heave toward me.
“I love you,” she said.
She stroked my cheek before pressing her lips to mine. Her gentle touch calmed the fury inside my soul. The thought of anyone trying to hurt her stirred murderous intentions in me. I had allowed my feelings for her to cloud my judgment, but that had to stop.
Her feelings were important to me, and I didn’t want to bring her heartache, but I valued her life. I would do whatever it took to keep her safe and away from men like Collins.
Lifting her off the floor, I propped her against the wall and supported her with one arm while I lowered my pants to my hips. She hooked her legs around my waist, then reached between us, taking my shaft in her hand.
I moaned when she gripped me hard and pumped back and forth. When she swirled her thumb along my tip, I bucked my pelvis forward.
She giggled against my mouth.
“Don’t be a brat,” I growled.
“Don’t you like it when I tease you?” She rubbed the head of my cock along her hot, wet slit.
“No!” I took control, shoving my hips forward and burying myself deep inside her.
She gasped as her back hit the wall with a loud thud.
“I told you not to be a brat.” I smirked. “Never make me wait.”
“You’ve got a lot to learn about this marriage thing.” She dug into my shoulders as I pounded into her.
“Do I?” I slowed my pace, taking one of her wrists in my hand and securing it to the wall. “What will be my first order of business when I’m your husband?”
“Oh, that’s easy.” She tightened her hold on my waist with her toned legs. “You’ll make me come every night.”
“I already do that.”
“Mmm…” She clenched around me. “That’s why I want to marry you.”
“Because I give the best orgasms?”
“I suppose you do.” She licked my lips. “I don’t have anything to compare it to.”
“And you never will.” I took her other wrist in my hand and pushed it against the wall. “You’re going to have to trust me when I say I’m the only one who could ever make you feel this way.”
“I do trust you.” She shifted her hips, matching my fierce pace. “With my life.”
“I’m never going to let anyone hurt you.” I kissed her neck, licking and sucking her soft flesh as I made my way to her breasts. “I’ll kill anyone who tries.”
“Marchello…” She moaned when I circled my tongue around her nipple. “Oh…”
She wiggled against my hands, but I didn’t let her go as I plunged in and pulled out of her pussy, taking her to the edge.
“I’m going to…”
“Come,” I whispered into her ear. “For me.”
With one final thrust forward, I let loose inside her, filling her as she lost herself in our ecstasy. I kissed her while she shuddered against me. Still buried inside her, I released her wrists, then slid my arms under her backside to support her.
“Are we really getting married?” she asked.
“The sooner the better.” I carried her over to the bed and set her in the middle. “I want to do it in the next few days.”
“What?” She shook her head. “That’s not going to work.”
“Why not?” I zipped and buttoned my pants before scooping the throw off the floor. “I can make it happen.”
“I can’t.” She reached for the throw and wrapped herself in it like an oversized bath towel. “I have to have my gown designed, and we need flowers. Oh my God! Do you know how many months it will take to get the best location in town? At least a year.”
She practically bounced off the bed.
“Sweetheart, we can plan the most spectacular wedding you’ve ever imagined, but we have to make this official in the next few days. After that, you can have whatever you want. I’ll spare no expense.”
“Hmm…” She tapped her finger against her jaw. “Okay.”
“What just happened?” I sat down next to her. “That was entirely too easy.”
“It’s not about the wedding. Although, it’s going to be a big wedding.” She kissed my cheek. “It’s about us being together. I want to get married as soon as possible. We can plan the rest after.”
“That’s my girl.” I leaned in and gently kissed her lips. “I’ll work out the details in the morning.”
“My mom!” She squealed. “I have to call her and tell her we’re engaged.”
“She’s seven hours ahead of us.” I glanced at my watch. “It’s the middle of the night in Greece.”
“Oh.” She looked down at her ring, and I wondered if she thought about telling her father. He’d find out soon enough. “Do you think I should wait to tell Ricardo? I should probably tell my mom first.”
“That’s a good idea.” I caressed her cheek. “Why don’t you take a bath and then we’ll finish the cheesecake.”
“In bed?”
Before I could respond, my phone rang. I didn’t want to answer it, but when I saw Milo’s name on the screen, I couldn’t ignore it.
“It’s my brother.”
“Take it.” She reached for her phone on the nightstand. “I have wedding research to do.”
“Hello,” I answered.
“Where are you?” he asked.
“Where you left me. Why?” I smiled when Lissia’s lips curved into a magical smile. Whatever she saw on her phone brought her immense joy. Planning our wedding was going to be the highlight of her life for the next few months.
“Gian was taken out tonight.” Milo’s statement caught me off guard. “He’s dead.”
“Hold on, Milo.” I pointed to the hallway and told Lissia, “I need to address this.”
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
I wouldn’t say that. I kissed her head before hurrying out of the room and closing the door behind me.
“What the hell, Milo?” I stopped when I reached the top of the staircase. “What happened?”
“Gian was leaving a restaurant about thirty minutes ago. He was being escorted to his car when a shooter stepped out of a side street. One bullet between his eyes was all it took.”
“That’s ah…” The details of the hit seemed familiar, but it couldn’t be. “Did his guards fire back?”
“No.”
“They were paid off,” I said. “How else could someone get so close to Gian?”
“The shooter was calm, steady, and quick.” Milo paused for a moment. “One shot between the eyes at point-blank range is pretty daring.”
“The gunman wanted Gian to see him coming.”
That’s what I would have done. The apple doesn’t fall…
“I think we both know whose eyes Gian looked into before he died.”
I may not have pulled off the hit, but I was just as responsible. Gian got what he deserved. The woman who was about to take my last name might not agree, especially when she found out the assassin was my father.