Chapter 6
six
Cheri
Heat suffuses my face, and I pray it’s dark enough to hide my flaming cheeks. Unclenching my hands and crossing my fingers for luck, I briefly close my eyes, sending prayers into the ether. If I’m lucky, the gorgeous man on the other side of the fence won’t notice.
Is it too late to unzip my pack and stuff myself inside with Maxy?
He’d protect me and make me feel better.
Except, I won’t fit and I can’t risk my furry baby.
From the moment Jac found JNG, she delighted in sharing everything she could about the Gallant men.
It’s not all good, and I don’t really know what I’m up against. Sex god or not, he could snap me like a twig if he wanted to.
His expression is blank as he stares at me.
It’s unsettling. I can’t read him at all, and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and my heart lodge in the back of my throat.
My fight-or-flight instincts are warring with each other.
I’m caught in some freak alter-universe—equally terrified and so turned on that my panties are soaked.
I’ll have to add this to a book if I survive; my readers will love it.
Too bad living it isn’t as much fun, especially when I don’t know what’s going to happen next.
As much as I need to clutch Maxy to my chest and bury my face in his soft fur, I want to wrap myself around this man and inhale his scent. Somehow, I know he’ll smell amazing, something clean and manly. Merda! It’s a total what the actual fuck moment, as Jac likes to say.
He still hasn’t said a word, and the longer we stand here, the more unsure I get.
I came to see Jac. C’mon, girl, find the backbone that your Italian ancestors passed down.
It’s in there somewhere. You talk the talk to Jac all the time; now walk the walk, or whatever the expression is.
Giving myself an internal pep talk is common, though I’ve never shared it with anyone—not even Jac.
Reaching around, I squeeze Maxy through the backpack and take a deep breath.
“This is Gallant Mountain, correct? It’s not like I could call ahead without a phone number.
My roommate is supposed to be here for a meeting with Mr. Gallant.
I haven’t heard from her, and I demand you let me see her, or I’ll get the police involved.
” I do everything but stamp my foot. If I thought it would work, I’d be all over it.
My voice is steady, though softer than I’d like.
I doubt I came across as confident as my brothers—mafia-adjacent princess notwithstanding.
My heart is practically beating out of my chest as his lips twitch. The testa di cazzo! Rude and sexy. Why am I such a mess? Jaclyn—she’s why I’m here. Not to jump the fence and climb the stoic, sexy god like a monkey.
I don’t know what I expected, but it’s not for him to step forward and do something that I can’t see that somehow unlocks the gate.
As it slides across the driveway, allowing me entrance, a shudder runs through me.
Intuition? Fate? Il destino, as my nonna always said.
Whatever it is, I know without a doubt my life just took a turn. For better or worse? Time will tell.
The crunch of my suitcase wheels on the driveway is loud in the silence as I drag it along. Even the animal making noise earlier have gotten quiet, waiting to see what comes next.
I can’t believe he hasn’t spoken to me yet, just watches my movements. Maybe he’s mute? It’s possible, but it seems kind of stupid to send a person who can’t speak to greet a visitor.
Stopping next to him, I wait to see where we’re going.
Hopefully, to see Jac. But maybe he plans on taking me somewhere and disposing of my body.
Maybe I should have waited for my brothers instead of coming here alone.
It would be harder to make five of us disappear, especially since they’re almost as big as he is.
“It is Gallant Mountain.” Not expecting him to speak, his words startle me. His actions more so, as he reaches for my suitcase. “I’ll take this. It’s a bit of a walk to the homestead.” His glance at my feet makes me glad I haven’t worn heels and opted for ankle boots.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
“Such a polite Lttle girl.” His voice is deep but soft, with a hint of laughter.
“I’m not a little girl.” Well, I am, but he can’t possibly know that. Nor am I admitting it to him, or anyone else. Even Jac doesn’t know. Sure, she probably suspects, especially with the books I write, but we’ve never talked about it.
“You barely reach my chest.” This time, I know he’s laughing at me. Definitely rude. Cavolo! This isn’t me. Why does he make me so unbalanced?
“Whatever. Is Jaclyn here or are you taking me somewhere to kill me?” Cazzo, Cheri. Real smooth, I mumble to myself.
“Italian? Interesting. Well, Cheri, I don’t plan on killing you, but you’re going to have to wait to see Jaclyn until the morning. She’s celebrating her wedding night, and we’re not disturbing them.”
“I said that out loud?” Ugh. It only happens when I’m nervous—usually.
He nods; a grin softens the cut of his cheekbones, making him seem more approachable.
“Wait, she went through with it?” That explains why she hasn’t answered me. Probably. Maybe. I can’t believe she really did it. Or did they force her? Merda. I need to see her.
“She married my brother this afternoon. You can see them at breakfast,” he answers as he slows his stride for my shorter legs. He wasn’t kidding about the driveway being a bit of a walk and it’s also uphill. I need to do more cardio. I’m already winded, and the house isn’t visible yet.
“Did you and your brothers make her? When we talked this morning, she wasn’t sure she wanted to stay here. I need to make sure you didn’t hurt her now, not tomorrow, not at breakfast, now. Please.” I tack on the please, hoping to convince him to help me. Though I don’t know who I think I’m kidding.
Ignoring my question, the giant stops in front of me and leans down to look into my eyes. At least I think that’s what he’s doing. It’s getting darker by the moment, and it’s hard to make anything out.
“Are you okay? Your breathing is elevated.” He cups my chin and rubs his calloused thumb along my jaw. His voice is gentle, like a caress. It sends a shiver down my spine, and butterflies scatter in my belly.
“I’m fine. Just not used to the mountain air, I guess.” Not admitting I’m a couch potato. Nope, no way. “How much further?” It’s been a long day, stressful. I’m exhausted and trying to stay strong. I need to see Jac, and my brothers are about to show up.
“I see.” His smirk tells me I haven’t fooled him. He stands to his full height, grabs my backpack off my shoulder, and slings it over his.
“Wait, what are you doing?” I ask as I’m lifted. He slides an arm under my legs and one behind my back until I’m settled in his arms like I’m something precious.
“Carrying you, princess. What does it look like?” He grins as he reaches for the suitcase and grabs that, too.
“I’m not a princess, and I am perfectly capable of walking. Put me down—”
His lips brush over mine and cut off my words. Warm. Soft. His closely shaved beard and mustache scratch lightly against my skin as he tilts his head. His tongue slides along my mouth, and I gasp, parting my lips.
The thud of my suitcase hitting the ground barely penetrates my addled brain, as his arms tighten around me and his tongue delves into my mouth, learning me, making my heart stutter.
As he owns my mouth, I hold him closer, my nails digging into his shoulders through the soft material of his button-down.
It’s not enough. I want more, need more.
But he pulls away, resting his forehead on mine.
We’re panting, dragging deep breaths into our lungs.
What just happened?
When I pull away just enough so he can see my face, our eyes meet—his so dark it’s like looking into an abyss. I pull my bottom lip into my mouth and bite down to keep from begging for more kisses.
His lips are red and swollen, making me want to touch them, but I resist at the flash of his devious smile. “I’ll be the only one biting you, princess,” he growls as he thumbs my lip from between my teeth.
I whimper when he makes good on his threat.
He bites my lip; the sharp pain shouldn’t feel so good, but it does.
As he licks away the pain, I squirm, my nerve endings alight with desire as heat fills my core.
I should object, or something, but my thoughts float away as quickly as they form.
He’s better than any male main character I’ve written.
But how can this be real? How do you fall for someone and not even know their name?
He leans in, his breath brushing my ear, and says, “I knew you’d be sweet, princess. You taste like sugar and smell like roses. It’s perfection having you in my arms.”
My cheeks heat, my eyes searching his face for deceit, but there’s nothing there. I’ve gotten good at reading people over the years, catching things most don’t see. Probably a writer’s thing—we like to people-watch.
“This isn’t right,” I mumble as I lean into his neck.
He smells of citrus and bourbon: heady. It’s too easy to get lost in this man.
But I don’t know him, or whether Jaclyn is even safe with this family.
My brothers would have a shit fit right now if they saw me in his arms—kissing him.
He needs to put me down and take me to Jaclyn right away.
“Another trespasser? Is this open season on Gallant Mountain?” The deep voice comes out of nowhere, startling a screech out of me.
Twisting around, I struggle in my sex god’s arms, trying to find who the voice belongs to. It’s crazy. I definitely should have waited for my brothers. Now, I’m alone in the near-dark with two unknown men. I should be terrified or putting up more of a fight. I’m too vulnerable, and I know better.
“Please, put me down,” I demand, putting as much strength as I can into the words.