20. Luciano
Luciano
Never once in my life have I felt as alive as I do when I’m with Fallon. She’s the breath of fresh air I’ve always needed. Everything is a little bit lighter when she’s around. Things are sweeter. The birds chirp louder. The coffee tastes better.
And now she’s sound asleep in my bed, and I never want her to leave. She belongs here with me. I’m going to have to convince her, one way or another, to move in because I don’t think that I can send her back to her apartment again.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and as I reach for it, she stirs, letting out a noise of protest when I pull away. I move my pillow in place of my body, smiling as she nuzzles into it and lets out a sigh, settling against the warmth of the bed.
I take my phone and grab a clean pair of underwear from one of the dresser drawers. Then I head out toward the kitchen, slide the boxer briefs on, before I check my messages.
Alessandro: The Moretti syndicate would like to meet with us tonight. Same place and time.
Interesting. They don’t want to wait the entire forty-eight hours to meet again. Kind of odd. Apparently, they took us seriously when Alessandro made his threat. As they should. We’re not the type of family to dance around the bush when it comes to an issue. We take action, and we’re not merciful.
Luciano: I will be there.
As I get the coffee pot ready, I go through my contacts and press on Angelo’s name.
“Yeah, boss?” he answers quickly.
“I want you with us tonight when we meet with the Sicilians. I’ll send someone to take your place around seven.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be there.”
I end the call and pour two cups of coffee, then add them to a tray along with some French vanilla creamer.
Fallon is stepping out of the bathroom when I walk back into the bedroom. She has one of my T-shirts on that she must have found in the closet. It falls to her upper thigh.
“Hi,” she greets somewhat shyly, pulling at the hem of the shirt.
“Morning, baby girl,” I say.
After I set down the tray, I hold my arms out for her to come to me.
She doesn’t hesitate, her bare feet padding across the plush rug. When she wraps her arms around my waist, I take a deep breath. Fuck. This is all I’ve ever needed.
“Do you ever sleep?” she asks.
I chuckle then press a kiss to the top of her head. “Not a lot. I’ve discovered I enjoy watching you instead.”
Her cheeks turn bright red as she looks up at me. She’s so pretty. I find it hard not to stare at her all the time.
“What time do you work today?” I lead her to the armchairs next to the table, where I set down the coffee, and motion for her to sit.
“I need to be there at ten. I’ll be off around eight or nine. Monroe is coming in tonight after my last client, so we can gab. I’m going to give her a trim. Which means it depends on how much we talk.”
I lower myself into the other chair and let my eyes roam over her. She’s still a bit sleepy and trying to wake up.
In the report I got from Cassian on Fallon’s friend Monroe, she came back clean on paper, so I don’t have any worries about them spending time together.
Though I want to meet her sooner rather than later because it’s important that Fallon’s best friend likes me.
If she doesn’t, I’m going to figure out a way to make that happen. I’m not above bribery.
“Okay, baby. I’m taking Angelo with me to meet with the Sicilians tonight, but there will be another bodyguard in his place. Angelo will make sure you meet him before he leaves.”
Fallon rolls her eyes. “Or you could just not assign me a bodyguard since I only live a few blocks from the salon. Nothing is going to happen.”
Reaching out, I grab her wrists and tug her to sit on my lap. She yelps in surprise. As she moves, the shirt rides up enough to prove she doesn’t have any panties on. My dick goes instantly hard.
When she settles, I hand over her cup of coffee and lean back in the chair, watching her. “Why do you have to be so stubborn, princess?”
She smirks and takes a long drink before she answers, “Because it’s really fun to see the look in your eyes when I don’t make things easy for you.”
I give her ass a quick pinch, and she wiggles, making me lose my train of thought for the briefest moment. I’m going to have to be careful with her. She’ll have me so distracted that she’ll start getting away with things that she shouldn’t.
“As long as you know that you don’t get a choice as far as your safety and security is concerned.”
She sighs dramatically but doesn’t say anything else. She can fight me all she wants, but Fallon is mine, and I take things like her health and safety very fucking seriously.