Chapter 4 | Nick
Nick
Ishowered before returning to my room and donning some sweatpants and a t-shirt from the clothing stash. As Michael’s top capo, I usually wore suits, but there was no need for such formality in the safehouse. If I was going to be stuck here, I figured I might as well be comfortable.
As I dressed, I acknowledged the guilt that sat in my gut after my argument with Alexis.
During the brief time I’d known her, I’d assumed she was a rich mafia princess.
After all, she was Victor Rossi’s daughter, and even if his power had diminished over the past decade, he was still quite wealthy and powerful.
I hadn’t considered that she wanted out of the mafia world, but it made sense. Many people in our world had become disillusioned with it, and many had left. Florida and Arizona were full of former mafia members and their families who’d left everything behind for a different life.
Michael had given me the opportunity to choose another life when I was younger, but I felt an intense loyalty to him. My parents died when I was young, and Michael was like a second father to me. He was my family, my blood, and I took my vow to him very seriously.
“Speak of the devil,” I murmured when my phone rang. Lifting it to my ear, I smiled. “Hey, Michael. How’s married life?”
“I’ll let you know once I figure it out,” he replied. “But actually, it’s pretty good, all things considered. How’s it going with Alexis?”
Sighing, I sat on the bed. “Not great. I’m trying...but I could try harder. She’s a handful.”
“It’s important she trusts you, Nick. I want the information in her head. If I don’t get it, I’ll manage, but identifying Victor’s Eastern European trafficking contacts would help immensely.”
“I know.” I ran my hand over the comforter. “I’ll work on it. I won’t let you down.”
“I know, son.” He cleared his throat. “I’m proud to have you as my top capo. I’m not sure I say that enough. Sometimes, I wish you hadn’t chosen this life, but selfishly, I’m also glad you did.”
Pride swelled in my chest. Michael’s approval was extremely important to me, and I admired him immensely. He was determined to eradicate trafficking of young girls on the entire Eastern seaboard, and I vowed to help make that a reality.
“It’s an honor, zio,” I said, using the Italian word that represented affection for one’s uncle or close older family member.
“Keep me updated and take care of Alexis.”
“Will do. Have fun with your pretty new wife.”
Michael chuckled. “She is pretty isn’t she? She’s always been the most beautiful woman in every room.”
“You’re in deep, man,” I teased. “But it’s nice to hear. I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”
After saying our goodbyes, I clicked off the phone and ran a comb through my hair before sighing with resignation. I was going to have to face Alexis at some point after our epic argument. Might as well be now.
Opening the bedroom door, I slipped into the hallway and toward the kitchen.
Alexis was spreading peanut butter on a slice of bread, and I felt my breath lodge in my throat at the sight of her ass in the tight black yoga pants she wore.
Jesus, could they get any tighter? Making a mental note to buy her baggy clothes on my next run, I approached her.
Her eyes met mine, wary but free from the anger that lurked there before.
“I’m making PB&Js,” she said, forming a slight smile. “You’re not allergic to peanuts, are you?”
I shook my head.
“Good.” She lifted the butter knife to her mouth and licked away the peanut butter, causing my dick to instantly grow hard in my sweatpants. Fuck. Maybe I should’ve worn a suit. It would certainly hide my body’s reaction to her better.
My eyes were glued to her tongue as it glided along the cool metal before she turned and placed the knife in the sink. Lifting one of the plates, she handed it to me.
“Peace offering.”
I took it and sat at one of the stools that surrounded the small island where she prepared the sandwiches. She took the other plate and strode around the island to sit next to me. Once seated, she lifted the sandwich and grinned.
“Bon appétit.”
Her full lips opened wide and she bit into the sandwich, causing me to shift in my seat while I tried to manage the erection of the century.
When had it become sexy to eat a sandwich, for fuck’s sake?
According to my cock and my rampant pulse, about the time when my ward decided to eat one with those fuck-me lips.
Realizing I was staring like an idiot, I picked up the sandwich and took a bite.
“Thanks. Didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
She nodded, chewing before swallowing. I noticed her throat bob and wondered how experienced she was.
Had anyone ever slid his cock down that pretty little throat, claiming her as he taught her how to please him?
If so, I hoped I never met him, because I’d most likely strangle the bastard.
The thought of someone touching Alexis that way was.
..maddening. I didn’t like the idea of her being claimed by anyone. ..
Unless, God help me...unless it was me...
Gripping her thick hair as she kneeled before me...
Showing her how to please me, and teaching her the pleasure that came from dominance and control when both people shared a mutual attraction and desire...
“Is it bad?” she asked, frowning. “Your face looks weird.”
Clearing my throat, I shook my head and pushed away the lascivious thoughts, feeling like a goddamned pervert. Not only was I too old for her, but I was her protector. I shouldn’t be having thoughts anywhere close to sexual about her.
The problem was, she was absolutely gorgeous. It was an indisputable fact.
She had a body like a Greek goddess, curvy in all the right places, and perfect for me to clutch in my hands as I made her scream. Those cherry-red lips were full and plump, and her dark-green eyes were some of the most stunning I’d ever seen.
“It’s good. I might need two. I really pushed hard in the gym this morning.”
“I can make you another one,” she said, smiling. “I might make one for me too. I shouldn’t eat two sandwiches, according to the lumps on my thighs, but when you’re stuck in a safehouse with nothing else to do, why the hell not?”
I swallowed and wiped my lips. “Your body is gorgeous. Women should have some meat on them.”
Her cheeks flushed, making her look even younger in the sunlight that filtered through the kitchen window. God, she was pretty, and so fucking off-limits. I made a mental note to remind myself of that every goddamned hour if necessary.
I could not fuck my boss’s stepdaughter and the woman I’d vowed to protect.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “My mom’s always been the pretty one. I kind of look like her, but I look like my dad too, so I didn’t get her classic beauty.”
My eyes roved over her smooth skin and button nose. “Bianca’s gorgeous, but so are you. It’s nice to be unique in a world of unoriginals, right?”
She squinted one eye. “Not all the time, but when someone gets you, yeah, it’s kind of nice.” She bit her lip, squeezing the flesh there as I inwardly told my cock to calm the fuck down. “Are we okay? Sorry I flipped out before. I have a lightning-fast temper.”
“You?” I asked sardonically. “Hadn’t noticed.”
Laughing, she rested her chin on her fist. “I’m going to try harder. Promise.” She drew an X over her heart.
Unable to resist touching her, I slid my palm over her thigh and gently squeezed. “You’ve had a lot happen in a short time. Losing your dad, your inheritance and your freedom. I get it. But I’m not your enemy, Alexis.”
“I know.” She slipped her hand over mine. The depths of her eyes swam with genuineness as she whispered. “Thank you.”
“Of course.”
“Okay,” she said, gliding from the chair and walking around the island. “Let me make us two more sandwiches.”
We settled into that comfortable silence again, the one I rarely felt with other people, as we ate the second set of sandwiches. Once finished, she cleared the plates and began washing them.
“I can do that,” I said, approaching her as she ran the sponge over the plates.
“It’s fine. I need something to do with my hands. I’m going to hop back on my laptop in a bit.”
Lord help me, but I could think of an infinite number of things she could do with her hands. Unfortunately, they were all off-limits, so I backed away.
“I’m going to head outside and check the security cameras before pulling up the feed and making sure no one approached the house over the past twenty-four hours.”
Her eyebrows narrowed. “What are the chances John and his goons will find us?”
“There’s no doubt they’re looking for you, but they also have a ton of other shit to deal with now that Michael’s coming for them. I suspect we’re safe, but I’ll monitor the camera feed often to confirm.”
Nodding, she wiped her hands on a dishtowel. “Cool. I can help with the feed if you want. I’m kind of a super-genius hacker. I don’t say that to brag. Nerdy stuff like that has just always come naturally to me.”
“Okay. Once I’m done with the physical check, we’ll go over the footage together.”
She smiled, looking guileless and sultry all at once, and I backed toward the door, craving fresh air. “See you in a bit, princess.” Realizing my mistake, I held up my hand. “Shit, sorry—”
“It’s fine,” she said, shrugging. “I have been kind of a spoiled brat. Like I said, I’m going to try harder.”
“Me too,” I said, my tone genuine.
Exiting the kitchen, I stepped outside and ran my fingers through my hair. Looking to the sky, I prayed for strength.
Strength to resist my beautiful ward.
Strength to protect her and ensure no one ever harmed one hair on her pretty head.
Strength to endure close proximity with someone since I was used to mostly being alone.
Resolved, I headed to monitor the cameras and locks, intent on successfully completing the mission before me.