Chapter Twenty-Two
She was lost in thought when Aurelio came up on exit seven, turning and driving down it. Instead of meeting Mac right off the exit, Aurelio kept driving. All the red lights were off in the area, but there was no traffic. They came up to a small, simple two-story house with a garage larger than the main structure itself.
Aurelio hit a button on the car, and one of the garage doors opened. Mac's car was parked already, but the teen was nowhere to be seen. Aurelio got out and opened Mia's door. Grabbing her hand, he escorted her into the house. Just as she imagined, the house was simple, with white walls and connecting doorways leading to unseen rooms. They entered the kitchen with only a fridge and dusty tiled countertops.
“We use this house sparingly,” Aurelio explained at Mia’s perplexed look.
They headed to a living room with a fireplace; two oversized chairs with vastly different prints sat on either side of a couch with worn brown leather and patches. “It's like a safe house's safe house. Mac?!”
“Yeah?” The teen’s voice came from upstairs.
Aurelio rolled his eyes. “Get down here!”
“Okay, I'm coming.” Mac was muttering something before he appeared at the bottom of the stairs. “Hey, Mia!” he exclaimed, face lighting up. “Aurelio,” he added, looking like a puppy about to be hit. “Sorry. I had a phone call.” His whole body screamed that he was uncomfortable, hands in his pockets, and face pointed down.
Aurelio eyed him, his own posture shifting. “Mac. Who was on the phone?”
“Umm.” The teen’s legs shifted uncomfortably. “Amy.”
“Really?”
“Why were you on the phone with Amy?” Mia asked.
“Well, she was mad that I called out today, and I was kinda, um, trying to, umm, appease her?” His face went red.
“Oh,” Mia said quietly, then realization struck her. “Oh!” Her eyes went wide, looking at the two guys.
“Mackenzie,” Aurelio said, using Mac's full name, which he hated. The teen looked up at him with large, nervous eyes. “Dude.” Aurelio's posture relaxed, eyebrows wiggling. “Did you?”
“Aurelio!” Mia smacked his arm, but he only cackled. He stepped towards Mac and slapped his shoulder. The kid flinched, prompting Aurelio to let out another peal of laughter.
“Mac, thanks for being here.” Mia moved closer to him as well, resting a hand on his arm and meeting his embarrassed gaze.
“Of course. If Aurelio says jump, I'd launch myself to the moon!”
Mia smiled warmly at him; she knew how much the two cared for each other.
“Well, beautiful.” Aurelio walked up the first few steps, turning back to her and offering his hand. “Shall I show you your quarters for the night?”
“Oh, please do!” Mia said, matching his sarcasm, placing her hand in his and climbing the stairs.
Mac waved and went towards the kitchen. A few seconds later, the garage door audibly opened, and Mac's Challenger peeled out before the door closed again. Mia paused, looking out the window when they reached the room she would stay in. She saw the tail end of the Challenger slowly disappear in the distance.
“Wait. I thought Mac was staying with me tonight?”
“Yes.” Aurelio’s voice was deep and growly. “But I need to give you a proper goodnight first.” He pulled Mia along, and her body started tingling with the anticipation of what was to come.
Aurelio pushed open the door to the third bedroom. It was small, with only a bed against the far wall and a dresser. Aurelio moved quickly to the bed, twirling Mia in front of him and catching her by the waist. She let out a small gasp as his hands landed on her hips. Aurelio closed the space between their bodies, pressing his hard chest to her back, his erection against her ass.
“Aurelio,” she whispered, turning her head to the side to look at him. His eyes were dark, cloudy with desire. Keeping her face turned, gaze locked with his, she began unbuttoning the simple white blouse she had on. She pulled the shirt off, letting it fall to the floor, and Aurelio's hand stroked up her back, pushing her forward slightly to undo her bra. His hands moved along her skin; the rough callouses making her break out in goosebumps, and her nipples hardened. He leaned towards her. Their lips met, tongues moving softly over one another. Mia's eyes closed, letting herself enjoy the feel of his touch. He slid his hands into her skirt, grabbing it gently and pulling it down to let it fall to the floor.
Mia stood there in her panties, ready for him to kiss and touch her everywhere. As if hearing her internal plea, Aurelio stepped back, letting his pants and boxers fall to the ground. Mia turned to face him, and her mouth watered as she looked at his body. She hooked her thumbs into her panties, pulling them down, exposing herself completely. Aurelio's face grew more lustful; his eyes were like a hungry wolf ready to devour her fully. He pulled his shirt over his head and threw it behind him, and he closed the distance. His mouth landed on hers as he pushed her to the bed, kissing her neck and chest as he went, tongue savoring every inch of her skin. Mia moaned as Aurelio crawled backward, licking a fiery trail, letting himself fall to his knees at the foot of the bed. He slid his hands under Mia, pulling her towards him. She gave a soft yelp; her body was his to move, to use. He wasted no time in eating her out, hungry to taste. Mia threw her head back onto the bed, moans escaping between calling his name. She felt his fingers slide into her while he continued the onslaught, driving her further to the edge of orgasm. Aurelio lifted his head from between her thighs, mouth dripping with juices, and grinned wickedly.
“Scream.” He only had to say it once. Mia shouted his name as she climaxed. His tongue gently and relentlessly licked her through the storm of pleasure until she lay semi-sated, breathing hard and covered in beads of sweat. When Aurelio climbed back onto the bed, Mia rolled him over, placing herself on top and sliding his cock into her depths.
“Fuck,” he breathed as she rode him. His hands groped her breast as she moved in a slow rhythm.
Mia's eyes were dark, filled with lust and need. She moved a little faster, and a wicked grin stretched along her lips as her pussy tightened around his cock. “Scream.”
“Mmmhhm,” Aurelio moaned, placing his palms on her hips to urge her movements. She removed his hands, holding them at his sides.
“Scream,” Mia said again, keeping the same rhythm, even as she felt her walls tighten and release like a pulse.
“Mia,” Aurelio said, trying to use his dominating voice.
She shook her head. “Scream. My. Name.”
And he did. He screamed out her name, his hands coming free from hers and taking control. He forced her to move faster, thrusting under her body and fucking her till he came. His body was alight with the ecstasy. Mia collapsed onto his chest, her body spent. Aurelio’s arms wrapped around her gently, equally tired.
“Shit. That was amazing.”
Mia chuckled lightly in his arms. “Yeah. Fucking amazing.”
In the air between them hung a feeling of unease and fear. Neither gave voice to it, using their bodies to express how they felt; their lovemaking had an edge of desperation to it. Aurelio dressed in new clothes and popped on a gun holster before slipping out about an hour after they finished another two rounds, asking Mia to be patient because he would return as soon as possible. She had never seen Aurelio with a gun, but then again, she still knew so little of his world. It wasn't crazy to think he carried a weapon for protection. She fell asleep quickly, her body and mind exhausted, hoping to sleep through most of the hours she would have to wait.
When Mia woke up, she sat on the edge of the bed, listening to the quiet house as anxiety ate at her. Mac had arrived shortly before Aurelio had left, so she wasn’t alone.
“Shit,” she breathed out, pushing the heels of her palms into her eyes. She had forgotten her glasses entirely. She wasn't sure where she had lost them, but they weren't with her. Her phone was on the dresser, and her bag was on the floor in front of it. She pulled on Aurelio's discarded shirt and her panties, reaching for the phone. She had no new messages from Aurelio but one from her middle brother, Mikey. She clicked on his picture, a close-up of his face from when he was a teen.
Mikey: Landing next Friday @ 4pm. Graduation!!!!
Mia laughed and reread the message. Friday… this Friday? She typed back a reply but stopped before hitting send. It was nearly five, which meant it was almost seven back home; he would be sleeping, having worked the night shift at the firehouse. She left the message, determined that she would come back to it when she was back at her apartment. Sighing, she grabbed her computer from her bag and her glasses tumbled out.
“A-ha!” When she put them on her face, the world became sharper. Taking the computer back to the bed, Mia cracked it open and pulled up the forms she had been filling out the day prior. Her motivation still seemed to be lacking, but the deadline was the next day. Working swiftly, she filled out all she could and attached it to the submission office email. As she hit send, the email gave her an alert. No internet.
“Shit,” Mia exhaled, setting the computer to the side. Standing, she tiptoed to the door and cracked it open. The hallway was dim, the light from the moon waning as the hour pressed on; the sun would be rising soon. She slipped from the bedroom, passing the other empty, dark rooms as she went. When she started down the stairs, voices reached her ears. Mia froze, recognizing Aurelio’s voice. It was quiet, harsh, and short.
“…have no choice.” She could see two pairs of legs and caught the tail end of a sentence; curiosity and concern got the better of her. She slipped closer, keeping just out of sight.
“Aurelio, you can't just let him take the jobs!” Mac's voice said.
“I can, and I did.” Aurelio started pacing. “It was the only way to get him to stay fucking quiet.” Anger seeped from each word.
“He isn't going to stay quiet, not forever. You know the kind of snake he is.” Mac was angry, too; Mia had never heard him speak like that to anyone, let alone Aurelio.
Aurelio stopped in front of Mac, and Mia could only imagine the look on his face. “I know, Mackenzie. I know better than anyone what a fucking weasel he is. But it’s my job to worry about this. I shouldn't even be talking to you.” He moved away again, letting out a deep sigh. His voice was calmer when he spoke again. “Two weeks, Mac.”
“I know.”
“Three more jobs were it; now it's one.” Aurelio sounded defeated.
“Okay… What are you going to tell Mia?”
“Nothing.”
Mia's face reddened, anger rising in her cheeks. Before she could stop herself, she marched down the stairs, fist aiming at Aurelio's chest. She punched him, but before she could let the other fist fly, he caught her wrist.
“Mia.” His face was a mix of fury and amusement, even as he pulled her into his arms.
“No,” she argued, pulling away. “You wouldn't tell me? Really?” She threw her hands up and looked incredulously between the two ashamed men.
Aurelio snapped out of it first, meeting her gaze. “No, I wouldn't. It's not anything you need to worry about.”
“But I will anyway!” she screamed, going to punch his chest again. He let her attack him, not moving as the hit landed; Mia ended up hurting her hand more than him.
“Stop this, Mia.” Aurelio said, voice even as she let another fist fly. She felt the pain vibrate through her wrist as he caught both her hands in his.
“NO!” she yelled, her face red as she pulled and twisted. He held her easily, letting her squirm around in his hands. “Fuck you, Aurelio!” she looked into his eyes, settling slowly.
“Done?” he asked her like she was toddler throwing a tantrum.
“Fuck you.” She said again. “Fuck not telling me shit. Fuck not letting me in.” she ripped her hands from his, turning away from him.
Mac stepped back, the movement drawing both of their attention to him.
“Freeze,” Mia ordered, pointing to him. The teen stopped, his eyes like a deer in headlights.
“Go, Mac,” Aurelio said, not looking anywhere but at Mia. “Now.”
She furrowed her brows, looking at him and then back to Mac. “Don't you dare, Mackenzie. Stay.”
Mac's face paled.
“Go.” Aurelio's voice thundered around them; the energy emanating from him made Mia want to run as well.
“Sorry, Mia,” Mac apologized as he turned and ran out to the garage. The door was open, and he was gone in less than sixty seconds.
Mia turned back to stare Aurelio down; the two remained unmoving as the tension grew thicker around them like vines, rooting them in place.
She crossed her arms, posture turning indifferent. “You really think keeping me in the dark is the best course of action here?”
“Yes.” Aurelio’s answer was clipped.
“Well, I guess I will have to do everything in my power to learn the truth.”
“Try,” He smiled at her, crossing his arms too.
“Aurelio, I swear if you don't share this with me…” she started, unsure what she could possibly hold over his head.
“What?” Amusement glinted in his eyes.
“I won’t let you touch me.” Mia's smug grin felt good, especially as Aurelio's fell.
“That's bad for you, too.” He reached out to her. “My hands not on your body.”
Mia moved back, face stern. “Aurelio, I'm serious. You need to tell me what's going on, or I can't do this with you.” She let her hands fall to her sides, her hair shaking around her shoulders.
“Mia, I don't want you to worry or deal with any of it. It's my shit that I got you stuck in.”
“Exactly! I'm in it! Let me help you.” Her exasperation was clear. Aurelio crossed his arms, his face betraying the turmoil inside. Mia slid closed to him, her hands moving up his arms, to wrapping around his middle as she pressed herself flush to him. His hands came around her, a deep sigh releasing from him.
“Please.” She whispered. “Don’t leave me in the dark.” She felt his body slacken in hers. His hand came under her chin, tilting her to meet his gaze.
“Then let's sit, please.” He said, Mia nodding as she stepped back from him. “I’ll explain what I can.” He gestured to the couch, his hand on her lower back.
“Fine.” Mia moved to one of the oversized chairs, settling in and waiting with an eyebrow raised. Aurelio frowned, looking at the couch before sitting as close to the chair she was in as possible.
He sighed, letting his elbows rest on his knees, putting his thoughts together. “I met with Dominick,” Aurelio began slowly. “He had pictures of you at work, school, and your loft.” His hands clenched together, knuckles going white. “He has been watching you for a while.”
“Then why did he just approach me?” Mia asked, nerves running high.
“He needed recorded proof of our connection, and he had it.” He eyed her. “He had a recording of you admitting I was your boyfriend.”
Mia's eyes went wide. “How?”
“I don't know. Who did you tell we were dating?” Aurelio's tone was almost accusatory, and Mia's hackles raised.
“I'm sorry. Are you saying this is my fault?”
“No,” he backtracked quickly. “No, of course not.” One of his hands went to the back of his neck, rubbing it and stretching. He was tired and stressed.
Mia closed her eyes and calmed down. “Of course you're not, I'm sorry. The only person I have told… was Tony, at the café.”
“Tony? That's the guy who caught us going to your loft a couple weeks ago?”
“Yeah, but he wouldn't…” She trailed off, disbelief clouding her mind.
“No,” Aurelio said, cutting through the fog. “He didn't. There must have been someone around, waiting for a moment like that. Was there anyone else in the café?”
“Yeah, but they were both distracted. I made sure.”
“Mia, never think someone isn't listening just because they appear to be doing something else.”
She described the two men who were in the little café when she and Tony had been speaking. “The guy with the suit; he could have been recording us with his computer!”
“No, it was the old man,” Aurelio sighed. “I know him.”
“What?”
“Yeah, he has been around before. He does all kinds of dirty work for the boss and the other heads. Well, at least I know how he got it.”
“What did he want to stay quiet?” Mia asked, needing answers before she passed out again from exhaustion.
“I had three more jobs lined up. Big ones. Then, right after you walk at graduation, I would be out. Done.”
Mia nodded, her mental calendar having already circled the date several times.
“Dom wants all three jobs. He wants the money, but if I give him all three, I will need to stay longer, plan more jobs, and then get out.”
“Why can't you just walk away without any more jobs?”
“Boss wants a set amount for me to be able to get out scot-free, and the three jobs together would have satisfied him and give my crew enough to leave as well.” Aurelio leaned forward, reaching out to hold her knee.
She smiled; the connection was a comfort they both needed. “And now?”
“I kept one job. It’s still big, but it won't be enough for the crew to leave.” He moved closer to her, his body half on the edge of the couch.
Mia relented, moving next to him. She let his hands settle around her as they exchanged a couple of quick kisses before pulling back.
“Right, well, the crew will have to join one of the other heads in order to finish off their own debts or whatever they need,” Aurelio continued. “As for me, the job will pay off the boss fully. I will be out.” He ran a finger across Mia's chin. “Free, with you.”
“And Dominick will stay quiet?”
“Yes, we made a blood pact.”
“Blood pact? Are you vampires?” Mia asked.
“No,” Aurelio scoffed. “In my line of work, it's a contract we sign in blood. If one of us breaks it, the other is entitled to kill them.”
“What?! He could kill you?”
“Only if I break the contract.”
“And what is in the contract, exactly?”
“That he can do the jobs with no interference or trouble from me,” Aurelio explained. “And I will walk away without ever coming back once my time is up.”
“Hh,” Mia huffed. “Easy, right?”
Aurelio's hands tightened around her as he chuckled. “Very.”
She let out a laugh, too, releasing the tension. “And his side says he won’t tell anyone about us?”
“Or share any information he has gathered about you. I'm sorry you were put in this situation.” His face moved closer to hers.
“It's okay.” Her lips lingered above his. “You're worth it.” As their lips met, Aurelio laid Mia on the couch. She wrapped her arms around him, deepening the kiss and making Aurelio release a deep groan. He moved to her bare stomach; the hem of the shirt she wore rode up as his hand roamed her body. As he shifted, he trailed kisses along her flesh. She could feel his want pressed against her legs as he rested on her.
“Aurelio.” His name was like a whispered plea. One he was happy to answer, lifting the shirt off her body to bare her breasts. He leaned down again, his mouth finding her nipple and sucking it.
“Oh God,” Mia moaned, unable to hold still as his hand reached into her panties, thumb finding her clit. He massaged the bundle gently.
“Aurelio. Please.” Her hands went to his waistband, unbuttoning his slacks and pulling his erection free from his boxers.
“Fuck,” he groaned against the skin of her breast, tongue flicking a nipple. Mia began to work his shaft, sliding her hands up and down, feeling his full length. Aurelio moved his hand from her clit, grasping her panties and pulling them down. His knees spread her legs wide, placing himself at her entrance as he stared at her body before pushing in deep.
“I love you,” he murmured, gently thrusting. His cock filled her. Pleasure rippled through Mia's body.
“Aurelio,” she cried as he moved in and out, thrusting faster and faster. Mia screamed his name, her hands landing on his chest to feel the muscles beneath his shirt. He flipped their bodies so he sat on the couch, and she straddled his lap. Mia rode his cock, her breasts moving with the rhythm. Warm lips enveloped one of her nipples, and rough fingers pinched the other.
“Fuck,” Mia cried, her orgasm ripping through her, pussy clenching around the thick cock deep inside. Aurelio came right behind her, biting down hard on her shoulder. The pain caused a second ripple of pleasure as they held each other close.
“Fuck, Mia. You rock my world.”
“Ditto,” she laughed lightly, pulling a chuckle from him as well. “I love you, too.”
Aurelio let out a sigh, his hands pressing her closer to him. “Let’s go shower.”
“Yes, please.”