Chapter Three #3
“It’s the way you carry yourself. It screams power and wealth, but in a way that says you’re not afraid of anyone.” He hesitates. “I suspect you’re not afraid of anyone because you’re the one others need to fear.”
I laugh. I can’t help it. He nailed it so perfectly. “Nicely done. You should have been a detective.”
He swallows hard, looking uneasy. “I’ve never met anyone in the mafia before. Are all the stories true?”
“Depends. What stories have you heard?”
“That your kind are ruthless. Cruel.” His eyes slide away. “That a man in your position might not live very long.”
“Does that worry you or excite you?” I smirk. “Are you hoping you’ll be rid of me sooner than three years?”
He recoils. “No. I don’t want you dead. Why would I want that?”
“Because you’d be free quicker.” I inch closer to him, unable to keep my distance. I like that he figured out what I am so quickly. It saves me a lot of awkward conversations. It’s best that he knows upfront what he’s gotten himself into.
His cheek twitches. “I’m here by choice, Marcello. Because of you, my brother is going to live. I’d never wish you dead.”
I sigh. “Such a nice thought. But I fear you won’t always feel that way, Elio.”
“Why not?” He wrinkles his brow.
“Because I’m not a nice man. I’m selfish.
Greedy. And yes, I can be cruel.” I reach out and touch his cheek and it’s obvious he has to work not to flinch away.
“But I’m not a liar. Or at least, I don’t lie to those close to me.
I won’t lie to you.” I rub my thumb over his bottom lip and he shivers.
I like that. It’s not a shiver of disgust. It’s a lusty sort of shiver.
His omega instincts respond nicely to my touch. That excites me.
“When we first met, you said if we signed a contract with each other, you’d tell me why I had to live with you for three years. Even after a child is born.”
“Yes, I did say that.” I shrug. “The reason you have to stay with me for a certain length of time is because I need our marriage to look real to outsiders. I don’t want anyone guessing our union is merely a contract.”
“Why does it matter?” He frowns. “So long as you get your heir.”
“Because in my world, there are some very powerful men who are extremely old-fashioned. They think a leader in my position needs to have an adoring omega and at least one heir to truly lead. They wouldn’t approve of me simply hiring an omega to pop out an heir.
They want stability in their leader, and they think having a devoted omega by my side will give me that. ”
“But, won’t they be upset if we split up after three years?”
“I don’t think so. By then, I’ll have run the Foschini syndicate for four years. I’ll have proven myself as a great leader because I am a great leader. Plus, I’ll have an heir or two.” I smirk. “Also, hopefully in three years, some of the old coots will have croaked.”
“I see.” He looks troubled.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know much about the… mafia. But I have heard stories of rival syndicates murdering each other. Am I in danger by being your omega?” He sounds breathless. “Will Fabio be in danger if people know he’s connected to you through me?”
“Fabio should be fine. You, however, could be a target for my enemies,” I say bluntly. “But it’s my job to keep you safe. No sane man will come after you or Fabio. If anyone touches what’s mine, they’ll regret it. But they won’t live long enough to apologize.”
A muscle works in his cheek. “Is this why you and Kessler wouldn’t tell me who you were before we signed the contract? You worried I’d back out of the deal.”
“I’m sure you’re having second thoughts right now.”
He shakes his head. “No. I’m not. Fabio’s life is what matters. Realistically, I think your enemies would come after me, not my brother. I… I can live with that.”
His loyalty to his brother touches me. Impresses me. It’s rare to meet anyone as loyal as he is. People can be so depressingly spineless and self-serving. But I believe Elio wouldn’t hesitate to give his life for his brother. I can relate to that because I’d die for the ones I love as well.
“Nobody will touch a hair on your head,” I rumble. “Or they’ll answer to me.”
He holds my gaze for a long moment. “You’d protect me?”
“Absolutely.”
“Why? You barely know me.”
“I’d protect you because you’re mine.”
There’s a curiosity in his eyes that wasn’t there a moment ago.
He’s not sure he likes me, but he respects me.
And he’s also attracted to me. I can tell from his honied scent and the way his pupils are slightly dilated as we hold each other’s gaze.
His breathing has changed, gone shallow and quick, a response he can’t control any more than I can control the way my body leans toward him without my permission.
“I want to kiss you,” I say softly.
His eyes flicker, but he just responds, “Okay.”
“You don’t mind?”
He lifts one shoulder. “Would it stop you if I did?”
“No.” I step into him, feeling his lean body against mine. He doesn’t back up. He stands his ground, allowing our bodies to touch. I like that. I like that he’s not retreating. I study him for a few moments, then I take his mouth in a slow, sensual kiss.
He stiffens at first, fighting his own attraction.
But when my tongue presses against his lips, demanding entrance, he submits with a soft gasp.
He begins to kiss me back, tentatively, his scent turning even sweeter.
I can feel his surprise at his hunger for me.
I slide my tongue against his, exploring his warm mouth.
He presses closer, a tiny moan escaping him.
When I reluctantly pull my mouth from his, we stare at each other, lust buzzing between us.
“Mmmm,” I rumble my approval.
He licks his lips, pupils blown, his breaths fast.
That little sample of him only makes me want more. I could take more. The contract is signed. The ink has dried. Technically, I could fuck him right here in the study. Right now. I could bury my cock in his young body and breed him this minute. Take what he promised me when he signed the paperwork.
But no.
My first time with Elio isn’t going to be some frenzied fuck on a desk. The first time I take Elio, he’ll be my husband. He’ll be naked in my bed, begging for it. That’s the way our first time will be. I’ll breed him in my own bed with my ring on his finger.
With great effort, I force myself to say, “Let me show you the rest of the house.”
Surprise flutters through his green eyes. He thought I’d just take what I wanted right here right now. But surprised or not, all he says is, “Okay.”
I lead him to the kitchen. Ornella is there in a neatly pressed apron, her gray hair pulled back tight. She gives Elio a look just barely on the right side of polite. “Good afternoon, I’m the house manager, Ornella,” she says courteously.
“Nice to meet you.” Elio smiles but she doesn’t return it, instead returning to her work.
Elio seems confused by her brusqueness, but says nothing.
I know exactly why she dislikes him. Ornella is a bit of a snob. She adored Sandro, mostly because of his family name and bloodline. Elio is an untitled omega, and she doesn’t approve of me claiming him. But who I pick as my mate is not up to Ornella, and she knows enough to keep her mouth shut.
I take him through the west wing, past rooms he might not use but should know exist. A study.
A music room with a piano no one has played since Adriano.
A sun room where Mama drinks her coffee in the mornings.
Then out to the back terrace where the formal gardens are visible in their full scope, rolling down the slope toward a line of cypress trees and, beyond them, the water.
Elio leans on the porch railing and looks at the view. The sun is dropping lower and the light is turning everything amber and the gardens look like something from another century, which in many ways they are.
I stand behind him and my gaze falls to the soft blond hairs at the nape of his neck.
I want to kiss him again. I want to press him up against the railing and do more than just kiss him.
His scent is fucking intoxicating. I hadn’t expected to be so aroused simply by his nearness.
It’s unsettling and I need to distract myself from thoughts of sex.
Clearing my throat, I ask, “How did Fabio like his room at the hospital?”
Elio glances at me over his shoulder. “Um… he said the nurses are really kind. And he said his hospital room is nicer than his bedroom at home.” He winces. “I mean, what used to be our home.”
“I’m glad he’s happy with the accommodations. Dr. Ashworth is the best in the country. Your brother is in excellent hands.”
“I know. I looked him up.” He pauses. “Thank you for arranging for him to do the operation.”
I brush his thanks off. “It’s part of the contract.”
“I know what’s in the contract. Dr. Ashworth isn’t specifically named.
I also know that Dr. Ashworth doesn’t work out of that hospital.
He’s only doing my brother’s surgery because you arranged it.
It’s okay to admit you did a nice thing.
I’m grateful for that, Marcello. You didn’t have to do that.
I’ll be forever beholden to you for taking such good care of Fabio. ”
My face warms at his gratitude, which is very unlike me. I’m used to people lavishing me with praise. Why does Elio’s feel different? “Your brother needs the surgery. The surgery requires the best surgeon. The best surgeon is Dr. Ashworth.”
He holds my gaze and I have the distinct impression he’s able to read me. That makes me uncomfortable so I turn away from him.
“Let’s finish up the tour,” I say brusquely. “I have things to do.”
We go back inside. I lead him upstairs, to the east wing, my wing. The hallway is wide and quiet, the floors dark hardwood, the walls hung with scenic paintings and sconces that throw warm light. My bedroom is at the far end. The room next to it is his. A connecting door between them.