Santino (Mafia Heat Book 4) Read online

  “This isn’t a one-night stand,” I told her. “I already know I want more with you.”

  “Shh...” She pressed her finger to my lips. “No promises.”

  “I’ll agree to that for tonight.” I guided her further into the room. “Only because I’m far too distracted by your beauty. Having you in my bedroom has given me an idea.” Obviously, I had to prove I wasn’t like the others. I walked inside my closet, she stood in the doorway.

  “Do you seriously wear all of those suits?”

  “I like to have options.” I opened the tall ardmore dresser nestled in the back, rummaging through the drawer to find what I sought. “For instance, I needed a tuxedo tonight on such short notice. All I had to do was look in my closet. My mother always stressed the importance of clothes.”

  “Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Vincenzo wear the same tie twice.”

  “He probably hasn’t. He has a shoe fetish. He has over two hundred pairs. His house has a whole room dedicated to his clothes, not just a walk-in closet.”

  “You Marchelli men are a different breed.”

  “That’s exactly what I’m hoping to prove tonight.” I held out the rope I kept in my closet. “What do you say?”

  “Ahh... I don’t... what’s that for?” Her eyes looked from mine to the rope. “You want to, umm...”

  “You said you weren’t afraid of me.”

  “I’m not.” She couldn’t take her gaze away from the rope.

  “Let’s test that theory.” I grabbed her wrist and tugged her toward me. “You’re not afraid of me but do you trust me?” I backed us up to the bed, leaning her against the bedpost. When I trailed the back of my hand along her neck and over her shoulder, her skin prickled in response. Her breath caught in her throat when I reached for her hands and placed them behind her back.

  “What are you doing?” Her question came out soft and breathless.

  “Tying you up.” I secured her wrists to the bedpost, not too tight but enough to keep her still.

  “Why do you have rope in your closet?”

  “Some questions are better left unanswered.” I slipped the thin straps of her dress over her shoulders, giving me an incredible view of her exposed breasts. “Fabulous.” I mumbled as I kissed her neck. “You’re perfect.”

  “I thought the same thing tonight when I saw you walk across the room to meet me.”

  Kissing my way down her throat, I cupped one of her glorious breasts in my hand, pushing it up so I could swirl my tongue around her nipple. She tugged against the rope when I slid my other hand down her side and to her hip.

  “I waited all week for you to change your mind and invite me.” I grabbed the silky material of her dress and lifted it up. “I got tired of waiting for your invitation.”

  Switching breasts, I licked her other nipple, taking it between my teeth and gently biting. I slid my other hand along down her stomach and inside her panties. I took her moans as an invitation to continue. While I pleasured her breasts with my mouth, I pushed my fingers inside her warm, wet entrance.

  “Ahh...” she breathed out as she rocked into my hand.

  I trailed my lips along her neck and to her lips as I increased the pace of my fingers. Grasping her chin, I kissed her with wild abandon. Her taste, the sweet scent of arousal, and the sexy, little whimpers that escaped her mouth all fueled my desire for more but I’d already let impulse take over. I had to show some restraint. A woman like Luca was far too dangerous for an all or nothing man like me. If we were going to work, I had to be in control.

  As she clenched around my fingers, I softened my kisses, taking my time to explore her hot mouth with my tongue. When I fantasized about doing this to her tight sex, the pressure in my balls increased, causing my cock to become painfully hard.

  She violently tugged against the rope, screaming out her pleasure as she came undone under my command. She dropped her head onto my shoulder and kissed my neck. I gently ran my hand along her spine, giving her a moment to recover.

  “You’re something else.” She spoke between ragged breaths. “I never expected this tonight.”

  “Do you still think I’m like the others?” I tilted her chin and gazed into her mesmerizing eyes.

  “Not at all.”

  “Good.”

  “Wasn’t that your point?”

  “Perhaps.” I smirked. “I think it’s safe to say you liked it.”

  “Untie me so I can touch you.”

  I ghosted my fingertips down her arm, taking in her soft skin. I loosened the knot on the rope and slipped her wrists from it, trailing my lips across the insides of each of them.

  “That’s better.” She smoothed her hands along my chest and to the buttons of my shirt. “Why don’t we make use of this really big bed?”

  “I like this bold side but tonight was for you. I wanted to make up for the other night.”

  “You’re forgiven.” She swirled her tongue inside my mouth. “Let me show you.”

  “First.” I caught her wrists in my hands, stopping her seduction before it was too late and I gave in. “I want a proper date.”

  “We tried that.”

  “Let’s try again tomorrow night.”

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “Will you come back tomorrow night and have dinner with me? I’ll have Sal send something from the winery. We can get to know one another better.”

  “Without interruptions?”

  “I can’t promise that but I’ll try my hardest to give you my undivided attention.” I dropped my gaze to her lips, licking mine slowly. “Will you have dinner with me?”

  “Are you going to kiss me?”

  “Is that what you want?”

  “I want you.”

  “You had me that first night when you kissed my cheek at the bar.” I brushed my mouth along hers. “It took all of my effort to let you walk away.”

  “I don’t want to walk away.”

  “Good,” I spoke against her lips. “I won’t let you.”

  Chapter Six

  Go for it...

  Luca

  Driving through the main gates of the Marchelli estate made me uneasy. I’d never had to stop and show my license at a private residence before. I’d also never had to be cleared by security to visit the guy I was dating. I guess this wasn’t any private residence. They let me through with no problem and even gave me directions on how to find Santino’s house. Even though I’d been here last night, I didn’t remember where to turn.

  Once through the gates, the first house was the main house. I’d been there before for parties. It was the most spectacular home I’d ever seen. As I continued through the tree-lined paths, the property was decorated for autumn, enhancing the changing colors of the leaves. As the main house fell out of my site, I drove past the stables. The front of the barn was even graced with mums and wreaths. Making the turn at the end of the stables, I drove by two large homes and a lake. They were Dominick’s and Gianni’s. Santino told me that last night. After rounding the lake, I saw the three large houses behind Dominick’s and Gianni’s. The center one belonged to Santino.

  When I parked in the driveway, he was waiting for me on the porch. His worn blue jeans were tight enough for me to admire his toned legs. His feet were bare and awfully sexy. The tight black t-shirt accentuated his huge forearms and buff chest. The short sleeves showcased his impressive tattoos. How is this man still single?

  Getting out of the car, I reached into the backseat and took out the cake my mother insisted I bring to dinner. When I turned around, he was standing in front of me. He smelled clean and crisp like he’d just showered.

  “I’ve been waiting for you.” He pinned me against the car. “I’ve wanted to kiss you all day.”

  “Go for it.”

  Twisting his fingers in my hair, he brought my lips to his, kissing me rough, scraping his stubble against my chin. Seconds turned to minutes and before either of us could control it our hello
kiss had turned into a full-blown make-out session. When he released me, I leaned back against the car almost dropping the cake.

  “What’s this?” He caught it before it could hit the ground.

  “My mom made it for you.”

  “How sweet.” He extended his hand for me. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

  “Will there be more kissing?”

  “Kissing and so much more.”

  When I took his hand, the butterflies in my stomach went into overdrive. I recalled with great detail what had happened last night. I’d been thinking about it all day. I wondered how much further we’d get tonight. Judging from his greeting, it was probably safe to say, all the way.

  “I hope you’re hungry.” He led me through the kitchen, setting the cake on the counter. “Sal went a little overboard and sent over more than we could possibly eat. It arrived a few minutes ago and they’re almost finished setting it up.”

  He sat on the stool at the counter, guiding me to stand between his legs. “I thought we could eat on the terrace off my bedroom. There’s a nice view of the lake from up there.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  “Would you like a glass of wine?”

  “I can wait for dinner.” I draped my arms over his shoulders. “My friend, David, called me this morning to thank me for the donation last night.”

  “That was nice of him.”

  “Santino, you donated ten thousand dollars on my behalf.”

  “Is that okay?”

  “It was incredibly generous. Obviously, David knew I couldn’t afford that so he called to make sure it wasn’t a mistake.”

  “It wasn’t a mistake. I like the idea of the charity. I know everyone isn’t as fortunate as I am but most people have families and a place to call home. Knowing that there are kids that come out of foster care never having what we take for granted everyday bothers me. The donation was the least I could do.”

  “You’re amazing.” I hugged him.

  “No, I’m only someone with a lot of money who wants to make a difference if I can.”

  “Thank you for donating over nine thousand and five hundred dollars more than I could.”

  “It was my pleasure.”

  “How was your day?” I traced his lips with my finger.

  “So much better now that you’re here.” He wrapped his arms around my waist. “I worked on contracts all day for Vincenzo.”

  “On a Saturday?”

  “My brother never stops.” He kissed my jaw. “Neither does my father. I was at the main house most of the afternoon helping him with a situation.”

  “A legal one?”

  “Are you asking if the situation was legal or if he needed help with a legal matter?”

  “You probably can’t answer either way.”

  “No, I can’t but we’re working to get it resolved.” He tucked my hair behind my ear. “I’m really happy you’re here.”

  “I’m happy to be here.”

  Two women came down the back staircase wearing Marchelli Winery t-shirts. I stepped out of Santino’s hold as he stood to greet them.

  “Everything good?”

  “Yes, Mr. Marchelli,” the taller of the two said. “It’s all set-up. The food is hot and the wine is chilled. You should have everything you need for a fantastic dinner.”

  “Your brother said to make sure you eat it while it’s hot,” the other woman told him. “No microwave.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Santino handed her a wad of cash. “Thank you.”

  “Oh, this isn’t necessary.” She shook her head and tried to give back the money. “This is our job.”

  “I insist.” He shot them that charming smile, the one no one could resist. “Have a good night.”

  “Enjoy your dinner.” They nodded at me. “The view of the lake is beautiful from the terrace.”

  “Thank you.” I waved as they left through the back door.

  “Are you ready for dinner?” He took my hand. “Sal will never forgive me if we eat cold pasta.”

  “Well, in that case, lead the way.”

  EATING DINNER ON THE terrace was a tranquil experience. The light from the full moon bounced off the lake and illuminated the space. Santino turned on the fireplace in his bedroom, helping to heat the terrace that was adorned with candles and twinkling lights.

  We’d finished dinner an hour ago but both of us seemed content to engage in conversation. I told him what it was like growing up in Brooklyn as an only child. My parents had gotten divorced when I was in high school but they’d never had a solid marriage which was probably why I didn’t have any siblings.

  “Am I boring you with my childhood?” I asked.

  “I’m fascinated.” He poured the last of our second bottle of wine into my glass. “You got to take the subway to school.”

  “I’m guessing you didn’t?”

  “I don’t think the subway went to the private school and Art took me. When I was able to drive myself, he followed at a safe distance.”

  “What did the other kids think about that?”

  “Most were cool with it. Others were afraid of me probably because their parents said they should be. I didn’t make friends easily but I had Sal when I was younger. We’re two years apart and as I got older, my brothers became my best friends.”

  “I love that about you all.”

  “Despite what you read about my family, we are pretty low key. We still do family game night once a month. We make homemade pizza and drink beer. My brothers and I play pool in my father’s study a few times a week. We’re not that different from everyone else.”

  “Says the man with a Lamborghini in the driveway.” I glanced down at the sleek, silver car parked on the side of the house. “Is that yours?”

  “I bought it last week. It was delivered this afternoon.”

  “Totally normal.”

  “My father had this garage built and my brothers and I were drinking too much one night and we all decided we should get sports cars to fill the garage. I don’t know where I’ll drive it but I have it.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  “If it’s any consolation, my mother made each of us donate the price of the car to a charity of her choice. She picked five different charities.”

  “Good for her.” I placed my hand over his. “I see where you get your generous nature from.”

  “Can I get you anything else?”

  “No.” I leaned back in my chair. “You have to tell Sal and Hayden that everything was delicious.”

  “So, how am I doing on my second shot at our date?”

  “I’d say, I’ve already forgotten what happened last week.”

  “Perfect.” He grabbed another bottle of wine from the fancy bucket filled with ice. “Take the wine glasses and we’ll go inside. It’s getting cooler out here.”

  “Are we going back downstairs?”

  “We don’t have to.” He set the wine bottle on his dresser and held out his hand for the glasses. “Unless you want to?”

  “No.” I handed him the glasses, so he could place them with the bottle. “It’s so nice up here.”

  The space was large but cozy. It was decorated in warm brown and beige tones. Above the fireplace was a huge flatscreen with an elaborate sound system. I’d been in here last night but I was far too distracted to take notice of all the luxuries. It was better than any hotel suite. I’d used the bathroom before dinner to check my makeup and couldn’t believe how big the shower stall was. There was enough room for six people in there but I was only interested in the two of us showering together in there.

  “Why don’t you take those boots off?” He smirked. “Get comfortable.”

  “In that big bed?”

  “You must have read my mind.”

  I took off my boots and socks, placing them by the chair across from the bed. When I turned around, Santino was in front of me, shirtless and so freakin’ sexy.

  “Hello.” He grinned. “I really like th
is dress.”

  “Thank you.” I smoothed my hands along his bare chest. “It’s new.”

  “I’d like to see what’s underneath it.” He unbuttoned the three buttons in front, kissing my neck as he slipped the dress from my shoulders. When it fell to my waist, he stepped back and shook his head. “You’re beautiful.”

  I wasn’t one to be embarrassed easily but when Santino looked at me with all of that desire in his eyes, my cheeks flushed and the back of my neck heated. I pushed the dress from my waist, letting it fall to the floor, revealing my pink strapless bra and matching panties.

  “Wow!” When he took my hand and guided me to the bed, I couldn’t help but recall what he’d done to me last night. How much I wanted him to do it again. “Pink is my new favorite color.”

  “I’ve been thinking about doing this ever since I left here last night.” I kissed my way down his chest and to his rock, solid abs, dropping to my knees. “You got to have all the fun last night.” I unbuckled his belt. “It’s my turn.”

  “I’m not going to stop you.” He unbuttoned his pants and lowered his zipper, dropping his pants and boxers. “What did you have in mind?”

  “This.” I licked my lips before taking his impressive erection in my hand and pumping it a few times. Inching closer to him, I swirled my tongue around his tip, causing him to growl as he twisted his fingers in my hair. Encouraged, I did it again, this time wrapping my lips around his cock and moving my head toward him.

  “Shit!” He tightened his hold on my hair. “Go deeper.” His raspy voice pleaded as he thrust his pelvis forward. He didn’t give me much of a choice but I didn’t mind. Having him take control made my panties wet and my nipples hard.

  I moved my head back and forth as he shifted his hips, trying to keep up with his relentless pace. Focusing on my breathing so I wouldn’t gag, I took him as far as I could, grasping his thighs to keep my balance.

  Cupping my chin in his hand, he slowed his rhythm. “Unhook your bra.”

  Without losing my hold on him with my mouth, I reached around my back and unclasped my bra, letting it fall in front of me. I glanced up at him as he released his cock from my mouth and sprayed his release all over my neck and breasts.