Ruthless: A Dark Mafia Romance Read online

  “I couldn’t very well leave court, now could I?” he snapped and waved for the bartender. “Whisky, neat and another one for the lady.”

  She laughed, the sound husky yet contrived. “The last time I checked the court calendar, I didn’t notice that cases continued until nine in the evening.”

  A full minute of tense silence followed.

  “Why do you have to be such a bitch?” he spewed then smacked his hand on the bar. “How about those drinks? Any time now.”

  “And why do you have to be such a bastard?” she retorted, shaking her head.

  Asshole. You’ve been caught. I could almost detect the scent of another woman. I took another sip of my drink, contemplating my reckless desires. I was supposed to keep a low profile while I was here and that didn’t include partaking in tasting a beautiful woman.

  But I just might be forced to make an exception.

  The boyfriend hissed and wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, squeezing.

  My hackles were instantly raised.

  Gasping, she shoved his chest. “Let go of me, you prick.”

  The bartender slapped the asshole’s drink on the counter. I was delighted to notice that a solid one third was spilled over the edge. In contrast, the man behind the chipped fake wood bar gently placed a cocktail napkin on the bar and eased another martini on top. “Is this asshole bothering you, miss?”

  “I can handle him, but thank you,” she quipped, managing to wriggle out of the jerk’s hold.

  Every muscle in my body tensed, prepared to take the prick outside if necessary.

  The bartender gave the boyfriend a wary and very nasty look before sauntering off. If the shithead didn’t release his hold in about two split seconds, I would make certain he found it difficult to use his hand again.

  Ever.

  He seemed to sense my discord, darting his eyes in my direction and releasing her. Leaning over, he whispered in her ear.

  I was ready to finish my drink then leave, disgusted with the entire scene when she whirled in his direction, snarling in what I had to say was a classy manner.

  “Jimmy. I think it’s time that you and I end this chapter. For good.”

  He laughed, tossing the long wave falling in his face as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “You will do as I say.”

  “Or what exactly?” While she issued the words, I’d already muttered them under my breath. I gripped the edge of the bar, rising to my feet.

  “Or you know what happens,” boyfriend dared to say.

  To her credit, she tossed her drink in his face then clamored to grab her purse. “Fuck you. You’re out of my life, you cheating bastard.”

  I only managed to notice the way he grabbed and wrenched her arm before I shot around the bar, yanking him away and slamming his body against the wall. “You don’t talk to women that way, buddy.”

  “Get off me, you freak! This is between me and her,” he snarled.

  There was no turning back. My hand shot around his throat, lifting him several inches off the floor. I heard the shrieks from behind me, but I didn’t give a shit. This bastard was going to learn a very valuable lesson. My fingers dug into the various pressure points in his neck and within seconds, he was unable to breathe. As he flailed, his face turning red, I was somewhat surprised that no one attempted to stop my actions.

  “Now, you’re going to walk out of this bar and never bother this gorgeous woman ever again. If I hear that you try even once to contact her, you will have me to deal with and trust me, you don’t want that to happen.”

  Boyfriend’s eyes were bulging even as he attempted to nod. I lowered him very slowly to the floor. I had to shut down my instinct to drag him outside. This wasn’t the time or the place to draw any attention to the fact of who I was or that I was drinking in a cheap rundown bar.

  The jerk coughed several times, wheezing to the point I almost burst into laughter. As he attempted to stand, making certain his tie was straight, I resisted punching him in the kidney. He barely gave the sensuous creature another look before scampering toward the front door.

  The various claps and cheers did nothing to brighten my mood. Pricks like that didn’t deserve to have a gorgeous woman on their arm.

  Issuing another snarl, I turned around. I didn’t know this girl and she certainly could have been incensed, angry that I’d tossed him out. The blonde gave me an appreciative smile, the kind that allowed me a slight glimpse behind her mask, pretending the loss meant nothing to her.

  She was a vulnerable kitten in a world of wolves. All I wanted to do was feast, sliding my tongue into her sweet pussy only seconds before thrusting my cock so deep that she screamed out my name.

  I wanted her begging for more.

  And I would take every inch of her, body and soul.

  * * *

  “Just who are you?” the blonde asked after I’d beckoned her closer, studying me in an almost clinical manner, which I admit amused the hell out of me. However, she seemed relieved, even happy that I’d intervened.

  “Some would call me their worst nightmare.”

  She laughed at the words, rolling her eyes in the most provocative manner. That was the very second I no longer cared about my condition or the ramification of tasting her. “I’ve had that said about me as well.”

  “You’re a stunning woman and should be treated with respect. I loathe and refuse to tolerate bastards who have no idea how to handle a lady.”

  “And you do?” she asked, swirling her martini.

  I brushed the backs of two fingers down her shoulder, inhaling her perfume. I was rewarded with a series of goosebumps. They were so delicate, so feminine. “Beautiful women are to be cherished and protected at all times. There is nothing like savoring a woman’s soft lips and skin, ravaging her with attention.”

  A slight curl appeared on the corner of her mouth and I could tell she wasn’t buying one bit of what she believed to be bullshit. Still, she undressed me with her eyes, allowing her imagination to soar. “I’ll accept that answer. At least as long as a man understands that not all women fall prey to lines of crap.”

  The fabulous blonde locked eyes with mine. She was quite formidable in her own right, a woman to be reckoned with.

  That only made me want her even more.

  “Fair enough.” I allowed my words to linger.

  There was no additional discussion and no details of our respective pasts for either of us. I simply held up my keys. Her nod of approval was all I needed.

  Antonio drove us to our destination and neither the soldier nor the girl asked any unwanted questions. I knew my made man would keep watch on the hotel room, performing duties that he’d been extensively trained for. He would take the bullet if necessary and without question.

  If my hunch paid off, I had two more days before the search for both my brother and me began. Two days of freedom. The thought was rather revolting.

  The hotel was booked for only one night, the best Columbus had to offer. If there was any hint of recognition, she hid it well. My face had been plastered on every primetime channel, both locally and nationally, but from what I could tell, her interests were elsewhere.

  The elevator was empty and my hunger was far too electric to wait any longer. Pushing her against the cold steel wall, I yanked her arms over her head, holding both wrists in one hand. I towered over her by at least six inches and while the ugly fluorescent light was harsh, the glow only managed to accentuate her porcelain skin, perfect in every manner.

  Her breathing ragged, she struggled for only a few seconds, her eyes remaining defiant. She had utter confidence as well as sophistication, only making me desire her that much more.

  “If I may ask, what’s your name?” I whispered, blowing a swath of hot air along her cheekbone.

  As she shifted, wriggling her hands, she arched her back. This was nothing more than an attempt at a power play. I chuckled inwardly at the thought. “You can call me Minx as in cunning.”

&
nbsp; “Minx. Very tasty.” I allowed a husky growl as I lowered my head, drinking in her scent. The exotic fragrance was much more pronounced, driving my cock to a painful point as it pushed against my linen pants.

  “And yours?”

  “You can call me Gio as in God has shown favor.” One day she would call me Master. I brushed just the tips of my fingers down the side of her face, reveling in the way she tensed at first. However, the goosebumps appearing on her arms were a dead giveaway.

  “I’ll keep that in mind, Gio.”

  The electric sparking between us was more like rocket fuel. I had difficulty focusing as I danced my fingers down her neck to her cleavage, taking my time to swirl them around her nipples in an exaggerated fashion.

  “Oh,” she whimpered only once, her eyes locked onto mine. “Just who are you really, Gio? A knight in shining armor? A chivalrous man? I’m not certain I buy the nightmare aspect.”

  “Neither. I’m what some would call a very dangerous man.” There was no reason to lie to her. “And one who will provide exactly what you need.”

  She licked her lips and I was mesmerized by the way she dragged her tongue across the seam of her mouth before pursing her lips. “And how do you know what I need? No one has ever figured that out.”

  The invitation was blatant and one I couldn’t resist. Kicking her legs apart, I slid my hand between them, delicately fingering her lace panties. They were already damp, driving my hunger into a frenetic state. “You need a dominating man, one who attends to your every need.” I swirled my index finger around her mound, digging in with every pass.

  She swallowed; the single shake of her head was a denial that her mind required.

  Not her luscious body.

  She was hot and wet, ready to be taken. I blew across her neck before sliding my finger past the thin slip of elastic keeping me from nirvana. “N-no. I’m my own woman and quite capable.”

  “I have no doubt you’re very capable, but you’re lying and the one thing I will not tolerate is lying. Do you understand, sweet Minx?”

  “Yes.”

  I tweaked her clit, pinching to the point she moaned. “Try again.”

  “Yes, sir.” This time, her words were more of a sultry purr. Whether or not she was faking didn’t bother me in the least. For the night, she belonged to me.

  I wanted nothing more than to kiss her, but in all her dark and secretive places. This wasn’t about romance. This was about hot and raw sex, domination of a woman who deserved everything special. And still, I captured her mouth, moving my fingers up and down the length of her pussy.

  She seemed startled at first, her body bucking against mine but even then, she opened her legs wider, allowing me full access to what now belonged to me.

  The taste of her was even sweeter than I’d imagined, a hint of cinnamon and I thrust my tongue inside, savoring her essence. Everything about this woman fueled the fire burning within, creating a wave of desire that I wasn’t certain I could contain. I could devour her, marking her body as mine for all the world to see.

  Undulating her hips, she moaned into the kiss as she pressed her breasts against my chest. The sensations were powerful, a rush of adrenaline and something so carnal flowing through my system that I couldn’t wait much longer. Patience wasn’t my virtue, neither was denial, and this beautiful lady had captured my full attention.

  I pumped a single finger in and out of her pussy, tingling as her muscles constricted. She had no idea the effect she had on me or what I was planning on doing to her. Breaking the kiss, I dragged my open mouth down the length of her neck, sliding my lips just underneath the bodice of her dress.

  Her legs quivered when I exposed her nipple, sucking in my breath as the rock-hard pebble floated across my tongue. I flicked it back and forth across the tender bud and added a second finger, thrusting deeper inside her hot pussy. I imagined rolling my tongue along the lines of where my fingers were placed, my blood boiling from the thought.

  “Oh, God. I...” She laughed and lolled her head, her breathing ragged.

  “Do you like that?” I whispered, keeping my tone even.

  “Mmm...”

  I yanked my fingers out of her wet heat, tweaking her clit. “Try again.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Better. You will learn to obey me.” Leaning over, I engulfed her nipple, taking the tender flesh inside my mouth. Everything about this encounter was sinful, exactly as I craved. I shoved a third finger inside, flexing them and pumping in and out, taking my time. Her pussy muscles clamped around the invasion, drawing me in deeper. If any of this was too aggressive, her body had already betrayed her.

  She was famished.

  Wet.

  Hot.

  We both heard the ping of the elevator reaching its destination, her body stiffening at the sound. I continued licking and sucking, my fingers firmly embedded. The single exclamation from a bystander certainly didn’t stop my actions and I dragged my lips across her chest, nuzzling under the thin material.

  “Jesus,” a voice finally said, almost as sultry in tone as I’d heard from my lovely Minx.

  “Gio,” Minx whispered. She didn’t try to struggle to free herself from my grasp. She simply muttered the single word.

  I knew a hand was braced against the door, keeping the elevator wide open like a movie screen showing the latest filthy movie. And I loved every second of being on display. My actions might not be prudent, but I wasn’t in the mood for second guessing my decisions. I enjoyed providing the same attention to her other breast then pulled back, taking her by the hand.

  “About damn time.”

  I snapped my head in the direction of the male voice, giving the obvious tourist a heated look, unblinking until he shrank back into the shadows.

  “Come, little Minx,” I stated with full authority and pulled her out of the elevator.

  “Asshole,” the man whispered, but I caught the nasty word, my hand immediately grasping my weapon. There would be no bloodshed tonight, no matter how enraged I remained.

  Her long legs allowed her to keep up with me, stride by stride and soon, we were inside the darkened room.

  “Stay here,” I commanded.

  “Yes, sir.”

  I made a sweep of the room, jerking open the closet door and peering into every shadowed corner. There’d been no sign of tampering of any kind.

  Goddamn good thing.

  I wasn’t in the mood for a hunt.

  I turned on a couple of lights, easing the Glock onto the dresser. Minx’s eyes scanned the room, locking on my hand the second I laid the gun down. I expected a look of raw fear. There was nothing but intrigue.

  “You are a dangerous man.” She inched forward, kicking off her shoes.

  “Mmm... Yes.” I walked immediately to the bar, plucking fresh ice into two glasses. I didn’t bother asking what she wanted, making us both the same drink. She would learn to love what I did or simply choose not to partake.

  Our fingers touched the second I handed her the drink and the vibe was the same as before, a firestorm of raging need bursting at the seam.

  Her hand trembled just enough I couldn’t take my eyes off her and as she pulled the crystal tumbler to her mouth, darting her tongue just inside the glass, I took a sip.

  Instead of ravaging her.

  Time.

  I had all night to take what I needed.

  Minx sashayed further into the room, keeping the rim of the glass close to her voluptuous lips. I studied her as she walked, her long fingers gliding across various pieces of furniture. When she rounded the corner, I followed and the way she reacted to the baby grand piano was a pleasant surprise.

  She licked her lips before walking closer, giving me a little girl smile as she exposed the keys, running her fingers down the length of the keyboard. The melodic sound gave me chills.

  “Do you play?” she purred, darting a single glance in my direction.

  I took a swig of my drink, easing the glass on the
surface of the piano before sitting down on the bench. Music had been the only thing in my life capable of soothing the demons. I’d spent hours playing, going over the same song dozens of times until every note, every chord was absolutely perfect.

  My father tolerated no less.

  As I began to play, rolling my fingers over the keys, a wash of peace filtered into my system. I closed my eyes momentarily, envisioning a concert hall and adoring fans. If only life could be that simple. Every chord brought a rush of emotions, the powerful piece one of my favorites. All the rage that had built over the last few days whipped through my fingers, the deep base and powerful allegro booming in the room. I continued the piece, almost getting to the end before she spoke.

  “That’s... extraordinary. What is this? I think I recognize it,” she whispered, resting her hand on the corner of the piano. I couldn’t help but notice the slight tremble and the way her fingers moved in time to the music, as if she’d played before.

  “Rachmaninoff.”

  “Yes, Prelude in C Sharp Minor. Right? Powerful. Stimulating. Breathtaking.”

  She could have no way of knowing just how captivating her words, or the fact she had any clue about the music of my boyhood, were on a ruthless man like myself. Blown away, I leapt up without hesitation, the force tossing the piano bench out of the way. “I want you. I will have you but be very careful.”

  “Why?”

  I rubbed my thumb across her lips, desperately trying to control the inner beast. I wasn’t a passionate or romantic man. I’d never cared about quiet dinners or flowers, my needs far too intense for the majority of women. This woman just might be my undoing and I didn’t know her.

  “Because your life will never be the same.”

  She lifted a single eyebrow, the same defiant look taking on another level. She’d been challenged by my words, her curiosity getting the better of her. Her lower lip quivered as I placed both hands on her outer thighs, flexing my fingers as I slowly lifted the silky material. She had a rebellious sparkle in her eyes infused with heated passion, the combination irresistible. Easing the dress over her head, I growled and cupped her naked breasts, fingering her nipples and pinching until she whimpered.