Ruthless: A Dark Mafia Romance Read online

  “What?” He had to be joking.

  “You heard exactly what I said to you. If I have to repeat myself, trust me, I will remove my belt and give you a spanking that you’ll never forget.”

  There was a huge portion of me that wanted to race into the kitchen and grab the knife. No man had control of me and none ever would. Sadly, I was so turned on that I was shaking from the realization. Since I didn’t lash out, some wretched part of me must want this, his domination and his discipline. My shorts and panties had dropped to the floor and I stood like a little girl with my arms in front of me, hiding my nakedness.

  Gio pursed his lips, giving me a nod. “Go ahead.” He reached behind his back, retrieving a gun and sliding it onto the coffee table. While I should be shocked, even mortified, I wasn’t. Whatever this man was involved in held that very aura of danger he so diligently wanted me to buy into. He lifted a single eyebrow, as if expecting a nasty retort to his action.

  There was nothing I could say.

  I swallowed twice before kicking out of my shorts and panties, my entire body shaking as I attempted to pull the simple tee shirt over my head. I closed my eyes when I tossed the material somewhere, shivering to the point my teeth were chattering.

  “Good girl. You can learn.”

  “Don’t talk like that to me.” The pain flashed in my body before I realized that he’d leaned forward, pinching and twisting my nipples, forcing me to yelp.

  “Why...” My mouth twisted, both revolted from and relishing in the anguish rushing through every cell in my body. I was absolutely electrified, sensations that I’d never experienced flowing through my muscles and going all the way to the bone.

  “Down on your knees.”

  He used my nipples as leverage, pulling me until I finally dropped in front of him. “What do you want?” I asked between clenched teeth. I was free floating, living yet another fantasy and I couldn’t stop myself.

  “Everything. You should know that by now and I always get exactly what I want.”

  I hated him for that, for thinking he could rule me in any manner, but I also wanted this more than anything I’d experienced before. I wanted to have his command and the pain accompanying everything he demanded of me. I needed to feel alive, more so than I had in years.

  And so, I obeyed.

  “Suck me. Free my cock and take my shaft into that hot little mouth of yours.” He smiled as he said the words, those same vivid eyes dancing.

  I concentrated on the rumble of thunder, the booming sounds reverberating all through the house as I crawled closer. I kept my eyes on him as I fumbled to unfasten his belt, running my fingers over the smooth leather. An image of the belt being used to discipline me brought another round of anger, although it was quickly replaced with so much more.

  “That’s it,” he whispered hoarsely.

  My lower lip quivered as I did what I was told, unfastening the single button and slowly tugging on the zipper. He pushed up from the couch just enough to allow me to drag his pants and underwear past his chiseled hips. When his cock was fully exposed, I took a deep breath. He was magnificent in all ways, his shaft long and thick, pulsing in my hand.

  “Are you a good cocksucker, little Minx? Do you enjoy having a man’s hard cock in your mouth?”

  I rubbed my little finger down the length and back up, darting a look in his direction. “I enjoy all aspects of a man. A lover.” I spouted the last two words in an emphatic manner, giving him a seductive smile.

  “I guess we shall see.”

  Lifting his shaft, I brushed just the tips of my nails down the underside until I reached his swollen balls. They were so engorged, as if ready to spew seed deep inside. I knew that would happen soon enough, the man claiming every hole. With everything I had in me, I knew I should push away, refusing this on every level.

  Instead, I cupped his balls with one hand, squeezing until he let out an elongated moan. With my other hand, I wrapped my fingers around his cockhead, the purplish tip already slickened with pre-cum. The smooth area made me quiver even more, a natural longing to have him in my mouth taking over.

  “That feels damn good.” His head lolled back, his eyes clenched closed and the look of utter euphoria riding his chiseled face.

  I crawled further between his legs, rubbing his tip across my mouth before darting my tongue across the sensitive slit. The taste of him was sweet, tangy, and even more delicious than I would have imagined.

  “Don’t tease me, sweet Minx,” he grumbled.

  I had every intention of taunting him, if for no other reason than my own satisfaction. I blew a swath of hot air across his slit and all the way down the underside of his glorious cock. When I reached his balls, I licked in lazy circles, enjoying the way his breathing changed, deepening with every swipe of my tongue. The flavor was just as I expected, rich and riddled with temptation. Taking first one testicle then the other into my mouth, I was thrown by how large they truly were. I couldn’t stop quivering, a cold chill wafting down the length of my body.

  It was as if he’d seen through every mask I’d worn, slapping one on top of the other. I was stepping in quicksand, sinking fast and there was no reason to want anything to do with this.

  But I did.

  A throaty growl left his pursed mouth as he slapped his hand on top of my head, fisting my disheveled strands of hair and pulling until I was forced to look at him. His expression was one of deviance. “I said. Suck. Me.”

  I opened my mouth wide, taking several inches inside. Within seconds he’d taken full control, pumping in with such vigor the tip pressed against the back of my throat. Gagging, my eyes watered yet again, my mind ready to beg him to let me go. Relax. Just relax. The whispered words from my subconscious did little to calm my nerves. I knew that letting go, giving any amount of submission to this man was wrong, but there was nothing I could do.

  “That’s it. Take every inch.” A dark chuckle was followed by an intense sigh, his grip tightening.

  I pumped the base of his shaft, twisting my hand to create as much friction as possible. I wanted his skin to burn, much like he’d forced mine to endure. He didn’t seem to notice, or care in any regard, his glassy eyes reflecting his almost desperate need. I was forced to obey, to relax my throat or continue gagging. My chest heaved as I fondled his balls with my other hand. Squeeze then release. Squeeze then release. In my rattled mind, I counted over and over again, something left from my childhood on dark and lonely nights.

  He was my new darkness, my insane fears. His command brought back treacherous memories, blackness I’d long since shoved in a tightly sealed box. Why? Why did this man cause so many reactions? I sucked as required, controlling my breathing as my head was pushed all the way down until my lower lip rested on his balls.

  “God, yes! Tight and hot mouth, just like I remember the rest of you.” He rolled his fingers through my hair, letting go just enough I was able to slide my mouth up and down of my own accord. He fingered my cheek, brushing the tip up and down, smirking as I dragged my tongue across his slit several times. “Such a beautiful woman. You could be my undoing.” There was a level of remorse in his statement.

  Everything had to be a dream, nothing real. But was this a dream or a nightmare? He was a brute yet by far the most handsome man I’d fucked. My body wanted his brand of domination while my mind did nothing but remind me of the bleak possibilities.

  Gio shifted his body forward, placing both hands on my head. He moved me up and down on his shaft, his actions much gentler than before. “I have so many things I crave doing to you.”

  I kept my tongue moving back and forth, savoring the way his thick veins pressed against the tip. My mind floating, I stopped thinking of anything but the moment, the shameless longing I’d felt before resurfacing with a vengeance. So what if he wasn’t good for me? I had no one to explain my actions to. There was no one to chastise me any longer. I was my own woman.

  I heard a series of guttural sounds before he forced my
head back, his palms pressing against both sides of my face. Sighing, he leaned over, lowering his head until our lips were touching. “We will never see each other after today, but I hope you’ll believe me when I tell you that I’d enjoy spending more time with you, getting to know the woman inside even more than I do. Just know that’s not a possibility and never try and find me.”

  “Why? What is wrong?”

  He fingered my cheeks in a rough manner, the same haunting look from before returning. “Nothing is wrong, sweet Minx. We live in two different worlds. Just promise me.”

  “I promise.” Perhaps I’d never see the man again, or his tender side, but for a brief period of time, I was able to look directly into his soul.

  And I could swear I witnessed the flames of hell.

  Chapter Four

  Giovanni

  Maybe the statement hadn’t been necessary, but I felt she deserved to know a certain portion of the truths—my truths. I was glad that Antonio had followed her under the guise of keeping her safe and secure. His training had kicked in and he had no way of knowing whether or not Minx was trustworthy enough to be left alive. I hadn’t been able to get her off my mind, not after the incredible time we’d shared.

  She wasn’t safe with me, not in any regard, but mostly from the man fucking her sensual mouth. I was the monster true nightmares were made of. She, on the other hand, was a slice of true goodness, sweet and honest to a fault. I could hurt her in so many ways, just like I had every other woman I’d bothered or dared to care about. The men of our family weren’t supposed to give a shit about anything but business, but as I thrust my cock deeper into her throat, I could think of nothing more I wanted than to share days, even weeks with her.

  That would only prove detrimental, even deadly.

  Her non-reaction to my gun meant she’d thought about the possibilities regarding the kind of man she’d fucked. She seemed almost amused, as if the Glock were a toy. Maybe she had yet another side to her. With every passing second, she was becoming more intriguing.

  Minx was already a weakness and not one I could afford, but on a rainy Sunday in the middle of nowhere, I’d risk everything to take what I craved. Every cell in my body was on fire as her tongue licked my shaft. Even my balls were anguished from the feel of her mouth alone. She had a magical way about her, allowing a man to feel more than just wanted.

  Needed.

  I could tell she was fighting her true nature, but she needed this, a man to take full control. “You are such a naughty little girl, but damn so hot.”

  A slight smile crossed her face the same time her lovely skin flushed, the shade so becoming, drawing me further into her silken web. “Gio, I don’t know about this.”

  “There’s nothing to know or understand except two people who hunger for each other. You’re just so damn perfect.”

  “I’m anything but,” she whispered, the admittance so refreshing.

  And to me, the most imperfect man ever spawned, she was indeed a flawless creature.

  I finally allowed our lips to touch, relishing in the sweet taste of her. I wanted to wrap my arms around her, keeping her safe from everyone, including myself. Using my lips, I opened hers, sliding my tongue inside. I held her as if my life depended on our connection, marveling how close I felt to someone I’d just met.

  She moaned into the kiss, her entire body shaking as the kiss grew from a quiet gentleness to my own ravaging need. I slid my hands down to her shoulders, tugging her in a relentless fashion to her knees, cradling her in between my legs. She seemed so frail, almost tiny in comparison to my hulking frame and the feel of her soft skin was unlike anything else in the world. She’d awakened my mind as well as my body, and the idea of lavishing her with gifts pressed against the forefront of every thought.

  Minx gripped my forearms, digging her well-manicured nails into my skin. I had her trapped in my possession, ready to devour her inch by inch. The dichotomy of wanting to shower her with trinkets and flowers, as well as use her body in a brutal manner was almost laughable. Who was the man who’d tracked down a stranger?

  One who almost died...

  I broke the kiss, the thought so revolting. Whatever had occurred on that damn operating table had nothing to do with death or near death, God or the devil. It had just been a dream.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, taking several shallow breaths as her eyes darted back and forth.

  “Nothing.”

  “Gio.”

  “I said nothing!” I pushed her back, immediately jerking to my feet and shoving my cock back into my pants. I walked away, moving toward the windows. For all I knew, I could have been followed, trackers having already found me.

  Then you’ll go to hell, just where you belong.

  I heard the wretched growl erupting from my lips, disgusted I’d bought any concept of the fucking dream. Maybe I was going to hell, but not without taking a hell of a lot of assholes with me.

  And after they suffered.

  I heard her sigh several times then the rustle of clothing.

  “I didn’t tell you that you could get dressed!” I darted a look over my shoulder, glaring at her. Why in the hell was I taking my own fears out on her? She had nothing to do with my father being murdered or the wound that seemed to be festering in ways that had nothing to do with a bullet.

  Minx stopped short, tossing her shirt and folding her arms. Her stare was similar to the one when she’d opened the door, anger and hatred as well as self-loathing. When she finally looked away, she chortled. “I’m such an idiot.”

  I took a deep breath and held it, hoping it would burn my lungs as I glanced between the slats on the blinds. Before knocking, I’d walked around the house, checking for location weaknesses then laughed. If anyone from New York or my own Borgata wanted me dead, that would have occurred in the hospital room in Chicago.

  Yes, one attempt had been made, prompting my departure from the hospital, but it seemed like a weak effort by some peon rather than a professional iceman.

  Another piece of the ever growing puzzle.

  “What are you afraid of? Is the boogeyman following you or are you just suspicious of everything and everyone? You know, that dangerous part you were telling me about.” She snorted after the words.

  “You don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.” I didn’t have to bother looking at her to know she was chiding me.

  Tension settled in.

  “You know, Gio, the man at the bar last night, the one who came riding up on a huge white steed, making certain I was protected from a shyster like Jimmy was a different man than the one here today. I don’t know what happened to you or why you’re here, but if you’re trying to push me away, it’s working. I don’t need this shit in my life.”

  A jolt of anger rushed into my system. Christ. I was nothing but some freaking madman, ready to jump on anyone. I fisted one hand, pushing the exasperation aside. I wasn’t enraged at her words, but the realization that she was right.

  “I can’t take a brooding, selfish man,” she said, laughing. “You’re just like all the rest.”

  Another rustling sound. I involuntarily reacted when I tipped my head. Seeing she was disobeying me after I gave her explicit orders was enough to infuriate the true monster bursting at the seams. Something broke inside, overwhelming me with feelings I had no idea how to handle. I stormed toward her, taking the simple tee shirt in both hands and ripping it down the front.

  I’d never wanted a woman as much as this one. In all my life, there had never been as many dazzling sensations as these, but as with every relationship I’d attempted, I was fucking clueless. Well, fuck me.

  Minx yelped in reaction then pummeled me with both fists. “You fucking bastard! Get the hell out of here!”

  “Not a chance.” I held her against me as she fought, her nails catching my cheek and digging in. “You belong to me.”

  “I don’t belong to anyone and especially not you!” Hissing, she spit in my face, shovi
ng hard enough she managed to get away.

  But only for a split second. I snapped my hand around her wrist, yanking her back. The force pummeled us both to the floor and she fought like a wildcat, pitching and squirming.

  “You’re an asshole.”

  “Stop!” Struggling, I managed to grab her arms, simply trying to get her to stop fighting.

  She refused, her strength surprising.

  We grappled, rolling back and forth. “Minx. I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m not trying to hurt you.”

  “Yeah, right.” Breathing hard, she tried to maneuver her legs, but my full weight rested on top of her. “Damn you!” Her tone softened but she looked away, groaning under her breath.

  The feel of her breasts crushed against my chest, her heart beating as rapidly as mine was a powerful aphrodisiac. “Look at me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I commanded you to do so.”

  Minx’s lower lip quivered but she twisted her head, her beautiful blue eyes like glass pools. “Commanded. You really think you own me, don’t you?”

  “Yes. I get exactly what I want. Never mistake that.”

  “I just bet you do. So tell me, why do you want me? Why? I’m not some stupid little girl you can ply with your bullshit. You already know that.”

  “Yeah, I do. I crave every inch of you because you’re everything good and beautiful in this world, shutting down the darkness if only for a little while.” The words came easily. I was no poet, but the sentiment was true, shocking the fuck out of me. My breathing continued to be ragged, much the same as hers and I shook my head several times. I crushed her mouth with mine, forcing my tongue past her tight lips. She was vibrant and alive, igniting the firestorm from deep within.

  Minx struggled for a few seconds, undulating as she tried everything to push my tongue aside, but she was no match for me. And our hunger was too great, striking down all rationalization.

  The kiss became a passionate roar, unbridled and savage. I no longer cared about what she thought of me. I wanted to taste every inch of this woman again and again, until I’d had my fill. Then I’d start over.