by Ana Night
“Rome? Rome,” Marco barked.
Rome cleared his throat and tried to focus on Marco and their conversation.
“What?”
“Where are you?”
“I… uh…”
Before he could figure out what to tell him, he heard muffled talk over the phone and then Marco cursed.
“You’re fucking a King?”
Rome let out a sigh. Fucking spook knew too fucking much.
“Fuck. Couldn’t you have told me that before I went begging to King? Would’ve been so much easier—”
“No,” Rome snapped. He shook his head even though he knew Marco couldn’t see it. The thought alone made him sick to his stomach. “I’d never use Juno like that.”
That got Juno’s attention. He’d put on some jeans, thank god, and was looking at Rome with a raised brow.
“I just meant he could’ve smoothed shit out,” Marco grumbled.
“That’s not what you meant.”
“Cazzo! No, it wasn’t. I’m a bastard, the least I can do is admit it.”
That was the thing he’d always liked about Marco. He was honest and never hid what he was. Never apologized for it. At least not with Rome.
“I’m sending you an address and if you’re not here within twenty minutes, I’ll send Neil after you and you know he won’t be above shooting you to get you out of Juno’s bed,” Marco said before hanging up.
Rome lowered the phone with a sigh. He shook his head with a smile on his lips. He didn’t doubt Marco would do it and he wasn’t lying about Neil either. Rome knew the bastard would happily shoot at him. He wouldn’t mind shooting the spook, either, so he couldn’t complain.
“You’d never use me like what?”
Rome took a deep breath before turning around. Juno was watching him with a wary look in his eyes.
“Marco wanted me to have used you to smooth things over between him and the Kings.”
“Why didn’t you?” Juno asked, his eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms.
Was he…offended? What?
“Because I’m not in this for Marco or for making connections,” Rome said.
“You don’t think we’re serious enough for me to do that for you?”
Rome blinked at Juno.
“From what I’ve heard, you don’t even do serious,” Rome said.
Juno’s expression turned thunderous. He uncrossed his arms and glared at Rome.
“Well fuck me if the one time I do want to get serious, I pick the one guy who would fucking complain about it,” Juno hissed and walked out of the room.
Rome was left speechless as he watched Juno leave. He was pretty sure he’d fucked that up.
Juno
One second, they were exclusive, the next, they weren’t serious. The fuck was he supposed to do with that?
The worst part was that Rome was right; he never got serious with anyone. So why Rome? Why the one guy he couldn’t really be with? Well, maybe that was it? He couldn’t get hurt if he knew from the start that it could never become more between them. It wasn’t that he was too afraid of getting hurt or didn’t want love and a relationship. He’d just never… needed it. He’d been good without it. At least, until Rome.
He walked into the bedroom just in time to see Rome pulling on his shoulder harness. Damn. Why did he have to look so hot? If he got turned on by seeing Rome carrying a gun, what did that say about him?
“What the fuck are we doing?” Juno blurted out.
Rome turned around, confusion covering his face.
“What do you mean?”
Juno dropped his head back with a sigh. Fuck. He didn’t even know himself.
Rome walking up in front of him had him looking up to meet those steely brown eyes. Rome cupped Juno’s cheeks in his big hands and everything inside Juno settled.
“I don’t have time right now, il mio re, but we’ll talk when I get back,” Rome said, his voice soft.
Juno swallowed hard, then grabbed Rome’s hands to pull them down.
“Where are you going?”
“To meet Marco.”
“And do something else stupid?” Juno snapped.
Rome narrowed his eyes for a second before his expression softened and he wrapped his arms around Juno’s waist, pulling him closer.
“I came home to you last night, didn’t I?”
He glared at Rome, making the man sigh.
“Juno…”
“Stay,” Juno said.
Rome leaned back. “I can’t.”
“You’d never put me, put us, first. Would you?” Juno asked as it dawned on him.
“Juno…”
Juno shook his head and pulled out of Rome’s arms.
“You’d always put him first. Even before yourself,” Juno said.
“And you wouldn’t put the Kings first?” Rome retorted.
Juno met Rome’s gaze, feeling entirely too vulnerable as he said, “Maybe I wouldn’t. For you.”
The surprise in Rome’s eyes told him more than enough. They would never be more than what they were now, which was what? Lovers? Fuckbuddies? Who the fuck knew? He sure as shit didn’t.
“Juno—”
“You needed to leave, right? Then you should go.”
Chapter Eleven
Rome
HE WAS pissed. Frustrated. Confused. Hell, everything about this whole thing confused him. He kinda got where Juno was coming from. Marco was his boss. His to obey and protect. Marco came first. Always. Rome had never even put himself before Marco. How was he supposed to suddenly put Juno first? He couldn’t. Plain and simple, he just couldn’t.
Yes, he wanted to be exclusive with Juno. Yes, he wanted more with him. He just… didn’t know how. Didn’t know why he was feeling this way. Didn’t know what it was about Juno that both made him weak in the knees and set him off like no other. He was sure Juno felt much the same. He just hoped Juno still wanted him around. One way or the other, he was bound to find out later. Right then, he needed to concentrate on doing his job.
He pulled into nearly the only free parking spot in front of the address Marco had sent him and got out of the car to find the right building. Once he found it, he walked up to the front door which buzzed open before he could even do anything. The spook probably had a camera set up somewhere covering the entrance area.
He opted out of the elevator and made his way up the stairs to the third floor. Marco was waiting in the doorway to the apartment, his eyes narrowed on Rome as he neared.
“I’m still a bit pissed at you,” Marco said.
Rome ignored him and pushed past him to get into the apartment. He continued down the hallway, Marco right behind him.
“I mean, really? Seeing a King? You know how many doors that could open for me? For us?”
“None,” Rome said with a tone that left no room for arguing.
Marco sighed but stopped talking. Rome walked into a huge living room with two couches in front of a gas fireplace and a pool table off to one side. A bit further away was another sitting area and in the opposite direction was a dining table that could seat at least ten people. The place had a lot of high-end finishes and he wasn’t even sure which of the two men had picked it. He wouldn’t think a place like this was usually something the CIA would use, but he knew from experience that Neil had expensive taste in pretty much everything. Marco, on the other hand, had the kind of money needed to pay for this place.
Neil came walking out from the kitchen, carrying a mug of something steaming.
“Rome,” Neil said and walked to one of the couches where he sat down.
“Neil,” Rome said with a sigh.
He wasn’t a fan of leaving Marco’s safety in the spook’s hands, but somewhere deep down inside, he had a feeling Neil would do anything to protect Marco. Anything but go against orders. He didn’t think the CIA was aware of Neil’s current activities, though, so he doubted he needed to worry about it.
Rome sat down on the couch opposite Neil a
nd wasn’t surprised when Marco took a seat next to Neil.
“Anything new?” Rome asked.
“He’s gone,” Neil said. “I assume when he didn’t hear from the men last night, he took off.”
Rome clenched his teeth. Fuck.
“Can you find him again?” he asked Neil.
“Maybe. I’ll try.”
Rome nodded, content with that answer. “Do we know how much damage he has caused?”
“Enough,” Marco growled.
Neil put a hand on Marco’s thigh and, remarkably, Marco seemed to calm down.
“It’s a lot of money,” Neil said.
“We can always make money,” Rome said. “It’s everything else I’m worried about.”
Marco’s reputation was on the line along with his life. Along with Dante’s life.
“Alvaro has been smart about the whole thing. Starting out small without any direct attacks until now,” Neil said.
“He’s like a kid. Taking the other’s toys while disrespecting the adults,” Marco grumbled.
Rome snorted. Marco wasn’t exactly wrong with that description.
“When I find him, I’m going to gut the bastard,” Marco hissed.
“Perhaps we should focus on getting back what he has stolen from you,” Neil said with an arched brow at Marco.
“Easier said than done,” Marco grumbled. “I should be out there. I shouldn’t be hiding like a fucking coward.”
“The restaurant runs itself and the rest of the business is at a standstill anyway,” Rome tried to reason.
“You show up at the restaurant or at home and you’re as good as dead,” Neil said.
Marco looked like he was about to argue but then released a loud sigh. “I’ll stay but only because I know Alvaro is too much of a coward to show up to kill me himself. Then I’d at least have a fucking shot at him.”
Juno
He walked into the tattoo shop wearing a scowl. He went past Scar, ignoring her frown as he didn’t return her greeting, and made his way to Bones who was sitting at one of the desks.
“I need you,” Juno grumbled at Bones as he continued past him.
“I hope you didn’t mean that the way it sounded, ‘cause, buddy, sorry but I’m not into dick,” Bones yelled after him.
Juno didn’t stop or answer Bones, he just kept walking until he was inside his room. Bones walked in and closed the door behind him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Everything?” Juno let out a frustrated breath. “I know he’ll be pissed that I told you, but I need my best friend right now. This is wholly unchartered water for me. Fuck. I don’t even get that I’m feeling like this right now.”
Bones sat down on Juno’s stool and said, “This is serious. You just said ‘feeling.’”
Juno aimed a glare at Bones but all he saw was concern in Bones’ eyes.
“So?” Bones prompted.
“I’ve been fucking Rome for a while,” Juno said.
Bones frowned for a few seconds, then his eyes went wide, and his mouth dropped open.
“Rome D’Alessio? Mobster Rome? That Rome?”
Juno rolled his eyes. “Yes, that Rome.”
“Fuuuck,” Bones said.
“That’s what we’ve been doing, yes.”
Bones flipped him off, then said, “Man, that’s crazy.”
Juno sighed heavily. “I know. I fucking know. But that’s not the craziest part. I like him, Bones. I really like him.”
“I’m sorry, as in you like him like him?”
“As in I like him so much, I don’t even want to fuck anyone else. As in I don’t want him to leave my bed once he’s in it. As in he drives me fucking nuts and still, I want him to stay. I just… One second he wants to be exclusive, the next… fuck, I don’t even know. It’s so fucking frustrating. I just… I just wanna be with him but he makes me fucking crazy.”
“Awe. Juno. You’re in love,” Bones said.
Juno pointed an accusatory finger at Bones and growled, “Say that one more fucking time and I’ll shoot you.”
The wide smile on Bones’ face told him he’d probably have to.
Juno
He was finishing up with his last client when Scar popped her head through the door, a smile on her face that had Juno narrowing his eyes at her.
“Hey, babe. You have a visitor,” she said, a smug smile on her face.
Juno frowned at her, then just gave her a nod before turning back to the man in his chair. He grabbed a sheet of paper with instructions from the dresser drawer and handed it to him.
“Follow the instructions. Keep the bandage on for at least a few hours and make sure to clean it and keep it out of the sun.”
Kenny smiled up at Juno and said, “Sure. Thanks.”
“Anytime. Let me know when the addiction sets in and I’ll happily take more of your money,” Juno said, a cheeky smile on his lips.
Kenny threw his head back with laughter while Juno grinned at him. Juno had just popped the guy’s tattoo cherry and he knew from experience how addicting tats could be. Once you’d gotten one, you rarely stopped there.
Juno walked the man out and had to do a doubletake when he saw Rome standing by one of the desks, talking to Stiletto. He’d taken off his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt. Anyone who claimed rolled-up sleeves didn’t amplify the sexiness in guys were insane. Or blind. The arm porn was real. It was especially mouthwatering where Rome was concerned.
Juno led his client to the counter but didn’t even get to say anything before Scar showed up to take over, bumping her hip against Juno’s to make him move.
He cautiously made his way to Rome and Stiletto, unsure what to think of the whole thing. Scar had said Rome was there for him, but no way would Rome show up as his boyfriend. He nearly tripped over his own feet when he realized what he’d just called Rome. Boyfriend. Was that what Rome was? Was it what he wanted Rome to be?
“Hey,” Stiletto said with a wry smile.
“Hey,” Juno said and cleared his throat before glancing at Rome. “Hi, Rome.”
Rome met his gaze, a slight smile on his lips. Rome glanced around, then cleared his throat. Juno could tell he was uncomfortable. He got why, but it was still disappointing.
Before Rome could open his mouth, Stiletto cut him off, saying, “Oh, don’t even start. The only client here just walked out the door and we all know about you two, anyway.”
Rome gave Stiletto a dirty look. Then he took a step toward Juno and cupped his face. When Rome’s lips came down on his, Juno gasped in surprise. He grabbed a hold of Rome’s shirt and tilted his head back to give Rome better access. Rome’s tongue tangled with his in a battle for control. Rome slid a hand into Juno’s hair and tugged, drawing a moan out of Juno. When Rome pulled back, Juno was panting for breath.
“You know,” Scar said, making everyone turn to look at her. “I’m not into guys but that kinda did it for me.”
Juno snorted out a laugh. “You thinking of hopping on the bi-wagon?”
Scar shook her head, then said, “Hell no. It’s only good when it doesn’t involve me. Seriously, show me a dick and I’ll hurl.”
“Haven’t you pierced a dick once or twice?” Juno asked.
“Nope. I have done a lot of pussy piercings. Though they’re only fun if they come in to get it changed and not a new one. Too sore,” she said with an eyebrow wiggle.
Stiletto released a loud groan and shook her head. “Does everyone fuck in my shop?”
“Yeah,” Juno said while Scar nodded and Bones walked past Stiletto’s desk, saying, “Yep.”
“Ya’ll are degenerates,” Stiletto grumbled.
“But you love us anyway,” Juno said and flashed her a big smile.
She flipped him off but didn’t argue and took off toward the back rooms.
Juno turned to Rome, nerves hitting him as he met Rome’s dark gaze. He nibbled on his bottom lip for a moment before saying, “Hi.”
Th
e smile that appeared on Rome’s lips had Juno breathing easier even if his stomach did a somersault at that smile. Rome glanced over Juno’s shoulder for a second, then turned his gaze back on Juno.
“I don’t like the way we left things this morning,” Rome said, his voice rough.
“Me neither.”
“I know I can’t offer you much,” Rome started but Juno cut him off.
“I’ll take it. Whatever, however, much you can give. I’ll take it.”
He knew he was being brazen and impulsive but being with Rome felt so fucking right. He’d never wanted the traditional shit anyway. A white picket fence, kids, and weddings weren’t his thing. He’d take Rome over them any day.
“Come here,” Rome said and reached for Juno.
Juno stepped into Rome’s embrace and tilted his head back to meet Rome’s gaze. Those deep brown eyes were filled with a mix of need and affection. If Rome just kept looking at him like that, he didn’t care if he’d never have all of him.
Chapter Twelve
Rome
HE WAS lounging on the couch with Juno’s head in his lap and his fingers in Juno’s hair when he got a text from Marco. He opened it and groaned.
Juno opened his eyes and frowned up at him.
“What?”
“Marco needs me.”
Juno sighed, loud and heavy. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the guy was in love with you, as much as he needs you.”
Rome bit his lip to keep from saying anything but that only seemed to intrigue Juno more. Juno’s frown deepened as he sat up.
“What are you not telling me?”
Rome considered not telling Juno, but he knew he could trust him with that particular secret.
“He’s not in love with me, but we did use to fool around,” Rome said.
Juno’s mouth fell open and he stared wide-eyed at Rome.
“Excuse me. What?”