Code of Honor

by Missy Johnson

  “You okay there?” he asks, watching me closely. I push my plate away, my stomach queasy.

  “I think I better go,” I mumble. “I’m so sorry. I was feeling sick this morning, and I think the spice is not settling well with me.”

  He stands up with me. “Let me walk you home, then.”

  “No, please stay and finish yours. Maybe we can do this again another time?” I ask. I don’t wait for an answer. Instead, I grab my bag and make a beeline for the door.

  —

  Outside, I quickly walk back down toward my apartment. Fuck. How could I have gotten it so wrong? I was sure he was gay. Only apparently he’s not. I shiver, rubbing my hands over the arms of my sweater in an effort to warm my body against the cold. When that doesn’t work I reach into my bag to retrieve my jacket, threading it over my arms.

  I pick up my pace when I realize that I’m a woman walking alone at night in a city I’m still getting used. Only then do I notice the figure sauntering toward me from the opposite direction. His dark clothing and hooded face make it difficult for me to make out much, but my gut tells me I don’t want to mess with this guy.

  “Looking sexy, Mama,” he says, smirking.

  I ignore him as he slows to a stop to watch me. I keep walking, my apartment building now in my line of vision. I can feel him behind me now. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

  “Why you in such a hurry? Slow down and talk to me, baby. Maybe we can have some fun.”

  I quicken my pace, trying to work out how to lose this fuckwit. The last thing I want is for him to know where I live, so crossing the street and entering my apartment is not an option. I keep walking, doing my best not to engage with him, but the more I ignore him the harder he seems to try.

  When he grabs at my arm, I spin around. His dark eyes are cloudy and his breath reeks of stale beer. I step back, yanking my arm away from him as he chuckles. This is a game for him. He’s nearly twice my size, and I don’t doubt he could snap me like a twig if he wanted me to.

  “I like a girl with a little fire.” He laughs, staggering toward me. I cry out as he grabs my shoulder, pulling me back against him. Struggling to break free from his hold, I knee him in the groin, disabling him momentarily, but not enough to make him loosen his hold on me.

  “Hey, leave her alone.”

  I gasp and break free, bending over to catch my breath. My lungs burn as I gasp in air. Pietro takes the guy in a headlock and drags him to the ground, placing his knee against the guy’s throat, a menacing look in his eyes. The guy struggles under Pietro’s hold, his arms flailing wildly.

  “Hey, motherfucker, what you think you’re doing?” he gasps.

  Pietro’s hands close around the neck of the guy’s tattered shirt. Pietro drags him to his feet, bringing his face close.

  “Get the fuck out of my face before I ruin you,” Pietro growls, shoving him hard. Startled, the guy stumbles and backs away, cursing, before disappearing down an alley.

  “Are you okay?” he asks, looking me over for injuries.

  I nod, shaking. I think I am, anyway. That could have been so much worse.

  “Come on. Let me help you home.”

  “Thanks,” I mumble. I’m shaking as Pietro puts his arms around me and pulls me to his chest. The intimate gesture makes me recoil as I remember all his lies.

  “Get away from me, Pietro. I can’t believe you’ve been here all along. Were you having a good laugh at my expense?!” I shout, pushing him away.

  “It wasn’t like that, Luce,” he protests, but I don’t want to hear his excuses. I walk a few feet ahead of him, ignoring his pleas for me to let him explain. “For God’s sake, listen to me.” His hand on my shoulder stops me. I turn around, my arms crossed protectively over my chest.

  “Explain what?”

  He hesitates.

  “Please just let me take you home. You’re shaking,” he whispers. “Let me make sure you’re okay, and then we’ll talk. Please.”

  “Fine,” I mutter. “Whatever.”

  —

  Pietro hands me a cup of hot cocoa. I smile, tucking my legs up under me as I take the cup from him. He sits down next to me on the sofa. After a shower and some fresh clothes, I’m feeling a lot better.

  “I’m sorry I lied to you, Lucy.”

  “Are you?” I ask. “Or are you sorry you were found out? You didn’t have to say yes to my dad, you know.”

  “If it wasn’t me here he would’ve sent someone else.” His jaw clenches as he closes his eyes and sighs. “I hated the idea of being away from you. So yes, maybe I did say yes for my own selfish reasons.”

  “You couldn’t stand to be away from me, but you can’t be with me?” I laugh. “Make up your mind, Pietro. What the hell do you want from me? I can’t handle knowing you’re here and not be able to be with you.”

  “I want you,” he replies, his voice gruff. “Do you have any idea how insanely jealous I’ve been the past few days? Do you have any idea what you do to me? You drive me crazy, Luce. I can barely breathe around you.”

  Hearing this makes me smile. Regardless of how bad my little plan turned out in the end, I’m glad it worked. Pushing my hair behind my ears, I kneel on the sofa, touching his face with one hand.

  “So, have me, then.” I maneuver myself onto him, placing his hand firmly on my ass. “For once in your life, take what you want, okay?”

  He grunts and lifts me onto his lap. I gasp as his lips find mine. He presses his mouth against mine as his fingers rake through my hair. He takes my breath away. All I can think about is how much I want him.

  “Get this off,” he mutters, his fingers grasping at the hem of my sweater. I lift my arms, laughing as he all but rips it over my head. I loop my arms around his neck, anticipation filling me as he fumbles with the clasp on my bra before peeling it down over my arms.

  “God,” I say as he squeezes my breast, rolling the palm of his hand over my nipple. I lift myself off him and place his hands underneath my skirt around the flimsy band of my lace thong. He gets the message and slides them down over my thighs. “Now you,” I whisper, tugging at his shirt.

  I undo the first two buttons but lose patience after that and resort to tearing the damn thing off him. Sighing, I run my hands over his exposed chest, my heart pumping harder with every sculpted muscle I trace over.

  Leaning down, I kiss his chest, my tongue savoring the sweet, sexy taste of his body. My hands tremble as I unbutton his jeans and then lower the zipper. His erection brushes over my hand, causing a surge of excitement to race through me.

  “I love that you’re so hard.” I grin. I reach into his boxers and wrap my hand around his cock while grinding my body against his. I’m so turned on right now.

  “How can I not be when your hands are on my cock?” he growls.

  I let out a squeal as he stands up, taking me with him. I hold on to his shoulders as he carries me toward the bedroom. We get as far as the kitchen when he stops.

  “Fuck it,” he mutters, sitting me down on the edge of the counter. I grin, my heart racing. It’s like the ten seconds to the bedroom were just too much for him.

  The lust in his eyes as he stares at me is driving me wild. He pushes his jeans and boxers down and shrugs them off. I reach out and close my fist around his erection again, my eyes not leaving his.

  “Lay flat,” he murmurs. I gasp as my back hits the cold marble surface under me. His hands wrap around my thighs and he yanks me closer to him, so close, I can feel him waiting and ready to enter me. “I want to fuck you so hard right now, Luce. And then I want to take you to bed and spend all night loving you.”

  “Fuck me as hard as you want,” I whisper, secretly aching for him to be rough with me. I’ve never seen him want me with this much urgency. It’s like he’s possessed and I love it.

  He thrusts deep inside me and I gasp, my legs curling around his waist. I hold onto the edge of the counter for support as he thrusts again and again, deeper and harder.
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br />   “Harder,” I urge him, tilting my head back. I claw at his hands as they grip my thighs, his nails digging into me. He doesn’t hesitate, pounding his length in as far as I will take him. My back arches as I begin to climax. He groans, his slick cock sliding in and out of me so fast I struggle to keep my grip.

  “Oh God, yes,” I mumble. I close my eyes and revel in the moment as my body succumbs to the orgasm. At the same time, Pietro groans and with one final push he releases inside me.

  He leans against me over the counter, his head bowed. He pants heavily as he tries to regain his breath. Slowly, he lifts his head, his dark eyes meeting mine.

  “That was fucking unbelievable,” he murmurs. I gasp as he swiftly lifts me into his arms and begins the short trek to the bedroom.

  “You’re suddenly full of energy,” I say, giggling. My body still tingles from the orgasm and I’m exhausted. I’m not sure I’m ready to go again just yet.

  He chuckles and lays me down in his arms on the bed.

  “Go to sleep, bambino. I guarantee you’re going to need your energy for round two.”

  I smile, my eyes already drifting shut as I let myself melt into his warmth. This is where he belongs. Here with me. I listen to the sound of his beating heart as sleep overtakes me.

  Chapter 19

  Pietro

  “So, what are your plans for the day?” she asks, grabbing a banana off the kitchen counter. I yawn and reach for my coffee, wondering what the fuck I’m doing up so damn early. It’s not even light outside. Luce giggles. “You know, you don’t have to get up with me every morning,” she teases.

  The last four mornings I’ve gotten up fifteen minutes before her alarm goes off to make her breakfast. She thinks I’m being sweet, but really, it’s my way of taking care of her.

  “I have to get some work done on my thesis, then I have a few errands to run for your dad.” Luce makes a face. “Was that for the thesis or working for your dad?”

  “Both.” She grins. “What are you even studying? And how is it I’ve known you forever and yet I really have no idea what you’re doing?”

  “I’m deeply offended, but I’ll get over it. Economics.” I chuckle.

  “Economics?” she repeats. Her nose screws up like I just told her I study taxidermy.

  “Believe it or not, it’s something I’m interested in.”

  “So, what’s your plan? You grow up and work for my father, then on the side you’re some big, fancy economical expert?” she asks, walking over to me. I laugh and rest both hands on her ass as she straddles me.

  “Economical expert?” I tease, pulling her down for a kiss.

  “Excuse me for not paying attention in school. I had more important things on my mind,” she huffs, playfully swatting me.

  “Oh, like twirls and toe pointing?”

  I grin, then laugh as she falls into my lap while trying to tickle me. Wrapping my arms around her, I hold her against me and kiss her neck.

  “Take that back!” She giggles. “You have no idea how hard dancing is.”

  “You’re right.” I grin. “Maybe you should show me.”

  She arches an eyebrow and laughs.

  “Oh, you think you could keep up, huh?” She jumps to her feet and holds her hands out to me. Groaning, I take them, allowing her to pull me to my feet.

  “What are you doing?” I groan.

  “I’m going to run through a sequence, and then you’re going to try it. Okay?” When I don’t answer she nudges me. “Okay?” she repeats, her voice a little harder.

  “Fine,” I grumble, crossing my arms across my chest. “But you tell anyone about this, you’ll regret it.”

  “Okay, here’s what you do. Point, heel, point, heel, lift, arms above head, and then turn.” She does it effortlessly, giving me the false belief that I can do this. Halfway through the routine it becomes clear to me that I am not made for dancing. Lucy stands opposite me, barely able to stand, she’s laughing so hard.

  “Oh my God, you should see yourself now,” she gasps. I glare at her, my expression wavering when I can’t keep a straight face. I love seeing her happy, and if that means I end up looking like a fruitcake, so be it.

  “Come here,” I growl, wrapping her in my arms. Still laughing, she doesn’t resist as I hurl her onto the sofa. I position myself on top of her, running my hands through her thick hair. She smiles and lifts her mouth to meet mine.

  My hands sneak under her sweater and run along the bare arch of her back. I feel for her bra and realize she isn’t wearing one. She sighs, pushing her body against mine. I’m so hard—and every movement makes me feel like I’m going to explode.

  “Get these off,” I mutter, unzipping her jeans. She laughs and helps me shrug them down over her thighs. I shift my weight, allowing me to unzip my own jeans as she tugs them down over my ass. My cock springs out, and I groan as she reaches for it, her long fingers wrapping around it as she guides it to her pussy. I lift her sweater over her head and thread it from her arms as I gently kiss her rounded breasts.

  I retrieve a condom from my pocket and roll it on, then resume letting her be in control. I gasp as she squeezes my tip, placing it at her soft entrance. I’m throbbing, and I don’t know how much longer I can hold off. Curling my hand around her neck, I push myself deep inside her. She gasps, her eyes lighting in surprise and I chuckle. She wasn’t expecting me to be so forceful, but right now I’m not thinking with my head.

  I crush my mouth against hers, embracing her taste. She kisses me back, her breathing sparse as I drive myself deeper inside of her. Her long legs wrap around my waist, bringing me closer to her.

  “You’re fucking amazing,” I growl. I go deeper and harder until I’m ready to explode. I can’t wait any longer. My hands grip the arm of the sofa as I release. Her body rocks against mine, milking my erection. Exhausted, I collapse beside her and roll her into my arms.

  “I love the feel of you inside me,” she whispers. She tilts her neck, allowing me to kiss it. Kicking off my jeans, which have migrated down to my knees, I wrap my body around hers, breathing in her smell.

  I could lie like this forever. I let out a chuckle as my face nuzzles against hers, a thought hitting me. Last week I was worried her father had this place bugged.

  Well, one thing is for sure. If he does, we just gave him one hell of a show.

  Chapter 20

  Lucy

  “I feel like I’m lying to your dad,” Pietro says out of nowhere.

  He rolls onto his side, stretching out his long, athletic frame next to me. I run my hand over his chest, memorizing the outline of his ripped muscles. I bite my lip to hide a smile.

  “You are lying to him,” I point out.

  “Well, that makes me feel better,” he says sourly.

  “You had no problem lying to me,” I say, my voice sweet.

  “I did have a problem lying to you,” he huffs, slapping me on the ass. “I don’t like being dishonest in general. It’s not who I am.”

  “Look at it this way,” I offer, rolling myself on top of him. Straddling him, I run my hands down over his stomach while rocking my body against his. I grin as he hardens beneath me. “This would have to stop if he found out.”

  “You make a very valid point,” he mumbles, grabbing my thigh with one hand while his other creeps around my front.

  He places a finger to my lips, urging my to suck. I oblige, running my tongue along its length. Slowly, he trails his hand down my body. My nipples harden as he traces circles around them, gently squeezing them between his fingers. He reaches the top of my pubic bone and I gasp, pressing my hips against him. He’s teasing the hell out of me but I take joy in knowing he’s just as horny as I am.

  “Put your hands on the wall,” he orders. I do as he tells me, planting my palms flat against the wall above his head. “Don’t move them. If you do, I’ll stop, okay?”

  I nod, closing my eyes. I’m so ready for him that the anticipation is killing me. I whimper as he touc
hes the inside of my thigh with his finger. My legs tremble against his touch. God, he’s barely started and I’m ready to come. Slowly, he positions himself lower down the bed so my thighs rest on either side of his shoulders. I can feel his breath on my pussy and it’s driving me insane.

  “Don’t move those hands,” he warns.

  I swallow the lump in my throat, not trusting myself to look down at him. His hands snake around my thighs. I gasp as he pulls me forward until his mouth is on my pussy. I groan, and my legs buckle as his tongue fills me. My hands slip farther down the wall, threatening to fall away.

  “Keep your hands on the wall,” he growls. “Don’t get me angry, Luce.”

  I try to focus on my hands and the wall, but it’s nearly impossible with his tongue invading me. He lets out a groan, his fingers clawing at my ass as he pleasures me.

  “God, yes,” I gasp. My back arches, my body aching for more of him. His thrusts increase, sending me into overdrive. “I’m so close,” I moan.

  I cry out as I climax, dropping one hand down to his head, my fingers clutching at his hair. I can’t handle it, but I’m not ready for him to stop. My body convulses as he gently flicks my entrance until I can’t take any more.

  I lift myself off him and fall into his arms, incapable of words or actions. I can’t even think straight. Chuckling, he kisses my neck, his muscular arms embracing me, holding me close.

  I smile and release a sigh. I can’t think of a better way to spend my morning than doing what we just did.

  We spend the rest of the afternoon in bed. Normally I’d feel guilty about spending one of my rare days off holed up in my bedroom, but we’ve had quite a workout, so I feel like I put in the training I usually would have.

  It’s close to four when I finally drag myself from the bed. Pietro grins at me as I walk over to my closet for my robe.

  “Do you need to put that on?” He smirks.

  I laugh, shaking my head. “You want me to walk around naked?” I tease. “Sure. Don’t worry about the fact that it feels like it’s minus ten degrees outside.”