by Vance, Ally
I turn to Leeann who has been quietly seething for the second half of the journey. The hurt she was displaying has now been replaced with anger, and I don’t think all of it’s aimed at me. However, I’m not quick enough to dodge the hand flying at my face, and the slap echoes in the confined space.
“Asshole,” she bites out, and before I can react, she’s out of the car and storming toward the house.
She knows I won’t let her run, and in any case, she’s safer as my prisoner than on her own right now, so she’s even more stuck with me. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the realization is partly what has her all riled up, but the sight of her like this with her furious passion and hot anger gets me fucking hard all over again.
Leeann
There’s nowhere else for me to go apart from back to Seth’s house. It frustrates me that I can’t simply run away and never look back. The last fragment of my family still needs me, and I can’t just leave it behind, no matter how much I shouldn't give a fuck. Family...what a joke. No matter how hard I tried to ignore it, I now know Arron was leeching off me. I’ve never seen him lift a finger to help me, and when it was convenient for him to do so, he threw me into the arms of monsters.
Seth has pissed me off, scared me, and held me against my will, but at least he’s been honest with me, as far as I can tell; I can’t fault him on that. This game of tug and war between us has left me feeling pulled tight like a rope that’s ready to snap, and I am fucking helpless to do anything but watch myself fray under the pressure.
I realize I’ve stormed away from him toward a house I can’t get into, but I need air as well as a moment to myself to sort through the swarm of emotions threatening to break free. To my horror, as I approach the front door it opens, and a man steps out. I freeze, sudden fear shooting through me. Is he one of Caryn’s men, come here to take me from Seth?
“Seth!” the man calls out.
I glance over my shoulder to Seth who’s leaning against his car, which I can now see is parked next to a shining black, red, and silver motorbike that wasn’t there when we left earlier. Seth’s grinning at the man standing in front of me.
I let out a heavy sigh of relief and curiosity replaces my momentary fear. Seth’s eyes meet mine, and I’m left feeling breathless at the intensity in them being leveled at me. I reluctantly break eye contact and turn back to the nameless man.
“Who the hell are you?” I snap, taking in his appearance.
He’s tall with dark hair that’s short and spiky, and beneath the leather jacket he’s wearing, I can tell he’s well-built and in good shape. He carries himself with an air of confidence in the same way Seth does, radiating a potent mix of darkness and danger.
“You can call me Lance,” he replies, shooting a curious glance at Seth before firing back at me, “And you?”
I swallow nervously and answer, “Leeann Mallory.”
I can’t stop the slight hitch in my breath when I notice the deep green color of his eyes. I open my mouth and close it again, unsure of what I’m seeing. I feel Seth step up behind me; the warmth from his body radiates outward and around me, and I inwardly roll my eyes at myself for feeling reassured by his proximity. The truth is Seth makes me feel safe in spite of the fact he’s the last person I should probably feel that way around.
Seth’s fingers brush against my waist; even this light touch feels like a brand, and already, I want more. I shake off the thought although I can feel my cheeks heating. He shouldn’t garner this kind of response from me, but I can’t seem to control it.
I cast one last glance over my shoulder at Seth before turning to maneuver past Lance and into the house. I have questions I probably won’t get all the answers to, but if I’m careful, I may get to learn more about Seth. He said he was one of twelve dangerous men, and something tells me Lance is one of them too.
They speak for a moment but too quietly for me to hear without it being glaringly obvious I’m attempting to listen in, so I make my way downstairs to the basement living room. When they both enter the space, I’m not sure if I’m relieved or anxious because both men look so damn serious. Seth’s lips twitch with a barely there smile when he sees me sitting on the couch, and I’m unable to tamper down my response.
Lance hasn’t said much so far, but it’s easy enough to see that none of what has passed between me and Seth has escaped his notice. There’s amusement dancing in his eyes as they meet mine. The two of them remain standing; it seems they are both unwilling to sit, and I fidget because they’re making me feel nervous.
Neither make a move, and the silence feels threatening. I don’t know what to do with myself or the questions I have tumbling like a cartwheel in my mind. There are so many things I want to ask, but with them both looming over me, it’s difficult to find words.
I roll my eyes. “Are you both planning on hovering, or are you going to sit down?”
I feel more confident now I’m back somewhere safe, but I curse the fact I feel more secure here than I ever did in mine and Arron’s apartment. I watch as Lance assesses me and Seth, no doubt noting the tension between us, which is so thick it’s almost tangible.
“I won’t be staying long.” The words are uttered in a low and dangerous tone. “I had to stop in and check on my boy Seth…while I was in the area,” Lance says, glancing at Seth who shrugs in response.
“I’m not some dumbass kid. You don’t have to check on me,” Seth retorts, but I can hear the amusement in his voice.
“Could have fooled me,” I bite out before I can stop myself.
“I like you already, girl. You look like you can hold your own when it comes to Seth,” Lance laughs, and the sound fills the small room, bouncing off the underground walls.
“You know him well then.” I smile.
Lance chuckles. “Taught him everything he knows.”
His words are accompanied by a satisfied grin.
“So the reckless, bad behavior is your fault.” I tease, finding myself relaxing even more.
“No, that’s all him. He’s a natural delinquent,” Lance deadpans, throwing a look toward Seth who’s clearly enjoying himself even with us joking at his expense.
* * *
Lance doesn’t stay for very long, however, it’s plain to see from their camaraderie and easy banter that these two men are close. They seem more like family than colleagues.
They make their way up the stairs and into the main body of the house, and I follow behind them, taking care to be as quiet as I can. I stop at the top of the stairs and slowly poke my head around the door, trying to remain inconspicuous.
“If you need help, you know you can call,” Lance says, all playfulness gone.
“I will. I’ve got this,” Seth replies.
Lance nods. “If you say so, but I can smell the bullshit from here, Seth. Don’t fuck this up. You know Arthur won’t hesitate if you do.”
“Stop already! I said I’ve got this handled,” Seth insists.
Lance claps a hand on Seth’s shoulder and nods toward me. Fuck, he must have heard me come up the stairs. Seth turns around and narrows his eyes at me.
“Got your hands full with this one,” the older man smirks.
“Are you talking about me, or her?” Seth asks, raising an eyebrow and looking between me and Lance.
“Both of you,” Lance replies, already heading out of the door.
There’s something about him…I can’t quite put my finger on what’s bothering me. The sound of a motorbike revving and then accelerating away, signals Lance’s departure. When the sound has faded, Seth turns to look at me. His green eyes darken as he stalks toward me, but I stand my ground. I’m in trouble, and something tells me I’m going to enjoy the punishment.
Seth
I should’ve told Lance what was going on: what happened with Leeann’s brother, the apartment...all of it. He could tell shit wasn’t right the moment he saw me with her. Everything is spiraling, and this shitstorm seems to be getting bigger with
no sign of stopping. I have got to get some intel and some fucking answers, or this is going to be known as the worst fuck up in the history of the Cavalieri.The guys aren’t going to let me live it down if I fail, assuming I get to walk away with my life in the first place.
Lance may not have fully expressed it to me, but I bet as soon as he gets home to Giuliana he’s going to be laughing his ass off at the damn irony of my situation. He knows that right now I have a pretty girl who just like me won’t do as she’s fucking told.
Leeann is so fucking beautiful; she’s strong and filled with enough defiance to rival mine. The look burning in her eyes as I move toward her makes my cock ache in my pants. I slam my lips down on hers and wrap my arms tightly around her, tugging her closer until our bodies are flush against each other, and she can feel the evidence of how much I want her.
“Seth, I want you,” she moans. I don’t need any further encouragement.
I groan against her lips when her fingernails rake down my back. I relish the sting, and the heat of her mouth moving with mine as our tongues start the war of passion between us. Lifting her off the ground, she wraps her legs around me, and I press her up against the wall, grinding my swollen cock against her jean-clad pussy.
Breaking the kiss, I carefully carry her back down the stairs, and as soon as we get to the room below, our mouths clash again. Fuck, she’s addictive. Her kisses are a damn drug I can’t seem to get enough of. Setting her back down on her feet, I drag her toward the bedroom. When we get there, she surprises me by pushing me onto the bed and straddling me.
I run my hands up her thighs and hips, teasing the edge of the t-shirt she’s wearing, which I notice is the one she pulled from my dresser this morning.
“My shirt looks good on you, But it’ll look better on the floor,” I observe, smirking up at her before sliding my hands beneath the item of clothing and removing it.
Leeann’s skin feels as soft as silk, and she lets out an involuntary shiver at the roughness of my fingers when I move them up her smooth body to cup her tits, gently pinching her nipples through the thin lace bra she’s wearing. Leaning up into a sitting position, I reach behind her to unclasp the hooks of her bra and expose her gorgeous tits. The coolness of the room causes her nipples to pebble and goosebumps to erupt all over her skin. I take a nipple into my mouth and swirl the tip of my tongue around the little bud. Then biting the sensitive peak, I elicit a sweet moan from her before moving to lavish the same attention on the other one.
I’m impossibly hard, and my cock aches to be buried deep inside her. I wrap my arms around her and flipping her onto her back, I trail my mouth down her torso. Then unhooking the buttons of the jeans she’s wearing, I slide them down her legs before removing them and her shoes. She’s left wearing nothing but black lace panties and a delicious pink flush on her cheeks.
“So fucking beautiful,” I tell her, running my hands up her legs and over the material that hides what I’m salivating to taste and fill.
I grab the bottom of my t-shirt, practically ripping it off my body before making Leeann gasp and bite her bottom lip when I pull her panties down her legs and drop them onto the floor. Then crawling up her body, I run my tongue along the length of her slit and circle her clit. Her shivers and moans when I repeat the action are like music to my fucking ears, and the sound of her pleasure fills the room. I devour her sweet pussy and fuck her with my fingers and tongue until she’s a writhing mess, and she comes with my name on her lips.
“If I didn't want to fuck you so bad, pretty girl, I’d continue eating you like you’re my last fucking meal. Fuck, I may have to eat you for dessert too.”
I quickly grab my wallet from the pocket of my pants and pull out a condom before taking off the last of my clothes. Leeann is panting. Her blue eyes are dark with desire, and her whole body is flushed from her orgasm. She sits up, and grabbing the condom from my hand, she tears the foil packet open. Then in a move that surprises me, she rolls it slowly down the length of my cock. Fuck, I feel like I could crack a brick, I’m so hard for her right now.
I push her down on the bed and move between her legs, grabbing her wrists with one of my hands and pinning her to the mattress as I line myself up with her wet, needy pussy.
“Seth, fuck me,” Leeann begs breathlessly, arching her back up to rub herself against my length, and I close my eyes at the heat radiating from her.
I take her lips, and at the same time as I drive my aching cock into her slick pussy, my tongue enters her mouth. I swallow the moan that escapes her when I bottom out, fully sheathed inside her.
“Fuuuck, Leeann. Your pussy feels incredible wrapped around my cock, pretty girl,” I grunt, and she whimpers.
“Fucking mine, baby,” I declare, looking deep into her eyes.
“Yours,” she moans, biting my bottom lip and making me groan before adding, “But you’re mine too.”
I start to move, slowly at first while she adjusts to my size then faster until I’m pounding into her, and she’s fucking me back just as hard. I release her hands, wanting them on me, and she obliges as soon as they’re free. She runs them up my arms, dragging her nails over the tattoo she hasn’t seen yet, which is emblazoned across my back and shoulders. When I hit the right spot deep inside her, she cries out in pleasure, and as I grind against it, she digs her nails into my back so hard I’m sure she’s drawing blood, but I don’t give a shit.
It feels too damn good to stop, and when she screams out, “Seth!” I reach down with one hand and use my fingers to rub against her clit until her pussy clenches and pulses around my length, drawing me closer to my own release. I come with a growl, deep inside her tight pussy.
I give her one last kiss before pulling out. We’re both breathing hard, and our bodies are slick with sweat. I tease her swollen pussy with a finger, and chuckle when she lets out a little whimper and shakes her head with a smile on her face. As I stand to go to the bathroom to dispose of the condom, Leeann gasps, and I know she’s finally seen the huge tattoo that spans the length and width of my back.
Leeann
The ink tattooed onto Seth’s back is stunning: thick, black lines are woven around a blood-red cross that extends the entire length of his back and up his neck with the crossbeam spreading across both shoulder blades. He looks over his shoulder at me and winks before walking into the bathroom. I wonder what inspired him to get it.
The sound of the shower reaches my ears, and I get to my feet, laughing when my legs wobble slightly. Grabbing a sheet, I wrap it around myself and pad barefoot across the carpeted floor toward the bathroom. When I open the door, Seth is standing in front of the mirror with his head bowed and hands on the sink while the hot water from the shower slowly fills the room with steam.
I know he heard me enter because he lifts his head, and our eyes meet in the mirror. Moving slowly toward him, I stop and take a closer look at the tattoo, tracing the intricate design with my fingertips. Even though he’s not facing me, I can feel Seth’s piercing gaze as he watches me in the reflective surface in front of him.
“Is there a meaning behind it?” I ask softly, my curiosity brimming over.
“My mom inspired it,” he answers, and I can hear a hint of pain in his voice. “The red cross emblazoned on a white shield represents her family name which is Galahad. I got it in memory of her. The black represents the darkness that’s grown in my heart since the moment I found her murdered four years ago in this fucking house.”
“Really?” I whisper, and Seth shrugs.
“Well, the darkness stuff is a load of shit, but the rest is true,” he says, straightening up and turning to face me.
“You coming in?” he asks.
A cocky grin spreads across his face. The serious moment is broken when he uses his fingertips to stroke the top of my breasts that are covered only by the sheet.
I roll my eyes and shake my head, but it’s so half-hearted he sees the weakness in my response and swiftly takes control. I’m losing my mi
nd when it comes to Seth, and I’m not sure I want to get it back.
Later I wake up gasping from a nightmare about the body we found, but instead of a stranger, it was Arron’s dead face staring up at me. Although it’s the middle of the night, there’s a light coming from the living room, and I wander in to see Seth lying on the sofa staring up at the blank gray ceiling, playing with a small knife.
He sits up when I enter the room, and quickly sheathing the blade, he tosses it onto the table in front of him before moving to make room for me next to him.
“What do you think Arron’s role is in all of this?” I blurt out, unable to stop the question escaping.
Seth cocks his head and raises an eyebrow at me. “I don’t know. I do know his involvement is more than it seems, but I’m not sure what the connection is.”
“Will you kill him?” I whisper, uncertain whether I want to know the answer.
“I might,” he says evasively, and I suppress a shiver at the chill in his voice.
“Who’s Lance really?” I ask, and groaning, he drops his head back on the couch.
“It’s two in the morning, and you want to play twenty questions?” Seth fires back, but I don’t answer. I just wait for him to get the message that I’m not going to leave this alone.
“Fine,” he says, eventually. “Lance is my mentor, and the closest thing to family I have. He is one of twelve men who belong to an organization called the Tabella Della Morte...the Table of Death. The men who are initiated into the organization form a brotherhood called the Cavalieri. I’m also one of the twelve, and I’ve sworn an oath to protect him along with my other brothers in the Tabella. I’m an assassin, Leeann. I’m the fucking reaper sent to collect payments from those who’ve made deals with our leader Arthur Calthorpe and then failed to keep their end of the bargain. Pay your debt, or pay with your life.”
My blood turns to ice in my veins, and I shake my head. I’m unable to work out how Arron and I tie in to all of this. “So you’re going to kill me?”