Dani lifts my hand and admires my ring. She turns it in the light, watching it sparkle.
“Congratulations,” Dani says. “You deserve every bit of happiness you have. You’re going to make a beautiful bride.”
A lightbulb goes off in my head. I’ve only thought about it for a split second, but that’s all I need. I take Dani’s hand.
“And I’m going to need a kickass maid of honor,” I say. “What do you think?”
Dani’s face lights up in a genuine smile. “I’d be- thank you so much. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say ‘yes.’”
Dani’s eyes twinkle. She nods her head. “Yes.”
Pop clinks a knife against his glass. Everyone stops talking and turns to him. He stands up straight and proud, and looks directly at me.
“I’d like to formally welcome Mia to the Romano family,” Pop says. “You are one of us now.”
The crowd erupts in cheers. I look around the welcoming faces smiling at me, accepting me, and a warmth flutters in my chest. This is what it feels like to have a family, to not be alone in the world. It makes me feel incredibly secure.
I take my seat next to Leo as the appetizers are served. A plate of golden crusted arancini, resting on a bed of creamy tomato sauce is set in front of me. I’m about to take the first, decadent bite, when a man appears behind Leo and I.
“This is Francisco Bello,” Leo tells me. “He’s the owner.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mia,” Francisco says. He holds up a bottle of champagne. “A gift for the happy couple.”
Francisco starts to uncork it. I hold up my hand, stopping him. I’ve seen that champagne on their menu. It costs over three hundred dollars.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say.
“I absolutely insist,” Francisco says. “I understand you are the one who killed Anton, and avenged my poor mother’s death. Because of you, this neighborhood won’t suffer anymore.” He uncorks the champagne, and pours some into my glass.
I take a sip. “It’s very delicious. Thank you.”
Francisco leans over my shoulder, and speaks in a low tone. “If you ever need anything, just ask.” He lifts his brows and adds, “Anything,” with dramatic emphasis.
As the evening wears on, and gorgeous platters of pastas, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables are passed around, I find myself taking Francisco up on his offer, and what I ask for is refills of wine.
I’m tipsy as Leo and I stumble up to our apartment. Once inside, Leo lifts my giggling, stumbling self into his arms, holding me close to his chest.
“Is this a dream?” I ask with a sigh.
Leo chuckles. “No, Mia. It isn’t.”
Leo carries me to the bedroom, and lays me down. I curl up on my side, eyes closed. Leo walks around the room. I hear drawers opening and closing. I touch the ring on my finger, and the corners of my mouth twitch with a smile.
I’m starting to slip away into a champagne fizzled sleep, when Leo abruptly grabs my wrist, and yanks it up to the bedpost, forcing me onto my back. I feel black silk slip around my wrist. The fabric constricts as Leo binds me tightly to the post. He ties my other wrist too, then yanks my dress down, spilling my breasts.
He stands up on his knees, shirtless, his tattooed muscles rippling. His suit pants are unzipped, revealing the dark mound of hair above his cock. He bends down, keeping his eyes on mine, and drags his tongue over my belly button and between my breasts. I trace the chiseled outline of his face and think, I can’t wait to marry this man.
I’m bound to the bed beneath my powerful Romano, but I’ve never felt more in control. There’s no more pretending anymore. Leo nibbles at my collarbone, and presses his hips between my legs. I close my eyes, focusing on the deep, dark pleasure rising in my core.
Want more of the Romano Brothers? Mateo’s story, WITNESS, is out now. Keep clicking ahead for an exclusive excerpt.
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Excerpt from WITNESS
“I’m not going to tell anyone,” I say abruptly. My voice is bolder than I expect it to be, and cuts through the heavy tension in the air.
Mateo places the trophy down gingerly. “I know. Leo wants me to watch you. If I don’t-“
“What?” I say, cutting him off. “Leo will kill me?” Mateo’s face darkens. I can’t help but laugh. “The guy who once bought me alcohol when I was underage is going to put a bullet in my skull.”
“He doesn’t know you.”
I look at Mateo questioningly. “Do you know me?” I shake my head, rubbing my temples. “I never should’ve gotten involved with you again. I know better.”
Mateo squares his body towards me, holding his huge arms out to the side. “Whatever you think I am, or what my family is, you’re wrong. There’s a reason for everything we do, even if it isn’t pretty.”
I open my mouth wide and laugh. The alcohol has left me with a nagging, pulsing headache, and I’ve just witnessed the most traumatic thing I’ve ever seen. To say I’m over it is an understatement.
“Are you seriously defending yourself?” I ask.
Mateo’s eyes bore into me, making my heart race. My smile drops immediately.
“John was endangering people,” Mateo says in a steady voice. “A lot of people. Your friend, Tyler, for example.”
I straighten my back with defiance. “It’s not up to you. We have a court system in this country. Anyone accused of a crime has a right to a fair trial.”
“Do you know how long that takes? How much evidence they need to even press charges? How many people could die in the meantime? My brothers and I are much more efficient.”
A memory invades my brain. It’s a vivid, jolting flashback. Mateo, curling his lips. The noiseless bullet. John’s eyes going blank before his face hits the desk. I gasp sharply.
“I’m tired,” I say with finality.
“Shit, me too.” Mateo rubs his face.
“I need to change.”
I stare at him expectantly, waiting for him to do the gentlemanly thing. But he doesn’t.
“Could you turn around?” I ask.
Mateo smirks, his eyes grazing my chest. “Nothing I haven’t seen before.”
I want to smack that cocky smile off of his face. I thrust open a drawer and grab a nightgown. When I start unbuttoning my shirt, Mateo reluctantly turns around. I take off all of my clothes, wishing to be rid of the memories of this night. I’m fully undressed. The cool air stiffens my nipples, and my skin is covered with goosebumps. But I barely feel the cold. The warmth swirling in my belly heats my body through. I trace the outline of Mateo’s broad shoulders with my eyes. Part of me wishes he’d turn around.
He doesn’t. I breathe deeply, getting a hold of myself, and slip the nightgown over my head.
“Okay,” I say.
Mateo whirls around. When his eyes fall on me, he blinks, stunned. I realize then how revealing this nightgown is. It’s made of thin, pink material that’s nearly see through. The darkness around my nipples is clearly visible. I hug my arms to myself, then rifle through the closet for an extra blanket and pillows. I hand them to Mateo, and he piles them in the corner.
“I could steal one of my dad’s shirts from the laundry room,” I offer.
“No thanks.”
Mateo abruptly pulls off his shirt, revealing his chiseled torso. Tattoos snake around his waist and up his forearms. He throws the shirt to the side, then pulls down his pants, underwear and all. His cock dangles freely in a dark mound of pubic hair. I turn away, shielding my face.
“Sorry,” I gas
p.
“It’s okay. I’m not shy.”
I divert my eyes as I climb into bed, though I accidentally catch a glimpse of his perfect ass as he lowers himself onto the pallet. I collapse on my back. My eyes are pried open, and I stare at the ceiling.
There’s a killer in my bedroom.
How can I relax with him around? And why, why do I wish he’d crawl into my bed and fuck me?
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Hostage: A Dark Mafia Romance (Romano Brothers Book 1) Page 15