Casino King: A Dark Mafia Romance (Carfano Crime Family Book 1)

by Rebecca Gannon

  Releasing the chains, I pull out and spin her around so her ass is pressed to the glass. Crying out at my leaving her empty, Tessa looks up at me with a fiery anger that has me giving her a teasing smirk.

  “Did you want me to let you come, bella?” I taunt, and she huffs, her anger evident, which only turns me on further.

  “Yes,” she hisses, reaching between us and gripping me in her hand. Her juices coating my cock give her the lubricant she needs to slide her hand easily up and down my length, squeezing hard. “Take the rest of your clothes off and get back inside of me,” she demands, and I flash her a predatory smile that’s all teeth.

  Kicking off my shoes, I step out of my pants as Tessa makes quick work of shoving my suit jacket off my shoulders. I take my cuff links off and toss them on top of my pants as she unbuttons my shirt. Her nails graze my skin as she goes, and my cock jerks against her leg with each scrape.

  Tossing my shirt to the floor, she runs her hands greedily up my chest.

  “Lift your leg up.” I tap her right leg, but she just blinks. “Lift. It. Now.”

  Doing as I say, she braces herself on my chest and kicks her leg up. I grip it in a flash and hook it over my shoulder as I lift her up and press her against the glass, entering her again in a swift push. She screams out at this new position, that sexy mouth of hers no longer trying to defy me, but instead giving me my favorite music that has my control breaking, and I fuck her like the beast I am. The beast she coaxes out of me every time I’m inside of her.

  The clinking of her crystals against the glass to the tempo of my thrusts creates a rhythm that mirrors my heartbeat.

  It’s too fucking good to end, but I can’t slow down. Hooking her other leg around my hip, Tessa uses the leverage to pull me in tighter with every thrust. Growling, I pick up the tempo until her cries and pleas fill my ears at a deafening level.

  She starts to flutter around me, and just when I know she’s about to explode, I press my thumb to her clit and capture one of her nipples between my lips, sucking hard before biting down. Spasming, Tessa screams out her release as her body clenches around my cock like a fucking vice, pulling my release from me with a shot of fire down my spine.

  Filling her, I coat her inner walls with my seed, her pussy greedily taking it all. So much so, I feel our combined juices leaking out when I slip out of her.

  I slide her leg from my shoulder to around my hip with the other and carry her down the hall to my bed.

  I find the clasp to the necklace at the nape of her neck and release her from it as I lay her down. She groans at the feel of the soft bed, making my cock twitch back to life, but I tell myself she needs a break. Her eyes fight to stay open, then give up and close. I’ll wake her in an hour with my mouth between her legs, lapping at her sweet center.

  Standing back, I place her necklace on my dresser and look down at her. She’s so fucking beautiful it almost hurts. But I can’t not look.

  Undoing the knot ties of her heels around her thighs, I unwrap the straps from around her legs like the gift that they are. Then I cover her with the comforter and leave her to rest before coming back for more. If I join her now, I know I won’t keep my hands to myself.

  Putting my clothes back on, I bring her uniform back to my room and then head to my office to check in with my captains on the progress of locating the Triads new gambling dens. I know they’ve set up shop somewhere new already, hoping to fly under my radar. But that will never happen.

  I know everyone in this city, and I control everyone in it. No one does anything without asking my permission and paying their dues if I agree. And none of my people would dare keep anything from me if they valued their life.

  Leo is setting up a meeting with their leader, but I know that I still have to crush them down with my heel until things are civilly worked out. Or uncivilly if necessary. I’m not partial to either tactic.

  Chapter 15

  Tessa

  Waking up, I roll over to find myself alone in Alec’s bed while last night floods my memory. Biting my lip, I roll my face into the pillow.

  He wanted the Tessa I am on stage, and I let myself be her past the final curtain closing.

  I let myself be free. I let myself be the Tessa he needed me to be. He craves her just as much as I crave being her every Friday night, and that makes me feel way more than I’m willing to admit.

  He can see the difference between us, and he wants both of us. The sweet and innocent Tessa that walks in the light and the seductive and wicked Tessa that has needs beyond her control. Until now. Alec has the power to control, use, and fulfill my every desire that lives both in the bright light of day and the shadows cast in its counterpart.

  When I had gone back to my dressing station last night and found my usual bouquet of black roses and black velvet box with a note, I didn’t even open the box to see my gift because after reading his note, I packed my bag quickly and walked right out the back door, needing him desperately.

  Last night felt different while I danced. I gave in to the music more. I gave into the feelings swirling through my veins more. I gave in to the desires I felt pooling in my core as I took every chance I could to look at Alec in the shadows.

  Even his eyes on me were different. More heated. More possessive. More needy.

  My entire solo performance was foreplay for the both of us, and while I’ve seduced an audience with the way I give myself over to the music before, I’ve never seduced myself. But last night I did.

  Suddenly feeling hot and needy, I climb out of bed and walk straight into the massive bathroom and into the black marbled shower. I let the hot water beat down on my sore muscles, and when I wash the sensitive flesh between my thighs, a shiver racks my body. Alec is relentless in his need for me, and while I feel spent and used every morning, it’s in the most delicious of ways knowing that it’s because he can’t get enough of me.

  I spent this past week with Alec in his penthouse, but since I was able to pack a bag for myself, I made sure to include all the essentials, plus a few outfits that are actually mine that I can wear.

  I pull out a pair of high-waisted cutoff jean shorts that are frayed around the hem and hit me right below my ass cheeks. Tucking in a white t-shirt, I leave my hair to air-dry and apply a little mascara and blush to give myself the illusion of makeup.

  I go to close my dance bag where my makeup was, but the jewelry box I never got to open last night sits on top of a spare t-shirt, and I pull it out, the velvet soft beneath my fingers.

  Opening it slowly, I cover my mouth in surprise. Nestled inside is a bracelet to match the earrings he gave me. Deep red rubies are strung together on a gold chain inside of gold settings with little diamonds at the point of each prong that holds the gems. I run my fingers over the rubies, turning it this way and that so I can see the morning light catch the facets and cast flashes of red around the room.

  He doesn’t have to give me gifts like this. It’s too much. I don’t need them to know that he likes watching me dance.

  Closing the box, I tuck it back in my bag and make my way into the kitchen. I pour myself a cup of coffee and lean against the counter, closing my eyes as the hot liquid slides down my throat and wakes me up.

  I don’t have to work at the diner today, and I haven’t since Alec stormed into Lucy’s last Saturday. I went in to explain things to my boss a few days ago, telling him that I was going to be focusing more on my dance classes, and he was so happy for me, knowing that’s what I truly love to do. After working there for six years, I owed him more than just a walkout from my shift with a quick, “I have to go. I have a personal emergency.” I wasn’t going to tell him that the emergency was Alec’s burning anger at my uniform and my sudden need to have that fiery rage blanket me in a passion that would have my anger at him simmer in its wake.

  I like stoking that fire in him.

  “Morning, bella,” Alec says smoothly, in his deep, seductive voice. He takes my coffee cup from me and places it behin
d me as his pins me against the counter with his hips. Moving my wet hair over my shoulder, he plants kisses up the side of my neck. “Mmm, you smell so good,” he practically purrs, the low vibrations of his voice reverberating through me. His tongue licks the spot behind my ear and I sigh, tilting my head to the side so he has better access. “It’s too bad I have to go, or I’d lick you all over to make sure you taste just as good everywhere.”

  His dark promises make my knees wobble and threaten to give out.

  “What are you going to do while I’m gone?” he asks, a hopeful, dirty questioning tone to him that suggests he wants me to sit here and think about him all day. He lazily strokes his fingers up and down my bare thigh, and while I will no doubt be doing that, it won’t be here.

  “I have classes to teach this afternoon.”

  Pulling back, he grips my chin and forces my eyes to his. “What are you talking about?”

  “I took on two Saturday classes at the studio.”

  “You didn’t tell me that,” he says, a hard edge to his words.

  “I know. I was going to. It just happened a couple of days ago. Since I’m not at the diner anymore…” I trail off, and his eyes lose a little of their hardness, knowing I agreed to not work there anymore. For him. Something I didn’t do lightly.

  “What classes?”

  “Ballet for ages 5 to 8.”

  “I bet you look so sexy in your little ballet teacher outfit,” he murmurs close to my lips, pressing his hips against mine so I can feel his hard length.

  “I don’t not look sexy,” I say back, leaning into him so my lips brush his. Kissing me hard, Alec licks the seam of my lips and bites down on my bottom lip, making me groan.

  “Now, all day I’ll be picturing you stretching and getting limber for me for later.”

  “Maybe that’s exactly what I’ll be doing. And I’ll be picturing you when I do.” I smirk, and he pulls away, shaking his head slightly like he can’t believe I’m real. “I finally got to open my gift from last night,” I tell him with a smile. “I was a little too distracted to do it after the show when I read your note.”

  Alec’s eyes turn stormy at the mention of last night, and my body floods with heat that I have to ignore.

  “I love the roses, Alec, but you don’t have to give me anything else. The bracelet is beyond beautiful, but I don’t need such expensive gifts.”

  Alec cups the side of my neck and brings his face close to mine, forcing my eyes up with our lips so close. “I’ll get you whatever I want, mia bella rosa. I know you aren’t the kind of woman to need such things, but I like giving them to you. I like seeing you wear them on stage. I like the little smile you wear that’s just for me. Our secret.”

  Stroking my neck, I arch back, exposing more of my delicate flesh to him like prey offering up the kill shot for the predator. And willingly so.

  His hand tightens around my throat and I sigh, that little breath all the invitation he needs to capture my lips in a kiss that I feel spread through me like a wave – every inch of me covered until I’m drowning in the thick emotions I don’t know how to surface from. I don’t know if I even want to. They’re filling every empty place inside of me that I never thought could be.

  Smoothing my hands up his chest, I circle his neck and kiss him back, pouring everything I can’t say into him, hoping he’ll take it without throwing it back at me.

  Untangling from each other, Alec kisses the spot below my ear and inhales my scent before pulling back.

  “Have a good day at work,” I whisper, biting my lip.

  Something flashes in his eyes, but it’s gone just as quickly as it came. “I will,” he says, giving me one last kiss before leaving me.

  With a shaky hand, I reach back for my coffee cup and take a sip, the caffeine making my already on edge nerves because of Alec, even more frayed.

  When the door opens again and Enzo walks through, I jump a little, startled out of my thoughts of Alec.

  “Did I scare you?” he asks, giving me one of his boyishly handsome smiles that makes him look a lot less deadly than when he’s in bodyguard mode.

  “No,” I say through a laugh. “So, I’m teaching two classes today from 12 to 2. I don’t think Alec had time to tell you since I just told him a few minutes ago myself.”

  “No worries, T. He texted me on his way down. Plus, that other dance teacher who’s there a lot,” he says, humming. “She’s fine. A work of art.”

  I roll my eyes, knowing exactly who he means. “Her name is Claudia. But don’t even go there. She has a boyfriend.”

  “Not one like me.” He smirks, making me laugh at his cockiness.

  “I’m more than sure he’s not like you. He’s an accountant.”

  “Oh,” he scoffs. “How boring.”

  “Yes, not as exciting as following around some random woman, but…” I shrug.

  “You’re hardly random. You’re the boss’s girl. That means something.”

  “The boss’s girl?” I question, pausing at that phrasing.

  I like the way it sounds, but I don’t take Alec as a man who labels his relationships with his women. He wants me, yes. But beyond our powerful chemistry…I don’t know what he’s thinking. He’s still too much of a mystery for me to even have a semblance of an idea as to what he’s thinking in terms of me and him, long term.

  “What’s that look for?” Enzo tilts his head to study me.

  “Nothing,” I say quickly, schooling my emotions. “I have to go home to grab the clothes I’ll need for class.”

  “Alright.” He nods, holding the door open for me.

  Chapter 16

  Tessa

  “Thanks, Miss Tessa,” Emily says in her cute little high-pitched voice.

  I smile down at her. “You’re welcome, sweetie. See you next week.”

  “See you!” she exclaims, running over to her mom.

  I smile at the rest of the kids as they change their shoes and meet their parents out front. I’ll admit that this was way more fun than working the lunch shift at Lucy’s.

  I love the excitement on the faces of the kids, ready to practice and show me what they can do and what they’ve been working on. The woman who used to teach these two classes is out on maternity leave and the other instructors were being stretched thin trying to cover all her classes. They were relieved when I asked if I could take these two.

  When all of the kids are gone, I send Enzo a text telling him I’ll be a little longer. This room is open for another hour before the next class, so I thought I’d use it for myself.

  Ballet has always been my favorite to teach. It teaches discipline, lines, flexibility, grace, and love. Love is the only way a dancer can survive. Without it, there’d be no reason to push our bodies the way we do, and there’d be no drive or emotion behind our movements. The audience would lose interest pretty quickly.

  Stretching my neck out, I press play on the stereo and take a deep breath, closing my eyes as I let the classical music flow through me.

  Tears prick the backs of my eyes. I don’t know why I chose this song. I don’t know why I’m dancing this routine. But it feels important somehow. I have to. I need to.

  I haven’t danced a full classic ballet routine in years, but before I know it, the song is over and I collapse to the floor, exhausted with tears falling down my cheeks.

  “Tessa.” Alec’s voice floats through my hazy brain like I manifested it myself from wishing he was here. Then his warm hand touches my shoulder.

  Looking up in surprise, my eyes meet his in the mirror, and when he sees my face, he steps in front of me, holding his hand out for me to take.

  “What’s wrong? You were so beautiful, bella.”

  A sob escapes my lips and he pulls me against him, his solid body a welcome comfort. I soak in his strength and power, letting it replace what I lost.

  “That was the dance I performed the night my parents were killed. The routine is burned into my memory. Everything about that nig
ht is.”

  “I’m sorry, baby.” Alec rubs my back in soothing circles.

  “No, I’m sorry.” I sniff and try and step away out of embarrassment, but Alec just tightens his arms around me so I can’t move an inch.

  “You don’t ever have to apologize to me for showing your emotions,” he says, cupping my face. “You dance what you feel, and I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”

  Swallowing the lump in my throat, I look away for a moment. “Why are you here? I thought you had work.”

  “I do. I just wanted to see you.”

  “Oh,” I breathe, surprised, and Alec’s dark eyes float over my face. “I’m glad you came,” I admit softly.

  “Good. Let me take you home.”

  “I don’t want to go home.”

  “Then where do you want to go? I’ll take you anywhere.”

  “I know a place.”

  Changing my shoes, I untie my skirt and pull on a pair of sweatpants. Alec takes my bag and guides me out of the studio with his hand on my lower back – a comfort that eases the pain of the flashbacks racing through my mind.

  Alec’s car has fully tinted windows, and it feels like we’re in our own little bubble with just us in the small space.

  I give him directions to my favorite spot and we ride in silence as I watch the afternoon sun glint off the ocean next to me.

  Parking next to the large rock wall that’s meant to help ward against hurricane storm surges, I get out of the car and start walking, not even waiting for Alec. I feel his presence behind me as I step up onto the jetty that extends out into the ocean.

  I keep walking out farther and farther, my eyes only focused on where I’m stepping.

  Luckily, there’s no one else out here right now, and when I’m about three quarters of the way out, I stop on a relatively flat rock that’s able to fit the both of us.