That makes her smile which is contagious, and I grin in return.
“I have a friend.”
I lift up two fingers. Reminding her she has one in me too. Hopeful she still wants so much more than friendship, but that’s where we started and will never change.
“Two friends.”
Her body relaxes, and I hold out my hands. Giving her the choice. Praying she’ll take my offer. Hoping she’ll accept my apology for scaring her.
Slender fingers grasp mine, and I pull her to me. Her silky cream chemise sliding her cute ass across the tangled blanket and revealing more of her luscious thighs and matching panties. God damn she’s stunning.
Once she’s close enough, I slowly lift each foot, kissing the top smooth skin, and set them on each side of my hips. Sheathing her body to mine, I hold her in place with my ankles crossed behind her lower back. “I liked it when you called me ‘My Roan’ at the party.”
She has nowhere to go with my forehead pressed to hers. She can’t hide or lie or stall. “You heard that?”
“I heard everything.” My girl sleeps in my bed. Always. Regardless of any issues between us. But I haven’t been inside her for five nights, and I think both of us are ready for more than just cuddling. “Can I make you my princess again?”
She squirms against me. Her hardened nipples straining against the thin fabric of her negligee. “Yes.”
All it takes is her breathless whisper against my mouth and I’m rock hard. My fingers eagerly slip under the hem of her nightie and run up her quivering torso to jerk the gown over her head. God damn she’s fucking beautiful. Naked. Smiling. And, sitting on my fucking lap. I am one lucky motherfucker.
I lay her back on the blanket. The inquisitive gaze following me as I slide the ribbons curling around her hips down her thighs and toss the bikini onto the carpet. Savoring her exquisite body bared to me. Gold and orange shadows flicker on her delicate ivory skin. Her back arching in magnificent response to my fingertips trailing from the hollow of her throat, between her perfect tits, over her flat stomach to palm her smooth, pink pussy. Creating a sweet whimper to bubble in her mouth when I thumb over the nub, soft as rose petals, hidden between her folds.
“You’re like the one ninety-two angel. So fucking powerful and gorgeous, I can’t take you straight.” I move to my elbows and slide my hands under her cute little ass to lift her to my mouth. Making her cry out when I lap her wetness. “Not yet anyway. I need to mix you with something first so you don’t kill me.”
A genuine giggle murmurs in her throat, and she raises her hips higher. Needing more from me that I’m perfectly happy to give her. Providing me with an excellent opportunity to nip at her erect clit. All pink and swollen and glorious. The laugh turns into a shriek when my teeth scrape the sensitized skin. Pure pleasure flowing through me from her ecstasy. Only needing to lick a few more times before she comes into my mouth. Her body straining while the pleasure rolls through her and onto my tongue. Fucking tastes like heaven just like I knew she would.
I kiss up her body while her fingers drag across my scalp. Keeping me in check. A chuckle against her tit in my mouth. My dainty angel already well aware she owns me. Just like I want her to. I lathe her other nipple marking her as my possession even though no one will her see her naked again except for me.
“Mine.” I lick across her chest and suck the tender skin above her heart hard enough to leave more proof of my obsession. I trail up to her mouth, letting her taste herself on my lips. “All mine.”
“My Roman.”
She answers with her own claim. Coiling around my neck and plunging her tongue inside.
Now that’s settled permanently between us, my girl’s getting thoroughly fucked. I release her just long enough to guide my cock inside her wetness and seat myself deep inside with one long drive. Thrusting over and over while she pants into my mouth. Both of us slick and damp from the force and the heat. Burning as hot as the fire, which will die out long before I’m done with her.
She’s nervous.
And totally adorable. My parents already love her because I do. She has absolutely nothing to worry about. Telling her isn’t the same as her seeing —feeling —it herself. She’ll know soon enough.
I smile at her while she dries her hair and I shave. Funny how something as mundane as getting ready is a million times better with her beside me. Especially when I think about her being in front of me not too long ago. Fucking her from behind while she kneeled on the vanity and watched in the mirror until she couldn’t hold her eyes open or herself up anymore. I fucked her sweet pussy with my cock and her mouth with my fingers coated in her arousal before she finally went limp, and I had to tuck her into bed for a nap. The petite handprints covering the glass prove how much she enjoyed herself before I wore her out.
Now we’re running late, and she’s worried. No time to cook before they arrive after I promised them a homemade dinner. I wipe my face with one of the hand towels that protected her delicate shins from the freezing marble and breathe in her flowery scent. Loving being covered in her essence. “It’s fine angel. I’ll just tell them I was too busy fucking my princess to make them any food.”
The color drains from her face as fast as her arm falls, the blow dryer slamming against the counter. Too much torture. I can’t tease her when she’s so tense. “I’m kidding. I’ll tell them the meat didn’t thaw in time and that we’re ordering take-out.” I cover her shaking hand with mine and flip the switch on the silver handle. Instant relief from the white noise echoing in the cavernous space. “Besides, they’re here to see you. They don’t really care what we eat.”
Her other hand squeezes the nozzle, while her gaze drops as low as her spirit. “What if they hate me? You’ve already told your dad I’m not‒”
Nope, I refuse to let her say it. Or think it. “I told him what happened to you before I brought you here. But that’s the past. We’re only focusing on the future.”
“Okay.”
She doesn’t sound okay at all. But she will be. Both of us will. Very soon. A deep nod, I think more for herself than me, accompanies her calming breath, and she grabs one of the small brushes from the neat row in a clear box. I had no idea what all that shit was when she bought the bottles and tubes, and I still don’t. I tell her every time she doesn’t need to cover her gorgeous face, but I refrain this time. The methodical rhythm seems to soothe her so I keep quiet. Almost mesmerized myself as the tiny bristles sweep across her smooth skin. Making me wonder what it would be like to run them down her back and between her thighs. Curious as to what her reaction would be. My own reaction evident from the growing bulge in my jeans.
I’d better jet before I can’t resist any longer and slide off her sky blue satin robe and bend her over the sink again. In the bedroom, I yank on a white tee shirt and gray fleece. Dressing in layers in case Dad wants to go down to the lake and check on the decking we repaired last autumn.
“Can you help me please?”
Like lightening to my balls when her sweet voice floats behind me. Damn it. This raging hard on is not going to go down if she keeps tempting me. “Anything angel.”
She holds up her long hair, exposing her gorgeous neck that begs to be bit as well as her svelte back. Rather than yank the dark red fabric down like I want, I slowly zip her up and place a chaste kiss at the base of spine. Luckily no flinching or fear this time. Just an indulgent laugh.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I hold out my hand after she turns around, which she eagerly accepts. “Ready?”
“I think so.”
The timing is perfect as a triple chime rings from the hallway. My lips brush her temple as I squeeze her fingers. “They’re here. Let’s go let them in.”
I can feel her shaking next to me and drop her hand to tuck her next to me instead while we walk. Hoping she’ll absorb some of the comfort I offer her.
An internal groan stirs in my chest when we move through the empty livi
ng room. The bane of my Mom’s existence that I don’t have a formal space with a bunch of fancy furniture that no one ever uses. None of that’s necessary. Unless Viviana would like some. She can have anything she wants.
She curls deeper into my side when I pull the door open. My Dad’s hand on my mother’s elbow helps her inside as she balances a triple-layer chocolate cake housed in a tall plastic dome. Going all out for my girl. Her own face lit up to finally meet Viviana.
“Hello! Hello!”
Normally I’d have some decent manners and take the container from her grip. But I can’t let loose of my girl just yet. Luckily Dad catches my dilemma and holds the Tupperware so she can hug us. Not even bothering to take off her coat before she engulfs me. Sincere yet quick because she can’t get to Viviana fast enough. Wiggling in-between us and wedging me out so she can embrace her fully.
“It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Thank you. It’s my pleasure to meet you too.”
Mom holds her way longer than awkward. Although Viviana doesn’t resist or seem to mind. Content nestled against my mother’s chest.
“I know you’re really special to my son and make him so happy. You don’t know how grateful I am he found you.”
Okay, this is getting uncomfortable. “Come on guys. Grant and Jenna need to get inside too.”
My brother and sister-in-law both laugh from the porch. Well aware how my mom is. Finally she releases Viviana. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile any bigger. I take their coats while Dad and Grant head to the kitchen. Beyond ready for some beers. While the girls talk softly in the foyer.
“Is this your first time here at the lake?”
Viviana nods from Jenna’s question. “Yes, I’ve never been to this part of the country before. It’s absolutely beautiful.”
“You should see it in the fall when the leaves change color. It’s breathtaking.”
“I was never really allowed to go outside where I lived before so I can’t wait to see the foliage. Roman said every change in season is amazing.”
Jenna recovers quickly from her shock and smiles. “We’ll have fun this summer too. We’ll teach you how to water ski if you want.”
“That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
Grant’s jerk on my arm pulls me out of my hovering, and I nod from his terse gesture toward the garage. Viviana seems to be holding her own with their polite conversation, so I follow his clipped steps through the laundry room. Not sure what he’s pissed about. I guess I’m going to find out.
“What the fuck Roman? That’s Arturo Moretti’s widow?”
Damn it. I should have known my Dad would tell him. I should have known as a cop he would recognize her from the missing person reports flooding the wire.
His accusing tone pisses me off too. “She’s my fiancée so you better be very careful what you say about her.”
“Not her —it’s you dumb ass.” He drives his hand through his hair. His head shaking furiously in frustration. “You killed him and kidnapped her.”
Yep, pretty much a true statement. “You know what I do. This shouldn’t come as a big shock.”
He gives me his ‘you aren’t this stupid’ look and points back to the house. “Yeah, but it’s the first time you’ve kept the person you’re supposed to be returning to their family.”
“Yeah, but’s that just it ‘brother who thinks he knows everything and doesn’t know jack shit.’ Moretti killed her parents, she doesn’t have any siblings. Or even friends for that matter, since he kept her a virtual prisoner. And the only person left was her motherfucking brother-in-law who has a penchant for whipping young women and then fucking them while they’re drenched in blood. So if you think I was going to leave her with him then you really are out of your god damn fucking mind.”
I’m loud and breathless and furious. He has no idea the fucking torment she’s endured, and I’m sure as hell going to make sure she doesn’t suffer any more. His palms fly up while he nods.
“Okay, okay. Calm down. I just wanted to understand what was going on.”
“Well now you know.”
The realization sets in from my nuclear level anger, and he smiles. A smug big brother knowing smile. “You really love her, don’t you?”
Fucking great. Now we’re going to get all weepy and talk about our feelings like two pussies. If he tries to hug me, he’s getting his ass kicked. “Yeah, I do.”
“Good. I’m happy for you.”
“Not as happy as I am.”
I let him pat me on the back as we return to the house. Glad we got that settled. Hopefully, things are going just as well with the discussions in here.
They are. My pansy ass heart unclenches from Viviana sitting sexy as fuck at the breakfast bar licking the last bit of icing off her fork. Chatting like old friends with Mom and Jenna. She lights up even more when she catches sight of me. So fucking glorious. I stride to her and wrap my arms around her from behind. Smart enough to remember only to drape her shoulders not massage them.
Mom lifts the cover off her cake and giggles with mischief. “We decided to have dessert first. Would you like some?”
No more sugar necessary. I’m completely satisfied with the sweetness I already have. “Thanks, but I’ll wait until after pizza.”
I kiss the top of my girl’s head. Confirming to her that I was correct from our earlier conversation. They don’t care what we eat. As long as they’re here. With her. I’m second choice now, and don’t mind a bit.
“Speaking of…” My father taps on the yellow and red menu laying on the counter. “I went ahead and ordered three of them. Barbeque chicken, veggie lovers, and a supreme. I think that covers what everyone wants.”
“Thanks Dad.”
Jenna hops up and carries her plate to the dishwasher, pulling the door open and sliding in her dish like she owns the place. Reminding me how much I’ve always liked her. Never formal or fancy. Just good-hearted and kind. Have to be that way to be a kindergarten teacher I guess.
“Viviana told us she’s never watched a movie before but has been invited to go with her new friend Mia. So, we’re going to introduce her to some of our favorites if you want to watch ‘Sound of Music’ with us.”
Perfect. Nothing indecent or overwhelming. And I fucking love how they take Viviana’s unusual comments in stride. Neither of them freaking out that a twenty-one-year-old woman hasn’t watched a single movie in her entire life. “How about I build you ladies a fire too?”
My offer earns me a kiss from Viviana. “Are you having fun?”
She gives me my favorite contented grin. “Yes, thank you.”
“You’re welcome angel.” I lean closer and press my lips to her delicate ear so only she can hear. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I guess she feels safe because she doesn’t whisper back, and I fucking love that she doesn’t care that anyone hears her proclaim her feelings for me.
“Come on you two.” Jenna tugs her away with a teasing tone and exaggerated eye roll that makes my girl giggle. “Let’s get this movie party started!”
She’s utterly enthralled. Her gaze never leaving the screen while I carried in the wood or Grant handed her a heaping bowl of buttery popcorn or the doorbell rang signifying the food delivery. Only blinking and looking away when Dad hit the pause button, leaving the kids frozen in mid skip. “Time to eat. Everyone wash up.”
Of course, he treats us like kids after all this time. And, of course, we fall in line and follow orders, heading toward the sink. We each get handed a plate as our reward for clean hands, and I work on finishing our drinks with the remaining glasses corralled on the wet bar. Shoveling ice out of the bin and filling the cups from the filtering pitcher. The tap water here smells like the lake, which is a pretty gross thought. I should bring that up to Nowak. His stupid head will probably explode from the mission to improve the processing system serving the community.
“Go ahead Viviana. Help yourself to a
ll the slices you want. There’s plenty.”
No response.
I sense her discomfort before I see her face, and spin around. The scooper sliding out of my fingers and clattering down to the granite. Terror lines her face as she glances from Dad to the boxes stacked in front of her. She presses her plate to the counter with her palms. Almost steadying herself as her body flinches with uncertainty.
“I —I’m sorry. I don’t know…excuse me.”
She stumbles back. Bumping into the table in her haste. Two of the crystal tumblers clink hard from the force and wobble before tipping over. Ice cubes and water flood across the smooth pine top and flow over the edge. A waterfall twinkling in the late afternoon sun before splashing onto the tile.
I’ve never seen anyone so broken run so damn fast. I catch her in the hallway. Three steps from the guest room. Her retreat in fear that I refuse to let her access. “No angel.”
She doesn’t struggle. Just accepts me twisting her around and engulfing her in my arms. “It’s okay. Everything’s okay.”
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I didn’t know if I was allowed to open them. I just‒”
“Shhhh.” I stroke her hair. Over and over in the soothing motion she needs. That we both fucking need. Her pain is mine just as much as hers. Especially when I fucked up. She’s never had pizza before. Never had delivery before. Never had the people she’s desperate to impress watching her navigate something new and weird and terrifying before. Damn it. “It’s no big deal. No big deal at all. I should have shown you the different kinds so you could choose what you liked. I forgot. I’m sorry.”
The fist clenching my fleece releases and her arms slide around my waist. Comforting me as much as I’m comforting her.
“You don’t have to apologize.”
“You don’t either.”
We hold each other until the conversation resumes in the kitchen. Returning to normalcy after the shock from her panic attack subsides. Thankfully, making it easier for her to go back. “You ready to try again? My stomach’s growling.”
192: A Dark Mafia Bodyguard Romance Page 20