192: A Dark Mafia Bodyguard Romance

by Nikki Belaire

  She looks up. Love and gratitude and optimism swirling on her stunning face. “Mine is too.”

  “Then let’s eat.”

  The only hesitation in her step when we cross the threshold into the kitchen. No need to worry. All the mess has been cleaned and they eat at the table as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. Mom pats the seat next to her.

  “I’ve made you a plate honey. I thought you might like the barbeque chicken but if you don’t, you can try something else.”

  I guide her to the chair. Well aware she won’t go on her own. Without my unnecessary permission and with her doubt still flickering. “There you go angel.”

  She accepts my kiss and turns to my mother. Rosy cheeks flushed with appreciation for her kindness. “Thank you Cheryl.”

  “You’re welcome. Now eat up.”

  Viviana returns the smile and picks up a slice. Eager to please as always. Her eyes falling shut with the first bite of sautéed onion hits her tongue. I guess we’ve determined she likes pizza.

  Satisfied with Viviana’s gratification, she turns to me while I load up my plate. Or I should say turns on me. All wound up and excited. Here we go. “What?”

  “We were talking earlier that a Fall wedding might be nice. We could do cranberry and orange and gold flowers and maybe a late afternoon ceremony so there’s lots of candles in the reception.”

  I wink at my girl. “Whatever Viviana wants.”

  As long as what she wants is me.

  “Oh be careful saying that son!” My dad laughs and rocks back in his chair, slapping his hand on the table. Cracking himself up with his own teasing. “Or you’ll be writing checks left and right. Might have to take out a second mortgage on this place if you give these girls free reign.”

  “Nobody writes checks anymore dad.”

  “We’ll help you two with the finances, don’t worry.”

  “Christmas ceremonies are beautiful too and you can save big because the church is already decorated.”

  The conversation swirls around us. Letting them battle out timing and location and bridesmaid’s dresses, I ignore everything but her. Anxiety lines her face once again with all this talk about money. I drop into the seat next to her and entwine her small fingers with mine. “You can have anything you want but if it’s too much, we’ll just get married out on the dock in our suits and go swimming afterward to celebrate. A water wedding. What do you think?”

  “I think you’re wonderful but your mother will hate it.”

  Damn, my girl is smart and exactly right. I chuckle and bring her hand to my mouth and kiss the smooth skin. “Yeah, maybe we can do a little better than that. As long as you’re happy.”

  “I already am.”

  “Me too.”

  It’s been an amazing week.

  My girl’s fucking amazing. We’ve cooked. We’ve boxed. We’ve fucked. Sometimes two or three times a day, and I still can’t get enough of her. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of her clinging to me with so much love in her eyes as I take her. Embracing me with more trust that I ever thought possible when I’m inside her.

  The black metal and glass doors shove open by a couple holding hands with a toddler, and I sit up straighter, watching for her. The kid squeals with delight as they swing him between them while they walk past my Jeep. Then a lone dad with his daughter, deep in conversation as she digs into the popcorn bucket he holds out to her. Followed by a bunch of kids and a pair of smiling grandparents who cautiously step off the curb, yelling for the kids to watch for cars when they start darting into the parking lot. Must be the cartoon that ended. So I slouch back against the seat and resume my vigil.

  Probably less than a one percent chance Dante could find her. But I can’t lie. Grant’s comment rattled me. If her photo is floating around, then that bastard could be too. Ready to drag her back home. Back to him. Heat flushes through me despite the frigid air. Many people will perish long, slow, agonizing deaths before I’d ever let that happen.

  That’s why I’m here. Stalking her like a psycho. Well aware I couldn’t relax at home without her so I might as well give into my obsessive tendencies and ensure she’s safe while she enjoys her girl’s night out. Which almost didn’t happen after I gave her cash for the movie and popcorn and anything else she wants for a perfect evening. Lots of persuading and encouraging to confirm it was okay for her to go and have some fun. All of my convincing so fucking worth the effort with the look on her face when she left. Beyond excited to be normal.

  A sharp chirp interrupts my reverie. Almost as irritating as the vibration on my thigh. Damn it. Todd’s digits flash on the screen. He knows I’m out. Done. Retired. No more jobs. Not with Viviana here. So I don’t know why the fuck he keeps trying. I tap the green button and shove the cell to my ear. “Doesn’t matter what it is. I’m not doing it.”

  “It’s Willie. We thought it was an easy job, but something went wrong. I’ve got to get him back out.”

  Damn. Damn. Damn. One of our own. We never abandon the guys on the team. We may be killers, but we still have a code. The only honor we adhere to. Fuck! “What time?”

  “I’ve got a flight booked for you at six to Miami. Mason, Ray, and Dylan are in too. I’ll text you the details.”

  “I’ll let you know if I have any questions.”

  With nothing left to say, he clicks off. No need for more discussion. We all know the drill. A little different when it’s a friend. But the process works the same ‒ I leave and hope that I come back. Except that everything’s a lot different now with her. I sure as hell can’t leave her alone. And, I sure as hell have to come back.

  Another ping breaks the silence, and I scroll through the intel he sends. A deal gone bad in the Keys. Now Willie and the sister of the drug lord he was supposed to rescue are trapped in the burned compound according to the photos and crude map somebody sketched out. Hopefully both of them still alive.

  Even though I’m resistant, the planning starts unfolding in my mind. Of how and what and when. Until I catch sight of her. Her glorious smile steals my breath and the only thing I can see is her in this crowd of cars and people. Totally gorgeous and unaware I’m watching her while she mimics her friend’s slow pace. Chatting while they walk to Mia’s Mercedes parked two rows ahead of me.

  No one can protect her like me. No one I can trust to kill for her. Because my brother has his own code, his own loyalty in direct opposition to mine. His own idea of justice that’s slow and tedious and often fails. While mine is quick and decisive and always succeeds.

  Like the pussy ass that I am, I swipe my screen and text her.

  Love you angel. Hope you’re having fun.

  She pauses by the passenger door, her head tilting in confusion until the realization hits of what that noise is radiating from her little purse. The smile I’d kill to see again bursts through from the recognition, and she flips up the clasp and yanks out the phone I gave her earlier this week. Her first ever cell. With only two apps so far —one a direction connection to me and the other a panic button that wails louder than an air horn to draw attention to her. Or more importantly to any motherfucker who tries to harm what’s mine.

  Still awkward with inexperience of typing on a tiny screen, her thumbs drift across the buttons until my phone finally chirps.

  I love you too. I miss you. I will be home soon.

  The enormous grin never wanes after she slides the device back into her bag and climbs into the sedan. As much as I love watching her, I need to jet so I can be at the house when she arrives. None the wiser I was guarding her even when we were apart. Besides her tracker ensures if they deviate from the path home, I can easily circle back and find them.

  Few vehicles populate the roads this late in the evening, and I arrive well before them. Standing in the doorway when they pull up. Feigning a nonchalance I don’t feel with the conflict battling in my gut. Leaving her for even a day will be the hardest damn thing I’ve done in my life.

  A sincere hug b
etween the girls before Viviana slides out. With one last wave, she turns to the house. Pure joy when her gaze meets mine. And she runs. My princess fucking runs to me, and I willingly take all one hundred and five pounds of her force barreling into me. Lifting her to help her climb me and carry her inside, kicking the door shut behind me. Being a dick and not even waving good-bye to Mia. But I’m not sorry. Not when my fucking universe is in my arms so damn excited to see me.

  “I did it! I went out with a friend and had a great time!”

  “You did do it.” I drop us down onto the sofa and brush the wild strands off her glowing face. “I’m proud of you.”

  “I paid for the ticket and ordered popcorn and watched the movie and didn’t get scared once. It was normal. I was normal.”

  I hide my disappointment. Keeping the enthusiasm pulsating in my expression from her innocuous remark. Wanting her to have fun for her. Not to prove anything to me.

  Small hands cover mine cupping her face. “Thank you for letting me go tonight.”

  Surprise bolts through me from her voice cracking. Not realizing how much emotion her independence evokes. In me too. Especially when she’s grateful for my permission. Which is more about protection than control but the line between them feels too damn blurry sometimes even to me. Made worse with what I have to reveal to her next. “You’re welcome.”

  Gratitude sparks with lust in her beautiful cocoa eyes, and she leans in. Brushing soft kisses across my jawline. Wanting to celebrate. No one enjoys victory sex more than me. Even better than make up sex because there’s no tears. Yet guilt flows through as much as desire. I don’t want to fuck her then leave her. “Angel, I‒”

  “I love you Roman.”

  The heartfelt whisper against my lips snaps my last bit of resolve, and I have to have her. Twisting her silky hair around my hand, I hold her in place and plunge into her mouth. Deep and hard. Absorbing all I can before I have to go. Offering all I am to her. Her appreciative moan fills our throats, and I groan in return when her delicate fingers glide under my sweatshirt. Grazing over my clenching muscles aching for her touch and her tongue and her tenderness.

  Skimming my palms up her thighs straddling me, I reach her pussy and her hips jerk forward from my thumb stroking the silky panties keeping me from my heaven. The drenched fabric slides easily to the side, and I circle her needy clit, eliciting a long and hoarse mewl before I open her soft lips to me and dip in two fingers. Readying her to accept me. “Unbuckle my jeans angel.”

  Eager hands fly to my waist. Snapping the button and yanking the zipper down. A primal growl rumbles in my chest from her touching me like she owns me. Just like I’ve always wanted her to. Now I’m the one crazed and erratic when she shoves down my boxer briefs and urgent hands wrap around my bulging cock. Stroking harder and harder until I hiss for her to stop before I explode.

  Palming her narrow hips, I guide her forward and gingerly lower her onto my twitching shaft. Gradual and smooth to keep from rushing as her small body takes me inside her. Pure bliss surging through both of us once she accepts as much of me as she can and begins to ride me. Slow and gentle, succumbing to the pleasure she invokes with her small thrusts meeting mine.

  Almost fully clothed but we’re still raw. Vulnerable. Exposed. With both of our fears for each other and ourselves evident. Hers a success and mine a fucking failure.

  I’ve always loved her when I’ve fucked her, but here and now, my chest actually fucking hurts from the depth of my feelings. Aching with the emotions she incites in me, flaming to an inferno that’s wild and irrational and uncontrolled. I hold her closer, barely moving. Just keeping up with her taking what she needs from me until she murmurs my name with adoration that still amazes me, and I fall over the edge with her. Coming so hard and much I’m fucking paralyzed with the force of my explosion within her. Jesus.

  Her panting slows, and she snuggles in while I can’t seem to release her. Still pulsing inside her when I make my confession. “I have to leave for a little bit princess. I know I said no more jobs, but this one’s different. A guy on our team needs my help. We can’t leave him to die.”

  Her small body stiffens, absorbing my words. With her empathetic nature, she’s probably as scared for him as she is for herself. My hands stroke up and down her slender back. Trembling under my palms from the realization my words imply. From the danger I’ll face and the apprehension she’ll endure until I return.

  The caresses over her small bones fail to soothe either of us. “I don’t want to go, but I have to. I know you think it’s about money but it’s not.”

  My gut tells me she doesn’t believe me. Not with her sweet head twisting against my neck. “I have to save my friend.”

  She lifts up, and I already miss her arms around my shoulders. Intensity I’ve never seen bores into me. “Like you saved me?”

  “Exactly. Except that I love you.”

  At least that sentiment I know she believes. Her adoring smile proves her faith in my sincerity.

  “Am I going to stay here while you’re gone?”

  Never fucking happening. I wouldn’t survive imagining what could happen to her alone. “No, it would be better for you to ask Mia if you can stay with her and Hayes.”

  “She’ll say yes.”

  “I think so too.” I grab my phone off the end table and swipe the screen for her. “You should probably go ahead and call her now. I have to leave in a few hours.”

  “Already?”

  I’d rather have my ass kicked than see the misery drowning her expression. “Yeah, angel. I’m sorry. But I’ll be back as soon as I can and I swear to god I won’t ever leave again.”

  “Okay.”

  The obligatory grin conflicts with the disbelief in her eyes. She doesn’t believe that either.

  Why are chairs used in waiting rooms so damn uncomfortable? Manufacturers should realize you’ll have your ass parked in one for hours and need better support.

  I extend my legs and lean back into the cheap, unforgiving plastic trying to relieve some of the pressure on my spine now that the tension gripping my muscles evaporated with the easier than expected rescue. The threats were gone, but with the girl too slight to drag Willie out, they holed up waiting for help. Already cared enough about him to refuse to leave him behind. Both of them beyond grateful when we showed up. Now with them safe and in the hospital, all my focus returns to my girl.

  I glance at my watch again. Third time in ten minutes. I’m a dumb ass because checking like a fucking moron won’t make the flight take off any sooner. But I’m a pussy ass bitch, and I want to get home. I want to get to her.

  She’s probably still asleep this early, but I call her anyway. She can nap while I’m in the air, and then I’ll fuck her until exhaustion and she can sleep as long as she wants. Until my cock wakes her up again. The smile drifts off my face when she doesn’t pick up. Damn it. I told her to keep her phone with her at all times. Even in bed.

  I dial again, and my heart pounds harder than a beating when she answers.

  “Hi!”

  She’s happy. My girl’s fucking happy to talk to me. “God, it’s so good to hear your voice princess.”

  “You too. I miss you so much. And I have a surprise for you too.”

  I fucking love the excitement in her voice. “What is it?”

  “Mia helped me book a flight…I took the papers and some cash and the ID you made me and…”

  Dread rolls through me from her breathless confession. I grip my phone so tight I can feel the plastic case straining under my fingertips. God no angel. “What did you do?”

  “I went home. I’m at the bank. I’m going to get the money. Then you don’t have to worry. Or go on any more jobs for me. I can take care of us. I can take care of you like you have for me.”

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I close my eyes to grasp some kind of calm to imbue in my voice that feels fucking impossible with my girl hundreds of miles away from me and only a few from that motherfucker. I don�
��t fucking know how to pray but I repeat the words I hope are true in my mind. Please fucking let Mia and Hayes be with her. “Are you alone?”

  “Yes, but Mr. Michaelson is meeting with me in a few minutes. I have to sign some papers and I…” A sharp breath flutters in the speaker. “No. What is he doing here?”

  Too familiar terror vibrates in her tone before her voice falls to a whisper. “Who Viviana? Who the fuck’s there?”

  “Mrs. Moretti? Mr. Moretti asked me to call him if you made an appointment with us.” A voice I don’t recognize echoes in the background. “As I understand it now from his explanation, you’ve been missing and the police have been searching for you.”

  “Viviana give him the phone. Please angel I’m begging you give Mr. Michaelson the phone.”

  Besides begging, I’m also fucking screaming and the other passengers stare at me. A woman with a baby wrapped in a pink blanket leaves our row of interlocked seats. But I don’t give a damn. About any of them. None of them know my girl’s in danger. None of them know I’m losing my shit because I can’t lose her. I can’t lose the only woman I’ve ever loved.

  “Please Dante leave me alone. I don’t want to go with you. I’m in love with Roman.”

  “I can notify the authorities if you need me to Mr. Moretti.”

  “No, thank you. That’s not necessary. I’ll be taking her home. We’ll work everything out. Won’t we baby girl? You and I have a lot to work out.”

  His motherfucking sadistic laugh the last thing I hear before the call ends. Motherfucker.

  Harrison picks up on the first ring, and I don’t have the tolerance to wait for him to speak. I lost a fucking hour arguing at the customer service desk to get my flight changed and then spent another two in the air trying not to freak the fuck out. Unable to draw any attention to myself —couldn’t even order a fucking drink—with the flight crew fooled into thinking I was an air marshal with my forged paperwork and legit weapon. “It’s Roan Bartell. Is she there?”

  “Fuck! Are you kidding—”