by Ruby Rowe
“We suck at being discreet,” Griffin says.
“Yeah, I think Kellen is on to us, too. He gave me this goofy smile today when I mentioned your name.”
“Fuck, Kellen. He’s sleeping with your assistant.”
“You know about that?”
“Yes. I busted them making out by her car last week.”
“So, what else are you not telling me?”
He takes a step back, leaving me empty.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I don’t know shit about you.”
“If this is about me not wanting to discuss my parents, I told you the reason.”
I shake my head, knowing it isn’t my place to drill him when we’re not in a relationship.
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” I hop off the table. “I want to open my present.” Pulling his pocket knife out, he runs the blade down the center of the tape.
“Wait, that’s not my parents’ handwriting.”
“Then I should open it in the office.”
“No, they have a new housekeeper. It’s probably her writing.” Before Griffin can stop me, I open the box and reach inside for the black and shiny object I spot.
I pull out the masquerade mask and gasp. “I doubt this is from my parents.” Pushing me aside, he feels around in the box and pulls out a note.
“ ‘Read Romeo and Juliet: Act 1, Scene 1.
Mark my words, Ava Lane, that even in a dungeon, no mask can hide what I see beneath.’”
“What the hell does he mean by that?” Griffin asks after reading the note aloud.
“Let me think…” Rubbing my forehead, I try to remember the scene from my college days. “Romeo says something about black masks covering fair ladies’ brows and men thinking about what lies beneath.
“In laymen’s terms, it means that even if women wear masks, men are still able to imagine the beauty that lies behind them. There’s more to it than that, but I can’t remember how it goes.”
“What about the mention of the dungeon?” Griffin’s knuckles turn white as he clenches the paper.
“That’s not a quote from Romeo and Juliet.” I look up at him as my lip quivers. “I think he’s referring to Dungeon Six. He must’ve seen me there, wearing a mask. I think he’s saying I can’t hide from him.”
Griffin drops the paper before he slams the table with his fist. He grabs the mask and squashes it between his hands.
“What if there are fingerprints on it?”
“I already know there’s not. There never fucking are!” he shouts before he storms out of the room. The slamming of the front door causes me to jump, and I feel the tears forming.
I’m sick of this lunatic’s ability to dictate my emotions and interfere with my life. Wiping my eyes, I pick the note up from the floor and shred it, knowing I shouldn’t.
A long soak in the tub is what I need, with candles and bubbles, so I march upstairs. I want to forget this monster and what he could do to my reputation if he leaks photos of my time at Dungeon Six. Who is he? And why won’t he leave me the hell alone?
Ava
“Ava,” Griffin says from my bedroom door. I sit up and turn on the bedside lamp. Glancing at my alarm clock, I see that it’s 12:10 a.m.
“What’s wrong?”
He shuts the door behind him and strolls over to my bed. Without a word, he begins to undress, and I look into his earnest eyes staring back at me. I yawn and break my gaze so I can soak in the sight of his mesmerizing body.
“I need in your bed tonight.”
Nodding, I scoot over and fold the blanket back. With one last look in my eyes, he switches off the lamp, and I feel the bed sink in. As his body covers mine, he rests most of his weight on his forearms.
“I’m sorry I stormed out tonight. I didn’t know what to do with my anger.”
“I’m sorry I managed to tarnish your favorite place.”
“First, never apologize for that sick fuck. You didn’t do anything wrong. Second, the club’s no longer my favorite place. It’s wherever you are, Ava. That’s where I want to be.”
I touch his cheek and skim my fingers over his lips.
“Don’t say sweet words like that. It’s not part of the arrangement. Just fuck me and bruise me. Give me experiences I’ve never felt before, and leave the marks for me to remember.”
He groans, but it becomes muffled once his teeth sink into my neck. He bites his way down to my shoulder where he tugs on the strap of my silk chemise.
His breathing is choppy, his movements fervent, and I’m about to lose myself all over again in his domination. What’s disturbing is that my heart is betraying me, wanting to follow suit.
Shifting off me, he pulls my nighty over my head and swiftly removes my panties. He begins squeezing my body: my waist, hips and thighs, indenting them with his strong fingers.
His lips and teeth leave their marks next, and he’s insatiable and rash as he uses my body to release his lust and pent-up anger. I feel like it’s his way of showing Romeo who truly possesses me. Griffin’s the only one who knows the real Ava.
Like it’s a piece of clay that has become misshaped, he sculpts my outer body to match my inner soul. His mouth and hands are the tools that smooth out the lines of misinterpretation and open the scars of the past. I can’t hide them with Griffin, and he’s creating new ones so that I never forget the power he holds.
Arching against him, I whisper breathlessly, “You know me.” He freezes with his mouth at my stomach and tilts his eyes up to stare into mine.
“Yes, I do.” He’s determined to lift the veil the public christened me with and leave the symbols of who I really am. He moves up over me, and sliding a hand beneath my ass, he clutches it forcefully before thrusting into me.
“Tell me you’re not going to host a party. Baby, make it easier for me to keep you safe.”
“I’m sorry, but Romeo’s not winning.”
“Then I’m leaving you sore again–everywhere–so you’ll remember how displeased I am with your decision.” As he continues to squeeze my ass cheek, he ducks his head to latch on to my nipple. The sting causes my body to flinch, and it only fuels him further.
He’s so deep inside me, so merciless and carnal, and I embrace it all. Regardless of what Romeo knows, he’s not in this room. No, this is my and Griffin’s magnificent secret.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Griffin
To start our morning, Ava and I shower together, and I clean the breaks I made to her skin. Unlike last night, I’m gentle with her, caressing her body and showing her my appreciation for what she gave me only hours ago.
Once we’re cleaned up, I follow her to the veranda where she regularly starts her day. Since Janelle knows our secret, and I’m off today, I didn’t see the point in sneaking away.
After she serves us breakfast, I sit back in my chair and admire Ava. Under those clothes, she’s covered in bruises and hickeys, but at least none of them are on her neck.
Last night, she surrendered to me in a way that left me confused and speechless. It wasn’t just her body she handed over to me. I penetrated something deeper, and she embraced a vulnerability greater than any sub on her knees, waiting for me to wield my cane.
I feel honored since Ava lets so few people see past her Hollywood façade, and if I had to guess, she’s never let anyone that close. It’s as if she’s been waiting for me to find her, and I’ve been subconsciously looking.
What’s leaving me unsettled this morning is that I feel like I’m responsible for protecting more than her body now. I think her heart may be on the line and possibly mine, too.
I have to get my mind off of her–off of us.
“Uh, I was wondering something about Mickey.”
Chewing a bite of fruit, she stares at me studiously.
“What’s that?”
“I know he’s a producer, but I’m also aware of his past. I mean, I’ve read about him and your dad before. Is he still involved in any of t
hat illegal shit?”
Still staring at me, she leans back in her chair, and damn, is she on to me already?
“I’m surprised you want to talk about him at all, but I have an idea where this conversation is headed. There’s no way Mickey is Romeo. The idea is ludicrous, and as far as his criminal activity, I make it a point not to know.”
She shrugs. “I do hear bits and pieces about his involvement with the family. Like I think he’s considering…”
Considering what, baby? Give me something here.
Frowning, Ava sits up straight. “You might’ve read stories in the paper, but you must’ve skipped the course Crime Family 101.” I have to fight a laugh with that comment.
“What do you mean?”
“Whether or not I like it, I was born a Leoni, and no one in a mob family tells secrets to outsiders if they wish to continue breathing. Whatever shit Mickey’s into would be just that, a secret in the family, so this discussion is over.”
Shit. I manage a smile. “You’re so hot when you talk mob.”
“And you’re hot when you try to be cute. Look, Mickey isn’t my stalker. He would never intentionally hurt me. There’s no doubt he’s caused me emotional pain, but it was just Mickey being Mickey. He can’t help it.”
“If you say so.” Deciding not to push my luck, I pick up a piece of bacon.
“I’m just curious,” she says. “Are you sleeping at your place this weekend?” Nibbling on her lip, she stares off toward the yard. “I don’t even know where you call home.”
“It’s on the beach in Malibu, and no, I’m sleeping in my apartment here. I’m not comfortable being away that long.”
“You deserve some space and privacy, Griffin. I’ll be fine if you want to stay at your house.”
I stand and walk around the table. Clutching the nape of her neck, I kiss the top of her head that’s heated from the sun.
“Difficult woman, we’re doing this my way, remember? I better go since Kellen will be here soon. If anything happens, you call me.” I point back to her as I walk to gate. “I mean it.”
“OK, OK. I hope you enjoy your ride, and I’ll stay home today.”
Griffin
“What else should I buy?” Daniel asks as another item catches his eye near the exit of the Harley store.
“I think you bought out the entire place. Wait until you get your bike to decide what else you need.”
“Yeah, I’m kinda wishing I hadn’t got it customized. It takes forever.”
“I kinda wish you had grown some patience over the years, but that didn’t happen, either.” Smiling at my cousin, I punch his arm.
Pushing the glass door open, I walk out under the California sun with Daniel following behind. I put on my shades, but in a hot second, I jerk them off.
“What the hell?”
Like they’ve been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, Kellen, another young guard and Ava walk toward us with bulging eyes.
“Why did you leave the house?” I ask before I flash Kellen a dirty look. “And why did you let her?”
“Excuse me?” Ava huffs as she plants her fist on her hip the way she always does when she’s about to be a stubborn-ass woman. No doubt a sexy one.
“I’m here to buy a gift for a friend, and Kellen doesn’t let me do anything. I decide what I’m doing, and I’d appreciate it if you would stop telling him otherwise.”
I run a hand over my short hair. “Fair enough, and I’d appreciate it if you’d tell me when you’re going out. You know, like we’ve discussed a dozen damn times.”
“And I’d appreciate it if you stopped micromanaging on your days off.”
“Is this some kind of aggression foreplay for you two?” Daniel asks before he steps between Ava and me and sticks out his hand. “You’re Ava Lane. Big fan here. I’m Griffin’s cousin Daniel.”
Ava finds her Hollywood smile and shakes his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Daniel. I didn’t know Griffin had a cousin.” Her gaze reverts back to me. “As I’m sure you’re aware, this one’s a bit closed off.”
“We were just leaving,” I say.
“Daniel, I’m hosting a birthday party for a friend next weekend. I’d love to have you as a guest.”
“I’ll be working,” I say.
“Oh, stop being rude. We’ll have plenty of security on duty. You can take a little time to socialize with your cousin.” She’s so getting spanked for the stunt she’s pulling. “Hell, Daniel, just bring the whole family. I’d love to meet more of Griff—”
“That’s not happening,” I quip before I look at Kellen and point. “I want a text when she’s safe at home. Can you at least follow that order?”
Ava’s wearing dark sunglasses, but I still catch her rolling her eyes.
“Daniel, I expect to see you at the party,” she says, “and Griffin, I want a word with you later.”
“Yeah, same here.” Marching away, I get on my bike, and Daniel jogs up beside me. “I’ll meet you at Uncle Dom’s,” I say.
“Damn, either you two can’t stand the sight of each other or you’re angry you can’t fuck. Which is it?”
“Drop it, all right?” Before he can reply, I rev the engine and burn out of the parking lot, wondering like hell what’s wrong with me. Why do I lose my shit when she’s not under my protection?
Ava thinks I’m overbearing and possessive, and I can’t disagree, but why is what I can’t figure out. Before her, I protected my principals, but it still felt like a job. Whereas protecting Ava seems essential to my existence, like it’s this innate purpose.
I was born to do it.
Swerving off the side of the road, I jerk my helmet off to get some air.
Like this morning, I’m out of control. Ava’s owning all my fucking headspace, and I fear that’s never going to change. Her fiery attitude gets my cock hard, and I can’t even think about the body she lets me devour. This wasn’t supposed to happen, and I did little to fight it.
What am I going to do to stop the consequences of touching her? Maybe I’m possessive of Ava because I know the seriousness of what I’ve done.
I’ve walked the goddess into a web of danger. We’re the offspring of mobsters and shouldn’t have met, and we damn sure shouldn’t have fucked.
Son of a bitch.
Her stalker’s not Romeo; I am.
Teddy Leoni, you fucking weasel.
Starting my bike, I look for a break in traffic and tear back on the road.
***
“Griffin, what are you doing here?” Teddy asks at the door.
“We need to talk–now.”
He scratches his slick grey hair. “All right, follow me to my study.” Once we’re inside, he sits behind his desk. I go straight to it and slam my hands down on the shiny surface in front of him.
“Tell me the real reason you hired me.”
“Where is this anger coming from? I told you it was to protect Ava from Romeo and also to catch him.”
“Bullshit. It has something to do with my family. I know it, or you wouldn’t have wanted me near your daughter.”
As if he knows exactly what I’m talking about, he smiles wryly.
“Why wouldn’t I have wanted you near Ava?”
“Just give me the goddamn reason you hired me.”
“Like I told you when I contacted you, I knew you’d be the best bodyguard since you were Gabriel Golino’s son. Your father was the most observant man I’d ever met, and he could sniff out a rat from a mile away.”
“Yeah, and he passed that ability on to me. What are you not telling me?”
Lazily, he points a finger toward his office door.
“Shut it.”
Puffing out a breath, I do as he says before I sit across from him at his desk.
“I don’t appreciate the tone you’re taking with me.”
“Then answer my question. I’ve come up with my own reason, and you’re going to tell me if I’m right. I have a feeling I’ve nailed
it on the head.”
Chuckling, he gets more comfortable in his leather chair.
“I’m eager to hear this.”
“You hired me to get back at my family. Admit it.”
“Having you guard my daughter, especially when you’re not active with the Golinos, hardly seems like a payback. Besides, I have no beef with your family. It’s the other way around.”
Tilting my head back, I stare at the ceiling and consider what else it could be. A thought comes to mind, so I look at Teddy. “You think someone in my family is Ava’s stalker.”
He shrugs. “I suspected it, but I was wrong.”
My jaw ticks from the fury building inside me.
“So, what you’re saying is that withholding information from me in the beginning was more important than protecting your daughter.”
Shooting straight up in his chair, he shoves a finger toward me.
“I love Ava more than anything, and I’d never put her in danger. I couldn’t tell you up front why I hired you because I needed you to get close to her first,” he spouts.
“I don’t understand.”
“I needed you to care for her, Griffin. And I must say it happened sooner than I expected. Ava’s always had that spark.” He smirks. “You know, the one that makes men weak.”
“What the fuck?” I rub my forehead. What I’m hearing makes no sense and defies every rule in the family book.
“I don’t know where you’re going with this, but spit it out, old man, because my fists are looking for a release.”
“Watch your tongue. I’m about to tell you things I shouldn’t, and make no mistake–the only reason I’m sharing this information is to protect my daughter. If I lose my life over this, you die, too. My crew will make sure of it. Have I made myself clear?”
“I’d expect nothing less from Titus Leoni. Continue, please.”
“Unlike your father, your uncle Dominic never trusted me, not even while I lived in New York and worked with the Golinos from afar.”
“That’s old news.”
“Then you also know he wishes that Mickey DeLuca and I never moved here.”