The Drazen World: Torn (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Torn #1)

by D. B. Canavan

  I swallow, squaring my shoulders. “I’d love to explore my opportunities here.” Shit, did I just say explore. “I mean, I’d love to discuss what opportunities for advancement are available, but...”

  “Great. No but’s. We can discuss everything over dinner.”

  “I can’t have dinner with you. I’d like to keep any job promotions on a very professional level. I don’t want people thinking I’m getting promoted because I’m… Well you know.” A slight blush heats my face. Shit.

  “You mean you don’t want them to think you’re fucking the boss to get a head.” An evil grin creeps across his face. His eyes swirl with the promise of what he wants to do to me.

  “Well, yes. Isn’t that what it would look like Mr. Drazen?”

  “Johnathan.” He leans forward, resting his elbows on his desk. “Frankly, I don’t give a fuck what other people think.”

  “That’s because you’re the boss. You don’t have to care what they think, you don’t have to work with them.” I point toward his door.

  “I don’t have to take you to dinner to fuck you.”

  The air crackles between us, as his green eyes sear down my body.

  “I have plans. I’m sorry…”

  “Break them.” He cuts me off. He sounds like a man that’s not used to getting told no.

  “I can’t,” I whisper. “Really.” I squeeze my eyes shut. If he keeps pushing I’m not going to be able to turn him down.

  “Another time then.” From the tone in his voice, that was not a question, but a promise.

  I nod, turning and striding for the door. I have to get the hell out of this office now, before I end up doing something I’ll regret.

  “Oh and Faith?”

  My hand freezes on the doorknob. “Yes, Mr. Drazen?’ I turn, looking at him over my shoulder, willing him to keep his distance.

  “The research you did on me?” His voice drifts through the air, tempting me to turn around and walk back into the room.

  “Yes?”

  “If you learned nothing else from it, you learned I don’t take no for an answer – especially when it’s something I really want.”

  Chapter Three

  Antonio

  Stronzo. I mumble into my cup. Cazzo! What was I supposed to do? Donna Maria certainly couldn’t expect me to stand by and let that Sicilian scum walk in and take what was mine. I slowly rotate the small cup in my hand, barely feeling the scorching heat against my already numb fingers. Now I’m stuck in this fucking hole, hiding.

  Holding the cup to my lips, I inhale the earthy aroma of the espresso. I like my espresso thick, with a deep rich taste. Sipping the mahogany colored liquid, I let it flow from the front of my tongue to the back, enjoying its taste.

  It’s early, six-thirty-six in the morning. Nine minutes. I lean against the patio doorframe, feeling the humid Iowa air seep over my skin like a thin coating of olive oil, leaving a sheen of sweat in its tracks. Cazzo Donna Maria for sticking me in Des Moines, Iowa. Of all the places she had to hide me, she chose Iowa? It’s payback for not asking her permission, not coming to her to broker peace.

  A gust of fresh Iowa air rushes me like a criminal trying to steal my last breath. I can’t handle this clean Iowa air. My lungs burn for the smog of L.A., my soul craves the corruption of its streets. I want to get back to my life, instead I’m stuck here, where there’s more corn and cows than people. My eyes roam the sky, it’s too damn clean here. People actually drink the water out of the faucets.

  I run my frustrated fingers through my hair, cazzo! Des Moines is the capital of Iowa, a big town in a little minded state.

  My eyes flick to the clock silently ticking away the time. Five more minutes. I knew Donna Carloni was unhappy, but no one tries to take my territory, or my life and walks away alive. I growl into my cup as I let the espresso stroke my tongue. Stupido. I don’t give a fuck that they were made, especially the Sicilian scum – he needed to learn his place.

  "What’s so interesting?” Paulie stretches as he pulls a white tank top over his head.

  “In Iowa? Nothing.” My eyes passively scan the landscape.

  “Really?” Paulie arches a humorous eyebrow.

  “Really.” I growl. “You got something to say?” I arch a threatening eyebrow. “Not in the mood Paulie.” I growl.

  “Scusa?” Paulie holds up his hands and backs away toward the kitchen.

  My eyes intently watch as Paulie takes his time pouring himself a cup of espresso.

  “This nothing,” Paulie motions toward the door. “It has to be something pretty fucking interesting?” My eyes watch as he unscrews the lid to the Sambuca, letting a little dribble into his cup. “Every morning, for the past two weeks I come out here and find you there.” He points at me with his pinky finger as he sips his coffee.

  “I like the scenery.” I say dead pan, turning my gaze back out the window.

  Paulie snorts with laughter. He knows I’m lying, I hate it here. I’m like a wild animal who’s been captured and caged.

  My eyes watch as hot espresso dribbles down his chin, burning his lips. “Fuck!” He scowls, reaching for his cotton shirt, stretching the material until it serves as a napkin.

  Six-forty-four. My head snaps toward the parking lot, waiting. Like clockwork, at six-forty-five every day, the neighbor races off to work. Paulie’s right, I’ve been watching her, biding my time.

  My cock twitches with anticipation as I hear her lock click. Shortly after, she pushes through the security doors and down the cement stairs. My eyes roam her long, muscular legs as she gracefully descends the steps in her heels. I watch with appreciation, her lean muscles flex, straining gracefully against gravity. My tongue’ craves for a taste, I bet she’s sweet. Fuck, my cock jumps, I need to feel her legs wrapped around my waist with her heels digging into my back. The humid wind catches the tiny wisps of hair surrounding her face, making her auburn hair shimmer in the light. Soon

  As she hits the bottom of the stairs she strides along the walkway toward the parking lot. Her tight ass flexes as she walks, taunting me to fuck it. Her outfits fit like a glove, showing off each muscle and curve. She moves gracefully, begging my body for an introduction. As she reaches her car, I watch as her keys drop to the cement with a metallic plop. My eyes zero in on her cleavage, willing my eyes to catch a glimpse of her tits.

  “Ah scenery.” Paulie eyes her with appreciation. “Now I understand.”

  I didn’t even hear him settle next to me. My eyes watch as his gaze runs her body, fucking her in his imagination.

  “You understand nothing.” I growl. My eyes watch with appreciation as she slides into her car, bringing the motor to life and driving away. “You,” my gazing locking onto Paulie, “don’t touch.” My eyes threatening as I watch a slow smirk flicker across his lips.

  Paulie squares his shoulders, throwing me a stern look. “You, can’t touch her either.” He hisses. “Shit Spin, we don’t need any more fucking trouble. You already started a war in L.A., don’t start one here too.” I watch as he plops down on the plush brown couch.

  “You don’t get to tell me what I can touch, and what I can’t.” I turn and take a seat, sinking into the creme oversized chair facing him. I don’t like what’s he’s insinuating. “I did not start the war. That Sicilian piece of shit started all this when he tried to cut me off and take my territory.”

  “You shouldn’t have approached him.” Paulie leans forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. “You know how things work in the business.”

  “I paid my dues to Donna Carloni for two years as her consigliere.” My voice sharpens, ready to cut with every word. “She doesn’t own me anymore.” I hiss.

  “No? The Neapolitan Camorra owns you, and Donna Carloni is the Neapolitan Camorra in L.A.” Paulie thrusts his finger, cutting through the air. “You should have come to me.” He thumps his finger against his chest. “You should have had me go to Donna Carloni to get her say-so.”

  “I’m not wa
sting precious time negotiating with Sicilian scum while they take my territory like a thief picks a pocket. The Sicilians, they’re quick, clean and out. He’s the one who…”

  “Christ Antonio, you almost killed him.” Paulie whispers forcefully.

  “I should have killed him.” My eyes flare, my anger thickening the air. “Instead he has you to thank for his life.”

  “Jesus Spin, you’d better hope he wakes up, he was Sicilian made.” Fear creeps into the corners of Paulie’s expression.

  “I don’t give a fuck if he was made or not,” I snap. I can’t stop the evil grin that curls the corners of my mouth. “The Sicilian part was just a bonus….”

  “Well you’d fucking better care, ‘cause if he dies there will be an all-out war. Then, I don’t think Donna Carloni will be able to hide you deep enough, even in…” He stops, looking around, “where the fuck are we again?”

  “Iowa. Home of the birds.” I say dryly, flipping him the middle finger. Paulie’s eyes dance with humor, he’s enjoying the fact that Donna Maria stuck me here in Iowa.

  “Hawkeyes.” He chuckles over the rim of his cup.

  “Scusa?” My eyebrows shot upward. I can’t believe he even know this shit.

  “The birds. They’re Hawkeyes.” He rolls his hand in the air. “You know, Iowa – the Home of the Hawkeyes.”

  “How do you even know this shit?” My lips twitch.

  I watch the humor melt from Paulie’s eyes. “I wouldn’t have to learn this shit if you wouldn’t have lost your mind.”

  “Fuck you.” I growl. “He came after me. He started it. It was him or me – you know this.”

  “Si.” Paulie’s shoulders slump with the truth.

  “Does Donna Carloni? Know?” I cock my head.

  “Si. I talked with her.”

  “But did she listen?” I hiss sarcastically.

  “She hears more than you think Spin. She has eyes and ears all over. She knew they were nosing around your shit before you….”

  “Then she should have stopped it!” My hand hits the arm of the chair. “I had to protect what was mine!” I snarl, I will not let anyone tell me I was wrong.

  “A consigliere doesn’t get to do shit, you let us take care…”

  “I’m capo!” My voices echoes off the paper thin walls. “Don’t you ever forget that again!” My eyes thin, hissing my threat loud and clear. ‘Capire?!” My eyes lock with his.

  There’s a long, heavy pause. The air in the room becomes thick, swirling with tension.

  “Capire.” Paulie finally backs down.

  “Enough.” I’ve had enough of this conversation. I’m not sorry, I’d do it again. I just have to make the best of it while I’m trapped in this hick-filled hell.

  We sit in silence, both sipping our espresso. My eyes wander to the patio door as my mind drifts to the tight ass living across the hall. She might just be the distraction I need. I bet she tastes as good as she looks. Fire ignites through my system, just thinking of her under me, craving me, begging for more.

  “Leave her alone, Spin.”

  Paulie’s voice drags me back from my deviant dream. “Scusami?” I raise a threatening eyebrow.

  “Stay away from the American. We don’t need the attention.” His voice turns artic.

  “Really?” I chuckle at the notion that me fucking her would attract Sicilian attention. “You think if I fuck her, it’ll make it easier for the Sicilians to find me?”

  “No. I think if you fuck her, she gets attached. We don’t need that kind of drama.” His voice is curt.

  “She doesn’t seem the drama type.” My eyes snap to the patio.

  “And your dick knows this how?” Paulie snaps sarcastically.

  “She won’t know who I am. To Iowa – to her I’m Tony Martelli, not Antonio Spinelli.” I set my cup on the coffee table. “Who came up with Tony Martelli anyway? You?”

  “No Otto. I wanted to name you Tony Belloni.” He chuckles openly

  “You’re a funny guy. You’re just lucky I don’t want you dead.” The corner of my lip twitches.

  Paulie laughs openly. “I could say the same for you.” His eyes lock with mine, the humor fading. “Serious Spin, there’s something about her that makes me uneasy.”

  “That’s because you can’t handle a woman like her.”

  “Fuck you. If I wanted her, she wouldn’t even look at you.” His fat finger pokes in my direction.

  “You don’t touch her.” I scowl. “Capire?” My voice drops, deadly and serious. I will not allow him or anyone else to touch her. “

  “Understood.” His hands go up in defense. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Chapter Four

  Johnathan

  I silently step into her doorway, watching. The last two weeks I’ve played nice. I’ve not actively tried to get into her panties. An evil grin slides across my lips, I’m done with that shit. The last three days I’ve been out of the office taking care of business in New York. I’ve been tossing around the idea of opening a hotel is Korea, but it looks like that’s not going to happen for a few years. Instead of flying straight to L.A. for the holiday, I thought I’d make a stop in Iowa and put operation Faith into action. I called a head and had my staff set up something special.

  I lean my shoulder against the doorframe, watching her fingers fly across her keyboard. God, she doesn’t realize how fucking sexy she is. There’s something about Faith Winters, something that’s peaked my interest. I think it’s time to get to know Faith Winters a whole lot better. It doesn’t take long before her head snaps up, realizing someone’s standing in her doorway.

  “Mr. Drazen? You’re back? I didn’t think you were coming back until after the Fourth of July.” Her eyes widen with confusion.

  Good I want to keep her off balance. “We have a meeting.” I slide my hands in my pockets.

  “What?” An adorable frown floods her face. “When?” She flips through her calendar. “I don’t see a meeting. Are you sure?” Her beautiful face etched with concern.

  “It’s not on your calendar because I just called it. Let’s go.” It’s the only way I can get her alone. Every single time I’ve tried asking her out she’s always evaded my invitations. Well not this time.

  “What? Okay. Just let me grab my planner.”

  I watch has her slender fingers wrap around her leather bound calendar. She stands and strides toward the door.

  “Ready?” My eyes roam her muscular curves. Curves that I’ve admired from a far for much too long.

  “Yep.” She throws me a sweet smile.

  I place my hand at the small of her back leading her through the hall, to the back conference room. “Here,” I grab the doorknob and hold the door open for her.

  My eyes wander to her tight ass as she steps in front of me and walks through the door. I step in behind her, waiting for her reaction.

  “What — what is this Mr. Drazen?” She takes a step back slamming that beautiful body against my front. My cock immediately jerks to life. I lower my lips to her ear and whisper softly. “My name is Johnathan.” God she smells fuckable.

  “What is this Johnathan? You said this was a meeting.”

  Her voice comes out a soft whisper. She sounds vulnerable like a lamb about to walk into the lion’s den. Chuckling to myself, well that’s exactly what she’s about to do.

  “It is a meeting.” My lips lightly brush against her ear. I feel her body shiver against my chest. Fuck Yeah. I grit my teeth, struggling to stop myself from spinning her around, pinning her to the wall and capturing that gorgeous mouth.

  I step back, my cock screaming at me, questioning my sanity. “It’s a lunch meeting, Faith.” I walk around her, slightly adjusting my cock. “Have a seat.” I pull out her chair, letting a smirk ghost across my lips. I catch her eyes, scanning her surroundings. I love watching her body react to every word, every action I make. God, I can hardly wait to play her body, make it hum, make her beg for more.

  �
��Fine. Just lunch.” She stands taller, squaring her shoulders, but her voice gives her away. I have her right where I want her, she just doesn’t know it yet.

  “Just lunch, what else could happen?” My voice drips with the promise of everything sexual that flashes through my mind, every position I’m going to fuck her in, every inch of her body that I’m going to devour.

  “Thank you.” She smiles, her cheeks flushed.

  She slides into her seat and I gently push her chair into to the table. Leaning over I let my nose take in her scent. “Relax, I don’t bite Faith.” At least not until lunch is over.

  I walk around the table removing my jacket and rolling up my sleeves. I feel more comfortable out of that damn jacket. Out of the corner of my eye I catch her eyes roaming my arms as I slowly roll up my selves. My eyes devour her as I catch her gaze.

  Her beautiful golden brown eyes snap to the bottle of champagne chilling next to the table. “It’s a little early to drink don’t you think?”

  “Not at all. I thought we’d celebrate your new position with Drazen Inc.” Before she can say another word I reach over and grab the bottle out of the steel bucket and pop the cork. I reach, wrapping my fingers around the stem of her glass. I lift it, tilting it sideways, and filling it halfway before handing it to her. I purposely brush my fingers across her hand, only to be treated to a sexy blush that flushes across her cheeks. I can hardly wait to get her under me.

  I reach for my glass, filling it and setting the bottle back in the bucket. I sit, glass extended waiting for her eyes to meet mine.

  Finally I’m treated to her gorgeous golden brown eyes. I swear I can see into her sweet soul, a soul that I want to command. It’s going to be so much fun working her body, she has no idea the world I’m about to introduce her to, the pleasure I’m about to treat her to.

  “To you.” I lift my glass in a toast. “We never did get to celebrate your new position.”