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

by D. B. Canavan

  I turn back to see that same sexy smirk on his gorgeous plump lips. “Awful presumptuous, wouldn’t you say?”

  He cocks his head playfully, “I knew you’d say yes.”

  His Italian accent makes my loins ache. Why am I so turned on by this guy?

  “Tony Martelli.” He extends his hand.

  “Oh, I’m Hay...” Shit. I stop abruptly, catching myself before I give him my real name, Haley Nichols. “Hey Tony, I’m Faith Winters.” I think I covered that well, I hope. I extend my hand, stepping forward to shake his hand.

  As soon as my hand touches his, I’m pulled forward and kissed on both cheeks. “Ciao. It’s nice to meet you again. Thank you for bringing the wine.” He smirks, his eyes dancing with evil intentions.

  He’s standing so close, all I’d have to do is go up on my tippy toes and lean in…

  “I’ll pour, have a seat.” He grabs the wine from my hand, striding toward the patio.

  I lean forward stumbling a little, what the hell was I doing? I really need to pull it together.

  My eyes roam the dimly lit room as I make my way toward his patio. The room is decorated in creme’s and dark browns. There’s not much on the walls, a few nondescript pictures and a gorgeous beveled mirror. My eyes roam the dark oak bookshelves, scanning the books, not quite able to read the titles. You can tell a lot about a person by what books they read. One thing that stands out, the lack of photographs. There are no pictures of family, or friends, just generic decorations.

  I slide into the cushioned patio chair, noticing his patio is laid out just like mine. Same brick wall, same railing, same view.

  “Bella.” A glass of red wine appears out of nowhere. “Salute.” He lightly taps the rims of our glasses together as he slides into the chair next to mine.

  “Thank you.” I whisper as I place my nose over the glass and inhale. A sweet, fruity smell tickles my nose. “Hmm.” I hum into the glass, taking a small sip. The flavors explode on my tongue, bold, full-bodied, perfection — just like the Italian god sitting across from me. “Hmm, this is wonderful. Thank you.”

  “Grazie.” He smiles warmly, his beautiful brown eyes sparkling in the candle light. “The pleasure, is all mine.”

  “What is this?” I hold the glass up, swirling the beautiful red liquid, watching as it shimmers red with maroon highlights.

  “It’s a red Taurasi. It’s imported from the Campania region in southern Italy.

  My eyes watch with appreciation as he talks. “Wow.” I whisper.

  “By law, Taurasis must age at least three years before bottling.” His eyes intently study the red liquid, worshiping it as it swirls thoughtfully around his glass. His eyes snap to mine, inciting a sexy smile. “Sorry, just a bit of useless trivia.”

  “Nothing you ever learn is useless.” I take another sip as his eyes thoughtfully search my face. “Is that where you’re from? Southern Italy.”

  “Si. Napoli, in Campania, Italy.” I watch as his plump lips rest against the rim of his glass, taking a healthy sip of wine.

  “I bet it’s beautiful there.” I sigh thoughtfully, leaning back in my chair letting my eyes roam the sky

  “No. Not anymore.” His voice sounds sad. “Naples has been a dumping ground for toxic waste for years.”

  “Really?” My face snaps back to his. “I didn’t know that.”

  “Si.” A sadness hangs in the air.

  I take a long thoughtful sip, letting the flavors of the wine tell their story.

  “The country region of Campania is breath taking, the cities — not so much.” His voice falls off.

  “Actually, Italy is on my bucket list.” A warm blush flooding my face, my brain mouth filter failing.

  His eyes snap to mine, sparkling with enthusiasm. “Excellent choice. What else is on that bucket list? What do you like to do?”

  I sit silently. “I — um, like to run.” I stop and think. “I don’t know. I guess I haven’t given it much thought past Italy.” I smile over the top of my glass. “What about you? What do you like to do?”

  I watch his face as he thoughtfully considers my question. “I like to work with my hands.” His voice turns husky, as his eyes leisurely travel my body with hope.

  I gasp, inhaling a mouthful of wine. Coughing, “your hands?” I cough, gasping for air. He does have fantastic hands. It was one of the first things I noticed about him. He has thick muscular writs and large strong hands. I bet he could do some wickedly wonderful things with those fingers. My face warms again, blushing all the way to my ears.

  A low throaty chuckle resonates from his chest.

  Shit, I wonder if he can see me blush.

  “So, tell me Faith Winters, what do you do for a living?” He talks into his glass, then takes a sip.

  My glass stops in mid-air. I can’t tell him I work for the FBI. I’m pretty sure that would kill the mood. “I work for the Drazen Corporation, I’m one of their operations managers. They just purchased what used to be the old Escapade Hotel.

  “Ah, a business mind.” He grins. “I wish I had a level head for business.” I watch a knowing smirk flutter across his lips.

  “What do you do for a living?” I’m gone all day, so I never see him come or go.

  “I’m an attorney.” His voice flattens out.

  “Really? Which firm do you work for?” An attorney? I would never have guessed.

  “I don’t practice in Iowa. I’m just consulting - helping a friend out.” His eyes roam to the sky.

  “So, you’re not from Iowa. Where do you normally practice?”

  His gaze drops back to my face. “Los Angeles.”

  “Oh wow.” He’s from L.A.? I try to remember if I’ve seen him before. “You’re from California? Well Iowa must be culture shock for you.”

  “You have no idea.” He states drily, his eyes twinkle with humor.

  I can’t help giggle. “Oh I think I know. So how long will you be in Iowa?”

  “That depends on how negotiations go.” His voice darkens, his eyes giving away nothing.

  “Very impressive.” I smile warmly.

  Suddenly a loud pop randomly shatters the night, sending multi-colored sparkles littering the sky. Fireworks.

  “Ah yes, America’s Fourth of July.” He motions toward the sky, showcasing his strong masculine hands. “Are you going to the fireworks tomorrow?”

  My eyes drop to my glass, I am not getting into this with him. I shift uncomfortably, not saying a word.

  “Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?” His eyebrows drop with concern.

  “No. I mean, Yes I’m fine. No, you said nothing wrong. I just haven’t been to fireworks in... Well, a really long time.” I try to hide the emotion from my voice. I don’t need him asking any questions.

  “Let me take you tomorrow.” He leans forward resting his elbows on his knees.

  “What?” My eyes snap to his.

  “Si. A date. Let me take you to the fireworks.”

  “Oh I don’t know…” I shake my head.

  Another firework explodes in the sky, this time illuminating everything is a golden hue.

  “You’re very beautiful.” He leans forward, claiming my lips. His lips are strong but soft, demanding but gentle. An unfamiliar warmth seeps through my body..

  Before I know it, his powerful fingers are threading through my long locks and his tongue is dancing with mine. A soft moan escapes my mouth, just the air around him sucks me into his seductive world.

  He leans back, breaking our connection. “There a man who’s going to try to kick my ass for that kiss?” His eyes dancing, loving the thought of a good fight.

  “No, not anymore.” I whisper, my gaze flickering between his gorgeous brown eyes. Being this close to him sets off a flood of heat pulsating between my legs. I gasp softly as his eyes turn black with need. “I can’t get involved with anyone right now. I’m sorry, that kiss was a mistake. I should go.” I set my glass on the table and stand. I have to put some dis
tance between us.

  He stands, immediately closing the distance between us. “No man, really?” He cocks his head with a slight arrogance, his eyes searching my lips.

  “Really.” I side step toward the door and he blocks my way. “Please.” I squeeze my eyes shut. If I look at him, I’m going to let him fuck me. The dewy pine sent of his cologne is intoxicating, it’s clouding my mind. “I really should go.” My eyes flutter open, tracing his full lips, wanting to feel them wherever he wants to put them.

  “Stupido. Any man that would let you go is stupido.” Another firework discharges in the sky, this one illuminating his power jaw and gorgeous cheekbones. His eyes reflect the silver and gold waterfalls that twinkle and sizzle in the sky. God he’s sexy.

  His full lips fall on mine, his tongue a guilty pleasure. “Let me take you out tomorrow.” He whispers softly, his warm breath tickling the sweet spot below my ear. “Tomorrow, it’s a celebration, Si? A beautiful Angelo like you, shouldn’t be alone.” His sexy Italian invitation sends shivers up my spine as his lips travel down my neck.

  “I like being...” His lips hit the curve of my neck, making me lose track of my thoughts.

  His strong but gentle hands cupped my face, tracing my jawline with his thumbs. “Go out with me.” He leans in, the stubble of his chin grazing my cheek. “I promise to behave.”

  I can’t stop the soft moan that escaped my lips. God I want to lose myself in his promises. “You Mr. Martelli, don’t play fair.” God help me, I need another taste.

  His powerful fingers feel their way down my back, cupping my ass. “No, I don’t play fair, especially when I want something.” His fingers dig into my ass, thrusting my body against his. “Say. Yes.” He’s on me before I can catch my breath. His mouth commanding the kiss as his powerful body pins me to the brick wall.

  My fingers itch to explore every muscle in his body. Threading my fingers through his silky black hair, I pull him even closer, sending a low moan from his throat. I feel him shift, his erection grazing my hip, pressing into my stomach. God I want to fuck him. More importantly, I wanted him to fuck me.

  A loud bang ricochets through the air, jolting me back to reality. The blast is so powerful I feel the shockwaves against my chest. That had to be an M-80. I didn’t think those were legal in the city limits without a permit. Suddenly my common sense kicks in, reminding me that I’ve just met this man. I firmly push against his chest, “I should be going.”

  He leans back, giving me only an inch. “You don’t have to.” His lips smile against my ear, his teeth nip my earlobe.

  Oh fuck. A white hot ball of lust sizzles down my spine like a sparkler burning red hot. “Yes, I do.” I have to get out of here now, before he seduces me into his bed.

  “As you wish.” He gently rests his forehead against mine. I can feel his chest heaving, as he grasps for restraint. “Tomorrow, I pick you up at eight-thirty.” He’s not asking.

  “Okay.” The word escapes my mouth before I have the time to remember what day tomorrow was. The Fourth of July. “It’s the Fourth of July, I’m sure you have plans with friends.” I slip out from under him, making my way through his living room toward his front door.

  Suddenly, I’m spun around and pinned to the door. His mouth is on me like lightening, his tongue probing my lips. “I pick you up at eight-thirty tomorrow.” He yanks my leg around his waist, grinding his hardness into my wet softness. “Si?” His lips claim mine, giving me no option but to say yes. “We’ll make our own fireworks.” He grins, abruptly stepping back.

  I stand, gasping for air, needy. The bastard. I turn, not saying a word, unlocking the door.

  He leans in, pushing my front against the door with his hard chest. “Eight-thirty Angelo.” His stubble rubbing against my cheek, making my clit beg to be licked.

  “Eight-thirty.” I agree, hoping he fucks me against the door.

  I miss his body as soon as he steps back. Damn him. Without saying a word, I step through his door, squinting from the bright lights in the hall. Unlocking my door, I don’t look over my shoulder. I know he’s still there, waiting for me to get inside safely.

  “See you at eight-thirty, Angelo.” His voice is a sexy invitation that I just can’t turn down.

  I step into my apartment and close the door. For the first time in a long time, I’m actually looking forward to the Fourth of July.

  Chapter Seven

  Antonio

  I didn’t know if Faith was the type of woman who needed commitment. Was she the type of woman who was looking for a man to give her a family?

  Woman, they all need the promise of a future. Paulie’s words echo through my head. Don’t get involved with her Spin. We don’t need a needy woman causing drama. Faith Winters didn’t seem like the needy type. She seemed like the kind of woman who could take care of herself.

  Your cock need to fuck something? We’ll get Marina here, you can fuck her day and night. Just stay away from the American. I snort out loud, Paulie was stupid to Marina. Marina was drama personified. She was needy. She expected a future, a future I had no intention of giving her.

  Faith Winters wasn’t one of us. Maybe that’s what made her so attractive, or maybe it was her body. My cock wanted her, and I had every intention of getting what I wanted. What could it hurt? I was here in hiding. To her I was Tony Martelli, clean cut boy, not Antonio Spinelli, capo and former consigliere. I was more danger to her than she was to me. So what would fucking her hurt?

  Rolling my wrist, the face of my watch telling me it was time to go pick up my date. Grinning, all the arrangements are finished for our date.

  As I step into the hall and lock my door, my cock twitches to life. Her expensive perfume lingers in the air, making me want to skip the fireworks and fuck her in the hall. Nice thought, but not practical. I spin my keys on my finger before stuffing them in my jeans.

  Stepping to her door I tap firmly, waiting. There’s a brief second of doubt that rages through my body. She stands me up, I will fuck her in the hall. Like music to my ears, I hear her lock click and watch as her door swings open. Fuck!

  “Hi.” A warm blush spreads across her cheeks.

  “Ciao.” I nod, admiring the white cotton sundress that clings to her tits and hips. “Ready Angelo?” I extend my elbow trying to make a good impression. If she only knew what I wanted to do to her, she’d slam the door in my face. Or would she?

  “Ready.” She steps toward me, pulling the door closed behind her.

  I don’t move, making her rub against me to lock her door. She doesn’t seem to mind, if anything I think she leans into my chest. I lean in and smell her, she smells like expensive sin.

  “Where are we going? There’s only about an hour before the fireworks start.” Her eyes twinkle with excitement.

  “Trust me?” If she knew who I really was, she’d say no.

  She stops and searches my eyes. “Yes.”

  “Grazie. This way.” I point up the stairs. She should never trust me - ever. At the least, I was going to ruin her virtue, at the most I could get her killed.

  “What?” Confusion floods her face. “There’s nothing up there but another set of apartments”

  “Ah that’s where you’re wrong.” I lead her past the upper apartments to a single door that looks like a closet.

  “You’re taking me to a closet.” Her lips twitch with humor.

  “Funny girl. But no.” I reach into my pocket and pull out the single key that Joe, the building supervisor gave me. You’d be amazed what you can buy with enough money. Sliding it into the lock, I open the door and motion for her to go first. She thinks I’m being polite, but truthfully, I want to stare at her ass.

  “Oh. Wow. I didn’t even know this was here.” The wonderment in her voice bounces off the staircase making me want to surprise her every day.

  “Careful at the top.”

  She stops on the top step, making room for me to open the door. For a few seconds I stand there, enjoying that our
bodies are forced together because of circumstances. A slight blush graces her cheeks as I hear her inhale my scent.

  Fuck it. I lean forward, sealing my mouth over her luscious lip. “I’ve been waiting to do that since you left last night.” I open the door and step down, offering her my hand. “Careful.”

  I watch her face, as she steps down and her eyes take in the roof. Her face lights up and the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen floods her face.

  “Oh Tony, this is beautiful.” She wanders forward, taking in her surroundings.

  “You like.” I walk backwards, leading her to the cushions and food. I had the waiter set everything up earlier.

  “It’s beautiful.” Her eyes scan the small lanterns placed around our picnic area. Then her eyes flicker to the sky. “I’ll bet we’ll be able to see a ton of stars from up here.” Her face glows with appreciation, something that most woman don’t show. “You did all this for me?” A soft blush graces her cheeks, she’s fucking gorgeous.

  Most woman I fuck expect what I have to offer, this woman - expects nothing. “Let’s eat.” I lead her over to the cushions spread out in the center of the roof. My eyes watch as she kicks of her shoes and gracefully sits, tucking her legs under her fabulous ass.

  “What is that? It smells fabulous.” Her eyes twinkle, showing off the gold tint in her eyes.

  I slide the tray between us, pulling the top off. “I hope you like…”

  “Sliders! OMG how did you know.” She squeals, giggling like a little girl.

  Just the sound of her laughter has my cock stiffen and my balls ache. “Nothing’s more American than hamburgers – right?” I grin.

  “Right.” I watch as she leans over the tray, eyeing the mini-hamburgers, pickles, Italian olives and french fries. “Oh my god, this smells like heaven.”

  My cock strains against my zipper as I watch her tongue run across her lower lip. I can hardly wait to fuck her mouth. “I hope you’re hungry.” I know I fucking am.

  “I’m starved.” She grabs two plates, handing me one. “There ya go.”

  “Grazie.” I purposely brush her hand. I reach behind me and flip the top of the cooler open. “Beer okay?”