Under the Influence: A Second Chance Mafia Romance

by Nikki Belaire

  Her thighs squeeze mine in response to my chauvinistic attitude. But she fucking loves it and she knows it. Because we both know the real truth now – she fucking owns me. I’m forever at her mercy.

  Except in bed. I’m always the boss. Just the way she likes.

  I smother her argument about “kids plural?” by plunging my tongue into her sweet mouth, rocking my hips against hers. She moans, sucking in my bottom lip. Driving her fingers through my hair. Ready for me to take her again. To make her mine. To make our baby.

  Caressing down her rib cage to her hip to her pussy, I lightly circle the sensitive skin before stroking her swollen clit with my thumb. “You want my fingers or my dick?”

  Her delicate body’s on fire. Hips and head both lifting, straining to find me. To find the ecstasy we both desperately need. "I-I don't know..."

  My lips curl into a smile against her throat, breathing in her honeysuckle scent. Drunk on this woman as sweet and innocent as the flower she imbues. "You don't know what Chryseis? You don't know you're everything I've ever fucking wanted?"

  Fuck me if she doesn’t find my hand and guide us to my aching cock. Twitching like a live wire from our simultaneous stroking. Pleasuring me and torturing herself at the same time. Crying out when I rub the head between her drenched folds. "You don't know that I love you, and sometimes it scares the fuck out of me how much?"

  I palm her pussy again and spread apart the petals of her pulsing clit. "You don't know that when you come it's the most fucking gorgeous thing that I've ever seen?"

  Only four hard rotations and she explodes. Jerking against me while I glide inside her. Intensifying her high by thrusting with all my energy. She hooks up without me having to tell her and holds on tighter than she ever has.

  “I know now.”

  Fuck yes. I’m fucking crazed from the absolute conviction in her tone. Plunging into her over and over while her slender arms coil around my neck. Keeping her cheek shoved against mine while she clenches around my dick.

  “I’ve always been yours.”

  Pushing me over the edge with four little words, I let loose. The last of my apprehension bursting apart as furiously as I detonate inside her like a fucking bomb. My body wracking from the intensity as we’re saturated in our arousal.

  Soft kisses pepper across my face when my head hangs low. Exhausted and spent but well aware of her heartfelt message. My girl loves me again. Just like I love her.

  “Time to wake up Books.” She roots deeper under the covers when I sit down next to her. Rolling against my thigh from the dip in the mattress. I hold the steaming cup closer to her nose, inciting her caffeine addiction to revive her. Being fucked three times in one night wears my girl out. “You’ve only got an hour.”

  “I need coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.”

  Sleep wobbles in her voice. Contentedness too. “I’ve got you.”

  That assertion makes her smile. So fucking stunning despite her wild hair, bare face, and wrinkled top. Needs to sleep naked like me.

  “I know.” She pushes herself up and leans against the leather headboard. Greedy fingers accepting the warm mug and bringing the rim to her swollen lips. A sexy moan after a small sip. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. But, only one. Then the rest have to be de-caf. Just in case.”

  Her head tilts in amused disbelief. Once again accusing me of insanity without any words. That’s fine. I’ve been called way fucking worse. From her and everyone else. I give absolutely zero fucks. “Doctor’s orders. Pregnant women are allowed one cup of regular coffee per day.”

  “How in the world do you know that?”

  “I was studying all day yesterday too.” God, I really am a pussy ass bitch. “I want to do this right.”

  Wayward curls bounce from her firm nod while her free hand cups my cheek. Leaning in to kiss me softly while balancing her glass in an awkward hug. “You are adorable.”

  Well, that’s something I know for damn sure I’ve never been called before.

  “You’re going to make a great father someday too. I have no doubt about that.”

  Fucking shit. She guts me with her confirmation. Hopefully she has enough confidence for both of us. “Tucker and I have a meeting this morning, but Sharp and Paxton are going to go with you.”

  Her gorgeous grin fades from the reminder of what being with me means. Restraining her freedom and privacy. But I can’t help reality. I refuse to let anything happen to her.

  “Okay, Gio.”

  Thank fuck she doesn’t argue with me. We’ve got so many other things we disagree about I don’t want my protection of her to be another one. “When you get back we’ll celebrate you being finished. But only a few sips of champagne because–”

  “I know. I know. Just in case.” She rolls her gorgeous eyes with feigned irritation but her carefree giggle reveals her true heart. She wants this life as much as I do. “You’re so bossy.”

  “Yeah, you didn’t seem to be complaining last night when you were on your knees and elbows.”

  I hop up before her smack catches my forearm. Her magnificent smile the last thing I see as I walk backward out of the room.

  Tuck stands in the foyer as I jog down the stairs. Greeting me with a self-satisfied smile. Arrogant prick. Well aware of exactly who’s in my bed and why I’m so cheerful. Well, at least for me. “Don’t make me beat that smirk off of your face.”

  He coughs a laugh and falls in next to me as I stride past him. “Tilly called. Murch’s already waiting.”

  That stupid fucker’s ruining my morning. “What the fuck is his hurry? I said fucking eight.”

  His shoulders lift with nonchalance. Knows the guy is a dumb ass too. “Anxious to make the deal. He knows he fucked up and needs your protection.”

  That admission boosts my mood again. I love it when I’ve already won and we haven’t even negotiated the conditions yet. I can torture his stupid ass for a bit and then return home to enjoy the rest of the day with Books.

  My normal fifty-minute commute drags into more than an hour since we left so late. But I had to see my beautiful girl before I left. Making the best of the time, we review the particulars for Murch, and Tuck updates me on the situation with the breech to my southern-most territory line. Some punk ass thinks I won’t notice when he sends one of his dealers into my least profitable neighborhood. What he fails to realize is that it may be an almost worthless area, but it’s still fucking mine. “Make an example of Nalley. I don’t want anyone else thinking that following in his footsteps will serve them well.”

  Tuck nods. All business. Never minds starting off the week with a good ass kicking. “You got it.”

  Once we reach my office, Tilly gives me an optimistic smile. Searching behind Tuck and me when we stride inside. Hoping that Books is with us. That she’ll return again. Soon. Always.

  I wink at my secretary. Which must only confuse her with the deep dip growing between her eyebrows. I like Tilly and shouldn’t fuck with her. Maybe I’ll bring Chryseis by later to surprise her. Then she can be as happy as we are. Her Christmas gift a few days early along with the week at the spa she’s receiving from me. Well deserved to put up with all my bullshit every day.

  Sutton’s digits pop up on my screen, and I motion for Tuck to go ahead and start with Murch. “Gio here.”

  “She received another message, and you’re not going to like it boss.”

  Normally I would be fucking pissed as hell for him to tell me what I like and don’t like. No one should have the audacity to think they can make that call about my judgment. But I have a bad feeling he’s going to be right. “Fucking send it.”

  “On its way.”

  My hand shakes harder than my buzzing phone to see Leighton's motherfucking name on the screen shot.

  Can we talk? Meet at Starbucks at 10?

  I can’t. Getting ready to take my final.

  At least she says no. Even if the reason isn’t because of me.

  I’l
l wait. I really want to see you.

  Of course you do you stupid bastard. Because she’s fucking amazing, and you’re a fucking moron. Better figure out fast you’ll never see her again.

  Okay, be there as soon as I can.

  Okay? She told him fucking okay? This woman must really want this cocksucker dead. My office is a fucking blur as I storm out. Punching Paxton’s number as I race blindly through the corridor.

  “Hey boss.”

  “Is she still taking her test?”

  “Yeah, I think so. I–”

  Torture shoots through my jaw from clenching my teeth so tight. This stupid bastard is going to get his ass handed to him once this situation is figured out. “What the fuck do you mean ‘you think so.’? How do you not fucking know?”

  “Stupid fucking campus security. We couldn’t go inside with her. Only students taking their finals are admitted. We’re waiting by the door. She hasn’t come out yet.”

  “I’m on my way. Don’t take her anywhere until I get there.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Somehow I manage to exit the parking lot without killing anyone or breaking any laws. Well not too many of them. Chryseis would be pissed. Chastising me for being so reckless. Just like she is now. What in the actual fuck? Why did she say yes?

  I’ve never been insecure. Ever. Fucking incredible how this tiny woman controls me so much. Making me immature. Jealous. Unsure. I just cannot understand how she can tell him yes after telling me the same damn thing. She’s not a cheater. So why the fuck did she agree?

  My guys are on full alert as I race up the circular drive to the three-story limestone building and slam on the brakes in the no-parking zone. Another infraction I don’t give a damn about. All I fucking care about is finding her and stopping her. “Where the fuck is she?”

  Sharp points to the building like a fucking moron. “She still hasn’t come out.”

  Other students wander down the steps. A few glued to their phones. Most talking and laughing, seemingly celebrating with relief that school’s done for the semester and the party has started. But none of them are Books.

  “Track her fucking phone.”

  I do not pay them over two hundred grand a year to have to fucking tell them how to do their god damn fucking jobs.

  This time Paxton responds and jerks out his cell. Tapping furiously on the screen like the scared motherfucker he should be. “1385 Haynes Lane. About two blocks north.”

  She is not here. Chryseis is not fucking here, and these two motherfuckers had no idea. If we weren’t in the middle of campus, I’d fucking kill their stupid asses right now. Tucker can take care of them later. Right now I have only one mission.

  Fuck battling traffic. I run. Like I’m on fucking fire. Which I am. Garnering more attention than I like. I’m sure I look like a fucking crazy bastard hauling ass in a five thousand dollar suit and cashmere coat. But I cannot wait a second more to find her. Better not be fucking them.

  I slow when I reach the road. Scanning the black shingled signs advertising the street numbers of the specialty shops lining the cobblestone street that Books loves. Gourmet cupcake bakery, art studio, and hair salon. I catch sight of her through the huge window.

  She’s getting her fucking hair cut.

  An orange cape with silver and gold swirls covers her body while she smiles up at an older woman running her fingers through Chryseis's long, wavy stands.

  All of the rage bottled up in my chest melts to a slow burn. I slam open the white and black checked door matching the 1920’s checker board floor with accents of red popping throughout the retro space. My girl’s huge eyes meet mine. Surprise shooting to fear from the fury that must be straining my face as much as my cheek hurts from the muscles ticking. “Everyone out.”

  Boisterous chattering and hair washing and highlight color selecting all cease from my order. The lady behind Books twists around to face me head on. Recognition lifting her eyebrows and parting her lips. A trembling hand sweeps across the busy salon. “Mr. Trivoli, please. We’re in the middle of–“

  It takes everything I have to keep my voice level. Barely able to keep calm. Not when I found her. Safe and sound. And, not with that motherfucker. “I don’t give a fuck. Everyone out.”

  Her terse nod commands the attention of the other stylists and customers. Grabbing purses and towels and palettes before scurrying into the back storage room. I'm silent until the door slides shut.

  She shrinks back into the seat when I stride toward her. Grasping the arms of her chair. Trapping her in place under the heavy fabric circling her neck. Only her suede boots tapping against the metal foot rest are visible. "Why in the fuck aren't you with your bodyguards?"

  “Security…” She swallows hard. The little pulse in her delicate throat races under her smooth ivory skin. “Security wouldn’t let them in. I-I came out and didn't see them. I thought they left. So I just went ahead–”

  “I didn’t have eyes on you for almost two fucking hours. Do you know what the fuck went through my head when I didn't know where you were?”

  Her head slowly shakes. Plump lips open but close again just as quickly.

  “I thought you were fucking that bastard.”

  A frown lines her forehead as anger replaces the anxiety in her expression. “I would never do that.”

  “That's right.” I release her from the prison I created and stand up to my full height, grasping my belt buckle. “Because you’re only going to fuck me.”

  She jerks up too. Panic convulsing through her petite body as she fumbles to rip off her cape. Quivering fingers grab my forearm, shaking my sleeve with her hysteria. “Not here Gio. Please.”

  Fuck if I don't love the sound of her begging. Only better when she's naked and we're alone. But she doesn't need to know that. “You ran Books, and you know the punishment.”

  Desire flames in her eyes and she nods. Licking her sweet pink lips. “Yes, but I...”

  I step closer and slide my hand behind her head. Fisting her hair around my fingers and yanking down hard to force her head up to meet mine. Our faces only inches apart as I hulk over her. "You don't want all these women to hear you scream my name while I've got my rock hard cock buried deep inside your dripping pussy?"

  Shuddering hard enough her body brushes mine. Nipples so hard I can feel them through my jacket. "No."

  "You don't want them to listen to the glorious sounds you make when I work your beautiful clit and you come all over my fingers?"

  She pants against my mouth. I swear I can feel her pounding heart from here. "N-no."

  "Then what do you want?"

  "Just you and me."

  “You and me what?”

  “Fucking.”

  Even with the embarrassment seeping through her whisper, her eyes lock with mine. No blinking or flinching or misgiving. God fucking damn. She is the hottest fucking woman I've ever seen. “You've got one hour. Then I’ll see you at home.”

  I emphasize the last word, and she shivers again. My lips brush her warm cheek and I let her loose. Confirming she's stable on her feet before I untangle from her curls. “I love you Chryseis.”

  I slide out my wallet and rifle through the contents, holding up my black card. Nodding to the owner who thinks I don’t realize she snuck in. “Anything she wants. Double it for your tip.”

  “Y-yes, sir, Mr. Trivoli. Thank you sir.”

  I don't say a word when I step outside of Joy's shop. Sharp and Paxton look even more apprehensive than her after standing outside in the cold for the past forty-five minutes. Awkward encounters with other customers eyeing them with suspicion as they enter the salon. Curious to know which celebrity's in the shop. Only to find me. I'd forgotten how intrusive the bodyguards can be. Even worse I'd forgotten how I'm not supposed to go anywhere without them.

  My mind occupied with my final. And Gio, who’s more and more chiseling away at my supposition that we’re nothing more than a fleeting dalliance. Easily dissolved once again if he
gets spooked. And revolving guilt from Leighton's message. From defying rational logic and choosing a fragile commitment from the man I love rather than the man I should be grateful to settle down with. Leighton's sweet and stable and steady. All the qualities a woman wants in a man. Unfortunately, he’s just not who I love. I can't be unfair. Even if Gio never came back into my life, Leighton would always be second and he deserves better.

  Smiling and offering my thanks to Sharp opening my door garners only a curt head bob, so I scramble quickly into the back seat. Needing to be as unobtrusive as possible. I slide out my phone and tap Leighton’s name. I'm sorry I can't meet you. I just wanted to make sure you please tell your mom thank you and I appreciate the invitation. It was very sweet of her to include me for Christmas.

  Well, at least I can be polite and have good manners with Patti despite the ruined relationship with her son. She's a kind woman who always made me feel welcome in her home. Although I could tell she wants Leighton and me to be much more than good friends. Dropping not so subtle hints about being eager to have a daughter-in-law and that she would just love to be a young grandmother. Definitely more impatient than even Leighton for me to chose him. My cell vibrates with his response.

  She still wants you to come. So do I.

  He may have changed his mind but so have I. To follow what my heart already knows. Thank you. But I don't think it's a good idea. Things are best the way they are.

  I don't think that anymore. I want to be with you.

  Shame swirls in my stomach from his earnestness. We can still be friends.

  I can't believe you said that. We can't be that lame. ;) ;) ;)

  A giggle bubbles in my throat from the sad accuracy of his comment. The cliché is lame but true. I'm serious. We can be friends. I care about you and want you to be happy.

  I'm happy with you.

  I force myself not to type ‘I’m happy with Gio.’ The comment would be cruel and only instigate more of an argument since I know how he feels about Gio. Just like he knows how I feel about Gio after he’s waited so long for me to get over him. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt you.