“Dani, it’s so good to see you,” I gush.
“It’s good to see you too,” Dani says.
I’m jittering, almost bursting with excitement. There are so many things I want to ask her, but it gets jumbled in my head before it can come out of my mouth.
“How are you?” I ask.
“Really good, actually,” Dani says. “I’m taking night classes. I’m going to be a paralegal.”
“Good for you. That’s amazing.”
Dani lifts my hand and admires my ring. She turns it in the light, watching it sparkle.
“Congratulations,” Dani says. “You deserve every bit of happiness you have. You’re going to make a beautiful bride.”
A lightbulb goes off in my head. I’ve only thought about it for a split second, but that’s all I need. I take Dani’s hand.
“And I’m going to need a kickass maid of honor,” I say. “What do you think?”
Dani’s face lights up in a genuine smile. “I’d be- thank you so much. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say ‘yes.’”
Dani’s eyes twinkle. She nods her head. “Yes.”
Pop clinks a knife against his glass. Everyone stops talking and turns to him. He stands up straight and proud, and looks directly at me.
“I’d like to formally welcome Mia to the Romano family,” Pop says. “You are one of us now.”
The crowd erupts in cheers. I look around the welcoming faces smiling at me, accepting me, and a warmth flutters in my chest. This is what it feels like to have a family, to not be alone in the world. It makes me feel incredibly secure.
I take my seat next to Leo as the appetizers are served. A plate of golden crusted arancini, resting on a bed of creamy tomato sauce is set in front of me. I’m about to take the first, decadent bite, when a man appears behind Leo and I.
“This is Francisco Bello,” Leo tells me. “He’s the owner.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mia,” Francisco says. He holds up a bottle of champagne. “A gift for the happy couple.”
Francisco starts to uncork it. I hold up my hand, stopping him. I’ve seen that champagne on their menu. It costs over three hundred dollars.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say.
“I absolutely insist,” Francisco says. “I understand you are the one who killed Anton, and avenged my poor mother’s death. Because of you, this neighborhood won’t suffer anymore.” He uncorks the champagne, and pours some into my glass.
I take a sip. “It’s very delicious. Thank you.”
Francisco leans over my shoulder, and speaks in a low tone. “If you ever need anything, just ask.” He lifts his brows and adds, “Anything,” with dramatic emphasis.
As the evening wears on, and gorgeous platters of pastas, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables are passed around, I find myself taking Francisco up on his offer, and what I ask for is refills of wine.
I’m tipsy as Leo and I stumble up to our apartment. Once inside, Leo lifts my giggling, stumbling self into his arms, holding me close to his chest.
“Is this a dream?” I ask with a sigh.
Leo chuckles. “No, Mia. It isn’t.”
Leo carries me to the bedroom, and lays me down. I curl up on my side, eyes closed. Leo walks around the room. I hear drawers opening and closing. I touch the ring on my finger, and the corners of my mouth twitch with a smile.
I’m starting to slip away into a champagne fizzled sleep, when Leo abruptly grabs my wrist, and yanks it up to the bedpost, forcing me onto my back. I feel black silk slip around my wrist. The fabric constricts as Leo binds me tightly to the post. He ties my other wrist too, then yanks my dress down, spilling my breasts.
He stands up on his knees, shirtless, his tattooed muscles rippling. His suit pants are unzipped, revealing the dark mound of hair above his cock. He bends down, keeping his eyes on mine, and drags his tongue over my belly button and between my breasts. I trace the chiseled outline of his face and think, I can’t wait to marry this man.
I’m bound to the bed beneath my powerful Romano, but I’ve never felt more in control. There’s no more pretending anymore. Leo nibbles at my collarbone, and presses his hips between my legs. I close my eyes, focusing on the deep, dark pleasure rising in my core.
Watch for Book Three of the Romano Brothers Series, due out in February 2017. Sign up for my mailing list, and be among the first to know!
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Samantha
Witness: A Dark Mafia Romance (Romano Brothers Book 2) Page 30