This Thing of Ours (The Gamblers Spin-off Novel)

by Sarah Curtis

  “Get used to it.” He gave her ass a slap.

  She looked over her shoulder at him. “Kinky, too?”

  “And how do you know about that?” he asked with an edge to his voice.

  “Internet. Remember?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Remind me to look at your history later.”

  She grinned. “I’ll remind you after I erase it.”

  He grabbed her legs, yanking them apart, and pulled her up, so her stomach lay flat against his thighs with her legs on either side of his hips. He rested a hand on her ass. “You deserve another spanking for that.” The hand on her ass squeezed. “But instead, I think I’ll just finger fuck you and enjoy the view as I make you come.”

  Hand still clutching her ass, he used the other one to thrust two fingers inside her. She moaned into the comforter as her hands grabbed two fistfuls of it. He scissored his fingers, thrusting them in and out. She was tight, warm, and slick with both his cum and hers.

  Fuck he couldn’t believe he was getting hard again. It seemed impossible, but the proof was making an appearance against his stomach.

  Gabriella started grinding herself against his thighs, and he reached under with his thumb, finding her clit and rubbing it. Her hips moved faster, growing more erratic.

  “So close.” She ground her forehead into the mattress, rubbing it back and forth. Her body shuddered, and her movements slowed. He slowed his own, easing her down from the high.

  She rolled to her back, her eyes lidded as she looked at him. He had hold of his cock as he watched her in return.

  “How are you hard again?”

  “You, streghetta mia. You cast a spell over me.”

  She laughed and poked him with her toe. “I’ve done no such thing.”

  He raised a brow and tipped his chin down at his hard-on. “Then how do you explain that?”

  She shrugged, tipping her lips into a smirk. “Not sure, but I bet I could Google it.”

  “I’ve got men out canvassing the streets every night, but so far there hasn’t been even a whisper of where to find the fucker.” Nico’s voice was low and rough over the phone, and Marco could tell he was frustrated.

  Hell, Marco was just as frustrated if not more so. He wanted to go out, beat a few guys up, and get some answers himself, but he knew the most important thing was to keep Gabriella safe. “Someone will slip, and we’ll get a hit. We get Volkov, and the rest of the operation will crumble like a house of cards.”

  “Speaking of crumbling houses, let Gabby know Christmas will be held at our house this year. Between the fire inspector and the insurance adjuster taking their sweet-ass time, God knows when my parents’ house will be habitable again.” There was the shortest of pauses before Nico continued, “Will you be spending Christmas with us this year?”

  “Gabriella and I discussed it. We’ll be spending the eve with you guys and the day with my nonna.” Marco cleared his throat, “And speaking of Christmas…”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  “How did you convince Marco to let you leave his sight?” Olivia looked at Gabby over the rack of ties she was inspecting.

  Gabby laughed. “The better question is, how did you convince Nico to let you out of the house so he, in turn, could talk Marco into it?”

  Olivia shot her a grin. “He knows better than to come between me and shopping.”

  Which Gabby thought was hilarious because when she’d first met Olivia, Gabby had to beg and plead to get her to go shopping with her.

  “Besides,” Olivia continued, “It’s not as if they didn’t send us well equipped.”

  Gabby’s eyes did a sweep of the store and the four bodyguards that inhabited it, not to mention the two that stood outside of it. Nope, she couldn’t say they weren’t well protected.

  With Christmas only a few days away, last-minute shopping had become a necessity. Oh, Marco had tried to convince her otherwise, even using her love of the internet in his argument, but she’d had a sound rebuttal—items were never how they appeared online, and Christmas was too big a deal to take the chance she wouldn’t be happy with the quality. There was also the fact she needed to talk with a real person to buy his present, but she hadn’t wanted to tell him that.

  In the end, she’d gotten Olivia on board with her plan and the rest, as they say, was shopping history.

  “Do you have any idea what you want to get Marco?”

  Gabby nodded as she fingered a purple and black tie she thought would look great on Marco. “Jeans.”

  “Like, blue jeans?”

  Gabby looked over at Olivia’s questioning tone. “Yeah. Can you believe he doesn’t own a pair?”

  Wide-eyed, Olivia shook her head.

  “Me either. But after he told me, I scoured his closet and searched through his drawers, and he was telling the truth. Not one pair to be found.”

  “If he’s never owned a pair, how will you know what size to get?”

  “I know what size his slacks are. I figured a salesperson can help.” Gabby shrugged. “We can always exchange them if they don’t fit.” She cringed at the thought of shopping with Marco again.

  Olivia gave her a sly smile. “And do you have any idea what he’s getting you?”

  Gabby narrowed her eyes. “No, why? Do you?”

  Olivia gave a nonchalant shrug. “I might have overheard something while Nico was on the phone with Marco.”

  “Like what?”

  Olivia glanced over her shoulder though the guards were well out of earshot. She even lowered her voice. “I didn’t hear much—not for lack of trying—but I did hear Nico mention the name of the jeweler he uses. I’m thinking Marco may pop the question.”

  It took Gabby a second to digest that before she adamantly shook her head. “No way. We’ve only been together a couple of weeks.”

  “But you’ve known each other for years,” Olivia persisted.

  “That doesn’t matter. He’s probably getting me some kind of other jewelry. Earrings or a necklace or something.”

  “Okay. Well, I’m sure you would know better than me.”

  “Yeah.” Gabby laughed. “I mean, Marco proposing would be crazy, right?”

  And Gabby kept telling herself that over the next few days as Christmas approached. As she grew increasingly excited and ever hopeful, she found herself watching Marco more intensely, looking to see whether he appeared nervous or was acting antsy or jittery—all signs she was sure would point to him getting ready to ask her to marry him. But he always seemed calm, cool, and collected.

  Even when the holiday had finally arrived.

  They were celebrating Christmas Eve at Nico’s house that year as Gabby’s parents’ place was still under construction, and Marco and Gabby arrived—with Fred in tow—a little late but still managed to get there before her parents.

  Weighted down with presents, Gabby opened the door for Marco, catching a gift that slid off the top of his pile as Fred ran past them and into the house. “I can’t see shit,” Marco said, righting his footing.

  Gabby took him by the arm. “I’ll lead you.”

  Fred barked, and two German shepherds came racing down the stairs. Candy and Cain took to Fred like a long lost sibling, and the mischievous duo transformed into the naughty trio, tumbling across the foyer and banging into a side table, scattering mail across the marble floor.

  “Don’t let me trip over the damn dogs.”

  Gabby held back a laugh but couldn’t hold back her smile. Thankfully, Marco couldn’t see her face. “I won’t. Promise.”

  “You’re laughing at me, aren’t you?”

  “I plead the fifth. You should be pretty familiar with that amendment.”

  He maneuvered his head around a large box to glare at her. “I’ll have you know, I’ve never been arrested.”

  “Really? Even Nico’s been arrested once. He didn’t do time, but he did have to spend the night in jail.” She wrinkled her nose. “He was grumpy for months after that. Swore he’d never see
the inside of a jail cell or a prison again.”

  Marco nodded. “He’s gotten good at keeping certain palms greased.”

  As was her father. He liked to brag to her mom about which politicians and police chiefs were in his back pocket, and Gabby had overheard more than one of their conversations.

  “Hey, guys,” Olivia greeted from the top of the stairs. “Go ahead and put the gifts under the tree. I’m getting Angelica dressed then I’ll be down.”

  “Take your time,” Gabby answered for them both. “We don’t have a problem making ourselves at home.”

  Olivia laughed. “I know you don’t, but we won’t be long.”

  Gabby helped Marco set the presents under the tree and soon, not only did Olivia, Nico, and Angelica come down, but her parents arrived, as well.

  “How are you feeling, Dad?” Gabby asked, placing a kiss on his cheek as soon as he hobbled through the door on his crutches.

  “I’d be doing better if this infuriating woman would leave me the hell alone for five fucking seconds.”

  Gabby turned to the woman in question and smiled before giving her a kiss on the cheek, as well. “Just ignore him, Mom.”

  Dona returned her daughter’s kiss before saying, “Oh, honey, I’ve been doing that for years.”

  They laughed, and her father grumbled while making his way to the couch where Nico and Marco helped him get situated.

  “Presents before dinner?” Olivia asked, clapping her hands in excitement.

  Nico kissed her forehead. “So impatient, tesoro.”

  She looked a little embarrassed. “Well, it is Angelica’s first Christmas. I’m excited to see her open her presents from the family.”

  “She’s not even one yet. She’ll be more excited about the wrapping paper than the actual gifts.” He gave her a small smirk. “You know what I think? I think it’s you who’s excited to see what I got you.” He stepped in closer to Olivia and lowered his voice, so Gabby had to strain to hear what he said next. “But I already told you, amore mio, however much you pout, you’re not getting it until tomorrow morning.”

  Olivia gave Nico a little smirk of her own. “I bet I could convince you otherwise.”

  “Not with a roomful of our family here, you won’t.”

  “So, no present?”

  “No, Tesoro, no present.”

  And with that, Olivia gave Nico one of her famous pouts that Nico kissed from her lips.

  Gabby gave them her back at that point, giving them some privacy. Her eyes clashed with Marco’s, and he curled a finger at her in a come here gesture.

  He wrapped an arm around her waist and hugged her in close when she reached his side. “What were you doing way over there?”

  “Spying on Nico and Olivia.” She quirked her lips. “Did you know, he’s making her wait until tomorrow morning to open his present to her?”

  He faked a shocked expression. “Wow, that’s just cruel.”

  “But you’re not mean like that, right?”

  Marco tipped his head back and laughed, and Gabby held her breath until he recovered and said, “No, streghetta, I’m not that mean. I brought your present with me.”

  Gabby grinned. “I brought your present, too. I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

  Marco leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Always, cara mia.”

  Presents passed around and nearly all opened, Gabby and Marco had waited to open each other’s. “You go first,” Gabby said, handing Marco his present.

  She waited with impatient expectation as Marco ripped off the paper, opened the box, and moved aside the tissue.

  His eyes met hers, and he smiled. “Jeans?”

  Gabby bounced in her seat. “Yep.” She’d gotten him three pairs along with some casual shirts. “Now you have something to wear the next time we play miniature golf.”

  He gave her a kiss. “Thank you, cara mia.”

  “I hope they fit.”

  “Something easily rectified, if not.”

  He handed her a small square-shaped package. “Your turn.”

  More excited and scared than she liked to admit, Gabby tore at the wrapper, revealing a small velvet jeweler’s box. Her eyes flicked to Marco, but she couldn’t read his expression. For being so small, the box felt heavy in her hand and she held her breath—her heart pounding—as she pried open the lid. Nestled inside was a pair of diamond stud earrings. She stared at them.

  And told herself she wasn’t disappointed.

  She must have been quiet for too long because she heard Marco say, “You don’t like them.”

  The last thing she wanted was for Marco to think that. After all, the earrings were magnificent and had to be at least a carat a piece. She looked up at him, feeling horrible as she forced a smile she didn’t really feel and swallowed, shaking her head. “I love them. They’re beautiful.”

  A small furrow form between his brow. “Are you sure? We can take them back and get something else.”

  God, he was wonderful, and she was acting like a spoiled brat. She threw her arms around his neck. “They’re perfect. Thank you. Thank you so much.”

  His arms wrapped around her and held her tight. And she realized, even without a ring, it was the best Christmas ever.

  Because she finally had her man.

  Marco lay awake, watching shadows dance along the ceiling. The room was silent. As was Gabriella, though he knew she was still awake, too. She lay, curled against his side, her head on his chest. But her breathing wasn’t even, and occasionally, he heard a soft sigh.

  He looked at the clock. Eleven fifty-nine. Close enough. He trailed a hand down her arm and entwined their fingers. “Can’t sleep?”

  She was silent so long, he thought she’d fake sleep, but then she answered, “I’m trying, but I can’t seem to drift off.”

  “Maybe I didn’t wear you out enough. Do you need more than two orgasms to fall asleep?”

  She made a cute little snorting sound. “No. I just can’t get my brain to turn off.”

  “What are you thinking about?” She’d been quiet at dinner too. In fact, she’d been quiet since after they’d opened presents.

  “Nothing in particular. My mind’s just racing.”

  “You know, I meant what I said earlier. If you don’t like the earrings, we can take them back and get something else. I promise, you won’t hurt my feelings.”

  She got up on an elbow to look at him. “That’s not it at all. The earrings are beautiful. I truly love them.”

  He cupped her jaw with his hand and ran his thumb over the soft skin of her cheek. “You like them, but it’s not what you really wanted.”

  She parted her lips to speak, and he quickly moved his thumb covering them. “Don’t lie. I saw the disappointment in your eyes when you opened them.”

  “I wasn’t disappointed,” she mumbled around his finger.

  “Now, that’s a lie. Would you like to try again?”

  She pursed her lips and closed her eyes, and he unleashed the smile he’d been holding. So stubborn and so sweet.

  He reached under his pillow and pulled out the small gift he’d hidden there that morning. “Maybe you’ll like this one better.”

  Her eyes snapped open, and he held the present out to her. She hesitated, and he gave it a wiggle. “Go on, open it.”

  She sat up and crossed her legs before reaching for the package. It was the same size and shape as the one he’d given her earlier.

  He reached over, clicking on the bedside lamp before scooting farther up the bed, resting his back against the headboard to watch her. She slowly peeled off the paper revealing another jeweler’s box. Her eyes found his before she looked back down and opened the lid.

  Confusion creased her brow as she pulled out the folded piece of paper tucked inside the otherwise empty box.

  “Read it.”

  Her eyes darted to his again before unfolding the note. He watched her scan the paper before she took a shuddering breath as a tear fel
l down her cheek.

  He waited for what felt like a long fucking time before saying, “Your silence is killing me.”

  Her eyes snapped to his, and her hand covered her mouth before she started nodding vigorously, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears and excitement.

  Marco chuckled. “I need the words, cara mia.”

  That’s when she threw herself at him, landing half on, half off his body. “Yes. A hundred times, yes.”

  “Then I suppose you want this.” He opened his fist and lying in the center of his palm was a diamond ring.

  Her fingers reached for it, but he closed his hand before she could snatch it. “I get to slide it on.”

  He took hold of her left hand and slid the ring on her finger. A perfect fit. He looked up at her with a smile. Tears still streamed down her cheeks. “Hey, a Conti never cries, remember.”

  She gave him a watery smile. “Happy tears. We’re allowed happy tears.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Exactly one week later, Marco and Gabby were back at Nico and Olivia’s for a New Year’s Eve BBQ and fireworks show. Hand-in-hand, they walked around the side of the house, Fred out in front, following the sounds of a party already in progress coming from the backyard. Though Gabby wasn’t sure one could classify Nico’s backyard a backyard as it encompassed more area than the eye could see. With a covered patio, pool area, guest house, and farther out, a tennis court. Gabby had been told there was even a mini-golf course, though she had never ventured out far enough to see it.

  The day was beautiful for being so late in December. Chilly, so no pool time, but the sun was shining with enough warmth they could hang outdoors. Speaking of which, Gabby could already smell the smoker hard at work. She wasn’t sure what was on the menu, but it was making her stomach growl.

  “Gabby!” Olivia came rushing up to them, excitement dancing in her eyes. “Let me see!” She grabbed Gabby’s hand to look at her ring.

  She’d talked with Olivia on the phone but hadn’t seen her since Christmas. In fact, Gabby and Marco hadn’t seen anyone they knew that past week. Holed up in the condo spending equal time watching TV and making love, they’d become a couple of hermits who’d barely bothered to get dressed except when they’d snuck out to the grocery store to buy some food when they’d grown tired of takeout.