by Leigh Kenzie
Vendetta del Cuore
Vendetta Series Book Two
Leigh Kenzie
Vendetta del Cuore - Vendetta Book Two
Copyright ©2020 Leigh Kenzie
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All art is for illustrative and marketing purposes and is copyrighted by Leigh Kenzie
Cover Art by Quirah, Temptation Creations
Editing by Elli West, Clock Tower Editing
First Print Edition
ISBN:
Contents
Attention
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Attention
Warnings
Please be advised this book contains graphic violence and torture. Some readers may find this material triggering. It is intended for a mature audience 18 years of age and up.
Dedicated to Claire,
Thank you for everything
Chapter One
The silence barely calms me as I sit at my desk with a pad of paper and a pen. Too much information has battered my brain lately, but the anger coursing through me, the betrayal, won’t leave. He says he’ll offer me vengeance. It sits heavy on my tongue, tasting sour one moment, and sweet the next. I shouldn’t want it. I shouldn’t crave it.
I have no words to write, nothing feels safe, nothing I want to acknowledge. I know that I should turn the other cheek. Offer forgiveness to those who have wronged me. My mother would push for it, but fuck it. She’s not here. She was cruelly taken away. The old Lio begs I drop this, walk away, don’t fall for the monster’s poisoned apple.
The new me? The one who has survived mind games, captivity, and betrayal? I want to make everyone who has dared cross me pay, starting with the person who should always have had my back.
Fuck it. The only thing I can hope for at the moment is that I don’t fall too far down the rabbit hole, that I keep some part of me. Until then, they won’t know what hit them. I’ll tease them, I’ll torment them, and I’ll fucking learn. I toss the pen on the table, standing up to get ready for bed. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I get into the shower. I send up a prayer to the universe that I don’t fall for silver promises on the way, that I won’t look at myself later on and regret it. For now, regret is the furthest thing from my mind.
Vengeance. One word. One meaning. So many possibilities.
Chapter Two
Three Weeks Later
Smack! Grunt! Slap! Slap! Smack!
I’m sitting at the edge of the mats watching Emilio get thrown around by Ignacio. He’s not taking it easy on the newest boy. Every smack of him hitting the floor reverberates, and every slap of skin meeting skin will leave a bruise. Ignacio tried to take it easy on Emilio at first until Luca pulled him aside for their own match. My second put Ignacio in his place. We all want Emilio to succeed, to be strong, to have the revenge he wants. Well, except possibly for Antonio. He walks the line, careful to not disrespect Emilio but certainly not offering his assistance. If he continues, I’ll have to take action. I run my hand through my hair, frustrated. By now, there should be complete cohesion.
“Are you okay, Boss?” Luca asks as he drops onto the metal folding chair next to me. I can see his eyes are fixated on the men currently training on the mats. We keep the area pristine with plenty of room to spar. The rest of the room is equally impressive. It’s filled with the most expensive workout equipment money could buy: treadmills, weights, resistance training, and almost every piece of equipment possible. There’s nothing out of place, not just because the servants clean, but I’ve taught all my boys to respect this area. The entire basement floor is set up for training. There’s even a pool for laps, a favorite pastime of my Emilio, and I try to catch him at it regularly. It turns me on to see him cutting through the water, sleek and powerful. Then when he gets out and stands with the beads of moisture running down his body, it’s hard to resist him. Not that I always do…He’s so fucking responsive, more than I thought was possible.
Smack! Grunt! Roar! Smack! Smack!
Emilio keeps getting up. Every time Ignacio throws him down, he manages to get to his feet, no matter how much he wavers. He’s better than in the beginning where it was easy to take him down, to work him over until he passed out. He may only be getting up out of sheer determination, but I know he’ll learn.
“Halt!” I call out and watch as Emilio drops to his knees in exhaustion. His body is gasping for air. He’s going to have bruises, but he doesn’t complain. Ignacio walks over to help Emilio up with a smile. It makes me happy to see Emilio accept the help. He’s come a long way toward integrating himself within my circle. They clasp hands, and Emilio grunts when Ignacio slaps him on the back. It doesn’t stop him from throwing his head back and laughing at whatever Ignacio says to him. Emilio turns to me and starts walking over. I can see the question in his eyes. He’s looking for my approval. I pat my lap, reveling in the way he straddles me and puts his arms around my neck.
He nuzzles my neck and lets out a contented sigh before pulling back and swiping where he left his heavy musky sweat with his tongue. I can see Luca’s and Ignacio’s eyes darken with need as they watch. It’s deeper than lust at the moment. I haven’t shared Emilio since the first time. I let out a groan as Emilio grinds down on me. He’s not shy about showing his affections, probably why Antonio gets so pissed. I palm his ass for a moment before giving him a slap. It no longer has the same effect as in the past. Now, it makes him grind down on me harder and throw his head back. Fuck. He’s embraced his new life here so well, it shocks even me. My dress pants are being soaked with his sweat and the precum I’m leaking as he rubs our hard cocks together. I need to put an end to this game, so I don’t come in my fucking pants. Standing with him in my arms, I slide him off, despite his attempt to be a monkey, attaching himself to me. It takes a glare from me before he stops. That innocent look he gives me hides so much devilment, I snort and shake my head.
“Come, Luca. I need an update,”
I say as I head out, knowing he’ll follow me. We traverse to my office in silence. I’m sure both of our minds are still stuck on Emilio. By the time we enter and I’ve taken my seat, Luca’s eyes are clear of the lust. A smart move on his part.
“What did you find out?” I ask Luca as he sits across from me.
“Nothing yet. I suspect you’re right and Cliff found out about Lio’s Irish roots from someone in the O’Connel Family, but I can’t find any proof.” Luca gives a frustrated sigh, running his hand through his honey-colored hair. Since the snow has been so heavy, his hair looks almost brown instead of the normal blond color from the sun. At least he’d cut it to an acceptable length. Not that it stopped me from wanting to occasionally shove my dick in his mouth when I got frustrated.
“Did the brothers know?”
“I’m not sure. There’s been arguing, that much the spy knew. Their soldiers have been talking and placing bets. The most prevailing opinion is if Brendan and Eamon knew, at least one wanted it dealt with—permanently. Only Cliff fucked up and didn’t kill his brother. I doubt it was because of sentimentality, but who knows.”
“How is Cliff doing?” I grin evilly, knowing he’s still contained and not in a comfortable way.
“He’s certainly having an interesting time.” Luca chuckles. “Do I want to know your plans?”
I shake my head. I know what I’ll be doing, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise. I prefer to have a bit of fun, sometimes. Cliff is just the type of rat for that.
“Anything else pressing?” I question as I shuffle some papers on my desk, looking for the latest reports. There wasn’t much highlighted for us to discuss, thankfully. Paperwork, while necessary, is an especially annoying part of being the boss. We keep a special shredder for it, and it’s picked up regularly and burned in case the cops ever decide to be stupid enough to hassle me. The fact I have several in my pocket keeps that threat to the minimum, but as my dad always said, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“Nothing too important. I plan on checking out the clubs this week. I’m not happy with their profit and want to see what’s changed. There’s been about a five percent decrease at a couple. The rest continue to rise.” I nod, thinking of taking my newest boy on the rounds as well. It would be a good introduction for him. I notice Luca’s body goes taut with nerves about whatever he plans to say next. I raise my eyebrow at him. His grimace tells me I’m not going to be happy with his next words.
“Your uncle Teodoro has been asking to speak with you. Antonio believes it’s about the O’Connel’s...and your boy.” I barely stop the growl from escaping me. He shouldn’t know any of this. Zio e zia have no place in the day-to-day parts of the organization. I promised my father that his sister, Giavonna, would be kept as safe as possible, even knowing she wouldn’t give up the escort service.
“Fuck. Okay, put someone on him to see if we can figure out where the link is, and check the list of workers. See if there’s anyone who may be a spy for the Irish.” I scowl. For my aunt’s sake, I hope my uncle isn’t fucking up.
“Anything else?” I ask with my hands balled into fists, wanting this conversation over. A way to release this tension is the first thing on my list.
“No, Boss. Only a reminder about their Christmas Eve celebration in four days. Also, Lio’s birthday is the twenty-seventh.”
I grunt at that information. Typically, I never do anything specific for my boys. After all, they’re mine. Birthdays don’t matter anymore. However, I think I’ll let Emilio have one last celebration.
Chapter Three
I walk into the showers and tear my clothes off, dropping them in the laundry bin. I have spare clothes down here anyways. Seeing Master’s expression when I straddled him gave me a shot of satisfaction. It’s the same way I feel when Luca or any of the boys react to me. Although, fucking Antonio still won’t fall in line.
I know Master believes, at least, partially, that I’m attracted to him so much that I want sex regularly, but he’s underestimating me. They’re all underestimating me. I have to hold back a snort because, thanks to that fucking viral video, I know there are cameras. Just like Master knowing whenever something happens. It doesn’t matter where in the house, so I’ve learned to be careful. Sometimes, it’s not just paranoia, and finding out about the cameras is one of those cases. No, sex is just another weapon for me to use. Not that I don’t enjoy it. It’s better now that it’s sometimes on my terms. Being able to actually feel good, something other than anger, other than all-encompassing rage and pain, helps me survive day-to-day. The focus required during training helps too. They’re the only times I have some measure of control. I’m forced to play Master’s good boy the rest of the time. Still. Every bit will bring me closer to my goal. Vengeance.
I turn on the water and grab my soap and shampoo while it heats up. By the time it’s ready, the room is filled with steam. I quickly wash my hair and body as I count the minutes down. I know Ignacio enters the shower at a certain time, and I want to play. Master may be able to stop me from having too much fun, but so far, he hasn’t stopped me from torturing the other boys.
I pour some more soap in my hands and then slowly stroke my cock while I play with my balls. It doesn’t take long for my cock to become hard as I use the right pressure and twist at the top. The suds dripping down tickle my balls, making me shudder. I remove my left hand and brace it on the wall when Ignacio steps inside. All of the training has really defined my muscles, and I can feel his stare on me. It’s a heavy weight I embrace.
I tighten my grip and start to move my hips, fucking my hand. I do it slowly at first, making sure to flex my ass muscles with every thrust. I moan when I occasionally swipe my thumb over my slit that’s leaking precum. Even with the noise of the water, I start hearing his own groans. I spur him on by pushing into my hand even harder. It makes me groan, and my head falls forward to rest on the wall. Despite the soreness and exhaustion from the training, I want to see how far I can push him. I fuck my fist hard and fast, imagining Ignacio coming up to me and sliding into my ass. I start a constant stream of “fuck, fuck, fuck,” and start shaking. I know it’s not going to take much for me to come, but I try to make it last. Finally, the pressure building gets to be too much, and my balls become too tight. Right before I come, I throw my head back.
“Ignacio!” I shout. I hear an answering groan from him and I turn my head to look at him, reveling in the dark, lust-filled gaze roaming across my whole body. I’m breathing heavily and in no shape for any other activities, but I take my time looking at him. The veins in his neck are standing out, disfiguring some of the tattoos stretching along there. His body is covered in ink, swirls of dark with the rare pop of color. I’ve never seen anyone so covered, but it makes me want to trace every one with my tongue. I look at his thick uncut cock, red and pulsing with need. I want to feel it inside me. I want to know if that curve would hit my spot just right.
I rinse off quickly and stalk toward him. I come so close to him it would only take one tiny movement and we’d be touching. I’m careful, though, knowing I can’t push Master too far. I let my lips rest right by his ear.
“Are you going to throw me down again tomorrow? Think about all the fun we could have?” I whisper, hearing the hitch in his breathing. I lean a little further away and take a deliberate, slow look at him. “You may want to take care of that.”
With nothing more than a smirk and wink, I walk away. I can hear his frustrated curse as I leave the showers to dry off and dress. It feels good to take some of the power in my life back. I may have to put up with Master thinking he fucking owns me, Radcliff’s betrayal, and the fucking Irish, but I won’t let them destroy me.
I’m no longer the nineteen-year-old naive geek I used to be. No. That life has burned to the ground, Master made sure of it. But what he and everyone else doesn’t realize? I’m a fucking Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Chapter Four
I’m almost ready to dismiss Luca when
Ignacio stalks into the room. I can feel the frustration and strain pouring off him in waves. Luca and I exchange a glance as Ignacio paces behind the chairs in my office. While it’s a relatively large office, it’s not built for this type of prowling.
“Is there something you need?” I ask bluntly, my eyebrows turned down sharply. I watch Ignacio let out a breath and walk around to me. With barely a moment's hesitation, he drops to his knees. I catch Luca’s mouth dropping and I have to admit Ignacio on his knees is stunning to see. Ignacio has always been the one to fight me the hardest.
“Master,” he sighs out and lowers his head farther. I lean forward and touch his shoulder before moving to his shirt collar and tracing the ink peeking out from beneath the fabric. I inch my hand up slowly to right below his jaw. With one finger, I tilt his head back so I can look at him. His eyes are crazed with need, his mouth dragged down in a grimace and so much tension the muscles along his jaw are twitching.