by Leigh Kenzie
“Hey, roll over. I have some cream that will help with the inflammation and pain,” Ignacio says softly. His look of sympathy makes me sigh as I roll over.
It’s an uncomfortable feeling as he spreads my ass cheeks and looks at my hole. Despite everything I’ve gone through, I still have the capacity to feel shy it seems. I feel his finger touch my rim with a cool cream. He rubs it along there before dipping his finger inside. I hiss at both the cold and the discomfort of having anything in there right now.
“Shh, it’s okay. There’s no tearing or anything. You’re going to be sore for a bit, though. I’ll give you the cream so it can be applied again later. Let’s get you up,” Ignacio whispers as he starts helping me.
“Damn,” I growl. I plot all sorts of revenge against Master and Luca as I make my way carefully to the bathroom. I glance at the shower before deciding it’s better to rinse off with a washcloth for right now. It makes me crinkle my nose, but I’d rather have the pain start disappearing first.
It doesn’t take me long to get ready. I follow Ignacio out into the swirling snow interrupting the heat from last night. I couldn’t resist one look at the room I took my revenge in, but my mind is now fixated on the next. Who told Cliff? Who shot me? There are so many who need to pay.
The limo may have very comfortable seats, but it’s still pressing on my ass painfully. I see Ignacio look at me and shake his head in sympathy. It takes me a moment before I can get the words out.
“Does that happen often?”
“The double penetration?” Ignacio smirks, “Or a nighttime of fun with your favorite people?”
“Well. I meant fucking after killing, but sure, those as well,” I laugh as I shift once again.
Ignacio’s face takes on a serious look, and I watch as he glances out the window. At first, I don’t think he’s going to answer. With a sigh, he turns back to me and says, “Boss tends to tie sex with killing. Whether because of him or not, most of us have that proclivity. Antonio doesn’t. He’ll kill, but he always goes to a dark place in his mood afterward. Marcus would probably go out and screw everyone possible after a kill. Especially one that was well deserved. Both killing and sex give a release. Don’t feel bad.”
Those last three words steady me. I can let go of the guilt and just enjoy what happened last night. Even the pain that lingers. Time continues to pass, but this time in silence. We’re close to home when he speaks up again.
“Oh, and double penetration doesn’t happen that often, but I’m hoping last night was the start of many more nights of fun,” Ignacio laughs, and his playful leer sets me off, joining in the hilarity.
I shake my head as the limo pulls to a stop, still highly amused. Cliff betrayed me, and I’ll never forgive him for killing our mom, but fuck if he didn’t unintentionally give me an even better life. I got my vengeance against him, now I need to find who set it up.
Chapter Thirty-Three
I lead Luca straight to my office after breakfast. I take a seat and gesture for him to fill me in on what he’s heard. He takes his usual seat, and his lips press tightly together before he blows out a breath in irritation.
“It’s all set up. I put our best guards on them. The investigation, though…”
I cut him off immediately. Instead, I lean forward and look him in the eyes, wanting to make sure this is fucking clear. With a deep growl, I snap, “I don’t fucking care. And we don’t have time. I’ll deal with it tomorrow. Nobody can hide from me for long.”
“Yes, Padrone,” Luca murmurs.
To his credit, he doesn’t point out how this is a clusterfuck or how the situation slipped through the cracks. I don’t like surprises. Fuck. It doesn’t matter right now. I’m going to take care of it.
A knock on the door disturbs the silence. I look at Luca who gracefully stands and opens the door. I swivel in the chair to face the newcomer. Once the guard steps away, one of the few people I can stand outside of my boys appears and strides into the room. The bow he gives me is unnecessary but always given. I’ve known him since I was just a child, and I stand to embrace him.
“Armando! Thank you for coming,” I say as I pull away. His white hair gleams, a stark contrast to the darker colors in this room. His body may be weaker and he may stoop from age, but he has never lost his air of dignity. Those rheumy eyes blur his once vibrant green gaze, but it hasn’t dulled the sparkle in them and the sheer joy he has when he tilts his head up to look at me.
“Il mio figlioccio!” His once-booming voice is thready, but nothing hides the happiness as he calls me his godson.
I give him a small nod, the most I can give as the boss of The Family, but it’s enough, and the most he’ll ever allow. The guard brings several boxes in as Armando draws closer to my desk. He waves to the desk and watches me closely as I take it in. I signal the guard to leave when he’s finished. Luca tries to urge Armando to sit, but the stubborn man refuses as he hovers over his precious boxes.
“I hear new one? Lui è speciale, sì? Eh…” He trails off and gestures to Luca. I can’t disagree, Emilio is special like Luca is to me. It’s just in a different way.
I glance at Luca to see his reaction, but his face is impassive. This is the first time I’ve called Armando here for something like this, and it’s not like I can hide my intentions. Instead of responding, I nod to the boxes, wanting to see what he brought. His bright smile shows I chose the right way to distract him. He lines them up across my desk and slowly starts fumbling them open. As much as I want to rush him I don’t. I look at Luca again until he meets my eyes before they drop down to peer at what was in the boxes. Thank fuck they’re now open.
I hear Luca chuckle and out of the corner of my eye see his smirk. I can’t prevent my wicked grin either. Amarando practically preens from our response.
“This is new, Boss,” Luca laughs fully without even trying to disguise his amusement.
“I think he’ll appreciate it, though,” I respond, and Luca rolls his eyes as he looks at my desk. I don’t give a fuck if Emilio does really like it. He’ll wear it regardless.
I won’t stifle Armando’s spiel, despite my impatience. I can tell Aramando’s barely holding in his excitement. I nod my permission, and he grabs the first from the box.
“As you can see this collar is interlocking chain. However, it is not harsh on skin yes? It is smooth and will not pinch. Molto...eh Masculine.” I reach out to hold it and feel that it is smooth. It’ll move with Emilio, but it may be a little too masculine for my tastes.
Armando places it back gently before going to the next one. He barely raises it before I shake my head. It looks satin and way too flimsy for what I require. Next, he raises a collar that’s a simple metal ring. It fits our situation and the turian style is definitely appealing, but I can only imagine what would happen if he was in hand-to-hand combat and an opponent grabbed it. I shake my head again.
With a sneaky grin, he finally raises the last one. He knew this was the one I would want. Damn man always knows. He just enjoys going through the process. I reach out my hand, and Armando gently lays it in my palm. It’s leather, braided so it almost appears to be rope. Something we haven’t explored yet, I muse. That could be fun—at least for me. Luca coughs, my amusement must have shone through, but I quirk my eyebrow at him. I keep my thoughts silent. I’d much rather surprise Luca if I feel like sharing my newest boy. I rub my hand over the braiding, feeling the strength but also the softness. It’s delicate, probably more in line with what a woman would wear, and fuck if the thought of forcing Emilio to wear something feminine doesn’t make my cock swell even though I have no interest in pussy. Fuck, yes. I want that. I flip it over to the latching mechanism and look up at Armano silently.
“You have a choice. I brought this one, but there is also one that permanently locks. He would be unable to open it on his own if it locked permanently. With your...unorthodox business, I thought perhaps this one would work better if any situations arose,” Armando says with a smil
e.
“I don’t think he’d be tempted to remove it himself, so this works fine. I don’t need a lock to keep it on him.” I know I sound arrogant, but fuck knows I have every right to be. Emilio belongs to me, and I’ve left no doubt in his mind about that.
“I have one additional piece that may interest you,” Armando says slyly. I raise my eyebrow at him. This was the only thing I asked for, but then again...He’s yet to be wrong.
I find that the last box holds several bracelets and cuffs. Some match the collar with the braided leather and will fully encase his wrist. The ones that interest me the most, though, are the metal cuffs. Armando picks one out and gives it to me. It’s stainless steel and flat, nothing really fancy. It’s black like the leather collar; it matches well. However, Armando gestures for me to look closer. It’s then that I can’t help but laugh loudly, making Luca jump. It’s right there engraved in case Emilio ever forgets: Proprietà del Padrone. He is certainly my property, and not even God can save anyone who forgets that—including him.
“Ben fatto,” I respond with a genuine smile. Armando takes the well done with grace as he starts to box things up. I call in a guard to assist him despite Armando’s scowl, but I can see the slight gratitude in his eyes. I know not to attempt paying him at the moment. He’d simply wave it away as his godfather rights. Luca will find a way to make sure he’s taken care of properly. As it is, the government never charges him tax to his knowledge, and he never has to pay for rent at his shop or home. He accepts those things but direct money he considers an insult. I know I don’t fool the old man, but he doesn’t fool me either. I stand and give him an embrace, and Luca does as well. Their relationship is stiffer. I may consider Luca to be my potential successor and second, but Armando has never completely warmed to Luca. Nor did he care for Luca’s father. At least Armando leaves before he can say a word about heirs. It’s not like I’m going to fuck a woman, but then again neither is Luca. It’s an item on the list. One put on hold while I deal with fucking bullshit.
My hand goes to the collar and cuff, and I trace them gently after I sit. I eventually signal Luca forward so he can also see what the cuff says, and he can’t hide his amusement either. I wonder what my boy will think about this development. I mention it casually to Luca, and he takes a moment to respond.
“I’m not sure, Boss. He could either be put out by the reminder or perhaps he’ll consider himself special. He’s not exactly normal,” Luca says with a frown. As if he can’t decide whether that’s a good or bad quality to have. Personally, I think it’s fucking perfect that I managed to twist Emilio so much he’s unable to tell what’s normal anymore. It makes my plans even better.
“Want to tell me your plans for him? What position is he going to fill?” Luca asks hesitantly. Normally we would have discussed this earlier, but nothing about this situation is normal. Emilio is different…
I hesitate but as Luca is my second, he deserves to know. “Emilio is going to be my advisor.”
Luca sits silently as he absorbs that. I’m sure his mind is racing with questions. Most likely what it means for him and the other boys. There’s never been anything like this for me.
“Your position is secure. You’re my second. The one in charge of taking over,” I say soothingly. I don’t want him to doubt his position, and I’m sure that seed was planted. I also don’t want him to be another Antonio and jealous of my new boy.
Luca visibly relaxes before straightening up. I’m sure he thinks he hid his anxiety. I roll my eyes mentally. I see him nod and can tell he’s withholding questions about the new position. Thankfully, he keeps silent as even I haven’t fully figured it out yet. I know Emilio is unique, and I’m not willing to let him out of my sight. Eventually—hopefully—I’ll get bored. But for now, he goes nowhere.
It doesn’t take us very long to finish up, and we go our separate ways as he needs to check in on the rest of the business and provide me with an update. After tomorrow, hopefully, it’ll be back to regular work but for now…now I need to plan. Because come tomorrow, everything will change.
Chapter Thirty-Four
I tried to go back to my room when Ignacio and I reached the mansion. However, Benjamin must have been lying in wait. Instead, I was herded right back to this so-called medical room. I look around in distaste. Everything about this offends me. I felt the blood of my brother last night. I’m not weak. I shouldn’t have to be in this section still.
“Stop pacing,” Benjamin’s voice pipes up from behind me, “and get over here. Dr. Conti will be here shortly, and then I’ll take you to the gym for physical therapy. See if you messed up the work I’ve done.”
“That you’ve done? I’m the one doing all of the exercises,” I growl at him.
He rolls his eyes and looks at me indifferently before retorting, “Look. You take the classes I have and deal with someone like you, and then you can tell me who did the work. I want to make sure you haven’t injured yourself. I’d prefer to live after this.”
I can see his bravado slip away at the end. I’m not sure what Allesandro has on Benjamin, but he definitely isn’t here out of the goodness of his heart. Then again, when is anyone here for that reason? I don’t have time to address it further before Dr. Conti is bustling into the room.
Most of the exam is silent. The doctor learned quickly I don’t give him an attitude if he stops incessantly talking, especially about Master. It’s still difficult to think of him as Allesandro. I’m not sure I even like that. After checking my shoulder thoroughly, Dr. Conti pulls back and looks at me uncomfortably.
“What is it?” I huff out, wanting to get on with my day.
He pulls himself together, and using his clipped clinical voice, “I need to look at your rectum. I was informed that you had a potentially rough night.”
I chuckle when Benjamin lets out an “Eep” and I roll my eyes before asking, “You mean I took two dicks in the ass, and you want to make sure everything is okay?”
I see Benjamin try to scuttle out of the room, his entire face bright red, but he’s stopped in his tracks when Ignacio steps into the doorway. Without any shame, I lower my pants and bend over the bed. I hear Ignacio laugh quietly and glance over again in time to see him bend and whisper something in Benjamin’s ear. I have no idea what he’s saying, but somehow, he manages to turn Benjamin an even brighter red. It distracts me from Dr. Conti pulling on his gloves and checking my hole.
“You’re good,” Dr. Conti eventually says, thank fuck. “There’s some cream I can leave to help with the…uh…inflammation and pain.”
“He already has it,” Ignacio calls out as I pull my briefs and pants back on. Dr. Conti doesn’t bother to respond. While he’s cold with most of the boys and definitely with Master, he is less harsh with Ignacio, so he holds his tongue. Definitely a good thing when it comes to Ignacio.
Dr. Conti gives me permission to continue my physical therapy with Benjamin before taking his leave. Oh, joy. I watch the doctor walk out of the room and look longingly at the bathroom for a shower, but of course not. Benjamin is right there, prodding me to head to the gym. Ignacio strolls with us, and I notice Benjamin tries to walk closer to me, but Ignacio doesn’t allow it. When we finally enter the gym, Ignacio peels off and heads over to Marcus who is already in there getting his workout in. With a deep sigh, I follow Benjamin to where we always go and start working out.
I keep seeing him try to start speaking and nothing comes out. After the tenth time, I decide I either need to prompt him or I’m going to kill him. And for some reason I don’t think Master wants a dead body in the gym—at least this early. I could be wrong.
“What is going on?” I snap, unable to take it anymore as I finish the stretches. “Talk.”
Benjamin’s cheeks take on a pink hue as he stammers, “Did you really take…umm…two...you know?”
“Did I take two large cocks in my ass by men who knew what they were doing? Yep.” I reply as I grab the free weight he points me to a
nd start the exercises.
“But didn’t that hurt?” Benjamin asks incredulously, even as he stops me to set my posture again.
“No shit, Sherlock. Of course, it did,” I say before giving him a wink. “It also gave me one hell of an orgasm.”
Finally, he lets it go and moves me through all of my exercises, even pushing me harder than before. I’m tempted to tell him about the ice pick I took to Cliff’s knees, but I think that may push him a bit too far. So instead, I suck it up and continue doing what he instructs.
“Who?” he whispers as we finally finish, and I look towards the door, ready for my shower.
“That’s none of your business,” I reply tightly, ready to get the hell away from him. My body is sore from yesterday’s excursion both in and out of bed, and after this, I want to go crawl into the shower and maybe take a nap. I don’t want to shower here in the gym this time. I’m intent on getting to my temporary room.
“What’s none of his business?” Ignacio asks from behind us as we make it towards the door.
“N-n-n-n-nothing,” Benjamin answers in a high voice as he jumps at Ignacio’s presence. I roll my eyes and walk towards the room.
“Aww. Come on. Don’t be that way,” Ignacio laughs at my cold shoulder.
It bothers me. Their byplay just annoys me for some reason, so I ignore it. Ignacio continues to try and get it out of Benjamin who has been reduced to stuttering. By the time we make it back to the room, I step inside and whirl around to keep them from entering.
“Ignacio, you’ve seen me to my room. I know you’re shadowing me. I think I fucking proved last night I don’t need it. Benjamin, if you want to talk about having two dicks inside your ass, ask Ignacio. I’m sure he can answer any questions you have or, better yet, find some help and give you a demonstration. If that’s all, I’m fucking tired, and I need a shower and nap,” I growl as I close the door firmly.