by Leigh Kenzie
“I’m not going to hurt your family. You did as I asked you to—you made sure he’s alive and fixed everything you could. Now, you need to trust Luca,” I pause and look directly at the man I’m laying the burden on. “Luca is the best man to be in charge now, and I’m certain he has a plan.”
The doctor doesn’t even glance at our interim boss. Instead, he reaches around and grabs onto me, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug. A fresh torrent of tears stains my suit as he tries to draw comfort from me. I panic and try to ease back. All that happens is the doctor pulls me closer, despite my struggle, and I let out a single whimper.
“Enough! Let him go, Dr. Conti. Lio get back here,” Luca commands. I shiver in response, his voice is similar enough to Master’s that I scramble to obey. I push the doctor away and am by Luca in less than a minute. It doesn’t escape my attention that both Antonio and Marcus quietly leave.
“Dr. Conti, go check on Allesandro. That’s your job. I’ll figure out the rest. Send Ignacio out,” Luca states through gritted teeth.
I’m not sure what’s going on, and when I try to speak, Luca grabs my wrist and squeezes hard. The doctor takes an extra moment to compose himself before leaving, and I begin to worry for his safety considering Luca still hasn’t let me go. As soon as the doctor disappears into Allesandro’s room, Luca turns around to face me. His hand goes to my neck as he pushes me against the wall. I cry out as he shoves me hard enough to knock my head back. It doesn’t deter Luca from choking me, making sure his hand is right along the collar. His face is no longer impassive but filled with fury. He clenches his teeth together, and his eyes narrow on me. I gulp as much as possible, and although I want to push against him, I make myself go passive like I would with Master. Luca gives me one last shove, choking me harder before he lets up. Only then does he lean towards me, his lips so close to my ear that they’re almost touching.
“Your behavior was unacceptable. You touched him, and worse, you let him touch you. I will not be made a mockery of. Right now, I am in charge. I am your master. The same rules will always apply to you.”
I can’t help but shiver, unsure if it’s from a jolt of lust that goes through me or fear of what Luca will do. I convey my apology with my eyes until he backs off. I bow my head and croak out, “Yes Sir. I’m sorry. Please, forgive me.”
He lets out a frustrated huff before he traces my neck with his fingers. I know I’m going to have bruises from what Luca did. I typically enjoy the signs and feeling of ownership by Master. It’s confusing though, this feels wrong even if I know we all belong to Luca right now as we wait for Allesandro to come back. It doesn’t make sense, how everyone else isn’t subject to the rules I am. I hesitate before deciding since he’s already angry I may as well address it.
“Why am I different? I see the other boys touch. They have relations with others,” I question boldly. It’s something I would never ask Master. I’m happy enough to serve him that I hadn’t thought about it overly much before. This...this feels different.
Luca’s eyes soften for a minute before taking on the hard look from before. It feels like the truth is just out of reach, but Luca isn’t in the mood to share it. Instead, he shakes his head and responds, “You’re you. They’re them.”
I’m about to scoff at such a non-answer, but Ignacio ends up saving me from what would probably have been further punishment. He steps into the hallway and clears his throat. It’s enough for Luca to turn away completely and focus on the other boy.
“Do we know who targeted Il Padrone?” Ignacio’s voice vibrates through the hall. The way he says it carries a finality and the promise of pain to whoever did it. It draws me like a moth to a flame, needing Ignacio’s reassurance of safety and vengeance, but I don’t move. I do nothing to draw Luca’s ire once again.
“We need to discuss it. There’s a lot that happened. Let’s go,” Luca replies to Ignacio before leading him toward the office. I stay still unsure of my role here until Luca snaps his fingers. I feel like growling like the dog he’s treating me as, but I keep my mouth shut—for now. He’d better remember that Master made sure I’m as dangerous as possible.
Chapter Forty-Six
Four Days Later
“You need to take him for an MRI!” I yell at Luca. There’s been no progress yet, on finding Master’s attempted killer or him waking up. I watch Luca snarl at me silently but refuse to back down. We’re at least back in my room at Master’s. I’m no longer confined to the fucking hospital room. No, Master is now. After two days of not waking up, Dr. Conti gave permission for him to be moved. He was stable, and without an MRI there was nothing else he could do—said it was a waiting game. Since Jamison Street was nowhere near as secure, we left under the cover of night, carefully moving him back home.
We’ve called in other specialists, but none of them have been able to figure out why Master doesn’t wake up. The trauma wasn’t that bad they all say. Perhaps the head injury is more severe than it should have been. Or maybe he just isn’t ready to wake up. The doctor who said it almost died when he made that proclamation. It took some quick thinking on both Ignacio’s and my part to keep Luca calm. All of them said without an MRI there’s nothing that could be done.
“Sit down, Lio,” Luca growls, and I sit at the desk Master gave me. I can still remember earning it. Just like when I look around at the entire room. It’s a reminder of where I started and how far I’ve come. I don’t want to lose my place, and I feel it slipping away with every moment Master lays prone in that uncomfortable bed.
With a sigh, Luca sits on the bed facing me. He presses his fingers to his temples, making a sweeping motion. I cringe for adding to his stress, but I’m worried. It seems to be a continual state for me right now—worry about Master, worry about Eamon, worry about Brendan, fucking worry about everything. I can’t imagine the pressure Luca is under, though. As the current boss, he has to manage everything, and I cringe in shame for yelling at him.
I stand up and walk to the edge of the bed where he’s sitting. His legs automatically widen as I come closer. The moment I make it to the bed, I kneel in front of him. The bed is too high for me to really be in a good position, but the intent is there. He lightly tugs on my hair so that I stand. Leaning forward, he places his cheek on my stomach and then draws me into a hug. His body relaxes, and we stand there in the quiet of the room. I offer him the same comfort I gave Master, knowing that was his expectation of me. I may not be as strong as Marcus, as cunning as Ignacio or whatever Antonio is, but I can offer this. I forgot until this room reminded me of the uselessness and the consequences of a tantrum.
“Do you trust me?” Luca asks me, his voice grave.
“Of course,” I retort with no hesitation. His lips quirk into a small smile, and he nods his head like he’s drawing on the courage to speak with me.
“The reason you couldn’t see him tonight is that he was in the hospital having tests, including the MRI. Even if we’re in the middle of a...skirmish with Eamon, we still run this town,” Luca shakes his head as I go to talk. “We also have Dr. Conti to thank for getting us in and out of the hospital. My phone vibrated a moment ago. They should be back.”
My body slumps in complete relaxation as I can’t resist a smile. Seeing Luca’s somber face takes me down immediately. With a sharp nod of my head, I hold out my hand to him, and he grabs it as he stands. The slight squeeze reminds me that he’s nervous too, needing to know what’s going on. Without waiting another moment, he stands and leads me out. We make it to Master’s hospital room and knock once. We both brace ourselves, and with an uncomfortable look at each other, we open the door and step forward.
Chapter Forty-Seven
I can tell immediately it’s not good news as we watch Dr. Conti finish hooking Master up to more machines. I wince at the sound of beeps that fill the room. I can’t even meet the doctor’s eyes when he looks at us. His pale face from days of stress and exhausted eyes say it all.
After clearing his throat
, Dr. Conti addresses us both, “I have good news and bad news. The MRI shows no damage. There’s no swelling, no injury, nothing that explains his continued coma. Brain activity is good. We’ll need to wait for the blood test results to come in, but everything else looks good. I wish I had answers for you, but sometimes it’s the matter of waiting for the patient to wake.”
“Do they always wake?” My voice trembles, and I feel Luca move even closer to me. Despite their closeness, I sense him trying to lend me his support and am grateful for it.
“No,” Dr. Conti replies softly. “There’s mixed research on whether patients can understand their loved ones during a coma. The only thing I can suggest is talking to him. Reminding him that he has...work to do. I’ll step out for now.”
“Notice his bedside manner is better?” I say weakly. The comment falls flat as Luca draws me closer to Master. I want to fight him. I want to run from seeing Master this way, but I let him lead me. Master doesn’t look the same, his face is washed out and puffy, but my mind still sees him strong. I know he’s a fighter, and I can’t accept that he won’t wake.
“Luca! We need you,” Ignacio bursts through the door startling me.
While Luca doesn’t jump like I do, he does turn quickly, thankfully dropping my hand first. He strides out of the room, gesturing for me to follow. I quietly close the door Ignacio had thrown open. Only then does he address his subordinate.
“Enough. I never want to hear you come into Il Padrone’s room like that. You come in and ask for me respectfully. If he can hear you…”
Ignacio closes his eyes and nods his head in acknowledgment. It’s clear that Luca doesn’t really believe that Master can hear anyone, but the fact he’s willing to set that limit means a great deal to me. As he clasps my shoulder, I release the tension that flooded my system when Ignacio came through the doors.
“Yes, Boss. I apologize for interrupting you, but we have an...issue. Brendan is at the front gates demanding entry,” Ignacio says urgently.
Luca’s face is composed in response to the news. We’ve all been wondering where Brendan had gone. I never thought he’d show up here, but it appears that Luca thought of it. His calmness reins Ignacio in, and as he stalks towards the front door, he gives permission for entry. We wait in the grand entry where Master once took possession of me. Life has certainly changed since then. I push the thoughts of Radcliff away and remind myself of what I’ve gained in this life. I’m still trying to center myself when the guard opens the doors, admitting the man we once considered our enemy and may be still. He’s flanked by two guards, but Luca doesn’t seem surprised to find Brendan has protection.
Everyone is on edge aside from Luca. Without a single word, he gestures for Brendan and his guards to follow him to Master’s office. Before we can take our places, Brendan goes to hug me. Remembering my lesson with the doctor, I step back a moment and watch Brendan’s face fall. I glance at Luca, and although his lips are pressed tightly together, the only sign of his disapproval, he gives his permission. I step toward my brother and give him a short hug. Brendan grabs me tightly, but I don’t let it linger. I remove myself as quickly as possible. It appears that he truly does consider me his brother if that’s his response. As he goes to sit in the guest chair, I’m not sure of my place until Luca calls me to him. He then lifts me to his lap and holds me firmly. I cast my eyes down, unable to meet anyone’s eyes out of embarrassment. Luca squeezes my leg, and I remember Master’s words, that I was to be at his side, so I straighten my spine and watch the Irish across the table.
“We have an issue,” Brendan states as he looks directly at Luca. I’m pretty sure we all want to tell him ‘no shit’, but I stay quiet. Ignacio scoffs, however. I don’t have to see Luca’s face to know he sent a sharp glance that way when I see Ignacio, who is leaning on the wall opposite from where I’m sitting, bow his head in remorse.
“I believe we have several,” Luca says coolly. “What brings you to our door?”
“Eamon has taken over the headquarters and most of the territory I occupied. Some guards and soldiers remain loyal to me and have followed me out. Several lost their lives when trying to hold him off,” Brendan sighs, grabbing at his red hair.
Luca makes a noncommittal sound. While I know Eamon is on our list of things we need to take care of, I’m positive he’s making it clear to Brendan that an Irish fight itself isn’t a priority. Brendan makes a sour face but ignores Luca’s cold response.
“After he eliminates me, he’ll go after you. However, he actually has two goals right now. He wants Lio. Possibly more than he wants to eliminate me. I’m not sure why. I’ve heard of Peter’s obsession, but are you aware Italians have joined him, not just Peter?”
From the sudden silence, it’s obvious none of us were aware. The fact Eamon is able to unite the Irish and Italians is not a good sign. I can’t help the shudder that goes through me knowing I’m a target. One that, instead of wanting dead, they want to steal.
Luca taps his fingers on the desk. I can tell he wants to address the situation but is weighing the options. My heart sinks as I know what he must want.
“As you’ve probably assumed Allesandro is still unavailable at the moment. He is recovering. But do you know who sent the sniper?” Luca asks carefully.
While it doesn’t appear to shock Brendan, it seems to exhaust him. He raises his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. I can’t make out much from what he mutters under his breath, but I make out a few curse words.
“If he’s recovering, it wasn’t Eamon. He doesn’t miss a shot, and neither does any of the inner circle. I wish I could help, but I honestly don’t know. I can try to find out, though,” Brendan responds gravely. “You know that while we’ve been competitors in the past, there’s always been if not respect, at least a truce.”
“You didn’t find Emilio’s attacker. Why should we trust that you’d actually help?”
“That was my error. I put that in Eamon’s hands and trusted him. That’s not an option now, and I will take care of it personally.”
“Do you need additional guards?” Luca asks, and I feel the shock through my body. Before the question even finishes, Brendan is shaking his head no, and I can’t help but feel the relief of not needing to send our men to protect him. He may be the only brother I have left, but I can’t accept pulling any resources from Master.
“I’ll be fine. I have enough loyal men and can’t afford to risk any others. We’ll get in touch as we go to figure out logistics. Can I count on your help?” Brendan inquires as he stands up.
“You can. Find me who came after my family—twice,” Luca commands as he moves me off his lap and stands. With a quick handshake, he nods to Ignacio to lead them out.
Once everyone leaves, Luca sits again with a heavy sigh and reaches for paperwork on his desk. I see the tension in his body, though. Everything seems to be spinning out of control so I give Luca what I can by sinking to the floor. With a hum of satisfaction, Luca reaches over and runs his fingers through my hair. It’s gotten longer than it was when I first came here. There’s plenty of it since Master liked to tug on it, but I could get used to this gentler touch. I set my head against his leg and let go mentally, giving myself over to Luca.
I’m not sure how long we sit there, but it’s enough for my knees to hurt. By the time Luca goes to push away, both of us are as relaxed as we can be. With a gentle command, I stand on shaky legs. He stretches to his full height after sitting so long. He looks down at me and runs his finger across my lips while smiling.
“Thank you,” he whispers against my lips before kissing me.
It’s not violent, not hurried, not aggressive like I’ve become used to with Master. No, this is gentle, like the sway of a summer breeze, and I can’t help groaning when his tongue enters my mouth. I suck gently on it, shuddering at the sensation, and I can’t help rubbing against him. I feel his bulge and try to move my hands from his neck where I placed them, but he won’t let me. Instead, he p
ushes me to the wall and gently bites my neck before biting again, this time even harder. I toss my head back and forth, trying to arch but he refuses me. Finally, he places his thick thigh between my legs.
“If you want to come, you better use me, but I’ll make you stay like that the rest of the night. Everyone will be able to tell how dirty you are. That you can’t even stop from coming in your pants. Hmmm...is that what you want to show the other boys? You want the guards to know you’re so horny you can’t even wait to get to your room? What about the servants? You think they’ll start fantasizing about pushing you against the wall like I do? Tell me how dirty you are,” he whispers in my ear.
His talking makes me speed up, pressing against him and shaking so bad. I want to come. I need to, and he’s driving me crazy thinking about what would happen afterward, showing everyone that I’m at his command.
“Say it, Lio. Tell me you’re dirty. Scream my name. Say you’re mine,” he commands one last time and bits my ear hard enough I’m sure he’ll be leaving a mark.
“Luca! I’m yours. I’m your dirty boy. Oh God. Please. Please,” I sob uncontrollably as my release hits me, my mind blanking completely as the pleasure courses through my body.
It’s good he’s pushed me against the wall because my body loses all ability to stand after such a powerful orgasm. Luca nuzzles my neck until I come down fully. Pulling back, I wince as I look down. I came so much that there’s no hiding what happened. With horror, I notice even his pants are wet, but he just gives me a cocky grin, not upset that my orgasm shows on him as well. I blush heavily as I try to offer to take care of him as well only for him to shake his head. It’s like he wants to reinforce it’s only me who came like a kid. He doesn’t even give me a moment to get used to the humiliation before he leads me out of the office.