Love Unleashed

by Matilda Martel

  “I’m so close, Leo.” Howling in ecstasy, she slams her hips into mine and takes me hard. She bounces wildly and shows no mercy. She’s fucking amazing. When an orgasm surges through her trembling body, unearthly screams of savage lust echo off the walls.

  “Leo!” Panting with ragged breath, she steadies herself on my chest and continues to fuck me through her climax, showering me with fiery kisses.

  I can’t hold on. I growl through my teeth, I lift her ankles to my shoulders and plunge deep. She’s so beautiful. So ripe. And I’m so close.

  “Leo! Don’t come inside me. It’s too soon for a baby.” She pleads as her breath falters and her body succumbs to its sixth orgasm of the night.

  Goddamn it.

  Sixteen

  Alia

  He’s incredible. A sublime work of art that comes equipped with a pleasure-seeking missile for my personal enjoyment. I should be in love. I think I’m close. Closer than I ever dreamed. Leo’s wonderful. He’s hot as sin, a doting husband and one day, he’ll make an incredible father.

  But there’s the problem. Leo’s paternal aspirations are not future tense. He’s got baby fever. Big time. And I know if I fall all the way, he’ll talk me into motherhood before I’m ready.

  And I need to be ready. I want to be a good mom.

  I don’t think I’m being unreasonable. We’ve been married two weeks. We didn’t have a normal courtship and until our wedding night, I thought I might hate him forever. Things changed. We’re good now.

  I didn’t expect much from marriage. My parents were never in love. They could hardly stand to sit in the same room. If my mother wasn’t such a devout Catholic, she would have divorced him long before I was born.

  Leo and I are different. It might have started badly, but we made it better. I sleep soundly every night and wake up happy every morning. Maybe I only get a few hours of sleep, but those are pleasant hours. We’re newlyweds. I’m sure this will taper off, eventually.

  Not too soon, I hope.

  I told him we should wait until we’re in love and then promptly clarified, when we’re both in love. Which might have been a mistake. In two weeks, I haven’t uttered the words. It’s sitting on the tip of my tongue. There are moments I want to scream it to the world, but once I do, Leo will take that as a green light to knock me up.

  He tried on our wedding night. Little jerk thought I’d be so hot and bothered, so in love with his enormous asset, I’d let him slip baby Leo in me.

  Nice try, Mr. Moretti.

  After a late breakfast, I pad upstairs and slink into our dirty sheets. They smell like Leo. They reek of sex. Sexy Leo. My man.

  I giggle to myself and scroll through pics of him on my phone. Goddamn it, I think I’m in love. If this is love, genuine love, then I never loved Yuri. He was a stubborn infatuation. If I loved him, he wouldn’t have faded so quickly. This is different. I know this is big. If we parted today, I’d never forget him. I’d always love... oh wow, I do love him.

  What do you know? I’m in love. This is love.

  I love Leo Moretti. Alia loves Leo. Leo plus Alia equals love.

  I chuckle and hug his pillow. Damn that beautiful man. That beautiful, conceited man. He’s sunk his hooks deep.

  I can’t help it. It was inevitable. Leo knows how to love. He knows how to love me and gives me exactly what I need. I need to feel safe. And he guards me well. I need to feel loved for who I am, with all my flaws, quirks and peccadilloes. And he does. The real me has been invisible most of my life. But Leo sees me. He sees me and loves me.

  Fuck, he’s going to knock me up.

  Seventeen

  Leo

  Me: How’s my doll?

  Alia: She’s fine. But I’ve heard rumors she’s rolling around in your sheets and practicing a little self-love.

  Me: Don’t you dare. That pussy’s mine. I’ll take care of you when I get home.

  Alia: And when is that? I’m getting lonesome.

  Me: Give me another hour. I’m on my way home, but I have a meeting downstairs.

  Alia: An hour?! Fine. I’ll wait.

  Me: Ti amo.

  Alia: Te extraño, mi alma. See you, soon.

  She misses me. She doesn’t love me.

  I stare at the screen and breathe a heavy sigh. My heart sputters aimlessly in my chest like a helium balloon losing air. It’s been two weeks. I knew I loved her moments after we met. Two weeks of living together, making love and planning our life apparently doesn’t have the same effect on her.

  Lorenzo’s eyes dart to me and as always, he guesses my concern. “Still hasn’t said it?” He smirks and I throw the phone at his chest.

  “Shut the fuck up. I know she does. It just bugs me she won’t say it.” My brother is the only person in the world who hears my confession. We’re a year apart and if we didn’t resemble different parents, we might be twins. He’s great at getting into my head.

  “It doesn’t come easy for everyone. It never came easy for you. You’re thirty-five years old and she’s the first girl you’ve ever loved.” He thinks he’s making me feel better, but he’s not.

  I loosen my tie and try to shake this off. I love her. I love her more each day. I want to believe she loves me too. When she’s in my arms, I feel it pouring into me. Love. Lust. Admiration. But so far, she’s silent.

  Maybe that’s why I’m desperate to get her pregnant. No, that’s not true. I want a family. I want children with the woman I love.

  She just wants more time. She’s nineteen. Of course, she wants more time.

  But I can’t be trusted. I persuaded her not to get on the pill. Not until we decided for sure. I refuse to wear condoms. Maybe I’m a dick, but what the fuck, we’re married. I wore condoms for years. This is the first time since my twenties I’ve had sex without a glove.

  And I don’t want to wear them. Not with her. Because I still hope to slip one past the goalie and get my way.

  I am an asshole.

  “Do you know why Yuri wants to see us?” Lorenzo scrolls through his phone and checks his messages. “Igor wouldn’t say. He says Yuri loves to keep him in the dark.”

  I shake my head. “He just said it was important and he didn’t want to meet in Brooklyn. He said my office works best.”

  As the car pulls up to the front entrance, I stop to gaze at the penthouse windows. She’s probably on the top floor, lying in bed, waiting for me. I need to let this go. It’s been a good two weeks. Things are a hundred times better than I imagined.

  I feared I’d have to drag her down the aisle, but she floated like an angel and recited every vow without mistake. I thought she’d take weeks before we made love and yet we haven’t missed a day since our wedding. I’m a lucky man in love with a beautiful girl who needs more time.

  I’ve never been a patient man, but I can learn. I’ll learn for her.

  “Yuri and Igor are here. Enzo let them in.” Lorenzo and I remove our jackets to prove we’re not carrying a weapon and they both quickly oblige. When everyone’s comfortable, we wait for Yuri to begin.

  “I’m here to give you a warning. I didn’t want to share it over the phone because it’s not business. It’s personal.” Yuri’s eyes meet mine and I give him nothing. I don’t trust him. I don’t like him. He’s given me no real reason other than being the object of my wife’s affection. But that’s enough. For all I know, he’s the reason she’s hesitant to start our family.

  Lorenzo shakes his head. “What’s the warning? Is it from you?”

  Yuri frowns. “No, it’s not from me. This is about Alia. My sister overheard a conversation between Alex and Felix Ayala. She didn’t want to share it, but she feared for Alia’s safety.”

  My heart stops. “Alia? What about Alia?” I fight the urge to lunge. I don’t want him talking about her. I don’t want her taking any space in his mind.

  Igor steps away. Lorenzo follows.

  “I’m sorry to bring you this news. It’s upsetting. According to Maya, Felix believ
es you kidnapped Alia against her will. He’s furious and promises to rescue her. He swears he’ll take her somewhere you can’t touch her. I assume that’s Mexico.”

  “Mexico?” I hide my panic, but my anger can’t be disguised. No one’s taking Alia. I’d chase the bastard into hell to get her back. Mexico won’t deter me.

  “Alex didn’t want to tell him you staged it. He’s scared to bear the brunt of his retribution. I don’t know anything more, but expect something soon. I wanted to give you time to take necessary precautions.” He stands and offers his hand.

  “Congratulations on your wedding. I’m glad things worked in your favor. Take care of your wife.”

  I jump to my feet. “I always take care of my wife. Now is no different.” I know he means well, but Alia is my concern. Not his.

  He nods and scratches his beard. “Don’t take it lightly. For Alia’s sake.”

  “For my sake?” Alia drifts in and greets Yuri wearing nothing but tight shorts and a snug sports bra. Her nipples are clearly visible through the fabric. Jesus Christ, she’s in trouble.

  “Baby... I’m almost done.” I teeter on the edge of sanity as she comes closer and extends her hand to the man she really loves. She must have seen him arrive. She’s still in love with him.

  Two weeks with me and she still loves him.

  “I’m sorry. I was in the gym and I saw Lorenzo walk towards the kitchen. I thought you were done.” She grabs my hand and gives me a chaste peck on the cheek. Nothing too sexual in front of Yuri. “I’ll see you when you’re done. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  “You’re a lucky man, Leo.” Yuri’s eyes follow Alia’s round ass as she walks away.

  I move to block his view. “I know I am. Are we done?”

  He smiles and heads towards the door. “We are. Try to be happy, Leo. You got what you wanted.”

  Eighteen

  Alia

  I felt nothing. I didn’t know he was here. I didn’t expect to see him but I felt nothing. He doesn’t compare to Leo. Leo’s a Da Vinci. A Michelangelo. Yuri is a police artist’s sketch. I was right, I never loved him. I wonder if I’ve loved Leo all along.

  “Are we done? You don’t look like you’re paying attention.” Vito holds a small dumbbell and tucks it back on the shelf. He’s a great trainer, but my heart’s not into our workout today.

  “We’re done.” I nod and wipe the sweat from my brow. “I’m going to head up. Maybe I can take a shower before Leo finishes his work.” I wave goodbye, pass the elevator, and hike up the stairs.

  I’m saying it today. Whatever comes, so be it. I want to say it and he deserves to hear. He did it. He said he’d make me fall in love with him and I did. I love him.

  I love you, Leo Moretti.

  Humming a tune, I race up the last flight and rush towards our bedroom. I want to put on something nice. Something sexy. Maybe switch on some opera and offer him a massage. He’d like that. Leo loves everything.

  “You couldn’t help yourself. Could you? You must have seen him arrive from all the way up here.” The sound of Leo’s voice catches me by surprise.

  “What?” His words don’t make sense. “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m talking about Yuri. You must have worked fast to jump into that get-up and race downstairs. I’m surprised you weren’t out of breath!” He stuffs his hands in his pockets and closes the distance between us. His cocky demeanor conjures déjà vu. This is old Leo. The one who used to piss me off.

  My fluttering heart crashes into my ribs and catches fire in my chest. How dare he accuse me of emotional infidelity. This is unbelievable. “Leonardo Moretti, there better be someone standing behind me, because I sure as shit know you’re not talking to me this way!”

  His eyes narrow. “I’m talking to you. You flaunted your affection for Ivanov right in front of me. You knew he was here. You wore a revealing outfit and gave me a kiss on the fucking cheek like I was your buddy. How do you think that makes me feel?”

  I know he’s hurt. He can only handle his vulnerabilities through anger. My therapist used to say the same thing about me. I love him. I should ease his worries, but I never finished therapy. And anger feels good right now.

  “Did I see him come in? We’re twenty floors in the sky. What am I? An eagle!” I throw my towel in his face. “I was in the gym with Vito, you jackass. You can ask him yourself. And I kissed you on the cheek because you were in front of a business associate. Next time, I know I need to slide down my shorts and ride you to show my devotion.” I push past him and storm into the bathroom.

  “You still love him, don’t you?” He follows me into the closet.

  I snarl, step out of my shorts and throw them at his feet. “How dare you make accusations! I don’t love him. I never loved him.” My throat clenches as the pain of his words summons angry tears.

  His face softens with remorse. He reaches out, but I slap his hand away. He won’t be deterred. Stepping forward, he yanks me into his arms and smothers my face into his chest. “But you don’t love me.” His whisper breaks my heart.

  This isn’t the way I wanted to say it. Not in a closet. Not after a fight. But he needs to hear it.

  Fighting tears, I wind my arms around his waist and gaze up with my chin on his hard chest. “That’s not true. I love you, Leo.” I kiss his chest and breathe a lengthy sigh of relief. My heart feels lighter.

  “Say that again. I’ve said it a thousand times. You can say it twice.” He kisses the top of my head and hugs me tight.

  “I love you, Leonardo Moretti.” I settle into his arms, savor the feel of his warmth and smile when his stiff erection makes its typical appearance.

  “Not now, mister. I need to shower.” I wag my finger and squirm out of his embrace.

  “Not yet, Mrs. Moretti. Mr. Moretti wants you sweaty.” In a move he’s mastered, he pulls down my panties, wraps my legs around his hips and pushes me against the wall.

  He’s quick. Too quick. Before I can protest that I stink, he unleashes his heavy cock and thrusts it inside me.

  “Leo! I’m so dirty.” I complain through moans, stressed about my sweaty armpits, but too weak to argue.

  “You’ll be filthy when I get through with you.” His crazy eyes meet mine and I know what he means. This is the day he’s been waiting for. This is the day he gets to come inside me.

  “Are you sure we’re ready?” I pant through ragged breaths. I can’t stop him. The tension’s too high. The friction’s too divine. Every thrust gets us closer to our future and suddenly everything feels right. I can do this. With him, I can do anything.

  “We are. I know we are.” He grunts as his hard thrusts get one step closer to slamming us into the adjoining room.

  I bite into his shoulder and take my punishment, relishing every ounce of pleasure our bodies create. “I love you, Leo. I’m ready.”

  He crushes his beautiful lips to mine and we give into a moment of total surrender and pure ecstasy. Coming down from our high, reveling in the afterglow, we’re certain we’ve conceived.

  We’re wrong.

  Nineteen

  Alia

  I stare in shock at the hot pink lines and check the box again. Two means you’re pregnant. Two lines. I took this test on a whim. My period isn’t technically late until tomorrow, but two lines mock me while they claim ninety-nine percent accuracy.

  It couldn’t have been the closet. I run to my phone and check the calendar. He nailed me in the closet five days ago. If my period’s due today, there’s no way I was fertile five days ago.

  I slap my hand to my mouth. This was unsanctioned! He slipped one in when I was too distracted to be vigilant. Damn his potency. This isn’t about the results.

  I’m ready. I want this baby. It’s the principle.

  With my test in my pocket, I bolt downstairs, descending each flight as fast as my feet can carry me. Leonardo’s getting a piece of my mind before any celebrations begin. That man took a big chance I’d be ready. And
I won’t accept intuition as an excuse. He’s taking me out to dinner and in lieu of alcohol, I’m ordering the biggest dessert on the menu.

  “Leo!” I charge into his office. “Where are you hiding?”

  Vito appears through the side door. “He’s not here. He had to go into the Bronx for a meeting. He said you knew.”

  I stop to think. “Oh yeah, he mentioned it.” I slink away. I can’t be more than two weeks pregnant and I already have pregnancy brain.

  “Hey, Vito.” I follow him into the gym. “Can you take me to see the doctor? It’s important.”

  “Are you okay?” He quirks a brow. “Leo doesn’t want you leaving the house without him.”

  “It’s important. I haven’t felt well all morning.” I lie. I’m fine, but he won’t take me unless it’s serious. Recently, Leo’s paranoia shifted into high gear without explanation. We’ve been married nearly a month and he’s still an overprotective bully.

  I want a second opinion. A proper test. I want to be sure this isn’t a false positive before he chooses boy’s names again. And if he thinks I’m naming my baby Salvatore, he’s crazier than me.

  “What time is your appointment?” He asks before he makes a call.

  “Gather your guys. I’ll get one before noon. Leo’s doctor always moves me to the front of the line.” I rush upstairs and jump in the shower.

  Twenty

  Leo

  This is a nonsense meeting. Something feels wrong. My gut tells me to bolt, but this bastard won’t stop talking. To my left, Nick Lucchese notices my discomfort and gives me a nod. He feels it too.

  “Frank, what the hell’s going on? Nick and I traveled from Manhattan. Lou traveled from Staten Island. But you’ve said nothing we haven’t heard before. We know what you’re doing. We know you’re privately in bed with a cartel. All we want to know is which one. I’ve disclosed my association with Yuri Ivanov. He also does business with Louie. Either you disclose, or we sever our fragile ties.” When he denies it again, I push away from the table.