“Over and out,” Dante announces, pleased with his efforts as his victim hits the floor with a thud.
“That just leaves you, my friend.” I turn my attention back to the thief before me.
He holds his hands up, he can’t be much older than me and covers his face waiting for me to dish out his punishment. “I didn’t fucking mean it, man,” he wails.
I stalk forward until I am an arm’s length away from him, my eyes roam his face, and I notice the faded bruising to his right eye. “Who are you working for?”
“No one.” He looks at me with a hint of fear.
I take another step closer, inching my face until I’m almost nose to nose to this little fucker. “Is it Richards?”
“Who?” He leans back to put some distance between us.
I lean toward him and turn on the gas burners, making him flinch. “The dirty cop, Richards. You don’t know him?”
“No,” he swallows, his eyes starting to water.
“Why the fuck did you take it upon yourself to steal from my family?” I tilt my head, examining his reaction, waiting for him to spit some more lies.
“Fuck, man, I’ll get it all back. Just don’t kill me,” he cries.
“Kill you? Did you hear that, guys? This thief doesn’t want us to kill him.”
“Nah, we just want to have some fun,” Dante waltzes closer, grabbing the meat cleaver on his way.
“And then we might kill you,” Luca laughs hysterically, for full effect, as he stalks up beside me.
“So, little thief, are you going to spill the beans?” I tap his nose with my finger.
His eyes dart between the three of us, as the realization he isn’t going get out of this unscathed, drowns him. “Nope, my lips are sealed.” He straightens, accepting his fate.
“Well, fuck, looks like this little part will be over sooner than I expected,” I pout as I swing my fist, punch him in the ribs, and watch him double over in pain, leaning into me. I grab his arm and twist him, so he is facing the stove.
“Oh, allow me.” Luca grabs his hand and hovers it over the flame.
The thief thrashes in my grip and I tighten my arms to hold him still.
“Fuck, let me go,” the thief roars.
“You won’t be stealing from anyone after we finish with you,” Luca holds his hand into the flames, the smell of burning flesh tinging the air.
The thief roars in agony while watching his skin shrivel and peel off his hand. I drop him to his knees, and he clutches his hand against his chest, distinguishing the flames. He writhes on the floor, tears pouring out of his eyes, and has the balls to spit on my shoes.
I squat down beside him and examine him like he’s a science experiment. “Are you going to tell me who you’re working for?” I wipe his tears away with my thumb.
He jerks away from my touch and glares up at me, whimpers forming on the end of his mouth. “Not in this lifetime,” he groans, cradling his hand.
“Dante,” I say, as I pull the thief’s arm from his chest and hold it out against the floor. Dante immediately knows what I want and grinds his shoe into the thief’s elbow, keeping his arm in place. Dante hands me the meat cleaver. “Last chance, fucker,” I drawl.
“I got his legs,” Luca crouches down, gripping the thief’s legs in his hands.
The little fucker glares up at me, eyes full of disdain, and tries to spit in my face. I lift the meat cleaver and bring it down on his wrist with full force, slicing through his flesh and bone in one strike. His blood splatters onto my suit sleeve and leather glove, the metallic tang of blood scenting the air, as his hand lays detached from his arm. The silence spreads through me, and time stands still as I watch his blood ooze over the floor, before his howl of agony pierces my ears.
“So, are you going to tell me who you’re working for?” I grab his jaw in my fingers and squeeze his face to angle it toward me. His eyes are bloodshot and his spit dribbles down the side of his chin.
“Fuck,” he chokes out.
“What?” I tilt my head and lean closer to his face.
“You will never fill your father’s shoes,” he coughs, and his spit hits my face.
I wipe my gloved hand over my face, removing as much of the spit as I can, the cold fury digs at my skin like a parasite. I watch him and wait for his eyes to meet mine. “Say your prayers, fucker.”
“Oh, fuck.” Luca turns his head, to avoid getting blood in his eyes.
I press the meat cleaver to his throat, the blade draws blood instantly and the thief beckons me with his eyes. Dante’s shoe connects with the meat cleaver and the thief’s head severs from his neck instantly.
“Oops,” Dante chuckles darkly.
I stand slowly and drop the cleaver, it clanks and comes to rest next to the head it just sliced clean off. “Guess we better call in the cleaners.” I slide off my gloves and throw them into the pooling blood.
We leave the kitchen howling like animals, gaining the quizzical looks of bystanders.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Summer
I’m jostled awake from a pounding on the door. “Hold on.” I blink the sleep from my eyes as I stumble out of bed and manage to make it to the door without falling over. I pull it open to be greeted by Enzo, looming in the doorway in a fucking three-piece suit, looking like the devil dressed up.
He’s quiet and stands in the doorway, looking at me with wild eyes. “What are you doing here?” I reach out a hand and drag him into my room. We haven’t spent the night together for days now, I’m suspecting he’s got a lot on his Russo plate.
His eyes dart to Amber’s bed, thankfully she’s out for the night, and his gaze slices back to me. He steps against me, his cold hands finding their way under my pajama top, caressing my warm skin.
“Say something.” I examine his face, smeared in dried blood, and rake my eyes over his neck. The distinct smell of metal circles under my nose. “You’re covered in blood.” My voice shakes.
“It’s part of the job.” His hands find my breasts, and something sparks in his eyes, something dangerous and pure evil.
“What have you done?” I try to pull away from him, but he grips me around the waist.
“Don’t be afraid,” his voice is like velvet, it caresses me in all the wrong ways. His hands start to shake against me, his face resembles a monster.
“Enzo.” I reach for him. “Are you okay?”
“Make me forget,” he rasps. “Please…” His hands dig into my warm flesh. “I’m fucking breaking.” His mouth clangs against mine, and he pushes me backward until my back hits the wall, his huge frame pressing into me.
His body shakes against me, his mouth claiming mine between deep gasps, I can feel his erratic heart pounding against his chest. I pull back from him. “What’s going on?”
“I need you to make me forget.” His trembling lips find mine again. “I need you so fucking much right now.” His eyes search my face for permission.
I pull him back into me, and swallow his torture as much as I can, holding on to him for dear life. His feverish hands rip my pajamas from me, and they fall to the floor.
“Let’s get in the shower,” he grits through clenched teeth and pulls away from me.
I watch him carefully, his whole body trembling, while he yanks his tie from around his neck and starts to undress in haste, throwing his suit against the door. Once he’s naked, he grabs my hand and drags me into the bathroom.
The hot water cascades over us, leaving trails of blood-tinged water on the shower floor. I try to not look at it, but my eyes are drawn to our feet.
“Don’t think about it,” Enzo whispers into my ear, his shaking hands planted firmly against my ass.
“Enzo.” I look up into his sorrow filled eyes, full of pain, and despair.
He doesn’t allow me to speak again, he crashes his mouth into mine, pressing me into the wall. He reaches down and grasps my thighs, hoisting me up so I am straddling him.
“Make me forget,”
he trembles against my neck.
I grab fistfuls of his hair as he enters me in one hard thrust, filling me and stretching me almost to the point of pain. I feel his teeth sink into the apex of my neck, followed by the lavish caress of his tongue, the sensation of pleasure mixed with raw need, ripples through me. “Fuck, Enzo,” I cry out as his pounding gets faster and my back slides up and down the wet tiles.
“I need you to scream my name, Summer,” he growls into me, his thrusts relentless.
I hold on to him and feel his muscles rippling beneath me, his ragged breaths fan across my shoulder as the grinding sensation between my legs heightens. I can feel my core tightening and I arch my back, chasing the pleasure. His grip on me tightens while he drives me against the wall, my body yielding to him in raw need.
“Enzo,” I groan as I come violently against him, my shudders matching his.
He drops me to my feet and pulls out of me in one swift motion, grabbing his thick cock in his hands and coming all over my stomach and breasts. A strangled groan escapes his lips as he releases the last of his arousal.
He studies me for a moment before pressing his hard body into mine, cradling my face. Leaning in, his urgent kiss swallows any words I was about to say, his lips soft against mine, seeking solace. “I’m sorry,” he whispers against my mouth, his lips still trembling.
I blink up at him. “Don’t be.” My heart constricts for this broken man. I would do anything to take away his pain, even though the cause of it is gut-churning.
***
I wake to the sound of keys in the door, I jerk up in alarm, only to find Enzo already out of the bed, the shower running. I pull the sheet up over my breasts as the door swings open, Amber waltzing, in with Emma on her heels.
“Ahh,” I scream as Emma launches herself at me, not bothered by my lack of clothing. “What are you doing here?”
At that moment, Enzo storms out of the bathroom, his towel barely covering his junk, and still soaking wet from his shower. “The fuck is going on?” He scans the room before he looks at me.
“Nothing,” I stifle a giggle as my eyes roam the muscled plains of his abdomen, glistening from beads of water. “Amber and Emma are here.” I grin at him. Emma shifting uncomfortably next to me.
“I can fucking see that now.” He pulls his towel tighter around his hips.
“Morning, cousin,” Amber covers her mouth to hide her laugh.
Enzo curses under his breath before storming back into the bathroom.
Emma nudges my arm to get my attention. “I fucking approve.” She winks at me.
“Oh, not you too,” Amber groans and shuts the door, making her way to her bed.
“What are you two doing here?” I eye them suspiciously.
“It was meant to be a surprise, I thought you’d be at his place last night.” Amber throws a cushion at me.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” I hug Emma with one arm while still holding the sheet to cover myself.
Enzo strolls out then, wearing clothes he’d left here the other night. “I’ll leave you all to it.” He walks to the edge of my bed, leans down, and kisses me. “I’ll see you tonight.” He places a kiss on the tip of my nose before straightening up.
“Get a room,” Amber makes a gagging sound.
“I would, but she insists on living here with you.” Enzo ruffles Amber’s hair and strides to the door, picking up his bloodied suit on the way out.
“Swoon.” Emma clutches her chest and throws herself onto the bed.
“Stop it.” I push at her with my feet. “He’s not like that.”
“He’s so fucking like that and so much more. I’m so jealous.” Emma kicks me back.
“You have Banks.” I watch her face contort.
“He broke up with me a few weeks back.” She shrugs a shoulder.
“What? When? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It’s no big deal, really. Anyway, I’m over it now.” She grins at me.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I wrap the sheet around me as I stand off the bed.
“I am. In fact, Amber is taking us out tonight to celebrate.” Emma takes my place on the bed.
“Celebrate?” I look at Amber in confusion.
“Celebrate you moving back and Emma successfully transferring here to Verona.” She grins at me, smugness rolling off her.
“What?” I squeal.
“Surprise.” Emma throws her hands up.
“Get the fuck out. Are you serious?” I squeal.
“Yes.’ They both say in unison.
“How long have you known this and kept it from me? You’re the worst and the best all rolled into one.” I shuffle over to Amber and tackle her onto her bed.
“Stop, you’re going to lose your sheet,” she squeals.
“I don’t even care right now, I’m so happy.” I sit up and adjust myself. “Where’s your dorm room?”
“That’s the thing.” Emma ducks her head and peeks up at me.
“Spill it, Emma Monroe.” I narrow my eyes at her mockingly.
“Well, it’s not available for another month. We were thinking I’d stay here.” Her eyes dart to Amber.
“Umm, hell yes. I’ll just stay with Enzo and you can have my bed until yours becomes available.”
“Are you sure?” Emma asks.
“Yes, you’re like family to me,” I assure her.
“You know, Enzo won’t let you move back here,” Amber laughs at me.
“Yes, he will,” I protest.
“Nuh-uh. You’re so naïve,” Amber chuckles. “Go have a shower while we bring up Emma’s things.” She points to the bathroom.
“Yes, mom.” I roll my eyes at her and shuffle into the bathroom.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Summer
The whole entourage is in procession tonight, as well as some faces I have not had the pleasure of being introduced to yet. I was stupid to think Amber’s overbearing family would let her out at night by herself. We have the entire top floor of the club to ourselves, with our own waiters. The club, here in Boston, is absolutely stunning, with its black marble bars and chandeliers.
“What are you thinking?” Enzo whispers into my ear, his hand resting firmly on my upper thigh.
“How stunning this place is.” I turn my gaze toward him and take in his beauty.
He leans in closer, his hand slipping further up my thigh. “It’s mine.” His hot breath tickles my neck.
I lean back to get a full view of his face while my mouth hangs open. “What did you say?”
“It’s mine, one of many.” His grin is mischievous and playful.
“Wow.” My eyes roam the club and I don’t even want to know what illegal bullshit goes on behind the scenes here. “What else do you own?” I watch his face carefully.
“A few houses and apartments, most business I share with my uncles and cousins. But this beauty, she is all mine,” he boasts.
I realize he is staring at me, and I shift uncomfortably under his dark gaze. The thought of his rank and power in the mob world makes me shy away from him slightly, my brain keeps telling me to run, but my heart says otherwise. Will I be able to handle this world of his? Will I fit into his world? The thought only flickers for a moment, as I take in his unyielding gaze. I lean into him and kiss him chastely, my heart thrumming against my chest at the very thought of what I’m about to ask. “I need a penny.”
“Oh, do you, freshman?” A slow curve of his lips meets my gaze.
“You have to say it.” I lean forward, my nerves kicking up a notch.
He hovers so his lips are grazing mine. “Penny for your thoughts.” He moves back slightly, watching me with intent.
I suck in a deep breath, trying to steady my heart. “I need to move in with you for a month.” I hold my breath, waiting for him to answer.
He studies my mouth for a moment, before slicing his dark eyes to meet mine.
“You know this seals your fate, freshman. You won’t be moving ba
ck out once the month is over.” His voice is commanding.
“I’m not moving in with you permanently.” I keep my eyes on him, standing firm in my decision.
“Yes, you fucking are and don’t defy me.” He squeezes my thigh making me tense under his touch.
I swallow hard, the tone of his voice and the words he uses, turning me on. I ignore him and stand abruptly, his hand sliding down my overheated skin. “I’m going to get a drink.” I say defiantly needing to collect my thoughts.
His hand grips my thigh and I turn to look at him. “You know it’s happening.” His dangerous smirk making my stomach do somersaults.
“You wish,” I lean down and kiss him passionately before sauntering off to find Amber and Emma.
“You and Dante look cozy,” I tease Emma.
“Well, how hot is he?” She sips her drink.
“Oh, fuck my life. Between the two of you, I’m going to feel nauseated for the rest of my college life,” Amber groans.
“Sorry, babe, but your cousins are sexy as.” Emma licks her lips as she eye fucks Dante from across the room.
“Stop it.” Amber pretends to gag.
I wrap my arm around Amber and pull her in for a hug. “Don’t take any notice of that whore bag. She likes anyone with a dick and a six-pack,” I giggle, and Emma flips me the finger.
“It’s true,” Emma agrees.
“Let’s go dance. I’m not sitting here being babysat by those assholes anymore.” Amber pouts.
We escape to the downstairs dancefloor before anyone can notice, the loud thud of the bass vibrates through me and it feels good to let my hair down. We dance through the DJ set and by the end of it, my feet ache in the heels I stupidly decided to wear tonight.
“I’m going back up,” I let the two of them know as I make my escape, my toes feeling like they’re on fire.
I limp up the stairs and find Enzo in a deep conversation with Luca and Dante. I make my way over to them and sit my ass heavily into the plush couch, leaning back and resting my head.
Vicious Enzo: A College Bully Romance (Verona Academy Book 2) Page 12