Carlo
When I wake, Summer’s gone. I heard her moving around but was so relaxed, still blissed out from the sex the night before I didn’t want to wake. I didn’t expect her to leave.
I pull on a pair of jeans and look around. Her purse isn’t on the chair where it was the night before. I walk through the apartment. No Summer, no note. Where in the hell did she go? My keys are still on the counter, so she didn’t take off in my car. She might have called her friend Maggie for a ride.
I look at my watch. Nine fifteen. And I made a date with Gio at ten. I can reschedule, but the Gio situation is important.
The door pushes open, and Summer slips in, holding two paper cups from Starbucks. Relief courses through me.
But we’re playing a game here. She agreed to my rules. To my punishment. And she’s already broken a rule.
Lucky me.
I pull a stern expression. “What did I tell you last night about leaving this apartment?”
She makes a face. “I just ran down to Starbucks.” She holds out a cup. “This is for you.”
“Thank you.” I accept the hot drink but set it on the table without tasting it. “What did I say would happen if you broke the rules?”
A lovely blush colors her cheeks. “Come on, Carlo. Don’t be a hard-ass.” Despite the protest, she takes a few steps closer to me. Damn, her obedience turns me on.
I crook a finger. “Come here, principessa.”
“But I brought you a drink,” she wheedles. Cute as fuck.
The corner of my lips kick up, and I reach for her face, stroking her cheek with my thumb. “I appreciate that doll, I really do. But when I make a rule, I expect it to be followed. You’ve earned another punishment.”
Her eyes dilate, telling me her excitement matches my own.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have time to administer it. So your punishment will have to wait until later.”
Relief and disappointment war on her face.
I smile. “I’m going to take a quick shower. I can drop you at your place on the way to my meet-up, so you can get your things, and then we’ll go pick up your car.”
She looks adorable in my too-big t-shirt worn over her tight dress. I can’t help but reach for her, sliding the fabric up and down over the curve of her hips. She arches her breasts up and affects a flirtatious tone. “You’re bossy.”
I stroke along her thigh. “Get used to it, principessa.”
She flushes and licks her lower lip.
In a half-second I’m all over her, yanking her soft form against my body and claiming that lush mouth. Her hands come to my shoulders, and she opens to me, kissing me back, leaning into me.
I break away and bite back a curse. “I’m going to be late if I don’t stop touching you, principessa.” I pick up her coffee and hand it to her. “Wait here. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Ten minutes later, I weave through traffic as Summer steals glances at me from under her long, dark lashes. A thread of tension emanates from her.
“Second thoughts?”
She tucks her hair behind her ear. “About what?”
“Being under my thumb?”
She flushes, a smile curving her lips. “I guess I was just wondering if that’s what we’re still doing.”
I stop at a light and turn to give her my full attention. Or rather, to demand her full attention. “Yeah, that’s what we’re doing. I gotta figure out what to do about your dad, though, if I don’t want to end up six feet under.”
She worries her lower lip with her teeth. “I don’t think we should say anything. About anything. Okay?”
The light changes, and I hit the gas. I should be relieved. This will keep me from getting my balls ripped off and shoved up my ass.
But I hate her suggestion.
Does it mean she doesn’t think this thing will last? Well, why would she, anyway? Just because I proposed an insane scheme designed to keep her as my own doesn’t mean she’s wearing my ring.
Yet.
Carlo
Gio sits at an outdoor table at Angelo’s with two coffee mugs in front of him. He stands when I get out of the car, his eyes darting to the gun holster across my chest and up and down the street.
The idiot ought to know if I was going to whack him, I wouldn’t do it in front of Angelo’s, the outfit’s hangout.
Gio licks his lips. “Hey, boss.”
I give him a slight nod and slide into the seat across from him. “This for me?” I palm the ceramic mug.
He sits back down. “Yeah. Three shots of espresso. The way you like it.”
I don’t touch the drink. Poison isn’t really the way of La Famiglia, but I wouldn’t rule it out. “Appreciate it. So listen, Gio. Who was that guy you brought last night?”
Gio spreads his hands. “Listen, Carlo. I’m sorry. I thought it was okay to bring someone, but obviously, I shoulda checked with you first. I fucked up. I’m sorry.” His words sound rehearsed.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
Confusion wrinkles his face. “The guy? He goes to my gym. We were talking one day, and he mentions how he likes to go to Vegas for high-roller games. I thought he’d be a good addition. I’m sorry.”
I relax although I don’t let Gio see it. His story sounds true. Still, I’m going to sweat him for being a coglione. “The guy looked like a cop to me.”
“A cop?” Gio’s look of confusion turns to one of alarm. He holds his palms out as if to ward away my anger. “Oh hey, I didn’t know anything about that. He told me he works in real estate. Some kinda developer, I think. I thought he had money. Thought he’d be good for the game. But if he’s a cop…” Gio’s eyes take on a slightly crazed look, desperation mixing with ruthlessness. “I’ll take care of him, Carlo. It’s my mistake, I’ll do it.”
I give a sharp shake of my head. “You’ll do nothing. First of all, we don’t kill cops. Second, I’ll handle it. Capisce? You’ll do nothing.”
“Are you sure? Because-”
“What did I say?”
Gio backs down immediately at my tone. “I got it, boss. I do nothing.”
“And yeah, you don’t bring a guest without checking with me first. In the future.”
Gio exhales as if he wasn’t sure he had a future. “I’m really sorry, Carlo.”
I nod. “I know. We’re cool.”
Surprise flits across his face. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. But cristo, get your head out of your ass. Men at the gym are not your friends.”
Gio bobs his head. “Right, right. I’m sorry. I fucked up. Big time.”
I push to my feet.
“Thanks, Carlo. I appreciate your, uh, understanding.”
I let that one go without acknowledgement, walking to my car and getting in. One question answered. Now to ID the cop and find out what he wants.