Roman Bruno is the worst kind of Capo in the Northeast.
Recently given his position, seeing as his father went to prison for witness tampering—such a rookie mistake—he’s taken on his family like a king to a new court. He’s despicable, vile, the kind of man who I would never want to meet out at night.
Not because he would hurt me. But because I’d rip his head clean off his neck for his inexcusable ways.
The De Luca organization is certainly not a pious business venture. We run drugs. With Ace’s connection, we now can add gun running to the mix.
But Bruno? They run girls.
The few strip clubs in the city he owns are tame to what they do at the docks. To what and who they move around the country. The kind of business that would make any blackened heart break.
The man sitting in front of me is my age, with slicked back hair and the typical gangster clothing that belongs in the 20s. Tailored suit, grimy smile, and polished shoes.
My fingers twitch to pull my gun. He’s a snake and a slimy one at that. He doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as me.
I ease back into my office chair, Tony perched by the only exit as guard. I don’t like to think how comforting it is to have Killian on my side. But I take a stark, sick pleasure in the fear in Bruno’s eyes whenever they land on the killer.
Good. Even if it’s a crutch, having the reaper on my side helps.
“You can imagine my surprise,” Roman says, steepling his fingers. He’s only been in control for a few months and acts as if the entire business was built on his back. “To get a call from your cousin days before his failed coup.”
“Quite the surprise,” I murmur.
Roman smiles. “Our deal was with him. But we’d be happy to extend the contract to you. For a fair price, of course.”
A contract that would give Dom backing to take over the family. Would have given the Bruno family control over Ace’s assets. Dom sold his loyalty all in the name of power.
My power. My legacy. My fucking wife.
I wish he was here just so I could pump a few bullets into his head. It’d certainly make me feel better.
“It wouldn’t be fair business not to offer the same deal.”
Roman, stupidly, thinks I’ll make the same deal.
Because this isn’t about me, it’s about Ace’s clan. He wants her, her family, and thinks he can use me as a stepping stone to get it.
Unfortunately, Roman didn’t account for Ace to have a personal attack dog ready to kill anything that threatened her reign.
Killian smirks, tossing a wet woven bag onto the desk. There’s a splat of something disgusting before whatever is in the bag rolls out, covering my desk in a thick sheen of wet red blood.
It thumps, unevenly rolling across the surface, before it stops in front of Roman.
It’s a head.
Dom’s severed head, cut straight from his neck, the spinal cord still attached.
The urge to vomit is strong but I lock it down, grasping my chair arms like it’s my salvation. I’m used to torture, and the effects, but something about the O’Brien clan’s method doesn’t sit right in my gut. It’s barbaric, bloody and grotesque. The way they take pleasure in the act is unholy, at best.
I won’t deny I’m a little green at the sight, but it’s Roman who looks worse. Face pale, his eyes are wide, fingers digging into his thighs as if it’ll keep his lunch down.
“You killed your own blood?”
It’s accusatory. One I don’t respond to because fuck this guy.
“No,” Killian replies happily, sliding his hands into his pockets. “He didn’t.”
Roman glares at the killer but turns toward me. “We won’t be negotiating with the De Luca family. How can we trust you to hold up your ties when you treat your family so poorly?”
Rolling my eyes, I fold my hands into my lap. “First off, Roman, you’re a fucking idiot.” I hold up one finger as if checking things off a list. Tony smirks, covering his laugh with a cough. “Second, we won’t be entertaining any contract with you. Bruno might make profits off women’s backs, but De Luca and by extension, the O’Brien clan, doesn’t. And third.” I gesture to the bloody head. “We didn’t do this.”
“Ace did,” Killian purrs, leaning forward. He seems pleased to see the color drain even further from Roman’s face. He’s ghostly white now and I take immense pleasure in it.
“Ace? Dom was taken weeks ago. This head is still bleeding.”
Killian licks his lips. “Ace was awfully upset about the treatment of her baby sister. It was almost like she was possessed. Needed to exorcise the sins. You can imagine what she might do in that kind of state.”
Ace tortured Dom for weeks in retaliation for what he did to Sloane. What he tried to do in that house. For the branding that sits, still healing, on my wife’s chest.
A fire rages inside me, burning with the last remnants of betrayal, but I smirk when I see Roman’s wheels turning. He’s doing the math, sizing up Ace’s destruction.
It’s good to be in an alliance with a psychopath.
“And then you cut his head off.”
Killian smiles and I have to fight off a flinch. The man is the Reaper come to collect, a ghoul who would surely take us all to hell if it made him happy. “No. She did it.”
Roman stills and I can’t help it. I laugh.
He clears his throat, uneasy with this information. “There’s still the matter of what we gave Dom.”
My eyes snap to the snake’s. There’s his catch. The reason for this impromptu visit. I wouldn’t have even entertained such a thing if he hadn’t showed up and in good faith, left his guards outside. “What is that?”
“A large sum of money.” He waves his hands around. “To back his takeover. It was to be repaid with flesh once the merger was complete.”
“Flesh,” I murmur. Killian leans over the desk, a dog chomping at the leash to be let off and maul the man in front of me. “He was going to sell you, who exactly? The remaining O’Brien women?”
“You can’t think they’re so innocent.” He scoffs. “Your wife, although has been out of the papers for a few weeks, is known for letting anyone near her pussy. Collins? She appears innocent enough, but I know differently. But Ace?” His eyes glow with dark secrets. “Ace is the one a great number of people would kill to claim. You must have heard the rumors about her?”
Killian moves so quickly, a knife stabbed into the man’s shoulder, pinning him to the armchair before I can blink. Roman yells, cursing him out, but it doesn’t deter the killer.
A gun appears at his temple and the safety is off. Killian is one second away from killing the head of the rival family in Boston and spilling his blood all over my floors.
“Linwood,” I drawl, though my heart is pounding in my ears, adrenaline pooling in my fingers to grab a gun and stop this madness. If he spills blood in my office, I’ll be liable for a war I didn’t start.
Even if the bastard in front of me deserves it.
“Call off your dog,” Roman wheezes, Killian’s hand holds his throat, knuckles white. The killer barely blinks, black eyes trained on his target. He’s going to snap his thick neck before he can shoot him, if I can’t pull him back.
I shrug quietly. Standing to my full height, I button my jacket, slipping between them to lean on the desk. The picture of calm, like war isn’t about to erupt right all in front of me, I glare into the bastard’s fearful eyes.
“He’s not mine to command. You insulted his captain.” I’m playing with terms. Killian is his own person, but his loyalty has always been to Ace. “He has every right to blow your brains out all over my very expensive Italian leather chairs.”
“Gladly,” he growls.
Roman narrows his eyes on me. “I just mentioned the rumors about Ace and her—”
Killian digs the gun into his temple. “Say it one more time and it’ll be the last thing you ever fucking mention.”
Rumors about Ace are a trigger. Duly noted.
“We’re businessmen, Roman,” I say, holding my hands open. “Let’s make a deal that settles Dom’s debts and agrees to get us both out of each other’s hairs. And maybe Killian lets you live another day, hm?”
His jaw tenses. “What do you propose?”
“You came with… whatever the woman downstairs is to you.” I’d say wife, but that would insult the woman. More than likely, she’s his new favorite. The Bruno men always seem to have a woman, use her and then give her back to the trade to sell.
He nods. “Jaconda.”
“Fine. Jaconda.” A fake name, I’m sure. “We’ll see whose woman is more obedient. You like obedient women, don’t you, Roman? You’re always breaking them in your club. We’ll call for them with the intercom. Whoever’s woman appears first, wins.”
“And what do I win?”
Killian jabs the barrel further into his head. “How about your miserable life?”
“And your money.” I take out the company checkbook, sitting it on my desk. “I’ll write you a check now for the money owed. If I win, then everything is dropped.” I glance up to Killian, reading the fury on his face. “And you don’t mention rumors about my sister-in-law again. Deal?”
Killian seems to take the peace offering, releasing the mobster with a solid shake. He even pulls the blade out, much to Roman’s protest.
The wet squelch echoes around us, blood spraying the edges of his dress shirt.
I push the button on the intercom. “Liza,” I call down into the security officer who watches the club during off hours. “Are Sloane and Jaconda right there with you?”
“Yes, they are,” she replies. There are footsteps, and she continues, “They can both hear you.”
“Great. Can you both come up here when you’re free?”
The line goes silent.
“Now we wait.”
Sitting back on to my office chair, I watch Killian wipe the blood off on the dagger on to Roman’s designer suit and throw a dirty rag at him. “Staunch the blood. The Capo hates to see his floors dirty.”
It shouldn’t strike me to be called Capo after months of learning the role. But it does.
After the attack at the estate, Nico just didn’t have it in him anymore. When a bullet didn’t kill him, Maria swore she would if he didn’t give it up.
Instead of rebuilding their home, they found a townhouse in the center of Little Italy, surrounded by those like them; Saturday nights dining at authentic restaurants and enjoying their Sunday mornings at church.
Sloane and I found our own penthouse in downtown, close enough to the business and nightlife, while still being near her new venture.
My wife took that charity and turned it into a brand-new idea: event planning, she has an eye for details and parties. It’s still in the planning stages, but there’s a list of clients ready to work with her.
“I hope you understand, I know your wife’s reputation.” Roman sighs, patting his shoulder. He looks faint. Apparently, the Capo can’t handle the sight of blood. “She’s not one to respond well to leashes. When Jaconda shows up, make sure the check is made out to Roman Bruno the Second, will you, Alessio?”
I want to let Killian stab him again. I’d like to see the bastard drop.
“I’ve spent the last few months breaking in my new wife, Roman.” I lean back, enjoying how his eyes track Killian like a cornered mouse. “You’ll be surprised how well she behaves now.”
How well she behaves for me. Only me.
I never wanted to break who Sloane was, only own her. I wanted to possess her, keep her close, feel her in my soul like another part of my essence. And I’ve done that.
Five minutes passes before Tony opens the door.
Sloane walks in looking like the morning sun, bright red hair piled high with her lush body wrapped into a tight pink sundress that shows off all her curves. If my business wasn’t in Boston, I’d pack her up and live in the tropics just to keep her in those dresses.
I’m sure she isn’t wearing any panties, and my groin tightens with the urge to find out.
“You called?” she asks, sliding to my side, perching on to the arm of my chair. I smirk at Roman’s furious expression, feeling a surge of pride as she gently strokes my neck, like a good, obedient wife.
It’s all for show, but Roman doesn’t know that.
“You cheating bastard,” he accuses.
My eyebrows raise innocently. “I never took you as a sore loser.”
“This was a set up.”
“A set up?” My voice hardens. “In which I didn’t know you’d be here today, claiming repayment for a debt I didn’t make?”
Killian chuckles behind him. “This is going to be fun.”
Standing to my full height, I brace against the desk. “The deal is done. The De Luca family doesn’t owe you jack shit. If you want to argue differently,” I glance over to Killian, “I’m sure Ace’s personal attack dog would be willing to handle your grievances. He seems to have some aggression to work out.”
“Please argue,” the killer coos. My shoulders tense at the decidedly happy tone and the way he flips that black knife in his large palm. Where did that come from? “I haven’t killed anyone in three days.”
Properly cowed, Bruno abruptly leaves my office, Tony and Killian on his heels. Leaving me with my wife in the relative silence of the office.
“Did I win?” Sloane asks, sliding into my vacate seat.
“Yes, menace, you won. Like you thought you would,” I drawl, dropping my gloves on to my desk. My cock twitches, enjoying her in my chair.
Grinning at me, she delicately opens her legs, allowing me to peer up her skirt. No panties, just like I thought. Her perfectly pink pussy glistens, already wet and ready for me to lick clean.
“Then I get to pick my prize.”
I grin. “You do,” I agree, dropping my jacket on to the desk. “What did you have in mind?”
She crooks her finger, daring me closer. Once within touching distance, she grabs my hair, pulling me close, lips brushing her vibrantly red ones.
She smells like rose and sex, and I want to paint her in my cum just to remind her who she belongs to. Just so I know I’m always with her.
“What do you want, husband?”
My hands slide up her thighs, pushing the skirt to her hips. Right over her breast, the healed tissue of her brand catches my eye, and I drop to my knees, intent on replacing any bad thoughts she might have with only me.
“Let me use my tongue to taste this beautiful cunt.” My words rumble from my chest. “And let me hear those screams I’m so found of.”
She smirks, leaning back. But that won’t do. I want more, I need all of this.
I throw one leg over the armchair, the other doing the same. Her thick curves are held by the Italian leather, her dress bunches around her waist.
“Fucking hell, woman.” I ease forward, placing my nose at the apex of her thighs, smelling her. “You look like heaven sitting like this before me.”
Her cheeks flush and her eyes darken with lust.
“Take out your hair.”
She licks her lips, pulling the locks free. They curl around her chest, over her breasts like red silk.
“Let me see those beautiful tits, menace.” My throat is dry. I’m dying to taste her, to see her lose control and soak my face. “Play with them while I lick this pussy and you ride my face.”
Without hesitation, she pulls down her bodice, full breasts falling free.
Mio Dio she’s going to kill me.
“Touch yourself, Sloane. I want to see your hands there while my hands hold these gorgeous legs.”
My fingers rake against her skin, red lines curving into her flesh. She hisses, pulling at her nipples with earnest.
My mouth lowers, not wasting time to suck her clit between my teeth. She shoots forward, one hand sinking into my dark curls, nail scratching my scalp.
“Fuck,” I groan, enjoying the way her taste explodes on my tongue. “Sloane, you taste incredible.”
“You just had me,” she breathes, holding me to her center. My tongue laps at her lips, swirling insider her core.
I groan. “And I could feast on you every day, every hour. You taste like divinity.”
Nibbling along her folds, I hold her open wide, diving in with intent. I memorize her taste, the feel of her body in my hands, thankful I get this one more time with her.
All those weeks ago, could have been the end of this.
I won’t let it be. I need Sloane. She is my salvation, my hope, my fears, the embodiment of my heart outside my body. If I have to worship on my knees for the rest of my life to remind her of my love and devotion, then I will.
Lifting up her hips, I press close, fingers trailing up her legs. Soon she’s moaning, withering in my grasp just like I want. I need this as much as she does.
I need those whimpers, the way her body tenses, how her hips buck against my face chasing her high.
It’s not long before I feel her core clench around my tongue. Fuck, she’s close. I replace my tongue with my fingers, paying attention to her clit. Flicking my tongue, I pump my fingers, curling them upward, bringing her higher still.
“Lex,” she moans, one hand pinching her nipple, the other holding me closer. Her makeup is smeared, her hair mussed, and she’s never looked more beautiful.
Sloane is my fucking perfect mess and I need more.
“Come for me, baby, let everyone hear what I do to you. Scream.”
She rocks twice more before she falls over the edge, her body going stiff as the orgasm crests. She soaks my face, dripping on to my seat.
I’m never wiping it off. I want her to mark every piece of furniture in this office.
Standing, I grab her hair, holding her head to my face. “You made a mess, Sloane. Clean it up.”
My chin is damp, and eagerly, her tongue darts out, lapping up at the juices there. She does three passes before I catch her tongue, sucking her into my mouth, draining her taste from her mouth.
I want all of her, forever. I won’t even share with her.
I lift her, pulling her hair until it’s wrapped around my wrist.
“Over the desk, menace. Ass out.”
Shoving her down, I place a hand on her neck, keeping her legs wide. Her pussy drips, coating her thighs. My cock is painfully hard, enraged and ready.
“You did so well, coming when I called for you,” I praise. I know Sloane has a praise kink, wanting that satisfaction that she did right.
Her shoulders drop, her red nails clawing into my desk. I’ll have marks there come tonight before business and God, I can’t wait to see it.
A beautiful, dirty memory just for me.
“You’re my good girl, aren’t you?” I ask, hand gripping her ass, spreading her cheeks.
Fuck, I want every hole, every part of her to be claimed by me. I plan on exploring every inch of her tolerance, every bit of her body until it’s permanently holding my marks.
“Answer me.” I yank her head back, biting her earlobe. “Tell me you’re my good girl, Sloane.”
“I’m your good girl.”
She gets even wetter.
I unzip my pants, cock springing free. Lining up to her entrance, I shove her head back down, lifting her hip so her body is arched.
“I’m going to fuck you until that mascara runs and you look thoroughly ruined. I want you walking out this office, messy and fucked to within an inch of my life. And you’ll walk out with my cum leaking from this pretty pussy. Do you understand?”
She tenses, turning her head to meet my eyes.
“What if I refuse?”
I slap her ass, feeling her body vibrate with pain and pleasure.
“This isn’t up for discussion, Sloane. You’ll walk out of here with me leaking down your legs so everyone knows who you belong to.” I slap her ass again, a red rose blooming along her right cheek. My hand runs over it immediately, soothing the bite of pain.
“If I want you full of me, so full of me that there’s no mistaking who you belong to. Me.”
I slam into her, shoving my cock so far into her that my balls bounce off her clit. She rears back, the pleasure spinning through us both.
Her loud moan rings out in my office, and it’s like choir voices singing a heavenly tune. I need to hear it again. I withdraw, slamming back inside her, her moan deeper.
“Fuck, I could get used to that sound.”
She laughs, voice shaking. “You better. We’re married. Only death will part us.”
God, I love the sound of that. Gone is the woman who wanted to cause a divorce, who would flee from me if given the chance. Now she’s mine, begging to be fucked raw and stay my wife.
I’ve never thought I was blessed, but now I’m sure God’s given me a great gift after all the shit I’ve experienced.
He gave me Sloane.
My hips thrust, pinning her to the edge of the desk, fucking her roughly. The desk moves, papers fall to the ground, pens scatter. At one point, Sloane almost falls off the edge and only my hand in her hair keeps her still.
“You can’t escape me, Sloane.” I grunt, feeling the signs of my orgasm coming. My balls tighten, the nerves up my spine firing harshly. Sloane’s body is tightening, her mouth opened into an O. She’s so damn close, I need to feel her finish.
“You’re mine, baby. This is it. You’ll be mine until you’re old and grey, until our great-grandchildren bury us in side-by-side graves. You’ll be mine even after death. I’ll make sure to never let you go.”
She groans, screaming out as she comes, soaking my cock as I release inside of her. It’s violent and hard as I pump everything into her.
She drops to the desk, body completely spent, but I’m not done.
Withdrawing, I use my bare fingers to push my cum further inside of her.
“Marking you with my cum is just one step, Sloane. I’m going to make sure you can’t ever leave me,” I say darkly, smiling as she moans, enjoying my fingers even though she can barely open her eyes.
“How’s that, dear husband?” she taunts, trying to push me away.
I hold her still. “You’ll bear my children. If you think I’m going to waste my cum and not wish for it to put a child in this body, you’re wrong.” I lean forward, lips brushing against her neck and jawline. “Call me toxic, but I’ll tie you to me in any way I can get you. Including this.”
I expect her to rage, to complain about taking her choice from her. I’m ready for it.
Instead, she flashes a wide, beautiful smile. “It’s a good thing you’re going to be a father then, Lex.” Those green eyes look up and I see the truth there, naked and bare to me. “Guess you’re not the only one toxic in this relationship.”
My heart nearly explodes from happiness.
THE END
