33. Tatiana

33

TATIANA

I t had been two weeks since everything had gone down in the locker room at Butcher and Son, and to say I was surprised things had been normal… was an understatement.

I didn't know what Gio and my brothers talked about after the blowout, but they hadn't killed each other, so whatever understanding they'd come to had definitely made my life easier.

I didn't have to worry about sneaking around behind their backs. I didn't have to lie to them anymore. They might not accept—probably never would, if I were being honest—me being with Gio, but the fact of the matter was, they didn't have a choice .

Because I was with him—in love with Gio—and nothing and no one would change that.

I glanced over at the man in question, who sat right beside me in his private plane.

The hum of the jet engines was a soothing rumble that filled my ears. I shifted on the buttery-soft leather seat, inhaling deeply and catching the dark, spicy undertones of Gio's cologne.

He glanced at me, his bright blue eyes a stark contrast to his tan skin and black hair. "So beautiful," he murmured under his breath and cupped my jaw, his thumb brushing along my bottom lip a second before he dipped in and kissed me.

Long and slow. So thoroughly that I felt my toes curl and my heart race.

But he pulled back far too soon, and I leaned forward, wanting more. He chuckled, low and deep.

"Your neediness is maddening, sweetheart," he said, and I almost felt hurt until he continued, "I love it too much . But I hope you always crave me this way."

I loved how his voice became gruff, like he was trying to control himself.

"I do."

He hummed, and I realized I'd spoken out loud.

He leaned forward, his lips by my ear. "I want nothing more than to fuck you right here, right now."

I licked my lips and softly moaned at the image that conjured up.

"But I have to have some kind of self-control, baby, especially where you're concerned."

"No, you don't, Gio. I don't want you to have any self-control where we're concerned."

"Dio, ragazza. Le cose che mi fai. Il modo in cui mi fai sentire mi fa impazzire." God, girl. The things you do to me. The way you make me feel drives me crazy.

His cell vibrated, and he kissed me sweetly before answering it.

I focused out the window at the vastness of the sky stretching out around us. A crystal glass of water was set in front of me, and I glanced about at the opulence of the private jet. But I couldn't seem to keep my eyes off Gio, my gaze always returning to him no matter how hard I tried to take in anything else, as he spoke softly and deeply to someone in Russian.

Gio was always composed, always in control. And even though his tone was easy and steady, there was a tension that always surrounded him that told me how dangerous and powerful he was. It made my heart race.

I tried staring out the window again, but only after a moment of peering at the beauty of the open world around us, I felt him watching me. My eyes went right back to Gio, and I almost gasped at the possessiveness I saw directed right at me. As if he knew damn well I couldn't stop admiring him.

Staring into his eyes was like falling into an abyss where only the two of us existed.

He hung up without another word, cutting off the other person I could hear still speaking, as he pulled the cell away from his ear then put it down next to him. He cupped the back of my neck and pulled me toward him until our lips met in a soft kiss that soon heated into a frenzy.

And the longer we kissed, the more intense it became. There was no gentleness in the way he claimed me, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

"I want more," I said against his lips, and he groaned in response.

I arched against him, craving more, needing more of Gio. His touch was addicting, and I knew I'd never get enough. This was where I belonged, and I wanted to stay right here, in this moment, forever.

When he finally pulled back, his breaths were hot and heavy. I saw and sensed erotic darkness pouring off of him.

"I'm going to make you see how much I want you… how much you mean to me, Tatiana." Gio said the words, low and filled with so much possession I almost told him there was no need to.

Almost.

He shifted so he could grip my waist and help me stand, and before I knew what was happening, he turned me around and gently pushed me forward with a big hand right between my shoulder blades.

I had to grip the seat ahead of us—my palms resting on the smooth leather as I curled my nails into it, holding on for whatever was about to happen in this vulnerable position. I was stretched out, the imbalance that forced me to keep my hands occupied a form of bondage without ties, making me feel exposed even though I was completely dressed.

I looked over my shoulder, feeling my cheeks heat because of how intently he watched me. I let my gaze travel lower and rolled my hips forward until I could see the massive erection pressing against his pant leg.

God, he was so hard for me.

And when he saw where I was staring, Gio grabbed the zipper of his slacks and dragged it down. He pulled out his huge, thick, and long cock and started stroking himself from root to tip until pre-cum beaded at the slit. He used it as lubrication and kept jerking off as I watched him.

"Lift your skirt, pull your panties down, and let me look at the prettiest pussy I've ever seen."

I shimmied the material up to my waist before I gripped the edge of my panties and pushed them down to my ankles. Before I knew what was about to happen, Gio slid his hands along my inner thighs and pulled my legs apart. But with my panties around my ankles, I could only spread them so wide. It was enough for Gio to get to me, though… thank God. Not only did I need him to touch me, to sate this burning need, but I also wouldn't put it past him to rip my panties in order to give him the room he desired.

"So perfect," Gio said, seeming to be speaking to himself. He had his hands on my ass, his palms so big, so masculine, they covered the mounds.

I couldn't breathe, and the lack of oxygen was making me feel dizzy. It's why I didn't contemplate what his filthy plan was before Gio had my ass cheeks spread, the chilled air touching the most sensitive parts of me .

Goose bumps popped out along my flesh, and I shivered.

"God, you're so fucking beautiful," he growled, his mouth so close to my pussy I felt the gentle current of his warm breath along my folds and ass.

He ran his tongue up my pussy, starting at my clit and dragging it all the way until he was teasing along my throbbing opening. I shivered again, silently begging him to eat me out.

But to my disappointment, he pulled back, helped me to stand up straight again, and turned me around. Gio pulled me closer and curled his hands around my waist.

"So fucking sweet." He lifted my leg, my panties left on the floor, and placed my foot on the armrest, positioning me so I was spread and my pussy lips were parted for his viewing pleasure.

I was so wet I could feel my juices sliding against the lips of my pussy and down my inner thigh. I was ready for him and was close to begging Gio for it. But before I uttered a word, he leaned forward again and started eating me out.

He dragged his tongue through my soaked lips, pulling moans from me. I should have been humiliated because I knew the flight staff could hear me, but I was so lost in my pleasure I didn't care .

"More, Gio."

I placed my hands on his shoulders to steady myself as he licked and sucked on my clit.

"I'll give you more than you can handle, cara ."

Not possible. I'll take whatever it is you want to give me.

He had his hands on my ass, squeezing the mounds almost painfully as he devoured me.

With one more lick through my pussy, he pulled away, his mouth glossy from my arousal, his breathing haggard as he stared into my eyes.

"I'm so fucking hard for you," he said and reached down, rubbing his hand over his exposed, monstrous cock. " Christ ."

I could see how feral he was right now, and it turned me on like nothing else.

Before I could beg him to fuck me, Gio had his thumbs on the lips of my pussy, pulled them apart, and licked and sucked at my clit once again, this time like he couldn't get enough.

I knew I couldn't.

It was like he was dying for me, just like I was for him. And the fact that the flight staff could walk through the little door that gave us minimal privacy made this an even more exciting experience.

He ate me out until my legs shook, and I was on the verge of coming thirty-one thousand feet in the air. He moved his mouth over my clit and started sucking on it hard.

"You taste so damn good. So… mine, cara ."

And just like that, I came for him, digging my nails into his shoulders and riding the wave of ecstasy.

He grunted and renewed his efforts on my pussy until he drove my orgasm even higher. I was touching heaven right now and never wanted to come down.

When the pleasure faded, I sagged and exhaled roughly, my body shaking from the after-effects of my orgasm.

"My pretty girl," he whispered. Reaching down to the floor, Gio picked up my panties, placing the silky fabric under his nose and inhaling, breathing deeply before spearing me with a possessive gaze.

Groaning a curse, he grudgingly helped me step into them, tugged my skirt down into place, and pulled me onto his lap.

For long seconds, he just held me, rubbing his hand over my thigh before moving it to my belly, and then rested his palm on my abdomen. I collapsed, my head on his shoulder, and closed my eyes, knowing I could have fallen asleep like this, with Gio holding me tightly and me knowing nothing and no one would hurt me as long as he was watching over me.

"I love you, Tatiana. I love you with everything in my cold, dark heart, and I never want to be without you."

I felt a small smile curve my lips and then pressed them to the side of his neck. "I love you more."

He held me tighter and whispered, "Not possible."

We sat there so long that I started to drift off, with Gio's palm still on my belly, the heat and weight of it causing my insides to flutter.

When he shifted slightly, it roused me. I saw him reach into his pocket. I rubbed the drowsiness from my eyes and saw him pull out a small, velvet box. My breath hitched because I knew what it was.

"I've never been a man who expressed his feelings or showed emotion, Tatiana." Gio's voice was low and rough. He always had this natural menace in his tone that sent a thrill down my spine. "You're mine. You understand that, right?"

I nodded because there was no other reaction or answer I would ever give him.

"But that's not enough. I want more. I want it all." He opened it and showed me the diamond solitaire. "I want to make you my wife. I need to."

I stared at the ring. It was so large and dazzling it caught the light coming through the window.

My heart was pounding in my chest.

"Marry me. I won't take no for an answer."

I could have laughed at how gruff his proposal was. There were no grand romantic gestures coupled with it, but I loved Gio's rawness.

"I may be the devil from deep within the pits of hell, but you're my queen, and that'll never change." He pulled the ring out and took my hand, slipping the diamond onto my ring finger. "Marry me," Gio demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. He spoke like a man who was used to getting what he wanted.

I stared down at my finger… speechless.

"I'll protect you with my life. I'll make sure you and our children never want for anything and are never afraid a day in your lives."

I knew he spoke the truth.

"I'll worship you, cara ."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the ring on my finger like the very promise that he'd move heaven and hell for me .

I was meant to be his, and there was no place I'd rather be.

"I'm not an easy man to love, but you're in my heart, sweetheart. So this proposal isn't a request. It's a demand, and it's a vow that I'll never let you go."

If any other man had told me that, I might have kneed him in the balls. But with it being Gio, I felt my heart swell and my belly flutter.

"I want to say I'd accept no for an answer, but that would be a fucking li?—"

"Like I'd ever say no," I whispered and cupped his face. The scruff on his cheeks and chin was rough under my palm, but it reminded me of how masculine he was. "Yes, Gio." My voice trembled with all the emotion I felt for him. "I want you forever."

I swore I saw a flicker of something pass across his ruggedly handsome face. Was it… relief? God, did this strong, powerful man actually think I'd ever deny him? I loved him more than I could ever put into words.

And then he groaned and crushed his lips against mine, as a sort of silent, brutal, and passionate promise between us. I loved that he was anything but gentle. Gio showed me how much he wanted me with every single touch .

And for the rest of the flight, he held me on his lap as he ran his hands up and down my arms and legs before rubbing small circles on my belly. He was petting me, I realized, as if he couldn't help himself, couldn't keep his hands off me.

When the jet finally touched down on the West Coast, I felt my nervousness finally take the forefront. I'd only been to the West Coast a few times in my life, but this felt different because I was here in Gio's domain as his fiancée.

I glanced down at my ring, at the diamond that was massive and surrounded by sapphires. The light caught it, and it sparkled. A little smile curved the corners of my mouth.

Everything felt almost surreal.

"Come on, baby. Let me show you my world." He took my hand and led me off the jet and into a waiting black car that sat on the tarmac.

The drive to his home was about an hour, and the whole time, Gio kept me pressed close to his side. I realized he loved placing his big hand on my belly and just holding me there, as if he were still trying to come to terms that it was all real.

I know exactly how you feel.

We finally pulled up to his home, and I leaned forward to look out the window at the massive, sprawling estate.

The mansion was imposing, with perfectly manicured landscaping and a warmth that seemed almost like a fa?ade to cover up the horror I knew Gio had been put through behind those walls.

It wasn't until we were inside that I realized Claudia and Amara were also there, along with Dmitry and Nikolai, who stood like overprotective watch dogs beside them.

My sisters-in-law greeted me with a warmth that always seemed to surround each of them. It wasn't until I looked at my brothers that I saw their expressions and the tension radiating off them.

Okay, they were here on business with Gio, and judging by the darkness I felt taking over by the second, the more I knew I wanted to get out of this house and check out the grounds.

"Can you show me around outside?"

The girls picked up on my need to get the hell away and nodded toward the hallway that led to a sunroom I could make out down the hall.

Before I was led away, Gio caught me around my waist and pulled me in close. He curled a hand around the back of my neck and dipped his head to kiss me long and deep. Right in front of my brothers and their wives.

Dmitry and Nikolai started talking shit in Russian under their breath, and I felt Gio's smirk against my lips. That had me chuckling and breaking away. I stared up at Gio, knowing the last thing I wanted was for another fight to break out. Although, surprisingly, my brothers stayed back and just glowered with irritation.

I didn't miss how they kept glancing at my hand, and I realized I wore that big fucking rock on my ring finger but hadn't told them about being newly engaged.

I guess they know now.

"Miss me while I'm gone?" I whispered as I smiled up at Gio.

He got all serious and leaned down to murmur against my lips, "When you're not with me, it feels like my heart is gone."

I felt my belly flutter at his words because he said it with such fervor that I knew he spoke the truth.

With one more kiss, I forced myself to turn away and follow the girls, but I glanced over my shoulder to see my brothers and future husband heading in the other direction.

We found our way into the sunroom and then went outside to the garden. I felt my eyes widen at how beautiful and peaceful everything was. I'd always lived amongst the cement and steel of a bustling city. Seeing this serene oasis made me feel as if I missed out on a whole other kind of world.

"Mama!" a little voice shouted, and I glanced to the side to see Luca running toward us with a bundle of flowers in his tiny hands.

The sight of my nephew had a big smile spreading across my face.

Amara scooped up her son and held him tightly, and all of us went over to one of the stone benches to sit down, letting Luca run around and pick more flowers.

"Congrats," Claudia said softly, and I looked down at my ring and then smiled as I glanced up at her. But she was staring at my belly. Instinctively, I placed my hand on my stomach and felt this warm glow settle over me.

"I don't have to tell you that secrets rarely stay hidden for long with the type of men in our lives."

That made me chuckle because that was so damn true.

"I think congrats are in order for all of us." I stared at Claudia, since Gio recently told me that she—as well as her sister, who had gotten pregnant again before either of us—was now expecting, and I exhaled as reality settled in deep.

"Crazy, right?" she prompted in a soft voice as we stared out at the gardens. "That we are where we are."

I knew what she meant and couldn't have agreed any more deeply.

"Truer words have never been spoken." We all laughed at how crazy the world was, but had it ever been better than it was now?

And I knew it was only going to get better.

As we sat amongst the flowers, with the sun shining down and warming everything it touched, I took a deep breath and just let my happiness consume me. And although I wanted to hang on to this euphoria for as long as I could—for my entire life—in our world, happiness was always poisoned by darkness.

But for now, at this moment, I didn't think about any of that shit. I just focused on the here and now and taking one day at a time.

I allowed myself to enjoy the fact that I was going to be an aunt again, bringing my total to three little ones I'd get to spoil and then hand back over to their parents. I let the joy take over that I was newly engaged and had a man who loved me and our unborn baby more than anything else.

I felt the warmth of my sisters-in-laws' support and that my brothers accepted I was happy and were letting me make my own life decisions.

In our world, where love and darkness were like oil and water and giving into your happiness could mean life or death, I was finally being selfish and taking what I wanted.

And fuck anyone or anything that tried to change that for me.