Chapter Sixteen

I was glad when the party was finally over. Schmoozing all these rich, narcissistic people really wasn’t my thing. Marcella? She was a master at it. As the man at her side, I’d probably have to get better at it as well. Or maybe I’d always be the closet lover.

I smiled wryly.

“Why are you smiling?” Marcella asked in a drowsy voice. Her head rested on my shoulder so I wasn’t sure how she could have seen. Then I caught my reflection in the black high gloss privacy glass between the back of the limousine and the driver.

“Just wondering if I’ll ever be as skilled at socializing as you are. Now that we’re official, I guess I’ll have to attend more parties.”

Marcella lifted her head. She looked tired but still indescribably gorgeous. I burned to touch her. The few chaste and not-so-chaste kisses we’d shared since I’d eaten her pussy hadn’t sated my hunger for her. I wanted more.

I stroked her thigh through the silk of her dress.

“A kiss doesn’t make us official. My father will have to release an official statement with the state of our bond. That usually happens shortly before or after an engagement.”

I almost choked on my spit. Engagement? I knew marriage was a big deal in the mafia world, but for some reason, stupidly, I’d never considered it to come up so soon. Did our kiss mean we’d have to get engaged right away?

“Regretting the kiss?” Marcella asked teasingly, but her eyes were boring into mine.

“Hell no.” I grabbed her neck and pulled her in for another kiss. “I’ll never regret kissing you, not that very first time and not any time that followed and all the times that will still come. I’m just a bit out of my element, Snow White. My life’s taking a drastic turn. Suddenly, I’m a mafia supporter who considers marriage and needs to become best buddies with his former archenemy. That’s a lot to take in.”

“It is,” Marcella said. “And we can take it one step at a time. We both have a lot to figure out. I don’t see us getting engaged or married any time soon either.”

Ouch. Hearing her dismiss the possibility like this, made me wonder if maybe Marcella didn’t really want me at her side infinitely. My hold on her neck tightened, my eyes burning into hers. “You are mine, Marcella. I want to be the man by your side. One day I’ll call you mine officially.”

Marcella pressed a kiss against my lips and I pulled her half on top of me, needing to feel every inch of her. My fingers tangled in her long hair, tilting her head so I could deepen our kiss. Our soft pants soon filled the narrow space. My palm slid over her back, enjoying the way her skin pimpled under my touch. I dipped lower, kissing her throat.

The car slowed and Marcella gripped my shoulders, pushing me away. “We can’t do this here. We’re home.”

I groaned when the car came to a stop a moment later and the engine was turned off.

I rubbed my thumb over her swollen lips. “How about you ride on my bike with me tonight?”

Marcella bit her lip. “That would be amazing. I could really use the distraction, but—”

“But your old man needs to give his okay?”

I didn’t bother hiding my annoyance. Not so much with Marcella as with the situation. “Fuck, I want to be with you whenever I want and not have to ask your daddy for permission as if you’re fifteen.”

“You’re right,” Marcella said firmly. “I’ll ride with you. I’m grown up and Dad will have to accept it.”

I grinned and kissed her passionately. We pulled apart when the door opened. Marcella got out and I followed, giving the grim looking bodyguard a sharp smile.

Luca and Aria were already inside the house.

“Maddox and I will do a quick ride on his bike around the city,” Marcella informed the bodyguard.

“That’s not our order.”

“It’s now,” I said. “Marcella told you.”

I led her toward my bike but the bodyguard followed me and actually grabbed my shoulder. I reacted without thinking and smashed my fist into his face. He sagged to his knees.

“Enough,” Marcella hissed when another bodyguard pulled his gun. “Call my father if you must but I’m going on a ride now.”

I handed her a helmet.

Of course, Luca stepped out and headed for us. I stifled the impulse to punch him too.

“What’s going on here?” he asked, sending me a death glare.

“Maddox is taking me for a ride,” Marcella said with a shrug.

Luca shook his head. Marcella stepped up to him and after a moment he gave a curt nod. “Your bodyguards will trail you in a car to make sure you’re safe.”

I got out of the uncomfortable suit jacket and put on my leather jacket even if it looked strange with the slacks and dress shirt I mounted my bike and Marcella bunched up her dress and climbed up behind me. Luca’s gaze could have frozen hell.

“Ready for a ride?” I asked.

Marcella smiled in a way that sent blood straight down to my cock. “Ready.”

I started the engine and pulled away before Luca could change his mind, and of course, the black limousine trailed us.

“How about we escape our guards?” I shouted.

Marcella laughed. “Let’s do it.”

I hit the gas and weaved through traffic so the car couldn’t follow us. After ten minutes, I was sure we’d lost them.

I focused on what had been bugging me from the very start: The hem of the dress kept fluttering up.

It would get entangled in the tires eventually. I pulled up at the curb. My eyes slid along her exposed leg. “Your dress is a problem.”

“You’re right,” she said, looking around. The sidewalk here in Greenwich was deserted, and paparazzi had definitely not followed us. She slid down the zipper slowly and the dress pooled at her feet. Marcella stood before me in nothing but heels and a tiny thong.

Bunching up her dress, she stalked toward me. “It’s getting cold. Can I have your leather jacket?”

I would have given her everything she asked in that moment. Seeing her put on my jacket, I was overflown with a strong sense of possession and protectiveness. Even if Marcella deserved better than me, I would never let her go again. I wanted to be with her, wanted to be the first to kiss those luscious lips in the morning and the last to kiss them in the evening.

With my jacket thrown over her delicate shoulders, Marcella mounted my bike behind me. Her bare legs pressed against mine and maybe it was my imagination, but her pussy was scorching my backside through the fabric of our clothes. “I’d have never thought that the spoiled princess would one day become my old lady.”

“Maddox,” she said in a dangerously sweet voice. “If you call me old lady again, I’ll suffocate you with a pillow in your sleep.”

I grinned.

“Hold on tight,” I said. I suddenly knew where I wanted to take her. It was a place I’d visited on several nights in the last few weeks. Five minutes later we pulled up at the pier that led to Little Island. It was a man-built island on tulip-shaped pillars with a beautiful view of New York and the Hudson River. At this time at night, it was already closed so we would be alone.

I stopped right before the closed gates and got off my bike.

“Wait a sec.” I’d broken into the park before so it didn’t take me long to climb over the fence, trick the security system and open the gates.

Marcella had opened the visor and was smiling appreciatively. Fuck. Seeing her with spread legs on my bike, my leather jacket barely covering her tits and her enticing flat belly and the tiny thong, I almost lost it. I hurried back to her and we rode up the ramp onto Little Island.

It was mostly dark only lamps attached to the banister cast a soft glow on the area. During the opening hours after nightfall, the pathways and several trees were illuminated as well. Now the lights of the city around us were our main light source. I meandered up the pathway that led to the highest spot of the small island. It offered the best views over the city and river and was secluded from the occasional bustle down at the pier.

I pulled to a stop and Marcella dismounted the bike, depriving me of her warmth. She looked around curiously while I got off as well. Her skin appeared almost translucent in the silvery moonlight. Her nipples hardened, dusky red pebbles I wanted to touch and suck. She smiled at me. “I’ve never been here before. How can you know this place when you’ve lived in the city so much shorter than me?”

“I’ve had a lot of time on my hands at night these last few weeks. Discovering the city was a better option than sitting alone in my apartment.”

Marcella regarded me thoughtfully. “You miss your biker family?”

“I miss the company, the laughter and the noise. Silence is not my thing.”

“You’ll find friends in the Famiglia. You and Growl get along well already, and my family will come around too.”

I hadn’t come here to discuss my lonely ass. I wanted to be with Marcella. “I’m not alone now,” I said in a low voice, walking up to her. I slid my hands under the jacket, my calloused palms worshipping Marcella’s silk-like skin. She was a goddess. As fierce as Hera and as beautiful as Aphrodite. I would follow her into Hades if she asked me. I was already halfway there anyway after I’d killed my uncle for her.

She didn’t stop me as my hands cupped her breasts. I stifled a groan as her nipples pebbled even more against my palms. Marcella’s eyes fluttered and her body imperceptibly shifted into my touch. I could feel a shiver race through her body and was confident it wasn’t from the cold. I rubbed my thumbs across her sensitive nipples then lowered my head to capture one of them between my lips. Marcella released a soft moan, all the encouragement I needed.

My tongue circled her nub as my hands traveled down her sides to cup her firm ass. Her muscles constricted under my palm. “Fuck. I missed your taste.”

Marcella grabbed my head and hummed her approval. The sound of the water below the pier and distant voices carried over to us.

“Do you have anything we can lie on?” Marcella asked in a breathless voice.

“Only my jacket, but I think you won’t need it. I’ll keep you warm.”

Marcella grinned knowingly when I helped her out of my jacket and spread it on the ground then lowered Marcella and myself on it. The lawn was soft enough so my jacket was all we needed. Our lips met with less urgency than ever before. The kiss wasn’t rushed. We really discovered each other’s mouths.

I stretched out between Marcella’s legs and resumed my teasing of her breasts. When she became restless, I allowed my lips to discover her ribs then her belly button. The heady scent of her arousal reached my nose and what little blood had remained in my brain now descended into my pants as well. I moved lower and teased Marcella’s pussy lips apart with the tip of my tongue before I caressed along her seam. She was slick with her need for me. Knowing I wasn’t the only one who’d gone almost insane with desire in the last few weeks set me at ease.

“Oh Maddox,” Marcella said thickly as stroked her sensitive folds with the tip of my tongue before I used my piercing to tease her clit. She responded with a low moan and a new flood of arousal. I took my time. I didn’t want to rush this. The gentle thrusting of her hips and the way her fingers kneaded my scalp were good indicators I was doing it right.

Time lost its meaning. Watching Marcella lose herself completely to my touch, forgetting everything around us, even the small possibility of being caught, was rewarding in itself.

I needed to be inside of her. I needed to remind myself that Marcella Vitiello was really mine from her perfectly painted toes to her coal-black crown. I tongued her faster, growing impatient. Her moans picked up, her nails digging into my skin as she gripped my biceps almost desperately.

“Don’t stop,” she whispered thickly.

As I circled her clit, I slipped two fingers into her, stifling a groan at how tightly her walls gripped me. Everything faded to the background as I buried my head in Marcella’s lap and lost myself in her heat and taste. Her fingers raked through my hair and she moaned in the most beautiful way. She arched up and I gave her clit a sharp tug, sending her over the edge.

She cried out, not holding back for the first time. That throaty, lust-filled scream almost made me come in my pants. I watched her, mesmerized by her wanton expression. But even in passion, Marcella looked elegant, as if that invisible crown was still firmly in place.

Eventually I stopped and Marcella’s breathing slowed. My own need was almost unbearable now but I loathed to break the moment. Luckily, Marcella did. She sat up and pushed me down instead. She made quick work of my pants and soon my briefs joined them on the grass. My cock already had a heartbeat of its own. Marcella kneeled beside me and curled her hand around the base of my shaft. She gave me a coy look as she tossed her long hair over one elegant shoulder.

I hadn’t expected it and nearly burst as she bent down and took me into her mouth. Considering how often I’d imagined that moment, it was bound to disappoint but somehow she managed to beat my horny mind. I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she sucked my cock. Her silky tresses fell forward, curtaining her face. I quickly brushed them back then held them up when they threatened to fall again. I needed to see her to believe it.

Sometimes her teeth grazed my cock or she had trouble coordinating her hand-mouth-movement. It reminded me that this was the first time she did it. I was the first guy she did it with, and that made every sloppiness so much sexier than I ever thought it could be.

“Stop,” I growled and gripped her shoulders, gently pushing her back. “I need to be inside of you, Snow White. I can’t wait another second.”

I gripped her hips and helped her straddle me. My eyes took in her dusty pink nipples against the paleness of her skin, the shiny black silk of her hair against my skin. My eyes dipped lower to where our bodies joined. I teased her clit with my piercing until she panted softly once more. Then I positioned my fat tip at her entrance and lifted my hips. Her lips opened wider, her tongue sliding along her upper lip. She exhaled as she took more of me in.

This was the moment I would have gladly died. If Vitiello wanted me dead, he could kill me and I’d die a happy man, especially knowing he’d be sick knowing I banged his beautiful daughter. Marcella lowered herself until her ass cheeks touched my balls. Her lips parted for a soft moan, her walls clenching around me.

I cupped those firm cheeks. “If you lean forward, my piercing will rub your clit.”

Marcella grabbed onto my shoulders and tipped forward. I guided her ass in a slow forward rotation. “Oh,” she breathed, her eyelids drooping in obvious pleasure. “This feels amazing. I missed this so much.”

I pulled her down for another kiss. “Fuck, how I missed this.” Our eyes locked, the skyline reflecting in hers. Soon Marcella was overwhelmed by her orgasm and I followed soon after her. She collapsed on top of me, her breath hot against my throat.

“I love you, Snow White. I should have said it more often. But I never thought I’d say it to someone, and I don’t care if I said it too soon, or in the wrong moments, I fucking love you and I don’t need years to figure it out.”

She raised her head, surprise twisting her features. She didn’t say anything, only looked at me in a way that made me feel naked on a whole new level.

“What do you love about me?” she asked softly, catching me completely off guard. It was so difficult to put love into words, especially for me. I’d never liked to talk about emotions but Marcella left me no choice.

“You’re being cruel,” I said with a choked laugh.

Marcella propped herself up on my chest, running her fingernails over my skin.

“I love that you surprised me and that you didn’t bow down or beg when we kidnapped you. I love how you befriended a messed-up fight dog and still visit her. I love how you smile at me. I love how loyal you are to your family even if it makes my life so much harder. I love that you don’t try to hide your scars but transform them into a statement.”

I paused. My thoughts were tumbling over each other in my head. Marcella leaned forward and kissed me. “Thank you,” she said simply.

“You forgave me the unforgivable,” I said. She needed to know that I knew how much I’d fucked up. She merely nodded, as if it went without saying. “I never considered the Vitiellos the forgiving type.”

“We aren’t, except to those we love.”

I’d admitted my love to Marcella and after I’d killed my uncle for her, she’d probably believed that I really loved her but she had held back any declaration of affection. I got it, had accepted her need for time and space without hesitation, but now I needed more. I stepped closer, touched her hips. “You forgave me.”

Marcella sighed. “Because I love you.”

I kissed her again and again. I wanted to stay like this forever, only the two of us. “Nobody’s going to be happy about our love,” I said.

“It doesn’t matter as long as we are.”

I glanced at my watch and my face fell. “It’s almost one. We should probably go back before Dad sends out a search party. The bodyguards will have told him about our escape by now.”

Maddox’s grin became teasing and he cupped my ass cheeks. “I don’t feel like getting up or returning you to your family—ever.” He dipped his fingers between my thighs, feeling my lingering arousal.

I closed her eyes, my teeth digging into my lower lip, as I enjoyed Maddox teasing me. I wanted nothing more than to spend all night with him and make love and talk, especially after we’d just voiced our feelings for each other. I sighed again. “Don’t tempt me. I’m in enough trouble as it is.”

He clapped my ass. “All right, then let’s face our judgment.”

I laughed. Dad had probably already made his verdict and it wouldn’t be good for either of us. I straightened, completely naked. Maddox’s gaze raked over me in a way that sent a pleasant shiver down my back. I too allowed myself a moment to admire Maddox’s muscled and inked upper body. I loved running my fingers along the firm ridges of his sixpack and follow the soft skin down his Adonis’ belt.

“If you keep looking at me like that, we won’t return any time soon,” Maddox warned in a low voice, his cock already half erect.

I shrugged. “Ditto, Mad.” He reached for me but I jumped back with a giggle and sauntered over to where I’d dropped my thong, making sure to bend over provocatively to pick it up and put it on.

Maddox jumped to his feet, grabbed the leather jacket and put it over my shoulders. “You really need to put this on or I’m going to fuck you bend over my bike.”

“I’d like that,” I said with a teasing grin. Maddox shook his head with a groan and got dressed.

I took out my dress from Maddox’s saddlebag and put it back on, even if it was wrinkled. If I returned home in only Maddox’s leather jacket, Dad would put a bullet in Maddox’s head, no questions asked. The state of my dress wouldn’t really win Maddox any bonus points either.

I held on to him even tighter as we rode back to the mansion, not because I was scared of the bike, but because I wanted to be as close to him as possible.

The moment we pulled up in front of the mansion, the door opened and Dad stepped out, looking royally pissed.

I dismounted the bike. “You better leave, I’ll handle him.”

Maddox shook his head and got off as well. “I’m not a coward. I’ll bring you to the door like any good gentleman would.”

“Since when are you a gentleman?” I asked.

Dad waited for us with crossed arms. I really wished Maddox would have listened to me.

Maddox nodded. “I hope we didn’t break Marcella’s curfew,” he said.

Of course he couldn’t refrain from provoking Dad, which was the equivalent of poking an angry bear.

I quickly pressed up to Dad and wrapped my arms around his right arm—his gun and knife hand, even if he could fight with both hands—to stop him from attacking Maddox.

“This was stupid,” he snarled. “There’s a reason why I keep several bodyguards around Marcella. You should know best how easy it is to kidnap a person.”

Maddox smiled tightly. “I was by her side the entire time. I would have protected her, and attackers would have had a hard time following us on my Harley.”

“They could have rammed you with their car. We don’t know how many of your biker friends are still out there thirsting for revenge and you endanger my daughter!”

“It was my choice. I wanted to be alone with Maddox, Dad. I don’t want to live in fear of a possible attack all my life. I want to live.”

“If you’re dead, that definitely won’t happen,” Dad growled.

I dug my nails into his arm. “I’m an adult, so if you want to blame someone, blame me.”

“I’ll always protect Marcella with my life, you can count on that,” Maddox said fiercely.

“Why don’t you talk another time? It’s already late and you’re mad because of the party anyway,” I said.

Dad gave a terse nod but kept glaring daggers at Maddox. I gave Maddox a smile. “Good night,” I said but didn’t kiss him. Maddox gave me a smile and nodded at my father before he walked back to his bike. I watched him drive away then I followed Dad back inside.

Mom came down the stairs, already in her nightgown and without makeup. “Marci! We worried about you.”

“Mom, I’m fine. Maddox and I can handle it. I bet it’s less dangerous for me to ride through the city unrecognized on Maddox’s bike than in a black limousine that everyone recognizes as Famiglia owned. And you went to Chicago on your own when you were only a few years older than me and nothing happened.”

“I was captured by the enemy and could have been killed.”

“But nothing happened,” I insisted.

Dad shook his head. “This event comes to bite me in the ass twice.”

“Eventually I’ll be alone with Maddox all the time. You often go out with mom alone, without any bodyguards, and she’s as much a target as I am.”

“She’s with me then and I’d kill anyone who’d dare to attack us.”

“Maddox would do the same.”

I could see that Dad doubted it. “Maddox loves me,” I said firmly. “He’d die for me.”

“I don’t doubt that he thinks he loves you but I doubt his abilities to fight off an attack by himself. He’s used to fight in a group. He doesn’t have the same training like me or our men do. If the Bratva attacked you and not just a group of hillbilly bikers, he wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Maybe I should get a gun then as well. If I’ll become part of the business, that would be best, right?”

I’d never really felt the desire to handle weapons myself, but it seemed only logical for me to know how to use them if the need ever arose.

“This is not what I wanted for you,” Dad said.

I knew he didn’t just mean me becoming part of the business or handling guns. “But it’s what I want, Dad.”