Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

O ne week later

Sofia

N ews of Raffaele Moretti's death rippled across Italy like a shockwave, dominating headlines from Rome to Palermo, with every media outlet spinning their own theories about the high-profile assassination.

Speculation ran wild, with most reports linking the murder to a violent escalation in organized crime, pointing fingers at various rival families jockeying for power in the shadowy underworld. Yet, despite the bold headlines and relentless coverage, the investigation quickly hit a wall; no concrete leads surfaced, no suspects were officially named, and the stories on the streets were leading to nothing but dead ends.

But I wasn't worried about any of that tonight.

Tonight was about Massimo and me.

The entire room smelled like heaven—roasted garlic, fresh herbs, a hint of truffle oil. Alonzo had outdone himself. I speared a parmesan spinach ravioli with my fork and swirled it in the truffle sauce before putting it in my mouth, groaning as the flavors exploded over my tongue.

Massimo sat across from me, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, his tie slightly loosened as if he was trying to relax. But I could see the tension in his jaw, the way his shoulders were tight, the way he swirled his wineglass without really looking at it. His mind was somewhere else, far away from this quiet, private dinner between the two of us.

"Are you even tasting any of this?" I teased, reaching over to steal a bite from his plate. "Alonzo might cry if he sees you ignoring all of his hard work."

Massimo looked up, his eyes softening a little as he met my gaze. "I'm tasting," he said, but his voice lacked its usual confidence.

"Liar," I replied, smiling as I chewed. "You're brooding again."

He sighed, setting his glass down and leaning back in his chair. "I can't help it," he admitted, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. "I can't help but think about your father. I'm supposed to be protecting you, Sofia. But instead, I've dragged you into this mess and I'm going to have to explain that to him."

Ever since that night on the road with Raffaele, he'd been tense. I know the police had talked to him, but I hadn't been brought in for questioning, at least not yet. Leo and Stefano had insinuated that there had been some interest in me, but nothing had surfaced yet.

Whatever it was, I would deal with it when the time came.

I leaned forward, resting my chin in my hand, watching him closely. "I'm not scared," I said softly. "And I'm not going anywhere."

He shook his head, frustration flickering in his eyes. "You should be scared," he muttered. "This isn't your world, Sofia. It's dangerous, it's unpredictable… and I don't want you to end up paying the price for my decisions."

I could see the conflict in his expression, the guilt weighing heavy on his shoulders. It was almost… endearing, watching this powerful man wrestle with his conscience, torn between wanting to keep me safe and knowing that I was already too deep to turn back now.

"Do you want me to leave?" I asked, my tone light, but my eyes serious. "Is that what you're saying, Massimo?"

His head snapped up, panic flashing across his face. "No," he said quickly, almost too quickly. "No, of course not. I just… I don't want you to regret being here. To regret being with me."

I smiled, standing up slowly and moving around the table to his side. "What's the alternative?" I asked, letting my fingers trail along the back of his chair. "You want me to go back to school, get a business degree, and work in marketing?" I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Is that what you want, Massimo?"

He chuckled, the tension easing just a little as he looked up at me, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You? In marketing?" he asked, his tone teasing. "I don't think that's you, la mia bella. "

I moved closer, letting my hand drift to his shoulder, feeling the strength in his muscles beneath the crisp fabric of his suit. "No, it's not," I agreed, my fingers sliding down his arm, tracing the lines of his sleeve. "And you know it. I'm in your world now, Massimo. I'm not going back to anything else."

He swallowed hard, his eyes darkening with a mix of desire and frustration. "Sofia…"

I leaned in, my lips brushing against his ear. "What do you really want?" I whispered, my hand slipping down to his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heartbeat. "I'm not some delicate flower that needs protecting. I want this. I want you."

He groaned softly, his hands finally moving to my waist, gripping me tightly, as if he was trying to hold on to some semblance of control. "This is dangerous, bambina ," he murmured, his voice low, almost a growl.

I grinned, my fingers still tracing circles on his chest. "Maybe I like danger," I teased, letting my hand slide lower, feeling the muscles of his torso tense beneath my touch. "Maybe I want to be right in the middle of it… with you."

I moved to straddle his lap, my knees on either side of him, feeling the heat of his body through the fabric of his suit. I could feel his breath hitch as I settled against him, his hands instinctively gripping my hips, pulling me even closer.

He was already rock hard.

For me.

His eyes searched mine, and I could see the battle playing out in his mind—the desire, the need, the urge to push me away and pull me closer all at once. "You don't know what you're asking for," he muttered.

I leaned in again, my lips brushing against his, just a whisper away. "Oh, I think I do," I replied softly. "And I think you want it too."

He hesitated for a moment longer, and I felt the tension in his grip tighten and then snap. His mouth crashed against mine, hot and urgent, his hands sliding up my back, pulling me closer, deeper into him.

His kiss was fierce, almost desperate, his hands moving over my back, pressing me closer against him, as if he couldn't get enough. I smiled against his lips, feeling the thrill of victory and desire twist together inside me.

"Sofia," he murmured against my mouth, his voice rough, edged with something raw and unrestrained. "You're going to make me lost control, do you know that?"

I grinned, brushing my lips against his, teasing. "Good," I whispered, trailing kisses along his jaw, feeling the way his breath quickened with each touch. "Maybe I like it that way."

He groaned again, his hands sliding up my back, pulling me closer, so close I could feel every beat of his heart against my chest.

"I can't get enough of you," he growled. He pulled me closer, capturing my lips in another kiss, softer this time, but no less intense. His hands roamed over my back, down to my hips, guiding me against him in a way that made my head spin, made me feel like I was melting into him. He groaned against my mouth, his grip tightening on my hips, pulling me flush against him, until I could feel every inch of him pressed against me, hot and hard.

I felt his breath on my neck as he whispered, "I need you, Sofia. But I need you to be sure that this is the life you want."

I pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, feeling the sincerity in his words, the weight of his concern. "I'm sure," I murmured, brushing a kiss over his lips. "There's no other life I want. No other man I want."

His hands tightened on my hips, his gaze fierce, almost predatory. "Then let's make that clear to everyone," he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear. "Marry me."

I shivered, a thrill running through me at his words. "You want to make me your wife?" I whispered back, leaning in to claim his mouth with mine, sealing the promise between us.

"I do," he growled. His hands were on me, firm and commanding, pulling me closer until there was no space between us, his lips moving against mine in a way that made my head spin. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, the way his fingers dug into my hips as if he were afraid that I might slip away.

But I wasn't going anywhere.

"Then yes. I'll marry you," I said softly.

"Fuck, yes, bella ," he murmured. "I was hoping you'd say that."

I let my fingers slide down the front of his suit jacket, pushing it off his shoulders. I took my time, enjoying the feel of him, the strength and power he held in check, just waiting to be unleashed. He watched me, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps, his eyes dark and hungry.

I reached for the first button of his shirt, my fingers moving slowly, deliberately, as I began to unfasten it. His eyes followed my every move, his hands sliding up my sides, grazing the fabric of my dress. I could feel the pulse of his heartbeat against my palms as I worked my way down, button by button, exposing his chest, inch by inch.

"You're teasing me," he murmured, his voice rough and low, filled with a mix of desire and frustration.

I smiled, leaning in to brush my lips against his neck, feeling him shudder beneath me. "Maybe I like teasing you," I whispered, my fingers trailing over his now-exposed skin, tracing the lines of his muscles, the heat of his body seeping into my fingertips.

He growled softly, his hands moving to my thighs, sliding up the hem of my dress, bunching the fabric in his fists. "Careful," he murmured, his voice thick with want. "I might just decide to take back control and put you over my knee, naughty girl."

I laughed softly, my lips moving against his ear. "I don't think so," I teased, tugging his shirt open the rest of the way, letting my hands roam over his chest, his shoulders, feeling every inch of him blazing hot beneath my fingers. "Not tonight."

He groaned, his hands slipping further up my dress, his fingers digging into my ass, pulling me closer. His lips found mine again, the kiss deep, consuming, his tongue tracing the seam of my lips, demanding entry.

I opened to him, the kiss turning heated, our breaths mingling, my hands exploring his chest, feeling the heat of his skin, the way his muscles flexed under my touch. I could feel his heartbeat pounding against my palms, fast and strong, matching the wild rhythm of my own.

I leaned back slightly, enough to pull my dress up higher, my hands moving to guide his, encouraging him to explore. He needed no further invitation; his hands slid up my legs, over my hips, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

"Tell me what you want," he murmured against my lips, his voice a rough whisper, almost pleading.

I smiled, letting my fingers drift to the waistband of his trousers, tugging gently. "I want you," I breathed, with all the confidence I felt in that moment. "All of you."

He shuddered beneath me, his eyes dark with need. "You have me," he replied, his voice a low growl. "You've always had me."

I kissed him again, deeper this time, my hands moving with purpose, feeling the strength of his body beneath mine, the way he seemed to tremble under my touch. I could feel the heat between us building, the electricity crackling in the air, every nerve ending on fire.

He gripped my thighs tighter, pulling me even closer, his mouth moving to my neck, his lips grazing my skin.

"Sofia…" he whispered, with so much need it made my heart ache.

"Yes," I breathed, arching into him, my body pressing against his, feeling the tension, the desire, the way his hands seemed to worship every inch of me.

With ease, he reached between us and tore my panties away. The lace parted like the Red Sea, nothing more than fragile threads that disintegrated under his raw strength. I scooted back a little bit and unbuttoned his slacks, lowering his zipper and slowly freeing his cock.

It was just as glorious as it was the very first time.

He was already hard, but I wrapped my fingers around his length anyway, stroking my hand up and down and feeling him grow even more erect under my firm touch.

A low groan rumbled from his chest, his hips shifting, his body seeking the friction. His lips claimed mine again, hungry, eager, his hands moving over my body as if he couldn't get enough. His cock throbbed in my hand as he devoured me, consumed me, and I let him take everything that I had to give.

Then I lifted myself up and positioned myself just above his cock, the tip just brushing against my entrance, and he groaned. I didn't sink down. At least not right away.

Instead, I teased him.

I rocked against him, grinding against his length, feeling the heat and the pressure, the way his breath quickened, the way his fingers dug into my hips, urging me to go further, faster.

But I took my time.

I wanted to savor this.

I wanted to savor him.

So I continued to tease him, as long as I dared, before I leaned forward and dragged my teeth along his earlobe before I nipped at it gently, then a bit more roughly. He groaned, the sound racing down my spine like a surge of electricity.

"You're thinking about flipping me over and fucking me hard, aren't you?" I whispered, goading him.

"Yes," he growled.

"You're not going to last long enough for that," I taunted and without missing a beat, I lowered myself onto his cock, taking every last inch in one smooth motion. His head fell back, his eyes closing, a shuddering breath escaping him as his fingers dug into my hips, holding me still.

"Fuck, la mia bella. "

I felt his cock pulsing inside me, filling me, stretching me, the sensation almost too much to bear. I leaned in and brushed my lips against his, kissing him lightly as I rocked my hips back and forth for the first time and he groaned once more.

I began to roll my hips now in earnest. He gripped them, his fingers digging into my skin, his breath coming in shallow gasps as I rode him, taking him deeper with each stroke. I could feel the tension building, the heat between us threatening to burn us both alive. But I didn't care. In that moment, nothing mattered except this.

My inner walls gripped at his thick length, pulling him in at the same time they tried to push him out. I rolled my hips, wrapping a single arm around his neck and slipping the other between us just so that I could brush my fingertips against my clit.

I detonated.

Bright white lights shattered right in front of me. Every nerve in my body fired at once, raw electricity surging up and down my every limb. The orgasm came, rolling through me like thunder. It was so intense that I couldn't hold myself upright. I collapsed forward, pressing my face into the side of his neck, trying to muffle the sounds that poured from my throat.

Frantically, I rocked my body back and forth, my head in the clouds as pleasure poured over every inch of me. He gripped my hips tighter, his own hips thrusting up to meet me, burying his cock even deeper inside.

My inner walls clamped down on his cock. I clenched even tighter, and he groaned out loud.

" La mia bambina , you're going to be the death of me," he groaned, and I smirked against his throat.

"Maybe you'll die happy, then," I teased.

"Fuck, maybe I will," he agreed.

He grabbed the back of my neck and pulled my mouth to his, kissing me deeply, and then I clenched down harder, my inner walls milking his cock.

He grunted and jerked his hips, slamming them upward.

My eyes closed and I cried out as another orgasm hit, crashing over me, dragging me down. My body shuddered and trembled, the waves of agonizing ecstasy making my limbs shake.

"Oh, God!" I moaned.

"Fuck, Sofia," he growled.

I could feel him throbbing inside me, his cock pulsing as his own climax hit, sending him over the edge. Each spurt of his cum hit a spot deep inside me, causing a surge of pleasure to rocket through my body. I rubbed my clit faster, harder, until I arched my back and screamed his name.

"Massimo!"

The waves crashed over me, pulling me under. My core was on fire, burning from the inside out. My lungs struggled to pull in oxygen, and my heart hammered against my ribs, threatening to burst from my chest.

For a moment, it felt like time stopped. There was nothing but us, nothing but the pleasure, the connection. It was a moment frozen in time, a single breath where the rest of the world disappeared.

I came undone.

When the mindless pleasure finally began to fade, I collapsed against him, every nerve in my body pulsing with sensation. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close, his breath hot against my neck. We stayed like that for a long time. When I finally felt like myself again, I smiled, knowing that I'd won.

This was my world now. And I wasn't going anywhere.

"I think we both know who's really in charge here," I whispered, smiling even wider now.

He chuckled, low and deep, his eyes darkening with amusement. "Is that so?" he asked, his hand moving to rest on my hip, his grip firm. "And who might that be?"

I grinned, leaning closer still, my lips brushing against his ear. "Me," I whispered, my voice filled with challenge.

He let out a laugh, his fingers tightening on my hip. "You're brave, la mia bambina , I'll give you that," he murmured, his voice thick with a mixture of amusement and desire. "But I think you've forgotten something."

"Oh?" I replied, tilting my head, feigning innocence. "And what's that?"

He moved quickly, faster than I could react. In one smooth motion, he lifted me off his cock, his strong arms wrapping around my waist. I let out a surprised yelp, my hands instinctively grabbing onto his shoulders.

"That I always get the last word," he growled playfully, spinning me around and bending me over his knee with an easy, confident strength that left me breathless.

"Massimo!" I squealed, but there was a laugh in my voice, a thrill that ran through me as he held me in place, one hand resting on my back, keeping me still.

He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. "You think you're in control, bella ?" he murmured, his voice a low, teasing rumble. "Think again."

I squirmed, trying to push myself up, but he held me firm, his grip unyielding. "Let me go!" I laughed, even as my heart pounded in my chest, my skin tingling with anticipation.

He chuckled softly, his fingers tracing a light path down my spine. "Not until you admit who's really in charge here," he teased, his tone filled with that familiar mix of authority and playfulness that always drove me wild.

I turned my head, looking back at him over my shoulder, my eyes flashing with challenge. "Fine," I said, my voice breathless but defiant. "I'm in charge. And you're just going to have to deal with it."

His eyes darkened, a wicked smile spreading across his lips. "You're asking for trouble, Sofia," he warned, but there was no heat in his words, only the promise of what was to come.

"Maybe I like trouble," I shot back.

He laughed again, a deep, satisfied sound that made my heart skip a beat. "Oh, I know you do," he murmured, and then his hand came down, a light but firm smack against my backside.

I gasped, more from surprise than pain, feeling a rush of heat spread through me.

He grinned, leaning down so his lips were just a breath away from my ear. "Do I have your attention now?" he asked, his tone both playful and commanding.

I bit my lip, trying to suppress a smile. "Maybe," I replied, refusing to give in so easily.

"Maybe isn't good enough, bella ," he murmured, his hand caressing my skin, soothing the sting. "But I'm willing to keep trying… until you learn your lesson."

I shivered, feeling the delicious chemistry building between us. "And what lesson is that?" I whispered, my voice softer now, filled with anticipation.

"That no one takes control from me," he replied, his hand lifting, pausing for just a moment. "Not even you."

And then his hand came down again, harder this time, and I let out a gasp, my body arching against him, my skin tingling, my heart racing. I could feel my desire growing, mixing with the heat of the moment, until I felt like I might burst.

"I did when you were coming deep inside me," I quipped.

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" he murmured, his voice a low growl, filled with playful menace.

I grinned, even as my heart pounded in my chest. "Maybe I do," I teased, my voice light, challenging. "Maybe I think I've got you exactly where I want you…"

He let out a deep, rumbling laugh, his hands sliding lower, gripping me firmly. "You have no idea what you're asking for," he replied, his tone both amused and dark. "But I'm happy to show you."

Before I could respond, he lifted me up with a swift, practiced motion, pressing me forward until I was bent over the edge of the table. My hands landed on the hard surface, my breath catching in my throat as he positioned me exactly how he wanted. I could feel his strength, the surety in every movement, and a thrill ran through me, anticipation building in my veins.

"Massimo," I whispered, half a laugh, half a plea. "What are you?—"

He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. "You've been asking for this, Sofia," he murmured, his breath hot against my skin. "And now… you're going to get it."

I felt a shiver run through me, my body reacting to his words, to the tension in his tone, the way his hands held me in place. He pressed me down against the table, my heartbeat thundering in my ears.

"Stay still," he ordered softly, his voice filled with authority. "And don't even think about moving."

A smile tugged at my lips, a rush of excitement bubbling in my chest. "And what if I do?" I taunted, my voice filled with challenge.

He chuckled, a deep, satisfied sound that sent a thrill through me. "Then I'll have to take off my belt," he replied, his hand sliding down my back, slow and deliberate, before pausing just above the curve of my backside.

"Massimo…" I whispered, my voice trembling with a mix of nerves and desire. "I don't think you can handle me."

His fingers traced circles on my skin, his touch both gentle and firm. "Oh, I can handle you," he replied, his tone filled with promise. "The question is… can you handle me?"

Without waiting for an answer, his hand came down again, harder this time, a sharp smack that echoed through the room. I gasped, my body jolting at the impact, a rush of heat spreading across my skin, mingling with the sting. My breath caught in my throat, my mind going hazy with sensation.

He spanked me again, and again, each strike harder than the last, each one sending a wave of sensation coursing through me, a delicious mix of pain and pleasure that made my head spin, my body tremble. I felt my knees grow weak, my breath coming in ragged gasps, my thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind.

"Tell me, Sofia," he growled, his hand resting on my heated skin, his fingers soothing the sting. "Tell me who's in charge here."

I swallowed hard, my heart racing, my body alive with sensation. "You are," I gasped, my voice breathless, my body arching against his touch.

He growled again, a low, satisfied sound, his hands sliding over my hips, pulling me back against him. "Good girl," he murmured, his voice filled with approval, and something darker, something more.

And then, his cock brushed against my entrance for the briefest of seconds before he slammed back inside of me.

I cried out, my inner walls clenching around his length, a rush of pleasure surging through me.

He didn't hesitate. He began to fuck me, hard and fast.

Each stroke touched a place deep inside me, driving me wild as desire swirled from the depths of my soul. I pushed back against him, taking him deeper, urging him on.

He reached down, his hand wrapping around my neck, squeezing gently. His other hand slid under me, between my legs, finding my clit.

He played my body like a violin, each touch and thrust perfectly timed, perfectly placed. My inner walls clenched around him, his thick cock filling me, stretching me, the sensations almost too much to bear.

I couldn't stop my desire from barreling into me like a freight train careening off its tracks.

My orgasm exploded over me before I could even think to try to stop it. Every nerve in my body fired at once, raw electricity surging through me, turning my vision white. I bucked and writhed and arched against him, screaming his name.

He continued to fuck me, harder and harder until my climax crested, leaving my head up somewhere in the clouds and making me free fall into another and another until I didn't know up from down or left from right.

It was a pleasure so intense it bordered on pain, and all I could do was let myself go.

Let myself drown in it.

In him .

His hips jerked, his body stiffening, his release pouring into me. Every surge of his seed marked me as his, utterly and completely. When it was all over, we were both left trembling, panting, our hearts pounding in unison. After a moment, he collapsed onto the bed beside me, his breathing ragged, his face flushed, and his gaze met mine, just as intense and commanding as it always was.

"Tell me again who's in control," he growled softly as he swung his arm toward me, pinning me in place with his body as his fingers instantly found my clit and rubbed it hard, forcing my pleasure to come to a head in seconds.

"You are," I cried out, my heartbeat thumping in my ears, and I arched off the bed, delirious with desire pumping through me and I moaned, lost in everything that was us.

"That's my good girl. I love you. I love you more than anything in this world, Sofia. Do you understand me, la mia bella ? You are mine. Forever. And no one will ever take you away from me," he murmured, his eyes boring into mine, and my heart exploded in my chest.

"I love you too," I whispered, my eyes tearing as yet another orgasm blinded me.

When I came again, the edges of my vision darkened, and I squeezed my eyes shut, tears leaking out and sliding down my cheeks.

In that moment, I broke.

And then I passed out.