Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

M assimo

I woke up to the morning sunlight streaming through the large windows of my bedroom. My eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the light, and I glanced down to see Sofia nestled against me. Her breathing was soft and steady, her dark lashes fanned out against her cheeks, and her lips parted slightly in sleep.

She was perfect.

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. Her defiance, her vulnerability, the way she challenged me—it all drew me in, making me want to protect her, possess her, and claim her as mine.

I shouldn't want to keep her.

My life was a delicate balance of power and danger, where every move had to be calculated and every decision could mean the difference between life and death. Bringing Sofia into this world was a risk that I couldn't afford. She was a beacon of light in my dark existence, but that light could easily attract the wrong kind of attention.

I had built my empire on control, on the ability to remain focused and ruthless. There was no room for emotion, no room for weakness. Women in my world were often used as pawns, tools to gain leverage or to exploit. I had seen it happen too many times. A woman could be your greatest downfall. Sofia, with her innocence and her determination, was a distraction that I couldn't allow.

The danger was too great.

Every enemy I had would see her as a target, as a way to get to me. I had already seen what they were willing to do to Marco. Sofia would be an easy mark, a way to weaken my resolve and force my hand. I couldn't bear the thought of her getting hurt because of me.

I wouldn't stand for it.

I gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, marveling at her beauty in the morning light. Her skin was like porcelain, smooth and flawless, and her dark hair spilled over the pillow in soft waves. The sunlight kissed her features, highlighting the delicate curve of her cheek and the soft pink of her lips. She was an absolute vision.

Possessiveness surged through me. The thought of anyone else even looking at her, let alone touching her, made my blood boil. I tightened my hold on her, pulling her closer, and she stirred slightly, murmuring my name softly in her sleep.

She was so vulnerable, so trusting in this moment. It stirred something primal in me, a deep-seated need to dominate and protect her with my life. She needed someone strong to watch over her, and I was more than willing to be that person for as long as she needed until it was safe for her again.

This was temporary. It had to be.

I had to keep her at a distance, to ensure that my feelings for her didn't cloud my judgment. I had to remember why I had brought her into my world in the first place: to protect her, to keep her safe. And to do that, I needed to stay sharp, to remain the ruthless leader that my world demanded.

The ruthless leader I'd always been.

Sofia deserved a life free from fear, a life where she could thrive without the constant threat of danger. But as long as she was with me, that life was impossible. I would protect her with everything I had, but I couldn't let myself fall for her.

I couldn't let her become the one thing that could bring me to my knees.

But that didn't mean I wouldn't enjoy her during the time I had her…

Sofia began to stir in my arms, her eyes fluttering open. She looked up at me, her green eyes still hazy with sleep, and a small, drowsy smile curved her lips.

"Good morning," she whispered, her voice soft and sweet.

"Good morning, la mia bella ," I replied, my voice deep with the remnants of sleep. "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded, snuggling closer to me. "Yes. I don't know why, but I feel safe with you."

Her words sent a jolt of satisfaction through me. I wanted her to feel safe, to know that I would always protect her. "You are safe with me, Sofia. Always."

She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. "What happens now?"

I brushed my fingers along her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin. "Now, you stay with me."

I didn't explain any further than that.

There was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she reached up and touched my face, her fingers tracing the line of my jaw. Without meaning to, I leaned into her touch, enjoying the warmth that spread through me.

"Come," I said, pulling back slightly. "Let's start the day. We have much to discuss."

She nodded, her eyes still holding that same hint of uncertainty, but also trust. I knew it would take time for her to fully understand and accept our new reality, but I would be patient.

The two of us climbed out of bed and I watched her naked form move with grace. Her beautiful skin practically glowed in the morning light, and as my gaze roved down her body, I let out a growl that made her jump. Her bare breasts bounced a little bit and my dick throbbed with need.

I wanted to fuck her again, but I wouldn't. Not yet. She was probably still sore from yesterday.

With a feral surge of possessiveness, I let myself imagine her tight cunt clutching at my cock as I took her for the very first time, the first man to ever take her, and I stepped toward her, unable to stop myself from sweeping her off her feet and throwing her back on the bed.

As her back hit the mattress, she squealed, her eyes widening. She looked up at me, her gaze filled with a mixture of confusion and desire.

I wasn't going to fuck her, not yet, but I wanted to hear her scream for me once more before I took her downstairs for breakfast. With my hands, I spread her thighs wide, allowed myself to feast on the sight of her bare, wet little pussy, and then I pressed my mouth between her legs.

"Oh! You can't mean to—" she cried out, her shock apparent in every syllable that fell off her lips.

I could smell her arousal, and it drove me wild. She was so responsive to me, so eager for my touch.

My tongue darted out, lapping at her gorgeous little cunt. I loved the taste of her, the feel of her against my lips. I swirled my tongue around her clit, teasing her, and she gasped, her hips bucking against me.

"Oh, God," she moaned, her hands clutching at the bedsheets. She squirmed, trying to escape me, but my hands pinned her thighs to the bed. She wasn't going anywhere. She was going to come for me and that was that.

I sucked on her clit, drawing the sensitive nub into my mouth and she whimpered, her back arching clean off the bed.

"Please, Massimo," she begged, her voice trembling. "It's too much."

Wrong.

It wasn't enough.

It wouldn't be enough till she was screaming my name as she came for me.

There wasn't any choice in this for her. I wanted to hear her come, I wanted her screams, and that was exactly what she was going to give me.

With one hand, I gripped her thigh, keeping her spread for me. My other hand slipped between her legs, two fingers pushing inside her wet heat. She was so tight, her inner walls squeezing my fingers like a vise. I pumped my fingers into her, enjoying the way her pussy gripped my every knuckle.

My mouth never left her clit, my tongue flicking over the sensitive bud, feasting on her like I was a man starved. I sucked and licked, my fingers curling inside her. She was panting now, her hips rocking against me, and I knew she was almost there.

I pushed harder, pressed my fingers in deeper. She was crying out now, her hands tangled in my hair, pulling me closer. I was relentless, pushing her further and further until I felt her shatter.

She screamed, her back arching, her hips bucking. The viselike grip of her inner walls fluttered around my fingers, clamping down around them as she lost control. I drank up every second of it, my mouth and fingers never stopping their relentless pursuit of her pleasure.

When she finally went limp, spent and panting, I sat up, licking my lips and staring down at her. The taste of her pleasure on my tongue was exquisite, and I smiled, watching as her chest rose and fell with her ragged breath.

"Now you're ready to start the day," I said, cocking my head as she blushed hard lying there in my bed. I leaned down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. I knew she could taste herself on me and I didn't let her escape, instead curling my fingers around the back of her neck and keeping her close. In seconds, she melted into my kiss and her arms wound around my neck.

She was so sweet, so perfect. I was going to enjoy every minute with her.

When the kiss ended, she was looking up at me with flushed cheeks, her lips swollen from the intensity of it. I stood, releasing her from my grip and offered her a hand.

"Come. Let's get some breakfast. Then we can discuss what we're going to do next."

She took my hand, letting me pull her up off the bed. I led her into the closet where I tossed her one of my button-up shirts and nothing else.

"I want that pussy bare so that if I decide you need more of my tongue, I can throw you up on the table and force you to come for me until I decide you're done, la mia bambina ."

"Massimo," she blushed.

Fuck.

I loved it when she blushed for me. Her pink cheeks, her perfectly soft smile, the way her eyes danced with her shameful arousal. She was a fucking godsend.

I pulled on a pair of slacks and a fresh white dress shirt, not bothering with a tie. There was no point. Not unless I decided to tie her up with one later, but I didn't need that.

It was easy enough to pin her down and take what I wanted from her, whenever I wanted, however I wanted…

I smirked, unable to help the direction of my filthy thoughts. Without a word, I took her hand and led her downstairs, the smell of coffee filling the air. She followed me into the kitchen where my chef Alonzo was preparing a hearty breakfast for us. There was fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, bacon, and of course, freshly brewed coffee. I took the liberty of preparing a cup for both myself and Sofia.

She was still blushing, likely thinking about how bare she was beneath my shirt.

Damn.

I could feel myself hardening in my slacks and I shifted slightly, trying to adjust myself.

Sofia took a seat at the breakfast bar, and I placed her coffee in front of her. She murmured a soft thanks and wrapped her hands around the mug, taking a sip.

I watched her, fascinated by the small details of her expression. The way her lips pursed as she sipped the hot coffee, the way her eyes fluttered shut in enjoyment, the way her shoulders relaxed just slightly. It was all so perfect, so endearing.

And she was all mine, at least for now.

Temporarily.

The only problem right now was her father, in more ways than one. What would he do when he found out I'd fucked his daughter? Why was he arrested in the first place? Who had put him behind bars?

"Sofia," I said, breaking the silence. "We need to talk about your father."

She looked up at me, her green eyes curious. "What about him?"

"There are things you need to know about me, about why your father was arrested, and about the world you're now a part of," I began.

She set her coffee down, her expression growing serious. "What do you mean, Massimo?"

I pulled up a stool across from her, leaning in slightly. "You've always joked about me being a mob boss, haven't you?"

A small, nervous laugh escaped her lips. "Yeah, I guess I have. But it was just a joke. I didn't mean anything by it."

"Well, Sofia, it's not a joke. You hit on the truth. I am a mob boss. As kingpin, I run a powerful organization with influence in many areas—business, politics, gambling, and security too," I explained.

Her eyes widened, and she looked at me with a mix of shock and realization. It was honestly kind of adorable.

"You're serious?" she gasped.

"Yes," I said firmly. "Your father knew this. He trusted me to protect you because he knew I had the resources and power to do so. But it also means that his arrest is likely connected to me, to my enemies somehow."

"But why? Why would they target him?" she asked, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Because they know he's important to me," I answered. "It's a way to get to me, to weaken my position."

"So, what do we do now?" she asked, decidedly unsure in her mannerisms, but she still held her head high anyway. I admired that about her for a moment.

Maybe she was more than just a teenage brat who needed her bare ass spanked every once in a while…

I swallowed hard, forcing my thoughts back on track before I pressed my fingers between her thighs and made her come for me once again.

"We find out who is behind this and make sure your father is safe," I said, my voice firm with determination. "And in the meantime, you stay here, under my protection."

She nodded slowly, absorbing my words. "I still can't believe it. It all kind of makes sense now."

"I know it's a lot to take in," I said, squeezing her hand gently. "But you need to trust me. We'll get through this together."

She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and trust. "I do trust you, Massimo. I just… I need some time to process all of this."

"Take all the time you need," I reassured her. "But remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you."

She smiled, a small but genuine smile that warmed my heart. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," I said, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Now, finish your coffee. We have a lot to discuss and even more to plan."

As she sipped from her mug, I watched her closely, feeling a fierce protectiveness surge through me. No one would harm her, not while I was around. And as for her father, I would find out who was behind his arrest and make sure they paid dearly for targeting the people important to me. It was simply a matter of time.

I drank some of my own coffee and sat down beside her. Alonzo slid a plate of food in front of each of us and I dug in, taking a bite of eggs and chewing on a slice of bacon.

Alonzo had worked in a Michelin star restaurant before coming to work for me. He was happier now that I was his boss though. I paid him far better and the work was far easier for him, plus it gave him more time with his family.

I liked to keep my people happy. They were more loyal that way and that was simply good business.

My whole world was multifaceted, rooted deeply in the traditions of the Italian mafia, but also modernized to fit the times. I controlled a significant portion of Florence's nightlife—clubs, bars, and high-end casinos. Protection rackets, money laundering, and arms dealing were some of the things my business dabbled in, but I also had legitimate fronts—real estate ventures, luxury car dealerships, and a chain of upscale restaurants. It was a delicate balance, maintaining the old ways while adapting to new opportunities.

My influence was far-reaching. I had the loyalty of many local businesses, ensuring they prospered under our protection. The police, while not entirely under my control, knew better than to interfere with my operations unless they wanted trouble. Politicians and officials often found it beneficial to align with us, enjoying the security and support we provided.

My reach extended past Florence, stretching across Italy, making me one of the most powerful men in the country. My name commanded respect and fear, and my word was law in many circles.

It was alarming to know that someone was trying to make a move against me. That meant that they had to be powerful indeed. I'd need to tread carefully in my quest for information, especially considering Sofia and her father were somehow wrapped up in all of this.

The problem was that the charges against him were real.

Marco's shop had been the perfect front. Tailoring was a cash-heavy business, and it was easy to blend legitimate earnings with my illicitly gained funds. He'd taken cash payments for high-end custom suits and dresses, some of which were never actually made. These phantom transactions allowed us to funnel dirty money through the business and make it appear clean on the other side. Each custom suit sold represented a hefty sum that could be explained away as a legitimate transaction.

But Marco had always been meticulous, ensuring that every penny was accounted for, and every transaction had a legitimate-looking paper trail. It was a system that had worked flawlessly for years. The fact that the authorities had enough to arrest him meant that someone had found a way to pierce through our defenses.

Someone powerful and determined and potentially very dangerous .

"Sofia," I said, breaking the silence once more. "I need you to understand something. Your father's arrest is part of a larger scheme to get to me."

Her eyes widened, but she nodded slowly, absorbing my words.

"What do we do?" she asked softly.

"I have to find out who is behind this and stop them before they can do more damage. But you need to stay here. If you fight me on this, the two of us are going to go upstairs and then we're going to have a very long discussion with my belt. Do you understand me, little girl ?"

"I understand, Massimo," she blushed, fidgeting in her seat. I guessed her ass was still a little sore from the spanking I gave her yesterday and she probably didn't want a repeat performance so soon. My palm twitched though. A part of me wanted to take her upstairs anyway and show her what would happen should she think to defy me, but she was being obedient. I wouldn't punish her preemptively, even if I very much enjoyed putting her over my knee and spanking her bare bottom beet red.

I shifted in my seat, my cock as hard as iron.

I was sure there would be a next time. Sofia was just the kind of girl that needed a man to take her in hand from time to time and I would be that for her.

But I would be patient.

"There are people I want you to meet. Men who are part of my inner circle. They are the ones who will help us find out who is behind your father's arrest and ensure your safety. We'll start with Leo, my consigliere. Then, you'll meet Stefano, my enforcer. He's going to look after you while I'm away tending to business."

"Okay, but could I ask you a few questions first and maybe go back upstairs to change into something more appropriate before I meet them?" she asked, her voice soft.

I almost growled at the thought of her putting on more clothes. I wanted her easily accessible, but I didn't take kindly to the thought of other men seeing her like I did.

"Your things should arrive shortly, and you may dress as you like, but you're not allowed to wear any panties," I instructed. I didn't tell her what would happen if she disobeyed me. Instead, I just leveled her with a look that was more than enough to make her squirm.

"But I—" she protested, and I pressed my hand to her bare thigh, squeezing it hard enough to make her whimper just a little bit.

"Be a good girl for me and I'll reward you before bed tonight. Be a bad girl, and well, then I'm going to have to punish you," I warned her, and her cheeks turned scarlet as she glanced between me and Alonzo.

"Massimo," she whispered, her voice hoarse with embarrassment. She didn't know it, but I would never bare her in front of my men. Sure, they might hear her scream for me, both in my bed and over my knee, but they would never see her naked.

Her beautiful body belonged to me. For the time being anyway.

"Come here," I dictated, and she looked at me warily before she swallowed hard and stood up. She took a step toward me, and I swept her up in my lap, curling my arms around her. She was stiff at first, but then she relaxed in my embrace. "Now, ask me your questions, la mia bambina , and I will tell you what you want to know."

"I want to know more about my father's involvement," she asked after a long moment.

I took a deep breath, knowing this conversation was inevitable.

"Your father and I go way back, Sofia. We've been through a lot together. When I needed someone trustworthy to help with certain aspects of my business, I turned to him," I explained.

"How did that work?" she asked, leaning forward, her eyes searching mine for answers.

I took a few minutes to explain to her the process of what Marco did for me and by the time I was finished, she sat back, digesting what I had told her.

"I still can't believe my father was involved in all of this. He always seemed so… ordinary," she murmured.

I reached out and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Your father did what he had to do to protect his family and support my operations. He was careful, and he believed in what we were doing. But someone found a way to expose him, and now we have to find out who and why."

She looked at me, her eyes filled with determination. "What can I do to help?"

"Right now, you need to stay here where it's safe," I said firmly. "Let me and my men handle the investigation. Trust me to find out who's behind this and to clear your father's name."

Sofia nodded, her grip on my hand tightening. "I trust you, Massimo. Just… promise me you'll be careful too."

"I promise," I said, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "We'll get through this together, Sofia. Your father will be free, and we'll make sure those responsible pay for what they've done."

"Good," she replied.

For a long moment, I just enjoyed the feel of her in my arms. She was perfect, so soft, so sweet, and so utterly tempting, but I couldn't let her distract me when it came to my business. I had an important role to play in my world and a woman couldn't get in the way of that.

I reluctantly pulled back, looking into her eyes. "I have to take care of a few things. I need you to promise me that you'll stay here."

She nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "I promise, Massimo. I'll stay here. You don't need to take off your belt."

I kissed her forehead, smiling at her reminder of my earlier threat. She curled into me, and I wound my arms around her tighter before I eventually let go and she climbed out of my lap.

Reluctantly, I stood up, needing to address the pressing issues at hand. With one last glance at Sofia, I turned and made my way to my office, where Leo and Stefano were already waiting for me.

Leo had been with me since the beginning, his sharp mind and strategic thinking invaluable to our operations. He was a master negotiator, always able to defuse tense situations with a few well-chosen words. His background in law and finance made him the perfect advisor, ensuring our business dealings were both profitable and well-protected.

Stefano was a mountain of a man, his imposing presence enough to deter most threats. But it wasn't just his size that made him effective; it was his loyalty and his unwavering dedication to me. He had been a street fighter in the underground circuits in Florence before I found him. Now he used those same skills to protect our interests and ensure our enemies thought twice about crossing us.

My office was spacious, with large windows overlooking the estate grounds and a massive mahogany desk at its center. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filled with everything from legal texts to historical accounts of the mafia that I referenced often.

Leo stood as I entered, his sharp eyes meeting mine. "Massimo, we've been looking into the charges against Marco. They're solid, but there are some irregularities that suggest a setup."

I nodded, taking a seat behind my desk. "Explain."

Stefano handed me a folder. "We found discrepancies in the evidence, inconsistencies that point to someone tampering with the records. It's clear that someone is trying to frame Marco, but we need more information to figure out who."

I opened the folder and skimmed through the documents. "Have we identified any potential suspects?"

Leo crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "We have a few leads, but nothing concrete yet. Enzo is working on tracing the source of the evidence tampering. We should have more information soon."

I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing. "Keep digging. We need to find out who's behind this and why they're targeting us."

"Understood. We'll keep you updated," Leo replied with a nod.

As they left the office, I turned my attention to the documents in front of me. The intricacies of the setup were impressive, but not infallible. It was only a matter of time before we uncovered the truth.

With that resolve, I picked up the phone and made a call to Enzo.

Enzo's background in surveillance and cyber security meant that there was little that escaped his notice. He was the eyes and ears of our organization, and I counted on him to always be one step ahead of potential threats. He never let me down.

"I need updates on the investigation. Every detail, no matter how small."

"Yes, boss," Enzo replied. "I'll have a report ready for you by the end of the day."

"Good," I said, hanging up the phone.

I spent the rest of the afternoon combing through the paperwork. I didn't waste a moment, trying to find any hint of foul play and by the time the sun set in the west just outside my window, I hadn't found anything at all.

Whoever had done this to Marco was good at what they do and that worried me.

That worried me a lot.