Chapter 17

Stavros

No one had ever made me that angry. No one.

Or maybe it was just frustration.

I was usually a patient man. Up. To. A. Point.

And no one had ever made me that crazed with hunger. Jesus Christ, I was ready to devour her ten times over. Still, the anger and concern were right there, almost overshadowing the desire.

I’d thought Jenna had understood that I’d given her a gift, a chance to return to some sense of normalcy. Maybe I’d been too presumptuous in believing she would surrender to the most basic set of rules.

What part about returning before dark had she not understood?

How much clearer did I need to make the situation to her?

Christ, I’d been so aggravated I was ready to smash something. Break heads. Hell, that wasn’t usually like me. I was the calm, cool, and collected one.

Except around her.

I’d even paced the damn floor, as if that would make time go faster.

When any of my soldiers had acted as if time didn’t matter, I’d warned them once what the consequences would be. But if they blatantly ignored that for a second or God help them a third time, well, my reactions had been strong.

None of which I’d regretted.

But I’d felt sick inside when I hadn’t been able to reach my sister. Of course, I’d made certain my sweet hostage couldn’t call anyone after she’d made an attempt one single time. I would purchase her a new burner phone that would be used for emergencies only.

As if the most gorgeous, defiant woman on the face of the earth would obey me without reservation.

Jenna had pressed every button in existence.

And I’d fucking loved it.

The entire situation was dangerous. Hell, it was getting serious and in my mind a fool’s game to continue playing. But I was a Brotherhood member by default, my family wearing the same targets on their backs.

God. I needed a break from the constant overthinking. I needed time with the woman who’d ignited my passion. I took a deep breath of her perfume, enjoying the way being this close to her had become so enticing. Who needed alcohol? I was drunk on her fragrance already.

I rubbed my jaw, thinking about all the filthy things I had planned for later. Even in my anger, I’d planned out a fun evening. I was well aware of the danger, had spent a couple of hours after returning home going over the details and dossiers I’d been given on Madden, his family and regime, and what the Brotherhood had pieced together on the Death Squad.

When you tossed Viktor into the mix, it was a recipe for utter disaster.

I had to admit that the unknown group of people appeared to be a scary organization capable of destroying economies and people’s lives. Even cultures. However, other than a few covert actions over the last two decades, they hadn’t interfered with any country’s economy that I could detect.

Maybe that was the point.

Jenna shifted in the backseat next to me, touching the blindfold I’d placed around her eyes. What would a little mystery hurt? I’d thought about cuffing her hands, but I had a feeling that would only prove to create drama for the evening.

Not that I didn’t like to spar with her but that wasn’t the point of going out on the town. Maybe I was being a fool in doing so after everything we’d both been through, but I doubted that whatever enemy was determined to lure me into a trap had recoiled from the blow I’d given him.

However, that would change soon enough.

I’d almost sent out my soldiers to track them down but knew I’d never hear the end of it. I’d remained angry even through the incredible kiss.

But the moment Jenna had walked down the stairs in that bright red body-hugging dress, I’d nearly lost my shit, fucking her over my desk. I had a feeling that would come later. Or I’d take her in a very public place.

The thought pushed my already aching cock against my trousers. The woman had a way of getting to me by doing nothing more than giving me an evil eye.

“Where are you taking me?” Her attempt at taking control of the situation was adorable.

The grin on my face seemed permanent. “Wherever I please. After all, I am in control. I’m the master of ceremonies tonight.”

“You’re the master of nothing.”

I could tell she was teasing and it matched my mood, more jovial than I should be given the circumstances. Without hesitation, I pulled her over my lap, enjoying the little yelps escaping her mouth. When I ripped up her dress, exposing a matching thong, not only did my mouth water but I sensed her haughtiness returning by how hot her breath had become.

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Wouldn’t I? You obviously don’t know me very well.” I brought my hand down in rapid succession, enjoying the way she wiggled on my lap. However, if she wasn’t careful, I would take her right here, right now. I already sensed she was mortified that my two most trusted men were in the front seats.

While they knew better than to say a single word, that wouldn’t ease her nerves. But that’s what made this fun as fuck. And made me a very bad man.

“You’re going to learn one way or the other the rules have all changed in your life. Given you belong to me, I control your destiny.” It was said mostly tongue in cheek at this point but now that I knew what I was possibly dealing with, the rules I’d set in place would need to be adhered to. I was hopeful after tonight she could at least place some trust in me.

“Ouch. I swear I will find a way to get you for this.” She pummeled one fist against my leg, purposely gyrating her body to torment me in her sensual way.

I covered her sweet bottom with smacks, moving from one side to the other. This wasn’t meant as anything but a light reminder, although I’d wanted to drag her over my knee, giving her the kind of spanking she’d remember for days once she’d returned. Would that have been fair? Not necessarily, but I’d never said I was fair man in all things.

Whoever had said that all was fair in love and war was… brilliant though.

I chuckled under my breath, a single bead of sweat rolling down my cheek from the desire that was coming close to being uncontrollable.

When I’d decided she’d had enough, I did nothing more than caress her skin, enjoying the heat on the tips of my fingers before pulling them away.

She was like a cat, trying instantly to crawl off me. I easily whipped her around, forcing her to sit on my lap. We were close to our destination, or I would have slid my cock inside. Maybe I shouldn’t have allowed her to wear panties. Hmmm…

As Jenna planted a hand on my chest, she took several shallow breaths. “You are a terrible man. You’re every bit as horrible as I thought from minute one.”

At least some of the anger had left her voice. Perhaps the entire day had altered her opinion of me.

“So you seem to enjoy telling me.” I brushed the tip of a single finger down the side of her face, enjoying the way she shuddered from my touch. There was no denying our sizzling connection. “You’re definitely right but I still won’t allow you to get hurt.”

“Whether you’re horrible or not is not something you need to affirm. However,” she cooed as she repeated my actions, raking her nail down my stubbled cheek, shifting it along the underside of my jaw. “I was told you were a real pussycat underneath all that bad boy armor. I’m curious if that’s true.”

“Oh, you were, huh? What other family secrets did my wayward sister tell you?”

She acted as if she was zipping her lips. The sultry move tightened my balls. “I’ll never tell.”

“I assure you that I’ll get it out of you.”

Her laugh was sultry, far too inviting and I couldn’t help myself, cupping her face and bringing it to my level so our lips were just touching.

She dragged her tongue across her bottom lip in such a provocative way that wild horses couldn’t have kept me from kissing her. My sister did know me too well, perhaps better than anyone else in the family, which meant whatever Jenna had been told might help ease the pain of being held without possibility of escape.

I wasn’t certain I cared any longer as I’d laid claim to her.

“Do you have any idea what I’m going to do to you later?” I whispered.

“No. What?” She darted out her tongue, sliding it across the seam of my mouth.

Without hesitation, I pulled it into my mouth, sucking on it before capturing her lips. She wiggled again and my mind went into a complete fog. The young woman had become an expert at teasing me. Yet given I was over a decade older than her, I knew a few tricks of my own, the kind meant for full seduction.

The kiss was explosive as always, the feel of having her in my arms perfect. As if she was meant to sit in my lap.

Once I finally pulled away, I nipped her bottom lip before brushing mine up to her ear. “I’m going to fuck every hole after licking every inch.”

That was all she needed to hear.

Her moan turned into a purr and suddenly, it didn’t seem as if she cared there were two burly men in the SUV.

I noticed Christos grinning in the rearview mirror as he made the turn down the street to the location where we’d enjoy dinner. My reaction? To give him my middle finger. How many times had he counseled me to find that special someone?

And how many times had I reminded him that I already had and because of who and what I was, I’d lost it.

“Now, you need to remove your sexy little thong.”

She jerked back, pressing her palm against my chest, pushing with enough force she almost toppled her body onto the backseat floor. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“We’re going into a public place.”

“Yes, and I want full access to you. Every. Single. Second.”

“Bastard,” she huffed but it was said with a lilt.

“Yes, indeed.”

As she cursed under her breath, she climbed off, rising onto her knees and almost expertly sliding her hands under her dress without exposing herself. It was almost as if my sweet, innocent girl had done this before. Maybe there was more to her badness than I’d realized. My hunger for her skyrocketed.

By the time she managed to wrangle them off, Christos had found a parking spot.

“Give them to me.”

Even in her silk blindfold, she gave me a hard look. I could only imagine what her lovely eyes were doing. Drilling holes into my brain. That would be my guess. She held them out, curling her fingers around the thin elastic so I had to pry the material from her hand.

I took an exaggerated whiff, so she knew what I was doing before shoving them into my pocket.

My two soldiers climbed out first, checking the perimeter and scanning the road outside the restaurant before opening our doors.

She was still cursing as Atlas helped her out, keeping hold of her arm until I walked around the back of the SUV. I buttoned my jacket first, hiding the weapon I had in my pocket. I was certain she’d felt it, surprised when she hadn’t said anything. Maybe she was getting used to the new life she’d entered.

Nah.

Smiling, I pressed one hand on the small of her back, holding her arm with the other. The scents coming from the restaurant were likely to give away the little surprise.

She took a deep whiff as if to prove me right, twisting her head toward me. “Garlic and fresh tomatoes. Onions and… sausage. Wait a minute. Italian?”

“Perhaps. Let’s go inside.” I guided her toward the entrance, taking one last look at the street. My instinct told me to be careful, although I refused to allow the evening to be deterred because my gut told me that at some point my estate, the corporate headquarters, and the casinos would be cased to determine the best way to get to me.

When I opened the door, I grinned. It had been weeks since I’d been here. I couldn’t imagine a more appropriate first date. Shit. That’s what this was, a freaking date. Did I even know how to do that any longer? I laughed softly as the hostess recognized me.

“Mr. Diamondis. It’s been a while. Would you like your regular table?”

“That would be great, Dena. And this is a very special guest.”

“Oh, then I’ll tell Papa. I’m certain he’ll make you his very special delight for the evening.” She was the owner’s daughter, the larger-than-life man someone I could trust. Michelangelo knew all about my family, was well aware I’d done business inside his quaint but amazing restaurant. He also was very happy with the various contributions I’d made to his fine establishment over the years.

When Dena led us to our table, the music was exactly what I’d hoped. It was as if we’d been transported back in time to Italy. That’s where Michelangelo and his family had originated, although Dena was born in the US.

“What do you smell now, my sweet prize?” I asked as I pulled out her chair.

“The most incredible spaghetti sauce. No…” She lifted her head as if contemplating her answer. “Pizza?”

I ripped off the blindfold and she squealed in the adorable way only she could.

“Very good. The finest pizza in all of Pennsylvania. True Italian pizza.”

Dena grinned. “My father will make certain he prepares his specialty. Would you like some wine?”

“Absolutely,” Jenna answered.

Dena nodded. “I know exactly what to bring you. Please enjoy your evening.”

She glanced around the restaurant, still in awe. Between the red tablecloths, the brick walls, flickering candles, and fresh flowers on every table, the theme screamed romance.

Even if I wasn’t a romantic guy.

“They know you here,” she said as if it should be a huge shock to both of us.

“They should. I’ve been coming here for years.” I sat down in the chair close enough I would be able to enjoy tormenting her during the evening. I did want her hot and bothered even before we hit the dance floor at a club where my family-owned partial interest. I couldn’t wait to indulge my fantasies for a change.

“It’s…” She took the time to shift her attention toward me, acting coy for a few seconds. “Amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“So what’s your favorite kind of pizza?”

I couldn’t help but grin. “The kind with lots of meat and extra cheese.”

“A man after my own heart.” She leaned further in, giving me a heated look.

“Oh, yeah?”

“Oh… yeah.”

As she was licking her lips in an exaggerated manner, a flurry of activity occurred around us, one waiter filling our water glasses, another bringing a basket of steaming hot homemade Italian bread and a dish with Michelangelo’s famous olive oil dip. Dena brought my favorite wine herself, eyeing the beautiful woman I was with cautiously. The girl had never seen me bring anyone but business associates into the restaurant.

“Rosemary, garlic, basil, oregano, red and black pepper with a dash of salt and Italian parsley. Along with the finest olive oil. Am I right?” Jenna asked.

Dena giggled. “Very good. Have you eaten at my papa’s restaurant before?”

“No. I’ve never been to Philly before.”

I adored the way Dena’s eyes opened wide. “Oh, gosh. Then you’re in for a treat. You must have Mommy’s tiramisu for dessert. It was her grandmother’s recipe from Sicily.”

There was something so endearing about the way Jenna’s face lit up. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

As Dena opened the bottle of their famous Chianti, which just happened to be from our vineyards, Michelangelo stood in the shadows with his arms crossed around his big belly and his expression one of joy and approval. He’d almost been like a second father to me, my own Pops bringing his five children here so many years ago I couldn’t remember the date.

After the wine was poured, the man approached, his smile bigger than I’d seen in a long time. “My friend, Stavros. You bring a beautiful woman into my restaurant for the first time. That means she is very special.” When he took her hand into his, she seemed surprised. He was forever the romantic himself, even singing to his wife almost every time I was here, often to the guests as well.

“You know Stavros?” Jenna asked, blushing when he kissed her hand.

“I know his entire family. They are wonderful people, excellent customers. You will make an incredible addition to their world and have beautiful children together.”

She blushed as if on cue. “No, we’re not together. I mean, not in that way. I mean…” She laughed nervously.

He wagged his finger at her. “As they say in my home country. Quando trovi la donna perfetta, non la lasci mai andare.”

“And that means?” she asked, her heated gaze shifting to my face.

“When you find a perfect woman, you never let her go.” As soon as he translated the words, she laughed, placing her hand across her lips.

“I’m hardly perfect. Just a girl with a love of animals.”

Michelangelo beamed. “Now, you are a woman after my own heart. Stavros’ as well. If you will indulge me, I would enjoy making you a very special pizza.”

“I would love that,” she breathed.

He winked at me before walking away in his usual happy way of doing so. I shook my head as I reached for my wine. “He is a good friend.”

“Someone you care about,” she retorted and wrapped her long fingers around the glass.

“Yes, I could call him that. My family has been coming here since I was a little boy. It’s where I fell in love with pizza for the first time.” I lifted my glass, waiting to make a small toast.

“I usually was lucky enough to grab a slice or two at a little corner joint in New York. I loved it but the atmosphere was nothing like this. Do you come here often?”

We clinked glasses and I realized how relaxed I felt. “Not recently, but you’d be surprised. Elena used to tease me that I was made of their pizza sauce, which is homemade, of course, using only the finest ingredients.”

“Are you going to feed your men?”

“Interesting. You care about them. The answer is yes because Dena will ensure they have everything they need. I think she’s sweet on Christos.”

“Well, he is a very handsome man.”

I leaned over the table, issuing a dangerous sound. “You touch him or if he dares look at you with desire in his eyes, he will be blinded. I don’t give a shit if he’s my cousin.”

“A jealous man. That’s beneath you.”

“Never.”

I was rewarded with a laugh.

“What else about you will surprise me?”

I eased my hand under the table, slowly crawling my fingers under her silky dress along the top of her thigh.

She sucked in her breath, lifting her eyebrows. “Why, you are always a very bad man, aren’t you?”

“I do tend to gravitate toward the wicked side and always have.”

Her lower lip quivered yet she spread her legs, allowing me to brush my fingers carefully along the tender skin of the inside of her thigh. Even from where I sat, the tablecloth hiding my salacious actions was little deterrent to my needs.

As she brought the wineglass to her lips, her eyes were suddenly hooded and her teasing continued. She licked around the rim of the glass, her chest rising and falling. Her nipples were hard as perfect pebbles, making my mouth water all over again.

“Tell me more,” she whispered. “How wicked are you?”

“Some would call me sadistic.”

“Mmm… Not the teddy bear your sister made you out to be?”

I drove two fingers into her tight channel, marveling at just how wet she was. I was so enthralled with the way her muscles clamped around my long digits that I lost my train of thought.

“I need to know all your dirty little secrets,” she said, completely breathless.

“Let’s see. I enjoy action thrillers.”

“Mmm…”

“Rock music on a summer day. I even blast my stereo from time to time.”

“Stereo, huh? You’re an old guy.”

She made me laugh. “I guess so. Tell me about you.”

Her breathing was becoming heavier, her hand shaking as she tried to act nonchalant when bringing her wine to her lips. “What do you want to know?”

There was nothing more enticing that the sound a woman made when someone was pleasuring her. I added a third finger, taking my time sliding it in and out. I was certainly in no hurry. We had all night long to indulge in whatever fantasy she desired.

She did everything she could to act as if nothing sinful was occurring, but the way she continued to drag her tongue across her bottom lip, and the glisten of shame and need in her eyes sparkling in the twinkling candlelight gave her away.

“I, um… I adore dogs, but you already guessed that.”

“Perhaps.” I couldn’t help myself, pinching her clit between two fingers. She bit back a moan, tossing her long strands of hair over her shoulders as she half laughed. “Something more intimate. When did you lose your virginity?”

Every time she threw me a heated look, my control was challenged.

“You don’t play fair,” she managed.

“Never.”

“Well,” she purred, closing her eyes, “it was my eighteenth birthday, the only boy in high school who’d given me a second look.”

“I doubt that.”

“Oh, I was a tomboy with a geeky… side and I…”

Her voice faded away as I curled my fingers, hitting her G-spot. Her face was shimmering from a hint of perspiration. She brought the glass to her lips again, taking a few seconds before consuming almost a third. Jesus. Could there be another woman in the world who enticed me as she did? Certainly not.

When I stopped moving my hand, she gasped.

“Finish the story like a good girl or I won’t continue pleasuring you.” My growl was dark and heated, just another promise of things to come.

Every sound she made drew me into her carefully spun web.

“Um, he was… terrible. He lost it… seconds in and I…” She tried to continue, brushing a hand through her hair as she tried to lock her eyes with mine. Both pupils were dilated, which triggered another painful series of sensations in my already throbbing cock.

“What a fool to waste something so incredible. A real man needs to take his time pleasuring his woman, finding out every single thing that makes her tick.” I pumped my fingers in as deep as I could go, wishing I could lick every inch of her sweet pussy. That would come later.

“And you’re a real man?”

“You tell me.” I thrust hard and fast, rolling my thumb around her clit to increase the pleasure. When she gripped the edge of the table, her eyes rolling into the back of her head and the sweet girl was having difficulty holding back her scattered moans, I was certain everyone in the restaurant knew what was happening.

Not that I cared.

Yet as her breathing became even more ragged, I leaned closer in, not wanting to miss a single minute of her raging climax. While she did everything in her power to squash the sounds of raw ecstasy, she was failing in her task.

All I could do was bask in her beauty, enjoying the moment. Getting to know each other would wait, other than carnally of course. I’d meant what I’d said. Any man of substance ensured his lady was pleasured before he ever dared to find satisfaction himself.

Her grip on her glass of wine was white knuckled, her face glistening more than before. The way her long lashes were skimming across her cheeks kept my attention rapt. And as she erupted in a sweet moment of release, I drank in her scent and the vision of her to store in my memory banks.

“Yes. Yes. Yes.”

When she was finished, finally coming down from the rafters, she took a few deep breaths before turning her head in my direction. Unable to help myself, I slowly pulled my fingers away, taking care not to remove a single drop of her luscious juice. As I brought them into the light, she darted her eyes into the crowd of customers, but a naughty smile remained on her face.

I took a few seconds rolling just one finger around her lips, forcing the long digit inside to lick it clean. She certainly didn’t need to be told what to do.

When she was finished and I’d pulled my fingers away, she took her napkin, dabbing her lips like the lady she was. I, on the other hand, shoved the entire group of four fingers into my mouth, sucking like a wild animal, making certain I was loud in my actions.

She laughed in response, the redness creeping along her cheeks as adorable as the woman herself.

When Michelangelo appeared with a steaming pie in his hand, she tried to act all prim and proper.

And all I could do was smile.