Chapter 2

Mario hesitates in the doorway like hes unsure that Ill believe what he has to say.

Out with it, Mario.

The host takes a breath, gathering his courage. Mr. Falcone, theres a young lady here asking for you.

Of course. Another pointless fucking message. Why did I hire managers if everyone is just going to come to me with their problems anyway? Tell her to come back tomorrow and she can talk to the hiring manager.

Its not about a job, sir. She…ah...she says she has to speak to you about your son, Carlo.

I dont look up, but my hands freeze over the keyboard, a bolt of electricity shooting through my entire body. Theres no reason to think anything serious is wrong. It could be anything, and yet, my body seems to know.

Carlo has fucked something up, and now its going to be my responsibility to clean up his mess.

Send her up.

Right away, sir.

I finish the email and push back from my desk, running a hand through my hair. Something is telling me its going to be a long night.

I havent seen Carlo in years, and our parting was so terrible that I dont really feel much grief over the separation. Shame, sure, but as the Boss of the Falcone crime family, there was no way to make blacklisting my son anything but shameful.

Carlo was...unsatisfied, to say the least, with the fact that I was willing to let the family name and our violent, bloody history fade into obscurity. Ive grown tired of the killing, tired of the blood on my hands. The family has more money than we can spend and funneling it towards Il Fiore Raro is infinitely more satisfying.

Im 40 now, and the last few years have been more about protecting my business and my wealth and keeping things together, rather than starting trouble. Its not a peaceful life, but it might be. One day.

Carlo, however, has made it abundantly clear that he wants the excitement and danger of the underground criminal world. Hes my only son, my only child, and a spoiled brat. Hes always wanted everything, and Ive always been able to give it to him, within reason. As he got older and realized that he was going to live a normal life and not the life of a mafia boss, the things he demanded from me became impossible to provide. I fully expected to pay for him to go to college, to make a decent man out of himself far away from the violence that haunts the Falcone family, but Carlo never wanted that. He wanted the money and the blood.

So, the moment he graduated high school, he tried to give me an ultimatum. ME. Dominic fucking Falcone. If I didnt pivot away from the restaurant and pick back up the lucrative crime life from before so Carlo could take over in a couple of years, he would disappear and there would be no son to carry on the family name.

The infuriating idiot. How could he not see that carrying on the family name wasnt worth it to me if it meant the name would be covered in blood?

Of course, there’s no way I’m giving up Il Fiore Raro, the restaurant that is my baby and has been in the making for years. Its the pride and joy of the Falcone family, and its not something I was willing to give up. So I blacklisted Carlo, and the last time we spoke was when he packed up his bags and left, cursing me the entire time.

I was sad at first. Angry. Frustrated. But its been years since then, and the ache of his absence has faded. Its better for him and for me.

Until today.

The knock on the door startles me out of my thoughts, and I sit up straighter, smoothing out the wrinkles on the front of my suit. Come in.

The host leads in a woman, and for a moment, shes so unexpected that I forget myself and the anger burning inside me. Shes...holy hell. Shes everything.

The most beautiful woman Ive ever seen.

Shes an angel, with a heart-shaped face and large, innocent emerald eyes. Her nose is small and straight, and her cupids bow lips are naturally pink. Her skin is like ivory, her dark hair falling in soft curls down her back.

But then theres her body. Shes tiny, maybe 51, but the way her t-shirt stretches across her ample chest and her curves are like something out of a dream. Shes got the fabric knotted at her belly, and when she turns to thank Mario for the escort, a sliver of skin is exposed. I imagine licking it, undoing the gold button on those jeans, and continuing down.

Then she turns toward me, shy but meeting my gaze, and everything changes. I feel like a meteor falling through the atmosphere, burning all the way down, the only thing holding me together is the connection I feel for this girl. Its instantaneous and ridiculously strong, a tether tying us together. I can see in her eyes that she feels it too, the same desire and pull.

But shes also scared. Shes shaking, her hands trembling, and when she walks toward the chair in front of my desk, she nearly trips over her own feet. Shes an innocent, a lamb in the lions den, and all I can think about is taking her for my own, keeping her safe.

I have to get a grip on myself.

The thing is, despite not having spoken to Carlo in years, Ive had people keep an eye on him, just in case. He might be a little punk, but hes still my son. So while he had a few short relationships in the past, his most recent girlfriend lasted longer than most. Ive glanced over her picture and name in Carlos file, but her face in black and white in a little printed picture is nothing, NOTHING, compared to her in person.

And I know her name. That much I do remember, thinking that it was too sweet of a name for someone like Carlo.

Have a seat, I tell her, thankful that my voice doesnt betray my now-overwhelming need. I watch her walk to the seat in front of my desk and lower herself down, getting another glimpse of that fascinating inch of her bare stomach. Youre Daisy Linden.

Her shining eyes go wide, Y-yes...I am. How did you know?

Im not about to tell this angel that I have a page on her in my asshole sons security file. And you have something to tell me about my son?

From there, this becomes one of the most infuriating and arousing 40 minutes of my entire fucking life. Hearing that Carlo has stooped so low to put out a hit on this sweet woman, MY woman, makes me murderous. But then I touch her, holding the back of her neck and feeling her silky skin, and Im harder than Ive ever been. I want to bury my face in her neck and inhale her sweet vanilla scent, burn it into my brain forever.

When she tells me she wants to work off her debt by working in my restaurant, I know immediately that I cant allow that. Shes not some barista or waitress. Shes an angel. No one can look at her but me, no one else can be near her. The very thought of another mans hands on her makes my vision turn red.

No, I cant let her go. I need her to stay, and Ill do whatever it takes to get her to. So without thinking it through, I make a split-second decision. So, Ms. Linden, here is what is going to happen. Youre going to stay with me. In my home. Starting tonight.

Her gasp and the way her lips part in surprise make me even harder. She looks nervous, like she doesnt quite believe me. Stay...with you? But Mr. Falcone?—

Dominic, I interrupt, my voice low. Youre a guest in my house. Call me by my name.

Okay, she says, her voice shaking. But Dominic, I dont think?—

Its settled, I tell her, not leaving any room for argument. You want me to keep you safe, you stay with me. No argument.

What about my job?

What about it? You arent going to be going anywhere while youre still in danger. So dont worry about it.

Its clear that she isnt going to take my advice, though. Daisy bites her plump bottom lip, eyebrows drawing together. God, I wonder if that lip-biting is a habit of hers because it sure as hell makes my control fray even more. I left the backdoor unlocked when I ran from Carlo. I feel horrible! The owner has been so good to me...

Inwardly, I sigh. Already Im seeing that she is too good-hearted for her own good. Give me the store keys. Ill have some of my men go and lock up for you and slip the keys under the door for whoever comes in tomorrow. Then it doesnt have to weigh on your conscience.

Daisy hesitates. I dont know. What if Carlo and his men are still there? I wouldnt want your people to be in danger.

Im not one to laugh often, but this makes a smile pull at my mouth. Angel, listen. Carlo is an amateur, and I am a pro. My men are pros. Theyd wipe the floor with him.

I hold out my hand, palm up, and after a second, Daisy lays the store keys in my hand. My skin tingles when it brushes hers, and I have to take a deep breath. Im a 40-year-old man. Im not going to come in my pants like a teenager because she touched me.

There. No need to worry. I want you to write down a list of what you want from your residence, and Ill have a separate group go to retrieve it. As for you, Daisy, Ive got a few loose ends to clear up here, so Im going to have my head of security take you to my home. Youll be safe there, and Ill join you as soon as I can.

She doesnt look happy about that, but she doesnt argue. Smart girl. Instead, she nods, her hair brushing against her cheek. Thank you, Dominic. I really appreciate all your help. Ill find a way to pay you back. I promise.

There are plenty of ideas in my mind about how she can repay me, but none of them are anywhere near appropriate. Dont worry about it, angel. Its my pleasure.

She flushes a pretty shade of red, and I go to my desk to get her paper and a pen so she can make a list of what shes going to need while shes staying with me. As much as I want to keep her in the office and drive her home myself, I have a little bit of footwork to do tonight regarding my disappointment of a son.

Mario will show you out, I tell her. My head of security, Ashton, will be waiting for you in front of the restaurant. Ill let him know the deal, and Ill see you at the house in a few hours.

I hate to be taking up space in your home...

I have more room than I know what to do with.

Daisy has perched on the corner of my desk while she writes her list, and I cant resist coming a little closer, pulling up a picture of the estate on my phone just for an excuse to be as near to her as possible. Its about an hours drive, but this piece of property has been in my family for two generations now. I had the house updated so I know youll be comfortable.

Daisys lips part, her perfect teeth nibbling on the edge of the pen. Okay. I just...thank you, Dominic. She leans in to look at the picture and her eyes go wide.

Im not a man who boasts, but looking at my property through her eyes, I cant help but puff up a little. Its a sprawling estate, with acres upon acres of land, the gardens, the pool, the stables. Its the epitome of luxury. And shell be there, sleeping in one of the bedrooms, and Ill be within shouting distance.

The thought shouldnt make me as excited as it does, but its the best fucking news Ive heard all day.

Its settled then. Mario will show you out, and Ashton is waiting. Make sure he calls me if anything feels wrong. Dont stop. Just drive until you see the estate, and then youll be safe.

Daisy nods and gets to her feet, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Okay. Ill see you tonight, Dominic. Drive safe.

I nod, and Im left staring at the door long after shes gone, imagining her full lips forming the words, Drive safe. Ive never been one to drive carefully, but suddenly, I think I might have a reason to.

The fact that Im already protective of Daisy is no surprise to me. As a Falcone, its bred into me. I protect whats mine.

But the way my heart thumps when I think about her, the way my brain conjures her face every time I blink, Ive never reacted to a woman like this before. Palming myself through my slacks, I stalk back behind my desk, resisting the urge to pull out my cock and stroke one out right here and now.

Instead, I call Ashton, one of my most trusted employees. Ash, Ive got a job for you.

Alright, Dominic.

Ashton has been loyal for years. Hes seen me through more than I can count. Hell understand why protecting Daisy is important, even if it isnt completely clear to me yet. Theres a girl. Her name is Daisy Linden. Carlo Falcone put a hit out on her, and shes in danger.

Ashton knows the situation with Carlo. Everyone does. Alright. What do you want me to do?

Take her to my estate. Set her up in one of the rooms. Get some of your most trusted men to get her things from her apartment, and another set to go and lock up the store she works at. Ive got keys and a list up here for you.

Will do, boss. Anything else?

Keep her safe. Keep an eye on her. Call me if something goes wrong. If you get into a scrap with Carlo or his men, call for backup.

Sounds good. Ashton pauses. Boss, Im just going to be blunt. If Carlo pops up, how much force do you want me to use?

The usual, Ash.

You want him brought in alive?

Thats the ideal situation, yeah. I dont even hesitate. But if it comes down to Carlo or Daisy, take him out. You know we protect our women.

Got it. On my way.

I hang up and lean back in my chair, pressing my fingertips together. If Carlo is so dead set on digging his own grave, hes going to regret it. A part of me regrets it, too. But its not enough for me to change my mind about doing what needs to be done.

If Carlo has crossed the line so severely that hes trying to kill an innocent woman, then its beyond repair. I need to put a stop to it, once and for all.

Hes made his bed. Now hes got to lie in it.

Meanwhile, the angel he was stupid enough to give up will be sleeping in a bed under MY roof. And soon enough, in bed with me. Daisy Linden is mine, and Im going to make sure Carlo knows it.