Chapter Twelve

"And I thought we were going to eat?" Gigi said, trying to find an excuse to ward off the inevitable. She would be a fool to continue denying that she wanted to have sex with Ludovico, but her brain couldn't seem to let go of the fact he was not a good person, even if her body couldn't care less.

Her stomach rumbled loudly.

Ludovico laughed, the loud deep chuckle making her own lips quirk.

"All right, then, Ragazza. Let's reach a compromise. I will make dinner if you take off your clothes as I've asked."

"You'll make dinner?"

"Yes. Believe it or not, I know how to cook. My mother made sure I learned."

He moved into the room adjacent to the living area. Gigi followed. It was a state-of-the-art kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and sleek cabinetry.

"You want me to be naked while you cook." She sucked in her cheeks. "Why?"

"Because I enjoy seeing you in such a state, because I like bossing you around, or simply because I feel like it. You ask too many questions, Ragazza, for someone whose life is under threat."

"I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"Don't be," Ludovico said. He paused and turned his back to her as if he regretted speaking. "It entertains me." He began to open drawers and cabinets, pulling out utensils. "When I turn around, you better be naked and sitting on that barstool," he said.

Gigi swallowed. Could she do it? Could she undress and casually sit on a stool as if nothing were happening between her and this man? This murderer? She slipped off her suit jacket. Did she have an alternative? Ludovico didn't glance at her, but his presence was commanding as he took over the kitchen, getting ingredients and pots ready. She undid the buttons on her shirt. He'd already seen her naked. He'd touched her. Fondled her. Brought her to orgasm. She placed the shirt to one side. Teeth chattering, she made to remove her skirt. The only thing she would lose if she didn't comply was her life. It was too much to haggle with. The garment crumpled on the floor at her feet. She kicked it aside. Without glancing at Ludovico, she headed for the stool and sat down.

He didn't turn around but continued fiddling around the kitchen. Gigi squirmed in the seat. Was he ignoring her?

"Ludovico? Mario?" she whispered.

He spun around so fast, it startled her. He was on her in two steps, his hands clasping her knees and parting them. Placing her legs around his waist, he gripped her chin and tilted her head back.

"Say it again," he asked, voice husky with need. "Say my name again."

"Ludovico." His lips brushed against her mouth. "Mario," she moaned.

He groaned, smashing their mouths together, his tongue delving deep into her recess, tangling and commanding. Gigi quivered and sighed, melting into his demands. Ludovico's digits searched among her folds, slipping and sliding, adding to her passion with every caress.

Gigi frantically reached for him, pulling his shirt out and sliding her palms onto his muscled flesh. Ludovico hissed. Taking a step back, he ripped at his shirt, sending his buttons tumbling across the kitchen like raindrops. She trembled at the sight of his naked torso. He was littered with tattoos, from the blood-red rose on his neck, down to skulls, poker cards, and scars, big and small, which were still visible under the ink. Gigi reached out to him, touching the most prominent one, which went from underneath his left breast down to his last rib.

"What happened to you?" she murmured.

Ludovico grasped her wrist.

"The past," he replied. He pushed her hand down to his waist. His erection was straining against his zipper. Fumbling, she released it from its constraints. Palming it, she stroked the iron member, spreading the pre-cum at the slit.

"I've had enough games, Ragazza."

Wrapping her hair around his hand, he pulled her in for a kiss. The thick mushroom head tapped her entrance. She spread her legs, urging him on. Sliding his hands to her ass, Ludovico lifted her and entered her in a hard thrust. A cry burst through her, his invasion hard and sharp. Ludovico paused, giving her a moment to adjust. Pleasure coursed through her as he slid his length back.

"Mario," she moaned.

"Ragazza."

He slammed into her. Her fingernails dug into his back. He growled in response, pumping into her with wild abandon. Sweat gathered between them making their bodies slick. Gigi arched her back, pleasure climbing across every nerve ending. She could feel the pressure building within her, waiting to explode and gush out.

"Mario."

He placed a hand around her neck, squeezing. Her eyes flew open.

"Troia," he whispered hoarsely. "My pet. My Ragazza." He pressed down just as his cock entered her, his pelvis hitting her clit and bringing her over the edge. Her body convulsed, her scream lodging in her throat as his palm cut off her voice. Stars danced behind her lids, blackening the world around her.

****

Gigi came to moments later. She groaned and stretched.

"I don't think I'd ever had a ragazza pass out while fucking me." Ludovico grinned at her. "You're truly a delight."

She averted her gaze and rubbed her palms on the incredibly soft bedsheets.

"You carried me to your bedroom."

"I decided it was more comfortable than the kitchen counter."

Gigi glanced at him. She lifted her eyebrows.

"Are you making a joke, Mario Ludovico?"

"I can be humorous occasionally," he said, winking at her. "Especially if my cock has just been sated."

She blushed.

"You came."

"Moments after you did. I have a picture if you'd like to see it."

Gigi puckered her lips. A picture. For a moment, she'd forgotten they were not lovers, but something else entirely. He was a bully, and she was his victim. She glanced at Ludovico again. He lay on his back, hands crossed over his abdomen, a small smile on his lips. The sight of his scars made a shiver run across her and she averted her gaze.

The bedroom also had floor-to-ceiling windows, the city's shining lights offering a breathless view. In front of them, a plush seating area offered a relaxing ambiance. From her position on the bed, she could see the door to an en suite bathroom and a deep soaking tub. In front of the king-sized bed, there was a large wooden dresser and a state-of-the-art TV. On either side of it, two paintings hung.

"Those paintings are gorgeous," Gigi said. "I've never been one for abstract art, but there is something about the colors and the brushstrokes. It shows anger, passion."

"Go on."

She shrugged. "Sorry, I was rambling. I don't have any right to criticize your household. I am your pet," she murmured.

"And pets are vocal. What else do you see in the painting?" She slipped out of bed, and went to it, inspecting it more closely. "Sadness," she said at last. "In the blue strokes underneath the bright red, orange, black, there is blue."

"Yes." Ludovico paused. "I did that."

She turned to face him. "You?"

He nodded.

"A long time ago. Few people have seen it, noticed it, and much less appreciated it. You've got a good eye."

Gigi chewed on her bottom lip for an instant.

"How did you come to all this?" Gigi asked. "Didn't you want to be something else?"

"Other than a murderer?" Ludovico sucked in his cheeks and let out a long sigh. She was about to apologize but decided instead to wait. If he didn't want to speak, he'd make it clear.

"I did want to take another path in life. For many years."

"What happened?"

Ludovico clenched his fists, even if he didn't open his eyes.

"My father, the capo. He took a liking to beating me and Claudio. My brother simply took it, but I refused."

Gigi swallowed. She was uncertain what to say when Ludovico abruptly sat up in bed. He pierced her with his gaze.

"I murdered him."

Her hand flew to her mouth.

"Your father?"

He nodded. "It was me or him. He came at me with that leather belt, and I kept my knife hidden. Slipped it right under his ribs. I can still see the blood bathing my hands." Ludovico shook his head. "Anyhow, I found out later that all along that had been what he'd been looking for. He was terminally ill and wanted one of his sons to take him down. Whoever did, he knew, would command the respect of the family. It was me, and Claudio hates me for it."

"I'm sorry you had to go through all that," Gigi said.

He shrugged. "A man must earn his respect, whatever the cost." The corner of his lips twisted. "Be it from other men or from his troia. Come here, Ragazza. I desire you again. This time, though, I don't want you to pass out."