Chapter 22

L anding on top of a casino in Las Vegas should be exciting. It's a once in a lifetime experience for someone like me. Someone stuck in a box and only given freedom when shit hits the fan, which is practically never. Security was in place as soon as we arrived thanks to our own territory in Vegas. It may not be the largest we have but we have a decent number of soldiers here, all of whom are prepared for when we meet the Italians.

Rocco stands at the entrance of the rooftop as we land. His suit is a dark navy blue, he wears a white button down with no jacket that allows his dark features similar to Enzo's look lighter than normal. Enzo scowls when he takes note ofRocco's presence. We carefully step off the helicopter and onto the helipad. The cool breeze causes me to shiver, making me reconsider the choice of dress. I wrap my arm around Enzo's like any couple would when they walk down the street, until we stop right in front of Rocco.

"What the hell is happening," Enzo seethes, punching Rocco lightly on the arm. He has every right to question him. Shit, I'd also like to know why he was allowed to return without any of my brothers. I raise an eyebrow, waiting to hear the excuses from this man that Enzo calls a friend.

"Let's get inside so we can talk," Rocco suggests softly.Enzo and I glare at him suspiciously, not exactly convinced that we aren't walking into a trap.We don't need anymore enemies.

Enzo shakes his head, refusing to move another step until he gets the answers he demands.

"No. Talk now." His hoarse voice carries the same commanding tone he uses with my body, signaling his unwavering seriousness.

"Fine. Well, Dario is my cousin. My real name is Rocco Mancini." He admits, dropping a bomb before he simply shrugs like it's no big deal. How did Enzo not know? Aren't they best friends?

"What the fuck, Rocco! Why didn't you just tell me that when I sent you with the Dominguez brothers? Instead of lying to my fucking face every day." Enzo yells, looking thoroughly confused.

"It's been years. I was forced to America when I was young. My uncle allowed me to stay here and when Dario took over, he didn't command me to leave. I would have listened had he commanded me to come home but he knows I have a good life. Look, I discussed the situation with him with the Colombians, and he agreed to help. He just wanted to meet with you, and Lina." He confesses; his guilt noticeably more visible.

"Well, let's go meet with him then," I interrupt, not wanting for them to start a fight on the rooftop. I can only suspect that would turn out very badly for everyone.

We all move towards the door, and walk down the steps in silence as the anger radiates off of Enzo in each stomp of his foot. Rocco leads us all the way to the 9 th floor of the hotel.

"So, why fucking hide your true identity?" Enzo asks him. Rocco hesitates for a moment before gripping the back of his neck. "You see how life is in the Cartel, the Mafia is no different. If anything it's worse. I was also sworn to secrecy so I couldn't have told you even if I wanted to."

Enzo doesn't question him any more, neither do I as we make our way down the hallway and inside a hotel room. A man stands there with five guards, each similar in height and wearing suits like Enzo normally would as security.The man in the center has so many similarities to Enzo, and Rocco. Their eyes are a similar brown but where Enzo has hints ofgold, the other man has specks of green. Their hair is similar in color and length, which makes me think Enzo could be part Italian. Enzo is lighter skinned, with a faint tan that he'd gotten recently, the other man is a little darker. His muscles are also toned and defined, clearly noticeable in the gray suit he wore.

There's a sense of familiarity in his eyes as he glances at me and then Enzo. His facial expression gives nothing away as we descend into the room standing directly in front of the head of the Italian Mafia.

"Catalina. It's a pleasure," says the man in the center extending his arm out to me. Reluctantly I take it, "Dario Mancini," he says in a thick Italian accent, placing a chaste kiss on my hand before stepping back quickly. It's almost as if he were testing Enzo's restraint of the gesture.

"Enzo, I take it," Dario's eyebrows lift in entertainment, as Enzo steps forward blocking me from his view.

"Your brothers were very persuasive. It didn't take long before we came up with an arrangement that would be beneficial for all of us." He clarifies, extending his arms gesturing us to sit on the lavish couch of the hotel room.

"Rather than marry the Columbian, we believe that merging our families will be the better fit. We've already discussed logistics with your brothers. We'll get into more detail after we help you rid the world of the scum in your territories." He starts, Enzo is shaking in anger at his words and I tremble in fear. It's either marry an ally or an enemy regardless, none of those options end with the man I want. The man that sits besides me and makes me feel seen.

"We've brought half our men with us and your brothers will arrive with the remaining half. We see that you've already started making a statement with the Columbians by stopping the cocaine intake in each location. Fantastic strategy. I'm beyond impressed. You'll make a wonderful addition." Dario grins, his smile reminds me of Enzo. There's no way in hell I can go through with any wedding. Making an escape won't be easy, but the moment I get a chance I'll have to take it. I can't trust anyone that works for my brothers so I'll have to contact Sierra and see if she'll help me disappear.

"Thank you," I say confidently in my ability and knowledge of my family's business.

-"You'll be a great asset to our family," he stands, and Enzo mimics the movements standing in front of me. "And I see you have a loyal following too," giving Enzo a sideways glance before excusing himself. Rocco follows Dario, leaving us alone in the room with the Italian guards.

We remain silent a few moments until Rocco strides into the room. He stands by the door waiting for us to move closer.

"Dario got you a room, Catalina. You're on the 7 th floor. Enzo, you have the room across the hallway." He pauses, "Enzo. Dario said to enjoy the guest room and to use it well." Rocco winks, his mischievous smile has a hidden message in a way that I'm not sure I want to know.

Words go unspoken when we step out of the lavish hotel room. Silence and tension bounce between Enzo and I even as Rocco and Kai stand next to us. The electricity bounces off the metal walls of the elevator, causing my heart to beat faster than normal. The ding of the elevator goes off when we reach the seventh floor. Kai and Rocco disappear going the opposite direction from us, Enzo grabs hold of my hand and practically drags me to the right side. Towards the hotel room door that reads 743. He takes the white card that Rocco placed in his hand and swipes the key on the door until it clicks open.

This isn't the room Rocco mentioned to me, but I already knew I was going to stay with Enzo. There is no way I would miss our last moments together while we are here. Taking in the suite, my eyes widen at how beautiful it is. There's a large living room beautifully decorated as if it was someone's home. There are paintings on the walls that bring out the aesthetic of the room. Each stroke of a brush has the same shades of the décor. There's a dark hallway that extends near the long kitchen with an island. The white cabinets match with the beautiful marble countertops. Looking towards the window, I can see the breathtaking view of the city lights leading to a glass door that leads out to a balcony.

Enzo tugs at my arm, and nods his head towards the dark hallway. He checks two of the doors, revealing a bathroom and a normal bedroom with a king-sized bed, decorated similar to the living room. Every part of this suite is incredible, with the personal touches that make me believe someone actually lives here. He's just as curious as I am at the surprise that Rocco was talking about. Enzo turns towards the last heavy white door, slowly turning the doorknob and pushing it with one hand. The door creaks as it slowly reveals a room unlike anything I've ever seen before. I pause right before entering the threshold. My eyes go straight to the giant leather cross at one side of the room, and another king-sized bed towards the right side of the room. Except this one has black silk sheets covering it.

I cross and rub my arms to hide the chills that course through my body. I have no idea what this thing is or why it's here. One glance at Enzo's direction tells me he knows exactly what it is. He smirks, turning towards me, his obsidian eyes dilating in a primal, hungry way- as if he's ready to pounce on me. Like he'll go mad if he doesn't devour me at this instant. Pleasure aches through me, the way our bodies call to each other is like we were long lost lovers reuniting across lifetimes. My heart beats faster as he kneels before me, gently removing the straps of my red heels while placing sweet kisses along my skin. Once that heel is removed, he slowly works on the other doing everything just as gently. His hands sliding up my thigh and opening the slit of my dress. He leans in, trailing more gentle kisses up to the edge of my panties and inhaling my arousal like it's the most intoxicating scent in the world .

"You are a goddess. Let's play, Princess. Let's see how much your body can take,'" he lets out a guttural growl as his thumbs tease the waistband of my panties. Slowly gliding them down, inch by inch, closing my eyes I get lost in his touch as he removes the dress off my body. The searing heat of his hands on my skin has me getting more wet by the minute. My heart beats rapidly in my chest, as he takes off the holster and garters, leaving the gun on the floor along with the blade before removing my panties in one swift move, letting them drop to my feet before helping me step out of them.

He grabs the weapons and quickly places them on the nearby dresser and makes his way back to me. Wrapping his arms around my body, he grips my ass in a rough motion. Lifting me slightly off the ground, until I wrap my legs around his waist, digging my feet into his firm ass as he carries me over to the large cross. His mouth is on mine deepening the hold he has over me, as he pushes his hard body against mine. While the cool leather of the giant X ispressed against my back, soft moans escape my lips, mingling with ourheavy pants combined with the loud thud of our pounding hearts.

Enzo traces my jawline with his tongue, then descends to my neck, biting and licking. His hands move to my waist, allowing my legs to touch the ground again. In one swift movement, he turns me around, pressing my face against the leather cross attached to the wall. The scent of leather lingering in the air as he holds me in place, kissing his way down my arms. He lifts my right wrist and secures a leather cuff around it, then repeats the process on the other side. He then lowers himself adding leather cuffs to my ankles and stretching me out in front of him, like a toy ready to be played with.

It's hard to see him from where my head leans against the leather cross. I strain to see him, out of the corner of my eye I watch as he shrugs off his jacket and methodically unbuttons his sleeves. The veins on his arms become more pronounced as he rolls the end of the sleeves up. His gaze trailing down the length of my body.

As he closes the distance, I'm overwhelmed by his earthy, evergreen scent. I ache to touch him, to glide my fingers across his tattooed arm, and trace each image like my own personal coloring book. He pulls a knife from his pocket, the metal gleaming under the light as he gently drags the sharp blade across his fingertip. Watching in fascination, I can't look away as he brings the dagger up to his lips, licking it sensually while giving me a knowing smirk like he can read my mind - and the vivid fantasies racing through it.

The gentle caress of the tip against my skin causes me to shudder in pleasure and anticipation. "Do you remember your safe word?" He questions, sliding the tip of the knife delicately down my spine. With a light tap of the blade on my ass, I melt into the leather of the cross against my stomach. With my eyes closed, I inhale deeply, focusing on the intensifying sensations of being restricted.

"Yes, Sir. Marigold." I stutter.His warmth disappears and the sound of drawers opening fills the silence of the room."Good girl," He praises, my heart practically leaps out of my chest as he continues rummaging through drawers.

The anticipation of what's to come is overwhelming me. I contemplate stopping him. Just one word is all it will take. But I don't. I never want this feeling to end. A strong leather scent pulls me from my thoughts as the caress of leather brushes against my cheek. He grips a leather crop, entrapping my attention to the lace cloth in his other hand.

"Close your eyes," he says, while slowly wrapping the lace cloth around my face, tightening it to ensure it doesn't slip. No matter how much I try to open my eyes, it's now impossible to.

I'm eager to see what Enzo has in store. I already feel the arousal between my thighs as I let my imagination run wild with thoughts of what he plans to do. The smooth leather on my ass causes me to jump in surprise. I feel the riding crop caressing my flesh, sending goosebumps to break out as he creates a trail from spine down my backside.

A loud smack echoes as the leather makes contact with my ass, causing me to squeal on impact. The spank is so loud that I'm sure the room next door must have heard it. The pain spreads through my body, and I have to swallow back the tears that threaten to come out as he alternates between ass cheeks.

Marigold sits on the tip of my tongue, begging to escape. The fourth round of spanks feels just as painful but instead of spreading pain, it's converted into a pleasure I've never experienced before.

"Fuck. You look so fucking sexy restrained like this, with this round ass on full display. Imagine what this would feel like if you were up on stage for everyone to see but only mine to use." His tongue traces the sweat beading on my neck. The light brush of his lips just below my ear sends shivers to erupt from my spine and straight down to my pussy. "Maybe we should visit the Temple when we get back."

"You like the sound of being watched, don't you?" He asks, the idea causes my breath to falter. I open my mouth to speak, but I can't seem to form the words. I'm completely at his mercy, the safe word is still on the tip of my tongue when another smack on my ass makes me yelp. I could have said it then, but I didn't dare either. I want to see how far Enzo will go.

"Yes, I want you to use me for everyone to see," I say softly, I struggle against the restraints on my wrists, the sensations around my arms only adding to the pleasure of the pain. Enzo continues pushing my limits, and I can feel my heart pulsing on my clit. The desperate need to come has me begging for relief.

He falls silent as a vibrating sensation muffles the moans wanting to escape. The new feeling pulses between my legs. I thrust my hips as best I can against the cross, chasing the stimulation on my clit. He's teasing me, denying me as I get desperately closer to an ecstasy that I'm panting for.

Marigold. Marigold. Marigold.

My mind chants my safe word, but the words don't leave my tongue as I moan in pleasure and pain.

"Do you need to come, beautiful? Beg me for it"

I can feel my orgasm building. I'm so close before he withdraws the device from my clit. I groan in frustration.

"Beg Catalina," he reiterates.

Desperate to find my own release, I ramble on, "Please, please, please. Enzo. Let me come. Please." My own voice is barely recognizable as the words tumble out.

"You're so pretty when you beg. You need the release don't you baby? You need me to satisfy your every fucking need." A higher intensifying vibration returns on my sensitive clit. It doesn't take long before my cries of ecstasy fill the air and I scream out his name. My orgasm comes crashing through me in waves. The explosion behind my eyes slowly fades when he removes the blindfold, his gentle touch and his soothing words makes me melt against my restraints.

With gentle care, he removes the cuffs from both my wrists before he bends down and removes those that are attached to my ankles. Picking me up bridal style he carries me to the other bedroom inside the suite, and gently places me on my back on the plush mattress.

He sits against the headboard beside me, opening his arms for me to lay against his chest. His arm wraps around me, his gentle touch soothing me as he rubs my back in small circular motions.

Desperate to see him lose control the way I have, I move down his body. I unbutton his pants and pull them off. Quickly, straddling him and grabbing at his shirt until he helps remove it.

I make my way back up his body, our naked bodies pressing together fit perfectly. I grind my aching, wet pussy against his thick cock, teasing him. With a growl, he grips my bottom, digging his fingertips into me as he lifts me just enough to align his cock to my entrance. I can feel my pussy stretch open for him as he slowly guides me down his shaft, inch by delicious inch.

"Fuck me, Catalina. Ride my cock like a good fucking girl," he murmurs, his fingers trail down my back before settling back on my waist. Releasing my grip off his shoulders, I grasp the headboard for support. His hips thrust into me as I match his rhythm, his tongue caresses my sensitive, swollen nipples as he continues his torturous movements. Our sweat-slicked skin glides together as we move, his hands roaming my body while his stubbled jaw brushes my neck, leaving a slight burn behind.

At this moment, nothing else matters but the feel of his lean, hard muscles against my soft skin. This moment is one that I've embedded into my mind and soul, one that will forever be what I compare whatever future husband I end up having. I lose myself in the moment as I circle my hips and his thrusts meet mine, the sound of our skin slapping together echoing through the room. Fuck, do I wish I could keep him. I moan loudly, refusing to let the emotions that threaten to overwhelm me break free. With my eyes closed, stars burst behind my lids flashing through the darkness as I surrender in complete euphoria.

A cold tap on my face jolts my eyes wide open as my legs tremble. Enzo's deep brown eyes bore into mine. "Eyes on me when you come, Catalina. I want you to see who destroyed you, who claimed you. You wear my marks all over your gorgeous fucking body, Princess." His grip tightens on my waist, gently rubbing the finger marks that are already starting to bruise. I look into his brown eyes, mesmerized by the way they sparkle with the dim light as he watches me come in the most intense pleasure I've ever felt. My lips part as I moan through my release. It is not long before he follows, his cock twitches a few times before I feel him come deep inside me. He thrusts a few more times milking himself as my walls tighten around him. Leaning his forehead against mine for a moment, he places a sweet kiss on my temple before reluctantly lifting me from his lap. He sets me on the left side of the bed, then stands up and heads to the bathroom.

His warmth only disappears momentarily, when he returns, he caresses a warm cloth between my legs. I close my eyes as I feel the heat from the towel, when a cold liquid drips where my ass aches, "We'll have to do this again, I love seeing my marks on you," he says gently, as he rubs the liquid over my sore skin, a stark contrast to the way he spanked me.

He knew exactly what I needed to get out of my own head, to escape my troubled thoughts and the reality that I'm being sold for the sake of my family. In this moment, even in restraints, I felt true control, power and that is something I'll miss.