71. Zola

Chapter 71

Zola

I felt frightened.

There was no doubt we were now heading into extremely dangerous territory where anything at any time could go wrong. But I understood him. It was either this or we put our fate in the hands of people like Hudgens and sat like sitting ducks while Ugo decided our fate.

It was the only real option, but it held terrifying consequences. One wrong move and Dante could either be killed or put away for a very, very long time.

But I couldn’t think of that. I refused to. All I could do was support him, and when Giotto face-timed me from my father’s house, I gave him detailed directions and watched while he located the relevant boxes of my father’s files.

I looked at the clock on the library wall. It was almost midnight. I hadn't seen Dante since we had talked by the lake. He had been holed up in his office with the files Giotto had brought. I couldn't help but be worried about him, especially because he needed the rest.

Eventually, when I couldn't take the silence in the library any longer, I sent him a text message.

Need any help with going through the files?

I turned off the computer and got to my feet. His response was simple.

Sure, come over.

I got up and hurried down the stairs. I arrived at the door and gave a light knock. It was opened a few seconds later by Giotto, who inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment.

I felt guilty every time I saw him or any of the men for that matter because after watching the videos of me walking down the street like an automaton, I was even more aware of the risks they had undertaken to save me. I knew it wasn't on my behalf, he did it for Dante, but I couldn't help but be incredibly grateful. I gave him a big shining smile.

"Goodnight, Miss Leone. I’m heading off to bed, but call me if you need me, Boss,” Giotto said as he walked out the door and closed it behind him.

“Goodnight, Giotto.”

I walked into the warm room. It wasn't as huge as I had expected, but the best part about it was their little Eden area with a huge TV and the whitest, fluffiest rug on the floor. Dante was at his desk, leaning against the chair, with a pile of papers in his hand. He looked uncomfortable, and between his brows was a line of strain. I ached to smooth it out.

“Am I intruding?” I asked and he set the papers down and straightened slowly.

"No," he replied flatly. “Are you falling for Giotto?”

I grinned. “No, but I’m extraordinarily grateful for what your men did for me yesterday.”

“Hmm … if you smile any brighter at him, I’m going to have to fire the guy and I really don’t want to do that, because he’s hands down the best employee I’ve ever had.”

I hid a smile. “I’ll dim it down,” I promised.

“Good. I’ll appreciate it.”

He set the papers down and got to his feet. It was with a little difficulty, much more than he had earlier, and I immediately stepped forward to help him, but he held up his hand.

"It's okay, I can manage." He got out from behind the desk and began to head over to me. He came to a stop in front of me.

"It's a bit sore now, isn't it?" I asked. "It aches more than before?"

He nodded. “Might have strained myself too much.”

"Did you take medicine for it?"

"I have. The doctor said he'll be here early in the morning to check me and you as well."

Feeling daring, I lifted to my tiptoes to kiss him. It was supposed to be quick and sweet, but his hand curved around the side of my neck and I was lost. I felt it down to the depths of my heart. When our lips parted I found him watching me, a smile slowly appearing at the corners of his lips.

"I know what you're thinking," I said.

His eyes twinkled. “What am I thinking?”

"You're thinking that maybe it's a good thing if I mess up from time to time. This way, I'll be less headstrong, more kissable.”

He laughed. “Marco’s daughter is one smart cookie.”

Slowly, he started moving towards the couch. He sat down and lifted a glass goblet half filled with brandy from the coffee table. He raised it towards me.

“My pain meds.”

He took a huge sip of it while I got carried away simply watching him. His hair had gotten much longer, and it reminded me of how he had looked that first night I saw him, when he confused and excited me. When I had to reluctantly admit just how handsome he was to me. Now, the more I looked, the more I felt things that were definitely not appropriate right now, but I couldn't help it.

"Come over here,” he invited, patting the space next to him.

I did as he asked and settled down by his side, but I felt suddenly amazingly shy and thought I might need some Dutch courage.

“I’m in pain too,” I said softly.

He passed his glass over to me and watched as I took a sip, and then he took one as well before setting it down.

"Find anything interesting yet?” I asked.

He sighed and shook his head. "Not really." He looked at the boxes all around. "It's going to take a while to go through them.”

“Sure you don't need any help?"

He was silent for a little while, and then he replied. “You won’t know what to look for.”

I turned to him. "You have another option?"

"Detective Mellor," he said. "I think it's imperative that I pay her a little visit.”

I gasped. "You think she's gonna talk?”

"Yeah, I think she will. It's not like I'm going to use whatever I obtain from her in court anyway. It wouldn't have been obtained legally.”

"What do you mean by it wouldn't have been obtained legally?"

"To wrap things up as quickly as I want to, I’ll briefly have to revert to my old ways."

“I wish I could be there. I have a few questions for her too, but I can't, can I? Or can I?” I looked at him hopefully.

He shook his head decisively. "You can't. Anything can go wrong, and anyway, I don't want you to be there."

"Fine, but you will get some retribution for me …"

His eyes narrowed. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she bitterly regrets doing what she did."

"Thank you," I said and burrowed deeper into the couch.

"You're becoming quite … mafia-minded," he commented with amusement.

"Maybe that's the way to be," I said. "Otherwise, the entire world goes incredibly slowly, and people treat your life as though it's worth nothing."

"That was the lure," he agreed.

I leaned against him and shut my eyes, completely relishing the silence and his beautiful scent. I needed more of that, so I turned and leaned my nose into his neck. It felt like forever since I’d been intimate with him, and I missed it immensely. It was all I wanted now, to be as close to him as physically possible, but I was well aware this couldn't be the case given his injuries, but I had a trick or two up my sleeves.

"You smell so good and I have a present for you,” I said.

His curious eyes were mere inches from mine. I noticed they seemed slightly glazed. “A present?”

“Yes, I got it ages ago in London and never got the chance to give it to you.”

I slipped down to my knees in front of him and began to put my hair up. I wondered if he would stop me, but he didn’t. His eyes were burning with blue fire. I’d seen them burn like that before … in London. I was spurred to keep going. I undid the button of his slacks, pulled down his zipper, and positioned myself between his widened knees. As I did, he didn't take his eyes off me, and neither could I from him.

"Will it hurt you?" I asked.

"You call it hurt, I call it two spoons of sugar?" His voice was thick with lust.

I wrinkled my nose at his cockiness and gently pulled his beautiful, completely erect cock out of his boxers.

"You don't have to be so gentle," he said. "It won't break."

I looked up. Amusement glinted in his eyes. I wrapped my hand around the impressive length of him and watched it grow even harder and longer in my hands.

Teasingly, I massaged the rod, stroking from bottom to top until a little precum appeared at the head. I leaned forward and dipped my tongue into his slit to get a taste.

I heard a sharp intake of his breath, and I loved it. But I loved it even more when I completely covered the thick head with my mouth. A soft groan escaped from him and he leaned against the couch, his head tilted back, and his eyes shut.

He was ready to enjoy every single moment of it, and I was ready to suck him off with every ounce of energy I had in me. I took my time with it, running my tongue along his length and sucking on every inch of his slickness.

“Zola,” he called out when I took his balls into my mouth, and how I loved it when I released them with a pop. I continued pleasuring him until I felt him inching closer and closer toward the edge.

His breathing was harsh, and his fingers raked into my hair. The slight tinge of pain and the idea that he was losing control completely aroused me. I could feel the wetness between my legs. He came in a rush and hot cream filled my mouth and rushed down my throat. He leaned forward to kiss me, his tongue swirling inside my mouth.

In a daze, I stared at him as he leaned away, a mischievous smile on his face. “Your turn.”

I got to my feet and slipped off my underwear.

“Lose the dress… and the bra too,” he ordered.

As naked as the day I was born I positioned myself astride him.

"Don’t worry I’m going to go easy on you," I whispered as I settled lightly on him.

He stroked the bare flesh of my thighs. “Why? My chest is the only thing that's injured.”

I found the head of his stiff cock was already bouncing and stroking my sex. My breath caught. Carefully holding onto the couch behind him, I looked into his eyes.

"Are you ready to go again?"

“Always,” he said and impaled me deeply. His face contorted with pleasure as he filled me up.

Silky smooth skin grazed my walls as I rose and sank down on him again and again. My eyes were tightly shut as I relished the sweet feel of him inside me. That tightness was what I craved most. It never failed to amaze me how perfectly he fit inside me.

I had missed being so intimate with him.

I took my time and savored every moment of it. I rode him slowly, grinding my pussy against his groin, enjoying the friction, but I could see him fighting with himself not to quicken the pace. Eventually, I accelerated my movements until I nearly forgot he was injured.

My head fell back, forcing me to hold onto his arm, and only his slight wince of pain brought me back to my senses. Horrified by my carelessness, I came to an abrupt stop, but he didn't let me. He continued to thrust his hips into me until I met him thrust for thrust.

I cried out as I came, my muscles gripping his cock, my legs trembling.

"I'm sorry I hurt you," I said and tried to move away, but he held me to him and placed sweet kisses on my cheek.

"Wait a while, little one," he whispered.

He continued to pick up the pace, and it wasn't long before he gained his release. I shut my eyes, milked his hot seed, and relished the intimacy of our connection. I could feel the slickness from where we were joined, sliding out of my sex onto his thighs.

My heart swelled with love for him. I slanted my head and kissed him. Our tongues danced along with each other, and I began to feel him grow hard beneath me again.

"No," I pulled away, amused.

He caught my arm before I could move away.

"Why not?" he asked as I tried to get off.

"It'll hurt you," I said, but my knees were so wobbly that I ended up falling onto him. He cupped my face and kissed me once again.

I could no longer resist him. I melted into his embrace.