Ruthless Prince by Piper Stone

Chapter 12

Stefano

“Stronzante del cazzo,” I muttered as I approached the small former church. Left abandoned after a great flood, Matteo had purchased the building and surrounding grounds, spending a significant amount of money in refurbishments. Given its location in Italy, my brother considered the church the perfect site to hold meetings of the Consortium he’d demanded restart in our father’s honor. I found it ironic. A place once considered holy now holding meetings involving murderers. Then again, my father always did have a sense of humor.

I glanced at Cassis, smiling as he rolled his eyes. Two other soldiers had been tasked with guarding my house, more protecting the estate. This was a prime time to be targeted, especially if there were any leaks in our organization. Matteo had challenged me on my concerns, certain our people were completely loyal. I had my doubts even if there was nothing to back up my instincts.

Enrique laughed. “Fucking bullshit,” he repeated. “I would have to agree. I do not like sitting down with any man I can’t trust.”

I knew exactly why Matteo had pushed up the meeting by two months. With the Russians attempting to move in, we either used this coalition to our advantage or all of us would be forced to risk the possibility of losing prime territory and business. That wasn’t acceptable.

Still, the thought of entering into any kind of business proposition with the likes of Riccardo Alario or Carlo Rossi didn’t sit well with me. They’d been family enemies for over a generation, always pushing the boundaries of decency as well as the code we all lived under.

While only the Boss and Underboss of each organization was allowed to sit on the council, Enrique’s status as family allowed him to participate. Rossi’s only son had yet to descend to the throne of Underboss given his young age, but from reputation, the man currently serving in the son’s place was little more than a savage. At least given his Russian descent, Gregor Orlov could provide an interesting insight into Sergei Balakin’s intentions.

We would have to wait and see.

Only having daughters, Alario brought his Consigliere, refusing to name an Underboss.

“Even if the conversation is productive, that means shit in my mind,” I growled.

“Our coalition will protect our borders,” Enrique responded, although there was no conviction in his tone. “The Frenchman isn’t coming, at least according to Matteo.”

I despised the French asshole almost as much, although he’d never made the slightest move against our empire. “Well, this is just the beginning.”

We continued to wait outside, although the sound of several approaching vehicles meant our other guests were about to arrive. I stared up at the aging tower where the bell used to toll. At least the facility as well as the location was not only neutral, but also well secured, the destination kept a secret amongst all parties. Several of our soldiers were already in position, ensuring there would be no surprise guests.

“How’s Alexandra holding up?” Enrique asked as four cars pulled down the long driveway.

“As well as to be expected given she was taken from everything she loves.” I shot him a look, the darkness in his eyes the same as always. I had no doubt he’d have significant issues accepting a bride chosen for him by our brother. “So you are aware, I have someone I trust keeping track of Gillian O’Sullivan’s whereabouts. Since I was attacked so blatantly, I have a feeling O’Sullivan will do everything in his power to keep his daughter out of our hands.”

I could see a moment of fury riding his face as he turned to look at me, but he withheld his objections as the vehicles came in close proximity. The door to the church opened behind us and both Matteo and Enzo exited, flanking our sides.

This was a show of leadership as well as one of power. We remained quiet as the vehicle doors were opened. As Rossi and Alario approached, both men seemed pensive. They’d brought soldiers of their own, men who would wait outside with our Capos, guarding all parties inside.

“Gentlemen. Welcome,” Matteo said as he looked from one man to the other before nodding out of respect.

“An interesting choice for a meeting,” Riccardo laughed.

“I think it’s fitting,” Carlo said as he shifted his attention in my direction. “Quite the formidable empire.”

Matteo chuckled. “We are very much like our father, Carlo.”

After additional introductions were made, we walked into the church. I had to give Matteo credit; the beautiful cathedral had been restored, providing a stately backdrop to the oversized conference room table. As we took our seats, Matteo in the head chair, I was reminded how much I loathed politics of any kind, including in the world of mafia kingpins.

There was quiet in the revered space after everyone settled.

Carlo Rossi cleared his throat, prepared to make a formal statement. He considered his organization true Cosa Nostra, handling his affairs as his Sicilian ancestors did. Very little had changed in his brutal and archaic methods, but he was well respected given his wealth and influence.

“Thank you, Don Benedetti, for providing this opportunity. I think we can all agree that Sergei Balakin’s recent actions indicate he is moving up his timeframe into attempting several takeovers.” Carlo took a few seconds to study every man in the room. His husky voice reminded me of my father’s, a product of too many cigars and snifters of cognac.

“Agreed,” Riccardo finally said. “The rumors are that he’s planning on attacking our shipping element first.”

“Do not trust rumors,” I stated.

“My brother is correct. We need accurate information.” Matteo folded his hands.

“Tell them what you’ve heard, Gregor,” Carlo demanded as he shifted toward his Underboss.

The Russian rubbed his jaw, his expression difficult to read. “Balakin is a pig, a man who rules without honor. However, he’s amassed an army by issuing threats. They will do what he says, even laying down their lives if necessary. While there have been defectors, very few have made it out of the country alive.”

“Why do I have the feeling you’ve been in contact with one of these defectors?” I asked as I sat back in the seat. I could tell by the look the man gave me that we wouldn’t get along. That was fine with me.

“Because I have. What he told me is that there is a three-stage plan already in motion, which will include eliminating every member of their rival mafia family.” Gregor seemed tense, which raised a red flag.

“And then?” Enrique asked.

“Then he will concentrate on the shorelines, securing them before moving inland. Trust me that there will be much bloodshed.” His heavy Russian accent only accentuated his level of anger. I didn’t like the man and he certainly wasn’t someone who could be trusted.

I shifted my gaze toward Matteo, and we locked eyes.

Exhaling, Matteo took his time. “Then we need to beef up security.”

“We also need a plan to protect each other,” Riccardo added.

“Agreed. We have much to lose.” Carlo smacked his palm against the table. “And we will not allow the Russian bastards to come into our home country. Never.”

“I’m curious, Gregor. Who is Balakin planning on attacking first?”

Gregor curled his upper lip. “That I do not know. Only Balakin and his closest consorts are aware of that level of information.”

I didn’t buy that for a minute. He knew more than he was willing to tell, perhaps at the direction of Rossi.

“Are we in agreement that we will provide each other with additional security if necessary?” Matteo asked after a full minute of silence.

“Agreed,” Carlo stated first.

“Yes, I will allow it,” Riccardo answered.

Matteo looked at Enrique first then to me. Only after I gave him a single nod did he answer. “Then let this agreement stand until no longer necessary. Be advised that if anyone in this consortium breaks the allegiance, there will be formal punishment.”

Both Carlo and Riccardo nodded in respect. Only Gregor remained with his arms folded, his eyes piercing mine. I had the distinct feeling that he and I would end up in a dark alley one day. The thought brought a smile.

After handling other items of business including clearer separation in shipping lanes, the meeting finally concluded. I’d been surprised that Matteo hadn’t brought the group into the more modern world of using Zoom instead of physically getting together, but after the others were gone, I understood his reasoning. He’d used my father’s tactics. A home court advantage. That allowed for weaknesses to be shown and power plays to be used.

I yanked my sunglasses from my pocket, sliding them on as I stared at the group of men as they left. As Matteo approached, I took a deep breath. “Interesting meeting.”

“Gregor is lying,” he said quietly.

“Yes.” We remained quiet until their vehicles disappeared out of sight. “Any information on what happened in Miami?”

“No one is laying claim to the attack, but O’Sullivan contends that he had nothing to do with it.” I turned to face him. “Just like he had nothing to do with hiring our half-brother.” A half-brother we hadn’t known existed until he’d attempted to destroy the family, Matteo almost becoming his first victim.

Matteo snorted. “Yes, I remember, brother. At this point, we can do nothing. I suggest you move up the date of your wedding.”

“Tell me, Matteo. Are you more worried about winning this game you started or about our safety?”

He tipped his head, taking his time before answering. “Both.”

At least my brother never shied away from telling the truth, no matter how ugly or painful.

He hesitated after walking away, turning back to face me. “I’m going to be a father.”

I wasn’t surprised at the news. “Congratulations.”

Nodding several times, he stared at me intently for a few seconds. “I’d like you to be the baby’s godfather.”

The request was more touching than I could have imagined. “I’d be honored.”

A smile crossed his face, and I was able to tell just how happy he was. Maybe one day that would be possible in my life. Maybe.

* * *

Fatherhood. I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind. None of the Benedetti siblings had ever expressed an interest in having a family and continuing the legacy, perhaps because all three of us knew exactly what the future would hold for every child. I stared down at the last of my drink, swirling the liquid before polishing it off. The subject had never been broached with Alexandra and my guess was she’d never agree. It was certainly something I wouldn’t force on her, even though my father had pushed all of us to have large families. Good ole Pops. He’d believed in the old ways, more to Sicilian roots, never quite commanding the new century.

“Dinner was lovely,” Alexandra said in her quiet voice.

I studied the way the candlelight reflected against her cheeks, the shimmer almost iridescent. I’d spent the rest of the afternoon overseeing business, making certain there were no holdups in payment or in outgoing shipments. I also added another layer of security, informing the soldiers in charge of the various operations what they could expect.

I hadn’t been able to get past the gut feeling I had regarding Gregor. My instinct told me he had a hidden agenda, perhaps even working for Balakin. That would be blatant for any mafia Don to do, although the Russians never played fair.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I said before getting to my feet, moving toward the bar and refilling my glass. I could feel her eyes burning into me. She’d been mostly quiet, but the tension had been entirely different between us, less caustic.

“You’re tense,” she said a few seconds later.

“Just business.”

“It’s always going to be just business with you. Isn’t it? Even if we were actually a real couple, you wouldn’t tell me anything. Some code you must follow?”

She always had a way of making me laugh. As I turned to face her, hunger erupted all over again. As I walked closer, moving slowly like the predator I was, a warm blush crept up her cheeks. She knew exactly what I was thinking, what I craved.

“It is true that women are not allowed to be a part of my world; however, that doesn’t mean I won’t share certain things with you.”

“Then what was the meeting about today?” I could tell by the wry smile on her face that she was attempting to find her place in the world of the Benedetti family. I had to admit that I was growing fonder of her every day. Even though I hadn’t expected it or wanted that to happen, she’d managed to pry open a portion of my heart. “If you want my respect or trust, you have to place a certain amount of trust in me in return,” she added.

I lifted my glass in respect, my cock already aching. The events of the afternoon before had been incredible, the night spent talking about nothing in particular refreshing. She hadn’t pushed nor had I, merely getting to know each other. What I realized was that she was extremely intelligent, her love of numbers likely useful inside the organization. That might come with time.

“It was a meeting of various mafia Dons discussing a particular enemy.”

“Mafia Dons actually get together, like in TheGodfather?” As she started to laugh, she placed her hand over her mouth. “How very archaic of you.”

Her laughter brought out a chuckle. “I hadn’t thought of it that way. Perhaps it is old school, but helpful in preventing turf wars.”

“And who is this enemy?”

“Russians.”

“Oh, sounds terrifying.”

“Make no mistake, Alexandra. The Russians are thugs who use tactics that make ours seem weak. They are dangerous.”

She moved to a standing position, sashaying closer. She’d chosen a provocative dress on purpose, the body-hugging red dress enticing the hell out of me. When she dragged the tip of her finger down my chest, I issued a low growl that made her tremble.

“And you’re not dangerous?”

I took a swig of my drink, unable to take my eyes off her. “Very much so, but they eat their young for breakfast.”

“Oh, cannibals.” Her teasing voice was far too seductive.

“Yes, something like that. I trusted you with something involving my world. Now, it’s your turn.”

“Fair enough. What do you want to know? How I turn small amounts of money into fortunes within a few months’ time?”

“Hmmm… Perhaps, but something more personal. Tell me about your mother.”

She stiffened immediately, trying to pull away. I gripped her arm, tugging her even closer.

“Trust me, Alexandra. I don’t want to hurt you, but I can tell that whatever happened to your mother has affected your entire life.”

Her mouth twisted in frustration, and she did her best to break free of my hold. “It’s not important any longer.”

“Yes, it is. Trust is a two-way street.”

She blinked several times, tears forming in her eyes. “Don’t ask things that might provide horrible answers.”

“I think I can take it.”

Sighing, she closed her eyes. A full thirty seconds passed, her mouth twisting. “She was murdered in front of me when I was eight years old.”

“What?” I instantly bristled, my heart thudding against my chest.

Nodding several times, her lower lip quivered. “Yes. I was very young at the time. We were leaving a park. A car drove up and stopped only a few feet away. Then the window was rolled down and shots were fired. I didn’t know what was happening, but I felt my mother’s hand slip from mine. Then…” She pressed her hand over her mouth and nose, doing everything she could to hold back the sobs.

I wrapped my hand around her neck, caressing her gently in encouragement.

After issuing a choking sound, she continued. “When I looked down, she was covered in blood. That’s about all I remember. Except for screaming and crying and begging her to move.”

My God. What kind of monster took a woman away from her child? My gut told me the answer. I did what I could to curtail my anger, pulling her against my chest and putting the glass on the table. “I’m so sorry. There are no words.”

She cried for only a couple of minutes then pushed herself away, rising onto her tiptoes and surprising me with a kiss on my lips. It was soft and gentle, just like the woman herself. God, I wanted to keep her protected, to never allow her to endure anything like that again.

And I wanted nothing more than to hunt down the bastard who had destroyed her life.

“She was my everything. Learning to live without her was tough, but I made it through.” Her voice was as strong as ever, determined to ride out the pain. She was perhaps the strongest woman I’d ever met.

“I hope your father helped.”

Her laugh sounded bitter. “He had no idea how to handle a child. At first I had a nanny, then was sent off to school when I was old enough. What always bothered me was that I never saw him cry. He never spoke about her again, removing her pictures within a week of her murder.”

“Did they ever find the person responsible?”

“No. It remains one great big mystery.” She stared down at her hands, rubbing them together vigorously. “I will never forget the blood. I tried to wake her. I did everything I could, begging her to talk to me. Her eyes stared up and I could swear there was a smile on her face.” Another tear slipped down her cheek.

Very gently I wiped it away with my thumb, continuing to caress her face. “She is with you always. You do know that.”

“That’s what everyone kept telling me. My psychiatrist. My doctor. My teachers. I felt her in my heart. She used to whisper in my ear at night, singing me a lullaby. Then she just stopped.”

“Maybe she knew you were all right.”

“Maybe.” She eased out of my arms, moving stiffly then grabbing her glass of wine. I could tell how much she was shaking.

I’d never been the kind of man who held compassion for anyone, but she deserved so much in her life. I wanted nothing more than to be able to provide that for her, showering her with everything her heart desired, but I realized that all she wanted was the warmth of a family as well as love. Unfortunately, I didn’t think I could give her what she needed, and it nearly tore me apart.

I closed my eyes, making another promise to my beautiful bride to be.

I would hunt down the motherfucker responsible and I already knew who that was.

Her father.

The bastard would learn the meaning of the word revenge.

As I walked toward her, she cocked her head, her eyes still shimmering. I held out my hand, giving her a single nod. “Come with me.”

“Where?”

“To bed. Our bed. I want to make love to you.”

Her eyes opened wide, but a slight smile crossed her face as she gripped my fingers. As she squeezed my hand, my heartbeat increased. I led her out of the room and up the stairs, allowing all the ugliness of the day to fade away. I wanted her close, to be able to hold her heated body against me for an extended period of time.

However, tomorrow would be an entirely different situation. I would take a trip to New York City, and I would finish what was started my way. Period. After sweeping her into the room and turning on a single light, I moved toward the set of French doors. I wanted the scent of night-blooming jasmine and other flowers to waft into the room.

I resisted laughing. Maybe there was a romantic bone in my body after all.

“Do you mind if I change?” she asked in such a demure tone of voice that it startled me.

“You look incredible.” I turned around to face her, taking my time advancing as I admired her voluptuous figure and long legs. Everything about her made my mouth water, especially the way the dim lighting played off her silky red hair.

Alexandra brushed her fingers along the nape of her neck, a slight blush forming on her cheeks. “Maybe I want to get into something more comfortable.”

“Then I suggest you hurry. My patience is wearing thin.” A series of tingles swept through me, keeping my cock at full attention and the adrenaline rush high.

“So demanding,” she whispered before heading toward the bathroom.

Just watching her walk was breathtaking. I unbuttoned my cuffs, rolling up my sleeves before turning down the comforter and staring at the massive bed I’d purchased from an antique store many years before. Everything else in the house was modern in appearance, but I’d wanted something entirely different for the space where I slept, although sleeping through a full night was almost an impossibility.

After placing my handgun inside the nightstand drawer, I stepped onto the veranda, gazing up at the star-filled sky. I’d never thought about how lucky I was to grow up with both parents and two brothers. While we’d never been a typical family in several ways, my father had enjoyed doting on everyone at Christmas, especially the employees. My mother had the most lavish parties, inviting guests from several countries. We’d always been a part of them, learning at an early age that politics were played even during a holiday party.

But Christmas Eve and Christmas Day had been sacred. Food and presents, wine and laughter. Other than our birthdays, it was the only time I heard frivolity in the house. I missed those days, had taken them for granted. How ironic it had taken the passing of my father to realize how important family truly was.

Maybe having a child in the fold would allow for a continuation of my father’s ways.

As I drank in the atmosphere, I felt a strange pull in my heart. I was falling hard for Alexandra and it didn’t make any sense. Huffing, I realized that my grip on the railing was white knuckled. What the hell was I afraid of? The answer was simple. Losing her. From here on out, she would be a target for anyone attempting to destroy me.

“A dollar for your thoughts.”

Her voice sent shivers down my spine. “American or Italian?”

“I did say a dollar, didn’t I?”

“That’s a lot of money for my thoughts.”

“I’m a big spender.”

As I shifted in her direction, my vision was immediately hazy, but the sight of her in a beautiful nightgown was almost too much to bear. I had to rein in my control, or I would devour her within seconds. And I did want this night to last. “Hmmm… I was thinking about our honeymoon. Maybe the South of France.”

“Liar. I can almost read your thoughts.”

“Okay, then ten dollars in American money if you can tell me what I was thinking about.”

“Oh,” she mused as she walked closer. “Now who’s the big spender?”

Laughing, I was curious what she would come up with.

She rose onto her toes, staring me directly in the eyes. Then she placed her hand on my heart. “You were thinking about your father.”

I couldn’t have been more shocked. “Lady, you have hidden talents.”

“I told you that already.”

As I gathered her into my arms, lifting her off her feet, the amount of joy rushing into me was indescribable. She had a way of breaking through my armor, creating more need than I’d ever experienced to be normal. Just… normal. “I think I’m beginning to realize that.” I slowly lowered my head, drinking in her exotic perfume, the scent expanding my burning desire.

“I just might surprise you.” She tilted her head until our lips were only centimeters apart. She crawled her fingers up my chest, her light touch adding gasoline to the fire. Then she slid her arms around my neck, purring softly.

“I’m looking forward to it.” I crushed my mouth over hers, keeping her aloft. I slid one hand under her bottom, positioning the other behind her head, tangling my fingers in her long strands. There was nothing like the feel of having her in my arms, pressed tightly against my body. As I slipped my tongue inside, the naughty vixen in her took over and she tried to dominate, but I refused to allow it.

The beast chained inside of me was begging to be free, to ravage her in unspeakable measures, but tonight was all about exploration in an entirely different way. I’d never made love to a woman, merely fucking them for my enjoyment, but every second with Alexandra opened up an entirely new world for me.

As well as more intense cravings.

She moaned into the kiss, undulating her body, sliding one of her legs around mine. The taste of her was like the sweetest honey and I could hold her for hours, but I wouldn’t be able to wait for long. The way our bodies molded together was utter perfection. It was as if she was meant for me.

The moment of intimacy became more passionate, lights flashing in front of my eyes. It seemed the world was spinning around us, time holding no meaning any longer. I squeezed her bottom, digging my fingers into her through the thin material, but I needed to touch her skin. As I rolled her gown in my fingers, finally able to slip my hand underneath, she pushed against me, taking several scattered breaths.

“Are you hungry, big boy?”

“Damn it, woman. You are driving me crazy.”

“I thought you liked it when I teased you.”

I nipped her lower lip then fisted her hair, yanking back her head. With a series of growls, I dragged my tongue down her cheek to her jaw then circled the tip around her lips several times.

She wiggled in my hold, sliding her heated body back and forth. The friction she created was maddening.

“Be careful, little girl. I am the big bad wolf.” I sucked on her neck, guttural sounds of hunger pushing up from my chest. If she only knew the filthy things that I could do to her. I pulled her into a deeper arc, brushing my lips into her cleavage. The gown was perfect on her, the sheer material highlighting the prize underneath. Using my teeth, I peeled away the bodice, exposing her breast. When I started to suck on her nipple, several moans slipped past her lips.

I adored her cries of passion, the sound boosting my longing to an explosive level. Tonight was no exception.

“Maybe I like your rough side,” she purred.

My hunger only increasing, I sucked on her nipple, flicking my tongue back and forth before biting down. As her cries of ecstasy filled the night air, my cock pushed hard against the zipper of my trousers. My muscles remained tense, my heart thudding against my chest as my balls tightened. I would need relief soon.

I shifted my attention to her other hardened bud, nipping and kissing as she clung to me, digging her nails into my arms. There was nothing so electrifying as the sound of her whimpers increasing, fueling the beast even more. It was almost impossible not to rip away the gown, exposing her naked body to the night air. I had difficulty thinking clearly, my mind blurred as my sadistic intentions took hold.

After a full minute of torment, I couldn’t take it any longer, sweeping her into my arms and taking long strides as I returned to our bedroom. I held her close for a few seconds, gazing into her luminescent eyes. She was so innocent, a vulnerable creature who didn’t deserve to be forced to marry a savage like me.

Yet there was nothing and no one that would take her away from me. Not now.

Not ever.

As I eased her onto her feet, she narrowed her eyes, her long lashes flittering across her rosy cheeks. She’d never looked more beautiful than she did in her virginal white gown. I backed away, my eyes never leaving her as I unbuttoned my shirt. She kept her gaze, dragging her tongue back and forth across her lips in her usual seductive mode.

My entire body was on fire as I yanked the dense material past my shoulders, tossing it away. I took another step away, growling as I slowly lowered my gaze to her perfectly painted toes. When I cocked my head, I pointed my index finger. “Undress. I need to see that gorgeous body of yours.”

She was trembling, her lower lip quivering, but her smile was mischievous. The woman truly thought she was in control. She took her time lowering a single strap, darting quick looks in my direction.

I continued to growl, kicking off my shoes and unfastening my belt. “Be very careful, my lovely bride to be, or I’ll be forced to strap your sexy bottom until it’s a brilliant shade of crimson.”

“No, you won’t. You’re in too much need.” She blew me a kiss then eased the other strap from her shoulder, closing her eyes and tossing her head as she tugged down the material. By the point she allowed the nightgown to fall to the floor, almost every ounce of control was gone.

The shadowed light outlined her hourglass figure perfectly and I wanted her long legs wrapped around me as I took her like the brutal man I was.

I tugged the thick strap through the loops slowly, enjoying her expression shift from angst to electrified need. After folding it in two, I snapped it against my hand, smiling as I placed it on the table. “For later because you will always be a bad girl in need of discipline.”

“We shall see.” Her defiance would also always be a part of her. Then again, I did so love a challenge. I would still break her, but not her spirit or her vivaciousness.

“Come here.”

“And what if I don’t?”

“Then you won’t like your punishment.” Every word out of her mouth made me smile. I took a deep breath, filling my body with her scent as she approached. When she was only a few inches away, I rolled my fingers down the length of her arms.

“If I’m not allowed to wear any clothes, then you shouldn’t be either.” Alexandra unfastened my pants, peeling them away and wasting no time sliding them down my hips. She dropped to the floor, lifting first one foot then the other, yanking the trousers away. Her touch remained gentle as she brushed her fingers along the inside of my legs, finally returning to a standing position.

I cupped both sides of her face, pulling her closer. “I’m going to devour you.”

“Then do so.”

Without hesitation, I lifted her into the air, forcing her to straddle my hips. She laughed softly as she slid her hand between us, positioning the tip of my cock against her pussy. When I impaled her with the entire length, she threw her head back and moaned.

I was shaking, the feel of her muscles clamping around my shaft setting the beast free. No longer was I man, just a savage hungry to mate. She gripped my shoulders as I lifted her again, bringing her down with an equal amount of force. I adored the way her full breasts jiggled, my mouth watering all over again.

As I cupped her bottom, pumping her up and down, her eyes filled with lust. The surge in electricity between us was even more explosive than before. Within seconds, I slammed her against the wall, jutting my hips forward as I fucked her. The feel of her long legs wrapped around me was a powerful aphrodisiac, driving me to the point of madness.

I slapped my hands against the wall, able to keep driving deep inside. My muscles ached, my cock begging to release, but I was determined to fuck her for as long as possible.

“Oh, yes. Yes…” She tossed her head back and forth, keeping her eyes closed.

Hungering for even more, I carried her toward the bed, gently laying her down. When I positioned one leg over my shoulder then the other, she jerked up from the bed, her eyes glassy.

“I love being inside of you,” I managed, the gravelly sound of my voice unrecognizable.

Her naughty girl smile returned as she pressed her palms against my chest, kneading my skin. “So big.”

As her pussy muscles stretched, I could tell she was getting close to an orgasm. I slowed my rhythm, enjoying the dancing sensations as the climax swept over her.

“Yes. Yes. Yes!” She jerked up, her entire body quivering. Her beautiful screams filtered into my ears, and it was sweeter than any score of music.

“Do you want more?” I slowed once again, enjoying her myriad expressions.

“Yes, please. Yes.”

“Then scream out my name. Tell me what you want.” When she hesitated, I growled. “Tell. Me.”

“Harder. Faster. I need you. Stefano!”

I pushed her further onto the bed, easing her legs to the sheets, savoring the sweet moments as she brushed her calf against my leg. “You are so exquisite.” I pumped deep inside, almost instantly bringing her to another orgasm.

She jerked up, tilting her head, only this time the sounds were strangled as the single climax shifted into a wave, each one more violent than the one before.

Panting, she could barely keep her eyes open. Her entire face was shimmering, her long hair splayed out across the pillows. She was the picture of a princess.

My princess.

I eased one arm over her head then the other, holding them in one hand as I drove in and out. Her stare pierced my soul, and there was no doubt she was searching for answers that I didn’t think she would find. But as the seconds turned into moments, the word love wasn’t far from my mind.

And it scared me to death.

Unable to hold back any longer, I reared back. In those beautiful seconds, she reclaimed control again, squeezing her muscles. As I erupted deep inside, in my mind I knew that one day we would have children together.

Then my entire world would be forced to change.