Ruthless Prince by Piper Stone

Chapter 14

Alexandra

“Champagne? It’s barely ten-thirty in the morning.” Even though I’d accepted Catherine’s invitation to go shopping for a wedding dress and other essentials, I still felt uncomfortable and uneasy. The sudden trip Stefano had taken troubled the hell out of me. I had a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach that wouldn’t go away.

Catherine laughed as she poured a glass, lifting an eyebrow when I didn’t take it from her hand right away. “It’s never too early for champagne.”

“I thought you couldn’t have any.” I accepted the glass, glaring at the two men in the seats in front of us. Soldiers. They’d been assigned to drive us wherever we wanted to go and protect us with their lives. Just another reminder of the life I’d been forced into.

“I know, but the doctor said an occasional glass of wine would be okay for the baby. This is a celebration after all. What better occasion?”

I was still in disbelief that she was so casual about her relationship with Matteo, but she glowed from the love exuding from every pore in her system as well as because of being an expectant mother. The entire situation seemed unreal. “I’m not certain there is reason for celebration yet.”

“Oh, come on. Even at the funeral, I could feel the intense connection between the two of you,” Catherine insisted.

“I’m an excellent actress when I choose to be.”

“Bullshit. I can see through a charade easily. You forget my profession.”

An attorney. I also found it hard to believe she was going through the trials and tribulations of learning Italian as well as Italian law in order to practice law. The entire family situation didn’t make any sense. “I’m glad you’re happy. I just don’t know if I can fall into the love and marriage routine.”

“Time. Just give it time.” Catherine took a sip, closing her eyes, her entire face dreamy.

I was going to be sick. I couldn’t help but notice the one brute was watching everything we did. Of course, we couldn’t be trusted. How could we? At least we weren’t in chains.

“Relax. You might even enjoy this,” Catherine encouraged.

“We’ll see.” I turned my attention to the buildings of the city as they came into view. Besides the funeral, this was the first time I’d see anything other than the countryside surrounding the great empire owned by the Benedetti family. I had to admit that the view was spectacular, colorful quaint buildings of every size lovely to the eye. Tuscany was a gorgeous, surreal place to live.

Only this still wasn’t my home.

However, New York had never felt like home after my mother’s death. I bit back a sound of anguish, another nightmare regarding the horrible day in the park so vivid that I’d felt like I was there. To hell with what the therapist had told me all those years ago. I wanted the memories locked away, never to experience them again. They were just too painful.

“What did Matteo say about the baby news?” I asked, trying to be polite more than anything. I missed him. I actually missed Stefano. The passion we’d shared as well as deeper conversations had allowed me to see a part of him that I knew he rarely showed. Just the thought of him created tingles.

I was pathetic.

“You know what’s funny? I thought Matteo would be okay with it, maybe happy to a point, but he was elated, like a kid in a candy store. I was shocked, trembling before I told him and crying uncontrollably afterwards. He picked me up into his strong arms, swinging me around, the smile on his face bigger than any I’d ever seen. Then he told me he loved me, which he’s done before, but this time it was entirely different. As if I’d opened up a new world for him or maybe I’d given him an excuse to be someone different, someone kind and gentle.”

Catherine’s tone as well as her words drew my attention. I studied her as she spoke, the various facial expressions she made as she dragged her tongue across her lips telling of the way she felt about her husband. God, I wanted to feel that way. To have a strong connection and a sense of a real family, one with love and laughter, sharing good times and bad, tears and joy. Was that even possible?

“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you,” I managed, half whispering.

She seemed embarrassed, looking down into her glass. “You can have that. I know you can.”

“Only if I want it.”

“Let me give you a piece of advice, Alexandra. Happiness isn’t handed to you on a silver platter. Life is rocky at best and often horrible. But the joy when you let go, sharing experiences with someone who you can trust is amazing.”

“Trust is the key word.”

As the driver slowed down, I took another gulp of my champagne. Maybe a little libation would help me get through trying to select a dress.

She reached over, placing her hand on mine. “Trust is earned. I agree with that, but you need to give Stefano a chance. Every Benedetti brother is loyal to a fault, cautious always and protective of those they love without question. And they are capable of loving. Just open your heart a teensy tiny bit and you might be surprised.”

I took a deep breath, finally giving her an acknowledgement. “I’ll take that under advisement.” As my thoughts drifted back to Stefano, I chewed on my lower lip. Loving him would leave me on a terrifying precipice.

“Good, the first step is to try and have some fun. Just think of it this way. Money is no object. You can select the wedding dress of your dreams.”

In my mind, the dress was stained with blood, the roses in my arms black and dying. Sadly, that wasn’t my fantasy but my fear for reality.

“I promise I’ll try.”

The soldiers did their job, clearing the entire store so we could be fully protected. While the bridal shop was small, the atmosphere was cheery and inviting. The second we walked inside, I gathered a scent of vanilla and a mixture of the most fragrant flowers in the world. At least some of the tension eased away.

“Isn’t this beautiful?” Catherine asked.

“Yes, just gorgeous.”

As a clerk approached, I was surprised at how much Italian Catherine had learned in a short period of time, the conversation they shared a full minute long. The woman smiled as she glanced in my direction.

“Welcome to my store. I’m Katalona. I will be glad to help you select your dream dress, Alexandra.” While her English was obviously not her first language, her words were surprisingly clear.

“Thank you. This is lovely.”

Katalona blushed then a huge smile crossed her face. “I’m glad you think so. Tell me, what style of dress do you prefer?”

I had no idea what to tell her. “I don’t know.” Laughing nervously, just glancing at the beautiful dresses added to the queasiness.

“Then we will select many beautiful ones for you to try on. Follow me.” Katalona led us to a larger room, mirrors set up in two locations. We were surrounded by tulle and satin, lace and netting. I wasn’t certain I could tolerate hours of this, let alone wearing a dress of white. I certainly wasn’t an innocent girl.

Not that I’d ever been.

However, as I started to go through the ordeal, I realized I was enjoying the experience more than I ever thought I would. Katalona brought out pastries and more champagne, making certain to compliment every dress even though some of them made me look horrific.

Even better, Catherine and I were able to laugh at the little things, even discussing music and books like normal friends would. Maybe this was exactly what I needed to ease the tension and worry.

After trying on the tenth or maybe twelfth dress, I was already pooped, taking respite in one of the massive armchairs in the small relaxation room, as Katalona had called it. The space was equipped with a small refrigerator and coffee machine, as well as a television placed on the wall. I watched whatever news program was on, unable to gather anything they were talking about.

Another reminder that I was in a foreign country and couldn’t even speak the language.

“Do you like any of the dresses?” Catherine asked as she leaned against the doorway.

“I like them all.”

“But?”

“But I still can’t come to terms with the fact I’m getting married to a man I don’t know.”

She walked inside, flashing a quick glance at the television before folding her arms. “Isn’t that exciting to a point? You’re going to get the enjoyment out of getting to know him over time.”

“That’s what long engagements are for. Not quick marriages that are likely to end in divorce.”

Laughing, she walked toward the remote for the television. “I don’t think you need any distractions. This is supposed to be a fun day. We’ll go out to lunch after we finish. Does that sound good?”

“Yes,” I said as I laughed, the television catching my attention.

“I know the perfect place. And we don’t have to choose Benedetti wine.” She moved closer, following my gaze. “What’s wrong?”

I glared at the screen, my mouth hanging open. As I rose to my feet, a cold chill drifted down my spine. “What are they saying?”

“Why?”

“Tell me!” I snapped, my heart racing.

After turning up the volume, Catherine moved closer. “Some prominent senator was found dead in his home in the Hamptons. I think they are saying it was suicide.”

Every part of me was sucked up into a vacuum, the echoing sounds of the commentator booming in my ears. As I took a purposeful step closer, my mind was still a blur, but one thing was very clear.

I knew exactly who was responsible.

Stefano.

As Catherine slowly turned in my direction, her eyes opened wide. She lunged for me just seconds before I…

* * *

Fainting.

I’d never fainted a freaking day in my life, not even after my mother’s murder. I’d always considered myself a strong woman but realizing that I was an orphan had opened up every wound from the last few years. Whether Stefano had pulled the trigger or not didn’t matter.

Then again, I was numb inside, devoid of any real feelings for my father. I wasn’t certain whether I cared if he was dead or not. The Benedetti family physician Catherine had called told me I was likely in shock. Sure, it was shocking as fuck to see my father’s face plastered on Italian television, the news completely unexpected, but my father had developed many enemies over the years.

Still, I couldn’t push aside my instinct. The trip Stefano had made out of the country had been for a single intent.

Making certain my father didn’t see the light of day again.

“Do you need anything?” Catherine asked.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.” I knew Matteo was waiting downstairs, Stefano’s arrival anticipated at any minute. I could tell the brooding man had questions of his own. The news had obviously pissed him off as well.

Catherine inched closer. “You don’t know me very well, but I’d like to hope we could be friends. I’m here if you want to talk and not just about tragedies.”

Her smile was genuine. I studied her face. The glimmer in her eyes was still there. Maybe that’s what happened when you fell into love. “Do you miss your family in New York?”

Exhaling, she moved to the veranda, staring over the railing at the picturesque view. “Initially I did, maybe a little. However, my family was… different. We weren’t very close. My father is a powerful man who prefers his working relationships to his personal ones. That doesn’t make him a bad man, but he wasn’t the kind of father to come to recitals or birthday parties. He was rarely home for Christmas. I became numb to it, preferring to build my own life.”

“Sounds like my father. He certainly wasn’t a warm man.” He was a lying sack of shit. The little voice inside my head had also been nagging me more lately.

“That’s why I mentioned you have to build a life of your own, a family to care about that you can shower with love.” She pressed her hand over her stomach. “I’m excited, more so than about any other accomplishment in my life. I’m sorry that my father and mother won’t be close, just to watch the baby grow up if nothing else. Sadly, I’m not one hundred percent certain they would care.”

As the door opened, I bristled from the sound of footsteps. Stefano had returned.

Catherine immediately reacted to his presence, squeezing my hand before walking out of the room. I both admired and respected her not just for her genuine nature but for the trust she’d been able to place in Matteo. She could be much stronger than I was.

I didn’t turn around, but the electricity skyrocketed as Stefano approached. When he wrapped his arms around me, I shivered to my very core.

“I heard you fainted. I was worried.” His words were husky, full of concern, more so than I’d heard before.

“Do you know why I fainted?”

“Yes, Matteo told me. I’m sorry you had to find out that way.”

I pushed away, slowly turning around to face him. “Were you responsible?” I could tell he hadn’t been prepared for my question so quickly. When he didn’t answer, I did my best to keep my anger from surfacing. “Did you force him to pull the trigger?”

Sighing, he lifted a single eyebrow, reaching out and gripping my arms. “Alexandra, I give you my word that I did not force your father to pull the trigger.”

I studied his eyes for several seconds, trying to determine whether or not he was telling the truth. “He’s not the kind of man who would do something like that. He’s far too arrogant and self-centered, caring about himself more than anyone else in his life. Plus, he had it made. Money. Expensive houses. Trips to wherever he wanted to go. Even the damn women continue to fall all over him. All his kinky needs were satisfied using my mother’s money. Her money. Not his. Unless you want to talk about the blood money he made from illegal dealings with his buddies. Crime lords. Corporate assholes. Other senators. They all worked together to extort the little guy out of happiness. Why the hell would he kill himself with all that glory around him?” I realized my voice held a nasty tone. For the first time, I was openly acknowledging my hatred and disgust of my own father.

When Stefano tried to pull me into his arms, I pushed hard against him, shaking my head.

“Alexandra. Breathe.”

“No. He had my mother killed. Didn’t he?” When he didn’t answer right away, I hissed. “Tell me the truth.”

Stefano took a deep breath before answering. “Yes, he did.”

Oh, my God. I was sick inside, angrier than I’d ever been. I could feel myself hyperventilating.

“You need to relax and try and take normal deep breaths,” he instructed.

“I am breathing, dammit. While I hated the man more than any human being on the face of this planet, that doesn’t mean I wanted him dead. Or maybe I did. I don’t know any longer.” Tears erupted, sliding down both cheeks, forming a watery haze over my eyes. I hadn’t shed a single tear since learning the news and I wasn’t certain it had anything to do with his death. “Why did he have my mother killed? Why? He took the only person I loved away from me. God, I hated the man. I wanted to find a way to destroy him. I just…” I was rambling like some crazed idiot and I couldn’t stop the damn tears.

I continued to struggle but lost the battle, the hulking mass of a man crushing me against his chest. As he smoothed down my hair, he whispered words in Italian. I knew in my heart they were words of love and sorrow. After a few seconds, I stopped fighting him, taking shallow breaths as I allowed myself to sob.

“You need to remember that men with guilt often break after a period of time. That’s what happened to your father. He knew that what he’d done was an atrocity.”

While his words of comfort made sense, in my heart I knew that Stefano had coerced him. Should I hate the man I was supposed to marry for yet another reason or feel overjoyed that a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and justice provided for the murder of my mother? There was no easy answer, just continued heartache.

Yet in all the sadness that felt overwhelming, I realized that Catherine had been right about letting go and opening up my heart. Only I’d already done that even though I pushed hard against doing so. I loved him. There was no rhyme or reason, no perfect happy ever after. This wasn’t a romance novel where the bad alpha swept the unsuspecting heroine into his muscular arms, and all was forgiven. This was real life. This was my life.

And this was my future.

As he placed both hands on my face, tipping my head, I could see a combination of emotions racing through him.

“I will give you a wonderful life, Alexandra. I will love you and care for you until the day I die. That is my promise to you.”

“You love me?” I asked, dragging my tongue through several salty beads. I was shocked from hearing the words.

He nodded several times. “Yes, I do. You are the light to my darkness, and I can’t live without you.”

As he captured my mouth, the intensity of our connection exploded to an entirely different level. We both needed each other almost desperately. It was as if we hadn’t been able to see each other in a long time, our hunger so great.

He thrust his tongue inside my mouth, sweeping it back and forth. I’d missed the taste of him, had craved the feeling of his hard body against mine. I’d longed to have him touch me. All the desire to hate him was gone. Maybe he’d freed my soul from a burden that had almost driven me into madness.

The kiss became a passionate roar and within seconds, we were ripping at each other’s clothes. The second I was able to press my hands against his chest, the tips of my fingers were seared. My heart hammered against my chest as my blood pressure rose and my legs were trembling.

I yanked on his shirt and the sound of buttons popping made me tingle. I shoved my hands against his chest, gasping for air before nipping his lower lip.

Growling, he kicked off his shoes, dragging the straps down from my arms and yanking my dress to the floor. His impatience got the better of him. He wrapped his finger around the elastic of my thong, destroying another pair of panties. When I was completely naked, he jerked me against him once again, grinding his groin back and forth like a wild animal. He fisted my hair, dragging me into a deep arc and immediately engulfing my nipple.

His guttural sounds continued as he licked and sucked, the combination of pain and pleasure making me feel more alive than I’d ever been.

Moaning, I blinked furiously, the sensations increasing. I couldn’t think clearly, the beautiful haze surrounding both of us vibrant in color. He brushed his mouth to my other nipple, flicking his tongue back and forth until my hardened bud became extra sensitive.

“So beautiful and all mine.”

His statement was a powerful aphrodisiac, sending me into an instant round of bliss. When he returned me to an upright position, the smile on his face was devilish. The low-slung animalistic sound he made rumbled in my ears as he slid his fingers down the length of my spine, cupping and squeezing my bottom.

“You’re wearing too many clothes,” I whispered.

Laughing, he swirled his tongue in the shell of my ear before pulling away, locking eyes with mine as he removed the rest of his clothes. He was even more primal than before, his hunger reaching new heights. I wanted the man to devour me, to take every hole, exploring every inch. Very slowly he walked toward me, backing me onto the veranda. While it would be easy for anyone to see our carnal act even if they were out back, he didn’t seem to care.

He was hard as a rock, his cock throbbing. Just the sight of pre-cum leaking from the tip was enough to make my mouth water. My pussy ached, my muscles clenching and releasing. I was breathless, my blood boiling.

Within seconds, he had me aloft, slipping the tip of his cock up and down the length of my pussy.

“You’re so wet,” he muttered.

“Uh-huh.”

“Do you want me? Do you hunger to have my cock deep inside of you?”

I wrapped my arms around him, enjoying the silky feel of his hair. “Yes. Yes!”

“Then say it.”

Our little game continued, the dominating man wanting nothing more than for his bride to be to beg to be fucked. “Fuck me. Please fuck me, Stefano.”

He was the most intense man I’d ever met in my life, but he was also the most passionate, his entire demeanor explosive in nature. As he yanked me down, filling me completely, I threw my head back, strangled moans slipping past my lips.

“Tight. Hot. Wet. Mine,” he roared as he pumped in and out, driving his cock in a savage manner.

“Yes. Yes. Yes!” I clung to him, wrapping my legs around him as he fucked me like a crazed man. Everything felt incredible and as the light breeze wafted across my skin, I closed my eyes.

He thrust into me hard and fast, driving me to the point of orgasming within seconds. The adrenaline rush was incredible, lights flashing in front of my eyes.

“Come for me, my princess. Come!”

I didn’t need any further encouragement. As the climax swept up from the bottom of my toes, smashing into me, I couldn’t hold back a cry of ecstasy.

He refused to stop, plunging like the brutal beast he truly was. Yet I loved the way he held me, keeping me in his arm, one hand cupping my bottom and the other locked firmly around the back of my neck. I was his prisoner, the woman he’d stolen, but at that moment I was the object of an all-consuming desire that threatened to destroy both of us.

Or would one of his number of enemies be the person responsible for doing that?

One orgasm shifted into another.

And another.

I was breathless, gasping for air and floating into nirvana. When the climax finally ebbed, I nuzzled my face against his neck, drinking in his masculine scent. Nothing could be better than the way he touched me, the explosive heat encompassing his body.

And nothing could be any more sensational than the way I felt about him.

He continued to thrust as my pussy clamped down, pulling his cock in deeper. I could tell he was close to coming, ready to fill me with his seed. When I clenched my muscles again, his entire body began to shake.

The sound of his roar floated all around us as he erupted inside, filling my womb. The scent of our combined desires remained hovering over us like a warm blanket. In those precious seconds, I felt the kind of peace that I never thought could exist. He’d broken through my last barrier, becoming my broken yet insistent hero. He could never understand what kind of freedom he allowed me to feel.

Even though there would always be a heightened level of sadness. Still, he was the one.

As he leaned back, pressing kisses across my mouth, I was still lost in the moment until he issued sweet words. Not of possession. Not of anger.

But words spoken in the kind of love I never believed he could feel.

“Marry me, sweet Alexandra. Marry me.”

And I said yes.