Page 70 of Empire of Seduction

Still focused on my brother, she gestured to me. “See what I mean?”

Maz noticed my glower and shook his head. “He hardly ever lets loose, signorina. Maybe you will be a good influence on him.”

I nodded my chin toward the door. “Vai via, stronzo!”

Chuckling, my brother came around the island and collected his coat. Maggie put up her hand. “Wait, don’t leave. I want to hear how last night went.”

Maz grinned. “Everything went smoothly. Everyone was happy. No complaints, and the bride’s parents asked to personally thank me.”

I hadn’t heard that part. I had to admit, Maz was better at this chef thing and dealing with a staff than I’d originally given him credit for. I needed to stop busting his balls over it. He clearly had talent and would land on his feet eventually.

Getting up, I went to the espresso machine and began making two cappuccinos. This put me closer to Maggie, and I was able to brush against her as I moved around the kitchen. She didn’t try to get out of my way, which told me all I needed to know about whether this was a one-night thing or not. Because I very much wanted to keep her here with me while I was in town.

Maggie and my brother continued to chat about the previous evening. Maz had stayed to help clean the kitchen and hang out with the staff, which was why he was still awake at such an early hour. “You should take the night off,” Maggie told him. “Rest and relax.”

“That is a nice offer,” he said, “but I’m here to help, so I will help.”

I finished making her cappuccino, so I carried the cup over and set it down. “Drink.”

I started to move away, but she grabbed my t-shirt in her fist and held me tight. “Grazie, Vito.” Her voice was soft and sweet, the tone that got my dick hard, and I couldn’t prevent myself from bending down and kissing her plump lips. I heard thedoor close behind my brother, who finally had the good sense to follow my earlier order to go away.

I forgot about my cappuccino and deepened the kiss, melding my tongue with hers. She tasted like toothpaste and willing woman, and I began considering the height of the island and if I could fuck her right here.

Thrusting my hips, I let her feel the semi in my briefs. My brain buzzed with the need for her, responsibilities forgotten. “Get up on the island. I want to eat you out.”

She swallowed hard, but shook her head. “I can’t. I really need to get to work.” When I opened my mouth to convince her, she continued. “And I’m sore. You wore me out last night.”

Instantly, my lust died. I didn’t like the idea of her pussy hurting because of me. “What can I do?”

Reaching for her cappuccino, she said, “Short of soaking my bits in a hot bath, I just need some recovery time.”

“How long?”

Her fingertip smoothed the wrinkles on my forehead, her lips twitching in apparent amusement. “Don’t worry. It won’t be long. Te lo prometto.”

Her pronunciation was shit, but I loved that she was trying to speak my language. “I have pain reliever.”

She squinted at me, confusion lining her face. “Okay, but I hope you don’t think that’s enough. Your dick is massive, Vito.”

I sighed and drummed my fingers on the island. All of this made me unhappy. I was only here for a short time and I needed her with me as much as possible. There had to be a solution. “I’ll buy lube.”

She patted my chest. “Keep working on it, big guy. Meanwhile, I’ll be recovering for a few days.”

A few days! Che cazzo! “Bella?—”

“Why did you tell Massimo you are bringing half your men from Toronto? What will be resolved quickly?”

So she overhead. I shouldn’t be surprised, considering how small this place was. Shifting to the espresso machine, I busied myself by finishing my cappuccino. Telling her the truth about the Red Raiders wasn’t an option, but I had to be careful. She was in my life, and that brought a small amount of risk with it for anyone. Yet I didn’t want to worry her or put her in danger.

I carried my cappuccino to my seat and lowered myself down. “Maggie, it’s better if you don’t know. Most of what I do is contracts and deals, but there is a darker side, an illegal and dangerous side. I’d rather not involve you, especially because I’m only here a short while.”

She seemed to freeze, as if I’d said something wrong, but I couldn’t figure out what that might be. “Right,” she said shortly, then drank from her cup. The light in her eyes had dimmed significantly.

Getting up, she carried her mug to the sink and set it down. “Thanks for the coffee. And the toothbrush. And the clothes. I’ll get these back to you later.”

I wasn’t worried about the goddamn clothes. “There’s no need to rush off.”

“I have to get to work.” She checked the time on her phone. “I’m already an hour behind.”

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