Page 22 of One Savage Union

I turn back to Lucia, my hand still firm on her arm, anchoring her in place. “Now, about your inquiry.”

She stiffens as I tilt her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Judge Robertson was supposed to be here tonight, but plans changed.”

Mario clears his throat, stepping forward. “Roc, do you think this is wise?”

His voice cuts through the air, triggering something in Lucia. Her entire body stiffens, and her breath hitches. I see the realization dawn on her face—the recognition.

Mario. He was the one who took her from her home, the one who shoved her into the car and brought her here.

Her eyes snap to him, wide and filled with something darker than anger. Something close to terror.

He would never harm her. But it’s not in my interest for her to know that right now.

Mario glances at me but doesn’t step back. “The more she knows, the bigger a target she becomes.”

I exhale sharply, ignoring his concern. “She’s already a target, Mario.”

I pull my phone from my pocket, flipping the screen toward her. The image of the judge, carved up and left in his blood, makes her visibly pale.

But still, she looks at the photo closer and then huffs in shock. “Is that an LR carved into his chest?”

I nod. “Yes, Piccola Ragazza, Leo Romano killed him before he could serve us this evening. So, I called our family priest.”

Lucia stares at the mutilation, realization dawning behind her horrified expression. She finally understands what she’s running from, what I’m protecting her from.

Her breathing grows shallow, panic threatening to take over.

“He’s going to kill me,” she croaks.

I grip her tighter, my voice dropping. “No. Breathe, little one. You’re safe.”

She swallows hard, her hands trembling. But when she looks up at me, there’s something else in her eyes.

It’s not trust.

It’s need. Dependence. Fear.

Good. She’s learning.

* * *

A few moments and two shots of whiskey later, the priest returns to his spot in front of my desk.

Lucia is more relaxed, and I’m getting impatient.

“Let’s get this over with,” I say, turning back to him.

The vows are simple and move quickly. I say I do, but unsurprisingly, Lucia refuses to. Her fear doesn’t force her into compliance.

“I don’t consent to this,” Lucia hisses under her breath. “You can force me to stand here, but you can’t make me agree.”

I’m impressed. But this is not the time to admire her strength.

I sigh, shaking my head. “Lucia, I was hoping you’d show some grace now that you know what’s at stake. But you insist on making this difficult.” My voice drops, smooth and hypnotic. “Very well. We’ll do it the hard way.”

She doesn’t see it coming.

With a swift motion, I pull her flush against me, my hand wrapping around the nape of her neck. Her breath hitches, her body going still. I lean in and grind my hard dick against her center, my lips brushing her ear.

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