Page 42 of One Savage Union

“Let’s eat. I’ve made my Nonna’s famous red sauce and orecchiette. Meet me in the dining room. I’ll come soon.”

His voice is gruff, and I’m not sure what changed his mood. Maybe I offended him? That’s not how I wanted to turn over a new leaf with him.

I rise from the bar and head towards what I assume is the dining room. Before I get to the arched doorway, I stop. “Rocco, Iapologize if I offended you. I’m just shocked that you appreciate music, since you forbade me from playing ever again.”

Rocco puts the wooden spoon down with a loud smack on the stove. Within seconds, he’s in front of me with his hands on my shoulders.

“Lucia, I did not forbid you to play because I hate or don’t appreciate music. I forbade you to play because it’s not safe for you to be in public. I thought I made that clear.”

He runs his hands up and down my arms. “I love your talent, and I have a grand piano here. I have two, so please play whenever you like. Hopefully, when this is all over, we can find a way for you to perform, but I make no promises. You will always be a high security risk. I want you to know that I respect your art and intimately understand the sacrifice you’re making.”

I suck in a deep breath. Hearing him say these words takes my anxiety down a few notches.

“OK, I’d like to play for you.” I place a hand on his chest. “Will you return the gesture and play for me one day?”

He takes my hand off his chest and kisses the inside of my palm. “No Lucia, I no longer play for others.”

I look him in his eyes. “Never? Why? If it’s something you loved and were good at before the mafia claimed, you. Why quit it?”

A shadow falls over his face. “That’s none of your business. My past is not something I talk about. The why doesn’t matter. Just know that I don’t play and will not play again. Now, be a good girl and have a seat for me at the table.”

I want to push back and get to the root of the issue, but I decide not to. Instead, I follow directions like a good little slave. His mood swings are too much to keep up with, and I’m hungry.

The rest of the dinner is uneventful. Rocco is an excellent cook, and he looks pleased when I polish off two bowls of the tasty dish. We keep our conversation light. I am dying to havean update on this entire Leo situation and who bombed the safe house. But I know that will be a dead end.

Instead, we stick to facts about Amalfi and all the things he will show me over the next few days. He even shares the history of the Barese women like his Nonna, who are known for their orecchiette. They make it from scratch and sell it illegally in the streets of Bari. The history is fascinating.

When he takes our bowls away, I stretch. “So what’s for dessert?”

He walks over and offers his hand. As I take it, he leans over and whispers, “You are.”

“Wh-wh-at,” I stammer.

He smirks. “You heard me. Strip naked and lie back on the dining table. Present your pussy to me. I want to see how juicy my balls have left your sweet cunt.”

His dirty words warm me from the inside out. I hesitate, and he frowns. I know he wants quick and unequivocal obedience.

If I obey him, he will make me feel good.

If I don’t, I will be punished.

It’s that simple.

Or is it? I’ve never stripped for a man before, and certainly not in a dining room. However, this feels like a defining moment. Either I’m going to trust Rocco, or I’m not. Stripping when he tells me to is a small test that I really want to pass. So, I do it.

I pull down one strap of the silk dress and then the other before shimmying out of the rest of my dress. When I’m standing in nothing but my lace thong, my instinct is to cover my naked breasts, but I remember his words from our wedding night.

You are never to hide from me, Lucia. Your body is my reward. Do you understand?

I stand tall and push my shoulders back. My boldness grows, and my nipples harden as he looks at me with a hungry glare.He gestures to my pussy with his fingers, and I snatch my thong down.

“Come.” The single command causes my body to shiver.

Rocco holds his hand out for me and lifts me onto the dining room table. I look around, nervous that anyone could come in here, but he tsks.

“Don’t worry, beautiful. No one else is home. I’ve given them all the night off so I can feast on you in peace. Sit up for me.”

Rocco grabs a clean table napkin and ties it around my eyes before laying me back down.

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