Page 2 of Unruly Protector
“Your job to deliver her is done,” I say to dismiss him, and head for the limo.
But the annoying man—along with Caterina who is still rooted to the ground—prevents me when he states, “I am her personal guard and will be here until the wedding has taken place.”
“The fuck you will,” I growl low in the back of my throat.
Caterina leans in close.Her scent assaults my nose and I inhale deep to familiarize myself with her presence.A fresh and bold mixture of jasmine, rose, and a hint of oriental woody fragrance ignites a feeling which instantly settles and makes my cock hard.
“Mattia is like a brother to me.We grew up together and he respects the Famiglia traditions.He has never touched me inappropriately nor does he act on any other feelings toward me other than sisterly concerns.I, on the other hand, have been raised for this moment and would like for my future husband to respect my words and trust.Allow me my personal guard in this new and unfamiliar transition.Please, Clemente.”Her voice is pleading and I don’t know how, but she’s put an angle of dominance in there for persuasion, and she does it flawlessly.
And then there’s the hint of Italian accent she curls her words with while it was void in her previous words.As if she added it to sound sexy, enthralling, more...fuck.She’s doing it to throw me off focus.This woman is dangerously aware of her abilities.
As usual I’m always up for a challenge and like to assess my opponent before I take action.Meaning I will grant her this, but she’s going to become aware very damn soon I am not one to be played with.Besides, if I allow this fucker to stay here, I can kill him in front of her to show what kind of man she’s set to marry.
I wrap my fingers around her bare nape.A few hairs have fallen loose from the tight bun she’s pulled her perfectly highlighted dark brown hair into.They brush the back of my hand as I pull her close.My body jolts with awareness of her soft skin and suddenly all the concerns I had about my future wife being a wilting flower diminish, leaving only excitement for this intriguing enigma.
“I’ll allow you this,mi cucciolo.But since you say you were raised into this world to be mine one day, it’s abundantly clear to you that respect is given while trust is earned.”I add another dose of snap into my voice when I add, “Don’t fucking play me, you won’t like my counter actions.”
Mi cucciolo.My puppy.For me to train, mold, and raise into a loyal follower.Though the feisty flare in those gorgeous blue eyes and the way she holds her body raise the suspicion she’s anything but a willing follower.And the mere thought makes my cock stir.
Her hand slides to my chest and she brushes her lips against my ear.“I fully agree with you.It’s why I requested to let the one person I trust in my life accompany me for a few more days in a surrounding with people I don’t know well enough.Give me a chance to settle in.I’m well aware this isn’t about love or comfort: it’s an arrangement we both agreed to.I’m fully invested.And just so you know, I would never play the man I was raised to serve and protect, Clemente.Once you get to know me...you won’t ever call me a damn puppy again.”
She steps out of my grip to lock eyes with me.We’re sizing each other up and I have to give it to her, many grown men have tried to stand their ground against me and failed.Yet this woman?Open.Clear.Not backing down and fully faces responsibility from actions taken and thrown her way.
“Okay, you two,” Gracy states and breaks our stare down.“Let’s head for the limousine.Some of us have other places to be later today and since it looks like neither of you will break the connection first, I’ll just punch my brother’s arm and make him lose this round.”
My head swings her way and I shoot her a fake scowl.All I get in return is a dashing grin.
“I was hoping to spend more time with you,” Caterina says to my sister and her face is carved with genuine regret.
Or she’s faking it.Dammit.I unravel every single person I encounter.For one can’t risk playing with lives if you’re head of the Famiglia.And this woman has been in my presence for a mere few minutes and I’ve questioned her sincerity more than once already.That to think I need to marry this woman and I have no clue if she’s going to drop a bomb on me or not.
“She’s my sister, the two of you are bound to run into each other sometime soon,” I casually tell Caterina.
Gracy shoots her a sweet smile.“Henley and I will be gone for the next few days.We’ve agreed to house sit for our friends, Beck and Flora.They are leaving for a short vacation and we’re going to look after their pet Oink, a miniature pig.”
“A pet pig?”Caterina gasps.“I absolutely love animals.”
I can see the genuine interest sparkling in her eyes and it’s laced with the same look she gave me when she talked about not playing me, and the same look when she told Gracy she would like to spend more time with her.
“We’re not getting any pets,” I tell her in an effort to rile her up and see what her facial reaction will be.
Her gaze shifts toward me and I can clearly see sadness flicker for a second before it’s locked away.
She gives me a tight smile.“Understood.It was the same way back home since my father has allergies that prevented us from getting any pets.I used to volunteer at the animal shelter to get my love for animals fix.Hopefully you won’t object if I search for some volunteer work at a nearby shelter?”
Her voice.Vulnerability shimmers through and she sounds genuine.
“Of course he won’t object,” Gracy says and releases a chuckle as if it’s okay to speak for me.
“Gracy,” I hiss through clenched teeth.
She just snorts and smacks my fucking arm.My sister is really screwing with my ruthless status as head of the Famiglia.
Henley wraps an arm around Gracy’s waist and pulls her against him.He raises his eyebrow at me in warning.Glad to know the President of Unruly Defenders does recognize my mood shift.
“Enough of this mindless chitchat, let’s head home,” I grumble and place my hand on Caterina’s lower back and guide her toward the exit.
We drop both Gracy and Henley off at their house before we head to my home.Well, I guess it’s going to be Caterina’s home now too.Not the home of the fucker sitting across from me, that’s for sure.I’ll allow him to stay until the wedding in two weeks, but that’s it.
