Page 24 of Christmas with the Mafia
I slip the phone back into my purse with a warm glow inside. My evening isn’t going to be over anytime soon, and if anything, it’s only just begun.
Business sucks. It merely gets in the way of an otherwise enjoyable evening. I’m stuffed full of canapés and similar and drunk on champagne and desire. I’m super bored though because Nico is relentless with his business, and we are missing out on an exceptional evening. Alyssia and Trent are happily chatting, and it appears that Trent’s only business tonight is keeping her happy and a watchful eye on his boss. At least I think he is, and all he apparently does is gesture to the strange men who loiter on the edge of the group, whispering in their ears as they head off to do God knows what.
I gaze out of our protective circle at the more fortunate. Beautiful women dancing with handsome men, dressed in gorgeous dresses as they twirl around the dance floor. I amuse myself by giggling at the not so beautiful, attempting to whirl their partners around, possibly not having practiced the art of dance.
I almost jump out of my dress when Nico’s hand rubs my back with slow, steady strokes and he leans in and whispers, “Would you like to dance, baby girl?”
“With you?” My heart jump starts at the mere mention of that, and his eyes swirl with darkness as he nods.
“Always with me.”
“Okay.”
I make to stand before he can change his mind, and as his hand slips into mine, I love the sense of ownership in his dark gaze. There is something so devastatingly wicked about this man, and I am only just realizing I have a type. Him.
The rope parts as if by magic, and as we step onto the dance floor, he pulls me into his arms, my head resting naturally on his chest. His hand pressed against my back, anchoring me in place, up close, and personal.
His scent is toxic energy, and I am drowning in my lust for him. I am being consumed by this man, and rational thought is now firmly in the past because he is now controlling me like his puppet, and I am more than happy about that.
Twelve
NICO
Business has finishedfor the night, but the important one has only just started.
The business of freedom of choice. For me anyway. Regina’s hand in marriage opens my prison, and she replaces me in it. She will be trapped in my decadent world while I will be free to make my decisions without consequence.
It’s a satisfying thought knowing I will no longer be beholden to my father’s wishes. Thirty brings me of age, and the business becomes mine. My parents will fade into retirement and spend most of their time traveling. Something they’ve been desperate for but restrained by the confines of who they are.
Now they can enjoy a relatively normal life, still protected but free of decisions. I will step up as the older son and assume my position at the head of the family. Regina will be my wife, beside me, and the bearer of the next generation of Raveras. Yes, a chance encounter on the red carpet has granted all of my wishes, and add to it thesheer amount of business I’ve conducted tonight, the future is a very bright one.
Now I must execute the next part of the plan. To make her fall hopelessly in love with me. To dazzle, to charm and to secure. It shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, she has nothing by her own admission. I will give her everything but freedom. It’s a small price to pay.
I stroke the back of her neck, and she shivers against me as I dip my lips to her ear and whisper, “Are you happy, baby girl?”
“I am, thank you for asking.” Is her soft reply, and I smile inside. She really is the most adorable creature, innocent and yet bewitching in a sensual way. This will be a pleasure I never really expected, and I’m impatient to move on to the next stage of our relationship.
“Nico.”
Her voice cuts through my planning, and I whisper huskily, “Yes, my angel.”
“I’m so happy.”
My hold tightens. Simple words that deliver a powerful reaction. She is happy. Why does that delight me so much? My happiness is the main priority now, but it sure makes it easier if she shares that.
I kiss the top of her head, and she pushes in a little closer, and her perfume fills my senses with delight. We sway to the music as if nobody is watching, despite the fact that almost everybody is. I can’t even take credit for that. I’m used to the goldfish bowl, but Regina is the brightest star here, and she doesn’t even realize that.
When the song ends, I lean down and whisper, “We must leave.”
“But it’s not even midnight yet?”
“Who are you, Cinderella?” My tone is teasing, and she giggles.
“I certainly feel like Cinderella. But I have a fairy godfather and a Prince Charming all rolled into one heavenly package.”
Her description makes me smile. Heavenly, that’s an interesting concept for a man who lives in hell on earth.
I can be her Prince Charming and her fairy godfather, but she will soon discover that some wishes come with a huge price tag attached.
