Page 2 of Mafia Tales

When the incident happened with Marco, I could barely stop myself from killing him. I might have played the hero, but I was just protecting what was mine.

Over the years I had managed to avoid Rowan altogether. Through my own machinations with Lillian, it had been fairly easy to maneuver myself so that I wasn’t overly tempted by the little minx. She was far too young for me, too innocent. Especially since that scene with Marco for fuck's sake. However, here I am at Rowan’s 21stbirthday party at the cottage. I tuck myself into a shadowed corner as far back as I can and readjust my pants, so the zipper isn’t digging into my cock.

Lillian said I absolutely had to be here with the other lieutenants and now I’m stuck here loitering. Apparently, she is going to be absent for the next few days. Perhaps this party is cover, cynical of me to think so, but there it is. Lillian is a coldbitch if there ever was one. Either way – I’m in hell now and there is no going back.

Rowan has grown even more beautiful if that is possible. The freckles are still there, and those smoky eyes … her red hair is longer now. It cascades in waves of russet fire over her shoulders, hiding most of her face from my view. The Picmond Forest is remote, so I am impressed by the amount of people her age that are here. Impressed and a little dismayed if I am being honest right now. However, Lillian’s guise of a meeting was smart. The party is busy and individuals coming and going are having no problem being circumspect. I give a glare to the young man sidling up to her with a drink of some sort. The idiot slides a hand over her elbow as he hands her the glass, his intent clear. That’s when my control starts its slippery descent. I had given myself ‘the talk’. Each time I am around Rowan I have to give myself the same speech.Not for you fucker. She’s too young. Don’t touch.

Rowan turns to him and graces him with a smile that makes me want to punch him in the face, gut him like a fish with a dull spoon, and then poke out his eyes with the end. I clench my fists just as her gaze meets mine and widens with recognition, her smile withering. I’m trying to make myself remember I shouldn’t touch her, but my reasons don’t seem so valid anymore and my feet move on their own accord as her tongue darts out, her teeth biting her lower lip.

My control snaps.

Chapter Three

ROWAN

Age 21

I didn’t want a party. That doesn’t stop Lillian from declaring that it is a must. Something about milestones and bullshit like that. Although, she isn’t even here, so I think it’s a bit of penance because she is missing it. However, for her I pull myself together and put on an emerald, green slip dress that falls to my calves. The straps are delicate with embroidery of small daisies and vines if you look closely enough. It is my favorite piece that I’ve bought since I considered myself ‘grown-up’ enough to wear it. I even brush my hair out and leave it loose.

Where she found these people, I can’t guess. It is kind of nice to socialize with people my age. Weird, but nice, just the same. The boy from theproperty down the valley has been trying to talk me into a date all evening. It is uncomfortable since the girl from the town over is obviously in love with him. I’ve been trying to be nice without being a total bitch, but it is getting more difficult. He is just handing me a cocktail that I didn’t ask for when I seehim– lurking.

Riven. I stand by my girlish description. Riven Dalmatius isdelicious. The years have only made him more ominous, darker, more dangerous. The contrast between Riven and the young man next to me couldn’t be more obvious. While handsome, the boy can’t be older than twenty. He is attempting a mustache, but I would have told him not to bother if I knew him better. Riven on the opposite end of the spectrum is all man, with harsh angles, muscles, and brawn. He looks like he’s going to kill someone with a toothpick or something ridiculous. What is he doing at my party? I peek at him under my lashes.

“So, how about it then, Rowan? We could go out sometime …” The boy next to me is talking and I refocus for a moment, turning to him. I can tell he’s waiting for an answer, and I try to think of a polite way to say ‘no’ when I feel a presence.

“No, her answer is no,” Riven steps forward, removing the glass from my hand and shoving it back at the boy. “You should never accept a drinkthat you don’t watch being made.” He says to me and then looks darkly at the boy, shouldering his way between us. I’m speechless really. I’ve not seen him for – three years now. He’s never exhibited any sign that he cares about my well-being, besides the one time he intervened with Marco. (Which I am eternally grateful for, but I’ve grown up now and I’m not as helpless as I once was.)

“Well, I can answer for myself,” I say with alacrity. I feel off balance by Riven’s sudden appearance. “You’re right. I should have been more cautious,” I admit. Seeing the boy’s face fall I add quickly. “Not that you’d harm me, of course.” I set my hand on his arm solicitously. “Just for safety’s sake.” I glare at Riven and then let my gaze slide away. He is looking at me with too much intensity and I’m really confused.

“Come on.” Riven’s grip on my elbow is crushing as he practically drags me across the floor.

“Hang on.” I got to give neighbor-kid credit. He tries, but Riven is a force to be reckoned with and if Riven is expecting much of a protest, he’s going to be disappointed. Being so close to him makes me want to simultaneously faint and/or rub myself up against him in an embarrassing fashion. The very last thing that I’d do though is stop him from dragging me anywhere.

The guests’ part with minimal effort. There is no stopping us as Riven pulls me outside into the crisp air of the forest. He smells of cedar, his palm warm against my elbow as he yanks me to a halt.

“Well?” I ask with a laugh. “What’s going on?” I’m breathless as I look up at him. He’s so close that I can see his lashes, dark and long. Feeling brave let myself lean forward so that my fingertips graze the lapels of his jacket. “I haven’t seen you around Lillian’s for a long time. Have you been avoiding me?” He is looking at me, searching my face for something and it makes me lift my chin in defiance. Am I wrong to think that he is going to kiss me? The thought makes my heart beat faster.

“Do it,” I dare. My hand creeps to his, darting down around his fingers and his palm. He has them clenched tightly as if he is in pain. “Riven,” I whisper.

“For fuck’s sake,” he says on an exhale as he closes his eyes for a moment and then he dives forward whipping his hands up to capture my face with his hands as he devours me.

His lips collide with mine, and the force of it makes me stumble backwards. Riven catches me with one arm wrapped around my waist as hedeepens the kiss. I can’t help but moan into his mouth as our tongues dance together. This is not how I expected my birthday party to go, but I’m not complaining. Riven’s kiss is demanding and possessive, but I want him just as badly as he wants me.

As our lips finally part, Riven’s grip on my waist tightens, and he pulls me closer. There’s an intensity in his eyes, something feral and predatory that makes my heart race. I feel a thrill of excitement run through me as his hands roam over my body, tracing the curve of my hip and the line of my spine.

“I’ve been thinking about you for years, Rowan. Dreaming about you,” he growls, his voice low and husky. “Wanting you.”

A shiver runs down my spine at his words, and I press myself closer to him, wanting to feel his body against mine. I’m not sure what’s happening between us, but I know I want more.

Riven’s lips find mine again, hungry and demanding as he lifts me up and presses me against the back of the cottage. His hands are everywhere, exploring my body as if he can’t get enough of me. I’m delirious with pleasure, wanting more of him with every passing second.

“Riven…” I moan, unable to form coherent sentences as he kisses me again.

“Tell me you want this,” he growls against my lips, his eyes intense and searching.

“I do,” I gasp, my heart racing as I pull him closer.

With a low groan, Riven lifts me up. I cling to him desperately, wanting him with every fiber of my being. This is happening, right? The forest is dark and quiet around us, the only sound is our ragged breathing and the rustle of leaves beneath our feet.

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