He barks out a watery laugh. “Trust…there's not much of that going around.”
“No,” I agree. “But we’ll prove to you that you’re safe with us.”
He blinks at me again, looking so lost and broken, but with the spark of life and hope that draws me in even now.
Without missing a beat, I lean in to kiss him, loving the feel of him in my arms, so pliant and willing, even as he twines his arms around my neck, threading his fingers in my hair. His hold on me is desperate, as if he's terrified I’ll disappear and leave him broken once more.
Words won’t make him trust us, or fix what Allesandro broke. Only actions, and our steady presence in his life. It’s a good thing both Hol and I are patient men, and know how to work for what we want.
Allesandro may have broken Emilio, may have shown the boy how to embrace his monster, but his teachings left very important parts out…ones that will help give Emilio the tools he needs to survive on his own two feet.
Not that it matters. If there’s anything I’ve proven to be good at, it’s breaking and then rebuilding what others have broken.
That Lio is still standing here, still trying to put one foot forward, is a testament to his strength. And Allesandro’s failings in ruining him completely. One day soon, he will pay for even trying. For now, Hollis gave Emilio something to hold onto the other night, and now we just have to show him the difference between surviving and living.
I do love challenges.
Istalk around my bedroom, trying to rid myself of this incessant worrying. Having Jude, I understand now what a dominant should be, and it’s certainly not Allesandro. Lio…fuck. He’s so young. He doesn’t understand there are other options. Not truly. And I want him to have those chances—chances I didn’t get. At least, until now.
“Bello?” I startle at my Sir’s voice, and turn to face him. His suit jacket is unbuttoned and his curly hair is mussed, as if he’s been running his fingers through it. He looks deliciously rogue. It’s contrary to everything we’d been taught as Martellis, and it makes him so much more real. “Antonio?”
I inhale sharply and drop to my knees, staring at him, begging him with my eyes to understand what I need, because fuck if I know myself. He walks closer and runs his fingers alongmy cheek, before cupping my chin and tilting it up. There’s silence between us, but it’s restful.
Finally, I take a deep breath and say, “Sir.”
That one word, it’s like a balm to the cracks in my soul, to the deep need that has often been pushed aside. From the way Jude’s eyes darken, I’m not the only one that needs this connection, and fuck if that doesn’t mean the world to me. For once, to be on the same level, even if I’m on my knees, it’s almost impossible to believe.
“Stand.” I immediately scramble up, and when he captures my lips with his, I melt into him. It’s soft, not harsh, and yet he fucking owns me with it.
I whimper as he licks the seam of my mouth, opening for him. When his tongue teases mine, goosebumps break out across my skin, and I clutch him tighter. When he finally pulls away, I’m breathing heavily, my mind spinning with want, with desire, with raw fucking need.
“Tell me what happened, Bello.”
Taking a deep breath, I go to move away, but he doesn’t let me. I shudder from being so close when I bare my soul to him. “I apologized to Lio. You were right, it wasn’t my place. But I worry about him. He was a complete innocent, stolen into our world. I asked him to keep Tennant and Hollis in mind. Being with you…and with Nario and Nicolo…taught me the difference between love and ownership.
“Lio deserves love, not the toxic relationship that comes with Allesandro. And if he goes to see him so soon… I don’t want him to give in, to force himself into a box for someone else. I know what it’s like to be free now. How can I not want that for my friend—and Boss?”
“Fuck, Bello. You amaze me.” With quick movements, Jude pushes my jacket off. I hurry to help him, but he brushes my hands away as he starts to unbutton my dress shirt. When heslides it off me, I shudder. The way he stares at me… “Sei così bello, Fiore Mio.”
He leans down, nibbling on my throat, before sucking the sensitive skin at the juncture of my neck and shoulder. Throwing my head back, I moan in pleasure, grasping his shoulders tightly, as my blunt fingernails dig into his jacket. Fuck if I care that it’ll lead to wrinkles…
“Damn. That’s hot.” I blink as Jude pulls back, grinning wickedly at me. It takes a moment for me to realize Nario and Nicolo have joined us, and it ratchets up my desire even more. “Is there room for two more?”
Jude doesn’t look back at them as he calls out, “Of course.”
My breath hitches as they come closer and slide their hands over Jude. Fuck, what a beautiful picture they make. Their hazel eyes next to his pale green, his dark brown hair to their light. The study of contrasts… If I was a painter, I could sit there all day trying to capture the magic. Especially as their sinewy builds practically envelop Jude, stripping clothes from his body as they dance around him.
“Holy fuck,” I breathe, as they unwrap the best present possible in front of me. His body may have scars, but they only serve to make him more handsome—more real.
“Bello…I believe you’re wearing too many clothes, as are our precious Shining Stars.” I swallow hard at his command, and slowly take the rest of my garments off until I’m standing in front of him, naked. I shiver at the way his eyes roam my body, a hum coming from the back of his throat that makes me flush. “Such a beautiful Boy…”
I tear my gaze away from him, only to watch as Nario and Nicolo undress each other. Jude grasps my arm, pulling me until I’m in front of him, and we’re both facing my other lovers. For two who look so alike, they couldn’t be more different in temperament. Nario’s mischievous grin as he sneaks kisses in,versus Nicolo, who is begging with his eyes for either Jude or I to take charge. I’m content to let Jude be the one in charge this time. I get to play with my lovers often. I want to see what Jude will do with all of us…
“Bel Fiore Mio merita un premio e anche le Stelle mie.” I swallow, not knowing what’s to come, but trusting Jude with every fiber of my being.
He holds out his hands for Nario and Nicolo, who readily go to him. He gently brushes a kiss against each of their lips and whispers something in their ears.
I force a growl down, antsy to know what will happen. I must not be successful because he turns toward me, chuckling, before saying, “Patience, Bello.”
