Page 44 of Lust and Honor

I snap my fingers. “That’s it. A hot, romantic night. Works every time.”

Carlo smirks. “Brando’s not into candles and flowers. Give him something with handcuffs, ropes, and nipple clamps.”

Brando raises his glass, savoring the jab. “Thanks, brother.”

He turns to me, serious now. “Joking aside, what’s it like being a dad? Last time I checked, you’d rather freeze your balls off than have a kid.”

I take a second, think about it, then say it honestly, “All I know is, if anyone lays a finger on that girl, I’ll wipe them and everyone they love off the face of the earth. There’s no sacrifice I wouldn’t make for her. No law I wouldn’t break. No man I wouldn’t crush. I’d do anything, anything, just to make my little carrot smile. She’s the only person I want more than I want myself.”

Carlo raises his glass. “And that makes a damn good father.”

My gaze drifts past him to a tall, stunning woman striding our way. Martina, one of the tightest pussies in all of Italy. A famous model I’ve slept with a few times, and she’s still hooked.

As she reaches our section, she flashes me a bright smile and calls my name, but it fades when her eyes land on Carlo. She’s gambled enough in this casino to know who the boss’s brother is, and that you don’t approach him without permission.

Even though Carlo’s expression is blank, his natural aura’s got her spooked. She swallows hard and stops next to me. “Maxim, I was wondering…”

I reach out, squeeze her firm ass through her dress, and cut her off with a wink. “Not tonight, sugar.”

She takes the hint, and leaves us.

Brando lets out a whistle. “Oof, someone’s going to get some redhead pussy.”

The second he references Ava, a vein bulges in my neck like a rope. “And somebody, if he weren’t the brother of the capo, would’ve had his ass torn open for saying shit like that,” I say, calm but lethal.

Brando chuckles, throwing his hands up. “Don’t be so touchy. She’s not the first woman in your life.”

Carlo answers for me. “She’s the mother of his child. Show some respect, Brando.”

Without waiting for Brando’s comeback, he turns to me. “You planning to keep her in your life?”

“It’s not like I’ve got a choice. I don’t want Aurora getting hurt.”

“I didn’t ask if you want her in your daughter’s life. I asked what you plan to do with her.”

I take a deep breath and sip my drink.

Carlo and Brando are both eyeing me like they’ve already got the answer.

Annoyed by their stares, I mutter, “For fuck’s sake, Carlo. You’ve seen the woman. She’s the hottest, sexiest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. I swear, my balls have been on fire for a month because of her.”

“Is that so?” Brando grins. “I can’t believe Elen was right. You actually stayed away from our whores and kept your dick in your pants for a whole month? Dear Lord, nobody saw that coming.”

“Yeah. Trust me, I can’t believe it either. But Ava’s stuck in my head. I needed a month to get things right with my daughter. Now it’s her mother’s turn.”

“Last time I talked to her, she was a tough nut,” Carlo says. “Thought we were all spawned by Satan, not fit for heavenly types like her and that nun who raised her. Don’t think she’ll roll over easy.”

“She’ll come around.”

“What’s your plan to tame her?”

Brando pipes up. “Lock her in the house till she gives in.”

I shake my head. “That won’t work.”

“It worked on Emily,” Carlo says casually.

“Emily and Ava are worlds apart,” I explain. “When Emily came into your life, she was a normal girl from a normal family. Her parents raised her with love, and after they died, her aunt took her in with open arms. She was like a house cat, used to affection and care. When she fell into your trap, the violence of our world broke her spirit before you even touched her. For her, trusting, bonding, putting down roots was natural, learned from her family. She was looking for love and found it in you, even though you didn’t deserve her, Carlo. God knows it, and so do you.”