Page 13 of The Mobster’s Present

I kiss her softly and then deepen it, her body languid underneath me as the last jet of cum fills the condom. Even though I should, I don’t pull out right away. I enjoy the taste of her on my tongue and the way she takes the weight of me and seems to only want more.

But she’s exhausted.

When I finally pull out of her, she’s almost asleep by the time I make it out of the bathroom and get her cleaned up. Once I slide in next to her, I reach for her like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Maybe, when it’s her, it is.

I never expected her to show up, certainly not at Second Circle looking for a man like Romeo. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do everything in my power to keep her. Not just her, Oriana too.

CHAPTER 5

ASHLEIGH

I thought I was coming to Seattle to get my daughter’s treatment paid for, but ever since I left LA, I’ve been in some alternate universe. That’s the only explanation possible for what is happening right now.

Let’s not even talk about what happened last night and how Salvatore gave me so much pleasure that I fell into a dreamless, restless sleep. I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.

Was it because I was in his arms? Was it because I was boneless with the bliss I experienced under his hands?

Does it even matter?

When Salvatore woke me up this morning, it was with a suitcase already packed with clothes, toiletries, and brand-new devices for me and Oriana. Everything was luxurious and far more expensive than I’m used to.

I clutched the sheet to my chest and looked at the man with wide eyes as he opened the suitcase on the other side of the bed. “What is all this?”

One side of his sexy mouth tipped up in a smirk. There was possession and care in his eyes as he explained, “You didn’t bring any luggage. This is everything you need to get today started and get us back to LA to take care of Oriana.” He quirked one eyebrow, his expression pure challenge. “I’m already packed and the plane is ready to go. Once you’re dressed, we’ll go to Angelo’s house for breakfast and then leave.”

He said it was breakfast, but I knew what he was really saying. I braced for an interrogation.

But that’s not what I got.

Angelo welcomed me with genuine remorse in his voice, “I’m sorry you lived under my brother’s thumb. As you know, he has been taken care of. I only wish I had known about my niece sooner. You are both welcome under this roof and will always have the family’s protection.”

For a moment, even though his power was evident, he was simply a man learning about his blood’s existence for the first time.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about her. I didn’t know how to contact you, and I was afraid to try,” my words were small.

“There’s no need for any blame to be laid. I understand.” I looked up at him, and he nodded once. “We leave the past in the past and focus on Oriana’s health.”

“Thank you.” It was all I could offer.

His eyes slid to Salvatore who was standing slightly ahead of me, as if shielding me, in the entry way of their home. He smirked knowingly and something passed between them like an answered question.

Now I’m sitting at a huge table with Angelo Amato sitting at the head and Dove to the left of him while I’m on the right in the seat I’m sure is supposed to be Salvatore’s but, somehow, is mine. I’m not entirely sure where to put my hands, but at least I look good. I have to say this is the most comfortable, and expensive, outfit I’ve ever worn.

Dove is dressed similarly, which made me feel at ease. She has welcomed me into her home with grace and warmth, which is both disarming and unfailingly charming. Angelo hasn’t been cold, but he’s been watchful. Salvatore isn’t exactly a font of conversation either.

But there’s something steady about his presence. It makes me wonder if I can truly lean on him.

Angelo’s phone makes a sound, and he glances at it before one side of his mouth tips up. He looks between Dove and me. “It seems we have some visitors this morning.”

Dove laughs. “I figured Oaklynn would want to see you guys off and make sure you have all her information.”

Salvatore voice is almost detached, as if it shouldn’t even be a question, “Her new phone is set up and active. It’s already synched.”

I blink at him and remember what he was doing as I stepped into the living room, dressed and ready to go. He was moving everything from my old, worn purse into a brand-new bag that I don’t even want to ask the price of. Then he held up a phone to show me before slipping it in as well.

“That’s your new phone. On my network. It’s encrypted and safe. When we’re on the plane, I’ll show you the emergency button and security features.”