Distance: A Dark Mafia Romance (Beneath The Mask Series Book 1)

The natural light burns against my skin, which quickly reminds me I’m not in my blacked out bedroom. Nope, I’m 86 floors up with a giant, sexy boxer wrapped around my body, breathing softly against my neck.

Holy fuck, I’m pretty sure I had sex with the hottest man on the planet. Not only that, he comes with the dirtiest mouth and an earth-shattering desire to bring me pleasure.

I didn’t know it was possible to climax so many times in a row, each one more intense than the last. But boy, does Keller know what he’s doing. Boxers know how to go the full twelve rounds, that’s for sure. It’s like he was created and formed on the basis of my dirty book boyfriends, made to fit perfectly with me.

The sunlight penetrates my closed eyelids. Ugh, Like a vampire, I can’t stand it. I carefully peek to confirm that the shutters have automatically opened. Is this his routine? Then I realize I’ve never seen this man in daylight before, so in wanting to get a good look, I slowly roll over to face him.

I use this time to my advantage, taking in his sleeping form. I’m mesmerized by him. His razor-sharp jawline, that dark wing tattoo that spans his neck right up to that sexy jaw. I’m not usually into neck tattoos, but holy shit, does his look hot. With his eyes shut, he’s less daunting, the blackness of his eyes is too penetrating sometimes. In his slumber, he looks peaceful and sweet. Lowing my gaze, I am mesmerized by his body. Every muscle is defined. I can’t begin to imagine the hours of blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into becoming so perfectly sculpted. Even resting, those sexy veins of his arms protrude and his shoulders sport so much definition. He truly is a masterpiece.

Just thinking of him owning and dominating the space inside the boxing ring makes me clench my legs. I bet he is an incredible force. Any opponent must shit themselves coming face-to-face with him. Just one devious glare from him would be enough to make a grown man run away.

Unable to resist, I start tracing my fingers along the masses of ink covering his chest. There is barely any space left for more, other than the small square of olive skin peeking through above his heart.

The tattoos, like him, are dark and powerful. They make a statement. Continuing my quest, I take my hand lower, tracing each of the abs on his, Jesus, 8-pack, finally settling in that famous V just above his boxers.

I can feel his heart rate spike as I find my way to the edge of his shorts. I know if I look up from the crook of his neck, I will find his stare penetrating me. I know he’s now awake.

“Morning Gorgeous,” he murmurs in a sleepy haze.

“Morning” I quip back.

Not giving him the chance to take control, I search lower and wrap my hand around his massive cock. My hand is tiny in comparison.

I stroke up and down his shaft, still avoiding his gaze. That earns me a low groan, which only gives me the confidence to keep going. Pushing myself up, I trace kisses along his chest, slowly descending with each one until I’m face to face with his dick.

Now I look up, my gaze meeting his. Desire burns through his eyes, making them almost black. He’s looking at me like I am the most beautiful woman on the planet. His features soften as he gives me a nod to continue. Lowering my head, I take the tip of his cock in my mouth. I can taste the remnants of last night’s passion.

“Take me deeper, Baby.”

I do as he says and take as much as I can of him to the back of my throat. My mouth is full, and tears start to pool in my eyes as he fucks me. And my God, if it’s not the hottest thing, I don’t know what is.

I can barely breathe and he doesn’t let up. Fisting his hands through my hair, he pushes me further down, completely ravishing my mouth, taking everything that he can get.

And I’ll give it willingly to this man.

Slowing the pace, I take this opportunity to lick up and down the shaft. I feel him shiver in response as his breathing gets heavier and heavier, his balls tight as I cup them.

“Fuck Sienna, you’re such a good girl, taking so much of my cock in your mouth. You greedy, greedy girl.”

Oh, there it is. Good girl. I’m drenched. Squeezing my legs together, I try to hold in the building pressure. Yanking me by my hair, pain sears through my skull as he pulls me up to straddle him. His hungry eyes burn into mine.

“If I’m coming anywhere, it’s tight inside that sweet pussy of yours.”

He fists his cock and swipes it up and down the length of my slit, lapping up my arousal. With one hard thrust, he enters me, letting out a low groan as he does. Arching my back, I slowly ride him, rising as far as I can and slamming back down, the pressure building on each pulse. He wraps his firm hands around my throat and I lean into his grasp.

Whether it’s the fear of not being able to breathe or the orgasm simmering, I lose it.

Ever so slightly, he tightens his grip around my neck. It’s sure to leave marks but enough for me to inhale, and so firm he is basically holding me upright as I quicken the pace. Sliding his other arm between us, he reaches down and pinches my clit, sending shock waves through my whole body. I start to feel my walls tightening.

“Do not come until I tell you to, Goddess.”

I squeeze my eyes shut in response, willing a way to concentrate enough to hold off. I don’t think it’s possible- but I try.

He meets me thrust for thrust. I’m so close, my whole body shakes. I hear curses come from Keller’s deep voice, his breath quickening. Releasing my neck, I drop forward, falling onto him. He grabs my face and slams his mouth onto mine, nipping my bottom lip.

“Come now my Goddess,’’ he rasps.

His own orgasm rips through him too. In that moment, my whole world explodes, my body is on fire and the most shattering orgasm fractures through me.

“Fuck!” he roars, spilling into me, still peppering kisses along my jaw.

We lay there for a few minutes, both breathing heavy, our sweaty bodies intertwined. He hasn’t removed himself from inside me. I can feel it pulsing. Lazily wiping a stray hair off my forehead, he places a soft kiss there, giving me a sexy grin.

“You are incredible, Sienna.”

Not sure how to respond to that comment, my cheeks flushing, I nuzzle my face into his neck.

“Baby, look at me,” he whispers.

His gentleness after such ferocity throws me off. I’ve never been treated like this after sex. Especially with Jamie. Without a word, he would leave the room to clean up, eventually returning to say goodnight and rolling the other way. I slowly turn my face to him. His eyes are still burning with desire but also, now, with awe as he gently cups my jaw.

“That was the sexiest fucking experience of my life. Don’t you dare be embarrassed with me. Hell, every taste I’ve had of you so far has blown me away. I mean what I say, Sienna. You are a force to be reckoned with. Incredible.”

His tone is laced with sincerity. I give him a small nod. It’s all I can formulate at this point. His kindness and reassurance take me by surprise. The thought of leaving this morning and never looking back, never feeling this again, forms an emptiness through my body. How can any other man ever compare to this? In my 25 years on this planet, not once have I felt this kind of all-consuming connection with another man. I let out a sigh as I cuddle into his side, his strong arms pulling me in close. I can feel his brain ticking as he stares up at the ceiling. We’re both silent. Our breathing is the only noise filling the room.

Once Keller gets in the shower, I decide it’s time to rip the band-aid off. I can’t deal with goodbyes or empty promises. I know if he asks me to stay, I can’t say no. I don’t think I could ever deny this man. I quietly pick up my clothes from the floor, tiptoeing out of the room towards the front door. The private elevator mocks me. I know I can’t get in there without him. I could do with the cardio. What’re 86 floors, anyway? I need a distraction from my sadness.

My calves are burning from the mission down. The icy breeze beating against my exposed skin makes me gasp as I finally make it out of the skyscraper. I should have taken one of his jackets.

Time to return to reality, I suppose.

“Oh, look who finally made it home,” Maddie shouts from her room as I walk into the apartment.

Crap. I was too wrapped up in Keller to even tell the guys goodbye. Bracing myself for the lecture, I slowly open her bedroom door, expecting a scowl. I’m surprised when she’s beaming at me, while still tucked in bed. Her usual blonde curls are wrapped in a messy bun on the top of her head.

“Did you have a good night?” I ask, eyeing her suspiciously.

“I may or may not have. The VIP area of that place is incredible!”

She has a grin beaming from ear to ear. Phew, at least she isn’t angry at me.

“Unlimited champagne all night, Sienna. The works. Plus, Keller’s friend was there providing the eye candy material for the night.”

A blush spreads across her face.

“Ooooooh, you like him?” I tease, sinking into her memory foam mattress.

“Oh my God Sienna. He is gorgeous, tall, ripped, with a blonde buzz cut. And the most mesmerizing blue eyes.”

There’s definitely lust in her voice.

“So, why are you here in bed on your own then, Maddie?” If he was so dreamy, did he not make her fairytale fantasy criteria?

“He is a complete playboy and nowhere near ready to settle down. The most I got from talking to him was a gruff hello. He seemed constantly pissed off, unless one of the servers was showing attention. That’s the only time he smiled. Hence the eye candy, not husband material,” she explains with a pout. “Oh well, the quest continues. Anyway, tell me everything about your night with Mr. Boxing Extraordinaire. Leave nothing out, you owe me for ditching us last night,” she says, poking me in the arm.

“Put it this way, he made me come multiple times in multiple different positions,” I say with a smirk.

“Shut. Up. I thought old lady Sienna could only do it once.”

She smacks her hand against my forearm, her bubbly laughter filling my ears.

“I know! Turns out nothing was wrong with me down there. Must have been Jamie,” I say with a chuckle.

“So, when are you seeing him again? Multiple orgasms look good on you, girl. You can’t let him escape your grasp, giving this kind of five-star service to anyone else.”

Her comment makes me feel physically sick. The thought of Keller with another woman gives me a stabbing pain at my core. He’s not mine. I have absolutely no claim to him. Yet he will always own a piece of me.

Attempting to fake a smile, I tell her how we agreed last night to get it out of our systems so we can get on with our lives.

“That sounds like an incredibly stupid idea by two completely clueless people. You clearly have an insane connection and epic compatibility. Why not delve into it? You can’t let a chance of true happiness get away.”

Christ, I feel like I’m back at school being told off.

Immediately, that gets my back up. “I’m not looking for a fairytale, Maddie. Last night was perfect. Why ruin it? I’m not letting another man trample on my heart and ruin my self-esteem. So one night is all we can be. Christ, just search his name. You’ll see a different woman draping off his arm like a lost puppy in every article. The man isn’t a one woman kinda guy. So it looks like Nana, one orgasm Sienna, will have to stay.” I try to get my breath back from my explosion of words.

I’m right. I know I am. I have to be.

Even as I say the words out loud, I truly don’t believe that was the last I’ll see of Keller. He’s a ruthless fighter. If he wants me, he’s going to have to work for it.

“Okay, whatever you say,” she laughs, giving me an eye roll.

“Right. I gotta go shower and have a nap. I’m exhausted.” With that, I slip off Maddie’s bed with a thud on the floor.

“I bet you are,” she calls out after me.

Flipping on the hot water, I slip out of yesterday’s clothes and step in. The harsh droplets beat down against me, the temperature so hot I’m almost instantly red. Reaching for the shower gel, I lather my hands and make my way up my body. The remains of the marks Keller left dot my skin like artwork and I trace over them. His fingerprints are now burnt into my skin, claiming me.

He knew what he was doing, reminding me of the power he has over my body, my soul, and my thoughts. Looking down at my breasts, my eyes go wide in horror at the angry-looking bite marks scattered across them. The memory of the pain and the pleasure, dancing in my brain.

I wonder if he’s as caught up in last night as I am.

I step out of the shower and grab a towel, wrapping it snugly around my body. I spy myself in the mirror. Maddie was right; I look freshly fucked. More than that, looking at my reflection, with those fresh marks glaring red. I don’t feel ashamed or self-conscious. No. I look hot. For the first time in a long, long time, I feel desirable.

After drying off my hair and lathering my face in my whole skin care collection, my skin is practically shining. There’s nothing a bit of vitamin C serum can’t solve.

Finally sprawling out into bed, my head hits the pillow and I grab my phone off the nightstand. I haven’t checked it since I got home a few hours ago.

No more messages from Jamie. Perhaps he has finally got the hint. Thank you, Keller.

A text pops up from Grayson, and a smile passes over my lips.

GRAYSON

Hi pretty lady, just checking in to make sure we’re all good for tomorrow. I’ve even managed to rope in a celebrity appearance for them. He’s agreed to help out with the session if that’s ok? Speak soon. Grayson x x

Grayson Ward, co-owner of King’s Gym over in Midtown and boxing trainer to the stars. We’ve only ever spoken a few times over the phone. He certainly has a way with the ladies. Flirting seems to be necessary in every conversation he has with the opposite sex. Not that I mind, I imagine by the sound of his thick voice laced with flirtation that he won’t be bad looking, that’s for sure.

Quickly tapping back my response, keeping it as professional as I can.

ME

Hey Grayson. Yep, all still on for tomorrow. Thank you so much for all your help with this. We really appreciate it. The kids are going to love meeting a famous boxer! See you tomorrow. x

He responds immediately:

GRAYSON

Great, see you tomorrow *winky face* x

I chuckle. The man can’t help himself. I bet his whole text chain is full of those winky faces, ha- and the rest.

I started speaking to Grayson a couple of weeks ago. I volunteer a couple of weekends a month at a local start-up charity – Young Minds. A charity dedicated to giving kids in low-income families educational tools they wouldn’t necessarily come across any other way. Some of the kids come from loving homes which just struggle to scrape by, not affording luxuries like kids’ clubs or being able to pay for hobbies for their kids. For other kids, this charity is a lifeline. Their parents choosing, much like my own mother, to hit the bottle rather than care for their kids. It breaks my heart. Seeing these kids’ faces light up at the smallest acts of kindness, indicates that isn’t a normal thing for them. I wonder if I would be less fucked up if I had something like this as a kid.

I’ve helped organize, with the help of Grayson, a boxing training day for the kids at the King’s Gym. They are going to lose their minds when they get to meet this celebrity boxer Grayson’s talking about. Each weekend, we let them try either a different sport or hobby and if they love it, we try to help them go regularly.

Working with these kids has just solidified what I already knew. I need to pursue my passion; I need to try and find a way to make it work, build a career. I sigh. For now, it’s just not possible. I have to pay the bills. At least I get the weekends to feel like I’m making a difference.

My mind can’t help but spiral back to Keller. All this talk of boxing, I can’t help it. God, what I’d give to see him in action in the ring. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll have to start watching his fights.

Just as I’m about to drift off to sleep, my phone lights up the room. Snapping it up to close it off, I see an unknown number. Fear pits in my stomach.

UNKNOWN

You think you can avoid me forever, Sienna? I’ve tried being nice to get you so you come back to me willingly. Looks like we gotta do this the hard way. You never make anything easy for me, do you?

I’ll be seeing you very soon sweetheart. J x

I blink, staring at the phone for God knows how long. A shiver runs down my spine. It alarmed Keller at how deranged Jamie sounded on the phone yesterday. Now, this?

This isn’t the Jamie I knew. I was never scared of him. He was Mr. Cool and composed. Mr. Corporate America. His designer suits are always perfectly tailored, with crisp white shirts. He was the perfect gentleman when we first met in the coffee shop opposite our offices.

It was only recently things started to change. He started commenting on what I wore, and where I went. Storming out and giving me the silent treatment for days if he didn’t like my responses. Then he’d bring me those God-awful red roses to apologize and take me to dinner. A vicious cycle.

The Jamie texting me now is behaving like a psychopath, he clearly didn’t love me enough to keep his dick in his pants. I throw my phone back on the side and close my eyes, my mind taking me back to that explosive night with Keller as I drift off to sleep.

The rain pelting my window wakes me. Shit. What time is it?

I have to meet Paula and the kids at King’s Gym at 9 am, reaching for my phone, I’m horrified that the time is already 8:30 am already. I jump out of bed and run to the shower.

I pull on my black leggings and quickly pair them with a burgundy oversized sweater. I’m going to a boxing gym not on a date, so I’m guessing workout gear is acceptable. Peeking out my bedroom window, the rain is hammering still. The sky is gray. Yep, this is a good outfit choice for sure.

I have to look somewhat presentable. I can’t be looking like I’ve just rolled out of bed. That’s hardly the role model these kids need right now. I slide a brush through my hair and slap on a thin layer of silky foundation to brighten my skin. I dig out a burgundy lip gloss and with a quick pout, I’m done. From homeless to glamourous gym fit in fifteen minutes.

I slide my trainers on, throw on a puffer jacket and fly out the door, making a light jog down the stairwell into the pouring rain. Great, I’m going to look like a drowned rat by the time I get there.

Hailing down a yellow cab, I fling the door open and jump in. “Kings Gym, please,” I ask breathlessly, rain dripping off my nose. If I keep being late, I’m going to run out of money pretty quickly, jumping in taxis like this.

8:50 am I should be there just in time, thank God.