God Of Vengeance (Kings Of Mafia)

I only manage to sleep for three hours before I’m wide-a-fucking-wake.

While I put on a pair of chinos and a sweater, my thoughts turn to the past week.

Luckily, we were able to find Eden, and after seeing Dario lose his mind, it’s clear as fucking daylight the man loves her.

I have to admit Eden managed to impress me, which is a rare feat. She killed a fucker with a high heel.

I should be more careful around Gabriella and her five-inch heels.

A chuckle escapes me, and the sound actually startles me.

As I tuck my Glock in the back of the waistband of my pants, I leave my suite.

I head downstairs, and when I near my mother’s sitting room, I hear Aunt Greta say, “I loved Queen Charlotte’s season most.”

“Me too,” Mamma agrees.

When I enter the room, Gabriella’s gaze darts to me. “Did you get any sleep?”

“Three hours,” I mutter before I take hold of Mamma’s hand and help her to her feet.

Glancing at Gabriella, I say, “Give me thirty minutes, and we’ll have that conversation.”

“Okay.” She glances between Mamma and me. “No rush.”

When I lead Mamma into the hallway, she asks, “What conversation?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

Instead of walking to the sunroom, I press the button for the elevator, and we head up to the second floor.

Entering Mamma’s suite, I say, “I’ve decided what to do with Gabriella.”

“Oh?”

The expression on her face tells me she’s dying to hear my answer.

“I’m going to marry her.”

A wide smile spreads over her face. “That’s such good news!”

Clearing my throat, I say, “I need the engagement ring.”

Emotion washes over Mamma’s face, and I watch as she walks to her dressing table. She opens a jewelry box, and her fingertips brush over the rings before she picks up the right one.

The engagement ring has been passed down from my grandmother.

Mamma moves closer to me, then holds the ring out. “I think you’ve made the right decision. I hope with all my heart Gabriella will make you happy.”

I take the ring from her and tuck it into my pocket before I pull my mother into a hug.

“Thank you, Mamma.”

“Try to be a good husband,” she murmurs against my chest.

“I will,” I assure her. Pulling back, I look down at the only woman I’ve ever loved. “I won’t disappoint you.”

She lifts her hand and pats my cheek as if I’m a little boy. “I know, mio figlio.”

Her fingertips brush over my face, then she asks, “Are you okay?”

“Yes. Just tired.”

“When will you take some time off?”

“I’m just dealing with a problem. As soon as it’s resolved, I’ll take a vacation.”

Mamma lowers her hand, then asks, “When will the wedding happen?”

“I have to talk to Gabriella, and it depends on work.”

“Let me know as soon as you’ve set a date.”

Taking my mother’s arm, I hook it through mine and lead her out of the room.

As we make our way down to the first floor, I say, “I’ve given Gabriella a credit card so she can get warm clothes. I would appreciate it if you accompanied her on the shopping trip so you can teach her what to look out for when she’s in public. As my fiancée, she’ll become a target.”

“Of course. I’ll also be able to take care of the Christmas shopping.”

Walking into the sitting room, I help Mamma to her chair before I look at Gabriella.

“Come,” I order before heading to the sunroom.

I hear Gabriella’s high heels on the tiles as she rushes to keep up with me, and I slow my pace.

Entering the room, I switch on the lights. It’s not too bright, the room filling with a soft yellow glow.

“It’s so pretty,” Gabriella breathes as her eyes dance over the lights and potted plants.

I walk to a sofa that’s partially hidden behind plants and remove the ring from my pocket before I take a seat.

Gabriella sits down beside me, her spine straight and her features tight with a nervous expression.

I stare at her, and once again, she doesn’t break eye contact. Instead, she says, “You didn’t get much sleep.”

My eyes narrow slightly. “Are you worried about me?”

She scoots backward and relaxes. “Of course.”

“Why?”

“You carry our whole world on your shoulders. If you fall, we all fall.”

I let out a sigh, and glancing at my closed fist, I ask, “Is that the only reason?”

“No,” she murmurs. “If I’m going to be your wife, it’s my duty to worry about you.”

“If?”

I hope she doesn’t think she has a choice in the matter.

“When,” she corrects herself.

I reach for her left hand, and bringing it to my thigh, I stare at her slender fingers before opening my fist.

“This ring belonged to my grandmother and mother. Once I put it on, you will never take it off.”

I feel her hand start to tremble, and as I position the diamond by her ring finger, my eyes lock on her face.

“Look at me,” I demand.

Her gaze darts to mine, and only then, do I push the ring onto her finger.

Tension builds in the air before I say, “With this ring, you become my fiancée. The wedding ceremony is only a formality.” When she nods, I add, “You belong to me, Gabriella. No man is to touch you.”

“Okay,” she breathes.

I can see she wants to ask something, but she hesitates.

“What?” I mutter.

“Will you … ahh…”

A frown forms on my forehead. “Out with it.”

She lifts her chin and holds my gaze. “Will you have affairs?”

I let out an unexpected burst of laughter that startles her.

“You think I have time to fuck around?”

Her eyes widen. “No. I didn’t mean it that way.” She lets out a slow breath. “Forget I asked the question.”

“No, there won’t be affairs, because I’m way too busy and you’ll satisfy all my needs.”

Her eyes widen again, and a blush creeps up her neck.

I glance down at my ring on her finger, and brushing my thumb over the diamond, I ask, “Do you have any questions?”

“When will the wedding take place?”

Lifting my gaze to hers, I lean back against the sofa. “Once I’ve taken care of a problem at work.” Before she can ask when that will be, I add, “Hopefully, it will be soon.”

She nods, and lowering her eyes to where I’m holding her hand, the nervous expression returns to her face.

“What are you worried about?” I ask.

She shakes her head but meets my gaze before she answers, “Marrying you is the last thing I expected.”

She didn’t even consider it?

“Why?”

“You’re the Capo dei Capi. You could pick any woman.”

“I can’t pick just any woman,” I mutter.

Her eyebrows draw together with confusion. “Why?”

“Because the woman I marry has to be fucking strong.” My eyes burn into hers. “No matter what, she has to stand her ground. She can never back down.”

Letting go of her hand, I lift mine to her neck and brush my thumb over the stretch of skin where the bruises used to be.

“The woman I marry must be able to survive by my side.”

Her lips part, and she almost looks shocked as she realizes what I’m saying.

Her tone is filled with surprise. “You think I’m strong enough?”

I shake my head, and pulling her face closer to mine, I say, “I know you’re strong enough.” My voice is low as I add, “You will not bend the knee to anyone but me.”

Gabriella’s eyes dart over my face before she nods.

I don’t make a habit of asking people how they feel about a matter, but still, I ask, “Are you okay with marrying me?”

She doesn’t hesitate to nod. “I’m honored. I’ll do my best to be a good wife.” Her tongue darts out to wet her lips. “Can you tell me what you expect from me?”

What do I expect from her?

I have to think before I answer, “I expect absolute loyalty and respect.”

“Okay.” There’s a moment’s silence, then she asks, “What about the intimate side of things?” She lets out an awkward chuckle. “Are you even attracted to me?”

Instead of answering her, I lean closer until I feel her breath on my face.

A nervous expression instantly tightens her features.

Slowly, I tilt my head, and once her pupils dilate with anticipation, I press my mouth to hers.

Just like the first time I kissed her, a tremble wracks through her body, and she presses her hand to my chest.

Her reaction does something to me, and unable to keep the usual tight control on myself, I tilt my head as I thrust my tongue into her mouth.

It’s instant. The need hits me like a lightning bolt, and I fucking devour her. I grab her hips and lift her onto my lap.

Gabriella lets out a squeak, and it tastes sweet and innocent.

I break the kiss and force her to straddle me. The position forces her dress to bunch high on her thighs, and the sight is sexy as fuck.

Lifting my hands, I frame her face to keep her in place as I growl, “Yes, I’m attracted to you.”

She’s already breathless, her cheeks pink and her eyes filled with desire.

I slam my mouth to hers and allow myself to get lost in the kiss.

I don’t remember a kiss ever feeling this good.

My tongue strokes hers, and her inexperience allows me to do whatever I want. My lips possess hers completely, and when she lets out a soft moan, I almost lose my fucking mind.

Christ.

I’m rock hard, and when she presses down on me, I just react and shove her from my lap and to the side.

I dart up from the sofa and stalk a few feet away, my hands fisted at my sides.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asks, her voice laced with panic.

“No.” I suck in a desperate breath before I look at her.

Fuck.

With her swollen lips and her dress bunched up, she’s the most erotic sight I’ve ever seen.

“Go,” I growl.

“What?” she gasps.

“Leave, Gabriella, or I’ll fuck you senseless.”

She darts to her feet and wisely rushes away from me.

I rub my palm over my face while taking deep breaths to regain control over the urge to take what I want.

I can’t just fuck Gabriella, and I worry I won’t be able to be gentle with her when the time comes to take her virginity.

I’ve only kissed her twice, and each time, I had to put distance between us so I don’t give in to the need she creates in me.

No woman has ever affected me like this.