It's supposed to be unseasonably cold today for the next week. I'd grumble excerpt we're also supposed to get thunderstorms! Yay! I just turned on the heat for you 😎.

You're welcome.

Silently I rode in the dark SUV beside Luke. My father's driver returned me to Luca's house. My escort didn't bother with any attempt at conversation. Thankfully.

The darkened sky overhead dotted with sparkling stars made me apprehensive. I had been gone for nearly 24 hours without contacting Luca once. He would be worried out of his mind. I wouldn't be surprised if he had every one of his men out scouring Los Angeles county for me. A smirk curved my lips at the thought. He deserved it for keeping that file from me.

Just outside the gates, the car stopped and I moved to slide out but Luke stopped me.

"Qui," he commented dryly. He removed his black leather jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

"If my fiance comes after you-" I smirked.

"I know, I know," he held his hands up. "You'll get my balls in a jar."

I laughed and he smiled. The moment, as brief as it was, quickly faded.

"There's a uh phone from your father, too," Luke announced. He reachingy under his seat and gave me a black rectangle. "His number is the first one in the contacts."

"Thanks." I took the phone and put it in my purse before sliding out of the car.

As soon as I was through the gate, all it took was a wave at the security guard. The dark SUV drove off. My heels clicked on the smooth cement driveway. It was my path to begging Luca's forgiveness for disappearing. That's what he gets for keeping things from me. I'm sure he had let me go with the expectation I would return the same night. It was so dark by now, I was sure everyone was in bed most likely, except Luca.

How could I pass up a chance to have lunch with the father I had never known? He had been presumed dead, even by my own mother. We shared lunch. I told him about our lives until my mother's death. I told him select details about the dates Luca snuck me on, how he saved me multiple times, how sweet his niece is and how he stepped up to be her guardian. Soon the afternoon had flown by and dinner arrived.

It was odd how the front door was unlocked making it unusually easy for me to come inside the dark, silent house. I made sure to turn the lock once it clicked closed. A shadow emerged from the connecting room and my heart soared hoping it was Luca. Instead, a very tired, disheveled Dom came into the faint light.

"Thank God you are safe, Madison," Dom sighed with a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Hi, Dom," I greeted. My cheeks heated in shame. I hung my purse back up in the closet. "Where is he?"

Dom tilted his chin toward the stairs, "In his office. Has been since shortly after you left."

With a shy smile and nod, I continued my path to the second floor. My target: Luca. Location: his office. I knew I had reason to be upset. I knew it was reasonable for me to need air and leave for a brief time. What I was prepared to ask forgiveness for was staying gone so long without any word. Tensions had been too high lately with the business for me to do that to him. Yet I did.

As I figured, the door to Luca's office was closed and all others in the house were sleeping. I had peered into Carina's room to find her snoring lightly, illuminated by a pink light on her wall. Kissing her temple, I swiped her hair back and smiled down at her peaceful face. I would do anything to make sure she was freed from this life as well.

I didn't bother to knock. Soft shuffling told me Luca was in there. I turned the knob and entered. The room was dark except for a small desk lamp dully illuminating part of the space. Luca's dark silhouette by the window made my heart skip. His arm extended above his head, the forearm bracing on the window frame. A glass of amber liquid held steady in his other hand. I heard the clinking of ice cubes as he raised the glass to his lips.

I padded silently across the room. The clicking of my heels gave away my presence and approach. Still Luca didn't turn. It wasn't until I made it behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist that his head even turned remotely in my direction. I placed a lingering kiss at the spot between his shoulder blades.

"I'm here," I announced softly, barely above a whisper. Luca turned in my arms to face me. I continued peppering kisses over his chest. "I'm safe...I'm sorry...I didn't call."

Luca laid a hand on my hips while setting his glass on the windowsill. Now without it, he cupped my cheek. The flesh of his hand icy cold on my skin but soothing simply because it was him. Turning my face, I kissed the center of his palm keeping my eyes trained on him. I watched his jaw clench. An inner war raged in his emerald depths.

Tilting his head and tediously leaning forward, I rolled my eyes closed in anticipation. He did not disappoint. Those soft, warm lips pressed to mine, capturing my lower lip between his and sucking lightly before slowly easing away then repeating the action. I slid my hands up his chest, neck then finally diving into his hair to hold his lips to mine.

Warmth slid over my lip trapped between his. I opened farther, letting him in. Luca's lips captured then released my own, tilting more to deepen. I barely noticed him backing me up toward his desk until the cold wood hit the back of my thigh. Gasping at the sharp pain in my muscle, my head rolled back, breaking the kiss.

Luca's hand on my cheek raked into my hair tied up in a messy bun, holding my head steadily in place. His other tilted my hips toward his while his heavy breathing fanned whiskey scented hot air over my lips. I felt the raging hard bulge pushing at my core. Desire instantly pooled between my legs.

"Don't...you dare," Luca panted softly over my lips, teasingly brushing them over mine. "Scare me...like that again."

Tears sprang to my eyes. I swallowed heavily. "I'm sorry-"

He silenced me by crushing my lips with his. He captured mine, sucking harder only to release and recapture. The grip on my hair tightened as he deepened this rough, punishing kiss.

Lightly tugging his hair, I broke us apart, both of us panting still. "I'm not sorry I left beca-" Luca silenced me again but once he released my lips for breath, I tugged him away. "I'm still mad you kept that file a secr-" again his lips silenced me.

The hand on my hip wandered down the smooth material of my dress in circles. I moaned and whimpered against his lips. Luca's hand pushed the silky fabric upward. In one scoop, I was dropped onto the edge of the desk. My hips dragged forward as he nudged his way between my legs. To further tease, or punish, Luca rolled his hips and his hardened shaft over my soaked lace center.

"I was so worried," he growled, peppering kisses from my mouth to jaw. He trailed down my neck passed the collar of Luke's leather jacket. My body ran cold with realization just as Luca hit the cold leather. Slowly he leaned back, keeping me tight is his hold. "Who's...f^cking jacket...is this, Madison?"

The strong smell of whiskey was on his breath. I knew he wouldn't remember the full explanation. "It-it was loaned to me because I was cold. Nothing happened!" My voice rose with panic and Luca's eyes softened.

"OK," he comforted, peppering kisses on my forehead. "OK, I believe you." Sighing he pressed his forehead to mine. "You have to be careful, Gattino. There is a rat...in the family."

"A rat?" I repeated, brows wrinkling. I held my eyes with his. He nodded, brushing his nose with mine. "You are certain?"

"Yes," he answered softly without hesitation. "After you left I-I poured over those papers and more. Trying to put together a puzzle. So many things still didn't add up yet it answered many questions from the attacks."

"Like what?" I asked softly, stroking my fingers through his hair. It was obvious that he was distraught over this.

"Più tardi," Luca hushed, brushing his lips over mine. He released the tie in my hair.

I frowned, pointedly ignoring his soft lips grazing over my jaw. "Later?"

Breath fanned over my neck. He chortled lightly, "Sì, più tardi."

"Luca," I groaned, leaning back but his lips simply kissed down my chest. "I-...I'd like tooooo uhhh... know what is mmm going ahhh-on!"

He chuckled against my collarbone, pushing the leather jacket off my shoulders. Willingly I shook it off, rolling my head back as Luca dove again for my neck. Gripping his hair, I moaned. He kissed over the top swells of my breasts shoving his face deeper.

"Voglio strappare questo vestito-" Luca growled over my skin, his hips rolling against my panties again.

(I want to rip this dress-...)

I grinned but whimpered, "Please don't."

"È troppo bello," came his soft agreement then he hoisted me up.

(It's too beautiful)

Legs tightly wrapped around his hips, I giggled. Luca kissed at my neck quickly carrying me off to the bedroom. Kisses peppered over my heated skin. His open mouth sucking at the tender crook had me moaning and ready before Luca laid me back on the plush bed.

Hovered above me, our lips melted again. I let Luca dominate my lips. His hands roamed the curves of my body, admiring the silk fabric of the dress. Writhing beneath him, my body was on fire from his touch.

"Luca," I moaned softly, arching my back and gripping his shirt. "Wait."

Instantly he stopped, always respecting my words, feelings, or any insecurities. I smiled up at him, stroking his cheek. Breathing raggedly above me, his brow creased in confusion.

"Cosa c'è, piccola?" he asked quietly, emerald orbs searching mine.

(What is it, Baby?)

"Alzati per favore, " smirking, I softly ordered. When Luca didn't move, I repeated much more demanding. "In piedi!"

(Stand up please...Stand up!)

Finally he did and I rose to follow. From the edge of the bed, I ran my hands down his chest, slowly unbuttoning his shirt from the bottom. Kissing my way up from his abs to his pecs, I pushed the shirt off his arms. Luca rolled his head back, groaning at the attention as he fisted my hair. Next I undid his belt, popping the button then easing the zipper down.

"Adesso siediti," I ordered. I pushed his pants down passed his hips. carefully guiding over his saluting member.

(Now sit down)

Luca grinned, shaking his head and tsk'ing me but dutifully did as I demanded. He leaned in to kiss me first but I promptly put a finger over his parted lips and quirked an eyebrow. Nudging his legs open I stood gazing down at him, stroking my fingers through his hair.

"Il mio turno," I cooed, drawing my lower lip in between my teeth.

(My turn)

I rolled my head back. Luca's hands slid up my sides, over the curve of my ass to the zipper, slowly pulling it down. One by one I pulled the straps off my shoulders sliding the dress down until Luca guided it down over my hips.

"Oh Fanculo," he groaned with a chuckle. His fingers deftly roamed over the straps of the garter on my hips. "Sarai la mia morte!"

(Oh F*ck...You will be the death of me!)

Before I could reply, Luca grabbed my hips and tumbled backwards, flipping us so again he hovered. Not what I had planned but I decided to let him think he was winning. For now.

One by one, the garter was uncliped, warm hands rolled the panty hose down my thighs then he slowly slid off the crimson stilettos. Like the predator he was, Luca covered my body with his, lips crashing sloppily, hands grabbing, exploring. Cold air hit my raging core as he peeled off the lace barrier.

Hungry, dangerous, flaming emerald eyes locked with mine then disappeared. Luca's face dove between my legs. Mercilessly his tongue began attacking. Luca speared, licked and sucked with such rough force, my climax hit at record speed. It tore through me so hard, I could barely breathe.

My head spun as he kissed his way up my trembling body but neither of us were near being satisfied yet. That smug grin curving his lips received a glare. I shoved Luca to fall onto his back. Immediately I swung a leg over, following his body while he tumbled backward. To add to his surprise, I grabbed his wrists and pinned them above his head. Luca's emerald orbs wide eyed in shock was priceless.

"You distracted me," I glared, teasingly rolling my wet core over his saluting shaft.

Luca shuddered at my teasing which made my grin return. "Per favore, piccola!"

(Please, baby!)

"Ohh," I chuckled down at him. "Il potente Scorpione sta supplicando?"

(The powerful Scorpion is begging?)

"Solo per te amore mio," He groaned back, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead.

(Only for you my love)

Grinning deviously, I brushed my lips over his, "Ottima risposta."

(Great answer.)

Burning with need, I sat up then eased my hips down. Mouth agape, I whimpered at the pleasure of his length stretching me. Luca's fingers curled into the flesh of my hips until I completely took him to the hilt.

"Ahhh, yes!" I moaned, throwing my head back with palms firmly planted on his chest for balance.

"Questa visione è magnifica," Luca growled. His hands made circles on my hips encouraging movement.

(This view is magnificent)

I shrugged playfully. "Anche il mio punto di vista è molto bello."

(My view is very nice, too)

He chuckled until I raised my hips part way, lowering back down slowly. I repeated the action, keeping the pace steady until I found the perfect angle. My fingers curled into his taut muscles, eliciting a guttural moan from Luca who began rolling his hips upward to meet mine.

The pace increased slightly but remained steady. Moans grew louder, fingers gripped tighter. Already brazon, I bit my lower lip and made another bold move. I slid my hand across his abs until the fingers met the junction of our bodies. My head rolled back at the added sensation from that nub being rubbed.

"Luca!" I moaned, eyes locked on his silently begging for more. My breathing sped. The tightness grew in my belly.

Right on cue, he lunged upward. One hand snaked around my waist to guide me down harder onto him. The other slid up my back to unhook the lace vice, pulling the straps down one at a time. I leaned back, rolling my hips harder with his hands supporting my body. Hot open mouthed kisses peppered over my inflamed skin until that warm, moist cavern of his mouth locked around a bouncing peak.

At this new angle, his length grazed my nub with each pass. I raked my fingers into his hair, pulling his mouth harder onto me. Only lessening my grip for him to switch to the other sister, my head rolled back again letting out a growling moan. My body tumbled over the edge.

Grinding steadily on his lap, I cupped his cheeks, "Luca, Ti amo...tanto!"

(I love you...so much!)

"Ti amo anch'io piccola," he answered, grinning. His open mouth slammed onto mine catching my lower lip in his and sucking hard, releasing then capturing them again.

(I love you too, baby)

Our rhythm slowed. My walls spasmed around his but once it began to ebb. Luca flipped us over so he was once again on top. In a rough, slow tempo he plundered. His hot breath fanned over my parted lips. With his hands firmly pressing into the bed on either side of my shoulders, I gripped his solid hips grinning at the feeling of those muscles rippling and tightening with each strong thrust. I felt his body shudder against mine, skin deliciously sliding over skin. His seed burst out coating my walls.

"Incredibile ... ogni volta," Luca panted, lazily capturing my lips with his in a slow sensual kiss.

(Incredible ... every time)

As our breathing steadied, he reluctantly withdrew then pulled the covers back and guided me to lay beside him. A wave of emotion crashed over me. Every moment of fear, love, fury or rage hit me at once. The tears came pouring out. The sobs came so hard and fast I felt like I couldn't breathe. Heart racing, lungs constricting, I was having a panic attack.

"Madison," Luca called, rising up beside me and cupping my cheek with panic clear in those eyes. "Respira ... respira ... respira...Gattina, cosa c'è che non va?"

(Breathe ... breathe ... breathe ... Kitten, what's wrong?)

I forced myself to sit up, took deep breaths. Luca guided while rubbing circles on my back. The soft kisses on my shoulder usually would bring comfort but the panic was too great.

"I-...Luca," I tried but he shushed me. Steadily the panic ebbed and my breathing steadied. "I have...a confession."

His brows wrinkled but encouraged me on. "Dimmi tutto."

(Tell me everything.)

Taking a deep breath, I took the plunge. "The reason I was gone so long...and didn't call," cupping his flushed cheek, I pecked his swollen lips before adding, "I was picked up. By a Falladori caporegimes."

Luca stiffened and let his eyes roam over my body, "Did he hurt you?" he demanded, checking me over for any signs of injury.

"No, amore," I shook my head and smiled softly. "They wouldn't hurt me. The man...brought me to my father."

"What?" he flinched, turning away from me slowly and swiping a hand down his face. "But-...the documents?"

"He explained everything," I exhaled, letting it all pour out from my time with my father that day. "Then Luke drove me back. The jacket is his."

"Stupido pazzo!" Luca spat. "He knows we are engaged, yes?" I nodded. "Yet still gave his jacket? Didn't he think I would come after him?"

(Stupid fool!)

During his rant, I grinned from ear to ear leaning in and leaving languid kisses along his neck and jaw. Until I reached his ear. "I told him you might come after him."

"Really," Luca groaned. He flipped me backwards so he hovered over me and brushed his nose with mine. "And?"

"And," I kissed his lips chastely. "I told him you'd bring me his balls in a jar."

Luca threw his head back and laughed, his body shaking with the humor. "That I will!"

Our lips met again, this kiss slow and sensual again. His hands roamed over warm bare skin. One more piece of my confession gnawed in my belly.

"Bambino," I half moaned. Luca hummed in response now kissing down my neck. Already my body ached for him. "Luke brought me in...because I was approached...by an agent with the FBI."

Luca froze in place, his body stiffened above me. My heart raced in fear that part might cause anger to replace this passion. I had to be honest with him. Releasing a heavy sigh, he raised his head locking eyes with mine.

"Lo so, piccola."

(I know, baby.)

What?! 🤯 Luca knew Ben talked to Madison?!

Whaaaaaaat?

He's got some 'splaining to do!

I go back to the orthopedic doctor today and find out how much longer I'm in the #9$)+;&;3)$( boot for. lol

Enjoy, vote, comment and share!

❤️