Page 46 of Mafia Star

“I’m sorry for your family’s loss. And I hope it never comes to any woman seeking shelter from your family or Laura’s. But it is reassuring to know that I can go to them if it’s dire.”

“Only if it’s dire. It has to be you’re truly in fear of dying. Otherwise, you must come to my family. Your parents know more than we realized, and obviously Chelle does too. But I don’t think your parents told your brother anything. I know Chelle hasn’t.”

“I don’t think so either. But my brother has some questionable clients. He’s a broker to some extremely powerful and wealthy people. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s turned a blind eye to several things the FTC would want to know more about.”

We already know from the background check run on Chelle’s family. We know of the clients his firm represents, and we know he’s clean but a little dusty.

“You already knew that, didn’t you?”

The question isn’t accusatory. It’s as though she feels silly for stating the obvious.

“I did.”

“How did your family run a check on Chelle and not know about my family’s ties to the mob?”

“Papa and Uncle Sal did. They’re the ones who had to tell Chelle. She confronted your parents, and the rest of it came out.”

“Oh.”

I wonder if that pissed her off. It doesn’t seem like it, but I’ve already learned she can hide her emotions better than most. Maybe it comes from having to hide her thoughts from clients with abominable taste.

Another knock on the door interrupts us.

“Chi è?” Who is it?

“Gianni, capo.”

“Dateci altri cinque minuti.” Give us five more minutes.

“Non può aspettare.” This can’t wait.

“Le tubature?” The pipes?

“Si tratta della signora.” It’s about the lady.

When Beth’s hands— which were resting on my forearms —clutch my sleeve, I know she understands this is about her.

“Cinque minuti, a meno che qualcuno non stia morendo.” Five minutes unless someone is dying.

“Sì, capo.” Yes, boss.

“We need to get going, don’t we?”

“Yeah.”

Neither of us wants to move. Our kiss starts off like a flicker, but it soon turns into a flame. I place her back on the desk, and she grips the edge with one hand and the back of my neck with the other. It’s rough, and it’s fast. Our kiss is sloppy as we swallow each other’s sounds. Her fingers fist my hair as she comes. I’m right behind her.

“When we go out there, no one is going to know my cum is inside your pretty little pussy. But you will. You’ll know that no matter what we find out, you’re mine. No one comes near what’s mine unless I allow it. You’re safe with me, piccolina.

“Daddy, between the things you say to me and the sound of you speaking Italian. I don’t give a fuck what’s happening out there. Can you just fuck me for the rest of the day?”

From her smile, I know she’s joking. But the look in her eyes— sultry as fuck —says she means it.

“One of these days, we’re going to fuck all night, then the entire next day, then that second night, too. I won’t let you out of our bed except to get a snack. Even then, I think I might prefer feeding you, so you can lick my fingers.”

“Mmm. I’m more likely to suck them.”

She grabs my left hand and brings it to her mouth. Her tongue flicks it but nothing more. Just as well since we’re in a strip club. We keep it clean. It’s just the thought of it. I think she must have the same one from the way she cocks an eyebrow. I pull out and help her off the desk. She looks at the box of tissues on the desk, then me. She pushes her skirt down and twists it back into place. She runs her hand through her hair as I tuck my shirt back in.

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