Page 6 of Lord of Little Italy

When he finally presses his mouth against me, the sensation is overwhelming. His mouth is warm and demanding, exploring me in a way that makes every coherent thought dissolve. His tongue moves with precision, with purpose, like he’s savoring every reaction he pulls from me. The intensity builds as he deepens his movements, and I can’t stop myself from crying out, my fingers twisting into the sheets as my hips buck against his hold.

He growls against me, tightening his grip. "Stay still," he commands, his voice a deep rumble that sends another wave of desire rushing through me. His hands slide under me, lifting my hips slightly so he can get even closer, his mouth working with a fervor that’s nearly feral. His tongue moves in slow, languid circles, alternating with gentle nips and kisses that leave me gasping.

I can barely handle it. My hands fly to his hair, tangling in the dark strands, pulling him closer. He meets my eyes, a wicked gleam in his gaze that says he’s enjoying every second of this.

"You’re driving me insane, princess," he whispers against my skin before his mouth descends again, relentless and all-consuming. The sensations mount, wave after wave, until I’m trembling, and just when I think I can't take any more, he shiftshis attention, trailing kisses up my body, each one a promise of what’s still to come.

He leans over me, capturing my mouth in another searing kiss. I taste myself on his lips, and it only deepens the hunger between us. His hands slip under the edge of my dress, pulling it higher until it’s bunched at my waist, and then, with one swift movement, he slides it off, leaving me bare beneath him.

"Every inch of you," he murmurs, his voice husky as he traces a path with his fingertips, sending little jolts of pleasure through me. "I want to see, touch, taste every part of you."

His mouth is on me again, this time working its way up my stomach, lingering at my ribs, then lower until he’s drawing circles with his tongue that leave me arching into him, helpless against the sensations building within me. The way he touches me, so controlled yet so ravenous, makes me feel as though he’s claiming me piece by piece, as though he’s determined to make me his in every possible way.

“Tony…” I gasp, my hands on his shoulders, feeling the strong muscles ripple under my touch. He pauses, looking up at me with an intensity that leaves me breathless.

He takes my hands, pinning them above my head, his gaze never leaving mine as he lowers his mouth to mine, devouring me in a kiss that makes me feel like I’m drowning in him, in the fire he’s igniting between us. His hands explore every inch of my body, each touch a reminder that I am entirely his in this moment, and I never want it to end.

Later, wrapped in tangled sheets, I trace the tattoo on his chest - a crown wrapped in thorns over his heart. His fingersdraw lazy patterns on my bare back, and for once, the perpetual tension in his shoulders seems relaxed.

"Dominic's going to kill me," he murmurs, but there's a smile in his voice.

"Please," I scoff, propping myself up to look at him. "My brother's not nearly as scary as he thinks he is."

Tony raises an eyebrow. "Says the woman who just orchestrated the systematic destruction of our rivals."

"That's different." I lay my head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "This is personal. And Dom might be overprotective, but he trusts you. That's why he asked you to watch over me while he's gone."

"Pretty sure this isn't what he had in mind." His hand tangles in my hair, gently massaging my scalp. The tenderness of it makes my heart ache.

"No?" I tease, pressing a kiss to his collarbone. "You mean he didn't expect his trusted ally to get into his little sister’s pants?"

Tony throws his head back and laughs. The sound makes my heart expand.

I slide my leg between his, delighting in his sharp intake of breath. "Ready for another round?"

He groans, rolling us over so I'm pinned beneath him. His weight feels perfect, grounding. "You'll be the death of me, princess."

"What a way to go."

As his hands begin to wander again, I know we're both in too deep. This isn't just attraction anymore - it's something more. Something real.

Dom might not approve at first, but he'll come around. He's always wanted me to be happy, after all. And here, in Tony's arms, I've never been happier.

Besides, what's the point of being a mafia princess if you can't sometimes get what you want?

And what I want is the grumpy, dangerous, surprisingly tender man currently doing his best to make me forget my own name.

Chapter 5

Tony

Sleep isn't coming tonight. Every time I close my eyes, I see Isabella - the way she looked when I made her body shudder the other night. The way she tastes. The soft sounds she makes when I kiss her neck.

At 4 AM, I give up trying. Throwing on running gear, I head out into the pre-dawn city. The streets of Little Italy are quiet now, but already the bakeries are coming alive. The scent of fresh bread and cannoli from Ferrara's mingles with coffee from the all-night diner on the corner. Old Giuseppe is already setting up his fruit stand, carefully arranging peaches and plums like he's been doing for forty years.

"Early morning, Mr. Rivera?" he calls out as I pass.

I wave but don't stop. Can't stop. If I stop running, I'll have to think about how I'm betraying my best friend by wanting his sister.

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