Page 160 of King of Obsession

‘You bring out the freak in me,’ I sighed, my bliss still washing over me. ‘You bring it out of me.’

‘I think, mia bella, you were a freak long before I came along.’

We laughed as I turned to find his mouth, beauty, and essence, my entire being trembling over him as I came down from my high.

‘Fuck, I adore how we’ve perfected how we sexin’, he growled against my lips, canting his hips to enter me once more.

Damn, how he made love easy.

The following day, Alessio and I visited Nonna at her care home.

The clean, modern facility was popular with its happy, smiling residents.

We walked past pickle-ball courts, a spa, a swimming pool,and an arts and crafts hall. Light streamed through the windows, illuminating dust motes floating in the air.

Approaching Nonna’s door, I paused at the sound of voices coming from inside - Nonna’s raspy chuckle mixing with a man’s deep baritone.

My curiosity piqued. Pushing open the door, I was surprised to recognize Mauri.

The Calibrese consigliere was seated at Nonna’s tidy living room, at her dining table, a hand of playing cards splayed in his fingers.

Nonna’s eyes lit up when she spotted me. ‘Cara mia! Come in, come in.’

She folded me into her powder and perfume-scented hands and blessed me with a kiss and the cross sign.

‘Mauri, please explain?’ I said, waving at the inscrutable consigliere and the card table.

‘You know my Mauri?’ Nonna nodded.

I smiled at the stoic bodyguard, not expecting to find him there. ‘I didn’t realize you two were friends.’

A slight smirk pulled at Mauri’s lips, his eyes softening as he eyed my grandmother. ‘Your Nonna is my most formidable opponent. She beats me at scopa every week.’

I raised an eyebrow, surprised that the taciturn consigliere had a soft spot for my grandmother. Who would have guessed there was more to the man than his gruff exterior?

Nonna waved a dismissive hand. ‘Ah, he lets me win. Such a gentleman, this one. My favorite visitor, you know.’

Alessio leaned into me. ‘He and a few of my capos were on detail, checking on her each day. Turns out he got charmed by her and ended up playing cards with her every Saturday afternoon, unveiling a side to the taciturn bodyguard I hadnot expected.’

Nonna reached out to squeeze my hand. ‘But of course, I’m always happy to set eyes on my cara nipote. Now, introduce me to this handsome diavolo d’oro.’

Alessio arched a brow. ‘You know my nickname?’

Nonna laughed. ‘I don’t need to. I discern the fire of a lion and devil in you.’

I took Alessio’s hand, my heart swelling with pride as I introduced him. ‘Nonna, please meet mia amato, Alessio.’

Nonna’s face lit up with joy, folding my much taller, muscled, golden man into her arms. ‘Finally, you have a man who looks like he’d flame heaven and hell for you. Welcome to the family, my dear.’

Alessio grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘Thank you, Nonna. I’m the lucky one.’

As Nonna fussed over Alessio, straightening his collar and patting his cheek, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of amusement. She was already treating him like her own grandson despite having just met him.

But then, Nonna turned to me with a sly smile. ‘You know, tesoro, I had hoped to introduce you to Mauri first. He’s quite the catch.’

I felt my cheeks flush, and I glanced at Mauri, who raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable.

‘Nonna!’ I admonished. ‘I’m thrilled with Alessio.’

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