Page 23 of The DeLuca Crime Family: Vol. 1

She stepped back and waved me in as she spoke. “My daughter and I speak quite often, Nic. Hearing how you met and the way she talks about you. I figured it was only a matter of time,” she said slyly.

I grinned, I already loved this woman, I could see the sass she’d passed down to her daughter. “She is irresistible.”

“I agree.” She held out her hand in greeting and I took it, kissing the back. “I’m Olivia Martin, but you can call me Livy. Please, come in.” She led me to a sitting room and when we entered, I was immediately drawn to the walls filled with my sweet Gianna. They told her life story and I studied every picture until I heard a deep voice from the doorway.

“DeLuca. It’s about time you got here. I was wondering if I was going to have to dig out my trusty shotgun.”

I turned to see a tall, olive-skinned man, with brown hair and a bushy mustache, both beginning to streak with gray. Livy smacked his arm and murmured something that sounded like “Behave.” His arm slipped around her waist and he pulled her close, placing a kiss on her forehead before turning back to me. It was easy to see where Gianna had learned to love so openly.I never doubted Gianna loved Sophia like her own, but from the way she spoke about her mother and seeing her parents together, it was clear that she had a deeper understanding of the love between a child and their parent, whether they are genetically related or not.

“I’m always on my best behavior, Olivia,” he laughed, squeezing her tighter before leading her to a couch. There was so much love and light in this house, it was easy to see Gianna growing up here.

Her father shook my hand firmly. “I’m Salvatore Martin. Take a seat.”

“Olivia—”

“Livy,” her father cut in, his tone stern. Livy rolled her eyes, but they sparkled with love when she looked at her husband.

“He doesn’t allow anyone else to call me Olivia. He used to tell Anna that the one for her would never let another call her anything but Anna.” She eyed me knowingly, and I couldn’t help but return the gesture.

“Yes, I am the one for Gianna,” I stated clearly, making sure my tone emphasized the fact that this wasn’t up for debate. “My father is probably rolling over in his grave at the backwards way I’ve handled this. I’m going to be honest, I’ve already asked Gianna to marry me and she’s said yes. I’d like your blessing, but, and I mean no disrespect, should you withhold it, I’m keeping her anyway.”

“Is she pregnant?” Salvatore asked, his eyes narrowed and voice hard.

I lifted my chin, not in the least intimidated. “I hope so.”

He raised a brow, and I heard Livy stifle a laugh.

“Salvatore, I love your daughter more than anything on God’s green earth. She and my daughter are the center of my world, and I will do anything and everything to see that they are always happy and safe.”

Livy sniffled into a tissue and gave me a watery, but sincere smile. “I’m so happy for you two. All Anna has ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. It was all I wanted growing up too and I’m elated she is getting her dream as well.”

I looked to Salvatore, who was contemplating me. “You’ll keep her safe?” he reiterated. I’d wondered if either of them would recognize my name.

“Yes sir,” I responded fervently. “The safety of my family will always be my number one priority.”

He nodded and stood, walking over to me and holding out his hand. I got to my feet, and we shook before he pulled me in for a hug, slapping me on the back. A little harder than necessary, in my opinion.

“Welcome to the family, Nic. Now, you’d better get my little girl down the aisle and stop living in sin.” There was a threat in his voice, and I stored that away for future use in case it took more coercion to get Anna to marry me.

Livy hugged me as well, then I invited them to join us for brunch the following Sunday. They eagerly accepted, excited to see Anna and to meet Sophia and my mother.

Chapter Fifteen

ANNA

Iwoke up the same way I had for the last week or so, to the feel of Nic’s hot breath against my skin. My legs spread wider, to give him more room as he wedged his shoulders between them.

“Morning,” I moaned, my voice cracking.

“Need a taste of this sweet pussy,” he growled.

“Oh my,” I gasped. My clit throbbed, my body tightening and warming.

“Lift up and give it to me.” His voice was pure sex, and it only made my pussy throb harder.

My hips rose off the mattress, as though they had a will of their own, my legs trembling at the touch of his tongue on my clit. He gave it a slow lick, and my fingers clenched in the sheets. Then he flicked his tongue around my clit, and my hips hiked farther up. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the sight of his dark head bent between my legs as he tortured me with his mouth. I whimpered in need and the sound spurred him on. He ate me like he couldn’t get enough of my taste, tongue-fucking me until I was hanging by a thread, so close to a huge orgasm but unable to quite get there.

“Please,” I begged, desperate to come.

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