Page 13 of My Ruthless Obsession

So many faces become a blur while my cheeks ache from smiling when Marco leans in close and whispers in my ear, “Dance with me again.” He raises our joined hands and leads me out onto the floor.

His fingers graze the top of my ass, causing my nipples to harden into stiff peaks. His warmth, his closeness, and the scent of his masculine cologne fuel the ache inside me while I struggle to remain demure and composed. I wish for more after he made me come with his mouth, but didn’t fuck me again like I’d hoped.

I try to steer my thoughts in a different direction and make light conversation. “You seem to know so many people. Are they all associates of yours?”

“In this life, I make sure to know anyone who could pose a potential threat or liability,” he replies. Then he mutters something I almost don’t hear. “Unfortunately, your father has proven to be the latter.”

My heart drops, and I realize that I’d almost forgotten about his situation. He’s never been good to me, not after Mom died. And for a while, I made excuses for his behavior. I understand alcoholism and a gambling addiction are illnesses, but not once did he attempt treatment. In fact, he told me he didn’t need to change or get better. That I was the problem, and if I didn’t like it, I could leave. That’s just what I was planning to do the night Marco saved me.

Not saved. Kidnapped. Marco kidnapped me. Right?

As we glide across the dance floor with a misstep or two here and there, I think more on what Marco told me the night he barged into my cramped apartment. He didn’t say much, but he didn’t need to. I know my father and the kind of man he is. I just didn’t want to admit it because it hurts. I’m done with all that, and I’m done with him. He stopped loving me years ago and I’m better off without him.

I lean back and hold Marco’s gaze. “My father. He offered me to you. To erase his debts?” I thought I’d feel betrayed or angry, but I feel nothing because I’m not surprised.

Marco’s tone is icy when he replies, “I’d never have taken him up on it. Fucking bastard has the most beautiful daughter in the world, yet he’s ready to give her away to a monster. A man like that didn’t deserve to live.” Disgust mars his handsome face.

Awareness dawns on me, and I freeze. “You killed him, didn’t you?” There’s no sadness or resentment or fury in my tone. I simply want confirmation of what I know is true.

The music fades away as we stand frozen on the parquet floor, still pressed together with our hands joined and his palm on my lower back. “He was dead the moment he considered giving you away.” Marco’s intense gaze holds me captive as he leads us in a slow dance, the enchanting music flowing around us.

Nothing else is said as I surrender to the man who holds my life and my body in his powerful hands. Yet, in his embrace, I no longer feel alone. I feel alive, awakened by a beast who captured me and took me back to his castle. Showed me pleasures I never thought possible.

I relax in his arms, resting my head on his shoulder as he holds me tighter. Marco may have killed my father, but I know it was to save me. To protect me from the man who was supposed to love and support me. And he’d do it again if I needed him to. He’d keep me safe from anyone who dared to bring me harm.

8

MARCO

I’m done with this shit.

These events, the fake smiles, the networking, it’s all bullshit. I have to play the game for the sake of my growing businesses. It’s not like the old days where you took what you wanted and killed anyone who got in your way. We’re part of the upper echelon of society now, not the common criminals and thugs we used to be. Still, I hate this shit and all the glad-handing gets on my fucking nerves.

Lyla is the only good thing about tonight, but she’s not just a showpiece. I want her all to myself, to taste her cunt again and show her I’m not always so ruthless. I’ve never had to be gentle before, but that doesn’t mean I can’t. I’ll try for her. I’m learning I’ll do anything for her as long as she gives herself to me. And I want every part.

We make our way toward the door when none other than Liam Donahue blocks our path. We despise each other and neither one of us pretends otherwise. The Irish and the Italians have always fought for territory in this town, claiming districts and stealing others. There’s been relative peace for the last several years, since the previous crime bosses have passed, and now the families are left in the hands of people like me and Liam. We attempt to be civilized, but the long-standing hatred still simmers beneath the surface, threatening to spill over at any moment. Like now, when this smug asshole stands in my way.

He eyes Lyla like she’s a piece of meat, and the possessive rage inside me comes to a boil. “Marco,” he sneers. “You hardly bring anyone to these things. And never such a rare beauty.”

He bends forward, reaching out to take her hand and bring it to his mouth. I smack his outstretched arm aside, earning myself a mocking chuckle.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.So uncouth.” A hint of his native accent remains, though he’s worked hard to hide it over the years. “I’m Liam. And who might this wee darlin’ be?”

“None of your fucking concern,” I growl.

She glances back and forth between us, then offers him a polite smile. “I’m Lyla.”

I’m seething, but my ire isn’t directed toward her. Liam reaches for her hand again, and my blood runs cold as I tug Lyla behind me and get in his face.

“Keep your fucking hands off her,” I warn through gritted teeth.

Liam’s mouth turns up into a knowing smirk, as he’s just discovered my newest weakness.Fuck.I never should’ve brought her here.

“Whatever you’re thinking, I suggest you stop. This won’t end well for you.”

“We’ll see about that.” He snickers. “Nice meetin’ ya, love.” He winks at her, and I’m ready to end his life now. He knows I won’t draw my weapon, not even for his blatant disrespect. Not here, on neutral ground, where we’re surrounded by impartial associates.

When he turns and struts away, I know he’s found the chink in my armor. A blind spot that could be dangerous to both me and the woman who’s become my obsession. He’s already seen too much and I have no doubt he’s had his eyes on us all night. I cut our evening short, and drag Lyla out of there while she teeters on her tall heels.

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