Page 5 of His Ruthless Obsession

I hold up my wrist, his eyes falling to the bruising marks I can still feel. Nerio's jaw tightens as he takes my arm, though, rubbing his thumb over the sore spot on my wrist.

"I should have done worse to them." The cold edge in his voice makes me shiver.

"You scared them plenty." I try for lightness, but it falls flat when his intense gaze locks onto mine.

"Nobody touches what's mine."

The possessive growl in his words shoots straight to my core. "I'm not yours."

"No?" He leans closer, his breath fanning across my lips. "You work for me, do you not?"

"Yes, but-"

"You are clinging to me now. You are watching me all night. You are always taunting and teasing me."

My breath catches in my throat. "No, I- I don't do that."

"No?" A smirk curls up his lips. "Then why are you trembling right now, little dove?"

My back presses harder against the wall as he crowds me. The scent of his cologne fills my lungs — it's smokey and dangerous. His hand slides up my arm, across my shoulder, settling at the base of my throat. Not squeezing, just resting there. Claiming.

"Tell me to stop." His lips brush my ear. "I dare you to try and lie again. You'll see I'm not always so forgiving."

I part my lips, but no words come out. I don't want him to stop and I don't want to admit the truth. But I do want to fucking taste him even if I shouldn't.

His mouth hovers over mine, so close I can taste his breath. The world narrows to this moment, this space between heartbeats-

The curtain yanks back. "Boss! We got trouble up front-" The guard's voice cuts off as he takes in our position.

Nerio's expression hardens as he straightens, though his hand lingers on my skin for a moment longer. "This better be important."

And then he's gone.

3

NERIO

Istalk across the floor, Marco at my side as frustration courses through my veins. Jazz was right there, those full lips parted, those deep brown eyes wide with a mix of fear and desire. Such a delicate little dove - cute, innocent, and an easy target for someone good with a gun. For me. The thought both excites and annoys me.

And now I will make someone pay for ripping her away from me.

Though I do love the chase. The anticipation. And now that she knows I'm on the hunt, my cock is growing hard at the thought of her running — and submitting when I catch her.

A crash from the main floor snaps me from my thoughts. Glass shatters. Someone shouts. And anger boils through me.

So much for Marco going to send a message.

I stride toward the commotion, adjusting my cuffs. Five Mantione soldiers crowd the bar, their cheap suits and cocky grins a dead giveaway. They've cornered Cassie behind the counter, while another upends a table of drinks.

"This is Bueti territory," I announce, my voice cutting through the noise. "You're either lost or stupid."

The biggest one - Aldo, I think - turns to face me. "Well if it ain't Nerio himself. We're just having some fun."

"Fun's over." I scan the room, noting how everyone has pressed away from the violent crew — but they're still watching with rapt curiosity. No one came to my opening without expecting some part of the underbelly to show. "Leave now, and we can forget this happened."

"Or what?" Aldo steps closer, reeking of cheap whiskey. "Your cousin Lorenzo ain't here to protect you."

I move faster than he expects, grabbing his throat and slamming him against the bar. The other four reach for their weapons, but my men are already there, guns drawn.

---