Page 43 of Dangerous Vows

“It’s the Borrelli insignia. See? It’s also in this ring,” he says as he holds out his right hand, which has a gold ring with a black top, probably Onyx. His family’s insignia is embossed in gold.

“So, what does ‘Omerta’ mean? You have it tattooed with a gun on your back.”

“It means silence, manliness. It was born in response to changes in the court system and the police force in Southern Italy in the 1860s. Organized crime clans faced new rivals.”

“The famiglia?”

“Yes. Does that bother you?”

“Not really. As long as you don’t hurt me.”

He turns me to face him, and his hand caresses my face like a breakable doll. I close my eyes and lean into him. “You’ll never have to worry about that. In our family, men worship women. We have a code we follow where women and children are cherished and honored. Anyone who harms them has to answer to us. You’re mine. You have my protection.”

My body shakes at his words.He’ll protect me.

I’m moved by his promise and his passion when he says this. I open my eyes, and his deep baby blues are unrelenting as he stares into mine. He’s been protecting me.

Did he stage the pick-up tonight? How did he know Elio was following me and that he was waiting forme?

Pietro’s intense, and I gravitate to him as surely as the sun revolves around the earth.

He’s moved me in a way no one else ever has, and I want to fuck him, now, hard. I’m hungry forhim.

“You’re dripping wet for me, aren’t you?”

I don’t need to answer as his lips crush on mine, and my arms fly around his neck. We’re ripping each other’s clothes off and spiraling around each other like we’re dancing a tango. He leads me to the bedroom, and I stumble as I take off a shoe, but his muscular arm snaps out like lightning and catches me. He pulls me into his solid chest. I clutch his shoulders as he half lifts and drags me to the bedroom. It’s so raw and rough, I’m elated when he tosses me on the bed.

“I’m going to wreck you. You’ll never be satisfied without my cock in you,” he says as he stands naked before me—like Adonis. His voice is gruff and commanding. He’s a man to be reckoned with. His cocky,confident attitude serves him well. He is the man to take charge in a crisis.

My heart stutters, and for a second, everything else fades—just me, him, and the moment hanging between us.

And I love every minute of it. I love everything, Pietro.

For now, I’m safe. And if the future is filled with darkness, I’d be by his side because I know he’d protect me no matter what it costs.

But I had no idea how far my father would go to get whathewanted.

PIETRO

DANGER HAS A NAME

Amara and I have become a well-greased machine at work. She keeps me on my toes, and we banter over everything she objects to. It’s the only area of my life where it doesn’t matter if I win or lose. It’s foreplay.

I ordered chicken Alfredo, side salads, and garlic bread, and called her to come to my office. I grab a bottle of excellent red wine and pour two glasses, setting my desk as a makeshift table for an intimate meal.

“What’s so important?” She complains as she pushes the door open.

She sees the food, then her eyes take in the wine, and she smiles.

It’s worth a million dollars to see her smile. She doesn’t do it often.

Is my Princess melting?

“Is this for me?”

“There’s no one else, Amara. You know that.” My tone is low, but my words are not lost on her.

She shifts on her hip as she considers her retort but swallows it, mumbling, “Thank you.”

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