Page 67 of Christmas with the Mafia
“I told you. I have something to show you.”
“Should I get my coat?”
She’s apprehensive, and I suppose she does have a point. Once again, I shrug out of my jacket and, placing it around her shoulders, smile.
“Come, trust me, Regina, you will love this.”
She smiles gratefully, and yet I wonder what her expression would be if she knew who she was really involved with. Perhaps now is the perfect time to enlighten her but with Desiree and Vito arriving in the morning, I want her to feel powerful and in control, so I push the idea aside and as I lead her down the stone steps, I have only one thing on my mind.
Thirty-Three
REGINA
This mansion has moresurprises than Pandora’s box. Nico himself is the biggest of all because he is a man of many layers, and every one that I peel back reveals a complex, interesting character that is fascinating me.
“I’m cold.” I shiver as the air changes and slides across my skin like the Grim Reaper’s breath.
“Where are we going?”
“The house is built on an island.” He explains. “We are surrounded on three sides by the ocean, and when the house was designed, they decided to elevate it. The foundations needed to be strong ones to withstand the power of the waves, and so it was built on concrete and raised above the ground.”
“How?”
I’m stunned because this mansion is huge, almost a postal district in itself.
“You’ll see; it’s rather impressive.”
We make our way down the winding staircase, and aswe reach the end, there’s a steel door with a code that Nico punches in. As the door opens, the chill outside causes my teeth to chatter, and Nico takes my hand and pulls me after him. I gaze wide-eyed at the space under the house, not really understanding what it is. If anything, it appears to be a lagoon of sorts and is illuminated by discreet lighting set around the perimeter. It’s vast and I gaze in awe at the rocks edging the huge expanse of water that appears to be steaming.
Dropping down, I run my fingers through the water, gasping, “It’s hot.”
Nico nods. “We use the ocean to generate our power and harness its energy. It’s a developing technology that Viper Holdings is investing hugely in. It works well, but to be successful, we must discover ways to utilize it for homes that don’t come with the ocean in the backyard as standard.”
“Wow.”
I’m so impressed and even more so when Nico pulls me to my feet against his hard chest and whispers, “There is a more delightful way to experience this place.”
“What?” I’m half expecting him to produce a rowing boat and take me on a tour of the stretch of water that appears to run like a river through a vast cave. Instead, he shocks me by easing the jacket off my shoulders and whispering, “The best way to warm up is to take the plunge.”
I gaze at the inky dark water and shiver. “In there?”
“Of course.” He strokes my cheek and says huskily, “I’ll keep you safe. Trust me, Regina, I willalwayskeep you safe.”
His dark stare is slightly unnerving and yet comforting at the same time. He is strong, capable and determined, andI do feel safe with him. He also offers adventures I never imagined, and so with a nod, I say softly, “I trust you, Nico.”
His eyes flash as he runs the zipper of my dress, causing the dress to join his jacket on the ground and as I stand shivering in my underwear, he makes short work of his clothes and then scoops me into his arms, and without warning he jumps right into the lagoon.
As the water hits my body, I gasp in shock. “It’s warm, hot even.”
He grins, still holding me as he treads water. “I told you, we harness its energy, and these rocks are hiding the equipment for that. All around us is the latest technology that is closely monitored and constantly being developed.”
“This house is full of surprises.”
I am more than impressed, and then he catches me off guard as his mouth descends on mine in an attack that causes my entire body to fold into him. His tongue twists in mine, and I forget to breathe as I kiss him with a passion I never realized was in my capability. Nico makes life exciting, unconventional and intriguing, and I could kiss him all day long if I had to.
He pushes me against the rock and my feet find firm ground, and the warm water laps around my body, wrapping it in comfort. Nico‘s kisses are sexy, slow and deliberate, and passion swirls around us like an approaching tide.
His lips fasten on my neck, sucking and biting the flesh, and his hand pushes against my breast, his thumb rubbing hard on my nipple. My legs are weak and my resolve shot to pieces as with his other hand, he rips off my panties and flings them to the side. His cockis hovering, waiting to attack, and my eyes glaze over at the wicked abandon of the moment. I moan as his lips replace his thumb and his tongue circles my nipple, the icy chill of the air colliding with the heat of the water.
