Calix
I staredat my phone for the fifth time in a half-hour time frame. Gabriele had dropped me off at work and said he would text me later. And that he was picking me up. I'd insisted I had my own damn car to drive, but his answer was to kiss me, bite my lip, and smack my ass as I climbed out of his car.
And even though he was still a douchebag, I missed him. My mind drifted to last night's activities. The man had been true to his word and fucked me on every surface he could. When he couldn't pump me full of cum anymore, I'd thought it was over.
That was before he brought out the box of toys.
My body ached in ways I'd never experienced before and it wasn't unpleasant. Instead, I could feel where his hands had lingered, where his teeth had bitten me, and where he'd kissed every ache away before he curled around me and refused to let me go for the rest of the night.
Who knew Bianchi men were so fucking clingy?
"Boss." Sam walked into my office and I shoved my phone away. "I'm heading out for the day. You need anything?"
I shook my head. "Nope, not a thing."
He grinned. "You look happy as hell. Tal and I are proud of you."
My heart squeezed. Gabriele had given me the news the night before and after I handed over all my cash happily, I was free. The gym was mine, no more collections, no more mafia bullshit. I was ready to go back to my peaceful life. The only chaos that would be left behind was Gabriele, but I was willing to let him stay.
Not that I could get rid of him if I tried. He'd drag me right back.
The thought of falling for someone like Gabriele made my stomach twist into knots. He loved harder than anyone I'd ever met, but he was all-consuming. If I was with him, then I was with him. And I doubted I could one day say it's not you, it's me, and walk away with my life.
But that's part of what makes dating him so hot. I need deep therapy.
"Cal?"
I glanced up at Sam and remembered he was there for the first time. "Sorry, my head's a million miles away." I pushed back in my seat and stood up. "But I'm glad that we're able to keep this place." I glanced around, my chest pushing out as I admired every crack in the wall and every bit of chipped paint that needed redoing. It was my place this time. Not my father's. Mine. "I couldn't imagine life without it."
"Me either," Sam sighed. "I was worried there for a minute, but glad I get to keep the best job I've ever had." He grinned as we strolled out into the gym. "It's been a while since all of us have done anything but worry. How about Tal and I drag you out for a beer or five tonight?"
"Your girl will kill us both."
Sam chuckled. "Nah. As long as she knows where I am these days, she's fine. Besides, we owe you. So, drinks?"
I checked my phone again. "Let me answer that once I get a message back from someone. Then I'll know if I'm free."
"Someone." Tal laughed as she walked over and shook her head. "You mean that little boyfriend of yours."
"Boyfriend? What boyfriend?" I asked.
Sam and Tal exchanged a look and burst into laughter. I groaned and wiped a hand down my face. Was I that obvious? By the time they caught their breaths, I glared at them.
"Alright, alright fuck off and go home," I said. "You're both a pain in my ass."
"You love us," Tal teased. She patted me on the arm. "Go home and get some rest. Or don't." She winked. "You deserve a reward for putting up with this shit."
"I do," I nodded. "Go home."
They waved and headed for the door. I pushed the door forward to lock up after them when Gabriele's hand pushed against the glass and he smiled at me. Tal and Sam looked at him and Tal grinned.
"Go home!" I told her.
She chuckled as I moved back and let Gabriele inside. He locked the door after him and I opened my mouth to ream him out for not texting. I didn't get a word out before his lips crashed against mine and he tore at my clothes like a starving person. Breathless, I resisted the urge to give in and kiss him back, but only barely. I shoved a hand against his chest and he panted as he stumbled back, his eyes full of lust.
"Come here, boy," he growled. "I wasn't done."
"You sure as shit were," I answered as I adjusted my disheveled clothes. "I didn't get a text from you."