Page 15 of Throttled (Men of Inked 1.5)
“I should feel insulted that you’re moaning more now than when you were in the elevator.” He laughed, pushing harder on the tender flesh.
I giggled, kicking my feet out of his hands. “I’m okay now. Let me grab my shoes before they send out the search party.” He backed away; grabbing my hand and helping me stand. “Fuck,” I said as his come dripped down my leg.
“What?”
“I feel like I just peed myself, damn it.” I sighed. “I can’t go down there like this.” I lifted up my dress, touching the wetness with my fingers.
“You grab your shoes,” he said as he stood, “and I’ll grab a washcloth.”
“Okay, but you get to do the honors,” I said as I walked to the bedroom with my legs as bowed out as possible. I didn’t want it to get on my dress any more than it already had.
City entered the bedroom behind me, disappearing into the bathroom for a moment. I grabbed my pair of white tennis shoes I had brought just in case I needed some relief and waited for him.
“Just stand there and let me do it all, sugar,” he said as he knelt down and disappeared under my dress. He wiped my legs gently before taking great care and probably joy in wiping his come from between my legs.
“Don’t get any ideas,” I said, feeling a tingling from the warm washcloth.
“I can control myself only for so long.” He laughed as his head popped out from under the layers of lace. “Give me your shoes.”
I handed him my shoes and stood still looking down at the man I loved. I held his shoulder, trying to maintain my balance as he placed each shoe carefully on my feet and laced them up tight. They felt like tiny pillows, relieving the pressure in the muscles of my feet.
“Better?” he asked, running his hands up my legs.
“So much better. Thank you, City.”
“It’s my job to take care of you,” he said as he stood and grabbed my chin. “I plan to spend my lifetime doing just that, sugar.”
“Mmm,” I mumbled as he leaned forward and kissed me.
I could’ve collapsed in his arms and fallen into a peaceful slumber, but there was a party going on downstairs and we were the main event. We couldn’t miss it even if we were exhausted. As we entered the ballroom, the party was in full swing. The DJ was playing instrumental music before dinner and many of the party guests surrounded the bar in conversation.
“Hey, sister,” Izzy said as she walked toward me. “I’m so excited to be able to say that and it be true. I’ve always wanted a sister.” She wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me a little too tight.
“Can’t breathe,” I whispered.
“Man up,” she said as she released me.
“I’ll be back ladies, I’m going to grab a drink at the bar with my boys,” City said as he kissed my cheek and left us alone.
“Where’s your sister?” Izzy asked, looking around the crowd.
“Don’t know and don’t give a shit either.”
“You know you’ve turned into a badass with a potty mouth, Suz.” She smiled, shaking her head.
“City. It’s all his fault.”
“I’d like to think I played a part in it too.” She laughed.
“You’re always getting me in trouble, Izzy.”
“Me?” she asked, holding her hand to her chest.
“Always.”
A man cleared his throat next to us and we both turned in his direction. “Excuse me ladies, I don’t mean to interrupt.”
“Well then don’t,” Izzy said, looking the stranger up and down.
He was big and handsome as hell. He reminded me of an Italian version of the Rock. Muscles bulged from his suit, close shaven black hair, shimmering green eyes, and knockout lips. They were the puffy kind that fit his strong jawline perfectly and called the name of countless women.
“Don’t be rude, Izzy,” I said, turning to face him. “How can I help you?”
“I’m a friend of Thomas’ and he asked me to drop off a gift on his behalf.” The man held out an envelope and waited for me to take it.
“Is he okay?” Izzy asked before I could thank the gentleman.
“He is and he’s very sorry he couldn’t make it,” he said, looking down at Izzy as if he was not sure of how to take her change in attitude.
“Don’t mind her,” I said to him, my eyes flickering between the two. “Thomas is her brother.”
“Ah, you’re that Izzy,” he said, his lips turning up into a smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
She snarled, not entirely liking the shitty grin on his face. “And you are?” she said, holding out her hand for him to take.
“James.” He grabbed her hand and stilled. “James Caldo.”
“Never heard of you, Jimmy,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Perfect,” he said as he brought her hand to his lips and placed a kiss just below her knuckles.
I could feel the electricity between the two of them. Izzy basically eye fucked him as he kissed her hand. As soon as he looked up, her face went back to a pissed off sneer. The girl could play a good game, but to an observer, I could see the lust.
I coughed, breaking the moment of awkwardness for myself. “Thanks, James. I’ll give this to Joseph for you. Why don’t you stay and enjoy the wedding?” I said, smiling at the man. He’d taken the time to get dressed up and I wanted to see Izzy’s squirm in all honesty.
“What?” Izzy asked, turning toward me.
“We have plenty of food and I’m sure the Gallos would love to talk with you about their Thomas.” Izzy gave me the death glare. “You can keep James company tonight, Izzy. You didn’t bring a date.” I smiled and I could almost see the venom dripping from her fangs.
“I’d love to stay. Thank you. Izzy, would you like a drink?” he asked, still holding her hand in his.
“Only because Suzy would want me to be a gracious host,” she said, looking at me out of the corner of my eye.
“I don’t want to put you out or anything. I’m a big boy and can handle myself. I just thought you could use a drink to unwind a bit. You feel a little tense and that mouth of yours could get you into trouble.”
“I don’t need a babysitter, Jimmy, but I’ll take the drink.”
“It’s James,” he said, squeezing her hand.
I’d been around Izzy enough to see when she was attracted to someone and she was to James. She may not want to admit it, Izzy often picked guys that she could push around, but I had a feeling James could give her a run for her money.
“You two kids play nice,” I said as I waved and walked toward my husband. I curled my arms around his waist, leaning my head on his back as he stood talking to Michael. “Hey, baby. Someone dropped this off for us.”
“What is it?” he asked as he grabbed the envelop from my fingers.
“A card from Thomas.”
I could feel his chest tighten before he tore the envelope open. His eyes scanned the card, his eyebrows drawing together as he read the message from Thomas.
“What does it say?” I asked, dying to know what Thomas wrote.
City sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before handing the card to me. “Read it for yourself, sugar.”
“Are you sure?” I asked as I opened the card. He nodded and closed his eyes. Inside was a brief message from Thomas.
Joe,
Sorry I couldn’t be there for your wedding. I’m in deep… too deep to get away, even for your wedding.
I’m safe, my cover still intact. Shit’s worse than we thought and I’m trying to bring them down as soon as possible. I couldn’t take the chance of blowing my cover and risking the lives of our family. This is the path I’ve chosen and I refuse to risk anyone’s life but my own.
Please know I love you and can’t wait to meet Suzy. Give my love to everyone.
Love Always,
Thomas
I closed the card and handed it back to City.
He shoved it in the inside pocket of his suit. “Who gave it to yo
u?”
“The man over there,” I pointed down the bar were James and Izzy stood with a shot in their hands. “The one with your sister.”
“Who is he and why is he having a drink my sister?”
