Page 48 of Merciless Desires

“It’s a beautiful day,” Gio said. “The leaves are changing colors. I thought we could go on a hike through the trails and have a picnic? Switch it up a little?”

“That sounds nice.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Other than the fact that we’re hiding out, my father is selling me off to the highest bidder, and my life is completely on hold? Isn’t that enough?”

“Your life isn’t on hold.” He took my hand in his. “We’re going to get this sorted out.”

“When I came to America, I thought it was because you and I were going to be together.”

“We are together.”

“But I thought it was my father’s way of finally giving me some freedom to make my own choices. I thought he let me come here because he knew I wanted to be with you. That he accepted that I’m an adult. Perhaps a way of rewarding me for all of my loyalty.” I couldn’t have been more wrong. “I never expected him to arrange a marriage between me and a stranger.”

“You’ve sacrificed so much by being his daughter, haven’t you?”

“When I was younger, I didn’t realize the sacrifices I made for my family. It wasn’t until I was older and I realized that I wanted things. I wanted to go to college, I wanted friends, I wanted you.”

There were so many things I hadn’t experienced. Once my mother died, my father kept me in total isolation. My aunts said it was because he didn’t want to lose me too, but it was all about control. Any aspirations of me being free were destroyed when he entered into this deal to marry me off. I refused to believe it was too late for me to have my own happily ever after. The one I made for myself. The one I had dreamed of since Gio first began teaching me English all those years ago.

“When I found out you were coming,” Gio said, “a part of me was thrilled at the possibilities of what could develop between us, but when I realized your dad sent you here because he was negotiating with the Calabrese family, I had to back off. I didn’t want to, and I’m not happy about the way I treated you, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

“You’re loyal to your family.”

“I’m loyal to your father too.”

“Even now?”

“I don’t accept what he’s doing to you. I’ll never accept him using you as a tool to save his territory, but if I can help him secure his business without sacrificing you then I will.”

“If you can’t?”

“What are you asking me?”

“Will you sacrifice me in the name of loyalty?” I turned to face him. “You won’t betray your brother. You’ll do what he asks of you.”

“He won’t ask me to give you up.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because we stand by one another no matter what.” He took my face between his hands, creating that delicious ache that formed between my legs when we were close. “That’s how we survive this brutal world. That’s how you and I have to survive. We have to stand by one another no matter the consequences. No matter what.”

“I can do that, Gio. I can face the consequences.” I climbed into his lap and straddled him. “As long as we’re together. As long as I know you’re on my side.”

“I’m always on your side.” He brought his lips to mine, barely touching them, but the charge of electricity that flowed between us was too powerful to ignore. “I’m going to make this right.”

“We’re going to make this right.” I leaned forward, pressing my mouth to his, seeking out his tongue with mine. “We could run away together.” I breathlessly spoke between kisses. “Just the two of us.”

“Shh.” He gripped my hips and rocked me into the erection straining against his jeans. “I want to fuck you right now.”

“Okay.” I raised my bottom, allowing him to glide my panties out from under my dress. I lifted his shirt over his head and tossed it on the floor, licking my lips when I gazed at his taut six-pack. “You’re really hot.”

“I’m glad you like what you see.”

“I have always liked this body.” I pressed my lips to the front of his shoulder. “I’ve always liked you.”

“Let’s take this off you.” He lifted my dress over my head, revealing my naked form to him. “What’s been the most arousing thing I’ve done to you since you came to America?” He trailed his fingers along my throat. “What can’t you stop thinking about?”

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