Page 12 of Merciless Desires

“Cin.”

“I like when you call me that. Do you want me to be…” I stood on my toes and brushed my lips against his. “Sinful?”

He picked me up and set me on the counter so fast my heart rate increased before my head had a chance to catch up. When he gripped my face between his strong hands and stared into my eyes, I lost my breath. No one had ever looked at me like they wanted to devour me.

“You’re playing with fire,” he whispered against my lips. The heat of his breath sent a violent shiver through me.

“I’ve never wanted to burn so badly.” I arched into him. “Please, Gio.”

“I can’t.” When he gently kissed me, it wasn’t what I had anticipated, but there was an intensity having him this close to me, seeing the conflict in his expression.

“Why not?”

“Finish your breakfast.” He lifted me off the counter and set me down. “Be ready in an hour. Don’t keep me waiting.”

“And if I do?”

“I already told you, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of my anger.”

We’ll see about that.

“You’re late,” Romero said to Gio when he opened the front door of his lavish home in the New Jersey suburbs of the impressive gated community. “Is my time not important to you?”

“Traffic.” Gio took the blame for my tardiness, but in my defense, I couldn’t decide on what to wear. I had it narrowed down to the blue and white striped romper and the sleeveless white shirt and black pants. I had to go with the latter when Gio practically pulled me out of the bedroom and shoved me into the elevator.

“Caio.” When I leaned forward, Romero kissed both of my cheeks.

“It’s lovely to see you, Cinzia.” He widened the door. “Please, come in.”

“Thank you.” I entered with Gio close behind.

“How was your trip to America?” Romero asked.

“Good, but now I’m feeling the effects of the time change. It was my fault we’re late. I’m slower this morning. Gio warned me not to be late, but I didn’t listen.” I graced Gio with a playful smile. “Now he’s angry with me.”

“It’s fine.” When Romero smirked, I noted how much he and Gio resembled one another. They were both tall and muscular, and their arms and chests were covered in expressive ink. Both inherited a strong jawline that could make them appear intimidating, but once they smiled the frightening features disappeared and explained why they were so popular with most of the women in the city. A quick social media search led me down the Bilotti rabbit hole. Everyone wanted to sleep with them.

“Hey, beauty.” Gio walked down the hallway to meet a stunning woman who I assumed was Luciana. “How’s the beast treating you?”

“He has his moments.” The woman hugged Gio, lingering against him for a few seconds. Gio’s jaw relaxed when he held her, making him irresistible. “How are you?” she asked.

“Can’t complain.” He released her. “Luciana, this is Cinzia.”

“It’s so nice to meet you.” Luciana hugged me. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“From Gio?” I asked.

“Who else?” Luciana smiled at Gio. “He doesn’t stop talking about your summer in Italy.”

“It was a magical time, wasn’t it, Gio?” When I brought my thumbnail between my teeth, his gaze followed. That’s right, think about what you’re missing.

“Lu,” Gio said. “Why don’t you and Cinzia get to know one another. Romero and I have business to discuss.”

“What else is new?” Luciana laughed. “Don’t be too long. Lunch is being delivered soon.”

“Are you telling me what to do?” Romero grabbed Luciana’s arm and tugged her to him. “Because you know I’m not a fan of that.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, but I don’t want you to get hungry.” Luciana kissed him, softening his tense stance. “We all know how you can be.”

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