Page 13 of Merciless Desires

“I agree,” Gio said. “You’re an absolute asshole when you’re hungry.”

“My office now.” Romero pointed down the hallway.

Both men engaged in conversation as they moved in the direction of Romero’s office. Neither of them looked back. Knowing how brutal my father’s business was, I didn’t take it personally. It didn’t appear as if Luciana did either.

“Your home is gorgeous.” I looked around the bright foyer. “Thank you for having me.”

“I was excited to meet you.” She motioned toward a sitting room across from the foyer. “I didn’t realize you were visiting the states.”

“Neither did I.” I sat in a posh white chair by the window. “My father didn’t give me much warning.”

“I get that.” She sat on the light blue sofa across from me and brushed her bare feet along the plush matching throw run. She was a stunning woman about three or four years older than me. Gio said she had lived an isolated life as I did and understood what it took to be in her husband’s world.

“Is your father overbearing too?” I asked.

“I was raised by my uncle, and he wasn’t the most gentle man around.” She tucked her shiny, long, dark hair behind her ear. “That’s probably why I can handle Romero.”

“How did you and Romero meet?”

“Oh, well that’s a story, but it wasn’t love at first sight.” She laughed. “It was more of an arranged situation.”

“Really?”

“I don’t freely admit that, but I know you know this life, and sometimes we’re expected to do things out of duty or obligation. In my case, marrying Romero was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“I don’t know how I would feel if my father made me marry someone out of obligation.” That wasn’t entirely true, considering I would be ecstatic if he arranged a marriage between me and Gio. “It seems a little barbaric.”

“Believe me, when I walked down the aisle, I thought it was the most barbaric thing ever, but once I got to know Romero, I fell in love with him. We both made mistakes, but we found our way.”

Luciana beamed when she spoke about her husband. I remembered Romero when I was a child. Brutal didn’t seem to do him justice. My father often praised his ruthless demeanor and his ability to get the job done, no matter the risk.

“I’m happy it worked out for you.” I gazed out the window, observing a group of guards hanging out on the side of the house. “My father’s security team is so discreet. It’s difficult getting used to them being so out in the open.”

“You’re probably more secluded on your father’s property. We’re pretty isolated here, but when we’re in the city, Romero doesn’t take any chances. That’s why the penthouse is so heavily guarded. They want people to know they’re protected.”

“Do you go to the city much?”

“I try to get there once a week, and tonight we’re going to Cantinos.”

“Romero and Gio’s club?” I had seen pictures and videos posted by mob-obsessed women who couldn’t wait to get close to the Bilotti brothers.

“You should come with us,” Luciana said. “It’s a cool scene. I don’t see much of it without Romero or Jag and Sam, my security team, by my side, but the drinks are fantastic and the music is fire. It’s always a good time.”

“Do you think Gio will go?”

“I don’t see why not. He’s there at least four nights a week.”

“I would love to go.”

“Go where?” Gio asked when he and Romero came into the room.

“That was fast,” Luciana said.

“We’re not done,” Romero said. “But I saw on the cameras the delivery service bringing the lunch to the back patio. They’re setting up now. I figured we could eat and get back to business afterward.”

“Perfect.” Luciana stood. “I ordered the guys lunch too.”

“They don’t deserve you.” Romero wrapped his arm around Luciana’s waist and brought her to him. “You’re the best.”

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