Page 3 of Merciless Desires

“Unless…”

“They form an alliance.” It wasn’t unusual for two families to join forces in our world. Would Janero offer his daughter as an incentive? Could I live with that? Would I have a choice?

“That alliance and the details of it isn’t our concern, but we stand to gain a hell of a lot more if Janero stays in control.”

“I understand.”

“You better.” Romero pointed at me. “Janero is trusting you with an important job. Don’t fuck it up.”

“Have I ever fucked anything up?”

“I’ve never seen you look at a woman the way you do at the mafia princess.” He shook his head. “Don’t let her beauty confuse you. We can’t afford a war with Janero. You cannot fuck this woman and kick her out of your bed the next day. As a matter of fact, you can’t fuck her at all.”

“I get it.” As much as the idea of Janero bargaining by using his daughter infuriated me, I knew that was the life we lived. Our business required extreme measures sometimes. I wasn’t in a place to question his motives. It was better for my family if everything ran smoothly.

“You better get going,” Romero said. “Janero will expect you to intercept his daughter as soon as she lands.”

“I’ll go now.”

I shoved my phone in my pocket and left without saying anything else. Romero was a good listener, but he didn’t often allow feelings to get in the way of business. Luciana was the only exception, and even then, he didn’t always make the best choices.

Once I was outside, I nodded toward Conti, my driver slash guard. “We need to go to Kennedy.”

“No problem.” He flicked his cigarette in the street and stomped it out before opening the front passenger door for me. “Are we picking someone up?”

“Yeah.” I slid into the seat and then shut the door.

“Business or pleasure?” Conti asked as he got behind the wheel.

“Only time will tell.”

Chapter Two

Cinzia

“Take me with you.” I hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but after the kiss we just shared I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

“Please.” I stared into his mesmerizing hazel gaze, hoping he would grant me my wish.

“Cin.” When Gio pressed his palm to my cheek, the heat of his flesh set me ablaze with desire. “You know that’s not possible.”

“Why?”

“This is your home.”

“I’m a prisoner here,” I said. “I can’t go anywhere without a guard, and my father rarely lets me leave.”

“It’s not safe.” He dropped his hand to his side. “Your father is trying to protect you.”

“From the danger he has created.” I didn’t speak about my life or my father’s business, but if there was anyone who would understand, it would be Gio. “I’m sorry.” I backed away from him. “I got used to having you here.”

“I liked being here.” He reached for my arm. “I have to go now, but I will miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.” He brought me closer to him, dropping his gaze to my lips. We had never been this intimate before. “Until next time.”

I closed my eyes when his lips connected with mine again. He twisted his fingers in the ends of my hair, pulling on it as he deepened our bond, pressing against my lips. No one had ever kissed me with such force, with such desire.

By the time I opened my eyes, he was getting into the SUV, smiling at me with his sexy, full mouth. The mouth that had just assaulted mine. He winked as the driver pulled away, leaving me wanting more. How could I live without him?

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