Page 11 of A Mafia Mistress for Christmas

I glance at Stefan. “It’s Christmas tomorrow.”

“He will come,” Stefan continues as if I never spoke, “because I owe him, whether that be in money, drugs, or blood. Mine, yours. It won’t matter to him.”

“It’s too dangerous to host him,” I argue. “Are you insane? Getting involved with the Black Scorpions is too far. This is ridiculous. You’re acting suicidal.”

Throwing a goddamn tantrum like usual. I’m not sure why I ever expect better from him. I’m constantly disappointed, and it’s my own fault. He proves me right time and again, and I never learn.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s dangerous or not.” Stefan’s eyes narrow. “It’s happening.”

“On Christmas.”

“No better time. Perhaps the spirit of the season will make our new friend more forgiving. We need them, Marco. We need them, or everything is lost for us.”

“I have very strong doubts about that.” It’s starting to feel like I’m talking to myself. He’s perfected ignoring me.

I trail Stefan over to the tinted window overlooking the party below us. He’s a miser, surveying the glitz and glam, unhappy with all of it, even though he has more than they do.

“Wait. Who,” he starts, “is that?”

I follow his pointed finger across the crowd, landing on a familiar red dress, still in the same place I left her.

“Like the decorations?” I ask with feigned ignorance.

“You know damn well what I’m pointing to. Now who is that delicious morsel?”

“That’s Natasha Moretti.” I easily hand over the fake name.

Stefan bobs his head in silent acknowledgment. “No wonder old “Mad Dog” Fante keeps her under lock and key. I wonder why he let her out tonight. She must be reporting back to him, since he wasn’t invited.”

Immediately, I go on the defensive, crowding closer, as though I’ll block his view with my body.

“She’s my date tonight.” I’m not sure why I’m protective over a woman I don’t know, but I see the way Stefan stares at her from his perch.

Predatory.

I don’t like it.

“You’re kidding me.” Stefan sounds shocked. “You never bring women to these events.”

“Things change”

“If Gerardo finds out… it could cause trouble between us. His family and ours.”

I blow Stefan off. “It’s not going to be trouble. I wanted some ass tonight, and Natasha offered herself willingly. Besides, we hate Gerardo. Consider this an opportunity to stick it to him.”

Stefan barks out a laugh, something hard disintegrating in his eyes. “Yes, you’re right, though you’re not the one to stir pots. Still, I like the idea.” He turns his attention back to “Natasha.”

A low growl purrs in the back of his throat. “The things I would do to her. Bury my cock between those creamy breasts. Bend her over and stick my cock in her ass, raw… I’d like to do so many things,” he murmurs.

“Cut it out.” It’s the only sign of aggression I’ll show, especially since Stefan is finally starting to calm down.

His head snaps in my direction. “What?”

“I don’t want to hear any of it.” I’m trying to keep the swell of fury and frustration to myself.

“Look at you, getting snippy with me.” Stefan rounds on me, squaring his shoulders in a way he knows makes him look larger than he is. “Remember your place, Marco.”

“You’re threatening me?” I ask.

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