For Fallon (6 page)

James was the underboss back then. When James became the
Capo crimine
– boss - of our Syndicate, I was promoted from
Capo
to underboss at the age of twenty-six. Adriano was promoted from soldier to
Capo
. Everybody started calling me
Padrino
.

The power didn’t excite me, the world didn’t excite me, and the women didn’t excite me anymore.
The constant worrying, arranging, and scheming tires me. Never can I just
be
. I will forever be on guard with everything I do. Once in, you can never
ever
leave alive.

Skye places her hands on my chest. “Want me to take your mind of things, Luca?” She takes hold of my hand and leads me to one of the three private rooms in the back. When she holds the door open for me, I step inside the grey-white room with a four-poster bed in the center and sit on the bed while I undo the button of my suit jacket. Skye slides it off my shoulders, and I close my eyes.

Fallon.

Remembering how it felt to finally caress her smooth skin with my lips, I feel an undeniable passion threatening to boil inside me. I try my best to stay in this moment while Skye attempts to push back my hair that’s clinging to my forehead, but I still her movement with my fingers wrapped forcefully around her arm. “Get out,” I order in a low voice and release her arm, shoving her away from me.

Confusion is setting in. Fallon is starting to creep under my skin. She’s igniting a sensation I’m unfamiliar with, beyond any sensation I’ve experienced before, and I am going to pursue her.

Fallon

Sundays have always been a lazy day for me. This Sunday, as usual, I read and lounge around the apartment, but I did go running this morning. I paint my nails, toes and fingers, in a vivid red color. I start my grooming around five: shave my legs, scrub my skin until it feels like satin, blow dry my hair and curl the ends, which are now flowing in light waves over one shoulder. My bangs are swept to the side, and I decide on light
au naturel
makeup: some mascara, blush, and nude lipstick.

Standing before my closet in my black lace underwear, I look through my dresses that are hanging in the closet and stop at my dark blue dress to remove it from the hook. I also decide on my strappy black sandals. Since spring just started
– and winter recently ended - I wear my black thigh high stockings. My dress has a silver beaded halter top that ties around my neck in a big bow and a knee length A-line skirt. The soft fabric complements my silky soft skin, and I finish my look with white gold diamond studs that I only wear on special occasions. I’m tying the straps on my sandals when my phone rings, and I grab it off of the bed.

Before I get the chance to speak, Teagan yells, “Hey, babe!”

“Hey, babe. What did you do today?”

“I went shopping at
Harrods
.”

“I’m getting ready for my date with Luca.” I sit back up without tying my left sandal.

“I told you he’d call.”

“He didn’t call. Well, not to ask me out. I saw him again at the shop yesterday.”

“I was kind of right,” Teagan persists.

Wanting her opinion on my dress, I tell her, “I’m wearing the blue dress with the beaded halter.”

“The silver beading?”

“Yes,” I confirm.

“Fabulous choice. Is he still cute? You usually lose interest once you’ve had a conversation with a guy.”

“He actually quoted Alexandre Dumas,” I boast.

“Well, then you have
got
to marry him,” she mocks. “Are you having dinner or what?”

“Yes, dinner.
He’s picking me up in a few.”

“Did you shave your legs?” she probes softly.

“I did but not for reasons you think,” I retort quickly to stop her.

“My girl is going to get laid.
Now
I’m proud.”

“I have to finish. I was putting on my black sandals when you called.”

“Another sexy choice. I approve.”

“I’m glad,” I reply dryly.

“You do realize I will be texting you throughout the night,” she says in a matter-of-fact tone.

I groan through my smile. “I know. Just don’t expect me to answer you right away.”

“You better. Or on second thought, only answer when the steamy stuff happens.”

“Yeah, that won’t happen. I won’t be thinking of you then.” I add, “I hope.” And we both laugh.

“He’s not doing a good job if you’re thinking of me then. Go have fun. We’ll talk, or text, or e-mail. Do things I would I do.” Teagan makes a kissing noise.

“We’ll text later. Bye
bye.”

I toss my phone on the bed and finish putting on my shoes. Standing in front of the mirror, I approve of my look. The doorbell rings right on time, and I buzz Luca in. Pitching my phone in my purse, I check myself one final time as Luca knocks softly. When I open the door, my mouth almost hits the ground taking in the sight of him. Funnily enough, we match in dark blue. He’s wearing a midnight navy pinstripe suit with a white dress shirt - no tie - that shows off his muscular physique. I shamelessly check him out from top to bottom. His top button is undone. As I gaze back up, our eyes meet - he was also checking me out. His hair is neatly combed back, but some strands won’t stay in place, and I’m ecstatic that he didn’t shave but only trimmed. He stares at me for a moment longer while I timidly stand there for a second before stepping aside, inviting him in.

Luca steps closer to me and bends his head to give me a kiss on my cheek, and the corner of our mouths touch. He lingers there. “You look exquisite, Fallon.” His lips are touching mine but not kissing me. This is more intimate than an actual kiss on the mouth. The heat of his lips ignites my cheeks.

As usual, his scent awakens my senses - citrus and clean air and all Luca. “Thank you.” I move my head slightly toward him, our lips brushing. I feel Luca smile against my mouth before stepping back and walking in. It takes me a moment to gather my thoughts and close the door.

He stands confidently in the living room. “Are you ready to go?” he asks when I turn around to face him.

“Yes.” My skin is flushed from the thoughts roaring through my mind. Luca takes my coat off the back of the kitchen chair and holds it out for me, so I tuck my arms in and close the buttons.

He tenderly releases my trapped hair from under my coat and caresses a few strands before letting it fall back over one shoulder. “Shall we go?” He opens the door for me.

“Let’s go.”

I’m stunned by the sight of his car when Luca clicks the device that unlocks the doors of his black Maserati as we walk toward it, and we step into the immaculate and sleek car.

“Where are you taking me, Luca?” I watch him easily maneuver his car through traffic.

A smile tugs at his lips. “It’s a surprise.”

“As long as there’s food, I’ll be happy.”

His eyes stay focused on the road. “So easy to please, Fallon.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Depends on the situation,” he counters suggestively.

I raise my brow and shake my head
, and then I watch the city go by while we drive in peaceful silence until arriving at a high rise.

Luca hands his keys to the valet and comes over to open my door. We head toward the elevator, through a lobby with an old French, burlesque-style décor. My eyes are darting around, taking in the superb sight. I greet a man that has disrupted my line of vision, and Luca places his hand possessively on the small of my back at that moment. I tilt my head and smirk.

He returns a guiltless smile and Luca leans in to say, “When we return from dinner, we’ll enjoy the art in the lobby.”

My eyes twinkle because he’s in tune with my thoughts constantly.

The elevator takes us to the eightieth floor, to a restaurant with the most spectacular view of Chicago. I frown when I realize I’ve never heard of this restaurant. Not that I know all the restaurants around here, but I would think that a high-class restaurant with this view would be more popular. There are only a few tables, maybe ten.

The hostess, an Italian beauty, greets us, “Mr.
DeMiliano, your table is ready.”

She takes my coat, and I follow her through the entirely-carpeted restaurant. The floor and walls are adorned in deep red and gold velvet carpet, providing it a distinguished look. As Luca treads behind me, I mouth melodramatically
Mr. DeMiliano
over
my shoulder and send him a charmed smile.

He motions with his forefinger for me to turn around and keep walking while he’s restraining his amused expression.

She seats us at the floor-to-ceiling window. The moment I sit down, the city lights are powering on through Chicago. From left to right the golden yellow lights illuminate a darkening purple city and sky.

Luca holds my chair out for me to sit and discusses something with the hostess before taking his seat. “Can I surprise you with excellent Italian wine?”

“Yes, please.” I take in the man seated across from me. The subtle lighting in the restaurant makes his eyes look darker. He exudes confidence and strength in every pose. My focus shifts to the amazing view. The entire city is lighted as the sky is blackening. A waitress hands me a menu while she explains that it’s fusion cuisine, French and Italian, then she leaves.

Luca’s looking at me expectantly. “Do you want to order from the menu, or I can ask the chef to make us small samples?”

I beam a dazzling smile at him. “You had me at small samples.”

An appreciative gaze takes over his eyes. He momentarily looks at the bar, and I’m amazed by the waitress, who is at our table within seconds with our drinks, and Luca gives our order.

I scrutinize my surroundings. There are actually only twelve tables here. Four are occupied by other couples. Two men, who quickly look away when I turn around, are seated at one table. The man who sits facing me continues talking to his company, but there’s a slight shift in their posture. They have a threatening appearance.

“Fallon….
Fallon.”

I turn back to Luca.

“What’s wrong?” Luca looks beyond me and then immediately back to me.

“You know those men?”

“I’ve seen them here before. They’re also regulars.”

I relax. “Okay, I think they recognized you too.”

“I do come here often.”

“It’s a beautiful restaurant. I’ve never heard of it.”

“It caters to just a few clients.”

“Really?
And Mr. DeMiliano is one of those clients.”

“Fallon.”
He shakes his head amusingly. “Stop saying my name constantly. You have no idea what it does to me.” His lips curve in a sexy grin.

I can guess what it does. “It’s a sexy last name.” I raise my brows a few times in quick succession.

He laughs as we both raise our glasses. “To a wonderful evening, Fallon.”

“To a wonderful evening, Mr
.
—
Luca.”

Throughout dinner we laugh and tease. I’ve eaten the most delectable hors d’oeuvres: prosciutto with olive and oranges, mushroom tuna, lobster salad on endive spears. He feeds me some of his favorite foods, and I have to admit: he has excellent taste in food. We eat our dessert – a dark chocolate cake - in silence.
Best. Dessert. Ever. 

When we leave the restaurant, Luca shows me the artwork in the lobby, but my mind is somewhere else. During the car ride home, I check my phone; two messages from Teagan asking me if I’ve already gotten laid.

Luca’s lost in thought when his phone rings, and he silences it without checking the caller ID. He takes my hand and places it on his thigh, absentmindedly stroking my fingers while he drives me home. He parks in front of the condominium and walks me up to the entrance.

“Coming up with me?” I ask reservedly. I’m a little hurt when he seems to consider my offer instead of answering right away. 

Luca takes my keys out of my hands. “Yes.” He opens the door and we take the stairs to the first floor.

After we enter my apartment, he instantly takes my coat and his jacket to hang them on the solid wood coat rack. Luca walks over to the window and looks at the street. “In the middle of all the action,” he speaks dreamily.

“Do you want wine or something else to drink?” I casually lean against the wall connecting to the open kitchen and try to act nonchalant. He turns to gaze at me in full force, and I feel heated under his scrutiny as the air thickens.

“No.” He saunters over to me gradually, licking his lips while his look is full of lust and fire.

I push off the wall, drawn to him, and he catches me when I fall into his arms and his lips search for mine. His hands palm my neck and hip aggressively while his lips capture mine. Our mouths open instantaneously and our tongues push against one another. Luca’s taste of wine and mint has me moaning in his mouth, and passion flares wildly in my lower stomach from his rough kisses. He groans as his hands dig into my hip and my ass, lifting me to him. I stand on my toes when he molds me against his body. Every part of our bodies is tightly pressed together as we hungrily devour each other, and the tips of his fingers stroke the bare skin under my dress. I feel his arousal growing against the soft flesh of my stomach and let my fingers sink into his silky, dark strands of hair.

What I’ve wanted to do since that first night we met. He sighs in appreciation and bites my lower lip, then traces his tongue smoothly over his bite mark. He never breaks eye contact. Luca’s sensuous and skillful kisses are tender yet rough.

We’re both panting as he forces me backward, and we fall on the couch without breaking our kiss. Every time I think Luca will end the kiss, he explores me more deeply. I grind my hips against his arousal and hurriedly tug his shirt out of his pants as he lifts himself slightly off me to help. Our movements are equally frantic, and I bury my hands under his shirt to trace his abs, sides, and back. His hot skin is smooth to the touch. I feel him shudder under my caress when I dig my nails gently into his back, and he moans while pushing his hardening arousal between my legs.

He breaks our kiss to untie the knot of my halter at my neck. Luca helps me to sit up as he kneels on the floor, between my thighs, and sweeps my hair tenderly over one shoulder while he grazes his teeth over my flushed skin. His hands roam over my lower body, bunching my dress in his palms, bringing it over my head as I lift my arms
, and throwing it behind me. I’m greeted by a boyish grin when he notices that I’m not wearing a bra. He cups my breasts forcefully while kissing the tender spot where my shoulder and neck meet. Then he yanks off my panties in one fluid motion. I smile up at him sweetly as the air hits my naked skin, sitting before him in only black stockings with embroidered lace at the top and my sandals.