Page 38 of Caruso (Vegas Mafia #3)

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Tommaso

I am angry. So fucking angry because how does she not see it?

She is a queen, our queen, and yet she speaks as if she has no right to life.

It confuses me, angers me and causes my inner demon to explode with rage.

I will not allow it. She will learn her worth because I wasn’t kidding, Taylor is the only one who can save us, and I will not let that chance walk out of here.

I break the kiss, angry at myself, her and the world, and as I pull away, her eyes question me far more than any words.

“I’ll show you to your room.”

“But I haven’t agreed to stay.”

For a man used to having his orders obeyed, she is severely testing me right now, and I have a strong itch in my hand to slap her into submission. She will do as I say; she is the one and will walk out of here over my dead body.

However, this is Taylor, not the usual women who fall on my cock with desperation, so I swallow my tirade and say casually, “No, you haven’t, but as the only way out of here is courtesy of the car you came here in, you may as well freshen up and take a walk with me so I can persuade you.

Will you give me an hour of your time at least? ”

“I guess.” There is laughter in her voice, and my heart settles. She will stay. I am convinced of that.

I’ve watched her since she arrived. She believes I’m not interested. She is wrong.

Unlike my brothers, who dove straight into her panties, I pushed the attraction aside and concentrated on the woman, not her sex.

She is broken. It’s obvious and understandable.

Life has dealt her a cruel hand, and she has nobody to help her.

The one person she was holding onto turned out to be no different from the rest of them, and she is coming to terms with his betrayal.

It affected her more than any of the others, and she will be required to deal with that.

I jerk my head toward the door.

“Come, your room is waiting.”

“My room?” She scurries to keep up with me as I head across the polished wooden floor to the huge staircase that dominates the entrance.

My steps are long, and she must quicken her pace to keep up with me, and as we head down the hallway where the landing splits in two, I stop at the first door we reach.

“Yes, Taylor.” My hand hovers on the doorknob, and I turn to her, loving how she wilts under my heated gaze.

“Matteo instructed the designers the day after you arrived. He knew then you were ours and made the necessary arrangements.”

“Matteo did?” Her eyes are alight with doubt, and I nod, opening the door to the majestic room that commands the most breathtaking view of the mountains. It’s flooded with light and resembles a small apartment. Huge spaces are covered in soft furnishings, suitable for a more feminine taste.

“Wow!” Her gasp of delight settles any nerves in me, and as she wanders around the room, she exclaims, “I can’t believe it.”

She runs her hand over the polished wood that gleams with her reflection. Flowers sit on the surfaces, scenting the room with roses and jasmine. Mirrors reflect the light, and a chandelier sparkles overhead. The ranch is a masculine space, but this room is the most powerful one here.

I wonder how long it will take before she realizes how much power she has. We would do anything for her already, and she doesn’t even know it.

I jerk my thumb toward an archway where an emperor-sized bed, scattered with silk cushions, is waiting.

“You sleep in there, and also through there is a closet and bathroom. This space is yours. Only the invited get a pass inside, and you will enjoy your solitude if that is what you crave.”

I head to the huge doors and point outside.

There are balconies off every room upstairs, with a private terrace to enjoy the mountain air.

“You will find comfortable seating, and the heater is for the chill. Inside the fireplace is activated by remote control; the real fires are reserved for the rooms downstairs.”

I note the wonder in her expression as I add, “There is a sauna and steam room out by the pool that is half inside and half outside, with a glass screen acting as a barrier against the weather. You will find the mini spa down there along with the gym. We have access to a local company that will send staff should you require a massage, nails or any beauty treatment. Outside are stables where you can arrange lessons or take a horse for a trek through the mountains. I wouldn’t advise to go without a guide.

There are skis in the lodge and jet skis, snowboards and bicycles.

If you prefer tennis, there is a court to the rear of the spa. ”

“Stop!” Taylor gasps. “I can’t believe it. It’s as if this is a spa escape for one.”

“For two actually.” My eyes gleam as she stares at me in surprise.

“I’m not leaving you here alone. None of us will. If you are not with me, you will be with one of my brothers.”

“Why? Is it dangerous or something?” She is teasing, but I’m not laughing.

“We have our reasons.”

“Your job?”

“I’m not divulging my reasons.”

I cut the conversation dead and am surprised when she hisses, “You’re a hypocrite, Tommaso.”

I spin on my heels and pin her with my darkened gaze, noting her lip tremble as her eyes flare with fear, but her lips are set in a firm line.

“Explain.” I fold my arms, striking a defensive pose because there is no fucking way I’m letting Taylor into my mind, or my heart for that matter.

“You demand of me what you are reluctant to give back. How can I stay when you are hiding something from me? It’s rude.”

I raise my eyes. “Rude?”

“Yes, rude because so far I have spilled all my secrets, my doubts and emptied my soul to you and I have nothing left. You, on the other hand, speak but skirt around the main issues. How can I trust you or agree to stay with you if you won’t open up to me?

You’re a stranger who wants my soul but hides his behind fear. ”

“Fear?” I sense the rage building and do my best to quench it.

“You think you know real fear, Taylor?”

I advance slowly, my gaze damning her to hell, and yet she doesn’t flinch, merely stands her ground, and the determined set to her jaw reminds me of the one person who ripped out my heart.

It blinds me to anything but rage, and as I reach her, I push her back against the wall with a sudden movement, my hand flying to her throat as I hiss, “Your fear concerns what happened to you . A shit upbringing and a life spent dodging corrupt men who merely want a piece of your ass. My heart weeps for you, princess, because it must suck being desired. You fear being used; that is no fear at all. ”

She chokes as my hand tightens around her throat, and my fury consumes me as my heart breaks open and spills pain and madness into my soul.

It’s as if I’m caught in a sudden storm and she is the only thing to hold onto, and as I crush her beneath my grasp and stare into her terrified eyes, shame washes over me and I drop her like a stone.

“Get dressed. I’ll meet you outside. We could use some air.”

As I walk away, I don’t look back because I don’t want her to see the monster I have become. Have always been, but it took one act to shed me of any morality, decency or faith that I had left, and I am fast coming to the realization that Taylor may not be up to the job.