Page 13 of Depths of Obsession (The Emerald Dagger Mafia #2)

CHAPTER 13

I open my eyes as Luca enters the room. He immediately disappears into the bathroom, and the shower begins running. I try not to hyperventilate. I’ve been trying to remain calm since they’d all left the room but I just can’t.

Vampires?

It’s straight out of a movie. It’s ridiculous. When Mia came in earlier to tell me Mama was out of surgery, I asked her again. I pleaded with her to help me get out of here but she just gave me a sad little smile and then said she was sorry I had to find out that way, or at all, but I should just adjust because it’s not so bad. Luca would protect me and keep me safe. But who will keep me safe from him?

The water stops running, and I turn my back to the bathroom door and hold my breath. Maybe if I feign that I’m sleeping he’ll just leave again.

He enters the room and comes over to the bed. “It’s no sense pretending you’re asleep. I can hear your heartbeat and smell your fear. Adrenaline also has a slight smell. It’s shooting through your veins right now. You will be cold when it wears off.”

I turn and stare at him in the relative darkness of the room. He is naked and his body is incredible. I swallow, trying to keep focused on his face. “You can hear my heartbeat?”

“Of course. I’m a vampire. Our senses are heightened.”

He moves around to the other side of the bed and slides in beside me.

“Wait, what are you doing?” I demand.

“I’m getting into my bed. I need sleep,” he says calmly as he adjusts the pillow behind him.

“But I’m here,” I say, my heart beating faster.

“So you are.” His lips turn up at the corners and his emerald eyes twinkle at me. “Do try and keep your heart from thundering all night long. It’s rather loud and I don’t want to be kept awake.”

I stare at him as I struggle to sit up and look around for something to cover me. I’m wearing a man’s button down shirt, presumably one of Luca’s because it smells like him but that’s all I’m wearing. I have no idea what happened to my clothes. Finally, I swing the blankets off me and move to get off the bed, but Luca’s arm comes across my hips and pins me to the mattress.

“What the hell?” I try to get away but his arm is like a steel band. He’s not hurting me but I can’t escape. Panic grips me and icy fingers encircle my heart. I try not to look at him, into his deep green eyes. I don’t want to see the knowledge in his gaze that I’m trapped like I can never escape him.

“Little one, you are sleeping here with me. I can keep you safe better if I am with you.”

“Safe from what?” I argue as I try and move his arm.

“Gazzago has not gone away. If anything, he wants to move the wedding up. Renzo is running interference, but it is a situation we are going to have to deal with.”

My breath bursts from my lungs. “Seriously? He’s not letting this go?”

“No, he’s not. Now I need sleep and so do you. Relax and try to get some rest.”

“Like that’s going to happen,” I snort. “You’re a vampire.”

Luca sighs. “Yes, and I was a vampire yesterday, and the day before that and the three hundred or more years before that. Pippa, if I wanted you dead, you would already be dead.”

I stare at him. “Three hundred plus years?” I squeak.

“Three hundred and ninety-four,” he says and then pauses, “Or maybe ninety-five. I can’t remember at the moment. One year does not make much difference.”

“You were alive in the sixteen hundreds?” I stare at him. This is so mind blowing.

“Yes.”

I lick my lips and his gaze follows my tongue. “W-what was it like?”

“Miserable, as I recall.” He props himself up on one elbow, putting his hand under his chin. “They were not happy times. The seventeen hundreds were marginally better. Lots of war going on which meant easy feeding, so generally speaking things weren’t quite so horrible until the French Revolution. Robespierre was a complete nightmare for everyone. I avoided France for quite a few years. The eighteen hundreds were much better. Napoleon was a complete pain in the ass but there was much forward movement in science and medicine, literature and the arts. Toward the end of the eighteen hundreds, it was rather nice, in Europe at least. We had money by then and I will say it made a world of difference. The early nineteen hundreds were great fun in the States.” He smiles as if remembering it fondly. Then he sighs again. “Now if we’re finished with the history lesson, I would like to get some sleep.”

“Did you know Napoleon or Robespierre?” I ask. “This is crazy. I can’t believe we are even having this conversation.”

“Not personally. They were not men I wanted to be close to. Robespierre, in particular, was quite a threat to vampires. All of that guillotine work was quite scary.”

“Why?” I blurt out.

“Because that’s how we die. You have to cut a vampire’s head off to kill them.”

I frown. “I thought you have to drive a stake through your heart.”

“No. Stakes hurt but they don’t kill us.” His eyebrows shift downward as he says, “Not sure where they came up with that shit.”

There are so many questions in my head, I don’t know where to start. “What about garlic?”

Luca sighs and then sits up and leans against the headboard. I turn to face him.

“Garlic? Garlic is delightful in certain dishes, but other than that it has no effect except to give bad breath.”

“Holy water?” I ask

He grins and shakes his head. “No, sorry. Just gets us wet.”

“And you can go outside in the sunshine. You don’t burn up or sparkle or anything like that?

He grins. “Sunscreen is helpful but no, I don’t burst into flames in sunlight although that is only my family. We seem to be able to be outside in sunlight at least for a few hours during the day. Most vampires do not have that luxury.

I stare at him. “Losing your head is the only way?” He nods and I want to giggle. “So…you’re like Highlander? There can only be one?”

Luca stares at me blankly. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Who is Highlander?”

“It was a movie. I think they’re remaking it. Henry Cavill is going to star. He’ll make Highlander sexy as fuck.”

In one swift move I was on my back and Luca is on top of me.

I gasp for air. “W-what are you doing?”

“Do not mention any other man as being sexy in front of me,” he growls. “I told you there were consequences for you being in my bed. There will be no other men, ever. You will never speak of any other man in front of me or I will kill them.”

“B-but I was only…he’s a celebrity.”

“Pippa, you are mine and mine alone. I am not going to share you with any other man whether in real life or in your mind. Understood?”

“That’s ridiculous. He’s just an actor who’s really good looking. I?—”

Luca growls. Literally growls. And his fangs are growing. I try to shrink back away from him but it’s no use. He has me pinned. “You’re a monster,” I say.

“Yes,” he agrees, “But I am not like your father. I’m an actual monster. Remember, however, I am your monster. If you provoke me, I will attack but never you, not ever. You are my one . I will always protect you even if it costs me my life.”

He says it so casually, so even toned, and yet I know he’s serious. Deadly serious. I want to dismiss it. It all seems so melodramatic. But, somehow I feel…relief. Tension ebbs out of my body. Luca is telling me that he will take care of me and keep me safe. I’ve never had that. Not ever. My mother couldn’t keep me safe from my father. No one could. Yet here I am with an actual monster, and I have never felt safer. I reach up and kiss him, hard. Suddenly I want him like I have never wanted anything before.

“Pippa,” he cautions, “you’ve been through a lot. You need your rest. So do I.”

“I assumed vampires had stamina. Was I wrong?” I ask making my eyes extra wide and innocent.

He growls and then kisses me, his tongue running over mine. I wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the kiss. My whole body tingles as his cock hardens against my belly. I run my hands down his chest and reach for his cock. He brushes my hands aside and then undoes the buttons on my shirt. He pulls it out from underneath me and drops it onto the floor.

He balances himself on his elbows and stares down at me. Heat fills my face. Maybe this is a mistake. He’s a monster, an actual fucking monster. A flare of panic bursts in my chest. “What are you doing?” I demand.

He smiles. “Just looking.” He drops his head and sucks my nipple. A jolt of electricity runs straight to my clit. I should tell him no. That I was wrong. That he’s a monster and I don’t want him. But I know that for a lie when he grabs my breast and rubs his thumb over that nipple as he sucks the other. He holds the taut peak between his teeth and pulls. The little burst of pain is exquisite. I want him, and more than anything, I want to forget. Forget everything and just take pleasure in this like a real human being even if that pleasure comes from being with a monster. He switches sides as I wrap my legs around his waist and arch up inviting him inside me. I don’t have the power to say no. I don’t possess the will to deny him. I need him too much.

Monster or no, I need Luca Valdici.

“Not yet, little one,” he murmurs and then squeezes my nipple as he shifts to bite my neck. A shiver runs over my skin. I skim my hands over his chest and his back and then I grip his ass, pulling him against me as I lift my hips once again.

He kisses me hard and runs a hand along my leg. I loosen my grip so he can run his hand up the inside of my thigh. I want him to touch me. I crave his touch. In a swift deft move, he flips me over so I am face down under him.

“What are you doing?” I say.

“Exploring,” is his answer. He rubs my ass with both hands and then comes down so he is almost on top of me but with his weight shifted to one side. He grabs my ass and starts rubbing. Then his hand goes all the way up to my nipple and squeezes it again. I push my ass back at him and he shifts so his cock is between my cheeks. He rubs it back and forth. “Has any man ever touched your ass like this?” he asks as he rubs his hand down over it.

“Sure,” I say flippantly. Just one encounter that was horrible. Don’t need to relive it. He brings his hand down hard on my ass. “Ow!” I try to turn but he stops me.

“You will not be sarcastic when we’re intimate. You will do as I say and answer what I ask.”

“Luca, I was just—” His hand connects with my ass again. The sting is a shock but my nipples go hard. “Are you spanking me?”

“You’re being bad.”

I start to laugh but I realize he’s being serious. This is too weird for me. I struggle to get up but he kisses my neck again and starts cupping my breasts. He squeezes my nipples and now I find I’m pressing my ass back against his pelvis. I’m so wet it’s insane. He slaps my ass again and this time he immediately works my nipple. The sting is still there but now it’s making me hot. I’m getting wetter.

“Luca,” I breathe, “I want you inside me.” I push my ass against him.

“Get on your hands and knees,” he says as he sits back on his heels.

The coolness of the air makes me shiver. I instantly miss his touch. Glancing over my shoulder, I realize once again he’s serious. And has a seriously big cock. I bristle at his command, but my traitorous body responds.

Part of me is scared. What the hell is he going to do? But part of me is excited. I can’t wait to find out. I get up onto my hands and knees.

He slaps my ass once, twice and then immediately he slips two fingers into my slick folds, and I gasp at the unexpected invasion. "You're soaked for me, baby," he murmurs, approval clear in his voice.

I arch my hips to meet his fingers. This is so fucking good, I spread my legs wider still.

"Why don't you tell me what you want?"

I bite my lip, hesitating. His dominance both infuriates and exhilarates me. He pumps his fingers in and out, drawing a moan from deep within me.

"Words, Pippa," he demands, slapping my ass sharply.

I startle but find myself pushing back against his hand, seeking more friction. "I want... I want you to fuck me, Luca. Take me from behind."

“Look at me,” he commands. I turn and he pulls out his fingers and sucks them clean, his eyes never leaving mine. "You taste so fucking good, Pippa." He leans down, pressing a soft kiss on my shoulder blade. I close my eyes briefly, savoring the unexpected tenderness. But a sharp smack on my ass has me opening them wide again. “Eyes open always, Pippa.”

Fear and desire mix within me, creating a potent cocktail that leaves me panting. I arch my back, pressing against his erection. He grips my hips, holding me in place while he explores my folds with his fingers again. Then he turns and slides under me, finding me with his mouth.

I immediately cry out as my hips buck against his mouth. “Yes, Luca. Fucking yes,” I say again as his tongue swirls around my clit. I grind against his mouth. He holds my hips in place and then squeezes my ass.

“I’m going to come,” I say.

He squeezes harder and then nips my clit with his teeth. I careen over the edge and let out a yell as my hips buck and I come hard. I collapse face down on the bed and Luca crawls on top of me.

“You liked that, little one.” It’s a statement.

“Yes,” I say but I keep my face turned away from him. Heat rises in my cheeks. What the hell was I thinking? He’s a vampire and I just let him give me the biggest orgasm. Somehow this is more embarrassing than I ever thought possible.

“Um…I’m just gonna go?—”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Luca’s response was immediate. “We’re not finished.”

My heart rate ticks up again. The fear is back. “I just wanted to go to the bathroom.” I can lock myself in.

“You want to hide from me. I will not let that happen. There is no hiding from me, my darling.”

I freeze. Can vampires read minds? I don’t think so, but this is all so insane, who knows. “Luca I want to go…” my voice peters out as he rubs my breasts again and kisses my neck. He wedges his cock between my ass cheeks and my body instantly starts to hum with electricity.

He reaches under my hip and strokes my pussy. I’m immediately drenched again. I arch into him. This man is like a drug. I cannot stop him, and I can’t stop my body from responding to him. The level of my attraction to him is, I’m convinced, a form of illness, but fuck, it feels good.

Luca sits back and slaps my ass again. “On your hands and knees again.”

This time I don’t argue. I do it right away. He sticks his fingers inside me and curls them so they rub my g-spot. “You’re so fucking wet for me, Pippa. Tell me what you want.” I stay silent. He stops. “Say it or I will stop.” I push my ass back against him, but he remains still.

“Fine. Fuck me, Luca. I want you to fuck me. I want you to take me from behind and fuck me hard. I want to come so hard I yell.”

Luca smiles and then stands behind me shifting my body so I’m at the edge of the bed. “That’s good, little one.” He takes his cock in his hand and strokes it a couple of times. “Do you want to taste this?” he asks.

God help me, I do. I don’t dare tell him I’ve sucked off a few boys because he will flip out. I’m already learning what being with Luca means. “Yes,” I say and start to turn towards him, but he slaps my ass. “I didn’t say you can. I just asked if you want to.”

“Asshole,” I snarl, but secretly I’m so turned on by his dominance.

He smiles and then dips his fingers inside me again. “Tell me to stop if that’s what you want. Or do you want this asshole to fuck you?”

I bite my lip, and I know what’s coming but I can’t help myself. He slaps my ass again and the sting is glorious. My hips buck. If he doesn’t fuck me soon, I might come anyway. “Fuck me, Luca,” I say between clenched teeth.”

“Of course, my love,” He runs the tip of his cock along my slit, coating himself in my arousal before notching himself at my entrance. My breath hitches as anticipation builds within me. He holds on to my hips and then takes one finger and runs it down the seam of my ass. He gently presses on my puckered entrance. “We have so much exploring to do, my darling.” Then he slams into me with one powerful thrust, burying his cock to the hilt. I cry out, pleasure-pain coursing through me. He sets a punishing pace, filling me completely each time. My body bucks and arches meeting every thrust.

"Harder, Luca," I beg, lost in sensation.

He grips my hair tightly, pulling my head back as he drives into me with increased force. Each time he pumps into me, his finger slips deeper into my ass. The full sensation is almost too much, and when he adds another finger behind, stretching me, fucking my ass and my pussy, I whimper. My orgasm builds rapidly, a pressure coiling low in my belly.

"Not yet, Pippa," he commands, as if sensing my impending release.

But it's too late. With a scream, I shatter around him, my inner walls clenching tightly. Luca roars his own release, burying himself deep within me before collapsing onto my back.

In the aftermath, we're a tangle of limbs and heated breaths. I'm boneless, sated, yet already craving more. This man, this vampire with his dominance and tenderness, has awakened something delicious and primal inside me. And I want more - so much more.