Page 5 of Depths of Obsession (The Emerald Dagger Mafia #2)

CHAPTER 5

T he sound of movement jolted me from sleep. I sat bolt upright in bed. “What the fuck?” I shriek as Luca storms across the room toward me, eyes ablaze.

“I could say the same to you. What the fuck, Pippa?” His voice was raspy as sandpaper. “I told you to stay at my place. What are you doing at this fucking hotel?” He stands next to the bed, his hands on his hips, staring at me. Jesus, are his eyes glowing? I shiver with the pure animosity in his glare pinning me in a death stare.

I try not to squirm. “I didn’t feel comfortable at your place, so I left. I didn’t go home since you were worried about that and because my parents probably have the place staked out, so I came here. Seemed like the best idea.” I have no interest in going to my parents’ house, or in ever seeing them again. At least not my father. Not that my mother is any better. She’s giving her silent approval by standing back and letting all this happen.

“What part of stay the fuck at my place was confusing to you? You think you’re safe here? You think if Gazzago wanted to, he couldn’t find you? Are you fucking out of your mind?”

Anger creates a tension that grips my shoulders, so I shrug. “The Jasmin Door is a five-star hotel with five-star security.” Oh God, he growled when I shrugged. I hold up my hand, palm up. “I’m not downplaying the danger, but even if Gazzago could find me, he couldn’t just come waltzing in here.”

“Oh really? I just did.”

I stare at him. Fucking hell, he’s right. I frown. “How did you do that?”

Luca shakes his head at me. “I know people, and you can bet your ass so does Gazzago. Get dressed. We’re going back to my place.”

“No.” I know I sound like a petulant child, but I cannot stand being told what to do by anyone, let alone Luca. It’s been a shitty day, and I just need time to myself.

“Pippa,” he says between clenched teeth, “go get dressed. We are leaving here. You have five minutes.”

“I was perfectly safe until you got here. I don’t need you hovering over me. I’m fine. I’ll call Mia in the morning. I’ll even call you if you want, to prove to you I’m safe,” I huff. He had seemed to care earlier…right up until he left with me standing there staring after him. I’m still humiliated by his abrupt departure.

“Now you have four minutes. I’m leaving here with you even if it means throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you out just as you are.” His low voice rumbles out of his chest, sending shivers across my skin. His gaze trails down my body, the irises turning a deeper green.

I glance down realizing the sheet has fallen away and he can see what I’m wearing. The matching black lace bra and thong set leaves little to the imagination. I scoop the sheets back to my chest but it’s way too late. I’m sure he can see that my nipples are hard.

“Three minutes.” His gaze lingers on my chest and I swear he can see through the sheet and my bra. My cheeks get hot as I glare at him and will the color out of my face. Suddenly I realize someone else is behind him. I lean back to see another man, massive in size which kind of matches the large scar on his eyebrow, leaning against the wall watching me.

“Who the hell is that?” I’ve been so consumed by Luca that I didn’t even notice the other man.

“My security,” Luca retorts. “His name is Rocco. Tick tock, Pippa. You’re down to two minutes.”

“You have your own security?” I stare at him. How do I not know this? Luca never struck me as not being able to take care of himself. Why does he need security?

“Yes. One minute.”

“Be reasonable. I’m fine here. Despite the fact that you managed to break in, I don’t think Gazzago would be able to. I have friends here. They’re looking out for me.”

“Clearly,” Luca scoffs. He leans down until his gaze is level with mine. “One last chance, Pippa.”

His eyes are locked on mine but my mouth goes dry, so I lick my lips. His gaze follows my tongue. I swear he hisses at me.

“Get. Dressed. Now.” His tone is definitely a growl.

The heat from his body on my chest burns. He’s close enough that his breath caresses my cheek. My heart rate ticks upward.

I clear my throat trying to speak. “Luca—” I start.

“Time’s up.” His eyes seem to glow from within as he reaches down and grabs me around the waist, picking me up out of bed. I struggle with him as he tries to put me over his shoulder, but I am no match for his strength.

“Put me down,” I yell as I pound on his back.

“You had your chance. Now we do it my way.” He turns and heads to the door.

“Luca—” I thrash, kicking my legs and trying to push myself off his shoulder, but his grip is unyielding.

He clamps one large hand on the backs of my thighs, the other on my butt. “You’re an asshole, Luca!” I shout, my voice muffled against his back. The solid muscles beneath his shirt, unmovable like stone, shifts as he stalks toward the exit. It only makes me angrier. He’s not even struggling to carry me, like I weigh nothing at all.

“I promised Mia I would protect you. I’m doing what I have to do to keep that promise, Pippa,” he growls, his voice strained, but not from the effort of holding me—from the frustration of dealing with me.

Did he just skim his fingers near my pussy? God, his palm is so warm on my ass, I’m getting aroused, dammit.

We reach the door, and the man with the scar—Luca’s security—moves aside, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He’s enjoying this, I realize with a huff. The humiliation of being carried out of a hotel room by Luca, wearing next to nothing, with this stranger watching—it’s too much.

“I hate you,” I spit, my words filled with venom.

Luca lets out a low, humorless laugh. “Yeah, well, get in line.”

The hallway is empty, thank God. He strides down it with me still draped over his shoulder, his security guard following closely behind. I lift my head enough to glare at that asshole, but he just smirks. I try to catch my breath, my face still flushed with embarrassment. The cool air against my exposed skin does little to soothe my anger.

“I can walk, you know,” I mutter, trying to calm myself. My voice sounds small, even to my own ears.

“Too late for that,” Luca snaps. He stops at the elevator, pressing the button with one hand while still holding me securely with the other. “I gave you every chance to do this the easy way, Pippa. You chose this.”

The elevator doors slide open, and Luca steps inside, his security trailing behind us. He sets me down, finally, and I straighten up, tugging on the edge of my lace bra in a futile attempt to cover more of myself. I cross my arms over my chest, glaring at him.

The security guard takes pity on me, I guess, and shucks his windbreaker to drape it over my shoulders. Still, I scowl at him. I shouldn’t be in this position.

“This is ridiculous,” I hiss, my voice dripping with indignation. “You’re treating me like I’m some kind of prisoner.”

Luca’s eyes lock on mine, and I see a storm brewing there. “You are not a prisoner, Pippa, any more than you are invincible. Gazzago is not someone to underestimate. If you think I’m being overprotective, then you clearly don’t understand just how much shit could be coming your way.”

His words hit me harder than I expect, and I swallow, suddenly unsure of how to respond. The tension in the small elevator is suffocating, and my anger begins to deflate, replaced by a creeping sense of dread.

The elevator lurches to a stop, and the doors slide open to the underground parking garage. Luca’s grip on my arm is firm, but not painful, as he leads me out. His security guard follows, scanning the area, his eyes sharp and alert.

Luca’s car is parked in the corner—another sleek black Porsche only this time it’s an SUV. It screams power and wealth. He opens the passenger door and gestures for me to get in. I hesitate, my pride warring with the realization that he might actually be right.

The weight of everything—Gazzago, the threats, Luca’s obvious concern—suddenly crashes down on me.

My shoulders drop and with a sigh, I climb into the car, sinking into the cool leather seat. Luca closes the door behind me, and I watch as he walks around to the driver’s side, his movements sharp with frustration. He slides in beside me, starting the engine with a low growl. Rocco goes back to the elevator.

“Where’s he going?” I ask.

“To get the rest of your things. You’re not coming back here.” The finality of his tone brooks no argument but makes me want to scream.

The silence between us is thick as he pulls out of the garage, the tires squealing slightly as he accelerates. I stare out the window, watching the city lights blur past, my thoughts spinning in a million different directions.

“Clothes,” I finally say, my voice small, barely containing my frustration. “I need clothes. I didn’t go back to my place, so the only things in the room are the bloody clothes I was wearing.” The words stick in my throat, each one reminding me of how vulnerable I’ve become. It kills me, but I know if I don’t behave in a semi-responsible manner, Luca will treat me like I’m a child—something I can’t stomach. I curl my hands into fists, fighting to keep my composure.

“I would like to go to my place and get some clothing,” I say, choosing each word carefully, trying to sound as adult as possible. I glance down at my feet. “And shoes.” I try to bite my tongue, but I can’t help adding, “I don’t think Gazzago will be there.”

What I want to say is, it's fucking three a.m. That fat old bastard is probably hanging upside-down like a goddamn vampire. You’re just being an overprotective asshole . I try not to roll my eyes.

Instead, I add, “I’m sure between you and Rocco, I’ll be perfectly fine. I would rather not have to run around town in my underwear.”

Luca glances at me, a half-smirk tugging at his lips. “Too bad. You look good half-naked.” His eyes rake my chest once more and my nipples tighten in response.

I grip the edges of the jacket draped around my shoulders. I hate that my body betrays me. What’s worse is I can tell from the tugging at the corners of Luca’s mouth that he knows it.

“If only you could keep your temper in check and your mouth under control. I have some ideas on how we can make that happen.” He offers me a ghost of a smile as his right hand skims my thigh.

The condescension in his voice is infuriating, and heat flares up my neck. I know he’s baiting me, but I can’t help it. My mouth moves before my brain can catch up. “Well, it’s a good thing you’re just the hired help then, isn’t it? Here to keep me safe.”

Luca slams on the brakes, and I’m thrown forward, my hand instinctively bracing against the dashboard. My heart pounds, and I whip my head around, glaring at him. “What the fuck?”

Luca turns to me, his eyes flashing with an icy fury that makes my chest tighten. He leans over, his arm resting behind me as he gets close, too close. “I am a lot of things, but I have never been, nor will I ever be ‘just the hired help’.” His voice is low, vibrating with barely controlled anger. “I thought you were better than that. Obviously, so do you. Too bad. Just another spoiled rich girl, pouty and pissed off because she didn’t get her way.”

The words sting far more than I care to admit. My face burns, my throat tightens, and a lump forms that I can’t swallow. I’m mortified. I don’t think that way—never have, no matter what my mother would like me to believe—but damn, Luca brings out the worst in me. He makes me defensive, irrational, and somehow always makes me feel like I’m falling short.

He hits the gas, the tires squealing as we lurch forward, and I grip the door handle, my knuckles white. I silently seethe, my entire body rigid with tension. I am humiliated. This whole thing is so fucking embarrassing, and I’m behaving like an idiot. But the least Luca could do is ignore it. That’s what someone with manners would do.

Luca is like a deadly predator, I remind myself. Manners don’t play into it.

He makes a sharp right turn, and my building comes into view. Relief washes over me, my heart pounding as I take off my seatbelt and open the door. The cold air rushes in, biting against my skin, and I suddenly remember just how exposed I am. I’m practically naked, dressed in nothing but a lacy bra and thong and a borrowed jacket. I freeze, the realization hitting me hard. The thought of banging into any of my neighbors like this makes me cringe. Not that they’re up at this hour, but it would only take one before the whole building would find out and they’d want to see the security feed. Yeah, no I don’t need that in my life. They dislike me enough already because I’m part of la famiglia. They’re all too scared to say anything, but I know they judge me. This would just be another reason to look down on me.

Before I can fully process my thoughts, Luca is there, standing in front of me. He pulls me out of the SUV, his touch firm but not rough. He strips the skimpy windbreaker off, then sheds his blazer and wraps it around my shoulders, enveloping me in warmth. I’m grateful—but there’s no way in hell I’ll admit it. He’s the reason I’m half-naked in the first place. Okay, he’s mostly the reason. I might have had a small part in it but still… This is the least he could do.

Mentally, I run a litany of all of Luca’s bad qualities to keep the anger burning in my chest, but it’s hard. His presence, his unwavering focus, the way he’s practically shielding me from the world—overwhelms me.

We enter the building, and Luca has his arm around me, his head swiveling from side to side, eyes scanning every corner, every shadow. I’ve never felt so well-protected—and it terrifies me. Because Luca being this worried tells me I’ve underestimated Gazzago. Maybe there’s more to all of this than I know.

The elevator door opens with a soft ding, and Luca steps out first, his eyes sweeping the hallway before giving me a slight nod. I step out after him, my bare feet silent against the cold floor. We walk toward my door, but I stop suddenly, my stomach dropping.

“What?” Luca demands, his eyes instantly alert, scanning for any possible threat.

“I don’t have my keys,” I say in a small voice. “They’re with my clothing.”

Luca nods, his expression unreadable. “Not a problem.” He glances around the hallway one more time before turning to me and slipping his hand into the inside pocket of his blazer. His fingers graze my breast as he pulls out a small case, and in the two seconds it takes for him to dig it out, my nipples harden beneath the lace. There’s no way he could miss that, and I do my best to remain calm, but my entire body feels like it’s on fire.

I watch as he picks the lock, his movements swift and precise. My mind is spinning, torn between the overwhelming attraction I feel and the need to keep my distance. Luca Valdici is my kryptonite. He’s a complete and utter asshole, but he’s also the sexiest thing I have ever seen. Being around him unbalances me, and I hate it. This never-ending nightmare needs to be over. I need to ask Mia for help—I can’t take having Luca this close anymore.

The door clicks open, and Luca pushes it ajar, taking a quick look at the interior before ushering me inside. He closes the door behind us, the sound of it locking echoing through the room. “You have two minutes to throw some shit in a bag, and then we’re out of here,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I want to argue. I want to scream at him that I’m not some damsel in distress, that I can take care of myself, but the look in his eyes stops me. He’s not kidding around, and I know it. The last time he gave me a time limit I ended up being driven through the streets of Venezia in my lingerie.

With a sigh, I hand him his blazer and head toward my bedroom but make a slight course adjustment and go to my liquor cabinet instead. I pour myself a bourbon and down half of it in one gulp. I’ve learned a lot of things from my father, very few of them helpful, but he’s taught me about wine, and also bourbon. There are just certain times that a strong shot of spirits is necessary, and this is certainly one of them.

“Pippa,” Luca’s standing directly behind me now, his voice full of warning.

I whirl around. “I just needed a drink, Luca. It’s been a long fucking day.”

He frowns at me and then takes the glass from me and finishes the rest. “You can have a drink at my place. Right now, you need to pack a bag.” His eyes roam down over my body. “And get dressed.”

I haven’t eaten anything in ages and the bourbon floats warmly in my belly. I know I should do what he says but suddenly I don’t want to. What I want is to touch Luca. I put my hands on his chest, feeling the muscles ripple underneath them as he puts the glass down on the cabinet behind me. He’s so close now the heat from his body blazes on my skin. My nipples pucker and my breath quickens. I know he wants to kiss me. I can feel it. I tilt my head back and open my mouth as an invitation. Luca runs his hands over my hips and then around to grab my ass. He pulls me closer, until I am pressed against him. Heat flares between my legs. Luca lowers his head until his lips are mere inches from mine. His bourbon-scented breath fans my face. “Go get dressed, Pippa. Disobey me again and you won’t like the consequences.” With a firm and final squeeze on my ass, he steps away from me.

Again, I’m humiliated. I’ve thrown myself at him and he’s turned me down. I turn and flee into my bedroom, my hands trembling slightly as I grab a small bag and throw it on my bed.

I start piling things into it, my mind racing. I grab anything and everything I think I’ll need for a couple of days—jeans, shirts, underwear. My hands shake as I fold a sweater, and I force myself to take a deep breath, to focus.

“Don’t forget to pack a dress and heels,” Luca calls from the other room.

I pause, frowning. “For what?” I cannot fathom what the hell I’d need to dress up for. There’s no way in hell I’m getting married.

“We’re going to the auction,” he replies, his voice steady. “You’re gonna have to be dressed up for that one.”

"But we don’t even know when that is?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Luca responds. “We’re going to have to be there.”

How long am I going to have to stay with Luca? I can’t even begin to think about that, heat running up my neck to my cheeks. I stand in front of my closet, staring at the rows of dresses. What does one wear to an illegal auction filled with the worst billionaire crooks? What outfit says I need that necklace because I’m not marrying that fat fuck Gazzago?

A slow smile spreads across my face as my eyes land on a deep green dress. It’s elegant, expensive, and screams don’t even fucking dream of touching me unless you’re worth a billion dollars. I look amazing in it. If Luca’s going to be a prick, fine. I’ll make it hard as hell for him to ignore me. Perfect. I grab a matching clutch and a pair of staggeringly high heels to go with it. I quickly head into the ensuite bathroom to grab my makeup and toiletries, throwing them in the bag with everything else before zipping it up.

I change into a pair of jeans and an off-the-shoulder sweater, pulling on socks and high-heeled boots. I grab my bag, giving my bed a longing look. All I want is to crawl under the covers and pretend this entire day never happened. Forget about the dead body lying in the storeroom. Marcello threatening me, Gazzago’s sudden appearance and the threat he presents. But there’s no going back, and that realization hits me harder than I’d expected.

“I’m ready,” I say as I walk back into the living room. The words barely leave my lips before there’s a knock at the door.

Luca’s demeanor changes instantly. His eyes darken, his jaw tightens, and he pulls a gun from somewhere beneath his shirt. My stomach clenches at the sight of it. I really am blind—I hadn’t even noticed he was carrying a weapon. He gestures for me to go into my room, and I back away to safety, my heart pounding as I peek out, watching.

He moves to the side of the door, his body tense, every muscle coiled. “ Chi è ?” he calls, his voice steady.

“Open up. Mr. Gazzago wants to talk to you,” a rough voice responds.

Gazzago. My heart stutters, and a cold sweat breaks out across my skin. He’s here . My hands shake, and I press them against my chest, trying to steady my breathing.

Luca’s jaw muscles pulse, but he opens the door, his expression one of cold fury. “We’re not interested in chatting right now,” he says, his voice dripping with disdain.

“Well, get interested.” Gazzago pushes his way past Luca. Beefy bodyguards follow close behind. He glares at Luca before his gaze shifts to the doorway where I’m cowering.

His eyes narrow in disgust. “You whore,” he snarls, his voice filled with venom.

Before I can even react, Luca has Gazzago against the wall, his forearm pressing into the old man’s throat. The room seems to explode with movement—Gazzago’s bodyguards hesitate, stunned for a moment before two of them draw their guns. The third punches Luca in the side, his fist connecting with Luca’s kidney.

Luca lets go of Gazzago, but not before slamming his fist into the guy who punched him. The man crumpled to the ground, out cold.

“Watch your fucking mouth, old man, or I’ll kill you right here,” Luca growls, his voice low and dangerous.

The apartment door opens again, and Rocco steps in, a gun in each hand, aiming at the remaining bodyguards. His eyes are cold, calculating, and I can see the tension in his stance.

“She gets out of your car wearing nothing but her underwear. Puttana ,” Gazzago spits, his eyes locked on me, his words dripping with contempt.

Nausea rises in my throat. The idea that Gazzago might have seen me in my underwear knots my belly and makes my skin crawl. I want to take the hottest shower possible and scrub myself until my skin is raw.

Luca’s hands curl into tight fists, his knuckles turning white. He doesn’t move, his eyes locked on Gazzago. “Then I guess the wedding’s off. You don’t want to marry a whore.”

Gazzago shakes his head, his lips curling in a sneer. “She needs to fucking behave. I already spoke to Danillo. He agreed. She’s coming with me, and we’ll be married by my priest as soon as I can arrange it. Now, get out of the fucking way.”

Luca doesn’t move, his eyes dark and unyielding. “Pippa isn’t going anywhere with you.”

The tension in the room is suffocating, every muscle in my body coils, ready to take flight. Gazzago’s bodyguards look to him for direction, their guns still drawn, their eyes shifting nervously between Luca, Rocco, and me. My heart thuds and the adrenaline coursing through my veins blurs my vision.

“Luca,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. I’m terrified, but I can’t let this escalate any further. If Luca makes one wrong move, it could mean all of our lives. I take a step forward, my hands trembling, and I force myself to speak again. “Please.”

Luca glances at me, and for a moment, I see something flicker in his eyes—something raw and vulnerable. He turns back to Gazzago, his expression hardening once more. “You’re not taking her,” he says, the menace in his tone is frigid.

Gazzago lets out a low, humorless laugh. “Do you really think you can stop me, Valdici? Do you have any idea who you’re dealing with?”

“I know exactly who I’m dealing with,” Luca replies, his voice deadly calm. He takes a step forward, his presence commanding, his eyes locked on Gazzago’s. “And I’m telling you, right now, that you will not take Pippa. Not tonight. Not ever.”

The silence that follows is deafening, the tension so thick it’s almost suffocating. My heart pounds in my ears, and I feel the weight of Luca’s words settle over the room like a storm cloud, dark and foreboding.

Gazzago stares at Luca, his face contorted with rage, but he doesn’t move. Slowly, he raises a hand, signaling his bodyguards to lower their weapons. “This isn’t over,” he snarls, his eyes narrowing. He glares at me, then back at Luca. “Not by a long shot. You need to talk to your brother. He’ll tell you the deal we made.”

Luca doesn’t respond, his gaze steady, unwavering. Gazzago turns on his heel, storming out of the apartment, his bodyguards following closely behind.

“Oh, my God, Luca, he could have killed you.” I come across the room and wrap myself around his chest. “You can’t do that. You can’t get hurt because of me.”

He looks down at me. “Isn’t that my job? As the hired help, I’m just here to make sure you’re safe.” Fury is written all over his features as he turns away from me. “Maybe now you understand the stakes. This isn’t some stupid game Pippa. Gazzago is playing for keeps. Stop being an idiot and just do what I say. That will make it much easier and less dangerous for all of us.”

My jaw drops open. I feel as if I’ve been slapped. Or sucker punched. Air hisses out of my lungs as fiery heat fills my cheeks once more. Luca keeps offering up humiliation after humiliation to me and I fall for it every time. No more, I vow as I stand there staring. I will not play this game with him. I’ve been down this road before.

I straighten my shoulders. Best thing I can do is keep my mouth closed and my eyes open. There’s going to come a moment, a chance and that’s when I’ll do it. I’ll escape. Luca, my parents, this whole life. I’ll disappear and start new somewhere else as someone else. And I will rain hell down on anyone who tries to stop me.