Page 23

Evan

After we dance, Luca disappears. He’s been so attentive up to that point I’m confused about what changed. Isabella does her best to entertain me, but I’m distracted, wondering where Luca went and why he left so abruptly. Marco has also left the table, and I suspect he’s wherever Luca is.

My curiosity about Luca’s whereabouts turns to irritation when it’s time for dinner to be served and he’s nowhere to be seen. Why’d he drag me to this wedding if I’m going to spend the day alone? I thought it was imperative that we be seen together? Does he think a few dances and a kiss are enough to convince everyone we’re a couple?

I stare at Luca’s empty seat as servers in crisp black and white uniforms weave between tables, placing plates full of food before the guest. Crystal glasses catch the light from overhead chandeliers, and the floral centerpieces are an extravagant explosion of white orchids and peonies.

“First course.” Tony rubs his hands together as a plate of antipasti is placed in front of him. He eyes the paper-thin prosciutto di Parma arranged in delicate folds beside chunks of aged parmigiano-reggiano, marinated artichoke hearts glistening with olive oil, plump olives, and roasted red peppers. “Mangia, mangia, don’t mind if I do.”

I’m starving and too annoyed to wait for Luca. I take a bite of the prosciutto wrapped around a grissini breadstick, and despite my irritation at Luca, I can’t help but close my eyes briefly at the perfect balance of salt and fat.

“You like it?” Isabella asks, her dark eyes, so similar to Luca’s, watching me with amusement.

“It’s incredible,” I admit.

Marco returns to the table, clumsily setting his crutches aside as he lowers himself into his chair. There’s no sign of Luca though. Isabella jumps up and fusses about Marco, making sure he gets his food and something to drink. He accepts her help appearing pleased.

I finish off my first course, and when I glance up I catch sight of Luca across the room, deep in conversation with a man about my age. The guy is attractive, blond, and well built. I’m surprised to feel jealousy curl in my gut. After all the speeches from Luca about making sure people think we’re a couple, he’s ditching me at the family table to go canoodle with some other guy?

Is he for real?

I find it impossible to take my eyes off Luca and that other guy. My irritation grows when the guy he’s talking to leans in and whispers something in his ear. There’s an obvious intimacy between them that does nothing to quiet my growing resentment. I tell myself that I’m not actually jealous . I’m sure Luca’s flirting bothers me because, not only is it disrespectful, but it could endanger my life.

Luca nods at something the guy says and they hug. It’s a long hug, not a short casual one. Once they break apart, Luca heads toward our table. I quickly look away, determined that Luca won’t catch me watching. He takes his seat beside me and he sets a glass of whisky down beside his wine glass. He doesn’t address me, he simply places his napkin on his lap and turns to talk to Marco.

Seething, I hand my empty dish to one of the servers who arrived to clear the antipasti plates. Luca’s leg brushes mine and I make a point of moving away. He gives me a curious glance, but says nothing.

More waiters arrive with plates of ravioli. A plate is set before me, each pillow plump with ricotta and spinach, swimming in a fragrant sage butter sauce. They also set a smaller dish beside the ravioli, and Isabella explains it’s risotto ai funghi, a creamy mixture studded with wild mushrooms.

“The pasta is made by the bride’s nonna,” Tony explains between enthusiastic bites. “Eighty-three years old and still rolling pasta by hand every Sunday.”

While my appetite has vanished, I don’t want anyone to know that. I take a bite of the ravioli and, despite my grumpy mood, nearly groan. The pasta is delicate, yielding to my fork with just the right resistance before giving way to the creamy filling.

“How’s Austin doing?” Isabella addresses Luca. “I saw you talking to him earlier.”

My ears perk up immediately, although I try not to seem interested in their conversation.

Luca shrugs. “He’s great. He just moved back to the city.”

Mama nods. “Did he? Why? I thought he was happy in Chicago.”

“He decided to come home because he broke things off with Vance Greco.”

Isabella bugs her eyes. “Are you serious? They seemed perfect for each other.”

“Apparently not.” Luca takes a sip of his wine. “Vance was cheating on him.”

“What a pig.” Isabella’s eyes glitter with anger. “Vance talked Austin into moving to Chicago and then he cheats on him?” She says a few more angry words in Italian.

Marco grunts. “Austin will be fine. He’ll just find another meal ticket. He’s good at that.”

Is Austin looking to make Luca his new sugar daddy? He was definitely thrilled to see Luca. If Luca is open to that, what does that mean for me and our arrangement? Luca said he’d still protect me even if he tired of me. Was he being truthful? If he decides to replace me with Austin, will I still be safe? I’m rattled because, while I knew Luca would tire of me eventually, I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

My jumbled thoughts are interrupted as servers bring out the main course. Platters of thinly sliced veal cutlets layered with prosciutto and fresh sage leaves, sautéed until golden and glistening with a delicate white wine and butter sauce. The aroma of sage perfumes the air as the servers present the dish with garnishes of crispy pancetta and roasted cherry tomatoes still on the vine.

Distracted by my negative thoughts, I just stare at my plate. When I make no move to sample my food, Isabella leans forward. “Evan, why aren’t you eating? Do you not like veal?”

I straighten, my face warming as everyone at the table turns to look at me. “I… I am eating,” I say, hastily picking up my fork. I force myself to take a bite. The meat is so tender it doesn’t even require a knife. The saltiness of the prosciutto perfectly complements the subtle flavor of the veal. If I weren’t so stressed, I’d really enjoy the meal, but it’s difficult to swallow with my throat tight from anxiety.

Drinking is much easier than forcing down food, so I quickly drain my wine and don’t complain when Tony refills my glass. The day has been incredibly stressful, and I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so untethered. I thought I understood where I fit in Luca’s world, albeit temporarily, but now I’m not so sure. I don’t really know Luca. Is he the kind of man who cheats? Or would he not even consider sleeping with Austin cheating, since what we have is just a business arrangement?

I pretend to eat, mostly pushing the food around the plate, hoping it looks like I ate. Every now and then Luca glances over at me. I’m probably not hiding my stress well. All I really want is to leave the wedding and go back to Luca’s house. Will Luca want sex with me tonight? When the day first started, I’d been certain we’d sleep together after the wedding. But maybe he’s decided Austin is more his style? An easier lay? Judging by how Austin was flirting with Luca, he’d be a sure thing.

“More wine?” Isabella offers, breaking into my thoughts. She pours ruby-red Barolo into my glass without waiting for an answer. “The vineyard this wine comes from belongs to a cousin of the bride.”

I take a long sip of the wine, enjoying how the alcohol is numbing my senses. I’m great at handling pressure out on the ice, but when it comes to Luca, I’m easily overwhelmed. Mostly because I’m out of my element and I can’t read him. I never know what he’s thinking. I’m always on edge, and that’s a horrible way to live.

As I set down my glass, I notice Mama watching me. I smile at her and she smiles back, but her gaze remains watchful. I’m relieved when the plates are cleared from the table and I can stop pretending to eat.

Until the dessert arrives.

Dessert is a towering millefoglie paired with honey grappa. The others ooh and aah over how delicious it looks, but just the sight of it makes me feel physically ill. There’s no way I can force down another bite.

I stand abruptly. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

Leaving the table, I weave through the banquet hall and then the bar area until I finally find the bathrooms. After using the facilities, I wash my hands and glance at my reflection in the mirror. I look tired. My eyes are slightly red, a combination of too much alcohol and too little sleep.

I’d give anything to get the hell out of here. I did my duty. I made a public appearance with Luca, and now I’m over it. I need to go home. I’d love to call an Uber and just escape to my apartment, but Luca would probably be furious with me. That is, if he even noticed I was missing. He now has Austin to entertain him. What does he need me for?

Shouldn’t that make me happy?

I’ve wanted Luca out of my life since I met him. I should be rejoicing that Austin has arrived. I should be happy that Luca might prefer that guy over me. That means I’d regain my freedom. And if Luca keeps his word, then I’d still be safe and free. What could be better? So then, why do I feel so irrationally jealous? It makes no sense.

When the door to the bathroom opens, my heart jolts because it’s Luca. He makes no attempt to use the facilities, he simply stands with his back against the door, studying me. His eyes are dark and his expression wary.

“Are you sick?” he asks. “You’re drinking a lot.”

“It’s been a rough day.” I toss the paper towel I’m holding into the trash receptacle. “How much longer do we have to stay?”

He shrugs. “We can leave now if you want. I told my family we’d probably take off because I thought you might not be feeling well.”

Relief ripples through me. “Really? We can go now if we want?”

He nods. “Sure.”

“Then, if it’s okay with you, yeah, I’d like to leave. I’m exhausted. I can’t take any more scrutiny today.” I’ve felt like a bug under a microscope the entire day, and all I want is to escape this stressful situation.

He turns and opens the door, holding it for me. “After you.”

I brush past him, and he follows me. We walk down the narrow hallway to the main restaurant. From there, he texts his driver and we head outside. It’s dark out, which I didn’t expect. We’ve been at the wedding a lot longer than I realized.

Once inside the limo, Luca makes no attempt to touch me. On the ride to the wedding, his leg rested against mine and he sat much closer. Now, he appears more reserved. Is that because he ran into Austin and now he’s only thinking about that other guy?

I stare out the window as we drive home, uncertain of what I should do. This situation is already fucked up. I was coerced into living with him simply to save my life. In a situation as bizarre as this, am I expected to fight for Luca’s attention? Is that something he’d want me to do?

Is that something I want to do? Why would I?

Luca doesn’t speak to me on the drive, although he glances over from time to time. Maybe he’s worried I’ll puke in his limo. Maybe he’s trying to think of how to tell me my services will no longer be required. Maybe he’s visually measuring me for a coffin, the same way he did for a suit.

When we arrive at his mansion, he still has nothing to say to me. I walk up the stairs ahead of him, heart racing. I’m still a bit drunk as I move up the stairs. He doesn’t steady me though, and I’m embarrassed to admit I miss the press of his hand on my spine. I miss his unwavering attention. He’s been so focused on me since we met, his sudden disinterest is disconcerting.

He pauses only briefly when we reach my bedroom door. “Have a good night, Evan,” he says in an emotionless voice. Then he continues on to his own bedroom.

I enter my room and slowly begin to strip out of my suit. As I undress, I think back over the events of the day. The majority of the wedding, I actually enjoyed Luca’s company. He was funny and engaging. I liked dancing with him. I liked seeing him with his family. Watching him dote on his family was interesting. I got to see him as a person and not as a mob boss. But now, he’s back to being cold toward me, and I’m not sure why. I don’t know what changed other than Austin showed up.

I stare at the connecting door that separates my room from Luca’s. If I were to go to him, and offer myself, would he reject me because he now want’s Austin? Just how strong are his feelings for the other man? He obviously has a history with Austin. Have they slept together in the past? The thought of that makes my stomach churn. Why does the idea he’d prefer Austin over me bug me so much? If Luca is a man of his word, then he’ll still protect me, even if he decides to be with Austin instead of me. Shouldn’t I just let things play out? If he dumps me, I should still be safe.

Good enough, right?

If that happened, I’d be free to return to my old life, minus Luca Barone’s shadow hovering. The thought of that should fill me with glee. But it doesn’t. It makes me sick to picture Austin in this room, instead of me. It kills me to think of Austin sharing Luca’s bed, instead of me. Is that because I’m drunk and horny? Surely that must be why I’m considering fighting to stay in Luca’s life, when all I’ve wanted was to escape. Or maybe it’s just my competitive side kicking in. I’m a very competitive guy.

I move closer to the connecting door, warring with myself. Logically, I know I should just let things lie as they are. Wait for things to play out however they play out. But my dick is hard at the thought of going to Luca. Of seducing him. The sex was great that first night. Luca may be an asshole out of bed, but in bed, he was the best I’ve ever had. I resent the idea Austin would waltz in and take him away, before I can get another taste. After all the shit I’ve gone through with Luca, I should at least get one more night with him. I deserve that much.

Heart pounding, I hesitate outside the connecting door. I’ve stripped down to nothing but my dress shirt and briefs. My erection is obvious through the thin cotton material of my underwear, and goosebumps cover my flesh as I consider offering myself to Luca. I lift my hand and then softly rap on the door. I don’t hear anything at first, but that could be because the blood is rushing through my ears. I knock again, and hear Luca’s voice telling me to enter.

I swallow hard and push open the door. Luca sits on the edge of his bed, still dressed except for his tie. He looks wary as I enter the room. I walk toward him, my bare feet sinking into the thick carpeting. I can’t believe I’m doing what I’m doing. But I want to know where I stand with Luca. If he’s not interested in me anymore, I deserve to know that.

He studies me when I stop in front of him. “What do you want, Evan?”

He doesn’t look happy to see me and insecurity nips at me as I hold his uneasy gaze. “I want to know if I’m being replaced.”

He narrows his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you and I were getting along pretty well at the wedding, but then that guy Austin arrived, and suddenly you were distant with me. I don’t think you said two words to me on the drive home.”

“You weren’t exactly a chatterbox yourself.”

I lift my chin. “I was taking my cue from you.”

“Is that right?” He stands and steps toward me.

“Yes.” My heart picks up speed and it’s hard to breathe as he studies me. His eyes are dark and assessing. “We danced and then you disappeared to go hangout with Austin. From that point on, you were different with me.”

“I don’t think I was.”

I huff. “You were completely different. You ignored me the rest of the day. The whole point of me going to that wedding was so we’d look like a couple. But you ditched me to hang out with some other dude.”

“I only talked to him for a little while. I didn’t ditch you.”

“Felt like it. Even your family noticed you were gone a long time. I felt like an idiot. I was stuck at the table with your family, while you were off flirting with some other guy.”

“I wasn’t flirting,” he rasps in an annoyed voice.

“Bullshit.”

He lifts one shoulder. “I’ve known Austin a long time. Is it a problem that I wanted to catch up with him?” His gaze drops to my bare legs. There’s heat in his eyes, but he doesn’t address the fact that I’m half dressed.

“I don’t care that you talked to him. But I want to know what the rules are. We never discussed things like if we could sleep with other people or not.”

“No, we didn’t.”

He doesn’t say anything more, which annoys me. “Do you plan on having sex with Austin?”

He shrugs. “Would you care if I did?”

Jealousy ripples through me, but I’ll be damned if I’ll show that to him. “I just want to know the rules,” I say gruffly.

He takes hold of my chin and forces me to look him in the eye. “I asked you a question, Evan,” he says softly. “Would it bother you if I fuck Austin?”

I grit my teeth and don’t answer right away. Then I pull my chin from his grasp and say, “It might send the wrong message to your associates.”

He smirks. “So, you wouldn’t care other than for that reason?”

“I don’t want to die,” I rasp. “You said I was protected if I was your boyfriend. But if you’re fucking other people, your mob pals won’t believe we’re together.”

He doesn’t respond, he just watches me with a strange expression.

“I don’t understand what happened, Luca.” I frown. “I thought we were getting along really well at the wedding. Then you just… changed.”

His face twitches and he says harshly, “You told me you didn’t give a fuck if I died , Evan. I guess that ruined the mood for me.”

I stiffen. “When did I say that to you?”

“At the wedding. When we were dancing.”

I frown, confused. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I sincerely don’t. Why would I have said I wanted him dead? We were getting along so well.

He tilts his head, studying me. His eyes are like black pools and there’s a hint of resentment simmering there. “So now you’re saying you care if I die?”

I grimace. “Well, I… I don’t actively want you dead… anymore.”

“I guess that’s an improvement,” he murmurs.

His gaze is so intense, I have to look away. Being near him has me hard, but since we’re fighting, I’d rather he didn’t know that. “Look, I… I don’t remember saying I wanted you dead . But I’m telling you, cross my heart, I don’t want that. Okay?”

“Fine.” Some of the anger seems to fade.

I clear my throat. “Now, I need to know what the rules are. Are we allowed to sleep with other people, or not?”

His expression is suspicious. “Do you have someone in mind? Is that why it matters so much to you?”

“No,” I say in an exasperated tone. “I’m asking because of Austin . You seemed really into him and I don’t know where that leaves me.”

He looks frustrated and he’s silent for so long, I think he isn’t going to respond. Then he says huskily. “I don’t want Austin if I can have you.”

Heat flushes through my body along with relief. I hadn’t even realized how much I wanted to hear him say that. But hearing he’d choose me over Austin is everything. “Okay. That’s all… all I wanted to know.”

“That pleases you?”

“Maybe.” I grimace. “I wasn’t sure why you were still keeping me here since you’ve made no attempt to sleep with me. I thought maybe you’d lost interest in me.”

“No. I haven’t lost interest,” he says softly, running his gaze over my body. “I’ve just tried to be patient. I’ve allowed you time to settle in.”

I bite my bottom lip. “I didn’t realize you were such a considerate guy.”

He gives a sheepish smile. “Neither did I.”

I can’t help smiling back at him because I feel much happier now. He’s not being arrogant; he’s being candid, and that turns me on. Now that I know he doesn’t want Austin instead of me, I feel more confident. I think I’ve waited long enough for him to come to me.

“How about you stop being so considerate?” I step closer to him, putting my hands on his muscular chest. I push him gently so that he’s forced to take several steps backward. “It doesn’t suit you.”

“Is that right?” he murmurs and when the back of his legs bump into the bed, he sits down, laughing gruffly.

“What happened to the Luca who just takes what he wants?” I ask softly. “I’d like him to visit again.”

“You should have said something sooner.” His dark eyes glitter with lust, and his breathing is elevated. There’s also a suspicious bump in the crotch of his dress slacks. “He’d have been only too happy to take what he wants.”

“How about...” I slide down to my knees, looking up at him. I lean closer to him, resting my hand on his thigh, near his crotch. “I take what I want instead?”

“Sure,” he says hoarsely. “I like a man who takes the initiative.”

“Hang on one sec.” As I hold his gaze, I unbutton my shirt and let it fall to the floor. “I don’t want to get cum on my nice, new dress shirt.”

His eyes flare as he runs his hungry gaze over my bare chest. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

I reach out to slowly unzip his dress slacks. The muscles of his thighs tense, but he doesn’t try and stop me. In fact, he spreads his thighs slowly, watching me intently. I move closer and reach inside his slacks. Excitement zips through me when I find he’s not wearing underwear. Holding his gaze, I slowly guide his warm, half-hard cock out. A small groan escapes him as I lean forward and lick the seeping head of his dick. I lift his cock and suckle his swollen balls, inhaling the warm, masculine scent of him.

“Shit,” he whispers, pushing his fingers into my hair, gripping tight. His breaths are harsh as I lick my tongue up his shaft, and begin suckling the head. His thigh muscles tremble when I go down on his cock, taking him deep into my throat. He groans and his fingers tighten painfully in my hair.

He tastes so fucking good, I suck and moan as I work his now stiff length. It didn’t take long to get him fully hard. He rolls his hips gently, fucking my mouth, and I’m in heaven knowing he wants me. I was worried he’d lost interest, but that’s not the case. Not judging from the needy sounds he’s making as he uses my mouth.

He holds my hair with one hand, and the other slips down my chest. He rubs his fingers roughly over my nipples, making them bead. His hand dips lower, nails scratching over my abs. When he cups my balls through my underwear, I groan and suck him deeper.

“Take your underwear off and get on the fucking bed,” he growls.

Ahh, there he is. Bossy, horny Luca is in the building.

I pull my mouth from his cock, lips swollen from sucking his generous girth. I obey him, dropping my briefs onto the carpet. I crawl up on the bed, laying on my back but never taking my eyes off of him. He sheds his clothes quickly, and I run my gaze over his beautiful, sinewy body. Fuck, I love his body. He’s lean, but muscular, and his chest is mostly smooth with just a light dusting of dark hair.

He grabs lube and a condom from his nightstand, eyes burning into me. He joins me on the bed, kneeling between my thighs. He rolls the condom down his cock, and then drips lube onto my dick. “Stroke your cock,” he orders.

He watches me closely as I do what he says, slowly sliding my hand up and down my shaft. He pours more lube onto the tips of his fingers, smearing the slippery substance down between my ass cheeks, and over my hole. My breathing stutters and I moan at his touch.

“I’m gonna fuck you, Evan,” he whispers. “That’s what you want, right? That’s why you came to my room tonight, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” I give a sharp nod, swallowing hard.

“Yeah, I thought so.” As he finishes speaking, he slides two lubed fingers inside me.

“Shhiitt.” I arch my back, panting as his fingers penetrate me.

“Yeah,” he rumbles. “Squeeze your tight hole on my fingers.”

My body shudders and I hold his salacious gaze. “Oh, God,” I whimper. “Oh, fuck.”

“That’s right.” There’s a sexy little sneer on his lips as he watches me absorb his fingers. “Open up for me because you need it so bad you can’t help it.”

My lips part and I pant like a dog when he slowly rubs those slick fingers in and out of my hole. Every few strokes, he curves his fingers, stroking over my prostate. Each time he does that I arch my back against the intense pleasure, and cry out.

His eyes gleam with lust as he watches my reactions. “I like that you came to me , Evan.”

I put my arm over my face because his gaze is so fucking intense. He laughs and curls his fingers and I bite my arm, shuddering. “Fuck,” I hiss, bucking my hips against his seeking fingers.

“God. Damn,” he says in growly voice. Then he slowly pulls his fingers from my hole. He covers my body with his, pressing the head of his cock against my hole. “Want me to fuck you now?”

“You know I do,” I whine, tugging at his hips.

“You sure?” He smirks.

“Stop teasing me, you bastard.”

He grins and slowly pushes inside me and we both groan. I pull his head down for a kiss and he opens his mouth to my tongue. My entire body aches with pain and pleasure as he penetrates me deep. I could have had this every damn night since I’ve been here. Why didn’t I? Why did I pretend I didn’t fucking need this?

I wrap my legs around him possessively, and slowly move my hips, riding his cock. He groans and thrusts and we fall into a beautiful rhythm of give and take. He feasts on my mouth, kissing my eyes and biting the side of my throat. He can be such a bastard, but it feels so right to have him inside me again.

He thrusts harder and quicker, his eyes burning with need. We stare into each other’s eyes, mouths inches apart. His warm breath wafts over my lips and it’s painfully intimate. But I like it. I like it because it’s Luca. His dark eyes seem to stare into my soul, and I don’t mind.

Why don’t I mind?

I honestly have no idea why. I simply crave this connection with him. Maybe it feels okay because he’s as obsessed with me as I am him. Even when we fight, there’s an undercurrent of lust. He needs to control me, and there’s a weird part of me that wants to submit. I instinctively fight that need and so we clash.

But deep down, I like how he wants to possess me so completely.