Page 25 of Ruthless Secrets (Alpha Mafia Daddies #6)

Chapter Twenty

MARCO

I never thought of myself as a particularly romantic person because I didn’t see much point in any of it. Until now.

After I finish up my work for the day, I take over Zoe’s bedtime routine so Clara can get ready for dinner.

Ever since our picnic by the waterfall, I have had so many ideas buzzing around inside my head of places I want to take her and things we could do. But until we take care of Alfonzo Rossi, my plans are being put on hold.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t still pull off a big romantic gesture at home.

Thankfully, Zoe goes to sleep without any issue, leaving me with a few minutes to throw on a fresh shirt and slacks and spray some cologne.

My heart is pounding in my chest from a mixture of nerves and excitement, which I find strange. I am never one to get nervous around a girl.

But Clara isn’t just a girl. She’s the girl. The one I didn’t know I needed, but the one I can’t bear to be without.

I sneak back inside Clara’s room so as not to wake Zoe, and peer around the door into the bathroom where Clara is putting some finishing touches on her makeup.

When she catches me looking in the mirror, her face breaks out into a huge smile.

I didn’t think anyone would be capable of looking at me like that, like I was their world.

I’m no saint, and it takes a certain type of person to be able to look past the darkness and still see me for who I truly am.

When she came to me this afternoon and asked me about Adam, I feared that would be the end of us. There was no question that she had pieced together the story, but she didn’t run away. If anything, she looked impressed that I would do something like that for her.

My eyes roam over her body. “You look beautiful.”

She’s wearing a strappy, white summer dress which shows off her delicate shoulders and her shapely legs. Her hair cascades down her back like a golden waterfall, and I cannot wait to sink my fingers into it later.

“Thank you.” She blushes. “So, where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

Once she’s kissed Zoe goodnight, I lead her down the stairs and into the kitchen, where we head out the back door that leads us to the patio.

“I thought we could have dinner out here.”

We round the corner, and Clara audibly gasps.

The patio furniture has been moved, and in its place is a single table and chairs, laid up with a white tablecloth and a single red rose in a vase.

The sun is a few hours away from setting but regardless, I had dozens of candles set up along the outskirts of the patio and lights strung up in the trees surrounding us to add some ambiance .

“You did this for me?” Her voice barely comes above a whisper.

“Of course, I did.”

“Marco, I love it!” She wraps her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly. “No one has ever done anything like this for me.”

I kiss the top of her head. “I’m glad you like it.”

“When did you have time to do all this?”

“I may have had a little help.” As I glance over my shoulder, my sister Rosa heads toward us carrying two glasses of champagne. “Clara, I’d like you to meet Rosa, my partner in crime.”

Clara untangles her arms from my waist and glances around until her eyes land on my baby sister. “Hi, it’s so nice to meet you! I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I, on the other hand, know almost nothing about you,” Rosa scowls at me. “I will leave you alone for tonight but be prepared for me to steal you and that gorgeous niece of mine away after breakfast tomorrow.”

Clara laughs. “Deal.”

I roll my eyes at my sister. “I take it Lila showed you pictures of Holly and Zoe together?”

“Only about a million. Anyway, here is some champagne and some sparkling cider to get you started, and then I’ll bring out your first course.”

I take the drinks before giving Rosa a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, little sister.”

“Anytime.”

Clara and I walk across the patio and take a seat at the table.

I was worried she might think all of this was too much, but it seems I was worried for nothing.

She hasn’t stopped smiling the entire time, which helps to ease my nerves .

Rosa soon appears, carrying two plates of bruschetta with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Clara grimaces as Rosa sets the food down in front of her. “I’m sorry you’re having to spend your evening waiting on us. I’m sure you’d much rather be with your friends.”

Rosa smirks. “Don’t worry, he’s paying me.”

I shake my head. “An extortionate amount, I might add.”

My sister’s smirk turns into a full smile. “But do remember to leave a tip.”

Clara laughs, and Rosa looks at me expectantly.

“You can go now, Rosa.”

She rolls her eyes before leaving us alone once more.

“I like her.” Clara smiles.

“I knew you would.”

“She reminds me of you.”

“Ah, so that’s why you like her?”

Now it’s Clara’s turn to roll her eyes at me, and I laugh.

She picks up her knife and fork. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I was thinking that you know all about my dating history, and I want to know more about yours.” She keeps her eyes on her food.

I set my drink down on the table and plaster an easy smile on my face.

I knew the topic of Melanie was bound to come up at some point, but I was hoping not tonight.

Telling Clara that the one great love I had in my life died and that my father was responsible is a perfect way to kill the mood.

“I was in love once. When I was nineteen, but…it didn’t work out.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It left me not wanting to expose myself to the possibility of being hurt again. That's why I haven’t dated, until now.” I flash her a wink and Clara smiles.

I reach across the table for her hand and gently stroke my thumb back and forth along her knuckles.

“I can understand not wanting to put yourself out there,” Her expression is thoughtful. “But by not doing it, you’re allowing yourself to miss out on the great things in life.”

It’s exactly what Andre said.

It seems that the only thing standing in the way of my happiness is me, so it’s about time I got out of my own way.

“So…” Clara places her napkin on the table once she’s finished her dessert. “Is this the part of the date where you walk me home and I invite you up for a nightcap?”

My cock twitches in my pants as I think about taking her upstairs to bed. Even though we’ve spent almost every night together over the past week, I still can’t seem to get enough of her.

And from the slightly glazed look in Clara’s eyes as she looks at me, it’s safe to say that the feeling is mutual.

“Is that what you want?” I lean forward, letting my gaze flick to her ample breasts.

“Yes.” She sounds a little breathless.

“Well, then, I suggest we take this upstairs before I get caught doing unspeakable things to you at this table.”

I take Clara back inside and despite the fact that the baby monitor has been quiet the entire evening, she still dips into her room to check on Zoe.

“I love her so much,” Clara whispers as she shuts the door to her room. “Sometimes, I feel like my heart is going to explode. ”

I reach out to tuck her hair behind her ear before leaning in to kiss her softly.

“I know the feeling,” I murmur against her lips before reaching down to lift her up and carry her into my room.

I consider bringing Clara over to the bed, but then I think of all the candles and lights outside on the patio and decide to carry her through the french doors in my room which lead onto my private balcony.

“Marco. What if someone sees us?” She gasps as I suck on her neck.

“I don’t care,” I practically growl as I set her down on the ground and back her up until her ass hits the railing. “I need you now.”

I press my hardness against her.

Clara’s head falls back, her hair cascading behind her, as I kiss along her jaw. “Touch me.”

I reach beneath her dress, letting my fingers trail along her inner thigh, as I kiss along her neck. When I graze my finger along the damp seam of her panties, I bite back a groan.

“Marco…” Her hands move to my biceps so she can hold herself steady.

I love how she’s always so desperate for my touch.

“Like this?” I whisper in her ear as I move her panties aside and slowly wet my finger with her arousal before dragging it along her center.

When I brush over her clit, Clara’s eyes flutter closed as she moans, which has my cock straining against my zipper.

“Just like that…” She turns her head to capture my lips with her own.

Her lips part, and I eagerly stroke my tongue against hers as I tease her entrance with my finger.

When her hips start to move and her moans turn to frustrated whimpers, I give in and sink one finger inside her .

“Christ,” I hiss as she clenches around me.

My cock is throbbing with the need to take her, but it won’t be long until I have Clara climaxing.

I’ve got her body memorized. I know just the right way to touch her to have her screaming my name within minutes.

She moves against my finger. “More.”

I sink my other hand into her hair, tugging gently on the strands as I give her another finger.

She gasps as I stretch her, and I pull back so I can watch her as I start rubbing the pad of my thumb over her clit.

“So fucking beautiful,” I grunt as her green eyes glaze over.

“Marco.” She is panting, and I can’t get enough.

“That’s it, Clara.” I pump my fingers inside her fast, curling them slightly to brush over the sensitive spot inside her.

I hold her head against my shoulder, reveling in her moans as she chases her release.

“Oh, fuck, yes !” she cries out as she comes.

Her fingers dig into my biceps as her body trembles, and a smile tugs at my lips as a rush of wetness coats my hand.

I don’t think I will ever grow tired of giving Clara pleasure.

“I need you.” She reaches for my belt.

“I’m all yours, love.”

She works to free my aching cock. When she takes my length in her hand and pumps it once, a guttural groan builds in my throat as my tip grows slick with arousal.

“Come here.” I lift her leg and wrap it around my waist.

Taking my cock in my hand, I line myself up with her entrance and try not to spill at how wet she is.

“Clara…” I give her an inch.

“Fuck me, Marco.” She takes my face in her hands, bringing my lips down to meet hers .

At the first brush of her tongue against mine, I give her everything.

Swallowing her cries with my mouth, I start pumping my hips hard and fast, needing to hit her as deep as possible.

“Yes, don’t stop.” Clara sinks her fingers into my hair.

She tugs hard on the strands, and the sharp sting of pain has me fighting the urge to come.

I brace one hand on the railing to keep us steady, the other on her ass to hold her in place as I angle my hips to take her even deeper.

“Fuck,” I groan when I graze the spot inside her that has her pussy clenching around my length.

I can’t hold back any longer.

My balls start to tighten, and as Clara’s moans turn into cries of climatic pleasure, I pump my hips one last time before I’m spilling inside her.

“Marco!”

“Well done, baby, that’s it. That’s my girl.”

Clara clings to me as her pussy pulses around my cock, taking every last drop I have. When she eventually falls limp against me and we’re both gasping for breath, I slide my cock free and pick her up in my arms.

She rests her head against my chest. “That was amazing.”

I kiss the top of her head. “ You ’re amazing.”

Her eyes flutter closed as she smiles.

I carry her inside and lay her gently down on the bed and take off her shoes. As I’m about to drape the comforter over the top of her, Clara reaches for me and the next thing I know, we’re both taking off our clothes and entangling ourselves in each other once more.

It doesn’t take long for Clara to fall asleep in my arms after I’ve made her climax for the third time.

She looks so peaceful, with her golden hair splayed out on the pillow behind her and the hint of a smile on her lips .

A buzzing noise sounds nearby, and I silently curse at whoever is calling me at this time.

I reluctantly slide my arm out from beneath Clara and go in search of my pants.

When I eventually find them and hunt around in the pockets for my phone, I swallow a groan when I see who’s calling me at almost two in the morning.

I quickly pull on my boxers before taking the call out on the balcony so I don’t wake Clara.

“What is it, Andre?”

“Why are you whispering?”

“Why are you calling?”

“I’ve had Enzo trailing Alfonzo for the past week. And he’s just informed me that he spotted him meeting with Tommaso.”

“Fuck. So, they’re working together?”

“Yes, which means we need to act now. Arrange a meeting with Cillian, and I can only hope that owing him a favor doesn’t come back around to bite us on the ass.”

“Me too.” I look back over at Clara’s sleeping form.