Page 15

I tap my lips as I walk back from visiting Jude. That was…quite the experience. I admit, I hadn’t expected to feel that level of chemistry with an Amato, but perhaps there’s a reason the rest of the Martellis have been swayed over.

Walking into the room that's been set up for my lovers and me, I smile in relief when Nicolo lights up.

He finally has his color back, and Nario has relaxed enough to leave for short amounts of time, although we still make sure someone is nearby at all times.

Speaking of Nario, he must catch my odd expression because he immediately draws my attention to him.

“Hmm, and what has you looking so smug?” he teases.

I shrug one shoulder, coming to a stop at the end of the bed. “It may have something to do with a certain Amato…”

“I knew it!” Nicolo crows. “I noticed your voice changed whenever you said Jude’s name. It is Jude, right?”

Knowing I can never get anything past these two, I laugh and nod. “Yes, and thank fuck for that. The others are being claimed by the rest of the family… No way in hell do I want to get tangled up in that.”

My statement sets them off in their own laughter until Nicolo gasps from pain. Nario and I immediately move to his side. “Do I need to call Dr. Ranlen?”

“No, I just have to remember not to laugh so much,” Nicolo says ruefully. “Don’t worry so much about me. Of course, I wouldn’t mind a bedtime story…”

Rolling my eyes, both Nario and I climb into bed, each of us carefully taking one of Nicolo’s sides. “We can’t have sex, and you want me to give you a sexy bedtime story with Jude?”

“I’m bored.” Nicolo’s pout has always been too effective against me, and I blow out a breath. “If anything, you can at least tell us what he’s like…”

Rubbing my temples, I get more comfortable in the bed.

At least he’s no longer in the medical wing.

These beds are large enough to fit all three of us.

I’m sure to most it would sound odd to hear about potential sex with someone who is not part of their relationships, but they’re used to being part of the Martellis.

Not only that, we’ve never needed sexual exclusivity. Having that openness doesn’t crush our bond. No, we’re stronger for having our needs met, our ability to communicate reinforced, and the joy of finding each other again and again.

“Well, as you both have eyes, I’m sure you’ve noticed he’s gorgeous?—”

“You mean he's a walking wet dream…sex on a stick…way too sexy for that shirt…could be on the cover of a magazine…” Nario interrupts. I snort, because he’s fucking right on that.

“Yes. All of that. He’s also dominant. And I mean, he's dripping in that dominance. I’m sure he’d have no problems getting me on my knees.”

Nicolo sighs in pleasure. “That sounds lovely. And very positive for you since you’re the only Switch here. It’s about time you found a Dom.”

I give him a quick kiss. He’s not wrong.

Both of my lovers are submissive, and while I certainly enjoy that…

I miss being on my knees. Il Padrone provided me that pleasure, but it’s been far too long, especially after I moved to the whorehouse to run it.

It was a major honor, but fuck, being so far away from a Dom… that hurt.

“Hmm. I wonder if he’ll play with us, too?” Nario picks at the comforter, and I know exactly why he’s asking. If anyone loves a good orgy, it’s Nario.

“Eh, it seems he’s the type to do it on his time.” And hopefully that’s fucking soon…

Both Nario and Nicolo burst out laughing and I glare at them. “Oh, that’s going to be perfect for you.”

I huff at their near stereo response. “You know I’m not that much of a brat.”

Nicolo bites his lip as his shoulders shake with silent laughter. Nario, on the other hand, doesn’t bother trying to hold it in. I finally join them because, yeah, I’m fucking guilty of that. I wonder if Jude can handle a brat? I guess time will tell, but I find myself looking forward to it.

I want to see him let loose on me completely.

There’s something there, something that calls to me on a deeper level.

It’s not quite like Il Padrone, as his dominant side so far seems…

more straight forward. Il Padrone was great at mindfucks and being sadistic.

I don’t think Jude will need to use the same tricks that Il Padrone does, but I recognize the difference between being dominant and what Il Padrone did.

His was to break and mold, and while I’m thankful for that, and I’m proud to be one of his Boys, I find myself hoping for that deeper level of control.

The type that’s not out to break, but to build.

I get a jab in the ribs and I turn toward Nicolo, scowling. “Don’t think because you’re injured I can’t punish you. If anything, I’ll add it to the list. You may have saved my life, but I will make sure you know that you should never put yourself at risk.”

“Yes, Sir.” Nicolo sighs, resting his head against me. “You didn’t respond to my question, so I wanted to take you out of your daydreams—especially if they were sexy ones. If you’re not going to share…”

I cuddle up to him, running my fingers through his hair. I’ve fought battles, have more than my fair share of scars, and yet, nothing scared me more than seeing my lover go down in front of me. “No bedtime story for you. Rest. I want you to sleep.”

I can’t make out his words as they slur together against my body.

With one long exhale, he’s out. I continue to pet him, wanting him to get some rest. It’s the best thing for him.

Nario meets my eyes over Nicolo’s head. Neither one of us say anything.

We don’t need to. We’ll always watch out for our lover, and no matter what comes, we’ll take care of it.

For now, I decide I may as well rest. After all, I’d better do so while I can.

When I find out the fuckers responsible for what caused this…

Well, Lio may claim rights, but they shot my lover.

I’ll be there alongside Lio to mete out punishment.

You don’t fuck with the Martellis. You don’t fuck with the ones we love.

And never do you think we’re weak… We’ll teach them otherwise.

I’d feel sympathy if I had any. No, my only thought as I slip into sleep is that we’ll chase them right to hell, but before they go, we’ll make hell look like a fucking vacation.