Shaking my head, I moved toward him, studying the folder in his hand. “Difficult to find?”

  “Not really. The asshole didn’t hide his tracks very well.”

  “Hmmm... Interesting.” I took another sip before easing the glass down on the desk and taking the file. “I appreciate you doing this behind the scenes.”

  “Anything for you, boss. Can I help you with this one?”

  “No. I need to do this all on my own.”

  Grinder studied me for a moment then broke into a smile. “I think I like your style, boss. I really do. I’ll check back with you later.”

  “Just keep an eye on Francesca for me. Will ya?”

  He shot a look toward the door, his grin enlarging. “She’s not going anywhere, boss. She’s in love with you.”

  I chuckled, giving him an amused look.

  And I was desperately in love with her, but I couldn’t allow that to matter.

  I waited until he was out of the room before opening the file. I’d suspected who the mole was, although I’d needed confirmation. Now, I had it.

  The drive only took twenty minutes and by the time I arrived at the tree-lined street, late afternoon was settling in. I pulled the Glock from the glove compartment, adding the silencer and sliding it into my jacket. I wanted this one clean. The car was in the driveway and there were no visitors.

  I moved around to the back of the house, the various tall shrubs keeping my visit from prying neighbors. The small rancher had seen better days, all three windows on the back rotten. I found the back door unlocked with no one in sight. The sound of a television came from my left, but my instincts were on high alert. When I walked into the living room, we locked eyes for a full minute, a line drawn in the sand. “You were expecting me.”

  “I figured there was no way you couldn’t know.” Shane was sitting on the couch, his revolver on his lap.

  I eased two of the pictures from my pocket, moving toward the coffee table and sliding them across the surface. The pictures clearly outlined two difference conversations with Franco Massimo, including an exchange of money. “As you might imagine, if my capo could find this without any issue, you can imagine that the Feds will soon learn.”

  “I know.” He leaned over, making certain he kept his other hand on the weapon, reaching for his drink. “Do you know how much money I make a year, Michael? Sixty-two thousand dollars. In LA. That’s barely enough to keep me in this house. Twenty fucking years on the job and this is all I have to show for it, a shitty little house in crappy neighborhood. And all while mobsters are making that in a month.”

  “You could have come to me.”

  He snorted, waving the glass before gulping several sips. “And say what? Hey, I really need extra cash? I was the law, one of the good guys. I’m supposed to bring shitholes like you in.”

  I allowed him to vent.

  Shane shook his head. “I ignored the bastard for two weeks, until he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I just... I just wanted a better life.”

  There was nothing I could say.

  “I did what you asked, I mean with the money for that girl. I thought about keeping it. Isn’t that shitty?” he asked quietly. “Her family was really happy. I felt like I’d done something good for a change.”

  “You did.”

  “Should I offer you a drink?” he asked, reaching for the half-empty bottle.

  “Not staying long.”

  “You’ve come here to finish a job. I get it. I don’t deserve any less. Well done, Michael. I’m certain your father is damn proud of you.” He laughed bitterly and chugged the rest of the glass. After pouring another round, he sniffed. “Why don’t you just get it over with? I don’t blame you. You have to kill me. That’s your job.”

  I was struck by his inflammatory words, but also by his sadness. If I didn’t handle the situation, someone else would. He knew it. I knew it. He had little recourse. Sighing, I thought about what to do. “Life is what we make of it, Shane. We’re all dealt a hand because of our families, economics, and tragedies. It’s what you do with them that makes a man. Find another life, Shane, one that makes you happy.”

  With that, I walked out of his house and his life.

  Forever.

  As I rounded the corner, heading for my car, a shot rang out in the neighborhood of quaint little houses where everyone was simply trying to get by. I faltered for a minute, thinking of my mother, my father, and the woman I loved.

  Maybe one day I could take my own advice.

  “Goodbye, Shane. Rest in peace.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Francesca

  Demanding.

  Dominating.

  Frustrating.

  I’d learn to accept that Michael was these and so many other things. He’d left the house the night before one person, coming back another. While we’d enjoyed a lovely dinner, there had been almost no conversation. Whatever was on his mind was far more troubling than I knew how to deal with.

  Even during the long flight, he’d seemed preoccupied, studying his emails and making business decisions.

  Then the beautiful necklace he’d given me, a simple locket that held a picture of my sister. The gift had been out of the blue, even out of character for him, but something I would cherish for the rest of my life. I’d cried for twenty minutes, unable to find the right words to thank him. For the first time, I’d seen tears in his eyes. He was a freaking complicated man.

  I had a feeling our relationship couldn’t survive, even as our passion continued to explode with every touch. Bringing me to this amazing location was surreal for so many reasons.

  “I haven’t been here since I was a child.” I stood on the balcony, allowing the light breeze to whip through my hair. Positano had been my family’s seaside destination as a child, only seventy-five miles from my father’s estate in Naples. I adored the seashore, sand between my toes and swimming in the ocean. “My family was happiest here. The simple life.”

  “I thought you would enjoy a diversion.” His deep baritone coming from behind sent a chill through me, creating a wave of heat between my legs. We hadn’t made love since the moment in the hotel. Maybe we were both too damaged.

  There was something different about Michael after killing Franco, as if he’d settled into being the man he was supposed to be. I’d accepted that he would never be a regular guy, that we’d never grow old together in a tiny little house full of love and children. As much as I’d wanted to push him away, pretending I could never care about a dangerous killer, I couldn’t.

  I loved him.

  But there were far too many obstacles.

  “A diversion before confronting my father.” I said the words casually, as if seeing him again didn’t matter. Inside, my heart was breaking.

  “Don’t judge him too harshly, Francesca. I doubt he knew what Franco was planning.”

  “I don’t know what to believe any longer. Did Franco plan the assassination or was Dante in charge of everything? Then again, does it really matter?” He’d told me every word his father had said, opening up in a way I hadn’t imagined could happen. That had been the very moment I’d lose my last resolve in wanting to fight my love for him.

  “Hopefully, your father will be able to provide some answers.”

  “We shall see.” I laughed when his arm extended over my shoulder, slowly swirling a glass of champagne in front of my eyes. “Mmmm... We finally have our champagne.” I accepted the glass, allowing our fingers to touch.

  He growled then eased hair from my shoulders, licking down the back of my neck. “You taste sweet. Maybe we don’t need the bubbly.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t. I’ve worked hard to get this.” At least I felt more lighthearted than I had since the crazy mess began. I was ready to give up the money and walk away and that was so damn freeing.

  “You’re right.” He whisked me into his arms, swaying me from side to side, humming a beautiful tune in my ear.

  “You keep that up and we won’t be going out for dinner.” What was this man up to? Always full of surprises.

  “I would suggest room service but...”

  My laugh seemed to float toward the ocean, carried off by the sultry breeze. “Never again.”

  “Never say never.”

  I heard his strangled tone and when he backed away, I tensed. “What’s wrong? You’re not yourself. I wish you’d tell me what happened when you went out last night.”

  “We should talk, but not about last night. I had some personal business to attend to, nothing more.”

  “About tomorrow?” I pressed.

  He moved to the railing, leaning over and studying the shoreline. “I release you.”

  “I’m sorry, what?”

  “What I did to interrupt your life, however the outcome, wasn’t fair to you. You need to build the life you so desperately want. I’m not your master or owner. That’s not remotely fair and certainly not a way to build a life together.”

  “Don’t you do that. Don’t you dare do that to me, Michael. I have a life. With you.” Clarity entered my mind. He didn’t think I cared about him. “I want one with you. Don’t you know that?”

  He seemed touched, his grin returning. “Think about it. What I offer you is danger, always looking over your shoulder.”

  “Do you think that will honestly be any different than I have now? I will always be a target, no matter where I live or if I change my name. You have to know that.”

  Sighing, he shifted the glass from hand to hand. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Then don’t.” I placed my hand on his arm, weighing my words. “Don’t shut down on me. I can handle anything, but not that.” When he remained quiet, I almost lost it. “How dare you bring me to this beautiful and romantic place, pretending that you care about me then shutting me out completely. I went through hell for you because I love you.”

  Lifting a single eyebrow, he shifted in my direction. “You love me?”

  “Yes. Why the hell I should, I honestly don’t know when you act like a petulant child, but I do. God help me, I do.” Growling, I moved toward the door, moaning the second he wrapped his hand around my wrist, dragging me against his chest.

  “I’m not a good man, Francesca. Don’t you understand that?”

  “I understand that you’re honorable and caring; that you found your humanity and saved my life not once but twice. That’s what your beautiful mother instilled in you, the man that I adore. Stop hiding. Stop fighting that. Just stop.”

  “Does that mean that you’ll honor and obey me, surrendering to my every need?”

  Was this man kidding? I’d spent my entire life trying to find the center within myself. Over the last few days, everything had changed. I knew what I wanted for the first time in my life. “I... Yes.”

  His expression softened, his eyes a direct window to his very soul. “I love you, Francesca. If I could give you the world, I would, but I can only offer you this.”

  All time stood still as he pulled a small box from his jacket. After taking both glasses and easing them onto the table, he dropped onto one knee. “Francesca Alessandro, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  “Yes, oh God, yes!”

  The moment Michael slipped the gorgeous ring on my finger, I was overwhelmed with a need to live in ways I’d never allowed myself to embrace before. Obeying him? That would be difficult. Accepting his darkness? I would find a way.

  He swept me into his arms, only this time his strong arms seemed different, even more protective than the times he’d saved my life. I clung to him, still concerned about facing my father but determined to let go of the past. Whatever the future would hold we’d forge together.

  Until someone broke us apart.

  I closed my eyes, willing the nasty thought aside as he cupped both sides of my face.

  “I do love you. I will never be the perfect man,” he whispered.

  “I’m not looking for perfect. I just want honesty.”

  “That you will have.” He slowly lowered his head, dragging the tip of his tongue across the seam of my mouth. The action was so sensual, unlike the man who was used to taking everything he wanted without question.

  I shivered as he eased a hand over my shoulder, brushing his fingers down the middle of my back, squeezing my buttocks as he pulled me onto my tiptoes. I was the one who pressed my lips against his, forcing his apart until I could taste the depth of his mouth. The kiss was soft, inviting, and full of passion.

  Michael held me in the same position, allowing my tongue to dart across his. The power of our connection was even stronger, my entire body tingling from the touch alone. He tugged me tighter against his body, the intimate moment more powerful than I could imagine.

  Lightheaded, I wrapped my fingers in his long strands, imagining the rest of our lives, my breasts crushed against his carved chest. He was all male, the most exciting, infuriating, and dangerous man, but I would never want another.

  Breaking the kiss, he nipped my lower lip, tilting his head then gathering a deep whiff of the salt air. “This will always be our special place.”

  “I like it.”

  Chuckling in the most provocative way, he eased back, roaming his hands up and down my arms. “The things I’m going to do to you.”

  “Show me.”

  “Mmm... Are you certain you can handle what I have to offer?”

  “Have I failed you so far?” I adored the way his eyes twinkled, a slight hint of his mischievous side floating to the surface.

  “Not. Yet.” As he’d always done, he stripped away my dress, tossing the unwanted material away as if he would simply purchase another. He took a step back, growling in a husky manner before flexing his fingers open and sliding them down from my neck, using his index fingers to swirl around my already hardened nipples. His gaze followed his hands, moving down beseechingly slowly until he pushed a single finger under the elastic of my thong. “We don’t need these any longer. Do we?”

  “Perhaps not.” The snap of his wrist brought a moan to my lips as the lace was ripped away. Only this time, he dropped my panties over the iron railing, exhaling as they floated away. “You’re so bad.”

  “I’m not the disobedient one in our relationship,” he muttered before fisting my hair, yanking my back into a deep arch. He issued a series of guttural sounds before he engulfed my nipple, taking the tender flesh into his mouth.

  I squeezed his forearms, marveling in his rippling muscles, my eyes wide open and staring at the colorful streaks crisscrossing the sky. God had given us a show of nature, a beautiful attempt at repainting the sky. I fell into a moment of sheer glory as he sucked and nipped on my hardened bud, my legs quivering from the mere thought of his dark prowess. He was breathtaking in every manner, far too dangerous to be my husband.

  That was the beauty of everything we’d experience.

  He shifted his open mouth to my other nipple, shaking his head as he bit down. The pain was exquisite, floating through me in the most glorious manner, spiking the electricity that I prayed would never leave.

  When he seemed to have his fill, he skated his lips up the side of my neck, licking my earlobe before whispering all the dark and delicious things he was going to do to me.

  “I’m going to spank that tight bottom of yours, reminding you that you belong to me. That you are required to obey my every command. Then I’m going to fuck that wet pussy, driving my cock so deep inside that you scream out my name. After that, I’m going to tie you to the bed, ravaging your body for hours, just as a reminder that you have no control. My beautiful, dirty little vixen.”

  I was floating, freefalling into a powerful twist of lust and need, barely aware when he moved me toward the railing. I remained in position, just as he commanded when he began to tie my wrists to the thick posts, taking his time as if showing me off to the world.

  “Can you imagine what others would think seeing you tied and open, naked and ready for a hard fucking?” he breathed, blowing a series of hot breaths across my neck and shoulders.

  “No, sir.”

  “Hmmm... What do you think their reaction will be when I whip that reddened ass of yours?”

  I bit back a whimper as I stared down at the busy street below, darting glances to my right and left. Anyone on the adjacent balconies could see us, would be able to witness the carnal act. I was mortified, ashamed even as the excitement continued to build. “No. No, sir.”

  “Do you want me to punish you, sweet Francesca, to absolve you of your sins?”

  I hesitated, taking several deep breaths.

  The hard smack against my naked ass was a reminder not to displease him. “Yes. Please, sir.”

  Michael wound his hand around my hair, tugging lightly until my neck was exposed. “Then so be it.”

  I knew he’d taken a step back into the shadows, watching me, studying me. I shifted from foot to foot as the wind whipped across my naked body, so alive, every muscle in my body tingling. I’d never been this excited or humiliated. The combination left my pussy quivering, juice trickling down both inner thighs. How could any man have this kind of effect over me?

  He advanced again, tilting my head until he pressed his lips against mine. The second he forced my lips apart, a sip of bubbly slipped down my throat. Then he slipped his tongue inside, absolutely dominating mine. My moment of control was over.

  The sound of his buckle, the way he took his time releasing his belt from the crisp linen loops pushed me further over a mental edge. My vision was hazy, my mind reeling from the thought of marriage and life with a dominating man. Even the way he dragged the leather strap down my back, merely tapping first one then the other ass cheek was stimulating, stealing what was left of my breath.

  “With pleasure there must be pain, but I think you enjoy pushing your limits,” he stated in a knowing fashion.

  I couldn’t deny his words or the understanding around them. “Yes, sir.”

  “Then we begin.”

  The sound of the first hard crack as the leather sliced across my bottom floated into the air, bigger than life. I could swear the entire street stopped moving, looking up to see what was happening. I held my breath as a mere hint of pain began to bloom, heating up my bottom in an oddly comforting manner. I wiggled in my bindings, enjoying the light breeze blowing across my aching nipples.