“And there’s going to be more. By tomorrow night, the shit will hit the fan.” He actually seemed pleased with the change in my demeanor.

  Grinder shot a look over his shoulder. “If you don’t mind me asking, boss. What are you going to do with her?”

  I had that very question floating through my mind. “Hell if I know but we keep her safe and alive at this point. Set up a meeting tomorrow for all the capos. Noon. We need to discuss the next steps.”

  A slight smile actually curled on the corner of his mouth. “That’s good, boss. A lot of the men are asking questions.”

  “I’m sure they are. So you’re aware, I’m putting out a hit on Saltori. Need to know only.”

  He took a step back, his brows lifting. “You’re sure? I mean, yes, boss.”

  “I need to send a message and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. We can’t let this go.”

  “I hear that, boss. What about Vincenzo? Heard some shit that he’s been making threats. Damn fiancée was kidnapped and he’s tossing back tequilas and talking shit.”

  This was disturbing news, but I had a feeling his antics were another ploy. Vincenzo was basic scum, but he wasn’t stupid. He was no doubt dotting the i’s at this point. “I’ll deal with him myself.” I started to head into the room then pulled back. I wanted sweet Francesca all to myself tonight. “You and Tony need a break. I can handle myself and our guest tonight.”

  “Hell, no, boss. Not leaving you alone. You know Saltori will be gunning for you.”

  I pulled back my jacket, revealing the sidearm. “Grinder, I appreciate the concern, but there’s something you need to keep in mind. Whether or not I’ve been an active member of this family, I can handle myself. If anyone tries to fuck with me, they die. It’s that simple. Besides, this place is secure enough for now. Get some rest. Let me know about the meeting.” This wasn’t a request, but a command and he knew it. When he hesitated, I shifted my jacket, making certain he had a bird’s-eye view of my weapon.

  The poor guy wasn’t entirely certain I wasn’t issuing a threat to him.

  After wiping a bead of sweat from his brow, Grinder eyed my Glock and grinned. “I knew there was more to you than a pretty mug. I meant no disrespect, boss.”

  “Don’t worry, Grinder. None taken. There’s one more thing I need and keep this quiet. Find out everything you can about Antonio Alessandro and the relationship with his daughter. Some things aren’t adding up.” Like why her father would allow such a marriage. Saltori wasn’t a Don and to the Italians, Americans were second class. Trash. Even the real estate. The only angle I could figure were the millions to be made in schmoozing around Hollywood. Plausible.

  He shifted his gaze toward the room, nodding. “O-kay, boss.”

  “Make sure you send one of the soldiers here tomorrow to watch her in our absence. Set the security system on your way out. I have everything else I need.” I was ceremoniously dismissing him and he knew it.

  “Will do, boss.”

  I waited until he’d walked away before entering the room, giving her nothing more than a glance. I could tell she was studying me intently, although she pretended as if she was simply watching whatever was on the television. However, there was a newspaper folded by her curled legs, positioned in a manner to highlight the headline. I wasn’t entirely certain I was happy about that fact. Moving toward the chair opposite her, I pulled off my jacket, taking my time positioning it over the back of the couch. When I turned around, I raked my fingers through my hair.

  Another purposeful gesture.

  Francesca’s eyes locked on the holster, a slight quiver on her bottom lip. In her hand was a glass, the remnants of the amber liquid indicating bourbon, or maybe scotch.

  As I sat down on the edge of the seat, I folded my hands, remaining quiet. I’d left her with another pair of shorts and a tee shirt and nothing else, making it difficult for any attempt at running, although I would put nothing past her.

  She seemed uncomfortable, pulling her legs further under her and shifting her gaze back toward the television. I turned my attention to the paper, bristling as I read the bold writing. The headlines were as damning as what had been relayed to me.

  Kelan Rock, Movie Star or Mafia Don?

  I’d never allowed my anger to get the best of me, but given all the circumstances, I was on edge, my skin clammy, rage tickling every nerve. I could almost hear her teeth chattering from where I sat. She believed me to be a true monster. I was beginning to agree with her.

  “At least you weren’t lying to me,” she half whispered.

  “About?” I rested my elbows on my knees, touching my open fingers together.

  “Your identity.”

  “I will be as honest with you as I can, Francesca.” Then I realized what she was watching and sighed. One of my fucking movies. I glanced toward the screen, studying the way the redheaded actress clung to me, her pouty lips exactly the kind of sex appeal that had sold the action adventure. I couldn’t help but cringe and snagged the remote. “That man is dead.”

  “You were wonderful in the movie. Very sexy. I bought you were the great hero.” A short laugh pushed past her lips. She was even more uncomfortable.

  I turned off the show, tossing the plastic unit onto the table, disgusted with myself. “He was fake, nothing more.”

  “And what are you now? The real man? A real killer?” She polished off her drink with added drama, no doubt goading me.

  I resisted giving a snide comment. “Kelan was someone I couldn’t handle. Blood is thicker than champagne.”

  She twisted her mouth, her eyes glistening over.

  The tension was thick, my heart beating rapidly. I didn’t like this shit any more than she did.

  She leaned as far back against the sofa cushion as possible, chewing on her bottom lip. “I’m curious. You’re obviously a smart man with the world at your feet. Why are you doing this? I thought it was all about revenge, but I’m guessing there’s more.”

  “I meant what I said yesterday. Taking down the Saltoris. Revenge is all I’m thinking about. Protecting business.”

  “Ah, yes, the lure of greed. Because of your father?”

  “Yes. I also have other reasons, Francesca. You certainly have no reason to talk.”

  She didn’t seem surprised by the nastiness in my tone. I could almost see the wheels of her mind churning. “I’m sorry about your father. How is his condition?”

  “He’s still alive. For now.”

  “You were close?”

  I chuckled, ready for a stiff drink and a long, hot shower. “Not even remotely.”

  “Then why are you taking this on? You can let your father’s henchmen handle the situation.”

  “Don’t pretend you don’t understand the way of the Borgata. The men need strong leadership, just like in Italy. The entire organization would crumble without a leader.”

  “And you’re that man.” She seemed amused. “What a shame. You already have a fabulous career. Or was that a spectacular cover?”

  “I rarely pretend to be anything I’m not and had would be the obvious word. I’d be lucky to get a job on the Home Shopping Network given the newspaper article that I am certain you read.” After grabbing her glass, I moved toward the bar, unsnapping the holster and laying the gun on the surface before making us both a drink.

  “The article wasn’t that bad, although there was no mention of the fact you’re a kidnapper. Yet. I guess that means you’re truly a common criminal now.”

  I poured the bourbon, guessing at her selection. This wasn’t a social call by any means. “If you’re trying to push me into disciplining you, it’s working.”

  “That will never happen again.” Her laughter was dramatic, another attempt at yanking my chain.

  “You seem to forget that I own you now.”

  Her glare was hard, cold and cutting. “Over my dead body.”

  The sparring made my cock hard. “I thought we were having a civil conversation.” I moved behind her, easing the glass over her shoulder. The second she grabbed the tumbler, our fingers touched. Searing electricity shot through my hand, rushing into my arm. I’d never had this reaction with any other woman. My shaft throbbed, the hunger I felt catching me off guard.

  She shuddered visibly, her breath skipping as she attempted to pull the glass to her mouth, but her desires were evident. “We are, and you know I’m not saying anything that’s not the truth. You’re an asshole criminal killer.”

  I almost burst into laughter. “The truth. I think that’s where we need to begin. Why did your father insist you marry a man like Vincenzo? The money? Were you a bargaining chip for help from the Massimos to take over the US market?”

  “Why should I tell you?” she huffed. I could tell by the hint of surprise in her eyes she hadn’t thought about being used as a pawn.

  “Because we have an agreement, you and I.” I remained standing.

  “You must be joking!”

  “I never joke about business,” I answered, keeping my tone even.

  “Oh. My. God. The arrogance. The deal you coerced me into. You drugged me. Remember?” she snorted.

  “Let me think,” I said, rubbing my index finger across my chin. “Only after you pulled a gun on me. I have to wonder if you’ve even shot a weapon before.”

  She shifted her gaze, drilling me with her eyes. “You’re maddening, Michael or Kelan or whatever name you want to go by. You’re exactly like everything I tried to get away from. Brutal. Uncaring. Vile.”

  “Ah, you didn’t like the wealth, sweetheart?” She seemed like a girl who’d been pampered her entire life, but I could see a grittiness about her, a desire that was similar to mine. Maybe what I’d been led to believe about her was wrong.

  “Fuck you! I’m not your sweetheart! I would rather be picked clean by birds and fry in hell first.” Her face flushed, a light sheen appearing on her skin.

  And damn if she wasn’t the sexiest woman alive. The fire burned deep within me, embers ignited. I wanted nothing more than to devour her, but information was vital.

  “Shit. I’m nobody’s sweetheart. No man would ever want me, not the real me.” She took a swig of her drink then moved to her feet, purposely avoiding me. “Since you seem to know everything, answer me this. Do you know what it’s like to grow up in a family where everyone in your city knows who your father is and is terrified of him? You spend more time alone because kids are frightened of pissing you off.”

  I laughed, lifting my glass. “I know that life very well, the loneliness, the bitterness at not fitting in.”

  Francesca walked toward the back door, peering out at the pool. “On top of everything, I was the ugly duckling, my sister the beautiful and sophisticated one in the family.”

  I hadn’t read she had a sister.

  “You are very beautiful,” I said in a casual manner. My libido was increasing along with my hunger.

  She gave a half laugh. “Well, I blossomed, as my father would say. Lucky me. Whether you want to believe this or not, I came to America to get away from all the violence and bloodshed. I wanted a new life, to be nobody special. You know, able to get a cup of coffee all by myself or go to the movies or dancing with friends. I wanted to make choices for myself, not to have them placed on a silver platter. I guess I was a fool. You can never run away from who you truly are.”

  “That’s a nice soliloquy. Then why did you agree to marry Vincenzo?” She and I were very much alike.

  “Because my father asked, pleaded actually. An honor to the family. The old ways of the Borgata.” She allowed her Italian accent to filter in, the lilt beautiful.

  I wanted to ask her about her sister but decided to find out what I could myself.

  “You’re certain you can trust your father? Perhaps he was selling his daughter to the highest bidder.”

  Snapping her head in my direction, the look on her face was one of utter hatred. She stormed toward me, her chest rising and falling. The hard slap on my face wasn’t startling. The truth was, her vehemence turned me on. “How fucking dare you! My father is above reproach. Don’t you ever say anything vile about him.” She reared back her arm as if to smack me again.

  I grabbed her hand, twisting it until she yelped. “And don’t you ever hit me again, princess. I’m not one of your boys that you can lead around.”

  “Boys? You’re certainly not a man. Taking a woman without her permission. Stealing her away from everything she cares about.”

  “You didn’t seem to mind when you climaxed several times.” I took deep breaths, drawing her closer. When she tossed the drink in my face, I had to admit that I was honestly surprised. The girl had gumption. Yanking the glass from her hand, I smashed both against the fireplace, savoring the sound of the broken glass as I pushed her toward the wall. “You’re no longer in charge of anything, Francesca.”

  “Fuck you. I hate you for all that you’ve done!”

  Pushing her back, I wrangled her arms over her head, grasping both wrists into one hand, using the crushing weight of my body to keep her in place. “I think I saved you from hell.” My mouth hovered dangerously close to hers, my heated breath skipping across her face.

  She struggled, wiggling in my hold even as she pushed her hips against mine. “You’re the only thing I consider hell.”

  I captured her mouth, unable to think clearly as the passion erupted. I longed for the woman, craved the feel of her naked body pressed against mine. I wanted nothing more than to drive my cock deep inside, fulfilling her every fantasy. I was crazed with lust, my needs overwhelming any rational concepts or thoughts. Fuck the rest of the world. Fuck the predicament we were in. I would have her.

  I thrust my tongue inside, dominating her in every manner as I rubbed my throbbing cock against her tight tummy. I’d stolen her breath, stripped her away from her inhibitions and was ready to consume her.

  She moaned into the kiss, still struggling yet yielding to me. I gripped her chin, my fingers digging into her cheek. All I could think about was that she belonged to me. I’d become the savage I’d shoved aside, a man with a desperate need to taste the forbidden fruit. My mind was foggy as I swiveled my hips back and forth, finally letting up on the kiss and nipping her bottom lip.

  Francesca continued to fight, maneuvering her body until she was almost able to knee me in the groin.

  Almost.

  I slipped one hand to her throat, squeezing until she acquiesced, her eyes still full of fury.

  “You can’t fight this any more than I can.” I had the pulse of her life in my hands, my fingers digging into her soft skin, but I was no killer, at least not of a beautiful woman. I eased off the pressure, rubbing my fingers across her voluptuous lips.

  “No. Stop. I just...” Her cries waned, her entire body sagging as I jerked at her tee shirt, brushing my hand underneath to squeeze her breast. Nothing had ever felt so good. I allowed my fingers to toy with her, swirling around her already taut nipple, my body shaking as the adrenaline skyrocketed. Nothing about this was right or acceptable, but I no longer cared.

  I growled as I shifted her head back, dragging my tongue along the underside of her mouth then down to her chin. Her eyes were closed, her mouth pursed as I nipped her neck, relishing in the sweet flavor of her skin. I pinched her nipples, twisting and pulling until she moaned, the whimper turning into a ragged purr.

  “Please...”

  “Please fuck you? Please lick you? Please whip you? I’ll be happy to do that and much more.”

  “I... Just...” She sagged against me as I shifted my hand past the waistband of her shorts, allowing my fingers to dance along her tummy before sliding them underneath.

  The moment I touched her clit, sliding a single finger up and down her wet pussy, her knees almost buckled. And still she fought, undulating her body, every sound driving me crazy. The hunger was off the charts, my blood pressure high.

  I yanked at her shorts, jerking them down and cupping her mound. The heat was incredible, further fueling the already combustible fire. This woman had broken through every barrier, driving me to the man I’d fought against for so long.

  But no more.

  Her eyelids fluttered; long, dark eyelashes skimming against her cheeks, the light flush of her skin a powerful draw. I swirled my thumb aimlessly around her clit until the little nub was swollen from arousal.

  “Oh...”

  I tugged on her shorts until I managed to force them to the floor, lifting her and kicking them away with ease. Then I pressed her legs apart, running my fingers along the inside of her thigh.

  She bucked, whimpering from every touch, tossing her head back and forth. “You may take my body, but you will never have my heart.”

  If she thought the words were profound, she was wrong. I wasn’t in this for a love affair. I let her go long enough to wrap my hands around the rounded collar of her shirt, easily ripping the thin material.

  Gasping, she shoved me with all her might, prepared to issue a hard punch to the kidneys. Roaring, I lifted her into the air, slapping her against the wall and opening her legs wide.

  She was shocked at my actions, slapping hard against my shoulders then clinging to me as she took deep and ragged breaths. “Oh, God. Oh... You’re horrible, a monster.”

  “You’re right.” I planted her thighs on my shoulders and leaned in, drinking in her intense aroma. Her pussy was glistening, leaking down both inner thighs. I dragged my tongue along the softest part of her leg, relishing in the sweet flavor of her.

  “You can’t. You just...”

  I watched as her eyes closed, the same beautiful pout remaining on her luscious lips. My thirst required quenching. I had to taste her again and again. I kept her aloft as I buried my face into her wetness, licking up and down, sucking on her clit.

  Her struggling slowly changed, wiggling in my hold as I ravaged her pussy, taking my time to lick and nip her tender tissue, thrusting my tongue all the way inside. She spread wide open for me, her pussy lips yielding to my brutal actions.

  With every swipe of my tongue, her breathing changed, the guttural sounds becoming purrs. I focused on pleasing her, driving her to the brink of ecstasy then pulling back. I slid my other fingers down between her rounded bottom, toying with her sweet little asshole. I couldn’t get enough of her, juice now slickening my entire face.