SynopsisAt the office, Samantha is mouthy AF and hellbent on testing my patience. So you can imagine my surprise when my new personal assistant walks into my club with a very specific fantasy.When the man Samantha’s paired with doesn’t stick to the rules, I step in to take his place. Wearing a mask protects my identity, and soon the little wildcat from the office is telling me all her darkest secrets and fantasies.During the day, she gives me hell, but at night, she becomes my wounded kitten.I know I’m playing a dangerous game.She doesn’t know I’m one of the heads of the Cosa Nostra.She doesn’t know her boss and her nightly visitor is the same person.With my enemy on the attack and her past coming to haunt her, our secrets come out in the most explosive way possible, threatening to rip Samantha away from me.But my wildcat has another thing coming if she thinks I’ll ever let go.Chapter 1SamanthaFranco Vitale; 35. Samantha Blakely; 26.I’ve only been Mr. Vitale’s personal ass
Chapter 2FrancoAfter ending the call with Salvador Castro, my contact for medical supplies, I get up from behind my desk. I grab my jacket, and while shrugging it on, I head to the door.When I step out of my office, it’s to hear my PA’s stomach rumble.“You can go home,” I mutter, and without another word, I stalk toward the elevators.I hear her mumble something under her breath, and it has me stopping dead in my tracks. Glancing at the woman who’s been testing my patience for the past two weeks, I raise an eyebrow at her.“Do you have something to say, Miss Blakely?”She grabs her handbag and walks toward me with an unhappy expression tightening her features. “Next time you expect me to work until nine p.m. the least you could do is provide dinner.”My gaze sharpens on her, and my tone is grim as I say, “I wasn’t aware you didn’t know how to order food.”Her eyebrows draw together. “Of course, I know how to order food.” “Then it’s no one’s fault but your own for not eating today.
Chapter 3SamanthaPicking up my third slice of pizza, I eat it while looking at my bank accounts. With all the overtime I’ll probably be working, I’ll be able to pay the credit card off in no time.I would’ve had enough money for the fridge if I hadn’t paid the membership fee for Paradiso, a taboo club in the heart of Manhattan.I joined the club because I want to spend time with a man in a secure environment. I’m hoping it will help me work through my issues with men.Men. God, I’ve been unlucky when it comes to the opposite species.With the pizza forgotten in my hand, my thoughts spiral down the dark hole Todd Grant ripped through my life. When I started dating him, I thought I’d struck gold. The neurosurgeon was charming and polite and went out of his way to make me feel special. All the female staff at the hospital envied me.Then, everything came crashing down around me, and I was forced to flee Houston. I di
Chapter 4SamanthaWith my first appointment at Paradiso scheduled for seven thirty, I take my time showering and getting ready.The apprehensive part of me thinks I’m insane for joining the club. People go there to have wild sex, and here I am, just wanting to talk to a man.Maybe I should cancel.Checking my reflection in the mirror, I take in the black dress I’m wearing and wonder whether it’s too formal. Then again, I don’t think jeans would be appropriate.“You look fine,” I whisper before turning away from the mirror.Just as I gather my keys from the side table near the front door, my phone starts to ring. I answer the call and position the device between my shoulder and ear before opening the front door.“Samantha speaking.” “Hey, sweetie. It’s Mom.”“Oh hey,” I say, my tone a little lighter. “How are you?”“Good. I’m calling to let you know I won the knitting contest. Your mother
Chapter 5FrancoWalking toward the main section of Paradiso, my thoughts are filled with Miss Blakely.The woman actually impressed me today.From the moment I got to the office until we left, she worked so fast I struggled to keep up. It became a fucking competition, and the pace was relentless.A smile threatens to tug at the corner of my mouth because today Miss Blakely was the kind of PA I’ve been looking for since I started the company.Entering the main room, my eyes drift over the members who are enjoying drinks. I notice a new man talking to a blonde, and as I keep walking, her face starts to come into view.When I have a direct view of her, my feet come to a halt, and my lips part with shock.What the fuck?I watch as my PA smiles awkwardly at her partner.What the hell is she doing here?It takes a lot to shock me, but seeing my PA at Paradiso has stunned me senseless.
Chapter 6SamanthaUgh, I wish Mr. Vitale would stay out of the office. Last Friday was so peaceful when he didn’t come in.I roll my shoulders to ease some of the tension while I put together all the documents that will be needed for a meeting on Thursday.A message from Mr. Vitale pops up on my screen via the internal messaging system, and I give it a disgruntled look.Keep the schedule clear for the 26th of June and wear something comfortable that day. We’re inspecting a building I’m interested in buying.Just freaking great. I can’t think of anything worse than spending an entire day alone with Mr. Vitale, and I’ll fall behind with my other work.Bringing up my emails, I search for the approval from HR for the vacation time I’ve requested. Adding a note to the email, telling him to keep in mind that I’ll be out of the office for the whole week of the Fourth of July, I forward it to Mr. Vitale.Within se
Chapter 7SamanthaMy breaths explode over my lips as I rush to the nearest subway, and on my way home, sweat beads on my forehead as I struggle not to have a panic attack.My fingers grip my handbag tightly, and my shoulders are hunched as I do my best to avoid the other pedestrians on the sidewalk.When I finally reach the safety of my apartment, I make sure all five locks are in place before sinking down on one of the couches.I cover my face with trembling hands and try to focus on taking deeper breaths.Feeling physically ill, my entire body is coated in a fine layer of sweat. It’s been a while since I had a panic attack, and it opens the floodgates,making the memories escape from where I keep them locked up in the darkest part of my soul.Unable to move a muscle or make a sound, I can’t even open my eyes. I think I’m lying on my bed.I hear movement, then Todd’s voice as he croons, “I’m never letting you go. We’re meant to be together.”Why is he here? I was clear when I broke
Chapter 8FrancoStanding in front of the security monitor for Miss Blakely's room, I watch as she takes a seat in the armchair.Mr. Forester’s sitting on the bed, and even though I can’t hear what they’re saying, the conversation looks stilted.My eyes latch onto Miss Blakely’s face, and it’s clear as daylight she’s not comfortable at all.When she wraps her arms around her waist in a protective move, I order, “Put on the sound. I want to hear what they’re saying.”“Yes, sir,” one of the men replies.I step closer as he turns on the sound, and it’s in time to hear Mr.Forester say, ‘Are you always this quiet?’The man makes himself comfortable on the bed as Miss Blakely answers, ‘Yes.’Christ, she looks like she’s about to have a nervous breakdown. Where’s the feisty woman I’ve gotten to know over the past three weeks?‘So…uhm…what do you like to do in your spare time?’ she asks. ‘When I’m not at work, I’m here.’Minutes pass before Mr. Forester pats the covers and says, ‘Come lie do
Chapter 30GabriellaWith the wedding date scheduled for next Saturday, we’ve been super busy.Mrs. Accardi’s been an enormous help. Honestly, she’s done most of the work.I got to spend some time with Damiano, but tonight, the other heads of the Cosa Nostra and their partners are coming over, and I’m nervous as hell. I’ve just put on the sheer body suit and high heels when Damiano comes into my walk-in closet. His eyes land on me, and he stops dead in his tracks. “No,” he growls as he slowly starts to shake his head, his expression darkening by the second. “There is no fucking way you’re wearing that infront of the other men.”“Hold on before you burst a vein,” I mutter.I grab the cream jacket out of my closet and put it on. When I fasten the belt, and the fabric spreads out like a short skirt, I say, “See. Everything’s covered.”He stares at me for a while before he says, “Fine. But the fucking jacket stays on at all times.”I walk closer to him, and wrapping my fingers behind his
Chapter 29DamianoEven though I want to spend the entire day in bed with Gabriella, I don’t. The women have been cooped up in the mansion for over a month, and it would be selfish of me not to take them out.Especially now that Miguel’s been dealt with.When I walk into the dining room with Gabriella beside me, Aunt Greta grins at us.Carlo’s sitting where Gabriella used to sit, so she can take the chair to my left.I pull out the chair and wait for her to take a seat before I press a kiss to the top of her head. Walking around the table, I place my hand on Mamma’s shoulder then kiss the scar on her temple.“Morning, everyone,” I murmur as I take my seat.When we’re all done greeting each other, I announce, “We’re going out after breakfast.”Carlo lets out a groan. “Where?”“Wherever the women want to go,” I mutter.“Shopping?” Mamma asks, excitement in her tone. “Christmas is only two weeks away.”Fuck. I forgot about the festive season. “Shopping it is,” I agree.“Forget breakfast,
Chapter 29DamianoEven though I want to spend the entire day in bed with Gabriella, I don’t. The women have been cooped up in the mansion for over a month, and it would be selfish of me not to take them out.Especially now that Miguel’s been dealt with.When I walk into the dining room with Gabriella beside me, Aunt Greta grins at us.Carlo’s sitting where Gabriella used to sit, so she can take the chair to my left.I pull out the chair and wait for her to take a seat before I press a kiss to the top of her head. Walking around the table, I place my hand on Mamma’s shoulder then kiss the scar on her temple.“Morning, everyone,” I murmur as I take my seat.When we’re all done greeting each other, I announce, “We’re going out after breakfast.”Carlo lets out a groan. “Where?”“Wherever the women want to go,” I mutter.“Shopping?” Mamma asks, excitement in her tone. “Christmas is only two weeks away.”Fuck. I forgot about the festive season. “Shopping it is,” I agree.“Forget breakfast,
Chapter 28GabriellaWhen Damiano pulls out of me, I flinch, and it has his eyes snapping to mine.“You okay?”I nod quickly. “Yes. Just sensitive.”He lies down on his back, and when I climb off the bed, his gaze follows me to the bathroom.I quickly clean myself before wetting a washcloth. When I walk back into the room and crawl onto the bed, he takes the washcloth from my hand and throws it on the floor.My eyebrows draw together, then he says, “I don’t want to clean you off me yet.”His possessive tone makes my stomach flutter.Damiano pulls me closer, and when I lie down beside him, his arms wrap around me, and he buries his face in the crook of my neck.Just like earlier, I throw my leg over his and hold him tightly to my body.My fingers trail up and down his back, and I press a kiss to his temple. He lets out a heavy sigh and melts into me.I keep caressing his back, and not even minutes later, his breaths even out as he falls asleep.He smells like rough sex and danger, and
Chapter 27GabriellaI startle awake when I’m picked up off the bed.Grabbing hold of broad shoulders, it takes me a few seconds before I realize Damiano’s carrying me out of my room.“You’re home,” I say, my voice hoarse with sleep. “Hmm…” he grumbles.He stalks into his suite and places me on the bed before he goes to shut the door. The room is dark, but I can see as he comes back to bed.He lies down beside me, then orders, “Turn on your side. Back to me.”I do as I’m told, and when his arms wrap around me, and I feel his face press against the back of my neck, a wide smile spreads over my mouth.I hear him take a deep breath before he lets it out slowly, then his body shudders. An intense energy pours from him, filling the air with tension.“Are you okay?”Not saying anything, he only nods.Needing to hold him, I turn around, and wrapping my arms around his neck, I nudge him to tuck his face beneath my chin.Brushing my hand over his hair, I press a kiss to his temple. His arms ti
Chapter 26DamianoMy phone starts to ring, and seeing Dario’s name on the screen, I answer, “You better have good news for me. My men killed the fucking uncle.”“Miguel’s in Miami.” I can hear the relief in his voice, and it finds an echo in my chest.“Wheels up in thirty minutes,” I order. “Let the others know we’re meeting at the airfield.”“On it.”Ending the call, I lock eyes with Carlo. “Dario found Miguel. The fucker’s in Miami.”Climbing to his feet, he says, “Let’s go.”As I walk out of the lounge, I signal for Vito and Emilio to join us.When they catch up to us, I mutter, “Get a group of men to meet us at the airfield. I want them heavily armed. We’re attacking Miguel.”“Got it, boss,” Emilio says, immediately pulling out his phone to make the call.We hurry out of the club, and once we’re all in the SUV, Carlo starts the engine. “Fucking finally.”“You can say that again,” I mutter, more than ready to put an end to Miguel.I haven’t been home in two weeks, and I’m exhauste
Chapter 25GabriellaWith my lips parted, I watch as bag after bag of clothes is carried into the foyer.Holy crap.“Did we really order so much?” I ask.“I added a couple of items I thought you might like,” Mrs. Accardi says.Caro Dio.“Should I take the clothes to your suite, Miss di Bella?” Martha asks. “Or do you want me to wash them first?”“They’ve already been dry cleaned,” Savannah, Mrs. Accardi’s personal shopper, informs us. “My team can pack the clothes in your closet. Just show them the way.”Martha leads the team up the stairs, and all I can do is shake my head.“Damiano is going to lose his shit when he sees how many clothes I got,” I whisper under my breath.“No, he won’t,” Aunt Aida says. “As his fiancée, you always have to look your best.”Still.My thoughts turn to Damiano, who hasn’t been home in over a week. “I’ll be right back,” I say before I head up the stairs.Walking into my bedroom, I hear the staff work in the closet. I grab my phone and quickly leave so I d
Chapter 24DamianoDressed in black cargo pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a coat, and boots, I tuck my Glock behind my back as I leave my suite.As I take the stairs down to the first floor, my phone starts to buzz like crazy.I dig the device out of my pocket, and a dark frown forms on my forehead as I answer, “What?”“The hotel is on fire!” Emilio shouts, sirens blaring in the background. Anger explodes in my chest, my fingers tightening around the phone. “Fuck,” I mutter. “I’m on my way.”“Carlo!” My voice thunders through the foyer.He comes running out of my mother’s sitting room. “What?”“The hotel is on fucking fire,” I relay the message to him as I stalk toward the French doors. When I step out onto the veranda, I mutter, “You’ll have to fly.”“On it.” He runs ahead of me to start the helicopter.When I climb inside, I glance at the house and see Gabriella standing on her balcony. She’s only wearing a bathrobe, and it’s freezing outside.I yank my phone out, but not remembering t
Chapter 23GabriellaWhen I wake up, it takes a moment to make sense of my surroundings.I become aware of Damiano’s arms wrapped tightly around me, my back pressed to his chest. He’s holding me the same way I hold my pillow when I sleep.With his face pressed to the back of my neck, his breaths warm my skin. One of his legs is thrown over mine, and his manhood is hard and big against my butt.I had sex with Damiano.After the first memory hits, they all pour into my mind. The shooting lessons.Damiano hugging me.The nightmare, and him comforting me. Experiencing my first orgasm.My thoughts stop on the memory, and my lips curve up.When Damiano kept rubbing his cock against me, it made me feel so much pleasure it was overwhelming.I remember everything when he took my virginity. The look on his face. The way his body moved. The pain as he kept thrusting until he found his own pleasure in my body.Even though it hurt a lot, I’d do it a million times to see that hot look on his face a