Bound by Vengeance (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles #5)(32)

“Because of your mother. Apparently, Luca Vitiello is very family oriented. Or at least he’s been since he married Aria. If your mother, as his aunt, contacts him and asks for help, Falcone’s chances are much better than without her.”

“Why hasn’t Falcone asked my mother before? Why now?”

“Falcone has been trying to solve things on his own as he always has, but now that even your father has betrayed him with the help of the Bratva, even Falcone realizes that he needs to do something soon or Las Vegas is lost.”

“I say let the Bratva have the city. They can’t possible be any worse than Falcone. The city will be better off without the bastard.”

“Perhaps,” Growl said with a shrug. “But that’s your answer. And as long as Falcone hopes for New York’s support and as long as your mother does as he says, your sister and she will be safe.”

“But what if New York refuses to help Falcone?”

“Then Falcone will probably threaten to kill your mother and sister. That could change Luca Vitiello’s mind. Though I doubt that he’ll risk New York for an aunt that he doesn’t know only because Falcone threatens to kill her. Luca has almost as much blood on his hands as I. He can make hard decisions.”

“But if that happens, my mother and sister will die!”

“It’s a possibility.”

“And even if Luca agrees to help, Falcone will keep my mother as a prisoner and my sister as leverage. They won’t be better off than me.”

Growl’s face tightened, but he nodded in agreement. “Their only chance is to escape from Las Vegas. If they go to New York, Luca will probably take them in. His wife will certainly convince him.”

New York. That was the solution to everything.

“When can I see my mother? I want to talk to her to make sure she’s doing ok.”

Growl raised his eyebrows. “Do you think I lied to you? She’s doing ok considering everything, believe me.”

“I do,” I said. “But I need to see her. Please.”

Growl sighed. “It’s not that easy. Falcone keeps a close eye on her. He won’t be happy if you go to her.”

“There has to be a way,” I said imploringly.

Growl sighed. “I don’t know why I’m even telling you all this. This could be treason. I’m working for Falcone.”

“Or perhaps he figured you’d tell me and he hopes it’ll make me better to control. He can’t believe you won’t mention anything to me,” I said. He looked doubtful. He was slipping away again. I wasn’t sure how to bind him to me. The only time he’d let down his guard at all was when we’d had sex.

I scooted a bit closer to him but I’d never had to use my body to get what I wanted. I could tell Growl hadn’t stopped admiring my body from the moment he’d come in. He still wanted me, so last night hadn’t been enough. If only I knew how to seduce him. I wasn’t sure what to do at all. My body was definitely already imagining how it would be to feel his touch again. I tried not to let thoughts of appropriateness ruin this for me. But I’d always been taught to act reserved and like a lady. Seducing someone wasn’t something my mother would have ever condoned. I faltered, my eyes tracing Growl’s muscles visible through his thin t-shirt and his strong thighs. My belly filled with warmth at the sight. I had already slept with him. This was easy now, I tried to tell myself.

Growl must have seen something in my expression because he let out a low groan and pulled me toward him, claiming my mouth for a kiss. When he pulled away, he rasped, “Do you even know what you’re doing?”





CHAPTER FOURTEEN


Cara

Did I know that I was doing? God, no, I didn’t. The only thing I was sure of was that my body wanted him, had wanted him from the first moment we’d seen each other, and now I could justify my desire with something else. He was my only chance to get what I wanted and if that required using my body to get it, I was willing to do so. He kissed me again, harder this time and began tearing at my shirt. I wanted to protest but before I could he’d ripped it apart, leaving me in nothing but my bra. And then that was gone too and he sucked my nipple into his mouth. I cried out in surprise and lust, and barely had time to catch my breath when Growl staggered to his feet. Confusion shot through me. Was he leaving? Had I done something wrong? I’d thought he wanted me even more than I wanted him.

I peered up at him, feeling shame rise up in me, but then I saw him fumbling with his belt and shoving his pants down. His cock sprang free, already big and glistening at the tip. Warmth spread between my legs at the sight despite the soreness I was still feeling.

With his cock standing at attention, he moved closer. It was on eye level and I finally had an idea what he had in mind. Nerves fluttered in my stomach. I wasn’t sure if I could do it and if I’d like it at all. Growl didn’t give me much time for uncertainty though. He stopped right in front of me, his cock only a few inches from my face. He smelled clean and part of me wondered how he would taste. Growl had seemingly enjoyed what he’d done to me yesterday, especially my taste. I peeked up at him again.

His hand raked through my hair and came to rest on the back of my head. He pushed me forward lightly until my lips brushed his tip. This was wrong, wasn’t it? Growl saw nothing in me but a thing to give him pleasure. For a moment my instincts told me to lock my jaw, but then I let him slide into my mouth. He tasted slightly salty but not in a bad way.