bchmd

HER MAFIA DADDY

BIANCA COLE

Her Mafia Daddy Copyright © 2019 Bianca Cole All Rights Reserved.

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This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

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Book cover design by Hot and Steamy Romance Premades

CONTENTS

Blurb 1. Kane 2. Jasmine 3. Kane 4. Jasmine 5. Kane 6. Jasmine 7. Kane 8. Jasmine 9. Kane 10. Jasmine 11. Kane 12. Jasmine 13. Kane 14. Jasmine 15. Kane 16. Jasmine 17. Kane 18. Jasmine 19. Kane 20. Jasmine 21. Kane 22. Jasmine 23. Epilogue Also by Bianca Cole About the Author

BLURB HER MAFIA DADDY

He has taken me captive, and I can't stop fantasizing about him tying me to his bed.

Kane Romano is the most handsome, powerful man I’ve ever met. He’s also the man holding me captive.

My asshole of a step-dad found himself on the wrong side of the mafia, and then o ered me up in exchange for his life.

How does he have the right? I’m eighteen years old, and my step-dad doesn’t own me.

Problem is, Kane Romano agrees. You don't fight with a Romano, unless you want to end up in an unmarked grave.

I should be scared, but every time I look into those dark eyes, I feel safe and protected. When we’re alone he’s a gentleman, but around anyone else he turns quiet and cold.

There’s a thrill being here with him. Even though I’m a virgin, I find myself wanting this man—a man who is more than twice my age and claims he owns me now.

When he asks me to call him daddy, I know I won't be able to refuse him…

1

KANE

T

he thumping bass pumps through me from head to toe, adding to the adrenaline spiking through my veins. I can feel the tension coiling through my muscles.

I’m always on edge when I’m out for blood. There’s a chance something could go wrong, as I’m not in a safe line of work.

I walk a few more steps into the club, scanning the room for any threats, since it’s become second nature to expect one. It doesn’t matter if I’m walking into my home, I’m always alert. A few eyes lock onto me and my men, and the whispers break out.

Yeah, let them fucking whisper. If they think I’m here for trouble, then they are right. I’m at this shit-hole of a club on Rick’s orders. Normally, my brother wouldn’t send me for this, but Alex Cavino has stepped way over the line this time.

He’s not keeping up his payments on a sizable loan, despite rumors that business is better than ever.

If we let this go unresolved, it will set a bad example, and people will think they can fuck with us. So, I’m here to make sure everyone knows that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Blood will spill tonight—Alex Cavino’s blood. No one fucks with the Romano family and gets away with it, especially not a lowlife like him.

I crack my knuckles, certain there’s no immediate threat to me in this club. The place is packed with people and business is booming. It raises the all-important question why the debt payments haven’t reached us for two months in a row. My gun rests against my ribs under my jacket, and my fingers are itching to reach under and touch it, but I resist.

This crappy place will be absorbed into our empire as payment once Cavino is dead. There was a time years ago when killing felt wrong to me. I’m not always the one to do it, often it’s my guys that pull the trigger, but anytime I do, I feel nothing. I just sell another piece of my soul with every crime I carry out, ripping what I once was to shreds.

This is my life and there’s no point fighting what I am or who I am. A show of weakness or even unwillingness to kill threatens our family. I’m not going to be the one to fuck up.

My father always said there was no use running from the truth. There’s no changing your name if you’re a Romano.

When I was younger, I wanted nothing to do with the family business. My father soon beat that out of me and turned me into the monster I am today. I don’t enjoy doing what I do, but it’s my only choice.

“Sir, I’ve scanned the perimeter, and I’m sure everything is secure,” Jaz, one of my men, states.

I give him a nod, even though I’d already made that observation. The only path to the bar is through the writhing bodies of the people dancing in this hellhole. I take a step forward and make my way toward the bar. As I step onto the dance floor, people make way for me the moment they notice me. I’m used to people shying away—one of the perks of being my brother’s right-hand man. Rick is the main boss of our family operation.

There are two stools free at the bar. I turn to Jaz. “Find somewhere close and keep alert.”

He gives me a quick nod. “Sir.”

I him walk to a nearby wall and lean against it, keeping his eyes on me and our surroundings. I pick a stool at the bar, settling in amongst the people standing and sitting around it. Tension ripples through the air, and people sitting nearby shy away.

Good.

This is the reaction I need today. There’s no doubt most people haven’t forgotten who we are and what we’re capable of, only Alex Cavino. I rest my palms on top of the bar and search for a bartender. Only two of them are on duty tonight, and they are both run o their feet, neither of them have noticed me.

Again, it’s impossible not to wonder why this guy isn’t making his repayments. Cash is flowing tonight, and according to rumors, it always is.

Who the hell does he think he is?

No one tries to pull the wool over our eyes—no one.

Either this asshole is too cocky for his own good, or just plain fucking stupid. I’ve never met him myself. My youngest brother, Leo, was the one to agree the terms of the loan. He came to us, begging us to save him from bankruptcy.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, what can I get you?” The bartender asks.

I glance up at him, and it’s amusing to watch all the blood drain from his face as he recognizes who I am. He can’t look me in the eye. “I’ll have a glass of scotch on the rocks, and I need to speak with your employer right away.”

The man nods. “Of course, sir.” His hands are shaking as he moves to the back shelves, grabbing a twenty-five-yearold bottle of scotch whiskey from the top. The man knows who I am and knows I’d only expect the best. He’s a smart kid. I watch as he pours me a double.

“Here you go, sir, on the house.” He places the glass down in front of me, and I give him a short nod. “I’ll find Mr. Cavino for you.”

The guy walks over to the other bartender. She has her back turned to me, and I’d already noticed what a perfect figure she has. Her ass looks amazing in the tight, black dress she’s wearing. I’d almost hoped she was going to be the one to come and serve me, but that’s not why I’m here.

I can’t be distracted by a woman. I can’t get a glimpse of her face over all the other people crowding the bar, blocking my view. I take a long swig of my drink, enjoying the way it warms me, taking the edge o .

My game needs to be on form tonight. Cavino may be stupid, but I’m not taking any risks with this asshole. One of the greatest things my father ever taught me was to never underestimate your enemies. He taught me to expect the unexpected–I guess he was useful for some things.

It’s the main thing that has kept me and my brothers alive this long. My father wasn’t so lucky because he got sloppy. I’ve always vowed to make sure I never make the mistakes he did. Not to mention, in the end, he became paranoid and ended up pushing away everyone he could trust.

At least I’ve got my brothers, well half-brothers. My mom was our father’s first wife. She died when I was one-yearold. Within a year of her death he was remarried and Rick was born. Those two are everything to me, and everything I do is to keep us safe. My father may not have given me a choice when he forced me into this business, but I know who I am deep down, no matter what I’ve done.

My father was an asshole. He never explained what happened to my mom. A woman I can’t remember at all. He had no photographs of her to show me, not even wedding photos. Only a lousy, tiny photo of her that had been taken at

a photo booth. I keep it in my wallet all the time. It was as if she was wiped from the face of the earth, and knowing my father, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too far from the truth.

The man was a cold-hearted son of a bitch. Rick and Leo’s mom got killed in an accident when they were young too. All of us believe our father was behind it, especially after we found out she stole money from him and tried to get away.

Only problem is, we were never able to prove it. Let’s just say I didn’t shed a tear when he passed away, neither did my brothers.

My eyes remain on the bartenders, particularly the beautiful brunette with her perfect ass. The guy who served me walks away from the bar, forcing me to stop staring at her and watch where he goes.

Cavino may well try to run, which would be a big mistake.

There’s no chance he’s getting out of this club alive—my men are covering all exits of this building. The bartender glances over his shoulder, as he walks toward a set of swing doors at the back of the club. I spot a staircase heading downwards to a basement. It is perfect for what I’ve got planned for this jackass.

I keep my eyes focused on my glass and wait. The amount of people around the bar has thinned considerably, particularly since I took a seat. It makes me want to smile at how much power and fear our name holds. Fear is our strength.

I glance up from my glass and my heart rate accelerates, as the stunning brunette bartender is staring right at me.

She doesn’t break my gaze as our eyes meet. A shock of electricity pulses through my veins. A shiver runs down my spine at the look in her eyes and her pure beauty.

She’s way younger than I thought from behind. In fact, she looks too fucking young to be serving alcohol at a bar.

Her face is naturally beautiful, and she’s only wearing a

small amount of makeup. Her dark brown hair falls in natural waves around her heart-shaped face. The most cockstirring feature of hers is those bright blue eyes, holding my gaze as if she doesn’t know who the fuck I am.

A tingling need ignites in my balls and my cock thickens in my pants. As if I’ve got no control what so ever, the image of her butt naked and tied to my bed flashes through my mind. This is unusual for me. Women rarely get me this aroused from a look, but she is something else.

This is the last thing I need right now—a distraction.

Whoever she is, I intend to get her into my bed after I’ve dealt with her pathetic excuse of a boss. Still, she’s staring me out, unflinching. It turns me on, making my cock throb and leak precum into my tight boxer briefs. She licks her pouty, thick lips, and it makes me so hard I’m sure I could explode any minute.

I let out a sigh of relief, as some asshole calls out to her, drawing her eyes away from mine. My breathing is labored, and my heart is pounding against my rib cage. I take a long gulp of my drink, draining every drop. The warm liquid burns on its way down. I keep my attention o the firecracker of a bartender who has me hooked on her with one fucking stare.

I need to get this over and done with. No distractions, not until after I’ve finished o the piece of shit who owns this place. We can’t let anyone think we’re going soft. It’s the number one rule—always exceed your reputation.

2

JASMINE

I

’m ready to throw in the towel. My feet are aching, and we’re so busy, it’s a joke. My step-dad insists I work this bar to pay for my keep, as he calls it. I’m eighteen years old, and I shouldn’t be working in a club. For one, it is illegal under the age of twenty-one, but everything my step-father does is illegal. And, for two, it’s so shortsta ed and I’m not even getting paid.

At least it won’t be long until I move out from under his roof. As soon as summer is over, I’ve got a paid job as an intern starting at a local paper. The intention is to put the first month’s pay cheque down on a deposit for my own place. Finally break away from a life around these kind of people—criminals.

Alex married my mother when I was eleven years old, and we moved in with him. He’s a low-life criminal who makes his money dealing drugs, on top of running this rundown club. My mother died last year after an overdose on the drugs he constantly supplied her. Ever since her death, Alex has treated me worse than ever, acting like a complete an utter asshole.

“Jasmine,” Ethan mutters my name, breaking me from my thoughts. His face is pale, and his lips in a serious, straight line that sends a wave of dread through me. He’s

never serious. “There’s a Romano here to see your step-dad.

I’ve got to go and get him.” He gives me an apologetic look.

“You’re going to have to hold the fort for a few minutes. I’ll hurry back.”

I sigh heavily, nodding. “Fine, just be quick.” I’m not sure what I’m more worried about, the fact that a Romano member is sitting at the bar, or that I’ve got to serve all these people myself.

The Romano Mafia is infamous. They run the entire eastcoast of America. I wonder what lackey has been sent to talk to Alex, my step-dad. “A vodka on ice, please, sweetheart,” a man says, breaking my daze.

I give him a nod. “Of course, coming right up.”

I grab the bottle of vodka o the back shelf, turning around and scanning the clients at the bar. The moment I see him, I almost drop the bottle on the floor. There’s no doubting who he is—Kane Romano.

I’ve never seen him in person before, but those tattoos on his neck and left arm are unmistakable. Everyone talks about the hardened and brutal right-hand man and brother of mob boss Rick Romano. Kane wouldn’t visit someone unless the person has pissed o the mob.

What kind of shit has Alex gotten himself into now?

His rippling muscles are barely contained in the tight, white shirt he’s wearing, making my mouth water. Kane Romano may be dangerous, but he’s the most stunning man I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve never seen a man so powerful and muscular. Not to mention, those beautiful dark eyes that you just want to drown in.

I should know, as I’m holding his gaze like I don’t know who he is. I’m not sure why I’m not cowering away from him like the rest of the people here, especially considering the way the power rolls o of him—it’s enough to make anyone quake in their boots.

Perhaps, it’s because I’m too scared to move, or maybe it’s just that he’s looking at me in a way that sends an exciting thrill through my body. I’ve got a feeling it’s the latter. This man makes me hot from just a stare, and I kind of like it.

As far as I’m aware, he’s a year younger than my stepdad, forty-four years old. He doesn’t look his age, though. I let my gaze dip again to the tattoo on his neck, which sprawls up the side of his head—it’s a piece of art.

My knees shake at the thought of him taking me to bed and fucking me. I bite my bottom lip, realizing that’s ridiculous. I’m a virgin and something tells me Kane would be anything but gentle.

Why the hell does that thought send a thrill racing through me?

“Sweetheart, what the fuck is the hold up with my vodka?” The guy who ordered shouts.

I shake my head. “Sorry, coming right up.” I step back to the bar and pour the guy a glass, before passing it to him.

“Next time get on with it, and do what you’re paid to do, whore.”

I ignore the insult, biting back the retort on the tip of my tongue that I don’t even get paid for this shit. I give him a short nod. “That will be five bucks, please.”

He shakes his head. “No fucking way, I’m not paying for this shit after you made me wait, bitch.”

I clench my jaw, trying not to let him get to me. There’s always one asshole every single night, and this guy is being a class fucking example. Sure, I took a little too long with his drink order, but you can’t use that as a reason not to pay.

“Sorry, sir, but I’m not at liberty to o er you a free drink, and I’ll need you to pay the five dollars owed.”

He knocks back the drink and then smirks. “What drink?”

I look between the glass and the guy, wondering if it is even worth the fucking hassle, all to fill my step-dad’s pockets. One shot of vodka isn’t worth making a fuss over.

With a heavy sigh, I reach for the radio attached to my belt.

I’ll let him go without paying, but I’ll have to have him kicked out for this.

My heart skips a beat as Kane appears behind the guy, staring right at me with an intensity that makes me weak at the knees.

He pins me with his intense dark eyes, and I freeze to the spot. His hand falls heavily on the asshole’s shoulder. “Pay the woman,” he commands in a deep, baritone voice that makes my panties wet.

It would figure that his dark and powerful looks are matched with an equally powerful voice. It’s ridiculous how much of a turn on it is.

The guy spins around. “Who the fuck do you think—” He stops speaking the moment he sees who is behind him, turning back to the bar.

All the blood has drained from his face, as he pulls out a twenty-dollar bill. He shoves it into my hand so fast I almost can’t believe he moved that quick. “Keep the change.” His face is pale and he looks like he might pass out any moment.

Kane’s eyes remain fixed on me for a few beats, making my heart pound faster and my palms sweat. His dark eyes are almost black in the dim light of the club, and there’s something else, other than danger, sparking in his eyes.

It looks like a fierce hunger that makes my thighs quiver and my panties dampen, which is utterly ridiculous. Yes, he’s gorgeous, and his voice is like a damn butter, but he’s Kane fucking Romano. The guy is bad news. He lets go of the asshole’s shoulder, turning to walk back to his stool calmly, as if nothing happened.

What the hell was that all about?

I watch him as he sits with such self-assured confidence back in his seat, gripping hold of his glass. Everyone’s eyes are on him. In fact, ever since Ethan went to get Alex, it’s been thinning out considerably by the bar, which I’m thankful for. I’m pretty sure Kane’s presence is the reason.

The pure danger oozing from him sends people running for the hills. Three words was all it took from him to get that guy to pay. To be honest, he could have stood there without saying a word, and the guy would have still got the message.

Why would he help me?

Ethan returns, eyes slightly wide. He walks straight toward me, ignoring Kane who is watching him through narrowed eyes. “Jasmine, we’re in the shit. Alex wants you downstairs now.” He runs a hand through his thick black hair. “He’s planning an escape.”

My brow furrows. “That makes no sense,” I hiss. “You can’t run from the freaking Romano family, they run the entire east-coast.”

He shrugs. “Look, he wants you down there now, I’m just delivering the message.”

“Who’s going to tend the bar?” I ask.

He shrugs. “He has no intention of getting me out of here with him.” There’s pure fear in his eyes and my stomach churns at the thought of leaving my best friend here.

If we leave him here, we’re leaving him to a death sentence, or worse. They may decide to torture him for information about my step-dad. “I’ll go and speak to him and make him see sense.” I shake my head. “You don’t run from the Romano family unless you have a death wish.”

He nods. “Well, good luck. The guy is set on escaping.”

“I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

Ethan looks unconvinced, turning to tend to the bar.

My gaze instinctively goes to Kane who is watching me.

His eyes still narrowed, signaling he suspects something is

up. I feel sick to the stomach. The guy isn’t stupid and probably deals with idiots like my step-dad on a regular basis. He has asked to see Alex, and Ethan has returned without him. It won’t take long for him to put the pieces together.

I break his gaze and keep my eyes glued to the floor, making my way out of the side of the bar and walking toward the basement doors. A chilling sensation sweeps over my neck, and I know he’s following me. I don’t even have to check behind me.

I make it to the swing doors and hesitate a moment. I’m leading this man right to my step-dad, but if he has gotten on the wrong side of the Romano Mafia, running is the last thing he should do. With one quick push, I force open the door and then glance back toward the bar.

Kane is following me calmly. His two men flanking him a few meters behind. His eyes burn a hole right through me, sending a shiver down my spine.

This is only going to end one way–with blood running from this club. I can only hope it isn’t mine.

What has Alex done?

3

KANE

M

y jaw clenches as I watch the stunning brunette slip out from behind the bar. Alex doesn’t intend to come and see me willingly, he’s planning something. I’m not going to sit here and wait to find out what. I’ve encountered idiots like Cavino, trying to run at the last minute—it never ends well.

As I stand from my stool to follow the bartender, it’s impossible not to admire her. The way that girl held my gaze, as if she didn’t know who the fuck I was, turned me on.

My balls are tingling for release, as my eyes travel the length of her body. I get a good view of her tight black dress that hugs her curves, particularly that perfect ass. Not to mention, the high-heels she’s wearing which make her hips sway deliciously.

All the signs point to that fact that Alex is running, and this girl is probably important to him, so he’s summoned her. She stops at the top of stairwell and gazes back at me.

Her eyes wide as they lock with mine.

She won’t be harmed unless she stands in my way. I clench my fists at the thought of hurting such a beautiful creature. It wouldn’t sit well with me at all. My men remain

close as I open the door, drawing my gun from beneath my jacket.

I glance back at Jaz who has also drawn his gun. “No shooting unless I say so, but I’ve got a feeling Cavino is trying to run.”

Jaz nods as does Karl, and I start to make my way down the steps into the basement. The pumping bass becomes mu ed the lower we go, and a flood of adrenaline pulses through my veins.

It’s always the same anytime I get ready to kill or fight.

All the adrenaline and blood racing through my veins has me on edge, ready to lose control the moment I get my hands on Cavino.

The darkness of the basement swallows us, but there is a light up ahead signaling our destination. It’s no doubt his den. I’m not sure how much security Alex has, but I’m pretty sure none of his men would be stupid enough to stand against me, unless they want to be murdered by the rest of my family.

There’s no sign of the brunette. She must have already gone through the door ahead. I can’t understand why she has captured my attention so fast. My heart rate spikes, partly because of what I’m about to do, and partly because I want to see her again.

I stop outside the door, attempting to make out what’s being said on the other side. The voices are too mu ed, and it sounds like a man and woman arguing.

I give my two men a nod, and then I burst into the room.

My gun pointed at the first person I clock eyes on, which is the bartender. Her eyes go wide and she holds her hands in the air, shaking a little. Alex is stood beside her, and I move my gun to him, narrowing my eyes.

The moment I enter, he shrieks like a damn coward and turns whiter than a sheet. “Mr. Romano, to what do I owe

this pleasure?” he stammers, looking down at the ground.

“Cut the crap, Alex.” I step closer. “You know exactly why I’m here.” My eyes flick to the bags of cash stacked by the door. “Going somewhere?”

He shakes his head. “O-Of course not.”

The girl from the bar backs away toward the wall, keeping her eyes on me. I give Jaz a nod for him to go and keep her back, clenching my jaw as he grips her shoulder and pulls her against him. I can’t understand why another man touching her makes me angry, but I’m thankful she’s staying back and out of the way.

“Where is our money, Cavino?” I step closer, keeping my gun aimed at his head. “You’ve missed your payments two months in a row.”

The sniveling coward falls to his knees and shakes his head. “I’m sorry business has—” “Has been booming, if tonight is an example to go by.”

My eyes flick to the stack of cash. “And, the bags full of cash you were planning to take o with.”

Alex shakes his head. “I wasn’t going anywhere, I assure you.”

I take a few steps forward so my feet are in front of Cavino, bending over him. My hand tightens around his neck, and I force him to look at me. “There’s no use lying, as I’m here for blood.” I shake my head slowly. “No one takes advantage of the Romano family and lives.”

He begins to splutter, as I tighten my grip on his throat.

“Please, I’ll give you whatever you want,” he spits.

I let go of his throat, and he gasps for breath. As I turn, I allow my gaze to meet the beautiful brunette’s bright blue eyes. She’s a little shaken, but she doesn’t look too concerned by the fact I’m going to kill her boss. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was a total asshole toward her.

Cavino is back on his knees. “Take her if you like her.

She’s my step-daughter, and I’d give her to you as an apology.”

Step-daughter.

What man would give his step-daughter to the mafia?

My eyes instinctively rake over her body, taking in those tight curves again. Her breasts are accentuated perfectly in her tight black dress with plunging neckline, giving me a teasing view of her cleavage. It makes my cock stir to life.

What is it with this woman? I can’t seem to control myself around her.

There’s a deep, dark side of me that wants to tell Cavino yes. I want to own this beautiful woman. It’s been a long time since a girl has wound me up the way she is. I return my gaze to her eyes, but she’s not looking at me.

Her eyes are narrowed at Alex and a deep hatred burns within them. It looks like she doesn't care too much for her step-dad, the man I’ve been sent here to shakedown, or kill.

Rick left me to make the call. I thought I already had decided the moment I stepped into this club. I was sure I’d kill him.

The thing is, his o er is intriguing. Something primal stirs within me at the thought of owning her. Normally, I’m opposed to people owning women. She’s not a possession, although it happens a lot in our line of work.

The thought of taking her back to my place and fucking her senseless makes my cock throb and thicken in my pants, again. It’s so wrong because I’m pretty sure I’m old enough to be her Daddy.

I clear my throat, realizing I’ve been staring at the girl so long she’s turned bright red. It makes her even more tempting, as I wonder how far her blush spreads. I wonder if she’d like being dominated by me in the bedroom. I may be a criminal, but I don’t fuck women who don’t want it. They need to beg me for it—that’s how I like it.

The thought of her begging me makes my already hard cock, harder. I clench my fists and spin toward Alex. His eyes are as wide as saucers as he sees the expression on my face.

It’s probably half-lust and half-rage. This guy doesn’t have the right to give away his step-daughter, but I’m considering it.

“I’m happy to give her to you as well as all the money I owe you, with interest.” Alex is shaking like a leaf now.

“Please, I’ll do anything.”

My mind and body are fighting a war right now. Brutal Kane Romano doesn’t back down from his intentions, ever.

My intention was to kill him.

So why the hell am I considering letting this coward live to claim her? I step closer to him, towering over his cowering frame. To be honest, I could probably kill him and take her.

However, that would make me look like a monster in her eyes, and for some reason I care about how she perceives me.

“How old is she?”

He worries his bottom lip with his teeth. “She is eighteen years old.”

My cock jumps at that, which is so fucked up. It is as bad as I feared. This woman—no girl—is less than half my forty-four years. It’s so wrong that I want her, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve ever done. Maybe she’d like calling me Daddy while I tied her to my bed and gave her a good spanking.

Fuck.

That perverted thought makes my balls ache for release.

I’m not normally into younger women, they’re immature and can’t handle my tastes. Jasmine Cavino gets my pulse racing faster than it has in years, and I haven’t said more than two words to her—yet.

I’m used to women calling me Daddy, Sir, Master—it’s a common occurrence in the Dom and Sub roles. For some

reason, it feels more perverted though because of the age di erence.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I turn toward her, and it takes all my restraint not to grab her and kiss those perfect, plump lips right here and now. I want to taste just how sweet she is. She’s a damn goddess, more beautiful than any woman I’ve ever set eyes on.

Her mouth is open, and her wide-eyed gaze darts between me and her jackass of a step-dad. It’s as if what he is suggesting has only just sunk in. As if she’s only now realized her step-dad wants to give her over to the most brutal mafia family in North America.

I’ll be honest, she doesn’t look as thrilled as I feel by the prospect.

4

JASMINE

I

always knew my step-father was an asshole, but this is a new low. The man behind me tightens his grip on my shoulder, as I try to break free. The panic at what my step-dad is suggesting only setting in now.

“You will let me walk out of here with your stepdaughter?” Kane asks, eyeing me like a piece of meat.

Alex nods. “Yes, she is yours to keep. Not to mention, I’ll pay back everything I owe with interest, please, just don’t kill me.”

Fucking bastard.

“I’m not yours to sell,” I spit, glaring at the coward on his knees.

Kane steps closer to me, forcing me to crane my neck and look up at him. The dominance he emits makes my knees shake involuntarily. I bite my lip and hold his gaze, willing myself not to show fear in his presence. I get a feeling he thrives o the fear of others.

Finally, I cave and look down, overpowered by him. He reaches for my face, and I start to pull away, trying to shy from his touch. He grips hold of my chin, firm but gentle, tipping my face to meet his heated gaze. “Why would you

give away your step-daughter?” he asks, keeping his eyes fixed on mine.

“I’ve got nothing else of worth to o er you. She’s a hard worker and would be great working behind a bar or doing anything. She’s pretty enough, I’m sure she could be put to very good use.”

My stomach churns as I realize he’s suggesting putting me to work in the sex-trade. As far as I’m aware, the Romano family deals in drugs and guns, but not human tra cking and prostitution. At least, I hope that’s the case.

“I’m sure she’d be willing to show o her assets right here and now. Jasmine take your clothes o ,” Alex snaps, glaring at me.

An ice-cold dread spreads through me at the request.

Kane’s hand is still on my jaw, holding me. It’s a strangely comforting touch that eases my anxiety.

He growls a deep chesty noise and turns on my stepfather. “Cavino, you’re the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever come across.”

Alex shudders, bowing his head lower, as he remains on his knees. He’s such a fucking coward. “I only want you to see exactly how enticing my o er is.” He keeps his head bowed. “Jasmine, show them your assets, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart? Is he kidding me right now? This man is dead to me for this.

I don’t move. I can’t. There’s no way in hell I’m stripping in front of all these men, including my step-father. I’ve never been naked in front of any man.

“Don’t listen to a word he says,” Kane growls, turning and staring at me. “Keep your clothes on.”

I’m surprised by the ferocity in Kane’s insistence that I keep my clothes on. To be honest, I expected him to be as much of a pig as my step-father. The thing is, the Romano family are anything but low life. They’re refined, rich beyond

compare, and more powerful than any other mafia family in the United States.

Alex’s mouth snaps shut, and he begins to tremble. I’ve never seen someone die before, but the way Kane is looking at Alex tells me I’m about to. There’s no way I will feel any grief if he does get murdered, but I’m not sure I want to witness it.

The man has never really been like a father to me. All he has done since he married my mother is use me, and now he’s o ering me up as payment. It is beyond belief.

Kane’s eyes meet mine again, and I hold my breath, waiting to hear his response. He’s definitely a man of few words. Those dark, almost black eyes search mine for a few beats more, sending a heat pulsing through my body. This man a ects me in the most illicit way.

“Do you have the cash to pay your debt and interest today?” Kane asks, not turning to Alex.

“Y-Yes, In those bags.”

Kane’s gaze leaves mine, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I watch him walks toward the bags of cash on the floor and grab the two satchels. He throws one at one of his guys and then walks back toward me and the guy behind. “Count the cash and make sure it’s all there.”

The guy’s hand loosens from my should and I slump in relief. Only to find Kane’s hands slip onto my hips in a firm, possessive grip that sends a bolt of heat crashing through me. I shut my eyes, trying to control my reaction to this man.

He is silent as he holds me, watching his men count the money. Once they finish they each turn to him and give him a wordless nod. Alex is still cowering on the floor and it’s pathetic.

“It seems like you’ve saved your skin today, Cavino.” He keeps a firm hand on my hips, forcing me forward. “I’ll take

your step-daughter and the money in exchange for your life.” He glances up at his men. “Just know, you’re going to need some roughing up for this.” He nods at one of the men, and they step forward.

I tingle in anticipation at seeing my asshole of a stepfather given a good beating, but Kane forces me away.

“No, please…I’ve paid it all back and given you my stepdaughter,” Alex snivels.

Kane shakes his head. “No one fucks with the Romano family and gets by without a scratch.” He glances at his men.

“I will go ahead with the girl. I’ll see you both back at the house.”

They grunt their agreement, as Kane forces me out the door and back up the stairs. I writhe against him, trying to break free. The screams and shouts of my step-father echo down the hall as they rough him up.

“You can’t do this. I’m not his to give away. Let go of me, for fuck’s sake.” I writhe against his hard, strong grip.

Kane’s grip tightens on my arm and he stops moving, leaning close to my ear. “Sweetheart, you had best stop fighting and get your head wrapped around the fact that you’re mine now,” he growls.

The way he says it sends a bolt of need through me. It’s ridiculous considering what is happening. Maybe it’s just the adrenaline heightening all my senses.

I stop struggling and force one foot in front of the other.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been in a dangerous situation.

Ever since I can remember, my mother had been part of this life and wrapped up in these vicious crime circles. I never met my father, apparently, he was junkie, just like my mother. When she met Alex, it seemed like she was getting her life on track, until I realized what he did for a living.

Kane smells of pine and musk, which is oddly comforting, as he marches me straight out the backdoor of the club.

Obviously not wanting to draw too much attention to the fact he is kidnapping me. How the hell can my step-father even give me away? I’m eighteen years old for God’s sake.

Two black SUVs with blacked out windows are parked in the back alley. Kane opens the back door of one of them, gazing at me. “Get in, sweetheart.” He lets go of me to allow me to climb in.

I glance between him and the car for a moment. If I go with him, my life is over. Fuck it. A split-second decision has me running in the opposite direction, taking advantage of the fact he let go of my arm.

“Fuck,” Kane growls behind me. Then thudding footsteps follow and I know he’s chasing me. I make the mistake of glancing over my shoulder, which slows me down. Three more steps and his hands tighten around my shoulder, jerking me to a stop.

His strong arms wrap around my waist, and he pulls me against his hard, muscled body. “Don’t be foolish, Jasmine. I get a feeling you’re a smart girl and you know doing as I say is the best option for you.” My thighs clench at his touch, finding myself involuntarily aroused by the dangerous man holding me.

I swallow hard, glancing back at the SUV. He’s right.

Everything I’ve heard about him and the Romano Mafia tells me I need to submit, otherwise I’ll end up dead. I’m in real danger now. Danger far worse than anything my mother ever landed us in when I was growing up. Once you’re entangled with the mafia you either end up stuck with them all your life or dead.

The driver has gotten out of the car, and he’s approaching the two of us. “Sir, do you need assistance?”

Kane’s arms tighten around my waist, making my panties soak through. “No, I’ve got it handled.” I can feel something hard and thick pressing into my ass, making me wetter.

I squeal as he lifts me up and throws me over his shoulder, walking back toward the car. “Let go of me,” I spit, trying to wriggle free from him. “I can walk you know.” His hand rests on my bare thigh, sending even more heat through my body. I feel like I’m on fire.

He bundles me into the back of the car. Then he slides in next to me, shutting the door. The locks click and I know I’m trapped with him.

His hand settles on my thigh in a tight, possessive grip. I flinch slightly, half from the way he’s turning me on and half from fear. “Don’t worry, Jasmine. I’m not going to hurt you.” He gazes at me almost kindly.

“I can’t believe that, you’re Kane freaking Romano.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I’m Kane Romano, but I don’t hurt women.”

I narrow my eyes at him, parting my lips slightly as I realize how close we’re sitting. “What if a woman screws you over?”

He cocks his head to the side. “I get one of my men to hurt her.”

Dread slices through me, making my stomach churn with sickness. Suddenly, I’m no longer aroused, as if his words have broken me from a stupid lust-filled state. The car engine roars and we start moving.

What is going to happen to me?

“Are you okay? You’re trembling.” Kane takes my hand in his and pulls me even closer to him.

I hadn’t even noticed how much I was shaking, but my hands are trembling. I’m not used to being scared of anything, not after everything I’ve been through with my mother, but this is di erent. The thought of being sold into sex tra cking scares me more than anything ever has.

The fear spreading through me is impossible to truly get a grip of as my world is being torn apart. Sure, my life wasn’t

exactly great before my step-dad gave me to this man, but I was free to a certain extent.

My breathing becomes more rapid, and my head spins, making my body shake with fear. I try desperately to regulate my breathing, focusing on getting a grip. I’m about to have a panic attack, and I can’t stop it. My heart skips a beat as Kane’s large hand rests on my back, and he gently rubs in soothing circles, making it easier to breathe.

As I focus on his hand and the soothing motions, my breathing steadies, and the panic attack looming over me fades. The gesture should have scared me, but for some inexplicable reason this man can calm me down, something no one has ever been able to do before.

“That’s it, breathe deeply,” he purrs.

My body relaxes at the soothing sound of his voice. “What are you going to do with me?” I ask, gazing up into his dark eyes.

He gives me a small smile. “Don’t worry, you’re not in danger with me, I promise.”

I want to believe him, I think part of me does believe him, as I stare into his eyes which seem kind now. It’s the opposite of everything I’ve heard about him.

“How long will you keep me?” I ask.

He squeezes my thigh gently. “Forever, sweetheart.”

It feels like my world starts spinning at those words, and I’m right back on the edge, struggling to breathe. He can’t keep me forever. This can’t be happening.

What has my step-dad done?

My vision fades to black and that’s the last thing I remember.

5

KANE

“W

hat the hell did you do?” Rick asks, pacing the floor of his o ce. His muscles are tense under his expensive tailored suit.

I don’t envy my brother and his position in the slightest.

The weight of his crown weighs heavy on his head. Although Rick is my younger brother by two years, he always had the natural ability to lead. Whereas I had the natural ability to fight and win. He was the right guy to become the boss of the mafia when our father was murdered.

Rick is more intelligent and calculating. Leo, our younger brother, is standing by the bookshelf, leaning against it and watching with an amused smirk on his lips. He has a mix of both of our skills. He sure as hell knows how to handle himself in a fight, but he’s quick thinking and intelligent too.

I shrug. “Alex Cavino o ered her to me, so I took her.”

Rick stops pacing and glares at me.

“We don’t own women, Kane. What the hell were you thinking?”

As I consider his question, the answer isn’t one he’d want to hear. I wasn’t thinking, not really. My cock was doing all the thinking when I agreed to Cavino’s deal and took his step-daughter home with me.

She’s locked in my room upstairs after she passed out in the car. Not exactly the best reaction when you tell a woman you want to keep her forever. I had to carry her up there.

“Why would I say no when I was o ered a pretty woman?”

Rick growls a low noise, before turning around and sitting behind his desk. “Somehow, I’ve got to fix this mess.” He runs a hand through his golden-brown hair. “What man gives away his own step-daughter to the damn mob?”

Leo steps forward. “A coward.”

I nod. “Damn right, he’s a sniveling, trembling little coward.” I shrug. “She is better o with me.”

Rick sighs heavily. “What do you intend to do with her?”

His dark eyes burn into mine.

I lick my bottom lip, crossing my arms over my chest, as all the dirty little fantasies I have about her flash through my mind. “I’ll keep her for myself.”

Leo chuckles. “Sounds like you have got the hots for the beautiful, barely legal piece of ass.”

I growl at my brother, fists clenching. “Watch it, Leo. You don’t want me to kick your ass right here and now, do you?”

He claps me on the back, smiling. “I’m only jesting, big brother.” He’s always joking around, but with Jasmine, it’s not a joke.

Rick hasn’t said anything, he’s just staring at me through narrowed eyes. “Why do you want her?”

“Why the hell do you think? I want to see if I can get that girl to beg me for it,” I growl, feeling possessive over her and hating being questioned on my intentions.

Leo bursts into a fit of laughter. “I’m not sure she’ll want an old man like you.”

He’s trying to piss me o and get under my skin, It’s what he does best. My hands clench by my side, but I don’t bother replying. She will want me. I’ll make her so desperate for my cock, she’ll be begging me for it.

I’m not into bedding a woman who isn’t totally into it. My tastes are inclined toward getting a woman to submit to me and letting me control her body, letting me make her feel better than she’ve ever imagined.

Rick nods. “Fine, you can keep her.”

A strange sense of relief pulses through me hearing my brother’s permission. We may be brothers, but Rick is the boss of the mob and what he says goes.

“But, Kane, I don’t want you making a habit of keeping girls as pets,” Rick says.

“Don’t be an asshole, I’m not keeping her as a pet.” I shake my head. “She will be given anything she wants and treated with respect. I will not make her do anything against her will.”

“I think the fact she is locked away in your bedroom right now against her will, makes her your pet.” Rick shakes his head “This is the first and last, no more owning women after her.”

I can’t understand why, but the mention of me owning any other women after Jasmine makes me angry. All I want is her for some insane reason. What the fuck has gotten into me?

I’m sure the novelty will wear o once I break down those walls and have her submitting to me, making her mine.

Actually, I’m not totally sure as I’ve never felt like this before. My fists clench and my jaw does too, but I keep my calm. This isn’t the time to draw attention to my questionable feelings toward this girl I don’t even know.

Leo claps me on the back. “You really need to chill out brother.”

I tense under his touch and glare at him. “You really need to stop touching me.”

His eyes widen and he takes a step back, holding his hands up. He knows the warning signs. The caveman inside

of me has broken free, and I’m full of hot rage that I’m unable to tame.

Rick gets up from his seat and walks around his desk toward me. “Leo is right, you seriously need to chill out.” He cocks his head to the side. “What exactly do you intend to do with this woman?”

My jaw clenches. “I told you, I want her for myself.”

Rick shakes his head. “In what capacity?”

I rub the back of my neck, trying to control myself. Rick may be my younger brother, but he’s above me in rank and I’ve got to hold my tongue. “As my woman.”

Rick’s eyes widen. “Like a girlfriend?”

I nod, grunting. “Yeah, exactly, she’ll be with me all the time. Mine.” I shake my head. “If anyone even thinks about touching her, they will be dead.”

Rick walks sets a hand on my shoulder. “You need to sort yourself out brother.” He shakes his head. “I don’t get it, you’ve just met her, but you know how dangerous it is to show you care. It’s a weakness that anyone could exploit. No one else can know how you feel, other than us.” Rick nods at Leo. Rick is right. Jasmine has imprinted on me in a way no one ever has, and I can’t even think about letting her go. It paints a target on her. The way I act toward her in public will have to be di erent, even if it pains me to act distant toward her. This girl has bewitched me, and I’ve known her two hours. It’s ridiculous.

My father always made me aware of his rules, one of which was to never care about anyone but your family.

How can I be thinking this way? I’ve not had a relationship since freaking high-school. I run a hand over my cropped hair. “I know.” I let out a long breath. “I’ll be careful, I promise.”

Rick stares me out for a few moments, before nodding.

“Remember, we’ve got the sit down tomorrow morning with everyone.” He pauses a moment. “It is up to you if you bring her. If not, she’ll have to stay here, but she will be unguarded.”

I give my brother a swift nod. “I’ll be there, without her.”

A knowing look passes through Rick’s eyes. I’ve only just met her and leaving her here unguarded is safer than taking her to a sit-down. Jasmine already knows who I am and what I’m capable of. She doesn’t need to witness the true power of the Romano Mafia—not yet. Our weekly sit-down with the rest of the members always results in a few murders.

It twists my gut at the thought of letting her see that side of me even though we’ve only just met. It doesn’t matter though, somehow, I know deep down this girl is meant for me. The way she looked at me in the back of that car today wasn’t fearful. She was intrigued and slightly aroused, at least, until she passed out when I told her she was mine forever.

I clench my fists together, feeling irritated at that reaction. My heart is set on claiming her, but she doesn’t feel the same way.

She was aroused at first, though. I could tell from the way her lips parted ever so slightly, and her cheeks tinged a pretty pink. The girl wants me, but will she want me when she realizes the true monster I am?

6

JASMINE

I

t feels like I’ve been locked in this room for hours, as I stare at the ceiling. I passed out in Kane’s car and didn’t stir until he was carrying me up here, but I kept my eyes clamped shut, not wanting him to know I’d woke.

This huge bed is so ridiculously comfy, way nicer than the mattress I’ve got at Alex’s home, but I can’t fall asleep. I’m too on edge.

What the hell is Kane Romano going to do with me?

Alex is dead to me. I almost wish Kane had been the brutal monster I’d heard of and killed him, anyway. He’s a son of a bitch to give me over to the Romano Mafia. I’ve been traded o for God knows what. Sex most likely. The thought sends a cold dread right to my heart. I’m a virgin, and it looks like my first time will be as a whore.

The sound of the door unlocking makes my heart skip a beat. I shu e on the bed and pull the duvet around my barely clothed body, as if it will save me from the inevitable.

All I’m wearing is my lacy bra and thong, since I don’t have sleepwear.

Kane’s huge form appears in the doorway. His eyes find mine instantly and the fierce hunger in them makes me hot.

After a few seconds of silence, I can’t stand it anymore.

“What are you going to do with me?” I snap.

He smiles kindly, turning and shutting the door. I almost get up and run for the bathroom door, as he pulls o his tie and starts to unbutton his shirt. Not that it would do me any good.

I’ve already checked the room, and there’s absolutely no escape. I considered trying to climb down from the window, but we’re three stories up and there’s nothing much to hold on to—I’ll save that attempt for when I’m desperate.

I watch him warily, as he peels his shirt o . My heart rate spikes at the sight of his bare, muscular chest and the dark tattoos sprawling across his left arm. The sight of him like that makes my pussy ache, which is ridiculous.

It’s as if my body and mind are totally split at the moment, but this is the first man I’ve ever been close to half-naked, and he’s a God. Kane has me locked away in this room, and I’m lusting after him.

Not to mention, he’s old enough to be my father. A naughty thought floods my mind, and I feel my cheeks heat.

I wonder if he’d like me calling him Daddy while he took my virginity.

What the hell is wrong with me?

He moves toward the bed and my body tenses. A dread so keen spreads through my veins, making me tremble. I can’t sit there and wait for him to rape me. Instead, I stand to my feet and back away, forgetting I’m only in my underwear.

Kane cocks his head to the side slightly, and then kicks his shoes o before unbuttoning his pants. His heated gaze slowly drops down my body and then back up, setting me on fire like nothing ever has.

He pulls his pants down his muscled hips, and I can’t keep my eyes from wandering. He’s wearing a pair of tight boxer briefs with a hard, huge bulge defining the outline of

his thick cock. The mix of fear and lust warring inside of me is more confusing than anything I’ve ever experienced.

Finally, he tears his eyes away from me and lies down on the bed.

He laces his fingers behind his head, making his abs ripple deliciously. I stand there, watching him as he shuts his eyes.

What the hell is happening?

“What are you doing?” I ask.

He doesn’t open them just chuckles. “I’m getting a little rest on my bed.”

His bed.

I assumed they’d taken me to a guest room in this mansion, not his room. It makes it even more likely he intends to fuck me. He probably wants to make sure I’m good enough before whoring me out to the rest of the criminals in this town.

“I-I’m not fucking you,” I shout, feeling a little stupid considering he’s lying on the bed, unmoving.

He chuckles, again. “Did I ask you to?” His eyes open this time and he glances at me. “I’m open to it but believe me the last thing that gets me going is forcing myself on an unwilling woman.”

A flood of relief courses through me and my shoulders slump.

Thank God. “Did you get any sleep?” he asks.

I shake my head. “No chance.”

He smiles a panty-melting smile, his eyes crinkling at the edges. God, he’s handsome. For an older man, he is ridiculously attractive and so sexy in that bad boy, silent kind of way. “Come here, baby girl.” He holds out a hand.

I swallow thickly, as the nickname only adds fuel to the fire burning inside of me. I can feel my panties are soaking

wet between my thighs, as I consider whether to go near him.

“I won’t bite,” he half-growls. “It’s two o’clock in the morning, and we could both use some sleep.”

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, wondering whether I should sleep in a bed with him. Surely, this is all a trick. He probably intends to get into my panties once I’m under the sheets. Our eyes meet, and for some unknown reason I’m sure that isn’t his intention.

Kane, with all his hard muscles, could take me against my will easily. He could stand up, throw me over his shoulder, and take me on the bed. I’d be powerless to stop him.

Instead, he’s lying there doing nothing.

I step closer and he smiles again. A kind smile I never expected to see on his lips. I take his hand and he eases me under the sheets, before shifting to get under them himself.

He remains on his side, gazing at me as he slowly brushes my hair from my face and tucks it behind my ear. A gentle and tender gesture that makes me ache for all the wrong reasons.

I glance at him.

“Will you let me hold you?” he asks.

I narrow my eyes, unsure I want him to touch me. Not because of who he is, but because I’m sure my hormonal teenage body will react to him in all the wrong ways. I find myself nodding in agreement.

He shifts closer to me and wraps one strong arm around my waist, pulling me back against him. I freeze as I feel the throb of his long, hard cock against my ass. It takes all my willpower not to moan out loud. The fire he has lit inside of me burns more brightly, more fiercely, as I let him hold me tight.

The aching need between my thighs more desperate. It’s not a sensation I’ve ever experienced so strong before. I

don’t dare move. His lips find the sensitive spot between my ear and the base of my neck, and he kisses me lightly. “Get some sleep, baby girl. I’ve got to be up early.”

I can’t even speak to ask why he needs to be up early. Not that it would matter to me, since I’ll be locked away in his room all day. I let out a shuddering breath and try to ignore the thickness pressing into my ass.

“Good night,” he whispers into my ear.

Fuck.

This man is making me long for him. I’m almost annoyed he didn’t try to fuck me. If he had, I wouldn’t be craving what he isn’t giving me. His thick length makes me tingle all over. I wiggle ever so slightly and push against him, feeling exactly how long and hard he is.

He groans into my ear and digs his fingers into my hips.

“Don’t move, baby girl, or I’ll come in my boxers.”

I bite my lip at the thought of him shooting his load all over my bare ass. It sends an illicit heat sparking through my veins. Instead of keeping still, I grind my ass harder into his cock, letting his fabric-clad length push between my bare ass cheeks.

He growls a low noise that vibrates through my body, making my pussy even wetter. “Are you trying to make me come?”

I can’t speak. Instead, I keep moving. The need for this man out ruling any common sense. He groans against my skin, and I feel his sticky, wet precum soak through the fabric and onto my skin. I reach around to grab him through his boxers, giving his throbbing cock a hard stroke.

He grabs hold of my hips and turns me around to face him. Pure lust sparking in his dark irises as he stares at me.

“No touching,” he growls, grabbing my hand and forcing it away. He shakes his head. “When it comes to me, I’ve got

a very specific way of doing things. Ways that an innocent girl like you couldn’t handle.”

My jaw clenches at him calling me innocent. He is right, I am innocent and a virgin, but I don’t like hearing him say it.

“I’m sure I can handle anything you have to o er.”

His eyes narrow. “I’m a rough lover and I like to dominate my sexual partner, baby girl.” He shakes his head.

“I get o when I tie a woman up and make her mine. I like a woman to submit to me. I’d make you come so many times, you’ll be begging me to fuck you.”

A thrill races through me at the thought of being tied up by this handsome, brutal man. I’d heard of Dom and Sub play before, but considering I’ve not even had vanilla sex, I’m not sure it is something I’d want to indulge in. I swallow thickly.

“Is that something you’d want from me?”

I feel the heat racing to my cheeks at the question. “II have no idea…”

“Of course not, you’ve never experimented with that kind of sex. You’ve probably only had missionary sex like a good, innocent girl, is that right?”

I bite my lip, my body trembling against him. “N-Not exactly.”

“Tell me what you like,” he purrs.

I shake my head, becoming more embarrassed. “I don’t know.”

His brow furrows. “What do you mean?”

My stomach twists at the words on the tip of my tongue.

“I’m a virgin,” I whisper.

Kane’s eyes spark fiercely, and he growls a low, animalistic sound that makes my whole body catch fire.

“How is that possible?”

I bite my bottom lip. “I’m only eighteen…I-I just never —”

He silences me with his lips, clashing against me in a hard kiss. I moan into his mouth, as his tongue teases against my own, making me so wet my juices are rolling down my thighs. He’s making me feel things I’ve never felt before. My body is responding to him in the most pleasurable ways. My nipples are tight, my pussy is dripping, and my clit is aching to be touched.

He finally pulls away, making me whimper. I want to keep kissing him forever. I’ve never been kissed the way he just kissed me.

“Good night, baby girl,” he whispers, tightening his grip on my waist. “Don’t worry, I won’t corrupt a virgin. I may be a criminal, but I have some morals.”

His hard length is still throbbing and thick in his boxer briefs, pressing against my bare thigh. I can’t help but feel disappointed that he doesn’t want to fuck me. I nod and turn back over to hide it, as I’m sure it’s written all over my face.

Kane’s arms wrap around my waist, and he pulls me close again. His thick cock teasing at my ass and making me needier.

It’s ridiculous how safe being wrapped in this brutal criminal’s arms I feel. Slowly, the length pressing into me eases as he begins to breathe more deeply, signaling he has fallen asleep, holding me.

I should be scared and trying to work out how to escape, even though there is no escaping the Romano family. I shouldn’t feel safe in the arms of this man capable of terrible things.

As I rest here with his strong arms wrapped around me, I feel safer than I’ve ever felt in my life. The rhythm of his heavy breathing slowly makes my eyelids flutter shut and sleep takes me.

7

KANE

I

wake with Jasmine in my arms and my cock hard against her thigh. I don’t normally let women sleep in my bed, but it felt so good holding her. A need to protect this young, beautiful virgin is ruling my actions.

She is lying on her back and looks more beautiful than ever. I was taken aback by her admission that she is a virgin.

There’s no way I’m touching her now, not unless she really wants me to.

My intention was to play the long game with her. I’d intentionally pressed my throbbing hard cock against her last night to see her reaction and damn did she react. The intention was to get her to beg me to fuck her—until she dropped the bombshell that she’s a virgin.

I may be a criminal at the top of a powerful crime family, but I can’t take her virginity. She doesn’t even know me. Her first time should be with someone she knows and trusts. A man who cares about her.

As I lay here, staring at her, the thought of any other man touching her perfect body makes me crazy. I have no right to deflower this woman, but it doesn’t stop my mind from running wild. I’ve never been so intoxicated by a woman’s scent, or the way she looks while she sleeps.

My grip tightens on her slender waist, as my possessive side rules me. Alex Cavino gave her to me and she’s mine, but it got far more complicated the moment she told me she is a virgin.

An innocent girl like Jasmine can’t handle my rough, dominating nature. Sex isn’t something I indulge in a lot, but when I do, it’s my chance to tie a woman up and make her so desperate she’s begging me for my cock. The thought of doing that to a sweet, innocent virgin like Jasmine makes my balls ache for release. I could blow her mind with the things I’d do to her and the way I’d make her feel.

I can’t do that to a virgin, though. It’s not right.

Jasmine shifts in my arms and her eyes flutter open. A confused expression flits onto her face, as she glances around the room and then our eyes meet. The recognition dawns in her eyes and she looks half scared, half lustful.

“Morning, beautiful,” I say, keeping my hand firmly planted on her flat stomach.

“Morning,” she mumbles, trying to shift away from my grip.

I tighten my grip on her hips and pull her close, kissing her cheek lightly. She blushes a deep red, and it makes me want her more. My innocent virgin blushing at a kiss on the cheek, the girl makes me so fucking hard.

“How did you sleep?” I ask.

The blush spreads down her neck, making me wonder where else it spreads, as she bites her bottom lip.

“Surprisingly well.”

I can’t help but smile. Normally, I wake up feeling grumpy, but I could get used to waking up next to her.

It’s a dangerous thought. Rick is right. The way I inexplicably care about this girl I met yesterday is bad news.

If anyone were to realize how much she meant to me, they’d

use her against me. Not to mention, I’m old enough to be her father.

Although, I’m built like a man half my age. I’ve been complimented on how good I look for my age too, my Latin blood seems to help.

“Why do you have to get up early? What time is it?” she asks, blinking at me.

I smile down at her and plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I’m going to a meeting and it’s six-thirty.”

Her brow furrows slightly, as she lets out a shaky breath.

“What am I going to do?”

I shake my head and plant my lips against hers, kissing her tenderly. “Enough questions. Do you want to have a shower?”

She nods and shifts out of my arms, sitting on the edge of the bed with her head in her hands. I crawl toward her and place my hands on her shoulders, kneading the tension.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

She shakes her head. “Do you really need to ask me that?”

I sigh. “I’ve told you, I’m not going to hurt you.”

She gives me an incredulous look and then stands to her feet, walking toward the bathroom. I’m itching to take a shower with her, but I know how dangerous that would be.

The moment I see her naked, I know I won’t be able to control myself.

My cock is hard thinking about it. The door shuts behind her and I hear the water run, giving me the sign that I can work out my frustration in peace. I pull my boxers down and fist myself in my hand, groaning as I think about how good her body felt pressed against mine last night.

Thick, pearly precum beads from my swollen head, dripping onto the bed and making a mess, but I can’t bring myself to give a fuck. All the tension built over the past

twelve hours is too much to bear. My cock twitches and throbs in my hand, as I think about Jasmine in the shower.

The water cascading down her perfect form and that round fucking ass that makes me harder than nails. I grunt, feeling my balls clench and tighten. I shut my eyes, picturing her opening those plump lips and letting me fuck her mouth.

The image of kneeling down in front of me, eyes fixed on mine, as I grab a handful of her dark hair has more cum leaking from my dick.

The thought of her sucking my cock is almost enough to send me over the edge, but I hold out, grunting as I picture her tied to my bed. Her legs spread with my spreader bar and ready for me. The thought of her like that, calling me Daddy is too much, and I feel my balls clench.

“Fuck, Jasmine,” I growl, shooting my load all over the bed, the tension finally easing the moment I come.

A gasp by the bathroom door has my head snapping around. Jasmine is standing by the en-suite bathroom door in a towel, eyes wide and fixed on my cock. Her cheeks are flushed bright pink and her lips part in a way that tells me she’s turned on.

I stand to my feet, not considering that’s probably not the best idea. My cock twitches under her attention, and it remains as hard as stone. She opens her mouth as if to speak, but she says nothing. Her eyes are still fixed on my cock, and it’s making me want her more.

I’m not sure how long we stand there. Her gaze glued to my package without moving, staring at it as if she’s fucking hypnotized by it. Her cheeks are flushed a deep pink and her lips are parted, making me harder and harder.

Thick, pearly precum is leaking from the swollen head onto the floor in a long string. The sight of it has her licking her lips, forcing me to picture her wrapping them around

me. If I don’t stop her from looking at my cock like that, I’m going to end up shoving it down her throat.

“Jasmine, are you going to stand there and stare at my cock all day?” I growl, grabbing the length of it to try to focus her attention elsewhere. “If you’re done in the shower, I need to take one.”

The sound of my voice snaps her out of the daze she’d fallen into, staring at my cock. “Sorry, I left my clothes out here.” She gazes down at the floor.

It takes all the control I have not to walk over to her and kiss her. She’s only wearing a towel. It would be so easy to rip it from her body and make her mine. But, the girl is a virgin. She can’t handle me.

I walk toward her, and she still hasn’t moved. Her eyes return to my face and she’s bright fucking red. The blush spread right down beneath her towel. It takes every ounce of willpower to walk passed her and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.

The moment I’m away from her, I breathe a sigh of relief, resting my back against the bathroom door. My cock is hard again—so hard it hurts.

What the hell is happening to me?

8

JASMINE

A

week has passed by since Kane took me away from my step-father’s club. To say I’m confused would be an understatement.

Kane Romano is a gentleman toward me when we’re alone, but the moment anyone else is around he turns cold.

We’ve spent the past week together around the mansion, other than when he has to go and deal with mafia related issues.

Often, he will get a call while we’re chatting and his whole demeanor changes. As if anytime he has to deal with work issues, he’s a di erent person. I’m not sure how I feel about being his captive. On the one hand, I should be scared that he is forcing me to stay here, but deep down I like it.

Kane looks at me like no other man has, with a possessive hunger that makes me feel safe and cared for. Not to mention, I can’t get the image of him stroking that huge fucking rod between his legs and grunting my name, as he shot his load all over the bed. My thighs clench as I remember the image, feeling my panties get wet between my thighs.

The roar of the engine is the only thing between us, as I sit next to him in the back of the SUV. He hasn’t told me where we are going or what is happening.

In fact, he hasn’t said a word since we got into the car.

For the first time since he took me o Alex, he’s taking me outside of the confines of his home. I’ve got no idea what to expect. The moment we left the privacy of his room, he was a di erent person—quiet and brooding.

I can’t believe I’ve slept so well in his arms every night, though. There hasn’t been a night I can remember that I’ve slept as well as I have with Kane. My childhood wasn’t exactly happy. I gaze out of the window, contemplating what will actually happen to me in the long run.

Up to now, I couldn’t bring myself to ask what Kane’s intentions are for me. We’ve been going about our days as if everything is fine, but I know this can’t be all he plans to use me for. If he intends to get me working in the sex trade, I’m not sure I can face it.

Kane’s hand closes around mine, forcing me to look up at him. “What are you thinking?”

I shake my head. “N-Nothing…” I bite my lip.

His lip turns into a whisper of a smile. “Tell me, baby girl,” he whispers.

That nickname sends shudders through my body. This man is so unearthly handsome, and I can hardly hold his gaze. I look down at my lap. “Do you intend to put me to work as a hooker?”

He makes an animalistic growl, startling me. I gaze up at him to see his eyes full of dangerous rage. “Are you insane?”

I shrug. “What else would you do with me?”

His hand closes around my throat in a way that should scare me, but it’s gentle and makes my panties wet the moment his skin touches mine. A mix of fear and lust flooding me all at once. “You’re mine, Jasmine.” He gazes into my eyes possessively. “Mine, forever. Do you understand? No other man will ever touch you,” he growls.

I lick my bottom lip, liking the thought of that. Before I can reconsider my question it’s out, “Are you going to touch me?”

His fingers tighten around my throat slightly, not hurting me, as he pulls me closer to him. “Do you want me to?”

I’m trembling as he holds me close, glaring into my eyes like a man possessed. “I-I don’t know… I think—” His lips meet mine in a slow and tender kiss, making the need for him grow. I feel his tongue ease against my lips, forcing his way inside of my mouth. I let him inside, moaning into his mouth as he searches mine. This is the first time he’s kissed me like this since the first night, when I told him I was a virgin.

His fingers remain around my throat, as he kisses me deeply. I reach out for him, letting my hand tease down the hard planes of his muscled chest. He groans against me, nipping at my lip in an almost warning.

He lets go of my throat and turns away from me, letting me fall back into my seat. Silence fills the back of the car again, and I feel more confused than I’ve ever been. He has made it clear he doesn’t intend to whore me out. I’m just not exactly sure what he means by I’m his forever.

I’m so fucked up. This man has me held captive for almost a week, and I want him like I’ve never wanted anyone before. The way he kisses me makes me melt every time, making me crave him more. I barely even know him, but when he kisses me, I want to beg him to take my virginity.

The SUV pulls to an abrupt stop and Kane opens his door, leaving me sitting there on my own. I let out a long, shaky breath I didn’t even know I was holding. Around him, I forget to breathe. It’s as if he draws all the oxygen out of the space he’s in.

Suddenly, my door opens and Kane is standing there.

“Out,” he commands.

I do as he says and jump out of the SUV, craning my neck to look up at him as my feet hit the floor. His hands settle on my hips and he pulls me close to him. “You’re about to witness the true power of the Romano Mafia, baby girl. This is your life now,” he whispers into my ear.

A shiver passes down my spine, and he grabs my arm and drags me forcefully toward an industrial building. There are lots of other black cars all lined up in a row. My curiosity is peaked, but I’m too anxious to ask where we are or what we’re doing here.

The Romano Mafia is the real deal. It’s not petty crime like my step-dad is involved in. They kill anyone who stands in their way. Alex is lucky that he had me to o er Kane, otherwise he’d be dead and buried in an unmarked grave by now.

That same shift in Kane’s demeanor makes me shake.

Anytime we’re alone, he’s caring and kind. The moment we’re out in public he’s the rough, dominating man who barely speaks.

He drags me into the building full of people in suits. A long metal table in the center of the warehouse has chairs all around it. Two of Kane’s men flank us as we walk toward the table. Kane stops a few feet short of the table and jerks me a stop, pushing me toward one of his men. “Take her,” he grunts.

All I feel is confused, as I get handed o to one of his men. The guy’s hands tighten around my shoulders, and he drags me toward the edge of the room, stopping there. My eyes remain fixed on Kane whose jaw is clenched and his shoulders are hunched. It’s as if he’s making sure he doesn’t meet my gaze, keeping his eyes anywhere but on me.

Another muscular man enters the room and everyone goes silent. He emits even more power than Kane and I know instantly who it is—Rick Romano. Everyone watches him as he sits at the head of the table. Once he is seated, everyone else takes their seats.

Kane’s eyes find mine for a moment, but they remain steely and cold. I break his gaze, looking down at the floor.

This man is getting more confusing by the minute. It is like he has split personalities.

Rick stands and clears his throat. The entire room turns silent and goosebumps prickle across my skin, as I watch him scan the room. “Thank you all for coming to the weekly sit down. We’ve got a few matters to discuss.” He nods at a huge guy standing by the door, who steps forward, dragging a middle-aged man whose face has been badly beaten up.

“Joe Benz, you’ve been caught trying to steal from the Romano Mafia. Death is the only option.” He clears his throat. “Do you have any last words?”

“Please don’t do this,” he splutters, dropping to his knees. “My family was starving, and I needed food.”

Rick’s jaw remains hard and set. “No one steals from us and survives.” He nods to the man behind him who pulls out a gun.

I can’t stifle the gasp that leaves my lips.

The man behind tightens his grip and leans toward me.

“Keep quiet.”

I glance at Kane who is staring right at me with an odd expression in his eyes, something I can’t quite place. I glance back at the man who now has a gun pointed right at the back of the thief’s head. Then I return my gaze to Kane who gives me a slight nod. I bite my lip and keep his gaze, knowing he’s telling me not to watch. In his own twisted way, he’s trying to protect me from witnessing it.

The faintest whisper of a sad smile plays at his lips. He looks regretful as the gunshot rings out around us, and I keep staring at him, too scared to look at the scene unfolding. I can picture it though, the blood everywhere, the man’s lifeless body. It’s one thing knowing what the Romano family are capable of, but it’s another thing witnessing it.

My heart aches at the way the man begged for forgiveness and the cold way Rick, Kane’s brother, ordered him to be shot down. All I can think of is Kane’s words, this is your life now.

Is that true? It’s as if the gun shot woke me up from a stupid daze I’d been in, lusting after my captor. Kane Romano and his family are the worst people imaginable. This isn’t the life I want, not after everything I went through with my mother.

There has to be a way out. I need to escape him and head to the west coast of America. As far as I’m aware, their reach doesn’t stretch that far, and I should be safe there. They run the east coast, not the west.

All I need to do is hitchhike over there and then get a job, buy a new identity. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?

My shoulders slump as the man behind me keeps a hold of my shoulders. If it wasn’t for him, I’m sure I’d collapse right now. I keep my eyes fixed to the floor as the meeting continues.

The first man isn’t the only one to be murdered. Two more men are brought in, both of them pleading for their lives and both of them shot dead anyway without mercy.

Kane has done me a favor, bringing me to this meeting. It snapped me out of the silly daydream like state I’ve been in for the past week. He’s a killer and a monster. I can’t want him. This isn’t a life I would ever choose for myself.

9

KANE

W

e sit in silence in the back of the blacked-out car.

Jasmine has barely glanced at me since we walked out of the warehouse and hasn’t said a word. Maybe it was a mistake to bring her to the sit down, but she needs to know who I am and what I do. This is my life, and if she’s going to be a part of it, she needs to know.

The moment her step-dad o ered her to me, I knew I’d want her in more ways than one.

I want Jasmine Cavino to want me the way I crave her. The chance of that happening seems slim considering she’s an innocent girl caught in this shit because her step-dad is a jackass.

She won’t even meet my gaze anymore, staring unendingly out of the window. Her hand is trembling on the seat next to me. It irritates me how I have to act toward her while we’re out in public.

Cold and detached is my way when anyone other than my family is in my presence, even my men driving. I met this girl a week ago, and I’ve already shown her my soft side, I’ve got no idea why.

Her face made me guilty when those three men were shot during the meeting. I held her gaze for the first one, making sure she wouldn’t watch. After that, she wouldn’t tear her

eyes o the floor for the rest of the meeting. I’m not used to worrying about anyone else but myself and my brothers.

The need to protect her from seeing horrible things is strong. For the first time in my life, I wanted to break my tough public persona and go to her, pulling her into my chest and holding her tightly, but I couldn’t. It’s the most important rule of all—never show weakness to anyone. One wrong move could be a death sentence for her.

All I can hope is that no one noticed the way I was so fixated on her throughout the meeting. Our enemies are everywhere, even within our own mafia, and we trust no one.

If anyone learns they have a way to hurt me, they will snatch the opportunity. I know how selfish it is for me to want to keep her in my life. This is no place for a woman like Jasmine.

I crack my neck, feeling stressed by the situation.

Although I know the right thing would be to let her go—let her walk out of my life—I can’t. She’s mine and there’s nothing that could make me give her up. The drone of the engine seems louder than normal as the tense silence rests uneasily between us.

My fingers are itching to reach out and brush against hers. I want to ask if she’s okay, but I can’t bring myself to speak. The rest of the journey we travel in silence back to the house. A long sigh escapes my lips, as the crunch of the gravel drive beneath the wheels signals our arrival.

Jasmine still hasn’t so much as looked my way since we got in the car. It’s driving me insane. The car jolts to a stop and I get out, clenching my fists by my side. Jasmine remains in the car, unmoving. I grit my jaw and walk around to her side, yanking the door open. “Out,” I mutter, staring at her as she keeps her gaze fixed to the floor.

She jumps to her feet outside the car and keeps her eyes on the ground. If she doesn’t look at me, I will lose my shit.

My hand tightens around her wrist and I pull her with me, heading into the house.

The fight and resistance she put up against me the first day I dragged her into the car from the club is utterly gone. It is like I’m dragging a doll into the house. Rick and Leo are already in the main entrance, chatting. They eye both of us as I head up the stairs, pulling her with me.

I’m acting insane, and I don’t give a fuck. This woman is driving me mad, and I’ve got to make her see I’m not the monster she believes I am. Although, dragging her through the house like this might scream the opposite.

Once we’re behind closed doors, I let go of her arm and let out a long, shaky breath. She still won’t look at me.

“Jasmine, look at me,” I breathe, hoping the bridges between us haven’t burned.

She doesn’t move a muscle. Her fists are clenched tightly and are shoulders are tense. Jasmine fears me. The girl who looked at me almost adoringly this morning. What the hell was I thinking taking her there?

A sudden flood of anger at myself coils through me.

“I said, look at me.” She jumps at the tone of my voice and forces her face up, staring at me with cold fear and disgust in her eyes. I swallow the lump in my throat and try not to let that look get to me.

“Jasmine, I’m sorry you had to witness that.” I’m regretting my decision to take her, and wishing I could turn back time and do it di erently. Maybe it was too soon to show her who I was and what I do. It’s only been a week, but it feels like we’ve been here together for a lifetime.

“Sorry I had to witness how much of a monster you are?” she spits, glaring at me.

It hits me harder than I’d ever expect. Normally, words bounce o me, but from her it hurts. I shake my head and take a step toward her.

She takes a step back.

“Please, Jasmine.” I try to step forward again. “Let me explain.”

She shakes her head. “Don’t come near me.”

My heart aches at her coldness. She’s in shock but I can’t let her push me away—my heart won’t allow it. Instead, I move slowly toward her, keeping eye contact as if she’s a deer ready to bolt. “Please,” I whisper, willing her to let me come close.

Her body trembles the closer I get. Do I really scare her that much? I reach a hand out toward hers, and she doesn’t stop me from closing it around her own. With a gentle tug, I pull her into me and wrap my arms around her. “I’m sorry, Jasmine. I didn’t want to scare you.”

Her body is tense and unmoving in my arms. “Let go of me,” she says sternly, trying to step away.

I let her go, removing my arms despite feeling desperate to hold her close until she submits to me. I may be a criminal, but I’ve always respected a woman’s boundaries, it unusual for me to want to go against them.

Her eyes are filled with unshed tears as she narrows them at me. “Leave me alone.” She crosses her arms over her chest and lifts her chin, staring me out.

For a girl who is scared about her situation, she sure as hell isn’t worried about standing up to a monster. I hate that she used that word—a word I’ve often used for myself. I hate that is how she sees me now. God knows what she would think if I’d had to do the killing, luckily, I didn’t. If she knew what I’d done when I left her yesterday morning, she’d hate me more.

I clench my jaw, staring at the woman I long for, before turning away. “Get some rest, princess.”

She doesn’t respond as I step out of the room. The two guards standing outside the door of my room give me a nod.

“No need to lock the door, but keep an eye on her.”

“Of course, sir.”

I head down the hallway toward the stairs and descend to find my brothers. There’s something odd happening to me with Jasmine, and I’m not sure I like it. She’s making me feel, which is dangerous when you’re entangled in such a brutal line of work.

As I step around the corner, Leo blocks my path. “What’s wrong big brother? The girl making it more di cult than you thought?”

I shake my head. “Get out of my way, Leo.” “Boss is in a meeting.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Who the hell with?”

An irritating smirk curls onto his lips. “Austin.”

I punch the wall, feeling overwhelmed by rage. Austin is an asshole. He’s our spy, reporting on anything rival families might be planning. I’ve never trusted the guy though—he’s a real psychopath.

“How’s your plan going to get her to beg you for it?” Leo asks, picking at his nails.

My jaw clenches. “Fine.”

Leo loves getting under my skin. I love him because he’s my brother, but I could really kick the shit out of him for being such a cocky son of a bitch.

“Are you sure you’re not getting too old?” The smirk widens. “Maybe she needs someone younger.” He raises an eyebrow.

I snap and grab his collar, forcing him against the wall.

The stupid smirk is wiped from his face and he lifts his hands up. “Sorry, bro, I didn’t realize you were so serious about the girl.”

I let him go, running a hand through my short hair.

“She’s driving me fucking crazy.”

There’s a look in his eyes, as if he knows exactly what I mean. It makes little sense considering Leo never dates. He’s a self-professed man whore who can’t keep it in his pants.

He couldn’t know what I mean. It has become clear over the past week this woman has her claws in me so deep I don’t know what to do.

“How did the shipment go last night?” I ask, trying to get my mind o everything.

He shrugs. “Fine, until I got called to Mode to deal with a thief.”

My brow furrows. “What happened?”

There’s a strange look in his eyes, as he averts my gaze.

“You don’t want to know.”

I nod my head, assuming I really don’t want to know if Leo says so. Normally, he’s not shy about going into every little bloody detail about the deeds he carries out. Leo has always been the least a ected out of the three of us by death and violence. It made the underboss position perfect for him.

He deals with more of the day-to-day issues and workings of the mafia.

“Why are you looking for Rick?” he asks, changing the subject.

I sigh heavily. “I’m not even sure. I just had to get out of that room.”

Leo’s eyes light up. “How about we go for a drink?”

Me and Leo haven’t been for a drink in ages, but it sounds like a good idea. I need to get my mind o of the woman up in my room. “Sounds good.”

Leo practically skips toward the exit. “I’ll drive, let’s go to Mode.”

My eyes narrow, but I don’t question him on his choice. It seems an odd place to want to go after he had to deal with a thief there the night before.

A FTER A FEW BEERS AT M ODE , the attempt to keep my mind o Jasmine isn’t working. Leo is on one tonight and won’t slow down. By the time it gets to midnight, I’ve had enough.

I fight my way onto the dance floor to find my brother, but he’s nowhere to be seen. For fuck’s sake, this is why I never go out with Leo—he’s a loose canon. I pull my phone out of my jacket and type a text to him.

I will get a cab home. No idea where you are.

I fire the text o and then head for the exit, stepping onto the street. There’s a few cabs parked out front, and I walk to the first one, sliding in the back. The cab driver’s eyes widen the moment he clocks who I am. “Where can I take you, sir?”

I mindlessly tell him our address and loosen the tie around my neck. The plan tonight was to get drunk and forget about the woman in my bedroom. Instead, I’ve thought about her constantly. It’s like she’s infected my brain.

By the time the cab pulls up to our gates, it’s gone midnight. It’s against our rules for any vehicles other than our own to enter the compound. I pay the guy, getting out and starting the trudge down our ridiculously long driveway.

It’s useful tactically, as if we ever come under attack, we’ll have plenty of time to prepare for whoever is coming at us.

The driveway is at least a mile, but I enjoy walking beneath the stars. It helps clear my head a little, even if Jasmine still plagues my mind.

It’s a relief when I make it to the house, entering the hallway and hurrying up the stairs. Even though it’s only been a few hours, I’m desperate to see her. I need to see that she is safe.

A flood of relief fills me as I enter the room to find Jasmine under the covers, curled in a ball with her back to me. My cock throbs at the mere sight of her. The side light is still on, as I slowly ease my jacket o my shoulders and sling it onto the chair in the corner of my room. I then strip o my shirt and pants.

I’m not sure whether or not Jasmine is asleep, as I get under the covers beside her and glance over at her. She doesn’t move, even once I’ve settled on my side of the bed.

The temptation to wrap my arms around her is strong, but I resist.

Instead, I turn o the side light and stare up at the ceiling.

What has this girl done to me?

10

JASMINE

I

wait still and tense for Kane’s breathing to turn deeper and even. Finally, I’m certain he’s asleep and turn onto my back, shifting out of the bed carefully. The last thing I want to do right now is wake him.

It would ruin my plan.

I make sure I step toward the en-suite bathroom with soft, light footsteps, closing the door gently behind me with a quiet click. My heart is pounding so fast it makes my head spin. What I’m planning to do could end badly, if it goes wrong. I set my hands on the sink, leaning over and focusing on breathing deeply.

Escape is my only option. It will be a tough couple of days, as I try to travel to the west coast. I’m not an idiot, I know hitchhiking with no money and only the clothes on my back is dangerous. But, what choice do I have?

Stay here with this handsome, brutal murderer and wait until he gets bored with me and shoots me like his brother shot those defenseless men? Kane said it himself—forever— that’s how long he intends to keep me captive here. It means he has no intention of letting me go, at least not until he’s had enough of me.

This isn’t the life I want. Not after all the shit I went through with my mom. I vowed to myself I’d have a better

life, one which isn’t riddled with crime.

At least when I was living with my asshole of a step-dad I had freedom to a certain extent. I reach for the taps, turning them on and splashing some water over my face, trying to cool myself down. Sweat is prickling across my skin, as I try build enough courage to carry this out. The adrenaline pulsing through my veins makes my hands shake. I need to get a grip, if I’m going to pull this o .

I glance at myself in the mirror and nod. I’ve barely got a plan, but I intend to grab Kane’s wallet and hope there’s some money in there to tide me over. Then, head straight out the bedroom door, down the stairs and out. It’s late so I doubt there will be anyone about.

Who am I kidding?

This place is guarded like Fort Knox. The likelihood of no guards being downstairs on watch is slim. If I get caught stealing from Kane Romano and trying to escape, I’ll be dead.

An idea I’d had enters my mind again, despite how dangerous it is. Before I can rethink it, I’m carefully forcing open the window in the bathroom and sticking my head out to get a good view. There’s barely anything to grip onto unless I can launch myself onto a balcony a few feet away. It shouldn’t be that hard, except I can’t seem to stop my hands shaking.

I turn back to the bathroom, leaving the window open and slowly ease open the door to the bedroom. It’s dark and silent, other than Kane’s deep, steady breathing. His clothes are strewn in the far corner over a chair. With a quick exhale of breath, I creep over to the corner and pat his jacket and trousers, searching for a wallet.

My shoulders relax slightly as I find it, pulling it free and quickly checking inside. There’s a wad of cash, more than

enough to get me over to the west coast without even hitchhiking. I pull the cash out and shove it in my bra.

My fingers tease over the driving license in his wallet, staring at his photo. Another photo is slipped in by the side and I pull it out, staring down at a beautiful woman who has his eyes. My chest hitches as I wonder if this is his mother.

He hasn’t mentioned anything personal or where his mom is, or if she’s alive. I force the photo back into its place, staring for a few more beats at his license.

It’s crazy how much I want this man. My body still craves his touch, but my mind knows I need to get as far away from him as physically possible. Kane Romano isn’t like the lowlife criminals my mother ended up entangled with—he’s worse. A murderer and a monster, everything I vowed to stay away from.

I fold the wallet, closing it on the photo of him and slip it back into the same pocket. Kane snores softly in bed, drawing my eyes to him. He looks peaceful and beautiful as the light of the moon penetrates the room. If it wasn’t for who he was and what he did as the right-hand man to Rick, I’m sure I could have fallen for this man.

Slowly, I tiptoe back into the bathroom and gently shut the door, making sure I don’t make a sound. A small bag I’d packed with some clothes Kane had given me is stowed in the bathroom cabinet, I gently pull it out and sling it over my shoulder.

This is crazy. I know that more than anything as I stare at the open window three stories up. It’s at least a fifteen meter drop to the ground—certain death or at least a lot of broken bones if I cock up.

I swallow hard, before edging toward the window. With one last quick look, I grab hold of the frame and hoist myself out onto the window ledge. My whole body shakes with fear, as I make the rookie mistake of looking straight down.

Why did Kane’s room have to be on the top floor of this damn mansion?

I focus my attention on the balcony which is slightly lower than where I am now. My eyes shut for a moment as I picture making the jump, hoping that I can pull this o . I count to three and then jump, crashing into the balcony harder than I expected. Luckily, I manage to get a grip of it, despite cutting my hand in the process.

My heart is pounding hard and fast against my rib cage, making me feel sick. Slowly, I ease myself down and grip hold of the ledge, trying to find a footing on one of the small rocks protruding from the wall beneath me. The blood rushes through my ears.

“Take your time,” I repeat to myself again and again, under my breath.

It will take me fucking ages to get to the bottom, and the adrenaline pulsing through my veins isn’t helping. I reach my shaking hand out and shift it down lower, trying to get a grip beneath me. Slowly, I move my foot down and find another protruding stone to anchor myself on.

A sound beneath me startles me, and I almost lose my footing. I bite my lip to stop myself from crying out and giving away my position. The floor below someone is shutting an open window.

Fuck.

I hadn’t even considered that someone might see me from the window, climbing down the house. My muscles tense, and I find myself frozen on the side of the building.

The sudden reality of what I’m doing hits me. I’m frozen to the wall in fear, terrified of getting caught trying to escape Kane with a wedge of his cash.

I shut my eyes, breathing deeply. None of that matters. I need to focus on getting down to safety. With only that

thought in my mind, I try to take another step downward, finding another stone to lodge my foot against.

Only this time, the stone cracks and breaks, making me slip and forcing me to grab hold of a stone to stop myself from falling to the ground. I let out a loud scream before I can stop myself, jolting to a stop and straining my shoulder.

The chance of someone not hearing my scream is probably zero. I stay as still as I can, holding on with one hand despite the pain in my shoulder. It will make climbing the rest of the way harder, as long as I can find somewhere to lodge my foot.

A few moments tick by, and I wonder if I got away with it.

Slowly, I feel around for another stone, finding one and taking the weight o my shoulder.

The slam of the Kane’s en-suite bathroom door makes my heart rate speed up. He’s discovered I’m no longer in the room and probably realizes that it was me screaming.

My eyes remain fixed on the window I slipped out of, waiting for him to catch me. I know if he catches me, I’m dead. No one runs from a Romano, especially not with his money—I should have known better.

I feel the blood drain from my face and my head swim, as Kane’s face appears above me, gazing down at me. His eyes are wide and frantic as they lock onto me. All I can do is keep moving, hoping I’ll make it down before he does.

Who the hell am I kidding? I’m a goner.

11

KANE

“F

uck, Jasmine…No,” I roar, almost launching myself out of the window after her.

My muscles tense, as I watch her peering up at me with pure fear in her eyes. She is climbing warily down the side of the house with barely anything to hold onto. My heart leaps into my throat, as she fumbles slightly, teetering on the edge of falling.

The thoughts bombarding my mind all at once make it impossible to think straight. She’s going to fucking die trying to climb down this building, and there’s only one way I can think of to save her.

I stalk back into the bedroom, rip the bedding o the bed and grab the mattress, forcing it out of the small doorway with me. I’m on a damn mission, as I storm through the hallway with it. I’m not thinking of anything but Jasmine’s safety, I throw the mattress down the stairs into the hallway and rush down after it.

The blood pulsing in my ears is all I can hear, as the guard’s rush toward it, staring up at me like I’ve gone mad. I run down the stairs in my boxer briefs. “Out of my fucking way,” I roar, picking the mattress up. “Someone open the door.”

One of the guards yanks the door open for me. I force it through the gap and rush around the side of the building, praying that she’s still clinging onto the side and not splattered all over our terrace. The mere thought scares me more than anything has in years.

The moment I see her there climbing down the wall slowly, my heart beat evens slightly. “Jasmine, you’re going to fall to your death,” I call up, positioning the thick mattress below her and praying to God it will be enough to save her if she falls. She’s about half-way down now, ten meters in the air.

I’m itching to climb up and grab her, but I know it won’t help. All I can do is wait for her to climb down or fall—the thought makes me sick to my stomach. A few of the guards come rushing around the corner.

“Boss, what do you need us to do?”

I glance at them, realizing if I show any mercy to Jasmine for her attempt to flee, I’m going to look weak. “Let me handle this and go back inside,” I growl, trying to contain control of the fear spiking through me.

The guys look at me like I’ve lost the plot, none of them moving. My jaw clenches. “I said, go back inside.”

Their eyes flood with fear at my tone and they turn around to head back into the house. My attention returns to Jasmine who is still on the side of the building, illuminated by the moonlight and the low lights around the house. She’s like a perfect statue, frozen to the side of the wall and no longer moving downward.

“Jasmine, what are you doing?” I shout.

She shakes her head slowly. “I can’t come down, you will kill me,” she says quietly, but loud enough for me to hear.

Then, she starts fucking sobbing. It is the last thing she should be doing, crying on the side of a damn building still ten meters in the air.

The mere fact she thinks I’d ever harm a hair on her head makes me angry. I’ve sent my men away because I can’t let them see me doting over her. Which is exactly what I intend to do once I get her back down and into my arms. This makes me want to wrap her up in cotton wool and hold her tightly, never letting her leave my side again.

“That couldn’t be further from the truth, sweetheart,” I call up, trying to keep my voice soft and light. “I’d never hurt you.”

I can make out her shaking her head. “That’s not true,” she spits, glaring down at me. “I know what you’re capable of.”

My fists ball as I glare up at her. “If I wanted to kill you, why the fuck have I bought my mattress down here in case you fall?”

There’s a long drawn out silence, thankfully her sobbing has stopped. What the hell was her plan? Escape me and try and fight her way through the dozens of guards at the gate.

Where would she have gone?

Jasmine knows what we’re capable of and that no one runs from a Romano, not if they want to live. The crazy thing is, I couldn’t order her death no matter what she did. I’m pretty sure she could stab me with a knife, and I’d still want to protect her. She has imprinted on me in a way no other woman ever has—it’s primal and desperate.

“Are you going to make me climb the wall to come and get you?” I shout up, breaking the silence.

There’s a quiet mumble that I can’t quite make out. Then, I see her begin to move down again, carefully trying to grip onto the stones protruding from the wall. It’s nervewracking, watching her. I can’t remember I time I’ve felt so scared.

As she edges further down the wall, I move closer, ready to catch her if I have to. A yelp sends my heart accelerating

as she slips and jolts, almost falling entirely but managing to hold on with one hand.

“Shit, Jasmine, hold on.” I’ve got no fucking choice. She’s going to fall and allthough it’s only eight meters, I’ve witnessed how even small falls can prove fatal. I grab hold of a stone on the wall and climb it quickly, working on pure adrenaline and a desperate need to save my woman—my Jasmine.

I move fast and stead, putting my rusty rock climbing skills from when I was a kid into practice. Jasmine is still holding on, whimpering as I get closer.

“Jasmine, hook your free arm around my neck,” I say.

Her bright blue eyes glisten with tears in the moonlight, as she stares down at me. She looks unbelievably beautiful even when she’s terrified.

“Sweetheart, do it now, I’m trying to help you.” After a few more beats, she wraps her arms around my neck and I feel a flood of relief as I take her weight. “You’re going to have to hold on tight to my back, and I’m going to climb down.”

She gives me a weak nod, sinking her teeth into her bottom lip. Both her arms wrap around my neck, and I take all her weight. “You’re going to have to help me, plant your foot on anything you can as we move.”

She doesn’t say a word, clinging onto me tightly and finding a foothold on the stone wall. Slowly, we move together in silence, finding our way to safety. The pain ripping through my muscles is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I may have underestimated the strain of climbing with another person’s weight. Every muscle in my body is under intense strain holding both of our weights, as the stone bites into my hands.

With a deep grunt, I block the pain out of my mind, ignoring it. When we touch down onto the soft mattress, I

twist around and grab her, collapsing onto the mattress. I pull her close to me and hold her tight. My breathing is heavy and deep and my hands are cut and sore, but I don’t care about anything. Jasmine is safe and in my arms, as I stare up at the twinkling stars above us.

I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say, as my heart races beneath her head. She can no doubt feel it beating hard and fast.

A shiver runs through her as she trembles in my arms, keeping her eyes shut tightly.

“You scared me half to death,” I gasp, running a hand gently over her hair.

Her eyes open wide and she stares right at me, surprise painted over her features. “Scared you?”

It’s ridiculous how confused she looks, but she has no idea how I feel about her. Possessive and protective are two words that spring to mind. We rest there for a while in total silence, as she gazes up at the stars too.

“They are so beautiful tonight, aren’t they?” I mutter, leaning closer to her ear.

She nods, keeping her eyes fixed on the sky while I watch her. The stars are beautiful, but not as beautiful as the girl in my arms.

“Not half as beautiful as you, though,” I mutter, kissing her cheek softly.

She shudders, confusion clear in her eyes. “Aren’t you going to punish me?”

I smirk at the thought. “Hmm, I would like to give you a good spanking,” I growl, gently tapping her ass in a way that makes her gasp.

Her lips part and her cheeks flush, making my cock hard.

“Come on, let’s get you back inside. You’re freezing.”

She nods as I lift her to her feet, keeping my hand on her back. I grab the mattress in one arm, and keep one arm on

her back. We walk slowly into the hallway, watched by the guards intently. No doubt, they are wondering why I’m not punishing her, but I can’t.

This woman is changing me, and I’m not sure it’s a good thing. Only time will tell.

12

JASMINE

T

alk about an epic fail attempt at escaping. If I wasn’t so scared, I’d probably be embarrassed about how pathetic and useless I am.

I stand in the center of the room, trembling. The worst thing happened. Kane Romano caught me trying to escape, and I’m certain he has no idea about the cash I stole wedged in my bra right now. Somehow, I’ve got to get it back as there’s no way he will turn a blind eye to that.

Kane hasn’t said a word since he got me back into his room. When he climbed up to get me down, he held me so tightly, as if he was scared I’d disappear—it wasn’t what I expected. Now, he’s sitting quietly on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. The silence is worse than if he were shouting at me. I have no idea what to expect.

He shifts, making me flinch as he stands and walks toward his clothes on the chair in the corner. My heart sinks as he goes straight for the pocket with his wallet. All I can do is stand there and wait for him to discover what I’ve done.

He flips open the wallet and sighs deeply. “You stole from me.”

I can’t say anything. All I do is stare at the ground, waiting for him to punish me. I’m only eighteen, I never expected my life to end this early. He walks toward me and

my whole body is tense and shaking. I’m ready for whatever he will throw at me, waiting for the pain. Instead, he cups my chin in his hand and gently moves my face to meet his gaze.

There’s no anger in his eyes only a deep disappointment and sadness that stuns me. “Where is the money?” he asks softly, caressing my chin with his fingers.

My eyes drop to my cleavage and he doesn’t need me to say. He growls gently, eyes fixed to my breasts, as he lets go of my chin and slowly eases his fingers into my bra, teasing my nipple as he searches for the wad of cash. My thighs clench at his touch, and I bite my lip to stifle a moan attempting to escape.

“The other cup,” I rasp out.

There’s a heat in his dark eyes that makes my pulse speed up. How can this man scare me and turn me on all at the same time?

His fingers ease into the other cup, brushing purposely against my hardened nipple, making it sti en more. He takes his time slowly pulling the money from the cup and then throws it on top of his jacket on the chair. Silence follows and I’m not sure whether I’m excited or scared as I stare at him, waiting to see what he does next.

The electric tension pulsing through the air steals the breath from my lungs as suddenly he comes at me. His lips crashing down on mine as he hoists me into his arms, forcing me to cling onto him. My heart rate spikes as his tongue flicks across my lips, seeking entrance.

Although I know the monster this man is, the moment his lips are against mine all reasoning is gone. My lips part to let him in and he kisses me hard. His tongue searching my mouth like a man possessed—starving for me.

I moan into it, as he sucks on my tongue, making the ache pulse between my thighs. My panties are wet, and I can feel

them dampening more as his fingers press into my ass cheeks possessively.

He pulls me closer into him, making me reach out for his hard, solid chest. He is pure muscle beneath my palms, and I groan as his thick erection presses into my lower abdomen, making me more desperate for him.

He pulls away, and it is all it takes to snap me back to reality. What the hell am I doing?

“Jasmine, you need to understand that I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

I gaze up at him, hearing the softness in his voice. “I stole from you, though. No one steals from the Romano family and gets away with it.”

There’s a flash of something in his eyes. “No one needs to know about this. It will be between the two of us, okay?”

I nod slowly, wondering why he’d give me a pass on this.

He takes my hands in his and leads me to the edge of the bed, forcing me to sit. “Jasmine, I don’t tell anyone this, but I’m going to trust you.” He brushes a hair from my face and tucks it behind my ear. “We do what we have to do because we have enemies everywhere. Many people want to bring down the Romano Mafia, and we remain strong by keeping up appearances.” He shifts slightly, gazing into my eyes more intensely. “The man you know in this room is the real Kane Romano. Outside of this room, I have to keep up the brutal persona that everyone has heard of. It’s what keeps us safe and in power.”

I bite my lip and gaze down at my lap, remembering the pleas of the poor men Rick shot earlier. They are murderers.

How can I be okay with that? It’s not something you accept just because you’re attracted to a guy.

“What you do is wrong,” I mutter.

To my surprise, he nods. “I know. I’ve always known.” He pauses a moment. “Unfortunately, my father didn’t o er me

a choice. I was in this whether or not I liked it, and believe me I tried to fight.”

“Couldn’t you have run away?”

He shakes his head. “It would have been pointless. The mob has eyes everywhere.” A small smile plays at his lips.

“I’m curious where you were heading that you thought I wouldn’t find you?”

I feel my cheeks heat and wonder if my plan was ridiculous. “The west coast…I figured—” “You figured since we run the east coast I wouldn’t find you.” He shakes his head. “You’ve got a lot to learn about this world. We’ve got people all over North America.”

“I don’t want to learn about this world… I want nothing to do with it.”

His chest hitches as if I’ve hurt him, but it’s the truth.

This isn’t a life I’d ever choose willingly. I’m kept here by force and that’s the only reason I’m here.

Kane sighs heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. “Fair enough.” He stands and walks toward the chair in the corner, grabbing the wad of cash. He returns and places the money in my lap. “I won’t hold you here against your will any longer.”

My eyes widen, and I stare down at the cash in shock.

“Are you letting me go?”

There’s a deep sadness in his eyes as he nods. “What good is it keeping you somewhere you don’t want to be?” He turns his back on me and walks toward the window, gazing out of it. “Where will you go?”

I think on it for a moment and come up blank. The fact is I want nothing to do with Alex, not after what he pulled. The man is an asshole. Ethan might help me out for a short while. I’m sure he’d let me crash at his place for a few nights.

“A friend’s place.”

His back tenses and he turns to face me. “What friend?”

My eyes narrow. “Why do you need to know?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t… I just don’t want you to get hurt, Jasmine.”

There’s sincerity in his voice, and it makes my chest ache and my breath catch in my throat. This man I called a monster really doesn’t act like one at all. He’s letting me go which is the last thing I expected. “Don’t worry, he would never hurt me.”

There’s a flash in his eyes when I reveal that it is a man.

His jaw clenches and his fists ball, but he nods in response.

“I’ll call you a cab.” I watch him as he walks away, leaving me staring after him.

There’s a strange twisting in my stomach, as I watch the man I’d longed for the past week. It has been a week since Kane took me from my step-dad’s club, but it feels like a lifetime. I enjoy the safeness I feel when I wrapped in his arms, but I can’t stay here.

He returns, barely looking me in the eye. “Cab has been called. You can wait down in the hallway for it, if you would like.”

I swallow hard, deciding that’s the best idea. If I stay up here with him, I might change my mind about leaving him at all. Without a word, I walk toward him and rise up onto my tip toes.

My lips meet his in a soft and tender kiss goodbye, making my chest ache. When we part, I whisper, “Thank you, Kane.” Then I turn and leave his room, not daring to look back at him. It's hard to leave him, even if he is a monster.

My heart is pounding, as I shut the door behind me and rest my back against it. I’m not sure what my life will look like now that I can’t rely on my step-dad anymore, but no

matter how much my body craves Kane, his world isn’t one I belong to.

I dig my phone out of my pocket and fire o a text to Ethan, as I head down into the hallway to wait for my cab. Two security guards give me an odd look. My phone buzzes and my stomach twist the moment I read the text.

Ethan: Sorry, I’m out of town until next week. Call me when I’m back and I’ll help. I promise.

Shit.

I forgot Ethan is away for the week, visiting his family in Canada. Suddenly, I feel helpless and pathetic. The only person I could have relied on to help me is away. My stepdad is dead to me, and the last thing I’d do is go back to him.

Where the hell am I supposed to go?

My fingers feel for the wedge of cash Kane gave me. I could book into a hotel, but I don’t feel like being on my own right now. There’s a strange part of me that wants to march back up those stairs and tell Kane I’ve got nowhere to go.

Would he let me stay here?

13

KANE

I

stare out of the window as the cab drives away with Jasmine down the long winding drive, driving her out of my life forever. It feels like she’s leaving with a part of me. The woman who I’ve been inexplicably drawn to ever since I laid eyes on her. The phantom touch of her lips still lingers on mine.

It has been ten minutes since she walked out of here after kissing me gently. I miss her already. There’s a terrible ache in my chest at the thought of never seeing her again. It almost killed me to let her go, but I had no choice.

What has she done to me?

A knock at my door sounds and I clench my fists. The last thing I need right now is one of my brothers sneering over me because she’s gone—because my plan didn’t work. I can see Leo now laughing at the fact I’m too old for a young girl like her. I don’t bother replying, hoping whoever it is will leave and get the hint. Instead, another hard and fast knock follows, and I blow out a long breath.

I pull the door open and my mouth falls open with it. It’s rare that I’m stunned speechless, but Jasmine is standing on the other side. “What… how are you…” I run a hand through my hair, wondering if I’ve finally lost the plot and I’m hallucinating.

“I text my friend, but he’s out of town for the week…”

She sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. “I’ve got nowhere to go, it’s late, and I could book into a hotel, but…”

My eyebrow raises and my heart thuds in my chest. “But, what?”

She twists her fingers together nervously. “I don’t want to be on my own.” Her voice is small and fragile, almost vulnerable.

“You can stay here if you’d like, as a guest rather than a captive.”

Her eyes narrow, and I hold my hands up. “I can give you your own room. The door won’t be locked, and you’d be free to go whenever you want.”

She gazes down at the floor, shifting her weight from one foot and then the other. When she gazes back up at me, her eyes are full of fire, dangerous fucking fire. “I’d prefer to stay in your room until he’s back in town, and then I’ll leave.”

My cock twitches and leaks into my boxers at the prospect of her wanting to share my bed tonight. Not because I’m forcing her to, but because she wants to. “I thought you didn’t want to be anywhere near a monster.”

The guilt is written all over her face, as she bites her lip again. “I’m sorry I said that.”

There’s an odd tingling in my stomach that this woman is apologizing to me, even after everything. She stares up at me with big, innocent, blue eyes. “Can I stay with you tonight?”

Blood pulses through my veins, and my dick is harder than a rock in my restrictive boxer briefs. There’s only so much teasing a man can take before he just can’t take it anymore. Jasmine is pure temptation and the longer she spends around me, the more I want to fuck her. I can’t let my control around her slip. She’s a virgin for fuck’s sake.

I give her a gentle nod and step aside to let her in. The moment I shut the door, she launches herself into my arms, kissing me hard. My muscles tense at the sudden unexpected gesture and then slowly I relax. My arms wrapping around her and pulling her closer to me, teasing her tongue with my own.

She breaks away breathless and beautiful. Her cheeks are flushed a pretty pink and her blue eyes are dilated with longing.

“Are you sure your friend is out of town?” I raise an eyebrow. “Or was this just an excuse to kiss me more?”

The redness of her cheeks deepens, and she shakes her head, pulling her phone from her pocket. “No, it’s true, look.” She holds her phone up with a text from her friend, Ethan.

I grit my teeth together, thinking about her leaving here to be with another guy in one week’s time. A guy who could take advantage of her, especially without me there to protect her. It looks like I’ve got my work cut out to make her want to stay with me.

She gazes up at me, pulling the wedge of cash from her pocket and trying to give it to me. “What are you thinking?” she asks.

I shake my head, pushing her hand back. “I gave that to you, it’s yours.” Her eyes widen, but she puts the money back in her pocket.

I wrap my arms around her waist and lift her up. “And, to answer your question, I’m thinking it’s about time I punished you for trying to sneak out the window.”

Her whole body turns to stone in my arms. The fear in her eyes is back clear as day.

“A good punishment, not a bad one,” I whisper, letting my lips brush over her ear.

I set her down gently in the center of the bed. “Hold your hands above your head and don’t move them, okay?”

She stares up at me, hesitating for a moment with her bottom lip caught between her teeth. She looks fucking amazing like that. I sigh a breath of relief when she nods and moves her arms over her head, twisting her fingers together.

I gaze down at her in the center of my bed, feeling my thick length pulse against the fabric of my boxers. I’ve tried this past week to stop myself, but her coming to me and asking to stay in my room is the last straw.

I unbutton her jeans, slowly pulling them down her hips and legs, revealing a lacy thong beneath them that barely covers her beautiful pussy. The fabric is damp and wet with her arousal and it makes my balls ache for release.

I kiss the soft skin of her thighs, slowly planting kisses closer and closer to her sweet heat. Her eyes are wide as she stares down at me, cheeks flushed a pretty pink. I taste her through her panties, licking the delicious juice from them and sucking on her clit through the fabric.

Jasmine gasps, clawing at the bed sheets as if she’s never felt a man lick her before. The thought makes the blood pulse through my veins harder. Could I possibly be the first man to touch her here? I force my lips from her and gaze into her bright blue eyes. “Sweetheart, when you said you were a virgin, have you done other things with guys?”

A flash of something enters her eyes, and she shakes her head, biting on her bottom lip again. I can’t contain the growl that tears through my chest, as I grab hold of the waistband of her panties and rip them from her, exposing her perfect, untouched, virgin pussy to my hungry gaze.

I’ve lost all control, as I let my tongue delve inside of her, tasting that sweet honey. No other man has ever been here or ever will be again, not after I’m through with her. She’s

mine. I hold her hips tightly, digging my fingers into her soft skin, as I tongue fuck her tight hole.

Precum leaks into my boxers, leaving a wet patch as it strains against the fabric. Jasmine’s eyes are fixed shut as she moans gently, keeping her arms above her head just as I told her. Perhaps she is naturally submissive, as she doesn’t seem uncomfortable obeying. In fact, she looks like she’s in her element.

“Eyes open, baby girl,” I groan against her clit. “I want to watch exactly what I do to you.”

Her eyes shoot open on command and she stares down at me, turning a darker red. God it’s hot how much I a ect her.

I suck her swollen, throbbing clit into my mouth, holding her gaze. Her pouty lips fallen open, and she sucks in a sharp breath, moaning as I lick and suck at her more.

She’s ridiculously wet and sweeter than anything I’ve ever tasted. I could die happy feasting on this girl. I stare at her for a moment, before plunging my finger inside of her.

She gasps in shock and it turns into a moan. Her pussy is so tight around my finger, gripping it like a damn vice. My cock aches to be inside her, feeling the perfect pressure as she grips onto me.

I groan, licking her clit and fingering her. Her eyes are open, but her pupils are dilated with lust and her cheeks are flushed pink rather than red. She’s relaxing and easing into the sensations, enjoying the way I make her feel. It makes my balls ache more. I grip my cock and stroke it through the fabric while I feast on her, enjoying her taste.

“Can I see it, again?” she asks quietly, eyes fixed on the bulge in my boxers.

I can’t help the smile that twists my lips, nodding as I hook a finger into my waistband. My cock springs free, slapping my abs as it’s so hard it almost hurts. Jasmine

gasps, eyes wide and dilated even more. “It’s even bigger than I remember,” she says, almost too quiet for me to hear.

I stroke myself from root to tip, keeping my eyes fixed on her perfect pussy. I felt her nipples earlier in her bra and I long to see her breasts and suck on her hard nipples. “Take o your t-shirt and bra,” I command.

She doesn’t hesitate, pulling the top over her head and exposing her perfect breasts in a lacy black bra. The moment her bra springs free, I growl at the sight. She’s got the most perfect breasts I’ve ever seen. Her pink nipples are hard peaks, begging me to suck on them. She stares up at me, parting her lips. I groan, stroking myself even harder as my cock leaks onto the bed, making a mess.

I lower myself over her and suck her nipples into my mouth, lavishing attention to each one. Her moans are like music to my ears.

“Can I…” Jasmine trails o , sinking her teeth into her bottom lip.

“What do you want, baby girl?” I ask, cock pulsing in my hand.

“Can I taste you?”

I groan, spilling more precum onto the bed at the mere thought of her plump lips around my shaft. “Fuck, yes, but after I make you come.”

She moans, letting her head rest back against the pillow and keeping her arms above her head, as I move between her thighs again. My cock is so hard it hurts, but I keep my hand away from it, saving myself for Jasmine’s pouty little mouth.

I feast on her more desperately now, driven by a mad urge to claim her and make her mine.

No man has ever even touched her perfect pussy and no other man ever will. “Tell me you’re mine, baby girl,” I growl against her pussy, licking her clit teasingly.

She moans, eyes wide as she stares down at me. “I am,” she mutters quietly.

I stop licking her and she whimpers, glancing down at me. “I want to hear you say that you’re a mine,” I groan, gripping my aching cock.

She bites her bottom lip, and I run my thumb across her clit lightly, making her needy for more. “I’m yours…

Daddy.”

My cock jumps at that word, and my whole resolve snaps.

It’s twisted and fucked up, but I love it. I’ve wanted to hear her call me that since the day we met. I thrust two thick fingers inside her tight, wet heat and lick and nip at her clit more desperately.

She groans, lacing her fingers in my hair and breaking my command to keep her arms over her head. I can tell she’s close as her pussy gets even tighter around my fingers. Her muscles flutter and her breathing becomes deeper and more desperate. “Oh, God,” she moans, eyes rolling back in her head.

“Look at me, baby girl,” I command.

Her eyes snap back to mine in an instant, and I watch her eyes dilate as she tumbles over the edge. The tightness in her pussy increases and it floods with sweet juice. I move from her clit to her slit, lapping up every drop of her sweet cum.

When I’m done, I slowly trail kisses up her body, moving toward those perfect, pebbled nipples. Slowly, I circle each one, making them even harder. Jasmine moans, licking her lips and glancing down at me. Her eyes drawn to my thick, leaking dick.

“Do you still want a taste, baby girl?”

She nods as I pull her close and kiss her, forcing her to taste herself on my tongue.

“Suck Daddy’s dick like a good girl,” I grunt, sitting back on my haunches and fisting myself in my hand.

Tentatively, she shifts to kneel in front of me, reaching out to grab it with one hand. It looks ridiculously huge in her small hand, as she looks at it hungrily, adding her other hand and stroking me up and down. I groan at her touch, anticipating her perfect lips on me. She dips her head down and licks the precum from the tip, tasting me.

She closes her lips around the head and swirls her tongue around the base, making more cum leak onto her tongue.

“Fuck, just like that, baby girl,” I growl.

It spurs her on and she allows my cock to sink further into her mouth, taking a small amount of me into her throat.

She pulls back up, breathing a gasp of air, before going down on me again. It feels so good to have her lips on me. She slowly works more of me into her throat.

“Breathe through your nose, Jasmine,” I groan, wrapping her hair around my fist.

It’s taking all my self-control not to shove my cock all the way down her tight little throat. She’s a virgin, I keep repeating to myself. She pulls all the way o my dick and looks at me hesitantly, clearly wanting to say something.

“Will you fuck my throat, Daddy?”

I growl, grabbing her by the neck and pulling her close.

The control I had on my dominant side beginning to slip as I kiss her hard, making her moan. “I’ll fuck your throat, baby girl. Kneel on the side of the bed,” I say, standing up and positioning myself in front of her.

She does as I say, gazing up at me and waiting for instruction.

“Remember to breathe through your nose and relax.”

She nods her head, opening her mouth wide and inviting me in. I grab my cock and guide it between her lips, forcing the tip to nudge against the back of her throat.

Slowly, I fuck her throat, forcing my cock deeper and deeper inside. Jasmine keeps breathing through her nose

steadily and dribbles all over my cock. Thick strands of saliva coating me as she takes me all the way.

“That’s it, baby girl. Take my dick into your pretty little mouth,” I groan, thrusting into the back of her throat.

Tears prickle in her eyes, as she keeps her throat relaxed.

I stop, letting her catch her breath for a moment and then drive back in. She moans around my cock, eyes dilated with longing as I fuck her mouth. My cock is on the edge of explosion as I force myself to back o , kissing her and tasting my precum on her tongue.

“I’m ready to come, baby girl” I groan, reaching between her thighs and dipping my fingers into her soaking wet heat.

She moves back away from me, opening her mouth wide again.

“Do you want to swallow my cum?” I ask, fisting my cock in my hand.

She nods her head, eagerness flashing in her bright blue eyes.

“Fuck.” I let the head of my aching cock rest on her tongue. “Suck me, Jasmine.”

Her small hand closes around the base of my thick length, and she closes her lips around me. I growl as she swirls her tongue around my swollen head, making precum leak onto her perfect little tongue. It’s not long until I’m unloading rope after rope of thick, pearly liquid down her throat, roaring her name as I do.

She swallows most of it, some spilling out down her chin.

It’s impossible not to stare in awe at how beautiful she is, especially with my cum dripping across her soft skin. I reach out and sweep it up with my fingers. “Open your mouth.”

She does as I say, and I force my fingers inside, making her lick them clean. She hums around my fingers, sucking them until every drop is o . I grab hold of her and pull her close, collapsing onto the bed with her in my arms.

I know this woman is trouble, especially for my reputation, but I can’t find it in me to care. I’ve never been this happy.

14

JASMINE

I

can’t lie to myself—the fact Ethan was out of town was a relief. For some weird, fucked up reason Kane scares me and turns me on all at the same time.

I’ve never met a man I’ve craved like him.

The way he made me come all over his face more powerfully than I have ever made myself come before in my life makes me crave him more.

I sucked his cock, and it was better than anything I ever imagined. He tasted of pure masculinity. Even better when he fucked my mouth. The noises he made, made me feel powerful, that I could make a man like him lose control. I want him to sink that huge length inside of me and pop my cherry once and for all.

I’ve never done anything other than make-out with a guy before, but any time I kissed a guy it was nothing like when Kane kisses me. There’s a deep, dark part of me that wants him to take my virginity. I want him to tie me to his bedpost and have his way with me. After what he did to me the other night, that part of me is growing.

The problem is, he hasn’t touched me since, and that was two days ago. The rush of water echoes through the room as he’s in the shower after a day out. My stomach twists, as I

feel a dark pull to do something naughty. I want to get naked and step inside with him, forcing him to touch me again.

Before I can reconsider it, I force myself out of the chair in the corner of the room and strip. My heart is pounding against my rib cage, as I walk toward the bathroom naked.

The sight of him in the shower with his back turned to me makes my thighs clench. The tattoo wrapping around the back of his neck looks beautiful.

I can feel my resolve starting to slip, and that’s when he turns around. His eyes meet mine and then his gaze drops over my naked body. The fierceness in his eyes makes me quiver, as he lets his hand slip down to his cock, which is hard. I watch him as he strokes it from root to tip, staring at me.

“Are you getting in, or just watching?” he growls.

My cheeks heat as I realize I’ve been standing there staring at him like an idiot. I walk to the shower cubicle and he opens the door, allowing me to step inside. His hands are on me within a second and my body sets on fire.

“Were you thinking about how good my tongue felt on your perfect little pussy?” he groans, letting his fingers tease between my wet lips. “Is that why you’ve come in here naked, looking for more?”

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip and nod, unable to speak passed my embarrassment.

“Good girl,” he growls, tightening his grip on me. His hand searches the curves of my body, playing with my nipples. I moan as he grips hold of my throat, tilting my head toward him and kissing me hard.

We remain beneath the water, kissing and touching for a long while. He doesn’t do much more than finger me, and then he shuts o the water. Disappointment grows inside me that he isn’t going to do more.

His arms wrap around my waist and he lifts me out of the shower, carrying me to the bed. I gasp as he sets me down in the center, crawling over me. My hand settles on his muscular chest and I allow myself to take in his powerful form above me, making me shake in anticipation.

“It’s about time I made you come again and again, until you’re so exhausted you can’t keep your eyes open,” he groans, fingers teasing up my thighs and parting my legs wider. “Now, keep your hands above your head for Daddy.”

I moan at the word, shocking myself at how much it turns me on. It’s freeing and exhilarating being told what to do by a man like Kane—not having to be in control for once. I lift my hands above my head and keep my eyes locked on his, as he lowers his mouth to my aching arousal.

I gasp as he nips my clit with his teeth lightly, sending a throbbing ache through my entire body. This man knows how to get me worked up into a frenzy with his mouth, and I never want it to stop. It’s a dangerous thought. One I shouldn’t be having, but I can’t help it. I want Kane Romano more than anything I’ve ever wanted before.

His tongue dips into my soaking wet pussy, as he tastes me deeply. It’s mind-blowing how good he can make me feel with his mouth. There’s no doubt that I want this man to take my virginity. I want to feel his huge cock moving inside of me, claiming me.

“Fuck me,” I moan He stills with his lips on my pussy and glances up into my eyes, shaking his head. “I can’t, you’re a virgin.”

I pout at him, trying to win him over with my best puppy dog eyes. “I want you, Kane... All of you.”

His cock visibly twitches, spilling a thick line of cum onto the bed sheets. He groans, shutting his eyes for a moment.

“I want you to tie me to the bed and take me,” I rasp, the thought of it making me wetter.

His eyes shoot open and he shakes his head again. “I can’t take your virginity, Jasmine, it wouldn’t be fair.”

“Why?” He lets out a long breath, teasing against my throbbing heat. “Because, if I was the first man to fuck you, then I’d never let you go.” He shakes his head. “You’d be mine forever, Jasmine.”

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, considering his words.

It’s exactly what I want, me and him, forever. It’s ridiculous, but it’s true. When he let me go the other day, I knew deep down I didn’t want to leave.

I’d always vowed to myself to be di erent to my mom and not get caught up with any criminals. But Kane isn’t like the men my mother was with. He’s good and kind, even if his job is far from that.

“I want to be yours,” I mutter, keeping my eyes glued to his.

He growls, moving closer to me and kissing me hard. I can taste myself on his lips, and it makes me needier to feel him inside of me. “Please,” I moan into his mouth.

He bites my lip, sending a shot of pleasurable pain through me. “You don’t understand what you’re asking for…”

“Please, Kane.” I grip his hard length in my hands and stroke him, making him groan. “I need you inside of me.”

My heart sinks into my stomach as he moves away from me and gets up from the bed. I watch him as he heads toward his closet, opening it and returning with a pair of bed shackles. It is really happening, we’re going to fuck. My thighs clench at the thought of his huge length, stretching me.

“Are you sure about this?” He holds them up.

I nod, biting my bottom lip as my stomach churns. “I want to try it.”

He shakes his head. “It’s not normally something you try on your first time.” He chucks the bondage on the floor. “I’d rather do this the classic way, first.” He jumps back onto the bed, wrapping his arms around my waist. “We’ll have plenty of time to experiment after.”

I giggle as he nuzzles my neck, kissing me gently. My heart rate spikes as he stares into my eyes hungrily, slipping his fingers around my throat. He growls as he lets his eyes rake over my naked form, descending on my hard nipples with his mouth.

They tighten under the attention of his tongue, sending more desire pooling between my thighs. My juices roll down my skin as he makes me wetter than I’ve ever been. I grip hold of his hand tightly, trying to ground myself. I feel so light I might float away.

He moves his lips up my chest to my collarbone, kissing his way up my neck. I whimper into his mouth as our lips meet. His tongue pushing inside and demanding entrance.

All I want is to give over control and let him take me. “Take me, now,” I moan, digging my fingertips into the back of his neck.

“Fuck,” he grunts, shifting between my legs and parting them. He rubs the swollen head of his cock through my slippery, wet lips, making me shiver in anticipation.

I whimper as he moves backward and continues to suck on my throbbing bud, making me writhe beneath him. All I want right now is to feel every inch of him filling me. He dips two thick fingers into me, making me gasp at the sudden intrusion. My heart rate accelerates at the thought of being stretched by his huge cock.

It’s so much bigger than his fingers, but it’s all I want.

His fingers dig into my thighs as he pushes me further back, licking me from top to bottom and sending a new thrilling

heat through me. His tongue teases at my forbidden back hole, making me desperate. It’s so filthy but it turns me on.

“Do you like Daddy licking your asshole, baby girl?” he groans, breathing against me.

“Fuck, yes,” I moan, trying to buck toward him.

He chuckles as he licks me more, plunging his tongue deeper into my hole. It’s a new sensation, one that increases my pleasure tenfold. He dips his fingers into my dripping wet arousal at the same time, and I feel my orgasm charging toward me. A rush of hot heat flooding my whole body as my vision turns white.

“Fuck, Kane,” I scream, fisting the sheets beneath me for something to ground me. My whole body shakes with the force of the orgasm, and I struggle to draw in a breath. Kane keeps licking me, tasting every drop that pours from me.

He groans against me. “Fuck you taste amazing, baby girl.”

“Fuck me, Daddy,” I moan, no longer thinking straight, as all my inhibitions have flown out of the window.

He growls and sucks on my nipples, making them harder than they’ve ever been. “You’re a naughty girl, Jasmine,” he whispers into my ear. “Naughty girls need a hard punishment,” he groans, settling between my thighs and coating his thick length in my juices.

“Please, fuck me,” I moan, clutching onto the sheets beneath me and staring at his thick length resting at my entrance.

He grunts as he pushes his cock inside of me only an inch.

I gasp at the pain of it, feeling his huge size trying to force its way into such a tight space. “Relax, baby girl,” he whispers, kissing me gently.

I moan into his mouth as another inch slips inside of me.

A mix of pain and pleasure making it impossible to think straight. He’s so impossibly huge. His tongue slips into my

mouth and he tangles it with my own, slowly pushing more of his cock inside of me.

I gasp as I feel his balls resting against my ass, looking down to see every inch of his cock gone. I moan at the sight.

He’s so deep inside of me. Every inch of him stretching me for the first time, claiming me.

“That’s it baby girl, take Daddy’s cock,” he grunts, capturing my lips with his and making me moan as he thrusts in and out of me.

It’s unlike anything I imagined. A slight stinging pain, but pleasure beyond anything I’ve known. I tremble as he moves in and out, kissing his way down my neck and collarbone.

The fire in his eyes heats me, as he stares into mine, making this intimate moment even deeper. He moves quickly, fucking me harder and deeper. It hurts and feels good all at the same time. My mind can barely process the di erence, as he grunts above me.

My heart skips a beat as he grabs hold of my hips and forces me on top of him. “Ride my cock, baby girl.”

A sudden heat filters into my cheeks and a sense of embarrassment creeps over me. “What if I don’t do it right?”

I ask.

He shakes his head and grips hold of my hips, forcing me up and down his shaft. “That’s not possible,” he grunts.

“You’re tight as fuck pussy feels so good.”

Hearing him dirty talk like that gives me confidence and I move my hips, allowing him to guide me. I get lost in the moment, watching his eyes as they travel every inch of me.

Kane reaches up to cup my breasts, rolling each nipple between his fingers.

“Fuck,” I moan, feeling my orgasm building with each thrust of my hips.

“Not yet, baby.” He sits up, wrapping his arms around my waist and holding me still. “I want to drive into you so hard

and make you come like you’ve never come before.”

My throbbing clit aches at his words and I feel desperate to move, but I can’t. He’s holding me too tight and keeping control. “On your hands and knees.” He slaps my ass gently, sending another thrilling pleasure through me.

I do as he says, shifting to the middle of the bed. He groans behind me, kneading my ass cheeks in his hands. “So fucking pretty.” He slaps my ass again, harder this time, and I moan. “Do you like being slapped?”

I nod my head, making a humming noise.

He slaps me again, even harder. “Answer me, baby girl.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

He growls, slapping me on the other ass cheek. “Fuck.”

He drives into me hard, making me gasp. My pussy clenches around his thick, throbbing shaft. “Take that dick into your tight pussy,” he grunts.

I can hardly think as he pounds me, taking my virginity hard and fast. This is beyond anything I’d ever imagined.

Porn had been my only experience of sex, and nothing I’d ever seen was as raw and desperate as this.

His fingertips dig into my hips, as he drives in and out of me from behind. This position forcing him even deeper inside of me, hitting that perfect spot with each thrust.

“Take Daddy’s dick like a good girl,” he growls, slapping my ass again and making me cry out.

I feel my orgasm crash into me from nowhere. Stars filter into my vision and I can barely see. Every muscle in my body tightens, especially in my pussy. Kane’s cock is throbbing and pulsing as he thrusts one last time, roaring as he does. I can feel his cock harden and swell. Thick cum shooting deep inside of me, filling my virgin pussy up for the first time and making me moan.

He doesn’t stop until he has emptied every drop inside of me. I whimper as his thick length pulls out of me, leaving me

feeling empty. Kane’s strong arms wrap around my waist, and he lifts me into him, forcing me to lie against his chest.

Our breathing is loud and ragged as we lie in silence for a short while, enjoying the afterglow. Nothing had ever prepared me for that, and as I think about what we just did, I find my clit tingling for more.

I shift in his arms and kiss him, slipping my tongue into his mouth. Kane groans against me, pulling back. “Don’t tell me you want more already.”

I can’t help but smile as I nod. “Yes, Daddy. Give me more of your cock.”

He growls, descending on me like a wild animal. His cock turning to stone beneath me as he shifts from under me.

I’ve got a feeling we’re going to have a long night.

15

KANE

J

asmine’s lips are swollen and her face flushed, as she lies in the middle of the bed, thighs spread open for me. “Tie me up, Kane,” she moans, sending my heart rate pulsing.

This girl is insatiable, and she’s making me insane. We’ve fucked twice already, and she won’t rest until I’ve got her tied down to my bed. It’s something I want, but I’m not sure she’s ready.

“I want to try it. I want you to take me,” she whispers, making my cock swell to painful.

I grab the bed shackles o the floor, fixing them to the bed. “Are you sure about this?”

She nods, biting her bottom lip in a way that makes me fucking harder.

I fasten the shackles around her wrists first and then her ankles, taking a step back to admire how beautiful she looks.

I grab a blindfold from my side table and fasten it over her eyes. “Hold on, baby girl, you’re in for one hell of a ride.” I let my tongue tease at her ear. “Safe word is red, If you want me to stop, shout it out.”

She nods, biting her lip again. I kiss her gently before moving between her thighs. The thought of getting my

spreader-bar out and fixing it to her makes me even harder, but baby steps.

I take my time, slowly licking a path down her body. Her nipples are hard peaks already, as I tease the tip of my tongue around them, making them even harder. She moans loudly, writhing already against the bindings.

Control is my strength, but seeing Jasmine tied up for me has me teetering on the edge of losing it entirely. A Dom is always in control, so why the hell do I just want to take her as hard and fast as physically possible?

The aim is to please her and make her come so many times, by the time I give her my cock she’ll be crazy for it.

The aim is to control her body in way that makes her desperate for me.

I lick my way down her tummy, slowing down as I near her swollen clit. A whimper escapes her lips, as I flick the tip of my tongue lightly over it. Her body jolts and she writhes against the restraints.

I taste her deeply for a moment, allowing my tongue to fuck her arousal. Her juice is like a drug to me, and I can’t seem to get enough. Slowly, I lick down her slit and then force her thighs up higher, licking her asshole.

Jasmine moans at the sensation, as I keep doing it, she relaxes. “Fuck, Kane,” she breathes, trying to pull against the restraints.

“Calm down and relax,” I mutter, trying to get through to her. “Give yourself over to the pleasure and stop trying to fight against the restraints.”

She licks her bottom lip and nods. “It’s just so—” I suck on her clit and she gasps, flooding my mouth with her honeyed nectar. Her entire body writhes beneath me as she comes undone. She screams my name and Daddy repeatedly, making my cock throb harder.

A sense of relief floods me seeing her under my control.

The way I make her come and control her body is what I’ve wanted since we first met. I don’t stop, and she gasps as I slip two thick fingers inside her pussy, fucking her through her orgasm. My tongue teasing in circles over her throbbing clit.

Jasmine bites her lip, trying to contain the screams and whimpers. She keeps writhing against her restraints, and I stop for a moment to check them, making sure she’s not hurting herself. “Calm down, baby girl.” I kiss her cheek tenderly and then her lips. “Try not to fight against the restraints.” I kiss her hard, letting her taste herself on my tongue.

She relaxes, moaning into my mouth. I slowly kiss a path back to her pretty, little pussy, licking it and nipping at her throbbing bud.

“Fuck, Kane,” she cries, her body beginning to shudder.

Damn. This girl comes so fucking well and so quickly while bound up. Her whole body tightens and shudders as her pussy floods with her sweet cum, making me even harder as I lap up every drop.

Jasmine is half-panting and half-crying as she comes down from this one. I keep fingering her through it, gearing her up to come at least two more times before I fuck her. Slowly, I work my way through her next two orgasms, feeling the pressure in my balls mount.

By the fourth time, she’s screaming for me to fuck her.

“Please, Daddy, I need your cock,” she moans, bucking against the bed. “I need it Kane, fuck me, fuck me hard,” she says, writhing in the bedsheets, which are soaked with her juices.

I groan, fisting my aching cock in my hands. “Fuck, baby girl. I want to feel your tight, wet pussy wrapped around me.”

“Yes, please, oh God.” She half-sobs, as I rub my swollen head through her wet lips, teasing her.

Her back arches o the bed, willing me to thrust inside of her. My control is gone now, and I know can’t hold back any longer.

I thrust my cock into her hard and fast, sinking all the way inside. My breathing is heavy as my balls rest against her ass. She moans deeply, muttering incoherent words, as I move in and out of her.

Her lips part in the most delicious way as she licks her bottom lip, drawing me in. Normally, when I’m dominating a woman, I don’t kiss. With Jasmine, everything is di erent.

My lips move against hers softly, almost gently. She moans into my mouth as my tongue slips into her mouth, tangling with her own.

My hips piston faster as we kiss, sending her right to the edge as the muscles flutter around my cock. I still inside of her, making her whimper as she strains against the restraints. “Kane, please,” she rasps.

I catch her bottom lip between my teeth, sinking them in slightly harder than she expected. A gasp escapes her as she writhes beneath me.

“I can’t let you come yet.” I withdraw from her and grab her thighs, pushing her legs up into the air. My cock twitches at the sight of her tied up, legs spread and ready for me. Her lips part and an incoherent mumbles tumble from them.

“Stay still, baby girl.” I unfasten the restraints from her arms and legs, lifting her up and forcing her onto her front.

She groans as I fasten the restraints again, gripping her ass cheeks in my palms.

“Do you want Daddy to spank you?” I ask, sliding my thick length between her perfect ass cheeks.

“Oh, God, yes,” she moans, arching her back and pushing her ass into me.

My hand connects with her left ass cheek harder than I slapped her before, sending a red welt across the skin instantly. She moans as I do the same on the other side, massaging the pink skin. There’s something so satisfying about leaving my mark on her. “Do you like that, baby girl?”

“Fuck, yes,” she groans, rolling her hips toward me.

I tighten my grip on her hip and then bring my other hand down even harder. She screams as I thrust into her at the same time. Her whole body is on edge as her muscles spasm instantly around my throbbing length. I grab hold of her ass cheeks, parting them to get a good view of her little asshole.

God, she’s perfect in every way. My thick length pulses inside of her, getting even harder. I tease my finger over her asshole, making her shudder beneath me. “Fuck me, Daddy,” she moans, louder than she probably should.

We’ve both been lost to this, not caring if anyone else hears. I slap her ass harder, marking her with my red hand print on either ass cheek. It’s such a turn on to see her red and bare beneath me, loving the way I dominate her. It’s as if she was born to do this—to be mine entirely.

The thought has me on the edge, as I drive into her harder, holding her tight. My balls slap against her clit with each thrust, making her moan and cry beneath me. She’s about to come for the fifth time in a row, the pressure building deep inside of her. It feels like a vice around my cock, as she pulls me in deeper, muscles contracting in a way I’ve never felt before.

“Fuck, baby girl, come all over my cock,” I growl, slapping her ass again.

That’s all it takes as her orgasm explodes, coating my cock in her thick, sticky cum. I explode with her, shooting deep inside of her, pulling on her hips to force my cock as deep as it can physically go inside of her. It’s primal and

primitive. A need to mark her and breed her rules me, as I shoot every drop from my balls, panting like a wild animal as I collapse by her side.

I pull her into my chest, and the moment she hits the bed her eyes are shut. Her body is shaking. That’s definitely enough for one night, as I might have ruined her. She was a virgin and few virgins have multiple orgasms and bondage sex during their first night.

Within seconds she’s breathing deeply, fast asleep in my arms. I watch her as her chest rises and falls deeply. My heart wells at the sight of her sleeping in my arms. My Jasmine.

16

JASMINE

M

y whole body feels like jelly, as I wake from a deep sleep, turning onto my side to check the alarm clock on the side table. It’s five o’clock in the morning and still dark outside. Kane shu es in the bed beside me, drawing my attention to him.

He smiles at me through the darkness. “Morning, baby girl.” He brushes my cheek gently. “Are you okay?”

I nod, feeling exhausted and ridiculously sore. After everything we did and the amount of times we fucked, I feel like I’ve been through the wars. “A little sore.”

Kane kisses me softly. “I know what will help.”

I narrow my eyes at him, hoping he isn’t going to suggest tying me up again. I’m not sure my body can take anymore right now.

“Come on,” he says, shifting from the bed and walking toward the en-suite bathroom. Despite my aching muscles, I force myself out of the bed and follow him. I can’t help but smile, as I step into the bathroom, seeing him running a bath. “This will help,” he says, looking up and letting his eyes drop over my naked body.

I shiver at the look in his eyes, feeling my body react to him, despite not being ready for anything sexual right now.

“What are you waiting for?” He nods toward the warm water. “Get in.”

It feels weird taking a bath at five o’clock in the morning, but I get in any way, sighing the moment the warm water encases me. The bubble bath smells of strawberries, which I wouldn’t expect Kane to bathe in, but I like it. The warm water eases the aches and pains. Kane’s rough hands settle on my shoulders, kneading them gently.

This man is far gentler than I’d ever expected when we’re behind closed doors. He can be gentle and rough, in the most perfect ways.

Kane clears his throat. “Can I ask you a question?”

I nod, wondering what he’s going to ask me. “Where is your mom?”

My stomach churns at the mention of the woman who died last year. I hadn’t even cried when she overdosed, and a small part of me wondered if there was something wrong with me. “She’s dead.”

Kane’s hands still for a moment. “I’m sorry.”

I shake my head. “Don’t be. We weren’t exactly close.”

Kane sighs heavily. “At least you got to meet her.”

I swallow hard, wondering what happened to his mom. In the time we’d spent together there had been no mention of other family. “What happened to yours?”

His hands tighten on my shoulders, almost hurting me. “I don’t really know. I was one-year-old when she died.”

My chest aches hearing that. “Does that mean Rick and Leo are your half-brothers?”

“Yeah, couldn’t you tell? We look di erent.”

I shrug, as I hadn’t considered it. He has darker skin than his two brothers. “I guess.”

He chuckles gently behind me. “Why weren’t you and your mother close?”

I picture her drawn out, pale face in my mind, trying to remember a good memory with her. There were a few over the years, but not many. “She was a drug addict and carted me around from drug den to drug den, sometimes to a new step-dad’s houses for a while.” I play with my hair as I remember the first time I met Alex. “When she met Alex, I thought she was finally getting her life on track. I mean compared to the other men before him, he seemed like a damn saint.” I sigh heavily. “Until I realized he was as bad, if not worse than the others. He supplied her more drugs than she had ever got her hands on before. Then last year she overdosed on heroin.”

Kane’s hands still again on my shoulders. “I’m sorry, that sounds shit.” He continues kneading my shoulders again, working out the tension. “Did you ever know your father?”

I shake my head. “No, my mom didn’t even know who got her pregnant and was probably on drugs. She said he was a junkie.”

“What was your father like?” I ask, remembering many stories about Giovanni Romano. He was more brutal than any of the Romano brothers today. I shiver at the stories I’d heard, unable to process that the same man brought up the one behind me. He loved causing pain, so much so it became almost a pastime.

“He was a fucking bastard, and I hated him.” Kane tips some water over my hair, slowly washing it for me.

I sigh as he rubs his fingers into my scalp, getting the water right through. I don’t expect him to say anymore but he does. “I never wanted this life, but he never gave me a choice.” He grabs a bottle of shampoo from the side and squirts some into his hand, slowly working it into my hair. “I tried to leave and go to college, but he stopped me.” There’s a tightness to his voice. “I spent two weeks in the basement

of this house, locked up and beaten until I accepted my role in this family.”

I gasp at that, trying to turn my face to look at him, but he holds me firm. “Why would he do that to his own son?”

“To teach me a lesson, according to him.” There’s a long silence until Kane breaks it. “He took me out of the basement and put a gun in my hand, forcing me to shoot a guy who had crossed the family.” There’s so much emotion in his voice, and I just want to hold him. “He was the first guy I ever killed.”

Those words hang heavily in the air. I know what Kane has done to people. I know he has killed people, but hearing him say it out loud is another thing all together.

“How many people have you killed?” I ask, my voice tiny.

His fingers still on my scalp and he reaches for the bowl of water, pouring it over my hair and washing the shampoo out. “I’d rather not say. This isn’t a life I would have chosen for myself, though.”

“What were you going to study at college?”

He laughs. “You probably won’t believe this, but I was going to study accountancy.”

My eyes widen. “Wow, I can’t imagine you as an accountant.”

“I was di erent back then. Eighteen years old and a good kid, excelling at high-school.” There’s a short pause. “I got into Stanford.”

“Holy shit, you must be intelligent.”

He chuckles at that. “I’m good with numbers.”

A small silence ensues as he continues washing my hair.

“Did Alex treat you well?”

“To be honest, he wasn’t as bad as most of them.” I shrug. “When I was fourteen, he used to take me and my mom up to a cabin he owns in Heartacre Woods. We used to vacation there, and he spent time with me, teaching me

survival skills and how to fish.” My brow furrows slightly as I remember it. “But, when my mom died he started being more of an asshole.” Kane finishes washing my hair, moving to my side so I can see him. “He made me work in the bar illegally and didn’t even pay me, apparently I was working for my keep.”

Kane sighs heavily. “I can’t believe he gave you to me.”

There’s a long silence. “Although, I’m glad he did.” He clears his throat. “I used to vacation up at Heartacre Woods too,” he says, eyes full of fond memories. “Rick, Leo, and I used to camp up there and loved it.”

“Maybe we can go up there together some time?” I say.

He smiles, pressing his lips against my forehead.

“Definitely.”

My stomach flips as I realize how deep I am into this.

Kane was going to let me go two nights ago, and now I never want to leave his side. We haven’t discussed what this means or what will happen.

The last time we discussed it, I said I’d go to Ethan’s once he’s back, but I don’t want to. The thought of leaving this man makes me hurt.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, clearing noticing I’d fallen deep into thought.

I shake my head. “Nothing, are you getting in too?” I ask, signaling at the bath which is big enough for two.

He smirks, fingers hooking into the waistband of his boxers. My pussy aches at the sight of his hard length, erect and ready. I was sure I’d had too much before this bath, but as I stare at him the stinging ache turns to a deep need for him inside of me. He slips into the double bath by my side, and moves me onto his lap, facing him.

I groan as his thick length presses into my wet lips.

“Don’t worry, I know you’re too sore,” he whispers, kissing my neck. “I just want to hold you.”

I whimper at that, shifting against his cock to find friction. “No, please, Kane,” I moan, letting my head fall back as he closes his hand around my throat gently.

“What do you want?” he purrs.

“Fuck me, please,” I moan, rubbing my slick lips along the length of him.

He groans against my jaw, kissing and nibbling at me. His hand shifts between us and he thumbs my clit, making me cry out from the instant pleasure. I groan as his fingers dip inside of me, and he growls as he feels how wet I am.

Without a word, he lifts me up and adjusts his length, allowing me to slip onto him slowly. He goes slow, gently fucking me with quick, shallow thrusts. It’s as though he knows my body better than me, knowing I can’t take it hard, not after what we did last night.

My orgasm builds as he continues to fuck me slow. It feels more intimate as he stares into my eyes, keeping a hand possessively wrapped around my throat. I come hard all over his cock, pulling him o the edge with me. He explodes deep within me, shooting his seed and filling me with his cum.

We collapse, breathing deeply in the water. A comfortable silence encasing us as we enjoy holding each other. There’s a nagging doubt beneath it all. A worry about how long we can keep up this charade, and when it will end.

The problem is I can feel myself slipping deeper and deeper into his spell, feeling things for him I’ve never felt for anyone.

17

KANE

I

enter the kitchen, and all I can think about is how good last night was. Not only did we have mindblowing sex, but we talked—really talked. I’ve not talked to anyone about my mother in years, but with Jasmine it just came out.

I intend to take Jasmine breakfast in bed, as she’s still fast asleep after everything we did last night. We were up into the early hours of the morning, unable to keep our hands o each other.

Rick speaks from behind me, “You seem too happy, considering,” Rick says, as I reach for the fridge door.

I turn to face him. “Considering what?”

“All the men can’t stop talking about how you rushed down with a fucking mattress to save your prisoner. A prisoner who was trying to escape the other night.” He raises an eyebrow. “I’ve been gone two days and everyone knows, Kane.”

Rick’s words snap me awake from the crazy, lust filled daydream I’d fallen into. Of course, they’re all talking about it, I’ve showed weakness—something I never do. They witnessed just how desperate I was to save her, which may or may not be taken to mean I care about her.

Most of my men would have expected me to kill her for trying to escape me, not save her life. I’ve been so wrapped up in my bubble with Jasmine, I hadn’t considered damage control. “I punished her for it,” I say, schooling my features into calm and collected. Even though beneath the surface I’m out of control and panicking.

“Not according to the guards, you didn’t,” Rick says, stepping forward. “They saw you escort her back to your fucking room.”

Shit.

Leo enters behind Rick, smirking at me. “Not to mention, it sounded like she has been enjoying her punishment a little too much, if you ask me, Daddy.” He raises an eyebrow slightly.

I clench my fists. “No one asked you, Leo,” I grit out, feeling irritated that he heard what she called me. It’s often easy to forget Leo’s room is two doors down from mine, and we weren’t exactly quiet last night. Jasmine had been screaming my name and Daddy, for half the damn night.

“Did you forget my room is down the corridor from yours?” he teases, grabbing a pint of milk from the fridge.

I ignore him and busy myself in the cupboard, searching for the ingredients to make pancakes. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that Rick won’t approve of my plan to make breakfast for her and take it to her in bed, especially after everything.

The click of the kitchen door shutting makes me turn back to Rick. His face makes my stomach dip, as I know he’s about to pull rank over this—I know exactly what to expect.

“Sit down.” He nods his head to the kitchen island.

I sit on a stool opposite him, crossing my arms over my chest. Rick’s lectures only piss me o , especially considering he’s my younger brother, but he’s also the boss and it means I’m obligated to listen to him.

“Do you realize how dangerous this twisted thing is between you and this girl?” He glances at Leo. “For all of us.”

I shake my head. “It’s not dangerous. I can keep it under wraps.”

Rick cracks his neck, setting his palms flat on the table.

“Brother, we’ve got the no-attachment rule for a damn good reason.”

He is right. The reason we’ve got the no attachments rule is because this world is too dangerous to have anyone you care about close. We didn’t even grow up with our mothers.

Not to mention, Jasmine isn’t cut out for this kind of life.

She’s good and pure, everything I’m not, but everything I need.

There’s no part of me that can even consider giving her up, not after last night. She’s imprinted on me so deeply there’s no way I could ever leave her side. Normally, once I’ve been with a woman, I don’t find myself itching to do it again. Before we’d slept together, I knew it would be di erent with her. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and I’m not giving her up, no matter what Rick says.

“You need to let her go, Kane,” Leo says, patting my shoulder.

“It’s not going to happen.” I shake my head. “There’s no chance in hell.”

Both of my brothers sigh simultaneously, exchanging glances. “If you’re serious about her, then she needs to be brought into the loop.”

My brow furrows as I try to work out exactly what Rick is saying. He can’t be talking about inducting her into the mob.

Sure, it would make her somewhat safer, but it would also prove to people how much I care about her.

There’s been something bothering me for a while about our own mafia. I’m certain not everyone is as loyal to us as

we believe and throwing Jasmine into that dangles bait in their faces.

I shake my head. "The mob is too dangerous for her.”

Rick tuts and crosses his arms across his chest. “Then what do you suggest?”

I wrack my brain, trying to think of a way around it. My mind is spinning, as all I want is to keep Jasmine in my life forever. I’d even leave the mob for this, this life I never wanted, and I know neither of my brothers would stop me if it’s was really what I wanted. “I could leave…”

Rick bangs his fist down on the table. “No chance in hell.”

Leo shakes his head. “We stick together no matter what.

If you are serious about being with this woman, we will protect her as one of us.”

A lightness settles in my chest hearing my brother say those words. Jasmine is everything to me somehow, even if I can’t explain why. I’ve known her for just over a week, but I’ve never been surer about anything in my life. She’s the one for me. The question is, does she feel the same?

She said she wanted to be mine last night, but she was horny and needy. I need to clarify whether she’s in this for real, as if not, there won’t be an out once we bring her into our circle—not a safe one, anyway. A crazy idea has been growing in the back of my mind, one I think will make her safe. Before I can reconsider saying it out loud, the words tumble out, “I’ll marry her.”

Both my brother’s eyes widen and they stare at me like I’ve flown o the fucking handle. “Isn’t that over the top, bro?” Leo asks.

Rick nods. “You’ve known her just over a week, and we can keep her safe without marriage.”

I shrug, unable to explain why I’m feeling this way about a woman I barely know. There’s a part of me, deep down

inside that longs to claim her as my wife and make her mine for real. A possessive and primal part of me that won’t rest until she has my second name and is pregnant with my child.

Until she is marked as mine forever and no other man can touch her.

I grit my teeth as my balls tingle at the thought. “It would make her safer than just protecting her. No man in his right mind would touch Kane Romano’s wife.” I run a hand through my hair. “We can keep the wedding small and quiet, if she says yes.”

Leo stares at me like I’ve lost the plot. I can understand why, considering I’ve never been the type to consider a steady relationship, let alone marriage.

“Are you sure about this?” Rick asks.

I nod my head without a second’s hesitation. “Positive.”

He runs a hand through his hair. “Fuck, all right, follow me.”

My brow furrows as he walks out of the room, heading left down the corridor toward the library. “Where are we going?”

Rick holds up a hand, as if to tell me wait and see. I follow him right into the library. He heads toward a locked cupboard, pulling a key from his jacket and opening it. I didn’t even know it was there. I watch him as he fishes out a black box and turns to me, narrowing his eyes.

“Dad kept this locked in here, and I didn’t know whether to tell you about it,” he says, flipping the box open.

“What is it?” I ask, walking toward him.

“Your mother’s engagement ring.”

I stop in my tracks, staring at my brother. Why the hell did he keep that from me? I’ve got none of my mother’s possessions, other than a photo of her.

He shrugs. “If you’re going to ask this girl to marry you, then I thought you might want to use it.” He turns the box

around to show me the large solitaire diamond ring sitting in the middle. A flood of conflicting emotions hit me. On the one hand, this ring was my mother’s and to give it to Jasmine it would prove how serious I am about this.

The only thing getting in my way is the fact my asshole of a father purchased this ring. He gave it to her.

I shake my head. “I’m not sure I can bring myself to give Jasmine something he bought.”

Rick smiles at me. “He didn’t buy it.”

My brow furrows. “How do you know?”

He sets the ring down on the desk in the library and returns to the cupboard, pulling out an old looking envelope.

“Your grandmother gave him her mom’s ring to propose.

There’s a letter from her why it was so important.” He shrugs. “It’s got a lot of family history on your mom’s side.”

My throat tightens as I glance between the ring and letter.

Emotions over never knowing my mother flooding me, as I consider giving something so sentimental to Jasmine. Even though we haven’t known each other long, I know she’s the one for me.

“Take the letter and the ring, and think it over,” Rick says, setting the envelope down on the desk too. He walks passed me, clapping me on the shoulder.

I can’t speak. The emotions hitting me all at once, as I stare down at the beautiful diamond ring. All I have from my mother is one lousy picture, no memories of her. This ring would look perfect on Jasmine’s finger—a part of the woman I never knew with the most important woman in my life all of the time.

I don’t read the letter, stowing it inside my jacket pocket.

It’s too much to read right now. Instead, I snap shut the box and clutch it in my hand. There’s no time like the present.

Jasmine might not feel the same way I do, and the fear of her rejection scares me more than anything, but I need to know.

My heart pounds hard and fast as I turn out of the library toward the stairs. The blood rushing through my veins is all I can hear, making my stomach churn. I’ve never been this nervous about anything before. Jasmine will probably think I’m insane. It is insane.

I stop outside my own bedroom door and hesitate. My hand settling on the door handle, waiting for the courage to step inside. What if she rejects me?

It’s ridiculous that I’m more scared of her rejection than anything I’ve ever experienced in my life. I turn the handle and force the door open, willing my heart beat to settle down. It doesn’t. The moment I clap eyes on her, lying in my bed, staring up at the ceiling, I’m more of a mess than ever.

She looks over at me and smiles widely, chasing all my doubts away. This is right.

“Morning, beautiful,” I say, clutching the box behind my back and walking toward the bed.

She rubs her eyes and then stretches her arms over her head. “Morning, Daddy.” She blushes at the word, and my cock gets harder than a rock.

“I’ve got to ask you something,” I say, kneeling on the edge of the bed.

She sits up straighter. “What is it?”

I take a long, deep breath. “I know we haven’t known each other long, and this may seem utterly crazy.” I pause, doubting myself.

She reaches out and presses her soft hand against my cheek. “What’s wrong?”

I shake my head. “Nothing.” I pull the box out from behind my back and flip open the lid. “Will you marry me?”

Her mouth hangs open, and her eyes widen. For a long while she’s silent, and I’m sure I’m on the edge of experiencing a heart-attack. My heart pounding harder than ever against my rib cage.

Jasmine launches herself into my arms, tears rolling down her cheeks. “It is crazy, but yes.”

A flood of relief fills my gut as I hold her close, allowing her to cry into my shirt. “Why are you crying?”

She pulls back and looks into my eyes. “I’m happy.” She shakes her head. “It’s totally and utterly crazy, but I’m happy.”

I smile at her, kissing her gently. “It’s the best way to keep you safe.” I entwine my hand with hers. “Once we’re married, no one would dare touch you.”

A flash of something enters her eyes, and she bites her bottom lip. “I’m in danger being with you, aren’t I?” I can’t lie to her. She is in danger. Danger follows me everywhere and caring about someone instantly makes them a target. “Yes, but I will do everything to keep you safe.” I wipe a tear from her face. “You’re mine now, Jasmine.”

I pull the ring from the box and slip it onto her finger, shocked that it fits perfectly.

Her eyes widen. “How did you know my size?”

I shake my head. “I didn’t.” I swallow hard. “This was my mother’s ring… You must be the same size.”

She glances down at the ring and then back up at me, emotion clouding her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Kane.” She worries her bottom lip with her teeth. “Are you sure you want to give this to me?”

I scoop her up in my arms and sit down with her in my lap. “I’ve never been surer about anything, baby girl.”

She rests her eyes shut and leans against me. My heart beat is even and steady as I hold my fiancé close, feeling like the luckiest man alive.

The only thing now is to get through the wedding without anything going wrong. It sounds easier than it is, especially for a Romano.

18

JASMINE

M

y heart is hammering out of my chest as I stare at myself in the mirror. The stunning classic white lace A-line dress that cascades down to the floor and runs into a short train behind me is perfect. I run my fingers across the plunging neckline, which is embellished in exquisite lace. God knows how much it cost, it feels expensive.

I never thought I’d ever marry anyone. My mother had been through so many botched up and failed marriages to scum bags, and I’d vowed to never do the same. Yet, here I am on the morning of my wedding day. Not to mention, I said yes to a big-time criminal.

It’s funny how fate has a way of fucking with you. I’d always been adamant that I’d never marry, and I’d definitely never even consider dating a criminal. Seven days have passed since Kane asked me, placing his mother’s stunning ring on my finger.

I never asked what happened to his mom. The pain in Kane’s voice when he told me she died when he was oneyear-old was clear as day. I swallow hard, wondering what my mother would say if she were here today. Probably nothing good—she hated it when anything made me happy.

My dark hair has been styled into a beautiful half up and half down style, wavy and natural. A small but stunning tiara is placed on the dressing table, waiting for me to add it to the ensemble. And a pair of matching earrings and necklace. I feel like a princess, something I never really dreamed of.

Some little girls dream about their weddings when they’re little, but not me. I pick up the earrings and put them on, twirling around to check my appearance in the mirror. My stomach is a ball of nerves as I glance at the clock, noticing there’s only an hour until the ceremony.

Kane insisted we spend last night apart, and I hated it. For the first time since I arrived here, I couldn’t sleep. It had taken all of my will power not to sneak out of bed and up to his room.

A knock at the door breaks my train of thought. My tummy flutters as I wonder if it’s Kane. The thought of seeing him makes me anxious. I stand to my feet, walking toward the door and pausing a moment with my hand on the handle.

Another knock sounds, and I open the door. My stomach drops at the sight of Alex, my step-dad, standing on the other side of the door. Behind him is one of Kane’s men, I think his name is Jaz. He smiles at me in a way that makes me sick to my stomach. “Your step-father wanted to see you, so I bought him up,” he says.

Why the hell would he let him in here? I try to shut the door in both of their faces, but Jaz catches it with his hand.

Alex steps toward me. “Hey there, sweetheart.”

I narrow my eyes at him and take a step back. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

He smirks callously. “You’re my step-daughter, and I’m here to give you away.”

“Like hell you are,” I spit, taking another step backward.

His eyes narrow at me. “You have me to thank for the position you are in, marrying one of the most powerful crime bosses in America.”

I shake my head. “Get out of my room, now.”

He shakes his head, taking another step forward. “That’s no way to speak to your step-dad.” His eyes travel the length of my body in an almost predatory way, making goosebumps prickle over every inch of my skin. “Being a whore paid o just like your mother.” He shakes his head stepping toward me. “It’s about time I got a look of exactly what you’re hiding under those clothes.” His eyes narrow. “What exactly has Kane Romano settling down for, you must have a perfect fucking cunt.”

I feel the blood drain from my face and step backward, looking toward the door to find Jaz has left me alone with him. There’s nowhere for me to go, as I search for an escape.

This room doesn’t have an en-suite like Kane’s. I can’t even lock myself away from him. “Get the fuck away from me before I scream this place down.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart.” He laughs. “I’m not going to touch you, otherwise Kane won’t pay me the ransom I want.”

My brow furrows and for a moment I just stare at him.

Then, everything clicks into place. This asshole is here to kidnap me from the man he gave me to. He presses a button on his phone and three men step into the room, one of them is Jaz. He’s in on this—the reason Alex Cavino was even allowed into the house.

After another frantic search for an escape point, I know there’s no way out. Instead, I scream at the top of my lungs, hoping someone will hear me in this cavernous house.

“Someone help,” I scream repeatedly. “Kane,” I scream his name, despite knowing he’s on a separate floor.

We play a game of cat and mouse, as I dodge the three men for as long as I can. I even jump onto the bed and try to leap for the door, before getting caught by Jaz. His arms tighten around my waist and he pulls me back toward the bed.

I flail frantically, kicking and screaming and catching one of the assholes in the face. It’s not enough though. One woman against four men aren’t odds that will ever go in my favor.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I scream, as Jaz pins me to the bed, holding me down.

A fear and dread slice through me as I wonder if my stepdad was serious. He surely isn’t going to touch me in that way. Jaz snatches a ball of cloth from one of the other men, forcing my mouth open and shoving it inside.

My mouth dries as I try to scream and make some noise.

It’s not use. The sounds are mu ed as I try to writhe against the men above me, they hold me tighter. I hate being so fucking weak and powerless.

For a moment, the three men remove their hands from me and I snatch the opportunity. I dash o the bed and toward the door, slinging it open only to be dragged back inside. My step-dad using the back of his hand to slap me across the face, sending a stinging pain across my jaw. Blood trickles down my face where the ring on his finger caught my cheek.

The pain barely registers as I continue to try to break free, hearing the tearing of material as my dress is ruined. Jaz pulls out some ropes and ties them around my wrists, keeping them behind my back. I bite down on the rag as the rope cuts into my skin. Next, he ties my legs together and then shoves me at one of the other men.

I know I’ve got no chance, as he hauls me onto his shoulder, carrying me as if I weigh nothing. A tear of frustration slides down my cheek. This day was supposed to

be the happiest of my life, and my step-dad has ruined it. I’ll kill him if I get the chance, and I hope to God Kane finds me.

Alex opens the door to the room, and they carry me out down the corridor. Surely, they can’t walk out the front door with me. Then I remember Kane’s instruction to the guards the night before. He has sent most of security away for the day, leaving only a small amount of guards on—one of them being Jaz. They head down the stairs and straight for the front door and any little bit of hope fades. What if he thinks I ran away or changed my mind?

A shout from behind us forces me to look up. Rick is rushing toward me, our eyes meet and he gives me a nod, as if to say don’t worry. He doesn’t stop running, but he’s too late. The guy carrying me, breaks into a sprint and flings me into the back of a car.

My head hits the door, pain radiating through my neck.

The engine rumbles to life beneath me, and I feel the car move.

Everything around me fades to black, as I mutter Kane’s name. His face clear behind my shut eyelids.

19

KANE

I

can’t help but smile, as I stare into the mirror. My beige suit looks perfect, even if it wasn’t tailored for the event. My wedding day. I won’t lie, I never expected to marry anyone, not until Jasmine stepped into my life and turned it around.

A knock at the door breaks my attention away from the mirror. Before I can call for whoever it is to come in, Rick steps inside. His face is grave and I know something is wrong, making me tense. My heart races, as I wait for him to speak.

“Alex Cavino has taken Jasmine.”

My fists clench by my side and I punch the wall, barely noticing the pain. “Who the fuck let that asshole in here?” I spit out.

“He told the guards he was here to give her away and attend the wedding.” Rick shrugs. “But, Jaz is missing and we believe he was an accomplice. They knew he was her step-father and assumed he was telling the truth.” He walks toward me and throws the bag onto the bed. “He’s demanding a ransom for her.” He nods toward the bag.

Hot rage explodes through my veins, and I can feel my control slipping. I may have spared that asshole's life the

first time, but this time I know I will kill him. Jasmine is the most precious thing to me, and he has taken her.

I grab the bag and pull out the note, scrunching it in my fist after reading it. He wants two-million dollars. The words only add fuel to my rage, making me sick. The threat is as clear as day at the end of the note. Or you’ll never see her again. This man doesn’t know who he is fucking with.

“The guy has a death wish,” I say.

Rick nods. “Yeah, we’ve got all our men looking for him.

There’s only a few places he can hide. We’ll find him and her.”

Jasmine had spoken about a place outside of town they used to vacation at. A log cabin he still owns in the Heartacre Woods. “I’ve got a feeling I know exactly where he has taken her.”

"Where?” Rick asks.

“It’s a hunch, but although Alex is an idiot, he’s not dumb enough to risk returning to the city.” I pace the floor.

“Jasmine mentioned he always took her and her mother up to a cabin he owns in the Heartacre Woods for vacations.”

“Okay, let’s head up there now, you, me, and Leo.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “I’ll get three of our guys to follow in another SUV for backup.”

I shake my head. “This is something I need to deal with by myself.”

“No fucking way, you don’t know how many men he might have with him. We’re coming with you.”

I sigh heavily, running a hand through my hair. “Fine, but no one gets in the way of me and that sniveling asshole, you got it?”

Rick’s eyes flash. “Are you sure you want Jasmine to witness that?

I’m not sure I do, but I know I won’t be able to hold back this time. Alex needs to pay for this. He stole my bride on my

wedding day, thinking he can shake down the Romano family. He has to pay.

“I’m not sure, but I don’t have a choice.”

Rick nods. “I’ll drive, and I’ll also request a map and plan of where the cabins are built up there from Ian. Get Leo, and I’ll meet you out front.”

I stare at my brother, considering arguing about them coming, but he’s right. Alex may be an idiot, but he won’t be alone. If I go in there all guns blazing, I could end up getting killed or worse, getting Jasmine killed. Leo and Rick are good at planning and making the right choices. I need them by my side. Ian will pull the records quickly, he’s a whizz with computers and anything tech.

“Okay, I’ll see you out front.” I turn and leave my room, heading toward Leo’s room down the corridor.

I wonder if my ears deceive me, as I hear a squeal from the other side of his door. Could my brother have company on the morning of my wedding? Leo never brings women home, preferring to fuck them at hotels. He says it makes it simpler that way.

I knock once, waiting for him to answer. There’s a commotion inside, and I can hear him speaking in hushed tones. My brow furrows as I wonder what he’s doing. There’s no doubt someone is in there with him.

He comes to the door in his boxers, squinting at me. It’s almost midday, why the fuck isn’t he dressed? “Cavino has stolen Jasmine, I need you to come with me now.”

His eyes widen and he stares back into his room for a moment, before nodding. “Give me two minutes, and I’ll meet you out front.”

My eyes narrow as I attempt to look passed him into the room, but he keeps the door angled. He stares me out, daring me to ask him who he’s got in there. Instead, I nod and turn away, letting him shut the door. All I care about right now is

getting Jasmine away from that good-for-nothing asshole of a step-dad.

The rage flooding me is dangerous. I know the moment I get my hands around Alex’s neck, I won’t be able to stop.

The reason I’m renowned for my brutality is the fact that I can kill a guy with my bare hands, especially if I get wound up enough. It’s happened before, and it sure as hell will happen again. Jasmine can’t witness that—I hate that part of me.

It feels like I’m in a daze, as I make my way out to the SUV. Rick is sitting in the driver’s seat, engine already running. Three guys are in an SUV behind, ready to follow in convoy in case we need backup. I slide into the passenger’s seat, and he gazes at me questioningly.

“He wasn’t dressed, said he’ll be down in two minutes.”

Rick sighs. “What a lazy fucker. Ian has already sent me the plans, and the cabins are all in one part of the woods.

I’ve got the GPS set to that location.”

I nod, glancing over at the house as Leo rushes out. He doesn’t look his normal, put together self, as he flings open the back door and slide in. “Shit, sorry I held you guys up.”

Rick steps on the gas the moment the door is shut.

“What the hell happened?” Leo asks.

Rick glances at me and I give him a nod. My mind is a mess as he reels o the story to Leo, telling him what happened. I shouldn’t have left her side. Fuck tradition and not seeing the bride before the wedding, particularly in her dress. It shouldn’t have mattered. Jasmine and I should have been together, and I could have protected her.

“How did she look?” I ask, hearing that Rick saw her being taken out the front fucking door but was too late.

“A little beaten up, but she’s alive.”

My fists clench. Alex Cavino is dead. If he hurt my Jasmine, he’ll su er a painful fucking death. “How beaten

up?” I ask, between gritted teeth.

Rick gives me a wary look. “She had a busted-up face and some bruises.”

“Mother fucker,” I shout, punching the dashboard.

“She’ll be fine, brother. Alex isn’t stupid enough to hurt her badly, especially since he thinks you’ll pay him a ransom,” Leo says, always the voice of reason.

“It doesn’t mean I want to kill him any less for it,” I mutter, staring out the window as Rick takes the exit out of town toward the woods we used to spend our summers exploring, when we were boys.

The roar of the engine is all that falls between us, as we make the twenty-minute drive up to the woods. Even though it has only been twenty minutes, it feels like a lifetime has passed when Rick turns o the main road onto a dirt track. The GPS is leading him to the exact location of the cabins.

Rick stops about a mile from the location on the GPS, turning o the engine. “We don’t want to drive right up to them, it might spook him.” Our men stop behind us and wait. Rick speaks to them on the radio. “Wait here until we instruct you to drive the two cars to the cabin.”

He gets a generic response, and the three of us get out of the car, heading toward the cabins which are straight ahead.

My heart is pounding hard and fast as we make the hike toward them.

What if I’ve got this wrong, and he hasn’t taken her here?

It doesn’t even bear thinking about. I can’t stand the thought of not finding her at the end of this. It’s unspoken but we all know that no matter what, we can’t pay a ransom.

There’s a tension in the air, as the three of us walk in silence.

It’s odd for Leo to be so quiet for a change.

After approximately twenty minutes walking straight, following Rick’s GPS, a cluster of cabins come into view. A lightness enters my chest as I clock Alex’s gunmetal gray Jeep parked outside one of them. Leo and Rick notice it too, both of them exchanging glances and then nodding toward the nearest cabin.

We all walk together and then rest our backs against the wood wall, keeping out of sight.

“What’s the plan then?” Leo asks, looking at me.

I shrug. “I don’t know, you two are the ones that make the plans.” I clench my fists by my side. “My plan is to kill the son of a bitch.”

Rick cracks his knuckles. “I’ll make sure the Jeep won’t start first, in case he tries to run. Then, we get Jasmine.”

A scream from the cabin has my whole body on edge.

Fuck. What the hell is he doing to her in there? I’m about to run toward the cabin when Rick grabs hold of my arm. “No fucking up the plan. We will get her in a minute.”

I take a deep breath to calm myself, trying not to let my control slip. The thought of him hurting her makes me crazier than I’d like to admit.

“Let’s do this,” Rick says, walking toward the Jeep.

My heart races as I step toward the cabin, itching to get to Jasmine. At least I know she’s here, that’s the main thing. All I can hope is that this works out the way we planned.

20

JASMINE

T

he darkness swallows me whole as I open my eyes, clutching at my aching forehead. My cheek is pu y and swollen, the scar crusted up from where Alex busted my face with his damn ring. I take a moment to fully recollect what happened, but as it does lots of rage and hatred overcomes me.

Alex is a bigger asshole than I ever believed. He gave me to the mafia, and now he’s stolen me from them for a ransom. Kane would never pay a ransom, no matter what. I know how important upholding their family reputation is.

Even if he wants to, he can’t.

I swallow hard, wondering where on earth Alex has taken me. I glance around the room I’m in, standing to my feet and feeling around. It’s ridiculously dark but there’s a faint light from a tiny little window in the corner.

As my senses kick in, the familiar scent of pine and forest floods my nostrils. I’m in the basement of Alex’s cabin in the Heartacre Woods.

Would Kane remember that I told him we used to vacation here? He said he used to camp up here too, so it’s possible he might realize where he has taken me. Alex isn’t stupid enough to go back to the city, not with every single Romano Mafia member searching for him.

I smooth my hands down my dress, finding the beautiful lace torn at the hem. I can’t believe he ruined a day that was supposed to be the happiest of my life, all so he could try to hold me for ransom. The guy has been doing well at his fucking club, and sells boat loads of drugs, why isn’t that enough? I’ve known for a while Alex is greedy and powerhungry, but this is a new low.

The Romano family don’t pay ransoms. They don’t give in to demands. I know that all too well from the way Kane spoke about things he’s had to do. The sound of a door creaking open and light filtering downward, forces me to sit up straight.

Alex appears at the bottom of the steps, holding a flash light. I squint as he aims it at me, laughing. “Jasmine, you’re pathetic,” he says, stepping toward me. Alex had never been so cruel before, but perhaps it’s because he could get nothing out of me before. “Sleeping with Kane Romano is a slutty and whore like thing to do.”

I shake my head. “He will kill you for this.”

“Is that right? I’m not sure how he will find me here.”

I hold my tongue, hoping that he does remember Alex owns a cabin in these woods. The only problem will be whether or not he can find it.

“If he cares about you, then he’ll pay the ransom.” He chuckles gently. “But, he’s an idiot if he thinks I’m ever giving you back.”

I feel dread slice through me, cold and chilling at his words. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“You’re mine, Jasmine, and I’m going to find out exactly what has Kane so hooked on you once he pays me. We’re going far away from here.”

My skin crawls as he gets closer to me, running a finger across my neck. I swallow hard, trying to reign in the fear spreading like a disease around my body. The thought of

Alex, my step-dad, touching me, makes me sick to the stomach. I’ve always known he was bad news, but this is a new low, even for him.

“Get your hands o of me,” I shout, spitting in his face.

All the muscles in his body tense, as he wipes the spit from his cheek. His hand comes down hard against my face, blistering pain sweeping across my jaw. The force reopens the wound on my cheek, and I can feel the fresh blood streaking down my skin. Tears prickle at my eyes, as I gaze up at the man whose house I’d live in the past seven years of my life.

He was never a Dad to me, but he wasn’t cruel and disgusting like he’s being right now. I’m thankful he has stepped away from me.

“You’ll get used to me touching you, Jasmine.” His eyes are burning with a sick desire that makes my stomach churn.

“Kane will never find you where we are going.”

I feel a shiver run down my spine, as I don’t want to believe he’s right. Kane has to find me. He has to. “No one can run from the Romano family,” I say, quietly.

Alex laughs deeply. “Maybe not in North America, but we will be long fucking gone from this country.”

A flood of panic hits me and I know I can’t just sit there and do nothing. Adrenaline pulses through my veins as I jump to my feet, rushing toward the steps up into the cabin.

Alex tries to catch me around the waist, but I see the move coming a mile o . I dodge him, kicking him in the crotch for good measure. He falls to the floor, grunting deeply and holding his crotch.

“The bitch is trying to run, stop her,” he shouts up to someone above, sending my heart rate spiking even faster.

My muscles tense as I get ready to fight, I’ll do anything to get the hell out of here.

My heart pounds faster than my footsteps up the stairs, bringing me into the cabin I spent so many summers at.

There’s one guy standing between me and my escape, but he’s fucking huge. He has to be about six-foot-eight and built from pure fucking muscle. The width of him covers the entire door, and my stomach sinks, as I realize the likelihood of me escaping passed him is slim to none.

“Where the fuck do you think you are going?” he asks, smirking at me.

“I’m leaving,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

He laughs at that, so I make for my old bedroom. I can let myself out of the fucking window, and he won’t be able to follow. The pounding of my feet on the wood echoes around the cabin and his footsteps follow. I slam the door of the bedroom behind me, rushing for the window.

My shaking hands make hard work of undoing the catch, but I get it undone and force the window open. My heart is in my throat as I get one leg up onto the ledge, only to feel two large hands grabbing me.

“Let go of me,” I shout, trying to break away from his grip.

He chuckles, picking me up as if I weigh no more than a feather. I scream loudly, as he hauls me down the corridor and back toward the kitchen. I’d been so close to getting out.

He barely seems to struggle, as I kick and flail against him, landing a few punches. Alex is standing in the kitchen, eyes wild and full of rage.

He grabs hold of my throat, squeezing so tight I can barely breathe. “I will love breaking you, Jasmine,” he spits, forcing his lips against my own.

I tense, feeling so sick I might puke. With that, the man holding me takes me back down into the basement. He shoves me onto the floor, before turning around and heading

up the stairs. “You won’t get away with this,” I shout after him, feeling so pathetic.

He says nothing just keeps walking. I hear the door slam shut, and I’m plunged back into pure darkness. Alex’s words keep running through my head on repeat.

Kane will never find you where we are going.

I can’t believe those words. Tears prickle at my eyes, as I consider the possibility of never seeing him again. A man I’ve fallen for so hard and quick I never believed it were possible.

I cross my arms over my chest and slump back against the wall, hoping beyond hope he will find me here—he has to.

21

KANE

I

watch Rick, waiting for the signal. He gives me a nod and Leo cracks his neck, ready to charge in there. My fingers find the handle of my gun and I draw it, and flip the safety o . I give Leo a quick nod before bursting through the door, aiming the trigger toward the first body I see.

It’s not Alex. A large muscled guy is standing there in black, his hand goes for his gun, but he’s too slow. I pull the trigger, shooting his hand and forcing him to retreat. I glance over to Leo to find his gun pointed at Alex, eyes narrowed.

Alex drops to his knees with his hands in the air. “Please, don’t shoot. I beg you to show mercy,” he sobs, making me sick to my stomach.

The guy is the biggest coward I’ve ever met. If you don’t want any shit, don’t fuck with the strongest mob in North America. There’s no fucking chance this man is leaving these woods alive—not this time. Rick steps in behind us, gun out and aimed at Alex too.

I walk passed Alex without a word, leaving my brothers to keep watch over him and the guy whose hand I shot. Jasmine is all that matters right now. The blood is pumping through

my veins, as I open each door, finding every room empty.

The longer I search, the more frustrated I get.

I growl deeply, returning to the living room. I’m ready to kill the little prick sobbing his eyes out, but I need to find her first. “Where the fuck is she?” I ask, picking Cavino up by his neck.

He shakes like a leaf as I pin him against the wall, glaring at him. I frown as I feel warm liquid soaking into my trousers. “Fucking hell, Cavino.” I drop him to the floor, staring at him in disgust. He just pissed himself and on me.

This is getting worse by the fucking minute.

“Kane,” a distant shout from below catches my attention.

I wait in silence for a moment and hear it again. It’s Jasmine, and she’s beneath us. He’s got her in the basement of this cabin. I notice the door in the corner of the kitchen and rush toward it.

The blood pumping hard and fast through my veins, setting me on edge. I fling it open, rushing down the steps into a cavernous darkness. It’s pitch black down here. How the fuck can this asshole treat his own step-daughter this way?

“Jasmine,” I shout her name, trying to squint and see through the darkness.

“Kane, over here,” she says, weakly.

I follow her voice and find her on the floor, the white of her dress visible in the darkness. I relax, seeing her alive and okay, sitting there staring up at me. Her blue eyes cut through the darkness. I wrap my arms around her waist and hoist her up, lifting her. Jasmine wraps her arms my neck, sobbing gently as I carry her up the stairs and into the cabin.

I set her down on a small sofa in one corner and my body tenses at the state of her face. A large gash runs from her mouth up her cheek and she has multiple bruises. I see red

and don’t even say a word, as I rush toward Alex with my fists clenched.

“You hurt my woman,” I yell, punching him hard in the face, so hard the crack echoes around the cabin. His jaw goes slack and he can’t even speak, because I’ve broken it. I keep punching, losing all control over my restraint.

A small squeal from behind me stops me in my tracks. I turn around to see Jasmine staring at me with wide eyes, her mouth ajar. It takes all my strength to claw back some control, as I glance back at Alex’s bloodied face. I intend to kill him, but she doesn’t need to see this level of violence.

“Rick, take Jasmine to the car,” I say steadily.

She stands to her own feet. “No, I want to see the bastard die for what he did.” I watch her as she walks toward me, shaking her head. “Give me the gun.” She holds her hand out.

I shake my head, stepping away from her. “Jasmine, I’m not bringing you into this life.” The thought of her pulling the trigger, turning her into a monster like me makes my chest ache. Jasmine is good, pure and sweet—everything I’m not. As I look into her eyes, I realize I’m corrupting her— this is all my fault.

“I’m already part of this life, Kane.” She takes my hand in hers. “I want my life to be with you and that makes me part of this.”

I squeeze her small hands in mine. “Yes, but murdering someone changes you. I don’t want you to go through that, not today or ever.”

Her jaw clenches slightly, and she glances between me and her step-father. “Fine, I won’t do it, but I’ll stay.”

I pull her close to me, kissing her forehead gently. “I’d rather you don’t witness it, baby girl.”

Her eyes soften as she gazes into my eyes. “It won’t change how I feel about you.”

I swallow hard, wishing that were true. She doesn’t realize what murder really does to you, witnessing it or carrying it out, either way it changes you. “Please, for me,” I say, trying to beg her to step outside.

Her eyes search mine for a beat, and then she nods.

“Okay, I’ll step outside and wait for you.”

Relief floods my chest as she walks away, opening the door and leaving the scene behind her. My attention returns to Alex, lying on the ground in a bloody mess.

Alex is on his knees, crying like the coward he is. It is proof that I should always trust my instincts. The first time I let him live, I knew I was making a mistake. Jasmine and I would have found each other somehow, that’s something I’m sure of. “Please, have mercy,” he holds his hands out, squinting through his busted-up eye.

“No chance in hell, not after what you pulled.” I shake my head. “The first time you fucked with us, I thought you would have learned your lesson. No one gets a second chance with the Romano family.”

I step toward him, feeling angry that he would ever do this to a woman so sweet as Jasmine. It proves to me how much of a low life he really is. My hand closes around his throat, lifting him from the floor. The moment he’s on his feet, I punch him in the face again and again, unable to contain my rage.

It’s not until Rick steps to my side, placing his hand on my shoulder that I snap out of the brutal rage I’d flown into.

“I can do it for you, brother.”

I shake my head, knowing it has to be me that ends this son of a bitch. Once the word spreads about this, everyone will know not to fuck with my woman. They’ll know how much I care about her, but also what I’ll do to anyone who goes near her again. “It has got to be me.”

Rick nods, slipping his hand under my jacket and grabbing my gun. “There’s no need to do it with your bare hands. End it quick.” He passes the gun into my hand and then stands by the door, guarding it.

I lift my gun, fixing a silencer to the end. Blood coating my knuckles and clothes. The moment I point it in his direction he attempts to make o , but I’m too quick. The gun shot rings out, and he drops to a heap on the floor. Blood flowing like a river from the headshot wound, staining the wood floor crimson.

I hate how desensitized I am to murder. Every time I kill I feel another part of me being torn away. I sell my soul to the devil every time I do something for this family. Even though I know I couldn’t have let Jasmine’s step-dad live, not after what he did, I wish I never had to kill anyone.

Leo’s hand lands on my shoulder, making me jump. “I’ll get the men to clear up the mess.”

I nod but don’t make a move to leave, my eyes still fixed to his lifeless body. This is my life and I’ve been at peace with that for a long while. Deep down there’s a part of me that is guilty—guilty for bringing Jasmine into this world.

There’s no escape now, she’s part of this. The guilt feels like it will swallow me up and eat me whole.

“Are you okay?” Leo asks.

I turn to face my brother, noticing the concerned look on his face. “Yeah.” I shake my head. “I just wish I hadn’t brought Jasmine into this life.”

Leo sighs heavily, patting my back. “Jasmine loves you, it’s obvious.”

I feel surprised at my brother expressing such a sentiment. He’s normally always joking about.

“You’ve got a good one there, Kane. Hold on to her as hard as you fucking can.”

I nod, trying to let his words sink in. The thought of her seeing me like this, splattered in another man’s blood and broken inside, scares me. Jasmine would be the first person, other than my brothers, to see that vulnerable side of me.

The side that is badly a ected by the things I do day in and day out.

I sigh heavily, allowing myself to relax. Leo’s words easing some of the anxiety. If she loves me, she won’t care— at least, I hope that’s the case.

The one thing that scares me more than anything is losing the woman I love.

22

JASMINE

K

ane steps out of the cabin, blood splattered all over his clothes and hands. For a moment, his eyes are haunted as they meet mine. The worry and selfhatred masked within a flash, as the powerful man I always see reappears in front of me, bottling up all the hurt and anger.

A sad smile plays at his lips as he gazes at me. When I first met him, he was pure power, but it’s clear how big a heart he hides. His part as his brother’s right-hand man isn’t who he is. It’s what he does, but it doesn’t define him.

The power he emanates on the outside—that brutal and vicious part of him is for show—to make sure enemies know he can’t be fucked with. Weakness means giving his opponents a chance to hurt him and those he cares about. I understand that now.

I’d been so angry at my step-father, I wanted to pull the trigger. But, seeing what killing dose to Kane and the way it a ects him, I’m glad he stopped me. Sure, Alex was an asshole, and he deserved to die for what he planned to do to me, but I’m not sure I could live with pulling the trigger.

I walk toward him and wrap my arms tightly around his waist. The blood-soaked clothes getting blood all over mine, but I don’t care. All I care about is that we’re both safe and

together. “Thank you,” I mutter, tightening my grip around his waist.

His hands land on my shoulders, and he pulls back to look into my eyes. “Thank you for what?”

“Thank you for saving me from my asshole of a stepdad.” I bite my bottom lip. “And, for saving me from making a big mistake.”

He nods, smiling down at me. “You’re welcome, baby girl.” His eyes fall to my ruined dress, and he sighs. “I’m so sorry about our wedding.”

I shrug. “We could still go back and get married.”

He shakes his head, pulling me close and kissing me softly—softer than he’s ever kissed me before. “We will rearrange it and get you a new dress, I want it to be a special day for both of us.”

I can’t help but smile, feeling happy, all things considered. My heart feels like it could burst, as I gaze up at the man I’ve fallen for. “I love you,” I mutter, resting my head on his hard chest and shutting my eyes. “I love you so much it hurts.”

Kane chuckles, wrapping his arms more tightly around my waist and lifting me from my feet. “I love you too,” he whispers into my ear, almost too quiet for me to hear. It’s enough though. We may have only known each other for two weeks, but they’ve been the happiest two weeks of my life.

He spins me around in a circle, making me giggle. I never thought my step-dad being an asshole would have lead me to the man of my dreams. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted and more than I ever could have imagined.

I’ve been alone all my life—Until now.

“Okay, break it up love birds,” Leo says from behind us, shocking Kane into dropping me to my feet, rather suddenly.

I’ve barely spoken to either of Kane’s brothers. To be honest, he’s kept me hidden in his room, scared to let me out. “Not

sure we’ve o cially been introduced, sister-in-law to be.”

He bows slightly and Kane’s eyes narrow.

“Don’t be such an ass, Leo.” He steps forward, grabs my hand and kisses the back of it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Jasmine.” He glances at Kane.

“Are you sure he’s not too old for you?”

Kane growls lowly, taking a step forward.

Leo takes a step back, holding his hands up in the air.

“I’m only messing, big brother.”

I take Kane’s hand in mine and squeeze it gently. “He’s definitely not too old for me,” I say, smiling up at him. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you better though, Leo.” Leo smiles genuinely and nods. “I like her, Kane.”

Rick steps out of the cabin and our eyes meet. There’s a slight irritation in his expression, as he steps forward.

“Yeah, odd you were going to marry the girl and hadn’t even taken a moment to introduce her to your brothers.” He steps forward and takes my hand in a rather firm hand-shake.

“I’m Rick.”

I nod. “I know.”

He smiles and then chucks Kane a bag. “Change your clothes and burn them.” He glances at me. “You too, sweetheart.” His attention returns to Kane. “See you back at the house.”

He walks passed us toward one of SUVs parked in the forest, and Leo follows, leaving us alone again. Three men step out of the other SUV with bags full of supplies, heading into the cabin. I get a feeling they intend to burn it down, considering the amount of petrol they’re hauling in there.

“I used to come up this way when I was younger,” Kane says, grabbing my hand. “Come on, I know somewhere we can wash o .”

I let him lead me down a path that leads deeper into the forest, the path dropping downward into a valley. The sound

of rushing water catches my attention, and I know exactly where he’s taking me. There’s a small waterfall and natural swimming hole a little way from the cabin. I used to spend hours by it, escaping my mom and Alex’s bickering.

Kane strips the moment we get there, dumping his clothes to one side and pulling out a match. My heart races at the sight of his muscled and tattooed body, flooding me with an aching need instantly. It’s impossible to keep my eyes o his impressive, semi-hard length between his tights.

“Come on, kit o ,” he says, eyes full of that fiery passion that melts me into a puddle. He nods toward the pile. It’s ridiculous that I flush at the thought of getting naked out here with him, considering everything we’ve done.

I strip my clothes o , feeling bare as the summer breeze whips around my body. My nipples are hard and peaked from my arousal and the cool air.

Kane strikes the match, chucking it onto our bloodied clothes and setting them on fire. I cross my arms over my chest, feeling vulnerable as his eyes return to me. “Come here, baby girl,” he growls, sending more heat through me.

I can feel my juices dripping down my thighs already, and he hasn’t even touched me yet. I walk toward him and the moment we’re close, he pulls me into him, kissing me hard and passionately.

The thick length of him throbs against my tummy, making me moan into his mouth. He wraps his arms around my waist and hoists me up, forcing me to wrap my legs around him. He groans, deeply, as his cock settles against my slick lips.

Kane steps into the water, holding me. My heart rate spikes as the cool water washes over my body, making me shudder. “It’s cold.”

Kane smiles. “Don’t worry, I intend to warm you up, baby.”

He perches on a smooth rock beneath the surface, holding me in his arms. The hard length of him presses into my arousal. “Fuck me,” I moan, as he captures my lips with his.

I rise up and let his cock spring free, the swollen head nudging against my slick entrance. With one quick thrust, I force myself over him, moaning at the satisfying fullness of stretching around his throbbing length.

“That’s it baby girl, ride me,” he groans, digging his fingers into my ass cheeks. I moan, as he slaps my ass in the water. “Take Daddy’s thick cock.”

I ride him harder and faster, making him groan against my neck. “Fuck,” I say, feeling my orgasm edging toward me already. It feels so freeing and good, making love to Kane out here in nature. Despite everything that he does and who he is, I love him.

He grabs hold of my hips, stopping me and standing in the water. My pussy still tightly clenched around his thick, throbbing length. I moan as he fucks me standing up, driving deeper than he’s ever gone before. It’s primal and desperate, like animals mating. The noises we are making are almost feral as he drives us both toward the edge.

My fingertips dig into his shoulders, clawing at him as heat filters through my body. He sits back down on the rock, grabbing my wrists and forcing them behind my back. Kane holds them tightly in one hand, keeping me restrained as he thrusts his hips hard and fast.

The water around us splashing as he drives into me. I can feel my orgasm building to a peak, as he keeps me restrained, grunting and groaning as his cock hardens inside of me. “Come for me, baby girl,” he growls, pumping into me on more.

"Fuck, yes, Daddy,” I cry out, as I come all over his cock.

He roars as he comes undone, unloading his thick cum deep inside of me. He doesn’t stop fucking me through my

orgasm, making sure every drop is drained from his balls.

When he finally stops, I collapse into his chest. He lets go of my wrists, letting me wrap my arms around his neck. The heat of his body filters into mine, and I no longer notice the cold water around us.

All I’m aware of is the man whose arms I’m in. He kisses my neck gently and tenderly. “You’re so beautiful, Jasmine,” he whispers into my ear, pressing his lips to the base. “And, all mine.”

I nod my head, finding his lips with mine. “All yours,” I mutter against his lips.

23

EPILOGUE

T

he ocean laps against the shore, sending soothing tones through the air, but my heart is racing. I wait to be ushered over to the makeshift aisle on the soft, white sand. I can’t see him yet, but I can’t wait to.

Leo holds my arm, smiling at me. “Don’t worry, you will do great.”

I smile back, despite the storm raging in my stomach. I rest my free hand on the bump of my tummy. Six months pregnant, and we don’t know yet whether it’s a boy or girl.

Both of us want it to be a surprise, to the annoyance of everyone else.

My dress is more beautiful than the one Alex ruined the day I was supposed to marry Kane. So much has happened since then, and the family has had some crazy ups and downs. All of that is a story for another day, though.

It took us a while to rearrange the wedding—eighteen months to be exact. I’m glad we waited, as this is the most perfect place for a small, intimate wedding. A beautiful beach in Columbia, the country Kane’s mother was originally from.

We rented the beach and only close family and friends are here—Ethan, Jack, Rick, Leo, Ellie and Alicia are the only people we invited. It’s exactly everything we both want. I hate over the top, fussy weddings.

The band strikes up a chord and the wedding song plays, making my heart rate speed up.

Leo squeezes my arm. “Come on, I’m right by your side.”

He o ered to walk me down the aisle, considering I have no family to do it.

“Thanks, Leo,” I say, falling into step by his side, trying to focus on not tripping over the train of my gown.

We make it to the end of the aisle, and the moment I see him, everything else fades away. Kane’s eyes meet mine and my heart rate regulates. It’s as if I can’t walk to him fast enough.

He smiles at me, eyes fiery and full of that passion he looks at me with every time I see him—time doesn’t dull the passion.

All the nerves twisting my gut fade away. I know for certain I’ve never been surer about anything else in my life— marrying Kane is all I want.

Leo’s girlfriend, Ellie, stands to one side as my maid of honor. Rick stands by Kane’s side as his best-man. My footsteps quicken as I step down the aisle, forcing Leo to walk faster.

“Slow down and enjoy the moment,” he mutters, trying to stop me from racing to my fiancé.

It’s impossible to slow down, as I want to run into his arms. “I can’t,” I mutter back, making him walk faster.

Kane is smiling a panty-melting smile at me, his dark brown eyes full of joy and fierce hunger that makes me weak at the knees. He looks amazing in a tailored, beige wedding suit that fits his muscular frame. The minister stands at the end, waiting to marry us.

Leo grabs my hand once we reach the end and passes it into Kane’s. I give him a thankful smile, squeezing Kane’s hand tightly.

We can’t take our eyes o each other, as we turn toward the minister. The minister clears his throat, forcing our attention to him. I can barely hear a word he says, as he runs through the ceremony. My eyes fixed solely to Kane.

The minister says my name, breaking me from the daze I’d fallen into. “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” he asks, staring at me intently.

I smile, glancing at Kane, whose eyes are full of adoration.

“I do.”

He turns to Kane. “Kane Romano, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

My heart rate accelerates for a moment, as I wait for his reply, keeping my eyes fixed on him. “I do.”

“Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife.” He smiles at Kane. “You may kiss the bride.”

Kane’s arms wrap around my waist, and he pulls me close, kissing me hard. His tongue slips into my mouth and it’s impossible not to moan into him. Our friends and family clap and cheer, chasing away the embarrassment as we break away from each other. My cheeks are on fire as I smile at my maid of honor, Ellie.

Ethan is sitting with Jack, his boyfriend, clapping and smiling. Despite his reservations about Kane, at first, he came around to me marrying him once he got to know him better. He’s the only person I cared about in my life, before I met Kane.

Alex’s body was never found, and it’s believed he ran away because of money issues and being on the wrong side of the law. Only me, Kane, Rick, Leo and a few of their most trusted men know the truth. I hate to think about the details, but Kane assured me he’d never be found. The whole mindset still doesn't sit well with me, but Kane ensures he doesn't involve me in my mob business.

Jaz has never been seen since the day he helped Alex take me. He obviously made a smart decision to leave the country.

Kane still has men searching for him, as he betrayed them.

It’s something that can’t be left to slide.

“Come on, let’s celebrate,” Kane says.

Everyone nods and cheers, turning to head toward the small restaurant we’ve rented out a few hundred meters down the beach for the reception. All I want to do right now is consummate our marriage. As if Kane can read my mind, he pulls me to a stop and whispers into my ear, “Let them go ahead, I need to be inside of you.”

I moan as he pulls me back against him, pressing his thick length into my backside. “We can’t do that, they’ll wonder where we’ve gone.”

Kane chuckles. “I’ve already told my brothers.”

My cheeks heat at the thought and I notice Leo glance back, smirking.

Fuck.

“We rented this beach, and that means I intend to fuck you on it, right out in the open.” He spins me around, capturing my lips with his. Despite my reservations, I wrap my arms around his neck, giving in to my husband. It feels weird to think of him as my husband, but so good.

“You look so fucking beautiful in this dress, especially carrying my baby.” He kisses my neck. “Time to take it o and go for a swim.”

I raise a brow, but don’t argue as he helps me out of the dress, folding it carefully and leaving me standing in only my underwear. He sets his jacket down on a rock and then places it on top. I watch him as he gets undressed, right down to his boxer shorts.

He picks me up, rushing toward the water and wading out with me. He let’s go of me and my heart skips a beat, as

he swims out of sight of the beach, leading me God knows where.

“Kane, where are we going?” I shout.

He looks back, smiling. “It’s a secret.”

As we swim around the edge of the bay, we end up in an even smaller concealed bay. A beach bed is set up on the shore with red petals everywhere. A large canopy set up over it to guard from the sun. I swallow hard, trying to keep the tears at bay. “You did this?”

“Who do you think did it?”

I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him gently, pouring every ounce of love into the kiss. “I love you, Kane,” I moan, feeling his cock hard between us.

“I love you too.” He lifts me from the water, wading over to the shore and the bed. I sigh as he drops me onto it and then climbs on top of me, pinning me down with his weight.

“I’m ready to make love to my wife so hard she won’t be able to walk straight.”

I moan at the thought, grabbing his hard-throbbing length through his boxers and stroking him. His finger hooks into the waistband and he pulls them down, making his hard cock slap back against his abs.

I watch as he grabs something from the side, holding it up for me to see. His favorite spreader bar, and mine. It’s impossible not to moan at the sight of it. He ties my feet and legs into the already fixed restraints which aren’t too tight— we’ve been making sure we’re a little softer with the bondage since I’m pregnant. He then adds the spreader bar.

“No blindfold?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “No, I want to look into my wife’s eyes while I drive he wild,” he growls, kissing me frantically.

“There’s something else for you to try, though.”

I watch as he pulls out a larger butt plug than we normally use, and a tube of lube. “I want this in your ass,”

he groans, running a finger across my sensitive back hole.

I nod, feeling so on edge and ready that I could combust.

Heat flooding my entire body as I writhe against the restraints, loving that I’m totally at my husband’s mercy.

Slowly, he spreads the cold liquid over my forbidden hole, pushing a thick finger inside. I groan at the sensation, loving how it feels. He adds another finger in slowly, stretching me.

It doesn’t take long until I’m ready for the plug, which he slowly eases inside of me.

The fullness makes me gasp, and it takes a few moments to get used to. Once I do, I relax and feel my pussy getting so wet I’m dripping onto the sheets. “That’s it baby girl, relax,” Kane growls, stroking his cock from root to tip as he gazes hungrily at my pussy.

I moan deeply, as he lowers his mouth to my dripping wet arousal, licking me from top to bottom. “You are so fucking sweet, baby girl,” he groans, breathing against my clit.

I jolt as his tongue flicks against my throbbing bud, making my hips rise toward his face. He holds me down with his large, rough hands. One hand snakes up my waist, and he plays with my nipples, making them painfully hard.

Kane’s tongue works me into a hot, frenzied mess as he lets his tongue search me, catching my clit with his teeth now and then. This man definitely knows my body better than I do, as his hands tighten on my hips enough to leave marks. It’s as if he’s starving and desperate to taste me.

It’s di cult, giving over to the pleasure. My instinct is to claw at something, but the bed restraints make it impossible.

Instead, I watch my husband whose eyes are dark and fiery, holding my gaze as he slips a thick finger into my tight pussy. The butt plug makes it feel even better, but so much tighter.

That one finger is all it takes and my orgasm rocks through me, spreading heat through my veins. My muscles clamp down on his finger, as he withdraws from me.

He sucks my cream from his fingers. “Fuck, I can’t wait to fill you with my cock,” he grunts, kissing a path up my body and making me taste myself on his tongue.

“Yes, please,” I moan.

A small smirk plays at his lips as he gazes down at me.

“Please, what?”

I bite my bottom lip, knowing what he wants to hear.

“Please, Daddy,” I say, letting my tongue flick across my bottom lip.

He bites my tongue gently, cupping his fingers around my throat. “Good girl,” he purrs.

I cry out as his cock nudges at my entrance, pushing inside the tightness. It’s unlike anything I’ve felt before. The size of him, coupled with the large butt plug makes the sensations more pleasurable and painful at the same time.

Kane stares at me intently. “That’s it, baby girl, take Daddy’s cock,” he groans.

I moan as he sinks deeper, stretching my muscles more than they’ve ever been stretched. My legs ache as they remain upright, spread by the bar between my ankles. It lets him drive deeper, forcing me to remain open for him. My mind feels blank as he sinks all the way in, feeling his balls settle against my ass.

The fullness is like nothing I’ve felt before. “Fuck, it’s so tight,” he growls.

I moan, nodding my head, unable to speak passed the sensations flooding my body. He fucks me slow and hard, setting my whole body on fire. His eyes are dark and dangerous as they hold mine, pure possession sparking in his irises.

I can feel my second orgasm building already, muscles tightening around his shaft, as he pulses inside of me.

“Fuck,” I moan, wishing I could grab hold of him at that moment. His muscles clenching above me, making me want to reach out worship every single one with my hands.

“Come for me, baby girl,” he groans, reaching down and playing with my clit. It’s all it takes to send me over the edge. My orgasm is hard and powerful, making me spasm beneath him. An orgasm stronger than anything I’ve ever felt rocks through me, making me scream Kane’s name.

We may be in another cove, and a good mile from the reception restaurant, but I’d bet they heard me. And, I can’t find it in me to care right now. White stars filter into my vision as he keeps fucking me right through it, picking up the pace as my body relaxes and gives in to the stu ed sensation.

He keeps fucking me slowly, before reaching for the spreader bar and undoing it, chucking it o the bed. I moan into his mouth as he kisses me deeply, fingers remaining around my throat, as his cock sinks all the way in. Then his hands undo my restraints around my wrists, allowing me to touch him.

The moment he goes as deep as he can it sends my whole body rushing toward the edge, again.

He growls above me, biting my bottom lip to the point it hurts in a good way. “Fuck, Jasmine,” he groans, moving his fingers to my nipples and pinching them.

I let my head roll back, moaning at the pleasure my husband is giving me. My fingers claw at his body, touching every muscled inch of him desperately. Our lips remain melded together, as he fucks me softly, sending sweet pleasure through my body. I love the way we can fuck hard and rough, or slow and soft, and both feel amazing.

He pulls away from my lips and kisses beneath my ear again. “I love you, baby girl.”

I let my eyes roll back in my head, as he kisses my neck and sucks my nipples, still fucking me slowly and tenderly.

My third orgasm building already. I grab hold of Kane’s muscled arms for support, as he ups the tempo, reading my body so fucking well.

He knows I’m on the edge and fucks me harder. I feel his cock throb harder and thicker. An explosion of heat floods my body, sending me tumbling o the cli . He explodes with me, grunting as he pumps his cum deep inside of me.

We both collapse into the bed, holding each other. It takes a while for me to catch my breath. Once I do, I shift to gaze into my husband’s eyes. “I never thought I’d be this happy,” I say, reaching up to run a finger across his cheek.

Kane smiles that heart-melting smile at me. “Neither did I, baby girl.” His fingers run through my hair gently. “I can’t wait to start a family with you.” He presses his forehead against mine, making me wonder whether you can die of being too happy.

THE END T HANK you so much for reading Her Mafia Daddy, the first book in the Romano Brother’s Mafia Series. I hope you enjoyed it.

If you’d like to pre-order the next book in the series, you can do so here - Amazon.

I made a mistake, and now he wants to punish me.

Everyone knows better than to steal from a Romano, but I was desperate. I was so close to getting away with it as well. I had one foot out the door, and I was hauled back into the club by security.

When Leo Romano steps in to the o ce, I know I’m a dead woman. There’s no escape, they tied me to this chair and I can’t get myself out. The look in his eyes sends shivers down my spine and it doesn’t help that Leo is drop-dead gorgeous.

Expecting the worst, I can barely watch as he walks toward me. Until he has me over his knee, I shouldn’t like it, but I do. Before long, I’m begging the crime underboss to punish me any chance I get.

He tells me I’m his now to punish for as long as he likes, that’s the deal—I hope this punishment goes on forever.

Her Mafia Boss is the second book in the Romano Mafia Brothers Series. It's a safe story with no cli hanger, a HEA and no cheating. This story has hot scenes, dark themes, and bad language.

ALSO BY BIANCA COLE

Wynton Series Filthy Boss: A Forbidden O

ce Romance

Filthy Professor: A First Time Professor And Student Romance Filthy Lawyer: A Forbidden Hate to Love Romance Filthy Doctor: A Doctor and Intern Forbidden Romance Romano Mafia Brother’s Series Her Mafia Boss: A Dark Romance Her Mafia King: A Dark Romance British and Rude Series Mr. Darcy Is An Asshole: Billionaire Hate to Love Romance

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bianca Cole is a steamy contemporary romance author who loves to write about over the top, filthy alpha men who fall head over heels for their women. A lot of her stories have forbidden elements and the men shouldn’t be tempted, but can’t keep away long…

If you would like to keep up to date with new releases, you can join her facebook group - Bianca Cole’s dirty devils or email her at biancacoleauthor@gmail.com