Lust & Lies Box Set-Sexual Awakenings, Excess, Predator & Prey

Ignoring the fact that Daniello was a dangerous man had been an oversight…until today.

I’d spent the morning working through my day at neck breaking speed, ignoring the now roaring curiosity regarding my new sexual interest. I hadn’t given a man I hardly knew permission to invade my home on his sexual whim, but in a way, I’d allowed it.

I didn’t have enough information to have Cedric run a background check, but I had a feeling I wouldn’t find anything I was truly interested in knowing with that information anyway. It was up to me to get it out of him, and even as I thought of getting inquisitive, I wasn’t sure I was brave enough.

“Taylor, line four, Mr. Di Giovanni.” I straightened in my seat as if he’d caught me red handed in my thoughts and then rolled my eyes. I ignored the slight flutter in my abdomen.

“Taylor Ellison.”

“I find myself answering to you again, Taylor Ellison. This does not please me.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his irritation. “I’m confused.”

“I am calling to ask your permission to enter your home. It seems your security has been watching for intruders.”

I muffled my laugh, knowing the flashlight cop that rode around my complex on a golf cart had probably cornered him.

“Rocco does not think this funny.” I heard it then, the dangerous situation I’d put the security guard in. I asked Daniello to hand him the phone.

“This is Taylor Ellison. The two men that are at my front door have complete access to my property. I apologize and will email the association.”

“Thank you, Ms. Ellison.” I could hear the smugness in the man’s voice and let out a breath of relief for his safety. Somehow, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that situation could have turned deadly.

Before I had a chance to speak, the line went dead. I sat back in my chair, completely baffled.

Mob, he was in the mob. He had to be. They had no patience or regard for authority. And his name Di Giovanni had mob written all over it. He paid for everything in cash, and that left him untraceable. He knew his guns and had surveyed my condo to make sure his ass was covered. He commanded respect and took without asking.

He’d practically admitted it in my office.

Great, I’m involved with a mobster.

No, you’re fucking a mobster temporarily.

Either way, this wasn’t good for me, or for business. Daniello had commented he thought it interfering with my business might seem impossible. Being involved with a member of the mob could easily tarnish my business reputation. How could he not see that?

Then again, we both knew our arrangement was temporary. He apparently isn’t high profile and kept his business to himself, and told me it wouldn’t affect me personally. Actually, he’d said it was up to me.

No closer to drawing a better conclusion, I made my way home where an angry part Hispanic, part Italian, part Egyptian mutt mobster waited on me.

When I arrived home, my condo was empty aside from his suitcase. I looked in vain for a note, knowing that wasn’t his style. Confused and yet satisfied that the slow burn I’d held for him this week would be satisfied, I showered quickly and plucked out my favorite mannequin look. Underneath, I sheathed my skin in purple lace and scented oil. I’d just finished putting on my stilettos when I heard the door chime with his entrance.

Unsure of how to greet him and determined to not screw up this round, I kept quiet as I entered the living room. Daniello’s fiery eyes greeted me as he washed my body in his stare. He was dressed in a dark suit and silver tie and looked absolutely fucking edible. His towering presence seemed surreal in my tasteful but understated living room. Anger seeped from his every pore. Small drops of blood splatter adorned his white shirt just below his tie line. He pulled off his jacket to reveal his gun strap fully loaded on each side with twin Glocks. Dispensing the guns on top of his jacket, I remained silent as he further assessed me and noticed his hands were slightly stained pink.

Blood.

He hadn’t bothered to wash them fully before returning to me.

Fear should have taken over my senses at that moment. I should have demanded an explanation. I should have been terrified…instead, I was turned on.

I ignored every warning that went off in my head. A man so dangerous shouldn’t have thrilled me. I should have demanded he leave and take his crime littered laundry with him. Instead, I waited on him.

Unclasping his cufflinks, he barked his order.

“Go take off that dress,” he whispered, moving to unbutton his shirt. “Leave the shoes on and lay face down on your bed.”

My breath hitched as he watched me for only a second before pulling off his shirt. I hesitated, but only briefly, before I walked into my bedroom and stripped down to my lace panties and heels. I waited face down, breathing heavily as I heard him in the kitchen. Anticipation for his thickness alone made me wet as I lay patient and panting. I wasn’t the best submissive in the few times I’d been to the club. I’d never met a Dom strong enough to top me. Daniello had a way of bringing me to my knees by just anticipation alone. I loved that about our arrangement. I loved his dominance and his ability to put me in my place when the mood struck him, even if I was less than cooperative. He’d waited for me to come to him the last time we were together. This time, I was the one who had to demonstrate patience.

In my world I ruled, commanded attention, and ran an empire. I controlled all things. In his world, I was his to rule, to control, to command, and I happily handed over the burden. That’s what attracted me to the submissive lifestyle, but I was quickly realizing I’d been barking up the wrong tree with that club.