The Devil I Hate (Devil's Knights 1)

Out of breath, he muttered a few curses, kissed my forehead and lips. We stared at each other for what felt like hours, but it was probably a minute or two. He rolled off me, drenched in sweat, and propped himself up on his elbow.

His fingers skated down my stomach. “How do you feel?”

“Sore,” I whispered, still trying to catch my breath. “You’re so big. I wasn’t expecting…”

“Most women beg for a big cock. You will too when you get used to my size.” He pressed his lips to mine. “For the record, this was a one-time thing. Don’t expect a repeat.”

I sat up and punched him in the stomach. “You’re such an asshole. Get the fuck out of my house!”

“Oh, we’re doing this again,” he clarified, and my heart stopped pounding out of my chest. “But next time, we’re fucking. I’m not into this sweet shit.”

“You’re so romantic, Luca.”

He parted my lips with his tongue, kissing me with a crazed hunger. “You’ll get used to what I like.” He sucked on my lip, and I moaned into his mouth. “I have to break you in.”

“What if I don’t like it?”

“You will,” he promised. “Trust me. When you’re moaning my name, riding out one orgasm after another, you won’t want anything else.”

I rolled onto my side, resting my head on his chest as he hooked his arm around me. My eyelids grew heavier, and exhaustion won out. It was the best night of my life until I woke up.

When I rolled over the next morning, alone and naked, I knew Luca was never mine to keep, no matter how much I wanted him.

We sat on the patio at Cafe Lacroix, sipping espresso as people walked past us. A few women stopped at our table to meet me. Men tipped their heads to Marcello and said they were looking forward to tonight.

“For a mute,” I said to my handsome kidnapper, “you sure have a lot of friends.”

“They’re not my friends,” Marcello shot back. “And I’m not mute.”

I pulled apart a chocolate croissant and shoved a piece into my mouth, smiling at him with my eyes as I chewed my food. “You’re a grouch, Marcello. You need to have some fun. What would you do if you didn’t work all the time?”

“I like to sail,” he offered, which surprised the hell out of me. “I would live on a boat if I could.”

“I was expecting something more… illegal.”

Marcello narrowed his eyes. “Like what?”

“Hmm… I don’t know. You seem like the shy, quiet type who spends his weekends at strip clubs.”

He laughed. “Because I’m quiet, you think I need to pay for pussy?”

I shook my head. “I’m pretty sure women would pay you.”

Oh, my God.

What am I saying?

Stupid out of whack hormones.

“Forget I said that. That was… Yeah, just ignore me. I think the drugs are still in my system.”

A sexy smirk tugged at the right corner of his mouth. “I only gave you a light sedative.”

“Whatever.” I stuffed the other half of the croissant into my mouth, avoiding his gaze. “I didn’t mean that.”

“Yes, you did.”

“Anyway,” I groaned. “When will I see Luca?”

“Tonight before the party.”

“Why was he in Italy?”

“I already told you. Work.”

I ate the last piece of the croissant, my eyes on Marcello. “You handle security for Salvatore Global. That’s why you’re with me instead of Luca.”

No answer.

“Luca’s an executive. Why aren’t you on the board, too?”

“Because I prefer to work alone.”

“Yeah, I can see that, Mr. Personality.” I gave him a cheeky grin. “That’s what I love about my art. I can spend hours in silence with my charcoals and paintbrushes. Speaking of my art, when can I work in your mother’s studio?”

Arms crossed over his chest, he leaned back, his big body dwarfing the metal cafe chair. “You haven’t earned the privilege.”

“Luca never denied me before.”

He snickered. “After your little escape plan, do you think I’d let you out of my sight?”

“I’m stuck in your house under constant guard with nothing to do. I promise not to run.”

Not now, anyway.

“Fine,” he breathed. “You can use her studio.”

“Thank you. I won’t tell anyone the Tin Man has a heart.”

He snorted at my comment.

“What’s with all the security? I can’t have a phone or laptop. You follow me around your house and won’t let me drive by myself. What is going on, Marcello? This goes beyond Luca’s usual possessive bullshit.”

He glanced over at the couple speaking loudly beside us, ignoring my question.

“Luca is a world-class dick. But he’s never acted this way. He’s up to something.”

Marcello shot a warning glare at me. “Don’t even think about doing something stupid, Alex. I’m very good at my job. And I will find you.”

He drank the rest of his espresso and set the cup on the saucer with an intense look that sent a shiver down my arms. Like his brother, Marcello was intimidating, controlling, and dangerous.