Grazia
I’ve imagined this moment for years, dreamed about waking up next to Luciano, with his arm slung over my waist, spooning me, tucked around me, holding me close. Here it is, and this is better, way freaking better than I believed it could be. His warm puffs of breath on my nape, his legs intertwined with mine… This is paradise.
Last night, Luciano was sexy and sweet. I couldn’t imagine it was possible for our Mafia men to be both. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m not an idiot, I know the mechanics of sex, but his exploration of my body was beyond sexy. I felt adored, and I know that in many Mafia marriages, this isn’t the case.
The heat rises in my cheeks as I remember all the things he did to me. When he first sliced off my dress, there was a sense of panic. It was soothed quickly when his lips touched my skin. Even now, I tingle from the memories of his mouth planting soft kisses all over my body. I was so heady with need that I lost my balance, and when he arranged me as he wanted me on the bed, it was so hot, all I could do was watch as he undressed. The expanse of his chest, his muscled arms, the smooth lines of his abs, and his legs were so thick and powerful.
He was huge, and I didn’t think he was going to fit inside me. Then he kissed me and I lost myself, overwhelmed by a desire so intense that I needed to feel him, all of him. Luciano was as gentle as he could be, and that blip of pain was nothing compared to the ecstasy I felt a short time later.
I manage to shift under his heavy arm and watch him sleep. I love his strong jawline, and those lips… I recall what they did to me last night and allow my fingertips to trace them like butterfly wings. Luciano stirs restlessly in his sleep, and those sexy, sleepy eyes open. He opens his mouth to take my fingers between his teeth, then suckles gently before releasing them, rolling us both so that I’m now lying beneath him as he proceeds to claim my mouth.
I tingle all over as his lips move over mine, consuming me whole. As his lips leave me, he continues a path down my neck. His hand roams down my side and settles on the underside of my breast as he blows a warm breath on it. My tingle turns into a throbbing need between my legs. I love the feel of his hair between my fingers, thick and soft. When he proceeds to pay the same attention to my other breast, I grip his hair tighter.
He hasn’t spoken a word, but his body is saying good morning in the best way possible. While his mouth continues its assault on my breasts, his fingers are working magic between my legs. By this time, I no longer have control over my body, and I wiggle under him, lifting to maintain the connection to those incredible hands.
“You want to come, principessa?” he finally says.
“Yes,” I moan.
“Ask nice,” he commands and kisses me deeply once more. I feel his fingers inside me, taking me higher and higher, and then he stops.
“Beg me.”
“Please, please, let me come.” At this point, I would say anything. I’m so close, so close. His finger circles my clit, hitting just the right spot, taking me higher and higher until I’m floating in the passion of the orgasm that hit me. As I come down, he rolls us once again so that I’m on his chest.
“Gotta say, this is the best wake-up call I’ve ever gotten.” He looks happy.
“You didn’t…uh, I mean…do you want me to….” I don’t know how to get the words out and stumble about trying.
“What, principessa?” he asks, although judging by his smirk, he knows full well what I’m trying to say.
“Can I do something to make you…” I trail off, lowering my eyes.
He places a hand under my chin. “You’re sore. Tomorrow will come soon enough.” Then he places his lips against mine. “We also have to get ready for the obligatory lunch with our families. Your mother is expecting us, and last thing we want is for them to come looking for us,” he teases me, his eyes light and his smile wide.
“Right.” Mom is going to want to make sure I’m fine and will ask a million questions. Not looking forward to that, even if it’s all done with love.
“What’s that face for?”
“Is it terrible that I don’t want to go?” I ask as he moves off the bed, completely naked, I might add, looking incredibly yummy.
“Principessa, you keep looking at me like that and we won’t be going, which means we’ll have a posse at our door within the hour asking even more questions and finding us busy in bed,” he tells me, turning my already pink cheeks a vibrant shade of red. Then in a more serious tone, he says, “Grazia, this is our marriage, and as your husband, I would prefer that what happens in our home stays in our home, and especially in our bedroom. I’ll refuse to comment on our night together, and I suggest you do the same.” He places a hand behind my head and gently moves me up to my knees, as I’m still holding the sheet to shield me, then lowers his mouth to mine in an all-consuming kiss.
“I’m going to grab a shower, and in the interest of conserving water, you’re coming with me.” Luciano lifts me out of bed, sheet and all. We didn’t make love again, but I wish we had! I was more frustrated than ever by the time I was dressed and ready.
Luciano
Sweet, and so responsive. My wife. I often thought if I had built up such hype about Grazia that I would be disenchanted if I knew the truth. That didn’t happen. In fact, I’m hungrier for her than ever.
Long silky legs wrapped around my back as I pushed inside her, her face contorting in desire. Her breath hitches when she comes close to letting loose for me. She’s open for my touch, gasping and pleading, urging me on. Her fingers dig into my scalp or cling to my arms in a desperate plea. The mere thought makes me hard, and I have to readjust my cock in my pants.
Those eyes were open and hungry and wanting. Shy at first, she lowered her lashes to hide her nervousness, her delicate hands shielding her tits. I let her have that moment, knowing I would have those pretty pebbles in my mouth soon enough. She would become a brazen, needy woman, letting me see all of her and kissing me like I was the last drop of water in the desert.
Coming inside her for the first time was unbelievable. She was so tight, I thought I wouldn’t be able to hold on. When she cried out and began pushing me away, it became all about Grazia and slowing down. With any other woman, I gave it hard, and they took it. With my wife, I wanted her all in with me, like I told her while we danced.
I wish we could just lie in bed now and let the world disappear for another day, but duty calls. The princess and her knight must attend the brunch our capo holds in our honor. Grazia looks luscious in her pale-yellow knee-length dress, very much the elegant daughter of our leader. She’s swooped her hair to one side and tied it back with a comb, showing the expanse of her long neck. Beautiful. If only she weren’t biting her lip, clearly anxious about walking in and being attacked by every female in attendance.
I stretch my hand to take one of hers. “It’s fine, Grazia. You’re the daughter of Marco Moretti and the wife of Luciano Donatelli. You aren’t obligated to say a word. Keep it light.” I shrug.
“So, if they ask you, ‘Was she worth it?’” Grazia says, deepening her voice, acting like a goof, “What are you going to say?”
I smile at her, mocking. “I’ll tell them that we appreciate their concern, but all is well, then I would move on to ask how they enjoyed the festivities.” I chuckle at her furrowed brow. “Or I could tell them that I have a hot piece of tail in my bed.” Her mouth gapes open. “Your choice. I’m good either way.”
“Don’t you dare!” Grazia cries out indignantly.
“No worries, baby. I like to keep my hot piece of ass a secret.” I wink at her.
“Maybe I’ll tell them that I have a sexy stud,” she teases.
“Sweetheart, if you think that’s gonna be a problem for me or any other man, you’re way off.” I remind her of the Mafia men and their egos.
She tilts her head back to look at the heavens. “Lord, a hand here.” To which I laugh out loud and glance over to see her join in.
Grazia
Luciano’s stuck by my side as much as possible, but I know that eventually, the men are going to drift into the den, and I’m going to be surrounded by nosy wives and their daughters.
“You going to be okay?” Luciano whispers in my ear.
I sigh. “Yes.”
“I won’t be too long. We’ll be out of here soon enough.” His hand rests at the small of my back, a small touch, but reassuring, nonetheless.
As the hens swoop in, Cara makes her way to my side and leads me away. I glance down at her sweet face and immediately know what she’s doing. These women wouldn’t compromise a young girl’s innocence by asking vulgar questions or expecting intimate answers. She is indubitably making herself my protector.
“You’re awesome,” I whisper.
She giggles softly. “Just getting to know my new big sister,” she says, batting her lashes. I’m loving Cara more and more every day. Dad and Reno are leading the way to his office, followed by the others. Dante, Reno’s brother, is the last to leave the room and has his eyes fixed on Cara with a hint of a quirked lip before he pulls his gaze away. Our families made peace when Reno and Anna married, and as a sign of respect, both of his brothers were invited to attend our wedding. Dante came to represent them, while Sebastian stayed back to attend to family business.
“How does it feel to be Mrs. Donatelli?” Zia Maria asks. She’s not really my aunt; she’s actually Dad’s first cousin. My aunt and her husband were killed in a home invasion a little over a year ago. Due to the age difference and her closeness to my parents, I’ve always called her my zia. She’s kind and caring, but she is a gossip, like many of the older women in our midst.
“I can never take that title from Francesca.” I grin and nod to my mother-in-law.
“Sweet girl, I’m happy to share that with you. You make my boy happy, Grazia. This warms my heart. I only wish that Paolo were here to witness this occasion. He would be very proud,” Francesca says with a heavy heart.
“None of that.” Mom puts her arm around Francesca’s shoulders. “Paolo would be rejoicing, and we are honoring his memory by doing the same.”
“You’re absolutely right,” she agrees with a forced smile. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice her bodyguard, Sandro, looking on intently. In the last few months, I’ve seen him often, and never once does his focus waver from taking care of Francesca and Cara. The pooling of tears in Francesca’s eyes moves him. He suffers when she’s in pain, emotional or otherwise. He cares for her more than he admits. Luciano told me that his wife passed over ten years ago from cancer as well. His only son works under Nero, and he’s very proud of his accomplishments. He has never remarried, and even on his time off, he often spends his days with Francesca.
“Luciano was good to you?” Zia Maria persists, choosing her words wisely. Although, I know what she truly wants to ask. Was he attentive or all about getting himself off? Since many of our marriages are arranged and not “love matches,” as some would say, the women are often “used” and their feelings and needs aren’t taken into consideration, even on their wedding night.
“Luciano is good to everyone, Zia,” I respond, pretending like I have no idea what she’s referring to.
“Oh!” Felicia says sharply, and all attention goes her way. Anna quickly moves to her side and sits next to her, looking quite concerned.
“What is it, Felicia? The baby?”
“A rather forceful kick.” Felicia breathes out, then takes another deep breath. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”
“How long have you been feeling this way?” someone asks.
“Is it a contraction?” another asks.
“We have three weeks to go,” Felicia responds, but her face contorts in pain once again.
“Get Nero,” Anna says loudly, while Felicia’s and my mother gather around her. I turn tail and race out of the room, rushing to the den, forgetting my politeness, throwing the door open without knocking.
It’s a little unnerving to see twenty men turn their eyes toward you, many of them with hands on their holsters, ready to draw their guns. I search the room for Nero, finding him near the patio door with Luciano.
“I think the baby’s coming.”
Nero comes barreling toward me, and I barely have time to move to one side as he races across the house to his wife. Luciano is next, reaching for my hand, tugging me along after him. The women disband, allowing Nero to drop to his knee before his wife.
“It’s too early.” Felicia is breathing more harshly now.
“We have to get you to the hospital, dolce mio.” He stands to assist Felicia from her chair when she cries out even louder, cradling her lower abdomen. Nero lifts her into his arms and begins to race for the door.
“Gloria, call the hospital. Tell them we’re on the way and get hold of her doctor,” Luciano commands, still gripping my hand and following Nero. As he helps Nero and Felicia into the car, he relays that he’ll arrange for protection. Dad is coming out behind us as Nero pulls away. “I have this, Capo. Our men will be at the hospital before they get there,” Luciano says as he pulls out his phone to make calls.
“I’ll get Gloria and meet you both at the hospital,” Dad says before heading back in.
We climb back into the car, Luciano laughing. “At least you don’t have to worry about those clucking hens and their gossiping ways. Felicia’s timing is perfect.” Then he continues, “Your brother’s face was priceless. I wish I had that on video.”
I giggle. “He was rather intense, wasn’t he?”
“Never a dull moment in your family, is there?” He winks.
“We like to keep our guests on their toes. Our version of interactive theater,” I respond. Luciano laughs louder and harder than before. His laughter is such a gift, and even better because I was able to make it happen.
Luciano
There are two men at each entrance, one man outside Felicia’s hospital room door, and the waiting room is filled with guards to protect Marco Moretti, his family, and Felicia’s family. Grazia sits beside her Mom, holding her hand. Marco is pacing impatiently the length of the room. Felicia and Nero are currently in with the doctor. Nero has been barking orders to both the nurses and doctors on the floor.
He pops his head out of the room and sees me there. “The guard?” he inquires.
“I’m it. Nothing gets to my best friend and his family,” I reply.
A wry smile crosses his face. “It’s too early, man.” I hear the crack in his voice.
“What does the doctor say?” I ask.
“Says that this kid wants out. The due date may be off or some shit. He said the baby is fully formed and all should be okay.” He rakes a hand through his hair.
It’s then that the doctor strides down the hall. “We’re taking Mrs. Moretti into the OR. We’re doing a cesarean. Baby is in distress, and that puts Felicia in peril as well.”
The nurse following closely behind hands Nero a hospital robe. “Put this on. We’re going to finish prepping Mrs. Moretti.” She heads into Felicia’s room, and for the first time in a long time, I see fear in Nero’s eyes. The last time I saw this look was when she was taken and missing.
“Luce—” he chokes out.
“Felicia is the strongest woman I know. She’s going to be fine. Now get it in gear. She needs your support. Last time, she was alone until help arrived. This time, you’re going to be there, and she isn’t leaving you.” I slap him on the back. “Go keep your wife and baby safe.”
He heads back in, more determined than ever. It’s easy for me to say that all is going to be well, but if it were Grazia in that position, I think I would lose my mind. Grazia pregnant with our child… I like the idea. Watching her belly grow with our baby would be a beautiful sight. However, I’m a selfish man and need her to myself for a little longer. Although, we didn’t use protection last night. I guess we’ll take what’s given and see it through together.
Heading back to the waiting room, I gather my words on how best to inform everyone waiting there. Grazia rushes over to me, eyeing me cautiously.
“Is everything okay?” she whispers. I place an arm around her shoulders and make my way to Marco, who is now sitting with his wife on one side and Felicia’s father, Mario, on the other.
I relay all that I know. “Capo, they’re taking Felicia into the operating room. There seems to be a slight complication, and the baby seems to be in distress. As a precaution, they’re doing a C-section. Nero is going to be with her the entire time. I’ll be standing watch outside the room, with your permission, sir.”
Gloria and Teresa, Felicia’s mother, crack and begin to sob. Mario holds his wife to console her. Marco does the same, and my Grazia wraps an arm around my back and another around my middle and squeezes tight. I shift my gaze to my wife and kiss the top of her head.
“You come to me as soon as you know more,” Marco commands.
I nod silently, releasing Grazia and having her sit with Felicia’s brother, who is growing into a fine soldier, with his elbows on his knees, eyes to the floor.
It’s several hours later when I make my way back to them. I’m beaming with a smile, relieved that all went well. Nero wants to be the one to announce the sex of the baby. I wouldn’t dare deprive him of that glory. Felicia is exhausted, and Nero is ensuring that she’s settled before coming out to the families that are waiting. “Felicia and the baby are doing well. And before anyone asks, Nero will be out shortly to tell you more.”
Grazia jumps out of her seat and races over to me. I hardly have time to brace myself before she barrels into me, hugging my middle.
“Good news, principessa, all is well,” I announce loud enough for all to hear, then lower my head to take in the scent of her perfume.
“Thank you for looking after Nero. Hard-ass or not, I’m sure he appreciates you being around for him,” she says quietly.
“It’s an honor. He’s the only man I truly trust and hope he feels the same.” I hate to do it, but I pull back. “I’m guarding Felicia and the baby while Nero comes out.” I kiss her nose. “I’ll be back.”
Once Felicia is settled, I enter the room and watch her and the newest Moretti. Nero and Felicia have a son. He’s so small, it’s hard to believe he’s destined to be a capo one day. Pink and scrunched up, he’s already got his fists up around his face.
“Luciano, will you take him? I just need to close my eyes for a few minutes,” Felicia asks. I look at the nurse, then back to Felicia.
“She’s doing fine. Just tired. Having a baby will do that,” the nurse says happily. I gently lift the swaddled infant in my arms and cradle him. I drop into the chair beside his mother and watch as she smiles and closes her eyes.
“With you here, I know we’re safe,” she says, letting sleep take over.
She’s got that right. La Famiglia is my life. Marco Moretti is my surrogate father, and Nero is my brother. This little man in my arms is like my own. I would lay down my life for them.
“His name is Antonio Marco Lucio Moretti,” I hear from the doorway. Nero’s steps come closer to me. “Antonio was my grandfather, and although I didn’t know him well, my father tells me stories of his vision for La Famiglia. I hold that vision. Marco because, well, you know,” he teases, “and Lucio for my brother.” Nero puts a hand on my shoulder.
Men don’t show emotion, but I can’t possibly lift my eyes to his without him knowing how deeply his words have affected me. The creak of the door draws our attention.
“The nonnas are getting restless,” Grazia teases and walks into the room. Her eyes grow soft when she sees Antonio in my arms. “He’s gorgeous,” she breathes. Her fingertips gently caress his cheek, causing Antonio’s sweet lips to purse. “Well, you’ve caused quite a stir with your dramatic entrance, little man, in fine Moretti fashion.” She catches my gaze. “From clucking hens to crying babies, you’re right. Our family isn’t boring.”