I knew I still had an investigation to do, but if I had to remain around his gaze too much longer, I was going to lose my mind. Yet I never wanted his eyes on anyone else. The very thought made me shiver, and gooseflesh rose along my arms. No. I sat up and turned away from him. I was not attracted to him. The ghost of his breath rolled down my chest from behind and had my toes curling in my shoes. But this was only physical.

It would die off and we would end as my parents did. Unhappy and sexless. Then I remembered my grandfather’s honest hope for my safety. If I could earn Nicolo’s trust, he would allow me to remain as Donna of the Accardi Family. I could handle a few more nights with him if it meant I kept my freedom. Even if his attraction to me faded. I ignored the pang of pain in my chest as I thought about that.

His hand pulled me by my lower stomach, closer to the hard line of his body, and a sharp gasp parted my lips. I could feel every inch of his thick member against my spine, and I shivered. When I found my jeans around my ankles and my hands against the hard surface of his desk, a cry of protest parted my lips, followed by a hiss.

“Nico…” I groaned as he stretched me with his body, his hands cupping my breasts over my tank top. “…! Right there!” my nails dug into his wrists, begging him for intimacy. “More!”

~~~~~

He kept his speed moving faster and faster, pulling her body closer and closer, and then the world fell away, making his soul shatter. Every pleading expression on her beautiful face, every frustrated frown; all was worth it. Nicolo wanted more and more of her. His tongue lapped at her sweaty neck, savoring the flavor so uniquely hers. He wanted to devour her, to drink from this woman’s light until the end of his days.

“Give me more of you, first, Lili.” He watched as a shiver ran down her body, and felt her lower half clench him harder. “More.” Nicolo growled against her neck, lightly teasing his teeth along her flesh. “Give me every… single… piece…”

His green eyes could not help but follow the curve of her spine as she reached her peak, and he reached out, stroking the small of her back, his mind and soul focused on the unbelievable pleasure she received from him. And then her body clenched tighter, making him release immediately. He held her in his arms, wrapping them snug around her body, before taking her over to the sofa to relax.

“Who are you, really?” Nicolo breathed, looking down at the top of her head on his chest. “Who were you investigating? I can help if it is dangerous, Amore Mio.”

“My name is Liliana Accardi, the Heiress of the Accardi Family. My family specializes in spying, sometimes called espionage, though our primary aim is protection of imperative services provided by the Mafioso.” Liliana replied robotically, before glancing away from him nervously. “And someone within your family is turning information about how our world works to the press and those who could damage our families. The Omertà dictates this person must die.”

His eyes darkened at this knowledge. Nicolo searched the depths of her chocolate-colored eyes for a moment, praying he could trust her. That she could trust him. They were now promised to one another, so he at least wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. He observed as she pulled a data thumb drive from her hair and hooked it up to a device attached to her wrist.

“As per our contract and treaty with your family years ago, we are required to disclose all the information we gathered at the end of the investigation. It is so you will see the reason death is the retribution given to a snitch.” She continued with a nod, every bit the professional. “An Enforcer, a Consigliere, or you are required to perform the retribution and sign off on it as a necessary loss for protecting us all.”

Nicolo looked at the image pulled up on her tablet before his jaw fell in shock. Impossible. He honestly believed in his men, his family as they were, but especially the man she showed the picture of. Not only did this man betray several of their highest-ranking members, he was also feeding information to several governments concerning how the modern mafia is run.

His eyes narrowed dangerously, before he glanced at the woman next to him, wondering how she played into it. Could she be framing members of his family? What could she gain from that? He thought back to Giuseppe and how awful he looked within twenty-four hours. Did she have something to do with that? Nicolo was even more mystified by her, and in awe of her ability.

“Here is a copy of that statement for your records. I’m going to need you to trust me and stay out of Accardi business.” The pair locked eyes, before she continued with a raised eyebrow. “I’m more than happy to warm your bed, play the perfect Donna for your family, and stuff, but I’m not a woman who enjoys being bossed around. No making rules or expecting me to play house either.”

This woman… was dangerous. He thought, staring deep into her eyes to find nothing but honesty. She was not keeping him out because she could not handle it. She was keeping him out for his own safety. There were things this woman would know that he would never understand. But maybe his lust overrode that, because he only nodded, willing to put up with her stubbornness for now.

“Very well. Since you seem more than capable, I will leave those affairs to you.” He watched as her eyes lit up with happiness, before continuing. “Just keep in mind. Once people find out that you are to become my wife, your life will be in even more danger. All I ask is you proceed with caution.”

“Caution is a part of my job, Nico.” Liliana smiled softly up at him. “And don’t worry. My people will only intrude with yours in an emergency. We’re used to depending on ourselves. I don’t expect your fascination with me to last very long, anyway.”

“You think I would marry anyone I did not feel immensely for?” Nicolo wondered with a tilt of his square-shaped head, his green eyes narrowing in annoyance. “I would not waste my time like that.”

~~~~~

“This is my fiancé, Liliana Orlando.” Nicolo introduced me to yet another Elder who scowled at me. “Lili, this is…”

“Trent Romano. Your uncle, I believe.” I smiled softly at the older man before narrowing my eyes. “A pleasure. As someone so important to the family, I must invite you for brunch sometime.”

My professional smile never wavered as I locked eyes with the older man, and I noticed his hesitation. In our world, women who were strong-willed, intelligent, and confident had no place. Especially since other Mafia were the type to keep women out of their business. I was an exception. I was the last in my family line, so I had no option but to become a Donna. And I refused to stand by and let anyone diminish the image or position I built for myself.

Definitely not my husband, either. I glanced at Nicolo, who only wore a satisfied expression. Nor did my heart flutter when he smiled. I refused, ignoring that pounding. He was happy, and it made me feel warm to see him that way. But I would never admit that aloud. I did not want to fall head over heels for a man whose only interest was in my body.

“Trent does not like outsiders getting involved and they do not know you as Donna of Accardi…” Nicolo tried, but I shook off his concern.

“What they think does not matter. My job will not change, nor will theirs. But Nico…” I whispered, leaning forward a little to stroke his jaw with narrowed eyes as we came to a stop. “Keep your family out of my way. When the time comes, handle the retribution soon, and do not let them learn about my involvement. I will provide your cover.”

“What will you say, Lili?” He wondered, leaning closer to grab my waist.

“That I was with you the night of his murder. We could even make it true, if you like, my Don.” I murmured, almost purring when he pulled me closer. “Your choice, but he has to go.”

I knew it was hard for him. The person in question was proven guilty, and his retribution was due. If Nicolo did not take care of it, I would have to. I could see the hesitation in his eyes before nodding a little. Nicolo could not handle it. When he stepped away a short while later to fetch them some drinks, I sent out the order to the Accardi assassins. This was my job, and the reason I did not think Nicolo would want to marry me.

Sometimes I have to do things to keep our world safe. And sometimes those things did not line up with what everyone else wanted. After confirming my orders sent, I looked up around the room again, my eyes falling on my future husband with an attractive woman on his arm. I scoffed softly before turning my back and walking away. The only reason I agreed to this farce was to see my grandfather smile.

Nicolo needed to stay close to the light, not stray into my darkness. There was a reason my family was so far away from everyone else. Our status was meant to be kept a secret from the world. My only job was to make sure the Dons and Donnas were alive to insure the future generations of Mafia. Because the Mafia was all I knew. I passed by several Soldati who saluted before the whispers started.

“It doesn’t matter what you think of me,” I stated, but turned to face them with a sigh, hoping to recover some of my image as their future Donna. “But I hope we can get along. Please, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

My link to Nicolo was the only thing garnering me any respect with the family right now. I needed to be careful not to upset them. But I had a feeling my time here wouldn’t be at all pleasant. Not if the way the servants glared was any sign, anyway. I never expected to return, so I wasn’t kind to everyone, and I especially wasn’t kind to their Don. It would be an uphill battle to earn any of their trust.

“You’re 'not here to make friends'. Isn’t that what you told us?” One maid ventured, waving a duster around, her eyes narrowed in disgust. “As soon as he throws a ring at you, you jump on him. Guess you made ‘good’ friends with the Don.”

“Uh…” I hesitated, before bowing my head in an apology I didn’t actually mean. “I’m so sorry. The Accardi were a rather secluded bunch in the Americas, so I was never around anyone but the Young Mistress. My social skills are rather lacking as a result. I never honestly meant to offend.” My voice sounded so earnest, I felt I deserved an award for my performance, but I kept my head down. “I am new to the Italian culture.”

Silence met my ears, though I remained patient, hoping the earnestness would win them over. It was manipulative, I know, but necessary if I wanted any respect as their Donna. Though I knew the truth, I glanced around when I heard a slight sniff to see everyone standing in awe of me. Confused, my attention went right to the maid who questioned me, and she stepped forward, hand extended in offering.

“Buonasera,” she said with a transformed expression of apology. “Donna Romano.”