~~~~~

“Since you seem so inclined to know what I’m up to, I suppose I should give you more information on what the Accardi do for the world.” I stated, crossing my legs as he rose from the bed, his expression almost comical with bedhead. “To start with. You gained a pretty important title when we married.”

“So formal so early in the morning. This must be rather important.” Nico rose to a sitting position against the headboard, and despite his chest being bare, he looked serious. “You have my attention.”

“I have already told you my mission as a member of the Accardi, and since our marriage, you have to step into the role as well. Though I suppose it’s a bit different for you, since you keep your position in the real world.” I ventured, wondering how best to explain this to someone who had no clue. “You see, it is undercover agencies that actually rule the world, not people, as many of the governments would have you believe.”

His head tilted in confusion, something I could almost understand, had there not been so much evidence out there to prove it. The Accardi were one of many who targeted world domination, but the Accardi tried to involve ourselves more with the people who would benefit from our efforts. Sometimes even that system failed, so we were doing our best to cut ties where we could, an effort that took years to put into place.

“We are the true peacekeepers, the champions of truth and justice that protect the world at large from the depravity that is humankind.” I continued, though I could see the doubt in his gaze. “We also protect the Mafia, as was our original purpose when we first stepped onto the stage. Being one with the darkness, you probably understand that better than most. We are at war, and keeping ourselves out of the limelight is exactly how we’re winning.”

Despite the fragile peace the world held right now, it was still true for the Accardi. Involve no one but those who had the power to change the world. For thousands of years, since the rise of humans, the Accardi have been there, making sure we all remained safe. Though maybe my response to him was selfish. I wanted so bad for the perfect man, despite him being right before me, and I turned my head to the truth.

“Trust me to handle the Accardi.”

“Family isn’t always from birth, Lili. If you need my help, I am happy to provide for you.” He grabbed my chin pinning my gaze with emerald orbs, and my heart thudded hard in my chest. “Whether it be physical or emotional. I am at your disposal.”

“Don’t.” I countered, pushing away from him again, then I grabbed his collar, drawing him close enough to tease him with a kiss. “You are just as any other man. Fast to find another when a younger woman steps into frame.”

“And if I tell you I’m not?” He ventured, hand wrapping firmly around my waist, capturing me with his gaze. “If I tell you I’m beyond obsessed with you? What would you do then?”

It was wishful thinking. That burning desire he carried, it would fade the minute I aged, the second he saw a flaw with me, yet his firm gaze didn’t waiver. The support his strong frame gave mine didn’t either. Something told me in the depths of my soul that I could trust him without hesitation, and I wrapped my other arm around his neck, pulling him ever closer, surrendering myself to the flame he always caused.

“Then you would just have to find a way to prove it to me.” I replied, then I backed away a little before wrapping my ankles around his hips provocatively. “Because otherwise I’ll call you a liar.”

He ground himself against me, that long, tense muscle making me gasp as he grinned, eyes narrowed. Nicolo would always be a temptation for me. Flaming fingers stroked down my sides, making my spine arch as his hands stroked my flesh. He was the only man I’d ever met who could tire me out, his desire almost insatiable, and my body contorted in pleasure when our bodies merged atop the silken sheets.

Every centimeter of skin tingled to my toes from my fingers, but nothing was quite as glorious as the expression of dumbfounded awe on his face. Nico looked just as lost in me as I felt in him, a thought that only occurred in passing before he drugged me again. Tears formed at the corners of my eyes as I trusted my body to him, my lips parting as pleas for more left my control.

“So I will prove it to you.” He said, thrusting forward, and my body tensed as our gazes locked. “As often as you need, Amore Mio. The more you tell me I’m wrong, the more I want to do this to correct your misguided view.”

~~~~~

My entire body ached when the sun rose, yet he refused to stop, even when I could no longer beg for more. Hours ago, I’d lost my voice, and his only proof that I wanted more was my nods of approval. I arched again, the sweat pooling on my skin making me feel slicker than normal, and he groaned when our chests brushed each other. Pain curled my toes, yet I was too focused on him to care.

“Let me love you.”

His groan in my ear made my lower half tense as another climax tore through me, and I almost cried. Pain and pleasure. Anytime something I did caused pain, he would wipe it away with pleasure, as if he knew. My teeth chewed on my lip as I gazed into his eyes no longer containing the desire I held. A woman empowered is a dangerous thing, especially when her lover gives her approval.

“Nico…” I hoarsely whispered, causing his fingers to entwine with mine as our gazes locked. “Love me.”

It was a plea I long desired yet refused to beg for, and the thing I often refused him. Those words would never part my lips if I could help it, but I was selfish and wanted to hear him say them. I wanted him to love me. His body shivered as if in delight, then his lips locked over mine as if devouring the breath from my lungs. Nico was the only being on this planet who made me feel wanted, loved, and desirable, yet I refused to give him the same intimacy.

~~~~~

Several hours later, I was working my way through some documents, mainly typing them into my computer database. I was aware there were phone apps and scanners that could do the same job, but I didn’t trust those, since they could be hacked. For something as sensitive as business documents, the safer bet was a computer with my special brand of coding. Typing was also something I could do on autopilot.

I could actually get work done now that Nico was away for the day. He wanted to change the location of his meetings to the Villa, but I pushed him to leave for the restaurant – it would look bad on the Romano if he changed plans at the last minute. The man was insatiable, often forgetting himself when he was near me, so it made it difficult for us both to get anything finished.

The man wasn’t even here and I still couldn’t focus on my work. I stood from my desk as I closed my laptop, then tucked it away in my hiding spot. Nico was a smart man, but that didn’t mean he knew all the hiding spots in his own Villa, and I chuckled as I opened the door leading out. It was something I noticed often since my arrival – making it rather easy to avoid Nico when I wanted to. The reasons now were different from before. He made me feel things I didn’t recognize or understand. What the hell was this man doing to me?!

“He’s a fool.” I whispered to myself as I walked towards the kitchen. “Stella?”

The silence of the Villa was deafening, and I grabbed the butt of my magnum, unease spreading across my stomach. A loud noise had me dropping to the floor, my eyes down the sight of the barrel as I checked the window first, then inched into the kitchen in a low crouch. That sounded like a gunshot. My gaze landed on my target, followed by my aim, and I sighed in annoyance at a rookie who stood there in shock, his gaze on the window.

“Get down you moron!” I shouted as another gunshot had him dropping behind the island, his arms covering his head. “Shit!” My tongue clicked as I dove for the island as well, slamming my back against it. “Do you have a weapon?”

His panicked gaze locked on the counters across from us told me all I needed to know. I pulled out my phone and tapped the screen a few times, irritation rolling off me in waves, I was sure. Nico first, then Marcello, I reminded as a hail of bullets rang over our heads at the wall. Damn it! I waited for the shooter to empty his clip before quickly glancing over the island to locate him. There!

“Cover your ears, newb!” I shouted, then pulled the trigger before ducking behind cover again. “I could use another weapon here!”

The noise seemingly snapped the guy from his stupor, and he glanced at me with a nervous gulp before nodding. I didn’t know who our attackers were, but I wasn’t going down without a fight! My fingers tightened around the grip of my weapon as resolve filled me. We waited several seconds, listening for any further sound from our enemy, then I braved looking over the island again. There was another shooter – a sniper – somewhere, meaning we needed to be on guard.

“Stay down.” I stated to the newb, refusing to look in his direction because of his weakness. “Nico! Finally you answer, you prick. Someone is attacking the Villa.”

“Where?”

“Directly behind the building, near the kitchen, on the mountain a few scales above sea level. They’re not good at it, whoever they are.” I mumbled, glancing over the island as another shot hit the wall behind me. “I took one out already, and I don’t know how many there are. There could be more up there waiting to take his place. He has a sniper rifle.”

I heard him scoff on the other end before a click ended the call. My people scoped out the Villa and knew the ins and outs as well as I did, so I was sure one was already on location, prepared to handle the issue, but I didn’t want to bank on it. If my family didn’t find the guy, I knew Nico would. My phone vibrated in my hand, and I answered without hesitation, hand firm on my weapon as I listened to the environment.

“We have someone approaching the location the shots came from now. I’ll keep you updated, Donna.” Marcello spoke, and I cleared my throat, waiting in the tense air for more information. “Are you still alive, Liliana?”

“Yes. Figure out who’s behind this.” I ordered, glancing at my new companion with frustration. “And make sure the approval process for new members of the Romano family is a lot stricter. I want people able to fire when the situation calls for it.”