Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,75

chances.

She rose onto her tiptoes, forcing me to look into her eyes. “I know there are decisions you have to make, business to attend to. I don’t know what’s going to happen when we return or if everything around us is going to collapse. I’m not suggesting this is some fairytale. I already told you I don’t believe in them. I just thought we could share some time before the wedding ceremony.”

“Hmmm... Sounds like you’re in agreement that it should happen.”

“I’m not certain of anything, Matteo, except I’m falling for you too. I don’t know how or why, but I am. I won’t be the kind of wife the other women are, even if the sect does survive, but I think you already know that.” She tilted her chin until our lips were centimeters apart. I was ready to devour her all over again.

“You’re not like any other woman I’ve ever met, even if you need serious discipline in your life.” While I offered a smile, pressing my lips against her forehead, a disturbing instinct remained.

Another tragedy was going to occur and this time, I wasn’t certain what members of the sect would remain standing.

What I did know is that I would protect her with my life, including making certain she had a way out. I’d already set things in motion to ensure that she would be safe.

Even if I was dead.

Or behind bars.

“Maybe. Maybe not. We can’t stay here forever, even though I’m sure I wouldn’t mind. At least we can pretend that this is all just a fantasy. Maybe I just want a little time. Maybe that makes me a fool since we still don’t know each other.”

I brushed hair from her face. “We know enough, Winter.”

She gave me a practiced look, finally nodding. “Maybe you’re right. One more purchase for tonight. Remember?”

I had no ability to open up to her. That had never been a part of me.

“What is it? An expensive bottle of wine? Champagne? Lobsters? I’ll buy you anything that you want, of course within the confines of the cash I have on hand.”

“I already told you. I don’t need or want fancy things. However, what I crave is even more precious.”

“Hmmm... I’m afraid to ask,” I growled, pulling her closer.

She pushed her hands hard against my chest, shaking her head. “Maybe you have to learn to trust me.”

“Maybe so.”

What I recognized in my heart was that I loved her. For all the danger, secrets, and rituals of the society we’d grown up in, true power had nothing to do with money or influence. Through the ugliness of the past, the memories of adoring Stephanie long ago, I was finally ready to take on a new life.

And all because of a feisty woman who refused to give into anyone’s bullshit.

Including my own.

She laughed as she pulled away. “Ice cream. I need to see how you’ll handle it this time. You are coming, aren’t you? Or maybe I need to handcuff you, dragging you along.”

Several filthy visions crowded into my mind.

“Handcuffs. That gives me some damn good ideas.”

Wagging her finger, she yanked the package close to her chest. “You have to be a very good boy if you want your present.”

I wasn’t prepared for her spontaneity or her playfulness. “Be very careful who you tease. Remember, I’m your master.”

“I guess we’ll see about that.” Winter flipped her hair before turning away, unable to notice I’d pulled my phone back into my hand.

“I’ll be right there,” I said, half under my breath. There were so many things I wanted to say, words that she needed to hear, but I was certain that almost anything I told her would push her away. What I would do was honor her request.

I had one more phone call to make. While risky, I felt I had no other choice in order to weave through the puzzle, finding the necessary answers.

About who was betraying the sect.

And more important, who was determined to ruin my life.

* * *

Time.

There never seemed to be enough of it. Hell, what would I understand about taking time out to enjoy the simpler things, what Winter called real life? The sun was just setting, the various gorgeous colors splashing across the sky like an artist’s palette. She stood at the railing, her silence driving a stake into my heart.

She’d maintained her playful attitude through dinner, even convincing me to turn on the outside grill. I chuckled at the thought as I studied her. Only through her tutoring had