Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,94

and we will start our new life together.”

“What are you doing, Matteo? Don’t kill whoever is responsible. You won’t be able to live with the guilt.”

He chuckled. “I already told you, baby. I’m not a murderer; however, I assure you that the person responsible will pay for his sins. Just follow the rules and everything will be all right.”

As the call ended, the kind of cold that usually occurs on a winter’s day skittered into every cell and muscle, leaving me aching. I eased the phone onto the coffee table, moving back toward the door. At this point, I wanted to believe that fairytales could come true.

I closed the door, even more anxious than before.

Fifteen minutes passed.

Thirty.

Forty-five.

I was at the point I couldn’t take the wait any longer. Something had to be wrong. Then again, if he was coming from the city, he wouldn’t be here for at least another hour. After pacing for another five minutes, I walked toward the kitchen, throwing open the refrigerator, almost laughing that there were bottles of water, two beers, mayonnaise, and an opened bottle of white wine.

Matteo was complex, rugged, and in need of a bit of training of his own.

I pulled out the wine, not surprised I found an entire collection of crystal glasses, all expensive and beautiful. The man lived on the outer rim of life.

Maybe I could help him change.

I chuckled as I walked back into the living room, determined not to worry. As if that was going to happen. I took a sip then another before freezing.

The door was open, while only a crack, it was enough I felt the warm breeze all the way where I was standing. Without moving, I scanned the perimeter of the room, listening for any odd noises.

There was nothing but the hint of rolling waves. Swallowing, I took tentative steps toward the door, furious with myself that I hadn’t locked it.

“Hello, Winter. We finally meet.”

The sound of the man’s voice was laced with danger as well as amusement. And I knew exactly who I was going to turn around and face. Franco Taglioni. I had only two options and one of them I didn’t like at all.

“You need to leave,” I said quietly.

“I will, but only with you on my arm. You were promised to me and you will become mine.”

Something inside of me shifted to another plane, a moment where I’d decided to refuse to accept any additional bullshit.

Including from a true monster.

I turned, tossing the wine and the glass in his face, the force breaking the crystal. Everything was in slow motion as several jagged pieces sliced across his face.

I did the only thing I could do.

I ran.

Bolting out the back door, I kept close to the house. If I could make it to the road, maybe I’d stand a chance.

I finally heard Franco’s roar as he began to follow me.

Everything was a blur, but fear kicked into adrenaline, pushing me harder. Faster. This asshole wasn’t going to take me. No fucking way.

But he was gaining. I could feel him.

“You aren’t going anywhere,” Franco bellowed, his voice closer.

Too close.

No. No!

I bounded forward and screamed.

“It’s okay,” Matteo hissed, yanking me against him. In his hand was a gun. “That’s far enough, Franco. You have no business being here. A deal was made with your father.”

I glared at the man as he continued inching closer.

“My father doesn’t have the right to make deals. I’m taking over. Whatever deal you made is null and void. And Winter is coming with me.”

Matteo laughed. “You will never fucking touch her. I suggest you talk to your father about the deal we made. I doubt he’ll be too happy to see you’ve gone against his wishes. Just get the fuck out of here and this will end right here. If not...”

Franco cocked his head, taking a deep breath as he lifted his weapon. “I’m afraid that’s not going to happen.”

As Matteo shoved me away, pointing the gun at Franco’s head, another scream erupted from my mouth. “No!”

* * *

The door was barely closed before Matteo gathered me into his arms, cupping both sides of my face as he crushed his mouth over mine. He was a beast unchained, a man desperate to take what he wanted.

What he owned.

As he thrust his tongue inside my mouth, a rush of hot sparks crisscrossed every inch of my body. I was a live wire, the hunger building the point I couldn’t hold back. He was dominating and forceful, and I