Cutting Ties (Age-Gap Mafia Romance) Read online

  There was something she wasn’t telling me. I’d had a feeling before I flew here and was quite certain of it now. It had something to do with the last man she was in a relationship with, I’d gathered that much. The whole thing didn’t make any sense.

  How bad could it be that she was too scared to tell me what it was?

  Suddenly the city came into view. The lights illuminated the sky as we began to pass by stunning churches and colorful buildings. The city had such beauty; a quaint beauty that I didn’t see in Los Angeles or any cities in the United States – at least not the same type of beauty.

  “Valentina.” I gave her a little shake. I regretted waking her, but knew I had to.

  “Wha–” Her eyes slowly flickered open and she looked up at me. Confusion flashed across her face before a smile spread across her lips. “You’re here.”

  Chuckling, I helped her sit up. “Yes, but I’m still waiting for you to tell me where we’re going.”

  “The driver knows. I think you’ll enjoy it.” She looked out one window and then the other. “Yes, we’re maybe five minutes away now.”

  The crowds began to thicken with people dancing, laughing, and drinking; festive Latin music seemed to be playing from everywhere. It took quite some time before the driver found an empty area to allow parking for the three SUVs. People looked, while pretending not to notice the vehicles.

  The privacy panel lowered. “Is this good Senorita?”

  “Si. This is fine.” Valentina confirmed.

  Cutting the engine, the driver waited behind the wheel of the car while the security from the other two vehicles climbed out. The security all wore clothing that made them appear to blend in with the crowd, but it wasn’t a perfect blend as they weren’t smiling or appearing to have a good time like everyone else.

  Valentina looked at me and shook her head.

  “What?”

  “You look too formal.” Reaching to me she gave my black tie a tug, undoing it and pulling it over my head. Next, she pushed my blazer from my shoulders and undid a couple of buttons on my shirt. “It’s not ideal, but it’ll do for now.”

  Raising a brow, I grinned. “It’ll do, for now? Is that your way of saying I have horrible taste in clothes?”

  “It will do.” She swatted me on the shoulder. “You just need a little bit of flare.” She smiled. “I’ll put you on the right track.”

  I chuckled. One of the things that amazed me about her was how flawless her English was, with barely an accent to be found. By speaking with her, you’d never know her native language was Spanish.

  The door was opened by one of the guards, breaking our moment. “We’ve cleared the area, senorita.”

  “Thank you, Emiliano.” Before she slid out, she motioned toward the man staring in at us. “By the way, this is Emiliano. He’s my personal guard. He’s kept me alive this long so he must be decent at what he does.”

  Chuckling, Emiliano took a step back from the car. “Just part of the job.”

  “If you need anything and I’m not around, ask him. He’ll take care of you.” She slid from the vehicle, not waiting for me to reply.

  I looked back at the blazer, which still contained the ring. It would be safer in here than with me on the streets where pickpockets could swipe it without me even noticing.

  As I got out of the car, the music and rapid chatter coming from all directions seemed to uplift me. Everyone seemed so carefree and happy, easing the slight anxiety I’d been feeling due to all the guards and meeting her family straight out of the gate. Perhaps happiness was contagious. I was also greeted with a variety of smells from the various street vendors all around us. Despite having eaten an hour or so ago, the smell was so amazing it made me crave whatever it was that they were cooking.

  “What is wrong?”

  Bringing my attention back to her, I smiled. “There’s so much going on. And whatever I’m smelling is really calling to me.”

  “Hmm.” She chewed at her red painted nail a moment and suddenly her eyes lit up and she pointed. “Come with me.” Grabbing my hand, she pulled me across the street to a booth manned by a couple of older ladies. One was working a grill that appeared to have sausages on it while the other took orders and payment.

  “Sure.”

  Arriving, she smiled, holding up two fingers, “Hola, dos perros calientes, por favor.” Digging into her handbag, she pulled out several large bills and passed them to the lady.

  Taking the money, the lady attempted to give her the change, but she refused. “Senorita. Gracias!” By the shine in the woman’s eyes, Valentina had tipped a substantial amount.

  Curious, I leaned into Valentina and whispered. “Did you just make that woman’s night?”

  “I gave her a little something extra, yes. What’s the point of having money if you can’t help others? It’s the very least I can do.”

  She said it so nonchalantly. Staring down at her, I felt a rush of affection and admiration. She was so conscientious of others. I worked with rich people every day and doubted even a small fraction of them would be so gracious.

  Turning from me, she began speaking with the woman who was building the monstrosity of what appeared to be a sausage, piling pineapple, raspberries, bacon… The toppings seemed endless. By the time it was done I didn’t have a clue how to handle it.

  “So do your best.” Valentina smiled as if knowing what I was thinking. “Grab the drinks.”

  Looking at the counter, I saw two orange-ish drinks that I assumed to be some sort of fruit drink. Not questioning further, I picked them up and followed her to a picnic table. Sitting down, I passed her a drink while accepting the sausage creation. Despite the odd array of toppings it smelled amazing, and as I took my first skeptical bite, I realized it tasted delicious as well. We didn’t speak as I devoured the food and drink, making sure to get every last delicious bite while Valentina looked on in amusement.

  “So now what?”

  A wicked look twinkled in her eyes. “Dancing.”

  Chapter 5

  Valentina

  As much as our guards attempted to blend in, they stood out like sore thumbs. People pretended not to notice, but they weren’t idiots. As long as everyone minded their own business the fun would get to continue. Anthony hadn’t been to Colombia before and I wanted him to see there was more to my home than what the media coverage would lead him to believe.

  Not far from where we ate the hot dogs there was a street dance party going on. The music was perfect – upbeat, but sultry at the same time. The best way to predict how a man would be in bed was to see how they danced.

  “Come on.”

  “Valentina. Senorita.” Emiliano grabbed my arm, pulling me back to him. “Be careful. Stay close.”

  Rolling my eyes at him, I nodded. “Yes, father.” Kicking off my heels, I passed them to Emiliano. “Can you take these for me?”

  He did his best to keep a stern expression, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. While he was capable of doing what was needed to protect me, Emiliano didn’t have the coldness in his heart that my father and brother had.

  “Please,” I added for good measure.

  With a grunt, he accepted the shoes.

  Smiling, I led Anthony into the crowd, but kept close to the outside and close to the guards, just in case. If our relationship progressed and I did happen to move with him to America, what would it be like to go places without guards with me at all times? To be in a place where I wasn’t a target? I bet it would be so freeing. But there was no point in pondering the what ifs when I was in the middle of grasping the moment.

  “I hope you’ve been practicing your dance moves, sir,” I teased, sliding up to Anthony and running my hands up his chest to lock my fingers around his neck. I began moving my body against his much more seductively than I would with anyone else, curious to see how he’d react.

  “I’m not too sure.” He grimaced at me.

  As expected, he was stiff in more ways than o
ne as I moved, grinding and rubbing against him. It was a pity that he didn’t have the rhythm to dance with me – dancing was a passion of mine – but that was fine. Maybe with enough practice I could get him there. Unclasping my hands from around his neck, I slipped my hands into my hair, bundling it at the top of my head as I spun around and slowly lowered myself against his body – my back to his front.

  I grinned as I heard him lightly groan, and I felt a bulge begin to form in his pants. Releasing my hair, I placed my hands on his thighs, slowly rising to my feet, making sure I teased his dick with my ass as I stood. Sliding a hand up and behind me, I placed it at the back of his head, running my index finger along his jawline.

  “You’re playing a dangerous game, Valentina,” he murmured in my ear, sliding one hand around my waist and the other grasping my chin and tilting my head up and back with the other.

  My grin widened as I looked up to see his head lower, his lips moving closer. The anticipation was maddening, making my pussy ache as need slowly began to burn within me.

  The music changed to something slower and very, very sexy. He wouldn’t know the words to the song, but his body seemed to be feeling the beat as he began to move with me, our hips rocking back and forth in unison.

  Now this was more like it. “Fast learner,” I sighed.

  His lips came even closer, so close that our breaths began to intermingle. Breath in – breath out. Our lips drew closer until they ghosted each other. The touch was so light that I moaned softly against his lips.

  I closed my eyes as our lips met a second time, this time the kiss was stronger, more intense. His hand around my waist tightened as he pulled my bottom tighter against his growing erection.

  Damn.

  Feeling the heat of his body against my back was incredible, intensifying the desire burning within me, while the soft feel of his lips as they pressed against mine made me weak in the knees. My lips parted, granting his probing tongue access to mine. When our tongues touched it was like a throwing kerosene onto the fire raging within me, making my panties grow damp from my arousal.

  My hand gripped his forearm as we continued to move with the music, our lips and tongues dancing as well. I wanted him. So badly. More than I’d ever wanted anyone before. For the minutes that we indulged in each other, the rest of the world and all of my worries seemed to disappear and it was just me and him.

  But as quickly as the moment began, it ended as the music switched up again to a fast salsa. Disappointment reared its head that the moment was gone. My disappointment was short-lived, however, as he took the hand at my waist, held my hand in his, and then quickly spun me out.

  I giggled, my brows creased. “What was that?”

  Giving my hand another tug, he spun me back into his arms. “I may have taken some salsa lessons.”

  “Some?”

  Chuckling, he shrugged. “Okay. Perhaps a lot.” Wiggling his eyebrows, he continued, “Did you seriously think I was going to come here knowing how passionate you are about dance and not learn a little something before I arrived?”

  Pressing up against him, I brushed my lips against his. “All right, Doctor Anthony. Show me what you’ve got then.”

  Anthony

  I didn’t think I’d smiled so much in my life as I had that night. The expression on her face when she discovered that I’d learned to not only salsa but also tango and cha-cha was priceless. It made all the hours I’d put in worthwhile. I was hardly ready for a dance competition, but at least I was able to keep up. I’d call that a win in my book. The fact that she loved to dance hadn’t been lost on me, it was something she’d said during one of our very first conversations. I’d signed up for lessons the very next day.

  Pressing the card key against the reader, I was relieved to hear the faint beep and the light on the panel turn green as the door unlocked without incident. Grasping the door knob, I pushed the door open and stepped aside, allowing her entry into the room before me.

  “Have a good night, gentlemen.” I nodded to the two guards who were to be posted outside the hotel room door for the night. It felt so surreal to have people waiting on us throughout the evening. I doubt I’d ever get used to it.

  They nodded without another word.

  Pulling her suitcase in behind me – mine was already inside – I closed the door behind us and asked, “Do you ever get used to having them with you all the time?” Entering with suitcase in hand, I wheeled it into the main room, which consisted of a queen-sized bed at the back and a navy blue fabric sofa just as you entered. Mounted on the opposite wall was a 55-inch television with a desk below. It wasn’t the most lavish hotel room, but it was a solid four stars.

  She shrugged, flopping herself onto the bed. “I barely notice them anymore to be honest. When you grow up with it, it just becomes a way of life.”

  Perching myself on the edge of the suitcase, I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at her. There was so much to her beyond the beauty. When I was dancing with her tonight, I saw the joy in her eyes. I craved to see that look in her eyes permanently. “What if it wasn’t?”

  “What do you mean?” Sitting upright on the bed she gave me a hard look.

  “What if you moved back with me to the U.S.? I know we’ve touched on it over the past month or so. Would you seriously be ready to leave here and this life?”

  She nodded. “For love. I would without thinking about it.”

  Crossing the room toward her I approached the bed, my gaze fixed on her and only her. Reaching the bed, I slipped a hand into her hair to rest at the back of her head as I lowered my lips to hers. Sliding her hands up my chest, she laced her fingers behind my neck and pulled me down, lowering herself onto the bed and bringing me with her.

  Placing a knee on the bed next to her hips, I lowered myself onto her. Slipping my hand from her head, I placed a hand on either side of her head to brace myself from crushing her, intensifying the kiss. The woman had a damned hold on me, sending jolts of pleasure through me, awakening my dick – not that it’d had much rest that evening. It was as though I’d been sporting an everlasting boner from the moment I caught sight of her at the house.

  I’d waited a long time for this to happen. Night after night I’d imagined what it would be like to finally be with her. No woman I came across compared to the image I had of her in my mind and heart; she’d become a practical obsession over the months.

  Her hands slipped from my shoulders and began to slowly undo the buttons on my shirt. One by one they fell away, and with each button that peeled away my erection thickened in anticipation of what was to come.

  Chapter 6

  Valentina

  Feeling his body over mine was so comforting. Spreading my legs, I wrapped them around his body, locking my heels behind his back and pulling him tighter to me, the feel of his long, thick shaft rubbing against my mound, making me yearn for even more intimate contact.

  Pulling his shirt from inside the inside of his pants, I then pushed it off his shoulders. With a little help from me, he shrugged it off, allowing me free access to his beautiful torso and chest. The muscle was all lean and very well defined. As I ran my hands up his chest, my fingers traced the lines of hard muscle on their way back up to his shoulders.

  It took all the resistance I had in me, but I managed to place my hands flat against his chest and push him away.

  He opened his mouth to speak, but I placed my index finger over his lips to stop him from speaking. “I have a surprise.”

  “Now?” Straightening, he cleared his throat, no doubt attempting to contain the arousal coursing through his veins.

  Giving him a sexy smile, I shrugged a shoulder, “No better time than the present. Isn’t that how the saying goes?” Sliding from the bed, I grabbed the high-backed chair from the desk and pulled it to the center of the room. Taking his hand in mine I led him to the chair and sat him down.

  “What do you have in mind, Senorita Rossi?”

  Walking away from him, I lo
oked over my shoulder and gave him a wink. “You’ll see in a minute.” I wagged my finger at him. “Don’t move.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Grabbing the handle of my suitcase I pulled it into the bathroom with me and shut the door. Opening the large black plastic case on the floor, I quickly found the teddy I was looking for. It was black lace and didn’t leave much for the imagination, which was exactly what I wanted. I wanted him in such a fever that he wouldn’t be able to keep himself from ripping the fabric from my body. Just the thought of him turning into a frenzy of desire sent a shiver of anticipation through me.

  Picking up my phone, I browsed my song listings until I found the one I was looking for. I’d been planning this moment from the time he told me he’d booked ticket to come see me and I’d almost ruined the plan by getting wrapped up in wanting him a moment ago.

  Searching the pouch inside the case, I found a hair clip. Piling my hair loosely on top of my head, I clipped it into a soft, loose bun. Taking a few more minutes, I made some touch-ups on my make-up and upon final inspection nodded my head in approval at my image in the mirror.

  Taking a deep breath in, I slowly released it, surprised at how nervous I was. Grasping the door knob, I pulled it open, and just before stepping into the room pressed play on the music I had preselected for tonight. Stepping out and into the room, I placed the phone on the desk and then fixed my gaze on him.

  “Oh wow. You look…” Anthony made a motion to get up from the chair, but my putting my hand up stopped him.

  “Don’t move.”

  “It’s fucking hard, love.” He shifted on the chair, bringing my eyes to his groin. I could see for myself how hard it was making him perfectly well.

  The music was easy to dance to. It was the look of heated desire in his eyes that made me want to abandon the idea all together and have him ravish me. As I drew closer, the intensity in his stare increased. By the time I reached his chair, swinging a leg over him so I was poised above his lap my pussy had grown excessively wet.