Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 37273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
“What happened today?”
He walked by her and set his cell on the counter before grabbing a bottle of liquor from his cabinet. After he poured himself a large glass of what she assumed was whiskey or something similar, he drank it without looking at her. He then grabbed another glass, filled them both up this time, and turned toward her. He stared at Marra for a few seconds, and then walked toward her. Joey held out the glass, kept his focus on her, and when she took it he turned toward the window.
“One of my guys should be here in a little bit with some takeout.” He glanced at her. “Hopefully that’s okay since I don’t want to take you out with all this shit happening, and secondly I am too wound up and just want to relax.”
She nodded and drank some of the strong alcohol. Marra wanted to ask him what was happening, but on the other hand she didn’t because she was afraid. But curiosity and the need to know what the fuck was going on with her life won out. “Joey, what is going on with all of this? You came home with this dark cloud over your head, and honestly it is a little unsettling.” Marra didn’t expect him to tell her every gritty detail, and she didn’t want to know them, but this was her life, and she deserved to know.
It took him a moment to respond, but he finally exhaled, and turned to face her. He had finished his drink, and when she saw his expression she downed the rest of hers.
“I’m not going to get into specifics, Marra.”
“I have every right to know what is going on, Joey. This is my life we are talking about.” Emotion broke open like a dam erupting.
There was a knock on the door, and before the conversation could get ugly, which she knew it would if they continued on this stubborn path, Joey turned and opened it. There was a younger man on the other side, and Marra didn’t think he was older than twenty.
Joey gave him a handful of bills, clapped him on the back, and grabbed the big paper bag he held out. Once the door was shut again Joey set the bag on the counter and started getting things out. The smell of garlic and tomato sauce filled her nose. Her stomach growled, but she wasn’t finished with this conversation.
Joey turned to grab some plates, but she went over to him and grabbed his forearm. He stopped and looked down at where she was touching him. Marra took her hand back and retreated. She was not going to be intimidated by him, even if deep down she was scared of the man he portrayed.
“Marra, I don’t want to do this right now.” He breathed out, suddenly seeming very tired. “I just want to eat, and then sit on the couch and hold you.”
His admission shocked her.
“You want to know the truth?”
She nodded, but she felt this fear of what he might say take over her. It was a different kind of fear that warped and corrupted all other emotions inside of her. He moved closer to her until the counter stopped her retreat. She held onto the granite and stared at him.
“The man that wants to destroy my empire has threatened your life if I don’t agree to his terms.”
Her throat constricted. She didn’t say anything in response, because she didn’t know what to say.
“They want me to fold for them, and if I don’t they will hurt you and Kelly, the wife of a former associate. Mario might have been a traitor, but Kelly is still a part of the Bacelli family, and her getting hurt because she was caught up in all of this isn’t going to go down.” He leaned his face in close to hers. And I’ll say it again, you getting hurt is not a fucking option.”
He looked down at her mouth, and she felt her breath leave her and her heart stall.
“I’m tired, pissed, and want nothing more than to just hold you, but right now I really need to fuck you, Marra.” Joey snagged her around the nape and tugged her forward. He kissed her fiercely, and there wasn’t anything romantic about it. It was wet and sloppy, but it was so fucking hot that she wanted more. Their talk wasn’t nearly over with, and it was clear he was diverting, but right now there was a lot of passion, anger, and heat swirling around them. She was helpless to stop this.
Joey took his free hand and moved it up her thigh, under the hem of her skirt, and curled his big fingers into her hip. It wasn’t an overly sensual touch, but rather one that felt more like a brand of ownership. He made grunting noises against her mouth, like he couldn’t control himself. Joey broke away, gripped her around the waist, and lifted her easily onto the counter. Her legs were spread, and the skirt that she wore—courtesy of the clothing Little Johnny had brought for her—was a pool of fabric around her waist. He moved between them, and hissed out when his erection probed against her moist panties.