Page 7 of Captured Innocence

However, there was something distinctly different about Marco’s warning, as if he’d been lured into treachery for one purpose only.

Providing the message.

I wasn’t entirely certain why my thoughts had drifted to an entirely different level, but they had. Along with another wave of rage spinning out of control.

The warning also sent an icy chill down my spine. As my anger became uncontrollable, thoughts of protecting Sophia entered my mind and I wasn’t entirely certain why. I’d had much worse things said to me over the years, threats that had sent me into a tailspin. Why this one had ignited a fire deep within was beyond me but within seconds, I yanked out my pistol, driving six 9mm bullets into the man’s face without thinking.

Both Capos were stunned, Vincenzo remaining in shock for a few seconds before lifting his head.

“Well, I don’t think I need to check for a pulse.”

His chuckle was strangled. I closed my eyes, loathing the fact I’d lost control. It was happening more lately, which didn’t bode well for my reputation.

Fuck.

Had it been more about the fact the girl had reentered my world?

“Just get it cleaned up.” Fuck. What the hell was wrong with me? And why did I have the distinct feeling Marco had known something I should have learned? I wasn’t likely to now with the contents of his head spread against the wall.

“Yeah, I’ll call in the cleaning crew. I think you’re due for a paint job.” Vincenzo whistled.

After shoving my weapon into my pocket, I buttoned my jacket and raked my hands through my hair before heading out of my office. Only then did I take a deep breath, trying to calm my anger, allowing my thoughts to drift to Sophia once again. The surprise was one I needed more than I cared to admit. But the question remained furrowing in the back of my mind.

Was it possible her arrival was a coincidence? I shoved it aside for now, but I would check on if there were any other rumors on the street about either family. I headed into the main body of the club, the third floor consisting of four bars, two oversized dancefloors with pulsing neon lights and an old-fashioned DJ booth positioned across from the balcony. There had to be seven hundred people inside, the floor already close to capacity.

There was a buzz in the air tonight, the energy of the club more sensual than usual. Or maybe my hunger had finally infiltrated my brain, my needs overriding the usual hatred I had for crowds and rowdy people. I often wondered why I owned a bar since I hated everything about it.

Like the predator I was, I moved through the crowd silently, pushing my way past the hundreds of guests toward the middle of the floor where I was able to glance up at the balcony. As I scanned the upper echelon group of people who thought for certain they belonged here, it was a few seconds before I caught a glimpse of my prey in the neon-infused light. My cock twitched, filthy thoughts remaining in the back of my mind.

Her long hair shimmered in the light, the dazzling hues of copper exactly as I’d remembered. I pressed my fingers across my lips, remembering the kiss as if it had happened yesterday. Now my balls were tight as drums.

It was a bad idea to fuck with a princess, especially given the tenuous hold my family had on peace, but when presented with such a delicious gift, I wasn’t the kind of man who could refuse.

Nor would I take no for an answer.

As I moved toward the stairs, taking them slowly, I sucked in my breath, excitement tearing through me. Another rarity. Maybe I was nothing but a twisted fuck who preyed on innocence. A smile crossed my face, a chuckle forming in my throat. When I stepped foot onto the landing, I scanned the expansive space, the flashing lights pulsing in time to the beat. Then I noticed her a mere twenty-five feet away and my balls tightened. Her body was illuminated by the pulsing neon blue lights shimmering down from the ceiling.

They acted like a halo, although I sensed by her attire alone that her innocence was fading as my hunger for her increased.

She gyrated in time to the music, completely unaware that a dozen or so predators were waiting in the wings. Whether or not they knew her identity was something I’d need to consider. I had enemies of my own frequenting the club, which I allowed in order to keep an eye on them. I took a step closer, scanning my illustrious guest as I attempted to determine how I wanted to handle her. The best decision was to escort her out, ensuring she didn’t try this again.

But that wasn’t going to happen.

“Mine,” I whispered, the same possessive feelings I’d had before swirling in my brain. She was even more beautiful than a year before, her body perfectly voluptuous, curves that were meant for only my eyes to bask on.

For my hands to grab.

For my lips to taste.

I took a deep breath, concentrating on paying attention to every detail. She was more self-assured than I remembered, as if she had the world by the balls. She’d grown into a stunning woman, one with rounded curves meant for a man’s hands to grab while fucking her.

My hands.

Filthy visions of what I’d like to do to the woman kept me on edge, thoughts of driving my tongue between her swollen folds delicious indeed.

Every muscle in my body was tense, my jaw tight as I ground my teeth. The fact my cock had lengthened, pressing against the zipper of my trousers wasn’t lost on me. How fucking long had it been since I’d been so fully aroused?

One full year.