Bred by the Mafia Monster Page 2

Begging was something she hated doing, but in her life, she’d been put in situations that actually required it of her. If that wasn’t humiliating enough, her soon-to-be husband was already pushing boundaries.

  Her heart raced. If he caused trouble, her father would make her suffer.

  “He starves you,” Klaus said.

  Lifting her head up, even with tears in her eyes, she looked at this giant of a man. She’d heard so many rumors about him. Most of them were bad, but there was no mistaking the attraction a lot of women felt for him. Many women in their world would envy her, and she knew it wasn’t going to be long before she became the target for hatred. She wasn’t the most-liked woman as at eighteen, she’d been the first woman without an already arranged marriage. She was used to their spiteful words. Now it was going to be worse.

  “Wouldn’t you if you had a fat little daughter with my reputation? Please, don’t worry about it. I’m fine.”

  She didn’t get to add more as her mother was suddenly at the door, being her usual cheery self. She was an expert in turning a blind eye.

  Klaus didn’t say a word, and for that, she was thankful.

  Chapter Two

  They walked back through the long hallways to the room where everyone had gathered to make the preparations. It looked like an art exhibit, priceless works adorning the walls, and he had no doubt Lastra was trying to show off his wealth. Nothing material impressed Klaus. He’d been brought up with everything money could buy.

  What he wanted was more time alone with Isabella. To get a feel for who she was. It was bad enough being forced into an arranged marriage. Worse when you’d only known the other person for less than an hour.

  Next week, Isabella would belong to him. Her father would no longer have a hold on her. His rights would become null and void once those marriage documents came into effect.

  Klaus never planned on taking a wife. The necessity had been thrust upon him, and he’d agreed as a duty to his family. He could have refused, but he always played his role. His hands were stained red from all the killing he did in the Accardi name.

  “She’ll still wear white,” said Eva Lastra. Isabella’s mother had books of patterns laid out on a large table.

  “Darling, we don’t have time to order anything,” said Lastra. “They want the wedding to happen by the end of the week.”

  She looked disappointed, sitting down on a chair without argument.

  Klaus made eye contact with Isabella before turning to her mother. His father wasn’t giving them much time, and he knew how women liked to focus on the details. “Whatever Isabella wants, we can make it happen.”

  No one argued with him, not even his father. Money and power talked, and he never had a problem getting his way. Impossible wasn’t in his vocabulary.

  “Tradition will have to be put aside. It’s not as simple as wearing her mother’s dress,” said Lastra. “When we were married, over thirty years ago, Eva was a size two.”

  Klaus was tiring of her father’s constant negativity. He was destroying his daughter physically and mentally with his bullshit. Within days, his reign would be over.

  “Tradition has no part in a Lastra-Accardi wedding. Any dress Isabella wants, she gets.” He turned to his own father. “Do what you have to do. Make the arrangements. I’m done here.”

  Klaus took Isabella’s hand and kissed it, everyone in the room as their audience. Her eyes were a unique gray, and he found himself mesmerized as he stared at her. He whispered, “Behave yourself. In a few days, you become an Accardi.”

  He had to get out of there. This was the home of their enemies and his hackles had been up ever since they’d stepped inside. Wedding or not, he didn’t trust Lastra or his men.

  His father would handle the wedding plans.

  He could see Carlo and Renzo itching to get out of their suits. His brothers wanted to escape the wolf’s den, too, but he only planned to save himself. As the eldest son, he was the one being forced into this unorthodox marriage, not them. They could suffer through the rest of the negotiations a little longer.

  As he walked away, he took a deep breath and exhaled. The visit hadn’t gone as bad as he expected. But he needed to clear his head. There was a lot to take in.

  He just about had his foot out the front door when he heard her voice. “Wait!”

  Isabella rushed toward him from the other end of the house. She was out of breath by the time she reached him.

  “I’m not staying, sweetheart. I trust my father can make the decisions.”

  “My grandmother wants us to get the blessing of our priest before the wedding day.”

  “Whether or not he gives his blessing, the wedding’s still happening. You do understand that, right?”

  She nodded. “She’s very traditional. It will make her happy. She the oldest living Lastra.”

  Klaus had lost his own grandmothers long ago, and his mother more recently. It was difficult to refuse an old woman’s wish.

  “When?”

  “Now.”

  He growled his displeasure. “I’m not taking your entourage. If we go, we go alone, in my car.”

  “Okay. We should leave before my father complains.”

  She mentioned the name of the church, and he knew it well. His culture was steeped in religion, and it was something he tried to break free of as an adult. Klaus was sick of men using religion as an excuse to commit every sort of evil. Everything he did was of his own accord, usually for the benefit of his family.

  The first thing he was going to do was take his fiancée out to lunch. She needed some food in her stomach before she passed out. The idea of her father controlling every aspect of her life didn’t sit well with him.

  His car was parked out front, and he opened the door for her. In his peripheral vision, he noted her father’s guards talking into their radios. He needed to get out of there before they had a chance to put a tail on him.

  As soon as he was in the driver’s seat, he hit the gas and swerved around the other parked cars out front, including his father’s and brothers’. They’d all come separately.

  Isabella held on to the sides of her seat.

  “I’m not dressed for this,” she said. “I should have changed. I’m not supposed to wear pants into the church. My father will be furious when he finds out.”

  “You’ll wear whatever the fuck you want.”

  Soon, her father’s influence would be severed. Klaus would own her in every way.

  He drove to one of his favorite restaurants on the coast, pulling up to the valet.

  “Where are we? What’s going on?”

  “Relax. When he opens the door, step out.”

  Klaus met her on the walkway.

  She looked like deer in the headlights. “We’re supposed to be going to the church. My father—”

  “Not before you eat,” he interrupted.

  She looked genuinely confused, or maybe she wasn’t used to leaving the house. Unmarried daughters were usually treated like prisoners.

  He took her arm, making her hook hers around his as they walked up to the front double doors.

  “Mr. Accardi, welcome back. Would you like your usual table?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Isabella looked around with innocent wonder in her eyes. It was fun watching her reactions. The women he usually took on dates were highly processed and expected to be pampered. He’d tired of fast women shrouded in drama.

  He held her seat out, then sat across from her, getting comfortable. The waiter poured his favorite red wine without being asked. He felt the tension fade away. This was a major upgrade from the Lastra family home.

  “You must come here often,” she said. “Everyone seems to know you.”

  Klaus unfolded his cloth napkin and set it on his lap. He leaned over the table, beckoning for her hand.

  “Tell me something. Why does your mother want you to wear white to our wedding?”

  She shrugged. “It’s traditional.”


  “So, you’re a virgin?”

  Isabella pulled her hand away with a gasp. “Why are you asking me that?”

  “I deserve to know what I’m walking into.”

  “Well, of all people, you should know. My father would never give me the opportunity to do anything inappropriate. Even if I wanted to, it would be impossible. How much experience could I even have at eighteen?”

  “Enough, trust me.”

  “Is it that important to you?”

  “I hadn’t really given it much thought before today, but yes, now that I’ve met you, it’s very important.”

  She bit her lower lip, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.

  He hadn’t looked forward to fucking a woman more than right now. He’d enjoy introducing his virgin to every kind of sin.

  Klaus took a sip of his wine. “Try it. I’d like your opinion.”

  She looked at her glass but shook her head. “I don’t drink alcohol.”

  “Let me guess … your father won’t allow it.”

  Isabella shrugged.

  He set his glass down. “I’m tired of hearing about your father. Let’s talk about us.”

  “What about us?”

  “It’s kind of romantic, don’t you think? Like Romeo and Juliet. Soon we’ll unite our families. The bloodshed will be over. But it will only be the beginning for us.”

  “I’ll do my duty. My father made the importance of this marriage very clear.”

  He leaned back in his chair, running a hand along the scruff of his jaw. “Your enthusiasm is remarkable.”

  “I won’t disappoint you.”

  “Time will tell.” Klaus craved to get a rise out of his little bride-to-be. She was too tame, too trained to please. “We’ll start the baby-making on our wedding night, if that’s all right with you.” He winked, loving the way she squirmed. Her innocence was an unexpected turn-on. “It will be expected. We wouldn’t want to disappoint your father.”

  “Of course.”

  ****

  Her heart was about to beat out of her chest.

  Klaus didn’t hold back anything, not that she expected him to. Her mother had prepared her somewhat. She said the Accardi men were used to getting their way. Klaus specifically was no-holds-barred, dangerous, and without mercy. Her parents told her not to disappoint her new husband, to be submissive and obedient. They cared more about their reputation and being embarrassed than her well-being.

  No matter how much she hated this sham of a wedding, she’d do her duty. They’d never be able to label Isabella as a traitor to the family—even if they did treat her like shit half the time.

  She’d spent her teen years reading and studying. Unlike some of her cousins, she wasn’t boy crazy. It was the last thing on her mind. Now she was expected to be the star in Klaus Accardi’s bed by the end of the week. How was she going to manage that?

  When it was time to order food, she attempted to get a salad, but Klaus wouldn’t hear of it. He made her choose something substantial, and she was too nervous to refuse him. His legendary temper preceded him, and she didn’t want to be on the receiving end.

  She had to admit, it felt great to have her stomach sated for once. The food was incredible and there was something dark and foreboding about the way Klaus watched her. The man had evil eyes, the kind that made good women want to turn bad. It was hard to imagine he’d be her husband when so many women in her circle drooled over him.

  “How was your lunch?”

  “Very good. Thank you.” She was worried that her father would start to wonder where she was or check to see if she’d arrived at the church. All her life, she’d been constantly walking on eggshells. She checked her watch as discreetly as possible.

  “Maybe I’ll keep you.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “What would happen if I didn’t bring you home? Do you think your father would cancel the wedding? Put a hit on my head?”

  “Probably not.”

  “Then why are you so antsy to get out of here? Do you not enjoy the company of your fiancé?”

  She swallowed hard. Dating games were new to her. She wasn’t sure what to do or think. “I’m sorry. If I’m being honest, I’m afraid to do something wrong. I know how important our marriage is to both families.”

  “Be yourself, Bella. I’m tired of women kissing my ass. I want to know the real you.”

  Not many people called her Bella, only her grandmother. It captured her full attention.

  “It seems the only thing you’re interested in is my virginity.”

  He smirked, lifting a hand in the air simultaneously. A waiter was over within seconds.

  “Bring me a couple of your famous cannolis, will you?”

  “Yes, Mr. Accardi.”

  “You’ll love the desserts here,” he said. “Best in the city.”

  “You didn’t answer me.”

  “I was playing with you, Bella. Don’t be so serious.”

  She was turning red again, and she knew it. This wasn’t going how she’d hoped. Klaus was so relaxed and comfortable in his skin. She felt like a hot mess.

  “Okay, I’ll tell you something about myself.” She nibbled on her lip as she realized how boring she was. “I love animals.”

  He tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. “What animals?”

  “All animals. I study them, too. I choose one a week and research everything about them.”

  “You like books? You study for the fun of it?”

  “I guess so.”

  “They say opposites attract, so I wouldn’t worry.” He was toying with her again. She could see it in his eyes.

  “Tell me about you. I mean, besides the rumors,” she said.

  He took a breath, getting more comfortable in his chair. He was sexy. Way too sexy. How could she not have seen it before?

  “Sometimes … I tire of this life. Money and trinkets don’t excite me. I have everything money can buy, so I’m not sure what I’m looking for.” He paused. No humor in his expression. “Surprising? What about you, Bella?”

  She wasn’t expecting him to get so real, so fast. What was she supposed to say? Her parents valued their material possessions above all else. All Isabella wanted was peace.

  “No, I’m not happy. But no one’s ever questioned me about it before.”

  The waiter returned with the cannolis, and she hadn’t realized how in tune they were, the background fading out completely. She swallowed and focused on the present.

  His façade returned, and she wanted that crack in his armor back.

  “Try one.”

  She stared at the pastry. It looked like the most delicious thing she’d ever seen, but she’d been drilled never to eat sweets. Her life revolved around dieting and sacrifices.

  “It won’t bite you.”

  “I shouldn’t,” she said. “It’s probably like a thousand calories.”

  “And?”

  She shrugged. “I can’t.”

  “Bella, a few more days, and you belong to me. You’ll be an Accardi. Eat the damn cannoli. Live a little, for God’s sake.”

  When he put it that way, she felt stupid. Isabella picked it up and took a bite, the cream getting on her lips. And maybe her nose.

  It felt like sweet heaven, and her eyes closed of their own accord. She heard herself moan and snapped out of the trance.

  He was smiling at her. Was that a dimple?

  “I told you so.” Klaus leaned across the table and used a finger to wipe some cream off her face. She should feel like a child, but instead, his actions felt sexual. His touch traveled all the way to her clit. “Can you believe I can make you feel even better than that dessert?”

  Yes, she believed it. The look in his eyes alone promised hours of depraved pleasure. What was she getting herself into? This marriage would either be a blessing or curse for her personally, and she wasn’t sure which one just yet.

  “Klaus…”

  “Okay.” He leaned back. “I know you’re skitt
ish. We can wait for our wedding night.”

  “Have you been with many women?

  She bit her tongue after speaking. Her curiosity would be the death of her.

  “I’m breaking down that icy exterior after all.”

  Isabella frowned.

  She didn’t want him to think of her as frigid. Her mother drilled the need to be respectful and a lady at all times. To keep her mouth shut. To never say no to her husband.

  “Yes, many,” he said. “But none of them were you.”

  “What about after our marriage? There are diseases, you know?”

  “Don’t worry your little head about my loyalties. I’m already devoted to you, bella.” He whispered the last word, and she felt his voice dance along her skin.

  She was tongue-tied, completely enraptured by Klaus. Either he was very good at seduction or she was a sucker for sweet words.

  “Should we head to the church now?” he asked.

  Isabella nodded, still unable to form words.

  They left soon afterward. His hand at the small of her back felt good. Possessive. People moved aside for them, like the rushing river around a boulder. Klaus had presence, and she felt safe with him.

  He was the mafia monster.

  The church grounds were bustling. It was one of the most popular churches in the city, well-respected, and had a massive wait list for weddings and christenings.

  Klaus exhaled, an irritated sound, after turning off the car.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  He kept looking forward, not in her direction. “This place. It doesn’t inspire the happiest of memories.”

  “Really?” It reminded her of her grandmother, and that was all that had to be said. That woman was the only person she loved with all her heart.

  He didn’t expand or talk more on the subject, just got out of the car and came around to help her out. Klaus was still such a mystery to her.

  There were several of her father’s men smoking near a limo. She held her breath and hoped they wouldn’t notice her.

  No such luck.

  “Isabella Lastra?”

  They approached them as they walked through the parking lot toward the church.

  “Yes.”

  The man looked around, probably in shock she had no chaperone. And was alone with Klaus Accardi. “Wait here. I have to call your father.” He held a flattened hand to Klaus’s chest.