Moth to Flame

CHAPTER 12.1

I practically inhaled my f*****g pasta, getting red sauce all over my chest. My baby doll, on the other hand, managed to not get one f*****g drop on her t-shirt. I looked at her disbelievingly and she smirked.

Since she was so much smaller than me, it didn't take long before she was full. I watched her eat her third piece of garlic bread and sigh.

"I'm done, Ethan. That was delicious."

I continued eating while she lay on the floor with her hand on her stomach. I went over to the cart and retrieved the strawberry cheesecake that I'd requested. Amazingly, Mia somehow managed to find room to eat dessert.

By the time the sun started to set, we had desecrated the cart. I felt full and happy. Mia's head was resting on my thigh and she had a small smile on her lips. I reached down and caressed her cheek.

"I'm sorry, baby doll. We missed a whole f*****g day of sightseeing because of me being an i***t. I promise we can do anything you want for the rest of the trip."

She turned her head and kissed my fingers. "There's nothing I'd rather do than stay right in this room with you. I love you, Ethan."

I tickled her sides. "Liar. You're such a little bookworm, and there are lots of antique bookstores in the city. I know you want to explore, but thanks for stroking my ego."

She kicked her legs and laughed harder. We wrestled on the floor for a bit before going to take a shower. The warm water felt wonderful to my sensitized skin. Mia bathed my front and back, paying special attention to my c**k. We stayed under the massaging spray until our skin started to wrinkle. She really couldn't walk, so I had to carry her.

I took her to the adjoining room and massaged her until her leg muscles were pliant again. After that, she felt so good that she bounced around getting dressed. She ended up choosing a pretty black and white pleated sundress with a matching black cardigan. I put the Jubilee necklace around her neck. She brushed her hair and left it loose, beyond beautiful.

Because I was so p***y-whipped, I let her choose my outfit, which consisted of a pair of pleated black pants and a light white V-neck pullover. I wrapped my arms around her and led her to the mirror. We looked f*****g perfect together. My natural arrogance was balanced out by her innate kindness.

She smiled at our reflections. "We do make a good-looking couple. I wonder if our kids will look more like you or me or a mix of us both."

The thought of shitmakers still slightly freaked me out, so I didn't answer.

"Where would you like to go tonight? We can do anything you want."

She turned around and kissed me on the lips. "Don't think I didn't notice how you changed the subject, mister, but I'll let it slide for now. I would like to go to one of those bookstores, since I'm such a nerd."

I nipped at her lips. "I called you a bookworm, not a nerd. Either way, you're sexy as hell."

She squeezed my ass before pushing me away. "Good save, Sodero." I pounced as she squealed with delight. Then, I hoisted her onto my back and sped down the stairs.

I decided to take the Maserati again. Mia liked it because the seats were comfortable. Once again, she had no clue she was in one of the best vehicles in the world. She relentlessly teased me during the whole trip.

When we stopped, she clutched my hand and looked over at me. "Not that it's any of my business, but what did you do today?"

I wanted to f*****g lie to her, but I couldn't. "I got f****d up on liquor and had hallucinations of you. I'm sorry, baby doll. I talked to my therapist and he brought me around. I'm going to stop drinking so much. You deserve better."

Her eyes were sad as she stroked my fingers. "Ethan, you can talk to me about anything. I know you think I can't handle certain things, but I can. I'm not as fragile as you think. I'm here for you always. You don't have to turn to liquor or drugs. I love all of you, not just the easy parts."

After that, I broke down and told her everything: about Andrei, the Russians, and the problems with the smuggling. The only thing I didn't tell her about was the secret guard I paid to follow her. She stroked my cheek as she listened.

To my utter amazement, she had some good ideas about how to catch whoever was selling in HADES without permission. She wasn't happy about learning what was planned for Boris and Andrei, but she understood. I had never been this f*****g honest with anyone in my life. When we were done talking, Mia was no longer just my girlfriend, she was my partner.

We spent the night exploring some of Florence's oldest bookstores. I bought Mia a first edition of a poetry book by Metastasio, which made her go into hysterics. I was almost afraid I would have to slap her to get her to calm down.

My trunk was weighed down with her classics as well as some modern literature by the time we got to the next shop. I had to admit that my baby doll had good taste. Every now and then, she would read a passage from one of her books. It would make me feel like the author had been talking directly to me. She didn't have my unique memory, but she was smart as f**k. I was so goddamned proud to have her as my girlfriend. I felt like I would burst with my love for her.

Unfortunately, the bookseller at the next store was young and good-looking. I held Mia's hips as they both gushed over some thick ass philosophy book. I just stood there and mean mugged all the other men that dared to look at my baby doll. At one point, book guy got too close to her. I was about to make a threat until a man waltzed into the store and kissed him passionately on the lips. He introduced Mia and me to his boyfriend. I had no problems with him after that, but I heard some of the ladies mumbling about how all the good ones were either taken or gay. I just smirked and kissed the top of my baby doll's head. I was definitely taken.

When we got back to the car, Mia was glancing over at me and giggling. I looked in the mirror and didn't see anything wrong.

"What?"

She howled with laughter. "The bookseller was totally checking you out. He and his boyfriend are into threesomes, and they asked me if you were interested. I wasn't really sure, but I told them I didn't like to share."

She was f*****g serious. I grabbed her and pulled her into my lap. "I like p***y, and only p***y. The only d**k I want to see and touch is my own. Got that, Watson?"

She leaned in to whisper in my ear, "You only like my p***y, isn't that right, Mr. Sodero?"

All the blood in my body rushed to my tired c**k. Mia saying 'p***y' was f*****g hot. She kissed me again and climbed out of my lap while I struggled for control. If she got any sexier, I was going to have to get a replacement c**k, not that those imitations could ever match my natural junk.

We parked the car again and walked to the nearby Cosa Mia store. The shop was full of new Italian women's lingerie. It was getting late, so there weren't many people inside. I walked up to a curvy, dark-haired retailer and gave her my black card. Her eyes lit up as she led Mia around the store picking out pieces to try on.

I picked out a few of my favorites, praying that my baby doll would pick at least one of my choices. Then, I sat outside the private dressing room while the retailer helped Mia try on different options. I used the time to check my email and voicemail. Thankfully, nothing important had happened since we'd been gone.

I could hear the woman giving Mia compliments in Italian. I knew my baby doll's face would be as red as an apple. After what felt like forever, the woman exited and winked at me.

Mia came out seconds later. I groaned when I saw her. She was wearing a dark pink lace push up bra and matching thong panties. My pants were suddenly too tight, so I had to reach down and adjust myself. She turned around in a circle. Her t**s and ass were absolutely edible. I bit down on my tongue.

"f**k. I mean f**k. You're so f*****g hot."

She winked at me and clucked her tongue. "Such language, Mr. Sodero. I'm pretty sure you've already used up your cursing jar deposit. When we get home, I'm going to need you to make another donation."

I pulled her in front of me. "You're going to pay for your teasing later. I am definitely buying you this set." She tried to argue about how she was going to pay until I sucked on a n****e, which caused her to shriek in embarrassment.

"Not here, Ethan."

I just smirked and sent her back through the curtain. By the time she finished with her fashion show, I wanted to bend her over and f**k her right in the goddamned store.

Between Mia's stuff and gifts for mom and the girls, I ended up buying half of the f*****g store. I didn't look at any of the stuff she bought for my mom or sisters because that would be f*****g pervy.

The next stop was a pretty little café on the corner. I texted one of my guards to come take our bags. We shared a slice of Tiramisu and shots of espresso while we talked.

"So, how many bodyguards do you have?" Mia asked.

I smiled because my mom once asked me that same question. "Too many to count, baby doll. In my line of work, you can never be too careful."

She seemed to think for a moment before she nodded. Her next question surprised me. "If you weren't a mobster, what would you be?"

I had always wanted to take my father's place in the Russos, so I never thought about it. I tried to imagine a job that I would want to do besides the one I had, but I came up blank.

"I never wanted to do anything else. Yes, I'm a mobster, but I'm also an investor and businessman. That's all I ever wanted to be in life."

Mia began to frown. "I didn't mean to offend you, Ethan. You know I don't care that you're in the Mafia. I know that's only part of who you really are. I love you. I was just curious."

I smiled at her to let her know that it was okay. I was pleased that she had the courage to ask me honest questions.

"What about you? If you weren't my private secretary, what would you be?"

She blushed. "Um, I love my job, and especially my boss." I smirked. "But if I could do anything else, I would write. I have always wanted to be a published author."

I knew my baby doll loved books, but I never guessed she wanted to write one.

"You know, the Russos have interests in some award-winning publishing houses. I'm sure we could get you published."

She shook her head. "No, Ethan. If I get published, it will have to be on my own merits. I couldn't let you do it for me." She was so f*****g noble. Most of the other bitches I knew only wanted to be gold diggers or trophy wives.

"I know you'd be a great writer. I'll follow your wishes for now, but if you change your mind, the offer always stands."

She leaned across the table to kiss me. "Thanks."

We decided to head home to get some sleep so that we could see some of the daytime sights tomorrow. The bodyguard brought our car around. I made sure Mia was comfortably inside before running around to my side. My guard was still standing there. He was staring through the window at Mia. It was making me f*****g angry, because he knew better.

"What the f**k is your problem?"

He looked angry. "Did you give her drugs? She's looks high as a kite!"

I looked over at my baby doll to see what the f**k he was talking about. I did a double take. Her eyes were really glassy and she had a stupid smile on her face. Her face was also flushed and her pupils were dilated.

I burst out laughing, causing my bodyguard to scowl harder. He had been with me awhile because he was my best bodyguard, but he was a little sensitive.

"No, my man, that's just the look of a woman in love that has been thoroughly f****d. If you ever pulled the stick out of your ass and got laid, you might recognize it."

He gave me a terse, "Goodnight, Mr. Sodero," before taking off. I loved messing with him sometimes.

Mia looked over at me when I got into the car. "What took you so long?"

I raised my eyebrows and looked her over. "You do look f*****g high. If I hadn't been with you all day, I would think you were snorting coke."

She gasped and pulled down her mirror. "Ethan! You did this to me. No wonder so many people were giving me funny looks at the bookstore and café. They probably had me pegged as an addict."

She buried her head in her head and groaned, which only made me laugh harder. "Don't laugh! It's not fair, you look relaxed and I look slightly insane."

I leaned over to give her a raspberry on her cheek. "You just have to adjust to the fuckawesome drug that is Ethan Sodero."

She pushed me away, huffed, and put up her mirror. "So you've already gotten over my equally great lovemaking, have you?"

There was a dangerous glint in her eye. "f**k, Mia. I spent the whole day after talking to myself and getting drunk. I will never get over making love to you. I just know how to hide it better."

Satisfied with my answer, she leaned over and kissed me. This relationship s**t was harder than I thought. I was going to have to ask Jeff for more tips.

I noticed that my baby doll was pouting when we pulled to the villa.

"What's wrong? Did you want to go somewhere else tonight?" She gave me her sad eyes, which f*****g killed me.

"I'm so sorry, Ethan. I was selfish. We didn't do anything you wanted to do." Was that all that put that look in her eyes?

"You are the least selfish person I've ever met. I've been here millions of times and seen everything. I'm happy as long as I'm with you. Now, if you insist on making it up to me, you can go upstairs and change in one of the bikinis Abby bought you and meet me by the pool."

She ran from the car, leaving me to bring in all her f*****g things. I swear those goddamned books weighed a ton. They made me regret sending the help away. I would have called a bodyguard to help, but I needed the f*****g exercise. Eating all of my baby doll's delicious cooking was adding pounds to my body, and I didn't want to look like Tony-f*****g-Soprano anytime soon.

Eventually, I dragged everything inside and up to our bedroom. I would let Mia pack it. She wasn't in the bedroom when I got there, so I figured that she must have already been outside. I pulled on a pair of black swim trunks and sprinted to the pool.

When I got there, Mia was doing laps in the deep end. Her petite body was graceful as she flowed over the waves. She was a little clumsy on land, but she was a f*****g mermaid in the water. She saw me watching her and climbed out. My mouth went dry and I'm pretty sure I drooled when I saw the tiny white bikini that barely covered up the naughty bits.

Note to self: thank Abigail.

Her hair was so wet it looked black, her face lightly flushed and her eyes were heavy-lidded. She was majestic.

Before she could say anything, I crashed into her, knocking us both into the pool. I laughed while I watched her sputter and flail.

"Ethan Sodero! You are so dead."

She swam after me, but I was faster. When I noticed that her left breast was hanging out of her bikini, I let her catch me. I must have been staring dumbly because she kicked me in the shin. I ignored her and pulled her closer so that I could latch on to her n****e. She broke free and swam over to the waterfall, leaving me panting.

"Ha. I win," she called.

"You cheated, but I'll concede because I'm scared you might beat me up." She had the nerve to look affronted, like she hadn't kicked my ass before.

She was doing the backstroke in a circle and both breasts were now exposed. I growled before grabbing her and pulling her to my chest. I kissed her hard, letting my lips linger on her neck and collar bones. She moaned and wrapped her arms around my neck. I clutched her p***y through her bottoms. She panted and bit down on my lip. I moved the spandex aside and added one finger. Her p***y was already hot and ready. In no time, I finger f****d her to orgasm.

"Ethan!!!" she screamed as she crested.

I backed up into one of the large sandstone rocks, pulling my baby doll along. Next, I gripped her hips and aligned my c**k until it was at her entrance. She smiled at me as I pushed inside of her. I would never get used to the shock of being with Mia. It surprised me every time.

I used the motion of the water to create a rhythm for our lovemaking. I pounded her p***y like there was no tomorrow. I was gripping her hips and slamming her tight walls onto my engorged member. She was making a sound that was somewhere between a scream and a moan. I grunted with every thrust of my hips.

Soon, I f*****g tore the bikini bottoms in my haste to get them off. I kneaded my baby doll's ass cheeks as I moaned into her neck. Our lips never once broke apart. I was so f*****g close, but I needed her to come with me. I rubbed circles around her hips and increased my force. I felt her walls clench a second before my seed started to spill. It felt so good that I could only snarl in her neck again.

When we could move, we got out of the pool and dried off. I couldn't stop the smile that kept taking over my face every time I looked at Mia. We decided to shower separately to save time and skin. After cleaning up, we were both beyond exhausted. I fell asleep spooning my baby doll.

The next day, I awoke to the smell of fresh breakfast. Mia was sitting next to me eating French toast and sausage. I hadn't told the help to come back yet, so I was unsure how she'd gotten breakfast. She was watching something on television, but she glanced over when she noticed I was awake.

"You're finally up, sleepyhead. I've been waiting forever. I guess I tired your old bones out." I kissed that snide look off of her face.

When she reached over to grab her juice, I stole her plate. "If I'm the old one, then why are your reflexes so bad?"

She walked over to the coffee table and retrieved a tray that was piled with food. "Well, I was going to give you this one, but if you insist on trading…"

I snatched the tray and handed her back her plate. "f**k, baby doll. This is the f*****g best. You know you don't have to cook on vacation, but I'm glad you did." She reached over and ruffled my hair.

After plenty of banter and food, we got dressed. Mia wore some tight f*****g dark jeans that left little to the imagination. She paired it with a pair of black Chucks and a purple cap sleeved top. I helped her clip her hair to the top of her head, and then we headed out.

When she saw the black Ducati in the corner, she insisted that we take it. I agreed only if she wore the safety helmet. She looked damn sexy in the navy helmet. I kept putting it on her head, only to take it off a moment later and ravage her mouth. After this happened ten times, she pushed me away and directed me to the front of the bike.

Halfway through the ride, she made me pull over so she could drive. I didn't want to let her, but she could be quite persuasive and stubborn. I, for one, didn't want to spend the rest of my f*****g holiday with a raging case of blue balls. Surprisingly, she was a really good driver. I found myself relaxing more when she took turns.

We stopped to explore some of the old cathedrals and museums. My baby doll loved every minute of it, and I kept her close by my side. I took her to Santa Croce so that she could view the tombs of Michelangelo and Dante. She took pictures of everything, while my p***y-whipped ass held her purse.

When she was done, I bought a couple of souvenirs for everyone. There were too many bags to fit on our bike, so I called a bodyguard to take them in his car and deliver them to the villa. He smiled at my baby doll before leaving. I was not planning to formally introduce them because I had a hard enough time sharing her with the fuckers at the club.

Hours later, I took Mia to the Uffizi and laughed as she blushed at the nude paintings and sculptures. No matter how many times we made love, she never lost her natural innocence. I called another guard to take our bags.

Next, we headed to the outskirts of the city to explore some of the other villages. Mia was holding me tight while the Ducati hugged the road.

Suddenly, I heard the only sound that could make my blood run cold. A bullet hit a tree about a hundred feet in front of me. I had to get off the road because we were too exposed.

I looked in the mirror to see a big black Escalade was gaining on us. I could see a man leaning out firing bullets in our direction. There was a black Lincoln behind him firing at me from the other side. My baby doll was gripping me tightly. She was f*****g scared. I careened off the shoulder of the road, which threw us into a nearby ditch. I didn't care about my own f*****g life, but I'd be damned if my baby doll got hurt.

We abandoned the bike and ran into the nearby forest. I pulled my SIG out of my ankle holder. Since we had bodyguards, it was the only weapon I usually carried, though I wished that I had a whole f*****g arsenal. I took off my helmet and turned to Mia. She had already removed hers and was standing behind me panting.

"Who was that? I'm so scared, Ethan."

She sobbed and shook uncontrollably. I hugged her to my chest to calm her down. We were f****d right now, and my phone had gotten destroyed in the crash. I heard footsteps coming and pushed her into the tree behind me. Then, I pointed my gun and aimed.

"I don't know or care who's f*****g out there, but trust that I'm going to kill you all! No one shoots at me or my girlfriend and lives!" The last thing I heard was Mia's frightened gasp before all hell broke loose.