BURNING HOT

CHAPTER 17

SHE had just finished talking to Sky, and as he conversed with Al, she excused herself to change. However, upon entering the house, her intentions were interrupted as Sam pulled her aside.

Her words barely escaped her lips before he pressed his mouth to hers. Kissing Sam was an intoxicating experience, an addiction she had no complaints about-a journey that began with a gentle exploration, soon turning fervent, unrelenting, and all-consuming. Their exchange evolved from fervid and insistent to delicate caresses and soft nibbles on her skin before reclaiming her lips.

The taste of him was extraordinary-like wildfire and honeysuckle-a spicy, enthralling flavor that left her yearning for more. Ila grasped his shirt, attempting to ground herself amidst the overwhelming surge of desire.

While his tongue teased the edge of her lips, his hand slid along her thigh, merging her longing with his. They tugged at each other's clothing, each movement as seductive as his gentle touch.

"Sam, we can't do this here. We have guests," she whispered, her self-control waning as his kisses trailed down her jawline. Sam seemed to have abandoned any restraint, or perhaps he simply didn't care, and why was she suddenly conflicted about that? She had always wished he would let go.

Yet, they were in the kitchen while others where at the back, and anyone could walk in. "You don't want him seeing us like this, do you?" Sam's question acknowledged her inner struggle.

"You've never been concerned about such things," his voice was a dangerous murmur as his hand traced her thigh, where her dress was slit.

His large hands found her waist and held firmly. "Sam..."

"Ila, I won't be the only one fighting for us. You need to show me how much you desire me." His fingers brushed over the lace-covered area, and the moisture he encountered didn't surprise him.

"You're already so wet. I bet you couldn't resist yourself when you saw him again, could you, Ila?" His words, whispered into her ear, left her without a response as he turned her towards the wall and pressed her against it.

A whimper of distress escaped Ila amidst the waves of intense longing. "Sam, please..." She wasn't prepared for the overwhelming force of his passion or the realization that her actions had driven him to this point. It threatened to engulf her entirely, body and soul.

His voice was almost unrecognizable, rough with need. "I need you now, Ila. I need this." And she needed it too.

The intensity of desire was unlike anything she had ever felt before. It surged from deep within her, fueled by the knowledge that anyone could walk in and witness them, particularly Al. The idea eroded her self-control, and oddly, the prospect of being seen only added to her excitement.

"I'll never deny you, Sam, especially when the same irresistible force draws us together," she confessed, the scorching heat becoming nearly unbearable. A mere glance from him was enough to send her body into a frenzy, yearning for release.

Ila locked eyes with him, her gaze meeting his dark, intense stare. "Our souls are intertwined in a way that we cannot escape each other's pull. I would never willingly betray or harm you, Sam."

Sam required no further invitation. He unfastened his pants and slid her gown up her waist, his touch grazing her soft skin as his eyes traced her contours. He exuded dominance, possessiveness, and a raw hunger. With a swift motion, he pulled at the lace as it snapped. She probably should bother with does again, his fingers found her c**t and began a slow massage.

The sensation of warmth coursed through her as her heart raced in time with his steady rhythm. Widening her stance, he positioned himself between her thighs, his lips grazing her neck and ear while he whispered dirty nothing to her ear.

"Such a needy woman. Perhaps I should stop now," he teased, his touches and kisses heightening her yearning. She was consumed by a heady mixture of desire and lack of control, her mind clouded.

"Sam, please," her plea was desperate, a testament to the overwhelming need that coursed through her veins.

A gasp escaped her lips as he entered her slowly, allowing her time to adjust to his size. He was substantial, filling her completely, the sensation of him a mixture of pleasure and a slight burn. Her inner rhythm synchronized with his as their connection deepened.

"Sam, please, you have to move," she begged, her impatience evident.

"Always so impatient," he remarked, pulling back and then pushing in, his controlled restraint evident as kept gritting his teeth.

"How does it feel, Ila? Tell me," he murmured, peppering kisses down her shoulder while moving at an unhurried pace within her.

"So hot, Sam. It burns, please," the memories of their first time together flooded her thoughts. Back then, he had gone to great lengths to introduce her body to different levels of c****x and ecstasy.

He held onto her hips, initiating a slow rhythm that tugged at her tightness and stretched her around him. The sensations reverberated through her as she responded to his every movement, their synchronization intoxicating. Pleasure coursed through her body as he thrust into her, both of them lost in the moment.

"What do you think would happen if someone walked in right now?" His words barely registered amidst the overwhelming sensations.

Ila surrendered to the overwhelming tide of pleasure engulfing her. Every glide, every powerful thrust, sent waves of ecstasy crashing through her. Her body felt electrified, every nerve ending ablaze with unrelenting lust. Even as his attention continued to be lavished on her, her breasts ached with need.

Pushing against him, she rode the wave of intense desire, moving closer to the precipice.

"I'll stop immediately unless you answer me. I won't allow us further," he declared, withdrawing completely and before teasing her by rubbing against her . She knew he could prolong this game if he wished.

"Nothing will happen, Sam. You know that." While she was willing to play along, they were still in the kitchen, surrounded by family, friends, and guests. Not to mention the complex situation they found themselves in.

Sam also recognized that their current circumstances didn't allow for indulgence, but she understood his need to reassure himself that he hadn't lost her and wouldn't lose her.

"Sam, I love you deeply, but I swear to God, if you don't finish what you started, you'll find my determination less than pleasant."

With determined force, Sam thrust into her, pressing her against the wall, eliciting a passionate moan. "Remember who's in control now, baby," he asserted.

As much as Sam craved release, he knew they would have to pick up where they left off later. His earpiece had been attempting to connect for a few minutes; someone was trying to reach him.

Gripping Ila's hip firmly, he continued his relentless pace, her inner walls growing wetter and tighter until they both cascaded into a fiery explosion.

Her o****m surged through her like lightning, causing her to tighten around him, each spasm a chain reaction of mini climaxes. He let out a guttural groan as he joined her, his nails digging into her hips as he released himself into her.

He couldn't have pulled away if he tried, not even if he had seen it coming a million miles away. After withdrawing, he kissed her shoulder and gently turned her face towards him, capturing her lips before excusing himself to clean up and fetch warm towels for her.

"Come on, open up," he murmured as he knelt behind her, her legs spreading wider at his request. He meticulously cleaned her c**t and thighs before straightening up.

"Would you like me to assist you to the room so you can freshen up and change?" he offered, momentarily forgetting to consider her injured leg amidst his whirlwind of emotions.

"It's alright. I'll join you all shortly. I won't take long," she assured him, stealing a quick kiss before gracefully exiting the room. Since her accident, she had perfected a slow, regal gait, whether using her stick or not.

~•~°~•~°~•~

Sky grew uneasy when his mom didn't return after ten minutes, and Sam was nowhere in sight. It was evident they were both up to no good. He decided to extend his conversation with his newfound father, which initially seemed benign as he answered all of the man's questions.

However Sky didn't need to asking Al does type of questions back so when Al asked if he had questions of his own, he hesitated. He noticed Matt and Kat pretending to engage in an intense conversation, though he knew Matt shared his anxiety about the situation.

"I don't believe you're a great dad, so I don't expect much from you," Sky finally admitted, realizing that some words needed to be spoken, no matter how hurtful. "I don't credit you for Matt turning out as amazing as he did. You were never really there for him, and I doubt you'll be there for a son you just found out about."

He could see the pain his words had caused beneath Al's composed exterior. "Fortunately, I'm not overstepping any boundaries because I'm more than just Matt's best friend. I do hold Mom partially responsible for not introducing us sooner. If she had, I would've met Matt earlier and been there for my brother, just as Mom has always been there for me."

"I can see we're not off to a great start here," Al acknowledged, feeling the weight of the revelation that he had an elder son and that son was calling him out on his shortcoming straight up. "Well, I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Sky was resolute. "Trust me, this is far from a good start for you. If you think maintaining a cool façade will solve this, you're mistaken. Look around you," he nodded in their direction, signaling Al to turn back.

Al struggled to contain his reaction upon seeing Ila laughing and chatting with her friend Grace. "That man walking out that door in a moment, do you think he'll sit back and let you take her away a second time?" Sky knew that all three of them needed a push, just as he and Matt had agreed upon.

"I didn't come all the way from Sicily just for Matt," Al said, locking eyes with Sam as he emerged from the door. "You, my boy, were an unexpected bonus." He then turned to Sky.

Al spoke firmly, "I appreciate your presence in Matt's life, and I hope, with your help, I can earn his forgiveness and become a better father for both of you."

"We'll see," Sky replied, standing up, and Al followed suit. "Mom is fiercely independent; don't assume it'll be an easy battle. She walked away from you once; don't be too confident she won't do it again. I hope you and Sam understand this."

Sky wanted to make it clear that the decision couldn't be left solely to the men. It was about the family now, and they all needed to work together to find a solution.

"It was nice talking to you, Sky. You truly are your mother's son," Al said, patting him on the shoulder before signaling for Lui that they would be leaving soon.

"Matt, Kat, come on, you guys." This had turned out to be a long morning; he hadn't even rested since he got on the plane here.

"You took your sweet time, Mom," Sky complimented as he got close enough. His mom and Sam had never been ones to be discreet about their affairs. You could see all the signs, and she would never hide the possessive marks he left behind after their lovemaking.

"Yeah, kinda got caught up." Grace was the one to laugh at her friend's nonsense. Ila was laughing along with her, looking unrepentant in any way. "I hope you had a good talk with Sky, Mr. Barone?"

The minute she looked at his calm, handsome face, she regretted it, as his sexy eyes held hers captive. "Definitely, got some great advice from Sky. I would love to continue our chat, but I think we all would like to get back to some other things."

"You asked about the reports and the transfer of the prisoner?" Ila asked.

"Like you said earlier, we can discuss the reports tomorrow. I propose a meetup time convenient for you and your head of security, and Lui here will go with your men to take care of Marco. I really appreciate you and your families for protecting Matt." Al was indeed grateful for this because he wouldn't have met her again if not for their sons.

Sam stepped away after signaling Lui to follow him as they left the group. If Al was now comfortable enough to part with his only bodyguard, that was big trust right there.

"No need for thanks between family," Ila said. "I would be bold enough to say I've seen Matt like a son since he came into Sky's life. I'm a woman who would do anything for family."

She was indeed Ila Ivanov, the Empress of the Ivanov's empire. A woman worth billions, and this woman was going to be his in time. "What else are we living for if not family? I'm sure you've already won Matt's heart. It's impossible not to."

"I think something broke in Matt," Kat called out, waving her hand in his face before he grabbed her hand and dragged her to his side to look at Ila.

"Mom, you broke him," Sky chuckled.

"He's just so cute," Grace gushed out.

"I know, right?" Ila agreed, walking to Matt. The minute she got close to him, he wrapped his arms around her. "You're so adorable."

"Please, you're hurting my manliness," Matt chuckled as he let her go. He didn't expect the kiss on the lips and her bright smile. "I would call you Mom, but I think my Dad may have a heart attack," he whispered in her ear.

"Don't worry; we'll keep it to ourselves for now," she whispered back, smiling lovingly at him before turning to the others. Al was wearing an expression she couldn't read.

"I'll inform you of the time for the meeting later today," Ila told him.

"We'll take our leave then." Al nodded; his hair sitting pretty and groomed without a single one out of place.

"I'll see you all out then." As soon as Ila took a step, the two dogs slowly stood up and moved to her sides.

"So badass, Mom," Sky commented from behind.

"I still can't believe they're already this well-synced with you. It's like they've always been here," Kat commented, amazed and unable to contain her fascination.

"You already have a horde of dogs back home. Stop looking like you want to snatch them," the rest of them laughed at Matt's comment.

It had been so long since he heard his son laugh or even smile at him, and seeing him enjoy his time here and being genuinely happy was something he wanted to see more. Ila Ivanov built love around her, and he found himself wanting to share in this. She would be amazing for his men too.

They walked around the house to the front in the driveway. He didn't move in more than two cars here. He didn't really like the attention much, and his men were standing by the two cars, acknowledging his presence and waiting.

"Before you continue with the thank you speech..."

"Actually," Al interrupted, and she kept quiet, mumbling a sheepish sorry. "I was indeed going to continue with that, but also, I'd like to ask if you would still appreciate Matt and Kat staying until this is over."

Looking at the two stunned individuals, he continued, "That's if you also want to; your exams are this week."

"Well, that's wonderful. We can also work out a plan for the boards on how they can take the exams and still be safe."

"That's settled then." Al looked at his son and nodded at him. "I'll take my leave then, Kat, a word."

Al moved to his car, and Kat joined him. "Whoa, you're letting him stay? You haven't even spoken to him alone? It's been over three years, Al," Kat said, her confusion evident.

"Smart mouth, you think I don't know all that. But when was the last time you saw him genuinely happy like that? He became an uncaring kid thanks to me and started flirting with girls as a hobby."

"Stop reminding me about that side of him," Kat grumbled.

"Who wants to hear the truth now? I need you to stick close to him at all times, don't ever be far from him. Now that we have Marco, Bonanno will be more tricky. I'll try to finish this fast."

"Yeah, we won't miss you too much," Kat said, but her expression was too solemn to be true.

"I bet you're enjoying all this. Make sure you watch your back. It's good I feel safe leaving you two here. Stark will continue to be here too."

"No problem, try to rest at least; I won't be around to disturb." She hit him with her shoulder, and he did the same before getting inside the car.

"Don't have too much fun with Sky and Matt; they need to study for exams," Al chuckled.

"I can't promise that. Sorry. Go already; you're like an old lady fussing," Kat couldn't control her blush.

"Only you would talk to him that way without getting a bullet in the head, Kat," Lui said, joining them after securing their prisoner in the other car, ready to move out.

"Get lost, Lui. I didn't miss you one bit." Kat stepped away from the car as Lui closed the back door.

"You stay sharp, girl, and watch those boys well. I can't believe the boss has an elder son," Lui commented as he patted Kat's shoulder.

"I'm still wrapping my head around it myself. So much change is happening so fast, but I'm excited for it."

"Take care, little sparrow." Lui got in the car, laughing as Kat cursed at him. "Move out," he spoke into his mic, and Tyler drove out.

Lui couldn't help but look at the man stationed at the gate, those guys were different in so many ways.

"We definitely did a lousy job raising that one," Tyler chuckled as he drove the car out of the gate.

"She has everyone wrapped around her tiny, deadly fingers," Lui chuckled. "Can't say the same with Ila Ivanov. Damn, that woman is not someone to mess with."

"We hardly saw two of them, and standing with them watching was so nerve-wracking; I wanted to get to higher ground and be the one watching."

"Meeting the Ghost Team leader in person, even after seeing his picture, was two different things."

"He didn't say a single word all through." That was one thing Al thought about him. Sam was definitely more of a doer than a talker and the marks he left possessively on her skin. Both the old ones and the new ones sat proudly on her.

"He's massive and overpowering. His forearm is as big as a thigh. Damn, he's a monster." Lui not only saw his strength but also how fast he was on his feet. He had a really powerful aura. You just didn't want to mess with him.

"Do you think I have a chance against that?" Al asked with a chuckle.

"If anyone has a chance against him, then it's definitely you, boss." And he meant it too.

Al Barone wasn't just an ordinary Mafia boss. He was a very, very dangerous man who shouldn't be crossed, ever.

He had whatever personality he needed in different situations.

They were all high-ranking ex-military forces working for him, and they were all honored to protect him and his very big secret.

As they drove away, the suspense hung in the air, leaving an unsettling feeling about the future.