Page 69 of Sacred Blood

At dinner, I was hyperaware of my condition throughout the meal. The worst part of the evening was how horny I was. Each waft of evening air across my skin was an aphrodisiac for my growing need.

Thankfully, the dinner included only immediate family and, as I had met everyone already, was more relaxed than anticipated. Romeo sat at the head, flanked on either side by his mother and his wife, Vittoria. Giovanni, Marko, dubbed the eighth son, and Antonio sat on Isabella’s side, while Vincenzo, Fausto, Tano and I sat on Vittoria’s. We were almost a dirty dozen, I joked silently and hid in my wine to stifle a giggle.

Despite loving the family dynamic and getting to know everyone better, I couldn’t wait to go back to our private space and finish the punishment so we could move on. Sensing my angst, Tano stood with his wine glass. “I wish to make a toast to my soon-to-be wife.”

All conversation stopped and eyes focused on Tano.

“Allegra Gabriella Calabretta, the day you came into my operating room, you ensnared my heart. No amount of reason could replace what I felt, and after getting past some strongly erected walls, you’ve been front and center in my life. Thank you for saving me in more ways than one. Salute.”

Everyone held their glasses aloft and there were more than one set of teary eyes in the group. “Salute!” they chorused.

Conversation turned to the wedding coming up on Saturday and Tano leaned over to whisper in my ear, “This is a good time to make our exit. I can see my brother and mother already debating the lineup of food and the guest list.”

He took my hand and we said our good nights.

As we walked back to his suite, I glanced up at him. “Tano, I’ve been so focused on getting you well, that I haven’t thought about the wedding. No one knows I’m getting married, except your family.”

“Do not worry, piccina. Trust me when I say all will be as it should.”

I wanted to know more, but we’d arrived at our room and all thoughts of my family flew out the window when Tano slid the dress off my body, my nipples instantly pebbling under his scrutinous gaze.

“You’re fucking beautiful. A true goddess.”

Immediately, a blush spread up my neck and bloomed on my cheeks.

“I believe you have a deep itch to scratch. Let’s take care of that. I want you in the corner. Stick that luscious ass out and put your hands on the wall.”

I quickly complied and heard the slithering of a belt being tugged from its loops. My inner brat gleefully jumped up and down. Leather was my absolute fave. This was a punishment I’d take any day of the week.

Still, I was wholly unprepared for the first stripe across my backside. It wasn’t long before I swung my hips, trying to avoid the lick of leather.

“Tsk, tsk. Are you being naughty, Gabriella?”

It was a rhetorical question and I waited, panting with need, to see where it would lead, as Tano had the ability to change course unexpectedly.

“Look how wet your panties are. Such a bad girl.”

I gulped, my nipples hardening to sharp points with his dirty words.

He ran his fingertip along the soaked gusset of my panties. “Oh, poor piccina, so horny and wet for her master.”

I loved our power exchange and melted under his touch. He tugged my panties so they jostled the plug in my ass and pressed between my swollen lips.

I dropped my head, leaning into the wall for support. “Yes, I’m so very horny, Sir. Please may I come?”

He tore my panties and the two pieces of satin floated to the floor, landing by my heeled feet. Removing my bra, he cupped my breasts, tweaking my nipples. I moaned, arching my back to press them fully into his hands.

He pulled away and I burst into tears, dropping to my knees. “Please, don’t. I can’t take anymore, Tano. I’m so sorry I didn’t listen. I’m at fault and I feel so guilty. Please love me.”

He gazed down at me tenderly. “I do love you and I completely forgive you. But you, little one, don’t forgive yourself and that is what this is all about.”

I sat on my heels, stunned by what he’d said.

“Ask yourself, Gaby, what would it take for you to completely forgive yourself?”

Good question. A tiny voice from somewhere deep within said surrender.

“Surrender,” I told him. “I completely trust you and I give myself over to your control.”