Luca

"No peeking!" I chided as I led Charlotte into the club. Her eyes were covered with a dark blindfold and I wanted this to be a complete surprise for her.

"I want to see!" She whined excitedly. I don't think she'd stopped smiling since I told her I was going to take her to the club this morning for her own private viewing of her paintings. 

There was a lot to get done in preparation for tonight, and crews started working at 5AM to make sure everything as perfect. This was important, though, and so I sent them away for a little while so I could have this intimate moment with Charlotte. I wanted it to be special for her, and was almost giddy myself to see her reaction. Her art was, after all, what ultimately brought us together, and now it would be on display for thousands of patrons who came through these doors. 

"Patience, woman." I teased, leading her a little further inside. She jumped at the sound of the heavy front door shutting behind us.

"Just let me see!" Her excitement was adorable. It was like she was child and couldn't hardly contain herself, and I loved seeing the sparkle of excitement back in her eyes. 

"Your wish is my command." I smiled, slipping the blindfold off of her eyes.

Charlotte took a few steps, and gazed up at her pieces hanging throughout the room.

Her work was spectacular but not nearly as breath taking as watching the wonder in her eyes as she saw them, finally in place. Each piece was illuminated with soft lighting in the otherwise darkened room. It was as if all the attention would be drawn to them once this place was occupied. 

"What do you think?" I snaked my arm around her waist, pulling her close to me. It was hard to contain my smile as I watched her.

"They're... It's..." she stuttered, scrambling for the right words.

"Speechless?" I laughed. "I didn't think I'd ever see the day."

"Luca, this is amazing." She spun around to face me, and wrapped her arms around my neck. "I can't believe you did all of this!"

"This is all you, Char. Anybody can hang them on a wall and show them off, but it takes real talent to create such beauty."

She looked up at me with deep eyes, practically begging to be taken back to the bedroom. This woman had such a hold of my heart, I could crumble at the flick of her wrist. This was dangerous--kind of like speeding down a backroad with no headlights on. I had no idea what was waiting for us on the other side, but damn, was I enjoying myself. 

"Thank you. You didn't have to do this. I know you care about this club, and you want people to come. There's still time to change out my paintings and put up someone more..."

I put my finger to her lips quieting her mid sentence. "More what Charlotte?"

"Talented? Well known? I don't know, I just don't think they're good enough..." She slumped her shoulders, defeated. Her excitement was slowing fading.

"Look at me." I said sternly, lifting her chin so she had no choice but to look at me. "My patrons are going to love your work, and they're going to love you even more when I have you on my arm here tonight. Now," I narrowed my eyes. "You are amazing. I've seen art all over the world and you are one of the most talented artists there is. I don't ever want to hear you talk about yourself like that. You shouldn't doubt yourself."

"Thank you."  She blushed.

I leaned down, pressing my lips to hers. She moaned into the kiss, gripping the back of my neck with her fingers.

Pulling away from her embrace slowly, I groaned. God, what I wouldn't give to take her back to the hotel right now and fuck her silly. Unfortunately, that was going to have to wait until later. I had a meeting with all of my men in a half an hour about the heightened security at the opening. There would be no way we'd get caught off guard tonight. 

"Thank you." She blushed. "This is all just so much, I can't believe my work is actually hanging somewhere than my own gallery."

"You deserve it, beautiful. They're going to love you." I assured her. "Now, Reggie will take you back to the hotel to get ready and I'll be back to pick you up at 7."

"You're not coming now?" Her face fell slightly.

"I wish. I still have to make sure a few things are in place for tonight." 

"Are you sure I can't convince you otherwise?" A smirk spread across her lips as her fingers fumbled with the knot of my tie. Her body pinned mine to the ledge of the bar. I felt myself hardening under the weight of against me, and if I didn't stop this soon, I'd have no hope.

"Char, I have a meeting in thirty minutes."

"I only need fifteen." Her fingers trail down my chest and worked skillfully to unbuckle my belt before I could protest, not that I ever would. She knew exactly what she was doing to me. She was so damn sexy, and for once I didn't mind giving up control.

-----

"We'll have three men posted at each exit, everyone else dispersed inside. I want eyes on Charlotte at all times, no matter what. Anyone getting into the Members area should be triple ID checked." I instructed, gesturing to an area on the blue print behind me. 

Twelve of my best men sat watching me intently, soaking up every word I was saying. I could hardly focus though as visions of Charlotte's lips around me flashed through my mind. She was such a tease. If I had the time, I would have thrown her on that bar and shown her exactly who was in charge. Lucky for her, I couldn't afford to be any later than I already was.

"Do we really think Silvano is dumb enough to pull something tonight?" Dom rolled him eyes from across the table.

"We doubt it, but it never hurts to be too careful. Silvano has a vengeance and there's no telling what he's going to do." Angelo interjected. "I don't need to remind you of the importance of this event. Our partners from across the world are in town, so it's important that any problem is dealt with as quickly and as quietly as possible."

"If you notice one of Silvano's men, deal with the situation first and then some find us. If it's a Capo or above, I want them alive. Otherwise, do what you have to do." 

Angelo dismissed the men and soon it was just the four of us sitting in the room.

"Where were you?" Angelo asked, leaning back in his seat. "It's not like you to be late."

"I was showing Charlotte the club. I wanted her to see her paintings before tonight and we just lost track of time." I ran my finger through my hair hoping I hadn't given myself away.

"Lost track of time?" Carlo smirked knowingly.

"Shut up." I punched him in the arm, glaring.

"Now isn't the time to be losing focus." Angelo narrowed his eyes at me.

"Do you think I need a lecture from you?" I growled. "I'm not losing focus. Can I not enjoy my girlfriend for a little while without being scrutinized?"

"Not if it means that you're getting sloppy. You're not going to have a girlfriend if you let Silvano manipulate us. You can't just go around fucking her to get your mind off of the real problem."

And then I snapped. On impulse, I landed a sharp punch on Angelo's jaw. He came back at me swinging and the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. Gritting my teeth I charged towards him again, but felt a hand slip under my bicep pulling me back.

"Are you two out of your minds?" Carlo growled. "You're going to fight each other like a bunch of fuckin kids?!"

Angelo and I both shrunk back, nursing our wounds. I slid my back down the wall until I reached the floor. Angelo was sitting close by, neither of us wanting to make eye contact.

"We've got too much at stake tonight." Carlo said shaking his head. "You're God damn deficientes. Marco, let's go. Leave these two to wallow in their own self pity."

Marco followed Carlo, and soon we were alone, sitting in silence. I immediately regretted going after Angelo. It was years since we had fought like that--maybe not even since we were teenagers. Just another example of how things were spiraling out of control.

"Luca, I'm sorry." Angelo's voice was hoarse.

I didn't answer at first; he wasn't the one who should be apologizing.

"I know you're taking this seriously. I care about Charlotte too, I just..." He continued.

"I'm scared." I finally said, admitting to him what I held deepest in my heart. Angelo was a brother to me and in that moment, I didn't need an underboss, I needed a brother.

Angelo bit his lip and looked back at me. He was silent, waiting for me to elaborate.

"This is such a mess." I shook my head

"I know. It sucks. It really fuckin sucks." Angelo nodded.

"You know last night, she asked me if I would leave all of this for her? If I could walk away from this life."

"What did you tell her?" Angelo said, cautiously.

"You know what I told her." I clenched my jaw tightly. I hated myself for having to tell her that I couldn't leave. That no matter how much I loved her, it wouldn't be enough to pull me out of the clutches of the Mafia. I was in for life. Like a gang, as she would say. I'd have to die before I could get out. There was no normal life for me. 

It was what I wanted for her, though. I wanted to be the steady and stable man she could count on to be home every night for dinner, and raise a family with. She would be such an incredible mother, and I hated myself for not bring able to give her the life she deserved. 

Angelo understood because he was in the same position. We were both bound by this. We had no choice in the matter.

And if Charlotte chose to stay, she would be, too.