The Mafia Dons Pet (Masha and Luciano) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Murder and Mayhem. *Luciano*

I woke up in Masha’s bed, noting the soft, early morning light filtering through the curtains.

Then, I sat up abruptly, my heart racing as if I’d been caught doing something forbidden.

I turned to see Masha beside me, the blanket draped loosely over her body, her chest rising and falling with the deep rhythm of sleep.

I glanced at the clock on the bedside table.

Nine hours. I’d slept for nine fucking hours.

I’d only meant to take a nap, and I’d slept for nine hours. That had never happened before.

My body had grown accustomed to acting on tension, being constantly aware of the danger that lurked in the shadows. Nine hours of sleep was a luxury, a mistake.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I rose quietly and grabbed my suit from where I’d discarded it on a nearby chair. As I shrugged into my shirt, I couldn’t help but glance back at her.

Masha was still asleep, her arm stretched across the bed as if she’d been reaching for me. My jaw… and other parts of my body tightened at the sight.

Last night hadn’t been part of the plan. I didn’t mean to fuck her. I only wanted to scare her, to remind her of the line she shouldn’t dare cross.

But she’d pushed back, and then she’d melted into me, all fire and longing. But one thing Masha didn’t do was submit. Even in the deep hold of passion, she was still as mean spirited as ever.

I’d lost control, something I never allowed myself to do. And now, I was left with a problem that I wasn’t quite sure how I’d handle.

But Masha was so damn good, so damn delicious. She was better than I’d expected, better than I deserved. I’d been with more women than I cared to count. They were all beautiful, willing, forgettable.

Masha wasn’t like them. She was exquisite, extraordinary, and so wet for me. Everything about her was close to perfection. Buttoning my shirt, I stepped into my trousers and slid my belt into place. My hands worked automatically, years of routine keeping me composed even as my mind worked overtime.

Chapter 23: Murder and Mayhem.

I stared down at her one last time. What should I do with her?

She stirred slightly, lips parting in a soft sigh and I forced myself to look away, tempted to take off the clothes I’d just put on.

Masha was a distraction, a beautiful, crazy distraction I couldn’t afford. And yet, walking away felt impossible.

The Sicilians were watching me like hawks, waiting for any sign of weakness so they could strike.

I’d spent years building a reputation they feared, but a single misstep, one moment of indulgence could shatter it all.

Even though I knew this, I still stood beside her bed, unable to leave. Her hair covered the entire pillow, her lips pushing into a pout.

I couldn’t help but wonder what she was dreaming about, secretly hoping it was of me.

Leaning down, I kissed her forehead softly, inhaling the faint, heady scent that clung to her skin. She smelled like lavender, like sex, and like me.

The last part made my chest tighten. I didn’t want to leave her.

I kissed her lips next, brushing it lightly with mine before I allowed myself to step back. I could still feel her on my lips even as I reached under the pillow for my gun.

Last night, I slipped into her apartment through the fire escape. It was too damn easy.

The locks were a joke, the kind that wouldn’t stop anyone serious. That would have to change.

Masha needed more security, even if she wouldn’t like it.

I turned and walked out of the bedroom, trying not to make any noise. The apartment was quiet, but I still looked around vigilantly, making sure no one was hiding somewhere.

My eyes landed on Matt and Tyler once I stepped out into the street. They were waiting, leaning against the car like they didn’t have a care in the world.

you

I glared at them, and they straightened immediately. “If lose her again,” I warned, my voice low, and dangerous. “I’ll bury both of you myself.

They nodded quickly, their eyes wide with fear and I knew they understood. Good. I never make empty threats.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed Hunter, one of my men. He picked up immediately.

“Call Rowan. Both of you come to Masha’s place now,” I ordered. “I want eyes on her at all times. And do something about that fire escape. It’s a liability.‘

“Yes, boss.” The call ended. I knew Masha would be annoyed at the extra security, but I was doing this for her own good.

Chapter 23: Murder and Mayhem.

Masha was mine, whether she realized it or not. And in my world, I didn’t let anyone take what was mine. Not the Sicilians. Not anyone.

I turned away from Matt and Tyler, walking toward my Suv. My eyes caught Luke standing by the vehicle instead of Frank, and everything became real all over again.

A cold knot formed in my stomach, and for the first time in years, guilt filled my chest like a dark shadow.

If Frank was already dead, it was because of me. He’d been loyal, one of the best, and that loyalty had sent him to an early grave.

That was one of the many reasons why I was going to make them pay.

Antonio leaned casually against the car, a smirk playing on his lips. “Slept well last night, boss?” He said, a teasing tone to his voice that made my jaw tighten.

I was in no mood for jokes. “Shut up,” I snapped. “Where’s Frank?” I asked, even though I knew what his answer would be. I wasn’t surprised when Anotnio’s smirk faded. He

straightened up, his tone growing serious. “His body was taken to the office before midnight.”

I let out a slow breath, the weight on my chest pressing harder. “Make sure his family is taken care of,” I instructed, my voice softer now. “They’ll get everything they need. And prepare for a proper burial.

That was all I could say. We had a burial to prepare for, and some fucking Sicilians to kill.

Antomio nodded. He knew the code… all my men deserved respect, especially in death.

I climbed into the SUV, shutting the door as the engine roared to life. War was coming, and I knew the Sicilians wouldn’t be waiting much longer.

But even as I calculated my moves, and how I would handle the situation, my thoughts strayed to Masha.

My enemies were circling like vultures, and if they caught wind of her, they wouldn’t hesitate to use her against me. Marriage. Yes, that was the only solution.

My cousin, Glade, was a good man. He was loyal, resourceful, and most importantly, he lived in another continent.

It was far away, safe from the murder and mayhem that followed me around.

Masha wouldn’t like it, but this wasn’t about what she wanted. It was about keeping her alive. Even if it meant putting an ocean between us.

*Masha*

Chapter 23: Murder and Mayhem.

The sheets next to me were cold when I opened my eyes. Luciano had already left.

My chest tightened at the sight of the empty space beside me. Even though I knew better, and didn’t really expect him to have stayed, I couldn’t help but feel hurt.

The game was enjoyable, but it was also draining.

I shifted slightly, wincing at the ache in my legs. I stretched slowly, replaying everything that happened last night, remembering that Luciano had cum inside me.

At least I didn’t have to deal with the hassle of birth control pills anymore. The IUD was one of the few decisions I didn’t

instantly regret.

I slid out of bed, the faint scent of him still clinging to my skin, and tidied up the mess we’d made. I tossed pillows back onto the couch and smoothed out the blankets.

After a quick shower, I pulled on a hoodie and jeans, grabbed my bag and headed out.

The nearest Starbucks was only a block away, but Matt and Tyler trailed behind me regardless. I caught the sight of two new guards following us, as if Matt and Tyler weren’t enough One had a buzz cut, his eyes scanning the street like a hawk. The other was taller, with a scruffy beard and a lazy confidence.

I decided to ignore them, figuring that it was the best thing for my sanity.

Inside the cafe, the smell of coffee and baked goods wrapped around me. My mind wandered to the previous night as I joined the line.

I bit my lip subconsciously, reminiscing on how Luciano had touched me, the way his body moved with mine.

It was just physical, I reminded myself. That’s all it is. I didn’t like him.

hated how he tried to tell me what to do, despised that he thought I was his to control.

But the way he wanted me? His strength and resilience? That I couldn’t ignore. It was probably the only thing I liked about him.

He made me feel unique, like I was one of a kind. And I knew that no one could test his patience like I did.

Latte in hand, I made my way out of starbucks. It was hard not to think about Luciano, and it would be even harder to face him at lunch today.