14. Dahlia/Marco

MARCO

The last few weeks have been the hell of my life. I never thought there would be such chaos when I returned to New York. There had been a round of meetings with Sunfolk Bank, and everything was settled.

Then I was working on a major deal with the exclusive wine company. I spent days and nights working on it. A number of overworking nights, unscheduled meetings, stress attacks, and finally, I secure the deal.

But I think fate had some other plans.

Some fucking motherfucker sneaked in and altered the contract. It didn't take much time for that wine CEO, Luke Conway, to find it out and accuse the Russo group of cheating on a deal. Like you accused the Russo group.

No one threatens Russo.

No one accuses Russo.

The repercussions were swift and severe. Luke Conway's reputation was tarnished, and the Russo group emerged unscathed, proving once again that no one messes with them.

I spent the next week finding the culprit, bringing him to Luke, fucking Conway, and making him confess his mistake. Luke apologized, although his voice carried no hint of regret.

Later, I gave the culprit a really peaceful punishment.

(KEYWORD- PEACEFUL)

I had Taehyung manage all the media coverage, and I bought the company that once belonged to Conway and made sure everything was alright. My best friend is very useful in these kinds of situations, as he kind of owns every media outlet in the city. With Taehyung's help, we were able to spin the situation in our favor and ensure that the Russo group's reputation remained untarnished.

.

Now, everything was just fine. I could have spent this thing by going to Valhalla or anything else, but no, here I was on a Friday night watching the fashion show of Delamonte.

I didn't want to watch it, but it was their 10-year anniversary, and it was one of the subsidiaries of the Russo Group. So, my presence was necessary. So, my presence was necessary. I couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water in the sea of high fashion. No offense to fashion, but it just wasn't my scene.

"Lighten up your face, honey," Mom said to me. I hadn't even noticed that I was scowling from the moment this fashion show started.

"Mom, leave it. He loves being ugly." Jo smirked at me.

"I didn't notice when we invited you into this conversation, little sister." I emphasized the word sister with frustration burning in my blood. My sister and I have maybe a weird but loving relationship. Yes, she provokes me and irritates me sometimes, but deep down I know she has my back. Our banter may be intense, but it's our way of showing affection for each other.

Why can't Dad and she just stop pissing me off?

Oh, they enjoy it.

That's the price of being an older sibling. You have to learn to take the teasing in stride and dish it back out with equal fervor. It's all part of the sibling dynamic that keeps our bond strong. I am kind of jealous of Taehyung that while he gets all the kisses and hugs from my sister, I get all the teasings and pranks. But at the end of the day, I wouldn't trade our relationship for anything in the world. It's what makes us who we are—a family that loves each other, even when we're driving each other crazy.

"Jo, stop it. Your brother has had a lot of tension and frustration in the last week already." Mom said sternly to Jo, and she went quiet.

Mom was the boss lady and the queen.

What she said went.

Jo would've brought Dad to her side, as my father is a sucker for soft puppy eyes and pouting lips. But right now, he is absent. No kidding, he will buy Buckingham Palace if Jo asks him to.

"Let her be, Mom." I wave my hand dismissively. "I know how to handle her." Mom gives me a knowing look, trusting that I can diffuse the situation. Mom gives Jo a glance, and she squirms in her seat uncomfortably.

I have noticed that my sister does that a lot around mom , as if she's trying to hide something. It's like she knows that mom can see right through her, no matter how hard she tries to put on a facade. And sometimes it feels as if she thinks she can match mom's standards of perfection, but always falls short. 

It's not as if Mom tries to push her or taunt her; she is the best mother ever, but it's something to do with Jo's own internal struggle that she can't seem to shake. I have also noticed how Jo is becoming more and more withdrawn and isolated, which worries me. I want her to find the confidence to be herself and not compare herself to others.

"You good, Jo?" I ask her softly, hoping to offer some support and encouragement. I can see the struggle in her eyes, and I just want her to know that she doesn't have to face it alone.

But one thing my sister do a lot is put on a brave face and pretend like everything is okay, even when it's not. Like right now, she puts up her walls and gives me a weak smile, insisting that she's fine.

"Do I look ill?" She says.

"No, but you look detached and distant," I reply gently, trying to convey that I see through her facade. If I weren't so close to her as I am now, one would miss the widening of her eyes as she realizes that her act isn't fooling me.

"Oh, You must be imagining it. I and detached and distant? I'm just tired, that's all," she quickly dismisses my observation with a shrug, avoiding eye contact.

"Is it the pressure of art? Or your personal life?" I ask, wanting to understand what's really going on beneath the surface.

"Marco, bub, you are extremely calculative and observant," she chuckles. "And sometimes, it makes you see things that aren't really there. I appreciate your concern, but I'm honestly just exhausted from work lately."

Lie.

She looks away, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "I'll be fine, really," she insists, but I can tell there's more to the story than she's letting on.

"No, Jo-"

"Hey that's Beatrice, right? God knows how long it's been since I've seen her. I should go say hi," She stands up abruptly and makes her way to Uncle Dom's daughter, effectively avoiding the topic.

I watch her and worry. Because all my years I've cared for my little sister, I know whenever something builds inside her , she tends to push people away. It's a defense mechanism she's had since we were kids, and it always makes me fear what she's hiding. And soon enough, the bomb explodes and then she push us away even more so no one could see the smithereens of her shattered emotions.

"Come on, sweetie. Okay, what if I tell you Dahlia is here too?" Mom smiled at me, thinking I'm still annoyed by Jo. My head snapped at her. My diamond is here and I don't know. Fuck. I need to put a tracker on my girl so I can watch every single thing.

"What?!? She is here. I didn't see." I looked around for a particular brunette with tan skin and beautiful whiskey eyes.

"No, she is one of the models here." Mom giggles. "GOd, baby, you are so smitten."

"So, where is Uncle Christian?" If Lia was here, he was sure to be here. He followed his wife and daughter everywhere. They were inseparable. Uncle Christian was probably nearby, keeping a close eye on Lia as always. His protective nature was both endearing and slightly annoying at times.

"He is not here. He had some work. Lia had to try so hard to convince him to stay and do his work rather than skipping it. Stel is with him; otherwise, he will get cranky." Mom replied.

That was just fucking awesome. Like can you believe Christian Fucking Harper isn't here.

.

Then another announcement happened.

'LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, HERE COMES OUR FINAL MODEL IN OUR BEST DRESS OF TONIGHT, DAHLIA HARPER...'

I didn't pay attention to the latter part and focused my eyes on the stage where she was about to come.

And there she was, looking like a goddess.

The green silk was draped over her curves. Her long hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, and her skin glowed. The green dress was the perfect shade to complement her olive complexion, making her look absolutely stunning. The bodice of the dress was intricately beaded, shimmering under the bright lights of the runway. The skirt of creamy green silk flowed elegantly as she walked, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

.

I was fucking jealous of a dress.

Suddenly, I wanted to kill every fucking man here who was seeing her. I could bet every man here was thinking of her and looking at her. And that made my vision red. The way she carried herself with confidence and grace only added to her allure, leaving me feeling a mix of admiration and envy. It was clear that she was the center of attention, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of possessiveness towards her.

I want to steal her away so that no one looks at her except me.

Only me.

It's been two weeks since she was in New York, but in the chaos, I never got time to check her out. In that moment, I realized how much I desired her. I wanted to kiss those lush pink lips. I wanted to tear that goddamn dress off her body. I wanted to bend her over the table and fuck the hell out of her.

Even more than that, I wanted her company. She could make my worries disappear easily. If the best way to relax right now after the chaos was to have her beside me. I would do whatever it takes to make that happen. I needed her presence more than ever to feel at peace and complete.

Her laughs and smiles—that was my pleasure.

I wanted to have her for the night. It was the best chance to do so. Uncle Christian was not here. But he must be looking over his house to check whether she returned home safely or not.

I need someone to be my backup or who can cover up things with Satan.

That someone was, no doubt, 'VIVIAN RUSSO.'

I looked around and saw Jo talking with Beatrice, the daughter of Uncle Dom and Aunt Ale.

"Mom, do you support me in having a relationship with Lia?" I abruptly asked her when some speeches were going on.

"Yes, I do, as long as you don't break her heart." She answered smoothly, grabbing my bicep and patting my arm.

"So why don't you tell Dad to agree?"

"Darling, I know that it is not his right to stop you from dating her, but he treats Lia like his own daughter. I promised him that I would not interfere if he didn't find it safe for the girls. I have already defended you many times, but I think I am not going to make your dad agree on something that he loves so dearly. Let's give him some time to see how sincere you are about this relationship." Mom said, her eyes searching for her husband's presence, who is still absent .

"Okay, could you help me once more?"

"I will, darling, but I am not going to forcefully convince Dante for his approval," she said firmly. "He needs to come to his own decision about this."

"No, I want to have Lia for the night at my house. It's the best chance I've got." I said it hastily. Because I need to catch her before this show ends.

"Okay, I will help, but what do I need to do?" She smiled at me knowingly.

"Just tell Uncle Christian that she is going to have a sleepover with Jo."

"Okay, but use condoms." She gave me a fake stern look. "I don't want to be a grandmother just yet."

"Mom, when did you become so unfiltered?" I was genuinely shocked.

She was the most mannered and elegant lady. Like she was the epitome of sophistication and grace.

"What can I say? Your father is my husband, and Isa is my best friend." She giggled.

"Now go and ask her for the night, or she will leave."--------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAHLIA

"You should have let me come." Dad's face looked somewhat sad on my phone screen. God, he was so cute.

"Come on, Chrissy. You can't accompany her on every show. You have a company to run." Mom came up from behind and placed a hand on his shoulder.

She is really very understanding.

"My company could do well without me for a day." Dad protested, looking at her with a pout. Mom just chuckled and shook her head, knowing he was just being stubborn.

"I'll be fine, Dad," I reassured him.

"But-

"No buts. Just enjoy Italy. Good night." I ended the call before he could say anything more.

I started to look around for any stuff I'd left here. I haven't bought many things, but it causes no harm to double-check. Suddenly, warm hands gripped the small of my back from behind me. I already knew who it was, and it made me blush really hard. I knew he would come here as it was the brand's 10th anniversary, but I was dumbstruck when I saw him in that three-piece Brioni suit, looking absolutely devastating. I hope nobody notices my reddened cheeks. Maybe it was because I was seeing him after so long and I missed him.

I really missed him.

It's strange, isn't it? I thought I would never like a man romantically. I pledged not to get too close with strange men after that one instance, but here I was falling very hard in love with Marco Russo.

I don't know where it will lead, but I just want to go on this path forever and ever.

"I figured out I was not the only one who missed someone. Missed me that much, huh?" I teased him.

"Are you baiting me, Diamond?" He kissed the hollow between my neck and shoulder. He knew my weakness for neck kisses, and he is using it damn well against me.

I turned around to face him. His face looked so handsome. The dark chocolate brown hair styled perectly, his dark eyes boring into mine and that facial structure that could make any woman weak in the knees. I couldn't resist reaching up to run my fingers through his hair, feeling the soft strands between my fingertips.

"You're trouble, Marco," I whispered, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips. "Stop it, or someone will come and see us."

"A good bunch of money will do it all," he smirked. I couldn't help but be drawn to his confident demeanor and mischievous grin. Marco had a way of making even the riskiest situations seem thrilling and enticing.

"Really, you did that. Are you crazy?" I slapped his chest playfully.

"What I can say is that I am a Russo." I dipped his head so that his lips brushed mine with each word. "I really missed you, diamond." And then he kissed me.

He kissed me like a starved man. He was struck in a desert, and I was the only source of water. Like I was salvation. It was a kiss worth dying for. Like it was like being transported to another world, a world where only Marco and I existed. Time seemed to stand still as our lips moved together in perfect sync. Our tongues met, and his spicy taste filled my taste buds. His arms snaked around my waist and pulled me closer, the heat of his body searing through my clothes.

I really missed his kisses.

When we broke apart and looked into those dark eyes, I instantly knew he wanted more than just a mere kiss. He wanted to ruin me thoroughly. Desire darkened his eyes.

"Come home with me for the night; it's the best moment we have." He stroked my cheeks with his hands. Tracing contours of my face, again and again, as if wanted to ingrave them in his memory forever.

"Dad will know." It was true. He had cameras throughout the mirage. I could bet he will not sleep until he sees me walk through the door into the house through them.

"He will not. Mom is going to say you are having a sleepover with Jo at our home." He said.

"You told Aunt Viv, didn't you?" I was glaring at him.

He just chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't,"

"God, I hate you right now." I glared into him.I'm not ready for this part yet.

"She knew it already. The day when you had a nightmare, when I walked out of the room, I was held by my dad, and she helped me. She promised she would not bring it up with anyone or even you until you wanted to tell her about this."

"Does Uncle Dante know about this also?" It's never good for anyone

"Not exactly. He knows I want you, but he is not aware of our relationship."

That's a relief.

"Now, say something I want to hear." He says grabbing me and pushing me up against the door.

"I love you." I say, kissing him passionately. "I love you too," he whispers, holding me close.

"So what do you want to do? Come over or not?" He asked me again.

"But Jo would be there too." There is no way I was going to come if she was there. I am not ready to tell her about this. about us. Yet. Like, I need maybe like a month or more. I am not ashamed of this but I want to take things slow.

"Darling, I have a house for myself to live alone too."

"Okay, then there is no problem, I think."

.

The car ride was peaceful and arousing. My nipples were hard, and there was an ache between my legs. The sight of Marco driving the car was the reason for this. He had his sleeves rolled up, and those strong, rough, and veiny hands were all I needed to get turned on. Maybe it was from anticipation too. Is it too bad to get aroused by seeing hands of a man?

.

We reached his house, or I should say mansion. It was huge and beautiful and one that fits his image. The mansion had a perfectly vast garden with a gazebo in. The mansion was a combination of elegant architecture and modern design, making it the perfect backdrop for Marco's sophisticated yet edgy personality. As we stepped inside, I couldn't help but imagine what it would feel like to be held in those hands that had sparked such desire within me. Despite my racing thoughts, I couldn't deny that being in Marco's presence had awakened a hunger inside me that I never knew existed.

We entered the living room and it was unlike I thought. I thought it would be grey or white or black but instead it was pleasing with its warm earth tones and plush furnishings, creating a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere. The room seemed to reflect Marco's refined taste and attention to detail, further captivating my interest in this enigmatic man.

"You must have had a good interior designer." I muse.

Marco chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Actually, I designed it myself," he admitted, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Like, how?" I can't quite accept this bit of info.

"I wanted to create a space that felt like a sanctuary, where I could escape from the chaos of the world," Marco explained, his expression softening with nostalgia. "Every piece of furniture, every color choice was intentional, meant to evoke a sense of peace and comfort." His words painted a picture of a man who not only had an eye for design but also a deep understanding of the power of ambiance.

"And most of all, even if I deny it, in the back of my mind it was always there that I need something to call home where my woman and I could build a life together," Marco added with a wistful smile, revealing the true motivation behind his carefully curated space. His passion for creating a sanctuary extended beyond aesthetics, it was about creating a place where love could thrive and memories could be made.

"That woman will love it." I say, removing my heels and placing them neatly in a corner.

"Are you teasing me on purpose?" He whispers. "because it will be our house and you will be the only woman I want to share it with."

"You went that far. What if I said no to you?"

"There is no end for me and you, sweetheart. It's only a matter of time. Also, because you can't stop being a naughty girl and teasing me, you really need a lesson." He brushed his thumb over my bottom lip.

"You wouldn't dare," I challenge, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

"Try me," he responds with a smirk, pulling me closer to him.

"What lesson?" My voice was breathy with lust.

"I have planned a few things for you, but first a shower and dinner." And when I thought he would kiss me, he went away into the kitchen.

KILLJOY!

Well, I'm excited as well as nervous to find out what my punishment will be.

Whatever is planned, it will have three results.

MY MOANS

MY ORGASMS

I WOULD BE SORRY AS HELL TOMORROW.