Caught In The Crossfires - Spinoff

46

Crossfires 46

Lola

Everything happened so fast.

"Get the fuck off of me!" I yelled as a huge man wearing a security uniform aggressively yanked me away from Brianna just as Francesca came running into sight, screaming for him to put me down, but he ignored her.

As the bouncer held me tighter, I felt fear wash over me. That dumb bitch Stacy was nowhere to be found while Brianna looked on in horror, and now she was screaming for the man to let me go with Francesca. But it was too late. The door of the White Room opened, and Cristiano stormed towards us. His green eyes were dark with anger—almost black, and though I was relieved to see him, my stomach twisted in knots with an indecipherable feeling.

As Cristiano approached, the bouncer didn't seem to notice the furious man rapidly striding toward us. He looked absolutely terrifying. But I couldn't take my eyes off of him. With each step, he swiftly moved closer and closer until his weapon was pressed against the man's temple. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, but I knew I was safe now.

"Put. Her. Down. Marcel," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

The bouncer Cristiano called Marcel immediately tensed, and he hesitated to move with me in his arms for a moment until he finally realized what was happening. He immediately released me, and I stumbled backward into Cristiano's hard chest. His left arm automatically wrapped around the front of my waist, and I was pulled closer to him, heart racing as he still had his gun pressed to the side of the man's head.

My eyes frantically scanned the club to see if anyone was watching, and a small lump formed in my throat as onlookers stared at Cristiano with fear in their widened eyes. Just then, I realized just how powerful he was. The man was a complete force to be reckoned with, and I was glad that he was on my side and not the other way around anymore.

"Cristiano," Alessandro's husky voice boomed over the music, making me look over at him. He looked enormous compared to the small people in the crowded room. His wide shoulders and bulky frame made him appear even larger as he pushed through the crowd with ease, his dark suit hugging his muscular physique.

Despite his size, he moved with a certain grace and confidence, his hardened gaze scanning the room with a hint of arrogance as he shifted closer to us. It was impossible to ignore his presence, and even more impossible to resist the pull he seemed to have over me.

Just like his older brother Alessandro was also a force to be reckoned with. He often wore black, which only added to his imposing presence. His dark hair was usually styled in a messy, tousled look that only made him look more dangerous. His piercing green eyes seemed to see right through me, and his chiseled jawline made my heart skip a beat. I almost didn't even mind that horrible thing on his upper lip.

The bouncer's eyes were still bulging out of his head with Cristiano's gun pressed to his temple, and Alessandro wrapped a hand around his brother's wrist. "Look around... I've got this, brother... Get her the hell out of here." His sharpened glare cut to me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Alessandro's presence alone was enough to make anyone feel small. He was tall, towering over most people at around 6'4", with broad shoulders and a chest that seemed to bulge out of his shirt. His arms were thick and muscular, with veins that jutted out when he flexed them. His hands were large and calloused—probably from many, many hours in the gym and his legs were equally impressive, with thick, powerful thighs that looked like they could lift a car.

When he stood in front of you, you couldn't help but feel a little intimidated, like a small child standing in front of a giant, and there was nothing gentle about it either. I could sense the tension in the air starting to begin to build and felt even more uneasy about the situation considering this is my fault for punching that chick in the face, and he was only doing his job.

"Cristiano, it's my fault. Not his," I finally said, hoping to deflate the situation quickly. "I punched Stacy, and he was just doing his job."

Cristiano turned his head to look at me, his expression softening slightly. "You punched Stacy?" he asked incredulously, and from the corner of my eye, I could see Alessandra's interest was also piqued.

I nodded, feeling guilty that my outburst almost got an innocent man hurt... or worse. "Yeah, I did. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on her."

He then turned back to Marcel, the bouncer. "I apologize," Cristiano reluctantly backed away, still keeping his gun trained on him for a short moment as he spoke before tucking it away. "I just saw you holding her like that, and I lost my mind, apparently."

"No-No Sir, it was my mistake," Marcel stumbled over his words, and he nervously glanced over at Francesca, who was now in tears.

Was something going on with those two?

The small crowd began to dissipate, and Cristiano turned to me. "What happened, Lorella? Why did you punch her?"

"She was saying rude things about me."

"Like what?"

"I-I don't want to talk about that right now."

"Lorella."

"Cristiano."

There was a moment of silence between us before he sighed and took my hand into his, drawing Alessandro's attention to them. "Okay, we'll talk about it later. But for now, we need to get out of here." He turned. "Brother, call the car around. We're leaving."

Alessandro nodded and quickly approached the exit, while Cristiano led me toward the door. As we stepped outside, I couldn't help but feel relieved to be away from the chaos of the club.

Cristiano's grip on my hand was tight, but I didn't mind. In fact, it made me feel somewhat protected in this chaos...that I created—partly.

I'm lost in thought when I feel someone reach down to take my face into their hands. "Are you really okay, Lorella?"

"I know he was doing his job, but he snatched you up pretty good. Did he hurt you?" He asked, his sea-green eyes barely visible under the night sky.

As Cristiano studied me intensely, I felt a mix of emotions - relief, gratitude, and something else that I couldn't quite put my finger on. When he reached down and took my face into his hands, I couldn't help but lean into his touch.

"I'm okay," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks to you."

Cristiano's intense gaze softened as he looked at me. "I'll always protect you, Lorella. You're mine, and nobody is going to hurt you or lay a hand on you."

The words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt myself melting under his gaze. But at the same time, I knew I shouldn't read too much into them. After all, he could have just been saying them in the heat of the moment.

Still lost in thought, I realized that Cristiano was still looking at me, waiting for my response.

"I'm fine," I repeated, trying to sound more sure of myself this time. "Thank you for coming to my rescue."


******


We had long left Alessandro behind as I followed Cristiano, my heart continuing to pound in my chest. I could feel the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, and I wasn't sure if it was from the altercation with Stacy or the unexpected threats from Victor Rossi. I tried to calm myself down as I entered Cristiano's bedroom, taking in my surroundings. It's a spacious room with a king-sized bed, a large TV on the wall, and a few pieces of art hanging on the walls. I had been in this room many times. Still, every time feels like the first. I wasn't sure why.

Cristiano gestured for me to sit on the edge of his large bed, and I obliged, still feeling a little shaky. Suddenly I felt the mattress dip when he sat down next to me. I turned to look up at him nervously, taking my bottom lip between my teeth, but he immediately pulled it free with his large calloused thumb as he came to cut my chin. Lust flared in his eyes, and his jaw tightened when I wrapped my lips around his thumb and sucked him into my mouth without even thinking about it.

Cristiano wrapped his other hand around the front of my neck, yanking his thumb from my mouth and leaving a trail of spit down my chin before pulling me into a heated kiss. I couldn't help but let myself get lost in the moment. His lips were soft and warm against mine, and for a moment, all my worries seemed to melt away.

But the kiss was short-lived, and before I knew it, I found myself pulling away.

"It would have been nice to have a heads up that the other man targeting my brothers was going to be at your club tonight," I said, my voice low and menacing. "What was his name again? Victor Rossi?" I furrowed my brows in confusion. "What the hell was that about, Cristiano?"

"He wasn't supposed to be there, Lorella," he replied, his eyes darkening with anger.

Well, he was there," I said, my own anger starting to rise. "And I think he threatened me while I was on my knees for you, if I remember him correctly."

Cristiano's eyes narrowed as I carefully watched him process my words. "He isn't going to touch you, Lorella?" he said, his voice deadly calm.

"No?" I pulled my brows together in disbelief. "Because he made it clear that he was interested in doing more than touching," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Cristiano's jaw clenched, and I could tell he was struggling to control his emotions. "I'll take care of it," he said finally, his voice tight with barely suppressed rage. "No one threatens you and gets away with it."

I watched as Cristiano's expression softened slightly as he turned to face me. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Lorella," he said, his voice now gentle. "I should have been more careful."

I could feel myself starting to relax a little, knowing that Cristiano was on my side. But at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of danger I might be in now that I had caught the attention of my brother's enemy.

"What are we going to do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Cristiano's green eyes flickered back to mine. "Don't worry about it, Lorella. I'll take care of everything," he said, his voice firm and reassuring. "Just trust me." And I did.

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. For the first time tonight, I felt like everything was going to be okay... or I just let myself believe that.

"I'm going to make a few calls. Feel free to shower or eat if you'd like."

As Cristiano got up from the bed, I couldn't help but notice the way his muscles flexed under his shirt. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a commanding presence that was impossible to ignore.

Looking back at me over his shoulder, he sent me a small wink. God. The man I was falling for was sexy as fuck, and he knew it too. I tried to push the thought out of my head as Cristiano headed towards the door, but I couldn't deny the growing attraction I felt towards him. It was a dangerous game I was playing, getting involved with someone like him.

But honestly, I couldn't bring myself to care. All I knew was that I wanted more of him, no matter the consequences.

I knew I shouldn't be feeling this way. I had agreed to be Cristiano's submissive, nothing more. But the more time I spent with him, the harder it became to deny my growing feelings for him.

As I sat alone in his bedroom, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be with him in a different way. To have him hold me in his arms, to feel his lips on mine, to be with him in every sense of the word.

But I knew it was impossible. Cristiano was a powerful man with enemies and dangers lurking around every corner. And even if we could be together, there was no guarantee that he would ever feel the same way about me.

I tried to push the thoughts out of my head as Cristiano returned to the room, a fierce look on his face.

"I've taken care of everything," he said, his voice low and controlled. "Stacy won't be bothering you again."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Did you kill her," I asked softly.

"No." He laughed, and I let out a sigh of relief. "I didn't kill her. Though from this point forward, she is banned from the club, and Alessandro and I will continue further business with Victor at our other location."

"Thank you," I sighed.

He looked at me then, his eyes softening. "You don't have to thank me, Lorella. I'll always protect you."

I felt my heart skip a beat at his words.
That was the second time you had said that this evening and I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more behind them.

Before I could stop myself, the words that had been on the tip of my tongue from the very moment we had started this whole thing finally left my lips. "Even from you?"

Cristiano's eyes darkened with desire as he leaned in closer to me, his breath hot against my ear. "You don't need protection from me, Lorella," he murmured. "You're safe with me."

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of heat building between my legs. Cristiano had always been in control, and I had always been his submissive. But in that moment, I felt a sense of power between us that I had never felt before.

Without thinking, I reached out and ran my hand down his chest, feeling the hard muscles underneath his shirt. Cristiano's eyes glimmered with desire as he grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him.

"Tonight was a lot for anyone. Are you sure about this, Lorella?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, pulling him to me. I was unable to form words as he pressed his lips to mine in a fierce kiss. His hands roamed over my body, igniting a fire within me that I had never felt before. Sure, we'd had plenty of heated moments but nothing that I had ever compared to this.

As we stumbled backward towards his bed, I knew that I was taking a risk. But with Cristiano, it felt like a risk worth taking. He was dangerous, powerful, and utterly irresistible. And as he pressed me against the mattress, I knew that I was his, completely and utterly.

We were lost in a frenzy of desire, our bodies entwined, and our minds consumed by lust. Cristiano's mouth never left mine—only to strip our clothes away from one another until we were completely naked on his bed.

"Mmm-fffp," I sighed as he entered me, crying out in pleasure when my body immediately molded to his large intrusion, the sensation overwhelming me completely. I instantly wrapped my legs around his firm waist and pulled him closer, curling my fist into the lush comforter beneath me to balance myself.

I needed more of him.

The smacking sound of our damp skin meeting while our animalistic moans bounced off the wall as Cristiano's movements were powerful and rough, but at the same time, there was a tenderness to them that made my heart swell with emotion.

It was too much.

"Fuck, Lorella," he moaned into my mouth as he took hold of both of my hands, pinning them to the mattress beside my head. I cried out when each of his passionate thrusts became more punishing by the moment.

Our fingers intertwined as we moved frantically together, and I knew that this was more than just physical pleasure. This was something deeper, something that went beyond our arrangement as dominant and submissive as we finished together. I loved him, and I knew that he loved me too.

But even as we lay there, panting and spent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. We were both taking a risk by being together, and I knew that there were people who would stop at nothing to tear us apart.

As if reading my thoughts, Cristiano pulled me closer and whispered in my ear, "Don't worry, Lorella. I'll protect you, no matter what... even if it's protecting you from me."

I believed him, though deep down, I knew that there were some things even he couldn't protect me from...especially if it was him.

But for now, in this moment, I was content to bask in the warmth of his embrace and the knowledge that we were together, no matter what the future held.


****

It seemed as though it was all a distant dream because when we woke the following day, it was all ruined by a few simple words.

"Do you want more with me, Cristiano?"

Sighing, he got up from the bed and walked into his closet."Lorella, don't ask me this."

"Why not? I know you feel it too," I sat up, pulling the comforter over my naked body, and watched as he walked back into the room, nearly dressed.

"Feel what? Huh?" Cristiano shook his head as he buttoned the front of his dress shirt. Do you want to tell your friends and brothers about us? Be a real couple? Lorella, I can't do that." He looked back at me, and I threw my hands in the air feeling frustrated. I couldn't believe after the night we shared together; he was still being like this.

"Why not? Why can't you?"

"It's complicated," he shouted.

"Well, un-complicate it," I yelled back, not caring about whatever power dynamic we had previously agreed to.

"You are my submissive, Lorella, and that is all, and that's all you can be. Is that uncomplicated enough for you," he asked; his harsh tone made me recoil despite myself then he sighed, pinching the bridge of his sharp nose. "Look, Lorella; I don't want to fight."

I don't say a word.

There was a long pause before Cristiano finally spoke. "Lorella, you know I can't give you what you want. I can't give you a real relationship. This...what we have...it's just an arrangement. One that you agreed to."

I felt my heart sink at his words, even though I knew deep down he was right. "Cristiano."

Nodding to himself, he turned to grab his suitcase from the closet and began packing but not before saying, "look, Lorella, tensions are high right now. I have to go on a business trip, but I'll be back in a few days, and we can discuss this further when I get back and as I said before, you can stay here as long as you need to."

As he prepared to leave, I couldn't resist asking him one last question as I felt my heart drop as the reality of the situation sunk in. "So, this is it? We're just going to continue with meaningless hookups and nothing more? So your whole 'I'm yours' thing is bullshit? "

Cristiano sighed, his expression tense as he avoided my gaze. "Lorella, you are mine as per our agreement. But I can't offer you more than this. I can't offer you a relationship or anything more than what we already have."

I nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I understand." But the truth was, I didn't. I didn't understand how he could make me feel so alive and yet offer me nothing more.

Cristiano paused for a moment, his expression pained. "I'm sorry, Lorella, sometimes what we want just isn't what's best for us in the long run," he told me, his rigid voice laced with regret.

With those words, he kissed me goodbye and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my growing uncertainty about our future. I knew that I was falling for him, but I also knew that there were obstacles that we might not be able to ever overcome.

I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. I knew our arrangement was strictly business, but I couldn't help the feelings that had developed within me. I wanted more than just a submissive role. I wanted to be his partner, his equal, his love.

But it seemed that wasn't possible. I got out of his bed, feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. Why did it have to be so complicated with Cristiano? I knew what I wanted, but he seemed to be stuck in his ways and unable to see beyond our arrangement.

Sighing, I walked over to the window and stared out at the city below, lost in thought before I noticed Cristiano's men throwing his suitcases into the trunk of his black SUV. Maybe it was time for me to reevaluate my situation with him. If he couldn't give me what I wanted, then maybe it was time to move on.

But as I stood there, I couldn't deny the ache in my heart that told me I didn't want to give up on him. I wanted more with him, and I knew deep down that he felt the same way. I felt it last night.

I made a decision then and there. I was going to fight for what I wanted, even if it meant going against Cristiano's wishes. I wasn't just his submissive; I was also a woman with my own desires and needs.

I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders, feeling a newfound sense of determination. When Cristiano returned from his business trip, we were going to revisit this conversation. And this time, I wasn't going to back down.

Who was I kidding? Nothing was going to change. As Cristiano's black SUV disappeared from view, I let out a frustrated sigh and headed towards the door. It was time for me to leave as well and get back to my own life. I had to let go of this pipe dream.

ツ    hope   you enjoyed  it.

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