MAFIA TIES

Chapter Five

Sophia

Alexander paced his study, his hands running through his hair in frustration. His usual control seemed to have slipped, and his agitation was palpable.

"I don't understand why you didn't tell me," he said, his voice taut with exasperation.

I looked down at my hands, feeling an unexpected pang of guilt. "The subject never came up. I'm not in the habit of sharing my sexual status with everyone I meet. We hardly know each other."

His eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and disbelief. "Well, you know a lot more about me now," he snapped, his lips forming a hard line. "I knew you were inexperienced, but a virgin? Hell, Sophia, I just showed you—" He ran a hand through his hair again, his frustration evident. "Do you want to go?"

"No, unless you want me to," I murmured, feeling a surge of panic at the thought of leaving.

"Of course not," he said, his tone softening. "I like having you here." He glanced at his watch, then at me, noting my nervous habit of biting my lip. "You're biting your lip," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want to bite it too, hard."

I gasped, the unexpected intimacy of his words leaving me breathless. "Come," he murmured, holding out his hand.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"We're going to rectify the situation right now."

"What situation?" I was caught off guard, my mind racing.

"Your situation. Sophia."

I swallowed hard. The floor seemed to fall away beneath me as I realized what he was suggesting.

With a wicked grin that sent a shiver down my spine, he added, "I want our arrangement to work, but you need to understand what you're getting into. We can start your training tonight—with the basics."

His blue eyes were intense, fervent, and excited. My heart raced as he held out his hand. I hesitated for a moment before taking it. He pulled me into his arms, his body pressing against mine. His fingers wound around the nape of my neck, gently pulling my ponytail so that I had no choice but to look up at him. His gaze was soft but serious.

"You are one brave young woman," he whispered, his voice filled with admiration. "I am in awe of you."

His words are incendiary, igniting a fiery reaction within me. As he leans down, his lips graze mine gently before his teeth nip at my lower lip. My breath hitches with a moan, and he smiles against my mouth.

He releases me and takes my hand, leading me toward his bedroom.

The room is serene and minimalist, with white walls and pale blue furnishings. The bed is ultra-modern, made of rough, grey wood with four posts but no canopy. Above it hangs a striking painting of the sea.

I'm trembling, overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment. Finally, after all this time, it's happening with none other than Alexander Russo. My breath is shallow, and my eyes are locked on him.

He removes his watch, setting it on a chest of drawers that matches the bed, then slips out of his blazer, draping it over a chair.

His beauty is almost overwhelming. His dark copper hair is tousled, and his shirt is untucked. His deep blue eyes are intense, and he steps out of his shoes, removing his socks with deliberate care. His gaze remains soft, yet intense.

"I assume you're not on the pill?" he asks, catching me off guard.

I'm stunned. "I didn't think so." He opens a drawer and retrieves a packet of condoms. His eyes remain fixed on me.