Chapter 127

Nico

It’s the early hours of the morning when I finally enter my Atlanta mansion property. The lack of sleep is making me feel slightly dizzy but nothing I cannot handle. I am used to being sleep deprived. Before I met Lucky and we started to share a bed, sleep always eluded me. Being with her, however, I sleep better.

My night housekeeper rushes to me to take my bag. “Do you want anything to eat, Mr. Santangelo?” she says. I take in her appearance. Isabella is in her fifties and like a second mother to me, her warmth and compassion are what drew me in and she makes some mean pies. Her eyes look tired, like mine feel. Honestly, maybe I should dismiss with the night crew except the guards.

“I’m fine,” I lie since I am hungry. I didn’t eat on the jet over from New York, there was no point since it is only just over two hours flying time. “You get yourself finished up for the evening,” I tell her as I slip off my jacket and hook it over my left arm.

“Oh, but I don’t finish until the shift change at six, Sir.” Her voice is soft and gentle. It’s like coming home and I guess of all my homes, Atlanta is the one I love the most.

“Don’t worry about that. Nobody will need you at this hour, Isabella. We are all asleep. In fact, why don’t you take a week off, full pay and spend time with your family.” I know she has two grandchildren; she often shows me and the staff pictures.

“Sir, I can’t do that. What if you need something in the night?” Surprise floods her voice.

“We can manage, it’s about time I fended for myself a little bit, Isabella. Honestly, go and get some sleep and don’t come back until you have had a week off. I’ll be making some changes which will mean you won’t have to work a night shift ever again.”

Her mouth drops open. Yes, it is shocking since I have always had staff on call whenever I wanted. However, things have changed and I have come to realize that it is utterly ridiculous. Power and fame obviously went to my head and I was an ass. If I need anything, then like I’ve told her, I am more than capable of getting it myself.

Is it the warmth of Lucky that is making me be more reasonable? Who knows but I do know I cannot wait to get to our suite and slip under the covers next to her warm body. I know she is home since she sent me a message as did her guards at around mid-night. Knowing that she would be safe in my club in Atlanta City, there was no need for me to worry.

My meeting with Yashimoto-san went smoothly although Tony and I had hoped for a better outcome. As it is, he told us he had to think about it first. We have given him a week. For now, Tony has our guys onto the Petrov situation and will take out anyone who dares to interfere with our operation. And eye for an eye and all of that.

The last few days have been exhausting and I can feel them taking their toll. My body feels weary and achy.

“If you are absolutely sure, Sir,” she says still holding my bag. I take it from her.

“Yes, absolutely sure. Now go on, get out of here before I change my mind,” I tell her playfully. She releases the grip on my bag and takes me completely by surprise as she wraps her arms around me and gives me a motherly hug.

“You’re a good man, Nico Santangelo. I’m sure you don’t hear that often enough.” I’m taken aback by her warm gesture and kind words. I guess most people wouldn’t say that about me, not in the line of business that I am in.

“Thank you, Isabella.” She releases her hold on me and scuttles off. It makes me smile to watch her and you know what, it makes me feel good that I have done something kind for her.

The first thing I do is set the bag down and take the stairs two at a time. Suddenly feeling desperate to be close to Lucky. The guard outside her door gives me a brief nod as he stands there with his feet hip width apart, his gun in his holster, and his hands clasped in front of his pelvis.

I open the door and quietly slip inside sure to close and lock it behind me. There is a night light on and I can see the shape of my fiancée laying in the bed under the bamboo silk sheets. Her outline stirs something in me as I take in the dip of her waist flaring to her hip, as she lays on her side. Now is not the time to be thinking of sexing Lucky. She has been through an ordeal and also had a late night. The arousal will have to wait until morning.

“Nico,” I hear her murmur.

I walk towards the bed, slip my shoes off and place my jacket on one of the balloon backed chairs in the room. What a relief, since my feet have felt constrained for hours and lay down beside her, resting my hand on her hip. “It’s me, baby. Go back to sleep.”

She turns and nuzzles her face into my chest and inhales deeply. “I missed you, Nico. Don’t leave me again so soon.” Her words tug at me heart making me feel like a total cunt for taking off and putting business in front of the needs of the only woman I have ever loved.

“I don’t plan on leaving you for a while, Princess. I’m here now.” I kiss the top of head inhaling the soft fragrance of peach or mango from her shampoo.

“You need to sleep too, Nico. Please don’t tell me you need to go to your office downstairs.” Her voice is a whisper. Why did I put off being here with her to deal with assholes like Petrov?

“No work anymore tonight, Princess. Let’s sleep. I need to get undressed. All I want is to hold you all night and keep you warm and safe.”

“Mm,” she murmurs making my cock go hard in my pants. Even though I am willing it to stop. Being close to Lucky makes it nigh on impossible. Her body heat floods mine; her softness and femininity being cradled to my chest is overwhelming.

It’s not that lustful, hot, passionate arousal. More the kind where your heart swells and flips, knowing how much crazy love you have for another human being.