A Dangerous Game Read online

  A Dangerous Game

  By

  Sienna Grant

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2019 by Sienna Grant

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law

  For permission requests, write to the author, addressed “Request: Copyright Approval” at [email protected]

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  The authors are in no way affiliated with any brands, songs or musicians or artists mentioned in this book.

  Edited by Maria Lazarou ~ Obsessed by Books Designs

  Formatter: Maria Lazarou ~ Obsessed by Books Designs

  Cover Designer: Maria Lazarou ~ Obsessed by Books Designs

  Acknowledgements

  Well well, well, where do I start?

  It’s been a hard start to the year this year. I’ve struggled to write; I’ve struggled to hold a deadline and personally I’ve struggled to keep up with everything. But, there’s one thing I do know if it wasn’t for a few people I may have given up writing. They shouted at me, they reasoned with me and they made me see why I loved writing so much. So, I pulled up my big girl knickers sorted my own issues out, took a break and got back to doing what I really loved.

  This book was so hard for me, as a different genre and it took me so long to write it. On the other side though so many stories are coming from the other side of it and if anything… I do love a challenge, and this book was definitely that. I loved writing Stefano and Laura.

  I’ve always been one to keep my circle small, as a child and certainly as an adult and I do with my writing but I’ll help anyone and I think everyone needs an helping hand once in their lives.

  Jen (wifey) I don’t have to say anything really, other than I love ya!

  Jo (book bestie) you believe in me with every book I write.

  Trace (PA and general dogs body) thank you for everything!

  Maria (editor/formatter) you drop everything for me and I can’t say thank you enough.

  Karina (listens to me whinge)

  Joy, Lauren, Lesley, Vera, Sheryl, Trace (betas) I have so much love for you guys you’ll never realise. I couldn’t do this without any of you!

  Rob you have to put up with more than enough from me and I’m just saying this now you are my bloody rock and I love more than you could ever know.

  My bestie Shell, I love you, I know you’re always there on the end of the phone for me for everything, whatever drama is going on next… we also need a night out!

  My readers you amaze me with your constant support and if it wasn't for you guys, I’d never get my words out so thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything and the unending support you show me.

  I hope you’ve enjoyed A Dangerous game and book two will be coming soon…

  Blurb

  A forbidden love is a dangerous game….

  Stefano

  I’m not the kind of man that believes in fate.

  If I want something, I’ll move heaven and earth to achieve it and I’m not ashamed to admit that.

  Laura Giordano, was the girl next door. She was younger than me but has always owned a tiny piece of me and I know the feeling is mutual.

  There’s just one problem....

  She’s my best friends little sister.

  Is it wrong to want her? Probably...

  Should I walk away? Definitely...

  Am I going to? Hell no!

  Laura

  I always knew Stefano Di Marco was bad news, but as I grew from a girl with a crush, my craving for him as a woman, intensified.

  After an evening spent in his club for my birthday, I knew the man in the suit was a mask, a disguise.

  I knew the man behind that mask and I’d do everything I could to get him.

  Being in this business is a dangerous game. Paying the price for love can be deadly but, in the end, she’ll be mine to keep.

  Prologue

  Stefano

  My trembling hand gives away my nervousness, as I wrap my fingers around the cold, hard steel. I make sure to hide it well though, my father would kill me if I was to show any weakness. Pulling in a deep breath to quell my racing heart, I grab a firm hold of myself. My index finger fits neatly through the ring at the bottom, pressing gently against the trigger. As I hold my arm out in front of me. It’s just me and him in the thick part of the woods, on his knees, begging me not to shoot him.

  I’ve been around guns all my life. They’re like a second skin. I’ve been trained to shoot targets, but this is the first time I’ve pointed it at a person. I’m a mix of emotions, I’m scared, but I’m ready to do this. He snivels before me and cries, snot mingling, as he tries to appeal to my better nature. My dad taught me not to have a soft side. That everyone who crosses our paths should fear us.

  “Please Stefano, don’t kill me. You don’t have to do this.”

  “Yes, I do.” I cut him off from his begging. “You should have thought of that before.” My cold stare boring into him, making him pale with terror.

  “Please let me go? I promise I’ll go away, I’ll never come back. I swear to you, just don’t kill me.” His voice is weak and shaky. His pathetic red, swollen eyes rising up to look into my hardened ones.

  “It’s too late.” I snarl through gritted teeth. I have to prove to my Dad that I can do this. That I have the power he’s bestowed upon me. This is what I’ve always wanted.

  The sound of rustling leaves behind me makes me more nervous, because I know he’s here to make sure I do it. He told me from a young age, that everything will be mine when I turn twenty-one. I’ll be the head of the business, head of the family. I’ll be in charge, but I’m not twenty-one yet, I’m only sixteen...

  “Son?”

  Keeping the gun pointed at the fucking scumbag in front of me, I glance to the side to look at my father as he nods. Just one single nod, that’s all it takes to peak my determination.

  “Look at me.” I demand through gritted teeth, a snarl twitching at my lip. “I want to see the quiver in your lip and the paleness of your skin, as I pull the trigger.”

  “Stefano. No… please don’t do this. You’re just a kid - you don’t have to do it.”

  “I’m not a kid.” I’ll prove to him how much of a kid I am. The branches on the trees part as my father steps out to make himself known. With his hands in his pockets, standing proud in his expensive suit, looking on.

  “As I said, it’s too late.” Spreading my feet apart to widen my stance, I stand firm on the sodden ground and lock my knees. My arm is relaxed, but strong, just how I was taught. The muscles tighten in my forearm, as I squeeze my finger against the trigger, until I hear the click. The loud bang echoes through the air. Mickey’s head is forced back with the speed of the bullet embedding itself in his forehead, leaving a gaping hole. His eyes are wide, scared, before falling backwards on the ground, with a thud.

  Saliva fills my mouth as my stomach churns. I bend over and rest my hands on my knees. The vomit spewing from my open mouth like a disease. My father’s hand patting me on the back until I’m finished and then orders me to stand and face him.

  Wiping my mouth on the back of my hand, I do what he says - just like I always have done.

  “I’m proud of you son.”


  I don’t answer him, just look back at the body lying there, bleeding out from the back of his head. His blood seeping into the forest ground. Making the once green grass, flow with a river of red - his eyes still wide open.

  “You’re a man now.”

  Another gunshot rings through the air causing my head to snap up, as dad raises his gun and points it at Mickey’s lifeless body. Two holes appear in his chest as he shoots him again, just for good measure. Holding his phone to his ear, he tucks his gun away into the back of his trousers. My eyes are burning with unshed tears, threatening to fall with one blink. I don’t close my eyes, instead, I will them to go away. I will not cry.

  My father doesn't show emotion in anything and he won’t be happy with me, if I do. He made his first kill when he was fourteen. His father, my grandfather - telling him exactly the same thing. Pulling up my big boy pants, I stand and turn to face my dad, facing my body away from the stiff, on the cold ground.

  I’m a man now.

  This is my family.

  I will protect it.

  Chapter One

  Laura

  Age Sixteen

  “Oh my god, you look so pretty Laura.” I smile at my best friend and admire her pink, princess dress. The skirt puffing out at the waist, with meshed taffeta in layers. The strapless bodice is full of sequins, right down to the cinched in waist, as it sits snug against her chest. Her dark, brown hair is flowing down her back in soft curls and pushed up onto the top of her head, pinned away from her neck.

  “Me? You look absolutely beautiful.” I gasp, feeling the tears well up in my eyes.

  “Don’t cry, you sap. You’ll ruin your makeup.” Christina smiles brightly. We’ve spent the last couple of days having spray tans, false nails applied and pedicures done. Then we’ve applied each other’s makeup.

  “Come on pictures before you leave.” Our mothers shout together as they laugh. Our mum’s are the best of friends. They have been forever it seems. We first moved here when Angelo, my brother and Stefano, Christina’s brother, were ten, which meant Christina and I were five. We’ve been friends ever since.

  We stand together arm in arm and pose for pictures together. Then come the family ones. I stand with my brother and my mum, a little sad that my dad isn’t here to see me ready to go to my high school prom. I was still young when he died of a massive heart attack, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss him.

  I look over at Chrissie with her brother and their parents. Really, I zoom in on her brother, he’s so hot. He knows it too. Stefano knows how I feel about him, but he won’t move on it. He kissed me once, when I was fifteen, but he said I was way too young and it was wrong, because of my age. He was almost twenty then, I suppose I can understand. I can’t help feeling for him the way I do. I look at the boys from school and they just don’t compare to him.

  Our dates are waiting for us at the school meeting point, so they can come in the car with us. I really didn’t want a date, but Christie said we both needed one. So tonight, I’m making a point. I want to see Stefano’s reaction, when he sees I have a one.

  Once all the photos are done, our mums give us a glass of champagne.

  “Well, girls, this is it, you’ve officially left high school and about to go to your prom. I’m so proud of you both.” Chrissie’s mum raises her glass. “To Chrissie and Laura.”

  We tap our glasses and take a sip, the bubbles hitting my nose as I lift it to my lips. Stefano catches my eye, a smirk lifting the corners of his mouth.

  My mum takes our glasses. “Right come on then, it’s time to go.”

  I nod, looking around. “Wait I haven’t got my bag and I need the toilet before we go.”

  “Hurry up Laura, you’re going to be late.”

  “I’ll be five minutes, I promise.” Teetering back across the lawn, trying to not get my heels stuck in the soft ground. I go inside the house and see my clutch on the couch. I grab my lip-gloss, kick off my heels and run up the stairs to the toilet. I have a right nightmare trying to lift my dress, hold it up and have a pee at the same time, but oh well. Once I’m done, I let my dress fall to the floor and puff it out again.

  Whereas Chrissie’s dress is pink, mine is a coral colour. We didn’t want to be the same. Mine is an A-line style, while hers is a meringue style dress. There’s a knock at the door and a deep voice I recognise well, speaks through it.

  “Are you ready Laura?”

  Taking a deep breath, I try to stave the fluttering in my belly, but it doesn’t work, because I know Stefano is the other side of that door.

  “Chrissie is panicking you’re going to be late... you know what she’s like…” Stefano’s voice fades off as I open the door. My breath gets stuck in my throat, as he stands opposite the bathroom. His hands in his pockets, his beautiful eyes wide as they gleam at me.

  Blowing out a shaky breath, I straighten up, as Stefano stands to his full height making me look up.

  “If I didn’t say it outside, you look absolutely stunning.” He pulls my lip from under my teeth as I bite down. “If only I could kiss you right now, just so you won’t want anyone else’s lips on you, after mine have been there.” His heavy breathing doesn’t disguise his need at all, as his gaze roams over every inch of my face.

  “Don’t tease…” I breathe.

  Walking me backwards into the bathroom, he pushes the door closed behind him. The next thing I know, he’s framing my head with his strong hands and covering my lips with his. While pushing me against the nearest wall. Pushing his tongue against the closed seam of my mouth, I eagerly open up for him and push up to my toes, tangling my tongue with his. With a firm grip of his t-shirt, I try to pull him closer, but in no time at all, he’s pulling away from me.

  “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. You look amazing and this date of yours better keep his hands to himself.”

  “Jealous?”

  A slight smirk pulls at his lips. “Come on, there’ll be a search party for you soon. I’ll go down first.”

  He acts so cool and collected. While I’m a puddle on the floor and he wants me to go down there as if nothing’s happened…? Stefano Di Marco has just upped the ante for any normal sixteen-year-old boy to get anywhere near me. I watch him stride from me and run down the stairs. I wait until I see him reach the bottom, he turns and throws a wink my way. I turn back to the mirror and reapply my lip-gloss, then try to control myself and get my emotions in order.

  Once my tummy has stopped churning, I hitch up my dress at the front and walk back down stairs, where I step into my shoes again. Grabbing my clutch, I head outside to the others.

  “What were you were doing?” Chrissie screeches. Stefano smirks making me blush, remembering his lips on mine.

  The tips of my fingers automatically touch mine.

  “Nature called, and I had to get my bag, oh and touch up my gloss.”

  “Let’s go. I’m so excited, I can’t wait to see Luke in his Tux.” Chrissy exclaims.

  “Hmm, the little shit.” Stefano says from behind us, as we get into Stefano’s dad’s limo. Well not his, he has a limo, but it’s black, so he hired us a pink one. I help Chrissie get into the car with her humongous dress and I follow her in.

  Stefano pops his head in. “Be good both of you. I don’t need to be beating the shit out some hyped-up, little dickhead in a suit, because he doesn't know his boundaries.”

  “Stefano.” Chrissie shouts.

  “What, I mean it. You need me - you ring me.”

  She flicks her pink, long taloned finger up at her brother, while I giggle.

  “We’ll follow you down.”

  “Stefano, no.” Chrissie demands, but it falls on deaf ears, he totally ignores her and gets into Angelo’s car. Roberto shuts the door for us and gets into the driver’s seat of the huge car. There’re two glasses of champagne already poured and sitting in the glass holders. The window at the front, slides down and Roberto looks back at us.

  �
��Just that glass ladies, but it’s a secret.” He holds his finger to lips and puts the window back up. We giggle together and clink glasses again.

  “Cheers. Can you believe it’s our prom?” I ask turning to face Chrissie. She smiles wide and takes a drink from her glass. In no time at all we’re pulling up at the meeting point. We get out and meet our dates. Luke and Brandon are standing together with their group of friends and turn, as we get out of the car. They smile wide as they reach us and we pose for photographs. Stefano comes over and stands over our dates. They look up at his stern features, but quickly look away. Chrissie rolls her eyes, pulling Luke with her and gets back in the car. I smile at Stef, then Brandon and join them in the car. You could say Stefano and Angelo are a little over protective.

  Stefano stands at the open door, waving his phone.

  “Don’t forget what I said.” I nod and Chrissie rolls her eyes and sighs at him, for the umpteenth time tonight. “You two,” he points to the guys, “Keep your hands to yourselves or I’ll break your fingers.”

  Fuck me, was that hot or was it just me? I feel the warm flush spread over my skin, making it tingle like needles, as his eyes track down my body.

  Dipping my face down, I try to hide my grin and the glint I have in my eye.

  “Stef. Get out.” Chrissie shouts, “Ignore him he’s a dick.” She says to the guys.

  “Who was that?” Brandon asks nervously.

  “My brother.” Chrissie replies.

  I love Stefano’s protective side.

  Roberto bangs the music up and starts the engine, pulling away and taking us to our high school prom.

  Chapter Two

  Stefano