Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 269 -

*Giovani*

The sex was amazing, but Olivia was even better. I could still taste the champagne on her lips as I dove in again and again. She was so addicting, like a sweet candy or a drug I couldn't get enough of.

She was exhausted, that much was clear as I cuddled her in my arms. The blanket kept us warm, even as we were naked. I brushed her hair over and over, the motion soothing us both as her eyes fell closed.

She was so goddamn beautiful. Right above her right ear was a little mole that I was sure she didn't know anything about, and I traced it as I brushed my fingers through her hair.

I sighed, content as I watched her chest fall up and down with each breath. It was so peaceful just to be here with her, and I couldn't help the greed that was building in my heart.

I wanted her all the time now. My thoughts kept going back to her over and over. I wanted her in my bed every night, to hold her like this until she grew sick of me.

I knew she was still insecure, still full of anxiety over our relationship, but neither of us knew what to call it. The fear that I might grow tired of her was reflected every time she clung to me, her little movements to keep me close like I would walk

away.

I wondered if somebody had hurt her like that once, if she'd had to face someone walking out on her. Perhaps that was why she was so anxious about it.

She didn't have to worry, though. She would grow tired of me long before I grew tired of her. I would have her by my side every second of every day if I could. She was beautiful, funny, and so kind and sweet-the opposite of everything I was, like an innocent bud yet to bloom.

She was still young now, but she would grow into a gorgeous woman, a confident, sexy, beautiful woman who knew she had me tied around her little finger.

Once she realized that, it would all be over for me.

I sighed again, listening to her breathing as it lulled me into a soft doze, not quite sleep but not quite awake either. I was never a deep sleeper, but after taking over this position from James, it had only gotten worse over time, especially around others. You never knew who was out to kill you.

But Olivia... it was too comfortable to be around her. Her soul was innocent and kind-not anything like the messy world I came from.

Right as I drifted off, my phone began to ring. I recognized the tone as Gabriele's and I frowned. Annoyance shot through me at him ruining my time with Olivia.

She stirred, blinking awake in confusion, and I sent her a smile, trying to apologize without words. She was so sleepy and cute as she rubbed the corner of her eyes, and I had to peel myself away from her as I rolled over.

I sat up on my elbow as I grabbed my phone and answered with a rough, "What now?"

"It's about Dahlia," Gabriele said over the phone.

My eyes narrowed as I sat up in bed. I glanced at Olivia. She held the comforter over her naked body, a confused and worried look on her face.

I got to my feet, putting distance between us as I demanded, "What happened?"

"After dinner, Dahlia left with that boy she's been seeing while the other boy took her friend home," Gabriele said, passively as if he was reciting a report. "I followed Dahlia and the boy took her back to his apartment, as you thought he would."

"I know. Olivia came back when that Adrian boy dropped her off," I said, thinking about that stupid boy, and the way he had put his hands on my woman.

I growled, clenching my fists. "What does that have to do with Dahlia? Did you keep an eye on her?"

"Yes, sir. But this Adrian boy came back to the apartment and went inside. I was alone, so I couldn't engage any further than that, so I wasn't sure what was happening inside."

The fuck? I'd placed three men on Dahlia's surveillance for a reason.

"Where were Enzo and Marco?" I demanded. "I don't pay them to hang around and paint each other's nails."

"There were suspicious movements in the Piazza from the Russians. I sent Enzo and Marco to investigate as they said the neighbor we'd pegged as one of them was over there. I stayed to watch over Dahlia until I lost contact with them three hours ago," Gabriele said grimly. "I have to assume the worst."

"Fuck." I breathed out through my nose, trying to keep calm. Enzo and Marco were two of our best. There was no way they'd get taken down easily.

"What happened to Dahlia then?" I snapped. "You were still watching, weren't you?"

"Ten and a half minutes ago I saw three figures exit the building," Gabriele said in a low voice, "They were wearing uniforms, so I paid them no mind. But, they were carrying a suspiciously large bag between them."

"You don't think it was..." I trailed off, clenching my hand over the phone.

Dammit.

There was no way. I had promised James I'd keep Dahlia safe, that I'd keep her away from harm. If she had been taken by those damn bastards, he would have my head for it.

"As soon as the three men left, I went to investigate. The apartment was completely empty. The two boys never left through the front entrance, so I am unsure of their whereabouts, but the door was not forced open," Gabriele replied. I heard the sound of beeping in the background. He was most likely near a road.

"Which means they were either involved or knew someone who was," I finished angrily.

The thought of those two idiots being involved was slim, but never zero. I'd seen good people betray others for less than what the Russians could offer.

But now wasn't the time to wonder if they were involved. Either they were or weren't and either way, they were going to die when I got my hands on them. Now, I needed to replace Dahlia quickly.

"Any sign of Dahlia?" I asked.

"I did replace a necklace hidden under one of the bookcases. The chain was broken, but the pendant was identical to the one she was wearing to dinner." Shit.

I clenched my teeth, my anger rising like a heat wave. There was no doubt in my mind. Dahlia had been kidnapped, and right under my fucking nose at that.

I'd told her those apartments were bad news. I had told her not to go, but she never listened. She was just like her parents could be sometimes-thinking they knew better than the people around them.

Well, this time she'd gotten into massive trouble.

"I talked to the desk jockey, and he said the three men said they were a cleaning service, but he assured me that the building had not hired anyone to clean," Gabriele said coldly,.

"Did you follow them?" I demanded.

"No, but I thought their movements were suspicious, so I asked someone in the area to. Luckily, Santino was close by. He followed them out to an abandoned building on the outskirts of downtown. It's secluded enough that nobody goes there any more."

A perfect hideout.

"Wake up everybody and get them out there. Send a team to that building and another to the apartment. Find anything you can, and report it to me. Find Dahlia, and replace the bastards who took her," I snapped into the phone. "Yes, sir," Gabriele said firmly, and the call went dead in my hands.

I stood there for a moment, just breathing as my heart raced in panic. Dahlia was missing, possibly kidnapped, and we had no clue where she was.

"Giovani?"

I glanced over at Olivia, who kneeled on the bed. She reached a hand out to grab mine, but I pulled back, glancing at the door. "Giovani, what's wrong?"

Her sweet voice was deafening in the silent house. She had no clue what was happening, no clue what her best friend was missing, and that was my fault. "Please?"

It was her soft little plea that finally got me to move. I breathed a sigh, moving closer as I pressed my lips onto hers. She was sweet and soft and so innocent.

She didn't belong in the life I lived, and I knew that. I couldn't tell her the truth, and I couldn't let her go. There was no time to explain, no time to listen to her tears as I told her what had happened.

"I'm sorry," I murmured as I pulled away, leaning my forehead on hers as I shut my eyes tightly. "I have to go."

Her eyes widened as she looked at me like I was crazy, and maybe I was.

"Wait a minute-"

I swallowed her protests with a kiss, taking my last fill as I dove into her mouth until she was panting for me. When we broke apart, we were both breathing hard, and her eyes were staring up at me, begging for more. I ducked my gaze, hardening my heart as I pulled away from her.

I pretended like I didn't see the hurt look in her eyes as I reached for my clothes on the ground.

Now wasn't the time to comfort Olivia, no matter how much I wanted to.

Now, I had to replace Dahlia.

Just as I reached for my shirt, my phone buzzed again, ringing the same tone. I sighed, groaning as I answered it.

"They moved," Gabriele said, a hint of irritation in his voice.

"What do you mean they moved?" I demanded.

"I mean, the building we followed them back to was empty. They moved places and switched cars as well. Santino lost track of them near the river. If they manage to cross the river in time-" "Dammit. Get everyone on that search now! Comb the whole area if you have to," I snapped, "We don't have time for this."

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir," Gabriele replied.

I hung up the phone and nearly threw it at the wall. More bad news kept piling in, and I was ready to snap.

I took a deep breath to calm my anger, shutting my eyes. I had been too lenient lately, too soft. It was too easy to slip into normality with Olivia-to pretend I was just as soft and sweet as she was. But I wasn't.

I was the Don of the Valentino Mafia.

It was time to show them that.