Mads cackles like a madman and comes over to me, hugging my side. “You see what I’m seeing?” he whispers.
“Yes, I do.” Looking down at his brilliant, upturned face, I lean in for a kiss. “More importantly, I see you and everything we could be together.”
Mads flushes and goes up on his tiptoes for another sweet kiss. “Gah, love’s made you so cheesy, Anthony.”
I shrug. “Maybe. But it’s also made me a better man. Hell, it’s even made me a better mobster.”
“That’s good, baby. Because you’re still a shit gambler.”
“Look, just because Ford is giving Luca a hard time doesn’t mean you can do the same.”
“This has nothing to do with them and everything to do with the fact that you don’t understand how statistics work.”
I narrow my eyes, and Mads retreats, but I’m too fast for him. He squeaks as I throw him over my shoulder and walk into the library. Soon the rest of our friends show up, and we have a great evening, even if I do lose all my money to my small billionaire.
* * *
After makingout in the elevator, I walk Mads backward to the apartment, unable to stop kissing him. After letting us in with my three-dollar key, I sweep him off his feet and carry him to my bed, our eyes locked on one another.
I’m gentle as I lay him down, removing the layers of clothing until we’re both bare and needy. Using his oil, I prepare him, slowly stretching him until he’s begging.
“Please,” he whines, arching and twisting below me.
I’m careful as I enter him, caressing his pretty cheekbones, caught in the undertow of his eyes, unable to look away. Pain and pleasure lance across his face, and he smiles, rolling his narrow hips.
“Mads, Mads, Mads,” I chant, pushing to go deeper and deeper.
“I love you, Anthony,” he whispers, tightening around me.
We move together, he and I, in rhythm, in lust, in love. We take it slow, edging each other with our words and bodies. When we finally come, sweaty and laughing, I’m overcome with a sense of absolute rightness. Every day we’re together feels better than the one before, and every time we make love, I fall a little more.
Finally sated, we shower together. The sweet, soapy touches make my heart pound as much as joining our bodies. Falling into bed, our bodies seek each other out, still greedy for touch.
Adorably sleepy and curled up next to me, Mads nuzzles into my chest. “We never finished talking about me buying those two apartments across from Luca.”
“We can talk about it in the morning, baby,” I say, just as sleepy.
“Okay, but know that I can sell them if you’d rather not move in together.”
I sit upright, practically upending Mads. He blinks a few times, then sits up with me. I turn on the light so he can see my face.
“What about I would’ve moved in with you do you not understand?”
He grimaces, and I swear to God it’s the cutest thing. “I want to make sure you know I’m not pressuring you. I…the apartments were available, and you know how Manhattan real estate is…”
“I do know about Manhattan real estate, Mads. And I’m fucking thrilled that we’ll be together. You can’t pressure me into doing something I’ve wanted my whole life.”
Mads’ smile softens. “Okay, it’s settled then. I’ll sell my building and move here to Mob Central.”
I push him back onto the bed and cage him between my arms. “What if we decide to become a bunch of morally gray do-gooders instead of ruthless mobsters?”
Running his fingers through my chest hair, he asks, “Will you still kill anyone who comes after me?”
Fucking Mads.
“Without hesitation. And for the rest of our lives.”