Marissa's POV

I was surprised by Jackson's reaction to the Blackbourne group and their requests. I reminded me far too much of my father and when they asked about dinner I jumped at the chance to leave the office under their watchful eyes. It's odd. I've spent a small amount of time with them, but I felt comfortable. Even with the events at the dungeon, I knew they didn't want to hurt me. I felt bad for running off on Owen. He looked so hurt when I used my safeword, but I just couldn't do it. I didn't mean for things to go so far. Then in the meeting, I almost called Sean Doc. That would have given all of it away in an instant. I'd have to keep my wits about me with this bunch. They made me feel far too relaxed.

"So sugar, have you been to Gilardi's before?" Luke asked, grabbing my hand as we sat in the backseat of Victor's car.

I smiled remembering the last time I was there. "It's been quite a while, but yes, I've been there. I love their seafood pasta, not to mention the tiramisu is divine." He flashed a wide grin and we rode the remainder of the way making small talk between the four of us.

Stepping into the dim lighting of the restaurant, I felt a tug at my heart. "Signora Ryland, è passato troppo tempo!" the hostess said as she greeted us.

Giving her a brief hug, I asked, "Giulia, sei meravigliosa! Come sta la tua famiglia?"

"Bravo, impegnato come sempre," she said, then switched to English addressing Owen, "Ahh, Mr. Blackbourne, so nice to see your family again as well. We have your room ready. Your wines are chilled and airing now."

"Thank you, Julia," Owen said and took my arm to guide me as we followed her to one of the back banquet rooms. "I had no idea you were fluent in Italian, Marissa," he said as he pulled out a chair for me. "Do you speak any other language?"

"The perks of being the daughter of an oil man," I scoffed, "Father wanted to make sure I understood the business transactions so he made sure I learned the languages he saw fit. I speak several languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Irish Gaelic, French, and German. I attempted Japanese once but it went horribly and sadly I abandoned it. Italian was my own choice. I did a year abroad during law school and fell in love with Florence."

"That's an odd location to study law. What made you decide on Italy?" Kota asked.

I gave him a sheepish grin, "A boy. I met Winston in my first year of law school, but he was a senior. When he took a job in Italy, I followed and worked in an apprenticeship for a year before returning to finish my degree. He returned after I graduated and we married shortly after that." I swirled my wine, a smile still playing on my lips, then looked around at their concerned expressions. "Don't feel sorry for me gentlemen. I loved my husband and he loved me. Yes, our time was cut short, but I wouldn't trade a minute of it for the world." I cleared my throat and asked, "So how did all of you end up together?"

"Well, most of us have been friends since childhood," Nate said. "Kota, Luke, Victor, Gabe and I grew up together basically. Then we all met Owen and Sean and clicked as friends. A few years later Luke found out about his half-brother, North who was living in Greece at the time. When he came to the US, Silas came with him."

"It took us a long time to admit our feelings for one another. Some of us faster than others, but soon we realized we were so much more than friends," North added.

"It wasn't easy though," Sean said, his voice slightly cracking. "We were all married to the same woman and she couldn't handle the change in dynamics. She divorced us a few years back," he said softly.

I saw the look of pain in his eyes mirrored around the room and just wanted to hug all of them. "Her loss," I said, giving him a reassuring smile. "My apologies if I'm overstepping, but someone recently reminded me that relationships only work if there is communication. She didn't communicate her concerns and try to save your marriage. That's her loss because any fool can see how much you love each other." I looked over at Luke who had a misty-eyed expression on his face.

Two servers came in and quickly took our orders as the topic changed to more light-hearted topics. "So how about we play twenty questions? That way we can get to know you a bit better," Silas suggested.

"Hmmm, we may be here all night if each of you asks me twenty questions," I laughed. "How about we modify it and each asks questions and everyone answers?" They all agreed and Silas began.

"Do you have any pets?" he asked.

"No. I don't think my apartment would be ideal for a dog, and I have no desire to empty a litter pan for a cat," I said with a frown that made them laugh. Of course, they all were able to answer this one as a group and I learned that they had only one pet, Kota's beloved dog Max who still lived with his mother since their schedules were so busy and she was a single woman. Kota said he felt better with Max protecting her. I envied the relationship he appeared to have with her. I'm not even sure if my own mother knew about my birthday without her personal assistant reminding her. Goodness knows the gifts weren't personal.

"What is a place you've always wanted to see, but never visited?" North asked.

"Ohh, that's a good one," I grinned. "I've always wanted to travel to Norway. There's a train tour that goes into the Arctic Circle and you can see the Northern Lights. That or I'd want to rent one of those isolated cabins that have the window ceiling and walls so I could lay there all night and watch the lights."

Gabe shivered, "Ugh, cold. Give me a good warm beach any day! As for me, after hearing you talk about Italy, I think I want to see it for myself now."

"Scotland," Luke said and the guys teased him for wanting to wear a kilt.

"You know, it's not really a kilt if you wear anything under it," I teased. Luke choked on his wine.

"Still not playing fair, I see," he said, giving me a playful look.

"Never, sir," I retorted as his eyes darkened. I heard a few grumbles around the table and quickly schooled my behavior. I was being far too cavalier.

"I've been to many different places, so I fear I'm not sure how to answer that question," Owen said, breaking the tension. The others quickly chimed in with their responses before Sean asked his question.

"Do you have any hidden talents?"

I laughed to myself, yeah, hiding my identity from you, a nearly flawless pain tolerance, and a knack for fucking up - "Not that I know of," I replied, "unless you count running in heels."

"Nope, I can do that," Gabe chuckled and responded when I gave him a strange look, "Long story that would require a hell of a lot more than fucking wine."

I laughed as the servers delivered our food along with servings of tiramisu and more wine. Nate gave me a grin as he refilled my glass. These men are going to be the death of me. They all looked at me and I blinked, "What?"

"Ladies first," Sean said and I blushed. I guess he took that very seriously just as he did that morning at the club. I was expected to go first. I shivered a bit and took a bite. The fresh scallops and shrimp burst on my tongue, perfectly tempered by the creamy alfredo sauce and I moaned, letting the flavors roll on my tongue. I heard a few coughs and opened my eyes to see Luke and Gabe with full-blown smiles on their faces while the others seemed to be hypnotized.

"Told you it was life-changing," Luke bragged.

****

Dinner continued with light conversation and I managed to not moan when I ate the tiramisu, but it was difficult. I kept meeting Gabe's gaze and feeling my body flush. All I could think of were his words last night as he called me his good little girl. Damn, I wanted to hear those words again, but at the same time, it scared me to death. As the dishes were cleared and coffee served, he motioned for me to follow him. I excused myself and when I stepped into the small hallway, he pulled me to him.

"Do you have any idea how crazy you make me?" he growled and my breath hitched. "Hearing you moan earlier almost made me fucking cum in my pants." He nuzzled against my neck and I felt my body arch toward his. "I want to make you scream, little girl." His rich voice made my body shiver and I let out a soft whimper. "Do you want that, baby?"

My head was swimming as my body reacted to every word. "Yes Daddy," I moaned and felt his lips begin to caress my skin. He pressed against me, pushing my back against the wall gently. I could feel his erection pressing against my core. His hand cupped my ass as he ground against me.

"Look at me," he said sharply and my eyes snapped to his. "Tell me to stop, Marissa. If you don't want this, tell me to stop now." I wanted him, but what about Luke and Victor? What about all of them? Was this okay, would it cause them to hate me, would I make them fight?

"I...I can't," I stammered, "I want to, but I'm afraid," my voice trailed off in a whisper.

He ran a finger down my cheekbone and then under my chin. "Are you worried about the others?" I nodded, a tear slipping from my eye. "Shh, little one, it's okay. You have no idea how much I love that you think of them and not just yourself." He wiped away the tears and tucked a stray bit of hair behind my ear. "Maybe we can take this slow and talk to the others?"

"I'd like that," I said quietly.

"Fuck, Marissa. I haven't felt like this for a woman in a really long time," he breathed. His finger grazed along my lips then he gently kissed me. My first instinct was to panic, but his lips were so soft and he made me feel wanted, it was genuine and tender. I kissed him back and felt a warmth in my chest I'd missed for years.

When our lips parted he rested his forehead against mine, "Thank you," I whispered.

"What, for almost molesting you in a hallway," he chuckled.

"No, for my first kiss in four years," I said. His eyes went wide.

"Oh shit, Marissa, I'm sorry. I should have asked, fuck," he groaned, but I cupped his face and pressed my lips to his again. It only took a second for him to begin kissing me in return.

We were panting as it broke, "I said thank you. You didn't do anything wrong, just unexpected," I reassured him. "Now, I need to head home. I have these really demanding new clients who are going to keep me very busy." I gave him a cheeky grin.

He growled, "Oh little girl if you give us half a chance, we'll keep you busy all day and night." I blushed and pushed myself off the wall to straighten my dress as he laughed at my embarrassment. 

Author's Notes: I say smut warning ahead, but the whole damn book is smut, so...