Declan: The Callaghan Mafia #1 Read online

  “I found this,” she said softly.

  I laughed heartily as I held it up. I didn’t know where the hell Thoman had gotten this from. But if she enjoyed this shirt, then I’d get it for her in all sorts of colors.

  “Put it on for me,” I said.

  I handed her the shirt and she went to turn her back. Except, that wasn’t what I wanted.

  “No, no, no. Stay here, Ciara. And put it on,” I said.

  She slowly turned around and looked up at me. But I stood my ground. I held her gaze as she shuffled on her feet, wringing that damn shirt in her delicate hands. Instead of bucking up to me, though, she blushed. And that shadow of a smile ticked her cheeks again.

  So, I took it a step further

  “Or I could dress you for bed myself. Your choice, my doll.”

  Her eyes widened as a wicked smile crossed mine. And when she handed me her shirt, I couldn't contain myself a second longer. I gripped the shirt and wrapped it around her waist. I used it to pull her close to me, her hands falling against my chest. She gasped as my lips fell against hers. She stiffened as my tongue ran along her lips. Those glossy lips that tasted of chocolate cake and decadent champagne.

  And when her hands slipped up to cup my cheeks, I knew I had her.

  I picked her up and took her to bed. I laid her down as my lips slid down her neck. Not tonight. I didn’t want her virginity tonight. That was for a special occasion all my own. But I wanted to give her a gift. Something I knew she’d never forget. So, I pushed her nightgown up her legs. Groaning, when I saw she wasn’t wearing any panties.

  “Oh, you naughty little doll,” I growled.

  She whimpered as I slipped her legs over my shoulders. Those delicate pussy lips of hers parted, showcasing their dew-dripped softness. I lapped at her slit, feeling her press against me as a moan left her lips. Soft. Angelic. Forcing my cock to leak against my boxers. I licked her slowly. I slid my tongue into her tight hole. Holy fuck, I’d have to stretch her before my cock got anywhere near her.

  And yet, it only made me want her more.

  Her hands fisted the sheets as I stroked her clit. I wrapped my arms around her legs, pulling her closer to me. I knelt against the soft carpet. I drank my fill of her dessert. Topping off the night with a taste I had longed after for years.

  The taste of a woman solely my own.

  “Declan. Yes.”

  Her sounds made me dizzy with need. Her taste made me carnal for more. I flicked her clit. Sucked it between my lips. Pressed myself into her perfect pussy as she rocked against me. Her legs trembled and quivered. Falling apart as my eyes opened. I watched her tits bounce softly for me. I watched her face flush with pleasure.

  And when she lifted her hips for me to feast upon her, I held her up by her ass cheeks.

  “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.”

  I slipped my thumb into her tight hole. Hearing her gasp as I penetrated her for the first time. So wet for me. Dripping down my skin as she shook against me. Her walls massaged my appendage. What I wouldn’t have given to slam my cock inside her and feel her cling to me.

  Soon, Declan. Very soon.

  “I’m coming, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, Declan. Oh.”

  I growled into her pussy as she pulsed against my face. Her juices dripped down my chin, making a mess of my freshly-shaven skin. I adored it. A sweet girl, falling apart at the seams for me. I controlled her with nothing but the tip of my tongue and the fullness of my thumb. And oh, how her walls clamped down.

  My cock jumped against my pants. I felt stickiness against the fabric of my boxers. I licked her clean as she collapsed against the bed, gasping to catch her breath. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. She tasted too good and smelled too divine to stop there.

  “I can’t. I can’t. I can’t. It’s too—you’re—oh, don’t stop.”

  I groaned at her words. I wrapped my lips around her clit and sucked until that little nub swelled against my teeth. I rutted against my fucking pants like a wild animal, wanting nothing more than to be inside her. I slid my free hand up her stomach. Cupping her beautiful breasts and tugging her clothed nipples. The way she moaned sent shivers down my spine. The way she bucked against my face made me smile. I drank down every drop of her. Every ounce she had for me. And the wetter she became, the more my cock begged to be set free.

  Control yourself, Declan. Soon.

  “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!”

  Her squeals sent me over the edge. I pressed my pelvis against the bed and lost control of my own body. My cock jumped, my balls pulling into my body. And as I coated my boxers in my wasted mark, I slid a second finger inside her body. Her beautiful, shaking, reddened body.

  “Oh,” she groaned.

  I spread her, her virginity giving way to me as I stretched that tight hole of hers. I crooked my fingers, stroking them against her walls as they fluttered again. My body fell weak as my own orgasm stopped. I felt like a pathetic teenage boy again fucking his own pillow. And yet, I adored all of it.

  “Come for me,” I grunted.

  Her back arched and her toes curled. I watched her face contort in pleasure as I pressed my tongue deep into her swollen clit. Her jaw unhinged in silent pleasure as she choked on her own groans. And all it made me want to do is choke her with my own hand. Her sounds shot fire through my veins. The way her juices dripped down my chin made me wanton for more. I slid my stubble against her pussy folds, my five o’clock shadow sending goosebumps up her legs.

  “De—clan.”

  She collapsed against the bed, panting. Heaving for air. I wanted to go again. I wanted to make her come until she begged for me to stop. But her eyes rolled closed and her legs fell weak against me. I decided to show her mercy. For now, at least. And as I slowly slid my thumb out, I smirked. I cleaned off my skin, wanting to savor every droplet. Watching as she shook against the mattress. So beautiful she was, especially as a whimpering puddle of come and sweat.

  Then, I slipped her out of her nightgown and helped her into that cotton shirt. Helping her dress for the night so she could get some decent sleep.

  And her shirt fell wonderfully off her shoulder.

  “Get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow about the places you found today,” I murmured.

  And with a kiss to her forehead, I tucked her in. Leaving her panting for breath as I started up the stairs.

  7

  Ciara

  My eyes fluttered open, and still my body shivered. Had I been shivering all night? I didn’t feel cold. Or sick. Or exhausted. I turned over, stretching my tired legs and popping my locked back. And then, it hit me. Full force.

  Declan.

  I gazed up at the ceiling as confusion ignited in my gut. I remembered the feeling of his tongue. The way he spread my legs. The way he devoured me before manipulating me just to put me in my favorite cotton t-shirt. The looks he gave me during the private fashion show made me scared. Yet, wanton, somehow. How in the world could a man be so dark, yet charming at the same time? So evil, yet so passionate?

  I’d never experienced anything like last night.

  I want to do it again.

  I pressed the heels of my hands into my eyes. I had to get a grip on myself. I drew in a deep breath as I rolled back over, staring across the basement room. A room that shouldn’t have welcomed me as much as it did. My eyes caught something flickering about before the cool air of the air conditioning touched my face. The white bow drew my eye to a present bag sitting on my bedside table. And as I sat up, with the comforter falling from my body, I smiled.

  A present for me.

  I picked it up and sat it on my lap. I pulled at bow until it fell away, releasing the handles of the present bag. I reached in and pulled out a letter that had my name written on it in what looked like calligraphy. I ran my fingertips across it. Such a beautiful rendition of my name. I quickly opened the letter, not bothering to save the envelope as I pulled the card out.

  On the front, it said Happy Birthday.

  But, when I
flipped it open, a completely different message sat on the inside.

  Ciara,

  Work has called me in last-minute. So, this present should help you on your journey today. My number is programmed in. Use it if you need me. We’ll talk about the places you find for us to live in as soon as possible. Enjoy your day out.

  Declan

  I gasped as I shoved my hand into the bag. I wrapped my hand around a cell phone and pulled it out, marveling at its beauty. I ran my fingertips across the screen as it came alive. I smiled as I navigated to the contacts and saw Declan’s name. His number. I had his private number. And I wondered whether or not I should have sent him a text.

  My first-ever cell phone.

  I picked up the card and read it again. Over and over, rejoicing in my freedom. Rejoicing in his trust in me.

  P.S.: I wouldn’t run if I were you. The phone is being tracked. And trust me, you wouldn’t want me using that, my doll. Enjoy your day. I expect at least four different places of residence for us to discuss.

  Oh.

  Giving me freedom, yet still keeping me caged.

  Better than what Father ever gave me.

  The only good thing about this was that I had an extra day to research. Because I definitely hadn’t done that yesterday. For my birthday, I peeled myself off the floor and pulled myself into the bathroom. Before dinner last night, I spent all afternoon wallowing in self-pity and crying into a massive marble tub of lavender-scented bubbles. So, today? I had a chance to cover my tracks. A chance to do as he asked of me so my life would be spared another day.

  Maybe.

  I slipped back underneath the covers and putzed around on the phone. Father never let me have a cell phone for my own personal use. The only features I knew how to use were the features Mom let me use on hers from time to time. Texting a friend here and there about a party I couldn't attend that I’d been invited to. Calling Father every now and again whenever Mom couldn't for some reason. I familiarized myself with the buttons. I opened up the internet and tapped the search bar. I typed in “brownstones for sale near me,” hoping it might pop up a few things.

  And smiled when I found I could narrow things by distance.

  “Wow,” I whispered.

  I had an entire world at my fingertips. News segments rolled through as notifications at the top of my screen. I clicked on them, getting distracted as I read about the current president. About something called “FEMA” and about the FBI and some investigation and something to do with hurricanes.

  Then, a text message came through, interrupting my thoughts.

  Declan: Be ready for dinner by six. You’re accompanying me to a business meeting tonight. Wear that black dress you modeled for me last night. I’ll pick you up at your door.

  I sighed as I closed out the message.

  “Time to go house hunting,” I murmured.

  I plucked the outfit for dinner Declan wanted out of the closet. I hung it up in the bathroom, complete with the heels and jewelry I’d wear just in case things ran long with this search. Then, I got myself cleaned up for the day. I took a shower. Washed my face. Tried my hand at some natural-looking makeup. I settled on a pair of high-waisted pants with a white blouse tucked behind the bright yellow belt I threaded through the loops. A pop of color along with sensible heels that made my feet feel as if they were walking amongst the clouds. I piled my damp hair on top of my head, giving it time to crimp up for tonight. And after putting on some dainty white gold jewelry, I plucked a pair of designer sunglasses from their casing.

  Now, I’m ready.

  I set off, and the fact that Declan was tracking my phone quickly fell away from my mind’s eye. A driver waited outside for me, and promptly got out to open the door. I fed him addresses on the block. Sitting behind a wrought-iron gate and gazing out over the water’s expanse. There were nine different units for sale. A few of them were townhomes, and two of them were massive brownstones. I went from place to place, trying to imagine Declan and I creating a life here. I walked into small foyers and turned up my nose, knowing good and well he wouldn't go for such tawdry standards.

  It seemed as if most of the places I looked at didn’t hold a candle to what I thought Declan wanted.

  Every time I ventured into the master bedrooms; I became distracted. My mind repeatedly flashed back to last night. Back to Declan between my legs, pushing pleasure through my veins I’d never experienced before. I mean, I’d had orgasms before. Ones I could sneak in when I thought Father wasn’t around trying to micromanage me. But never from someone else.

  And it felt so much better than just my fingers.

  “Do you have any questions?”

  The realtor’s voice pulled me from my trance.

  “Hmm?” I asked.

  “Questions. Do you have any?”

  “Do you have a sheet with the specs of the brownstone on it? I’d like to take it with me.”

  “Of course. Right this way.”

  As we walked back through the brownstone, I noticed things I hadn’t before. Like, the vaulted ceilings on the top floor. Or the beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the water on either level. The place was surprisingly up-to-date. And it was the only one I had looked at that felt even remotely like home.

  “Here you go. Anything else?” the realtor asked.

  I smiled. “Not right now. Thank you.”

  “My information is at the bottom if you want a second tour, or to express more interest in the property.”

  “Oh, question.”

  “Yes?”

  “Is there a basement here?”

  “No, ma’am. This brownstone doesn’t have a basement. That’s why there’s a bedroom and a bathroom on the same floor as the living room and the kitchen.”

  I smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  By the time I got out of the last showing, it was a quarter to five. I was running behind, and I needed to get back and get changed. I told the driver to step on it as I slipped into the backseat, and ten minutes later, he pulled up to the Callaghan Family Brownstone.

  Where I promptly rushed downstairs to get ready.

  I let my hair down to air dry the rest of the way while I slipped into my dress. I fluffed it out before curling it a bit, letting them softly fall around my shoulders. I touched up my makeup. I slid some red lipstick across my lips. I changed out my white gold jewelry with rubies to make the lipstick pop. Then, I slipped into another pair of heels.

  Ones that were a bit more elegant.

  I looked down at my phone and saw it was five minutes to six. Just in time. I breathed a sigh of relief as I walked into the closet, digging out a matching clutch purse. I slipped my phone in, as well as the lipstick. I rummaged around for my I.D. and slipped that in there, too. And after making sure I didn’t have anything else I needed to bring with me to dinner, I walked up the steps.

  Waiting for Declan to come get me.

  A knock at the door made me jump before it whipped open. And standing there, in that beautiful all-black suit, was Declan. My eyes slowly canvassed his body. His grin made me shiver from head to toe. His eyes ran down my body, lingering along my breasts before dropping to the slit up my leg.

  “You look beautiful tonight,” he said.

  I blushed. “Thank you.”

  “Come. We’re going to be late for a dinner with the Fitzpatricks.”

  He offered me his arm and I gladly took it.

  “Bob Fitzpatrick?” I asked.

  He stayed silent until we got up the stairs. Outside. Even into the car. I thought I had misstepped. I thought I had upset him. It wasn’t until the car pulled away from the brownstone that Declan drew in a sharp breath.

  And I prepared myself to be chastised.

  “Yes, Bob Fitzpatrick.”

  I slowly panned my gaze over to him. That was it? That was all he had for me?

  “I’m aware that your father and the Fitzpatricks don’t get along. But that isn’t the case with our
family. They are friends of ours. And you will treat them as such,” Declan said.

  I nodded. “I didn’t intend on acting any other way.”

  “Good girl.”

  A flash of heat trickled along the nape of my neck.

  “We have about a thirty-minute drive to the restaurant. So, why don’t you tell me about your house shopping today,” he said.

  His hand slipped along my thigh and it distracted me. My eyes fell to his touch, watching his fingertips slip underneath the slit black fabric of my dress.

  “I don’t like to wait, Ciara.”

  I cleared my throat. “Um, it was good.”

  His fingers moved further along my leg. Until his hand fell between my inner thighs.

  “Did you find one suitable for us?” he asked.

  I nodded quickly. “I, uh…”

  “Focus, Ciara.”

  His lips fell against my bare shoulder and my legs parted softly.

  “Um, most of them were…were lacking. In…things.”

  “What sort of things?”

  His fingertips slid softly against the lacy black fabric of my panties.

  “Rooms,” I whispered.

  He nipped at my neck. “Not enough rooms. Okay.”

  “B-b-but—but there was…there was one. The—the last one.”

  His fingers slipped below my panties. “What about it?”

  “The windows.”

  “You liked the windows?”

  I nodded quickly. “They look out over the water. Big windows.”

  He kissed my neck. “So, you like things big. Got it.”

  His fingers parted my pussy folds and I slid further down into the seat.

  “What else did you like about this place?” he asked.

  His nose nuzzled the shell of my ear and all pretense fell from my mind. I couldn't focus. Couldn't breathe. Couldn't see straight as his fingertips fell against my clit. I bucked against his hand as he chuckled against my ear. My hand found his thigh and I gripped, clinging to any part of him I could find.

  “I’ll let it slide, but only this once,” he whispered.

  My eyes rolled back at the heat of his breath. His voice against my ear made me spiral into a darkness I never wanted to return from. My gut clenched. My toes curled. I knew my hair and my dress, and my makeup would be ruined after he was done with me. My juices dripped into my panties. I pressed back into him as his fingers explored my folds. Tucking themselves into crevices and tracing the entrance of my pussy.