Before I can blink, Mr. Russo lifts me off the ground into a tight bear hug. “Hey, put my girl down.” Hudson teases, “You have your own woman.”
“Stingy fucking kid,” his father grumbles and sets me on my feet. “We’re happy to finally meet you.” He smiles down at me before turning to lead us into the house. “None of you kids share worth a damn,” he mumbles as we follow him.
A stunning older woman rushes into the foyer and wraps her hands around my face. “You’re beautiful.” After hugging me, she looks over at Hudson. “How did you convince her to give you the time of day?”
“Mom, he probably drugged her.” There’s a group standing in the doorway. The hot guy who spoke resembles Hudson, but he’s way bigger and a few years younger than my man. He walks over and sticks his hand out to me. “Hi, I’m Eric, the good-looking brother.”
“The dead motherfucking brother,” Hudson growls behind us and pulls me out of his younger brother’s reach.
Eric throws back his head and laughs while everyone else walks up. Mrs. Russo introduces me to the rest of the family. His other younger brother, Brendan, who’s equally handsome is next. And last, I meet his stunning sister and her husband, Bianca and Jake, and their adorable six-year-old twins, Rory and Anthony.
“Thank God. Another woman.” Bianca throws her arms around my neck and squeezes. “I’ve been freaking overrun with testosterone.” Then she steps back and shudders.
Mrs. Russo nods in agreement before pointing at the kitchen. “Would you girls come and help me finish dinner?” Bianca laces her fingers with mine, and we follow her.
Midway through the meal, I’m starting to relax when Eric looks over at Hudson and smirks. “I’m shocked you were the one to rob the cradle.”
My gasp fills the room as Hudson races around the table, grabs his brother by the throat, and pulls him out of his chair. “You fucker, that’s not the way to start this shit.”
He punches his brother in the eye, and his mother jumps up. “Frank, do something.”
Mr. Russo whistles loudly, and Hudson stops shaking his brother. They both look at their father. “Eric, you’re a moron. That’s the last time I give you a task. Rory does better than you.” He doesn't make sense, and I wonder if they’re all crazy. “Now, apologize to this sweet little lady.”
Eric looks sheepishly at me. “I’m sorry. We’re so happy this big moron found someone as wonderful as you. We actually figure he’s kidnapped you.”
“FUCKER!” Hudson grabs him again and drags him out of the room.
Mr. Russo looks over at his wife. “We’re going out back to let off a little steam. Come on, boys.” To my amazement, all the men get up and follow him. Even the twins.
Sitting back, I scratch my head and turn to the other two women. Bianca smiles at me. “It’s time you learn all about the Russo men and what they really do when they go out back to let off a little steam.”
Chapter 9
Hudson
Ever since I can remember, the Russo boys have left the table to head out back to blow off a little steam at the end of family dinners. We take turns picking a fight with each other as our excuse and put on a pretty damn good show. My mother knows we’re really going to the game room and watching sports, but she never complains. In high school, we invited our dad to join us. Once Jake married Bianca, he became a member of the Russo crew, and we eventually included the twins. Tonight, I hope my mother explained everything to my girl. I’m still seething at Eric. The moron had one job, and he screwed it up royally.
“My brother is an idiot.” I look over at Kat and pray I don’t have to kidnap her.
“Your mom explained everything to me. I don’t know if I’m supposed to admit that to you or not.” She looks at me and shrugs. “To be honest, I’m kind of still processing your family.”
I pick up her hand, needing to feel some part of her close to me. “If you try to run, I’ll chase you,” I tell her, only half-joking. “Please, don’t let the craziness run you off.”
She looks over and smiles at me. “I love your family. They’re insane but loveable.” Relief hits me as she squeezes my hand. “I’m having lunch with Bianca this week. I know she’ll love Darla.”
Thank God, the nutty Russo clan hasn’t scared my girl off.
We fall into a pattern over the next few months. Bianca and my mom love Kat. They worry I’m going to do something to fuck up this relationship and have threatened to beat me to within an inch of my life if I run off their favorite girl. We spend most of our time at my house. Although I tried to convince Kat to give up her apartment and move in with me, she refused and told me we could discuss it again later. I have no patience. We’ll be revisiting this conversation soon.
“Alan, I need that Anderson file.” My laziness is the only reason the little asshole still has a job. He hasn’t improved much over the last few months.
I take a deep breath and count to ten when my door opens; the fucker walks in without knocking. “I’ll get it after lunch. I have a date.” He’s dressed in ironed khakis and a clean, navy polo shirt today instead of his usual wrinkled, slept-in looking outfit. Must be an important date. Too bad. The stupid shit knows he only gets thirty-minute breaks, and he’s always leaving early.
My grip on the chair handle nearly dents the metal. This fucking asshole. “Don’t bother coming back from your date.”
His eyes narrow as he sneers, “You might want to reconsider. You’ll regret firing me.”
Not going to happen. I’m sorry I waited until now. “Get out.”
I pull in the garage and sigh, a headache pounding in the back of my skull. I need to see my girl to ease some of the tension running through me. Kat is sitting on the sofa and smiles at me when I step into the living room. “Hey, you look beat.” She stands and walks over to wrap her arms around my waist.
“God, I missed you today.” I kiss her soft lips and my body relaxes.
She looks into my eyes and pouts. “Did Daddy have a bad day at work?”
Growling, I throw her smart ass over my shoulder and smack her luscious little rear end while rushing up the stairs. “You just have to fucking torture me, don’t you?” I turn my head and lightly nip the soft skin of her waist that’s exposed as her shirt rides up.
Kat squeaks and fidgets. “Come on. You love it.”
“I love you,” I tell her as she bounces on my shoulder.
“I love you so much, Daddy.” When she reaches down and pinches my ass, I give her another smack.
“I’m going to turn your bottom red if you don’t behave,” I warn, and the little shit eggs me on.
“Promises, promises, Daddy.”
After racing into the bedroom, I drop her to the floor and tug her shirt over her head. “Pull your pants off and get on the bed.”
Her blue eyes darken to sapphire as she follows my command. I tear off my clothes and drop them into a heap at my feet. Stalking over to the bed, I growl, “Get up on your knees and face the wall.” She’s about to get her wish. When she hesitates, I slap her bare pussy, and she jumps. I position my girl so she’s kneeling on the bed with her hands on the top of the headboard. “We’re going to play my way tonight.”