Hidden Depths

After Maddison was in bed Dalton and I sat down on the couch. He poured two shots of crown royal before offering me one. I shrugged, throwing the drink back and swallowing fast. Dalton chuckled and set the bottle on the table by my empty glass.

“Okay,” Dalton said hesitantly. “What do you know about the Sicilian Mafia?”

“They go around kidnapping kids, killing people and selling guns to terrorists.” I shrugged.

He laughed humorlessly, “Kidnapping is not really our thing, and we don’t intentionally support terrorists. Though sometimes they bid the highest and end up with our products.”

I stared at him for a second, unsure whether I should be shocked or not. I had assumed it was something like this but the Mafia.

“You and Seth work for the Mafia?” I asked nervously. “That's really dangerous, what if you mess up and make your boss mad? He would just kill you."

“Not exactly.” Dalton looked really uncomfortable. “Seth’s father was the Capo Crimine, the Don.”

Meeting my confused glance, he sighed. “The boss of bosses so to speak. Seth took over for him, I am his underboss or second in command.”

“No, you guys own businesses.” I said disbelievingly.

He chuckled, “That is true, a lot of them.”

“How did you get into this?” I asked cautiously.

“Like you already know my parents took off, leaving me to find a way to take care of both Amber and myself. I couldn’t.” He frowned clearly angry. “When Seth moved here he was working a job for his dad at the park and saw us under a bridge. I had made a temporary camp there. We talked for a while, well he talked I glared defensively.”

I chuckled easily envisioning it. I had seen Seth sweet talk down defensive people almost as much as he sweet talked girls in school.

I poured myself a second shot.

“Anyway, he managed to convince me he could help us. He convinced his dad and soon we were staying with them and I was working for them. After a couple years I was able buy this property and start construction.” Dalton shrugged.

“What no sports cars or fancy suits to pay off.” I joked aloud.

Dalton stared at me for a minute, “My main goal was always to protect Amber. It’s not the most honest living, but I made the right choice.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just trying to process. I make stupid jokes when I’m thinking and drinking. I’m really sorry.” I bit my lip, suddenly remembering why I avoided drinking. “I know you did it out of need, and I don't judge you for that. However I do have a question.”

“What's that?” Dalton smirked.

“What does this mean for us?” I asked, my veins pulsing with liquid courage.

“What do you mean?” Dalton asked, leaning closer we were only inches apart.

“Do I have to be initiated to be with you? Or do you have to kill me now that I know the truth.” I smirked pushing even closer as he chuckled. His warm breath brush over my face.

“Neither. I got permission to tell you everything and you are free to do what you want.” He said his nose touching mine lightly.

My breathing hitched as he kissed my neck and I suddenly ached for more. I shifted so I was on top of him straddling him. I kissed him desperately pressing my hips harder against him. His arms wrapped behind me sliding up my shirt and squeezing me tightly to him.

I moaned, my hips moving involuntarily as I grabbed handfuls of his hair. I had never felt this burning longing to be with any man. With Seth it had been awkward, with Blake it had always been on his time and never good enough. Suddenly uncertainty caused me to pull away laying my forehead on his.

“What's wrong?” He asked breathlessly.

“I don’t know if I’m any good at this.” I admitted still breathing unevenly.

“I’m not sure what you mean by this, but if you mean this…” He leaned in kissing me deeply before pulling away, “Then you are amazing at it, but if you aren’t ready-”

I cut him off by sliding my shirt over my head before. His eyes burned with a desire I knew all too well. Quickly he lifted me and spun, laying me gently on my back and hovering over me. I hurriedly undid his pants and slid his shirt over his head.

Dalton chuckled and kissed his way down my neck. I couldn’t imagine anything better than how I felt in his embrace, and I knew this was where I wanted to stay.

The next morning I woke up in Dalton’s bed wrapped tightly in his embrace. I groan quietly, rolling over to bury my face in his bare chest. His grip tightened as he held me closer to him. He wore only a pair of basketball shorts, and I wore only his t-shirt. I wasn’t sure if I should be embarrassed or not, but I knew I was happy.

A loud crash came from the kitchen and both Dalton and I jumped up.

“Maddy!” I said wide eyed as I rushed out of the room with Dalton hot on my heels.

“I’m sorry, Miss Amber.” Maddison's words calmed me. At least I knew she wasn’t in there alone destroying everything.

“That okay sweetie…” Amber’s voice sounded somewhat panicked.

By now Dalton and I were walking, he reached over taking my hand in his. With a reassuring squeeze before he pushed the door open. We were greeted by a metal bowl upside down on the tile floor with it’s content splattered all over the kitchen. What appeared to be pancake batter covered the floor and cabinets.

When Maddison saw Dalton she squeaked and her eyes widened fearfully, “I’m sorry, it slipped!” She shrieked in fear.

I looked up biting back nerves. This was Dalton, I trusted him but seeing my daughter so afraid couldn’t help but want to hide her. Dalton stared wide eyed at the mess before biting his lip. To my astonishment he laughed.

“Wow, that is quite a mess. How much batter did you guys make?” Dalton asked, astonished.

“The whole bag.” Amber admitted sheepishly..

“It was a five pound bag…” Dalton laughed disbelievingly.

“I know, I had some help pouring it and it slipped. We decided to make frozen toaster pancakes.” Amber replied.

“I’m sorry…” Maddison said again, quietly stepping away.

“It’s okay baby girl, it was an accident.” Dalton said, he seemed to think for a minute before he approached her. “Let’s play a game, then at least this stuff will be put to use. Can you help me use it all?”

Maddison frowned at him, “How?”

Dalton crouched in front of her then grinned back at me mischievously. Before I could think to be wary he scooped up a handful of batter and threw it at me. The goop splashed all down my front and I gasped as the cold liquid soaked into his black t-shirt.

“Oh, you’re gonna pay for that.” I laughed.