Cat and Mouse (New York Mafia Syndicate #1)

Chapter 17 - Elizabeth

I wake up groggy and exhausted, the weight of a heavy arm resting on top of me. Panic washes over me as I struggle to piece together the events of the last two weeks. Memories flash before my eyes.

Him.

I carefully lift his arm off me, his deep breathing filling the room.

Leonardo shifts and rolls onto his back, and I take a moment to study him. His tousled bedhead of brown hair adds to his disheveled charm. My eyes wander to a glinting rosary hanging around his neck and the intricate tattoos that adorn his body.

I know that his back showcases a magnificent lion, its majestic mane and piercing eyes exuding strength and authority. The details of the lion's fur and the intensity in its eyes make it a masterpiece. It's a symbol of leadership and courage that leaves me in awe. I want to mark his back with my nails. I want to make him bleed as he thrusts into me. The thought is so acute that I feel a familiar ache between my thighs. What the hell is wrong with me?

A tattoo of crossed keys on his navel is an intriguing piece. There's also the small strip of tantalizing hair dipping below it. I want to run my fingers through it.

I can't help but trace my gaze over his well-sculpted muscles. My thoughts begin to blur with the memories of the time we've shared, and I silently retrace them—his fingers in me, his tongue on me.

His cock in me…

"You're staring," he murmurs, his husky tone catching me off guard. I hadn't even realized he was awake.

My heart races, and I feel the urge to distance myself.

"You should leave," I blurt out, sitting up and staring down at him. He opens his eyes, revealing a warm shade of blue in the soft afternoon light that streams through my window.

He shields his eyes from the sunlight with a half smile. "You really should get some curtains for this place."

My resolve hardens as I repeat, "You really should go."

His gaze shifts toward me, his lips curling in a subtle smile. "You're so beautiful in the morning light , " he says, his voice heavy with sleep. It sends shivers up and down my spine, and I suddenly feel very exposed. "I should go," he repeats, but makes no move to get up.

His presence beside me feels both inviting and unsettling. As much as I want him to leave, a part of me is reluctant to see him go.

"Yes, you should."

He sits up, letting the sheet fall lower. His muscles flex as he moves and stretches his arms upward. I've never had anyone in my space for this long, and it's making me sort of uneasy.

He reaches over and pinches my right nipple. My body immediately reacts, a low groan escaping my throat.

"One more orgasm for the road," he says, cocking an eyebrow at me.

I shouldn't be doing this. I can't be doing this.

I pull the sheets off him. His cock is already hard, bobbing up and down as I watch.

"Don't just stare, bella, sit on it."

I'm greedy for this man, and it scares me, but that doesn't stop me from wrapping my hand around his cock. He hisses as I move my hand up and down. The tip is already weeping for my attention. Unable to help myself, I lean in and lick the very top.

The saltiness hits my tongue immediately.

I'm already heady with desire as I slide my mouth over him and suck him once. His hips buck instinctively, filling my mouth, and his cock hits the back of my throat. I repeat the motion, and so does he. I'm ready to do it again when his hand wraps around my hair and stops me.

"Sit on it, Lizzie. You don't want me teaching you another lesson on obedience, do you?"

I remember him edging me to the point of insanity, how desperate and raw I felt. I shake my head.

"Then be a good little girl."

My fingers are shaking as I slide them up and down his cock. His hand is still pulling my hair, causing a prickling pain on my scalp.

His eyes are closed as he groans.

He opens his eyes and then smiles at me. His fingers slide through my hair before he settles back on his back.

"Now ride."

I'm clambering to straddle him. I line his cock with my entrance, rubbing it over my clit just to coat it with my wetness before I start to sink down slowly.

He's so big. His stretch is exquisite. My muscles are still so deliciously sore from fucking so much, but I'm motivated by the way he bites his lower lip as he watches me take him in. Gone is the charming man, back is the man who finger fucked me.

I start to lift to adjust to his position when his hands brace my hips and push me lower. I cry out as he splits me wide open. I'm struggling to accommodate him.

His hand reaches out between us to rub on my already throbbing clit. I relax the more he rubs, and after a few minutes, I'm already rocking back and forth. I love the way his cock feels so much deeper in this position.

Finally finding my rhythm, I start to ride him. He has an arrogant smirk on as he plays with my breasts, pinching and massaging them. My movement increases in speed, and I lean forward for balance. He meets me halfway, his lips sucking on my throat.

"Oh God!"

He chuckles as he smacks my ass once. "God is not in this room, bella."

Then he flips us over.

His cock slams into me in one quick stroke, causing all the air to whoosh out of me. I shiver as he pulls out and pushes back in.

I'm in awe of his ability to make me lose my mind.

His strokes are rough and relentless, and his filthy mouth fuels me on. I can't help but scratch my nails down his back.

He wraps his right hand on my neck and gently squeezes. My head goes light.

My breasts bounce with his motion.

My pussy squeezes around him as he roughly thrusts into me.

His hand comes between us, slapping my clit twice in quick succession, wrenching my orgasm out of me. It triggers his own, and he collapses on top of me a few minutes later.

I've barely caught my breath, but I'm already contemplating making a plan to see him again.

This can't be good.

I'm lying in bed, basking in the afterglow as Leo gently rubs soothing circles on my back. The warmth of his touch lulls me into a sense of peace and contentment, and I'm reluctant to move. The world outside can wait.

***

I wake up to an empty bed, the sheets still warm from his body. For a second, panic flares in my chest. Where the hell did he go? But then I catch a whiff of his scent lingering in the sheets—cologne mixed with something distinctly him—and I relax, if only a little.

Then I see it: a folded piece of paper on the bed. I grab it, unfolding it carefully, half expecting it to be some kind of goodbye. Instead, it's a note with his number scrawled in messy handwriting.

Call me when you want. Call me when you need me. Call me even if you don't , it says.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. A mix of relief and something else bubbles up inside me. I stretch, feeling the tension in my muscles from the weeks'… activities. God, they were incredible.

Before I can fully sink back into those memories, my phone rings. It's Captain Harris.

"Liz, you there?" His voice cuts through my bliss like a knife.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"You'll have to go with Matteo and Mike to ambush Herrera's place. We've got a lead."

"Are you kidding me? I haven't even—"

"No time for that. Get ready."

I hang up, irritation flashing through me. Guess it won't be that easy to come back from a break.

I throw on some clothes, not bothering with anything fancy, just jeans and a shirt.

When I get to the station, Matteo and Mike are already waiting for me, their expressions serious.

"You good?" Mike asks, concern etched on his face.

"Yeah, let's just get this over with."

The drive to Jose Herrera's house is tense. My mind drifts back to Leo and that goddamn note. I should probably be worried about that, but it's hard to focus with the adrenaline kicking in.

We arrive at the house, and it looks empty.

"This doesn't feel right," Matteo mutters, scanning the area.

"Let's check it out," I say, trying to sound braver than I feel.

We step inside, guns drawn, but the place is eerily quiet. Suddenly, the door slams behind us, and I whip around just in time to see a group of men storm in, guns raised.

"Shit!" I shout, diving into the next room, but it's too late. Gunfire erupts, and I feel a sharp pain in my leg. I scream, the sound ripping from my throat as I crumple to the floor.

"Liz!" I hear Matteo yell, but the world around me starts to blur. I'm barely aware of the chaos around me as I clutch my leg, blood seeping through my fingers.

Just when I think it's over, a familiar voice cuts through the chaos. "Can't I just turn my head before you get into trouble?"

I look up, and there's Leo, casually leaning against the doorframe like he didn't just show up out of nowhere.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I shout, trying to push myself up, but the pain is too much.

"Frankly, I don't care about anything else. I'm here for you," he says, stepping further into the room, surveying the scene.

I shake my head, desperation clawing at me. "My friends! The officers are in the other room! We need to—"

He cuts me off. "I don't care about them. I'm not letting you bleed out on this floor."

"Leo, please!" I beg, my voice strained. "I need to go to the hospital!"

He pauses, and I see the conflict in his eyes. "I've got a doctor. You don't need a hospital."

I try to pull myself up again, but it's no use. "I can't take any help from you. They'll suspect me. They'll know I—"

"Fuck," he says, running a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "I'll drop you off at the hospital, but you have to leave there alive, okay?"

I nod, tears stinging my eyes. "Okay."

He kneels down beside me, a hand cupping my cheek, and I see the determination in his gaze.

"It's just one bullet, Liz. You can survive this."

"Are you sure?" I ask, panic creeping in again.

He smiles, but I know it's just to make me feel better. "Of course. You're tougher than you look."

I manage a small laugh despite the pain. "Right."

"Now, let's get you out of here," he says, lifting me effortlessly into his arms.

As we make our way out, gunfire erupts again, but Leo doesn't hesitate. He moves fast, his grip on me firm and unyielding.

"Hold on tight," he murmurs, and I can hear the urgency in his voice.

I bury my face in his neck, inhaling his scent. "You better not drop me," I joke weakly, but it's half-hearted.

"Trust me, I won't," he says, and I believe him.

***

I blink awake, disoriented, the sterile smell of antiseptic flooding my senses. It takes a moment for the memory to hit me—gunfire, chaos, pain. My leg throbs, and I look down to see it bandaged up tight. Great. Just fucking great.

"Kane!" Captain Harris strides into the room, his face serious. "I've been trying to reach you."

"I've been trying to reach you, too!" I say, trying to sit up, but the pain shoots through my leg like lightning. "What the hell happened? We were ambushed!"

Harris pulls a chair closer and sits down, his brow furrowed. "Yeah, I heard. But you're okay now. Someone called 911 and got you out of there. The others, too. They're okay. Fuck Elizabeth. I would have never sent you there if I had known."

My stomach twists, and I already know who called for backup.

Leonardo. Of course.

"I don't know how I managed to get out," I say, avoiding his gaze. "I think I blacked out."

"Lucky for you," he replies, studying me. "What about Mike and Matteo? How did you guys end up separated? The officers at the station are so worried about you."

"They—" I hesitate, panic creeping in. "They were still inside. Are they—"

"They're fine," he assures me. "Just shaken up. Now, you need to rest. I'm taking you off all cases. I can't lose my best detective."

"Not this again." I roll my eyes, though it stings to hear it.

He chuckles, but then his phone rings. "Shit, hold on." He raises a hand as he answers. "Rest, Kane. We'll talk later."

As he leaves, I let my head fall back to the pillow. My leg throbs again, and I close my eyes, hoping to drift off. But before I can, a doctor strides in, clipboard in hand.

"Hey there, Elizabeth. How are we doing?"

"Just peachy," I mutter. "What's going on?"

"You're okay, nothing major was injured. Just a bullet in your leg. You'll need a cast for a short while, but I have some news."

I sit up straighter, the sudden movement making me grimace. "What news?"

He glances at his clipboard, then back at me. "You're pregnant."

"No fucking way!" I blurt out, nearly choking on my words. "I have an IUD!"

"Yeah, well, you were supposed to come in for a checkup after it was installed, but you never did," he says, his tone clinical.

I stare at him, stunned. I was so caught up in chasing the Phantom, I neglected my health. And now, here I am, pregnant. With the Phantom's kid. Isn't that fucking ironic?

"I need to think," I finally say, my voice steady despite the whirlwind inside my head.

He nods, his expression softening a bit. "The pregnancy is still very early. You have options if you decide you don't want to keep it."

"Great, just what I wanted to hear," I reply dryly.

He gives me a sympathetic smile. "I know it's a lot to take in. But you're okay otherwise. Just a bit of bruising, and the leg will heal up."

"Sure," I say, but the doubt lingers.

Am I really okay?

"You should be good to go in a few days. Just take it easy, and don't push yourself."

"Right, easy." I scoff, but there's a weight in my chest that's hard to shake.

"I'll give you some time to process everything. If you need anything, just hit that button."

"Thanks," I say, watching as he steps out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I stare up at the ceiling, my mind racing. I'm pregnant, injured, and mixed up with a fucking Mafia guy. This is just perfect.

And Leo? God knows what he's going to say.

***

The door clicks shut behind me, and I lean against it, letting out a breath. My apartment smells like stale coffee and panic. Just another day in my chaotic life. I slowly make my way to the couch, leg throbbing from the bullet wound.

I drop onto the cushions, wincing as the pain shoots through me. Shit. I should've taken those damn painkillers.

As I sink deeper into the couch, my phone buzzes on the coffee table. I glance at it—just a few texts from Captain Harris checking in.

"Just peachy," I mutter to myself, rolling my eyes. I type a quick reply and toss my phone aside, trying to push the chaos from my mind.

Then, the sound of footsteps outside my door jolt me upright. My heart races, and I grip the couch arm like it's a lifeline. I strain my ears.

They're getting closer, more than one set.

"Fuck," I whisper.

I slowly inch my way to the kitchen, hoping to stay quiet. I grab a knife from the counter, my hands shaking. This is a horrible idea, but I have to defend myself.

"Come on, Liz. Think," I hiss under my breath.

Suddenly, the front door bursts open. Two men flood in, wearing dark clothes and masks. My blood runs cold, and I stumble back, nearly dropping the knife.

"Where is she?" one of them growls.

I back away, ducking low, my adrenaline surging.

"Shut up!" the second guy snaps, his eyes scanning the room. "She has to be here."

My mind races. I need to get out. Fast. I dart out the other entrance to the kitchen and into the hallway, my heart hammering. I hear them curse and stomp around. I rush to the bathroom and slip inside, soundlessly closing the door as I hear their voices getting closer.

"Where is she?"

"Check the bedroom!"

I clutch the knife tight, holding my breath. They're in my apartment, and I'm trapped. I can't die here. Not like this.

I pull out my phone, my hands shaking as I dial Leo's number. I need him. Now.

"Come on, pick up," I mumble, pressing the phone to my ear.

"Hello?" His voice is a low rumble.

"Leo!" I whisper-yell. "I need you. I'm in trouble."

"What's wrong?"

"They're in my house!" I glance at the door, heart racing. "Two guys. I think they're here for me."

"Stay calm. Where are you?"

"In the bathroom," I say, glancing at the door again. "I don't know what to do."

"Just stay quiet. I'll be there."

The line goes dead, and I feel a wave of relief mixed with dread.

I hear footsteps getting closer, and I bite my lip, trying to keep quiet.

"Shit," one of the guys says. "I could have sworn she was here."

"Search the bathroom," the other one replies, and my heart sinks.

I can't let them find me. I back up into the shower, praying they don't check here. The doorknob rattles, and I hold my breath.

"Dude, she's not here. She must have slipped out."

"Search the damn apartment!"

They're getting closer. My fingers tremble around the knife, and I can't think straight.

Suddenly, I hear a loud crash from the living room. I'm guessing it's Leo.

"What the hell was that?" one of the guys shouts.

"Go check it out!"

"Fuck that. I'm not leaving you here."

I hear Leo's voice, low and menacing. "You really don't want to do this."

"Who the fuck are you?" one of the intruders yells.

"Your worst nightmare."

There's a scuffle, and I wince at the sounds of punches and grunts. I should be helping him, but I'm frozen.

"Get the fuck off me!" Leo growls.

"Leo!" I shout, desperation clawing at me. "I'm in here!"

"Stay put!"

The noise escalates. I creep toward the door and open it a crack. I can't see much, just a blur of movement in the hallway. I want to rush out, but I can't. Not yet.

"Where's the girl?" I hear Leo growl. "You don't want to hurt her."

"She's a dead woman walking."

"Not if I have anything to say about it."

I grip the knife tighter, ready to leap out if I need to.

"Get him!" one of the guys yells, and I hear another loud thud, then six gun shots in quick succession.

Then, everything goes silent. I hold my breath, waiting, hoping Leo's okay.

A moment later, Leo appears at the bathroom door, breathing hard, his shirt torn. "Liz, come on!"

I scramble out, rushing into his arms. "Thank God you're here!"

He holds me tight, his grip firm, reassuring. "We need to go. Now."

"What about them?" I ask, looking into the hallway.

"Forget them. I'll deal with it."

He pulls me toward the door, and I follow him, adrenaline pumping through my veins. "I'm not leaving you here."

"You don't have a choice." He pulls me outside, leading me to his car parked down the street. "Get in!"

I jump in the passenger seat, my leg screaming in protest, but I don't care. I need to get out of here.

"Start the car," he snaps, glancing back at the apartment.

I turn the key, and the engine roars to life. "What about the cops?"

"Not now. They'll take too long." He shuts my door, circles the car, and jumps into the driver's seat.

"What do you mean?"

"I have a place we can go. Safe."

"Leo—"

"Just trust me, okay?"

I nod, but doubt lingers. "Where are we going?"

"To my place. We can figure everything out there."

Leo pushes the gas pedal down, and we speed away from my apartment. I glance at him, trying to read his expression. He looks fierce, determined.

"I'm so glad you came," I say, breathless.

"Of course I came. You're not going through this alone."

I bite my lip, my mind racing. What the hell just happened?

As we drive through the night, I try to calm my racing thoughts. I can't shake the feeling that this isn't over. Not by a long shot.