The Accardi Twins: A Mafia Romance Duet

Chapter 26

Chapter Twenty-Six

Caleb

“ H e’s got that goofy grin on his face again,” Cristian says, yanking me out of the delicious daydream playing on a loop in my head.

I’m reliving Sunday night on repeat because it was magical. Who’d have thought a night in front of the fire, sharing a bottle of red wine, and binge-watching some popular historical romance show, would turn out to be one of the best nights of my life. But it was, and it’s all because of Lili. Holding her in my arms and getting to kiss her at will is something I’ve only dared to dream about, and now it’s my new reality.

Lili turns the mundane into the surreal, and suddenly life has new meaning. The restless unfulfillment that has plagued me the past year is a diminishing sentiment now I have the woman of my dreams in my life.

Everything makes sense with Lili, and nothing seems insurmountable. I’ve been walking on a cloud since Sunday, and I didn’t even get laid. Didn’t even sleep beside her because we slept in different bedrooms in the west wing, and I was A-okay with that. I meant it when I told her she will set the pace. I don’t want her to feel under pressure to have sex. My blue balls can wait until she’s ready.

“He’s had that look on his face constantly the past two days,” Joshua replies, handing me a cup of coffee as we wait for the rest of The Commission members to arrive for the meeting.

“You’re in no position to throw shade.” I jab a finger at my brother.

“Truth.” Cristian grins, slapping me on the back. “I’m looking forward to a nice payout come year’s end.” He rubs his hands with glee.

“I’ll gladly double the pot if it means I get Lili up the aisle this year.”

“You might want to keep sentiments like that to yourself around Alesso,” Ben says, entering the room and overhearing.

“We’re cool,” I say. “As long as I don’t hurt her and never ever make her cry,” I add, repeating the words Alesso said Sunday night when we spoke. Despite what Serena said, I was expecting a brutal lecture, but he didn’t go there. He simply told me to take care of her and to not hurt her or I’d have him to deal with. I can respect that.

“I hope it works out,” Ben adds, squeezing my shoulder. “Elisa is a sweetheart.”

“She is, and I’m a lucky bastard.”

The others arrive, and Massimo calls the meeting to order. Pagano and Agessi dial in from Florida and Vegas, listening attentively as Mazzone, Maltese, and our president give us an update on the meeting in Ireland with Puccinelli and the Naples Camorra crew. It was a rousing success, and a peace deal has been negotiated, meaning there are no more threats to our families or our businesses.

“Are you sure they weren’t yanking our chain?” I ask, not sure if I’m buying it.

“As sure as we can be. They have never wanted war. Maximo Greco led them to believe we were all corrupt power-hungry animals and we were sabotaging the name of the Italian mafia in the U.S.”

“And they just accepted him at his word?” Cristian asks.

“Not at all,” Fiero says. “It took years for Maximo to convince them they needed to intervene. At first, they sought refuge there, claiming it wasn’t safe after the bombing, and the Camorra welcomed them and ensured they were cared for. They didn’t ask for anything but shelter, biding their time. It seems Maximo and Primo spent years building a tangled web of lies behind the scenes and gradually pulling others into their net. They timed it perfectly, only approaching Puccinelli when they believed they could convince him they had to intervene. They played up what happened with DeLuca and suggested we were targeting them next, wanting to wipe out any competition in Italy from coming after our territory. Cruz and Marino supported those claims, stating it was why there were traitors willing to go against omerta to save the sanctity of the organization.”

“I can’t believe they fell for it,” Volpe says.

“They weren’t fully sold,” Ben says, “but this is the clincher.” He sits up straighter. “Greco told them he had evidence that would prove we were all corrupt. Puccinelli attacked on the basis of seeing that intel once they made it to the U.S.”

Joshua and I trade looks.

“That’s what they think is in the files?” I ask.

Massimo nods. “If what my father told them is true, and that’s a big if, Gino gathered information on all the families as insurance in the run-up to the warehouse bombing. I am guessing some are legit records of illegal activity, but other intel is fabricated to present every famiglia in the worst possible light.”

Ben clears his throat and cracks his knuckles. “Gino knew the screws were turning, and he didn’t trust Maximo even if they had allied behind The Commission’s back. He would have turned us all in if we turned on him and taken control, with or without Greco. He must have threatened Maximo with revealing it should he double cross him. That’s how he knew it existed.”

“But it doesn’t,” Joshua says, scratching the back of his neck. “We have gone over those files extensively, and the software program Philip set up didn’t find anything either.”

“Because we were looking for the wrong thing.” Fiero’s eyes light up. “The intel is in a lockbox in a bank somewhere. Gino stored the key in those files.”

J and I exchange another look. “It’s hidden in one of the folders,” I surmise because it’s the only thing that makes sense.

Ben nods. “As soon as this meeting is finished, we are heading to your office, Joshua, to find it.”

“So, Maximo wanted the Barone to find the intel first to fully lock down the Italian’s support, presuming they would have lapped up that shit.”

“Exactly. When the Barone failed in their mission, he convinced Puccinelli to go ahead with their planning. They had already purchased the sub and had men lined up here. He promised he’d provide the evidence once they landed in New York.”

“What does this peace deal entail?” Agessi asks.

“We agree not to bring the mafioso into disrepute and to meet annually with our Italian compatriots to discuss mutual business interests. As long as we keep our noses clean, they will stay out of our territory, and we’ll stay out of theirs,” Massimo says.

“What about Cruz?” I ask. “Did they help him to escape?”

“Puccinelli said they argued on the sub about the next course of action. The Italians wanted to adopt a cautious approach and to reach out to us to talk, but Cruz flew into a rage because they wouldn’t back him to take control in Maximo’s place. They cut all ties when they dropped him and his men off in Delaware and there has been no contact since.”

“He’s coming for us,” Cristian coolly replies in between sips of water. “My brother is a stubborn prick, and if it’s power he wants, he won’t stop until he gets it?—”

“Or he dies trying,” I add.

“He has no allies,” Pagano says.

“That we know of,” Mantegna replies.

“Cruz is stubborn, but he’s not stupid. He’s got something up his sleeve,” I say.

“Until we know what it is, everyone remains on guard,” Massimo advises. “For now, let’s find this key and get our hands on the intel before someone else does.”

The doorbell chimes as I’m finishing getting dressed later that night for my first official date with Lili, and I glance at the time on my watch, wondering if it’s my twin with an update on the key. Tucking my shirt into the waistband of my pants, I leave my bedroom and pull up the lobby cameras, cursing when I see who’s at my door. I do not have time for her shit today.

“What do you want, Anais?” I ask when I yank the door open.

“Jeez, what flew up your butt?” she inquires, strolling into my apartment like she owns it. She’s wearing a flimsy robe that barely covers her semi-naked body and high-heeled slippers. Wine fumes tickle my nostrils as she brushes past me, and it’s clear she’s pretty trashed. “What the fuck is going on?” Her eyes are out on stalks as she skims her gaze over my pristine apartment.

“I’m going out, Anais. What do you want?”

She scowls and narrows her eyes. “I left some of my products in your bathroom, and I need them.”

“Then be my guest but make it quick.”

She totters off upstairs, and I follow her movements on my cell through the camera feed, watching as the lying little bitch rifles through the drawers in my bedside tables before wandering into my closet. She’s clearly looking for something, but what?

I’m tempted to haul her conniving butt out of my place, but I have more to gain from pretending I don’t know.

“Time’s up, Anais,” I holler up the stairs after a couple of minutes. I watch her scowling and cursing me under her breath on the feed. She stalks into the bathroom, returning a minute later with a bottle of shampoo and conditioner.

She clomps down the stairs, swaying and almost losing her footing. “Where are you going anyway?” Her gaze rakes over me with a pout.

“None of your business.”

“You’re no fun anymore,” she says, putting her hands on my chest and pressing up against me.

“For the last time, I’m not interested.” I remove her hands from my body and step back. “Go call your little fuck buddy on the third floor if you’re bored and horny.” Yes, Anais, I am watching you.

“Jealous, baby?” she purrs.

“Never.”

Her eyes flare with murderous intent. “I don’t know what I ever saw in you.”

“Ditto.” I point toward the door. “Now, leave.”

“You can’t keep me locked in this building forever, Caleb,” she calls out as she walks off.

“No one is keeping you here, Anais. You are free to leave whenever you like.” I flash her a grin as I slam the door in her face. I chuckle as I watch her flip me the bird repeatedly on camera.

On my way out to pick up Lili, I call the twenty-four-seven team watching Anais for updates. “There are none, Don Accardi. The only time she ever goes out is to the salon, and man, is that bitch vain. She goes at least three or four times a week. Apart from that, she orders groceries and food deliveries, and her only visitor is Giotto.”

“She was just snooping in my place. I don’t trust her. Make sure someone has active eyes on her at all times.”

“Will do, boss.”