Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
A lejandro
The woman could drive me crazy.
So much so that I had no understanding of what I was doing. I’d reacted or perhaps I’d overreacted to her constant push and pull. I’d been furious with her father when he’d dared treat her as an object, but I was doing the exact same thing.
Even though my cock was hard as a goddamn rock. I’d never disciplined a woman before, but my instinct had fallen to the action without a second guess.
As Carmella continued struggling in my arms, I felt a sense of possessiveness that surprised me as much as Don Santorelli’s request I marry her had. Between her rapidly reddening ass and the growing scent of her desire, I was intoxicated.
When a man cleared his throat, I threw my head in that direction, instantly reaching for my weapon. That allowed her the opportunity to push herself off my lap. She stumbled to her feet, cursing under her breath as she did.
“Sorry to interrupt you, boss, but everyone is looking for you. And for Ms. Lupini.” Gio stood at the entrance to the garden, obviously uncomfortable since he’d turned his body to the side. What? To offer some privacy?
What a dumbass I’d been to punish her in the open. Any discipline needed was a private matter. Fuck me. I was already thinking like a husband of a mafia princess. Sighing, I didn’t acknowledge him right away, tilting my head to study the way Carmella was fuming. She was also ashamed we’d been seen, holding her hand in front of her face.
“Yes, Gio. I imagine they are. We’ll be right there,” I told him.
He didn’t act as if he was eager to walk away. I noticed a slight smirk on his face and was angry enough I almost wiped it off with my fist.
“Do you need me to wait?” he asked.
My first reaction was to laugh, but I held back. “No. I do not. As I said. We’ll be right there.” I didn’t need to explain myself or my actions to anyone any longer. That was something I’d reminded myself of the night before as I’d paced my bedroom, unable to rid my mind of thoughts regarding my previous life.
The mental image of my daughter on her birthday would never leave my mind.
“Yes, sir. Ms. Lupini. Good to see you again.” He walked away, his shoulders slumped.
I stood, pulling out a handkerchief that had been shoved into my pocket and wiping wine from my face. She was watching me like a hawk, remaining quiet, which I already knew wasn’t like her.
When I moved closer, I wasn’t certain whether to expect she’d run away or stand her ground. I was pleasantly surprised she refused to budge. If I had any chance of maintaining the heightened lie, I couldn’t do so with a doormat as a wife. I wasn’t that kind of man.
Not that I knew what kind I was any longer.
None of my actions were familiar anymore.
I’d almost killed her father’s Underboss when he’d attempted to stop me from seeing to my fiancée’s needs. The word and understanding of who and what she was about to become was still foreign to me. I’d wanted to take out my aggressions on him, especially since I’d seen him leer at Carmella more than once.
Right now, the best thing was to keep my anger in check. How long that would last remained to be seen.
She smoothed down her dress and I was once again drawn to how beautiful she truly was. I hadn’t allowed myself to think that way before since she was initially promised to someone else. Betrayal of that kind was considered as reprehensible as being a rat.
However, tonight she was the epitome of a picture-perfect beauty. With long raven hair spilling around her shoulders in spirals, a body-hugging violet dress that managed to capture the luminous glow in her chocolate irises, and her long legs accentuated by tall heels, my cock had been aroused immediately.
I’d determined she’d chosen her attire specifically, a vixen hellbent on refusal. She’d wanted every man in the room to crave her, but had planned from the beginning on denying every one of them. She wouldn’t be able to do that with me. She was mine.
At least according to a signed contract between the two Dons. The practice was Neanderthal, but arranged marriages held a place inside various political organizations. Not just criminal ones.
“You’ll need to trust me, Carmella.”
“Why should I do that? I don’t even know you.”
I turned to face her, maintaining a distance so she wouldn’t feel pushed. “Because there are some very bad men who want to end your father’s life. I assure you they will stop at nothing to get to him, including abducting or killing the man’s children. While I know you’re angry with him and have every right to feel that way, if our union is seen as a ploy, the weakness will be exploited. That will begin to unravel both syndicates from the inside out. We can’t allow that to happen.”
She darted her eyes back and forth across mine, taking in and processing what I’d just said. “Do you have any idea who it could be?”
“No, not yet. But I will find out. I can only do that with your help. Can we call a truce for tonight at least?” I don’t know what possessed me to hold out my arm when what we were about to do was nothing more than a glorified business relationship.
Although the thoughts that had formed in the back of my mind were anything but professional.
She eyed my hand as if I was offering her a grenade, but finally placed hers into mine. I experienced the same heated connection as before, perhaps even more so this time. There was no denying we had chemistry, but she would fight our attraction with everything she had.
The beautiful, vivacious woman was certainly nothing like her father. She was even more intelligent and had a sense of power she’d yet to identify.
Or exploit.
She’d be a formidable adversary. It was a good thing I planned on taming her completely, bending to my will.
“Fine. We will put on a good front tonight, Alejandro. However, that doesn’t mean I’ve changed my mind. And I will tell you this. If you dare put a move on my baby sister or attempt to harm my family in any way, trust me. There won’t be a hole big enough you can crawl into where I won’t find you.”
“I might be many things, Carmella.”
“Including a monster,” she all but interrupted.
“I’ll accept that. What I am not is a pedophile. I would never touch your sister. Any man who did that should be castrated as a first course of action. As far as your family, the first promise I will make to you is that I will protect them as if they were my family. Meaning with my life.”
She seemed somewhat taken aback by my oath. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“I’m sure you will.”
“You don’t want to cross me.”
A smile crossed my face. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Do that. It will make things much easier in the end.” As she walked away, my balls tightened.
The arrangement was supposed to be a business transaction, but she’d just made it very personal.
By doing nothing but being herself.
* * *
“Fuck. You looked very much the Underboss,” Gio said as he flanked my side.
I was studying the crowd of people who’d gathered in almost every room. The party was almost as lavish as the birthday party from only days before. However, the slightly more intimate setting of remaining inside the estate made securing the premises much easier.
I’d insisted everyone be checked at the front door for weapons. That didn’t mean a few hadn’t been brought in via ankle holsters, but I’d doubted Don Lupini had wanted to engage in body or cavity searches.
“I’m merely doing my job, Gio. I suggest you do yours.” I glanced down at the drink he had in his hand and he immediately noticed my harsh gaze.
He placed the drink on the tray of a passing waiter, dropping his head in a nod of respect. It would take a while for those who’d been mostly on an even playing field to see me as their boss.
They would learn if I needed to remind them on a daily basis. Including physically.
“Go check the perimeter again. I don’t want a single interruption during this party. Do you understand?”
“Absolutely, boss. I’m on it.”
I nodded in passing and locked my gaze on my bride to be. She was busy chatting with her sister, the younger girl throwing me glances every so often. I thought it reprehensible Don Lupini had tossed the seventeen-year-old out as an option. What kind of father did that to his daughter?
I would never allow Jessica to date. An ache formed in my chest just thinking about my sweet girl. I’d already begun to realize it was a distinct possibility she’d never see her father again.
I’d driven by my sister’s house on the way home from meeting with Louis. I don’t know what had possessed me to do it other than I’d needed to see the little girl with my own eyes. I was beginning to distrust the DEA. It had been made readily apparent they’d stop at nothing to make their names with high profile arrests.
Including at the expense of me and my family.
Sighing, I noticed Don Santorelli had finally made an entrance, Bronco and another man who’d been promoted to a Capo flanking his side. He was immediately met by a waitress, and was the only one of the three accepting a drink.
To Sasha Lupini’s credit, she immediately approached the powerful man, acting as if she was honored to have his presence. I finally headed to one of three bars, ordering another scotch. When I turned around, I noticed the two Dons were chatting as if they were old friends. I was torn with how I felt about it. This change in operations had been unexpected enough, I’d yet to wrap my arms around my new position and the fact there was someone stalking both families.
Brand new territory.
Not to mention the wedding date had already been selected, mentioned to me in passing as if it was just another business meeting.
What would it mean to Carmella other than a loss of freedom?
I finally turned my attention in her direction, a smile trying to form on my face. She was doing her best to keep her end of the insufferable deal we’d made only thirty minutes before. Her smile could light up a room, her effervescence entirely different than when she’d stormed from the house. I almost wondered what she had up her sleeve.
As I moved through the crowd of people toward her, almost every guest shifted easily. But all eyes were on one or the other of us. The news had already been spread to the correct people. By morning, there wouldn’t be a single crime syndicate from here to Chicago and down through Baltimore that wasn’t aware of our impending nuptials.
I’d been in the business long enough to know that would either present itself with what our enemies felt was a golden opportunity to strike or would put the fear of God into them buying us some time.
Either way, my men would be ready for an impending attack.
The feelers on the streets were coming back with some information, but not enough to form a correct opinion on who’d been behind the attack. I was itching to discover something. Anything.
“You’re lost in thought,” Carmella said. She kept the smile even though she was inches from me, even waving to someone across the room.
“Aren’t the both of us? You’re a marvelous actress.”
She laughed with such bitterness in her tone I could feel it vibrating in my bones. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”
“Michael Lupini, and I suppose you’re the one required to marry my sister.” The young man’s voice was just beginning to grow to the deep tone held by his father. He wasn’t holding out his hand, merely stating a fact he obviously didn’t like.
“That is correct. Alejandro Banderas.”
“Like the movie star from a hundred years ago. Kind of. Wait. That was Zorro. Right?” Amber joined him, both so much like their half-sister.
“Enough, both of you. You don’t need to worry about what’s happening in my life. You know I can take care of myself.” Carmella was enjoying the fact they’d come to her defense. If only Don Santorelli’s son felt the same. He’d come to the hospital once to see his father, leaving after only five minutes and only after tossing nasty looks in my direction.
“I assure you that I will take very good care of your sister. She’s important to me.”
Carmella almost choked, hiding behind her glass as soon as she did.
“I know why this is happening, but if you hurt her, you’ll need to deal with me.” Michael cocked his head, waiting until I acknowledged what he’d said.
The two teenagers left together, very much a formidable pair themselves. “You have them well trained.”
“Don’t tell my father that,” she said. “He’ll beat it out of them.”
“I won’t allow that to happen either.” I moved in front of her.
“You seem to believe you have some sort of authority, Alejandro. Sadly, you’re one of those types that will need a few brutal realities for you to understand you’re very much a pawn like I am.”
I inched closer, placing my hand on the small of her back. She shuddered from my touch. “Don’t underestimate what I’m capable of handling, my sweet bride to be. I just might surprise you.”
“I doubt it.”
Her father cleared his throat as he took to the center of the room.
“Here we go. D-day,” she whispered.
I pushed her forward, finding my body as stiff as hers, but likely for an entirely different reason. I didn’t like the fact that two powerhouses and their upper ranking officers were all in the same location. Invitations had been sent out, the media already alerted.
Breaches would be easy at this point. Yes, I knew the reason behind how the announcement was being handled, but I also knew how thugs and law enforcement thought.
I had two weapons secured in holsters, my men all carrying weapons themselves. In two SUVs were assault rifles, although using them would be as a last resort.
As I pushed her forward, there were already oohs and aahs from several of the women. We did make a handsome-looking couple.
Carmella was stiff, her breathing labored.
“My friends. My family. I am honored to have you with us on this very special evening.”
As soon as Carmella’s father started to speak, I noticed she’d paled. While she was holding the practiced smile on her face, even her body was swaying.
I kept my hand on the small of her back, my attempt at providing some sense of comfort only keeping her darting harsh looks in my direction.
A waiter offered champagne to Don Lupini and his wife first before several of them appeared from the two entrances to the room, ensuring everyone accepted a glass. To refuse would be a noted sign of disrespect.
Carmella was the last to take one, her fingers white-knuckled as she held the crystal flute. Don Santorelli was practically beaming, although he’d been offered a seat since his recovery was still more difficult than that of Don Lupini. They were all putting on a good show, acting as if their two worlds hadn’t been challenged only days before.
“I’m so pleased to announce the engagement between my brilliant and beautiful daughter, Carmella to the love of her life and the new Underboss of the Santorelli family, Alejandro Banderas. Please raise your glass in a toast to the joining of our two families. Possa la tua benedetta unione portare gioia, pace, e amore da ora fino alla fine dei tempi .”
May your blessed union bring joy, peace, and love from now until the end of time.
Almost everyone in the room expressed their good wishes in Italian as well. I turned toward my bride to be, gently guiding her by her arm to encourage her to do the same. The smile was even brighter than before, but her eyes saved no prisoners.
She was furious, determined to stop the forbidden union long before we took our vows. As I took her into my arms, she stiffened as she’d done before. I nuzzled in her ear, whispering so only she would hear.
“You’re beautiful when you’re angry. Never forget, you are mine.”
I was well aware my possessive nature was not what she needed, but with her, everything I’d valued seemed to take an alternative turn. I didn’t just want our union in name only. I wanted all of her.
Including the full surrender of her body.
I slipped my fingers behind her long neck, keeping my grip firm. As I lowered my head, she hissed, managing to bite my lower lip before I could kiss hers. The instant coppery taste of blood in my mouth was no deterrent. I captured her mouth with utter passion, holding her tightly against my body.
She didn’t fight my tongue as I explored her mouth, the act being carefully watched by everyone. The consummate actress within her continued and she rolled her open hand over my shoulder, tangling her fingers in my hair. While the intimate moment was being captured by everyone in the room, for a few seconds it felt as if we were all alone.
If that was the case, I’d be doing much more than just kissing her.
When I finally backed away, she licked her lips, dragging the tip of her tongue across the single drop of blood remaining. Only when everyone began to clap was the spell broken.
She forced herself to pull away, running her fingers down my shirt. As she leaned forward, I was rewarded with the sound of her husky voice. “Your collar is stained with wine.”
“Imagine if it was blood.”
Through several handshakes and claps on the back, minutes passed. All the while I was conscious of the comings and goings in the room, Gio giving me an okay nod from the doorway. At least all was quiet.
Carmella escaped the clown show first, leaving the room without saying a word to anyone. I pushed my way through the crowd, forced to smile and nod, giving thanks to a few others. When I reached the hallway, Gio motioned where she’d gone.
“I have some news,” he said.
“Which is?”
“One of our men was stupid. He opened his mouth.”
“Meaning?”
Gio stopped talking when a couple moved into the hallway, taking their time headed toward the dining room. He moved closer to keep our conversation private. “He sold off information.”
I took a deep breath, feeling instant rage. “One of our own?”
“Yep. He was about to become a made man. Stupid fuck.”
“Where is he?”
“Bronco has a couple guys keeping an eye on him. He’s at his house.”
“His name?”
“Marco Rivera.”
I knew Marco. He’d been one of those men who’d grown up surrounded by mobsters. He ate, slept, and drank with them and had since he was twelve years old. He’d never appeared as a guy who could be bought, loyal to the core.
“Then I guess we pay the man a late-night visit. We leave in an hour.”
“Yes, sir. Should I tell Don Santorelli?”
“No. Not yet. Let me handle the situation first. Then I’ll have a talk with him.”
“Whatever you say, boss.”
I headed in the direction where Carmella had gone, finding her in the kitchen. She was standing by the sink, one hand gripping the edge. With her head leaned over, I wasn’t able to see her face. She sensed the moment she wasn’t alone, her body stiffening more than before.
Little feet sounded behind me, a small child barging into the room. At first, he had his eyes on Carmella, but when he noticed me, he stopped short.
Carmella turned, throwing her hate-filled gaze toward me. When she opened her mouth, the young boy spun around almost military style, throwing out his hand to shake mine.
“I’m Gabriel Lupini. Who are you?”
I took his hand, shifting my gaze from her face back to his. I leaned over, shaking it gently, but he was having none of it, more forceful than a boy of his age should be. “I’m Alejandro Banderas.”
He wrinkled his nose, finally nodding as if accepting my presence. “What’s a fi-nan-ce?” He struggled to get the word out.
“Do you mean fiancé?”
Carmella took a step forward, but I shot her a look this time. She remained a few feet away, shifting back and forth on her heels.
“Yes,” he said.
“Well, that means your mother and I are engaged. We are going to be married. Then the three of us will be a family.”
She gasped slightly, anguish furrowing on her face. I’d known she had a child, but meeting him this way was a stark, cold reminder that there was so much at stake.
So very much.
He pulled his hand away, tipping his head over his shoulder to look at his mother. She swallowed hard, almost pleading with her eyes to be gentle about whatever I was going to say.
“Does that mean you’re my new daddy?”
Jesus Christ. I’d become someone I didn’t recognize any longer, incapable of feeling anything but a single emotion, rage. Yet as I crouched down to his size, able to stare him in the eyes, I was reminded there was so much more to life than power and violence. “Gabriel, I will never try and take the place of your father. But I would like to be your friend. Do you think that’s possible?”
I’d never seen a child contemplate an answer to the degree he’d done, but when he spoke, I sensed Carmella was doing her best to hold back tears. “Yes, I think we can do that.”
A girl stepped into the room. As soon as she entered my periphery of vision, I was immediately annoyed at the interruption.
“I’m so sorry, Ms. Lupini. He just slipped away. I apologize.”
“Don’t worry about it, Teresa. That’s fine.”
Teresa eyed me warily before bending down. “Come on, Gabriel. Why don’t we play a game?”
Gabriel didn’t say anything for a few seconds and I dared not move. But when he threw his arms around my neck, I had no idea how to react. If he only knew what having little arms around me did. I was thrown by the sweetness, sucking in and holding my breath.
I lifted my head just enough to be able to look into Carmella’s eyes. They were wide open, as if she was shocked that I’d reacted the way I had. Then the venom returned, her mouth pinched as she walked closer to her son.
“Come on, baby boy. Go with Teresa. I’ll be up to tuck you in later. Okay?”
He backed away, grinning like kids did before spinning around and hugging his mom.
A few seconds later, Teresa guided him from the room, leaving the two of us alone. There was tremendous awkwardness between us, Carmella remaining silent for almost a full minute. When she walked closer, I rose to my feet.
“Don’t you dare think you’re going to mean anything to my son. He’s mine. You wouldn’t have a clue about how precious having a child in your life can be. All you know is how to kill and how to destroy. I won’t let you do that to him. Trust me. I would kill you myself.”
“Don’t worry, Carmella. I’m certain you’re going to find very powerful ways of making him hate me just like you do.”
After narrowing her eyes, she brushed against me as she stormed off and I was forced to suck in my breath again.
She’d pegged me well enough, but only the man I’d become in the past twenty-six long months.
Not the man I’d been before.
The man who was lost forever.