36. ALESSIO
36
ALESSIO
I fire the final bullet between the eyes of the pleading soldier and watch dispassionately as his body slumps to the ground. Nico and Dante look at me expressionlessly and I just shrug. “We’ve heard the same pleas for hours now, and I for one have no interest in hearing any more. You’re welcome.” After interviewing and dealing with more than a hundred different soldiers, twenty are dead, including one that I was sure was a plant by Leonardo, considering his reaction when we announced Tommaso was dead. Lazaro is always excellent at sussing out the traitors and moles, but I’m a very close second.
Dante barks orders to have the bodies disposed of, then we head out of the soldiers quarters and back for the main house, leaving Davide in charge. I’m not entirely convinced the man is up to the task, considering the majority of the events that happened were under his watch, but it’s not my call, so I make a mental note to have our men keep an eye on him and anyone else he’s closely linked with. Because where there’s one traitor, there’s normally far more.
We reach a door that leads into a private hallway in the rear of the house, but just as we walk inside, Nico’s phone rings. He pulls it out and stops, glancing at me and then Dante as he says, “It’s Giovanni.” I lean against the wall, waiting to see how this conversation will go. Dante mirrors me and we wait as Nico answers the call. “Giovanni, you’re the third De Luca to call me today,” he says calmly.
“Your whore killed my son,” Giovanni seethes.
“The fact that you call your own niece a whore shows me how much you have clearly fallen, Giovanni,” I tell him calmly. “Because it wasn’t Gia who killed him. Still, one less De Luca male in this world isn’t a problem as far as I’m concerned.”
“Caruso,” Giovanni says coldly, despite the rage simmering through the line. “Then I take it it was your whore, my new niece that killed him. You need a woman to do your dirty work now? The mighty Caruso underboss is too much a coward to kill a man.”
I ignore his dig. With the number of years he has under his belt, you would think he would come up with some better material. “Are you calling to be all pissy about your worthless son, Giovanni, or do you have a point?” I ask him, sounding bored. “From what I hear, you have more of them anyway, so what does it matter?”
“You have no idea what’s coming, Caruso. You either, Armani,” Giovanni spits. “I’m going to kill those worthless whores while I’m at it. When my own dear daughters get here, I’m going to make sure they learn their places quickly. You wanted a war, Nico, and now you’re going to get one.”
“Yes, well, your nephew and brother have already threatened the same thing, so just like always, you’re late to the party, Giovanni,” Nico replies smoothly. “It’s no wonder that you’ve always been at the bottom of the totem pole.”
“I’m going to enjoy it when I finally get to kill you, Nico,” Giovanni seethed. “You’re worthless, like your father was, and you think you’re untouchable.”
“My father was worthless,” Nico agreed. “And since I saw him being so worthless, I learned everything not to do, Giovanni. Which is why I’m a Don, and you are not . I have all the power and alliances behind me that you wish you had. You never had the stones to overthrow your brother until now, and your entire alliance with the Parisi’s is now gone. Bury your son. Perhaps it’s time you realize you’re never going to make it here. Cut your losses before you lose the rest of your sons and your own worthless life.” Nico cuts the call and then looks at me. “Giovanni won’t stay down for long and he’ll be searching for another family to align with him.”
“Once word gets around about what’s happening here, the European families won’t touch it,” I say as we continue to make our way down the hall. “I can’t speak for those on this side of the world, but most won’t want to enter into a war between family members.”
“Which leaves him to go to another type of ally,” Dante points out grimly.
“You think he’s going to approach the Gallos or Morozov families,” Nico replies grimly. “Considering how Seamus is currently working with Marco, that doesn’t seem likely.”
“Seamus has never been one to abide by alliances,” Dante reminds him. “If he felt there was a better chance to gain ground with Giovanni, he’ll leave Marco high and dry or kill him and be done with it.”
“If he aligns with the Russians, the city will be involved in an all out war before the week is out,” I remark, giving Nico a pointed look when we reach his office. “Did you really think I wouldn’t find out about you inciting a war before all this shit happened between the Irish and Russians? Or that you were planning on using that information to gain control of the entire city?” Nico’s face gives nothing away and he doesn’t reply. I give him an annoyed glare. “Oh stop it,” I snap. “I don’t give a shit what you do, but keeping important things to yourself isn’t helping anything.”
“It has nothing to do with you,” Nico replies simply.
“Like fuck it doesn’t,” I growl at him. “Marco De Luca aligned himself with the Gallos, and you said yourself Giovanni may align with the Russians. Both of whom, when they find out that you were the one that started their little feud again, are going to try everything they can to retaliate against you. Something we don’t need in the middle of battling the De Lucas on all fronts as well. Do you plan on emerging victorious after all of this and running the entire city?”
“There is no plan. It’s going to happen,” Nico answers. “I intended to be more stealthy about it and take them down slowly and carefully, but with everything happening, it’s time to stop pussy-footing around and get it done.”
I huff out an annoyed breath. “And you didn’t feel the need to share that plan before now? Or you were hoping we would help you do the dirty work and then leave and call it even?”
“What purpose would it serve for you to know?” Nico argues, irritation sparking in his eyes. “You have a problem with it, take Sienna and your men and leave. We can handle this shit on our own.”
“You’re a bastard, Nico,” I tell him darkly. “You really think I care what you’re going to do over here? You want to get yourself killed or lose more ground than you have out of pure stubbornness, fine. But you’re not going to take Gia or Sofia down with you.”
“Don’t you fucking dare bring my wife into this,” Nico snarls, getting to his feet behind his desk and leaning over it, entire body strung tight with tension.
“You brought her into this when you kidnapped her,” I toss back, watching him as I stay in my seat. “And you’re the one that’s put her in danger because of your plans.” His face flashes furiously at me. Dante gives me a look that tells me to shut my mouth, but I ignore him, focusing on Nico. “You think I don’t understand the desire to be better than one’s father? My father has been making small and careful moves for years, and it’s slow and tedious. We have argued far too many times about moving faster, about making bigger moves, but he’s always proven that doing it carefully has worked out better in our favor than rushing in and getting our men killed for some power and territory. You want to take out the Russians and Irish, fine, but you need to consider if it’s worth the losses you’ll suffer in the process. Especially considering how many you’re going to lose just fighting the De Lucas.”
“You are not our only ally,” Nico snaps at me.
“No, but we’re the only ally with the power to help you,” I remind him as I get to my feet. “And perhaps the only one willing to. Because you certainly aren’t going to go to your uncle for help, and most of the others that you align with won’t touch this mess or sacrifice more than the bare minimum of soldiers, and you know it. Which is exactly why you haven’t called them. Whether you like it or not, you know I’m right, and you’re going to have to make some decisions quickly. But just know, if you want our help, you’re going to need to fill us in, and you’re going to need to quit keeping secrets. It’s all or nothing. I won’t go into things blind. Until now it didn’t matter, but knowing what other alliances could be made, there’s no point in hiding shit.”
Nico doesn’t say anything for a moment. Instead he glances at Dante and the two of them share a wordless conversation before they look back at me. “What more do you want to know?” Nico asks tightly.
I smirk at him, knowing how much this is costing him. Still, despite what others might say or think, I do know when not to push. “Right now, nothing, but if shit hits the fan as badly as we expect, no more keeping important shit to yourself. You’re lucky I figured it out and not my father, or you’d have a whole other problem. Now, I’m going to need one of your cars and one of your men for an errand.”
“You’re going out,” Nico states, a hint of incredulity in his tone.
“As much as I love your company, Boo Bear, every couple needs a little time apart,” I smirk.
“Fuck off,” Nico snarls at me. “Dante, bring a car around.” Dante nods, and I don’t bother to hide my grin. Of course this controlling fucker wouldn’t want to let me out of his sight.
When we reach the jewellery store, Nico glares at me. I grin wickedly, especially considering the memory of the last time we were here. “Sorry, Boo Bear, but this time, you’re going to have to watch me shop for a ring and secretly cry inside,” I tease as we head in, Dante standing guard at the door after barking for all the other customers to get out. The staff don’t so much as utter a word as Nico and I approach the display of diamond rings. The same jeweller from the night we were here picking out Gia’s ring emerges from the back, cool as a cucumber.
“Welcome back, sir,” he says politely. “Mr. Armani,” he adds with a respectful bow of his head. I nearly roll my eyes but manage to hold myself back. “How can I be of service?”
“I’m in the market for an engagement ring and wedding band,” I tell him. I glance at the display. “Something unique and different.” Nothing is catching my attention, and I try to push down my irritation. I want the perfect ring. One that I know will suit the woman who will wear it for many years to come and even possibly pass it on to our children.
“I have just had a new set come in that hasn’t been put out yet,” the jeweler says. “If you’ll allow me, I’ll go and grab it.” I nod and then turn to see Nico eyeing something in the case. I walk over to look and smirk when I see him eyeing a simple diamond necklace.
“I’m not sure that’s my style, honey,” I say loudly. “But you did just buy me that diamond encrusted cock ring, so I suppose something simpler is more appropriate for our coming out dinner.”
Nico turns around and punches me square in the face, and I step back, laughing. My nose smarts and I simply swipe my hand under it as I hear someone gasp. We both know he pulled his punch, considering the damage we can both do. “Fine, fine, get whatever you want,” I tell him as I accept a tissue from one of the staff that rushes over wide-eyed. “He’s a bit touchy lately. Last minute jitters I think.”
“I’m going to kill you,” Nico vows darkly.
“See?” I say as I toss the tissue in the garbage and turn back to the jeweller who is calmly waiting, display already waiting for me. “Don’t worry, though, this is normal for us. Keeps the spice alive.” I wink at the woman, who just gapes at me. I look back at the set that he’s brought for me, and I know instantly that I’ll be taking it.
The engagement ring is a beautiful oval cut blue topaz stone with simple small diamonds surrounding it, the band a rose gold that makes it pop. The wedding band is a matching rose gold, but the diamonds dip down to perfectly surround the base of the stone in a half circle. It’s stunning, and exactly like Sienna. Different, but also still simple enough that she shouldn’t balk at it too much.
“I’ll take it,” I tell the jeweler simply.
“An excellent choice, sir,” he says as he pulls the items away. “I’ll box these up for you.” He glances at Nico. “And was there anything you wished to see, Mr. Armani?”
“I’ll take the necklace,” Nico tells him tightly. “Ensure it is packaged with care.” The jeweler nods, not taking offense to his gruff tone.
“And you, Dante?” I ask casually, glancing at the man by the door. “Perhaps you’ve had time to figure out what kind of ring you want?”
Dante’s eyes are cold as they stare back at me. “As far as I’m concerned, your men aren’t with you, which means we have carte blanche this time to kill you and leave your body here,” he informs me coldly. “No one would be the wiser.”
“Ah, but Sofia would cry for me and you would feel bad,” I reason with a wicked smile on my face. It’s far too easy to mess with him and Nico. The two of them really need to loosen up.
“About as bad as a hole in the head,” Dante retorts. “Get your things and let’s go. I have more important things to see to than dealing with you.”
I just grin at him and pay the jeweler, slipping the ring box into the inner pocket of my suit coat. Nico takes the small case with his own purchase and does the same, ignoring me when I pretend to flutter my lashes at him.
The drive back to Nico’s home is silent, but I don’t bother to hold back my grin. When we get back, I head inside and go to find Sienna. Anticipation builds inside me, knowing that she’s going to fight me on the engagement ring, but I don’t plan on letting her win this one. We’re going to be married at the first opportunity. I want it clear to everyone she belongs to me, and the easiest way is with a ring on her finger.
I make my way up to our room, stepping inside, but stop when I realize that the room is silent and there’s no sign of her. I glance at my phone but see no messages from Alonzo or Mario, so I suppose that means that they’re somewhere in the house. I send Alonzo a text and he messages back that they’re in the pool.
I narrow my eyes at that, not liking it at all that Sienna’s body is exposed to his gaze. Jealousy burns in my gut, but I push it down. I never have anything to fear from Alonzo, and he would have made sure he was the only guard around to prevent anyone else from seeing her. I leave the room, stalking down the hall to the steps that will lead me to the first floor.
When I reach the pool room, Mario is waiting outside and opens the door. I walk down the steps, hearing feminine laughter before I reach the bottom. When I reach the bottom, I glance to my right and see Alonzo lurking in the shadows, but the scowl on his face is nearly feral. I arch a brow, but when I follow his gaze and see Rori lounging on the pool floater in a tiny white bikini, I just smirk and continue until I’m closer to the pool.
My gaze instantly goes to Sienna, who’s wearing a two piece polka dot bathing suit that cups her generous breasts, and rises high on her hips. She looks stunning, and I’m instantly hard thinking about peeling it off of her. She turns when she hears me approach, and her lips pull up into a knowing smirk when her eyes lock with mine. They’re all in the middle of the pool, so a bit too far for me to reach her without getting in myself. “Having fun, coniglietto ?” I ask her.
“Mmm, the pool is nice and warm,” she tells me with a slow smile.
“Though it just got a lot hotter with you in here, handsome,” Rori remarks, making me grin. Sienna just rolls her eyes. “Why don’t you strip down and get in? We won’t look. Much,” she adds with a laugh. Then she laughs a bit more when Sienna splashes her.
“Get your own man to ogle, bitch,” Sienna laughs. “This one is all mine.” She grins at me, but I see the possessive heat that matches my own reflected in her eyes.
“Is Nico back too?” Gia asks me curiously.
I nod. “He’s a bit cranky,” I tell her with a grin.
Gia rolls her eyes and laughs. “That wouldn’t have anything to do with why your nose is bruised and you have a bit of blood on your lip, would it?” she asks me. I shrug, uncaring. “Alessio, you really do have a death wish sometimes, don’t you?” She slips from the float into the water and heads for the steps. “I guess I should go and see if I can keep him from murdering anyone.”
“Gia, if you’re going to find your man and fuck his brains out, you can just say that,” Rori laughs.
Gia tosses her a sheepish look but doesn’t reply as she climbs the steps. I turn my gaze away, because I definitely don’t need Nico coming to find me and killing me for seeing her. Especially not when I have my own goddess to watch as she slips from her own float and swims over to the edge I’m standing at. I watch hungrily as she pulls herself up, water sluicing off her and making the fabric of her suit cling to her enticingly. She’s stunning, and I can’t wait to make her mine.
“ Cara mia , you’re lucky I am an understanding man,” I tell her as I reach out and cup her chin in my hand. “Looking like that with another man around to see. Perhaps it’s been too long since I reminded you what happens when you let another man see what’s mine.”
Her eyes flash with heat at my words. “Is that right?” she asks softly. “I don’t see a ring on my finger, so that means I still belong to myself. Do you remember what happened the last time you told me I belonged to you and acted like a possessive asshole?”
The darkness inside me rears its head in anticipation at the look in her eyes. At the challenge she’s laying down in front of me. “Maybe it’s you that’s forgotten, coniglietto . Apparently, I’ve been far too soft and you need a reminder.” I move my hand from her chin to her throat, pressing down on the now fading bite mark on her neck and making her shiver. “Something I’ll be remedying the minute we’re alone. But until then.” I use my other hand to pull out the ring box from my suit coat pocket. I expertly open the top with a flick of my finger, revealing the engagement ring. “We can solve the ring issue right now.”
The heat in her eyes is replaced by shock as she stares at the ring and matching band. “Alessio,” she breathes, and then her eyes lift to mine, panic starting to filter through.
“You’re mine, Sienna Harris, and nothing you or anyone else says is going to change that. But the minute I can marry you, I’m going to. We can do big, small, or just us and the priest, I don’t fucking care. But you’re going to be mine in every possible way as soon as possible.”
“But, we agreed no marriage talk right now. Not with all this going on,” she protests, swallowing hard under my hand.
“You were the one who said that, not me,” I correct her smugly. “And if I remember correctly, I was deep inside you when that was mentioned, and listening to you deny things that are definitely going to happen was not high on my list of priorities. So I didn’t agree to any such thing.”
“And you just don’t care what I want?” she asks darkly, stepping back away from me.
“Normally, yes, but in this, no,” I tell her simply. “You’re mine, Sienna, and I want it to be very clear to any stupid fucker that thinks they have any rights to look at you or touch you.”
She stares at me for a long moment until she finally looks over at Rori, who is watching our interaction with interest, but saying nothing. Then she looks back at me. “You know, what, Alessio,” Sienna says calmly, “you’re right.” Her statement should please me, but instead I just narrow my eyes. What is she up to? “But I think you need to prove you deserve for me to say yes.” Then she’s running, tossing a pillow at me, that I dodge. I snap the ring box closed, stuffing it back in my pocket, and grin.
“Your ass is in trouble now, coniglietto ,” I call after her as she dashes for the stairs. “And when I catch you, you’re going to feel it for days.” Then I’m running after her, the thrill of the chase burning in my veins.