CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
THE FOLLOWING
CATCH
S ome would say I lived my life dangerously close to the edge. After all I was a sniper in the military. Participated in covert missions, and now I worked for two mafia bosses. So why wouldn’t I push the envelope further.
I remembered strolling toward the living room area as the front door opened. “Good Ritchie, you’re here.”
Rémy, Romeo, and Ezra looked up at me from the long table.
“I need to talk to you guys,” I stated.
Ritchie smirked. “I have something I have to run past you guys too.”
I nodded. “Let’s go upstairs to the office.”
The girls were in Ezra and Simone’s room.
As we walked up the stairs, I placed my hand on Ritchie’s shoulder. “How are you feeling?”
“My thigh and side are still killing me. But I can’t complain.”
“Good.”
Remy closed the door once we were inside. “What’s up?” he asked.
The office had a rustic feel. The leather sofa and chairs sat around a mahogany wooden coffee table in the center of the room. We shared this office. None of us were the office type. Yet it was the tranquil space the guys and I needed.
I perched on the edge of the desk. Ritchie sauntered to the bar in the corner. Romeo and Ezra sat on the sofa. Remy took one of the two brown leather chairs near the sofa.
“Tonight, I’ll propose to Bianca.”
Each of the guys darted over pulling me into a hug.
Ritchie slapped my cheek twice. “You’ve come along way, Catch.”
“Yeah, I know.” I smiled.
“Romeo, get everyone outside around eight tonight,” I urged.
“No problem.”
“Ritchie, how did it go with Kagan?” I asked,
He moved around the room placing a drink in each of our hands. “No issues. Kagan and his goons collected Reece and one of his guards. Daryl wasn’t anywhere to be found. We need to draw him out. Sooner than later. I want this fucking war to be over,” Ritchie roared rubbing his brow.
“You’re preaching to the choir, Ritchie,” Ezra said before sipping his whiskey.
“Can you imagine the hell I’d be in after you guys leave. The girls would have to live here until Brock, myself, and the other guards take care of Daryl.”
“Yeah, there’s no way I’ll leave my future wife in Chicago while that motherfucker is alive.” I tossed half the contents in my glass down my throat.
“One of us will have to draw him out,” Ritchie stated staring at me.
I threw my hands ups. “Ritchie, I’ll do it. After all, you kidnapped Daryl’s lover. Let’s see if we can get him to show his face.”
The room was silent as I stalked over to the bar to pour myself another whiskey. “Last week after Bianca and I left her parents’ house I stopped for gas in the city. While I pumped gas I noticed a guy watching me while he talked on the phone. So I tested a theory. When I left, I wanted to see if he’d follow me. He did. I led him on a wild goose chase. Luckily, Bianca had dozed off. So she hadn’t noticed I drove like I was in the Indy five hundred to lose the asshole. I lost him before we got close to the warehouse. I’ll return to the same gas station and see if any of his guys are there. If not we’ll try another tactic.”
Ritchie sat in the chair across from Remy palming his head. “I can’t put you and Bianca in danger like that.”
“Ritchie, if it works you guys need to be ready to move.”
My cousin sighed. “Ok, we’ll be ready to move.”
“Catch, you better believe we got your back,” Romeo stated.
“That’s right, Catch. We’re always ready to kill a motherfucker,” Remy growled.
“We won’t let you down, Catch.” Ezra smirked.
I knew my friends would be there for me and Bianca if needed.
***P***
The love and happiness in my future wife’s eyes when I proposed to her took my breath away. Who knew that one question, will you marry me could spark such emotion? Every woman in the world. Luckily, I got my head out of my ass and did the right thing. I asked my beautiful woman to marry me.
While I barreled down the street toward the main intersection, I noticed Bianca grinning from ear to ear as she stared at the engagement ring. She wasted no time jumping on a FaceTime call with her mother.
They carried on about the ring as I pulled into the service station.
My left hand eased into the door pocket as my eyes raced around the service station. Almost every pump was occupied and there was a sea of cars parked along the perimeter. Two men were speaking heatedly with one another. Their shouting and laughter carried across the service station.
I threw open the door of my Escalade and stepped out. Rap music spilled from all directions. The bass throbbed in my chest from a car parked at the rear. I grabbed the gas nozzle and inserted it into the tank, sliding my gold aviator sunglasses over my eyes as I looked up to see the tinted window rolling down in front of me.
“Catch?” Bianca’s head poked out the window.
“Yes?”
“Will you grab a bag of Flaming Hots, and three containers of nacho cheese?” She smiled sweetly melting my heart.
“Bianca, we’re on our way to dinner.” The last thing I wanted to do was leave my woman alone in the truck. Yes, she could take care of herself. This was her city. But due to being at war things were unstable at the moment. Never knew if and when a drive by would happen.
“Catch, I need a light snack. If you won’t go inside I will.”
She thought I’d let her out the truck wearing the tight little dress I picked out for her. Every man in this lot would ogle my woman. It was bad enough I’d have to deal with eyes on here while we were at the restaurant. But here. Hell, fuck no.
I stepped to her window and pressed my lips against hers, then inched back. “I’ll grab your snack.”
She slid her hand along my jaw, grinning. “Thanks, baby.”
“No problem.” My heart raced in my chest as I strolled across the parking lot. My gaze moved over to the guys again before I walked into the store. If any of those motherfuckers approached my woman, I’d blow a motherfucker’s brains out.
The hot chip snack was one of Bianca’s favorites. I made sure she always had the weird concoction at the warehouse at her disposal.
I ambled down the well-lit aisle, and my eyes caught sight of a shiny bag of Flaming Hot chips. I reached up and grabbed the biggest one they had. The bag crinkled loudly as I made my way over to the hot dog bar. Steam floated off the hot dogs, and the nacho cheese bubbled temptingly in its warming tray.
I filled three small plastic containers with piping hot cheese, careful not to burn myself.
My gaze shifted between slapping lids on the tiny containers to the scenery out the window. People stood pumping gas into their vehicles mindlessly. People mindlessly pumped gas while Bianca danced to the beat of a song on the radio. After gathering a handful of napkins, I sauntered toward the counter and joined four others patiently waiting in line.
A customer stood at the counter. “Put three dollars and eighty-one cents on pump three,” he said. He proceeded to carefully count out the coins.
My woman caught my eye through the window.
Her neck rolled, then she smiled broadly and slapped hands with a stranger before saying her goodbyes. Who was that motherfucker?
It was time to go. "Excuse me?" I held up a fifty-dollar bill. "Put thirty dollars on pump three, take out the cost of my items, and give him the change."
The cashier’s eyes widened. “Ok, baller.” She winked as she slid her hand over her long honey brown braids.
The man at the counter beamed at me. "Thanks, man. May God bless you."
"You're welcome," I said coolly before stalking out the door.
Halting in front of the convenience store, I glared to my left again. This time one of the guys met my gaze. He pointed a finger at me letting me know he saw me.
I continued to the Escalade. “Bianca, here you are.” I placed the items in her hands.
“Thank you, Catch.”
The heat of the man’s gaze felt like it was burning a hole in my head as I removed the fuel nozzle from the tank.
Once in the truck, I drove out of the service station merging into traffic. Bianca wasted no time dipping her chips in the cheese. The smell of nacho cheese filled the air.
“Would you like some, Catch?”
“No, thanks.”
Once I reached the second light, I noticed a familiar car two cars back. I shot Ritchie a text while Bianca stared out the windshield. As I turned onto the highway, I tapped play on Bianca’s play list. She wiggled her ass in her seat as she bellowed out the popular song. My woman was enjoying her own concert. Which was good. Hopefully I wouldn’t have to point a Glock out the window and kill the fucker following me.
Ritchie texted back. He and the rest of our crew was on their way.
Bianca and I had more than enough fire power in the trunk. Bianca wouldn’t hesitate to blow the assholes tires out.
Fifteen minutes later, we drove into the parking lot of the restaurant. The parking lot was jammed packed. Great, I selected the most popular restaurant in Schaumburg.
I helped Bianca out of the passenger seat. Pulling Bianca into my arms, I could feel my heart beating wildly and pulsing in my ears.
My hand rested on my Glock in my waist holster as the guy’s heated gaze lingered as he drove slowly in the direction of the restaurant.
“I’m starving,” I stated pushing in front of me.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Watching that sweet little ass.”
She shook her head.
Really, I was keeping her safe. I yanked open the door and she strutted inside. It felt like a weight had been lifted off me.
The guys would be here soon. Bianca and I would finally have back up.
We were greeted by the hostess.
I leaned into her ear. “Tell the chef I’ll pay him two thousand cash if he’ll prepare our meals first.” Stepping back I placed two one-hundred-dollar bills in her hand. “This is for you.”
She smiled brightly. “I’ll get you two seated then I’ll speak to the chef.”
“Thank you,” Bianca said.
“We’ll take that table against the wall.” I nodded toward it.
“Not a problem.”
My fiancées smile dropped the second we were seated. “What the hell is going on?”
“Bombshell, you said you were hungry. Just trying to feed you as soon as possible.” I picked up the menu, scanning it quickly.
“Catch, I knew we should’ve stayed home.”
I reached over wrapping a hand around her waist as I whispered in her ear. “This is a special night for us. We couldn’t celebrate at home. I wanted to take you out.”
She met my gaze. “Callum, I don’t care about this fancy restaurant. Celebrating our special moment at home would’ve been just fine. As long as I could stare into your beautiful gray eyes.”
“Bianca, I promise this will be a night you’ll never forget.” I smiled.
The waiter approached to take our order. I slid three one-hundred-dollar bills into his hand after Bianca and I rattled off our orders.
“Bring us a bottle of your best champagne. “Right away,” he stated.
My eyes moved around the restaurant. Ritchie and the guys were probably waiting outside. The romantic dimly restaurant put me in the mood to tear Bianca’s dress from her body the second we arrived home.
Bianca sipped her champagne while staring at me.
“What’s wrong?”
She placed her glass on the table. “I feel like everyone’s staring at my ring. The diamond is huge. Damn near blinding. You know I can’t wear this in my neighborhood.”
My eyes darkened. “You can and you will. If someone tries to take the ring shoot them,” I gritted out.
The woman at the next table over gasped.
Bianca gripped my hand. “You’re going to give that lady a heart attack.” She grinned.
My dark and twisted ways were rubbing off on my future wife.
Bianca placed her left hand under the table. “Put your hand on the table right now, Bianca. We’re rich. Fuck anyone who has a problem with it.”
She did as she was told and rested her hand uncomfortably on the table. No way would my woman feel like she couldn’t wear her ring. I also knew Bianca had a problem with spending money. In time she’d move past those feelings of discomfort.
The waiter brought our food. We wasted no time inhaling the herbs and spices that hit our senses. The steak, chicken, and vegetables looked mouthwatering.
Bianca and I ate off each other’s plates. This woman was truly made for me. I absolutely loved being in her presence. Returning to Jersey without her wouldn’t be easy. Would she hate me if I drugged her and kidnapped her? She’d live in our house just for a few weeks. Then I’d drive her back to Chicago.
“Stop staring at me like that, Catch.” Her eyes sparkled as them met mine.
“I can’t help it. You’re beautiful.”
“You’re up to something, Callum.”
My lips pressed against her ear as my eyes darted to the kitchen door. “You know me so well.”
Remy mouthed. “It’s time to go.”
Fuck.
The sound of an explosion caught my attention. The earth moved beneath my feet.
Shit, shit, shit.
Complete pandemonium broke out. Guests dropped to their knees hiding under tables. Bianca and I were the only people not screaming. We continued eating our food. I watched as Romeo clocked a guy over the head with the butt of his gun in the kitchen.
He circled his finger in the air prompting me to get a move on.
“Bianca, stay close to me.”
“I will.”
Another explosion happened rocking the building this time. Screams and yelling filled the air.
I slipped a folded stack of hundreds from my pocket. “Here’s the money as promised,” I said peeking behind the hostess stand where the hostess took cover. I shoved the bills into her shaky hand.
“Have a good night.” I smirked.
Pure terror stretched across her reddened face.
Curling an arm around Bianca’s waist, I inched out the door assessing our surroundings.
Brock waved us toward him from the driver’s seat. I pulled my Glock from my holster and unleashed bullets on the monster truck to my right.
The second we reached the SUV I opened the door with my free hand. “Get in. Give me an AK,” I ordered as I continued shooting at the oversized truck.
She wasted no time placing the rifle in my hand. Remy fired shots from the second SUV behind Brock.
I shoved my Glock into my holster. Gripping the AK-forty-seven I stalked toward the monster truck.
In my periphery I noticed a fire. Car horns blared around us from the chaos.
“You motherfuckers blew up my fucking truck.”
Ritchie approached. “Here.”
I stopped shooting and took the grenade Snatching out the pin, I threw the grenade. The put the truck in reverse. He thought he could escape the grenade. I had one hell of an arm. He couldn’t escape it.
The grenade struck and Ritchie and I climbed into the truck. Brock tore through the parking lot.
Fuck, I’d have to order another truck. Chicago cost me a lot of money.
“Catch, you need to call in a favor,” Ritchie said.
My palm met the door. Anger coursed through my veins. “Fuck, I know.”
Ritchie said I needed to call my father. And in turn I told him he needed to call his.
“I think it’s time you bring uncle up to speed as well,” I bit out.
Ritchie’s jaw twitched. He wasn’t happy either.
Focus on your woman, Catch.
I pulled Bianca into my arms. “How does a hot bath sound?”
She snuggled into me. “Good.”
Her hand swayed my chest. “Guess, I get to meet my future father-in-law soon.”
“Yes, bombshell you do.”
An hour later, we poured into the back door of the warehouse. We were all exhausted.
I pushed Bianca into our bedroom and closed the door behind us.
“I’ll get the water running.”
“Ok,” she said as she sat on the bed, kicking off her shoes.
Moments later, I scooped my half sleep woman off the bed.
I nuzzled her ear. “Bath time sweetheart.”
Bringing some sort of peace to our chaotic night was the goal. I undressed us, pinned her hair up, then helped her into the tub.
Bianca curled up into my arms. “Tonight was so fucking fun,” she laughed.
“Are you drunk?” I asked.
She inched her fingers together. “Maybe while you were running my bath, I took two shots of vodka. Just to knock the edge off. I mean who gets engaged, goes to dinner to celebrate. Explosions rocking the foundation of the restaurant. My fiancé and I get up from our table. Find time to tip the hostess and walk out into a gun battle. There’s never a dull day in our life,” Bianca chuckled.
“It’s a good thing you’re getting acclimated to a life of violence. Because in New Jersey its just another Tuesday. Especially right now. My other boss Luca is beside himself since his girlfriend Lexis left him. When I return, he’ll have me collect some poor schmuck so he can torture him.”
“That’s so sad. Do you think she’ll go back to him?”
“I hope so. Because he’s a wreck without her.”
I heard a knock at the door.
“Come in,” I shouted.
Bianca’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?”
I placed a finger over my lips.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“We have packages arriving within the hour,” Ritchie said.
“Join me upstairs,” he said with a thick Jersey accent.
“All right. Be there soon,” I stated.
I heard the door close.
“Before I go upstairs for a torture session, I want you to ride my cock.”
Her face lit up as she turned and straddled my thighs.
She slid her pussy along my cock.
“I’m going to stare at the big ass rock on my finger while I fuck my fiancé’s brains out.”
Gripping her chin with one hand, I eased her onto my cock with the other. “Bombshell, ride daddy until he comes.”
Her breasts bounced up and down as she rode me good. My eyelids hooded as I leaned over taking her nipple into my mouth.
Sitting back, I stared up at her. “You will become, Mrs. Rizzo next month,” I grunted as her pussy squeezed my dick.
“I’m ready to become your wife, Callum,” she purred, tugging my golden locks.
She was my everything. Before I left for New Jersey I had to kill the fucker from the electronics store at that asshole GT who put hands on my woman.
“I love you, Bianca.”
“Callum,” she moaned. “I-I love you too.”
My teeth clenched her lower lip. “Time for a killing spree.”