CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
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 to hear.”
Rémy closed the door once we were inside. “What’s up?” he asked.
The office had a rustic feel. The black leather sofa and cream leather chairs sat around a mahogany wooden coffee table in the center of the room. The guys and I shared this office. None of us were the office type. Yet it was the tranquil space we needed.
I perched on the edge of the desk. Ritchie sauntered to the bar in the corner. Romeo and Ezra sat on the sofa. Rémy took one of the two chairs near the sofa.
“Tonight, I’ll propose to Bianca.”
They cheered quietly. Each of the guys darted over, pulling me into a hug.
Ritchie slapped my cheek twice. “You’ve come a long way, Catch.”
“Yeah, I know.” I smiled.
“Romeo, get everyone outside around eight tonight,” I urged.
“No problem,” he responded.
“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 left? The girls would have to live here until Brock, myself, and the other guards took 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 up. “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 fell 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 Rémy, 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 on standby.”
“Catch, you better believe we got your back,” Romeo stated.
“That’s right, Catch. We’re always ready to kill a motherfucker,” Rémy 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 came 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 fuel 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. 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 of the truck wearing the sexy dress I picked out for her. Every man at this service station would ogle my woman. It was bad enough I’d have to deal with eyes on her 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 snack at her disposal at the warehouse.
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 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 count out the coins.
My woman caught my eye through the window again.
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 in my direction, 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.”
As much as I wanted to ask Bianca about the guy she was talking to, I’d have to wait until later. Our plan to catch Daryl was most important.
The heat of the man’s gaze felt like it was burning a hole in the side of my head as I removed the fuel nozzle from the tank and hung it up.
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.” I was buzzing with anticipation of what was to come.
Upon reaching 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 were on their way.
Bianca and I had more than enough firepower in the trunk. She wouldn’t hesitate to blow the asshole's 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 her 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. The guy’s heated dark gaze lingered as he drove slowly toward the restaurant.
“I’m starving,” I stated, pushing her in front of me.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Watching that sweet little ass,” I replied.
She shook her head before peering up at the stars in the dark sky.
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 once we were inside the restaurant.
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. “That’s 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 the table.
“Not a problem.” The hostess grinned.
There were couples seated on either side of our table.
My fiancée’s 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.”
I loved that I was enough to make her happy. Not my money.
“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,” I stated.
“Right away.” He flashed a white smile.
My eyes moved around the restaurant. Ritchie and the guys were probably waiting outside. The Tuscany style restaurant had a romantic old charm feel. I couldn’t wait to tear Bianca’s dress from her body the second we arrived home.
Bianca sipped her champagne while staring at me.
“What’s wrong?” I enquired.
She placed her champagne flute on the table. “It feels 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 steal the ring, shoot them,” I gritted out.
The woman at the table to my right placed a hand over her heart and 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 in her lap under the table.
“Put your hand on the table right now, Bianca. We’re wealthy. 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 engagement ring. I had to keep in mind 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.Could she really hate her fiancé for drugging and kidnapping 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 they 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.”
Romeo 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.
“Time to go, baby. Stay close to me.”
“I will,” she muttered.
Another explosion happened, rocking the building this time.
Screaming, crying, and people yelling, “I don’t want to die!” filled my ears.
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 tear-streaked 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. Romeo ran around Brock’s truck to the second SUV parked behind him. I knew he had to make sure Asia was safe.
Rémy gave us cover by firing shots at the assholes trying to take us out. Bullets flew past my head.
The second we reached the Tahoe, I opened the door with my free hand. “Bianca, 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. Romeo leaned over the roof of the SUV across from his brother, shooting at the truck.
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 that I had tuned out.
“You motherfuckers blew up my fucking truck,” I roared.
Ritchie approached. “Here.”
I stopped shooting and took the grenade. Snatching out the pin, I threw it. The driver put the truck in reverse. He thought he could escape the grenade. I had one hell of an arm. He wouldn’t get far.
The grenade struck the truck. Ritchie and I climbed into the Tahoe. Brock tore through the parking lot as the sound of police sirens drew near.
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.
“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.
Bianca released Tori’s hand as I pulled her into my arms.
“How does a hot bath sound?”
She snuggled into me. “Good.”
Bianca’s hand swayed my chest. “Guess I get to meet my future father-in-law soon.”
“Yes, bombshell you do.”
***P***
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 laid across the bed.
I stopped to unbuckle and remove her heels first.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“You’re welcome.” I shrugged off my suit jacket as I entered the bathroom.
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 two fingers together. “A little. While you were running my bath, I took two shots of vodka. Just to take the edge off. I mean, who gets engaged, goes to dinner to celebrate, then explosions rock 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, chaos happens often. Especially right now. My other boss Luca’s 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?” Bianca asked.
“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 hollered out.
“We have packages arriving within the hour,” Ritchie said.
“Join me upstairs,” he urged 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. The hot water sloshed over the side of the tub.
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 hair.
She was my everything. Before I left for New Jersey, I had to kill the fucker from the electronics store and that asshole GT who put his hands on my woman.
“I love you, Bianca.” I groaned as I stroked faster inside her warm walls.
“Callum,” she moaned. “I-I love you too.” Pleasure danced in her eyes as she came.
My teeth clenched her lower lip. “Time for a killing spree.”