CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
DEAR OLD DAD
CATCH
M y heart raced in my chest as I made my way towards the living room. I didn't want to involve him in this mess.
Our eyes met as I approached the wooden table where he stood.
The warm ambiance of the room, illuminated by both the soft light and the skylight, gave it a cozy feel.
A broad grin spread across his face. "Son, it's great to see you." He pulled me into a tight hug.
His arms encircled me, and I returned his embrace with a gentle squeeze. Dad leaned back and kissed both of my cheeks.
He placed his hands on my cheeks, beaming at me as if he were proud. But deep down, he wasn't.
“Callum, I’m happy you called.”
Stepping back, I arched a brow. “You are?” I asked. Sarcasm heavy in my tone.
He unbuttoned his charcoal-colored suit jacket before sitting on the sofa. “Yes, son. Despite your chosen profession, I still love you.”
I snorted a laugh. “Yeah, sure, Dad. I didn’t call you here to discuss your strange love for me.”
He raised a hand. His eyes that mirrored mine darkened. “Don’t ever call my love for you strange.”
I blew out a breath. “Yes, Dad.”
It’s probably shocking that even though I loathe my father, I still show him respect. Well, to the best of my ability.
I unfastened the buttons of my navy suit jacket. "Dad, we encountered some trouble with the Schaumburg police. I'll be heading back to work soon and I don't want my woman and her friends to have to deal with the suburban police because of something that Ritchie and I did."
My dad tilted his head inquisitively. "What exactly did you do, son?"
I sat down on the table and propped up my expensive brown dress shoe on the bench as I answered, “We started a war.”
Dad sat up straighter, if that was possible. “You started a war,” he stated.
I didn’t miss the pride in his voice.
I’ve always been ruthless. That was never a question. It was just about who I carried out my ruthless actions for was the issue.
His stormy gray eyes darkened. “Callum, you are boss material.”
I slammed my fist on the table. “We’ve established that, Dad,” I roared.
“Being the boss of our family wasn’t something I wanted to do,” I stated, irritation clear in my tone.
“Why can’t we move past that? I’m a sharpshooter. I can kill a man in seconds with my bare hands. Discarding a body never to be found again is my expertise. I don’t have to be a mob boss to be powerful and successful. I’m a scary motherfucker in my own right.”
“Son, I don’t want to argue. I just want to spend time with you. Don’t worry about the suburban police. I’ll handle it.”
I stood, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Thank you.”
Something in my periphery caught my attention. I met her gaze. She peeked around the corner smiling.
“Now?” she mouthed.
I extended my hand to her.
“Dad, there’s someone very special I’d like you to meet.”
He rose to his feet, buttoning his suit jacket. A wide smile curled his lips as he noticed my beautiful woman.
My hand grazed the small of her back. “Dad, this is my fiancée, Bianca Landry.”
His smile never wavered. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bianca.” He pulled her hand toward his mouth.
I placed my hand over hers. “A handshake will be just fine.”
“Callum,” Bianca bit out in warning.
Dad chuckled, shaking Bianca’s hand. “It’s ok. I’ve never seen him act this way over a woman. I take it you’re the woman he went to war for?”
“No. We went to war for my best friend, Tori.” She stressed emphasis on the word we.
“Ritchie asked Callum to protect her while he was away.” Bianca smiled.
“Don’t be modest, bombshell. I removed unwanted trash in your life, too.” I grinned.
She smirked at me.
“Please excuse the way I smell. I scrubbed my hands in bleach,” she stated, peering up at my dad who was about an inch shorter than me.
“It’s ok, baby. I’ll douse you in my favorite body wash.” I winked.
Her eyes widened. “Callum,” she growled.
My woman looked a little embarrassed.
Dad’s brows rose. “I can’t believe he lets you call him Callum. He hates his name.”
“Dad, I couldn’t let the woman I love call me Catch forever. No matter how much I’m not a fan of the name you and I share.”
Dad and I glared at each other.
“I’d like it if you both can get along for me and my family. Mr. Rizzo, my parents look forward to meeting you, your wife, and daughter.”
“Bianca, Callum and I will be fine,” he said, holding my gaze.
I pressed my lips to her temple. “We’ll be ok.”
“Great, Mr. Rizzo. Will you join us for dinner?” Bianca asked.
“Don’t call me Mr. Rizzo. It’s too formal.” He smiled.
“You can’t call me Callum either. My son wouldn’t like that.”
My father knew me well.
“You’re about to become my daughter-in-law. Call me dad.”
She held his gaze. “Ok, Dad, stay.”
“I’d love to, but I have to handle a matter for Callum. Once I speak to my wife, we’ll arrange a meeting for our families.”
“Soon, Dad. The gathering will need to take place in Chicago.”
“I’ll get on it right away,” he promised.
Dad picked up Bianca’s hand, studying her engagement ring. “Son, this ring is exquisite.”
I felt ten feet tall. “Only the best for my bombshell.”
He released her hand, and she slammed it into my chest.
“What did I do?” I asked.
“Persuade him to stay,” she threatened through bared teeth.
Palming his shoulder, I smirked. “Dad, stay for dinner.”
“I’d be delighted,” Dad responded.
“This is great. Your dad and Ritchie’s dad are here.” Bianca beamed.
I pulled Bianca under my arm and crushed her lips briefly.
“Rich is here?” Dad asked. Excitement was heavy in his voice.
“Yup, when he and Ritchie are finished talking you two can catch up,” I said.
“I’d like that.” He smiled.
“Have a seat, Dad. I’ll fix you a drink,” I stated.
Bianca was on my heels. “He wanted you to ask him to stay.”
“What’s your point, bombshell?” I asked as I stepped behind the bar.
“He wants to make things right between you two.” She smiled.
“You got all that from your short interaction with him?” I asked as I grabbed a bottle of Maker’s Mark blue label.
“Yes. Well, I was eavesdropping just a little. But it’s obvious he loves you.” Bianca inched closer behind the bar.
“You two look so much alike.”
“I know. That’s a bit of why I don’t like sharing his name.”
My anger kept me away from my dad for years. Maybe it was time to make amends.
Bianca placed a hand on my chest. “I love your name and most of all, I love you.”
I pulled her into my arms and shoved my tongue past her lips, wrapping it around hers.
I’d like nothing more than to be locked in our bedroom, where I’d spend every moment worshiping her.
Reluctantly, I released her lips. I noticed my dad had retrieved his laptop from his leather briefcase.
“Son, I’ve noticed you’ve run through several vehicles lately.”
Shit . I sighed.
“Normally, I return them after I’m done. However, we needed extra vehicles for the war. Tell the owner I’ll donate the outstanding balance of the vehicles to his favorite charity.”
Bianca’s fingers clutched my suit jacket lapels as she stared up at me in awe.
I flashed a cocky grin. “It’s a tax writeoff, baby. I’ll teach you the ins and outs of the business.”
She pressed her head against my chest, releasing a moan.
Damn, I was truly the luckiest man in the entire world.
“Callum, he’ll accept that. It’s not like he has a choice in the matter.” A wicked grin spread across my dad’s face.
He was just as ruthless as I was; we shared the same temper and willingness to get our hands dirty. In recent years, my father had become more reserved, preferring to send his bodyguards to deliver messages on behalf of the Rizzo family. We were known as the muscle and brains behind the mafia, and my father wanted me to take over as the next boss. Our profitable car venture brought in a significant amount of money for our family, allowing us to live lavishly. Through our connections, we supplied vehicles to multiple mafia families.
“Dad, once Bianca and I are married, add her name to the ordering list.”
“No problem,” he responded as his fingers flew across the keys.
Bianca’s gaze snapped to mine. “What does that mean?”
“I’ll program the phone number in your phone. You’ll tell Marty what kind of car you need. It will be delivered within an hour or two.”
“Catch, that’s not necessary.”
I palmed her cheeks. “It does. You ladies are taking over the streets of Chicago. You’ll need an army of muscle. That muscle will need transportation.”
She released a breath. “You’re right. Even though Tori’s dad is coming back to run the streets. We’ll play a bigger role now.”
“Rich!” Dad exclaimed.
I peered at the man strolling down the stairs in front of Ritchie.
“Callum, it’s good to see you,” Uncle Rich stated.
Dad approached, then embraced Rich. They hugged more like long-lost brothers than men who married daughters of a mafia boss. To my understanding, they’d been through a lot together when it came to proving their loyalty to the Pitucco mafia family.
“Rich, are you staying for dinner?” Dad asked as he stepped back.
Tori halted next to Rich. “I didn’t plan to cook. But I can. Please stay.”
“Catch is ordering dinner from our favorite Italian restaurant,” Bianca said as she sauntered toward Tori.
“I could’ve cooked,” Tori said.
Ritchie placed his hands on Tori’s shoulders. “No, you’re still healing.”
“At least let me make some Hors D’oeuvres until the food arrives.” She kissed Ritchie before darting into the kitchen.
“Dad, please stay for dinner,” Ritchie pushed.
Uncle Rich looked like an older version of his son.
He smiled, slapping his cheek twice. “Ok, Ritchie, I’ll stay.”
“Uncle Rich, Dad, have a seat.” I walked toward them, carrying their drinks.
They sat at either end of the sofa.
“Two whiskeys,” I stated as I placed a glass in Dad’s hand, then one in Uncle Rich’s.
“I’ll place the order,” I said as the rest of my house guests entered the living room.
I introduced Rémy, Romeo, Asia, Ezra, and Simone to Dad and Uncle Rich.
Stepping over to the bar, I observed my friends’ interactions with Dad and Uncle Rich while I called the restaurant. As I placed the order, I watched in fascination as Dad embraced our family like they were his own. The way he put forth effort to get to know those important in my life told me he was really trying this time.
I shot a text to Brock with all the order information he’d need to pick up the meal before darting into the kitchen.
My hand curled around Bianca’s. “Tori, I need to steal your best friend for a moment.” I winked at Bianca.
Tori shook her head. “Simone, I need your assistance,” she yelled from her position at the sink.
“You don’t think I’ll bring her back?” I asked.
Her narrowed eyes met mine. “Not anytime soon,” she snarled.
“Tori, I just need to dip her in my favorite bath gel, and I’ll return her.”
“Unbelievable,” Bianca muttered as we walked toward our bedroom.
I shut the door and released her hand. “I’ll be right back.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “This could’ve waited.”
After placing the stopper in the tub, I poured the gel into the stream of hot water.
Bianca cleared her throat. I peered at her from my spot on the floor next to the tub.
My eyes combed her lush curves. “It’s good you knew to get out of those clothes.”
She walked deeper into the bathroom. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun. “I’d like to think I know my man. You wouldn’t have let this go.”
Bianca dipped her toe in the water. “That feels good.”
A huge smile curled my lips. I perfected the art of making sure her water was the perfect temperature.
She sank into the suds, only covering her thighs so far. “Are you getting in?”
“Yeah.” I stripped out of my clothes.
My cock bobbed as I approached the tub.
Her tongue slicked over her lips as her hand wrapped around my thick shaft. “I have to kiss him before you get him all soapy.”
We chuckled.
“He loves when you give him undivided attention.” The words came out in a low rumble as I tugged her messy bun.
Her tongue toyed with the piercing on my cock, causing me to groan.
She slurped up the bead of pre-cum. “You taste so good,” Bianca moaned in pleasure.
“Your pierced dick is a fucking superstar in our relationship,” Bianca said with a sly wink, before taking my cock into her mouth.
I raised an eyebrow. "My tongue doesn't get any love?"
She reached over and turned off the water before returning her attention to my cock. Bianca slid her hand up and down my shaft. She shivered before my eyes. Bianca brought my cock to her lips, sucking the tip again.
“Mmm, your tongue is a rock star. It's given me so many orgasms,” she purred before attempting to take me back into her mouth.
I gripped her hair again. “Bombshell, I want to come in your pussy.”
“Callum, we can’t have sex in the tub. It’s full of soap.”
I released her hair and climbed into the tub across from her.
“After I clean your beautiful body, I’ll fuck you against the bathroom wall so my father can’t hear my future wife screaming at the top of her lungs.” A devilish smile curled my lips.
Bianca planted her sudsy foot on my chest. A knowing smirk ghosted her pretty pouty lips. I picked up the sponge and poured a generous amount of bath gel on it. The delicious, flowery fragrance wafted up my nose.
“Damn, I love your scent,” I muttered as I glided the sponge along her leg the color of gingerbread.
“Your addiction to the soap is a little obsessive,” she chuckled. Her laugh was laced with uncertainty.
Did she think I didn’t love her with all my fucking heart? Yes, the soap sent my dick to attention every time I was near her. If I smelled the same scent on another woman, it would immediately send me running to my woman.
“Baby, I’m addicted to you. The soap is an added bonus. I don’t want you to get that misconstrued.”
I leaned forward, running the sponge along her mound. “Bombshell, I can assure you I’d still want to marry you if you didn’t use the soap.”
She inched forward. “Are you sure about this? About us? You don’t have to marry me if you don’t want to. We’re together forever, remember?” she gulped.
Yeah, she knew I was about to light her pretty ass up. In the most delicious way. I loved watching her fall apart for me. “Bianca, I don’t do anything I don’t want to. I fucked so many women it’s crazy.”
“Thanks for that image.” She rolled her eyes.
“Bianca, I’m trying to tell you none of them moved me to do more than fuck them. I’ve run into spunky women before.” I shook my head and a smile tugged at my lips. “But the way you stood up to me.”
I wiped the bubbles off her beautiful mocha-colored nipple, unable to tear my gaze away from her. "You're absolutely stunning," I whispered before taking her breast into my mouth. I pulled back and playfully nipped at her nipple.
As I added pressure to her clit with my thumb, she moaned in a blend of pleasure and pain. My fingers moved faster in circles around her clit while my grip on her nipple tightened.
"I am completely consumed by you," I groaned.
“Callum,” she murmured as her head fell back and she bucked her hips, seeking more pleasure. The water splashed over the edge of the tub each time she slammed her pussy against my thumb.
“Look at me, baby,” I demanded.
Her slanted brown eyes met mine.
“I’ll kill anyone for you. I don’t know how I’ll make it without you when I return to New Jersey,” I said as I still held onto her nipple between my teeth.
A single tear rolled down her cheek as she gasped for breath. "Callum, I love you so much," she cried out in utter bliss. Her body shuddered with the intensity of her orgasm.
My beautiful woman had no clue what was coming. I knew there was no way I could ever be without her. Fucking never.