6
LEVI
I stretch my legs out in front of me, my knees clicking under the strain. Sounds gross but boy does it feel good.
“I hate it when you do that,” Serafina mutters as she sifts through paperwork.
“But there’s so many other things you like about me, right?”
She grunts something inaudible. She still seems to be in a bad mood which I feel partially to blame for. I thought she might have spent the weekend getting over the little argument we had with Luca, which is why I didn’t bother her with the news I have. Evidently, her mood still lingers like a dark cloud.
The thing is, she’s blowing this all out of proportion. We’re all going to be at the wedding. Luca, Giovanni, and myself. Not to mention the Ferrante brothers. She has enough protection to stop anything from happening to her, but she refuses to use her authority to get the one thing we need.
“How are things going with Giovanni?”
She sits back in her chair, her hands intertwined and resting in her lap. “Fine,” she answers warily.
He has been with us a week, and while he hasn’t said one word to either of us, I can tell he’s taking his job seriously. I’m still wary of him, watching him carefully because anyone who enters Serafina’s life is a threat. She seems comfortable enough around him, but I’m still keeping tabs on the guy.
I watch Sera for a little longer, letting the silence fill the void in the room. The more I watch her, the more I get the chance to admire her. She’s always on the go, so this moment of peace allows me to survey her, absorb her. She’s wearing a white sleeveless shirt, a ribbon tied in a bow around her neck. It reminds me of those precious china dolls my grandma told me never to touch.
But fuck do I want to.
She huffs loudly, her chest heaving under the weight of evident stress. I know she wanted a plan yesterday, but her impatience is her downfall. We need to get as many families on our side, not just for protection, but if this shit goes sideways, we need to know that we have alliances. The Verdis have expressed how they feel about Sera’s position. This isn’t really about getting revenge, this is about setting the bar. They need to know who is in charge.
“You know you have to talk to me sooner or later,” I say to a silent Sera.
“No, I don’t.” She barely looks up from the paperwork she’s diverted her attention to.
“Sera,” I sigh, standing up from the couch.
She watches me carefully as I approach. “What?”
“Tell me what’s going on in your head,” I say, turning her chair so she’s facing me. I crouch down, resting one hand on her knee. “The Greco family, Enzo, all of it; you know you can talk to me.”
She pauses for a moment, her gaze dropping to where my hand strokes her leg. It’s meant to be friendly, supportive, but I don’t miss the way her breath hitches slightly when my thumb makes idle motions over her skin.
“Sera…”
“I know, I just…” She frowns, unable to meet my gaze. I don’t need her to tell me how hard she has taken Enzo’s death. It has affected bo th of us equally, only I know my cousin wouldn’t want us moping around feeling sorry for ourselves. The guy was never one to grieve like Sera is. He’d be celebrating, reminiscing over the good times, over the memories that bonded him to the ones he lost.
I sense it’s more than that for Sera, though. There’s lingering doubt evident on her face. With the way her shoulders hunch over, all her confidence disappears. I reach up, cupping her cheek with my other hand. “What is it?”
Her lips thin and her eyes gloss over, like she’s fighting herself on something. But when I stroke her face, she leans into it and whispers, “I don’t know if I can do this.”
I sigh. I knew this was coming; the final admission to what I could already tell was bothering her. But this is what I am here for, to protect her, to support her. I am the one she can confide in, trust to shed light on situations and offer my advice.
“You want to know what I thought of you when I first met you?”
Sera frowns. “We were like eight. There’s no way you can remember that far back.”
But I can. “I remember when Enzo and I used to climb trees, and he would never let you join us. Always the protector, right?”
She laughs, and it actually sounds lighter the longer I listen to it. Sure, she’s filled with regret and guilt, but I’m here to lift her up. I’ve got to be the one to show her how bad ass she is.
“You were always head-strong, a force to be reckoned with. You pinned the asshole down despite your size and told him under no circumstances was he the boss of you.”
We both laugh, like that memory only happened yesterday. I can still remember it clearly. I can still remember how I felt in that moment, completely in awe of such a tiny person, yet willing to protect her just like Enzo would.
“I knew right then the kind of person you were, what you are now. You are in this role for a reason Donna Bianchi. If anyone can run this Mafia, it’s you.”
She nods, sniffing slightly. She doesn’t move away from me, though. She rubs her cheek against my palm, a single tear rolling down her cheek. “I miss him,” she whispers sadly.
“I know, me too.” I feel those words deeply, because that guy was like a brother to me. “But you still have me, and I know you can do this.”
She leans forward and rests her forehead against mine. It’s not the first time we’ve been this close, but she seems to acknowledge what I already have. The energy between us feels charged, like a battery about to connect to a circuit. It feels like right here is where she wants to be, where she needs to be, and if I’m that comfort for her, then I’m okay with that.
What I’m not expecting is for Sera to tilt her head, or part her soft lips and run them across mine. Before I know what’s happening, our lips finally connect, and it’s like electricity is running through my body, zapping at every fiber and bringing it to life.
Without hesitation, I grip the back of her neck, and pull her closer. There’s nowhere for her to go, though, so it just makes the kiss harder and more urgent.
She runs her hands through my hair, tugging slightly. Her mouth is like heaven, the pearly gates that I’m finally permitted to enter. And my tongue does just that. Stroking it against hers, the kiss seems to grow more demanding. I’m drowning in Donna Bianchi like I’ve always wanted to and I can’t seem to shake the awe coursing through me. She moans, then whimpers, the sound going straight to my cock. But just when we start to fall into a desperate rhythm, she pulls away.
The air is no longer charged with electricity, but apprehension, temptation and anticipation.
We’re both panting, but neither of us make a move.
“I’m sorry,” she murmurs, covering her lips.
She’s hiding from me, and I don’t like it.
I pull her hand away, bringing it to my mouth. I press a kiss to her palm, and listen to the way she says my name so softly. “Levi, I can’t.”
“You can,” I assure her, still on my knees in front of her like I’m begging. If she asked me to, I probably would. “You can do whatever you want. You can demand whatever you want. You just have to say the words.”
“I’m your boss,” she states softly.
“So?”
“We can’t do this.” She goes to stand, but I’m too quick for her. I push her back onto her chair and cage her in between my arms.
Leaning in, I stroke the tip of her nose with mine. “Says who?”
She doesn’t say anything back to me, though.
“Tell me you didn’t feel that. Tell me you don’t want it.”
“I…” she shakes her head, denial swimming in her eyes. “I can’t…” she doesn’t finish that sentence, which leaves me reeling in uncertainty and wondering whether I just fucked up. Because what I felt was real, like I realized what connecting with a person should really feel like.
I don’t want to put her in any awkward position, but maybe I read the signs wrong.
No. She kissed me.
But looking into her doe-eyes, I’m not sure what I’m seeing anymore. Is it guilt? Shame? Regret?
I don’t have enough time to assess the situation further, though. Someone knocks on the other side of Sera’s door, causing us to jolt apart.
Giovanni steps into the office, followed by Luca who’s looking more agitated by the second. I guess he must pick up on the fact I’m feeling the same way because his eyes dart between Sera and I, probably coming up with his own assumption.
“What’s wrong?” Sera asks Luca.
“The Verdis approached the Rocco family,” he says urgently, slumping down on the couch.
“How do you know?” Sera’s gaze shoots up to meet mine. I can’t tell if it’s apprehension or something else swimming in those deep brown eyes. Whatever it is, she swallows heavily and composes herself.
Luca narrows his eyes on her, “I have my sources.”
“Should we be worried?” I ask .
“About my sources? No. About the Rocco family?” he shrugs, “doubtful. They’re still remaining impartial until we agree to some sort of truce.”
“Which will never happen,” Sera snaps.
“Agreed,” I add.
“So, we could really do with you making a decision on how you want to push forward.” Luca’s gaze halts on Sera. I don’t miss the way his attention tours her body, it’s swift, but noticeable. Especially to me.
Sera huffs, rubbing her forehead. After the pep talk I gave her before we were interrupted, I’m hoping I’ve gotten through to her. The longer she thinks about it, though, I’m not so sure.
“What exactly do you have on Don Greco,” she asks Luca. Her skepticism leaves no room for anything else. I can’t fault her for wanting to know everything before we force Greco’s hand. It’s dangerous territory after all, and attending a wedding to discuss business is highly frowned upon. Unfortunately, the Greco family is extremely difficult to get ahold of on a normal day.
“You really want to know?” Luca smirks. “Or do you want assurance that what I do have on him is enough of a threat.”
Sera contemplates it for a moment, eyes sliding to the paperwork in front of her briefly. Unfortunately, those documents on her desk aren’t going to give her the answer she’s looking for.
“Maybe the less we know the better, for now?” I interject. It is my job after all to advise Sera, and right now, she needs my support. “Can you assure us that just the mention of a secret getting out is enough to sway Don Greco?”
“Categorically.” Luca nods at me. “He definitely won’t want this getting out.”
“Do we need to ask where you got this dirt from?” Sera chimes in.
“Probably the less you know the better, right?” He tilts his chin at her, a taunting smile curling his lips.
Whatever Luca knows, however he knows it, it’s going to be dangerous. I can already sense the impending doom that is about to explode in our faces if we don’t play this right .
“Donna Bianchi,” I say, turning to her. It’s the fact I’ve used her formal title so effortlessly that seems to grab her attention the most. “I think we should do it. Ask Greco to side with us, if he doesn’t, use what Luca has on him.”
“But what if he asks me to elaborate.”
“Jesus Christ, Sera!” Luca stands up. “You!” He points a finger at her, “are Donna Bianchi . You lead this Mafia. The old bastards are too caught up in their own ways to expect this. Use it to your advantage! Use your fucking position to your advantage!”
“Whoa! Calm down, Fontana!” I bark. “Remember who you’re talking to.”
Luca takes a deep breath, darting his gaze over to Giovanni. “We need them, Sera. We need the Grecos before the Verdis go after them too.”
“Fine! If you’re certain there is no other way, then I’ll do it.” She points to all three of us as she continues, “But I want you all there with me, got it? If shit goes sideways, we get out of there right away.”
“Got it,” Luca and I say in unison. Giovanni on the other hand just nods obediently.
The room settles, but the tension is still palpable. I don’t like the feral look in Luca’s eye that seems to be directed at Sera, and I certainly don’t like the way his fists are scrunched up. Still, he takes a few steps towards the door, says his goodbyes and then leaves.
“Fold,” Marco Ferrante sighs, placing his cards onto the table.
“Raise,” Luca murmurs, sliding more poker chips into the center. The asshole looks far too cocky for my liking. I’m still trying to work out his tells, but the man plays poker to an entirely different level. I thought I had him all worked out but then he switches up his tactics and before I know it, I’m down two-thousand bucks.
I look down at my cards, then at the center where the five-card flop is laid out; king of spades, queen of hearts, nine of diamonds, nine of clubs and eight of hearts. I have a full house with my queen of diamonds and nine of spades.
Luca sits back in his chair, taking a long pull from his beer bottle. He’s unwavering, not a single sign that would tell me he’s bluffing. His almost blonde hair gives him that innocent look about him, his blue eyes locked onto mine as we continue our stare-off.
“You guys going to fuck or fold?” Matteo snorts beside me, taking a drag of his cigarette.
“Call,” I nod, sliding my chips across the table.
Sera hisses mockingly beside me, and I don’t know how I didn’t notice her presence before now.
“You come to be my good luck charm?”
She chews on her lip. She has changed into a more eye-catching ensemble. She still wears her blazer jacket, but she’s no longer wearing her blouse. It gives me a great view of the perfect tits, pressed together by the lapels of her jacket. Her legs are on full display, only covered by matching shorts.
“Looks like you might need more than luck.”
“Is that so?” I growl, inspecting my cards.
She laughs at my level of concentration.
Luca is almost glaring at me. I’m not sure if he’s trying to work out my angle in this poker game or figuring out what's going on between Sera and I. Nothing, right now. But I’ll have my way soon enough, I just need to break her down a little. She’s clearly still torn over what happened today, so I’ll give her time to process it all. I wonder if that’s what he can sense because he looks like he’s about to chew through his jaw. I know the look of a man possessed by the green monster, Enzo wore it a lot.
“What’s the pot?” Sera asks, pouring herself a glass of champagne.
“Six,” Marco replies, eyeing us warily.
“Low stakes?” she comments with a quirk of her brow. “I’m surprised at your lack of confidence, Marchese.”
I narrow my eyes on my cards, then glance back at Luca. Damn, how does that guy have such a good poker face. “You wanna test my confidence, Donna Bianchi?” I mutter .
“Something you want to tell us?” Matteo smirks at me.
Serafina leans forward. I watch Matteo’s eyes drift to her chest, and that possessive monster begins to rear its ugly head. She snatches the cigarette from his clutches, and blows a smoke ring into his face. “Play fair, Ferrante.”
Marco is the first to laugh, followed by Luca who chuckles to himself. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen the fucker smile. I think he realizes it too because he quickly schools his features like it never happened.
Matteo shakes his head, and I’m just left with the admiration I feel for my boss.
“Well doesn’t this look cozy, Topolina ?”
Sera is the first to stop laughing. She goes rigid beside me as she locks eyes with her ex, Luciano Verdi standing in the doorway to the VIP room.
He’s wearing a smirk, one that would send you running if you were alone. But it’s six against one here. The fucker is outnumbered and he knows it.
Luciano looks around the table, taking in the twins and Giovanni who has positioned himself in front of Sera. Then he looks from me to Luca and tuts. “So, the little slut has you wrapped around her little finger, too?”
“The fuck did you say?” I growl, shooting up from the chair. Sera pushes forward, but Giovanni is there to stop her as I approach Luciano. “Say it again.”
“Levi,” Sera warns from behind me.
“I don’t recall addressing you ,” Luciano sneers, averting his gaze from me to Sera. “I knew you had your claws in LaRosa, but I didn’t think you would fall for it, too, Fontana.”
Luca grits his teeth, his jaw going tense. He doesn’t move, but it looks like it’s taking all of his patience and strength to remain there. His knuckles are white as he grips the armrest of his chair, eyes still focused on Sera.
“You do know that cock tease is the reason your father is dead, right? ”
“Get the fuck out!” Sera snaps.
Luciano shakes his head, his eyes traveling over my shoulder to her. “Such a filthy mouth. I bet you enjoy having it filled with their cocks, right? Puttana. ”
All of the sudden, Luciano’s head snaps to the left. Luca stands over him as he stumbles backwards, and I’m frozen in shock. We’re all here to protect Sera, but I didn’t realize how serious Luca was taking it until now.