Chapter 21
TWENTY-ONE
Marchello
There were too many problems and not enough solutions.
The Gian catastrophe should have been solved, but fate—or Lissia—intervened, and now I had to come up with another way to handle him.
She asked me for peace, but I couldn’t promise her that. The only vows I saw in our future were bloodshed, death, and destruction. But maybe I could offer her solitude on the other side of all of that if she would let me.
A life without brutality, despair, and darkness? It sounded promising, but it wasn’t possible for men like me. If she wanted to stand by my side, she would have to learn to accept who I was and how I did business.
“You have to get her under control,” Milo said. “She’s interfering in our organization.”
“You don’t think I’ve tried?” I sat in my father’s chair, the very chair that made me feel worthless. “Nothing I do gets through to her.”
“Because you fucking fell in love with her. Now she knows she’s got you by the balls.”
“That’s really easy to say coming from a guy who fucks and leaves women in their bed every night.”
“It’s a lot easier than inviting them into my bed where I’d have to kick them out. My way is civilized. When I’m done, I go.” He ran his hand along his jaw and shook his head. “You knew the rules, and you broke them anyway.”
“The one about not getting attached?”
“Yeah, that one.” He waved his hands in the air. “If we don’t let anyone in, they can’t be used against us.”
“They can’t be killed in front of us either.”
“That’s a scar that won’t heal, which is why I’m single.”
“You make a very good point, but it’s too late for me.” I tapped my fingers against the sleek wood. I wish I knew what our next move was.
“I get that you and Lissia have something, really I do,” Milo said. “But this relationship couldn’t have come at a more wrong time.”
“I know.”
“Her presence cost us a lot.”
“How was I supposed to know she would be at her father’s house at the precise moment I was carrying out the hit?” Her timing was impeccable.
“If you had her under control, you would have known.” Milo gazed out the window, then glared at me. “How did your captive escape? Again.”
“She’s not my hostage.”
“I guess not, because if she was, you would have carried out Dad’s orders and we would be having a different conversation.”
“I still plan on doing that.”
“How?” Milo rifled through a box of marketing materials that arrived earlier in the day. “We had the element of surprise when we shut down Gian’s cameras. If his security people are worth anything, they will have realized by now that someone messed with their system. We’re not getting that chance again.”
“Another opportunity will present itself.”
I had no guarantee that what I had just said was true, but I didn’t have anything else to offer. I had lost the perfect opportunity.
Angela, my father’s assistant, stepped into the doorway of his office.
“Hello, boys,” she said in her thick Brooklyn accent. “Miss me?
“Welcome back,” Milo said. “Congratulations on your wedding.”
“We missed you,” I said as she entered the office. “We were surprised to hear you got married on your getaway.”
“Not as surprised as I was.” She hugged Milo, then turned to kiss my cheek and glanced at my father’s desk. “It was impulsive, but it was time.”
Angela and my father had been a not-so-discreet item over the past several years. The encounters meant more to Angela than they did to him, but he treated her well, and being the occasional center of his attention worked for her. Until it didn’t. His recent absence may have been why she abruptly married her new boyfriend.
“Congratulations,” I said. “We’re happy to have you back.”
“There’s a gentleman on the showroom floor who requested a meeting, but I told him I’d have to check to see if you’re available.” She smoothed out her skirt. “He was pretty confident you would see him, so I’m assuming it isn’t car business.”
Angela liked to think she was in the know because of her relationship with our father, but she only knew as much as any other person who heard our last name. Did they assume we were connected to the mob? Yes. Did they know how connected? No.
“Who is it?” Milo asked.
“Lorenzo Garcia. He looks important in his expensive suit and sparkly pinky ring.” She grinned. “He’s easy on the eyes too.”
She had a thing for dangerous men.
“You can send him in, Angela.” I nodded toward the door. “Try not to offend him.”
“I can’t make any promises.” She winked before exiting the office.
“Now that she’s married, Dad might not have any reason to keep her around,” Milo said. “At least, we can hope.”
Angela had been holding out for our father’s affections for several years. She could be possessive of him, especially when a new female came to work at the dealership. My father never put up with her nonsense. While he treated her well, he always made it clear that he was not interested in a committed relationship.
“I doubt she’ll stay married once Dad gets back.” I took my jacket from the back of the sofa and put it on. “She got married so Dad would pay attention to her.”
“I do not need a stepmother who is only a few years older than us.”
“I guess it’s better than one who is younger than us.” I smirked. “Relax, Dad would never remarry.”
“And I never thought you would get yourself into a committed relationship, but here you are.”
“Shit happens.”
“Yes.” Lorenzo came into the office. “It certainly does.”
“Lorenzo,” I said as Milo closed the office door. “What brings you all the way to New York?”
“Are you in the market for a new car?” Milo asked. “We have some new inventory that I’m excited to show the right buyer.”
“Maybe.” He nodded. “Buying a car from you would give me an excuse for being here.”
“I’m going to sell you the most expensive car we have,” Milo said. “I hope you brought your checkbook.”
“Please excuse my brother.” I motioned for Lorenzo to have a seat. “He can be a shark when there’s blood in the water.”
“There’s about to be a lot of blood in the water.” Lorenzo unbuttoned his jacket and took a seat. “I need to move a shipment, but I can’t have a screw up like last time. It’s crucial there are no problems.”
“The timing isn’t ideal.” I glanced at Milo. “I have a major shipment expected for Juan. Two in such a short span of time could flag the Feds.”
“You must know some agents who look the other way.” Lorenzo arched his brow. “I’m certain you do.”
“What if we moved them at the same time?” Milo asked. “We already have Juan’s in place.”
“How fast can you make this happen?” I asked Lorenzo. “Is it ready to move now?”
“My associates would be extremely pleased if we made this happen sooner rather than later.” Lorenzo gazed out the window, taking in the lot full of luxury cars. “How is your Gian problem?”
“It’s still a problem,” I said.
“That’s disappointing.” Lorenzo shrugged. “I know you’re in a tough position, but you have to show the others you are in control.”
“I’ll figure it out.”
“Chello is in control.” Milo came to stand next to me. “Anyone who says something different doesn’t know what they’re talking about.”
I appreciated my brother’s confidence, but Lorenzo didn’t look as convinced as Milo sounded.
“People are talking. They know Gian came for you. The word on the street is that if your father were here, justice would have been served by now.” He ran his hand along his jaw. “My own cartel is worried about your ability to help us get this shipment through.”
“I came to you in a show of good faith.” I tightened my jaw. “Do I need to remind your cartel that Gian and Collins were the ones who fucked up your last shipment?”
“Do I need to remind you that you’re the one who interfered?” Lorenzo asked. “The reason there was a problem?”
“Your cartel didn’t investigate Collins thoroughly enough. If they had, they would have known that it is the Accetti family who runs the ports in and out of New York.” I clenched my fist, fighting back my temper. An alliance with Lorenzo was beneficial to my organization. “Collins provoked me, and I retaliated.”
“Which is why we offered to help you,” Milo said. “It’s Collins who owes you, not us.”
“I want to work with you,” Lorenzo said with a sigh. “My cartel trusts my judgment. I’m just offering you some advice. Get the Gian situation resolved. You’ll be in a much better position once you show the cartels and the other families that you are capable of handling your shit while your father is away.”
“I appreciate your concern, but as I said, I’ll get it taken care of.” I leaned against the desk. “Now, let’s discuss the logistics of your shipment.”
* * *
After leaving the dealership, I went to the docks to check on security. I also wanted to make sure my men knew how important it was to get these next two shipments into the city without incident. There was no room for error.
When I finally arrived at the penthouse, it was going on eight. Dom, my imposing bodyguard, was at his post to fulfill his night shift duty at the door.
“Mr. Accetti,” he said. “Long day?”
“You could say that.” I nodded. “I want to speak to you sometime tomorrow about a new responsibility.”
“Of course, sir. It would be my pleasure.”
“You might not say that after you hear the details, but I can only give this assignment to someone I trust.” It wasn’t that I didn’t trust all of my guards, or else they wouldn’t be here, but this was a sensitive matter that needed a special kind of man.
Dom had been with me for several years. He started out at the main house, guarding the gate, and moved on to my security detail a year ago. He proved to be loyal, attentive, and not afraid to do what had to be done.
“I understand.” He opened the door for me. “Whatever you need.”
“I need you to be Lissia’s guard.”
“Oh.” He glanced at the floor. “Like I said, whatever you need.”
“Is there a problem?” I didn’t have time for this.
“Not at all.” He looked into my eyes. “It’s just that, well, Ms. Gallanti has a reputation.”
“I’m aware.” I stepped into the penthouse. “Which is why I need you for this job. We’ll talk more tomorrow, but if you let her do what she wants within reason, and you don’t allow her to manipulate you, you’ll be fine.”
He nodded.
“This isn’t a punishment. I trust you, so that’s why I’m assigning you to her.”
“I appreciate your trust, and I won’t let you down.”
I’ll kill you if you do.
Dom closed the door but not before I saw the disappointment in his expression. What could I do? Lissia needed a guard, and he was my best option. He had no choice but to follow my orders. It was either that or he could try to look for new employment.
Most of my men knew that if they walked out of here, they wouldn’t get very far, especially not when you were a high-ranking soldier like Dom who knew too much.
As I made my way to the kitchen, the aroma of chocolate surrounded me. Brownies?
I leaned against the doorframe, taking in the beautiful woman who danced around the kitchen without any music. She swayed her hips to the melody she hummed as she wiped the countertops, wearing a tight black tank top and a tiny pair of matching shorts. Her usual bedtime attire. Easy for me to get her out of.
I loved seeing her light and carefree. I hadn’t made our time together easy, but she never displayed any weakness. She took everything I dished out and somehow managed to make my life better. Despite everything that happened between her father and me, she was still here.
And after all that, I would repay her by killing her father. But I had to show I was in control of this family. I had to strike back. There could be no other way.
“Hey.” She giggled as she twirled toward me. “You’re home.”
“Sorry I missed dinner.” I reached for her and guided her to me. Taking her chin in between my fingers, I pressed my lips to hers, kissing her slowly and savoring this moment.
She ran her hands along my biceps before resting them on my shoulders to steady herself.
“I missed you,” I said.
“Good.” She smiled. “Next time, don’t be late.”
“Did you eat?”
“Ricardo served me an amazing salad topped with grilled shrimp. He made his mother’s Italian dressing from scratch. It was delicious.”
As much as I couldn’t forgive Ricardo for putting her in danger when he allowed her to leave that day, I did appreciate their friendship. She would need him when her father was gone. He would have to provide her the comfort I wouldn’t be able to because I was going to be the one to cause her that pain.
“Where is he now?” I asked.
“He left for the night, so I decided to make brownies.” She took my hand and led me into the kitchen. “I only got like two pieces of eggshell in the batter, but I was able to get them out.”
“You’re improving.” I removed my jacket and tossed it over the stool at the center island. “I’m impressed.”
“You have a lot on your mind.” She undid my tie and slipped it from my neck, then placed it on top of my jacket. “I can see the stress in your face.”
“It was a busy day.” I stroked her hair. “Nothing that I need to concern you with.”
“Maybe I can relieve some of that stress.” She unbuttoned my shirt, kissing my neck as her fingers moved to each button.
“What about the brownies?” I reached into my waistband and removed my gun.
“They will still be here when we’re done.”
As she trailed her hand down my abs, I set the gun on the counter. She pressed her soft, warm lips along my stomach, driving me insane, but when she reached for my belt, I grabbed her wrist and held her still before she could drop to her knees.
She looked up at me through the hair that had fallen in her eyes, licked her lips, and smirked. “My mouth is empty. Don’t you want to fill it?”
I definitely wanted to shove my cock down her throat and let her take away all of my aggravation and stress, but first things first. I tightened my hold on her wrist as I pulled her back to her feet, trapping her between me and the counter.
“Brownies and a blowjob?” I asked.
“What’s wrong with that?” She leaned into me, challenging me with her eyes. “Isn’t that a good thing?”
“A very good thing.” I kissed her with enough force, I stole her breath. “But why don’t you just tell me what it is you’re plotting this time? And I suggest you hold nothing back, because you won’t like the lesson I have to teach if you lie to me.”