by LC Taylor
“It’s being taken care of. My brother will send someone over to fix your door. Until it’s done, I’d appreciate it if you stayed here.”
“Look...” I smiled. “I appreciate what you did for me last night, but I need to go home.”
Massimo stepped toward me. He reached out and ran his thumb across my jaw, pressing it into my bottom lip. “You start work for me today, anyway. Go downstairs in a bit and meet with Carlisle to get your paperwork done. You can go ahead and begin early.”
“You don’t need to give me special treatment.”
“I’m not.” He grinned. “You’re going to stay here until I know it’s safe for you. I can’t investigate the matter right now because of another pressing issue. Please do this for me. I could not live with it on my conscience if I let you go home, and you got hurt.”
I mulled over his words. After everything he’d done for me in the last twelve hours, I didn’t want to seem ungrateful. “Fine, but I want to go home soon. If your...” She furrowed her brow. “What is Donny? Your security?”
“Yes, you could call him that. He’s also my best friend and I trust him with my life.”
“Well, if he can’t figure out what happened by tomorrow, I’m going to the police.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
I watched as he scribbled something on a piece of paper. “Here’s the access code for the elevator. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t share it with anyone.”
I looked at the slip and took it. “I won’t. Will I see you today?”
“Of course.” He headed toward the door. “I own the place, so being around is part of the job.” He mashed his finger to the reader, making the elevator whir to life. As the doors opened, he paused with his hand holding the metal doors from closing. “And Madison?” he called out to me.
“Yeah?” I watched him as he grinned.
“My cock hasn’t been that hard for anyone. Next time, I won’t be coming in my hand.”
I watched as the doors slid shut. My cheeks were on fire from embarrassment, but my panties were soaking with desire.
I had to go back to my apartment soon, or I’d be making a mistake that involved my boss’s cock inside me. I couldn’t afford to lose this job, not with my future within reach. Graduating had been enough for me, but now... staring at the metal walls of the elevator, I wondered what it would feel like to have something more.
Chapter 14
Massimo
Watching Madison blush when I told her my dick hadn’t been that hard for anyone made it pulse. Just thinking about her drove me crazy with need.
Stepping off the elevator, I headed toward my office. It was only ten in the morning, which meant Carlisle would be the only other person here. He came in around this time to prep for opening, which was noon. The club opened at that time to give members of Fantasia access during the day. Oddly enough, we stayed busy upstairs during lunch hours. It was the perfect time for business elites to catch a quick fuck session in the middle of the day.
Thinking of Fantasia made my cock strain against my pants. While it wasn’t my thing, I could easily envision Madison tied up in my bed. Hell, I suspected she was a virgin just by her reaction to watching me jerk off this morning. That thought didn’t help my aching cock at all. Knowing I’d likely be the first to claim her made me hum with need.
As I rounded the corner, I heard strange noises coming from the stockroom. It was situated across from my office, allowing easy access to the wait staff. Reaching beneath the jacket I was wearing; I gripped the handle of the gun strapped to my back. Placing my hand on the doorknob, I eased the door open and peered inside.
My eyes widened when I saw Carlisle pinning Julie against a crate of wine. He had her leg draped over his shoulder and he was pounding into her. Her head was thrown back against the wooden container, her red hair spread out beneath her. His lips were wrapped around her nipple as his free hand palmed the other.
Neither heard me open the door, their heads lost to lust. I had to admit, Carlisle was fucking her good because she was moaning and bucking beneath him. I gave one last glance, wishing it was Madison laying there and my dick moving in and out of her wet pussy, before tugging the door shut. Just as I did, I heard her scream out her release.
I opened my office door, leaving it ajar so I could see them come out. I didn’t care if my employees fucked each other, but I did care that they were doing it in the storage room. I wanted to make sure that they knew as management, they had access to Fantasia as long as they signed the non-disclosure.
My cell phone buzzed in my pocket. Pulling it free, I groaned when I saw my father’s name. Just as I flicked it to answer, I saw Carlisle come out.
“Hang on a second, Papà. Carlisle,” I called out as I covered the phone with my hand.
“Yes, Sir?” he poked his head in my office.
“I’m giving you and Julie access to Fantasia as members. Sign the appropriate paperwork.” I lifted the phone to my ear.
“That’s not necessary, Sir.”
“Carlisle, I don’t care who you fuck. I only care where. Use the club. Trust me.”
Carlisle blushed, realizing I’d heard them in the storeroom. “I understand. Um, sorry...”
I waved him off, “Don’t apologize, just don’t let it happen there again. Close my door, please. Papà,” I spoke into the phone. “How are you and mother?”
“Fine, Massimo. I have some bad news.”
I sat up in my seat. Had he heard about the missing shipment already? “What is it?”
“My father has suffered a heart attack. I’ll be returning to Sicily.”
“What did you say?”
I shook my head. Surely, I had heard him incorrectly. My grandfather was the patriarch of our family. He was the head of the mafia in Sicily and controlled most of the area.
“It’s true. My mother found him last night and called an ambulance. He is in the hospital and it is not looking well.”
I rubbed my palm down my face. “Fuck...” I knew what this meant. Everything my father had been preparing me for was happening. He would be returning to Sicily for good, to take over as the head of the family there, leaving Las Vegas to me. Last night I went to bed as the eldest son of the Anastasi family... and this I morning woke up as the Godfather—the Don. I was now my father.
“Have you told the others yet?”
“I’ll leave that to you to tell them. Your mother and I are leaving in an hour. I expect all of you in Italy by the week’s end.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Fino a domani.”
“Fino a domani.”
I disconnected the call and blew out a breath. This could not have happened at a worse time. With the Sureños fucking around in our territory, the last thing I needed was to leave Vegas, but it was expected. I needed to go see my grandfather before it was too late to tell him I loved him.
Dreading the next call, I put my phone on speaker and set it on the desk.
“Massimo?” Vincenzo's voice filled the line. “Any news on our friends?”
Antonio must have filled him in on the latest. “No, that’s not why I’m calling,” I sighed into the phone.
“Shit, whatever it is, it must be bad. Just spit it out, I’ve got to get ready for the lunch rush.”
“It’s Grandfather. He’s had a heart attack, and it doesn’t look good. Father has requested us in Sicily by the end of the week.”
“Fuck.” The line grew silent. “He and mother are already gone?”
“They leave this morning.”
“Does Antonio know yet?”
I knew why he was asking. Even though we were across the ocean, we visited regularly. Antonio was extremely close to grandfather. They spoke daily. This was going to fuck him up.
“No. I thought I’d go see him, tell him in person.”
“Come get me. We can pick up Catarina and tell him together.”
“I’ll be there in fifteen.”
I dis
connected and pushed to my feet. My morning had started off in the best possible way. Now, I felt like everything was careening out of control.
Chapter 15
Madison
After drinking my coffee and finishing a paper for my Monday class, I rinsed my cup and went into the restroom. I hadn’t given myself much time last night to really take in the beauty of it, but now, standing inside the room, I was floored.
It was the size of my entire apartment. I stood in front of the mirror staring at myself. How in the hell was I here? By a luck of fate, I’d gotten an interview at Discoteca. I never in a million years thought it would lead to me standing in Massimo Anastasi’s bathroom. Grabbing my brush, I drug it through my hair. It was a ratty mess since I’d gone to bed with it wet.
Brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face, I pulled my locks into a French braid. It was almost noon and Massimo had told me I could get started earlier downstairs.
Grabbing the paper with the elevator code, I looked over the numbers, committing them to memory. Shoving it into my back pocket, I pressed the panel and waited. The doors opened, allowing me to step inside. It was surreal riding down to the ground floor from an apartment. I’d never lived in such luxury before, it was something I could get used to but wouldn’t. I didn’t belong here.
I found Carlisle at the bar. A beautiful redhead was laughing at something he said but stopped when she spotted me.
“You must be Madison.”
“Yes... Mass... um, Mr. Anastasi said to come down early and get started.”
“Great. Madison, this is Julie. She’s my assistant manager.” Carlisle glanced back at her. A look of longing passed over his face before disappearing. “She’s going to show you the ropes after we get your paperwork done. Mr. Anastasi said he wouldn’t be back until later and to show you the ropes until he returned.”
“Thank you. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work here.”
I watched as Julie walked out from behind the bar. She was much shorter than me, even in heels, and tiny. Her hair was a fiery red color that hung down her back. Her eyes were a striking green that told a story of mischief. She was dressed in a beautiful black bodycon dress that stopped mid-thigh. Glancing down at my black pants and simple black top, I winced. Deep down I worried about fitting in here, seeing her dressed to impress, I was having second thoughts.
“Stop.” Julie placed her hand on my arm, breaking me from my thoughts. “I know you’re worried about how you look, but don’t be. Carlisle told me about your troubles last night, so no one expects you to look the part, yet.”
“Thanks.” I fidgeted under her appraisal. “But even with what happened last night, I don’t have anything that looks like that. Are you sure I’m a good fit?” I glanced back at Carlisle.
“Honey,” he set the glass he was holding down and pressed his hands to the bar, “you will fit in fine. If you're worried about what you have on,” he pulled money from the till and thrust it at Julie, “Julie will take you shopping. Your paperwork can wait.”
“I can’t take that money,” I shook my head, tears welling in my eyes.
“You can and you will. Mr. Anastasi told me to ensure your happiness. If getting some new clothes for work will put you at ease, then go shopping. Julie, take her out and hook her up.”
“Come on, Madison. I know where to go to make you look sexy as fuck.”
In utter shock, I followed Julie. We walked into the parking lot and got into her car.
“I don’t understand, Why are you doing this?” I closed my eyes, confusion rippling through my senses.
“Look.” She turned in her seat to look at me. “We’re a family at Discoteca. Mr. Anastasi takes care of us and you’re one of us now. He’d want you to feel comfortable on your first day of work. Consider this a perk of the job. Besides,” she put the car in drive, “It’s kinda of a requirement to look hot. Think of it as your work uniform.” She laughed as she navigated the car into the busy Vegas streets.
Blowing out a frustrated breath, I pinched my arm. Nope. I wasn’t dreaming. This was really happening, even though I was positive I’d wake up from this alternate universe. We pulled into a parking lot, my eyes widening when I realized where we were.
“Um... here?”
“Yep. It’s the best place to buy sexy shit. Let’s go. The bar doesn’t get busy until after five, but we don’t want to take all day. I don’t want to start you out when it’s busy.”
Slipping from the seat, I followed her across the parking lot. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d find myself shopping at a store called Hottie.
Chapter 16
Massimo
Watching my youngest brother crumble with emotion was not something I was prepared for. Vincenzo pulled him from the ground, righting him to stand. “We’ve got you, Fratello.” He soothed his hair back, glancing at me and Catarina for guidance.
“Antonio,” I pressed my hand against his shoulder, “I’ve already called the pilot. He is going to have the plane ready in the morning. We can leave first thing.”
“What about the other issue?” his voice cracked with emotion.
“Stop worrying about everything, Antonio,” Catarina smoothed her hand over his hair, “Let Massimo worry about that, ok?”
“I’ll put Donny on it. He’ll handle it until we return. Once we know grandfather’s status, I’ll return with Vincenzo. You’ll remain there with the family.”
“I should be here. It was my guy who sold us out.”
“We didn’t know he was a snake. Even Alec missed it in his background check. I’ll take care of it, Antonio. You need to be there with father, in case...” My eyes cut to Vincenzo’s. He knew what I was saying. I didn’t think my grandfather was going to make it much longer. I was preparing to take my place as the head of the family here in Vegas.
I drove Catarina home. Vin stayed with Antonio, worried about our brother’s state of mind. He struggled to find his place in the family’s succession. My grandfather had been the one to build him up, reminding him that he was an Anastasi. We both feared this would tear down his spirit, pulling him away from us again.
“I’ll be ready to leave in the morning.” Catarina smiled as she stepped out of my car. “I’ll get things squared away here and call you later.”
“Ok, Cat. I’ll send a car for you in the morning.” I watched as my sister hurried inside the hospital emergency room.
“Donny,” I barked into the phone. “Meet me at the lumber yard.”
“Yes, Sir.”
The line went silent. Donny never asked why, he always showed up for me. That’s why I made him my righthand. He wasn’t just the muscle of the family, he was the one person I trusted without hesitation, that didn’t share my blood. We were more than boss and enforcer. We were best friends—had been since grade school.
Pulling into Anastasi Construction, I parked next to Donny’s truck. I knew he’d beat me here, hell, he was probably already here working on our problem. That’s how he was. He didn’t stop until the problem was solved.
“Boss,” he grunted as I shut my car door.
“We have a problem.”
“More trouble from Juan Carlos?”
“No, thank god. It’s my grandfather. He’s not well and I’ll be leaving for Sicily in the morning. All of us will be, so I need you to be in charge while we’re gone. I know it isn’t the ideal time to disappear, but life doesn’t work that way.”
“Is he going to be alright?”
I glanced off into the sun, thinking about my grandfather. Donny first met him when he was just a boy. My grandfather saw greatness in Donny and told me that he’d make me powerful. He was right.
“My father will arrive there in a few hours. I don’t intend for him to return, other than to tie up loose ends.”
Donny knew what that implied, “The time has come then.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “Whatever you need...”
“Good. I need you to pick your best guys. P
ut them here at Antonio’s place. He’ll be staying in Sicily for a while.”
“I figured he wouldn’t take this well. What about Catarina?”
Donny had always looked after Catarina since we were kids. She always looked up to him as a kid, but now they couldn’t be in a room without wanting to kill each other.
“She’s better than Antonio, but we all knew he’d be the one to take this the hardest.”
“Anything you need, let me know. You’re family to me.”
“Thank you, just figure out who took our guns and hold the fort down while I’m gone.”
We walked into the main office of the construction business. I needed to make his team aware of the issue and let them know Donny was in charge in our absence. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was almost six. I’d spent most of the day dealing with my family’s issues and hadn’t checked in with Carlisle.
“Give me a minute, I’ll meet you in there.” I nodded toward the conference room, where the employees had gathered. They looked nervous seeing me there at this time of day. Tugging my phone free, I pressed Carlisle’s contact.
“Boss?” he answered immediately.
“How’s everything going there at the club?”
“Good. Maddie has picked it up quickly. I sent her and Julie out earlier to go shopping.”
“Maddie?” I looked at the phone in confusion.
“Oh, sorry... Madison. She told us that’s what her friends call her.”
“I see. She’s working out well then?”
“You could say that.” Carlisle chuckled, making me overwhelmed with anxiety.
“What does that mean?”
“She’s coming out of her shell. The patrons seem to really like her, and she fits in as though she’s always been here. Julie showed her around briefly, but she’s been on her own since.”
“Keep an eye on her. We still don’t know who broke into her apartment. I’ll be there in about an hour.”
“Will do. I filled security in on the incident, they’re being hypervigilant. Maddie has made quite the impression on the guys her first day.”
