by LC Taylor
Carlisle nodded, bidding me farewell as I walked to the elevator. Entering the code, I waited for the doors to open. Pressing my back to the steel wall, I closed my eyes and pictured my future. Massimo was the best thing to happen to me in a long time. When the doors opened, I took a deep breath and stepped inside our place.
Even the words trickling in my mind felt odd. This was no longer his, but ours. Stripping off my clothes as I made my way to the bathroom, I couldn’t help but smile. Massimo would see my things when he entered the apartment. Hopefully, the notion I was completely naked would spur him into moving faster.
Chapter 43
Massimo
“We have a problem.”
Miguel’s thick accent rumbled in the room as Donny and I walked in. Vincenzo was seated in a chair as Antonio stood with arms folded behind him against the wall.
“We do, but I can assure you that it wasn’t us.”
“I’ve come to realize that in talking with Vincenzo. Besides, he was in Italy with your familia. My condolences for your loss.”
“Thank you, but this means we have a problem that affects us both.”
“Yes, my sister,” his voice faltered, “was a beautiful creature. She did not deserve the death she was given. We must work together to snuff out this threat.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t someone inside the Sureños?”
“No, I’ve taken care of any uncertain loyalties. The only ones who remain are loyal to my cause.”
“Why my restaurant? I don’t understand.” Vincenzo spoke, his tone bitter with hate.
“I think someone is trying to flush you out of hiding my friend.” Miguel sneered. “You are The Lama, are you not?”
“Fuck,” Antonio hissed behind Vincenzo.
It had been a few years since that name had been spoken. Vincenzo worked hard to bury that part of himself, and hearing it now from the lips of Miguel, made even me cringe.
“Where did you hear that name?”
“It is you, is it not?” Miguel inched closer, his eyes burrowing into Vincenzo’s soul.
“Not anymore. It’s not who I am now.”
“It seems someone wants you to remember. We must figure out who would want to bring the dead back to life.”
“Vincenzo,” I pressed my hand against his shoulder, “We’re going to need the names of every job you worked.”
“Massimo,” his voice cracked as he spoke. “Please... I’ve worked hard to leave that part of me in the dark. If you make me do this, you’ll be opening pandora’s box.”
“Is my sister’s life not worthy of you?” Miguel’s gaze held Vincenzo’s. “Do you not care?”
“Look.” He cleared his throat. “If I go back to that place, and it turns out it has nothing to do with me, then what? I would be opening myself up to speculation. We don’t need the cops getting wind that The Lama has returned. It’s dangerous for both organizations.”
“He’s right,” Antonio said, pushing off the wall. “What happens when the police get wind someone is poking around and asking questions about The Lama? They’ll start sniffing around again, tying him to The Lama’s crimes.”
“It is a necessary risk. Whoever did this is threatening all of us.”
“Vincenzo.” I rubbed my forehead. “We need to do this. It’s a hazard we need to take.”
I could see the strain on his face as he mulled over my words. “Fine...”
“Great.” Miguel moved toward the door. “I’ll send only my trusted men. They will help you with this search. My sister did not deserve to be humiliated.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t a jilted member, maybe a lover?” Vincenzo asked. “What if this was just someone trying to start a war between us because they were pissed?”
“It was no lover. Selena was not like that. She was pure and honest.”
“Fine. I’m sorry. You don’t know what you’re asking of me. I had to be sure.”
“You have my fidelity, Vincenzo. The Sureños will not let this be done in vain.”
“We have another problem.” Donny stepped through the doorway. “The DEA was at the construction office asking questions about our shipments. It would appear someone tipped them off about the weapons.”
“Fuck!” Antonio paced the floor. “When?”
“They just left. Micha called me and told me they searched some containers on site.”
“What?” I bristled, my blood thumping with anger. “Why didn’t he call us sooner? Our attorney could have stopped the search.”
“It’s ok, they were empty. I had the men move the weapons somewhere else.”
“Where in the hell did you stash that many weapons?”
Donny rubbed the back of his neck. “Bellissimo’s freezer.”
“MY FREEZER?” Vincenzo stood.
“They are in crates stacked in the back corner. To anyone else, it looks like wine.”
“Jesus Christ.” I sighed. “We need to move the shipment again. Bring it here. We’ll put it in the basement.”
“I’ll get on that now.”
“Vin, I think you need to take some time off while we sort this out.”
“Time off? Are you crazy? I’d need to hire a new chef and train them. That takes time.”
“Make it happen. I’m serious, Brother. You need to be available to handle this.”
“Fine.” He stormed toward the door. “Just remember, I warned you all. The Lama should stay buried.”
“I will send some men over tomorrow. Place them where you see fit.” Miguel walked out of the office, leaving Antonio and I alone.
“This is bad, Massimo.”
“I know. He has worked so hard to slay those demons, only to have them resurrected again. I fear what this will do to him—to us.”
“We’ll make it through, we’re Anastasi’s.”
My brother disappeared from the office, leaving me to stare at the wooden door. This mess was going to consume my every moment. I worried that Madison would not be strong enough to handle it all.
Making my way around the bar, I tipped my chin toward Carlisle.
“Congrats on the engagement, Boss.”
“Let’s hope after she learns of this new mess, she doesn’t change her mind.”
“She won’t. You’ve got yourself a tough bride to be.”
Smiling, I rode the elevator up to my apartment. When the doors opened, I smiled at the littering of clothes across the floor. Stepping into the vast room, I spied Madison sprawled out on our bed. Her skin glowed in the soft light emulating from the bedside table. Her hair sprawled out on the pillow below her head.
Pulling my clothes off, I stalked toward her. Easing myself between her legs, I pressed my rock-hard erection against her flesh. She moaned, stirring beneath me.
“Massimo?” She blinked, smiling when she realized it was me.
“Hi, Baby.” I pressed my lips to hers, slipping my tongue between the seam of her mouth.
As if it knew where home was, my cock slid between her folds, burrowing itself deep within her channel. Madison cried out, her legs instinctively wrapping around me. Everything about her felt like home.
Our bodies found a rhythm as I pumped into her. It was more than sex for me. Our bodies melded together like two souls fusing together for eternity. Her moans grew more fervent as she bucked and writhed beneath me.
The all too familiar tingle began in the base of my spine, trickling its way through my body. My balls tightened just as her pussy clamped down on my shaft. Together we fell over the cliff of ecstasy, our orgasm burst through us like it was transcending from another place.
“Fuck,” I panted against her cheek.
“That’s one hell of a wake up call,” she giggled beneath me. “Everything ok?”
I rolled, taking her into my arms as my flaccid cock slipped from her nether lips. “It isn’t going to be an easy road, but we will come out of this ok.”
“I’ll be here for you and your brothers. When does Catarina come back?
”
“In a few days. We will have to tell her what’s happening. She won’t be happy about having a guard with her at work.”
“Is it that serious?”
“Yes. You’ll have one as well, when you aren’t with me.”
Madison burrowed into my arms, “Then I just won’t leave you.”
Kissing her head, “We should sleep. I’m exhausted and tomorrow is going to be a long day.”
“Good night, Massimo. I love you.”
“I love you too, Bella.”
Chapter 44
Massimo
One month had passed since we found Miguel’s sister murdered in Vincenzo’s office, and we still had no leads. Most of the contracts he fulfilled for my father were on the up and up. No one seemed to hold a grudge or wanted vengeance. Vincenzo was spending more and more time at the club and was neglecting his business. He’d agreed to hire someone, but so far it was turning out to add more stress to him. He’s refused everyone he’s interviewed so far.
Antonio was spending more time handling Miguel and his men, alleviating some of the pressure of having an alliance with the Mexican Mafia. Madison had taken on the role of assistant manager, taking her off the floor. I knew she didn’t need to waste her degree, nor did I want men ogling what was mine.
“You look deep in thought,” Madison’s voice broke me from my reverie.
“Thinking about my beautiful fiancé.”
“Really? Is she hot?”
I stood up, closing the distance between us. Kicking the door closed, I ran my finger down her neck.
“So. Fucking. Hot.”
I leaned in and fused our mouths together. Madison’s arms wound around my neck, clinging to me as I assaulted her mouth. Slowly I walked us backward, pressing her against the office door. The tiny dress she wore rode up her thighs, exposing her center to me. The thin lace panties were blocking what I craved. In one swift jerk, the fabric fell to the ground.
Lifting her further up the wall, her legs locked around me, her hips grinding into me, begging me to take her.
“What do you want, Bella?”
“You. I want you, Massimo.”
I popped the button on my pants, freeing myself from the confines of my boxers, and eased myself inside her. The warmth of her center wrapped around my erection, causing me to hiss.
“Fuck,” I grunted. My hips pushing forward on their own free will. Madison moaned, her sounds making me mad with lust.
My cock took over, it pulsed inside of her, demanding for me to move. I ground into her, rubbing my pelvis against her swollen clit. Anyone walking by the office would know what was happening inside, as her cries filled the space. It didn’t matter. I wanted to own her pussy—show her I was in control. The door rattled with each flex of my body, her back pressed firmly against it as I drove my cock in and out of her pussy. She fisted my hair, holding on as I ravished her, making us one in that moment.
Our bodied tensed together, our release bursting from our souls at the same time. Her head fell against my shoulder, her breathing coming out in pants.
“Fuck,” she giggled breathlessly. “I don’t remember the real reason I came in here.”
“This was a good enough one for me.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead as I helped her to her feet.
A knock sounded on the door behind her, causing her to jump.
“What the fuck?” Her face reddened in embarrassment, “Jesus Christ. I bet everyone knows what just happened in here.”
“Relax.” I pulled her against me. “No one is brave enough to say anything. If they do, I’ll kill them.”
Madison hurried to right herself before sitting down in a chair. I tucked myself back into my pants and smoothed out my shirt. Shaking the lust haze off, I opened the door.
“This better be fucking important.”
“Sorry, Boss.” Donny stood in the hallway. “There’s been another incident.”
“Where?” I opened the door wider and ushered him inside.
Donny glanced at Madison, his face blushing with a knowing grin. “Maddie, how are you?”
“Fuck off, Donny. Don’t pretend you weren’t standing outside the door when Massimo had his cock buried inside of me.”
Donny glanced back at me. “She’s getting feisty.”
“She is.” I walked around him to take my seat behind the desk. “Now, tell me what happened.”
“There has been another attempt made.”
“Attempt?” I rested my elbows on the surface of my desk and leaned forward. I couldn’t help but notice Madison tensing beside him.
“Yes. It appears someone tried to grab your sister in the ER parking lot.”
“Oh, my God. Catarina!” Madison gasped, pushing to her feet. “Is she hurt?”
“A few scratches. Vincenzo is with her; I came to tell you in person. He didn’t feel a phone call would suffice.”
“Motherfucker. Do we know who?”
“No. He was wearing a mask and Catarina didn’t get a good look. He tried to shove her into her car, but she fought him off. Someone passing by overheard the commotion and called security.”
“The police are involved.” It was a statement. I knew involving the cops brought more suspicion to our family, but sometimes it was unavoidable.
“Yes. They are at the restaurant right now. Catarina asked Vincenzo to take her there. Antonio stayed on the scene to speak with the officer. He’s going to try to get what he can from their investigation. The paramedics cleared Catarina to leave, so she’s fine Massimo. Just a little shook up.”
“Take me to her.” I pushed back from my desk and stood.
“I want to go too,” Madison spoke.
“Baby, I need you safe. Please stay here with Carlisle.”
“No. Catarina is going to be my family soon. I want to go. Either I go with you or I’ll call Freddy to take me. If you stop him, I can always call an Uber.”
“Fine. Donny,” I motioned toward the door, “let’s go.”
We hurried to the alley where the SUV was waiting. Piling into the backseat, I tugged Madison’s hand into mine. I needed her touch to calm the rage boiling beneath the surface.
“Have you called Miguel? I want him aware of the incident. We need to start putting heat on some people and figure out who is out to get the family. I’m realizing this isn’t just about digging up Vincenzo’s ghosts. No.” I took a deep breath. “This is about the whole organization.”
“I’ll call him when we get there.”
Madison rubbed her thumb across the top of my hand. “It’ll be ok. You’ll figure this out.”
Remembering she had come into the office to tell me something, but my lust for her took over, I grinned at her. “What did you want earlier?”
“You mean before we gave Donny a show?”
Donny coughed. “I swear I wasn’t out in the hall the whole time, Madison.”
“I know, I just like making you squirm.”
She tugged my hand. “Yes, Bella. Before I marked you as mine again.”
“It’s not important right now. Your sister is all that matters in this moment. What I wanted to tell you can wait.”
“No. Tell me. You are just as important as any member of my family.”
“Fine. I wanted to discuss the wedding date.”
“Really?” I sat up and cocked my head.
“Yes. I was thinking in three months. Is that enough time to plan something?”
“My mother will be thrilled. The twins, too. We can call my mother later tonight and tell her the news. She’ll take care of everything. Nonna will be ecstatic as well.”
“Good. Now, let’s focus on Catarina.” She leaned in and pressed a kiss to my lips as the SUV came to a stop. Pushing her door open, I watched as she climbed out, leaving me to stare at her behind.
“You won the lottery with that one, Massimo. She’s a real treasure, and I am glad she’s going to be part of the family.”
“Thanks.” I looked back a
t my long-time friend. “I want you to be my best man when the time comes.”
“Me? You sure you don’t want one of your brothers?”
“No. You’ve been with me through all the ups and downs. They can wear a monkey suit and be groomsmen.”
“I’m honored, my friend. Now, let’s go see what the fuck is going on. Someone messed with our own. That doesn’t sit well with me.”
“Me either.”
We climbed from the SUV and the three of us headed inside.
Chapter 45
Madison
Massimo was on edge as we listened to Catarina recount the incident. She was scraped up and her scrubs were torn, but beyond that, she wasn’t severely hurt. I watched as Massimo and Vincenzo paced the room like caged animals. Donny was at Catarina’s side, watching her every move.
“Can you tell us anything else about him? Height, accent, anything?” Vincenzo spat. His temper was palpitating throughout the room.
“No Vincenzo. I told you. The man, yes, I am certain it was a man, grabbed me from behind. He tried to force me into the passenger seat of my car, but I kicked him in the dick. He grabbed at my shirt, ripping it.” She waved at the material which hung loosely, exposing her tattoos beneath. She was covered in beautiful artwork spanning her entire chest and arms. Catarina usually kept them covered for work, but now, she was exposed for all to see.
Donny growled beside her. “Here.” He slipped off his jacket and handed it to her. “Put this on.”
“Thanks,” she whispered, her eyes looking toward the floor in embarrassment.
“Don’t.” Donny grabbed her chin. “Never be ashamed, Cat. These people will be found, and this man will pay for what he did to you. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” She held his gaze.
“Donny,” Massimo spoke, causing Donny to step back and let go of her face.
“I want you to stay with Catarina—guard her.”
“Me?” He looked shocked. “Shouldn’t we put someone else on this detail? You need me to flush out information.”
“I need her protected more. I trust you like I do my own brothers. Knowing she is with you will give me some peace right now.”
