Chasing Arlo (Genoa Mafia Series Book 5)

by Ginger Ring

  “Yes, believe me, once these hormones kick into overdrive, he’ll be glad to have you around to keep me under control.”

  Layla wrapped her arm around Madison’s shoulder and gave her sister a kiss on the cheek. “You’ll be fine.”

  “That’s exactly what I told her.” Jackie sat in a nearby chair nursing her cappuccino and swinging her foot. “Speaking of being fine, has anyone talked to Stephanie? I feel so bad about what happened.” Her lower lip stuck out. “I think I want to elope. I can’t imagine what they must be going through right now.”

  “It could have been worse. We all survived but yes, I feel terrible about something like this happening on their special day.” Madison teared up, her emotions getting the best of her again.

  “I heard Jasper mention that Roman contacted all the funeral homes in town to anonymously pay for the crew’s funerals. He also is purchasing a new boat for the cruise company.” Jackie shook her head. “The Bratva are the ones that should pay.”

  “They will.” Layla stood up and walked toward the window again. “I can’t take this any longer. I have to see what’s going on.” Her father’s vehicle had just come through the gates. “Dad’s here. I’m going to go see him.”

  “I’ll wait here. Let us know what you find out.” Madison placed her hand on her stomach.

  “Are you feeling all right?” Now that she thought of it, Maddy’s skin had felt a bit clammy.

  “Yes, just a little morning sickness.” She reached for the glass of water again.

  “I’ll get some crackers and be right back.” Jackie quickly got up and left the room.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Goosebumps rose on her arms.

  Madison reached for her hand. “For the first time in a long while, I’m truly scared. About the baby, about this whole mess with Fedor.”

  Layla crushed her in a hug. “It will be fine. Trust in Roman and trust in our father. They will take care of everything.” She brushed a strand of hair away from her sister’s face. “And I’ll be here with you, every step of the way. I promise.”

  “Thanks, I don’t mean to be such a baby but last night…” The woman’s eyes started to tear up.

  “Shh.” She took a seat next to her. “Everything is fine. We’re all fine.” She hugged her again.

  “It just made me realize how fragile life is.”

  “I know.” Her thoughts turned to Arlo and how he’d taken her in his arms to comfort her. The kiss was brief and unexpected but his touch lingered long after he’d left the house.

  “I want you to do something for me.” Madison grabbed her wrist.

  “Anything.”

  “Don’t let love pass you by. Don’t let Arlo pass you by.”

  “I don’t even know if he likes me.” That he hugged her last night gave her hope but was he just being nice?

  “I know he does. Tell him how you feel,” her sister insisted. “Do it or I will.”

  “Okay, okay.” She sighed. If anything, Madison was not shy about pushing people together.

  “When?” she insisted.

  “What?” They were on the verge of war.

  “When? I don’t want you to put anything off, especially now.”

  “Soon,” Layla promised.

  “Here, I found some Saltines.” Jackie rushed through the doorway carrying a box of crackers.

  Madison untangled herself from the embrace. “Give me those things.” She tore the box open and grabbed a handful. “These damn things better work. I can’t move my head without getting nauseous.”

  Layla stood up and Jackie took her spot. “I’m going to see what’s going on and report back. Are you going to be all right?” Madison smiled and Jackie picked up the television remote.

  “We’ll be fine. I’ll find a chick flick for us to watch. Anything to take our minds off what happened.”

  Layla nodded and left the room. There was a somber mood throughout the house. Despite them all being alive and well, the threat still hovered in the air. Slowly descending the stairs, the room below her was filled with guys in suits. Some were her father’s men, and some were Roman’s. Even Dominic was there when he should be on his honeymoon. He had deep circles under his eyes and his long hair hung loose and messy.

  Stephanie climbed the stairs toward her. She appeared equally tired. “Where’s Madison?”

  “In the library.” Layla stopped. “What are you doing here? You just got married. Get out of town, go somewhere. We’ll take care of things.”

  “Not until every one of those bastards are dead.” Stephanie placed a hand on Layla’s shoulder as she passed. She made a note to plan something special for the couple when everything calmed down. The fact that Stephanie’s background was Russian must add to the mixture of emotion she was surely feeling.

  Taking another step, Layla grabbed the railing when her gaze met Arlo’s. He stood at the door to Roman’s study. The room was grander than his office and from the large gathering of capos and underbosses, they would need that extra space.

  Roman and her father were huddled in a corner talking in private. Layla hurried the rest of the way down and rushed to Arlo’s side. “Any news?”

  “Right now the fire department and Ryan are analyzing some of the wreckage, trying to figure out what caused the explosion. The ship had been under surveillance ever since it was booked last minute. Everything and everyone that came aboard was searched.” He rubbed his face and her knees weakened at the sound of his sexy stubble. “It was obviously on a timer system. If it weren’t for the storm, we’d all be dead.” Goosebumps rose on her arms just thinking about it.

  “I’m so sorry for those that didn’t make it and their families.” Remembering the cheerful bartenders made her sick to her stomach.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll make things right.” He bent his head in her direction and the earthy pine scent he wore tickled her nose.

  “Gentlemen, please head into the study,” Roman’s voice broadcast in the large room. The crowd of twenty or so narrowed as they entered the study and took one of the many chairs set up about the room.

  Trailing the group were Bruno and Roman. Nearing her father’s side, he turned and kissed her cheek. “I thank God that you’re all right, Layla. I would die if anything ever happened to you or Madison.”

  A lump formed in her throat. “I feel the same way. We’re all lucky to be standing here today.” He nodded and turned to leave.

  “I have something to tell you.” She held his elbow. “Before you go in.”

  “What is it?” He placed his hand on top of hers.

  “I don’t know if this is important or not.” Layla bit her lip. “Maybe I should have said something sooner but I just blew it off.”

  “I have a meeting now, can it wait?” He glanced back and forth between her and the study.

  “It might have something to do with the bombings.” Layla frowned as her father’s eyes widened.

  “Are you coming?” Roman called from the study door.

  “Wait.” Bruno held up a hand and motioned for Roman to come over.

  With both powerful men standing in front of her, her knees almost let out but she stiffened her spine. “I know we’ve had problems with the Bratva for weeks, months actually, but something happened that might have aggravated the situation.”

  “What are you talking about?” Roman asked.

  “Fedor called and asked me out,” she mumbled.

  “What?” Roman was the first to speak and both men exchanged glances. “When?”

  “Why did you never tell me that Fedor contacted you?” Her father said it quietly but Arlo appeared and had clearly heard as he took a step closer.

  “I didn’t think it was important.” She looked from man to man. “He just asked me out. Months ago. It was no big deal. At least I didn’t think so at the time.”

  “To him it was a big deal. It’s an insult to his arrogant pride, and along with the disappearance of his brother, the man must have gone off the de
ep end.” Roman exhaled and threw up his hands.

  “Are you saying this is my fault?” Her hand went to her throat. Arlo remained quiet but the fingers he wrapped around her elbow told her he had her back.

  “No, but it added to it. The whole family is crazy, anything could have aggravated a deranged lunatic’s mind to go ballistic.”

  “What’s he talking about?” Bruno spoke up but she couldn’t face him.

  “Wait, you have his brother? Alexander?” She’d heard of him but knew nothing of the man.

  “We do. He brutally attacked a woman in one of their houses and left her for dead in a nearby ditch. Then he kidnapped Jackie and almost did that same thing to her.” Layla’s mouth dropped open. How horrible! “After we rescued her, we took him captive.”

  “I didn’t know.” She addressed Roman and went on to tell everything that’d happened, including her telling Fedor she was involved with someone else. It was the only thing she could think of to get him off her back.

  “You’re spoken for?” This time it was Arlo that asked the question. “By whom?”

  “It doesn’t matter, despite my best efforts she’s still single,” her father scoffed before raising an eyebrow. “Am I correct, dear?” It was hard to tell what he meant by the comment. He’d given up inviting upcoming capos to dinner at their house in the hopes of catching her eye a long time ago.

  “Yes.” Heat flooded her cheeks as she stared at the floor. “He called me out of the blue a couple months ago. I don’t even know how he got my number. I told him no. Then he started sending gifts to the house, which I returned. When he contacted me again, I told him to stop. That I was dating someone.” She threw up her arms. “What else was there to say to get him off my back?” Layla didn’t need to repeat everything she’d already said but her brain was on overload. So many emotions ran through her mind. She finally risked a peek in their direction.

  Arlo’s usually poker face showed disbelief.

  “I can’t believe this. You should’ve told me this sooner.” Bruno pointed at her.

  “I know.” Layla shrugged her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I had no clue any of this would happen.”

  “Well, now you do,” her father stated. “Roman, I need a favor. I can’t risk my daughter being in Chicago right now. I want her to stay here, under your protection.”

  “What? No.” Layla shook her head. “You need me there, now more than ever.”

  “We already have our hands full with that Russian bastard. The last thing I need is to be worried he’ll snatch you out from under our noses. If Fedor thinks you lied to him, or even worse, happens to find out the Caponellis have Alexander, he’ll likely make you his main target.”

  She swallowed. “I thought this was a turf war?” She pressed her palms to each side of her head. It felt like it was going to explode.

  “It is. They’ve been making small hits here and there for months, but this makes it personal. From what I hear he couldn’t care less about his psycho sibling but it was rumored he wanted to link our families by marrying you,” Bruno admitted. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

  Her knees weakened and Arlo put an arm around her waist to keep her upright.

  “Are you serious?” Her mouth went dry.

  “Dead serious. When did he first contact you?” Her father folded his arms across his chest.

  “It was early this spring, maybe April.” It was hard to think clearly.

  Bruno cursed and turned to Roman. “The end of April was when the garage was hit.”

  “No, no, no.” It was too horrible to even think about. Her turning him down nearly cost the life of everyone she loved. “Please don’t say I caused this.”

  “You didn’t.” Roman spoke up. “It’s just another thing we have that he wants.” She frowned at being called a thing. “Sorry, but it’s true.”

  “I will kill him with my bare hands,” Arlo declared beside her. “Tear him apart piece by piece until there is nothing left.”

  “I was hoping you would say that.” Bruno focused on Arlo. “If you have him in sight, shoot to kill. Roman said you’re the best.” He shook his head. “I never thought I would say this but I want you to be my daughter’s bodyguard.” He glanced from one to the other. “And Layla, if he contacts you again, you tell someone immediately. Is that understood?”

  “Yes,” they both said.

  “I will talk with you more later but for now we have a meeting to attend.” Bruno headed for the room but Roman remained where he was.

  “I need you inside,” he addressed Arlo. “Layla, can you go stay with Madison until we’re done?” It was on the tip of her tongue to argue, she’d been intent on being in on the meeting. Even though she was a woman, she was still the Rinaldi heir, but right now the stress of it all was too much. Layla nodded that she would do as told and Roman left.

  “I’ll be right in, boss,” Arlo told him as Roman entered the room and shut the door behind him.

  “You should go.” She was numb and still in shock.

  “I should do a lot of things but right now my main focus is you.” He took both her hands in his.

  Layla stilled and glanced up at him. “I’m fine. You need to do what’s best for the family.”

  “I need to do a lot of things but we almost lost you last night.”

  “We all could have died last night.” She shook her head and paced the room. “And in some way, it might have been my fault.”

  “You know this is the life. Shake it off and don’t worry. You did nothing wrong.”

  If only that were true. “Maybe if I’d done something sooner, said something sooner, this could have been prevented.”

  “Layla, it’s not your fault.” Arlo stepped in front of her. His nearness calmed her, his strength always a comfort. “Understand?”

  The phone in her pocket buzzed and she jumped. Pulling the cell out, she glanced at the screen and muffled a scream with her hand.

  “What is it?” Arlo put his hands on her shoulders and Layla handed him the phone.

  Fedor: You should have said yes. Next time you won’t be so lucky.

  Chapter Six

  Arlo

  Wrapping his arm around her slender waist, he pulled her close. The look of fear on her pretty face was too much to take. She was always the one who teased and taunted him relentlessly. But did she mean any of it? Feel anything for him? Right now, he didn’t care. Layla was scared and she was one of the bravest women he’d ever met.

  He’d seen the message from Fedor. It was cruel. He was a monster and placing the blame on an innocent woman was a coward’s way. The man was weak and twisted. If the bastard wanted to go after someone, go after him. Making a target out of a woman in the family was a cheap shot. Layla’s hand tightened on his lapel. He needed to distract her, bring her out of her self-defeating plunge into darkness. She wasn’t to blame, no one but the Bratva was.

  Ever since last night, Arlo couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He could have lost this precious woman without ever having her. Sure, he’d have been dead also, and probably in hell by now, but the thought of never getting the chance to taste her lips again didn’t sit well. It had been an impulse reaction and meant to take her off guard.

  Her beautiful wide eyes gazed up at him. Arlo paused for a moment in case Layla would say no but that response never surfaced. He placed his lips on hers. Kissing her was paradise. Her lips were full and her mouth tasted of sugar and berries. Her body pressed against his was a dream he never thought would come true. They were never meant to be together and she, in his mind, was destined to be with someone better and more important than him.

  Right now, he didn’t give a damn. In this moment in time she was his and he was kissing her. It wasn’t a passionate, tongue down your throat kind of kiss. It was more of an I’m staking my claim, you’re mine now, kind of kiss. I’m your protector, and I will die for you, kind of kiss.

  His hold tightened and her breasts pressed up against his chest. Having thi
s woman in his arms felt like heaven and earth just became one. They may be miles away in status and rank but in his mind, she would be his even if it was for just this one moment.

  Someone cleared their throat behind them and he reluctantly broke away. It was Jasper. He closed the door behind him and approached the pair.

  “Everyone’s waiting and Roman won’t start without you.” The smirk on his face said he’d seen it all and would enjoy tormenting Arlo the rest of the day about it. He smirked and wandered closer.

  “I’m supposed to stay with Layla.” Arlo reluctantly loosened his hold but still had his hands on her forearms.

  “I was here when Bruno said it.” The guy could be an arrogant jerk when he wanted to. “I’m pretty sure he said bodyguard, not lifeguard. No need to give her mouth to mouth.” Jasper laughed and ran his fingers through his perfect hair. The prick.

  “I know what he meant but I can’t leave her out here on her own.” Truth was, he didn’t want to leave her at all. She was more than safe in the house but that’s what they’d all thought about the ship. How did security miss that?

  “They’re waiting. Bring her with.” He opened the door and motioned them in.

  “Women aren’t allowed.” Arlo didn’t like it but it was the rule. He’d met some very strong women that could be just as ruthless as men.

  “They are today. Bruno changed his mind and said to bring Layla with you.” Jasper again signaled for them to get moving.

  He and Layla exchanged glances and she finally shrugged her shoulders and followed Jasper’s lead. Not the way he wanted to end their first, well second, kiss but they would be discussing it later.

  “What’s this?” Arlo heard someone ask as they entered the study.

  “Since when do we have women in here?” It was one of Bruno’s capos, Antonio or Alonzo, something like that. The guy was a dickhead to speak up and show disrespect.

  “Since I asked her to.” Bruno pounded his fist on the desk. “Anyone else have a problem with my daughter being here?” The man made eye contact with everyone in the room and they all shook their heads or looked toward the floor. “Good. We’re trying to figure out the cause of the Bratva’s grief with us and she may have something to do with it.” Her father went on to state Fedor’s pursuit of Layla and the timeline of it. This caused even more rumbles.