by Posey Parks
CHAPTER SIXTY
ANGELITA
Dominic said he needed to see me. It wasn’t long since our last encounter. I met him at a restaurant.
He appeared a little somber. After dinner he broke my heart. He said I needed to date other men. Dominic said he enjoyed our physical connection, but he needed more. He broke my heart and ruined me for any other man.
Tears poured from my eyes. I was so bitter. He drove me home and laid me in my bed. I still mustered up the nerve to try and get him to stay. He wouldn’t. I told him he’d regret this.
He turned into the mean cold motherfucker he really was. Telling me to think before I speak again. What was he going to do kill me?
No, I wasn’t going to threaten him. Action speaks louder than words.
I did try to pull myself together. Even dated a few guys over the years. But none of them had the brooding swagger I desired from Dominic.
After, Dominic walked out of my life Al Fontana one of my bodyguards was there to pick up the pieces. He begged me to forget about him. He said we could be happy together. I loved fucking him, but not enough to give up on Dominic.
Al was the only one of my bodyguards willing to keep surveillance on Dominic. The others knew the risk if they were caught. Dominic would torture and murder them.
Al returned from California on edge. I overlooked the city from my condo.
“How was your trip, Al?”
“Angelita, there’s been a change.”
I turned to him. His worried gray eyes met mine.
“Oh, how so?”
“Mr. Magarelli appeared on edge running after a woman. She entered his car, then he dropped her off at her apartment. She eventually began following him around campus.
Slowly, he let himself go. I’ve never seen him become unhinged. The woman stood on the library steps peeking inside. I asked her was she going in she said yes. I ducked into the stacks and watched. One of his guards whispered something in his ear. He jumped up and entered the stacks. His guards hovered so I couldn’t hear the conversation. He left the library with her.”
“What did she look like?”
“Shoulder length dark hair, her eyes kind of slanted, heart shape plump lips. Her nose was small, but widen a bit. Her eyes were brown and her skin was a golden brown. She had to be about five-seven in height.”
I placed my hand over my face. “It can’t be the same girl. You better have pictures.”
He placed the camera in my hand. I swiped through the pics. Sure, enough it was the same girl from freshman year. “What is his obsession with her?”
“I don’t know. She works in her lab all the time.”
“Lab?”
“Yes, she’s studying for her PHD. When they left the library, he stared at her with admiration. She didn’t even know he was looking at her. I think he’s in love with her.”
“She stole what was mine. Now, I have to take it back,” I whispered, dropping my gaze to the floor at my side.
He sighed. “What is the next move, Angelita?”
“Scale back on surveillance. Fly out to Cali once a month. Stay for a week at a time, then report back with your findings. But in the meantime you can keep me satisfied.” I stroked his blue tie, staring up at him.
He pulled me up into his big strong arms. I ran my fingers through his brown hair. Wildly our lips devoured each other’s. I tried to keep her off my mind that bitch was a thorn in my side. She had no idea how much I hated her. Carmen Cadence Drake was adored by the man whom I loved. If I can’t have him, nobody can.
∞
I knew everything about poor little Ms. Drake. And I do mean poor or at least she chose to be poor. Why would you choose to be poor? Her brothers were pro football players. She didn’t have to live in the little ratty apartment. She chose to. Was she trying to learn the value of a dollar?
Al said Dominic’s bodyguards carried meals to her daily. Maybe it’s the damsel in distress routine. Or maybe she’s so wrapped up in her work she really doesn’t see he’s chasing her. Fucking southern girls, they play innocent oh so well. My roommate at Columbia was from Lexington, Kentucky. She’d place her hand on her chest and stare into a man’s eyes and say, “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come along today.” Her southern drawl was thick, sweet, and fucking annoying.
A future mob boss seeked out a woman who wasn’t from our world to possibly become his wife. Why? She couldn’t understand why made men killed the filth that betrayed mafia families. They thought it was immoral to take another man’s life. Mafia men brought balance to the world. Relieving us of all the liars and conniving thieves.
The knife to the heart came with a deafening blow. They stood in the courtyard of the Imagine Casino exchanging their nuptials in a private ceremony. Not one guest. What happened to the Italian wedding? He chose to appease her. Dominic lost his balls when it came to her.
~
Dillon Magarelli had risen from the dead. He became the boss of the Magarelli family in an instant. Knowing that Dominic lost his chance to become the Don sent a tickling smile across my lips. He fucking deserved to lose what he wanted most. Well I guess he has her for now.
Al reported there was trouble in paradise. While Dominic was away his princess left the house without her wedding ring. Hm, what happened? Dominic had her locked up real tight despite their squabble.
Hugo toted her around anywhere she needed to go. Dominic had her locked up real tight despite their squabble.
Dominic arrived at her apartment days later. Al said he wasn’t inside long. He exited the building like a raging bull. His hand was covered in white dust and crimson blood.
I had the pictures to prove it. I hung them in my office. Gloating, sitting on the edge of my desk, eating popcorn, staring at the pics, I chuckled. He was losing his mind because of her.
Walking through the sea of guests at Dillon’s welcome home party, I wasn’t surprised Carmen wasn’t in attendance. Trying to keep the glow of amusement off my face proved to be tougher than I thought. I needed to pretend to be surprised he was with that research bitch.
Dominic stared at his cell as he re-entered the building.
“Long time no see.”
He peered into my eyes. “Hello, Angelita. How are you?”
He gripped his cell, then shoved it into his pocket.
His deep voice sent shivers up my spine. I wanted to intertwine our lips like old times.
The silver dress hugged my curves in all the right places. His green eyes roamed my body. He still wanted me just wouldn’t admit it because of his new pesky pet.
“I’m well.” I smiled.
“Good. Your brother seems well too.”
A waiter halted and offered us drinks.
He grabbed a whiskey and I swept a glass of champagne off of the tray.
“Yeah, he’s adjusting to being part of our family again.”
We sipped our drink at the same time. The awkward silence was stifling.
“Are you still single?” I wondered after he left her apartment, bleeding was their relationship over.
“No, I’m not. Are you?”
Still trying to push me in another man’s arms.
“Yes, off and on. Just can’t find the right guy. I thought I had him. But I guess I was wrong.”
He glared at me.
“Dominic, we should have become royalty.”
“I told you that wasn’t ever going to happen. I’ve moved on I told you to do the same. I am married.”
My mouth dropped open. I hated hearing him say those words. “Is she here? I’d love to meet her.”
I knew that bitch wasn’t here. But watching him squirm would make my night.
“No, she isn’t. You met her.”
He went for the short answer. I still scowled at his answer, because it hurt that he made her is wife. And not me. I wanted to end them both in that moment.
“I’m sure I would have recalled that encounter.” I grinned.
/> He turned to me. “You don’t remember?” he gestured with his hand. “The first weekend I arrived at Stanford, you and I were in the cafeteria.”
I squinted pretending to recollect.
“She stepped on my shoe. You told her to watch where she was going. You were a total bitch to her.”
My face heated. “You…married…her.” I dragged out my words in disgust.
A fake smile lit up my face as I glanced around the room then back at him. I leaned in. “She won’t last. She can’t handle this life. You needed a woman willing to do anything for you. And I do mean anything.” My lips grazed his soft earlobe.
He stepped back. “You assume every woman not born into this life can’t handle it. That’s where you’re wrong.” He flashed an uncomfortable smile. He gulped down the remaining harsh contents in his glass.
He peeked across the room. There was an altercation at the bar.
“Enjoy the party, Angelita.”
I knew she wouldn’t last. Maybe there was a chance I’d get him back into my life.
Al followed Carmen and her friend to L.A. four days later. He sent pictures of Dominic and her cuddled up on the beach at a private resort. They made up. He posted pictures of them all over social media. The final nail in the coffin was their move to New Jersey. There were several pictures of the Magarelli brothers and their wives in the newspaper on the high society page.
He flaunted that bitch in my face. Now they’re on my turf. It was time for Dominic to die.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
CARMEN
Dominic and I walked into the front door of his childhood home.
Alexandria flew down the steps into my arms. “Yay! Carmen you’re here.”
“You’re telling me you are more excited to see Carmen than me?” he asked pointing at himself with raised eyebrows.
She laughed, turning to him throwing her arms around his waist. “I see you all the time, Domie.”
“I get the feeling you love Carmen more than me.”
She stepped back. Her arms crossed her chest and she grimaced. “It’s not like that. I love you both.”
He kissed her forehead. “I know, Alex? Where’s mom and dad?”
“In the family room.”
We followed Alexandria down a long hall into what felt like another wing of the house.
“Dominic, Carmen!” Francine yelled, hopping to her feet. She threw her arms around our necks.
“It’s good to see you two.” She pulled back and marveled in our faces.
“I love how happy she makes you, Dominic. You were always so serious growing up.” She yanked the bottom of his green T-shirt. “And look at this. You are wearing a T-shirt and shorts out of the house. Shocking.”
“Francine, I told him no suits unless he’s going into the office.”
Sergio peeled down the edge of his newspaper, peering at us. “Dominic, I agree with your wife. You needed to live a little.”
Dominic smirked. “The clothes are growing on me. We better get moving. We have a full tour planned for Carmen.”
I rubbed my hands together. “I can’t wait.”
Sergio rose. “Give me a hug, daughter.” He pulled me into his solid embrace. “We’ll see you two Sunday at Grandfather’s for dinner, right?”
He stepped back, staring between us.
“Yes,” Dominic smiled.
“Good. Sal and Fran will discuss the plans for your reception after dinner. The entire family will be there. There will be a ton of kids running around. That reminds me. When are you two starting a family?”
I glanced at Dominic. “We haven’t discussed kids in a while. We do want children. One day.” I clutched Dominic’s hand.
“We want to enjoy each other’s company for a while. I am in the process of launching my revolutionary
project-.”
Dominic raised his hand between us. “Carmen, no need to explain.”
He glared at his father. “Some day we will have kids. It isn’t anytime soon. We’ve been in school for eight plus years. We want to relax a little.”
The ends of Sergio’s lips curled. “Nothing’s wrong with that. You both deserve happiness.”
“Thank you,” I smiled wide.
∞
We rode through various neighborhoods in route to Jersey City.
Marco joined us on the boardwalk. He and Dominic kept a slow pace deep in conversation.
“Alex, lead me to your favorite candy shop.”
She smiled bright. “We are almost there.”
I peeked back at Dominic before entering the store with Alex.
Brian followed close. Hugo remained with Dominic. I knew what the conversation was about. He had to tell Marco Dillon knew what happened.
After purchasing a bag of candy, we exited the store. Marco smiled as we approached the center of the bustling walk.
“How are you enjoying Jersey City?”
“I love it. I doubt I can see everything today.”
“Well, I hope they take you to Wildwood.” He tapped Dominic on the chest.
“Remember you hung with me and Dillon fifteen years ago at Wildwood?”
Marco’s mysterious green eyes sparkled. He was a handsome man. Dominic said he was a hopeless romantic, but only attracted crazy women. The tattoos on his hands, muscled arms, and neck made him appear as that bad boy every good girl desired. Don’t get me started on the perfect black hair slicked back and the goatee. Sierra said she was helping him find a girlfriend. He gave off that boy next door vibe despite all the tattoos. But I bet if the wrong person crossed him it didn’t end well.
He was polite to Alex and I. Made sense why Sierra wanted to help him. If I had more time on my hands, I’d help too.
“Yup, the best summer memory.” Dominic winked at me.
They hugged. “We’re headed over there. Talk to you later, Marco. Dillon and I will see you soon.”
“All right.” He flashed a crooked smile at me and Alex, then walked away. He had an air about him. Several women stared as he walked down the boardwalk. Two bodyguards accompanied him.
My stomach was stuffed. The junk food, hot dogs, and pizza was endless. I didn’t want to see food the next day. My head rested against the window as we rolled to a stop in Alex’s drive way.
I pulled Alex into my arms. “Today was amazing! Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Next time Dominic and I won’t feed you so much.”
She pulled back laughing.
“You promise?”
“I promise.” She smiled.
Dominic hopped out of the truck and walked her into the house.
The moment we arrived home, I showered, then fell into bed.
Dominic peeked at me. “Are you going to be ok? Do you need to vomit?”
“I don’t think so.”
He ran his fingers through my long hair.
“Are you and Marco ok?”
“Yeah, we will be fine. We just need to sit down with Dillon. He wants to be out front on the matter.”
“Oh, ok.” I didn’t want to worry. Would Dillon really protect them?
∞
Dominic and I stepped into the oversized atrium of Nadine and Tony’s new home. My mouth dropped open. The grand black and white staircase was graced by the massive white chandelier. It hung from the two-tone beige and cream circle design in the high ceiling. A beautiful round dark wood table sat between the staircase holding an oversize floral arrangement.
Our finger’s intertwined. “Dominic, I think we need a bigger house.”
“We don’t need eight bedrooms. Five is enough for right now. It’s not like we are starting a family anytime soon,” he bit out.
We strolled deeper into the home. Two sets of gold chairs sat on either side under the staircase. “Come here.” I pulled him into a chair and sat on his lap.
“For weeks, you’ve moped around the house. Dominic, talk to me. Do you want kids right now?”
His green eyes held a leve
l of concern. “I don’t want to wait years to have children. I’d like us to have a baby in the next year or so. We can take breaks in-between. No need to have kids back to back. I want…I want.” He stared off to the left.
I pulled his chin back to meet my gaze. “You want what?”
“To be the best dad.” The sincerity in his eyes crushed my heart.
I caressed his face. “You don’t want to show favorites to your children is that it?”
“Not at all. I want to love my children the same unconditionally.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck tight. “Dominic, I know you’ll be an amazing dad. Give me until next summer and I should be ready. Product launched happens in January and the next six months will be crazy. And I don’t know about you. But I love the morning sex, afternoon sex…” I kissed his lips. “Waking me up in the middle of the night sex. I’m not ready to give that up yet.”
He slipped his tongue into my mouth and pinched my ass. “Good point.”
“I do love your idea. We don’t have to have babies back to back.”
“Tonight, I plan to fuck you up against the shark tank in the great room.”
“No!”
“But it’s built into the wall it’s solid.”
“Dominic, if you slam my ass against the glass to hard and it breaks, the shark will have us as his dinner.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” His lips fell upon mine. Escaping out the door and fleeing to our house crossed my mind. There were a lot of people at this party Dominic knew. I was the outsider. New to the family. I came from a big family, but Dominic’s family was another level of huge.
