"You the lady who's been looking after our Robert?" The butcher's apron was covered in swipes of blood.
"Yes, I guess so."
He put the roast into the display case, went to the meat locker and returned with a larger one. He held it up for Mrs. Anderson's inspection.
"Perfect. Thank-you. How much?"
"Nothing. You fix up Robert. You look after him. He's good boy. We need him here. I give you this as a thank you." He wrapped the roast.
Mrs. Anderson placed her hand on her chest. "Oh, my, no."
"Take it, Mrs. A. Enrico'll be hurt if you refuse."
Flustered by the butcher's generosity, she mumbled a Thank you, as she accepted the roast and moved on.
Julie turned to speak to Robert, but he wasn't next to her. She glanced around the market then spotted him offering to pay for the roast. Enrico's arms were crossed. Robert shrugged then turned to leave. The butcher stepped up to the counter to wait on another customer. Julie watched as Robert snuck back into the booth, opened the cash register, deposited some money and left.
She caught up with her mother at the Chicken Lady's booth. The Anderson children had given this nickname to the lady from whom they bought their eggs.
"Roberto." The Chicken Lady placed her hands on his cheeks.
"Bonjourno." He kissed the grey-haired woman's cheek. "I'm so sorry about Pete." Turning to Julie and her mother, he said, "This is Pete's Nonna."
The woman looked heavenward and made the sign of the cross.
"We heard about your grandson. Our condolences." Mrs. Anderson lowered her head for a moment.
Pete's Nonna wrapped three dozen eggs. "Here take this. You're a good customer. You come here for years. Now you look after Robert." She pinched his stomach. "Feed him. He's too skinny."
Again, Mrs. Anderson tried to pay but was refused with a gentle push away from the stall. She left for another booth. Curious, Julie hung back to watch what Robert would do this time.
He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. "Nonna, take this and light a candle for Pete."
She kissed his forehead. "Bless you, Roberto."
When he caught up with the Anderson women, he asked, "Anything else you need?"
"I…I mean…I never," stammered Mrs. Anderson.
"Give me those." Robert reached for the packages. His cell phone chimed. He checked the call display. "Sorry, gotta take this. I'll meet you at the car."
Julie and her mother walked back through the market towards the parking lot. "See how different he is. He's relaxed and in charge. This is his territory. Watch what happens when we get back to Westland."
Mrs. Anderson nodded in agreement.
"He paid for the roast, you know." Julie explained what she had witnessed. "And he gave Pete's grandmother a donation to light a candle for Pete."
Mrs. Anderson shook her head. "I don't understand him. He doesn't look or act like a gang member. Yet he's obviously in charge here. His jacket proved to me he's a member. I'm sorry my reaction startled him. I was just so surprised to see him wearing it."
Julie opened the marketplace door and held it for her mother. "I've been to the clubhouse and I've met the gang. There are guys there that I wouldn't trust for a second. They look like they'd kill somebody just for fun and yet Robert's not like that. I think he's the leader because he's so different from them. He becomes like them when he's with them but he doesn't become one of them."
They walked to the car, lost in their thoughts.
***
As Robert and Julie unloaded the groceries into the kitchen, Mrs. Anderson called for a pizza delivery. It arrived as Mr. Anderson returned home. "I take it this is the dinner you promised Jason." He dropped two large pizza boxes onto the table.
Enticed by the aroma, family members arrived in the kitchen, ravaged the pizza and disappeared. Robert, Julie and her parents moved to the living room.
"This is strange." Robert stretched out on the couch. "I'm not used to havin' nothin' to do."
Julie settled on the floor next to him while she checked her text messages. "There are lots of post-exam parties we could go to."
"Ooh, a Westland party." He rolled his eyes, but Julie was too busy answering a text to notice.
"I think Jennifer's party would be best. She likes you."
Robert was about to say he'd only been joking about going to a Westland party when the doorbell rang. Mr. Anderson answered it and returned with a tired-looking police officer.
"Lt. Barnes?" Robert sat up. "What'cha doin' here?"
"Looking for you." The lieutenant scratched his head "And wondering why you're in Judge Anderson's house."
"Long story. What's up?"
He glanced around the living room. "We need to talk."
Julie and her parents rose out of their chairs.
"No, it's okay. Nothing secret. Oh, uh?" Lt. Barnes rubbed his forehead.
"They're cool." Robert jerked his thumb towards the Andersons. "They pretty much know everythin'."
Curiosity overtook social decorum and the Andersons sat. Julie's mother indicated a chair in which the lieutenant could sit. She offered a drink. He shook his head.
Facing Robert, he said, "I think we've got a problem with Devil's Blood."
"Big trouble. Bigger trouble if you'se guys don't do your job and find Pete's killer."
Barnes stifled a yawn. "What I came here to find out is what are the Shoresmen going do with Blood?"
Robert glanced at the Andersons. Should he play the gang leader part or be the person they expected? He tapped his fingers on the arm of the sofa while he debated. Gang leader might get him kicked out of the house. Playing Westlander would probably result in more of his gang dying.
He sat up straighter and made eye contact with the police officer. "I've decided to wait. If it's an internal coup, I'll give the new leader a chance. If Juan's up to somethin' – and my gut says he is – I'll take'em."
The police officer shook his head. "Such confidence. What if Death's Desire wants it?"
"Death…give me a break." Robert snorted. "The only way Death gets the Blood gang is if I give it to'em."
"What if we decide it's better that Blood joins the Death gang." The officer rubbed his face. "You know, try and keep things equal."
"Look, Lieutenant, I like ya. You're tryin' way too hard to be cool. Ya got a lousy job tryin' to control us. You're just a cop. We run ourselves. Shoresmen control North Shore and Midtown. The others have a small piece of the pie. You give Blood to Death and we'll take 'em back and probably kill most of Death at the same time. I've decided that at seven p.m. Tuesday, they hand over Pete's killer, or we go to war."
"You could send someone in to talk to Juan."
Robert's tone deepened as his eyes narrowed. "Already did and he got killed. Nobody else walks into that territory unless it's me."
Julie gasped.
Having focused totally on the police officer, Robert forgot about the Andersons. He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I gotta defend my guys, Juls. I'm the leader."
The police officer sighed and stood. Robert continued, "Look, ya can run 'round town all night or ya can go home. I suggest home. Have supper, make love to your wife. Get a good night's sleep. I have things under control, but unless someone finds the killer, at 7:01 Tuesday, all hell's gonna break loose."
Mr. Anderson escorted the lieutenant to the door. He exited looking more wearied than when he walked in.
"Nice guy," Robert said. "He's got no smarts though. He thinks he controls us. Like we're scared of him. Hope they promote him to another job soon."
Mrs. Anderson picked at a corner of the arm of her chair. "Do you think there'll be more…fighting?"
"Yea. It's gonna get ugly and messy." Robert sat in silence for a moment, absentmindedly rubbing his upper lip.
Julie tapped his knee. "We should get ready."
He blinked. "Do I gotta get all dressed up or somethin'?"
"N
o, but something other than jeans would be nice."
"Party in somethin' other than jeans. Should be interestin'." He stood, offered a hand to help Julie stand then led the way upstairs.
***
Mrs. Anderson settled into a living room chair with her e-reader just as Robert stepped off the last step. He was dressed in a black dress shirt and pants with a dark blue tie. "Looking good," she said. "Nice to see you in something other than jeans and a tee." She lowered her head to hide her grin at his embarrassment.
Julie stepped passed him. "Like?" She spun, showing off her latest purchase, a red dress with a low-cut back. She'd brushed her hair up into a French braid, exposing her upper back and neck.
"You look beautiful." An urge grew deep down inside him. It wasn't about sex. He wanted to hold her, protect her.
"You both look good," said her mother. "Have fun and don't stay out too late."
"Curfew?" Robert shot his eyebrows up. "Never had one of those."
"Not really." Julie slipped on her coat. "Ballet exam is tomorrow."
"You're kidding. We don't have to go."
"With you looking that good. No way we're staying home." Julie walked towards the door.
"Me? You're beautiful." Was there ever anything more beautiful on the planet?
"Well let's quit standing here complimenting each other. Let's go show off." She held out her car keys.
Julie chatted about famous Westland parties as she drove to Jennifer's house. Robert kept silent. She parked in front of an immense colonial style mansion with large white pillars adorning the front. The windows were bright with light and the sounds of laughter and music could be heard outside.
Robert looked over the car roof. "You know, I don't wanna do this."
"Why?"
"I wasn't serious 'bout goin' to the party, and the next thin' I know we're standin' outside Jennifer's house. Shit, it's bigger than yours."
"It's just a party."
"Babe, it's a Westland party. Charming people like Derek and Stephan will be there." He chuckled. "In case you hadn't noticed, we don't socialize well. What's gonna happen once they figure out I am makin' a move on ya?"
Julie walked around the car to his side. "Making a move on me, eh?"
"Yea, I am." He grabbed her waist and pulled her close. "You bought this dress to drive me crazy, didn't ya?" He kissed her neck. Julie's knees buckled.
"Go for it, Julie," a voice behind her said. Julie turned. A grinning Tricia was standing next to a scowling Stephan.
"What're you doing here?" Stephan threw his chest out. Tricia pulled him back.
"Don't exactly know." A grin crossed Robert's face. "But since I see I've ruined your evening Stephan, ol' buddy, I guess this might be fun after all." He held out his hand. "Lead on Juls. Let's see what shit I can get into."
Chapter Twelve
"Julie!" Jennifer raced across the room and hugged her friend as if she hadn't seen her in a decade. As she squeezed her, Jennifer whispered, "I'm so glad you brought him. Tonya's here, so keep an eye on him. She's been talking about stealing your man. Love you."
She released Julie and smiled. "Robert, beer's over there. Drop a twenty in the bucket and drink away."
He grinned. "This party might not be so bad after all. Can I get you a be…diet something?"
Julie chuckled as she pointed. "You go that way and get a beer. I'll go over there and grab a diet something. And then we'll meet back here."
"Synchronize our watches?"
Giggling, Julie disappeared into the crowd.
Robert stood near the beer line and watched as a brunette in a tight short skirt and low cut top strutted across the room and stood before him.
She dropped her gaze to his feet and moved it up to his hips then linked gazes with him. "Hello, tall, dark and totally fuckable." She dragged her tongue across her top lip.
Robert's chuckle started with a shake of his shoulders then moved to the crooked grin on his face before it erupted from his mouth.
She stepped in closer, slid her hand down his stomach and rested it on the inside of his thigh.
Robert didn't release his gaze from hers. "What? Ya want me to just rip your clothes off and do ya here?"
Her pupils dilated.
Robert flicked her hand off his leg then glanced left and right to see who had slipped their arms around his.
"Tonya." Tricia waited until the girl looked at her. "This gorgeous hunk of maleness is more man than you could ever handle."
Jennifer flicked her hand. "Go away now. He's all ours."
Tonya turned on her heel and stormed off.
"Thank you. But I coulda handled that myself."
"We're just protecting Julie's property." Tricia winked and wandered over to speak with a friend.
Jennifer released his arm. "Tonya's the school slut."
"Figured that out all by myself."
Julie stopped in front of them. "Did you get lost coming back from getting the beer?" She glanced at his empty hands. "Or did you get lost going to find the beer?"
Christopher barged between them and bumped Robert's shoulder. "Guess Jennifer's starting to hang with trash."
Robert lunged forward, grabbed Christopher's shoulder and spun him around. Before Christopher could react, Robert slammed his palms on Christopher's chest shoving him back a couple of steps. "I am so not going take any of this shit tonight. Ya wanna take this outside and end it now?" His shoulders heaved with the depth of breaths he inhaled.
Refusing to make eye contact with Robert, Christopher glanced around. "I didn't mean nothing."
With one step, Robert invaded Christopher's personal space. "Yea, you did." He locked his gaze onto Christopher's and didn't blink.
Jennifer started to step forward, but Julie touched her arm. "No, leave him alone. Let him deal. He won't do anything stupid."
Several heartbeats later, a friend of Christopher's grabbed his arm, pulling him away.
Robert slightly turned his head and watched as they camouflaged Christopher into the crowd. He rolled his shoulders and twisted his head around then turned. All signs of anger had disappeared. He stepped closer to Jennifer. "Sorry. He shouldn't have insulted ya. If ya want me to go, I'm outta here."
She handed him an unopened beer, rose up on her toes and placed a tiny kiss on his cheek. "You did good. He's an ass." Smiling at the surprised look on Robert's face, she walked over to a group of girls to mingle with her friends.
Still holding the beer, Robert walked nearer to Julie and pulled her close. "Thanks. I heard what you said. Thanks for trustin' me." He pressed his lips against the velvet skin of her neck and inhaled the aroma of her perfume. He wanted to trail kisses up her long neck and lose himself in the touch of her soft pink lips, instead, he stood before her gazing into her eyes.
Julie's voice went mute at the touch of his lips. The heat of his flesh on hers made her mind swirl. Through the noise of the crowd and the fire that raged in both of them, the sound of music broke through.
"Wanna dance?" He breathed across her ear.
She rested her forehead on his chest. "I'm not good at dancing this stuff."
Robert scratched his head. "Babe, you're a ballerina."
Lifting her head, she gazed into his dark eyes. "That's exactly it. Put on Tchaikovsky and I'll pirouette around the room for you."
Not wanting to let go of Julie, Robert forced himself to step back. "Come on. I'll teach ya." He twisted the top off the beer, chugged half the bottle, led her to the dance area and placed his beer on a plant stand. "Ok, find the beat."
She rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers.
"So you're not hopeless. Now just go with it."
Julie marvelled at how well he moved. "You should take dance classes with me."
"Like that's ever gonna happen." He grabbed his beer and gulped a couple of mouthfuls.
One song faded into the next. Julie and Robert were the only couple on the dance floor. Both regarded the way the other's body mo
ved; gyrating hips and swaying body. Julie shimmied her shoulders whenever she caught him watching her. His face broke into an easy smile. He grabbed her and dropped her into a dip. Holding her firmly in his grip, Robert kissed Julie where the top of her blouse fell open.
As a fire burned in his eyes, Julie's heart pounded against her ribcage. The fast-paced tempo mellowed to a love ballad. Robert pulled her close, settling his arms around her waist as she wrapped hers around his neck. Julie rested her head on his chest. As they swayed to the beat, Robert trickled little kisses up the side of her neck.
Sparks tingled along her spine. His arms felt protective wrapped around her. Her body swayed. Not to the rhythm of the music but to the passion whirling around in her. Julie had so many things she wanted to tell him. She loved the feel of his kisses. She loved the way he made her feel safe. She loved him.
Julie stopped dancing. I love him. I'm in love with Robert.
Robert stood still but he didn't release her. His mouth neared her ear. "I feel more for you than anyone ever before."
He loves me too. She squeezed her arms tighter around his neck and nestled against his body, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat. The song faded and the music stopped. Locked together, the two stood alone on the dance floor, unaware of anyone else at the party.
Dragging his fingers up her back, he slowed as he touched the warm flesh on her bare back. He slid his hands along her neck and up and around to cup her face. With an insistent pressure, he pulled her face to his. This was it. This was the moment his kiss had to cross over the friendship line.
He paused and shifted his gaze from her lips to Julie's eyes. When their gazes met, Julie lowered her eyelids, shifted forward and slightly opened her mouth.
Robert pressed his lips on hers, urging her to respond. His hands ached to caress her body, to run his fingers down her long arms and up her strong legs. To wrap them around her tight waist and to trickle his fingers across those enticing curves. He forced himself not release her face. This wasn't about sex. This was about passion. It was about something he'd never experienced before. Could it be love?
Robert's eyelids flew open as he gasped and stumbled back.
Both Julie's and Robert's chest heaved as they gasped for air. "Ya know I wanna make love to ya." He rubbed his face. "But I want more than just sex. I like being with you. I…."
Dancing in Circles (Circles Trilogy) Page 14
