by Piper Stone
As a combination of emotions rushed through me, I had difficulty breathing. The man wanted to take what he’d never had a chance of having.
Every bit of my family.
And he’d start with the woman I couldn’t lose. Not now. Not ever.
I only prayed I wasn’t too late.
Chapter 16
Catherine
“What am I going to call you?” I asked out loud, glad that no one was around me. I laughed at myself for talking to the little pup, but given he was wagging his tail, I had a feeling he was understanding at least a few words. I’d always heard that dogs were more intelligent than the majority of humans.
Woof.
He was far too young to be on his own, likely seven weeks. How he’d ended up lost in the woods and stuck in a hole was likely something I would never learn. Reaching down, I scooped him into my arms, cradling his muzzle against my neck. “You’re so soft since your bath.”
After giving me several kisses and licks, he started wiggling to the point I couldn’t hold him. “You’re a little monster, aren’t you?”
I’d been shocked early that morning to find the pup curled close to Matteo, the brute of a man’s arm wrapped around the furball. Maybe Matteo had more than just one soft spot after all. Unable to keep a smile off my face, I finally let him go, shaking my head when he immediately ran off in search of a new kind of mischief.
At least I was going to be able to keep him, a bright spot in the life I’d come to accept. When he didn’t return in a few seconds, I rolled my eyes. Chasing him was becoming a full-time job. As I began to search room by room, I shivered from thoughts of the incredible moment in the shower.
Whatever meeting Matteo had in his office he’d wanted me to stay away from, but I’d heard enough concern in several voices that something was coming to a head. I hated that a cold shiver skated down my spine. There were soldiers in several locations, Lorenzo remaining just outside. Whatever apprehension Matteo was feeling had obviously rubbed off on me.
“Where did you go, little man? You can’t hide from me.” I’d been allowed to have a puppy when I was younger, although I certainly hadn’t been prepared for just how much work they could be. Still, the yellow lab had remained by my side through the most trying times. While the fluffball was obviously a mix, he reminded me of so much of Jessie. Maybe I’d honor my previous dog by giving the pup his name.
That could wait.
“Come on, little buddy. I’m not joking around.” When I walked into the kitchen, finding Else baking some new delicious treat, I instantly smiled. “Have you seen the bratty pup?”
“I think he popped outside.”
“Uh-oh.” I moved to the slightly cracked door, uncertain how it had been left open in the first place. Another few seconds of fear swept through me. I backed away until I noticed the pup sitting on his haunches, staring at something intently. Hissing, I opened the door, hunkering down. “Come here. We’ll go for a walk later.”
He didn’t respond at all, still staring at something in the distance. I followed his line of sight, shielding my eyes from the late afternoon sun. “There’s nothing out there.”
I wasn’t certain if I was really telling him or trying to convince myself. I inched closer, almost able to grab him, but he yelped and zoomed away, the sound of his cry unsettling. I headed after him, determined not to let him get too far.
The second he started to race down the bank of terraces, I threw a look over my shoulder. Damn it. The last thing I wanted to do was for Matteo to find me investigating the area he’d continued to remind me to stay away from, but I wasn’t going to allow the little dog to get himself into any additional trouble. Purchasing a leash was in order.
I took off running, finally able to close the distance, but the little shit kept going. Only a few seconds later, I caught my first sight of the pool. I was in awe at its beauty, the surrounding landscaping even more pristine than any other area I’d seen on the grounds. The terrace built around the edges was intricate and detailed, the water bluer than any pool I’d ever seen.
When the pup started to bark nonstop, I turned in a full circle, expecting to see Matteo standing only a few feet away. No one was visible, the only sound a slight rustling of the trees in the distance. Still, goosebumps had covered the length of both arms. This was ridiculous. I couldn’t allow Matteo’s concerns to drive me into constant fear.
“Come on, boy. I’m through with playing games. Let’s get you back inside.”
He refused to budge as he’d done before, barking even more continuously. The closer I came to him, the more I could tell just how anxious he was. “What’s wrong? Come on. I mean it, Jessie.” At least I’d given him a name. Huffing, I moved closer, cognizant of staying away from the water’s edge. Just being here bothered the hell out of me. As if I was breaking some level of trust.
There was an odd sense as the dog stopped barking altogether, but I continued on.
Until he started to growl.
My sixth sense kicked in and as soon as I tried to run in the dog’s direction, a hand grabbed me, yanking me back. The perpetrator threw his forearm around my throat, dragging me by several feet, the hold tight enough I started to cough immediately.
The pup raced toward us, barking like crazy as he yapped at the asshole.
“Who… are… you?” I struggled to ask, terror racing through me.
When he snickered, yanking me another few feet away from the pool, I managed to twist my body, enough to drive my foot into his shin. He was too strong, never reacting after my hard kick. The pup tried to attack him again, only to be kicked hard in the chest, the force tossing his little body several feet in the air until he landed in the pool. The little creature’s yelp pushed me to the edge of rage.
“Asshole. Let go!” I bit down on his arm, finally breaking his hold. Jerking away, I was able to catch a glimpse of the man’s face. Shock tore through me from how closely he resembled Matteo. He used my reaction to his advantage, able to drag me toward him once again.
“What do you want?” I asked, trying to calculate how far I could go.
“What do I want?” he repeated. “Everything the bastard you married has. I’m owed.”
“Who the fuck are you?”
He laughed, the sound like nothing I’d ever heard. “An unwanted brother.”
What the hell?
“And you’re not going anywhere,” he continued.
He had no accent, but the venom in his voice was full of anger, his dark eyes filled with evil. What the hell was going on?
I refused to give up, able to kick him in the thigh, a high-pitched scream filling the air. When he raised his fist, I did what I could to shield myself.
But I was no match for his fury. As he brought his fist down, I could see a rush of movement coming from two directions. Pain exploded in my head, the hit hard enough I was tumbled backward, my body pitched toward the pool. I’d heard it said several times that when you are prepared to die, a peace washes through your entire system, easing your mind of the anxiety and crippling fear.
As I was tossed into the water, I realized that I wasn’t ready to go.
Not now.
Not ever.
But fate had other plans in store for me, crushing my hopes and dreams. As I succumbed to the water, a cold chill drifted into my veins. And just before I went under, I could hear Matteo’s anguished scream.
“Catherine!”
Darkness.
It surrounded me, but instead of fear, the lack of light was peaceful, comforting. I no longer felt the chill from before. Now a warmth enshrouded me, flowing through every cell and vein. There was no pain, no suffering. Just… quiet.
“Catherine.”
The voice was the same one I’d heard before, but so much softer.
“Come back to me, princessa.”
Matteo. His voice. I knew it was his voice. When I felt his fingers stroking my face, a moment of realization flowed into my mind. I was alive.
Shifting, I tried to open my eyes, finally managing after a few tries. The sight of his gorgeous face staring down at me was breathtaking.
“Catherine. You’re awake,” he whispered. There were tears in his eyes and he wasn’t even trying to hide them. “Thank God.”
My throat was scratchy, but I was determined to speak. No one was going to stop me. “Are you… okay?”
He laughed, shaking his head. When he brushed hair from my eyes, I was finally able to smile. “You scared me.”
“What happened?”
“You don’t need to worry about that now.”
“Mrs. Benedetti. I was so worried.” Maria inched closer, adjusting the covers on the bed.
“I’m fine.” I tried to put the pieces together. While they were blurry, I was able to remember a good portion, including the sound of several gunshots. “Are you hurt? Were you shot?”
“You don’t have to worry about me,” Matteo said quietly. “Everything is fine.”
I tried to move, determined to sit up in bed. “Where’s Jessie? Oh, my God. Jessie! That bastard kicked him. Is he dead? Please tell me he’s not dead.”
He shook his head before giving Maria a nod. She moved quickly toward the door, obviously dismissed before I got unruly.
“Why don’t you tell me?”
“You need to rest,” he said in a stern voice.
“No. Don’t lie to me. That bastard killed him.”
“And that bastard will never be able to hurt you again.”
When Maria walked in, she had a bright smile on her face. She advanced quickly, easing Jessie down beside me. “He’s fine, Mrs. Benedetti. No… permanent injuries.” She was proud of herself for the continued expansion of her English, patting Jessie on the side before backing away.
“Thank you, Maria. Please. Please call me Catherine.”
“You know? I think that would be completely appropriate,” Matteo said as he gave her another look.
Maria blushed, a hint of confusion crossing her face. “Mrs. I mean Catherine. Thank you.”
She scurried away, closing the door behind her.
Matteo chuckled, reaching over and petting the pup. “Jessie, huh? I guess I can get used to that name.”
“You better.” I noticed there were dozens of daisies in the room. “You remembered my favorite flower.”
“I thought you needed something bright in the room. I’m glad you like them.”
I took a deep breath, enjoying the moment. Then a flash of images floated into my mind. “You saved me. Didn’t you? You jumped into the water.”
His smile waned, his eyes once again filling with sadness. “I almost lost you.”
“But you didn’t. You saved me from the water.”
He shook his head, another look replacing his haunted one. “I promise you that you will never be in danger again.”
“You can’t promise that, Matteo. There will always be enemies.”
“Perhaps you’re right.”
“Please tell me what happened. Who was the man who looked exactly like you? He said he was your brother.” When he nodded, I remained in shock.
“Yes. His name was William. My father never told us that the first love of his life had a child. He didn’t find out until late in his life.”
I cupped his jaw, rubbing my thumb across his two-day stubble. “That’s why your father went to New York.”
“Yes. It seems that Michael O’Sullivan had found out my father’s secret, managing to convince William to work with him. Given the fact my father wanted a reconciliation, William was able to convince him to come to New York, offering some kind of deal. Of course it was all bogus, a setup by O’Sullivan. However, if information I received is correct, William went off on his own, determined to destroy a family he’d felt left him behind.”
“Why?”
“That I don’t know. My father tried for years to reconcile, sending money that he must have gotten at some point. But that’s all I know at this point,” he said quietly.
“Then Michael had nothing to do with the attack?”
“No, but I’m not convinced in the accuracy of what I was told. However, I will find out. Now, you need your rest.” When he started to get off the bed, I grabbed his arm.
“What I need is you.”
He pulled my hand to his mouth, rubbing his lips back and forth across my knuckles. “And you have me. In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m never going to let you go. I love you, Catherine. Perhaps you’re right in that I can’t promise you everything but hear me. I will do everything in my power to make you happy.” Leaning over, he pressed his lips against mine, forcing them slightly open.
As he darted his tongue inside, the taste of him was an explosion of the sweetest nectar. Every cell in my body was suddenly ignited, the rush of butterflies almost making me giggle into the kiss. I’d never expected to find a hero inside of a man filled with rage, but he’d rescued me. What I knew in my heart was the near tragedy had changed him.
And I could feel his love.
When he broke the kiss, he placed my hand on the pup’s head before standing. “Rest. We have many things to share together in the future.”
The future.
I wasn’t certain what that held or the kind of danger that would present itself time after time, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. As I watched him walk out, I took a deep breath. No longer would I use the term ‘until death do us part.’ From now on, it would be ‘for the rest of our lives.’
Matteo
As I inched out of the car, my thoughts drifted to William. I hadn’t been given the opportunity to talk to him, Gio forced to shoot him before he managed to get off a shot. What I had learned is that he’d given every dollar of what my father had sent to charity. I remained angry as well as disturbed at how the events had taken place.
At least I hadn’t lost the woman I loved so deeply. Diving into the water had been cathartic, some would say healing. For me, it had been the extension of a nightmare. However, it was time to move on.
The meeting I was about to enter into had been facilitated in order to stop a war from beginning. While neither one of us could trust each other, we were on neutral ground and dictated by honor. I almost laughed at the thought as I walked into the door of the quaint café. Was there honor in the world of the mafia? In the week since the near tragedy, O’Sullivan had insisted that he had nothing to do with the attack on my wife or the family estate.
Whether or not I believed him was irrelevant at this point. The last thing either side wanted to do was to have additional bloodshed.
The location had been cleared, two soldiers from both sides remaining outside. This would be short and sweet. I had a life to get back to, a passionate wife I wanted to spend time with.
He stood as I approached, his usual surly look exactly as I’d expected. When he held out his hand, I accepted the gesture.
“You look well, my friend,” Michael said as he eased onto his chair, immediately reaching for his coffee.
Within seconds, a cup was presented for me, the waiter disappearing immediately after.
“I’ve been better.” I swirled the cup, keeping my eyes locked on him.
“I want to apologize again for William’s actions. I should have known he had a hidden agenda.” His Irish accent seemed downplayed from the time I’d met him before.
Or maybe he was more Americanized now that he’d spent more than half his life in New York.
“Let’s cut through the bullshit, Michael. We’ve agreed to a truce, and I intend for you to honor that. I have no intentions of crowding your space in New York. And in return, you will leave my suppliers and my clients alone on this side of the big pond. Do we have an agreement?”
He took a few seconds to answer, finally offering a nod of approval as well as respect. “You are much more like your father than I remembered. He was a consummate businessman, one full of honor.”
“Yes, he was. I will t
ake that as a compliment. Are we in agreement?”
A smile curled on his lip as he held out his hand once again. “Agreed.”
We both used more strength in the handshake, and as we stared into each other’s eyes, I could feel another round of tension growing. He released his hold first, allowing me the upper hand given his location in my country. I took a sip of coffee, enjoying the bitter taste. Not to do so would have broken the agreement immediately.
Then I moved away from the table. We weren’t friends. We weren’t business associates. We’d simply bought each other additional time.
As I walked into the bright sunshine, I yanked my sunglasses from my jacket, taking a deep whiff of the cooler air. What O’Sullivan didn’t realize is that I was nothing like my father.
There would be no permanent truce.
Only my continued act of revenge.
However, time was on my side.
The next chapter would begin soon enough.
Then he would be sent straight to hell.
Catherine
One week later
I could barely contain my joy at the sight of my husband in a Santa suit. It was early August, yet he’d insisted that he bring presents to the children of the estate employees. We’d gone from house to house, providing a level of joy that seemed completely unexpected. I’d never seen him so happy. The level of respect he’d earned would be remembered for a long time to come.
Now he’d insisted on a spectacular evening shared together and I was in awe of the moment, more comfortable and happier than I’d been in a long time.
Excitement.
Joy.
Peace.
It was odd that I felt all three things at the same time. There was also a fourth. Love. During the course of the last week, Matteo had not spoken more than a few words about business. While I’d learned the full story behind William’s appearance, I knew it was a subject best left in the past. The time we’d spent together had been almost… normal.
