Taken by the Boss: The Ruzzo Family

by Belle Winters

  Th passenger door swung open. “Get out.”

  He grabbed my arm and practically dragged me around the building to a side door. It was unlocked, and he let himself in. I was totally creeped out. We were in a club at the wee hours of the morning. The lights weren’t on, and the place was deserted. The only sounds I could hear was coming from us as we navigated through the building.

  Eventually, he led me to what looked like an office door and knocked on it. A muffled sounding “yea” came through the door, and he let us in.

  A man was sitting in a chair behind a desk. The room was larger than what I would’ve expected for a club office, but then again what did I know. The man dragged me over to the desk. “Sit.” He ordered. All of these one and two-word sentences were fucking annoying.

  Sit? “Ahh, I’d rather not. I’m good standing since this shouldn’t take long.” I told him.

  The bastard shoved me towards the chair, and while my body missed it, my feet didn’t. For the second time today, I was about to eat dust because of this bastard. I was able to catch myself and stop my fall by gripping the edge of the desk. The man behind it finally looked up but I wasn’t paying him any mind. Oh no, my attention was focused on my kidnapper who was really starting to piss me off.

  I righted myself. “Did somebody piss in your oatmeal this morning or am I just giving you a hard-on?” I asked.

  “You little bitch.” He snapped and reached out for my ponytail. I ducked and ran around the chair out of arms reach. He gave short chase after me going around and around the chair only growing more frustrated.

  “This is why you brought me here? To play ring around the Rosie? I have more important stuff I could be doing.” I told him annoyed.

  He growled, and a throat cleared. Both of our eyes snapped up to the man who was sitting behind the desk watching us with an utterly baffled look. “Are you children done?” he asked.

  The kidnapper grunted. “She started it. I went to get her like you asked.”

  The man lifted an eyebrow. “And now you’re chasing her around a goddamn chair like an overgrown fool, Alex. Go stand somewhere and entertain yourself.”

  I couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped when Alex did as he was told with no fuss. “Something funny?” the man asked.

  I shrugged and plopped down in the chair. “If I knew that’s what it took to get rid of him, I would’ve done that already.”

  He looked at me amused. “I don’t think it would’ve quite worked the same way for you.”

  I shrugged. “Your friend, not mine.”

  “Do you know why you’re here Taylor?” he asked.

  I groaned. “Jesus, I almost forgot about that.” I leaned forward. “Look, just like I told your friend over there, I’m not Taylor.”

  *****

  Giovanni

  I stared at the fucking nutcase sitting in front of me. First, indication she was off her rocker was that smart as fuck shit she said to Alex. That was stupid as hell. He’s not only huge as fuck, but he’s a fool. I wouldn’t even let his ass work for me if he weren’t my brother and my mother would kick my ass. Then, she had no respect as she was just fucking playing games with him in my face like I got time for that shit. I’m just going to say this for the record. I’m an intimidating fuck, and my reputation does not exceed me. Oh, and the biggest clue… this shit she was spouting trying to save her ass.

  “Did you take your meds this morning?” I asked her.

  She frowned. “What meds? What are you talking about?” she asked.

  I waved a hand in her direction. “Your crazy pills. You’re either a horrible liar, or you’re batshit.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I don’t think I’m the crazy one here. I’m telling you that I’m not Taylor. I don’t know anything about why you’re looking for her, and I don’t think I really want to know.”

  I rubbed my forehead. She was giving me a fucking headache. I leaned forward in my chair. “Do you know who the fuck I am?” I asked her.

  She shook her head and looked at me like I was stupid. The fuck? “I don’t know who you are because I never met you before.”

  “But you still did business with me. You can’t possibly be stupid enough to borrow money and not know who’s pocket you’re getting it from.”

  She scoffed. “You sure you’re looking for the right person? My sister never has any money. I’m sure I would’ve noticed if she laced her pockets even just a little bit.”

  This sister shit. “Ok, so you’re not Taylor… then who are you?” I asked.

  “I’m Julie, thank you very much.” She said proudly crossing her arms.

  “And let me guess, you’re identical twins… can’t tell you apart?” I said taunting her.

  She shook her head. “I know you don’t believe me. We’re almost identical, but we have a couple of differences.”

  I arched an eyebrow. “Oh, yea? Like what?”

  “Well, her personality for one. I am nothing like my crazy ass sister.”

  I laughed, she was calling someone crazy? “And that’s supposed to tell me something? From where I’m sitting you sure as fuck seem like you lost your mind.”

  She leaned forward with a cocky gleam in her eyes. “My sister’s eyes are dark green.” She said smugly.

  I frowned. It was obvious that she had blue as fuck eyes. I was done playing this game with her. “Don’t fuck with me. The little bit of patience that I had just fucking ran out.”

  She sat back. “I’m not fucking with you. Surely you have to know what she looks like if you grabbed me.”

  I stared at her, and she looked too fucking smug for my liking. I turned on the computer and ran the video footage from the night before. Taylor owed me five grand and compared to what I have that was pennies to me. The problem is, she’s been running her mouth, and word got around that she took a loan a few months back and hasn’t paid us back or didn’t have any intention to do so. That shit wasn’t going to work for me.

  You see, reputation is huge in this business. I can’t have word getting around that I’m going soft on bitches and letting them run rampant. The bitch was even frequenting some of my establishments… not a good look. Now, she’s got her ass in hot water. Not for the money but for the principle of it all.

  She was in here partying it up last night with some of the other regular whores. When my guys spotted her, they let me know. I had Alex look at the footage and sent him to pick her up. What the fuck do I pay these mother fuckers for if I still end up having to do this bullshit grunt work?

  I sped through the footage of the entrance until I spotted her. I waited until there was a clear shot of her face and froze the image and zoomed in. Sure enough, it was the girl sitting in front of me, and her eyes were a totally different color. Not to mention that purple in the front of her hair. She looked skinnier too, she was definitely into drugs.

  I looked over at the woman in front of me taking her in for the first time. I barely registered how she looked too distracted by her antics. Her hair was messily piled up on top of her head in a ponytail. Her face was soft and open. She had this aura about her that screamed breath of fresh air. I took in her loose t-shirt and knew right off the bat the bitch had a nice rack. The shirt was pulled tight in that area, and there was no denying she had to be at least a D. I kept eyeing her, taking in her thighs in her jeans. That’s when I noticed the tear and dried blood.

  I pointed to her leg. “What the fuck happened to you?” I asked.

  She scoffed and jerked her thumb in Alex’s direction. “This dumb-fella tried to run me over with his car. I took a dive… literally.”

  I looked over at Alex. “You fucking didn’t.” I said truly pissed off.

  The fucker at least had the right mind to cringe. I was gonna brain his ass when I got the chance. He knows that hitting a fucking female was a no-go unless he had to. Then on second thought… maybe I’ll tell pop and let him fuck him up.

  I called Alex over and showed him the screen. “Se
ems like the psycho might be right. This girl definitely looks different.” I said.

  Alex frowned. “No, she doesn’t.”

  I shook my head. “What the fuck? Is today your first day on the job? Her eyes and hair are different. They’re not even the same size. This chick looks like she’s 90 pounds dripping wet.”

  A throat cleared. “Hold up there, did you just insinuate that I was fat?” Crazy lady asked.

  Someone save me from this fuckery. I glimpsed at her, “no I’m saying this chick…” I pointed at the screen, “is damn near invisible.” I turned my attention back to Alex and arched an eyebrow for an explanation.

  He shrugged. “It could be the camera. She could have on contacts or something… I mean, who has twins anyway?”

  Oh right, so twins were unheard of? Swear to fuck the world woke up today and said they’d do me in by making me nuts. “Go fucking look to see if this twin exists.” I pointed to Taylor or Julie or whoever the fuck she is. “You’re going to stay here until he gets back.”

  She pouted and fuck me, I thought it was cute. I had to be losing my goddamn mind. “I’m supposed to be in school.”

  I shrugged. “That’s not my fucking problem. Now sit your ass there and be quiet.”

  She looked off to the side. I heard her mutter, “Bossy bastard,” under her breath and I had to keep myself from laughing.

  Chapter 2

  Julie

  “What time is it?” I asked.

  ” Why?”

  “Because I feel like I’ve been here forever already… how long do you really plan on holding me hostage.”

  His eyes flickered up at me. “I’m barely holding you hostage.”

  I huffed. “You’re keeping me here against my will. I would say that about defines Kidnapping.” I pointed out to him.

  He sighed and continued doing what he was doing before. He had papers strewn out on the table before him, head down. Whatever he was doing must’ve been important because he can’t take his nose out of it. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs like a buffoon.

  After being ignored again for god knows how long, my stomach growled. “Hey Corleone, think you can feed a girl?” I asked.

  I watched him shut his eyes tightly, surely picking up on the reference and my mocking tone. “Are you fucking for real?” he asked annoyed.

  “I like to think so.”

  “Are you trying to get one put in you?” He asked.

  My eyebrows flew up. “When I said hungry I meant food, I wasn’t offering my goods.” I shook my head. “Men. Presumptuous mother fuckers you are.”

  His head cocked to the side. “Fuck are you talking about?” he asked.

  I leaned forward so that my elbows were resting on my knees. “You have no manners you know that? Someone ought to teach you a thing or two… I’m a lady.” I said channeling my inner Shanaynay from the TV show Martin.

  He scoffed. “I’m considering having you committed.”

  “Tuh, you’re the one offering to put things in me, and you ain’t even take me out to dinner. Where they do that at?” I asked. I knew I was poking the bear at this point. I knew what he meant when he said it, but I was bored, and I was hungry which meant we all must suffer.

  “I never have to pay for it and I damn sure never have to ask.” He grumbled under his breath. “If I get you a fucking burger will you shut the fuck up and pretend like you’re not here?” he asked.

  I frowned. “Well, that’s stupid because I am here.” I shook my head. “You know there is an easy solution to your problem.”

  “Yea, I can throw you off a fucking bridge and be done with it.”

  “I was actually thinking something less violent. You know, like me getting up and walking out of here like nothing happened.”

  He gripped the back of his neck. “You’re not fucking going anywhere so drop it. I’ll have someone bring you down a burger, and if you so happen to choke to death while eating it, that would make me extremely happy.”

  My eyebrows went up. “Well aren’t you a sadistic mother fucker?”

  His eyes flew to mine, and for the first time since seeing that gun, I felt fear run through me. I’m sure he could sense it too because I could see the makings of a grin at the tips of his lips. “You have no fucking idea, little girl.”

  Well alright. “About that burger…” I hinted.

  He groaned and picked up the phone and ordered some food. I leaned back in the chair, at least I was gonna get something out of this shit show.

  *****

  Giovanni

  I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like her before. She ate the food I gave her and then she began having a full-blown conversation with herself. I pretended to ignore her for the most part, but I mean, how can you? That shit was both horrifying and intriguing at the same time. I wasn’t a total heartless mother fucker, I should call a hospital or some shit, so they can come pick her up. I’m almost certain she was as big a danger to herself as she was for the rest of humanity. Never seen anything like this shit.

  “You talking to yourself?” she asked.

  My head snapped up. “Am I talking to myself?” I asked her in disbelief.

  “Yea, I heard you grumbling. I got a bit concerned. I figured you have a gun since you’re a want to be thug and I’m not sure how secure I feel about my safety around you if you start that shit.”

  My eyes widened. “I muttered something under my breath. You’ve been talking to a whole host of invisible people.” I pointed out.

  She frowned. “No, I wasn’t, I was talking to myself.”

  See what I mean? Fucking psycho. “And that makes it better?” I asked.

  She shrugged. “I was thinking out loud. Plus, it’s not like I’m wielding any weapons. Just these bad boys right here,” she said holding up her fists.

  I scoffed. “And those are supposed to be lethal?” I asked.

  “Put the gun down and find out.” She taunted.

  “Who the fuck are you?” I asked seriously. Did this fucking looney toon just ask me to fight her? I’d have her swallowing her teeth in one punch. Maybe she really did need that, knock some fucking sense into her. I haven’t had a person willingly try to square up with me since I was thirteen.

  She rolled her eyes. “I told you, I’m Julie.” She sighed. “Look, I get the whole tough guy persona. It’s a macho thing, and that’s what you boys do these days. Everyone wants to be a thug. But ya know, we have real mobsters and goons, and shit in these here parts much scarier than you. It’s going to take a little more than an oversized dufus with a gun who of all things tried to pull my hair, and you, who has been rifling through papers like the tadpole at the bottom of the food chain to strike the fear of God in my heart. Sorry baby, but you’ve got to try a little harder.”

  It was like a slap in the face, a moment of clarity in this shit show. This fucking girl had no idea who I was. There was no way she could, because as batshit crazy as I still think she is… she couldn’t be that stupid. Everyone fucking knew who I was because I ran this shit. This was my turf, you answered to me. She probably thought I was some low life dealer her sister might fuck around with, and I’m just wasting her time. That sure explains a lot and made this whole situation a whole lot more interesting. I was convinced at this point that I could let her go. There’s no way that she could be the girl I’m looking for unless she’s a fucking good actor. But then again, even acting no one would cross the same lines knowing what would happen. Why I didn’t break her knees is beyond me. Probably because I’d be knee deep in shit if my ma found out that I capped a special person. Especially a girl.

  “Duly noted, sweetheart.”

  She groaned. “Oh goodness… please hold the endearments. I won’t be catching Stockholm’s. You must really be hard up throwing all these passes at me.” She shook her head. “Don’t worry, I’m not offended. I feel for you.” Maybe if I knocked her upside the head, it wouldn’t be so bad? I knew for a fact that she was just fuck
ing insulting me for the hell of it.

  “Shut up now,” I said. I didn’t need her to push too far, and I lose my shit on her.

  “I need to pee.”

  “So, go.” Nope. I didn’t feel an ounce of remorse.

  “You’re telling me to pee on myself?” she asked for clarification.

  “That’s what the fuck I said.”

  “You’re a fucking creep. What type of kinky ass fantasies do you have?” she practically spat at me.

  My hands balled into fists, and I had to keep my head down for the millionth time since she walked into my office to keep from strangling the fuck out of her.

  “I won’t feel bad if I bust your fucking ankles,” I warned her.

  She opened her mouth to speak when there was a knock on the door. “Yea.”

  Alex entered the room with a chick behind him. I released a deep breath of relief. I will finally have this pain in the ass out of my hair.

  “You,” I said pointing at my unwanted guest. “Get up,” I ordered.

  She rolled her eyes and stood up slowly with a shit ton of attitude. “You’re taking me up on my offer?” she asked with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

  I frowned. “What offer?”

  She raised her knuckles up like she wanted to brawl. If she weren’t so fucking annoying, I’d say she was cute. It was cute she thought she could do something to me. “You were serious huh?” I asked not able to hold a laugh.

  “I never fuck around about this.” She said doing some playful footwork. This chick probably never threw a punch in her life.

  “JULIE!” a female voice shrieked.

  Oh shit, so she was Julie. Ha. Thank god, at least she wasn’t as gone in the head as I thought. That would’ve been some really sad shit.

  Julie frowned and waved a hand gesturing to the room. “What the fuck Taylor? Seriously?” I was sure all that lost girl bullshit before was intentional, probably trying to get a rise out of me. I knew because everything about her transformed. She looked serious and pissed. Her legs widened, and she crossed her arms. I let myself get a good look at her for the first time now that she was standing, a storm brewing in her blue eyes. She was fucking angry and fucking smoking hot. How hadn’t I noticed all of those fucking curves before? You know why Giovanni, she was annoying the holy fuck out of you and you were trying not to kill her. Oh right.