by Posey Parks
“I had to have her and only her. She’s the one, Marco. I won’t let you or anyone stop me from being with her.” He glanced at me from the corner of his eye. I didn’t say a word yet.
“You were right about the women. I told Nadir I was back. Not sure who he told, but next thing I knew all the chicks I was fucking before I left sent text after text asking when I was coming over.”
“I bet he told Paula at the strip club in Philly.”
He snapped his fingers. “Yeah, the big breasted chick he fucks around with from time to time. Yeah, well word got back to Alana. She’s pissed. I guess she thought we’d be together. Hey, I was single when I left Jersey. Thought I’d return that way. Anyway, I told the chicks not to text me anymore. I told them I had a woman. Alana threatened to harm Jocelyn.”
My brow rose. “She better fall back or the Donna will slit her throat. She loves Jocelyn with all of her heart.”
He placed his hand between us. “Marco, I will protect Jocelyn with my life.”
I nodded. “Good. Did you tell her about the threat?”
He blew out a breath. “No.”
“Tell her. She doesn’t need to be blind-sided.”
“True.”
“Now why are you so upset about Maceo, handling business while you were away?”
His eyes darkened. “The Vargo situation was never Emoni’s fault. I was wrong for blaming her. The moment you hooked up with Emoni, I ran an extensive background check. She and José Vargo shared the same address. I knew I heard that name before. The moment I dug into his background, I uncovered so much fucking dirt on that bastard. When you and Emoni spent the next morning together, I knew what would happen if you found out about her situation. It was like I was on a runaway train and I couldn’t stop it. You fell for Emoni instantly. You had no plans of letting her go. That’s why you were willing to die for her. You were determined to make her your woman no matter the cost.
Technically, I don’t even know Emoni. All I know is what Jocelyn shared about her.”
He slid his hand over his hair. “I hate I wasn’t there. I should’ve been there. It’s my job to protect you. Maybe I could have shot the shooter.”
“I’m telling you, Vargo had his plan air tight. We wore those bum bullet-proof vests. We would have killed Roderigo if it wasn’t for the malfunctioned equipment. Maceo did good. You should tell him thanks for protecting our crew. If you were there, I have no doubt you wouldn’t have done all you could to ensure our safety. You always have.” I slammed my heavy hand on his shoulder. He winced.
“What’s wrong with your shoulder?” I scanned his face, trying to detect if he’d lie to me.
“Marco, I ran into a little trouble in Italy.”
“Show me your shoulder.”
He hesitated. “Now,” I growled.
Tadeas unbuttoned a few buttons on his dress shirt and peeled back the shirt, revealing the nasty red and blue bruise on his shoulder.
“That’s a nasty bullet wound.”
“I know.”
“See our doctor and have it examined.”
“I will.”
“Tell me what happened.”
“Jocelyn and I were at a night club in Italy two nights before we left. She wanted to dance. I told her I needed to pay attention to our surroundings. She danced by herself in the middle of the floor. A guy grabbed her from behind, groping her. That’s what it looked like as I peeked between the bodies on the floor. I rose, stalking toward her. He whispered something in her ear. I shoved people out of the way in an effort to reach Jocelyn. Whatever he said must’ve been disrespectful because she slapped him. He punched her in her stomach. I attacked him. Next thing I knew, he shot me in my shoulder and ran. People scattered like rats. Soon after the incident we returned to the U.S.”
His hand fell against the glass. “She lost our baby,” he whispered.
My eyes widened. I pulled him into a hug. “Man, I’m sorry.”
“She wasn’t that far along, Marco.”
“Come on have a seat.” I led him to the blue sofa.
“I’ll make you a fresh drink.” I removed his glass from his hand.
“How’s Jocelyn taking it?”
“Not good at all. I thought she’d lose it when Emoni asked why she wasn’t drinking.” His face dropped in his hands.
“She’d drink herself to death if she could to forget, losing our child.”
My heart went out to him. Tadeas wasn’t just my bodyguard, he was one of my best friends.
“Here.” I placed his refreshed drink in his hand. Tadeas sat back against the sofa, staring at the ceiling.
“Even with all the shit I’ve dealt with recently you could have told me what happened.”
He sipped the whiskey. “Honestly, I couldn’t talk about it until we were face to face.”
“Before you returned home you didn’t find the bastard?”
His cold eyes grew darker. “No, it was just Joce and me at the club. Gastone was at the house, guarding her parents. I managed to grab the security footage before I left. I need Kagan or Kahn to help me find him. Before I return to Italy, I want a plan in place. Please keep Jocelyn safe while I’m away. If I don’t return?”
I gripped the back of his neck. “Hey, don’t talk like that. I’ll come with you.”
His head snapped in my direction, and he winced again. “No, I’ll feel better knowing my woman is safe under your protection.”
“You have my word, Tadeas. If this guy is connected to any mafia families in Italy, we’ll find out. Myself or Luca will have to be there to represent the Esposito’s.”
He nodded. “I understand.”
“Kagan and Kahn will travel with us to Las Vegas. I’ll lease a mansion. That way there’s plenty of space for everyone.”
“I think being closer to Emoni will be good for Jocelyn,” he sighed.
“Are you two hanging here tonight or headed home?” I sipped my whiskey.
“Haven’t decided yet.”
“I’ll have Nadir send the girls up.” I shot him a text.
“Not sure how to tell Emoni what happened to Jocelyn. She’ll want to go over there and kill the guy herself. Do their parents know?”
“Yeah. They’re a lot stronger than Emoni thinks. She just needs to be honest as she can about Vargo. They want revenge on the asshole too.”
Knock, knock.
I walked over to the door, held a solid poker face. Tonight, Jocelyn and Tadeas needed to unwind. Tomorrow, we’d discuss the Italy issue at my parents.
Jocelyn wore a black and silver one sleeve glitter dress that stopped mid-thigh and silver stilettos. She scurried into Tadeas’s arms.
Emoni grabbed my chin and locked our eyes. “Are you checking out my sister?” Her brow rustled together.
“Boss, do you need anything else?”
I pulled Emoni close.
“The bar is filled and we have appetizers. We’re good.”
He towered in the doorway. “Ok, just let me know if you need anything else.”
“Yeah.”
Nadir closed the door.
“Emoni, your dresses are similar. I wondered did you two plan this?”
She squinted. “A little.”
The red and gold mid-thigh glitter studded long sleeve dress hugged her body in all the right places. Her hair was swept up into a high ponytail.
I leaned down until our noses touched.
“Before we leave, I plan to fuck you against that window.”
Her eyes widened, and she shoved her palms against my chest. I didn’t budge. A devilish smile curled my lips.
“You aren’t serious? I don’t want an audience.”
I chuckled, walking her backward toward the window. “Turn around.” She scanned the silver and black sofas and walls. “Guests who have dinner reservations are arriving now.”
“Is this a supper club or a night club?”
I threaded our fingers together around her waist. “Both.”
>
“It’s beautiful.”
“You can make any changes you’d like. The club in the Vegas casino will be two times the size of this one.”
“I have so many ideas.”
“Emoni,” I whispered against her earlobe.
“Yeah?”
“No one can see us.” I knocked on the window. “This is solid glass. We can see them, but they can’t see us. Wait, I’ll show you.”
I called Nadir.
“Hey, stand in front of the window. Snap a photo and send it to me.”
“Ok.”
I disconnected the call.
Emoni watched Nadir’s every move.
My cell vibrated. I tapped the pic in the message.
“What do you see?”
She gasped. “A tinted charcoal black window and the colorful strobe lights bouncing off the window.”
I slipped my cell back into my inner blazer pocket. “There’s not a chance I’d let anyone see my wife naked. You’re all mine, baby,” I growled against her hair.
I peeked at her reflection. Emoni’s eyes were closed, and she bit her lower lip.
“Marco, baby, what’s that against my back?”
“You know what it is?”
“We have to wait…Marco, this will be tough.”
I glanced over my shoulder at the love birds. “Anyone, want appetizers?”
“Yes.” Jocelyn nuzzled Tadeas’ neck.
I was saddened about the turn of events that took place in Italy, but also happy he found a good woman. While they were occupied, I held Emoni’s hand and led her to the other side of the room. I had to get my mind off fucking her. “How do you like my office?”
“I love our office,” she giggled.
“Sounds good. Remember, don’t ever leave anyone in here unattended. If you slip up. Have one of our men sweep the room for bugs. The wives who come into our home for meetings are only allowed in the sitting room. They will be escorted to the bathroom. Our guards will sweep for bugs after they’ve left the house.”
I understand.”
“If you’d like to continue to assist in handling our enemies.” I raised my index finger.
Her face lit up.
“Sometimes, you can.”
Her lips smashed against mine. “Thank you, Marco.” Emoni kicked off her Stiletto’s. “Sorry, baby, I want to unwind a little.”
I gripped her chin. “Emoni, you’re amongst family. You can relax. Lay on one of the sofas, I’ll bring the appetizers to you.”
“Thank you.”
I watched Emoni pull her feet under her as she sat on the sofa. What if she’s been in pain all day and hadn’t told me? No fucking tonight. I’d make love to her if she was up to it.
Emoni and I sat on the sofa across from Tadeas and Jocelyn.
“Joce, before we leave for Vegas want to view a few boutiques?”
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yup, and you don’t have to work there. We’ll start with one location in Jersey City and the other will be in the lobby of our new casino.”
They screamed. “Oh my god that’s awesome.”
“I’d like you to oversee the Boutique in Jersey. Make sure the staff handles the day-to-day operations.”
“That sounds great.”
“Emoni, that sounds like a great opportunity,” Tadeas interjected.
“But Jocelyn doesn’t have to work anymore. She may not be on a grand scale as her big sister, but she will be just fine.”
Jocelyn slipped her hand over her face, avoiding her sister’s shocked gaze.
“And as I said before Marco. No disrespect, but I will provide for Jocelyn. That goes for the roof over her head too.” He placed the keys on the table.
I moved to the edge of the sofa. “Tadeas, think about what you’re saying. This is my wife’s sister living in a city where we operate. You know what we do every day. She needs bodyguards.” I slipped my tatted hand over my slicked black mane.
“She knew about Vargo’s shady dealings, but does she have any idea who we are?”
Tadeas braced his elbows on his knees and rested his forehead on his tattooed knuckles.
“She knows I am your right hand. Your bodyguard.”
“Tadeas, this life ain’t for everyone. If she lives in the penthouse in my building, I can control what happens there. I can protect her. But the moment she learns about our colorful lifestyle, she may want out. If you bring her in, there’s only one way to do that.”
His evil eyes locked with mine.
She tugged at her lip and her leg jumped under her arm. “I thought you were a developer.” Her confused gaze fell between Emoni and me.
I smirked. “Come on, Jocelyn think.” My fingers slammed against my temple.
“I thought it was a little weird you uprooted my family and moved them to Italy.”
“Go on.”
“Then we lived in a house in the middle of nowhere once we arrived in New Jersey.”
I glanced at Tadeas. “Show her.”
He didn’t move. “Tadeas, I understand your inner struggle. I didn’t know if Emoni would stay. Even if Jocelyn loves you, Tadeas, you can’t make her be a part of this life. She’ll have to make the decision to stay or leave. If this life isn’t for her, then she needs to be on the jet with her parents on January second.”
He glared at me. “No,” he growled.
The weight on his shoulders and heart was heavy. He struggled with this decision before he returned. Not sure what he thought he’d do. Keep her in the dark.
He grabbed the iPad off the glass coffee table, typed something in the search bar, then placed the tablet in her lap.
“Alleged Mob boss and land developer Marco Esposito new night club Lux is the talk of New Jersey.” She glanced my way. “So, you’re not a land developer?”
Was she fucking for real?
“Yes, I am.”
Her eyes met Emoni’s. “Is that all he is?”
She shook her head.
“Emoni, what were you thinking?”
“That I love him.”
“Marco, you talk to Tadeas like I’m not in the room. Like I’m some child. I haven’t lived with my parents since I was seventeen. I can take care of myself.”
“I know, Joce.” Emoni smirked.
“But this is a different life. It’s dangerous. You love horror movies. Dead racoons don’t bother you. But would you be able to chop up a body?” Emoni asked her frankly.
“Jesus.” Tadeas rose and paced in front of the window.
Jocelyn’s hand flew over her mouth. “What?”
“You heard me.” Emoni’s eyes were dark and cold.
“Because if you can’t blow a person’s head off, dismember the body, and dispose of it, then this isn’t the life for you.” Emoni stepped over and sat next to her sister.
She held her hands. “I am the Donna of the Esposito Crime family.”
Jocelyn’s eyes bulged.
“I made hefty decisions on my husband’s behalf while he recovered.” Her eyes cut over to me.
“We’ve come to an agreement. I’ll make decisions on certain business dealings in regards to those who disrespect our family.”
She stroked her fingers through her sister’s dark tresses. “You don’t have to make a decision today, but it will have to be soon.”
She kissed her cheek.
“Who are you and what happened to my sister?”
“Your sister grew some balls.” Emoni tapped her button nose.
“It’s New Year’s Eve. I want to enjoy myself before we call it a night. Our baby doesn’t like to stay up late.” She laughed.
Jocelyn sauntered over to Tadeas. His sad eyes stared into hers. She joined their hands and fell against his chest.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“And I love you.”
She wasn’t going anywhere. He already ruined her. She never had a choice. The woman fell for a gangster and didn’t even know it. I pulle
d Emoni onto my lap.
“I love it when you’re a bad ass.”
She snickered. “Only you would.”
“Tadeas, how about we teach our women how to play poker?”
He smiled. “Careful. I’ll teach my woman how to win every time.”
“Shit talker.” I chuckled.
“Put your money where your mouth is.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
MARCO
Two hours later, I carried Emoni to our bed. She fell asleep in the car on the way home.
She stirred in my arms. “Where are we?”
“Home.”
I tugged the tight dress over her head.
She sat straight up. “Did I miss the ball drop?”
“No. It’s only ten o’clock.”
She sighed. “Good.”
“Next year we can watch the ball drop-in Times Square from our condo window.”
“Sounds perfect.”
She collapsed on the pillow. “Take off your clothes and get in bed.”
“I will. Are you hungry or thirsty?” I kicked off my shoes and peeled off my socks.
“Hungry for you,” she grinned under hooded eyes.
“Sleep is what you need.” My forehead creased as I unfastened a few buttons.
Emoni’s eyes perked up. “I’ll help you.”
She crawled toward me. The silver bra and thong molded to her curves.
Shit, I was done. Rejecting my wife wasn’t my strong suit. Often my nerves got the best of me when it came to her.
My favorite memory came to mind.
“The night you walked into my parents’ basement…” My eyes slammed shut.
Her soft fingers caressed my smooth face. “What?”
My eyes slowly opened. “I thought my heart would explode. You awakened something inside me I didn’t know existed. Finally, I have the woman of my dreams. To be completely honest with you, I never thought I’d find a girlfriend who wasn’t a part of this life. And you know there isn’t anyone in this life with a skin tone as beautiful as yours. I love black women. I always had. For a man like me to find love was next to impossible.” Her fingers moved down my shirt, slipping the buttons through each hole.
“You have to continue your sessions with the therapist because I won’t let you destroy us. I love you too much, Emoni.”
