by Amy Cecil
“Ah, Michael, I see you have done your homework.”
What the fuck! Did he really think I am so green that I wouldn’t check this shit out? He insults my intelligence, and I immediately don’t like him.
“I can go up to thirty-five, but it’s my final offer.”
I get up from my chair. One of his guys begins to stand, but Gallardi holds his hands out for him to sit. I look at him curiously and pace. This guy has pissed me off so much that sitting just isn’t working for me. Besides, I do better when I walk and talk, especially when I’m negotiating.
“So what you are saying is you want us to push your product through our family connections, knowing many of these family connections are political, law enforcement, and upstanding business associates. You also want us to move your product into Canada, where we also have influential contacts. Am I right so far?”
He nods proudly. “Yes, you are correct.” Fucking smug asshole.
“And if we do all this, which I have to add here puts our relationships at risk, we get thirty-five percent.”
He sticks out his chest and says, “Yes.”
“Romeo, forgive me, but I have to ask, what made you think my family would be interested in venturing out into drugs?”
He turns his swivel chair to face me and says, “Frankly, Michael, it is the one vice your family has yet to dive into. I’m doing you a favor by offering this to you. You will have the means to make a lot of money.”
Again he insults me. “Romeo, I have a lot of money.”
“But you join forces with Gallardi, and you will have much more.”
I’m done. I’m sick of looking at this guy and his goons, and I am most definitely sick of talking to him. “Well, Romeo, I appreciate that you thought of the Vitalis on such a lucrative offer. I also appreciate you took the time to come to New York to meet with me. However, I cannot give you an answer today. I will think about your offer and will let you know.”
“Michael, it doesn’t work that way. I’ve come all the way from Mexico for an answer, and I expect to get one.” He rises from his seat, and his entourage follows behind him.
“Well, that is not how I do business. Perhaps you should have done your homework. Leave your contact information with my girl out front, and I will be in touch.” I open my office door and say, “Good day, gentlemen.”
“This is not the last you’ll hear from me, Michael Vitali,” he says as he walks out the door.
Alex follows behind him, and I watch from the office window as he drops a card on Laurel’s desk and turns toward the elevators. Sal and Ricco stay with me, Ricco’s gun is drawn in case there are any issues. Alex and Augie linger at Laurel’s desk until they are safely ensconced in the elevator. Alex then grabs the card and returns to my office.
“Holy shit, Michael, what an asshole,” he says as he hands me the card.
I sit on the couch and let out a long breath. “Thank fuck that is over!”
“You handled him well,” Ricco says.
“I couldn’t fucking wait until he left. What an arrogant prick.”
“You gonna do it?” Ricco asks.
“Hell no! This family has prided itself on the fact it never had to resort to drugs for an income. I will not take us down that path now.”
“And you think Gallardi will just accept it?”
I shake my head. “No. I think Gallardi is the type of man who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. We are in for a fucking shit storm.”
“I’ll get a jump on taking extra security measures. We can bring in the other families too.”
“Yeah, and don’t forget we have the MC coming. At least they can serve as reinforcements if needed.”
Chapter 6
Zaira
Tonight we are having dinner with the Vitalis. Michael’s omertà is in two days, and his MC friends just got into town today. He wants us all there to put up a good and happy front, all the while welcoming his friends. Why in the world would he want me there? I have nothing to do with any of this.
Michael claims I do. I hate him. Well, not really, but I hate how he exerts so much control over me. Just two more days and I will be free of him for a while. Just two more days, I chant to myself.
We arrive at the Vitalis and are escorted to the patio area for hors d’oeuvres and drinks. When we get to the doors, I hear music. There is a freaking band here. What the hell? Stepping out onto the patio, I see many people. Some I recognize and some I don’t. They must be members of the MC. I spot Michael on the far side of the pool. He’s got a bourbon in one hand, and the other hand is gently resting on the lower back of a very tall brunette. I can’t see her face because her back is facing me, but she has the longest dark-brown hair that looks like silk. I become jealous immediately. Is that his date? Is Michael really dating?. Has he moved on already? My subconscious reminds me I am angry with him. I’m angry because of the lies and, as I now realize, the fact that he is making me attend this fiasco just to make me jealous.
I’m pissed off and want to go home. I turn toward my brother. “Vince, I am not feeling well. Can I ask the driver to take me home?” I lie to my brother, knowing it is better to let him think I’m sick than tell him I just don’t want to sit here and pretend everything is all right while Michael parades his flavor of the week in front of my face.
“If you really want to go home, Zaira… I mean, if you really aren’t feeling well, then fine. Go home. But remember what Michael said about your trip.” Don’t remind me! I think to myself.
“Even if I am sick?”
“Zaira, come on. It’s me you’re talking to. You were fine a few minutes ago, but I am sure you spotted the woman with Michael. Are you really going to let him scare you off? That’s not the Zaira I know and love.”
He’s right. It’s not. I stick up my chin and say, “Suddenly, I’m feeling much better now.” I turn to face Vince and smile. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“Of course,” he says with an I-know-what-you-are-up-to look. I leave my brother’s side and make a beeline for Michael. Let the games begin.
As I approach, Michael is still with the leggy brunette, but he is also talking with one of the bikers and a very pretty blonde. Getting a closer look, I see the patch on the guy’s vest with “Ice” and “President” embroidered directly underneath. So this must be the Ice Michael has always talked about. Next to Michael, he is probably the most handsome man I have ever seen. The woman next to him is holding onto his arm. I don’t see a ring; she must be his girlfriend.
“Thanks again for sending Vince. If it weren’t for him, I have a scary feeling I’d still be locked up,” the man says to Michael.
“Vince told me what that guy did to your girl. You did the right thing. You should never have to pay for getting justice. Unfortunately, law enforcement doesn’t feel the same way, but we have ways to work around them,” Michael says, and they both laugh.
Michael catches me out of the corner of his eye and says, “Zaira, please join us.”
I walk with a smile. I will not give him the satisfaction of knowing the woman clinging to his arm bothers me.
“Zaira,” he says, gesturing toward the man and his girl. “This is Ice and his old lady, Emma.” He pauses and then turns back toward Ice. “This is Zaira, Vince’s sister.”
“And your wife?” Ice questions.
“Ex-wife,” Michael clarifies smugly. He winks at me. “Ain’t that right, sweetheart?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, showing him that whatever he’s trying to do isn’t working.
“And who is this?” I ask, looking toward the woman next to him.
“Laurel, this is Zaira. Zaira, Laurel.”
We nod at each other, and immediately I don’t like her. I mean really, does anyone expect me to? But instead of showing my dislike, I smile sweetly at Laurel.
The tension is so thick, I would need a chainsaw to cut through it. Emma chimes in, taking my hand, and says, “It’s very nice to meet you, Zaira.�
� She’s sweet, and I think I could really like her.
“I’ve heard a lot about you and Ice from Michael, so it is nice to finally meet you both,” I reply.
“Your brother is a lifesaver,” Ice says.
I smile at the mention of Vince and his skills as a lawyer. “He’s the best.” My brother may be on my shit list right now, but he is still my brother and a damn good lawyer. I can’t help but be proud of him.
Michael leans toward Laurel and whispers something in her ear. She giggles. Asshole! I continue to smile and say, “So, Ice, I assume all these hot guys in leather cuts belong to you?”
“Yes ma’am.” He gives me a devilish grin. “Would you like to meet them?”
“Oh yes, I would.” I look directly at Michael, and as much as he’s trying to hide it, his glare is giving everything away.
Ice turns toward Emma and says, “I’m gonna go introduce Zaira to the boys. Wanna come with?”
Emma smiles. “I think I’ll pass. I’m gonna go get something to drink and sit down for a bit.”
“No alcohol,” he says.
She shrugs, placing her hand protectively over her baby bump. “I know. You don’t have to remind me.”
Emma turns and walks toward one of the patio tables. Ice takes my arm and says, “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“Of course I am,” I reply excitedly. And as we walk away leaving Michael and his Laurel alone, I can’t help the huge grin that comes across my face. I’ll will show him two can play at this game.
Ice walks me toward the other MC guys, and I find they are all very handsome and, to my surprise, very polite. Totally unexpected. Throughout all the introductions, I meet Rebel, Ari, Hawk, Honey, and Spike. Rebel and Ari are definitely a couple. I am pretty sure Hawk and Honey are as well, but I sense some tension. Note to self, steer clear of them. You’ve got enough tension in your life. You don’t need to add more. It’s obvious Spike is alone. Perfect. I begin a conversation with him, and before long, we are joking and laughing together. Michael has not taken his eyes off us, and I can see he is not happy. Fine by me. He can stew in jealousy for all I care. He started this.
It doesn’t take long for him to walk our way, without Laurel I might add, and interrupt. “Zaira, I need a minute.”
“You’ll have to wait, love. I’m talking to Spike right now. It would be rude of me to just walk away.”
He grabs hold of my arm and pulls me away. “Now, Zaira.”
I turn back toward Spike and mouth, I’m sorry.
Michael drags me into the house and heads straight for his office. After pushing me inside and slamming the door behind him, he walks past me toward his desk and turns.
“What the fuck are you trying to prove, Zaira!” he yells as he leans over his desk in a huff.
“Me?”
His eyes go wide as he stands upright. “Yes you! You’re trying to make me jealous by flirting with Spike.” He comes out from behind his desk and stomps toward the bar.
His back is to me when I yell back. “And you are trying to make me jealous with Laurel!”
He continues to pour his bourbon. “That’s different.”
“It most certainly is not!” He turns to face me, and I get up in his face. “Grow up, Michael!”
“Me!” He points at his chest innocently. “I’m not the one flirting with a biker out there.”
“No.” I jab my finger into his chest. “You’re the one who came to a family dinner with a fucking date!” I yell back.
He steps back. “You wanted a divorce. We are separated!”
I step back. “Exactly, so if I want to talk to another man who is single and available, I will.” I turn my back to him, but before I can take a step, he’s already grabbing my arm, turning me back around.
“Oh, hell no!” He tries to pull me close, but I push him away.
“So it’s okay for you to see other people but not me?” I try now to keep my distance. I know from experience that things never end well when we are in close proximity of each other.
“I’m not seeing anyone!” He takes a step closer. and I step back.
“Then would you care to explain who Laurel is?”
His excitement vanishes, and he says. “She’s my new assistant at Bella Celeste.”
“And?” I question. At least we are now somewhat civil to one another.
“And what?”
“She’s obviously here with you, Michael. Don’t play dumb with me.”
He runs his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“Michael, I don’t understand the problem here. We are separated. We are getting a divorce. We are free to see other people.”
“So you are okay with me being here with Laurel?”
“Yes,” I lie. And again, he can see right through me. The tension and passion between us is so thick the air is quickly becoming suffocating.
He doesn’t say a word as he walks to me with purpose, forcing me backward until I’m against the door. He’s got me trapped, his body pushing against mine. He’s breathing heavy, and I know he’s mad. “Damn it, Zaira.” He says under his breath, and before I can utter a word, his lips crash onto mine.
I try to resist. I try not to kiss him back, but I can’t. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted since I was young. I love him! So why can’t I get past all the lies and be with him?
I kiss him back, allowing him to devour my mouth. He deepens the kiss, and before I know it, we are breathless and he is tugging at the zipper on the back of my dress.
Breaking from the kiss, I whisper, “Michael. Please don’t do this.”
His hand stills at my zipper, but he doesn’t say a word.
“If we do this, my heart won’t survive it.” I know he can hear the desperation in my voice when he immediately backs away.
Turning his back toward me, he says, “Go, Zaira. Have a nice time with Spike.”
I walk toward him and rest my hand on his shoulder. He flinches at my touch. “I’m sorry,” I say. I’m not really sure why I am apologizing, but it breaks my heart to see him so conflicted and hurting.
“Just go, Zaira.”
I turn and walk out of the room, slamming the door behind me.
Michael returned to the party about fifteen minutes after I did and spent most of his time with the members of the MC, leaving the party only once more with Ice. Laurel remained at his side, but from what I could see, he never touched her again or paid any attention to her. I spent the remainder of the evening with Vince and Mia until it was time to leave.
We made our good-byes to Michael and the family, as well as the MC. All I have to do now is get through the omertà and I will be free and on a plane to Florence.
Chapter 7
Michael
So Ricco was fucking right. My whole jealousy plan completely backfired, but I did learn one very important thing: she still loves me. How fucked up is that? If she didn’t, if she didn’t care anymore, she would have never begged me to stop. Fine, she can go to Italy, but I promise, by the time she returns she will be returning as my wife. After the omertà and the dust settles with Gallardi, I think I need to plan a little trip myself.
Enough about Zaira. I’ve got work to do, and sitting here thinking about last night won’t get anything done. I talked briefly with Ice last night about my meeting with Gallardi. I didn’t want to go into too much detail. After all, we were at a party, and so we planned to meet here this afternoon.
Things have been quiet since the Gallardi meeting, but my omertà is tomorrow, and I have to say, I’m worried. My gut tells me all hell is going to break loose, and I want to make sure I am prepared.
A couple hours later, I’m sitting at my desk. In my office is Ice, Hawk, Rebel, and Spike—little shit bastard—as well as my boys, Ricco, Sal, Alex, and Sainte. However, I am not sure if Sainte is still one of our boys. Ice says he still needs him, so I will allow it. I’m sure one of these days he will tell me he wants a permanent change.
I o
pen my humidor and offer a cigar to each of the men. Ice and Ricco take one, and I follow suit. Ice lights his cigar, then asks, “What’s got you spooked?”
“As I told you last night, the Gallardi Cartel wants us to move product for them. I met with them a couple of days ago, and Romeo Gallardi was not happy that I didn’t jump at his offer.”
Ice blows his cigar smoke in front of him. “What’s the offer?”
“Selling and running heroin and cocaine. He’s paying thirty-five percent, but even if he paid 100 percent, I wouldn’t do it.”
“Fuck, we do some serious shit man, but I refuse to get into drugs,” Ice says. “I don’t blame you one bit.”
“The problem is, I have a bad feeling by Romeo’s reaction when I told him I needed to think about it. I doubt they will not take no for an answer.”
Ice shakes his head. “I think you are right.” He takes a hit of his cigar. “We got your back, Michael. If it weren’t for you and your brother-in-law, I’d still be in jail. Whatever you need.”
“I was hoping you would say that. In fact, I was counting on it.” I knew the MC would help, but hearing Ice confirm it is a big relief.
“So when do you think they will strike?” Ice asks.
“Here, during the omertà. It’s perfect. All the families will be here celebrating my rise to the head of the family.” I pause. “Hell, if I were in their shoes, that’s when I’d strike.”
“Have you heard from Romeo?”
“No, which is a sign. In our world, silence can be deadly, Ice. You know that.”
“Fuck, yeah, I know.”
He turns toward Hawk. “Call Reefer. Tell him we are gonna need backup on Saturday night. Give him all the details.” Reefer is the president of the Knight’s New York chapter. If Ice tells him to help out, he will.
“Got it, Ice. Anything else?” Hawk asks.
“Get ready, boys. We’re about to go into battle.” He looks squarely at Hawk. “And not a word to Emma and the girls. As a matter of fact, send them home.”
