ROMEO

by Ruby Rowe

  Stunned by her brazenness, I raise a brow.

  “Baby, be careful what you wish for. I see I haven’t made it clear enough that I’m nothing like the men who came before me, so as soon as things settle down, your ass is mine.”

  Two Days Later

  Griffin

  “He’s in the family room,” Daniel says with a solemn expression as he holds the front door open for me.

  “How bad is it?”

  “Real bad, cuz. I don’t know if you can turn things around this time.”

  “Then I need you to promise me something. If anything happens to me today, tomorrow, in a month or even a year from now, you’ll find a way to keep Ava safe.” I grab my cousin by the shoulders. “I’ve never asked you for anything, Daniel. Tell me you’ll keep her safe for me.”

  He nods. “I’ll find a way.”

  “Thank you.” Patting his shoulder, I begin the walk to face my uncle.

  “He even sent Ma away today. He said he didn’t want her here for this.”

  “Shit,” I mumble. Reaching the family room, I come to a stop at the doorway. “Uncle.” Dom doesn’t look at me. He’s sitting on his tan leather sectional to my right, staring at the television and wearing one of his stupid velour sweat suits. What decade does he think this is?

  Picking up the remote, he shuts off the television, and I don’t think he needs to shoot my ass. The look he’s finally giving me could kill.

  “What the fuck have I been watching for the last week! Goddammit, tell me why you’ve been all over the TV!” In my peripheral, I see Daniel jump, but I was expecting no less from Dominic, so I remain still and stoic.

  “There’s no need for the yelling. I can explain.”

  “If you weren’t my brother’s son, I’d have already sent someone to smoke your ass, so you’re lucky you’re getting a chance to explain anything!”

  As I walk over to sit in a chair by him, he lowers the finger he’s been pointing and picks up a cigar to light. His skin is crimson, and his hand shakes as he holds the lighter.

  The pouches under his eyes are thicker, like he hasn’t been sleeping. Damn, he’s really struggling with the decision to let me live or not.

  “Uncle, you know the media makes things out to be worse than they are.”

  “What happened in New York?”

  “Mickey DeLuca and I only got in a fight because he wanted Ava back and was pissed he couldn’t have her. It was nothing more than that. No one in New York knows who I am.”

  “You jeopardized our business and privacy, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but for once I’m grateful you don’t have my damn last name.”

  “I swear, Dom. They know nothing.”

  Calming down a bit, he sits back against the cushion and takes a puff from his cigar.

  “What did you find out about Teddy’s crew?”

  “I have good news. Mr. Leoni and Mickey are moving back to Brooklyn in two weeks. Teddy’s retiring to take care of his dying wife.

  “Victor’s becoming boss, and from what I could tell, he has about six to eight guys in his close circle. Honestly, I don’t see how they’re a threat to us in any way, especially with Mickey and Teddy leaving Los Angeles.”

  “This is good to hear, but it doesn’t clear up the most threatening issue you’ve created. The photos of you with the Leoni chick on your deck, were they real?”

  “Yes, but I promise she’s not a threat.”

  “You knew when you walked through my door that there was no way in hell I was giving you my blessing to date a Leoni. So, where does that leave us?”

  “What if she moves to Malibu? I’ll have her keep tabs on the Leoni family through her father to ensure they’re not coming back. Then, no Leoni will live in your city. She’s retiring from acting, so her time in Los Angeles will be limited.”

  “Hmm…” He stares me down as he smokes his cigar. The scent of birch reminds me of my father. The two of them would sit in this very room and smoke. “That’s not very far away.”

  “But it’s not Los Angeles. I love her, Uncle. Gabriel liked Teddy and watched over Ava for years. He would want this for me, and whether or not you like it, you know it’s the truth.

  “I’ll make this promise to you right here–right now. Allow me to be with Ava, and no Leoni will ever live in Los Angeles again. I’ll see to it.”

  He smiles wryly. “There’s the Golino in you shining through once more. I sense you’d do anything for her, even kill, and that’s the passion the men in this family possess.”

  Dom lays his cigar on the ashtray. “OK. I’ll agree to this, but only because your cousin here cried like a pussy this morning and begged me not to kill you, so be sure to thank him on your way out.”

  My uncle holds his finger up. “But, mark my words, Griffin. If the Leonis don’t move out of my city right away, this agreement is null and void, and neither you or your precious Ava will be safe.”

  “I understand.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Ava

  Griffin told me he had an important errand to run this morning, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s meeting with his uncle. The thought is worrisome, so I shove it aside and straighten my cream pantsuit as Harold pulls up at Kelvin Tisdell’s office building.

  After the enthusiastic voicemail the agent left for me Monday morning, I felt he deserved to hear in person that my plans have changed and I’m now retiring. I mean, a week ago, I had no idea I’d be engaged.

  Also, there’s no way to know what the future holds. If Griffin and I are unable to have children, I might need a movie to fill that void, so I don’t want to burn this bridge.

  Kellen seems nervous as he holds the door open for me, and I imagine it’s due to the added pressure he feels to keep me safe while Griffin’s away. He and another guard escort me inside and up the elevator to Kelvin’s office.

  His young male assistant smiles and grabs the phone. Before I even approach his desk, he stands to escort me back, so I look to Kellen.

  “Wait here.” Nodding, he and the other bodyguard stay in the lobby. The assistant holds the door open for me, and Kelvin strolls around his desk, showcasing an elated smile.

  “Ms. Ava Lane, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” His tanned bald head shines in the light as he leans over and kisses my hand.

  “Hi, it’s so nice to meet you.”

  “I’m thrilled that you’re considering my representation, and let me tell you, I had to fight to keep my boyfriend from crashing our meeting today. He swears he’s your biggest fan.”

  I look down at my hand he’s still holding, so he lets it go. “Oh, please, have a seat. Would you like a water or something stronger?”

  “No, thank you.”

  Kelvin strolls back to his desk. “Last week was the perfect time for you to reach out to me. As soon as you said you were looking for a serious role, I knew I had the ideal part for you.”

  “Wait. You already have a role I could read for?”

  “Honey, I believe you’re a shoo-in for it.”

  “Wow, I’m all ears.”

  “It’s an Ike Fisher film. Director Hill and I are good friends, and he gave me the exclusive rights to cast this part. When I told him you’d contacted me, he said, ‘What are you waiting for? Get her in your office.’ ”

  “I had no idea there were people interested in casting me for any films other than romantic comedies.”

  “Look, honey, I’m only a begging man when it comes to my men, but I’ll make an exception for you. Please, give me the chance to represent you. I will not let you down.”

  My mind reels over what he’s offering me and what I asked of Griffin. It was my idea to marry right away and move to Malibu to start a family, but at the same time, I know he’d be thrilled for me and would be willing to put our plans on hold for a little while.

  “What if this part isn’t for me? Would you be as passionate about finding me another?”

  “Absolutely. I mean, it’s your car
eer–your decision, right?”

  “Right… Even if this part isn’t perfect for me, I think you are. Let’s do this. I need to get my hands on that script.”

  ***

  “Janelle, thank you for helping me with this meal. I know I sprang it on you.”

  “No problem, Ms. Lane, and you did all the cooking.”

  “Yes, but it was your special recipes and guidance. You can go home now. I’ll serve it and clean up.”

  “Oh, no. I’ll clean the kitchen.” She shews me away. “Go get dressed for Mr. Scott.”

  “Thank you for always treating me so well.”

  “You make it worthwhile for me, so no thank you needed.”

  I leave her alone and hurry upstairs to change into a white lace sundress. I slip on some silver Sergio Rossi sandals and matching silver earrings before I walk downstairs to greet Griffin. Damn, he’s already nosing around the kitchen when I turn the corner.

  “Have you officially stopped ringing the doorbell?” I ask.

  “Yes, especially when I smell food like this from outside the door.” He winks at me before strolling over to give me a kiss. “Janelle swears you made it, but I don’t believe her.”

  “Griffin.” I swat his arm.

  “I’m kidding. I know you made it because you’d do something sweet like that for me.”

  “OK, we’re good now.”

  “What’s the special occasion? You look sensational, by the way.”

  “I have great news.”

  “So do I, but I’ll let you share first.”

  “I can tell you’re in a good mood since you’re groping my ass while Janelle stands only ten feet away, give or take a few feet,” I whisper.

  “Well, you are my fiancée. I’m allowed to grope.”

  “That’s music to my ears. Now, let’s eat. It’s Taco Tuesday.” Griffin and I make plates of mahi-mahi soft tacos, Spanish rice and fried corn. Once we’ve loaded our tacos with toppings, including homemade guacamole, we walk to the dining room.

  “Tell me your news,” Griffin says after we’ve taken a few bites.

  “Oh, you know how I told you I was meeting with Kelvin today to break the news to him that I was retiring?”

  “Yes, the agent.”

  “Well, the craziest thing happened while I was there. Before I could even tell him I wasn’t acting any longer, he started talking about this part he’s casting.”

  Griffin’s mouth falls in a straight line, and he sets his fork down.

  “Is something wrong with dinner?”

  “No. Please, continue.”

  “OK.” I smile. “He wants me to star in Ike Fisher’s next film. Ike Fisher, Griffin.”

  “I know who he is, but what does that mean?”

  “It means I’ll get to star as the female lead in a drama that one of the most renowned men in Hollywood is producing.”

  “You’re not going to take it, right?”

  Dropping my fork, I scrunch my forehead.

  “I thought you’d insist that I take it. I know it was my idea to speed along our wedding, and start a family, but I figured you wouldn’t mind waiting a little longer.

  “Filming begins in ten weeks and is projected to last three months. The premiere of First Comes Love is coming up this fall, anyway, so I’ll be busy with all the events for its release. It makes sense to wait until spring to marry and move.”

  His pale, somber expression has me reaching across the table for his hand. “You know, I could still be pregnant a year from now. I’m sure it will fly by.” He yanks his hand away, so I snatch mine back, too. “What’s happening right now?”

  “You can’t stay in Hollywood and do this film. We made concrete plans the last two days, which included having a private ceremony in two weeks so Ellen could see us get married. Is this movie more important to you than your dying mother?”

  “That was mean.” Grabbing my napkin from my lap, I toss it on the table. “Of course, I want my mother to see me marry, but there is only so much I can handle at once.

  “I can’t deal with a wedding, a move, filming and the release of my last movie all before the new year. What if I got pregnant in there, too?”

  “You say that like it’s a burden. Suddenly, the life we were going to build is a burden. It’s all so clear to me now.”

  “I can’t believe how you’re speaking to me. I thought you’d be thrilled and understanding.”

  Shoving his chair back, Griffin stands and chokes back tears as he tries to speak. His soaked eyes are full of anguish, and I’m shocked over what’s transpiring. Like he’s in physical pain, he grips his shirt at his chest and sucks in a breath.

  “I thought I could handle your Hollywood life, but I was wrong. I’m sorry, but we’re finished. Good luck with your movie.”

  I lower my gaze to the table and grip it to keep from falling.

  “You don’t mean that!” I shout as he storms toward the door. Furious and desperate, I find the strength to follow him. “You turn around this instant, and work this out with me!” I catch up to him and grab his arm, but he jerks it away as he turns to face me.

  “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll let me leave. I told you I don’t want this life.”

  “Then I’ll give it up. For you, I’ll give up anything. You mean more to me than some movie role.” Griffin shoves his hand in my hair and grips it as his blue eyes say everything he’s not. His pain pummels me in the chest. This isn’t what he wants, and I feel it in my bones.

  “Did you not listen to anything I taught you? For once in your damn life, don’t do what someone else wants you to do. Star in the fucking film, and be you, Ava … not the sweetheart everyone expects you to be.”

  Before I exhale the breath I’m holding, he charges out the door. I cover my aching heart and drop to the floor of the spinning room.

  Spinning.

  Spinning.

  Spinning…

  My world spirals out of control as I lose all but one of my hopes and dreams, but that one means nothing if I can’t share it with the man I love.

  My cheek rests in a puddle of tears on the cold hardwood floor. Curling into a ball, I hold my churning stomach as my heart severs in two. He said he’d never break me.

  “Oh, Ms. Lane, what happened?” Janelle asks. I squeeze my eyes shut and sob as grief so deep and widespread swallows me whole. “I’ll get help for you, Ms. Lane.”

  Griffin

  “I’m changing the terms of our arrangement,” I say to Dominic after I find him in his kitchen, rummaging through the pantry.

  “I didn’t expect to see you again today, and you look rough. What happened since you left only hours ago?”

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m here because I’ve changed my mind. I’ll work for you. I’ll do anything you ask of me aside from killing as long as you leave Ava alone to live and work in Hollywood.”

  His mouth twists into a smile, and I don’t have the patience for his smugness.

  “I’m guessing you didn’t choose Malibu Barbie.”

  “Don’t. Not today. Just tell me you’ll agree. I’ll join the business in exchange for Ava staying in Hollywood. Working as a Golino is what you’ve always wanted from me, so the answer should be easy.”

  His smile disappears. “Fine, but the other Leonis better leave town like we agreed.”

  “They will, and I’ll start tomorrow.” I turn to leave.

  “Griffin, wait. You weren’t meant to end up with a Leoni, and it’s better you realize it now before your heart gets involved.”

  “Too late, but you don’t need to worry about it breaking twice. There’s nothing left of it.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Ava

  My phone rings on my nightstand, and I think it’s the fourth call. Like the other times, I ignore it, but it hits me that it could be Griffin.

  Maybe he’ll tell me he was a dumbass this evening when he shattered my world. Please, piece it back together. I roll over and grab my
cell.

  Mickey… What the hell does he want?

  I notice he’s the one who’s called every time, but I still let it go to voicemail. I think about how Kellen and Holly scooped me up off the floor only an hour ago and brought me to my room. It was humiliating.

  My phone dings with a message, so I hold the phone to my ear to listen.

  “Ava, it’s urgent. It’s about your mom. Call me back.”

  I sit up and press the button to dial him.

  “Mickey, what’s wrong?”

  “Teddy and Ellen came over for dinner, and your mother collapsed. She’s resting, but I think you should come right away to see if we should call an ambulance.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  “Griffin’s not stepping foot on this property.”

  “I’ll be alone.” Hanging up on him, I slide my feet into some flip-flops, grab my purse and look around my room for a set of keys. I haven’t driven in ages. Remembering they’re in my nightstand, I find them and take off downstairs.

  Opening the garage door, I get into my white Porsche 911 Carrera. I speed down the drive to the gate, and a guard approaches the car, but I hit the button that opens the black wrought iron as he bends over to look in the window.

  Kellen is going to be pissed at me, but it feels amazing to be defiant, and I need to feel anything other than the immense sadness squeezing on my chest.

  Griffin would lose his shit if he knew I left out of here without bodyguards, but then again, he must not be too worried since he bailed on me and our future together.

  I speed to Mickey’s home only a mile from my house in Beverly Hills and park in his driveway. My father’s car’s not here, but he does hate to drive home at dusk, so maybe Mickey picked them up.

  Teddy never takes Mom anywhere, so it figures the one time he does is while she’s sick. The three of them are probably discussing their upcoming move, and that grates on my nerves.

  I ring the doorbell, and Mickey answers.

  “Hi, how is she?” Stepping into his grand foyer, I look around. The crystal chandelier above is shining brightly, but the living room in the distance is lit up by only a lamp. “Where is everyone?”