by Chelle Bliss
My eyes narrowed. “What type of snags, Morgan?”
His fingers started to tap against the table as he brought his eyes back to mine. “Promise me you won’t freak out.”
“You’re making it worse.” I crossed my arms. We’d played this game a thousand times, and he already knew that I was going to freak, no matter what I promised.
“Well, um…” He stopped tapping and began to rub the palm of his hand against the table, making the most obnoxious noise. “Ray was involved, for sure.”
“Ugh,” I groaned and straightened my back, knowing this wasn’t the part I needed not to freak out about.
“So we found Ray. He’s with the cops now. They’re dealing with him. But…” His voice drifted off.
I tilted my head, thinking I heard him wrong. He didn’t just mutter what I think he did. My son wouldn’t be so stupid to get Tino and Joey Two Fingers involved. “Repeat that again.”
“Uncle Santino helped us get the money back. Ray had given it to Joey to pay back a debt. When Joey heard about the theft and that Ray was with the cops, he wanted no part of the money. I guess even criminals have their limits.” He laughed nervously, thinking I was going to laugh too, but I didn’t.
Grimacing, I dug my fingers into the soft corners of my eyes. “I can’t believe you got Joey involved. What a clusterfuck.”
“It was the only way, Ma. I swear. Everything is fine.”
“Morgan. Baby.” I opened my eyes, letting my hands drop to the table like a ton of bricks. “Nothing is fine when Joey is involved. Not only did both of you lie to me about going to Chicago, you went against my wishes when it comes to your uncle and his kind.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Ray is one of his kind too. It’s the only way Race would’ve been made whole again. Would you rather the track go broke and Race lose her dream?”
Guilt.
He used my own weapon against me. I’d perfected it over the last thirty years. It’s something that mothers passed on to each other because it fucking worked like a charm. But Morgan became hip to my shit a long time ago and had been known to use the trick on me a time or two.
Pulling it out during our conversation was beautiful—almost poetic. “Naturally, I wouldn’t want that.”
He gave me a tilted smile. “Didn’t think so.”
“So now we owe Joey Two Fingers.”
“We do not,” he corrected me, the one side of his mouth rising farther. “He owed Santino a favor. So now they’re even, and we’re free and clear.”
It was done, and no matter the consequences, I couldn’t change anything. Tino, Bear, and Morgan made the decision without me and against my wishes, but at least everything was settled. “What did Ray say?”
“I let Bear talk with him mostly.”
“What’s mostly?” I raised an eyebrow.
He averted his gaze. “I only spent a few minutes with him and had a little trip down memory lane.”
My nose wrinkled because there wasn’t anything in the past I wanted to relive except for the moments with Morgan. “Remembering all the good times?”
“Just reminded him of a promise I made him a long time ago.”
I crossed my arms, leaning back in my chair. “What promise would that be?”
“It’s not important. He broke the promise, and that’s all the matters.”
“It matters to me. Spill it, Morgan Salvatore, or else.”
He laughed softly and waved his hand at me. “You going to spank me, Ma? I’m a little old.”
“I have all the time in the world to plot my revenge.” I smiled while he continued laughing.
“You’re a cream puff.”
I always liked when someone underestimated me, especially him. You’d think after thirty years, he’d know better. “You know that pretty pink house for sale on your street?”
His smug little face wasn’t laughing anymore. “You mean the one next door?”
“That’s the one.” I laughed. “I think I want to buy it.”
“Ma,” he said in a stern tone. “Don’t kid like that.”
“I’m looking for a change. Why not move right next door to my baby?”
“Fuck,” he muttered and scrubbed his hand down his face. “You wouldn’t do that to me.”
“I would, especially if you’re keeping secrets. I think I need to keep a better eye on you.”
There was no way in hell I’d actually move there. Although I liked being close to Morgan, I didn’t want to be within walking distance. Before Bear, I probably would’ve done it, but now I liked to have my privacy.
“Fine.” He rested both hands on the table and reclined back in the chair. “I promised Dad on graduation day that if he came anywhere near you, or me for that matter, that there’d be hell to pay.”
My head jerked forward, my ear moving closer to him. “Wait, what?”
“I’m the reason he left, Ma.”
“You made him leave?” My mouth hung open, and I blinked repeatedly because I still didn’t understand.
“Yeah. I didn’t want him beating on you when he drank after I left. I figured it would go back to the way it was when I was a kid when I wasn’t there to protect you.”
How did I not know? I couldn’t believe he’d kept the secret for this long. I always assumed Ray left because he wanted to, not because Morgan made him. The revelation that Morgan forced him out rocked me to the core.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I knew you’d be mad and give me the whole song and dance about how you could take care of yourself.”
“Well, I could.” I shrugged.
“Ma, don’t shit yourself. That guy was like a disease. He wouldn’t have left if I didn’t make him.”
“I wish you would’ve told me about this a long time ago, Morgan.”
“I did what I felt was best for both of us. I couldn’t go away knowing he was there alone with you.”
It was really unfair of Morgan to grow up in such a volatile household. No child should have to worry about a parent’s safety or to step in to protect one from the other. Morgan did that, though. He did more than any kid should have had to do. He wasn’t bitter about his past, and neither was I—every second I lived led me to this moment and place.
Without Ray, the alcoholic low-life asshole, in my life, I wouldn’t be with Bear. He was the best thing that’d happened to me since the day Morgan was born. Finally, I felt like I had someone who was my partner.
“Hey,” Bear said as he walked into the kitchen, giving Morgan a casual chin lift.
“Hey,” Morgan replied with the same motion.
I looked at Bear and back to Morgan, my hands following my eyes. “So this is fine?”
“Yep.” Morgan smiled, and Bear nodded.
Coming to stand next to me, Bear put his hands on my shoulders and gave them a light squeeze. “Everything is great,” he said as he leaned down and kissed my hair.
“Huh,” I muttered, nodding my head as I worked through the fact that Morgan and Bear had finally figured their shit out. “I’m glad to hear you two have made peace.”
“I never doubted we would.”
“I just needed a little time with the fact that my friend, someone I trust, was trying to date—” Morgan coughed and shifted his eyes “—my mom.”
Reaching back, I placed my hand over Bear’s. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
“That’s all that matters,” Morgan said and smiled, bringing his eyes back to mine. “I better get back to Race.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek before holding his hand out to Bear. “See you tomorrow, buddy.”
“I’ll be there. “
After Morgan walked out the front door, Bear grabbed me and stalked off toward the bedroom with me in his arms. “It’s time to pay up, sweetheart.”
“Not my ass!” I giggled. “Not my ass.”
He stopped in the hallway just before the door. “Franny, babe. I’m not taking it unless you’re willing to give it. S
o stop freaking out.”
“Okay.” I blew out a breath and sagged against him.
“But eventually, you’re going to beg me to stick it in your ass.”
“Said no woman ever,” I mumbled softly.
“What?”
“Nothing.” I smiled up at him.
“Liar,” he whispered as he leaned forward and kissed my lips as he carried me inside the bedroom.
Every ounce of stress from the day melted away with his lips pressed against mine. It was only us, a man and a woman, together as one, without anything else interfering. Bear made everything feel…possible.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Bear
“James!” Thomas yelled as James walked by his office.
Thomas and I had spent the last thirty minutes talking about the possibility of them hiring Ret as a bounty hunter and private investigator at ALFA. We always had too many cases and often juggled more than we should. An extra body, and one who knew how to find people, would be an asset.
James walked backward, sticking his face in the doorway. “What’s up?”
Thomas motioned toward the seat next to me. “We gotta talk. Have a minute?”
He slapped his hand against the doorframe. “I’m not doing anything,” he said sarcastically as he walked inside.
Thomas rolled his eyes. “So Bear found us a possible lead on a new hire.”
James looked at me and then to Thomas. “Who?”
“Dude’s a bounty hunter and is looking to settle down.”
James rubbed his chin and smiled. “Interesting. Could be a great match for our company.”
“That’s what I think too. We could use another set of hands around here.”
“So then it’s a yes?” I asked, fidgeting in my chair because I wanted this so badly I could almost taste it.
“How do you know him?” James asked.
“He’s my kid.” It felt weird to say that. I didn’t really talk about either of my children with the guys.
James smiled. “Ah, that makes it even better.”
“He’s stopping in today to see me, and I thought I’d see what you guys thought before I introduced him. He’s looking to relocate, and I thought we’d be a perfect fit.”
“Way to be a team player for once.” Thomas laughed, and James joined him.
“If it weren’t for wanting to keep my kid close, I’d tell you both to fuck off.”
Thomas cleared his throat. “Bring him to my office when he gets here.”
I pushed myself up from the chair, too excited to let them annoy me. “I’ll do that.”
“Close the door behind you. James and I need to talk in private.”
I nodded, closing the door and heading straight to my office. Getting work done while I waited was impossible. All I could think about was that my son could be working in the same building as me and I’d never miss another day with him.
“Bear.” Angel’s sultry voice came through the intercom as I was digging through a pile of papers.
“Yeah.”
“A Mr. Ret North is here to see you.”
“Send him back,” I said in a strangled voice.
My stomach started to flip over, and I jumped from my seat, smoothing down my clothes and combing my beard with my fingers like I was about to go on a date instead of seeing my son again.
Ret strolled into my office in a pair of dark blue jeans, a tight black T-shirt, and black Harley boots like he’d just walked off the set of the Fast & Furious. He definitely looked like he’d fit right in with the other guys here at ALFA. Lord knows I never did.
“Hey, Pop,” he said like no separation had ever happened. It flowed easily from his lips and brought the biggest smile to my face.
“Glad you made it.” I rounded my desk and pulled him into my arms before he even tried to shake my hand. I’d never been a hugger, but for my kid, I’d hug him every chance I got.
“Impressive setup you have here.”
“I wish I could take the credit, but it’s my buddies’ business.”
“Still,” he said, pulling out of my arms. “You’ve done well for yourself.”
“It helps to surround yourself with good people. Their family changed my life.”
“I talked with Alese,” he said and smiled.
“Sit. Let’s talk.” I motioned toward the chair and leaned against the desk while he sat. “What did she say?”
“She said she’s fine moving anywhere as long as we’re together.”
“And what do you think?” I crossed my fingers under my arm.
“I like the idea of being closer to family and getting to know you and Franny better.”
“Her son works here too.”
“Oh. How does that work?”
“Now?” I laughed and shook my head. “It’s fine, but it was a bit touch and go when Fran and I hooked up.”
“Uh, yeah. I can imagine.”
“You’ll like Morgan. He’s former military and a good kid. His wife owns a racetrack not far from here.”
“Sounds like my kind of people. And the other guys?”
“Well, there’s Sam—he’s ex-FBI. Thomas and James are ex-DEA and also brothers-in-law. Thomas is Fran’s nephew.”
“So this is mainly a family operation?”
I shook my head. “No, but it’s friends and family. They only surround themselves with people they know they can trust.”
“If they want another employee, then I’m game.”
I tried to hold in my excitement, but I failed. “Yes!” Fist-pumping the air, I did a little dance with my upper body.
“Don’t do that again.”
“What?” My head rocked back.
He waved his hands in the air between us. “Whatever that was. Just don’t.”
I glared at him. “My moves always impressed the ladies.”
“You’re lucky your ass is old, Pop. That shit don’t work today.”
“Little fucker.” I laughed. “You’re going to fit in here like a glove.”
Thomas and James walked past my door and backed up and pointed toward Ret. I nodded, letting them know that he was indeed my son.
“Hey,” Thomas said, walking in very casually. “I’m Thomas, part owner of ALFA. This is James.” He pitched a thumb over his shoulder. “My partner in the business.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Ret,” he said, holding out his hand and shaking Thomas’s hand very calmly.
“So we heard you might be interested in a job.”
“Yes, sir.” Ret smiled, glancing over his shoulder at me.
“Have a few minutes to talk?” James asked.
“I sure do.”
“Bear, we’re going to steal him for a bit. Is that okay with you?” Thomas asked out of respect.
“It’s fine. We’ll catch up when you’re done,” I told them, but the three of them were already in the hallway.
Thomas pulled the door closed behind him, and I broke out into my dance again. The same one Ret told me never to perform again. But now the audience was just me, and nothing made me want to dance more than the thought of having Ret near.
* * *
“So how’d it go today?” Fran asked before I had the chance to kick off my shoes.
“Fucking perfect. Ret starts in two weeks. He just needs to go back to Miami and pack up his things.”
She ran across the room and jumped into my arms. “That’s amazing.”
“It is,” I said into her neck, taking in her scent and closing my eyes.
She tipped her head back, giving me access to the entire side of her neck. “We should celebrate.”
“Am I getting anal tonight?” I murmured.
“No,” she said in a breathy tone.
“Not even if I eat your pussy for an hour?” I smiled against her skin.
“Hmm.” She laughed. “That’s a tempting offer.”
My fingers dug into her ass cheeks. “I want you so bad, Franny.” I growled when her ass clenched in
my palms. “Do this for me.”
“What do I get out of this?” she asked, digging her fingernails into my shoulders.
“A killer orgasm that’ll make you black out.”
“Uh, I have those without you sticking it in my ass, babe.”
“Sweetheart.” I pulled away so she could see the need in my eyes. “It was worth a shot.”
“My ass is the tightest thing I have on this old body. I’d prefer for it to stay intact.”
“You’re the boss, Franny. You’re the boss.” I laughed.
One thing Jackie taught me is that the women run the show. Hell, I’d watched the Gallo family closely over the years too, and Fran and Maria had that shit running like a well-oiled machine.
Men did not rule the world.
Men did not make the decisions.
It’s just how shit was, and I knew it was how Fran planned on being. She couldn’t hand over the reins to me. It went against her nature and probably her genetics.
“But,” I said, moving my hands from her ass to her beautiful face. “I want you to make me a promise.”
“What, Bear?”
“No more talkin’ bad about yourself. Your body is beautiful, your face is stunning, but the thing I love about you most is your heart.” I rubbed my nose against hers. “Even if you are a nosy little thing sometimes.”
“But I brought your kids back.” She smiled.
“You did.” I kissed her lips softly. “And for that, I’ll always love you.”
I never expected there to be another woman on this planet who got me. But Fran DeLuca did. I needed her in my life, and she needed me. We were the perfect mix together.
Her nosiness came from a place of love. She knew that I wanted my kids in my life but didn’t have the balls to do it myself.
She made it happen.
And for that, I’d always be by her side.
Eventually, maybe I’d get in her ass too.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Fran
Months later…
Morgan grabbed my leg. “Ma, get down!”
“Oh, honey. I’m having too much fun,” I said, looking down at him and laughing at the look on his face. My beautiful son was stressed out and embarrassed, but you know what? I didn’t give a shit.
