“Francis is looking for you,” he said to Tracy.
“Thaaaaanks,” Tracy sang.
She hopped out of the bed and practically skipped out of the room. The girl was damn near giddy. After everything that Tracy had been through, between losing Steve, worrying about her and her family, and being brutally attacked, it was great to see Tracy smile again. And Victoria had to admit that she was even happier that it was Francis putting that smile on her face. And judging by Tammy and Natasha’s smiles, they were thinking the same thing. The Storm and Savelli men had a hold on them. Then again, their gene pool was like no other.
Men. That was what they were... real men.
Jack, Gianni, Luca, and even Francis had no problem killing or dying for the women they loved. Victoria was more than fortunate to be connected to them all, and she would give her own life protecting either of them.
Thoughts of real men had Victoria thinking about her own of dad. She was truly blessed. She had the kind of dad that would stand by his child no matter what. He loved her and her siblings. Victoria didn't have “daddy issues”. Her dad backed her every play. But, Victoria was well aware that her friends weren't as fortunate. Tammy had an amazing dad, but her mother had abandoned her when she was a child. Both of Tracy’s parents were present but super critical of her. Natasha’s parents had died when she was young, subjecting her to a drug-addicted aunt that treated her like shit.
These were the dynamic women in her life. They were Victoria’s lifeline, and she was thankful for them—the cop that saved her life, the model turned executive, and the stripper who became a famous designer. This was Vic’s family, and she loved them all.
TRACY
Glad that she chose to wear a pair of comfortable shorts, Tracy dropped down to the blanket and crossed her legs. It was an amazingly beautiful day in Chicago, and the beauty of the Lurie Garden alone was incredible, but with the gorgeous Chicago skyline as a backdrop, it was breathtaking.
Francis had taken her to Millennium Park. Earlier, he’d told her that there were things they needed to discuss. But as Tracy scanned the garden, Francis was nowhere to be found. He’d disappeared behind a large hedge of flowers. So Tracy relaxed, appreciating the warm weather and the beautiful array of flowers and trees.
A tap on the back of her head caused her to jump. Tracy turned around, relieved to see Francis. Admittedly, since her “run in” with Will, Tracy’s nerves had been shot to hell. Sadness, or something like it, flashed in his expression.
“I’m sorry, donna. I didn't mean to frighten you.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m sorry. I’m still a little jumpy.”
Francis lowered himself to the blanket and moved closer to Tracy. He took her hand and gently squeezed. “It’s understandable. I wish that I could have spared you that horror,” he said sympathetically.
“I believe that you would, Francis. But I’m gonna be okay, really.”
Francis smiled and handed her a flower that was the brightest of blue. Tracy’s mouth flew open. “Oh my God, Francis,” Tracy said, looking around the park. “Picking flowers in this garden is like a federal offense or something. Man, you goin’ to jail.”
“I like to live on the wild side,” he said with a sexy grin. “Are you always so good? Always following the rules?”
“Yes,” Tracy chuckled.
“Then you'll have a hard time being with me, good girl,” Francis remarked through soft laughter.
“Being with you? I don't remember agreeing to be with you.”
“Ah, Tracy, stop playing that game. You and I both know that you want me as much as I want you. I know when a woman wants me, donna. And you do. You’ve been denying yourself, and denying me, but that’s over now. Soon, we’ll have a child, and we need to figure out how we’re going to raise him. How we’re going to be together and raise him.”
Tracy resisted rolling her eyes. Francis could be downright frustrating.
“Francis you just outright told me what I’m going to do. You make decisions without an ounce of concern for my opinion. And just in case you haven't figured it out yet, I don't like being told what to do.”
“I know,” he acknowledged with a nod.
Tracy waited for him to say more, something along the lines of not doing it again. But he said nothing. She stared at him. Studied him. Francis was not about to apologize for his high-handed behavior, nor was he going to explain himself.
No longer able to take his silence on the matter, Tracy asked, “Why are you so damn bossy?”
Francis stretched out on the blanket and placed his head in Tracy’s lap. As he looked up at her, Tracy couldn't help but to admire his beautifully constructed features. Her eyes scanned the outline of his full lips, and she remembered the sensual kisses they’d shared. And as she looked into his sexy, deep brown eyes filled passion and wisdom, she almost forgot that she had issues with the man.
“I am so bossy, bella, because I am the boss. I will make decisions based on the safety and well-being of you and my child. I do not intend to compromise. What I say goes.” He paused before saying, “There are reasons, donna.”
“Francis, you may be a boss, but you're not my boss.”
“But I am,” Francis countered. “I have acquired your marketing firm.”
Tracy was floored. He might as well had slapped her across the face.
“What?! When?!”
“I inquired a while ago, but I closed the deal the day that I found out about the bambino.”
Tracy’s jaw dropped. “Why on earth would you do that?”
“I’m a businessman, Tracy. It’s a smart business deal.”
Bullshit, Tracy thought. Francis just wanted a way to control her.
“Smart business deal? Francis, what exactly is your business? What the hell do you do?”
Francis sat up. His expression turned serious. “What do you think I do, donna?”
“I don't know. I know that you own a casino with Gianni, but you spend a lot of time with Luca, and I’ve heard that Luca is some kind of mafia boss. Do you work for Luca, Francis?”
Tracy had always wondered, but she was never brave enough to ask. Often times, Luca and Francis were joined at the hip. It was obvious that Francis was involved, in some capacity, with Luca’s business.
“It’s time that you know who I am.”
“Okay,” Tracy said softly.
“Mi chiamo, Vittorio Francis Savelli. And of course you already know that I am from Sicily, but since I move around so much, I’m practically homeless.”
Francis’ smile was sexy without effort, eliciting a smile in return.
“I’ve never been married, and this will be my first child. I have feelings for you. And even if you weren't housing my bambino, I’d still have those feelings. You're smart, beautiful, and you have a figure that’s worth committing cold-blooded murder for.”
Tracy giggled like a teenager. Whenever Francis complimented her, it did something to her. She’d heard those things from other men. But it was Francis that made her giddy. He took a deep breath and his smile faded. The conversation was about to get serious. Francis went silent, but Tracy waited in anticipation of what he needed to get off his chest.
“Donna, first of all, I own and operate several legitimate businesses. But you asked me if I was mafia, if I worked for Luca. Well, the answer to both is no. I’m not part of any mafia, but I am involved in what one would refer to as an organized criminal enterprise. My business is guns. I’m a weapons dealer, Tracy. And, no, I do not work for Luca. Luca works for me. I am the head of the Savelli family, and Luca is my advisor; my, what you would call…my right hand man.”
“Wow,” Tracy whispered softly. She hadn't expected Francis to tell her that he was the head of a major criminal enterprise. Luca, yes definitely, but not Francis. If he was the boss, he hid it well. Or maybe not. With further reflection, he did seem to be always in command.
“Tracy, I have never shared this information with anyone that wasn't directly involved in
my business. And I wouldn't be telling you if I didn't know that it would affect you directly. I know that I don't have to tell you that this is not to be discussed with anyone. It could mean danger for our family.”
Francis poured grape juice into a wine glass and handed it to Tracy. Then he poured himself a glass of red wine. “I come from a wonderful family. I am excited for you to meet them.”
He sipped and smiled with warmth as he spoke of his mother and siblings. The conversation flowed with ease as if he hadn't just told Tracy that he was an international arms dealer; a criminal.
Surprisingly, Francis’ admission hadn't completely turned Tracy off of him. In hindsight, looking back at the horrible things that their family had been through, Francis’ criminal connections had a lot to do with keeping them alive. It was Francis’ men, not Luca’s that had flown to Poland to rescue Natasha from a crew of Russian human traffickers. It was Francis’ men that had accompanied Natasha and Victoria’s former teammates into that abandoned warehouse to rescue Victoria, Emily, and Katherine. And it was Francis that had prevented her from being brutally raped by a psychotic co-worker.
“Francis, I would never do anything that would put you in danger. I would never discuss your business,” Tracy assured.
“Bene. Now can we discuss where we’re going to live?”
Tracy gasped, almost choking on her juice. Surely she hadn't heard him correctly.
“Where we’re gonna live? Um…I’m gonna live at my house, and you're gonna live where ever you live. Jeez, Francis, haven't you ever heard of dating?”
Francis grinned and ran his finger gently down her cheek. He raised his head and pressed his lips to hers. His kiss was tender and sensual. Tracy quivered. A shiver ran down her spine every time Francis touched her. But when he kissed her, Tracy damn near melted. The way she felt when she was with him was foreign. Although she had loved Steve with all her heart, Francis seemed to have a hold on her. And when she pulled away, she felt instant loss and emptiness.
“Donna, I’ve just given you good reasons why I have to keep you and my child close. If someone wanted to hurt me, don't you think that you and the figlio would be the first target? I’m not trying to take away your…uh…free will? I just want to make you safe. Do you understand?”
“Francis, we can't just move in together,” Tracy implored.
“Perche? Why can't we? You enjoy me, I enjoy you. Why is this decision to be so hard? A child should have a family, no?”
“Yes, Francis, but we should take our time. We don't have to rush. We do have time,” Tracy argued.
Francis’ brows wrinkled as if he was actually contemplating what Tracy had said. Compromise would be a minor miracle when dealing with Francis Savelli. He wasn't the negotiating kind.
“Si, okay, we’ll do this dating for now. Will that make you happy, donna?”
Tracy smiled and smacked her lips against his. Just the fact that he’d finally considered her feelings made her happy. And truthfully, she was looking forward to dating Francis. He was a tall, sexy, beast of a man with a kind heart.
Tracy snaked her arms around Francis’ neck and kissed his square jaw. “I’d be delighted to date you, Vittorio Francis Savelli.”
“Bene,” he responded, pulling her closer.
“By the way…” she asked, “…how did you lock down this area for a private picnic? This is a public park.”
“I know people that know people,” Francis said with a smirk.
“Ahhh…Jack. He’s friends with the mayor and the governor,” Tracy concluded.
“Oh, donna, you really have no idea what I’m capable of,” Francis chuckled.
Tracy was loving the ease of their interaction. She loved sitting in the beautiful garden, loved basking in the warm sun. But most of all, she loved being in Francis’ arms. She was fully aware that the subject of their relationship and living arrangement would be readdressed in the future. But at that moment, she was just happy to be in his presence.
Francis looked lovingly into her eyes and covered her tummy with his large hand. He rubbed softly and smile. “Il mio bambino,” he whispered.
Tracy placed her hand over his and nodded. “Yep,” she said with a smile of her own, proud of herself for knowing what he’d said. “It might be a girl, you know.”
“No. If we have a girl, she could grow to have curves like her mamma. Can you imagine how many men that I would have to kill?”
Tracy laughed, but she stopped when she noticed that Francis wasn’t laughing with her. His expression turned serious as he asked, “Are you able to return to your house?”
Tracy wasn't expecting the question, but she had thought of going back to her own house. She loved Victoria’s lavish home, but there was nothing like sleeping in one’s own bed. Fear of painful flashbacks kept Tracy from returning home, but she knew it was time.
“Yeah…yeah. I can go home.”
Her small voice wasn't even convincing her.
“Do you mind if I stay with you when I’m in town?”
Tracy grinned, amused that Francis had actually asked. Normally, he would have just told her that he was staying. Unaccustomed to asking for anything, it was obvious that he was trying to be a little less demanding.
“I don't mind,” Tracy responded with a whisper.
It was true. She really didn't mind if Francis came to stay with her for a while. At least until she was comfortable enough to stay in her house alone. She was, in fact, relieved. Having him close gave her peace.
“Bene. We will go back to your house when I return from my business travels.”
Francis smiled and fed Tracy a grape. She giggled and told him, “Don't expect to find the luxury and comfort that you get at Jack and Vic’s.”
“Donna, the only comfort I need is between those luxurious thighs.”
Swooning, Tracy actually fanned herself. Whether it was his sexy smile, his bedroom eyes, or his deep sexy accented voice that was making her panties wet, Tracy didn't know. But she did know one thing…she couldn't wait to get back in her house. She let out a soft moan and shifted her position on the blanket.
“Now we eat,” Francis announced with a light pat to her behind.
CHAPTER 14
VICTORIA
“Damn, Tasha. You think you got enough crap?” Victoria complained as she rolled the full shopping cart down the parking lot aisle. Even the bottom of the cart was filled to capacity.
“I need every single solitary thing in that basket,” Natasha defended.
“Tasha, you don't even live here. Why would you need all of this shit?”
Natasha chuckled. “Because yo’ ass stay in trouble and we’re constantly on a plane coming to see about you. Therefore, we have to keep the penthouse fully stocked.”
Victoria narrowed her eyes at Natasha with a feigned offense. “Really? Really, Tasha?”
“Really,” Natasha confirmed.
Before Victoria could offer a rebuttal, she heard a female voice shout, “Well, look who it is…y’all look. It’s Mrs. Storm!”
Recognizing the voice, Victoria rolled her eyes. Victoria turned to find Katlin Greene, along with two other women.
“Fuck,” Victoria muttered under her breath.
Natasha turned toward the women. “Vic, what’s going on? What’s happening here?”
“Umm…I think we’re about to get jumped?”
“Jumped? Girl, stop playing. What, are we in the eighth grade?”
Katlin and her friends began to walk aggressively across the parking lot in their direction.
“Ugh,” Natasha grumbled. “I can't take you nowhere. Who is this bitch?”
“Katlin Green, Jack’s former assistant,” Victoria mumbled.
“Oh, okay, so what’s the plan?”
“Well…if I can't talk to her, we’re gonna run.”
“What?!”
Victoria could feel Natasha’s eyes burning into the side of her face.
“We run,” Victoria repeated.<
br />
“Vic, I’m not running from them rats.”
“I am the wife of Jack Storm of Storm Enterprises. I can't be fighting in the parking lot at Walmart,” Victoria implored.
“Well, you should have thought of that before you kicked her ass. I’m not running,” Natasha said as she stuffed her purse under some bags in the shopping cart.
“Nooo, Tasha. We are going to run. We’re gonna run behind Walmart so they can chase us. Then we can beat their ass.”
By the time Katlin approached, Natasha was up to speed on Victoria’s plan.
“Hello, Miss Greene,” Victoria spoke confidently. “How are you?”
“I’m better now that I’ve run into you,” Katlin sneered.
She wasn't the same Katlin from the office. This Katlin had on a tank top, gym shoes, and blue jean booty shorts. Long gone were the tight blouses and too short skirts that she wore to work.
“Katlin,” Victoria said with a nod. “How are things?”
“Well, Victoria, things aren't so great. You know…with me being out of work and all.”
Victoria looked Katlin up and down, smiled, and responded with, “A woman with your…umm…talents will always find work.”
Katlin narrowed her eyes and stepped closer. Victoria’s fists clenched involuntarily.
“Bitch, why don't you try that shit that you pulled in the office on me right now?”
“Well, Katlin, one would think that I wouldn't have to,” Victoria responded, narrowing her own eyes. “I mean, I pretty much proved my point. Or so I thought. I see you need more proof. And I see you want me to prove it to your friends too.”
“Okay,” Natasha intervened, grabbing Victoria’s elbow. “This isn't the time or place for this.”
“Bitch, ain't nobody talking to you! Mind you own motherfuckin’ business!” Katlin shot at Natasha.
Shit, Victoria thought to herself.
Unbeknownst to Katlin, Natasha had the worst temper ever. She was known to go “blackout crazy” when pushed. And if pushed hard enough, it would take more than Victoria to pull Natasha off of the target of her rage. If Katlin pushed the wrong button, they would never make it to the back of Walmart. She and Natasha would be on the evening news beating the shit out of three hoodrats in a Walmart parking lot. Jack would be humiliated.
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