by Bethany-Kris
“Sure. Just let me juice up my space ship.” A smirk curved the corners of Enric’s mouth.
Victoria shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. If you don’t mind, I’d actually like to go home. I promised Ma I’d help her with some things around the house today.”
“Your wish is my command. Mrs. Maccari, is there somewhere I can take you?” Enric asked.
“The Dollhouse. I have some work to do.”
“Yes, ma’am. If you’ll excuse me for a moment, ladies.”
Melina nodded and Victoria rolled her eyes as Enric moved a few steps away to make a call.
“I guess he’s letting our handler know our next moves,” Victoria surmised.
“He’s just doing his job.”
“I know, but I wish he wasn’t doing it so well.”
“Melina, is that you?”
Melina turned at the sound of a woman calling her name. A woman with a black pixie cut was heading her way. The woman had high cheek bones and a warm smile. She wore a pair of blue jeans that hugged her hips and a yellow off-the-shoulder peasant top that showcased her toned shoulders and arms.
No.
It couldn’t be, but somehow it was.
“Erika?”
“I know I look a little different, but dang. You act like you just saw a ghost.”
Erika came up to where Melina stood and hugged her hard. Melina was so caught off guard it was a minute before she even had the presence of mind to hug her former cellmate back.
“Melina?” Victoria questioned.
The two women parted and Melina turned to her sister-in-law. “Victoria, this is Erika. She was my …”
“Roommate. Nice to meet you, Victoria.” Erika extended her hand.
“Nice to meet you, Erika.”
The two women shook hands before Erika turned her warm smile back on Melina.
“Vic, can you give us a minute?” Melina asked.
“Sure. I guess Mr. Smart Aleck can keep me entertained for a few minutes.”
Victoria moved away to give the two women some privacy.
“Never thought you would see me again, huh?”
“I must admit, this is a surprise.”
“And I know you hate surprises,” Erika finished.
Melina laughed. “Yes, but this one I don’t mind so much. It’s good to see you, Erika. This is a different look than what I’m used to.”
“Yeah. I wanted to do something a little different. I figured it was time for a fresh start.”
“You made a wise decision. Not every woman can rock a pixie cut so well.”
“Thank you. Listen, I don’t mean to hold you up. Is there a chance that we could get together sometime soon and talk?”
Melina took out a small notepad, quickly scribbled down an address and handed it to Erika.
“Meet me here tomorrow at noon,” Melina said.
Erika looked down at the piece of paper. “Okay. I’ll see you then.”
With another hug she was gone and heading in the opposite direction. Melina stared at her former cellmate and wondered what other surprises life had in store.
“Do you think that’s a good idea having her meet you there?” Mac asked.
Melina finished pulling her hair through the elastic band that held her ponytail in place.
“And what do you mean by that?” She cocked a brow at her husband.
“I’m just saying, maybe it would be better to meet her someplace neutral.”
Melina grabbed her keys. “Erika has nothing to do with us and besides I have some work to do. The Dollhouse is my place and I intend to be on top of everything that happens there.”
Mac raised his hands in defeat. “I don’t want to fight, doll.”
“I don’t either.”
Sighing, she walked closer to her husband and wrapped her arms around him. For a few minutes, they stood there holding each other. It was rare that they had moments like these lately. Between Mac being extra vigilant with not only his business, but keeping an eye on his family as well, quiet moments were few and far between.
“I like holding you like this,” Mac finally said.
“I like it when you hold me like this.”
Their eyes met and Melina smiled at her husband as she ran a thumb over his brow.
“You’re going to have to stop worrying so much. You’re going to get forehead wrinkles.”
“What’s a few wrinkles? You’ll still love me anyway.”
“True, but that’s not the point. Lately, it seems like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
“Lately, it has felt that way.”
Mac sat down on the bed. Melina joined him.
“Talk to me. I’ve got time.”
He offered her a small smile. “Not much to tell. Perception is everything and right now mine is not so good. It’s bad for business.”
“People see what they want to see. Only a fool would believe you’re responsible for any of this. You have nothing to gain and everything to lose.”
“You’re right, doll.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Thanks. You always know just the right words.”
Melina shrugged. “What can I say? I’m good at what I do.”
“Indeed, you are.”
“I hate to rush off, but I don’t want to keep Erika waiting. I know you’re a little on edge about it, but I need you to trust my judgment. I’d never do anything to put us at risk.”
“I know that.”
“Good. Now I’m tired of being chauffeured around. I want to drive myself.”
Mac shook his head. “One of my guys will follow behind you until you reach the club. Don’t deliberately try to lose him.”
Melina stood up and poked her husband in the chest. “As if I would do something like that.”
Mac laughed. “Doll, you’ve got mischief written all over your face.”
“Well, in that case, I promise to save it for when I get home tonight.”
Her husband’s eyes darkened as his gaze raked her from head to toe. “Hurry home, doll.”
Melina picked up her purse and grabbed her keys. “You know it.”
She gave him a quick kiss before she left the bedroom and was on her way to the club.
Melina parked her car in the space reserved for her in front of the building. She was glad that she’d convinced her husband to let her drive, at least. It was a step in the right direction. Still, she wasn’t thrilled about being followed the entire way there. Melina had no idea who the man was that had been assigned to be her chaperone, but one thing was for certain … she wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley. Tall and built like a Mr. Universe contestant, the dark-haired man locked the black Chevy Tahoe he was driving and came over to her as she stepped onto the sidewalk.
“Mrs. Maccari.”
“And you are?” Melina extended her hand.
“Giuseppe, ma’am.”
They shook hands. “Nice to meet you, Giuseppe, and thank you for keeping an eye on me.”
The hardened soldier grinned before he quickly schooled his features. “You’re welcome ma’am.”
“All right, let’s go in.”
Before Melina could grab the door handle, Giuseppe was opening the door for her. She smiled her thanks and entered The Dollhouse. Because of the nature of her business, the doors never closed. As a result, there was someone there at all times, from bouncers to bartenders, you name it. After all, no one was more invested in her business than her.
“This is nice, Mrs. Maccari.”
“Thank you,” she said.
She couldn’t keep the pride out of her voice. The Dollhouse was her baby. A testament that she could be more than just a mob wife that stayed home and spent her husband’s money. Stopping, Melina took a few minutes to survey the scenery before her gaze swung to the bar. Her appointment was already waiting. Erika sat at the bar, sipping what looked like an apple martini. Melina walked over and touched her former cell mate’s shoulder.
“
Hey. You made it.”
“Yeah and I’m glad I did. This place is very sexy. It has a smooth vibe to it.”
Melina took a seat on one of the bar stools next to Erika. “Thank you. A lot of planning and hard work went into this place. You should’ve seen it before I got hold of it. You wouldn’t have known it’s the same place.”
“Now that, I would have a hard time visualizing.”
Melina motioned for the current bartender on duty, Emmanuela, to fix her a frozen pear margarita before turning her attention back to Erika.
“That one, you’ll just have to trust me on. Now tell me, when did you get out? And how so soon?”
“I’ve been out for a couple of weeks. They let me out early for good behavior, believe it or not.”
The bartender brought over Melina’s drink and she took a quick sip before speaking. “About damn time. You should have been out long before this.”
“I thought so at first, but I’m firmly convinced everything happens when it’s supposed to.”
Melina cocked a brow. “Please don’t tell me you’re about to wax all philosophical on me.”
Erika laughed. “No, I’m not. I’m just saying that maybe I needed the time. Those months gave me time to fortify myself.”
“Against what?” Melina asked.
“The weakness of my heart.”
“Ah. The ex that landed you in the slammer. Is he still in the picture?”
Erika shook her head and Melina noticed the tears in her eyes. “No. He’s already moved on.”
Melina patted Erika’s hand. “I’m sorry that he hurt you, but I’m not sorry he’s out of the picture. You deserve better than a piece of shit like him.”
The young woman wiped a stray tear from her eye. “You’re right without question, but it still hurts that he left me holding the bag and then moved on like I never meant anything to him.”
“It’s fucked up on all levels, but you are a stronger woman. Nothing and no one is going to break you now. You’ve been through the worst.”
Erika drank the last of her martini. “I sure hope so.”
“Life has good and bad. You’ve already experienced the bad, so you’re more than ready for the good to come along now.”
“Like you?” Erika asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re married now and running a business. I heard all about your super wedding while I was still in lock up. Congratulations by the way.”
Melina smiled. “Yeah. He put a ring on it.”
Erika laughed. “Please. He put a diamond mine on it.”
“Whatever. Let’s just say he knows the way to a woman’s heart, no jewelry required.”
“Now that is very sweet, romantic, even. I can’t believe Ms. I’m-Not-A-Sappy-Romance-Heroine said that.”
“Hey. Maybe marriage has mellowed me out a little bit, that’s all,” Melina admitted.
“Well, whatever the case is, I’m happy that everything has turned out so wonderful for you, Melina. I know life gave you some lemons, but you definitely made lemonade out of them.”
Melina smiled at Erika’s reference to the biggest album of the year. “That is one analogy I am happy to take. Now, enough about me. How are things with you?”
“Honestly, it’s been a struggle. I had nowhere to go but my mom’s and to say she and I are not getting along is an understatement. I’ve been looking for a job every day and haven’t had any luck. It’s hard out here.”
Melina finished the last of her margarita before she pushed her glass away. Her heart went out to Erika. She knew all too well how hard the job market was these days. It was one of the reasons she’d turned to escorting in the first place, even before her father’s medical bills had started to roll in. And Erika was going to have “felon” attached to her name for the rest of her life. That was even shittier.
Unless.
No. What are you thinking, Melina? She pushed away the thought and opened her mouth before she could talk herself out of it.
“How would you feel about spending time with some very wealthy gentlemen?”
Erika’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“Before I met my husband, I used to go on dates with some well-off gentlemen. If they had an event and they needed a date, I accompanied them. If they just wanted companionship, I provided that, to a certain extent.”
“Did you have sex with them?”
“Only if I wanted to and those occasions were far and few in between.”
Erika was silent for a moment as she digested what Melina was saying.
“What kind of money are we talking?”
“Let’s say ten thousand was the least amount of money I ever made in a month,” Melina said.
“You’re lying.”
Melina shook her head. “Nope.”
“Okay, say I was interested, how would I get involved in something like this?”
“Welcome to The Dollhouse.”
“I see.”
“So, are you interested?” Melina asked.
Erika was quiet and Melina took the moment to check her phone for any missed calls or texts. When she put her phone away, Erika nodded.
“Yes. I’m interested.”
“All right. Now, remember, if at any time you decide that this is not a good fit for you, no harm no foul. I won’t think any less of you one way or another.”
“Thanks. I appreciate your willingness to help me.”
Melina smiled. “No thanks needed. Sometimes we all need a little help. Now, I’m going to be here for a little bit, why don’t you mingle with a few of the ladies here and I’ll catch up with you in a bit?”
“All right. Sounds good.”
Melina pointed her friend in the direction of a few of the girls that had come in earlier before she made a move to go to her own office.
“What a sight for sore eyes.”
Melina stopped and turned around to find Anthony standing in front of her. A sly smirk was on his face.
“Anthony, is there something I can do for you?”
“There a great many things, but sadly none are appropriate for the wife of a fellow Capo.”
Melina gritted her teeth. This asshole had the nerve to show his face in her club and make sexual innuendos. Clearly the man was looking for trouble and she was more than capable of giving it to him.
“I see it didn’t take long for the snake to bare its fangs.”
Anthony laughed. “You always have had a way with words, my dear. Glad to see being married hasn’t completely domesticized you.”
Melina folded her arms. “Is there a reason you decided to come to my establishment and insult me? I’d much prefer you slithered back under the rock you came from.”
“I’ve missed your fire. Since Mac hardly ever lets you out of his sight now, I thought I’d swing by for a few minutes to gaze upon your lovely face.”
“I think you’ve done more than enough gazing, so why don’t you make your exit now?”
“Is that the kind of hospitality you extend to a potential customer? That’s not good for business.”
Melina laughed. “Your business I could do without.”
“Mrs. Maccari, is there a problem?”
Giuseppe stepped from the shadows, arms folded across his barrel chest as he gazed at Anthony.
Melina shook her head. “No. No problem here.”
Anthony’s gaze narrowed briefly before he pasted a smug smile on his face.
“Good to see your husband keeps you well looked after. Now if you’ll excuse me. I’ll have a look at the delicacies you have to offer before I take my leave.”
The older Capo gave her a mock bow before he walked past them and headed in the direction where a few of her girls were gathered talking.
“That guy is a real cafone.”
Melina bit back her laughter. “On that we can agree. Thank you for making your presence known.”
“You’re welcome, ma’am.”
Giuseppe retur
ned to his seat at the far corner of the bar. Melina didn’t move. She stood watching as Anthony made small talk with the women. Surprisingly, only a couple of them seemed interested in attaining his attention, and even more surprisingly, one of them was Erika. From the way she smiled at him and leaned closer to hear what he was saying, the young woman was expressing definite interest.
And so was Anthony.
She’d always thought perhaps the older Capo had a certain type of woman he preferred, but might not outwardly admit.
Tonight was proving she’d been right.
Anthony’s hand slid around Erika’s waist, bringing her closer as he whispered in her ear. A moment later, the two of them were heading off toward the back of the club where the private rooms where.
Melina was stunned.
She’d thought it might take Erika a little time to get comfortable with her new job.
Apparently, that was not the case.
She’d watched the woman flirt with one of the slimiest men Melina had ever met and then promptly go with him to a private room. And Melina knew Anthony.
He was not a man looking for long conversation and lingering looks.
Anthony wanted sex.
Plain and simple.
Melina hoped that Erika knew what she was doing.
Glancing at her watch, Melina frowned. It was getting a bit late. She’d promised her husband she wouldn’t be gone too long and she had every intention of keeping that promise. Turning, she motioned for Giuseppe.
“Yes, ma’am?”
“I think I’m going to head out now, but I need someone besides my regular guys to be here until Anthony leaves. Can you arrange that?”
“Yes. Give me just a minute, Mrs. Maccari.”
Giuseppe stepped away to make his phone call and a minute later he turned his attention back to her.
“Carlito is five minutes away. He said he would be more than happy to stay.”
“Thank you.”
Melina dug her keys out of her purse and headed toward the door. Giuseppe followed behind her. Anthony’s sudden appearance bothered her. She couldn’t put her finger on why, though. The man had always been slime and jealous of her husband’s success. But there was something different about tonight. Either way, Mac would not be pleased when she told him.
“Do me a favor and drive me home, I’ve had a couple drinks.”
