Bella: The Begining (Sagatori Family Saga #1)

by Kimberly Soto

  “Do you have a bag? Something to put a change of clothing in?” He asked, looking around the room.

  “Thank you so much, Jax, but I’ve got it from here.” I offered a thankful smile. I didn’t know what I would’ve done if he hadn’t stopped to help.

  “I wouldn’t feel right leaving you here by yourself. Something doesn’t feel right.” His body stiffened as his arms reached out for me.

  “What?” My stiff reaction mocked his.

  He leaned forward, “Someone’s here,” he whispered into my ear, his breath warm.

  “Papa.” I pushed away from Jax and leaped towards the door. He gripped my right elbow as I began to pad my booted feet out of the room but I ignored him.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Who else could it be?” No one knew where this house was.

  His dark eyes held question and apprehension. He nodded but didn’t release my arm. “I’ll go first,” he whispered moving past my body using himself to shield mine.

  “Not the best idea, Jax. You should stay here, I’ll go. My father isn’t up for strange men surprising him.” This poor guy didn’t know the half of what the men that surrounded me every day were capable of; I didn’t want him finding out either.

  His head nodded as he stepped back. “If you’re sure.” He reached for his ringing phone, muffling it with his hands.

  “I am.” I bowed my lashes and continued toward the hallway. My boots sunk into the cream carpet with each nervous step. When I reached the landing I heard Papa's voice. My heart fluttered. He’s okay! I reached for the gold crucifix on my neck thanking God.

  “Papa!” I cried with relief as I descended the long staircase.

  “Isabella!” he hissed back.

  I jumped from the last three steps and ran to him. Our arms took in each other for a gripping hug.

  “Are you hurt?” He leaned back evaluating me with concern in his eyes.

  I nodded. “I’m okay.” My head immediately followed to the stairs remembering I’d left Jax up there. But he’d already descended halfway, meeting my gaze. “Jax,” I spoke mostly to myself.

  “Papa, Jax.” I gestured between the two. “He’s the man who brought me here. He saved me Papa.”

  Jax had fully descended and began his approach toward me. Papa and Tony watched with unknown intentions. When Jax reached us he extended his hand towards Papa. “Mr. Sagatori.”

  “Jax Moretti.” My father returned the gesture and shook Jax’s hand.

  “Papa? You know Jax?” I questioned with raised brows.

  “I do.” He knows him? “How is your family?” Papa asked respectively.

  “They are well,” Jax gave assurance.

  All of the men in the room stood tall, marking their territory of sorts. Papa seemed uneasy by Jax’s presence and Papa was never not at ease. He was a very confident man.

  Was Jax’s family in the same life as my family? I didn’t see that one coming. I drew in a deep breath. Jax had seemed different than the men I’d grown up with, but if our fathers were friends then maybe.

  “Did you know who I was?” I straightened my posture, feeling deceived, my arms tucked tightly into my chest.

  His head tilted, gauging my reaction. “Not until we arrived. When I saw your father’s picture, I realized you… were Isabella. Anthony Sagatori’s princess.”

  “Oh,” He did look at the photos when we arrived. “Okay.” I relaxed from the attack position I’d been holding.

  “Come, let’s sit and you can tell me what’s happened and where you’ve been.” Papa nodded at Tony in one of his secret discussions only one of his men would understand.

  “Bella, I see that you’re in capable hands, so I’m going to go.” He approached while looking at Papa.

  Papa nodded his approval for Jax to approach me. “Walk me out.”

  I followed behind him, he opened the door, and we stepped out onto the porch. A gush of wind whisked my hair over my face. I brushed it away and turned towards Jax who stood behind me. His hands took hold of my forearms, stunning me still. His eyes held mine very carefully. He wasn't speaking and instead watched me with a harsh stare. A chill took over my entire body leaving me unsure if it was from the cold harsh winds that continued blowing my hair around, his touch, or that stare. Oh hell, it was him, but he was spoken for.

  My lips parted. “Thank you so much for seeing me home safely. I’ll repay you somehow.” I meant every word. Somehow, I’d repay his kindness.

  “You already have, Bella.” He reached his hand to my face tucking my flying hair behind my ear. His eyes remained on me for several long moments. When he released me, he walked down the stairs towards the driver that stood waiting. A gun peeked from his jacket in the light that shined on the porch as he held Jax’s door. My heart bounced as Jax leaned into the limo not looking back as the car drove away.

  I wondered what he'd meant when he said I’d already repaid him. I stood there in the windy cold January night watching as Jax’s taillights disappeared before I finally returned inside. “Papa?” he cleared his throat as I peeked into the great room. Tony was starting a fire and Sal poured Papa a drink from the bar on the other side of the room.

  “Sit.” Papa pointed to the white chaise next to him. “Tell me what happened, princess.”

  I reached for Momma's throw, wrapping it around my body, and sat in the chair. I’d tell him what happened, but I was scared what he’d do. Because this was the one thing that could start a war, and that I was not ready for.

  CHAPTER THREE

  —Bella—

  I began telling Papa what’d happened. “Sam was at Galleys. I was there with my girlfriends.” I cleared my dry throat.

  Sal handed Papa the drink he'd poured and then draped his arms across the top of Papa's chair as he listened.

  My eyes reached Papa’s again. “I had been drinking.”

  Narrowed eyes stared back at me. I knew what he was thinking. He’s told me a million times how important it was that I keep my wits about me in public. But clearly, I didn’t always listen. “Go on,” he said when I’d stopped mid-sentence.

  “I don’t know what happened.” My eyes fell as I shook my head. “I was really tipsy, and he offered to take me home.” My eyes found Papa’s again. “But he didn’t take me home.” I sucked in a deep breath.

  “Did he hurt you?” Papa’s hands squeezed the arms of the chair. My eyes widened while I watched his knuckles turn white. I’d made a lot of stupid mistakes in my life that’ve caused him pain, but that was when I was a kid. I had since grown up, and should act like it. “Isabella,” he growled. I bowed my head. I'd never lied to him. I’d always been honest with him. I loved my father, and I knew that he only wanted the best for me. “What did he do?” His eyes closed, waiting for a horrible truth.

  “He smacked me a few times. When I spit in his face, he had someone duct tape my mouth.” I had to be honest with him no matter how horrible the truth was. “He pushed himself onto me.”

  His eyes opened and his head turned towards Sal, my father’s most trusted right hand. I’d grown up with Sal. He was no one to mess with. Papa trusted him implicitly, and so did I. Mostly I trusted that his loyalty would keep Papa alive in a business that could kill him any moment. He didn’t speak because he didn’t have to. Anything he wanted Sal to know had been silently communicated between the two of them. His eyes met mine again. “Did he?” Papa shook his head unable to complete his question.

  A tear fell from my eye and slid down my cheek. “Yes,”

  Papa’s eyes closed tight—so tight. His jaw tightened as he growled from his teeth. “How did you get away?”

  I held back the rest of the tears as I answered. “Eventually, he left the room, and I took off out the window. I jumped from a one story, landing in the grass and ran through the woods. I knew that we’d come in on the highway, I remembered that, so I just ran till I found it. That’s when Jax found me. Of course, I didn’t know his name then, but he helped me an
d brought me here.” My heart skipped a beat when his name slipped from my lips. I knew how it made me feel, even if I didn't understand why.

  “And now he knows where we are,” Tony responded.

  “Mhmm.” My father nodded while pressing his lips together. His jaw remained tight and his face red.

  “Is that bad?” I whispered turning my attention towards Tony. He didn’t answer before looking towards Papa.

  “Isabella, why do you constantly insist on interrupting men talk.” It wasn’t a question and his harsh tone set my heart was thumping against my chest. Men talk? He meant mafia business. I wasn't an idiot.

  “And what did he say? What were Salvatore's intentions?” Papa asked.

  I felt it pretty obvious what his intentions were when he took me against my will. “He said you were an old man who needed to be put to sleep.” I leaned forward resting my hand on Papa’s. “It scared me. He wants to take over and he’s going to try to kill you to do it.” I dropped my head. “All because I refused to marry him. He only wants the title as boss.” Guilt washed over me.

  “That’s what he said?”

  I nodded then raised my head.

  “I see.” Papa’s eyes moved towards the fire.

  “What will you do?”

  “He’ll do the same thing he always does. He’ll deal with it,” Sal responded. Papa waved him away with annoyance.

  Sal lifted his hands and backed away heading into the direction of the bar.

  “Isabella, what did he want from you?” He shook his head. “Did he hurt you?”

  “I’m okay,” I lowered my head hiding another tear. “He wants what he always wants. Me. I’m his blah-blah-blah. It’s ridiculous, can’t you do something?” I pleaded.

  “You gonna tell her?” Tony chimed in. I found him on the other side of the room as he leaned against the wall, crossing his huge arms against his chest.

  “What… tell me what?”

  “Sam called.” Papa’s eyes were firm. “He had a story of his own just a few moments after you called.”

  My mouth gaped open and my eyes widened. I couldn’t believe he had the balls. “And?” I didn’t even want to know. But I listened regardless, waiting for whatever he’d said.

  Papa’s eyes followed to Sal.

  “He said that you were drunk and out of your mind. He said he tried to take you home, and you were all over him.”

  “He thinks that you were drugged at Galleys by Dino.”

  Dino? What? I shook my head “Papa, Dino wasn’t there.”

  Sal nodded. “He was there. We got sources agreeing to what he said.”

  “No! It was me, Jessica, and Emily. He wasn’t there.” I shook my head.

  “Bell, how could you be sure if you were so drunk?”

  Drunk? I—I was tipsy, but I wasn’t that drunk. Was I? I wasn’t. I don’t think.

  “Sam said he was only trying to help when you ran away half naked through the woods.” I saw that Papa didn’t believe me. Guilt washed over me. He looked at me as though I couldn't be trusted—like I was a liar.

  “He smacked me. He put duct tape over my mouth.” Tears filled the corners of my eyes. “He…” I wanted to continue but I just couldn’t do it.

  “Sam said all of those things, Bell, but he said you became volatile towards him and his staff. He said that he’d tried to call us to come and get you. After your father went through his phone he found the call Sam said he made.” He shrugged.

  “So I’m crazy.” I didn’t make this up. I cupped my face into the palm of my hands.

  “Isabella, we’ll stay here tonight and tomorrow I’ll take you home.”

  I raised my head from my hands and looked at my father. “I’m so sorry, Papa.” I was only sorry for telling him. I was sorry I didn’t kill Sam myself.

  I stood to walk towards the stairs once my father’s face fell flat with undeniable disappointment painted in the lines around his eyes.

  “You’ll call Salvatore and apologize, immediately.”

  I gave a swift and deliberate bow, turning my face from him. “I can’t take back something I didn’t do,” Another tear fell.

  “And Isabella?” he said grimly, clearing his throat.

  I spun my head seeing him behind me in the white armchair.

  “Thank him for his kindness.” The unsympathetic tone brought alarm to my already hyper aware body. Papa was undeniably dour. “Just once Isabella do as you’re told!” His tone was filled with disappointment and uncontrolled for the first time in my life.

  I bowed my head again tucking my arms against my chest. “Yes, Papa.” I felt an inch tall. I breathed deeply as I released my hand to slip an unbound strand of hair behind my ear. I turned, taking the walk of dishonor to my room. I knew…deep down I should’ve kept my mouth shut. I felt so ashamed and alone.

  I didn’t have my cell phone or my bag, but I did have a burner phone in my bag that sat in the closet. I reached into it, retrieved the phone, and sat on the bed.

  I discerned that I was unable to call him because I didn’t know his number. “Gah.” I jumped from my bed sauntering towards the window. I didn't want to call that piece of shit. I hated Salvatore Casconi. But Papa insisted, and I never wanted to let him down even if he was wrong.

  “Oh Momma, what do I do?” I wished she were here as I wiped a falling tear from my eye.

  I grabbed the blanket from the chair, wrapped myself into its warmth, crawled onto the window nook, and closed my eyes. I fell asleep the minute my eyes closed.

  I’d deal with everything else tomorrow. I’d apologize and make this right, or maybe stab him in his neck with a butcher knife.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  —Jax—

  “Fuck.”

  I’d been tense since I left Bella. A bad feeling resonated in my gut about what'd happened to her. God, she was fucking phenomenally beautiful. I’d seen her before. Of course, she was dressed then and a little younger, so I didn’t put it together right away. She didn’t remember me at all.

  The car turned onto the highway as it headed back the way we’d come. I was supposed to have a meeting with Casconi two hours ago.

  I relaxed into the seat, but all I could focus on were those gray eyes, full lips, and pink cheeks. Holy fuck she was beautiful.

  I read he’d for my ringing phone seeing It was an unknown number. “Jax,” I growled.

  “This is Sagatori,” he growled back.

  I straightened in my seat. “Yes?” Mr. Sagatori was a respected man. Probably more feared than respected, honestly. But I knew my place and so did he. If Anthony Sagatori called me directly, it had to be for a fuckin’ good reason.

  “I called to give to you my sincerest appreciation for bringing my daughter home safely. But I’m curious as to what happened?” Didn’t Bella tell him?

  I nodded. “Yes, of course. She was in the middle of the highway, my driver almost hit her. She looked pretty scared and frozen. I put her in my car and took her home.”

  “I see," he paused. "Well, she’s safe now, all thanks to you. I’d like to set up a sit down.”

  “I wasn’t planning on staying in Detroit but another day.” I paused, waiting for him to respond. I was a bit curious what Sagatori was so eager to speak with me about. “Can I call in the morning and set something up,” I asked.

  “Yes, call first thing.” His voice was firm.

  “Very good.”

  He disconnected the call.

  “Mickie?”

  Sagatori was the king of Detroit and the familia. Bella’s his princess. I'm the boss of the Chicago outfit if he had taken the time to call me I needed to show my respect.

  “I heard, boss.” Mickie gave a glance through the partition. I nodded to him from the back of the limo.

  We reached Casconi’s, buzzing the gate. When it opened, my driver steered the black limousine through the wide metal opening.

  Mickie parked the limo and two men walked around the side of the house approaching us.


  “Is Casconi available?” I asked as I stepped out of my car.

  “Yes Sir, he’s expecting you.”

  We walked along the stone path that led to the door, we approached and entered. The two men guided me into Casconi’s office, closing the French doors, leaving me in the office alone. Mickie was left to stand just outside the door, ready to end every motherfucker here if he needed to.

  I risked a quick look around. Not much interested me, until I saw Bella’s picture inside of a silver frame on his desk. I didn’t know they were together.

  “Mr. Moretti, I assume your trip to Detroit was pleasant?”

  “Casconi,” I replied, turning towards the door.

  “Forgive me for the wait. I was expecting you earlier.” He seemed stressed out. His clothes were wrinkled, and his hair was all over the place. Hell, I guess he may have just gotten out of bed. I was really late.

  “Something that couldn’t be helped, my apologies, you understand.” I didn’t need to apologize to this fucker, but I would because showing him respect was warranted since he was a Capo under Sagatori, and I was seein’ that Detroit may have a few promising things I’d like to get my hands on.

  He opened the envelope filled with money, releasing all of the papers that I'd come here for. I could’ve sent Mickie or Anthony, but I wanted to see this fucker up-close and personal. He’d caused a lot of problems for my business and me personally. He flipped through the papers one by one and yawned as he handed them to me. So fuckin' disrespectful.

  “You and Bella Sagatori?” I had the sudden urge to rip him over the desk and stab him in the throat.

  “What?” His eyes continued to review, going over the documents I’d paid for.

  “Bella Sagatori.”

  His head raised holding a glare. “What the fuck is it to you?” And it all became clear. This asshole had a hairy trigger. He’d been in trouble for the last few months with a few of the men under my rule and now he was barking at me.

  My eyebrows rose. I stood erect with my hand pressed to my gun. My eyes bore into his before he could stand from his faux leather chair. I laughed to myself. Did he think all of this convinced people he was a boss? Capo? He’s a small boy living in a man’s world. I didn’t care if he was crazy because I was crazier.