by Bethany-Kris
“Time to walk into the snake pit,” Melina said.
“Crush them with your heels, doll.”
Melina smiled. If need be, she’d do just that. Mac helped her from the car and tucked her arm through his as they walked up to the large mansion. Before they could even ring the doorbell, the door was opened and they were ushered inside by the same woman that had cleaned their shoes the last time they’d visited.
“Welcome to the home of Luca and Neeya Pivetti. Our hosts await you in the ballroom.”
The woman turned and snapped her fingers, and another member of the household stepped forward in the familiar black and white and beckoned for them to follow him to the ballroom. Opulence screamed at her from every corner.
Did it really take all of this to live?
No, it didn’t, but one thing she’d learned in her short exposure to Cosa Nostra, was that appearance was everything.
When she and Mac entered the ballroom, all eyes focused on them. Melina felt like prey being sized up by a gang of predators. All conversation had stopped as she and Mac were stared at like a circus attraction.
“Ignore them. Keep walking,” Mac whispered.
She nodded and plastered a haughty smile on her face. This was a game and she could play it with the best of them. Melina tossed her ponytail over her shoulder and walked confidently into the ballroom with Mac. Slowly, the conversations around them started to resume and she leaned closer to him.
“I don’t like this,” Mac said. “Something’s not right.”
“That’s an understatement.”
Melina took in the décor of the ballroom. Once again, no expense had been spared in the evening’s decorations. Neeya Pivetti had impeccable taste.
“Mac, what a surprise.”
Melina rolled her eyes as Guido approached them. A cigar stuck out of the jacket pocket of his designer suit, but it did nothing to hide his large form.
“Skip,” Mac said.
Guido’s gaze roved over Melina and she fought the urge to curl her lip in disgust.
“I see you’ve brought your girl with you. My, my, she looks good enough to eat every time I see her.”
Mac’s hand tightened around hers. She didn’t need to look at his face to see that he didn’t appreciate his Capo’s comment. It was highly suggestive and downright disrespectful. If Guido were any other man, there was no question in her mind that Mac would’ve beaten him to a pulp for what he’d said. No doubt, Guido knew it, too, or he wouldn’t be standing there with such a shit-eating grin on his face.
“A man is nothing without a good woman by his side,” Mac finally said.
“Hmm. For some men that’s true, I suppose. Me, I’ve always prided myself on paving my own way.”
“That’s one of the things I love most about Mac. He’s a made man in all the ways that matter,” Melina said.
Guido laughed and Melina’s jaw tightened. The urge to kick him in the balls rose up strong, but she forced herself to remain calm. She and Mac were in enough shit, and despite her intense dislike of his Capo, she wouldn’t allow herself to go off half-cocked and further complicate things.
Mac’s eyes found hers. “You couldn’t have given me a higher compliment, doll.”
Guido rubbed a hand over his face. “Mac, I never thought I’d see you let a female take your balls like that. But then again, she is the only reason you’re here tonight to begin with. Enjoy your evening.”
Without another word, the pudgy Capo walked away, hands in his pockets.
“I got away with killing Tip and he was a made man. Think I could put a bullet in him too without consequences?” Melina asked.
Mac laughed before he kissed her on the cheek. There was a twinkle in his eyes as he looked at her. “Are you trying to make me embarrass myself in here?”
Melina raised a brow. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You holding a gun is enough to get my cock hard no matter the time, place or situation.”
“Nice to know I have that effect on you but I’m serious. What the fuck was up with him? He was deliberately being an asshole.”
Mac’s eyes narrowed on a spot across the room where Guido stood, talking with Vin.
“Guido is an asshole on his worst days. There was something different about him tonight. It was almost like he was deliberately trying to goad me into something.”
“I thought the same thing, but why? You’re his best guy. It doesn’t make sense.”
“A simple little thing called jealousy, doll. It has been known to destroy empires.”
Melina looked around the ballroom, eyeing the rest of the partygoers. She recognized some of the botoxed, bone-thin women she’d seen the last time. A few of them tossed her mocking glances, baring their teeth.
“I thought men in Cosa Nostra were supposed to be above foolishness like that,” Melina said.
“Maybe in times past. These days, honor and respect are not the staples they used to be for some men.”
Melina rolled her eyes at some of the women staring at her before she turned her attention back to Mac. “Be careful. Please.”
Mac smiled softly. “Always. Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
Melina cleared her throat. “Good. I’ve just gotten used to having you around. I’d hate to have to mess up my makeup by crying at your funeral.”
Mac laughed. “Don’t want to mess up your makeup, huh? That’s a good reason.”
“What can I say? I can’t have you thinking I’ve gone completely soft.”
“No danger there. I know firsthand your bark is as just as bad as your bite,” Mac teased.
“Melina.”
She turned at the sound of a woman’s voice calling her name.
“Neeya,” Melina said.
The regal-looking woman wore a deep burgundy gown that highlighted her slim waist and figure. The strapless dress showcased her toned arms. With easy grace, Neeya Pivetti made her way to Melina’s side.
“You look wonderful, dear,” Neeya greeted her.
“I can say the same. You look very queenly,” Melina said.
“Ah, this old thing.”
“You wear it well, Mrs. Pivetti,” Mac said.
“I appreciate the compliment, Mac. Either your mother raised you right, or Melina has whipped you into shape quite nicely.”
Melina laughed. “I can’t take all the credit for this one. His mother is a formidable woman.”
“Indeed, she must be. Now, Mac, if you don’t mind, I’m going to steal your lovely date for a little while. I believe you’ll find my husband in his study. He wants to see you.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Mac said to Neeya before turning to Melina. “Don’t have too much fun without me, doll.”
With a wink, he was off in search of Luca, leaving Melina alone with Neeya.
“My, I’d recognize that look anywhere,” Neeya said.
“And what look would that be?”
“Of a woman in love.”
Melina’s eyes snapped to Neeya’s. She wanted to deny it, but somehow she knew that it would be pointless to lie to a woman like the Pivetti Don’s wife.
“Love makes you vulnerable. It’s why I’ve always fought so hard against it.”
Neeya offered her a smile. “I’m glad you didn’t deny it.”
“I’m sure a woman like you can spot liars a mile away. There was no point in lying.”
“You’d be right about that. In this lifestyle, you have to be perceptive. It can be the difference between living to see another day or never opening your eyes again.”
“So I’m learning. How do you deal with it? The backstabbing? The dishonesty?”
“I suppose I should tell you something about me, Melina. Though I grew up with wealth, it came with a price. My life now as Luca’s wife is not so very different from mine in South Africa. There was death, dishonesty and greed around every corner. Everyone is and remains a suspect. How you survive is simply to trust no one and always
, always have an escape path.”
Melina sighed. “That sounds like a lonely way to live.”
Neeya shrugged. “It can be, but life is all in what you make it. I’m used to living life at the top of the food chain and I will accept nothing less than the best. And if that means I have to be on my guard a little more than usual, then so be it.”
“You’re a stronger woman than I.”
“You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. You came into this pit of vipers tonight, despite the fact that you were not greeted warmly on your last visit, and in spite of the whispers of unrest.”
“It would’ve been rude to refuse such an invitation. I’m sure you or your husband would not have taken kindly to it.”
Neeya folded her arms. “And you’re avoiding what I just said. I know what’s going on, Melina.”
“Well, then you know that Mac and I have to watch our backs at every turn and we have no idea who is behind this.”
“Don’t you? Come now, dear, you’re a bright girl. The answer is already in front of you. The question is when are you going to do something about it?”
A passing waiter stopped and offered them a flute of champagne. Melina quickly downed the contents of her glass before reaching for another one.
“I’m not like you. You’re the wife of a Don. People respect you. Since I hooked up with Mac, I’ve been treated like the dirt on the bottom of a shoe because of the color of my skin. I’ve been called a whore of the worst kind. Sometimes, I wonder if Mac would be better off without me.”
“Now you sound like the foolish women at this party. Your Mac is in love with you and a man like him doesn’t fall in love indiscriminately. He saw something in you. That you could be not only a lover, but a partner as well. Don’t let those who envy you destroy what you have.”
“Easier said than done.”
“I never pegged you for a quitter, Melina. Don’t start now.”
Melina took another sip of champagne. “I can’t. Mac needs someone to watch his back and no one can do a better job of that than me.”
“That’s the spirit. Now excuse me for a moment. I have to check on the progress of dinner.”
Melina nodded. When Neeya had gone, she drank the rest of her champagne. Her hostess was right. She had to grow a thicker skin. Mac needed her now more than ever. She didn’t have time to let her petty insecurities get the best of her. Who gave a fuck if they didn’t like her? She didn’t need their approval, nor did she want it. She’d always been a rebel and there was no need now to do anything differently. As more snickering whispers reached her ears, Melina smiled.
Let’s go, bitches.
There was nothing they could dish out she couldn’t handle.
Mac tossed his hands in his pockets as he strolled down the hallway leading to Luca’s office. Just a few feet from the large, ornate doors, Mac noticed they were opened a few inches. It was enough that he knew no one inside would see his approach. From his spot, he could already hear quiet murmurs coming from inside the office.
Glancing back down the hallway, he took note that no one was behind him.
Knowing that both he and Melina had a target on their backs, it was tempting to listen in and see if he could find out something that might push him in the right direction. Still, Mac hesitated at eavesdropping on the Pivetti Don and his men. Luca had obviously ordered Mac to his office, and knew he would be coming upstairs right away. It was a demand from the boss—no man ignored one of those, or made a Don wait.
Simple as that.
It would not bode well for Mac to be caught spying, no matter his reasons.
Clearing his throat loud enough for it to be heard from within the office, Mac strolled up to the office doors and knocked. He waited to be permitted entrance, and it didn’t take long.
“Come on in, Mac,” Luca said, his voice slightly muffled.
Mac pushed open the doors, and took in the people sitting around the office. Luca sat behind his large desk, fingers drumming against the wood in what looked to be irritation as he glared at another man across the room. Enzo, Luca’s underboss, seemed to be completely oblivious to his boss’s glower. That, or he was terribly good at pretending. Matthew, Luca’s consigliere, was shaking his head and sipping from a glass filled with amber-colored liquid.
“You’re going to press that issue, then?” Luca asked Enzo.
Enzo shrugged. “Listen, Boss—”
“No. Fermo!” Luca barked, his palm smacking hard to his desk. “I am not the one who needs to listen between us, Enzo. You are clearly forgetting your place.”
The underboss quickly tipped his chin lower, an action that Mac instantly recognized as a submissive pose.
“It’s being seen as favoritism on your part,” Enzo muttered quietly. “Consider that. It could do him more harm than good.”
Mac wasn’t entirely sure what he had just walked in on, but it didn’t sound good. It also didn’t sound like it was something he should be in the middle of.
“I can come back if this is a bad time, Boss,” Mac said, directing his comment to Luca only.
Luca’s cheek twitched, but he didn’t give Mac a passing glance. He was still glaring at Enzo like he wanted the man to melt into the couch he was sitting on.
“Maybe the idea of favoritism is exactly what I am looking for people to think,” Luca said. “Did you consider that?”
Enzo sighed. “And you will get the young man killed for it.”
Mac stiffened, taking in Enzo’s statement. Were they talking about him?
Who else, other than Mac, could be getting what would be seen as extra attention from the Pivetti Don? Mac didn’t believe that it was Luca who was making attempts on his life. But could the Don be purposely doing other things to push someone else into those attempts?
“I’m just going to step out—”
“You will stay where you are,” Luca interrupted Mac, cutting him with a single look.
That was that.
Mac nodded. “All right, Boss.”
Luca jerked his head towards the door. “Both of you, out. Mac, pour yourself a drink and take a seat.”
“Luca,” Enzo said, almost as if he was pleading with his boss for something.
“Do as I said, Enzo. You follow my orders, not the other way around.”
Matthew pushed away from the window, drink still in hand. “Come on, Enzo. We’re missing the party. Let’s go find our wives, and see how drunk they’ve gotten since we last left them.”
Enzo scowled as he stood from the couch. “You’re playing with fire, Luca.”
Luca didn’t look like he cared. “Maybe so, but I only want the best, Enzo. I know he is, so let him prove it.”
“To what sacrifice?” Enzo asked.
The boss didn’t respond. He simply flicked a hand towards the door, silently demanding that his men leave again. Mac stepped to the side as Matthew and Enzo strolled past him to leave the office without another word of argument.
Enzo gave Mac a frown as he passed.
That, right there, was enough to tell Mac the conversation he’d walked in on was likely about him. That being the case, Luca was pushing the buttons of several men by giving Mac—an unmade man—private time and attention he wasn’t giving to his made men.
“Close the door behind them,” Luca demanded.
Mac complied, letting the heavy door click shut as quietly as he could manage. “I take it that was about me, huh?”
Luca smiled, slow and easy. “You’re a smart man. You don’t need me to say what you already know.”
Well, then …
Stuffing his hands in his pockets again, Mac tried to seem unbothered. It was nothing more than pretense. He didn’t want to be someone’s bait.
“Worry not,” Luca said, glancing at Mac. “I can see that’s what you’re over there doing. Stewing, thinking, and worrying. Don’t bother. It’s pointless.”
“From the sounds of that conversation, it’s not exactly point
less.”
“It is, Mac, because I expect you to come out on top in all of this, whatever it is.”
Mac’s brow furrowed. “You don’t even know what’s going on, but you’re hoping that someone will react to your …”
“Favoritism was the word Enzo used,” the boss supplied.
“Fine, favoritism. You’re hoping someone will react to it.”
Luca shrugged. “Someone is messing with my people, Mac. Making moves and causing issues without consulting me. I do not want the trouble that may bring. So yes, I am hoping this will bring the fool out of the woodwork. Jealousy is strange in that way. It makes the best of men greedy idiots.”
Mac still didn’t like this at all.
The problem was, he didn’t get a choice.
“You wanted to see me?” Mac asked.
The question was for show, and nothing more. He knew exactly why Luca had wanted to see him, now.
“Pour yourself a drink,” Luca replied, waving at a table filled with spirits in bottles.
“Would you be offended if I refused?”
Luca cocked a brow. “Why would you?”
“Because I don’t drink if I can help it. My father and all.”
“Ah, I see. The last time you were in here, you had a drink.”
“Refusing your offer would have been, rude seeing as it was my first invitation from you,” Mac explained.
Luca grinned, pointing a finger at Mac. “See, smart man. Forget the drink. Have a seat.”
Mac took one of the high back leather chairs closer to Luca’s desk. “What now?”
“Now we give it a while, Mac,” Luca said, resting back in his chair. “How’s your girl?”
“Well.”
“Neeya was happy to invite her tonight. I hear you and Anthony have worked out a solution to the little problem of you owing him money.”
