My Mobster

by J. L. Drake

  “Madison?” Connie had put down her fork and raised her eyebrows. “Are you listening to me?”

  “I’m sorry. What were you saying?” Madison chased a strawberry around her plate with her fork at one of the finest historic homes in Genoa that also happened to be a restaurant. Sunday champagne brunch was her favorite but this morning she had no appetite and it was due to the fact that she missed Roman.

  The whole town was on edge after the incident at her shop and worse yet, the arts center. It was by chance that Dominic had stopped by the place. He’d just parked his truck and was about to go in when he spied the bad guy running out of the building. It was just seconds later that the glass was blown out of the windows.

  Nothing about him being a witness was in the news, but when Roman had phoned earlier he mentioned that Dom had been there. It was the same man who’d been at Bells and Bows. Dominic had described him in great detail. With both the police and Roman on the lookout for the creep, chances were good he’d be brought to justice, but for the town’s sake, it wasn’t soon enough.

  “I was talking about the music for the show.” Connie took a sip of her champagne, her pinky finger straight out.

  “Oh yes, I tend to try to stick with classical, but seeing that it will be at Firenza maybe we should add in some Italian love songs as well.”

  Her mother eyed her suspiciously. “What is it, Maddy? I know something is wrong.”

  “I’m worried,” she blurted out.

  “The show will be fine. It always is.”

  How would she know? Connie was rarely there. “It’s not that.” Madison sighed and set her fork on the table. “I’m worried about Roman and what’s going on in town. He thinks the threats might be a warning to him. Someone could have been killed at the arts center.” She took a sip of water. “Can you image if it’d been Stephanie’s day to volunteer there after what happened at the shop? She’d probably never leave her house again.”

  “If you want my opinion…” Connie leaned in closer. “I think you should put Roman right out of your mind.” Her mother tapped her temple. “He’s probably the one behind all this, or some other awful mafia trash trying to move in.”

  “That’s not fair. You don’t even know him.” Madison picked up her utensils and began cutting her French toast into pieces with a vengeance.

  “I know more than you think of his kind.” Her mother sipped from her champagne glass again and eyed Madison.

  “Oh, really, Mother, and what exactly is his kind?”

  Again, Connie took another healthy swig of her champagne and set the crystal flute on the table. “He’s very handsome and experienced.” She paused, choosing her words. “He sees a small town girl as an easy mark. I’ve heard all about his reputation with the ladies.” Connie seemed to be waiting for a response, but instead interjected. “Romeo, I believe they call him in the papers.” Her mother widened her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. “Why can’t you find a nice local boy to settle down with? What about that nice police officer, Ryan something or other?”

  “Roman is nothing like he’s portrayed in the papers.” Madison stared her mother straight in the eye. “I grew up with all the local boys, remember? Not one of them is Roman.” Madison popped a large piece of toast in her mouth and chewed, annoyed beyond belief. “You’re not even giving him a chance.”

  She reached out and placed her hand on top of Madison’s. “I don’t want you to make the same mistakes that I, uh…that others have made.”

  As much as she wanted to ask more, Madison kept her mouth shut. She didn’t have the tolerance today to have a deep, heavy discussion with her mother. There was enough on her mind.

  Her phone buzzed and the sound made her leap, yanking her from her thoughts.

  Roman: On my way back.

  Madison exhaled and relaxed in her chair.

  Roman: Can I see you today?

  “Speak of the devil,” her mother huffed, and Madison frowned. Connie didn’t need to see the screen on her phone to know who was texting her.

  “I don’t understand you. Roman and Valentina are nice. Look at all they did to help with the shop.”

  Madison: Yes. Call me when you get back.

  “She seemed like a smart young woman but…” Connie trailed off while Madison laid her phone back on the crowded table.

  “No more buts.” She finished her drink in one gulp. “I have feelings for this man. Please respect that my life is my life, not yours.” Madison held a finger up to her mother.

  Her mother took the napkin from her lap and tossed it on the table. “All right, but know this. If he ever hurts you, don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you need me, I will always be here.”

  Madison was speechless. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask what made this any different than any other situation that might arise in which she might need her mother, but she remained quiet.

  “Okay, fine.”

  The waiter arrived with some coffee and Madison stirred in two teaspoons of sugar. Her spoon rattled on the side of the China cup as she stirred.

  “So, why don’t we go over the lineup for the fashion show again?” Madison was eager to change the subject.

  A busboy arrived to clear their plates and Madison got out her pen and paper. She’d left her tablet at home, not knowing if they would really be working on the show or not.

  “I’m sorry,” her mother whispered, but she heard her clear as day.

  “For what?”

  “I have…” Connie choked up. “I only wanted to do the right thing.”

  “Of course, Mother. I love you.” This had turned into the strangest brunch.

  Her mother just smiled. “Just remember what I said.”

  Madison was pleased the conversation transitioned to the show. She and her mother ended up enjoying a steaming cup of tea in the salon later, and working on the show for another couple of hours.

  Her mother appeared to relax and even enjoy collaborating, something that she usually left all on Madison’s lap.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “For what?” Connie lifted her shoulders.

  “I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed working on this together with you.”

  “It’s time for me to step up to the plate. You’ve worked so hard all these years and that’s one of the reasons that I’ve returned for good.”

  Madison almost choked on her tea. “For good?”

  “Yes, it’s been selfish of me to be traveling all over the world while you shouldered the burdens of running Bells and Bows. It’s time that you follow your dreams.”

  Madison was stunned. This was so out of left field.

  “What do you mean?” She’d been waiting to hear this for years, but it was the last thing she expected to happen.

  “You’re so talented. You could be a designer like you always dreamed about.”

  Madison crossed her legs, intrigued.

  “Well, I had considered putting one of the dresses I created in the show, but with everything going on, it’s been the last thing on my mind.”

  “Don’t worry about that. I’m back and it’s time for you to focus on your career.”

  “Career?” Madison swallowed.

  “Yes. I just returned from New York.” Connie leaned over and snatched a petit four from the plate of goodies on the tray in front of them. “I ran into Fran, an old college friend of mine. You’ll never believe this, but she runs a design house there. They specialize in bridal and formal couture.”

  Madison’s pulse raced, both hoping and dreading what her mother would say next.

  “I showed her some pictures of the designs you’ve done and she’s offered you an internship with her company. Isn’t it exciting? You can finally follow your dream.” Connie hugged her tight before letting go and popping the treat in her mouth.

  “I don’t know what to say.” She was in shock. It was everything Madison had ever dreamed about since she could remember. Well, until recently that was. Her head sp
un. “Why didn’t you mention this before?”

  “I wanted it to be a surprise and with everything going on, it just didn’t seem like the right time.” Her mother reached into her purse and pulled out her phone. “So when should I let Fran know you’ll be coming?”

  Madison’s phone buzzed. It was Roman. “I…” She stared down at her phone.

  Roman: I’m back. Can you come over? Or I could meet you at your place? I have a meeting but I’ll be done soon.

  “Don’t worry about the show. I will handle everything,” Connie said.

  “I don’t know. It’s all so sudden.” A mismatch of thoughts bounced in her head. It was the chance of a lifetime. It had been her dream since she was a little girl.

  “It’s about time. You’re not getting any younger. Life is short, don’t let what you want pass you by.” Her mother’s finger slid across her phone’s screen. Madison took a deep breath and reached for her mother’s hand. “Umm…Thank you. You have no idea how much I appreciate this opportunity.”

  ***

  Madison closed her eyes and enjoyed the luxury of heated seats as Arlo drove her to Roman’s home. He had a business meeting to finish up in town before they met so Arlo picked her up from her home. A girl could get used to being driven around. She hated driving when the roads were slippery and today the roads were a little slick with the remnants of a short snowfall last night.

  The whole day, she’d felt like she was skating on thin ice. So many things had happened in such a short time. Their time apart had been tough, but it’d given her time to think. Her goal ever since she’d been a little girl had been to design dresses. Her mother’s offer of the internship with her friend’s design company was impossible to resist. Her designs could be in the shop windows next to the likes of Vera Wang, Marchesa, and Carolina Herrera.

  Numbly, she waved to the guard who stood at the gatehouse. Madison bit her lip and entwined her fingers on her lap.

  “Are you warm enough?” Arlo asked.

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “You’ve been quiet today.” He never missed anything.

  “I spent the day with my mother planning the fashion show. I think I’m talked out.”

  “How’s that going?” Arlo pulled the car up in front of the house and put it in park.

  “Good. I think we are all set, but you know how things go. Just when you think you have everything figured out, someone throws a wrench into the picture.”

  He chuckled. “Isn’t that the truth?”

  They’d barely parked and she was out of the car and in the door. Her heart was in her throat. She had to tell him before she lost her nerve.

  “Madison,” he called from above.

  Roman was just coming down the stairs, a dazzling smile on his face. Gone was the suit and tie, this time replaced by blue jeans, an ivory sweater, and heavy plaid shirt. He looked every bit the local guy.

  As soon as his feet touched the bottom stair, she rushed over and Roman engulfed her in his arms. His familiar scent was both welcoming and intoxicating. The internship offer was like a pit in her stomach as she soaked up Roman’s warmth.

  “So to what do I owe this wonderful greeting?” His smile made her knees weak.

  “We need to talk.” Her eyes watered.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Roman

  It was so good to be home. Amazing how fast the area had become a sanctuary to him. His refuge from fighting over territories, busting bones, and his father’s insistence that he marry someone he didn’t love. He now held the one he wanted in his arms.

  Roman wanted way more than he took. He wanted to scoop Madison up into his arms and race with her to his bedroom to keep her to himself. Instead, his instincts told him not to. She wasn’t there…yet. He would have her, though. His father and his ancient marriage views be damned. Madison was what he wanted in a wife and she would be his. The man was getting old. Not that Roman didn’t respect his father, but times had changed. There were other ways to unite their families. He didn’t have to marry Rinaldi’s daughter to do it.

  Grabbing her hand in his, they headed to his office. “You’re trembling.”

  “I’m just a little cold.”

  He shut the door behind her. “I can help you with that,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

  Madison held up her hand like she was stopping traffic. “I have something to say before I lose my nerve.”

  Roman leaned against his desk. This wasn’t good, and his jaw twitched at what could possibly be making her like this. He’d fought to the death a couple times but never felt so helpless.

  “Go on,” he urged.

  Madison paced and wrung her hands. “Today, my mother made me an offer that was too good to refuse.”

  She stopped and briefly glanced out the window before returning to the track she was marking on the rug. “It’s always been a goal of mine since I was a kid to be a designer.”

  “I know that and I would never do anything to stop you from reaching your ambitions.”

  “I was offered a position at a couture house in New York.”

  A pit settled in his stomach. It was hard enough to spend the time he wanted in Genoa until he could finagle his work more to this area. He tightened his grip on the edge of the desk. His fist was clenched so tight on the frame of the desk he thought it might snap.

  “And?” He needed to hear it was over before deciding on his plan. She was his, there had to be a way to work it out. Madison deserved everything but he’d never let her go so far away.

  “And I realized that it was exactly that, my goal as a kid. Thirty is creeping up on me. What I want in life has changed.” Roman raised his gaze from the floor to meet her eyes. His heart thumped in agony of what she was going to say.

  “What I want in life is you.” Madison stood across the room, but he heard her loud and clear.

  Roman swore his heart skipped a beat or two in the last few seconds. Now it was likely to jump from his chest. She said she wanted him but the smug alpha male in him wanted more. He was going to make her prove it.

  “Then come get me,” he demanded as his breathing picked up.

  His woman marched across the room. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes were wild.

  Her hands framed his face, fingers trembling slightly. Her lips neared his and when they touched, he was lifted to heaven. She tasted sweet, like the chocolate cake she loved. When Madison slipped her tongue between his lips, he nearly burst at the seams.

  Pulling her into his arms, he swung her around and onto the desk. Her legs wrapped around his waist, right where they belonged. Roman deepened the kiss, determined to forever brand it into her mind. He touched and took whatever he wanted and she let him. His sweater hit the floor and she roamed her free hands over his chest. He squeezed her shoulders before tearing her blouse, revealing a white bra with tiny crystals and lace reminding him of a bridal gown. The sight of it fed his passion. Madison reached out and unclasped his jeans, freeing him without breaking the kiss. She slid them down his thighs. Her fingers raked over his thick shaft. Roman thought he would explode. He dipped his hands into the back of her pants, squeezing until she squealed. There was no stopping him. He would take her then and there.

  This sealed the deal. Madison was his and he was never letting go.

  Madison

  She declared her goals in life and in him, and it was amazing. However, he’d never confessed his feelings for her. Last night was overwhelming and now she was suddenly shy. Roman had carried her to his room naked and made love to her again. A few times during the night, she’d awakened, not used to being wrapped in someone’s arms. His muscle bound arm held her tight to his chest. A long, hair roughened leg had been wrapped possessively around one of hers. Just the thought of being together again sent heat searing through her veins. It was definitely something she could get used to.

  Madison stood and stretched, alone in the room. A few pops and kinks relieved the tension. Spying her purse on the table, she mad
e a grab for it, only to stub her toe loudly on the table leg.

  “I’ll have coffee ready in a sec.” Roman popped his head around the door. He walked over and kissed her on the cheek. His warm arms wrapped reassuringly around her waist. Sometime during the night, she’d lost all her clothes and was traveling around only in her socks. There was no quick getaway now. No boots, no car, and he’d already seen she was up.

  She might as well make the best of it, eat some breakfast and go home.

  She bared her heart.

  They made love.

  Was that all he’d been after? Was she just another chapter in his little black book?

  She should have ducked when he kissed her cheek, but it was too late. Her flesh tingled from the graze of his lips.

  “I’d love to take you back to bed.” He moaned the words. “But I have another meeting today.” Kissing the top of her shoulder, he hugged her once more. “I’ll meet you in the kitchen when you’re ready.” With another quick kiss, he was gone.

  Fumbling with the light switch in the bathroom, she avoided the mirror for as long as possible. Her lips were swollen and her hair was a mess. Taking a quick shower, Madison washed her hands and face and did a little touch up with whatever makeup she could find in her bag. Fortunately, there was also a comb and a headband to tame the mangled mess her hair had become. She gave her refection a half smile, took a deep breath, and set off to say a quick farewell to Roman.

  He hadn’t kicked her out, but instead asked her to breakfast. Maybe she was just overreacting. Some guys just weren’t good about sharing their feelings. She’d survive and move on. Putting a brave face on, she wandered to the kitchen, prepared to put him and his incredible lovemaking skills out of her mind. If she had become another notch on the bedpost, she’d have to live with that.

  Easier said than done. Who could resist a handsome man in the kitchen stirring some eggs around in a pan? His dark hair was ruffled from sleep, and there was a white dish towel thrown over his shoulder. Sometime during the night, he’d changed into a pair of flannel pants and a long-sleeved Henley. The urge to wrap her arms around him from behind and rest her cheek on his shoulder raced out from somewhere. He looked nothing like the deadly gangster she tried to convince herself he was.