Sweet Pain: A Dark Mafia Billionaire Romance (Amatucci Family Book 3)

by Sadie Jacks

  “What are we going to do about the financial information? That was definitely obtained from illegal means,” Ryker said.

  Nik smiled. “No it wasn’t. That information is from the collective. It’s routed through so many proxies that it’s essentially anonymous. We can’t control other people’s actions. But we can damn sure use the information within those anonymous files.”

  I shot to my feet, pulled her into my arms. “Thank you.”

  She stilled against me for a couple seconds before her arms came around my back. “That’s what a girl squad is for, right?”

  My laugh was a little wet as I nodded against her shoulder. “Definitely. If there’s ever anything I can do, you let me know.”

  She pulled back, smiled at me coyly. “Give me some more baking lessons?”

  All the men, except Rafe and Mas, groaned.

  “No. You girls aren’t allowed to get together for girls night anymore,” Ryker said.

  Nik flipped him off. “What I do in my off time is no business of yours, bossman. If Willow wants to teach me her wicked ways, then you can just suck it.” She stuck her nose in the air.

  I bit back my smile. Turned to the love of my life. “Yeah. She’s got awesome aim with a spatula full of icing. I’m sure she’ll be a goddess in the kitchen in no time.”

  Ryker and Turo both groaned. Shook their heads.

  I hugged Nik again. “You want to learn to bake, sweets, you’re in good hands.”

  “Okay, so assuming Wright’s guys find what they need to find, we need to nail down specifics for the gala,” Rafe said, interrupting our love fest.

  “Well, we already have Willow’s dress, so I think we just need one for Nik. I think we’re good,” Tali said. She had her Dumb Blonde face on as she looked at her brother.

  He didn’t rise to the bait. “Nik, can you put the slideshow together?”

  She nodded. “It’s essentially done.”

  “Do we want to make a media announcement on the down low?” I asked. “Do we have any trustworthy media people?”

  Everyone looked at me with varying degrees of disgust. “You want to invite the media. On purpose?” Nico asked.

  I nodded. “Yeah. My parents highlight their awesomeness for the three hundred richest friends. Why can’t we invite the media to broadcast their atrocities to the world?”

  Nik blew out a soundless whistle. “You play for keeps.”

  I turned, smiled. “Girl, you say the sweetest things. What a doll.”

  She snickered. “I like the media idea. But I don’t know any of that species.”

  “I do. Brad Dodge with Channel 5. He’s done some pieces for the Amatucci Foundation. He can keep his mouth shut.” She smiled.

  I snorted. If the man wasn’t dead yet, I had to assume he was very good at keeping secrets.

  The brothers narrowed their eyes at her.

  She smiled.

  “Okay, assuming Brad can be our media guy, what else do we need?” Ryker asked.

  “All the exits blocked and police waiting. I think that’s really everything we need to worry about,” Nico said. “If Wright can verify, and we get the green light, then it’s literally going to be a shitshow. We’ll have to make sure everyone stays in the main ballroom until the end of the presentation, but outside of that, we’re golden.”

  Mas shook his head. “Not quite.” He looked at me. “You’re going to need to go see them before the party. At least appear to make amends. Introduce them to your fiancé.”

  “Your what?!” Nik and Tali shouted.

  “Oops?” I looked at them. “We got engaged last night. The ring is beyond gorgeous.” I pulled it from my robe pocket again. Every time I saw it, I fell in love with it more and more.

  A knock sounded. “Ryker?” a soft feminine voice filtered through the door. “Are you in there?”

  I looked at my fiancé.

  His smile glowed. He slapped his hand to the security plate. Ripped the door open. He had his arms around the woman before I got a good chance to look at her.

  The bottom dropped out of my belly. I did some deep breathing exercises. Tried to steady myself. I felt for the gun in my pocket.

  Ryker turned around. “Everyone, I’d like you to formally meet my little sister, Corrine Amaryllis Sheridan.”

  I deflated against the desk for a moment. His little sister. I’d almost pulled a gun on him and his sister. Gathering myself, I walked over to meet her. “Hi, I’m Willow.”

  “She’s my fiancée,” Ryker said. His chest was so puffed up, I was sure he was sucking some of the air out of the room.

  Corrine was small. Delicately small. Her porcelain skin was a beautiful contrast to her dark hair. Her large blue eyes dominated her elfin face. But her smile…her smile was big and loud.

  “You’re Willow?” She lurched forward, grabbed me into her surprisingly strong arms. “Mom’s told me so much about you,” she whispered in my ear. Her breath began panting.

  I grabbed her up. “Hey, take it easy. I plan to be here for a while. You okay?” I looked at Ryker. “She’s panting,” I said softly. I didn’t want to embarrass her in front of a room full of strangers.

  Someone nudged me aside as Ryker steadied her. “Here, sit down, please,” Mas said.

  Corrie stilled as her eyes widened. “You’re real.”

  Mas looked at me. Looked at Ryker. He finally looked at Corrie again. “Yes.”

  She shook her head as she tumbled into the seat. Tears gathered on her lashes. “You saved me. You charged in, silent as smoke. Whatever you threw, it hit the second syringe one of them was holding.”

  Mas knelt at her feet. His fists were clenched so tight his knuckles were bleached of color. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

  Her laugh was wet. “Gosh, no. I was so thankful. I thought you were an angel. A dark angel come to rescue me.”

  Mas blinked rapidly. “Angel I am not.” He winced, swallowed.

  Corrie leaned forward, brushed her lips against his cheek. She leaned back, roses in her cheeks. “To me, you’ll always be one.”

  “Ryker, where’s Corrie? Have you seen Corrie?” Daphne practically screamed from down the hall. “CORRIE!”

  “She’s in here, mom. She’s sitting down,” Ryker said as he moved out of the way.

  Daphne rushed forward until she saw her daughter. “Oh thank the gods.” She stilled just inside the door when she saw Mas was kneeling at her daughter’s feet. A brilliant smile lit up her face. “I was hoping they’d get to meet. I had no idea it would be this soon though.” She lowered her voice. “She’s been talking about her super hot dark angel savior.” She turned to me. “Hello, Willow. How are you doing?”

  I nodded. “I’m good, Daphne. You? Now that your heart is back inside your chest.”

  She laughed as she patted a hand to her chest. Nodded. “That’s for damn sure. I haven’t been able to leave her side. I’m sure she’s sick and tired of me hovering over her.”

  “Only a little bit, mom. But I’d rather wake up and see you, than not,” Corrie said with a smile over her shoulder. “He’s here. He’s really real.” Her blue eyes, almost as vivid as Ryker’s green ones, were wide and shining.

  Daphne chuckled. “I told you he didn’t actually die.”

  Corrie turned back to Mas. Her face fell. “I’m so sorry you got hurt trying to help me.”

  Mas smiled. “I’d do it all over again to see you safely home.”

  Corrie sighed. I’m pretty sure her heart melted at Mas’ feet in that instant. Hero worship crush of epic proportions.

  “Not that I mind, but what are you doing here?” Ryker asked.

  “We heard on the news that there was trouble in the penthouse of Penn Towers. She’d just finished up her checkup, begged me to come see you. I couldn’t say no to that pouting face, so here we are.” She shrugged.

  “We’re still waiting to get back up there. Luckily Nik and the Amatuccis here were able to get us out of there without bloodsh
ed or violence,” Ryker told her.

  Daphne’s blue eyes widened. “Bloodshed or violence? What the hell happened?”

  Chapter 33 – Ryker

  I winced. Damn it. I skimmed over the whole sordid affair in quick efficient terms. She didn’t need the nitty gritty especially since Willow and I were in perfect form.

  She studied me for long moments before she nodded. “I’m glad you’re safe. And unharmed.” She turned to Willow. Added her. “It also probably explains Willow’s clothing choices for this morning. Although, I wish I could make men’s sleep pants look that good.”

  I looked at Willow, gave her a smirk.

  She rolled her eyes at me. “Thank you for saying so.”

  “Why do you guys have a picture of Taylor Pankowski on your computer?” Corrie asked.

  I spun around. Nik was going through her presentation with Nico. Confirming data on a list with Turo. I winced. Shit. This morning wasn’t going anything how I’d imagined it falling asleep with Willow in my arms last night.

  Nik looked at Corrie. “You know Taylor?”

  Corrie nodded. “Yeah, she was in my therapy group for a while. Dr. Waste of Space made her attend or he wouldn’t prescribe her antidepressants anymore.”

  “How long ago was she in your group?” Nik asked.

  “Why is she on your computer?” My little sister raised her chin.

  Nik smiled. “Because.”

  “Then I guess it’s just been a while since I last saw Taylor.” Corrie shrugged, gave Nik a ‘what can I do’ look.

  Mas rose to his feet. “Taylor is gone. We want to give her back to her parents.” He swallowed. “How long since you saw her last?”

  Corrie’s face fell. “She’s really gone?”

  Mas nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  Corrie blinked rapidly. “Um, I would say about a year? Maybe.” She wiggled her hand in the air from side to side.

  Mas smiled. “Thank you.”

  My little sister’s cheeks went pink. “Sure.”

  I groaned. I was not prepared for my half sister to get a crush on the death dealer of the mafia. I’m pretty sure Mas wasn’t really to deal with that either.

  Willow smiled. Opened her mouth.

  “Mr. Penn?” an unfamiliar voice asked from behind us. I whirled around, my gun in my hand as I shoved my mom at Willow. Mas was up beside me, his own gun pointed, before I could blink.

  “Who wants to know?” I asked.

  The man raised his hands, his eyes wide. “Lieutenant Richards is ready for you in your penthouse, sir.”

  I nodded. “Thanks. We’ll be right there. You can leave now.” I didn’t lower my weapon until he’d raced back down the hall and out into the main reception area. I kicked the door closed.

  Mas looked at me, nodded. He went back to stand next to Corrie. “How old was Taylor when you saw her last?”

  We had the information, we didn’t need to grill the innocent kid. I opened my mouth to dress him down. Or at least get him to back off.

  “Fourteen? I think.” Her head tipped to the side. “Yeah. Fourteen. Are we going to discuss the fact that you and my brother are carrying guns? Or are we just going to blow over that fact?”

  Mas smiled. “Just blow over that one.” He nodded at her and turned to the group at the desk.

  I turned to my mother. “It might be better if you guys go back home now,” I said softly. “We’re kinda in the middle of something. And I really don’t want to find out that Corrie knows any more of the victims.”

  My mom’s face paled. She nodded. “Corinne, let’s go. We’ve got to meet Dad for lunch. Say goodbye to your saviors. I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of them in the future.”

  Corrie pouted but she didn’t put up a fight. Mas made her entire year as he came back over and helped her to her feet. “Be careful, piccola sorella.” He smiled at her.

  I could have sworn I heard the little hearts popping over her head as she turned towards mom. I rolled my eyes. Girls were so weird. She was moony over the assassin. Granted, she didn’t know that’s what he was, but still. I did. It was creepy.

  I opened the door for them.

  Mom wrapped her arm around Corrie’s shoulders. “Bye, Ryker.”

  “Bye, bug. See you soon.” I kissed her hair.

  Mom and Corrie left. I watched them walk down the hall into reception. Heard the ding of the elevator.

  “Well, now that we have outside confirmation of at least one of the victims being from New Trenadie, let’s go upstairs and see what shitshow awaits us there.” I pulled Willow under my arm, started for the elevators.

  She wrapped her arm around my waist. “I’m glad I got to meet her. Although, it was a good thing you introduced her when you did. I was about to shoot both of you for touching another woman.”

  I choked. “What? Seriously?”

  She nodded. “All I saw was you ecstatic about another woman in your arms.” She pinched my butt. “Not allowed.”

  I shook my head. “Never.” I shuddered at the thought. “Corrie’s allowed to hug me, but that’s about it. She gets more leeway than Mom does.”

  Willow nodded. “As long as they’re related to you, I should be fine. But outside of that…target practice.”

  I chuckled as we hit the reception area. I hit the button for the private elevator. Waited for everyone else to climb aboard before I had us going up. It was going to be a long freaking day.

  **

  I stood in the doorway after the police left. Just the standard spiel about the city not being responsible for the damage and that the investigation was now open and being pursued. I wanted to chuck them off the balcony.

  Willow’s arms slid around me from behind. “You okay, hero?” she asked softly.

  I slid my hands over hers. Sighed. “I will be.” I turned around, pulled her into my arms. “How are you?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve got you. Everything else is replaceable.”

  I smiled. “And you think I’ve got cheese.”

  She snickered. “Seriously. The rest of this…” she waved a hand at the destroyed penthouse, “it’s just stuff. Even if it was a one of a kind, we can replace it with something else. You, my dear sir, are irreplaceable.”

  “But your table.” I looked at the destroyed piece of functional art.

  “I’ll commission a bigger one. Make Rafe really moan and groan like a pansy.”

  “I heard that,” the man in question said as he picked through the broken plates and cups for ones that were still whole.

  Willow smiled.

  “Uh, you guys are going to want to see this,” Nico said from the bedroom.

  I heaved a sigh. The damage to the bedroom made my stomach turn. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go back in there. Just the idea that Willow could have been hurt, taken, or worse, made me want to rage until I was sick.

  We walked into the bedroom. Nico was nowhere to be found. “Bathroom,” he called.

  We entered the bathroom. I looked around. My quick visual sweep revealed nothing to be concerned about. I turned to Nico. “What do we need to see?”

  He pointed into the mirror.

  I looked at it. Saw the shower. “Yup. We call those showers. You use them to clean yourself.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Come stand here, smart guy. Willow, you too.”

  We moved to his side. I looked in the mirror again. Felt my blood freeze.

  In the reflection, there were two perfect outlines of me and Willow on the shower wall. Some kind of soap? Above our heads A LIFE FOR A LIFE was written in reverse. It read correctly in the mirror’s reflection. Just below the line of Willow’s head was another line of text that I couldn’t make out. I squinted, leaned forward.

  “Tell the Amatuccis we’re coming,” Nico said. “It seems that even though Anthony and Antonia were fighting amongst themselves, Daddy is still pissed we killed his daughter while protecting ourselves.” Nico clapped a hand to my shoulder. “Consider this your official welcome to
the family.”

  I looked at Willow, saw the color drain from her face. “We need to move.”

  I nodded. “Took the words right out of my mouth. Let’s start looking for houses—hell, compounds—instead of cleaning. I’ll hire someone to come move us out. Pack a bag, cupcake. We’re going back to the lofts.”

  Rafe yelled from the front room. “You two switch homes more than that stupid chair music game. I’m not helping again.” He stormed off to the elevators, muttering under his breath.

  I looked at Willow. “Stupid chair music game?”

  She laughed. “Musical chairs. He was never fast enough, so he always lost.” She held her hand out to me. “Let’s pack and look at houses.”

  Chapter 34 – Willow

  The next morning

  “And I keep telling you, as long as it has a good kitchen, I don’t care if it has a mancave or whatever the hell that even means. As long as you’re not watching porn or bringing over ladies, I don’t care what you do in there.” I wanted to wring his neck. If people thought women were fussy, they hadn’t met Ryker Penn.

  The man was finicky, bordering on neurotic, with his specifications and demands in a single home. He needed at least five bedrooms—for what, I had no idea. Two offices—again, I had no idea why. I sketched on an iPad while watching action movies. Sometimes I would use an office chair and a drafting table, but with the ease of keeping all the files electronic, I rarely did that anymore.

  The rest of the list that he had to have was almost embarrassing. I guess it was a good thing he was obscenely rich. And honestly, this was the first time I think I’d ever seen it. Like had it shoved right in my face how rich he really was. He was so chill and down to earth that his wealth didn’t really even seem important.

  He growled, shoved another pillow under his back as we laid in bed. Except for going to the bathroom once we woke up, we hadn’t done a whole lot. Well, he’d called into the office. Apparently his top executives were going to be receiving a bonus for stepping up in the last few weeks. He was also making sure quite a bit of that bonus trickled down to the workers who probably actually did the bulk of the work.