Resurrection (The Vendetta Series Book 1)

by Kris Anne Dean

  A warm surge filled my mouth, and I loosened my hold.

  I slipped a finger inside of her, sliding in and out and then a second, hooking them just right, while working her clit with my thumb until another orgasm rocked through her and she tightened around my fingers as she came. Her body was still shuddering when I stripped off my t-shirt, unbuckled my jeans and crawled onto the bed, lowering on top of her. I found her lips and fought to control her mouth with my tongue as I did her pussy. She responded with the same urgency as our tongues intertwined and my hands squeezed at her breast.

  Her skin was like heated glass melting around me, molding into mine. Her fingers ran along my back dipping under the top of my pants. She tugged at them, working them off me, her legs wrapped around my waist and with a downward push of her legs we were naked, skin to skin. Her hand closed around my hardened cock as it pulsed in her hand. She stroked at its length while I nibbled on her ear and kissed my way down to the fold of her neck. I couldn’t contain myself any longer. “I need to be inside of you, now.”

  I looked into her glossy eyes and drove into her. She gasped as I filled her, pushing all the way in until her pussy engulfed the full length of my dick. I looked down watching as I slid my cock almost all the way out before pushing into her again. Her pussy got wetter and wetter each time. On the third push, she arched her back and grabbed onto my ass pulling me into her. We came together, moving in time, matching each other thrust for thrust. My dick grew bigger, harder, as my climax rose and I pushed harder and faster into her. She gasped and panted at my speed until her legs clenched around my waist and she tightened around me. I shuddered inside of her filling her as the heat washed through my body and I collapsed on top of her. She ran her hand through my hair as I nuzzled my head into her neck and took in slow deep breaths. I withdrew from her warmth and pulled her into my arms as I rolled onto my side, kissing the top of her head. She nestled into my arm and rested her head on my chest. We laid there in silence while our breathing returned to normal, she drew her name across my chest with her soft fingertips. Branding me as hers.

  I laid awake, staring at the ceiling, while Brie slept in my arms; the crisp linen sheets tangled around our naked bodies. Clanging from the kitchen caused my body to tighten and Brie moaned, rolling herself out of my arms. After another loud noise shattered the silence, I pulled myself out of bed and yanked on my jeans. I opened the nightstand drawer and grabbed my gun, tucking it into my waistband. I glanced out the window as I passed by; the moonlight hung over the lake and darkness blanketed the ground. Everything was peaceful outside, but the banging continued downstairs. I eased the door open and slipped into the hallway, careful to not wake Brie.

  The wooden steps were cold under my feet and a breeze from an open window chilled me when I reached the first floor. A shadow moved across the kitchen and I approached cautiously. I cocked my gun and hugged the wall as I crept toward the figure. When I reached the kitchen, I turned the corner and reached around the wall for the lights. My damn nerves were shot to shit.

  Nash stood frozen in front of the refrigerator with a jug of milk in his hand. “Fuck, Cal you scared the piss out of me.”

  I clicked the safety on my gun and placed it on the counter. “What the fuck are you doing. I almost shot you; stupid son of a bitch.”

  I slid onto a stool as he poured a glass. “Carra’s having trouble sleeping. I thought I’d make her something to eat. Is this what you do now, stalk around in the dark with a loaded weapon?”

  “Not normally, but it’s been a crazy day.” I toyed with the handle of the gun, spinning it around on the countertop.

  “You got that right. How’s Brie doing?” he asked, returning the jug to the refrigerator.

  “I think she will be fine. I wish I could say the same for my sister.” I released a heavy sigh.

  “She just needs some time Cal. She’ll be all right. I’ll make sure of it.” He turned toward the stove and pushed the eggs around the pan with a spatula.

  “I know you will man. I guess this isn’t how you pictured your night ending up.” I rose from the stool and tucked the gun into the back of my pants.

  “No but I’ve waited this long to be with her again, I can wait a little longer, we have the rest of our lives.” He turned off the burner and spooned the eggs onto a plate.

  “Does that mean you’re coming with us to New York?” I asked.

  “I guess it does. Not following her last time was the biggest mistake of my life. I won’t make the same mistake twice.” He placed the pan in the sink.

  “You know Nash, she doesn’t need you to follow her, she needs you to go with her. There’s a difference.” I leaned against the counter. “Family isn’t just defined by the blood in your veins. Family is who you’re willing to spill that blood for. You’re a part of this family Nash, and I need you on my crew.”

  “A country boy sheriff on the mobster’s payroll. That’s not a combination you see every day,” he joked.

  “Ex-sheriff, man. I will need you to leave law enforcement behind, but we can get you set up as P.I.” I had planned on easing him into the idea, it might not be ideal for him, but I was sure he’d go for it.

  “You drive a hard bargain brother, but if Carra’s going with you, so am I.” He picked up the tray. “Hit the lights on your way up.”

  I double checked the locks and closed the window before heading back upstairs. I placed the gun on the nightstand and stood next to the bed watching Brie sleep while I slipped out of my pants. She must have been having a nightmare because she thrashed and rolled around on the bed, twisting the sheets around her naked body. Her soft voice rose an octave as she let out a scream and jolted awake. I sat down on the bed and wrapped my arms around her. She stared at me with wide eyes and then placed her hand on my chest, like she was trying to make sure I was real. Her fingers ghosted down my chest and glided over my scar. She looked up at me with those big brown eyes and I leaned in kissing her lips. I laid back on the bed pulling her naked body closer and reached for the nightstand drawer.

  “There’s something missing from that finger. I’ve been carrying this around since the party.” I slid a solitaire diamond ring on her finger. “Brie Morgan, you are everything I have ever wanted and I am nothing without you by my side. Will you marry me?”

  She threw her leg over me and sat up straddling me with her naked body. “Yes, Cal. I will marry you.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of my lips and I lunged up, flipping her so I pinned her under me. I brushed my lips across hers, teasing her with a promise of a kiss and then pulled back. She arched her back letting me take in her beautiful naked body that laid under me, wet and ready. I lowered myself onto her, sliding my dick deep inside. She tightened around me making me draw in a quick breath. I worked her with easy gentle thrusts resisting the urge to drive deeper when she let out a low moan that made my toes curl. “Fuck, I’ve missed the way I fit inside of you.”

  Her body shook and clenched under me so intensely her response came out as breathy whimpers. I studied her face as her eyes rolled back and she bit at her bottom lip, rolling her hips up for more. I slid in deeper, spreading her wide enough to take me all in letting her tight pussy milk me until I filled her with all I had.

  Chapter 33

  Brie

  Cal and I spent the next month savoring every moment together and the beauty of the late summer. We hiked the Appalachian trails bordering the town. Laid out under the blue sky, basking in the heat from the sun’s rays and cooling off in the water when we got too hot. Picnicked barefoot among the green grass moving in steady waves with the late summer breeze.

  We strolled hand in hand through town while Cal reminisced about his youth. He showed me the clearing in the woods where they spent most Saturday nights during their rebellious teenage years smoking weed and drinking beer. We walked the corridors of the high school that still displayed the football team’s all-county trophy from his senior year as Running Back and pictures of Car
ra on the sidelines with the cheerleading squad. He told me about his first kiss with a pretty brunette behind the bleachers.

  Even though they were isolated from the rest of the world, they had a real life here. Memories and friends. It seemed like he knew everyone. It amazed me how loyal they were to him, an entire town willing to keep his secret and let everyone believe he was dead. Even those that seemed unfriendly when I first arrived smiled and waved when we walked by.

  I helped Cal and Carra sort through their mother’s belongings and pack up the house before our return to New York. They had decided to keep the house for future generations of Carracci’s. They would always have a safe place free from the pressures of their lineage.

  I was happier than I had ever been but the stress of the past few months had taken a toll on my body. Most days it was easy to push back the fear, to forget about Angelo. Although the nightmares still came. Every time I woke in a cold sweat, hyperventilating expecting to find an empty bed but Cal was always there.

  I tried everything to help me relax but even the daily yoga routine hadn’t worked. Every night we made love, he worked my body in a way no man had ever done, a perfect ebb and flow as we became one. We stole every moment of passion we could. Cal held me tight, promising a lifetime free from that monsters reach and no matter how much I wanted to believe that, I knew it wasn’t that simple.

  Angelo had survived the shooting and was in federal custody awaiting trial but he wasn’t the type to just give up. I’d seen the evil in him when he didn’t get what he wanted or he felt wronged. And he still wanted me. When I closed my eyes, I could still see the storm raging in his Emerald green eyes. The commission didn’t sanction Cal’s moves against Angelo’s businesses so it would be foolish to believe the Bianchi Family wouldn’t retaliate. The Bianchi’s are ruthless and greedy. They weren’t likely to give up their foothold in the New York territory without a fight.

  Vinny’s gunshot wound was healing, but the doctor hadn’t cleared him to travel, so he sent a man down with Cal’s bike and a briefcase full of contracts to sign. With a stroke of the pen Cal was a legitimate partner in all the family’s legal operations.

  Cal and I laid on a blanket under the green canopy of trees studying the financial reports. All lucrative cash businesses. Whoever handled the bookkeeping did a seamless job tangling the family’s illegal gains into the company’s profits. It was nice to use my mind again. Cal had expressed his desire for me to be an equal partner in his life and his business dealings. I had hoped that Vinny would let me put my math degree to good use and help with the financial end of the businesses.

  Despite the queasiness that wouldn’t subside, my stomach rumbled. Cal placed his hand on my stomach. “Are you feeling any better?”

  “Yes, just a little tired.” The warmth of his hand on my churning stomach made my mind drift to thoughts of the future and the lives we would create. Although the uncertainty of what awaited us worried me, the idea of little ones put a smile on both our faces.

  “Guests will be arriving soon, let’s see about getting you something to eat.” He gathered the portfolios together, and we headed toward the house.

  I sat in the kitchen and nibbled on cheese and crackers and sipped a glass of Ginger Ale. When my stomach settled more, I joined Cal to greet the arriving guests.

  It was a beautiful August afternoon, perfect for a small outdoor wedding. The sun beat through the trees but a pleasant breeze blew across the lake keeping everyone cool and infusing the air with fresh-cut flowers. Family and guests strolled down the long walk leading to the gazebo and sat in white chairs lining both sides of the aisle adorned with Carolina Lilies. It was a small gathering of close family and friends, making the occasion as special as the bride and groom.

  Cal hooked his arm under Carra’s and walked her down the aisle to where Nash waited. She wore a white tea length dress with a sheer back and wildflowers, that matched her bouquet, tucked in her braided hair. A perfect smile lit up her face as she stood in front of her guests, hand in hand with Nash in a gray suit.

  After the ceremony, we celebrated into the evening, everyone dancing and eating; laughing and talking. We had almost forgotten that it was our last night in Ashe.

  The next morning, my unruly stomach ripped me from sleep. I bolted to the bathroom and hung my head over the toilet seat. Ten minutes later the rolling nausea settled and my mind could focus on the noises downstairs and that Cal was not in bed. For the first time in months, I slept peacefully and was the last to wake. I cleaned myself up and got dressed before heading downstairs.

  The loud noises made my head scream further agitating my sensitive stomach. Carra was busy directing the movers while they loaded boxes and furniture onto the van. Cal and Nash draped linen cloths over the large items being left behind, while snapping the sheets against each other and cracking jokes.

  Agent Kent turned sideways and slid through the open door partially blocked by a large sofa the movers struggled to fit through the narrow opening.

  “Agent Kent, thank you for coming all the way out here, as you can see it’s moving day.” I motioned to the chaos around us and laughed.

  “Then my gifts are right on time.” She handed me a large envelope. “As far as it concerns the government, both you and Cal are officially resurrected. You will find your Proof of Life letters inside and we had your driver’s license reissued.”

  I peeled back the flap and pulled the papers out, holding my life in my hands. It was surreal. “Thank you Agent Kent. You have no idea what this means.” I hugged the paperwork close to my chest as a wide smile pulled at my lips.

  Her eyes opened wide glancing at the ring on my hand. “Beautiful ring, congratulations! Which reminds me.” She reached into her jacket pocket and retrieved another piece of paper. “The judge signed the annulment papers because your marriage to Mr. Deluca was under direst.”

  “To say the least.” A wry chuckle escaped. Direst didn’t begin to describe the hell he put me through. I stared at the word Granted stamped at the top of the petition. The finalization that a part of the nightmare was over, filled me with hope. I had my life back and I could pledge it to Cal without hesitation.

  “I also brought the other thing you asked for.” She handed me a small brown bag folded over several times to reduce its size. “Are you hoping for closure or a new beginning?”

  I glanced around the room to be sure no one saw the exchange and tucked the rectangle package into my back pocket, pulling the hem of my shirt down to cover it. “Both I guess. Thank you again for keeping this quiet Agent Kent.”

  “Please call me Lanah and your welcome. Let me know if you need anything else and I’ll be in touch when the Judge sets a trial date.”

  After Lanah left, I watched Cal and Nash shift boxes from one side of the room to the other pretending to work, while avoiding Carra’s sideways glares, so she would focus her attention on the movers instead. I snuck upstairs and closed the bathroom door. I unrolled the brown bag and removed the rectangular box. It slipped several times from my shaking fingers as I toyed with it in hesitation. I took a deep breath and removed the plastic wrapper from the box, ripping it open and peeing on the stick before I changed my mind.

  At first, I thought the nightmares had left me fatigued and my cycle out of whack but when I tallied the days since my last period, the realization it had been at least seven weeks caused my mind to race. When the nausea set in, I tried to hide it but every day it intensified and I wondered.

  I set the timer on my phone for two minutes and paced the bathroom floor.

  The idea that I could be pregnant was both exhilarating and terrifying. I glanced at the timer, it was the longest two minutes of my life.

  One minute until I knew if my life would be changed forever. I lowered myself to the floor and lifted my knees to my chest, rocking back and forth. My heart pounded in my chest and my stomach rolled with nervousness.

  30 Seconds to reason the epic meltdown, my brain was in th
e middle of, away.

  I was in love with Cal...

  Cal loved me...

  I wanted children… someday...

  Cal wanted children...

  A child would carry on the family name...

  I took a deep cleansing breath and exhaled, everything would be all right.

  Unless it wasn’t...

  My thoughts betrayed me and Lanah’s words were once again at the forefront of my mind. “Closure or a new beginning”...

  Oh God no…

  Seven weeks….

  The sudden sound of the timer echoing through the bathroom jolted me off the floor. I bent forward placing my hands on my legs and tucking my head between my knees, inhaling slowly. It had never even crossed my mind I may be connected to Angelo Deluca, forever.

  I moved toward the bathroom sink and stared down at the test strip.

  Two solid pink lines.

  I was pregnant.

  I was going to have a baby.

  I blinked back tears when a light knock came from the other side of the bathroom door. An eerie calm washed over me as Cal’s tender voice flooded my ears, “Brie, is everything all right?”

  “Everything’s fine. I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “We’re ready to go when you are. I’ll meet you downstairs.” His fingers tapped against the door frame. “I didn’t tell you this morning, I love you.”

  I wiped the tears from my eyes and took a deep breath. “I love you too.”

  We were going to have a baby.

  Taking one last look around the bedroom, to make sure we left nothing behind, I tucked the test strip into my backpack and tossed it over my shoulder. The house was quiet when I made my way downstairs. I watched from the open front door as the tires on the van kicked dirt particles into the air and Carra and Nash followed behind in their car, disappearing into a cloud of dust.