by T Steele
Ryder looks as if he wants to strangle me when I step into the barn. “What may I do for you, your highness?” He mock bows.
“Do you need any help?” I ask, getting straight to the point.
“No, but even if we did, I wouldn’t ask you for it. I don’t want John to kill another member of the family.”
“Another?” I squeak out.
Ryder gives me a sad look as if I’ve got a lot to learn, and I try not to look panicked.
“Yeah, John killed one of our own a few years ago. I didn’t know the soldier well, but nobody knows why except the Boss,” Ryder says, eyeing me almost as if in warning.
“I’m sure he had a good reason,” I say quietly. It’s so hard for me to think of John as a merciless killer, but that’s what he is. If I’m going to stay here, it’s something I need to get used to.
“What is it with you Morettis? You all seem to favor John.”
“Do you even know John?” I ask. “Because if you did, you’d know that he had a good reason for killing someone.”
Please let me be right, I think to myself.
It feels like instinct to stick up for John. I feel genuinely angry and frustrated that Ryder isn’t taking his side. Am I letting my feelings get in the way? Why am I so sure that John would’ve had a good reason? Something in my gut tells me he did.
“I don’t need to know him. The minute he decided to kill one of his own, he lost some trust.”
“You’re being judgemental.”
“You’re taking up for a cold-blooded killer.”
I roll my eyes. “Last time I checked, everyone here is a killer.”
Liz laughs. “Damn, good one, Ruby.” Ryder glares at her. “What? She’s not wrong.”
“You tryna fuck her, Liz? I thought the princess was straight.”
“If I wanted to fuck her I could’ve. You know I’ve been known for turning straight girls’ minds,” she smirks, then turns to me. “I don’t think we’re wanted here, Rubes. Wanna go for a swim?”
I nod, and we walk away. Once we’re out of hearing distance, I speak up, “What was all that about with your brother?”
“I stole his last girlfriend.”
I snort. “For real?”
“Yep. She said I could eat pussy better, so. . .” she trails off, shrugging proudly.
I burst out laughing and Liz joins me. Soon, we have tears streaming down our faces, chests heaving. “That’s the best shit I’ve heard all day,” I say.
“Maybe I should be the entertainment tonight instead, then?” she smirks at me.
“That’s cool with me as long as I still get to leave this house.”
“You poor little desperate baby,” Liz tuts.
I shoot her an obscene gesture as we reach the house and make our way to the elevator. I hit the number 2 to take us to my room, and the elevator doors close.
“What will you be doing tonight?” I ask, knowing she’ll be at the casino, too.
“Sitting in at the tables.” She cracks her knuckles as if she’s preparing for a fight. “My goal is to become the best player in the house.”
“Then you’ll be the richest person in the house, too,” I laugh.
“Hey, someone’s gotta take that spot. If it’s me, then so be it.”
I just shake my head. God, I love Liz.
Tonight’s the night.
The night I’m supposed to prove to my father that I’m useful.
No pressure or anything, I think to myself.
I stare at myself in the mirror. The black and gold, form-fitting dress with a generous split down the leg hugs my curves in all the right places. The deep V in the front shows off enough cleavage that I’m hoping it will bring The Balla Ragazza plenty of tips.
My makeup is so thickly caked onto my face that my freckles are invisible, and my father was able to get me some colored contacts. He isn’t taking any chances. So, I have pitch-black hair and green eyes at the moment.
It quells my nerves to look like a different person. At least when I’m singing, no one will know it’s me. Except for the Family. I keep wondering what John will think. How will he react to this?
I don’t have to wonder long because I hear my door quietly open and he walks in. His eyes do a slow sweep of my dress before locking back onto my eyes.
“Even though you’re not my Ruby tonight, I still don’t want any greedy motherfuckers near you.”
I glance down at my dress, then back up to John. I raise my brows. “I thought that was the whole point, so that we could make more money.”
“I could just steal their money.”
“You could, and then we could run away together.” The words are out before I can stop them, and I try to cover them with a laugh and look away from John’s all too knowing gaze.
“I won’t lie and say I haven’t thought about it,” he whispers, and I gasp, bringing a hand to my chest and staring at him.
“You would do that for me?” My voice cracks.
John runs his fingers through his hair making it look deliciously messy. “I’m beginning to realize there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for you, Ruby,” he says quietly.
I smile shyly at him. “John, I—I don’t know what to say . . . you’d have an entire family after you? That doesn’t sound too smart.”
“They wouldn’t come after me. Not if they want to survive,” John states matter-of-factly, and I realize this is the reason I feel so safe around him—even though it’s wrong,. He’d never let anyone hurt me. Talking about running away with John gives me anxiety on a whole new level, but I can’t deny the relief I feel that he seems to have my back no matter what.
I change the subject, and my earlier altercation with Ryder comes to my mind.
“Who did you kill in the Family?” I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral.
John doesn’t bat an eye and answers without hesitation. “Rizzo Bianchi.”
“Why did you kill him?”
“He was a rapist.”
And I suddenly wish I could go back in time and see how the whole thing happened. If anything was going to trigger John, it would be that. I knew I was right. My father knows John, too. Probably better than anyone. Ryder doesn’t know shit and he’s an asshole.
I walk over to John and wrap my arms around his waist, resting my head on his chest. John stiffens at first, but then his arms come around me. I feel his lips press against my head and I melt at the sweet gesture.
I look up at him. “Tonight’s performance is for you.”
Heat flares in his eyes and his hands move down to my hips with a firm squeeze. “What a coincidence, I have a performance planned especially for you tonight when we get home.”
My toes curl and I’m tempted to stay home.
He puts his forehead to mine, his dark hair falling forward like a curtain. “Tell me, Ruby, what would you like me to do to you tonight?”
I can barely speak, blood rushing to my cheeks. My thighs clench together tightly. “You just said you already had a performance in mind for me tonight.” I try for a sassy voice, but it comes out low and husky, instead.
“I definitely do, but I’m nothing if not generous. I’m willing to hear what you’d like. What my Ruby wants, she gets,” he purrs in my ear and I shiver. “I love that you’re so impatient for me. I love that I’m the only one who’s made you feel pleasure. I love that I’m the only one who’s felt you cuming while I’m inside of you.” He takes a shaky breath, stepping away. “I have no self-control when it comes to you, and I’m worried.”
I laugh, loving that John’s eyes slightly soften when I do. “I’ll try to stop being so irresistible,” I say with a teasing smirk, though I’m just as shaken as he is by the attraction we share.
“Impossible,” he smiles, then sobers. “I’m serious, though. I’m afraid of what I’ll do tonight if I see other men hitting on you. Staring at you will be hard enough, but I can’t really blame them. You stand out anywhere you go, but if someone touches you . . .�
�� he spits out that last part, trembling with rage, as if just the thought is enough to make him furious.
“Hey,” I soothe, laying a hand on his arm. “I’ll be okay. You and my father will be there with me the whole night. And I’ll be on stage. I doubt anyone’s going to jump up there and try to grab me in front of everyone.”
“I’ll kill them, Ruby. I won’t hold back.”
He steps away from me and there’s a knock on the door. My father walks in and observes me.
John looks calm and collected as usual and I’m hoping the makeup I’m wearing is enough to cover how flustered I am.
“Lookin’ good, Ruby. Or should I say Amelia? That’s your name for tonight if anyone asks.”
I smile. “Thank you,” I say sincerely.
My dad smiles in return and I’m starting to feel more comfortable around him—it’s nice. I feel safe here. Secure. And I’m wondering what that says about me, that I have adjusted so quickly to a mafia family.
Chapter Ten
When we pull up to the casino, I feel my eyes bulge out of my head. It’s a tall, skyscraper-like building. In the day time, it would be silver, but at night, it’s lit up light blue, and you can see the lights inside, giving off oranges and yellow tones. It looks like the perfect place that sophisticated, business people would go to party. A pretty pond with multiple fountains sits in front of the building, making it look even more beautiful. Also, it makes me wonder just how rich my father is.
When we enter, the casino is boisterous and vibrant. Balla Ragazza means “beautiful girl” in Italian. My Italian roots are something I need to learn more about. I have a feeling it will come in handy considering everyone in the house is Italian to some degree.
The lights are dazzling and vivid. Sounds of money machines echo, followed by some sort of sexy, jazzy instrumental music. Gorgeous crystal chandeliers hang throughout from an abstract, colorful ceiling.
And when I see the stage, my stomach drops, but I also feel excitement bubble up. There’s something about the things I plan to do tonight, with John by my side. The adrenaline rushing through me, makes me feel alive. John makes me feel alive.
And confident.
He always treats me like royalty he’s barely worthy of, and I wish he saw himself in a better light. No one has ever managed to make me feel so seen.
I look over at him now. His eyes are surveying the room and his fists are clenched at his sides and I know he’s ready for anything. Ready to throw down at any moment, not missing any detail.
My dad motions me backstage, and John moves to sit at a table, throwing back a shot of whiskey like its a glass of warm milk. He slouches in his seat, leaning on an elbow, and his long legs are spread. He looks so delicious like that, his strong jaw so sharp along with his caved in cheekbones. Sometimes, when my fingers run along the contours of his face, I fear my hands will come away bleeding after touching him. Everything about him screams danger.
All the women in the casino glance at him, and I know they’re curious about him. The brooding, dark bad boy. His body is rough and tough and poised to fight and do . . . other things, and the women here sense it. And I hate that I want to throat punch them all and stake my claim on him in front of everyone.
The strong feelings I have toward John terrify me. But then, I see my father nodding to the stage again, indicating I need to get my ass up there. My internal crisis over John will have to wait for now.
My father glowers at me while I walk and I know this is part of the act. He can’t very well come backstage with me, give me a hug, and wish me luck. Treating me like the floozy entertainment is the plan and I almost think that’s better for my nerves.
I walk up the stairs in my fancy flats, finding the sound of their clicking soothing. Liz had frowned when I chose the practical shoes, wondering why I wouldn’t have chosen something more fitting with my outfit. I’d told her I wasn’t trying to break my neck tonight in front of all these people.
I may be able to sing, but dancing and anything to do with coordination was another story.
When I get to my spot behind the curtain, I take a moment to myself, alone, to catch my breath and hype myself up. Then, the announcer’s voice booms through the speakers calling for “Amelia, The Great.” I snort to myself.
Great name, dad, I think. Real original.
Then, the curtain moves and suddenly I’m on stage. My eyes squint at the bright lights. My body’s numb and I can barely recall how I’ve made it this far.
But then I remember my earlier confidence and straighten my back. I walk to the microphone with an extra sway to my hips. I hear some catcalls and whistles and I’m thankful for all the makeup on my face. No one can see me blush.
The low beat of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes starts and the music calls to me. It’s a little different than the original version with more of a jazzy vibe, going with the flow of the casino. My shoes click on the stage as I tap my foot, moving my hips. I close my eyes tilting my head back, trying to appear seductive.
The first lyrics flow from my mouth, low, raspy and sexy. I want my voice to hypnotize tonight. I want it to slide into these consumers’ ears like a siren’s song. Something they’ll miss when they leave, giving them all the more reason to come back. I want them to swallow my performance like a glass of fine liquor that’s been aged to perfection.
I see John’s eyes widen and if I weren’t performing I’d run to him and devour his body with kisses. John never shows much emotion, so that subtle show warms me to the bone. Again, he’s giving me confidence by barely doing anything at all, and I start moving around the stage like all entertainers do, and I feel the entire club’s eyes on me.
I sensually run a hand over my breast, then down my stomach and hip. My knees bend as I slowly rock my hips back and forth.
The crowd starts again with their catcalls and I notice more and more cash filling the tip jar.
When the song is finally over, there’s a fine sheen of sweat glistening on my skin, but the adrenaline pumping through my blood makes me feel like I’m on top of the world and I never want to lose this memory. Right now, at this exact moment, things are perfect. No one's life is perfect by any means—people struggle with issues outsiders will never see, but there are these moments, infinitesimal moments, that are perfect, if only for a second.
As the crowd roars, John stays sitting in his chair and our gazes lock. He reminds me of a Greek God: dressed impeccably, his face proportioned perfectly, looking as if it’s carved from stone. He looks so dangerous, but his expression says he’s impressed. Such a contradicting statement that could only be described as John. I’m smiling so wide. I bow my head and raise my arms, blowing a kiss to some of the more eager men in the audience.
I walk backstage and I see my dad give me a slight smile, but I can see the pride in his eyes even though he can’t speak to me in public. He told me he wouldn’t take any more chances than he already was tonight by showing me any sort of affection. Showing any special interest in me would be the wrong move.
A tall man with a dark buzz cut comes close to me. “Well, hello there,” he purrs, reaching for my hand to place a kiss on it, and I try not to cringe too hard.
“You were so beautiful out there. I’ve never seen a better entertainer.” He has a slight accent, and I’m pretty sure he’s Russian.
His eyes barely leave my cleavage as he talks. “Would you want to come back to my place tonight? I promise I could make you sing like that, but with pleasure.”
“Belkov, get the fuck away from her unless you’d like to swallow a bullet.” John’s voice sounds like it came from my nightmares and he stands in front of me. I hadn’t even seen him coming.
I glance around the casino and people are starting to stare. When I see my dad narrow his eyes at us and act like he’s going to intervene, I plaster a smile on my face, and subtly shake my head at him. I’m hoping it’ll keep him away, but he walks over anyway.
I tug at John’s slee
ve to warn him that my dad’s coming, but Belkov notices me staring.
He turns to my father with a slimy smile on his face. “I was just telling John here how much I enjoyed the new entertainment tonight. I was wondering how much you’d be willing to sell her for?”
Nausea roils in my stomach and I’m sure my face looks just as appalled.
“You know we don’t sell women here, Belkov. You’ll have to go somewhere else for that.”
“Ah, but I was willing to pay good money for a lady such as Amelia,” he enunciates my name and my father tilts his head to the side, his eyes dark with fury. John’s visibly angry as he stares at Belkov and I’m not sure why this man walked in here tonight, deciding this was the night he would die. Because the way he’s blatantly pissing John and my father off is a sure sign that tonight will be his last.
“You want me to silence him, Boss?” John asks, his voice low.
Belkov’s eyes widen, and he speaks before my dad can. “Alright, alright,” he says, raising his hands as if to say he’s done. “I’ll be leaving, then. Thanks for your hospitality.” He gives us a knowing smile that terrifies me and walks away.
I watch him as he goes, and feel my shoulders sag in relief. John and my father stay tense, however.
“Take Ruby to the private room, I’m going to get Todd’s crew of soldiers to follow Belkov out, Luca will meet you there and I’ll let you know when you can leave,” my father says quickly and quietly.
John nods and grabs my arm, leading me through the casino.
I want to ask John if things will be alright, or at least ask him to lie to me and tell me that we’re safe, but I’m not that stupid.
I focus on his scent—the whiskey mixed with his heady cologne, and take a deep inhale.
We enter a darkened hallway, out of sight, and when my eyes adjust, I see the outline of a door. John’s grip on my arm tightens and he quickens his strides so much that I’m struggling to keep up. When he realizes he’s practically dragging me, he lifts me up in one fluid motion, bridal style. Then, he’s almost running to the door.