Mad Max (Chicago Crew)

by Sapphire Knight

  Thaddaeus finally breaks his silence. “This is the beginning to a strong partnership. Many doors will be opened with us being at peace and at the table together.”

  “My Capo agrees. I’ll finish out the task of taking out the entire famiglia lines of the Five as ordered. I’ll remain in Chicago, of course, as the Vendetti seat and acting liaison between you and the Vendetti Empire.”

  “I look forward to doing business with you.” T holds out his hand across the table as he stands. Dante shakes it, repeating the sentiment. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, my wife needs me. Maximillian has the information you’ve been searching for and he can offer some assistance if you require it as well. Until next time.”

  “Next time,” Dante agrees, and we take our seats as the boss leaves us behind. “You have what I need?” he asks, not wasting another moment. I expect he doesn’t enjoy my presence as much as I don’t his.

  I nod and share, “I killed Marco Vittorio. As well as his entire family, bunch of whiny babbling pricks. Should’ve been done long ago.”

  He bristles, which is exactly the opposite of what I was anticipating. “That wasn’t the deal. We agreed to locations and intel.”

  My muscles tighten at his gruff tone. He should be thanking me for doing his dirty work, not getting his knickers in a wad. “We agreed to help you find the locations, as well as hunt the family bloodlines down. I did exactly that. I took one out in good faith towards this deal.”

  “Hm,” he grunts. “No. You killed some Italians without handing over their information and whereabouts first.”

  “Oh bloody hell. I don’t know why you’re getting testy over it. I damn well did your job for you. A little thanks would be appreciated.”

  “You won’t be hearing it from me, ever. I expect you to notify me first when you have Morelli’s location. I want to see him die with my own eyes, not just take your word for it. Things don’t work that way in my famiglia.”

  “Fine. I can pause in my torture or kidnapping and ring you before moving on,” I respond sarcastically. This fella is something else, that much is clear. “I’ve taken out Marco Vittorio, and I have Vincenzo Castelano under my thumb. You’ve killed Nicolosi Lucchese, and you hold the other position at the table. The only one we’re missing is Sammi Morelli, and I have a feeling we’ll have to wait him out before he hints to his whereabouts.”

  “Si, I agree. He’ll keep a low profile until he believes he’s in the clear. If he hears of Vittorio’s death, do you believe he’ll run?”

  “He’s been invited to my wedding. It’ll be extremely disrespectful if he doesn’t show his face. I’m expecting him throughout the festivities at some point, to flex his authority amongst the crew and provoke Joker in the very least. Perhaps it would be smart if you came as well. You’ll be less distracted and can watch for him. We need someone on his tail. I don’t know when we’ll be offered another opportunity like this one.”

  “I can do that. My brother is visiting as well, so he’ll be at the wedding with me. He’s good to have if we do catch Morelli on the move.”

  “Ruthless?” I can’t help but wonder if the elusive Capo dei capi of New York will be extending his presence to Chicago now that we’ve settled on a temporary peace agreement. I’m intrigued by the man so many revere untouchable.

  “Not the Capo, Santino the sixth.”

  I’ve never met him before either. I’ve found out as much as possible about the Vendettis and I know the sixth brother is a soldier for the family. He’s a made man that’s nothing more than his older brother’s dog, taking orders and doing as he’s told. I’ve been there as well, once upon a time. I’m glad that’s over and done with and the only person I answer to is Thaddeus.

  “I’ll make sure you’re both added to the guest list. If I see Sammi Morelli before then, I’ll ring you prior to dismembering him.”

  He nods, his lip twitching into a smirk. I have a feeling this bloke enjoys the torture as much as I do. Now, if we can manage to keep our tempers at bay, we may learn to get along during this hostile takeover. If not, the only answer is war, and I’m trying not to be the blame for staining Chicago crimson.

  The world is full of monsters with

  friendly faces and angels full of scars.

  – Pinterest meme

  “Christo, Isa. You are bellissima, positively radiant, cara.” My mother beams, her face lighting up as she takes me in. She rarely uses the Lord’s name in vain, so I feel the weight of her words. She’s all done up as well and is beautiful. I love when she takes the time to do her makeup and dress up. She reminds me of when she was younger, and it fools me into believing I have her for even longer in my life.

  “Grazie, I love your dress too. The color suits you,” I respond kindly, and she pulls me in for a cautious squeeze. I’ve just left makeup and hair, and gotten my dress, shoes, and veil in place. It’s taken a few hours for all the preparations, but at least I’m confident with what they’ve done. “Is Papa on his way?” I haven’t seen him so far today, and it’s a big deal to have my father at my side today.

  “Yes, your father was checking in with the photographer. We wanted to make sure he would send us the images we requested. I love that you had some less-formal images done earlier and will have more together in your dress and makeup. They will make a lovely memory book. Your father was to come here and escort you to the alter right after.”

  “You have the ceremony sounding more of a sacrifice and not a wedding,” I huff, and she shrugs, not perturbed by my remarks in the slightest. It’s true, though, I suppose, me for the famiglia’s safety. It’s a small price to pay for my parents, and I’m glad I can help in a way. Besides, if I can’t stand the man after exchanging vows, then I’ll divorce him. Even the Catholic church will have to forgive me eventually, since this was a sacrificial wedding.

  Rather than the traditional setup in many venues, where the bride and groom areas are far apart, my hall meets with the groom’s. He won’t be waiting for me at the end of an altar either. This stubborn Brit insisted that he walk the aisle with me to make a powerful statement, and of course, Joker backed him up on it. At this point, I’m going with the flow to get this over without causing a scene in front of every single famiglia member I possess. Even on such short notice, my mama and nonna managed to pull off a massive wedding.

  My father helps me along as the group of influential gangsters mirror us down the opposite side of the hallway. Joker is at my fiancé’s side, as they’re usually stuck together. The other men behind them are from Joker’s crew. It’s their own tightknit gang. I don’t mean in the trivial sense when I say gang either. They’re the old-school real deal that run the streets. They have people shaking in their boots if they cross paths. I just hope they aren’t rude to my family and coworkers. That’d be embarrassing.

  I should respect their authority, yet I don’t…much. I hail from the Castelano famiglia, one of the formidable Five Famiglias of Chicago. It sickens me that the title used to hold such merit here, yet the Vendettis come into the city and wreak havoc on it all. If it weren’t for the easterners, my father would still be in his rightful place, and I wouldn’t be wearing a wedding dress at the moment.

  “Mr. Morelli, Mr. Macintosh,” my father greets respectfully and acknowledges the other men surrounding him as well.

  “Maximillian,” I say, feeling a bit feral inside at the moment. I know the broody male thinks he’s about to own me, but he’s got another think coming if he doesn’t realize I’m his equal in this marriage.

  I tilt my head upwards to meet his penetrating gaze after scanning over him in the lavish ebony tux. He’s spoiled enough, I’d bet on it costing close to the amount of my gown. The mob has made him an extraordinarily rich henchman. I’m not surprised his loyalty is so fierce, it’s obviously cost a lot to buy it.

  His bright eyes peer all the way into my soul it seems. The intensity makes me swallow, my throat seemingly dry suddenly. His dirty blond locks glisten underneath the w
ell-lit hallway LEDs, and I can’t help but notice how different we are in appearance. We’re opposites in every sense of the word, even in our clothes today. I’m dark to his light, I’m curvy to his cut, I’m short to his tall…yet we seem to have stubbornness in spades between the both of us. He’s so damn sexy all made up in solid black, that I want to lock my thighs around his throat and choke him. He’s controlling all right, but I’ve always held my own life in the palm of my hand. It won’t be changing with the addition of his last name being added to mine.

  “Mm,” he hums, his gaze taking me in slowly. It’s a caress I can feel all the way down to my toes. Eventually, he holds his palm up to me and I place mine in his. His stride is wide, powerful, and full of purpose. I nearly jog to keep up, yet you’d never know because I pull it off flawlessly with my long gown. I probably look like I’m floating alongside the dominate presence next to me. He’s a chump if he believes I’ll ever look a fool at his side. He may stare below at me due to his height, but I still manage to look down my nose his way.

  Father Robert goes through with the traditional ceremony, per my parents’ request. Before I know it, I’m a married woman. I wish I could claim being linked to Max doesn’t make me feel any differently, but that’s not true. He places his lips on mine and the next glance I take of him, standing shoulder to shoulder, I feel stronger. Not only am I a princess of the Five Famiglias, but I’m also wife to Maximillian Macintosh, the Joker’s henchman. When people look at me, they won’t see a weak woman stuck in the Mafia lifestyle; they’ll regard me as a powerful bitch with a lot of people at my back.

  I’m Ismerlda Castelano Macintosh, and I’m here to take my rightful place—a powerful one.

  It’s a bit difficult to keep my eyes off Ismerlda, as she’s a vision. However, whether this is my wedding or not, I have business to take care of. I nod the moment I root out Sammi Morelli amongst the room full of guests. Dante and I’d agreed it’d be a simple way for me to acknowledge the prick without tipping Morelli off. The daft fucker is none the wiser and pays far too much attention to the hired escort at his side. He’s gotten lax in his ways, used to being the most powerful bloke in the room. That’s no longer the case with Thaddaeus and Dante in the building as well, and he’ll soon be the wiser.

  Dante meets my stare, slipping farther into the hallway while his younger brother remains. Not as many people are familiar with the younger Vendetti faces and wouldn’t realize if they were standing next to them or not. Dante and his older brothers are another story altogether, as they’ve been feared across the country from the debts they’ve collected and the lives they’ve taken. Their ways could keep up with mine, and I don’t admit as much too easily.

  “You’re handling business at our wedding, aren’t you?” Ismerlda quietly asks from beside me, accusation lacing her tone. She’s perceptive, both a positive and negative trait in this life.

  “You have family and friends here. Surely, you must want to visit with them?” I suggest and watch those gorgeous dark eyes of hers roll with irritation. I find it amusing, but keep the thought to myself. She’s always offering up so much emotion, I wonder if she realizes it.

  “You’re unbelievable. I swear this better not be a bloody wedding. I will never forgive you for it if you traumatize my nonna.”

  “You’re safe, darling. Always,” I reply absently, keeping Sammi in my peripheral vision. I can’t lose him. He’s too important to Joker, and that means something to me.

  “Why don’t I go speak to Mr. Morelli and break the ice for you? It’s who you’ve been staring at, after all, isn’t it?”

  “You should be worrying about our wedding today, not who I may or may not be paying attention to. And no, I don’t want you anywhere near that disease of a man.”

  “Whatever. When we get to the apartment, I’m moving into the other room. I’ll sleep alone from now on. I’m over this.”

  She catches me off guard, pulling my full attention to her and off the future dead man. “The flat has our room and a spare. You aren’t changing beds. Stop this nonsense. You’re behaving like an insolent child who isn’t getting everyone’s admiration at once.”

  Her brows shoot up. “Was that an order? I’m not one of your crew you can boss around. I thought you understood as much.”

  I’m beginning to think she’s looking to fight with me regardless, at this rate. With a huff, I shake my head. “You move out of the damn room and I’ll burn the godforsaken building down. The attitude isn’t cute on you, lovey, so shake it off.”

  Her mouth pops open momentarily, then a loud giggle escapes her. My shoulders instantly relax with the sound. She’s positivity adorable when she laughs like that, but I keep the sentiment to myself, not wanting to distract her from the change in her demeanor. I can be around a pleasant Ismerlda for any amount of time. It’s when she pokes at me that I need a breather so I don’t choke her and regret it later.

  I tug her into my chest, the move unlike me, especially around people. Public affection isn’t my forte, but then neither is intimacy in general—only sex. With her pressed up to my chest, I glance behind her to the spot I last saw Morelli in. Only now he’s gone. I swiftly scan the rest of the room to find him nothing more than a godforsaken ghost. He’s disappeared without a trace, and I was foolishly distracted by the spicy beauty in my arms to be keeping watch.

  I pull back, clutching her biceps as I meet her sparkling irises. “Go visit and enjoy yourself. I need to speak with someone immediately.” She starts to protest and I interrupt. “This is part of what it means to be married to me, Ismerlda. I’ll always have business to handle. This is my life and now yours as well.”

  She doesn’t like it, but her lips twist into a serious expression. She concedes, “I’ll thank the guests for our gifts and their attendance. Go, handle what you need to.”

  “Brilliant.” I squeeze her arms in approval and take my leave. I search the guests for Dante, his brother, Morelli, and the few others who knew about our plan for today. I’m silently cursing myself as I text each of them and don’t receive an immediate reply in return. Patience isn’t my strong suit.

  “What is it?” Thaddaeus asks as he approaches, his tone gruff from tension. “You’re looking a little more insane than usual, Max. You have me worried as to what you’re up to and if we’ll need to clean up bodies afterward. Explain.”

  With a devilish grin, I wave his worry off and lean in so we’re not overheard by prying ears. “The mark has left the room and possibly the building. I’m a bloody fucking ripe arsehole to lose sight of him, you don’t have to mention it. I know you want to kill him, but I may carve the fella up by the time I get my hands on him at this rate. He deserves to hurt for all the trouble we’ve gone through.”

  “You’ll get stains on your new threads, relax. Dante and his brother are on Uncle’s tail.”

  “I chose a solid ebony tux for a reason,” I offer a twisted smirk. “Let’s follow. We can stop off and pick up a chainsaw on the way.” We’ve been hunting this fucker long enough; it’s time he realized nobody gives a fuck about Sammi Morelli.

  Joker’s chuckle is low and just as wicked as mine. He rarely ever smiles; it tends to wig pricks out. “A chainsaw, eh? Your ideas never cease to disturb me, and that’s more fucked-up than I like to admit to. You’re a sociopath, Max, but it’s one of the many things I enjoy most about you.”

  I’d have agreed with him in the past, but Ismerlda has me feeling things I don’t normally bother paying any mind to. Jealousy, for example. What in the bloody hell is that emotion I’ve picked up? It’ll only get more people killed, and for her, I wouldn’t lose any sleep over massacring whomever she taunts me with. “You think that’s deranged…you don’t want to know what was going through my mind when I caught Ismerlda with a man in my apartment. It took every bit of self-control I possessed to quickly kill him and not burn his bitter face off his skull minute after minute in front of her.”

  “She’s your wife now. Surely, you
won’t have to worry about another man again. Unless you two come to some sort of agreement. It’s not uncommon in this life. All that mattered to me was we have her father’s vote to drive Sammi out of hiding. It’s worked so far. Now you can do as you wish with her.”

  We end up at the bar, tossing shots back. “I’d kill my own brother if he touched her,” I threaten, and T’s brows shoot up. He wasn’t expecting me to want her, to keep my wife at the end of all this, but so far I plan to. I’m having a tough enough time imagining her sleeping in another room, let alone not having her at all. “Let’s go. I don’t want those Vendettis having all the fun without us.”

  “This is one situation I’ll relish taking care of,” he agrees. The others notice us heading for the exit and fall in behind Thaddaeus. We’re his crew, and wherever he goes, we’re not far behind. I cast a quick glance at Ismerlda, but she’s wrapped up in conversation with an older woman, oblivious to us leaving, thankfully. This is business, but on our wedding day, even I can realize it’s asking a lot out of her. Maybe not so much since this isn’t a real marriage, but who knows, women can be fickle.

  Andre swiftly grabs the car, and I slide in with him while the others ride with T. I’m assuming he knows where we’re going because that arsehole prick Dante hasn’t gotten back to me yet. I’ve stabbed people for less. “Follow T,” I order, and Andre nods, increasing speed. Thaddaeus drives like a maniac. Probably why Dillion usually carts his arse around.

  I send another message to Dante asking where the bloody hell he is and if he has Morelli yet. The fucker needs to answer his mobile before I end up shooting someone in frustration. This wasn’t supposed to be a bloodstained day, yet it’s quickly looking like that won’t be the case. At least I didn’t ruin my wife’s wedding ceremony. She should be grateful of that at least.