Ciao Bella

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  Bella wasn’t stupid, she was an observer, and she had great gut instincts. Unlike her cousin Pina who got involved with one of Costano’s heavies and wound up knocked around and stuck in an abusive marriage. Brando seemed like such a nice guy, wealthy, he carried himself well, and who would have known he was into bad things including an illegal escort business which was basically a prostitution ring?

  At the time all around her Bella knew women, young ones like herself, who fell for the guy tossing large bills around and acting like a big shot. She enjoyed working out and reading her novels. She didn’t trust many people, and they really had to prove themselves to her to even get the opportunity to share her time. Which was why at twenty-four she was still a virgin.

  She started to place down the orders of food to the men sitting at one of the tables in her section.

  “This is my favorite,” Johnny said.

  “You say that every time you order it,” his friend Pierce replied. Their other two friends, Brian and Eddy, chuckled. “Bella, can you tell the man to order something different next time?” Brian said to her about Johnny.

  She placed her hands on her hips and noticed their eyes all went to her chest. She was well endowed, and the blouse her father had insisted as a uniform was not exactly made for that. “Eventually he’ll venture onto something else that will catch his eye.” She smiled.

  They all looked at her with interest, but she was used to that. Since before the restaurant opened she had multiple men asking her out and the whole ménage thing was super scary. Plus her father forbid it. He was old school when it came to her but not her brothers.

  “When are you off from work, Bella? We’d love to hang out some time,” Eddy asked her.

  “I appreciate the offer, but I work all the time, and when I am off I rest and catch up on things. I need to get moving. Another round of drinks?” she asked, raising one of her eyebrows up as she glanced at their empty and half-full glasses.

  “Sure thing, doll,” Brian said, and as she turned to walk away she heard Johnny. “Ease off of her, man, she’s shy,” he said and she couldn’t help but to smile. Despite how flirty they were, they remained polite and respectful. Unlike that one guy she saw last night on her way back from her run. She decided not to take the field that connected to the development where her house was and instead took the roadway. She had sensed someone was watching her, and she caught the guy twice in the last two weeks hanging around. She didn’t say a word to her father or brothers, nor to the many law enforcement officers that now frequented the place. Bella didn’t want to be seen as weak and in need of protection. It was bad enough that her family was so overprotective of her.

  That was one of the reasons why she wanted to take the self-defense training and also continue her training in martial arts. Back in New York, she had learned a lot but under the radar. Her family thought she was going to yoga and cardio classes when really she was going to kick boxing and Jujitsu classes. She was itching to continue, but work got in the way and then the trouble her family had in New York. Once they sold the place in Brooklyn, they put that trouble and danger behind them. There was no avoiding the loan sharks, the criminal dirt bags that totally played her father and made him fall into a debt that wasn’t even his. She sighed and felt that pain in her chest, then gasped as she walked right into what felt like a brick wall. Her face hit flannel, the smell of an enticing cologne simultaneously with the feel of big strong arms holding her steady. She looked up. Way up into dark grey eyes, crew cut hair, and a mean expression. “I’m so sorry,” she said and went to step back, but Vincent was walking by with a tray of food. The man, who towered over her big time, pulled her slightly away from Vincent so he could pass. She pushed down on the man’s strong, muscular arms. She knew this guy, Slane McCantry. He had been here before with Niko, one of Angelina’s men.

  “I’m sorry. Please, go ahead.” She stepped out of his way as he released her and smirked as if he could see how intimidated she was of him. She straightened out her shoulders, and his eyes went to her chest because that move of hers made her breasts push forward. God, she hoped he didn’t think she was using her breasts to entice him. Shit. She covered her chest with her hand and quickly hurried away.

  She didn’t know how to handle men in general, and men like that Slane guy, definitely not for your average experienced woman, never mind a virgin like her. Geesh. She exhaled and went back to focusing on the customers and then getting back to the kitchen. This place was a madhouse.

  * * * *

  Slane McCantry kept his eyes on the sexy little brunette, Bella. The woman was gorgeous, and her eyes were absolutely stunning. They practically glowed in a caramel color that was unique. Add in her tan complexion and those thick eyelashes, full lips, and shy demeanor, and Christ, he was hooked. Her body added to her appeal, and he didn’t care for the way several men around town talked about her, and expressed interest, especially in certain attributes she had. Not that him or his brothers were even interested in dating anyone, and never mind around here, or someone so young. Warriorville relationships meant commitments, and with him and his brothers’ jobs, experiences in the military and in the state police, there was no need to add in a woman to be worried about or to have worrying about them. They were involved with a lot of dangerous investigations. They did undercover surveillance on different criminals and gangs and had to travel for a few days here and there because of their jobs. They took on what most married men couldn’t take on, and they didn’t mind it. In the military they were part of a special operations team that went in in the dark, undetected, and on their own. If they got caught or killed then the government denied their existence. They were expendable and living their professional military careers that way eventually flowed over into their personal lives and their second careers. They weren’t state troopers or investigators. They worked through the state police, local departments, and the Texas Rangers. Their jurisdiction was wherever the fuck they decided it had to be in the moment.

  “I see you can’t keep your eyes off of Bella. You ask her out yet?” Sodo Buristoff asked him.

  Slane squinted at him.

  “Why would I ask her out?”

  “You bumped into her on purpose. Trying to make your own introduction, or just feel what’s it like to hold such a beauty in your arms?”

  “That’s not what happened. You got your woman, you focus on her.” Sodo whistled.

  “First of all, I don’t have a woman. None of us do. Old man, you got it bad, I don’t envy you. However, a piece of advice—don’t wait too long to get the courage. That little beauty won’t last long,” Sodo said to him. Slane looked at Sodo. “I thought you were all involved with that hot little redhead from Fayetteville?” Slane asked. Sodo shook his head and then looked away. It seemed to Slane that the mention of that woman—Ally, he thought her name was—struck a bad chord with Sodo.

  “Ahh, so trouble in paradise and now you’re here pushing me to go out with, number one, jail bait and, number two, a woman who would require a commitment. I think we should drop the subject and move on.”

  “Agreed,” he said just as his brothers, Lucky, Vince, and Chord, arrived along with Sodo’s brothers, Track, Gordon, and Century.

  They all shook hands as they joined one another at the large table. Century picked up the menu. “I love this place and the chicken parm dinner is awesome,” he said and Gordon chuckled.

  “You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. It’s all impressive, and this family has been in the business for generations,” Sodo said.

  “Gentlemen, how are we today? My name is Bella and I’ll be your server.”

  Slane locked onto Bella and felt like he got sucker punched in the stomach. Jesus, those eyes, and he wasn’t the only one who stared in appreciation of the woman. He wished he sat where Chord was, inches from that sexy, curvy body, full breasts, thin arms, black dress pants that hugged a perfectly round ass.

  “Good afternoon, Bella. How are you doing
today, doll?” Sodo asked and laid on the flirty tone. She blushed but held her own, like a woman used to being hit on and flirted with constantly.

  “I’m doing well, thank you for asking. So would you gentlemen like to start out with a drink? Perhaps you’re interested in our wine list?” she asked.

  “I’m more of a bourbon guy myself, sweetie, so I’ll take a Jack and Coke if you don’t mind,” Track said to her and licked his lower lip.

  “Sure thing.” She went around the table taking everyone’s drink order. When she got to Slane he couldn’t help but to want to take up more of her time and hear that sexy, raspy little voice of hers. “I was debating between the Rosso cabernet and the J. Lohr. What do you suggest?” he asked her.

  “Both excellent choices. Have you tried the Montepulciano cabernet? That is definitely one of my favorites.”

  “If it’s one of your favorites, then I will definitely try it, Bella. Thank you,” he said very firmly and she stared at him and then took the other orders. When she walked away the low whistles filtered around the table.

  “My God, those eyes of hers are incredible,” Vince said and took a sip from his water glass.

  “Yeah, those stood out the most of all,” Track said and chuckled, so did his brothers.

  “She’s a sweet young woman, so be respectful,” Slane told them a little too firmly. Sodo smirked, but Slane’s brothers immediately looked on guard.

  “Slane here has the hots for her. How about the rest of the McCantry clan?” Sodo asked with a grin.

  “What?” Lucky asked, and he seemed pissed off. One look at his other brothers Vince and Chord, and they had their eyes narrowed and looked ready to rip him a new one. Slane wasn’t going to entertain Sodo’s teasing. Plus, there was no room for any women in their lives so this conversation needed to end here.

  “I got a call this morning from Lucas. There’s an investigation going on and our assistance is needed. After lunch today, we’re going to head to headquarters and go over some things, get a better understanding of the circumstances of this investigation and what our part will be. In fair warning, it has something to do with organized crime and terrorism,” Sodo told them and they sighed, got straight-faced, and knew this would be a dangerous case. As Bella returned with a large tray and all their drink orders, his brothers and their friends weren’t as mouthy as before. She took their food orders, and they smiled cordially and then got down to business.

  * * * *

  It was late when Bella finished up at the restaurant and was working on some bookkeeping in the back room. Her brother Cordero walked in carrying two cordial glasses of Sambuca. She leaned back in the chair at the desk and smiled.

  “What’s this?”

  “Your shift ended hours ago. I thought you were coming in tomorrow morning to work in the office?” he asked and set the two glasses down.

  “That’s the plan now, but not so early considering I stayed so late tonight. I was hoping to get a run in, but now that will have to wait.”

  “It’s not too smart jogging late at night.” She gave him a sideways look.

  “Cool it, Bella, you know we worry and we’re your brothers, you’re our responsibility.”

  “I don’t need to be your responsibility. Besides, as soon as I can squeeze in the time, I’m planning on joining Liz’s place.”

  “You really want to learn martial arts?” he asked then took a sip of the cordial. She had to look away as she answered.

  “It’s always interested me.” Her other brother Ricardo walked into the room along with Frederick.

  “It should since you’re practically a black belt,” he said and she felt her cheeks turn red and her eyes widened. “You know?” she whispered.

  “Duh,” Frederick replied and leaned against the desk she worked at. Ricardo closed the office door and then stood there with his arms crossed over his wide chest. Her brothers were very attractive men. Some of the women around town were already flirting with them, and she believed that Frederick might have explored some action in the last few weeks. She didn’t ask questions because she didn’t want to be pushed toward a man they chose, or God forbid, one her father chose.

  “Does Dad know?” she asked them.

  “No, but why keep it such a secret?” Cordero asked her.

  “Because you know Dad, he would not think it was ladylike or even becoming of me to learn such things. He’s old school. Thinks a man needs to completely protect a woman and that a woman can’t learn to protect herself, even physically.”

  “That isn’t entirely true,” Cordero said to her.

  “Oh really? You think he would be all for me rolling around on mats with men?”

  “I wouldn’t go telling him that,” Frederick told her and chuckled.

  “Could you imagine Dad’s face?” He added and then did an impression of their dad that had all of them chuckling.

  “It might actually bring him a bit of peace of mind, especially when he finally finds out you sneak out of the house to run late at night and early in the morning,” Ricardo said to her and gave her a stern expression.

  “Come on, Ricardo, I would go insane if I didn’t work out. As it is I have been doing some workouts in my bedroom, and it makes no sense. How can I stay sharp on my game and continue improving on my training if I don’t work out at a dojo? It will be fine. You’ll see, Dad won’t ever know.”

  “Don’t go bringing us in on your little secret. The only reason why we’re even discussing this with you right now is because of this town we all moved to. We left a lot behind us,” he added.

  “You mean your friends and big shot status, or Clara?” she teased.

  Ricardo shook his head and looked away. She knew he had a thing for Clara for months and finally one night out at a bar they hooked up. She was a player though.

  “Listen, she isn’t worth your thoughts or should be considered a regret. She wanted you to spend your money on her and show her off at your expense. She was using you for your money.”

  “True,” Cordero said.

  “I know that, but she was hot, and in bed, my God,” he said and Frederick and Cordero chuckled but Bella felt out of the loop.

  “Well that’s really nice. I see where your priorities lie in a committed relationship.” She took another sip of the Sambuca.

  “Ahhh come on, Bella. I was joking, well partially, but you have to understand that there are certain women men just seem to go after.”

  “Easy ones.” She glared at him.

  “Listen, boys pursue women differently then real men. The older, more seasoned they are, the more they expect from a woman and right off the bat. You remember that,” he warned her.

  “Me remember that? I don’t date and I certainly don’t give up anything to random, older, seasoned men with experience, like you describe.”

  “Well considering the ones that have frequented the restaurant and always seem to have their eyes on you, I wouldn’t be so sure,” Frederick said to her.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” she asked.

  “It means watch your ass, and especially around these crazy soldiers. They expect discipline and compliance, and they share their women. One wrong move, wrong decision, and you’ll be the gossip of town. A woman who spread her legs for multiple men who only used her and then dumped her. Can’t take back an orgy,” Cordero added. Her jaw dropped and she gasped, but then they chuckled.

  “He’s screwing with you. It seems pretty standard that any relationships around here last. That a commitment like a ménage is pretty intense.”

  “Holy shit, could you imagine Dad if that happened to Bella?” Ricardo teased.

  “Christ, he would lose his mind. The Italian slurs would be spewing from his lips for hours,” Frederick said.

  “Well I don’t date, and don’t plan on it anytime soon. I want to try to get a good routine going soon. I want to take some classes and get involved with things in town like the couple of friends I’ve made.”

 
“Like Cassy?” Frederick asked.

  She smiled. “Ahhh, so Cassy caught your eye, huh?” She asked and smiled wide. When Frederick looked at Cordero and Ricardo, her jaw dropped.

  “Oh my God, are you three thinking of checking out the ménage thing, and with Cassy? Holy God she will pass out.” She shook her head. She couldn’t believe it.

  “Slow down there, sis, no one said anything about pursuing a ménage,” Frederick said, but he couldn’t look her in the eyes. She wasn’t going to push. Her brothers were a bit older than her, and in their thirties where she was twenty-four, and the ten-year gap between them made them act more like fathers sometimes. She didn’t mind though. They were all pretty close, and very protective.

  “Mom and Dad like Liz and your other friends you made in town, so I don’t think will have a problem with you training at Power House Studios. Why not just fess up?” Cordero asked.

  “We’ll see. I’ve been swamped here, and I really need to work out a schedule. Mom and Dad should consider hiring some other wait staff. It can help give me the time I need to get the office work and bookkeeping done.”

  “I agree. It has been a bit crazy around here which is a good thing. Our combined efforts in the office and behind the bar are crucial to keeping everything running smoothly. Mom and Dad really want this restaurant to be successful. The loved the place in Brooklyn, and it was pretty upsetting that they had to sell out and leave there,” Cordero added.

  “It wasn’t their choice.” Bella said to them.

  They were all quiet this time, and now it was her turn to let them in on the knowledge she had.

  “I know a little bit about what went down. I know that Mr. Punzini was putting the pressure on Dad and forcing his hand for protection from various angles.”

  “What?” Ricardo asked her, seeming shocked.

  “I didn’t let on to knowing about some of the trouble because I didn’t want Dad to worry. He seemed extra concerned for my well-being. Plus, I heard that Tara Smith’s parents were in the hole and would be forced to either sell the store front or they would have to hand over ownership to Mr. Punzini to control as they worked for him. It was pretty upsetting what that man was capable of.”