by Ella Jade
“I look forward to it.”
Chapter Three
Stay...
Santino
When Art pulled in front of my new house on my parents’ estate, Dominick stood on my porch waiting for me. My house was the last to be built. Since Sal and Hayden had recently gotten married, we put my construction on hold while theirs was being built. My mother was thrilled that all five of her sons were back on the property.
“You can put the car in the main garage,” I told Art. “I’m in for the evening.”
“Sure thing,” he said.
“I’m going to take Luca to the winery tomorrow night. I’ll let you know what time.” I got out of the passenger side. “Have a good night.”
“You too.” My old friend and protector backed out of the driveway and made his way to the garage a few minutes down the road. We stored all of our SUVs in the massive space, allowing us to park our personal cars in front of our houses.
“Did you get Luca home safely?” Dominick asked as I approached the porch.
“Yeah.”
“Was she agreeable?”
I’d say so. That kiss was... “Why do you ask?”
“She doesn’t seem like the kind of girl who likes to be looked after. She does what she wants.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I did a little digging.”
“Why?”
“Because you went after Bobby Loco like a fucking pit bull. Luca’s caught your eye and she works closely with Vince. I needed to make sure she’s not going to be an issue.”
“Is she?” Once Dominick was in private investigator mode there was no stopping him. “What did your search turn up?”
“Not much.”
“That’s good.”
“She likes men like us.”
“What does that mean?”
“She has a history of dating men who don’t always follow the rules.” He leaned against the railing. “Mostly small time guys. The ones that want to be part of something bigger but are too sleazy to gain the trust of any of the prominent families.”
“Wannabe mobsters?”
“At least three have turned up in my search. She doesn’t stay with them for long and I can’t say if they were serious relationships but judging from tonight the woman does have a penchant for darker men.”
“But you don’t think she’s a threat to us?”
“No but if she taunts you that could be a problem.”
“Taunts me?”
“You can’t lose your temper the way you did tonight. Doing something like that in such a public place isn’t the smartest idea.”
“That wasn’t her fault. What was I supposed to do? Let him get away with assaulting her?”
“No but there were better ways to get your point across. You have to keep your temper in check if you want to work with Dad. You can’t draw that kind of attention to the family.”
“You’re right.” I acted on impulse when I saw Bobby put his hands on Luca. “I didn’t think it through.”
“I’m not saying you shouldn’t have defended her but you have to be smart about it. We can’t get caught up in public brawls. Not with everyone carrying a camera in their pocket. People are waiting for one of us to make a mistake. We have to be careful.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s handled.” He glanced at his watch. “Gia is sleeping at the main house. I promised I’d read her a story and tuck her in.”
“Tell her Uncle Santino loves her.” We all adored Dominick’s six-year old daughter. There wasn’t one Marchelli brother that wasn’t wrapped around that kid’s finger.
“I will.”
As Dominick headed down the path to the main house, I took a seat on the steps of the porch. Gazing up at the full moon on this crisp autumn evening, I thought about what he had said about Luca. Was she a danger magnet? Did she agree to go out with me because of my last name? Did I care?
If it was a darker man she craved, it wouldn’t take me long to show her she hadn’t met anyone like me before.
LUCA
Sitting across from Santino at the most sought after winery in the state, drinking expensive wine while we waited for a fantastic meal was more than I could have anticipated when I ran into him last night. I’d been around guys like him my whole life. Growing up in my neighborhood, it couldn’t be helped. It seemed like all of them wanted to be in the mob.
When I applied to work for Vincenzo, I had no idea who the Marchelli family was. When my mother found out who I was working for, she filled me in on their family history. There was even some documentary about their winery that alluded to their other family business. A little research told me they were the real deal when it came to organized crime. The funny thing was none of them played the part. The idiots in my neighborhood always boasted about their illegal activities and who they worked for and what they did for their employers.
The Marchelli brothers weren’t your typical mobsters. Vincenzo and Santino were attorneys. Salvatore was in charge of this fabulous winery. Dominick and Gianni ran a successful construction company and were expanding all over the country. If they were dark, dangerous, and illegal they hid it well. I guess that was the point. That was what set them apart from the men I knew. They didn’t get caught because they stayed under the radar.
“Which one do you like better?” When Santino reached for my hand, I noticed the tattoo peeking out of the sleeve of his shirt. “The house blend or the Wedding Special?”
“They’re both delicious.” I sipped the house blend again, taking in the flavor it left on my palate. “This one is sweeter. It has a hint of blueberry in it.”
“That’s Sal’s favorite.”
“Why is this one called the Wedding Special?” I pointed to the other glass filled with a delightful wine.
“Sal and Hayden got married in Italy last month.”
“Vince showed me pictures. That must have been an amazing time for all of you.”
“It was a wonderful family event. The bride and groom didn’t want to get married here at the winery because neither of them would be able to relinquish control and enjoy themselves. My mother suggested they do it at our villa in Milan. It was incredible.”
“You have a home in Milan?”
“Yes, it’s gorgeous. My parents go as often as they can. My grandmother is there now. My mom, dad, and my niece, Gia, will be joining her in a few weeks.”
“Italy is on my bucket list.”
“Your bucket list?” He tilted his head to the side. “Aren’t you like twenty-five?”
“Yes.”
“What else is on that list?”
“It’s really just to see more of the world. I hardly ever leave New York.” I shrugged. “My father lives in Florida with his wife. I visit every couple years.”
“I love to travel. I was fortunate enough to do it most of my life. My mother doesn’t like to stay put for long so she was always packing us up and taking us around the world.”
“How lucky.”
“Any other aspirations?”
“Law school.”
“Really?”
“Don’t look so surprised. Did you think I wanted to be your brother’s assistant forever?” Not that working for Vincenzo wasn’t a dream but I took the job after I graduated college so I could save for law school. I just haven’t had the nerve to make that leap yet.
“I’m not surprised. I think you’ll make a fabulous attorney.” He sipped his wine. “What are you waiting for?”
“Something always seems to stop me. Now that I’m getting older, it’s difficult to justify leaving a good paying job with health insurance and a boss that I adore and who treats me with so much respect.”
“Why do you have to leave?”
“Law school is a huge commitment. I need to mentally prepare myself for the work.”
“Have you spoken to Vincenzo about this? I’m sure he would work with you.”
“No, other than my mother, y
ou’re the only person I’ve told.” Why had I told him? “It’s more of a dream than anything. I’m not ready to take the next step.”
“Don’t wait too long.” He drew small circles on the inside of my wrist. “You don’t strike me as a woman who backs down. Don’t let anything stop you.”
I placed my hand on his sleeve, curious about the tattoo. “How far does this ink go?”
“All the way up my arm.” He unbuttoned the cuff of his dress shirt and raised it over his large forearm. “This one is new.”
“It’s stunning.” I ran my fingertips along the intricate letter M, observing the Roman Numeral five.
“It’s the Marchelli crest. Nadia designed it and all of my brothers have one. The only difference is the number. It indicates our birth order.”
“Even Vincenzo?”
“Even Vincenzo.” When he laughed, I realized how much I liked that sound. “He was the hold out but somehow Dominick convinced him to do it. His is on the back of his shoulder.”
“I’m shocked.” My boss was the picture of professionalism. Not that having a tattoo made him less of a formidable attorney but he was so meticulous and clean-cut. “You learn something new every day.”
“Nadia really likes it, so I think he’s happy he went along with the rest of us.”
“How’s the wine tasting going?” Sal approached our table. “I hear you’ve narrowed it down to two.”
“It’s not an easy task.” I let go of Santino’s arm when his older brother stopped by our table, noting how handsome he was. “Santino was explaining the meaning of the tattoos.”
“Ah, yes. That was my first and probably last tattoo outing.” Sal patted his upper arm. “It was an experience.”
“They are addictive.” Santino pulled down his sleeve and buttoned it.
“Yes, well, I’ll leave the ink to you, Dominick, and Gianni from now on.” Sal motioned toward the wine. “Is it going to be the house blend or the Wedding Special?”
“They’re both spectacular,” I said. “I can’t choose.”
“Santino?” Sal asked. “Hayden is preparing a fabulous meal. Either one of these will pair nicely.”
“Let’s go with the house blend.” Santino winked at me. “Luca is partial to that one.”
“Excellent choice, Luca. You know your wine.” Sal nodded. “That’s my favorite one.”
“Will I get to meet Hayden?” I had been to the Marchelli estate for a Christmas party and when Vincenzo and Nadia got engaged but that was before Sal had met Hayden, the newest Marchelli bride.
“She’s in the zone right now. I don’t dare bother her when she’s cooking,” Sal said. “But I’m sure she’ll come out and say hello when she can.”
“Tell her that her favorite brother-in-law is here.” Santino grinned. “That will get her out of the kitchen.”
“Gianni’s here?” Sal asked as he looked around. “I didn’t know he was coming.”
“Very funny.” Santino pointed to the wine cellar. “Go get us a bottle of the house blend.”
“Enjoy your dinner.” Sal squeezed my shoulder. “Good luck putting up with him.”
“Thanks for the warning.” I waved as he left the table. “He’s so cute.”
“Sal is nothing like the rest of us. He’s very unique and marches to the beat of his own drum. It’s kind of refreshing.”
“You mean he doesn’t come with a warning label?”
“You think I do?” His brown eyes seemed darker in the dim lighting as he stared at me. I couldn’t see his pupils. I hadn’t noticed that before but it was kind of sexy.
“You're intense.”
“Hmm...I thought I was rather relaxed with you.” He set a piece of bread on his plate. “You haven’t seen my intense side.”
“Last night at the bar wasn’t intense?”
“That was my temper.”
“Remind me never to make you mad.”
“I have a feeling I’m not the only one with the hot-blooded Italian temper at this table. I saw the rage in your eyes when Bobby put his hands on you.”
“I’m no one’s victim.”
“I believe that.” He glanced over my shoulder. “Dominick?”
“Huh?” I turned around to find the oldest Marchelli sibling heading our way. “Your brother.”
“What are you doing here?” Santino asked. “Everything okay?”
“Hello, Luca.” Dominick greeted me. “Would you mind if I borrowed my brother for a few minutes?”
“Of course not.”
“We won’t be long.” Santino stood from the table. “If Sal gets back with the wine before me pour yourself a glass.”
“Sure.”
I took my phone from my bag and scrolled through my messages as Dominick and Santino left the dining area. I rolled my eyes when I saw my mother had left three messages wondering how things were going with Santino. She had been so disappointed when Vincenzo married Nadia. Not that she didn’t think Nadia wasn’t perfect but she had not-so-secretly hoped that I ended up with Vince. We never had anything more than a professional relationship but I had come to consider him a good friend. My mother did nothing to hide her pleasure over me having dinner with Santino.
“Hi.” An attractive woman in a white jacket approached my table with a bottle of wine. “You must be Luca.”
“You’re Hayden.” I extended my hand.
“What gave it away?” She shook my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Well, you are dressed like a chef but I recognized you from your wedding pictures and those beautiful magazine spreads you and Sal do. You’re more stunning in person.”
“I like you.” She opened the bottle of wine and poured me a glass. “Where is Santino?”
“With Dominick.”
“Oh, summoned away?”
“Does that happen often?”
“In the Marchelli family, I’m afraid so. You’ll have to get used to that.” She placed the bottle on the table. “I find drinking good wine helps.”
“They are an unusual bunch.”
“They are but they would do anything for you. They’re fabulous people.”
“You’re part of those people.” I glanced at her huge diamond ring. “Congratulations on your recent wedding. You and Sal make an adorable couple.”
“Thank you.” She beamed when she spoke of her husband. “He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love being married to him.”
“I’m sure he’d say the same about you.”
“He better.” She giggled. “I hope you enjoy your dinner.”
“I can’t wait. It smells so good in here.”
“Here is my favorite brother-in-law.”
“I told Sal I was your favorite.” Santino kissed her cheek. “How are you, beautiful?”
“I’m well but I have to get back to the kitchen,” Hayden said. “I wanted to say hello.”
“It was wonderful meeting you.” I stood and hugged her. “Thanks for the wine.”
“Enjoy.” Hayden looked to Santino. “Be on your best behavior.”
“Always.” Santino shook his head as Hayden went back to the kitchen. “She’s awesome.”
“She’s so pretty.” When I sat back down, Santino stood in front of me looking less relaxed than a few minutes ago. “Is everything okay with Dominick?”
“There’s a legal problem that needs my immediate attention.”
“Like right now?”
“I’m afraid so. My father has requested my assistance.”
Was he seriously standing here telling me the date was over? “We’re leaving?”
“I’m leaving.” He reached for my hand. “You can stay and have dinner. Hayden would be really disappointed if you didn’t. I’ll arrange to have Art take you home when you’re done.”
“You want me to eat alone?”
“I’m sorry.” He brought my knuckles to his lips. “It’s my father and I have to go.”
Dominick lingered on the oth
er side of the room, waiting for Santino. Hayden’s words came back to haunt me. You’ll have to get used to that.
“I’ll make this up to you.” He leaned down and whispered into my ear. “I promise.”
“That’s not going to be necessary.” I stared into his eyes. “Your brother is waiting.”
“Don’t be mad at me.” He gently kissed my cheek. “I’ll call you later.”
When I sipped from my wine glass, I effectively ended the conversation. Without another word Santino was gone, proving he wasn’t any different from any other guy I had dated. The difference tonight was I’d be eating my dinner and drinking my wine alone instead of trying to figure out how to end the evening as politely as possible.
The only problem? I didn’t want this evening to end so quickly. I wanted him to stay.
Chapter Four
I’ll work harder...
Santino
After leaving the main house, Dominick, Gianni and I walked back toward our houses. Our moods were somber. There was trouble brewing among the rival families and our father wanted to stay out of it. His allies weren’t happy. They thought he should stand with them.
“I’ll be the one to say it,” I said. “The old man is wrong.”
“You come to one meeting and you’re an expert?” Gianni shoved his hands in his pockets. “He knows what he’s doing.”
“He’s backing down,” I insisted. “I don’t understand how he worked so hard to create this empire and he wants to walk away.”
“He’s had enough,” Gianni said. “He’s tired.”
“He’s not that old. He has years left in him. He can take charge and stop these rival groups from rising.” I admired my father but his decision to retire bothered me. He was both feared and respected all over the country. If this were a few years ago, no one would have tried to take over the city. Now there were too many people in a position to take what my father and his allies had spent decades building.
“That would require an all-out war. None of us want that,” Gianni insisted. “The cost is too high.”
“Why are you so quiet?” I asked Dominick. “If Dad retires, it’s all yours.”
“Maybe I don’t want it.” Dominick ran his hand along his jaw. “Maybe Dad is right. It’s time to get out of this business. He’s been waiting years to make his move. Now might be the time.”