Empire

by Rachel Van Dyken

  I rolled my eyes. “Very funny.”

  “Sergio, girls look at you and see physical perfection. It’s intimidating. Don’t make it harder for her than it’s already going to be.”

  Anger slammed through me. “We aren’t discussing this.”

  “But—”

  “No.” With an angry kiss I stole her breath and tried to make us forget, make me forget, that she was dying and yet cheerfully talking about the next girl who would warm my bed.

  “Sergio?” Val exhaled against my chest and stepped back. “Are you okay?”

  No.

  “Sure,” I lied. “I just — you’re right, we don’t want bad luck. I’ll see you at the church.”

  I frowned the entire way down the stairs, my head throbbing between my temples.

  “Morning, sunshine!” Chase yelled from the kitchen.

  Phoenix groaned and covered his head with his arms.

  Chase snickered. “He’s not used to drinking as much as us.”

  “Because I like my liver.” Phoenix fired back in a tired raspy voice. “Never again.”

  “Cheer up!” Tex yelled loudly in Phoenix’s right ear. “We’ll have you feeling great in no time!”

  “Let me shoot him, Nixon,” Phoenix begged. “Just once.”

  Nixon glared at Tex from behind the newspaper. “No violence, it’s Sergio’s special day.”

  “And we had the best bachelor party ever…” Chase nodded. “Good thing, since we didn’t get one last time.”

  It didn’t even occur to me that I hadn’t had one before.

  Had they planned it?

  Chase slapped me on the back. “Stop trying to figure shit out and just say thanks man for the best night of my life.”

  “The best night of my life doesn’t include making snow angels with you on the wood floor while Tex sings Home on the Range.”

  “Amazing baritone.” Chase nodded. “Too bad Nixon’s harmony wasn’t on point or we could have made a killing on the street corner.”

  Phoenix groaned. “You don’t sing on corners you strip on them.”

  “And he would know,” Tex added.

  “Is everyone ready to—” Frank stopped in his tracks. “You have exactly one hour until you need to be at the church.”

  I glanced down at my wrinkled clothes and just barely managed to hide my yawn while Tex cut loose with a loud burp and pounded his chest.

  Things got progressively worse when Phoenix actually slumped out of his chair onto the floor.

  Chase died laughing while Nixon shared a humored look with the rest of us.

  “Dear God, not only are you mafia, but you’ll be in a church still drunk!” Frank made the motion of the cross over his chest. “Your occupation is bad enough; better send some prayers to the saints so you don’t get struck by lightning once you enter holy ground.”

  “We’ll send Phoenix in first just in case,” Tex said seriously.

  “Why do I have to be the martyr?”

  “So all the secrets die with you.” Tex shrugged.

  “Man has a point,” Phoenix grumbled. “But I’m not going first, Sergio’s the one getting married, he gets to walk in first. If he doesn’t die, then we all go.”

  “Happiest day of your life, yeah?” Chase met my gaze and chuckled. “Just remember, we all do shit we don’t want to do for the Family. But something tells me it’s more about wanting to do her and feeling guilty about it.”

  I blinked, and opened my mouth to defend myself when Frank yelled. “Could you women stop bickering and get dressed! It’s like herding a bunch of toddlers with weapons!”

  “I support gun control.” Tex placed a hand over his heart. “How dare you!”

  “Oh hell,” Frank muttered curse after curse. “Just — go.”

  TWO HOURS LATER and I was in the exact same spot I’d been in over six months ago. Only this time, it wasn’t with as much trepidation as it had been then… just an eerie sense of déjà vu.

  But she was nothing like Andi.

  Nothing.

  There were over a hundred family members present. Dante made his way to my side and tapped me on the shoulder just as the last few shuffled to their seats. “She needs to talk to you.”

  “What?” I tried to force a smile. “Is she okay?”

  Dante didn’t answer right away and then rolled his eyes. “Just come with me, all right?”

  My heart did that thing, where it jolts in your chest but you aren’t sure if it’s out of anxiety or sadness. Was she really going to back out? Holy shit, why did that bother me so much? Not that it was an option anyway, but I felt sadness.

  Actual sadness at the thought that she would take the easy way out.

  That she wanted a life away from what I could give her.

  Not that I’d offered her much.

  But still…

  I went out the side door and followed Dante to the room she’d been waiting in.

  “Val.” Dante knocked loudly on the door. “I got him.”

  The door opened swiftly, Val pulled me in and slammed it shut again.

  I stumbled back and swore aloud as she wrapped her arms around her mid section. “I can’t do this.”

  “You’re wearing a table cloth.”

  “I know what I’m wearing!” She snapped.

  “Okay…” I took a cautious step toward her. “Was that the plan? Put on a white tablecloth and pretend to be the ghost of Christmas future?”

  “Hilarious,” she said through clenched teeth.

  Damn she was beautiful. She’d put on makeup.

  Not that it made her prettier, just older.

  A lot older looking.

  I swallowed my nerves.

  How had I never noticed how big her eyes were? Or her lips?

  That mouth.

  I instantly hardened as she pursed her lips together and gave me an angry stare. “It’s bad.”

  Shit she was fierce when she was angry.

  Her eyes flashed. “Sergio, are you even listening to me?”

  “Honestly?” I winced. “No, but you look beautiful.”

  “I’m wearing a table cloth.”

  “I like your hair.”

  “Thanks.” She reached up to touch the simple white veil causing the table cloth to fall to the ground and pool at her feet.

  “Holy mother of God!” I whispered in a hoarse yell.

  It was her turn to wince. “That bad?”

  Words. Damn I needed a lot of them. A shit load of them. “No.”

  “It was in the stupid package! And I ruined my own dress so I was like hey, what do I have to lose? I brought a back up simple white dress just in case but it made me look like a first grader, and then I opened the box and it’s my size and—”

  “Stop talking.” My hoarse voice sounded foreign as I took two steps toward her then tugged her body against mine, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Her arms went around my neck, there was no hiding my arousal as it pressed against her core.

  And for once, it didn’t bring me shame.

  But this fiery, tempting need to toss her over whatever object I could find and lift up that damn lacy skirt. Shit. Who the hell would buy her something like this?

  Val pulled back. “I look like a prostitute.”

  “A very highly paid one.” I kissed her again and again. I couldn’t help it, something had snapped, I was hungry for her, starving for another taste.

  Shaking, she pulled away. “What will the uncles say?”

  “They’ll probably try to shoot anyone who stares.”

  “Right, so the table cloth happened soon after Dante saw me.”

  “What did Dante say?”

  “It was more what didn’t he say,” Val admitted.

  “You’re going out there, in this dress, it looks gorgeous on you.”

  “I feel naked.”

  “Nobody sees you naked…” I said in a harsh voice. “…but me.”

  Her eyes went wide. “Getting territorial.”
>
  I gripped her ass with my hands and jerked her body against mine. “You were mine before you even knew you were mine. So yes. I’ll be damned possessive about you. And I don’t give a fuck what anyone says — you’ve belonged to me forever — and it’s going to sure as hell stay that way.”

  She nodded slowly and then looked down, drawing my attention to the completely see through bodice, literally the only piece of fabric that wasn’t see through was covering her nipples. The lace gave the illusion that there was more than skin — there wasn’t.

  The skirt wasn’t any better, it was a long satin that had a giant slit up one side showing an expansive shot of thigh.

  I instantly gripped her thigh with my hand.

  She let out a little moan as her head fell back, exposing her long neck. I kissed my way down as someone pounded on the door.

  “You guys ready?” Dante poked his head in.

  “I’m ready.” I crooked my finger into her lace underwear and gave a little tug. “You?”

  She licked her lips and nodded as I moved my hand over her tight ass.

  I needed to stop before I took her next to the altar.

  That probably wouldn’t go over well.

  Finally, I released her, and took a deep breath.

  With shaking hands Val pulled a note out and handed it to me. “I was instructed to give this to you right before I walked down the aisle.”

  The white piece of paper looked pretty non-threatening. Plus I needed a distraction.

  “Val!” Dante pounded again, then barged in. “Oh hell, where’s the table cloth.”

  “No table cloth,” I barked. “See you in a few, Val.”

  She gave me a nervous look and sauntered off with Dante cursing after her.

  I followed and made my way toward the front of the church.

  Thank God people were still shuffling in.

  Curiosity finally won out as the last of the family finally found their spots in the back pews.

  I pulled the paper out and unfolded the sheet. People would probably think they were my vows, nothing else.

  Italy,

  Remember, I never wanted our love story to end with tragedy. I’d like to think that there’s a bigger plan out there for both of us, otherwise, what’s the point?

  I love her.

  I more than love her.

  In the times I’ve spoken to her — I adore her, just as much as you will.

  She doesn’t know she’s met me.

  Maybe she never will know.

  There will be no going back after you read the next line. One last promise. Can you do that?

  Promise me you’ll fall in love.

  Promise me you’ll have children.

  Promise me you’ll try to make her happy as much as she’s going to try to make you happy.

  Promise me you’ll give everything to her.

  Promise me you will give her the chance we never had.

  Until death do we part.

  Well, Sergio, I died.

  We parted.

  Now it’s time for a new promise.

  A new vow.

  A new beginning.

  A new story for my prince.

  There is beauty in life, beauty in death, you just have to look for it.

  Sergio.

  My love.

  I release you.

  Be happy,

  From Russia, With love.

  With a shudder I dropped the note to the floor just as the organ started playing the bridal march.

  And I was faced yet again with a choice.

  Make a promise.

  Or run.

  The best in this kind are but shadows; and the worst are no worse, if imagination amend them. –A Midsummer Night’s Dream

  Frank

  THE BRIDAL MARCH began just as Xavier entered the church. Val frowned, then moved so she was nearly behind me. I helped matters by shoving her toward Gio.

  “What is this?” Xavier grinned. “No invitation?”

  He’d been a bastard then. He was still a bastard now.

  I’d always had good dealings with the Russians. Hell, Nikolai Blazik, or The Doctor as he was nicknamed, was like blood to me, and I didn’t take statements like that lightly.

  With rings on every finger on his right hand and a cell phone in his left, he looked like he’d Googled how to dress like a hit man and taken it to heart.

  From his head to toe black ensemble to the black trench coat. I shook my head. “Must have gotten lost in the mail. You know how things are.”

  “Yes.” His teeth may as well have gnashed in my direction. “These things—” he eyed Val behind me “—are quite delicate.”

  Gio let out a low growl, while Papi made a move to my left, reaching inside his jacket. They’d been out of the fold for so long I expected them to forget their manners when it came to scum.

  They instantly took up their positions, just as they had back when we ruled over the streets so long ago.

  Gio behind, Papi flanking the right, and Sal to my left.

  Years ago, between us and Luca, even talking to an Alfero without an invitation, without permission, would get you killed.

  And now, we had the one man I’d left in charge, the man I’d trusted while I’d gone into hiding, deciding it was his turn for a handout.

  What had he done? Other than run my family into the ground?

  Had Luca not been keeping track of my family’s dealings, had he not kept Xavier quiet with hush money — I would be dead.

  By Xavier’s hand.

  And now that I’d taken control of my family, both in Chicago and New York, I had taken the very last ounce of strength he’d had and made it my own.

  “I thought I was blood.” Xavier’s eyes narrowed.

  “Things changed.” I crossed my arms. “And I did promise a meeting with the Cappo did I not?”

  “About that.” Xavier held out his cell phone.

  I hesitated then grabbed the phone, the screen was filled with a picture of a cut-off hand, and a finger flipping him off, in a nice donut box.

  Barely able to keep my laughter in, I frowned and handed the phone back to him. “So it seems you’ve been given your answer.”

  “That, was my right hand man.”

  The irony wasn’t lost on me.

  “Clearly, not anymore,” Sal said with a chuckle.

  Xavier’s eyes flashed with hatred. “This is not over.”

  “Has it just begun then?” Papi answered before I could. “Is that what you were about to say?”

  “And where is your army?” I asked in a cool voice. “Your loyal men, the ones willing to die for you — and for what, so you can gain more power, more control, more money? The Nicolasi family paid you off and gave you a street corner. Be happy, go home, make love to your wife, kiss your two children on the head and know this day, if you choose to threaten me or what is mine one more time, I will take that wife. I will take those children. I will take this life from you, and I will do it slowly.” I took another step. “Painfully.”

  Xavier’s brown eyes moved into tiny little slits as his jaw clicked shut.

  “I’m assuming by your silence, that you understand.” I straightened my tie. “Now leave.”

  He didn’t move.

  With a sigh, I snapped my fingers, two of my men surged forward and grabbed him by the arms carrying him out of the church.

  “Guard the doors,” I ordered the minute they shut.

  I motioned to one of my trusted associates, he stepped forward. “Hank, follow him.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  With an exhale I whispered, “Thank you.”

  Sal slapped me on the back along with Gio. Papi nodded his head and declared, “We are Family.”

  “We are.” Emotion clogged in that old throat of mine as my heart sank with a wild realization that Xavier would keep coming back, wanting what he considered his due, and he’d either use me or someone I loved to get it. I would need to kill him.

  And
I would need to kill his entire line.

  Something about that truth cracked my heart.

  After all, I was a grandfather.

  An uncle.

  But also a businessman.

  Yes. I straightened my shoulders. And a businessman, who loved fiercely, would do just about anything to keep those he loved safe.

  Anything.

  “Shall we?” I offered my arm to a silent Val.

  With a nod, she looped her hand and then whispered, “Thank you for protecting me.”

  Anything. I would do anything. For her.

  Oh hell to choose love through another’s eyes!—A Midsummer Night’s Dream

  Valentina

  IT WAS REAL. The mafia was real. And that man had hatred rolling off of him in waves, it was nearly impossible not to feel the chill in the air as he was carried away.

  I must have surprised Frank by thanking him, because for a few seconds his façade cracked, and all I saw was a man who had already seen his prime and wanted nothing more than to put the past behind him.

  It was like he was trying to banish the ghost only to be haunted over and over again.

  “Does it ever stop?” I asked before taking my first step down the aisle.

  “Yes.” Frank kissed me on the top of the head. “It ends when, for just a few brief moments of respite, you are in the arms of someone who, despite all the bad, chooses to see only good. That is when it ends.”

  “Only to start over again?”

  “Life.” Frank blocked my view of Sergio as he grasped my face with both hands and kissed my forehead. “Is a never ending cycle of good and bad, it is what you do with those moments that define how the cycle ends.”

  He turned and walked in front of me, much like a flower girl would, but really, it was more meaningful. He was showing his protection by walking ahead of me, blocking me from view, allowing me these last few moments to gather myself as Gio took my right arm and Sal took my left.

  Papi followed in the back.

  Had someone told me that I’d have four uncles as my wedding party, I would have died laughing.

  Instead, it had me near tears.

  That the old hands holding mine, had always been willing to fight for me, to die for me. For me!