I didn’t want Romano to come home and mess up the roses I left trailing to our room, so I just started them from outside our door. I widened my eyes and placed my wine glass down as I heard those familiar footsteps behind the door. A warm feeling in my gut erupted hearing Stefano’s sexy low chuckle.
The door opened revealing Stefano’s smirking face as his eyes danced from rose petal to rose petal. The room was dark except for the illumination from the candles. I got off from the bed and slowly made my way towards him, discarding my robe in the process.
I tried to hold in myself from giggling as Stefano’s curious and hungry eyes swallowed up my almost naked form. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my body against him, missing his body. I inhaled his scent as he secured his arms around my waist and caressed my body with his strong hands. I bit my lip as he gripped my backside, bringing me even closer to his body.
“Something tells me you missed me.” He whispered tugging the side of my lace panties down with his finger.
“I’ll try my best to show you.” I said seductively, kissing on his neck, causing him to clench his jaw. “Just don’t rip these ones like you did the last ones, okay?” I asked, guiding his hand to my ready and aching region.
“No promises.” He replied. He brought me up and I wrapped my legs against his waist as he carried me to the bed. I fell back on the rose covered sheets as he took of his tie, followed by his shirt. I stretched out my leg and stroked my toe down his stomach to the hem of his belt. “Hurry up, baby. Please don’t make me wait.” I mumbled.
I bit my lip, Watching his face. “Be careful what you ask for, Rae. Otherwise, I’m not holding back.”
“It’s not like I want you to…by the way, you don’t have to worry about a condom.”
“I like the sound of that.” Stefano hovered over me now with a lust in his eyes I couldn’t recognize. He laced his fingers with mine and brought my arms above my head as he licked from my neck down to my chest.
“Thank you... for the flowers... today.” I said, pleasure from his tongue already taking over me. “Flowers?” He muttered, flicking my nipple with his tongue, and spreading my thighs wider with his hand.
“Yes. The chrysanthemum ones you sent me this afternoon.” I explained. He brought his lips back up to my face and began kissing my lips. “I’m.. surprised you... remembered they... were... my favorite.” I added in between kisses. My lips were probably bruising now.
All of a sudden, his kisses became slow. “I didn’t send you flowers today. You also never told me you liked those kind of flowers.” He said pulling away from my lips, furrowing his eyebrows at me.
I raised an eyebrow at him. “Yes, you did. Look,” he let go of me and I rolled to the side, opening my drawer to show him the card he made me.
Stefano watched me carefully as I handed him the card. He read it for about thirty seconds before giving me a weird look.
“What?” I asked, returning the look.
“Since when did I ever talk like this?” He asked me skeptically.
“I just thought you were switching things up today. I thought it was cute.” I said defensively, crossing my arms.
“Well, it wasn’t me.” He said firmly.
He reread the card before snorting. “Can’t Wait for tonight...bastard.” He sat the card down and pulled me in again, continuing to kiss me. “I’m surprised you read it so flawlessly. I read a typo.” I chuckled.
“Where?” He muttered. He got off me and took the card, reading it again. “Why would you read it like that?”
“I know it’s written in a fancy font but if you look closely, The Vs never touch.” I explained to him.
As he read it again, he stared longer and his jaw clenched. He then immediately went to his drawer and pulled out a small folded note.
It looked like that one piece of paper I found under my seat at the restaurant that day with Gianna and Alessio. All of a sudden, Stefano cursed.
I began to get scared as I watched the expressions on Stefano’s face. “Give me a minute, Raelyn.” Was all he said as he took his phone and stormed out of the room.
I sighed and drew little circles into the mattress with my thumb.
Stefano’s POV
I stormed out of my room, dialing Enrico’s number when the house phones began to ring. I picked up the phone closest to me, expecting it to be someone asking me to attend some charity event or some shit like that.
“Vanzetti.” I answered coldly.
“Your wife, she’s a fine piece of ass isn’t she?”
Chapter 11
I raised my chin and my eyes narrowed as I held the phone tighter in my hand. I kept my silence, not allowing the disrespect to blind me. “My apologies, did I touch a nerve?” There was maliciousness dripping from the caller’s tone. I couldn’t familiarize myself with the voice I was hearing, which led me to believe this asshole was using a voice enhancer. It wasn’t natural and sounded very grainy and ridiculous.
“Cut the bullshit. Can’t wait for tonight. You’re the bastard that sent my wife the flowers.” I said, clenching my jaw afterwards. Whatever I did, I had to remain calm. I needed to get as much information from this phone call that I could. I also didn’t want to get Raelyn suspicious.
“You should take notes from me. I’m quite the gentleman. Unfortunately, we’re not friends so I’m not gonna open my playbook for ya.”
Although using a voice enhancer, I knew this asshole had a local accent. He had to be the one controlling all the strings. Based off his bold and cocky words, I can tell he’s very arrogant and feels as though he has the upper hand.
“Don’t over-stress the power given to you in this small period of time.” I replied. I wanted to determine why the enemy chose to contact me now.
“Don’t you worry about me, Vanzetti. I’ll come as a straight arrow... It’s a sophisticated game, but I got the best people lined up.”
“I hope you brought some insurance to back up your claims.” I replied back.
“If you doubt me as much as you sound, Why are you dragging your feet? Finish the job. I’m dying for you to discover my identity.” This bastard thinks he has it all figured out.
“I’ll finish you, that’s certain.” I said back.
“You of all people should know that nothing is decided until the very end…It's been a nice chat, but I do have to get going. I just want you to remember one thing: Because of the existence of love, sacrifice is born. So is hate. When you experience both at the same time, just know I’ve won.”
Just like that, he ended the phone call. I pinched the bridge of my nose as I tried to process the meaning of what he’d just told me. I was able to come to the conclusion that what he meant was that he was targeting my family. It’s only because of the love I have for my family, that I’d sacrifice anything.
He was coming as a straight arrow like he’d said before, and I knew I had no time to waste on small fish. I heard Raelyn’s dainty footsteps and turned to look at her approaching me with a small smile. She wrapped her arms around my neck and raised her chin to kiss me. “Is everything alright? Come back-” she started but I interrupted her.
“I’m sorry Raelyn, but I’m not in the mood for that right now. Something just came up and it’s crucial that I deal with it.” I told her. The frown that drew itself on her face made me inwardly curse. I knew Raelyn prepared this beautiful night for us both, but I couldn’t engage in pleasure knowing that the enemy is working fast.
“But I- you don’t have to-” she said. I knew Raelyn wanted nothing more than for me to stay.
“No, I do. I’ll make this up to you.” I leaned down and gave her another kiss, hoping she’d understand. She nodded her head and bit her lip but the disappointment on her face was evident.
I called Alessio and a few of my other soldiers to come and watch over Raelyn and Romano. I couldn’t keep treading lightly on this situation. I had to act now.
*
Raelyn’s POV
I covered my eyes with my fingers as I felt them begin to burn. “Don’t cry, Rae. Don’t cry.” I repeated to myself. I sniffled and with a defeated sigh, I let my arms swing back until they hit the wall. While blowing out all the candles and cleaning the rose petals, I was saddened.
I crafted all of this, and it was interrupted. I can’t even spend time with the man I love anymore. I knew he had something urgent to take care, but it just hurt he didn’t have time for me. I began to think what if’s on what could happen to him while doing his work. I cringed at the memory of the condition Stefano was in after what Adriano did to him
All of this violence is what Romano may follow one day… how can I just sit here and be content?
Walking down the stairs, I heard the gruff murmurs of the soldiers Stefano called to protect me and Romano. Among them were Alessio and I quickly wiped my face to show evidence of crying.
One foot was on the stairs as Alessio leaned on the railing. His eyes examined my face and he raised an eyebrow. “Oh! Nothing. How are you, Alessio?” I asked walking down, tying my robe tightly. “Are you sure?” He asked not believing my lie.
“Yes, please don’t worry.” I said, giving the three other made men warm, welcoming smiles. They nodded and gave me short smiles in response before chattering again.
I could feel Alessio’s eyes on me as I brought out a small tub of Oreo ice cream. I rinsed a spoon and sat in one of the seats in the island table. “Do you want some? This one is my favorite.” I offered Alessio some ice cream.
He folded his arms. “I don’t eat sugary-”
“Crap. Yeah I hear that enough from my husband.” I chuckled, completing Alessio's sentence. Stefano always refused sweets and things of that nature whenever I offered. If I pester him to try it out though, he’ll give in. Maybe it’s just because he loves me.
Alessio grinned in response to what I said. Out of thin air I began to think of how late in the night it was and the fact Alessio was called here. He should at least be with his family tonight. He basically spent the whole day with me.
“So, how is Maria and Isabel doing?” I asked him, referring to his wife and daughter. Talking about them always brought a glint in his eyes. Made men were so stone cold on the outside but turned into a pile of mush for their family.
“Isabel is a handful.”
“She’s a stubborn one isn’t she?” I asked him with a smile. His daughter was absolutely beautiful. “She is. Maria says I’m spoiling her but she’s the one that gives her everything she wants.” He scoffed. I chuckled as he playfully rolled his eyes. His wife had a quiet demeanor and she was known to be very humble. She was as gorgeous as she was kind.
It always baffled me how scary made men always went for the innocent and pure women when they were the perfect opposite. Perhaps it has something to do with soothing their conscious. Gigi told me they need that other half to make them feel less bad than they are.
Stefano’s POV
The light in the small room was dim, our only source of it coming from the ceiling. The chandelier swung back and forth like a pendulum, the tension getting thicker with time. I rested my elbow on my other arm as I leaned against the wall, a thin sheet of smoke clouding my vision.
I hear a guttural groan erupt as Ricardo knees the traitor in his gut. A slam against the desk also followed, causing a trickle of blood to appear on Franklin's forehead.
“What’s in it for you?” I asked the graying, big-bellied man that was tied up to a chair. My eyes narrowed as I eyed his pathetic form. He continued to struggle with the rough rope bonded to his wrists as if that would aid his escape. He was a fool if he thought he could get past us.
“I won’t ask you again.” I said again slowly. Enrico folded his arms as he stood behind Franklin. Enrico wasn’t the aggressive type or the one to get his hands dirty. However, no member of The Pride tolerated betrayal.
Eyes that once were greeting now looked across the room at me with hatred and malice. I watched him carefully, eyes narrowed. “You murdered my daughter. You carried on with your daily lives as if she wasn’t under your protection.” He seethed, eyeing us all.
“You left out the part where your daughter set up a ridiculous trap to murder my wife. How would you have repaid me then?” I asked, taking a few steps closer to him. Silence engulfed the room and he avoided my gaze.
“I thought as much. If you don’t know by now, too much scheming will be the schemer’s downfall.”
I grinned, watching him grit his teeth. “Now tell me what I really want to know. Revenge is it? That’s what you’re going after. I assume the one you’re working for, is also going for the same thing? He has something against me as well?” I asked him.
By now I had a solid idea on who was orchestrating all these attacks.
He locked his jaw and tightened it. He knew that I knew.
Ricardo and Enrico looked in my direction with confusion.
“I never intended on hurting Gillian, but she crossed the line and what was done had to be done. And you...you’re about to enter the same fate.” I looked down at him, my face straight as ever, not allowing him to catch a glimpse of emotion.
His face contorted into regret at the fact he’d be leaving his wife as a widower. Not only has she lost her daughter, she’s also lost her husband. How unfortunate.
“I won’t kill you now, I still need you. So until I don’t anymore, continue to cling to what’s left of you.” I said slowly.
My eyes then flickered to the direction of a buzzing noise. I looked at Enrico and he nodded, walking over to the desk. He grabbed the phone and squinted as he looked at the screen. “Blocked number huh?” He smirked. He walked towards Franklin.
“Answer it.” I told him. Enrico accepted the call and put it on speaker. My eyes landed back on franklin's constrained form as he tightened his jaw.
“Franklin, what’s going on? You never gave me an answer back.” The voice sounded like it was coming from a young man. If it was anyone on the phone, it had to be Marco Segreto.”
We all looked at Franklin, waiting for his response.
“To what?” Oddly, he appeared calm.
“I want to try out that casino downtown, you said you’d let me know if you’d be free today…”
“I can’t, I’m sorry.” He replied.
“...Why, something come up? Your wife’s got you all tied up huh?” Segreto asked.
“Yes actually, there’s nothing I can do about it. Whatever she says, goes.” He replied.
Ricardo raised his chin up and eyed Franklin in annoyance. “...I see. Well, when you’re free, just swing by.” He said and hung up.
Enrico scuffed. “This is clearly a set up. Segreto knows Franklin is tied up. Their whole conversation was in code.” Enrico explained.
“He’s got something waiting for us there.” Ricardo said, agreeing.
“I know as much. We’ll be meeting him there.” I told them.
My phone buzzed and I saw I was getting a call from Alessio. I knew it was going to be something I needed to hear. Raelyn and Romano were currently at the restaurant right now so I knew this wasn’t going to be an update on their location. “Alessio,” I said, leaning against the wall again. Ricardo and Enrico crossed their arms as they looked at me.
“Boss, I have some information about the enemy and he’s closer than we think.” He started. “What do you mean?” I asked narrowing my eyes.
“When Raelyn first walked into her office to start work, she noticed a white envelope on her desk. In that envelope was a stack of photos. I have them in my hands right now. They are five. All of these are of Raelyn a couple years ago. From the backgrounds of these photos and content, I can tell you these were not taken in Boston, Massachusetts. These were taken from numerous cities in the states. The only time Raelyn has ever been to numerous states was when she ran away with her ex boyfriend, Vincent Vandal.” Alessio informed me.
I closed my eyes and tightened my jaw. “We’ve never had record
of these photos so they couldn’t have been sent from anyone here. Along with the photos, there’s a written message.” Alessio continued.
“What does it say?”
“It reads, Do you ever think of me?”
“I thought as much.” I answered Alessio.”
Chapter 12
When I made it home that evening, Alessio handed me the envelope with the pictures he spoke to me about. I furrowed my eyebrows as I pulled out the stack of photos and observed them. The first picture was of a younger Raelyn leaning against a brick wall. She wore a leather jacket and black jeans, appearing as a rebel.
The second photo was of her sipping out of a McDonalds drink and holding a bag of food as she did a cute pose. I moved on to the next picture and it was of her lying on a bed sprawled out like a star.
The next was of her sitting with her legs crossed and covering her face with a pillow. Knowing her, she was probably chuckling. Then the last was of her looking into the camera with an annoyed facial expression.
The photographer of these photos was with no doubt, Vincent Vandal. It couldn’t be more clear. I neatly put the photos back into the envelope. “Until this day, I used to wonder every day how my own cousin could just wake up one morning and decide to betray me.” I said to Alessio, rubbing the side of my cheek and leaning against the wall.
“Is that so?” He asked me, giving me his signature eyebrow raise.
I chuckled in response. “Adriano didn’t just decide to out of the blue. He’d been planning to bring me down for a long time.” I crossed my arms, thinking of all the shit that’s been happening for these past few months.
“Now that I know it’s Vandal, I have a clearer picture of his motive. Either he wants me completely out of the picture and wants Rae, or this has nothing to do with Rae, and he just wants to deal with me.” I explained to Alessio. “Those, are my theories.” I added.
I have no doubt in my mind it’s one or the other.
Of Mobsters and Men: WILD (Book #2) Page 8