by AA Lee
“But I will never be anyone to you, and your father doesn’t like me. How is that going to affect your life? How will it affect mine?”
Angelo smiled. Ella could not figure out what he found amusing about any of this. She felt nauseous, yet he grinned. “Who says you aren’t anyone to me? And my father does like you. There’s no doubt about that. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have pestered you with questions. His wish to have me marry Gregorio’s daughter is simply about expanding the group name. He hasn’t even met her.”
“So, you don’t care who is mad at you for having me with you?”
“I accepted the consequences of having you with me. Then, I left the final decision up to you whether to leave, and you chose to stay with me. I won’t let you go now,” he said matter-of-factly. “We can discuss our future another time, but I do plan to discuss it at some point.”
Ella looked back up at him, staring directly in his eyes. Was he hinting that he wanted a family with her? Would he make her a part of his life? Her hand covered her forehead as she leaned her elbow on the table. “This isn’t how I planned anything,” she mumbled.
“Sweetheart, life never is.”
CHAPTER 30
They were staying inside the beach house for the night. Ella still had not said much after their talk outside. She did not know if she could do it—stay with a man she could never marry. How could she have a family with a man who would not be completely hers? Marriage was important to her, yet she battled whether or not it should decide if she stayed with him. Angelo’s feelings were real. Even if he would still let her leave, was the issue more important than what she would lose? She needed some air to think.
Ella reached the front door and started to turn the knob when footsteps stomped behind her. Angelo must have finished his shower, she thought as he grabbed both of her hands away from the door. “Where do you think you are going?” His voice was low and angry.
“Only for a walk,” she replied. They were outside not long before. Why did he have such an issue with her going out again?
“You can’t go anywhere alone, especially at night. I thought I made that clear to you already.”
What could she say? Was there no safe place for her to go? Angelo turned her around until their eyes met. He was staring at her hard. “Yes, but we were just out there. I thought it was safe,” she said.
“I believed it was safe, but I was also keeping watch from the gazebo. My hand is always ready to pull the trigger.” He looked down at her clothes and looked back in her eyes. “Do you have the gun I gave you?”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Do you want them to kidnap you? Do you understand that your father has connections to someone more heartless than I am? You are a big red flag in the middle of it all.”
Ella cringed at his remark. Was she in so much danger that she could not take a simple walk? The realization struck her like an arrow. With or without Angelo, her life would never be normal.
Ella felt the warm tears hit her cheeks as she leaned against his chest. His words stung, but they put her situation in perspective. She finally understood. “I can’t believe that it is really that bad,” she cried.
“Ella, as long as you do what I say, you will be safe with me. Don’t make me worry about you.” He rubbed away her tears and gave her a gentle kiss. “It won’t be that bad with me,” he started but then turned his eyes to the window and listened. His eyes squinted as though he heard something there.
“Get down!” he yelled and shoved Ella away from the door. Her body landed like a ragdoll in the middle of the room with his body immediately on top. The window exploded into thousands of tiny pieces, crashing onto the floor inside. Angelo forced her legs and arms to her sides as he covered them with his. His arms tightened around every limb on her body as more glass shattered around them both. It seemed like they were in the middle of a firing squad. The entire house shook with every shot made.
A minute later, everything stopped.
Angelo stayed still. His heartbeat pounded against her back as she felt tears drip off the side of her cheek. The attack reinforced her earlier defining moment. She would never live an ordinary life.
Angelo lifted enough to look around the room before he sat and pulled her up between his legs. They stared with silent horror. The windows only had jagged pieces of glass in the corners.
“Oh my god!” Ella covered her mouth. The door made Ella’s body go numb. The bullets did not go through, but they speckled the entire center of the door. If Angelo had not stopped her from going out, she would not be alive.
Angelo wrapped his arms around her curled body tighter and into a bear hold as he reached for his phone off the small wooden table next to him. He knew it, too. This night had almost ended in disaster.
“Are you at the club? What’s going on? He what? Tell me you are fucking with me!” Angelo held the receiver away from his ear and snarled with anger before placing it back to the side of his face. Angelo continued, but his limbs constricted around Ella as if to protect her from whatever matter he discussed. His voice dripped with rage. “Yes, we are fully aware of his involvement! How? Because there are about thirty fucking bullet holes in the front of my beach house, that’s how! No, I don’t want you to come here! You are going to make sure that the other two are no longer a threat. Got it?”
Angelo tapped his phone off and slid it across the floor. Then he inhaled before burying his face into her neck. “Are you hurt? Did I throw you down too hard?” he asked with the most disturbed, gentle tone she had ever heard from his mouth. She was terrified beyond what she thought was possible, but for the sake of easing his worries, she tried to play it off. She spoke with a soft, assured voice even though her body trembled in his arms.
“I’m fine, thanks to you. Thank you.”
He nodded and still breathed hard. “Bonadio’s footmen. I don’t even know how they knew I was here. They weren’t trying to kill us. They would have shot up the entire house if they were. That was a warning. We will go back to my house tonight.”
“And the banquet?” she asked.
“Yes, I must attend. We will leave for that tomorrow.”
***
Angelo slept soundly beside her, but Ella could not sleep anymore and got out of bed early, going to the restroom to recuperate. She ran the sink water and splashed her face, the cold water feeling nice on her hot cheeks. The mirror reflected a woman she hardly recognized. The bruises had faded, but her mind felt overwhelmed. Her father left her in a world that she knew nothing about, yet she must get used to it. How did she think that learning how to use a gun was normal? Why did she not look further into the constant overprotective nature of her father? Who was Jacob Sullivan really? If she could speak to her father now, she would not leave until he told her the truth. That was what she told herself.
After feeling more awake, Ella left the bathroom and looked at Angelo. He was still there. It was hard to believe that she was his girlfriend. It felt like a dream, but she could not deny that he was there and real. Looking at him made her smile. She wanted to hug him and make the rest of the world disappear. It sounded good, but as he said, life was not fair.
Ella crawled back under the covers and leaned against his arm. He was warm against her skin with the coolness in the air. She reflected on her time in Key Biscayne. After Angelo entered her life, every secret her family ever hid seemed to come out. She would think her trouble came from Angelo’s involvement if he had not proven that she already was connected. She wondered who Bonadio had a problem with more—him or her.
Angelo moved against her body and pulled the blankets higher over them both. Then he rolled sideways to face her and opened his eyes. His expression remained serious as the night before; however, his gaze seemed affectionate. He closed his eyes again as he laid his arm around her breasts, opening them back up to look at her. “Ella,” he mumbled.
“Yes?” She breathed contentedly at his hug and gripped both her hands up and ar
ound his arm.
“Why did you keep trying to talk to me even though I kept leaving you hanging?” he asked.
Ella considered his question with reflection. “There was something about your eyes that made me like you. You were searching for something. Maybe I thought you were as lonely as I was. Maybe I hoped to change that.” She smiled with her thought. “I guess I fell for you without really knowing I did.”
“I tested you in the club that night with the cameras and the cheating. I wanted to see if you could handle something like that. If you couldn’t, there was no way you could handle being with me.”
“How did I do?” she asked with a glance.
He chuckled. “Let’s just say you stumped my men.”
Ella shrugged. “I guess you can’t fool the suspicious.”
“It seems so,” he smiled. “But Halsey was not supposed to be a part of that. Brett was supposed to tell Thomas about the scheme; then he had to clean up the wine.”
“The wine,” Ella sighed. “That was for your birthday. I tried to catch it, but…it shattered right in front of me.”
“It was very sweet of you. I have never had anyone but my mother go out of their way for me. If it makes you feel better, I do have the card.”
“You do?” she grinned
“Of course,” He lifted his body and laid his head against her chest. She enjoyed the gentle caresses of his fingers.
“You are in more danger because of me, aren’t you?”
“No, we are affiliated with the same people. I’m used to it anyway. I didn’t expect you to have your own connections, but that wouldn’t have stopped me either.”
Ella lay under the warmth of his body, savoring the quiet solitude left between them. Angelo breathed softly against her breasts as she laced her fingers through his hair. The thought of his bare body caused her breathing to deepen. She thought about his hands, how they caressed her skin and made her feel both nervous and excited. Angelo had given her the perfect night to reflect upon.
Then she smiled the smallest smile as she remembered, and Angelo glanced at her and trailed his fingers against her neck. “What are you thinking about?”
She blushed and considered her thoughts; she could not tell him the truth. It would embarrass her more. “Nothing. Why?”
“Nothing? Nothing is certainly causing you to breathe fast.”
Ella thought he caught her, but Angelo did not press the matter. He probably guessed her thoughts anyway. Instead, he scooted from on top and left the cool air to replace the heat from his skin.
“We should pack a couple of things to go to the banquet today. I told Rafa to meet me here at ten, and he will be here at ten minutes until ten. Rafa is never late.”
Angelo started for the restroom, but Ella pulled the covers over her body to keep warm. Then he grinned. Angelo looked at the blankets and yanked them off, leaving her to shiver.
“Hey!” she exclaimed and attempted to pull them back when she realized they were no longer on the bed.
“If I have to get up, so do you. But don’t worry—you will be more than satisfied with our room at the hotel where we will stay.” Angelo’s brows lifted as he kissed the top of her head.
Hotel? Ella wondered as she sat up in bed. How many clothes would she really need since the hotel was probably in Miami? Why would they stay there when he lived so close?
To the minute, Ella heard the front door close and then someone knocked on the door to Angelo’s room. Angelo flung it open and then continued to add clothes to his suitcase on the bed, ignoring that Rafa waited for him to speak. Rafa’s expression turned sour as his arms immediately crossed with impatience to see Angelo was still packing; Rafa leered at him to hurry him along.
“Would you quit standing there like it will make me go any faster? When you see my suitcase close, I am ready. Go wait for us on the sofa.”
Rafa glared at him. He looked put out by the attitude he received. “If it weren’t for me, you would have to drive yourself, or did you want to drive yourself? I’m not sure going alone is safe for you right now.” Rafa shook his head as Angelo grabbed his gun off the table. “The limo is outside waiting, so hurry,” said Rafa.
After Rafa left the room, Angelo walked over to her and lifted up the hem of her skirt. Ella was not sure what he was doing. She shivered as his fingers brushed the outside of her leg and a strap scraped the inside of her thigh. He pulled a gun harness secure, but she could barely focus on the gun. She thought he was taking this in a completely different direction.
“The attack at my house last night could have killed either one of us. We can’t afford to take any chances from now on. You must carry a gun on you at all times.” Angelo raised her chin for a small kiss and picked up their suitcases afterwards. “Come on, we had better go before that conceited ass returns and I really do shoot him this time.”
CHAPTER 31
Even though the banquet would not start until the next day, all three wore their most formal attire, the men in their suits and Ella in a white knee-length silky dress with silvery heels to match. The banquet attracted many wealthy celebrities and business connoisseurs who had booked the expensive luxury rooms for weeks in advance. Angelo needed to look the part when talking to the influential visitors and potential clients.
As their limousine pulled into the u-shaped entrance, Ella stared up at the amazing establishment with awe—not because she had never seen something so beautiful in her entire life, but because she had. Ella was not only familiar with the Royal Flush Hotel, but she had stayed at the beautiful seaside resort on several occasions. High vaulted ceilings, marbled floors, and crystal chandeliers adorned this hotel. There were around thirty floors with twenty rooms on each, and a penthouse suite at the very top. Ella still thought it was the most beautiful hotel she had ever seen.
When she was young, her father had insisted that an escort bring her inside. Ella barely had time to view her surroundings before Sullivan shoved her through an elevator door. He never allowed her to attend any parties or celebrations. He only granted her permission to enjoy other amenities such as the theater. There she could watch movies early in the day and live performances in the evening. Ella enjoyed that entertainment. After her mother passed away, Ella’s father brought her along only when necessary. To date, she never understood why he did not want her seen with him.
When the limo stopped for the valet, Angelo grabbed Ella’s hand and briefly spoke. “Look, when we enter, hold my arm and don’t let go for any reason. I don’t care who approaches us. Don’t speak to anyone. If they ask a question, give short answers but smile for the most part. Be polite but trust no one, and remember you have a gun. After we settle in our room, I will give you a tour so that you are more familiar with my resort. Sound fair?”
Ella nodded as he escorted her out of the limo’s door before she thought about his words. “What?” She looked at him with surprise. “Wait. Your resort! You own this hotel? I thought you said you owned a casino.”
“I do, and it’s located on the lowest floor in the building.”
“You never said anything about owning an entire hotel.”
“An oversight,” He shrugged at her surprise.
For a moment, she stood in wonder of the building. The place itself seemed every bit as intimidating as its owner did. Angelo gave Ella a moment to admire its grandeur before nudging her arm and moving forward.
Ella took a breath as she entered. She had never come to socialize before. The luggage boy tailed them both as several female greeters welcomed Angelo. “Mr. Tomassi, it’s so wonderful to have you visit,” one of the women said with a wide smile. Whether she was happy to see him was anybody’s guess, but she tended the entrance politely.
Another also smiled and spoke. “I trust your room will be exactly the way you prefer. Please call if there are concerns.”
One more of the women added to the other’s courtesies. “Please be sure to visit the restaurant. I believe the chef has prepared a spec
ial menu in your honor.” Angelo nodded his thanks.
When Ella glanced back, it seemed that the women’s eyes were burning into her head. Angelo may have never walked into the hotel with a woman before, and maybe they were curious. She received the same sorts of stares at the counter, but Angelo paid no attention to the glances she gained. He ignored what was probably developing gossip about his personal life.
After the front desk attendant handed him his room key, Angelo led Ella to the other side of the main lobby toward the elevators. Since it was still before noon, no important figurehead stopped to chat. It was only Angelo and Ella, the luggage boy, and the elevator attendant. Ella noticed the employee push the button to the highest floor. While she had stayed in the hotel before, Ella had never been to the very top.
The elevator finally came to a stop, and the luggage boy paused in front when Angelo held his palm to him. Angelo must have wanted him to keep a distance when he opened the door to the room. Not only did he insert the room card into the slot, but he also punched in a lengthy code before it would open. When the door unlatched, Angelo gestured the boy inside.
“Should I help you unpack?” the boy asked.
Angelo’s brow narrowed at the young man. “You must be new.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Very well. I always do my own unpacking, so remember that.”
“Yes, Sir,” the boy replied.
Angelo left the room for a moment and handed the attendants some bills. Then the door shut again. It was Angelo, Ella, and a stifling amount of silence. Angelo was usually quiet, but Ella was too stricken with the view off the balcony to speak. Angelo noticed her fascination and tapped her on the shoulder.
“You can walk out there.”
Ella smiled excitedly and looked around for a moment, trying to find a way to unlatch the sliding glass door. Angelo approached to assist. “It’s hidden on the top right corner. Now that you know, you can enjoy the balcony whenever you please.”