Mafia Protection (Tomassi Series Book 1)

by AA Lee

  Ella stopped and lifted the lid on the tray but set it right back over the food. She could not eat. Her chest felt too tight with panic. She squeezed her eyes shut for a second and then stared at the door. Ella willed for Angelo to enter. He told her he would be back the previous night and yet he was not there.

  The hours ticked by. One o’clock passed and then five. The wait was driving her mad. Angelo could be signing some form and agreeing to marry another woman as she stood helpless to do a thing about it. Ella wanted to scream. How could they leave her alone like that?

  When the doorknob finally turned, Ella frowned as she looked at the clock. It was about time. Ella gave Angelo a disapproving glance as he threw down his coat on the table. His clothes were a disheveled mess; half untucked and full of wrinkles. He looked like he had been in a fight.

  He took one look at her and held up a finger. “Not now, Ella,” he said and disappeared into the restroom.

  Was that it? Was that all he had to say? She was a mess and he wanted to take a shower. It made perfect sense. She did not mind the wait.

  Ella threw her hands in the air and decided to get dressed. It probably did not matter anyway. He would not let her out of the room if he decided to leave. She might as well get used to the view from the balcony and slid open the door. That was about as close to freedom as she would ever gain.

  When she heard the restroom door open, Ella glanced back but did not go inside. It would not do her any good anyway. Angelo only talked when he wanted to talk. However, he stepped outside with her. Angelo’s wet hair was combed back. He left his shirt unbuttoned and hanging over a clean pair of slacks. He was almost dressed, but he was also almost undressed. It easily could have gone either way.

  “I’m sorry about not coming back last night. I ran into some trouble and had to leave the hotel. I didn’t want them to disturb anybody—especially you.”

  “I see,” she answered. She was glad he did not say Gregorio’s name. “Are they still a threat?”

  “No, Rafa and some other members were with me. We handled that situation, but I’m sure there will be more.” Ella nodded in response.

  “Ella,” he said. “Come sit with me for a minute.”

  She held her breath and turned around when he pulled her onto his lap. His eyes looked dull. Maybe it was lack of sleep, but she guessed it was something else. She had waited for him to speak. Now she was scared out of her mind of what he would say.

  “What’s wrong, Angelo?” she finally asked. Despite her concerns, she worried about him. He was not acting himself. He gently slid his fingers against her shoulders several times before pausing to get her attention.

  “Ella,” he said and looked at the ocean for a moment. “Ella, I’m in love with you, and I have never felt that way about anyone. I would do anything to protect you.”

  What? Her eyes widened at his words, and she could not stop staring at him with shock. She never expected him to tell her that. Angelo could barely catch his breath and it worried her more. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned closer until their bodies touched.

  “I love you too, Angelo.” Her words came out unsure and hesitant of the matter behind his confession.

  He seemed out of sorts, and something was seriously bothering him. He tilted away from her and placed his palms around her cheeks. “Will you love me no matter what, Ella?”

  She looked at him with confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “I have to do something that you won’t like, and I will keep you with me no matter how you react. There is no other way to protect you.”

  “And you won’t tell me what it’s about?”

  Angelo hesitated but did not elaborate. “Not right now. Later.”

  Ella closed her eyes and tightened her grasp around him. She assumed that he had agreed to marry Gregorio’s daughter, and her heart fell. What would she be then—his mistress? She could not live like that—could she?

  “Angelo, you’re taking advantage of my heart without giving me anything in return. To you, ‘later’ could mean tomorrow or never.” Ella’s eyes filled with tears at the thought of him marrying another woman even for the purpose of formalities. She did not care if there was nothing between him and the other woman. Where did that leave her? The mere thought of sharing Angelo made her nauseous. It frustrated her, and she abruptly stood away from him. “It isn’t fair that you know something that will affect my life and not tell me. But you want me to love you no matter what.”

  She walked to the rail but changed her mind before turning back to him, waiting for a response. However, Angelo stayed silent while he rested his head on his fist. He did not bother to counter her use of the word fair. He never took his eyes off her either and tapped his fingers on the table, seeming to think over the situation. Ella could finally take no more of the awkward silence and changed the subject completely.

  “Will you please take me to eat? I didn’t eat the food they brought me earlier, and I’m really tired of staying in this room.”

  She knew he was tired, but she needed to get out for a little while. It was not good for her to meditate on the reasons why he would say what he did. He seemed to hesitate but stood up and opened his hand to her anyway. “Yes, I will take you wherever you want.”

  It was a quiet walk to the restaurant, but Angelo held her hand tighter than at other times as he led her to his usual table in the back. Ella wondered about his unwillingness to sit in the open and guessed it had something to do with the information that he was not telling her. When the server approached and they gave their orders, Ella stood and whispered in the server’s ear.

  “Will you please tell the chef that Mr. Tomassi does not like sweets? Then perhaps he can come up with something that the owner does like…Maybe an after-dinner cordial.”

  The server seemed shocked and replied. “We had no idea. I will mention the preference immediately.”

  “Thank you.” Ella nodded her appreciation.

  Angelo’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not ask what she had said. His mind still seemed occupied with other matters. Ella looked at him and spoke. “I forgot to check my appearance in the room. Will you point the way?” She smiled slightly and excused herself while he watched her leave in the opposite direction.

  In the women’s lounge, Ella looked in the mirror and sighed. She dampened a towel and pressed it against her cheeks. Not knowing what was going on was taking a toll on her. A few minutes passed, and she disappeared in one of the stalls. As she straightened her dress and tightened the strap on her leg, two employees entered. It was not until Ella heard Angelo’s name that she paid any attention to the women. She then stood quietly and hardly breathed. Ella absolutely did not want to alert the women of her presence as they continued.

  “I can’t believe Mr. Tomassi is getting married. As many women as he has passed over, he finally agreed to take a wife.”

  “I don’t know. Before he agreed, he punched Mr. Gregorio twice, and the last hit knocked him down. I have never seen the owner act like that. I wonder what Mr. Gregorio said.”

  “You do know they are both part of the mafia. It is probably more normal than you think.”

  “Yes, I know. That’s why I try not to make anyone mad around here.”

  “But what about Miss Ella? I thought Mr. Tomassi seemed happy with her.”

  “True. I thought so too. Maybe it’s an arranged marriage with Mr. Gregorio’s daughter.”

  “You would think that he would be able to marry for love. Who even agrees to an arranged marriage anymore?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe that’s why wealthy people are so unhappy. They have to leave the ones they truly love behind.”

  “That’s such a sad story. I couldn’t imagine.”

  Ella let out a breath. She heard everything she needed to hear and slowly unlocked the stall. She walked straight up to the women and looked at them.

  “Oh my god! We are so sorry.”

  “We didn’t know anyone was in h
ere.”

  “Of course you didn’t,” Ella said and handed them Angelo’s ring.

  “No, please don’t go. Please, miss.”

  “He will be so sad if you go. We see how he looks at you.”

  “I’m sorry. If you were in my shoes, you would leave too.”

  Ella ignored the women’s last pleading words. She kept walking forward and continued through the restaurant. If Angelo saw her, she never looked back and ran for the exit of the hotel.

  She had not been out of the hotel since arrival and kept running as far as she could go. By now, Angelo was throwing one hell of a fit with the two employees and making calls to Rafa and Brett. She feared the two men would be around the corner, waiting for her. She just needed a break from them. Ella quickly slipped into an open sports bar beside her. Since it was not quite six, Ella walked straight to the counter and caught her breath.

  “A shot of tequila,” she said and glanced at the door.

  “ID please.” The bartender flicked a brown stray hair from his face.

  “I’m twenty-two,” Ella replied with a still breathy voice.

  “I am going to need to see some ID.”

  “ID,” Ella mumbled. “I don’t have my ID with me. Just give me an orange soda please.” The bartender nodded and walked away for a second.

  “Here you go, miss. That will be four dollars.”

  Ella handed him a five. “Keep the change,” she said.

  After another moment, the bartender set down the shot in front of her. “Since you didn’t argue with me, I’ll believe you this time.”

  Ella smiled. “Thank you.”

  She turned to stare out the window but saw nobody in particular as of yet. This nightmare had to end sometime. She wanted to ask for another shot, but the bartender already went out of his way once. Maybe he would be kind to her.

  “Sir,” she called. “Would you please give me another?” She set the empty shot glass to the back of the bar as his brow rose.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, please.”

  The bartender agreed with a nod and brought her another shot. “I haven’t seen you around before. What brings you in here this evening?”

  She emptied the contents again and answered, “Well, my boyfriend accepted a proposal to marry another woman. Before I found out, he asked me if I would love him no matter what.”

  “Well, I haven’t heard that one before.”

  “Well, I wish I didn’t either,” Ella mumbled.

  “I’m Howard.” He held out his hand to her.

  “Ella.”

  “It’s a pleasure, Ella.”

  “Likewise.”

  As the time rolled past six, the place started filling with customers getting off work. Ella became a little concerned and quietly kept her eyes open for familiar faces. Angelo was probably in a state of hysterics right now, but Ella had to leave. She could not settle for the title of mistress.

  While she sipped the soda, Ella heard the volume of the television go up. One TV tuned into some soccer channel and another on the news. She supposed news and sports were the general standards for these places. As Howard tended to the bar, Ella glanced up to see her father on the news again. The broadcast was a repeat of that morning. She immediately looked at Howard and pointed. “For the love of God, turn it up! Please, Howard!”

  Ella received some attention from nearby people for her outburst, but she paid no attention. Howard turned up the television as requested, and she listened with shock at the broadcast.

  Breaking News: Martino Gregorio is officially being sought for questioning regarding the murders of his late wife, Celia Gregorio, and his former associate, Peter Luzi. Originally thought a suicide, an anonymous tip led investigators to track the bullets from both Luzi and Gregorio back to a firearm in the Gregorio household. However, investigators are still looking into the matter. Isabella Gregorio, the couple’s only daughter, has still not been found. As you can see, a photo of Isabella has finally been released for the first time. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Isabella, please call the number on the screen and we will transfer you to an agent on the case.

  Silence. Ella heard no more sounds around her. The chatter disappeared. People’s faces blended in with the walls. She felt like she had entered a dark room with no exit, only to be thrust in the middle of a riot.

  Her father went by a false name.

  Ella gasped with panic and put her hand over her mouth. The next picture on the screen was her. It was outdated. Nobody should recognize her as the woman on the screen. Then the news channel broadcast an age progression photo of Ella. The likeness was uncanny.

  Ella trembled as she stood up and trusted no one in the room. She had to get out of there. Somebody needed to give her answers. She had to find her father.

  CHAPTER 40

  Ella focused on one thing only and rushed toward the exit. She lifted both hands to push open the door when somebody behind her grabbed her arm. “You’re coming with me.”

  “Let me go!” she barked and yanked her arm hard, but the strange man held it firm.

  “Can’t,” he said. “We have our orders.” Her head whirled around fast at the stranger. She could not pull her gun with so many people present, so she kneed the man between the legs and darted onto the sidewalk. The man was not alone. Ella heard footsteps behind her as she started to run back to the hotel.

  The men were close. They breathed hard behind her as she struggled to get away. Ella thought they would catch her, but Sullivan stepped out from the shadows with a gun in his hand.

  “Ella, run!” he yelled as she neared the hotel, firing two muffled shots through the air. She glanced back to see Sullivan slip his hand inside his coat and disappear before anyone could question him.

  “Mr. Sullivan!” Ella reached out a hand to him but did what he said. She lunged up the steps to the hotel. Her mind was spinning circles, and she ignored the countless guests in the lobby as she hurried to the counter and cut in line.

  “Where…” Ella panted in her attempt to speak but started choking from the shortness of breath that her panicked run had caused. “Where is Mr. Gregorio?” she finally puffed.

  “Miss, I cannot give out that information. I’m sorry.”

  “Listen,” Ella glared. “I am his daughter, and I demand to know where he is—now!” Ella’s words shocked the attendant silent, but Ella was not leaving without an answer. They knew Gregorio was in the mafia, but Ella was in no mood for patience and looked the woman straight in the eyes. “I will shoot you if you don’t tell me what I want to know.” Ella did not know if she would actually pull out her gun, but she had had enough of the game her father played. She was not letting him off the hook.

  “H-he he is in the casino,” the attendant stuttered. She must have taken Ella at word or just did not want to take that chance.

  Ella did not bother to say thank you. Her polite manners left her and she did not give the counter another thought. As she turned around, she did see the sixty-inch television behind her with her picture flashing across the screen again. That explained it. That was why the attendant took Ella seriously. All Ella thought about were the charges against her father. Were they true?

  Ella waited in front of the elevator door and punched the button. When it would not immediately open, she punched the button several more times, trying to speed it along. The door opened and Ella ignored that it might be over capacity. She squeezed inside anyway, having no care to the comfort of those on board.

  Just as the door started to close, Rafa stepped out from around the counter and pointed. His pace quickened, but Ella ignored his attempts to gain her attention and quickly pressed the close button. Many people exited on floors five and four, which made Ella grow more distressed with anxiety. She ran her fingers through her hair as she exited on floor three and realized that the casino seemed even larger than she thought when filled with guests. Then there was the problem with the bouncer—Ella being his proble
m.

  “You can’t come in here.” His enormous frame tripled that of Ella’s, but she was not in the mood.

  “Who says I cannot come in here?”

  “Mr. Paolini just called and ordered me to hold you at the door, Ms. Ella.”

  “To hell with that!” she huffed. She rushed past with him on her tail, but he would not catch her. Her smaller body fit through the crowds quicker than his did, and she easily got away. “Damn it!” She looked all around and began wading through the groups. “Where are you, Mr. Gregorio?” she muttered.

  As Ella passed the bar, she grabbed a drink and continued her search. Then she spotted him—Gregorio himself. Her father had a drink in one hand and some floozy on the other. Considering the news report earlier, the very sight of him with that woman made her sick. He never saw her coming, and before Ella knew it, she stood directly in front of him. A shorthaired brunette hung on his arm, and four other men stood around. Maybe they were part of his group. She did not know. One of those men also had a woman with him. Ella scoffed at the gathering when one of the men noticed her.

  “What’s this, Gregorio? A disgruntled fling that’s out to get revenge?” Did they really mock her? His own daughter? They laughed at Ella amongst themselves, and the woman on her father’s arm glared at Ella and spoke against her.

  “Can’t you see that you are interrupting Martino, and you are not wanted?”

  Ella’s mouth opened with contempt. The woman knew his real name, which infuriated her more. What was worse was that her father took the situation in stride. That was probably because he already had several cocktails and seemed intoxicated.

  “Am I?” Ella leered at the woman and then at the others. “By chance, have any of you watched the news today?”

  “News?” one of them answered. “No wonder Gregorio dropped you. We don’t like women who ask too many questions.”

  “Hey,” the two women in their company complained. Her father laughed, but Ella was not amused in any way.