Becoming his Mistress: A Zanetti Famiglia Novel

by Faiman, Hayley

  “Thank fuck,” Luca grinds out.

  Together we walk into the room and as soon as Kade lifts his gaze, I see the fear immediately fill his eyes. I am so fucking done playing games.

  ARLO

  I groan as I try to open my heavy eyelids. My entire body feels sluggish, my limbs feel weighted down and when I try to move them, I can’t.

  “So, he wakes,” a thick-accented voice says.

  Lifting my gaze to his, I am taken aback by the man that I see standing in front of me. Tilting my head to the side, I try to figure out how I know him, because I do, I recognize him, but I can’t put it together. My brain is so goddamn foggy.

  I lick my dry lips, trying to put everything together, but I feel so fucking confused that it’s frustrating. He leans forward, his dark eyes meeting mine and then it’s as if the air has been sucked from my lungs.

  “You’re the commissioner,” I whisper.

  “James Robinson, I am.” He grins. “You wops are all the fucking same,” he sneers. “All you care about is your shit, never looking any deeper once you’ve gotten what you wanted. You got your whores here under the radar, you got your senator on your side and that pacified you enough not to look any deeper into who I am.”

  I grit my teeth together as I stare at him. “And who are you?” I ask.

  He tilts his head to the side, his smug face continuing to smile. “I am whoever I need to be. But most importantly, I am in charge of all the Columbian’s business here in the states. It’s my job to make sure they get their product here undetected.”

  “Why all of this?”

  He takes a step back, lifting his hand to cup his chin and look down at me. It’s just now registering in my brain that I can’t move my limbs, not just because of whatever drugs he gave me to knock me out, but also because I’m tied to a chair.

  “They want the girls, too. They want you to find buyers for their gold, just as you’ve found a steady supply of buyers for their dope, as well.”

  “We are not in the business of sex slaves and trafficking.”

  “But aren’t you?” he asks, tipping his head to the side. “You gave Kade some slaves, did you not?”

  I curse as I close my eyes. I knew that getting those girls for Kade would bite us in the ass. He wanted true submissives, broken women that would do what he wanted, the way he wanted and had their spirits broken so that they would never defy or leave him.

  Those types of women are not for us, they aren’t who we typically deal in, however, Mia knew where we could find a couple. We had cameras on Kade, we knew he wasn’t going to truly abuse them in any way.

  They were labor for weighing and packaging his shit, and they had orgies. Nothing even remotely kinky, it was all kind of a letdown. On rare occasion, he would share them with clients, but they too never hurt the girls. All in all, it was probably the best the women had ever had it.

  “The circumstance is not your business. But in general, that is not what we do,” I snap.

  The man nods, then I watch as he digs his phone out of his pocket and starts to thumb through his contacts. I watch as he finds what he wants and lifts the device to his ear.

  “He’s not cooperating, sir,” he states. He grins, then nods. “The woman is in their home under shit guards. I’ll have her in ten minutes.”

  I jerk in my chair. No way in fuck will I allow Lenora to be taken by these sick fucks. “Yes, sir.” He ends the call and shoves his phone back in his pocket, never breaking eye contact with me.

  “You have another chance before I bring Elenora Lewis here and do whatever the fuck I want to do to her while you stay right there, tied up, watching,” he warns.

  Lenora is my weakness. He’s been watching, he knows that I would do anything for her. I would even sigh in relief as my wife was murdered in front of me just so that I could keep Lenora at my side, so that I could publicly claim her and marry her.

  “What do you want?” I grind out.

  Fuck, I hope whatever it is, I can fake compliance before Gavino figures out where the fuck I am. Robinson smiles, looking fucking evil, then takes another step back before he crosses his arms over his chest.

  ELENORA

  I sit up. My breathing comes out in pants, my heart racing as I try to gain my bearings. I’m in the apartment that I share with Arlo, but something is wrong. Reaching out to his side of the bed, I touch the sheets to find them cold.

  Frowning, I glance around as I tug the comforter up my body. I feel like I’m being watched, but that’s not right, we’re on the third floor and only the balcony doors open, the windows aren’t ones that you can open at all.

  Lifting my hand to my forehead, I inhale a deep calming breath, attempting to get my shit together. Shaking my head, I slide off of the bed and stand to my feet.

  Slowly, I make my way to the bathroom, flicking the light on before I turn to the mirror. I look pale, I feel sick, and something deep inside of my stomach clenches with worry. Something isn’t right. It’s so wrong that I feel it in my bones.

  Making my way back to the bed, I find my phone and let out an exhale when I see zero new notifications or alerts.

  Finding Gavino’s number, I debate calling him. I look down at the phone, lifting my head, I look toward the window where the moonlight streams through. Deciding not to contact him, I find Arlo’s number and send him a text message instead.

  I love you.

  I don’t expect a response, but I just feel like he needs it right now. I don’t know why, but I feel it deep in my bones.

  Slipping back into bed, I lie down and turn to my side. Tugging the comforter beneath my chin, I stare at the city lights from across the water. They twinkle in the distance and I just know that it’s where Arlo is right now. He’s dealing with whatever has been bothering him.

  It’s something big, and I know that it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better. It really just feels that way. I just hope that we survive whatever this is and come out on top. I love him. I love everything about him and I don’t want to lose him before I truly have him all to myself.

  As selfish and self-centered as that sounds.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  ELENORA

  The phone buzzes next to me. I haven’t slept since I woke up a few hours ago, so on the second buzz against the nightstand, I reach out and answer it quickly. I didn’t look at the caller ID, which was stupid, but I just assume that it’s Arlo on the other end. I didn’t expect him to be gone all night long, and he hasn’t read my message or returned it. I’m worried.

  “Lenora,” Gavino’s voice rumbles on the other end of the line.

  “Where is he?” I demand.

  He chuckles, his laugh sounding strained. Something is wrong, really fucking wrong, I can tell instantly. “I need you to come down to the casino. I’m going to have a couple of guys come up that have been watching the place. They’re going to bring the three of you down here,” he calmly explains.

  “Where is he?” I demand again.

  Gavino clears his throat. “We don’t know, but you could be in danger.”

  My heart sinks. “Gavino,” I breathe.

  “I have always promised to protect you, Lenora. That hasn’t changed, I will protect you.”

  “What about him? Will you protect him?” I ask.

  There is a moment of silence, then I hear him murmur to someone before he returns his attention back to me. “He is my brother and cugino by marriage. He will always have me at his back. I will do everything within my power to bring him back, Lenora.”

  “Good. I can’t raise this baby without him, it’s just not acceptable,” I state.

  “Baby?” he asks sounding surprised.

  “He didn’t tell you?”

  I hear Gavino curse, then I catch the sound of Luca’s voice in the background. “He never made it to me, Lenora. I didn’t know. Fuck. I need you here under my personal protection. Massimo will be there in a few minutes he’s already on his way. He will dri
ve you himself.”

  “Gavino?” I call out.

  He pauses, waiting for me to speak. “Thank you.”

  “For?” he grunts.

  “Loving Arlo. Protecting me. Being a good man.”

  I hear him grumble before he ends the call. These men don’t do emotions, at all. They’re completely stunted, and yet, when they show anything, it’s completely genuine and as gruff and raw as it is, it’s also sweet as hell.

  Standing, I hurry through a shower and dress in a pair of jeans, a tank and grab a hoodie before slipping on a pair of flat sandals. I don’t know what today will bring, but for some reason I have a feeling that it’s going to be one tough ride and I’m going to need to be as comfortable as possible.

  Grabbing my phone from my nightstand, I check my notifications again just to see if Arlo has responded to my text. He hasn’t. Sliding my phone in my back pocket, I make my way into the living area.

  I smile when I see Chloe and Carlo in the kitchen. Carlo lifts his gaze to mine, a look of worry flashes across his features.

  “Mimma,” he murmurs.

  “I know.” I nod.

  “Come get some fruit and a muffin, Massimo should be here any minute,” he offers.

  Shuffling toward them, Chloe’s arm wraps around my waist immediately. Her head leans against my shoulder and I let out a heavy sigh. Arlo is missing. Gavino doesn’t know where he is, Carlo doesn’t know where he is, and I’m scared out of my mind.

  I quickly eat the muffin and the fruit, then drink an entire bottle of water. The food sits like a lead weight in the bottom of my belly. I’m too nervous to have eaten that much, but I’m too nervous to keep from eating.

  God.

  I just want Arlo.

  I’m still so incredibly hurt by him that my heart is still shattered into a million pieces, but I want him next to me, attempting to make it right—fixing it. There’s a loud knock on the door and all three of us about jump out of our skin.

  Carlo smirks as he reaches into the back of his pants waistband. I watch in shock as he tugs out a gun. I didn’t even realize he had it on him, though I shouldn’t be, Arlo always carries. Carlo lifts his hand, his palm facing us as a silent order for us to stay where we are. I have no desire to be murdered, so I didn’t plan on following him.

  I hear the door open, then low male voices murmuring before the door closes, and a lock is flipped into place.

  Massimo appears first, Carlo behind him. His eyes find mine and I watch as they drag over my body, assessing. He lets out a sigh and lifts his gaze to my own, again.

  “You’re okay,” he states.

  “I’m okay,” I agree.

  “Let’s get her out of here. C’mon girls,” he murmurs.

  “Have you heard anything?” I ask, taking a step toward him.

  Massimo lifts his hand, running his fingers through his hair. He shakes his head. “I haven’t, bella, but don’t worry. Once you’re tucked away safe and sound, then we can really get to work. C’mon now.”

  I nod as Chloe slips her hand in mine. Together with Carlo at our backs, we leave the safety of the apartment. I feel uneasy the entire time. That sensation of being watched, it doesn’t leave. I feel it down to my bones with each step that I take.

  Once we’re inside of the parking garage, the sensation intensifies. Gulping, I chance lifting my head and looking around as we continue, in a huddle, to the waiting SUV. There’s a man in the driver’s seat, his gaze catches mine and he lifts his chin as we approach.

  “Massimo,” I call out as he reaches for the handle of the backdoor.

  “In the car, bella,” he softly orders.

  “Someone is watching me,” I breathe.

  He dips his chin, his sharp eyes scanning around the garage. “I have no doubt about that. Let’s hurry, now.”

  Following his orders, I climb into the very back of the SUV, Chloe climbs in behind me, then another of the men get in the second row. Looking behind me, out the back window, I try to see if I can spy the person who most definitely has their eyes on me.

  “Paul, to the casino,” Massimo orders the man in the front seat.

  “Who has been watching me?” I ask.

  “Someone who shouldn’t be,” Massimo grinds out.

  I gulp. “I think they were in my room, or at least could see inside of it. I woke up in the middle of the night with the same creepy feeling,” I confess.

  Massimo turns around, his head moves so fast that I jerk back. “You’re just now telling me?” he asks.

  Glancing down at my hands. I nod once, then lift my chin to look up at him. “I didn’t know there was a problem, I just felt funny. I just figured I was nervous because Arlo was gone.”

  “Don’t be hard on the girl, it’s been a tough few days,” Carlo defends.

  Chloe snorts. “It’s been a tough few fucking weeks,” she hisses.

  Massimo’s eyes narrow at her, obviously irritated about her outburst, but I can’t blame her, she’s right and she’s been the woman to pick up the pieces of my life, time and time again.

  “Fuck,” Massimo grunts. “After this, it’s smooth sailing, bella,” he mutters.

  “No, it won’t be,” I sigh. He arches a brow. “I’m pregnant, Massimo. There is no smooth anything.”

  “My boy will make it easy, or he deals with me,” Carlo states.

  Chloe giggles softly at his words, my eyes widen and Massimo grins. The rest of the car ride is in silence, a silence that I’m extremely grateful for. I don’t know what the hell is going on, but the last thing that I want to do is talk about my future and Arlo with his father.

  Carlo is super sweet, but I’ve seen a few moments where he scares the shit out of me and reminds me of all those mobsters on television. This shit is real, I’m really some mob girlfriend and I don’t even want to attempt to process that—ever.

  Unfortunately, I have to process it, because this is my new life. My norm. I’m sure my mom is going to flip the fuck out, maybe I can just never tell her? I close my eyes, letting my head fall back against the seat. I have to tell them. Shit. I have to tell them that they’re about to be grandparents too.

  First things first, I need Arlo to get his ass back here with me safe and sound. The rest I’ll just have to worry about from one day to another. The car stops and I slowly open my eyes letting out a sigh of relief as the casino looms in front of us.

  I only have two thoughts in my head as Paul shifts the SUV into park.

  Safety.

  Arlo.

  ARLO

  My body aches from being bound to this stupid fucking chair for hours. Robinson has disappeared and I let out a grunt as I attempt to untie my binds. The fucker is good at tying knots, which is goddamn annoying as shit.

  He disappeared about an hour or so ago, but I’m stuck in my spot. I have no way to get out of these knots. I worry about Lenora, hoping that he doesn’t have her, that Gavino will protect her for me. I know that he will, I know that he’ll try to keep her and my baby safe.

  My stomach lurches. My baby. Holy fuck. I haven’t really given it much thought since Lenora told me, but if she’s kidnapped, that means that not only would she be fighting for her life, but she’d be fighting for our baby’s life too.

  I need to get out of here before this shit turns really fucking ugly and it will if this motherfucker tries to take my woman and child.

  “We want your entire stable,” Robinson announces.

  I blink, sure that he’s joking. “The entire stable?” I ask slowly.

  He chuckles, leaning forward. “Every fuck toy that you control. We want them. That’s the only way you’ll be freed. It’s a one-time deal. They’ll quietly go away, at least on the gold and slave front, once we have all the women. You’ll still be required to purchase our supply, from Kade.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I turn my head and spit onto the ground. “Fuck your offer,” I grind out. “My stable is not a group of abused sex slaves. They’re highly trained and mos
t are free of any contractual obligations. They are not for me to trade.”

  “Yet you trade with Russians and Irish?” he asks, arching a brow.

  “Those deals are brokered and fair, contracted. This is bullshit, I won’t allow the famiglia to be party to these tactics.”

  He tilts his head to the side. “Pity.” Without another word I feel the butt of his gun slam against my head right before the world goes dark.

  Thankfully, he hasn’t hit me too hard. My body begins to stir what feels like only minutes after he’s knocked me out. I groan, unable to keep from letting the sound out. There’s a chuckle somewhere in the room, a voice that I don’t recognize.

  Opening my eyes, I find the man across from me, a new player to this game. His skin is tanned, his hair dark along with a dark moustache. He is smiling, his eyes roaming over me, before his top lip curls. I recognize him from Kade’s security footage.

  “You have a problem giving me your whores?” he asks, his accent much thicker than Robinson’s.

  “Yes,” I state.

  “You give me your woman then?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.

  I snort. “Never. Seems like you already fucked my dead wife, though?”

  He nods. “Fucked like a dead fish. Not my style, but she had big tits. Your new girl looks softer, better.”

  My body jerks against my restraints at the mention of Lenora’s body. I’m going to kill him, as soon as I have an opportunity, this man is dead.

  “You can call me Moreno, by the way. I know that our partnership will be something that you learn to accept and one day may even enjoy.” He grins. “Now, call your boss, set up a meet. I’m tired of playing.”

  “Where is Robinson?” I ask.

  Moreno snorts. “That man is under my control, as is everyone I come into contact with. Don’t worry about him and don’t worry about your woman, at least not yet.”