Her Mafia Boss

by Bianca Cole

  There’s a tense silence between us, as Rick follows the GPS toward Jasmine’s assumed location. Rick turns off onto a dirt track up into the Heartacre Woods. The woods we used to spend our summers camping out in. None of us ever said it out loud, but it was our escape away from the crazy life our father had forced us into.

  We grew up with security guards all over the house and screams you weren’t supposed to hear coming from the basement. I was fourteen years old when my father set a gun in my hand and made me kill for the first time—too fucking young.

  The guy ripped my childhood away from me, but every summer we’d find our way up here with tents and snacks. It was the only time I’d ever felt like a normal kid. The only time we got to act like we weren’t the kids of a ruthless criminal.

  Even at secondary-school I didn’t feel normal. As rumors spread about our father, no one wanted anything to do with me. Dear old dad pulled me out of secondary-school at thirteen years old to be home-schooled, which was bullshit. He put me to work in the business right away.

  Rick and Kane had been luckier than me, finishing school and having friends. Kane hates that our father ripped away his chance to attend college, but at least he got to attend high-school.

  It is in the past now, but the memories are still as if they happened yesterday, as we navigate the overgrown dirt tracks of the familiar woods.

  All I can hope is that we get Kane’s fiancé back safe and sound. It’s the first attempt any of us has made at a semblance of a normal life, and I want that for my brother more than anything.

  Maybe it’s something I can have with Ellie. I know it’s a silly thought, particularly considering we barely know each other. The problem is the heart wants what it wants, and it wants Ellie.

  13

  Ellie

  I watch the clock tick by. It’s been two hours since Leo left. My stomach rumbles as I sit in bed, waiting for him to return. The more time that ticks by, the more my stomach twists with worry. It’s making me crazy.

  I’m not sure who Jasmine is, but I overheard the guy at the door say she’d been taken by someone. Whatever is going on is dangerous. This is the Romano Mafia we’re talking about.

  A knock at the door has me sitting bolt upright on the sofa, gazing at the door. I hit pause on the TV and perk my ear, listening for any idea as to who is on the other side.

  Leo has the key to get back in, so why is someone knocking?

  I stand to my feet and walk cautiously toward the door. Another knock sounds, louder and more aggressive.

  After that, whoever is out there tries the door. I hear hushed voices on the other side, and deep in the pit of my stomach I know this isn’t right.

  I jump a foot in the air when there’s a forceful bash to the door with something heavy. Whoever is on the other side is trying to break the fucking door down.

  I dash for the en-suite bathroom and shut it quietly, locking it behind me. My heart is pounding in my throat, making me feel sick. The crash of the bedroom door being broken down sends my pulse racing. I hold a hand over my mouth to stop from crying out.

  I keep quiet and listen. When I hear a familiar voice, my stomach twists with sickness. My head becomes light and my vision swims. “The bathroom,” Bruce says.

  How the fuck did he even get in here?

  I search the bathroom for some kind of escape, rushing to the window. One look and I know there’s no way I can climb down. It’s too high up.

  The only option is to hide, but who am I kidding? They know someone’s in this bathroom as it’s locked from the inside. My heart pounds against my rib cage as I stand and wait. A bash at the bathroom door has me stepping backward, searching for somewhere to hide.

  There’s not even a freaking cupboard in this bathroom. Hiding only delays the inevitable. Bruce has found me, and he will kill me. My shoulders slump as I resign myself to the fact, knowing only Leo returning could save me now. The thump against the door makes the wood splinter and crack. They’re almost through.

  I rush over to the toilet and grab the toilet brush, holding it in the air. It maybe fucking stupid, but it’s the only thing in here I can attack them with. Death by toilet brush probably isn’t one of my best moves. The door clatters to the floor, wood cracking and splintering. It shatters everywhere.

  I stand there, trying to look tough.

  One of Bruce’s friends is the first in, and I hit him over the head as hard as I can with the brush. “Ouch, what the fuck?” he says, yanking it from me and throwing it into the bath.

  Yeah, toilet brush wasn’t very effective. He tries to grab me, and I dodge him, only to collide with someone else.

  I look up to see Bruce sneering down at me. His pale face seems even paler than I remember as he glares down at me with his soulless, almost black eyes. His thin lips pursed and long, black hair pulled back into a ponytail.

  He brings the back of his hand down across my face, sending a stinging pain across my cheek. I take a step back, trying to get away. I know that look in his eyes all too well. He doesn’t normally touch my face, as he always said he kept that part of me perfect for when he fucks me.

  It doesn’t matter to him anymore, as I’m not his.

  I’m Leo’s.

  “You’re a fucking whore, Ellie.” He shakes his head, stepping closer to me. “Shacking up with a Romano, no doubt waiting until you can make off with his money.”

  I pin my shoulders back and stare him in the eyes. “He will kill you for this,” I spit.

  Bruce chuckles shaking his head. “Leo Romano doesn’t give a shit about anybody. He’ll probably thank me for getting rid of you.”

  I take another step back, panicking that he may be right. If Leo comes back and I’m gone, he won’t know where I am. Sure, he’ll see the doors broken down and know I was taken, but will he care? “How the fuck did you even get in here?”

  He glances back at a man and gives him a nod. “We’ve got our ways.”

  “What do you want?” I ask, setting my hands on my hips.

  He steps closer, breathing his foul breath in my face. “You stole from me and tried to break up with me. I’m taking you as mine, by my side, where you belong.”

  “Like hell,” I say, bringing my leg up to kick him in the balls.

  He reads my move and shifts out of the way, grabbing my leg midair. I forgot how long I’ve known Bruce. He knows all my moves and can read me like a fucking book.

  “Tie her up and gag her, and let’s get out of here,” he says to one of his guys.

  I dodge around him and one of his guys who comes at me, rushing for the door. It’s useless as there are three other men in the bedroom. One of them snatches me around the waist, picking me up off the floor.

  I scream and shout, thrashing to try to land a punch on this knucklehead. He is too freaking strong. He tightens his grip around my waist, making me squeal. The pain constricting through my ribs makes my vision blur. I’m sure if he presses any harder he’ll crack them with his bare hands.

  “That’s enough, Enzo, put her down,” Bruce says.

  Enzo?

  The name rings a bell, and as I get a glimpse of his face, I realize it’s the bouncer from Mode. The guy drops me on the floor without warning, hitting my head on the side of the metal bed. I bring a hand up to where I hit it, feeling blood gush down my nose from a gash he just inflicted.

  “What the fuck do you want, Bruce?” I spit, glaring at him.

  “I want you, Ellie.”

  I shake my head. “Didn’t you get the letter? I didn’t steal from you, and I don’t want to be with you anymore. Is that too hard for you to understand?”

  Bruce steps closer, looming over me. His stout frame blocking out the light of the chandelier behind him. “Don’t talk to me like that or you will regret it.”

  “Do you worst,” I hiss, spitting in his face.

  He hits me harder this time in the chest, sinking his fist into me. One guy grabs his hand. “Hey, man, you shouldn’t punch a w
oman like that.”

  Bruce snaps at him, punching him in the face. “Don’t tell me how to talk to my woman.”

  His woman?

  Is he fucking joking? “I’m not your woman,” I yell, jumping to my feet and attempting to run for the door again.

  I get all of three steps before Enzo’s arms are wrapped around my waist, lifting me off the floor again. This guy is becoming the bane of my existence. First, he stopped me from getting away with two-hundred thousand dollars, and now he’s helping my asshole of an ex-boyfriend.

  This time I turn limp in his arms, not wanting to fight him. If I fight against him, I’m sure I’ll end up with broken ribs.

  “It will be best for all of us if you just co-operate, Ellie,” Bruce warns.

  I glare at him, wishing I could punch him in the face. A man I spent far too many years of my life with. At eighteen years old, I thought he was the best I would ever find. At first, he wasn’t abusive, perhaps a little controlling, but not violent.

  Once we’d been together a year, and I moved in with him, that’s when everything went downhill. Five years wasted on a man who treated me like shit, and I’ll never get over the shame that it took me so long to break free.

  Bruce steps toward me and grips hold of my chin firmly, forcing me to meet his gaze. Hatred burns so brightly inside of me for this man. In his eyes, I see a sick desire that makes me want to puke. There had always been warning signs of Bruce’s cruel nature. He was a bully in high-school, and I should have known he’d never change.

  “Tie her up and take her to the SUV as quickly as you can,” he instructs, turning away from me.

  I struggle against the guy I hit with the toilet brush, trying to get away from him. Enzo stands nearby, eyes fixed on me with warning. The moment I meet his gaze, I stop struggling to allow the other guy to tie my wrists together. Enzo hauls me toward the door and heads down the corridor.

  I still don’t understand how they’ve walked in here. They don’t even take the back exit, heading straight out the front door where a beaten-up van is parked. Bruce is sitting in the front with the engine running, and Enzo opens the back, shoving me inside.

  I sit on the hard floor of the van as the door slams shut, leaving me in darkness. The two guys get in the front and then the van moves. They’re taking me away from him and away from the only happiness I’ve ever known. It was brief and fleeting, but perfect. Leo was everything I’d ever wanted, but I’d be stupid to think it would last.

  A mafia boss like him could have any woman he wants. He would never want to be with a thief like me. It was fun while it lasted, but as the van speeds up, I know I’m being driven out of Leo's life forever.

  14

  Leo

  I step out of the cabin, itching to get back to Ellie.

  “Okay, break it up love birds,” I say, seeing Kane spin Jasmine around, as if he’s in a damn romance movie.

  I’m happy for my older brother. He’s always hated the life in the mob even more than me and Rick. I’ve never seen him as happy as he is with Jasmine around. He drops her to the floor abruptly and spins toward me, eyes narrowed.

  I walk toward them, smiling. “Not sure we’ve officially been introduced, sister-in-law to be.” I bow, knowing it will piss Kane off. He’s the easiest guy to annoy.

  “Don’t be such an ass, Leo,” Kane says through gritted teeth. I step closer to her and grab her hand, planting a kiss on the back of it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Jasmine.” I glance at Kane, smirking. “Are you sure he’s not too old for you?”

  I get the rise I want, when Kane growls like an angry tiger. I take a step back, holding my hands up. “I’m only messing, big brother.”

  “He’s definitely not too old for me,” Jasmine says, looking at him adoringly. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you better, Leo.”

  I give her a nod. “I like her, Kane.”

  Rick has been loitering in the doorway and steps out behind me. “Yeah, odd you were going to marry the girl and hadn’t even taken a moment to introduce her to your brothers.” I watch my older brother step forward and shake her hand. “I’m Rick.”

  She nods. “I know.”

  Rick smiles, which is rare for him, and then chucks Kane a bag. “Change your clothes and burn them.” He glances at Jasmine. “You too, sweetheart.” He glances at Kane. “See you back at the house.”

  Rick walks passed them toward one of the SUV’s, and I follow him, eager to get back to the house. “Do you think they will get busy out in the open?” I say, nudging Rick in the ribs.

  He shakes his head. “Can’t you be serious for once in your life, Leonardo?”

  I tense at him using my full name, as I hate being called Leonardo. “Don’t call me that,” I hiss, sliding into the passenger’s side of the SUV. “Let’s get back.”

  Rick stares at me for a moment, eyes narrowed. “What’s the rush?”

  I shrug. “No rush.” I need to keep cool otherwise I risk him learning the truth.

  If he finds out I’ve kept a girl who tried to steal two-hundred thousand dollars from us in my room for a week, he won’t be happy. We live by a code and the code keeps our family safe. I’ve violated it. I’m just lucky that as the underboss my guys respect me and haven’t spilled about me letting Ellie live.

  Rick huffs as he starts the car, shifting into reverse and turning it around. “I was thinking we could grab a drink on the way home?” He looks hopeful, glancing over at me.

  Shit.

  I can literally feel the blood draining from my face. Rick has a lot going on, especially with the heist happening tonight. One of the lower level crime rings has taken liberties, and we’ve got our guys pulling a heist on all their drugs and gunst. It could end badly, if it goes wrong. He no doubt wants to get his mind off of it, and what kind of brother would I be if I said no?

  “Sure, let’s get a drink,” I say, clapping him on the shoulder.

  He smiles an uneasy smile and then turns right toward our favorite bar. Ellie will be fine. She’s locked away in our mansion which is heavily guarded. What’s the worst that can happen?

  After three beers, I’m getting irritated. Rick isn’t slowing down, and I can’t stay here much longer. Ellie will wonder where the fuck I am.

  “I’m ready to call it a night,” I say, stretching my arms above my head and yawning widely.

  Rick tips back the rest of his scotch and then glares at me. “I’ve not had enough,” he slurs.

  The guy has had almost a whole bottle of scotch since we’ve been here. I know how much his position fucks with him, and now and then he has one of these moments and gets rip-roaring drunk.

  “We’ve got more at home. Come on, I’ll drive.” I snatch the keys up from the bar and swing them around my finger.

  He gets to his feet and sighs. “Fine, but you can be a real ass.”

  A flood of relief fills me when he doesn’t argue about leaving. It’s getting on for dark and Ellie has been alone for hours. I hate leaving her for so long, particularly considering where we left off. For the first time, I was going to make love to her—not just fuck her.

  Fuck.

  The moment that thought passes through my mind, I panic. I fucking love the girl. God knows how it happened, but it did. I never thought I’d love any woman. We walk out of the bar, and I unlock the SUV, climbing into the driver’s seat. Rick crosses his arms over his chest and glares out of the window, like a little child sulking over me stopping his fun early.

  I speed onto the highway out toward our home, driven by the need to see my woman. The journey feels like it takes forever, but finally the gates come into view. My eyes narrow as there aren’t any security guards on the gate. “Where the fuck is security?” I ask.

  Rick looks out the front and shakes his head. “I don’t know.” He grabs his phone out of his pocket and dials head of security. “Gabe, where the fuck is the security for the gate?” he asks, flipping the phone onto loud speaker.

 
“They should be down there, sir.”

  My stomach twists and I know something is wrong. I press the button to open the gates and speed down the driveway, wishing it was shorter.

  “What’s the rush?” Rick asks.

  I shake my head. “Something is not right.”

  I can feel Rick’s eyes on me as I race down the driveway at speed, skidding to a stop outside the front of the manor. Without thinking, I fling the door open and rush inside. Ellie has to be okay. I need to see her safe and sound, wrapped in my duvet cover. Her bright blue eyes wide and full of adoration the moment she sees me.

  Instead, I find my door broken off the fucking hinges. Splintered and broken wood all over the floor and a trail of blood on the beige carpet. She’s gone, and she’s hurt.

  My vision turns to pure red rage and I can feel my blood boiling beneath my too tight skin. “Motherfuckers,” I roar, punching the wall so hard my knuckles paint blood across it.

  “What the fuck is going on, Leo?” Rick appears behind me, eyes wide.

  “They’ve taken her.”

  His brow furrows. “Taken who?”

  I shake my head, not wanting to explain everything right now. I can’t. The rage is eating me up inside and I can barely speak. Instead, I pace the floor.

  My shoulders and muscles tenser than they’ve ever been. Ellie never told me the name of the man who was after her, but I’ll find him and I’ll fucking kill him.

  How the hell did they even get in here?

  Rick’s hand comes down on my shoulder, and he squeezes tightly, forcing me to a stop. “Leonardo, you may be my brother, but I need an explanation right fucking now,” he growls.

  Without another word, he drags me out of the room and pushes me down the corridor. Rick has always been bulkier than me, but I’m quicker. In my rage, I swing a punch at him, catching him in the jaw.