Ballers 2: His Final Play

by Blue Saffire

  “Later Nico,” Val says sadly.

  I hang up the phone and contemplate throwing it across the room. I don’t, only because I’m praying that my heart will call me to tell me where she is. I can’t live without her.

  “Reese,” I whisper to myself. “Where the fuck are you?”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Time Will Tell

  Reese

  A month later…

  It has only been a month since Uri helped me disappear. I have wanted to call Nico every day. It hurts so much to be away from him, but I have to stick to the plan.

  Dr. Hashem was already here in Italy when we arrived. Uri wasted no time bringing him in. I appreciate everything everyone is doing for me. I know this is hard on everyone. Nico has called Michael every day to see if he can help and when he will be returning home.

  I was already in my feelings about them having to lie for me. I didn’t plan to involve so many people in the beginning. However, I get why Uri planned it this way. If I thought I felt someway before, I feel like complete shit now that Donatella has arrived.

  Nico’s mother hasn’t said a word to me in two days. She has just looked at me. It is like she is studying me. I really don’t know what to make of any of it.

  I have started trying to avoid her. I was doing well too. That is until I decided to take a walk in the vineyards. I had a reiki session with Dr. Hashem and just felt like taking a walk to mediate some on my own.

  I am so deep within myself, I don’t pick up on Donatella’s energy until she gets right up on me. Out of shock, I spin to find her staring at me again. I place a hand over my chest and sigh in relief to find it is just her. Then I frown, because I know she is here for a reason. I’m just not sure what.

  “My mother had a recipe for everything, a broken heart, a wayward husband, making a baby. Old wives’ tales, you know these things, yes?” Donatella says as she looks me in the eyes.

  “Yes,” I nod.

  Donatella shrugs. “I lost a set of twins between Uri, Nico, and Annabella. For two years, nothing,” she cuts her hand across her neck. “My husband couldn’t keep his hands off of me. Nico’s father was a handsome man with a vicious appetite,” Donatella wiggles her brows at me, pulling a smile from my lips. “My mother came to visit us and cooked me one of her recipes. I was pregnant a month later with Nico and Annabella.

  “I still don’t know if I believe in her recipes, but after watching what you and Nico have gone through I have wished, repeatedly, that I had listened and learned,” Donatella steps closer and cups my face. “I understand what you are doing and why. I was so afraid throughout the entire pregnancy with Nico and Annabella, that I would lose them like they others.

  “I know what you’re going through sweetheart. My son is hurting. Right now, he is on his way to Texas, to attending your friend’s engagement party in hopes that you will show up. It breaks my heart that I cannot tell him that you will not be there. But I have seen Nico after you have lost a baby. My grown son nearly crawled in my lap to cry the last time you lost a child.

  “I need you to be strong, Reese, because I believe you are doing the right thing,” she moves her hand to my belly. “We will grow this belly and when you return to my son, he will be a papa. I may not believe in the recipes, but I believe in you. I have seen you bring my son back from the dead. You will bring life.”

  My eyes fill with tears at her words. I’d been struggling all day with wanting to call Nico, with wanting to call this all off. Her words just service to fortify my resolve. Donatella kisses my cheek and wraps an arm around my waist.

  “Now explain to me what I can do to help. Do I just stay out of your way or is there something I can do,” Donatella asks as she starts us back in the direction I was heading.

  I smile sheepishly. “Nico says you taught him how to make his marinara sauce. I would love some of yours,” I smile.

  “Oh my love, you have not had marinara sauce until you’ve had it made with fresh vegetables from Italy. We will make a fresh batch for tonight,” Donatella laughs.

  “Thank you,” I say as I place my head on her shoulder.

  “It is nothing,” she replies and kisses my forehead.

  ~B~

  Nico

  I thought for sure I would find Reese here at Tam’s engagement party. I didn’t think there was anything in the world that would make her stay away from this. Tam is one of her closest friends.

  I don’t know what to think. I have asked Uri if he thinks Reese’s disappearance could be related to family business. Maybe Reese didn’t leave me. Maybe someone took her. Tony hadn’t been with her the day she disappeared. Reese had planned to stay in all day and I hadn’t planned to be long. I didn’t even think to bring someone else in.

  However, Uri assures me that things have been quiet. No one wants to threaten the Donati or Caprisi families right now. Not with the power we have through our connections. The alliance runs so deep there is no one in the world that wants to challenge it. Sam and Uri pulled off the impossible in the last five years.

  I know this to be a fact, but I thought maybe, just maybe someone grew some balls. It is the only other thing I can think of to justify Reese being gone. I still can’t believe she left me. Her wedding gown arrived at the apartment just before I left for Texas.

  I sat in the middle of our bedroom like a baby crying with the garment bag cradled in my arms. I remember the huge smile on her face when she and my mother came back home after she went to pick out her gown. I was surprised she found one on the first try. Valentina drove Uri crazy picking a gown for their second wedding.

  Mama raved on how beautiful Reese looked in her gown. I can’t bring myself to think that I will never see her in it. I hung the dress in the closet. It will be there for when Reese returns to me. She has to return to me.

  I drunkenly stumble into my hotel room. I pull a hand down my face. I frown as I look around my suite. Something is off.

  “You left the party hours ago. I wanted to insure you returned safely,” a female voice says.

  “Where is your husband? Do I have to tell him you have upgraded to breaking into my hotel rooms now,” I roll my eyes and stumble to the couch.

  “Uri is with our children. I come to offer my help,” Valentina shrugs from her seat in an accent chair.

  “You should be resting. That belly is not shrinking,” I say and point to her protruding stomach.

  Val tilts her head to the side. “I have rested enough. Do you want help or not? Michael is still stuck in London and Uri seems to be dragging his ass. We need to find her,” Valentina pouts.

  I sigh. “How do you plan to help,” I ask.

  Val smiles broadly. “It’s time we call Uncle Valentine out of retirement. He can find anyone.”

  “Do you think he can really find her,” Nico.

  “If he doesn’t I will name this baby after you, boy or girl,” Valentina chirps.

  “Fine, make the call,” I huff.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  It’s Adding Up

  Nico

  Five months ago…

  I hadn’t expected Brad’s call for help, but I am grateful for the distraction. It has been over five months since that call and the meeting it lead up to. I have buried myself in helping to set up the new business.

  I have to do something. Anything to keep my mind off of Reese. Getting to know the players that are our new clients and helping Tam to woo more has helped to get me through.

  “This is unbelievable,” Valentina growls as she pushes a stroller into my office. She parks little Eva Nicola Donati right in front of me, then begins to pace my office.

  My little niece was given a version of my name as a middle name. Valentine has not been able to find Reese for me. I told Valentina she didn’t have to follow through with her promise, but she ranted on about her word being bond. Only Val.

  “What is the problem this time,” I coo at Eva, who is smiling up at me kicking her chubby little legs.<
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  “This is Reese, not Rita, not Sim, not Annabella, not Kelly, she is not me! How the hell has she managed to just disappear? Uncle Valentine can’t find her. Nate can’t find her. Michael can’t find her, heck, I have even called in a favor with the Blacks,” Valentina huffs.

  “It’s been seven months. No one has gotten as much as a single hit on where she is. I have a plan. I don’t think Uri understands how important this is to us. So I need you to keep Eva for a few hours,” Valentina nods at her own thoughts.

  “Wait, what,” I say snapping my head away from my drooling niece.

  “Uri just got back from taking Vita and the twins to Italy. Your mother is not going to make it back for the holidays so Uri took the kids to spend time with her. I plan to turn things up on him,” Valentina smirks. “I have my ways you know. I just need you to watch Eva and I will make Uri see that we need his help. He can find her. I know he can.”

  I rub my forehead and sigh. It’s been seven months. It seems like Reese really doesn’t want to be found. I don’t know how to feel about that anymore. I haven’t slept in our bedroom in months. I sleep in the upstairs master. I have done everything I can to push her to the back of my mind.

  If it weren’t for Valentina’s daily calls, I probably would be somewhat successful in forgetting about the woman that ripped my heart out. I am just at the end of my rope.

  “I don’t think he is ignoring how important this is to us. You have said yourself that he has been traveling more and more to London. He is busy. We all are, Michael has even been helping out with this place remotely,” I rumble. “If she doesn’t want to be found, maybe I should just move on.”

  Even as I say the words my heart screams no. I am in disbelief of the courage I have to even say them. I don’t feel them in my heart.

  Valentina storms over to my desk and slams her hand down on it. Eva jumps and whimpers. I eye Val like she has lost her mind.

  “You can’t give up. I see the way you two look at each other. I’ve seen what you have been through. I don’t know what happened to make her leave, but I know she loves you. We are not giving up,” Val voice trembles. “We can’t give up. There is more to this Nico. I know there is.”

  I stare at her for a long time without saying a word. “I will watch Eva. Do what you must, but the damage is done, Tina. All I want now is to know why,” I say and turn to release my niece from her stroller.

  Val wipes at a stray tear, opening her mouth to say something more. She changes her mind and shakes her head before she walks around the desk to kiss Eva’s little head and then placing a kiss on my cheek. Without another word she turns and leaves.

  “So it is me and you, Bella. Your mother thinks she is a slick one. You have more clothes and toys at my house than I do,” I say to Eva and chuckle.

  ~B~

  Reese

  I smile in the mirror at my baby bump. I am seven and a half months and I’m huge. I take a few selfies for the diary I’m putting together for Nico. I have pictures, video, and written logos for him to go through. I know he is going to be hurt that he missed all of this. I’m trying to make it up to him, however I can.

  This is the first pregnancy that I have had morning sickness. It is also the first time I have maintained my weight for the first trimester. I am so hopeful. I haven’t had any spotting and everything looks great. This is the furthest I have ever gotten.

  It will be time to send for Nico soon. Dr. Hashem and my OB both agreed I should not try to fly back home. A part of me is happy that I’ll be giving birth here in Italy. Nico is going to have the surprise of his life. I am more determined than ever to see this pregnancy through.

  “Auntie Reese,” Vita gasps from behind me.

  I turn to see her little blue eyes on me. They go wide as they land on my belly. Vita looks behind her, then steps into the room and closes the door.

  I can’t believe how fast she has grown up. Vita is so tall now. She still looks like a little female version of Uri, but you can see little parts of Val here and there. The little lady walks over and cups my belly in her hands. She looks up at me.

  “Is this why you ran away from Uncle Nico,” Vita whispers.

  A tear slips from my eye and I wipe it away quickly. My throat is too clogged to speak, so I nod, after trying to swallow the lump with no success. I see the wheels turning in this little girl’s head.

  “You’re going to go back right. So Uncle Nico isn’t sad anymore,” Vita asks.

  “Yes, Sweetie, I’m going back soon,” I sniffle. I don’t try to explain to her that I will have to wait for Nico to come to me.

  “Good, I love you, Zietta Reese. I love Uncle Nico too. I want you to be happy,” Vita says. “Nonna said we were going to the other house in the morning and that me and the boys shouldn’t come up here. Is it because you are hiding?”

  I giggle. “Yes, Sweetie,” I say and smooth a hand over her curls.

  “I won’t tell. I promise,” Vita whispers.

  “Thank you,” I wink at her.

  ~B~

  Nico

  I can’t get my conversation with Valentina out of my head. She is right. This is Reese, how is she evading some of the best trackers in the business. I hadn’t known that Val went to the Blacks. I personally did not because it isn’t the easiest thing to admit that your fiancée has taken off.

  Now that I know that Wyatt and Felix weren’t even able to find Reese, my hackles are up. Something isn’t right. I was a bit disappointed when Valentine came up with nothing, but when my brothers failed to find a trace of Reese I was floored.

  Eva has been fussy so I have been pacing with her in my arms as I work this feeling out in my mind. Val is right. Reese did not leave alone. I think of her ex-husband, but he isn’t stupid enough to come between me and Reese. Besides, he has his own life. His boys call Reese for Christmas and Reese calls them on birthdays, but she rarely ever really talks to Ty.

  The boys grew attached to Reese when the little one broke his arm and Ty brought him to Reese for physical therapy. They are good boys. Ty wouldn’t risk his life or his family by helping Reese like this.

  Whoever is helping her has money. Reese hasn’t touched one of her accounts. To hide this well she would have to have some type of financial help.

  “Who is helping your Zietta Reese and why,” I say to Eva and kiss her little forehead.

  She yawns up at me and pulls a face as she breaks wind. It is so loud and long it feels the room, but her whole little body relaxes and her lids start to droop. I guess it has been the gas all along. I chuckle and kiss her little head again.

  “That was not the answer I was looking for, Bella,” I chuckle.

  Suddenly, I stop in my tracks. More of Val’s words come back to me. Uri has been taking more and more trips out of the country. Michael and Sim have been gone for as long as Reese has been gone.

  “Son of a bitch, they wouldn’t dare,” I growl. “But why?”

  None of it makes sense. I can’t understand why they would help her run from me. My mind races as I piece things together. Uri went to London when Reese disappeared, the same time Michael left.

  Val keeps saying that Uri isn’t giving this his all. That he doesn’t get how important this is to us. Oh, my brother knows damn well how important Reese is to me. My brother is also powerful enough to keep her hidden from me for seven fucking months.

  My mind reels back to five months ago, after the meeting with Brad, Sam, Uri, and Tam’s boss. Uri rode back with me to my hotel. I was excited about that new business opportunity, but the moment I realized I wouldn’t be able to share the news with Reese, I was back to a brooding bear.

  “You cannot stop living, Nico. This favor Brad is asking for is a great thing for you. Reese would appreciate you helping her friends. Distract yourself with this. In time, the rest will work out,” Uri said to me.

  “No way,” I shake my head. I need answers.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  Where is She?


  Valentina

  I need answers. I don’t understand why Uri hasn’t done more to find Reese. I know the family has been keeping him busy, but that has never stopped him from making things happen. I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that Michael can’t find her. No one hides from Michael.

  I’m on a mission, a mission to find those answers that I need. I look in the mirror at the blue corset I have laced myself into. I flip my hair over my shoulder and tease my bangs. I smirk at the mirror and lick my red lips. Uri will be coughing up what I need tonight.

  I bend to fasten my baby blue spike heeled, platform Mary Janes. “Perfect,” I purr at the mirror as I stand and take another look. I sway my hips as I make my way into the bedroom.

  I snort to myself as I find Uri nodding off as he sits up in bed. My old man, but I am here to keep him young. As if sensing me in the room Uri opens his eyes slowly. I see the moment they clear and fill with lust. Uri’s lips tip up in a smile.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure Bella Donna,” Uri croons in a sexy husky voice.

  I shrug. “The kids are all gone. I figured we could have a little fun,” I purr.

  “And how did you get my brother to take our newest little monster,” Uri chuckles.

  “Nico is lonely, Eva is keeping him company,” I reply.

  I narrow my eyes as a look of guilt crosses Uri’s face. I’ve been too busy with the kids and with having Eva to notice Uri’s strange behavior, but now things are flashing through my mind at a rapid pace.

  I try to refrain from pressing my lips. I am the only one my husband lets his mask slip for. I will get the truth out of him, now that I know there is a truth to seek.

  I walk over to the bed and straddle Uri’s lap. His hands settle on my hips, as he gives a gentle squeeze. I lean in as if to kiss him, but when he leans towards me to nip my lip, I pull away. I smirk as Uri’s brows furrow. I lean in again, but this time he doesn’t come to meet me halfway, so I lean all the way in right to his lips. I stick my tongue out and trace his full lips with my tongue.

  Uri groans and tilts his head to kiss me, but I move swiftly again. Uri narrows his eyes at me as his nostrils flare. I can see that the fight is on. Uri’s hands flex on my hips, then they start a slow sensual trip up my sides.