Legally Bound 5.5: Legally Unbounded (Legally Bound Series)

by Blue Saffire

  Those eyes are just as alluring as the Locatelli’s and Vahid brothers’. I’m starting to think that dangerous and handsome go together around here. The sexier, the more dangerous.

  It’s good to see Nellie and Kamara again. I had a nice time hanging with them when they flew in for the Father-Daughter Ball, LaSalle and the others put together. However, my favorite by far is this little copper-haired woman staring me down.

  Cassidy Black is giving me the grilling of my life. She has scanned me from head to toe. She looks at LaSalle and back at me.

  “This be one of my boys. He may not be a Black, but I sure as fuck love him like one. I have two shotguns for any lass that tries to break his heart,” she says with a straight face and no nonsense tone.

  Her sons and daughters in-law around her all choke off laughs. I try to stifle my own laugh. Not that I don’t believe her, but because I do. She is the tiniest thing, but I can tell Cassidy brings it when necessary.

  I wink at her. “I have two pistols of my own, so I’m sure I’d shoot that bitch first for trying to steal my man in the first place.”

  Cassidy narrows her eyes at me, she then shrugs and gives me a blinding smile. I’m wrapped in her tiny arms in the next motion. “Welcome, Lass. You have a good one here,” she whispers to me.

  “I know,” I say back.

  Nicholas Lincoln and his wife Sephora are the next two people that stand out to me. Sephora gives me the biggest hug ever. She hugs LaSalle as well and apologizes profusely. For what, I’m not really sure. Nicholas has to pry her away, whispering something in her ear that turns her cheeks purple.

  They make a gorgeous couple, but I think the couple that has my mouth on the floor, is the old Asian man and his stunning bronze colored wife. Kiyoshi Nash Matsumara, as LaSalle introduced him, is an older man, but his wife. Well, let’s just say I have goals for when I reach her age. Her eyes are what tell you she’s so much older than she looks. They have such wisdom.

  Their two children are gorgeous. Both Carmen and Nelson are a very attractive mix of their parents. Carmen is adorable with her swollen belly. There are a few pregnant women here I noticed.

  I think I’m dizzy by the time we get to Val and Uri. I literally fall into Val’s embrace, causing her to laugh at me. Uri pats my shoulder.

  “You will get used to things like this,” he winks.

  “He’s lying. I think your future husband paid him to say that. The first six months after Uri took over for Papa were exhausting, we rank number two, Sis. So, trust, family number one has a lot more in store,” Val laughs.

  “You know how to throw party, LaSalle. But I would have given, moj malen’kij kotenok a much better party,” Misha’s voice comes from behind us.

  LaSalle turns and rolls his shoulders. “Yet, you will still sit and watch me marry your little kitten next weekend,” LaSalle shoots back.

  I stifle a laugh. LaSalle still doesn’t know that Misha is more than on to us. He looks like he is ready to take another shot at Misha. I move to LaSalle’s side and link my fingers with his.

  “This is true, my friend,” Misha says, with a crooked grin. He lets his eyes roll over me in a heated stare. “Although, I may have to change my mind about allowing you to have her.”

  “You haven’t allowed shit,” LaSalle scoffs.

  “Yes,” Misha says as a sadness creeps into his eyes. “I have. I have no luck with the women that own that pretty face. She is safer with better man. My demons are not for her.”

  A few moments of silence pass as Misha and LaSalle have a conversation that no one else can hear. They say all they need to say with their eyes. I have come to learn theirs is a relationship only the two of them understand. If LaSalle were anyone else, he’d die and I would be married to Misha.

  “Where’s Milanie,” I look around, breaking up the tension.

  “She is with your sister,” Misha twists his face. “They have been bonding.”

  I smile up at Misha. I can’t help giving him a hug. Kurtrina needed Milanie as much as Milanie needed her. I think they will be so good for each other.

  “Thank you,” I say for just Misha to hear.

  “A deal is deal. You kick my ass before your husband jumped in ring to kick it some more. You know I keep word, always.”

  “Enough,” LaSalle grumbles.

  I can’t hold it in anymore. I laugh and turn to LaSalle. “He is harmless. I may have had the wrong idea about Misha. We have resolved our differences,” I chirp.

  “Doesn’t mean I want his hands on my fucking wife,” LaSalle replies reaching to tug me into his chest.

  “You will not have to worry about me. After wedding, I go home to Russia. I have things to handle there,” Misha says.

  “Oh, no, but Milanie has made so many friends,” I pout.

  “I will bring her back soon,” Misha frowns and nods.

  Again, I notice the sadness in Misha’s eyes so I don’t push. We all look around the crowded room. A deep sense of foreboding sets in. This peace and celebration is only smoke and mirrors for what’s to come.

  LaSalle won’t tell me who attacked us at my apartment building. However, I’ve noticed the increase in security. I think we are all thinking the same thing as our small group stands together, although it is Uri that speaks.

  “It’s nothing. We just make them Hush,” he says pulling Val into his side.

  chapter Thirty-Eight

  LaSalle & Tasha

  LaSalle

  The women in my life are amazing. My family’s home has been transformed into something I don’t even recognize. White and gold roses are everywhere. I mean the roses look as if they have literally been dipped in gold.

  I was impressed when my mother helped Bobby throw his wedding together at the last minute, but this is astounding. The fabric and lighting. The mini orchestra in the balcony.

  None of it is overly done. I think that’s what’s astounding. It looks as if a royal wedding is about to take place. It has been done with a grace and class that speaks so much of the woman I’m about to marry.

  My chest swells as my little girls come down the aisle first. They whined all night about wanting one of Mo-mo’s hairstyles. Of course, they got their wish. They are both sporting those flat twists, with buns on top.

  I haven’t seen them this happy in so long. I was shocked when Jessica asked if I was buying a new house for our new family. However, it opened the conversation and my girls are both excited for new rooms and a new backyard.

  Tasha reassured me that Sammy would be able to make the adjustment as well, with her help. We decided to look for a new house and move into it gradually to see if he indeed handles it well. The idea of a new house sits right with me.

  Once again, I shake my head at how things are all falling into place. My children are adjusting. I feel whole for once in my life and…Oh, God, I can’t breathe.

  She is so gorgeous. I don’t know what I did to deserve her, but she is the most beautiful bride in the world. Tasha’s hair is all pulled back away from her face, sitting high on her head. It’s most fitting that she has a crown on her head.

  Her shoulders are bare, the bodice of her dress clinging to her full breast and tapering her waist. Her hips are outlined to perfection by soft lace, as yards and yards of fabric trails behind her.

  As she gets closer, I see that the dress is designed to look as if her arms and shoulders are bare. The sheer fabric just gives way to the lacey design of the dress providing fabric where there looks to be none, like between her breasts.

  Tasha chose to have Czar walk her down the aisle, much to her father’s embarrassment and displeasure. I honestly think she made the right choice. The glow on her face as she looks up at her brother, when he stops to hand her to me says so much.

  “She means the world to me, LaSalle,” Czar says, while looking me in the eyes.

  “She means that and more to me,” I reply.

  Czar nods and places her small hand in mine. I only have eyes for
her. Nothing else around me matters at this moment.

  There are over three hundred people here, but I only see her. I can hear my heart singing her name. Everything is so much clearer now. This is a different love.

  “Everything about you is beautiful. My love for you knows no limits,” I whisper for her ears only.

  ~B~

  Tasha

  This man is going to make me ruin my makeup. I haven’t been standing before him for two seconds and he is about to make me cry big old fat tears. I’m blown away by the love I see in his eyes.

  LaSalle places his hands on my waist and presses his forehead to mine. “We’re ready,” he tells the officiant.

  I giggle and smile up at him as we move through our ceremony connected as one. At one point, I reach to rub his back. It has to ache. I’m not nearly as tall as he is, but he refuses to break our connection. Even as we recite the vows we wrote last night.

  It is only when we place the rings on each other’s fingers that he breaks the connection. When I hold my hand out to LaSalle, Sammy rounds his father and takes my hand from him. We both look down at him curiously.

  “Now,” Sammy says simply, as he removes the ring he placed there, what seems so long ago.

  LaSalle watches his son, shaking his head and laughs. Pulling Sammy into his side, he reaches to move the engagement ring he gave me a week ago to my other hand, before placing the wedding band in place.

  When we are announced man and wife, LaSalle pulls me into him. “Mrs. Locatelli, finally,” he whispers, then kisses my breath away.

  When we come up for air, I stare up at my husband lovingly. “The world’s in trouble now,” I smirk.

  “Yes, it is,” LaSalle winks. “LaSalle and Tasha are here to stay.”

  ~B~

  LaSalle

  Our first dance. I told Tasha I wanted to pick this one. She has set so many important moments in our relationship to the perfect soundtrack. I wanted to pick this song.

  I pinch her chin between my fingers, as I look into her big brown orbs. The song starts to play and I see her eyes water. This song is exactly how I feel. It says everything I want to say. I peck her lips and we begin to sway to, Say You Won’t Let Go, by James Arthur.

  “Tell me you won’t let go,” I whisper to her as I place my forehead to hers.

  “Not even after I let go of my last breath,” she whispers back.

  “I was dying, Baby. I was dying inside and you came for me.”

  “I’ve always been here. We were always going to end up here. I get it now,” she replies.

  I nod and swallow. “Is that what your letter this morning said too?”

  Tasha nods. “She was something special. To see all of this. Her words were a mix of joy and sadness.”

  “But today is yours. It belongs to us. We have to let go of the past. Sam and Monique are two very different people. She wrote to guide them, not us. I think LaSalle and Tasha are capable of making their own way,” I say as my heart swells with love.

  “I know they are. Trust me, LaSalle. I may surprise you,” she says with a little conspiratorial smile.

  I give her a crooked grin. “You surprise me every day. It’s my turn to surprise you.”

  “I can’t wait,” she purrs.

  chapter Thirty-Nine

  No More

  Misha

  “I had so much fun with Auntie Kurtrina,” Milanie says for the millionth time.

  I have tried to change the topic every time. I don’t want to talk about her aunt. I was gutted the moment I came face to face with the woman. She is as gorgeous as her twin.

  Only, there is something in her eyes that says she is as damaged as I am. It is that look that had me grab my daughter and put space between her aunt and me. I will not fall for another one of Senator Gabriel’s daughters. It is bad enough, I want to kill the man for the glares he has thrown my way.

  The only thing stopping me is that he is Milanie’s grandfather. Otherwise, he would have had a blade through his throat by now. I am that irritable this evening.

  “Papa, why do you look like you smell something stink?” Milanie’s voice breaks into my thoughts.

  I burst into laughter and pluck my daughter from her seat. I give her a big hug. She has brought the first signs of real laughter to me in much too long.

  I kiss her temple. The wedding reception is coming to an end. I have more than done my part. It is time I go and rebuild my life.

  “You can tell me all about your time with your auntie on flight, Da,” I say, as I stand and start for the exit.

  “You would love her, Papa. She is so much fun. She makes pretty pictures on her computers for work,” Milanie says with big round eyes. “I want a computer to make pictures on, Papa.”

  “Then you shall have one,” I grin at my daughter.

  I stop outside and hand my ticket to the hired valet. There are so many cars here. LaSalle outdid himself this week. The wedding was just as beautiful as all the other events leading up to it. My friend did well by his bride.

  “I want to talk to you,” I hear come from behind me and my back stiffens.

  “Aunt Kurtrina,” Milanie sings.

  I sigh. Just my luck. I turn and look down at the little woman I’ve been avoiding. Even with the short blonde hair, she is gorgeous and too much of a reminder.

  “Make this quick, I have plane to catch,” I snap.

  “What have I done to you,” she hisses back.

  “I will take Milanie,” Shura appears, reaching for my daughter.

  I’m glad he does because now I can say just what I want to. I glare at Kurtrina, and she returns my glare. I want to grab her and shake her. Tell her to stay away from me.

  “Answer me! What have I done to you,” she growls.

  “You were born,” I snarl. “You will forever own a face I love and hate. You will always remind me of what I did not do. I did not keep her safe. Net, I will not forgive myself for that and you are just reminder of fact I failed.”

  “Oh, come on, are you serious,” she huffs. “So, what, you are going to run back to Russia with your tail between your legs because I look like Keisha? You’re going to rip my niece from me because you can’t deal? You’re some piece of work.”

  I narrow my eyes and move into her face. “How do you know I’m returning to Russia?”

  “What? Do I look stupid? It’s written all over your face you are about to run,” she hisses back.

  “Fuck you,” I snap.

  “Net, fuck you, pussy,” she snarls.

  I go to rain hell on her, but a sharp sound whizzes by me. I know that sound. I bring my gun from my back and wrap my arm around the little witch in front of me.

  How the fuck do I get hard now, while someone shoots at me? I really am crazy, but she feels so good. Focus, Misha.

  “Get down,” Afanasy roars as he runs towards us.

  More gunfire zips by us, shattering plant pots and vases, kicking up chunks of pavement. Afanasy and I begin to fire back, while I use my body for shield to block Kurtrina.

  LaSalle’s men move into action swiftly. I feel my blood boil at the thought of someone trying this shit here, today. It only takes a moment for LaSalle’s men to diffuse the situation.

  I look down at Kurtrina and she is shaking, but looking beyond me. I turn to see what she is looking at. I close my eyes and curse when I see Afanasy lying on his back in a pool of his own blood.

  Kurtrina shoves out of my hold. “Afanasy,” she screams and runs to his side.

  I follow to see what I can do until help comes. This doesn’t look good. Afanasy looks up at Kurtrina and cups her face with a bloody hand.

  “S-sorry,” he coughs up blood. “I should have told you I was in love with you sooner.”

  “What?” Kurtrina cries. “Afan, you’re talking crazy. Shh, help is coming. You hold on for me, okay?”

  “Listen to me, I love you. I wanted more than your friendship. I…I would…die for…you,” he says on his last brea
th.

  “Afanasy,” Kurtrina hollers. “Afanasy, Afanasy please. Afanasy, someone do something. He’s dying.”

  I wrap my arms around her and tug her back. “He is already gone,” I say.

  “You’re such a heartless bastard. Get your hands off me,” she snaps.

  I sigh and release her. Trust me, I don’t want to comfort her. Not with the way my body reacts to her. I turn my back and go to find out where I will start killing people.

  chapter Fourty

  Honey Moon

  LaSalle

  I can’t even begin to tell you how pissed I am. My wife had the perfect wedding until someone decided to turn our guests into target practice. Instead of leaving for our honeymoon, I spent hours delegating hits on my top ten targets.

  Uri and Logan wanted to handle it, but I will not be played in my own home. I needed to deal with it and fast. That shit back in New York with Tasha was just a warning.

  I’d like to know who the fuck they think they are sending me warnings. I may have been sleepwalking the last six months, but I can guarantee that shit is over. If they wanted me, they should have tried this shit then.

  “LaSalle,” Tasha purrs, as she walks up behind me on the outdoor balcony. She places her cheek to my back and her small hands on my stomach.

  I brought her to Greece for our honeymoon. Thomas let me use his place here. It’s a gorgeous beach home. I can tell Tasha loves it. We’ve only been here a few hours. Hours, in which I’ve been on the phone barking orders.

  I cover her hands with mine. Her touch calms me and I start to take in the view I’ve been absently staring at. It dawns on me that the sun is setting. I close my eyes and curse.

  “Shit, Baby, I’m not being a good husband already,” I sigh.

  “Bullshit, you are making sure your family is safe. You’re the perfect husband already,” she says against my bare back and kisses my skin.

  I reach behind me to pull her little body in front of mine. Tasha turns in my arms to look up at me. I smile down at her, when I take in my white dress shirt, hanging open on her curvy body.