by Samantha Lee
“No,” was Antony’s immediate response.
“So, you are stalking her? That’s not your style man.”
“No, we have unfinished business, which she is running away from. It is my good fortune she ran to you. Truly, you have no idea.”
“Please do enlighten me, because she may be your woman, but she works for me, and I am not training her for fun. Our next mission will be her first mission Tony.”
Antony sighed, “She worked for me, and through some unforeseen circumstances she found out about the Family. Some…incidents occurred surrounding those circumstances while I was unconscious. When I woke up, I was told she may have been kidnapped by my enemies. I didn’t believe it, things didn’t add up. I figured it was more likely she took advantage of an opportunity and ran away from me, so I called you to help me find her. It is luck that she ran straight to you, a man I have known for years.”
“Why did she run?”
“She went through a lot in a short time, then my father and Sal scared her. Don’t ask me for more details, that’s Family business, but needless to say, her running away wouldn’t look good to my father, so nobody knows she is alive. But soon they will.”
“Why is that?” Daemon asked.
“Because I want her in my world and by my side, I don’t want her on the sidelines or in the shadows. It pleases me more than you know that she walked into my world on her own, and intends to thrive in the darkness with me. I never would have imagined she would become the woman she is today, a trained killer.
Daemon winced, “She isn’t quite a killer Tony, and you are still a crazy bastard.”
“No, she may not have killed yet, but she has been trained to do so, and if she continues down this path it is only a matter of time.” Antony said.
“True, will you be there for her when she has to take a life in self-defense?”
“Of course.” Antony replied.
Daemon sighed, “I don’t want her to know that I know you. Whenever you two meet deal with your shit first, then we can tell her how we know each other. If I tell her now, no matter what I say to her, she won’t believe it was a coincidence, and that kind of second guessing could get her killed in the field.”
“I got it. What’s on the schedule for tonight?”
“Clubbing.”
“No, Yvette can’t go.”
“She is going, and she deserves to go, she has worked hard. We all have, or do you prefer for me to keep my lusty men in close proximity to the only woman in the building, after forcing them to stay in prolonged—”
“Stop! Go, take your men clubbing. But I am not kidding Daemon, if one of those fuckers touch Yvette, I will end them.”
“From your bed? What aren’t you only standing for five hours a day? I may have to come see you to get you back in shape.”
“Keep fucking with me and I’ll show you who’s out of shape. Text me the club info, I want to see her.”
“Stalking it is.” Daemon said before he hung up the phone.
Daemon kicked his legs up on his desk his favorite thinking position. One day he was going to have to explain his relationship with Antony Carbonaro to Yvette. She would be hurt that he kept it from her, but in all fairness, if Antony hadn’t called to hire him to find her, then he would have never known the two knew each other. Fate was three bitches that kept up shit, but it had to be her fate to be here, because how else could he explain it. She needed him and he needed her, they satisfied each other’s needs, and hopefully when the shit hit the fan, she didn’t shoot his balls off.
***
Yvette entered the studio accompanied by whistles and catcalls from her peers. Daemon walked up to her, “You clean up well Archer.”
Yvette smiled. It had been a while since she had put on something other than spandex and a tank top. When she dressed, she noticed she lost weight but gained muscles. Her shoulders were bulkier with muscle that made her waist look smaller. Her stomach was flat, she didn’t have a six pack, yet. But she was losing the flab.
“Of course I do,” She said and carefully turned in a circle on the tips of her black stiletto heels, she made sure he got a good look at her new body. Her black jeans were fitted and wrapped around her ass like a lullaby. She knew that when she brought them. Her dark blue shirt hung off one shoulder and exposed silky brown skin, for once, even her hair was cooperating. It hung in loose curls down her back. She was ready to have a good time, ready to enjoy the night.
Daemon cleared his throat, “Lucky fucking bastard,” he said out loud. Antony had always got the good ones, and was kind enough to leave his scraps to his friends. “Bastard,” but if he was a betting man, he would bet Yvette would have Antony wrapped around her pinky finger, when they reunited.
“Yvette with me. Everyone else find your own fucking way to the club.” There was a chorus of moans and a few, “that’s not fair,” from a couple of his men, but all in fun. Yvette walked out the building to the large silver Tahoe Daemon parked in the back. She jumped in maneuvering herself carefully, so she didn’t break her ankle getting into the large truck.
The truck glided through the residential streets. Daemon kept glancing at her from time to time. Maybe he liked her, she wouldn’t encourage the behavior because, she had already been there and done that. Even though she lived at her job, that didn’t make it any less her job and Daemon was still her boss. After the fourth glance Yvette asked, “What! Why do you keep looking at me?”
“No reason, really. It’s just been a while since I have had a beautiful woman in my car.”
“Stop fucking with me before I push my stiletto down your throat.”
“Damn woman, it was a compliment.” Daemon said.
“I know.” Yvette said and watched the houses give way to the commercial buildings, where the night life thrived. Yvette and Daemon pulled up to the popular Club X near union square. Yvette could hear the music outside, the beat was fast and full of bass. She had to admit, she was getting excited about having a night out. Even before her life changed forever, she didn’t get out much. So many things have changed, some more legal than others but she didn’t regret it. She may have been forced into facing the reality that bad people full of darkness existed, she may have been removed from her life but she made a life for herself. The threat of the Carbonaro Family was always on her mind, but she wasn’t willing to go down without a fight. In the last six weeks she took control of her life. Now, she walked in the darkness with the same men who were looking for her, and soon, if she kept training, they would be the ones who needed to fear her. It wasn’t a coincidence her name was Archer, it was because not even six hundred yards would keep a man safe from her bullet.
Daemon grabbed her elbow, “Let’s go in the guys are already here,” he said in her ear. They walked into the low lit club, the place was packed. Daemon guided her to the booth on the second level where the rest of the team sat.
“Move over Ice,” Yvette said to the tall willowy man, and he slid to the left to make room for her. Yvette asked Daemon how he came up with Ice’s name, Daemon told her. “He is quiet and moves smooth as ice. If I ever need a fast, brutal and efficient strike, it is Ice I would call.”
Ice smiled at her and moved over. Daemon slid into the booth on her right effectively boxing her in. Daemon dropped an arm behind her and smiled. She frowned at him and he laughed. His laugh was lighthearted and full of life. Yvette was starting to learn that he didn’t do anything by halves. He lived his life to the fullest, she could learn a lot from Daemon in that regard.
“You want a drink?” Daemon asked.
“Yeah, apple martini with a cherry.” Yvette said.
“Be right back.”
Yvette felt a nudge to her side and she turned toward Ice. He jerked his head silently asking for her to move, so he could get out of the booth. Yvette slid out of the booth and bumped into a waiter carrying drinks. Ice effortlessly caught the tray over Yvette’s head. Yvette looked up. “Thanks Ice,” he smiled and mo
ved to the dance floor.
Daemon arrived with two apple martinis and scotch for himself. Yvette’s brow lifted in question “Two? Why Professor, you aren’t trying to get me drunk are you?” Yvette was working hard to use Daemon’s moniker more often, especially in public, he was named Professor because he took it upon himself to teach everyone everything.
Daemon smiled, “Nah, just trying to have a good night, and we can’t do that if you are wound up tight.”
Yvette smiled and lifted one of the martinis to her mouth and drank. She could taste the vodka and knew immediately she hadn’t eaten nearly enough to be able to finish two of these without starting to wobble.
Yvette banged her third martini on the table, “Daemon, oops,” she whispered, “I mean Professor,” her speech was slurred. “I thinks me drunk.”
Daemon laughed, “There’s nothing like being drunk and dancing! Let’s get on the dance floor.”
“Yes, that is a capitol idea,” Yvette had the tendency to switch into speaking like she was in an old regency romance novel when she was drunk. Yvette pushed herself out of the booth then turned around in all seriousness, “Have you seen the movie Dirty Dancing?” she asked. Daemon nodded, “I dance dirtier,” she said with a grin and a wink then stumbled, righted herself and walked to the dance floor.
Daemon was about to go after her when his phone rang. Ice sat at the bar watching Yvette. Daemon put the phone to his ear and jerked his head in Yvette’s direction. Ice slid off his stool and followed Yvette, “Hello,” he yelled.
“I am here, where are you?” Antony asked.
“Yvette is on the dance floor and I am on the second floor.”
“I need to talk to you tonight before we leave but I want to see Yvette first.” Antony said.
“Alright.” Daemon said then turned toward the dance floor to find Yvette. He spotted her right away, he couldn’t miss her, she moved like a goddess. Her body gyrated to the beat. She was right, she did dance dirtier. Ice was nearby but he wasn’t dancing with her, “Idiot,” Daemon said under his breath. He had every intention on dancing with her before Antony called. Now, he was regulated to watching with Ice until Antony arrived, then he would find someone to dance with.
***
Antony walked into the dimly lit club and went toward the dance floor. The strobe lights hurt his eyes and didn’t help the headache he had all day. When he moved onto the dance floor people parted, a woman offered him a dance, he declined. He moved to the perimeter of the dance floor to see if he could find Yvette faster. It didn’t take long before he found her swaying by herself on the dance floor. Her body moved back and forth to the slow beat. She rolled her hips, and wiggled her ass on an invisible man. Antony was entranced by the way she moved. He gravitated toward her without thought. A man was about to approach her, but he came between them, and stood at her back.
“This one is taken.” Antony said.
“Oh, it’s all good man.” The idiot said. Antony dismissed him and turned toward Yvette, she hadn’t notice what was happening behind her, so she never stopped dancing.
Antony came behind Yvette and pulled her waist to him, “Hello bella,” he said in her ear.
She didn’t say anything, she just kept dancing. Antony could smell the alcohol on her. She had been drinking, a lot if it was coming out of her skin. Normally, he wouldn’t be happy about that but tonight he really didn’t want to alarm her with his presence. He shouldn’t be here, but he had to see her, and if she was drunk enough, then maybe she wouldn’t realize it was him.
He ground his hardness against her ass, her head fell back. “Mmmm you smell so good. I love Bleu by Chanel. This guy I like wears it.”
Antony’s brows lifted, “Does this guy know you are here moving your ass against my dick?”
She giggled, “No, but I doubt he still remembers me. I haven’t seen him in almost two months.”
Antony moved his hips to the beat and matched her rhythm. The energy between them was thick with sexual tension. She moved harder against him as the song continued. Antony’s hands moved from her hips to her breasts. She moaned, Antony leaned down and kissed her neck, her head dropped back, and rested on his shoulder. He felt her body shudder from his kisses. He peppered kisses on her exposed collar and shoulder. She kept moving against him slower and harder.
“I don’t think he forgot you, how could he forget a beautiful woman who moves like this, and has breasts that fit perfectly in a man’s hands?” Antony tugged gently at her nipple through her shirt. “Ahh,” Yvette whispered her pleasure and turned her head into his neck. She kissed his neck then his chin, this was getting out of hand, and he couldn’t finish what they were starting. Not because he didn’t want to, but he physically couldn’t. He was still restricted from sex for another two weeks, even moving against her like this was pushing the limits of the doctor’s order. Antony was relieved when the song changed. Yvette tried to turn around and face him, but he grabbed her, and kept her back toward him. “Thank you for the dance belladonna. It was a pleasure.” He kissed her cheek, then down her neck and backed away into the mass of bodies.
Yvette turned around too quickly when she felt the loss of her partner’s warm body. She stumbled and almost lost her balance, her coordination was impaired from the copious amounts of alcohol she consumed. She lifted a hand to her cheek. She felt lips that soft before, with Antony, she thought sadly. Flashes of the times they lost themselves to passion played through her mind, her thoughts were jumbled, the alcohol was working against her.
Antony pulled out his phone to text Daemon, he wanted him to meet him outside. He waited outside of the club, leaning against his car, breathing deeply. He was hoping the crisp air and cool gentle breeze would stop him from going inside that club, and pulling Yvette into his car, to fuck her until they were both slick with sweat. He needed to tame the wild desire that was growing between them, and had been since day one, doctor’s orders be damned.
“Hey what’s up.” Daemon said to Antony.
“Get in the car.” Antony walked to the driver’s side and carefully stepped into his car. “I have a job for you. I have a ball to attend in three weeks, and my father is convinced no matter where I go I need protection. This is a charity ball and my boys aren’t the charity ball sort. Send Yvette to guard me. I will pay you handsomely.”
“I don’t need your money. It feels sort of dirty getting paid for you to be around the woman you want to fuck. It’s bordering prosi-”
Antony put his hand up to silence Daemon, “Don’t finish it. Don’t fucking finish it.”
Daemon smiled. “I will send her but will she be okay?”
“Haven’t you been training her to do this work? She should be able to take care of herself, otherwise what the fuck have you been doing?”
“She can Antony, but I mean will we have a problem with your people?”
Antony waved a hand dismissing Daemon’s concern. “My people will not be there, that is why I am requesting Yvette.”
“I will ask her what she thinks. Will she need to be armed?”
Antony sighed, “Again, what the fuck are you doing? Of course she should be armed. She should be armed at all times, anticipating trouble at all times.” Antony eyed Daemon, “You have been teaching how to defend herself and shit like that right? Or have you been playing house with my Yvette?”
“Fuck off Tony! You’re a real asshole.”
“Glad you know it. Now, she needs to be ready in three weeks. The event is Saturday, November 12, I will mail you her invite.”
Daemon nodded, “You do need to pay for her dress though, those gowns are expensive as all hell.”
Antony smiled. “Send me the bill, as a matter of fact, her cover should be as my date. I will have my wardrobe designer work with her, tell her to be ready for a call toward the end of the month.”
Daemon smiled, “Is this her cover, or your dreams?” Antony glared at him, “I hear you are going back to work soon.” Daemon said.
Daemon’s brow rose. “I deal information Antony, I should know everything about the biggest player in the game.”
“True,” was Antony’s only response.
“Alright, later, get your ass home and to bed.”
***
Yvette felt dizzy. The music was no longer pleasing. The loud thump of bass grated, her head throbbed. Her mouth was dry, and she felt off centered. She was coming down off her alcohol induced high. She stumbled to the table where Daemon and the others were seated. Daemon was alone, he stood and grabbed her arm to guide her to the booth.
“You ready to go?” Daemon asked her.
Her words were slurred, “Yes, I think so, where is everyone?” She turned to the left and the right and almost tipped over. Daemon pulled her up to a sitting position.
“Come on Archer, let’s go.”
Yvette stopped at the car door, “Where is everyone?” she asked again.
Daemon sighed, “Some went back already, and some of the luckier ones went to someone else’s home,” he mumbled, “like I was hoping to do.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” Yvette said when she was in the car and rested her head against the headrest, she fell fast asleep.
Chapter Fifteen
Antony walked into B&E for the first time in two months. His recovery had taken longer than expected but he was finally back to himself. He had the occasional pain when he moved too quickly but it was nothing he couldn’t handle. He walked to his office and was greeted by Sandra, “Good Morning Mr. Carbonaro.”
Sandra had earned her keep, she had been instrumental in keeping him aware of everything Torre was doing while he was away. He did some good things but mostly, Torre did things to make sure Antony couldn’t step back into his position. Antony didn’t see it that way, and Torre would change his point of view today as well.