Beautiful Prey 4

by Phoenix Daniels

  Luca sat next to Tammy just as Natasha was falling face first in the sand. Proof of his amusement escaped in a deep rumble as Gianni rushed to scoop his wife out of the sand.

  “This is not funny, Luca,” Tammy semi-scolded. “Your people are nuts.”

  “Ha! Your people now,” he reminded her.

  “Yep. These my peeps,” Tammy chuckled.

  Luca grabbed her hand and pulled her from the chair. “I need to talk to you, Tamara.”

  Tammy dropped her head. Nothing good ever came out of Luca calling her Tamara. She wondered what the next round of drama would be as he led her away from the rest of the family. Tammy, lacking any patience at all, dug her heel in the sand.

  “What is it, Luca? What’s wrong?”

  Luca tugged at her hand, but when he saw that she wasn't moving, he looked down and gave her his “I’ve been bad” grin.

  Tammy crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?” she demanded.

  Luca grabbed her shoulders gently and blurted, “I invited Angel to the wedding.”

  Tammy frowned, confused. “Who is Angel?”

  “Angel, Alejandro Medina. David’s grandfather.”

  “What?!” Tammy shouted. “Why would you do that?!”

  The guests became quiet, and she could feel their eyes burning into her, but she didn't care. Luca was so out of line.

  “He is a business associate, and he’s David’s grandfather. I told you that he wanted to meet him.”

  Tammy blew out a harsh breath. Her face heated instantly. She was reeling.

  “Soooo, you just took it upon yourself to invite him to our wedding, Luca?”

  Since Tammy was getting loud, Luca reached out to grab her arm, but she sidestepped him and screamed, “Our wedding?!”

  “Tamara,” Luca gritted as a warning, but Tammy wasn't moved.

  “Don't you Tamara me. You fucked up. You think I want a living, breathing reminder of the baby daddy that died in my arms at my fucking wedding!”

  Tears burned in her eyes as Tammy shot daggers at her husband. Natasha had apparently sobered up enough to hurry over to Tammy and place a calming hand on her shoulder.

  “Hey, Tammy. Let’s go get you cleaned up.”

  Natasha’s tone was meant to be soothing, but the longer Tammy looked at Luca’s smug, “I know what’s best” expression, the angrier she got. She turned to walk away, but then she turned back. He was still standing there, looking at Tammy as if she was overreacting.

  “Did you invite my mom too? Your new friend?” Tammy shot at him. “Should I be expecting her too?”

  “Your mom?”

  The sound of her dad’s voice made her cringe. She hadn't mentioned that she’d been in touch with her mother. She had been waiting for the right time. So much for that.

  Fuck! Damn, Luca!

  “You've seen your mother?”

  Not ready to have that conversation, Tammy angrily wiped her face and took off running down the beach.

  “Tamara!” she heard Luca shout from behind as she picked up speed.

  Tammy ran until she could no longer hear the voices of her friends and family. She collapsed in the sand and took slow, deep breaths. An athlete she was not. Dancing and running were two totally different things.

  Tammy stared up at the stars, thinking about how she’d just embarrassed herself in front of a beach full of people.

  “I should drown yo’ ass for making me chase you down this damn beach.”

  Natasha’s voice in the darkness was startling. Tammy jumped and turned around.

  “Nobody told you to follow me,” Tammy muttered.

  “I had to. I was scared that if I didn't, Luca was gonna come down here and throw yo’ ass in the sea,” Natasha joked.

  Without an invitation, she sat in the sand next to Tammy. “Well, you definitely know how to put on a show.”

  “Girl, Luca be driving me crazy with his controlling ass. He don't even bother to include me in decisions that concern me.”

  “Tammy, that ain't new. That’s day one Luca.”

  “So that makes it okay?” Tammy exclaimed.

  “Nope. That makes it Luca. Stop acting brand new and tell me what’s really going on.”

  Tammy closed her eyes tight and released a frustrated grunt. “When Luca does stuff like that, it makes me feel like he doesn't respect me.”

  “Umm-mm, Tammy, I ain't buying that. You know that Luca loves and respects you. That’s just his way. But, again, you knew that already. What’s really bothering you?”

  “Tasha, why would he respect me? He gave me everything I have. I was just a struggling pole dancer.”

  Tammy’s tone sounded pathetic, even to her.

  “And he’s just a gangster,” Natasha pointed out. “He got his money funny and made it grow. You got your money from him and made it grow. Luca didn't design not one damn dress. He didn’t put together not one damn runway show. And he didn’t make your business successful. You did that. Tammy, I didn't earn my money. I inherited it. The only self-made money floatin’ around these parts is Jack’s. Oh, and maybe Emily. Oh, wait…and Jonathan and Joseph. Oh, damn. I forgot about Annabella. Naw, not her. That was mob money too,” Natasha giggled.

  Tammy laughed at Natasha’s silliness. The more she listened, the better she felt. She was right. Luca hadn’t changed. Inviting Alejandro to their wedding without discussing it with her first was wrong, but it wasn't surprising. And he definitely didn't deserve to be embarrassed the night before his wedding.

  “Where’s Luca?” Tammy asked.

  “Oh, Jack and Gianni had to tie him to a chair to keep him from beatin’ your ass,” Natasha snickered.

  “Ughhh!”

  Natasha stood pulling Tammy up with her.

  “Come on. You need to talk to your dad and apologize to your fiancé.”

  “Do I have toooo?” Tammy whined.

  “Um…yeah. You showed your whole ass tonight.”

  Tammy reluctantly walked with Natasha down the beach. She wasn't looking forward to facing Luca or her family, but she knew she had to. As they returned to the resort, Tammy felt as if she was walking the green mile to the electric chair.

  When they made it back to the resort, the staff was clearing the remnants of their party from the beach. Everyone had moved to the pool deck.

  “Come on,” Natasha urged, tugging at Tammy’s arm.

  They walked the short boardwalk and up the stairs to the deck. Tammy spotted Luca by the pool. He was having a conversation with Francis and Gianni. Branding his signature scowl, Luca was not happy. Tammy reluctantly walked over to the trio.

  “Can I have a word with Luca?”

  Francis nodded, and he and Gianni walked away. Tammy looked up at Luca. He looked down at her and crossed his arms. On the walk back to the resort, she had rehearsed in her mind what she’d plan to say.

  “Luca, I—” was all she got out before she was shoved into the pool.

  CHAPTER 35

  TRACY

  Tracy gasped as Tammy went flying backward into the pool. Luca clearly wasn't interested in any explanation that Tammy was offering for her meltdown. He simply sent her swimming then left the deck. Tammy kicked to the surface and swam to the pool ladder. When she climbed out, she seemed thoroughly embarrassed. She stood soaking wet and shivering with her hair pasted to her face.

  While everyone else was shocked into silence, Victoria and Natasha erupted into laughter. Tammy narrowed her eyes at her friends before storming away.

  “Get a towel!” Victoria shot at Tammy’s back. “Don't be dripping on my floor!”

  Tammy shot Victoria the middle finger and stomped inside the resort. More laughter rang out. That time, everyone was laughing, even Francis. Tracy would have probably joined them had she not had other things on her mind.

  Francis’ family was scheduled to arrive on the island in time for the rehearsal dinner. Tracy was nervous at the thought of meeting his mother. She was a traditional
old world Sicilian mother, and Tracy didn't know how she would welcome a woman that was so culturally different. She could only pray that Francis’ mom would react better than her own parents.

  “Come, bella. It’s time to get ready for dinner.”

  Tracy looked up at Francis. He was smiling, no doubt excited to see his family. Apparently, noticing that she wasn't as festive, his expression went from happy to concerned. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

  Tracy, feeling guilty for interrupting his good mood, smiled up at him. She placed her hand on his chiseled jaw, looked into his beautiful chestnut eyes, and told him the truth.

  “Nothing is wrong, honey. I’m just nervous about meeting your family.”

  Francis crouched down to her height and wrapped his arms around her waist.

  “You have nothing to worry about. My family will love you.”

  “Are you sure?” Tracy asked in a whisper.

  Francis smiled and pressed his lips to hers and kissed her sweetly. Tracy snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him deeper into the kiss. She savored the sweet taste of his cigar as they loved each other with their tongues.

  When the kiss ended, Francis looked her deep in the eyes. His own eyes were filled with emotion.

  “Bella, you have something that my mamma has been wanting for a very long time. It won't be the only reason she’ll love you, but it will give you quite the advantage,” he said with a youthful smirk.

  “Oh yeah?” Tracy chuckled.

  “Yes. You have a little Savelli prince in there.”

  “Or princess,” Tracy retorted.

  “No matter. The point is, you've given us a wonderful gift, and who wouldn't love the gift giver?”

  “Well, we shall see,” Tracy muttered.

  “Si, you shall see.”

  Tracy leaned in to kiss Francis again, but he pulled his head away. He was grinning from ear to ear as if he knew a secret.

  “What?” Tammy questioned with narrowed eyes.

  “You called me honey,” he pointed out.

  “I did?”

  “Si. You called me honey, and you rarely use such endearments.”

  Tracy thought about it, and Francis was right. She had never been the type to use sugary pet names, not even with Steve. But now she had, and it apparently made Francis happy.

  “Well, you're my honey. Is that okay with you?”

  “Si, bella. It is okay with me,” he told her.

  Tracy grabbed the back of his head and pulled him closer. She wanted the feel of his lips. That time, Francis acquiesced without resistance and kissed her with a passion that accompanied them back to their suite.

  LUCA

  Luca entered the suite he was sharing with Tammy. His intention was to pack and move to the suite that Victoria had set aside for him. She’d insisted that he and Tammy didn't stay in the same room the night before their wedding. Although he didn't understand the tradition, he agreed. So Luca, not ready to face Tammy’s wrath, packed quickly. He grabbed the handle of his suitcase and the garment bag that housed his tuxedo. Just as he was exiting the suite, his phone rang. Luca pulled his cellular out of his pocket, but he didn't recognize the number. After a brief debate in his mind, he pushed to answer.

  “Yes?”

  “Don Savelli, it’s Angel Medina.”

  “What is it?” Luca grunted.

  “Well, hello to you too.”

  “It’s not a good time, Medina. What do you want?”

  Angel blew out a harsh breath on the other end. Luca knew that he was being a bit rude, but he didn't have time to coddle the Bolivian. He needed to make his escape before he ran into his angry woman. He probably should have felt guilty for pushing Tammy in the pool, but he didn't. She was lucky that he didn't bend her over his knee and spank her perfect ass until it was black and blue.

  “There was a mechanical issue on The Flora after we delivered the shipment. It’s been handled, but it set us back a couple of hours.”

  “And?”

  “I’ll be a little late tomorrow,” Angel said in a tone that suggested that he was losing patience with Luca’s gruffness.

  “Fine. Is there anything else?”

  “Yes. Go fuck yourself,” Angel blurted before disconnecting the call.

  Luca glared at the phone as if the phone itself had insulted him, but the sound of the elevator pushed him to move. He slipped the phone back into his pocket and took off in the other direction. Luca feared no man, but his fiery woman was a whole other story. When angry, Tammy could be ferocious. Luca laughed at himself as he cowardly tipped toward the stairwell.

  CHAPTER 36

  TRACY

  For what seemed like the hundredth time in the last twenty minutes, Tracy checked herself in the mirror. She couldn't have been more pleased with her look. Tammy had saved her with the gorgeous, Grecian gown that she’d given her. Tracy placed her hair in a loose bun. She couldn't bear to hide the gown’s beautiful gold collar. The way the soft fabric flowed freely and loosely down her body accentuated her pending motherhood. For the first time, Tracy could see the beauty in her changing form. Francis appeared behind her in the mirror. He was tall with strong, wide shoulders, and Tracy was proud to display the fact that she was carrying his baby.

  “Sei bellissima,” Francis complimented. “So beautiful.”

  He slipped his arms around her waist and caressed her belly. If Francis was not extremely happy about the baby, he was the best actor in the world. Oscar-worthy, in fact.

  “Thanks, honey. You’re looking pretty damn hot yourself.”

  “Grazie, bella.”

  Francis turned her into his arms and kissed her forehead. He pulled her close and wrapped his big arms around her.

  “Could a man be luckier?” he whispered.

  “I don't know about a man, but I’m feeling pretty lucky.”

  “Ughh, I wish that I could hold you forever, but we have to go down to dinner,” Francis groaned.

  Minutes later, they were entering the dining room. Again, the room was exquisite. Since Tammy’s guest list for the wedding was so small, Tracy didn't know why they didn't just have their reception in the dining room instead of the large ballroom. Then again, all of her guests hadn't arrived, and apparently, the Savelli family was quite large.

  Francis tucked her arm under his and led her across the room. Once he had reached his target, he released Tracy’s arm and kneeled to allow his tiny mother to caress his cheek. She had to have been no taller than five feet. How on earth could a woman so tiny produce a giant like Francis, or the tall Francis lookalike standing next to her? He had to be Vincenzo, Francis’ baby brother.

  After the sweet greeting, he stood and kissed his brother’s cheek and followed up with a light slap to his handsome face. Francis turned to the beautiful woman with short, black hair. She was more Tracy’s height. She smiled brightly, happy to see Francis, and opened her arms wide. Francis took the woman in her arms and gave her a bear hug. He whispered something in Italian before releasing her. He turned to her escort and held out his hand. The men shook and greeted in Italian. Francis stepped back and placed his hand on the small of Tracy’s back, and Tracy was grateful because she was so nervous that she could feel her knees shaking.

  Francis said a few words, and when Tracy heard her name, she assumed that she was being introduced. When he was done, he turned to Tracy.

  “Bella, this is my brother, Vin, my sister, Teresa, and her husband, Carlo.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Tracy greeted with a smile.

  Vincenzo stepped forward and kissed Tracy’s cheek, catching her off guard.

  “A pleasure to meet you as well.”

  He spoke with a strong Italian accent that made Francis sound almost American. It was amazing how much Vincenzo looked like his big brother, but there were some subtle differences. He was leaner and his hair fell on his shoulders.

  Teresa pushed her younger brother to the side and hugged Tracy.

  �
��It’s so nice to meet you. Having a sister will make me very happy.”

  “Me too,” Tracy responded as she hugged Francis’ sister.

  Teresa stepped back and gestured to her husband. “My husband, Carlo,” she introduced.

  “Carlo, hello,” Tracy greeted with a nod. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Carlo smiled and simply nodded in return.

  “He does not speak English,” Teresa informed.

  Francis stepped forward and placed his hand on his mother’s shoulder.

  “And…this is my mamma, Rosa,” he announced.

  Tracy smiled as Francis’ mom approached. She gently placed her hand on Tracy’s belly and her eyes filled with unshed tears. Rosa Savelli was obviously ready for grandchildren.

  “Bambina,” she declared in a shaky voice.

  Tracy couldn't help but smile. Without turning around, she knew that Francis was frowning. Rosa placed her hands on both sides of Tammy’s face and looked into her eyes.

  “You are very beautiful. You are a beautiful mother, and now Vito will make you a beautiful wife.”

  Tracy almost stopped breathing. Francis’ mom had intentions on pushing her down the aisle. Hell, she’d just come to terms with becoming a mother.

  “Mamma, that’s enough. Let’s just get your nipote married for now,” Francis scolded playfully. “And stop calling my son a girl.”

  Everyone that spoke English laughed at his comments. When Teresa translated the conversation to Carlo, he chuckled as well. Francis had successfully broken the ice, and for the next half hour, they settled into a delightfully comfortable conversation.

  TAMMY

  Tammy shoved food around her plate with her fork. She was sitting next to Luca, but they weren't talking. They hadn't spoken a word to one another since he sent her flying into the pool and to think, she’d been prepared to apologize to his ass. But his actions had caused her to change her mind.