Hush: Family Secrets

by Blue Saffire

  He holds his hand out to me. “I will not eat alone on my honeymoon. You cannot blame me for knowing that my wife is a very sexy woman and wanting to keep that fact to myself. Come Valentina. Do not fault me for the man that I am,” he says.

  I glare at his hand for a few moments but I know I will give into this sex God before he finishes his words. When he calls me his beautiful wife and asks me to come to him again in Italian my resolve melts and I stand giving him my hand.

  He pulls me into his chest and kisses me passionately. When he breaks the kiss he kisses my temple. “I am not the enemy, Cara. It does neither of us any good when you fight me. We work together, Sì?”

  “Can I think about that,” I say with a tease of a smile. I have found teasing him to be my new favorite pastime.

  “No,” he snaps at me then smiles. “I may just go back on a promise for the first time in my life.”

  When I furrow my brows at him his smile broadens. “I will not let anyone else hurt you but I may just give you a good spanking myself,” he lifts a brow at me.

  I give him a devilish smile. “You do know Uncle Valentine had me trained by a mistress that was a master in her trade. I know my way around a whip and riding crop,” I narrow my eyes at him.

  He narrows his eyes back at me. A low growl rumbles in his throat. “I don’t want to know what you have done with that training,” he hisses.

  “Fair enough, I just want you to know if you spank me I will seek revenge,” I smile.

  “What will I do with you,” he rolls his eyes and groans.

  “Already regretting marrying me,” I tease.

  “I regret nothing,” he says with all seriousness and confidence.

  “We shall see,” I smile just as my stomach speaks up again.

  “Yes, you shall. Let me feed you,” he says and plants a kiss to my forehead.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Valentina tired herself out swimming in the pool. I would have joined her but I had calls I could not ignore. I hadn’t planned on taking a vacation and there were things with the club and a few of the other businesses I had to address.

  I planned to get some things done this afternoon so that I could give more of my time to Valentina for the next few days. I have not decided when we will return to London or if and when we will just return to the States.

  Once I saw Valentina off for some rest I retired to my study. This house once belonged to my grandfather, my father’s father. He left this place to me. The few good memories I hold are centered around this room, so the study is one of the few rooms I have left untouched.

  As I sit here at the old mahogany desk that my grandfather and his father as well probably sat at, my thoughts go back to my lunch with Valentina. She’s asked me to tell her about my life in return for all she had told me last night. It was only fair but I am sure that we both regretted it once I dove into my past. Valentina learned just how much we have in common.

  I watched the change in her as she listened to my every word. When I would say no more she retreated within herself and dove into the pool pushing her body as she cut back and forth through the water. I left her to process what I shared as I started my calls.

  My thoughts drift back to my words to hear my story from Valentina’s point of view. I was only six when my father was gun down in front of me in the middle of the street. I was taken by the men who did it.

  I was told that they had me for three days. I had no concept of how long I was there. I was held in a small room. All I remember is that one day the men that brought me food and water didn’t show up. Instead my grandfather, my father’s father showed up and carried me out of the room. He held me tight telling me how brave I was.

  I didn’t think I was brave. Something in my little brain told me that I would never see my papa again and I had done nothing to help him. Grandpa Donati brought me here to his home where I stayed until he had a massive heart attack, when I was thirteen. My nonna had promised that my mum was coming to get me, but my mum’s father arrived for me instead.

  He took me from everything I had known and brought me to the States. It didn’t take me long to despise the old bastard, yet I still kept quiet about the beatings and verbal abuse. Alfonzo, my grandfather’s butler was the one to treat me like a son, shielding me as best he could from my grandfather. I to this day believe he was the one that told Uncle Nick what was really going on.

  Apparently my mum thought she was doing the right thing letting my grandfathers raise me. She has been guilty about it all for years. It took a long time to stop blaming her for what happened, a part of me still does.

  I was sixteen by the time my uncle came to get me from my own personal hell. By then I was already the man I have become today, just a smaller version. At nineteen Uncle Nick had thrown up his hands and I was sent to London and set up with my first flat, but not before there was blood on my hands that forced me into hiding in another country.

  Being a hitman had given me the discipline that led me to my businesses. The family preferred I have a legitimate front so that their top hitter always had an alibi. Not that I ever get sloppy, but you know how it is. Rumors start and the authorities come knocking.

  I have slipped in and out of the States on many needed visits, on family business. However, there is always someone watching to insure I return where I belong. Until now, Uncle Nicholas has been more than gracious about me coming to settle States side. That brings my thoughts to my current situation.

  The only reason I left the States in the first place was to take care of Don Caprisi’s problem. It should have been seen as my wedding gift to him. So why would he decide to arrange a marriage between Valentina and that piece of shit Giordano?

  I haven’t survived this long by being stupid. My uncle and Vincent have been friends for a very long time. I know Vincent wouldn’t insult my uncle this way after I expressed interest in Valentina. So what are those two really up to?

  My cell phone rings on my desk bringing me out of my thoughts. Whatever those two are up to I bet I royally fucked with their plans by marrying Valentina. I smile at the thought of giving my uncle shit as I pick up the call.

  “What is it you need now Luca?” I say into the phone.

  “It is not me with the problem this time cousin,” he replies tensely.

  “I never have a problem I can’t solve. So what is it that needs solving?”

  “Don Caprisi is not happy with you and Valentina but that is not the real problem. Giordano is livid. He and his prick son are asking for your head,” Luca says.

  I laugh from deep within. “She was never his to begin with. I would like to see who they believe can deliver my head to them,” I chuckle.

  “I am glad you are so amused. I see the way you look at her Uri. I hope she is worth it because this is not just going to go away. You could very well have a price on your head from the Caprisi and Giordano family before this ends,” Luca says tightly.

  “I have no concern for either. She is my wife now and none of any of their concern,” I say firmly.

  “Uri… do you know… is she really…I mean she can’t be.”

  “Val,” I say cutting off his stammering. I sigh into the phone. “Yes, the rumors are true and yes she is.”

  “Oh fuck, who on earth thought it was a good idea to introduce you two?” Luca groans.

  “I for one thought you would be happy. You don’t have just one hitter at your disposal, but two,” I say dryly.

  “Come on Uri. I have been on my best behavior. I’m not that bad,” Luca grumbles.

  “One word… Pamela,” I deadpan.

  “Fine, but that was different,” Luca growls.

  “How so,” I ask amused to hear how he will spin this one.

  “I was in love with her. She belonged to me. It was different,” he huffs into the phone.

  “Want some cheese with that whine, dearie,” I chuckle.

  “Fuck you Uri,” he bites but after a few minutes he is laughing with me. “Oka
y, I do sound like a little bitch, don’t I?”

  “You said it my friend not I,” I grin into the phone.

  “Well since I’m on a roll. Hurry up and clear this shit up so you can come home. I was getting used to the idea of having you here. Dad’s not getting any younger and I like the idea of you having my back when I take over. It felt good to have you here and not across an ocean. You know,” Luca says thoughtfully.

  “Yeah, I know.”

  I have looked out for Luca for a very long time and I always would. He was one of the brighter places I had in my life during a very dark time. I don’t blame him for being so spoiled. Hell I have had a part in the spoiling.

  “Watch your back, Cugino,” his says once again sounding concerned.

  “Always.”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  I heard when Uri came to peek in on me. I just pretended to be a sleep. I just need some time to process what he told me. I had thought it would be fun to get to know him and hear his story. I just didn’t think his words would be a mirror with my reflection showing back at me.

  My heart broke for the little boy he had once been. I wish what we have been through on no one. It is one of the reasons I have been so distant in the last few months. Something changed when I saw that little boy who’s father I had taken away. Sure I know that the guy was a rat and he had been skimming money off drops for years.

  You may think that for a mob family that should be no big deal. You may think that all our money is dirty but that is just the thing. My father has always wanted to be as legit as possible. This is way some don’t agree with his leadership.

  My father has built just as strong an empire with more legit businesses than dirty ones. We have very few operations that are not aboveboard. So when that slime ball started telling lies while snitching on some of the other families that really have bigger criminal ties he had to go. Just so happens I was the one that had to make it happen.

  The jerk made it easy to tag his ass. Even with a wife and three kids he saw me and had to have what he thought I was offering. It was more than easy to get him back to his place. I mean the prick actually took me back to the house he shared with his wife and kids.

  He was so focused on my breasts I don’t think he noticed he was about to die until the second the bullet ripped through his skull. I have no remorse for him but the way his little boy screamed will haunt me for a very long time to come. To think that Uri was once that little boy just like I was. It hurts my heart. I don’t know what to do with these feelings.

  Part of me wonders if I will have to watch my back in ten or fifteen years. Don’t I deserve what I delivered to Corrade? According to Uri I don’t but I can’t make myself believe that. How many other kids out there are going to grow up looking for the Val that took their father away?

  I know there were more people involve with my mother and sister’s death. I would go after them as well if Uncle Valentine didn’t keep such a tight lid on that information. One day though I will find out who placed that hit on my family and I will destroy them.

  It is that thought that makes me lose sleep at night. Not just because I haven’t solved the mystery of who called for the hit, but because I know there is someone thinking the same thing about finding me.

  This is the craziness rolling around in my head as I feign sleep, while my husband comes and places a kiss to my forehead before heading into his closet. He exits the closet after a few minutes dressed in just a pair of gym shorts and running shoes, no shirt.

  I have to fight to keep my lashes low, even though all I want is to sit up and ogle him. I had hoped he would swim with me earlier to help distract my thoughts, but he was busy on the phone. I can respect that. From what I have found out about Uri he is just as successful at business as he is at taking care of the family business, the family business that paints his hands red. Heck that is pretty damn successful.

  I’ve always wanted to start something outside of being a hitter. Uri would probably find humor in this but I would love to start my own shoe line. I have taken a few classes but nothing serious, just a few accessory workshops.

  I would love to have a respected business like Uri does, something that would define me as more than a killer or now the wife of a killer. I wonder if he would mind. Uri is a hot blooded Italian man. From our little tiff earlier I know there are somethings we may not see eye to eye on at times.

  I should be used to it with the way my father puts his fist down when it comes to his family and business. I just have been the exception to the rule most times. This will definitely be an adjustment for me.

  Just like wanting him so much is going to be an adjustment for me. I know we made love this morning and I have the sore body to prove it but I still want more of him. I think I am addicted. I am wet from just watching his muscles bunch as he removes his watch and places it on the vanity.

  He runs a hand through his hair looking to be deep in thought. He frowns to himself then looks over in my direction. I close my eyes all the way again and wait hoping he didn’t catch me.

  When I hear his soft footsteps leaving the room I open my eyes and sigh in relief. After I am sure he is not returning I sit up and pull my damp bun down. My hair falls heavily down my back and I run my fingers through it as I start to think of my husband.

  Uri has been attentive and …sweet. I wouldn’t call the man that to his face but I can’t help but think of how gentle he has been with me. He has been nothing like the rumors make him out to be, at least not with me.

  I have noticed he is a bit brisk with his staff. In the States I hadn’t given much attention to his interaction with others. I can’t help but wonder how he intends to handle my father. I will not let things get out of hand. I just wanted to get out of marrying Raphael, I don’t want to start a war between Uri and my dad. I bite my lip because that is more than likely what I have done.

  I sigh and get out of bed. I showered before I passed out so I pad over to the closet to find something to throw on. I find a yellow tank top and a pair of running shorts. Uri may have the right idea. The swim helped to clear my mind but I could do with a good walk or run.

  I laugh to myself as I find sneakers in the closet. Uri wasn’t lying when he said he would take care of everything. He had an entire wardrobe set up for me here. Once again something that seems so out of place for the man I’ve heard about.

  I guess you can’t believe everything you hear. I wonder why he is doing this for me. I mean look at the man. He could have anyone he wants, yet he has seen how damaged I am and he has still taken on this mess called my life. I wouldn’t blame him if he just left me somewhere and took off after the things I have shared with him.

  But he is just like you. I guess he is. If so we are both in for a world of hurt. I don’t think it is possible for two people as damaged as we are to find love. Yet, I know I am falling for him.

  I definitely need a workout. I need to get my emotions in check. I’m better than this. I won’t go falling for the first dick that greets my pussy. Yeah, sex with Uri is amazing. I love that he lets me on top, but still takes charge to bring me pleasure. I never thought I would be able to experience that type of pleasure.

  I once tried with an ex-boyfriend and totally freaked out before he could get inside me. The things I have done with marks never get that far. I usually handle business way before things can get that heated. So I really cherish the way Uri handles me.

  I am still in my thoughts when I make it downstairs. I look outside and a light rain shower has started. I remember Uri showing me a gym last night so I head for it.

  I stop in my track as I reach the gym doors. Standing in front of a heavy bag is my husband, dripping in sweat with his back to me. I cross my legs and squeeze. The ripple and play of his back muscles is a sight to see. His tanned skin glistens under the lights in the gym. His gym shorts are hanging low on his hips, leaving me a delicious view of his trim waist.

  His thick thighs look so powerful as he moves flui
dly. I feel bad for that poor bag. The force behind his punches is creating a thunderous sound that is filling the room.

  I am rooted to the spot when he grabs the bag to stop it from swaying and his eyes move to meet mine in the mirrors on the wall. His next words floor me.

  ~B~

  “I need you,” I say as my eyes stay locked on hers.

  I knew the moment she entered the doorway. I could feel her standing behind me. I also knew she was not asleep upstairs. I just wanted to give her space because I know she has a lot to process.

  To be honest I am processing this shit storm we have dropped in the middle of. I still believe something is off with it all but honestly the threat from the Giordano family is very real and I have a wife to protect now. Whether Valentina knows it or not there is a short list of people in this world that I will protect with my life. She has become number one on that list.

  I know there is something big looming that I need to be seeing here but I just can’t seem to put a bloody finger on it. Right now I just need to feel her in my arms. Things are going to get heated soon and I want to enjoy my wife while I can without interruption. I need to calm this storm that is brewing within.

  “Come Bella,” I call to her as she remains glued to the same spot staring at me.

  Without a word she starts for me. I turn to face her instead of looking in the mirror. This is the first time since we have been married that she has had her hair down. It is still damp and is falling in thick waves around her shoulders and down her back. I remember her hair being one of the first things I noticed about her the first time I saw her in the store.

  When she stands before me I reach to lock my fingers in her heavy hair. Valentina places her hand on my waist and tips up on her toes as I draw her closer. I crush my lips to hers and she moans into my mouth on impact.

  My other hand snakes up under her tank top reaching for her breast. It is heavy and soft in my large palm, the nipple already erect and screaming for my attention. Valentina becomes bold and slides her hands around my waist and down into the back of my shorts cupping my arse. I chuckle into her mouth, but groan when her fingernails bite into my flesh.