Sweet Redemption_Sweet Duet, Part 2

by Ellie Jean

  My stomach is feeling queasy. I want Dimitri gone, but hearing about it is scaring the hell out of me. What is it these men do for a living? When Alex explained about his family, I must not have listened properly. These men intimidate me. They remind me of an Italian Dimitri. The way they command attention, oozing power and authority.

  Crap…

  Hell…

  My stomach is doing somersaults… The Family….

  Hands trembling, feeling icy cold, my mind’s finally playing catch up. Fuck, they are an Italian version of Sokolov. Oh…my… Fuck… This means Alex is a part of…this…of crime…? Of drug trafficking…? Of Prostituting women?

  I’m hurting inside… My chest is heaving noticeably. I am unsure what this means. I can’t be a part of that again. I have to break free of all that adversary. My hands cover my heart. It’s splintering just thinking about it. There’s no way I can leave Alex… I wouldn’t leave Alex.

  “Isla…” Hearing my name brings me back. “Isla… What just happened? Where were you?” Alex’s eyebrows are knitted together with worry.

  “Oh… Sorry,” nodding at Stefano and Benito to apologize, “I can’t believe I just worked out what you meant by The Family.” My voice lowers to a whisper. My eyes watching the floor. The Godfather movie, Goodfellas, and Scarface all run through my head in a blur. I’ve seen what happens to people if they betray the mafia, even cross them in the wrong way. I’m unsure how I’m supposed to behave. “Will they kill me if I say anymore?”

  Laughter fills the room.

  Oh, holy hell…

  I didn’t just say that out loud did I?

  My eyes flick up, staring at the men in front of me, including Alex, they are all concentrating on me, continuing to chuckle.

  The eldest man talks. “Isla. Trust me and my family. We are not going to kill you. We only hurt people when it is necessary. When they have been disloyal, a traitor in the ranks, or if they try and harm us in any way.” He taps the water glass on the table. “Our family has been solid in Italy, after Alex’s dad stepped down and I took over, we limit our involvement, vowing to stay undercover and only help under those circumstances I mentioned. I can tell you we don’t do prostitution, weapons, or drugs. Our fathers before us made us who we are today, doing what they needed to survive, keeping our name feared across the world, but we have all decided the legal way is our future.” Raising the glass, he takes a drink, never letting his eyes leave mine. “That’s not to say we won’t break the law if danger exists. We are selective and proceed stealthily when we have a job. Hence why we are feared and at the top of the food chain. We get the job done, without a mess and ties to us.”

  My hands have slipped to my knees, covered by Alex’s, igniting me with strength.

  “You are certainly safe now. One day, this will all be yours.” The old man searches my eyes. I search his back. If I am to be a part of this, I have to shove my fear back within. Show toughness and intensity, never weakness or your opponent will eat you alive. I’ve learned that over the years. At least from now on when I crumble, Alex will be there to catch me and put me back together. Just as I will do for him.

  My hands are left, letting the air dry my sweaty palms, Alex’s hand goes to my shoulder. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Getting rid of this venomous Russian is first and foremost. But, Isla, you are now a part of this family. You will continue to have protection, even when I can’t be here.” Sincerity is evident. Leaning up, I kiss him on his lips. I know everything will work out. With these men beside me, there is no doubt.

  Crash…

  My body jolts from the sheer loudness of a door banging. The men all spring to their feet, finding a weapon from somewhere. I fall on the floor, trying to make myself as small as I possibly can. Fucking hell… My heart is going to leap out of my body if this keeps up. Twenty-fifth birthday, hot sex, heiress to a fortune, grandparents I didn’t know about, the goddamn Mafia. Now what?

  “Alex…” Liam looks out of breath, his large frame heaving. Jared does too. They’ve slammed through the front door. Something’s wrong. My stomach plummets… Again…

  “It’s Sarah.” They say in unison.

  Everything stops.

  Five men holding guns don’t move.

  Sizing up my two brothers. This can’t be good news.

  I place my gun on the table in relief. The others lower their weapons and sit back down. Heavy breathing is all I can hear in my ears. I’m staring at the guys. Fuck, they are lucky we didn’t shoot them.

  A finger touches the leg of my pants. Fucking hell… Isla… Gazing down, I see two worried eyes searching for answers. Snapping me out of the sheer panic flowing through my veins, I reach out my hand. Placing hers in mine, I help her stand. My thumb runs over her palm, calming both of us.

  Composing myself so I don’t scare Isla if it is bad news, I am unsure how I would react if something has happened to her. If Sokolov has touched her in anyway, I will hunt him down now and kill him within a heartbeat.

  “Uncle… Benito…” Liam nods his head acknowledging them. “Man, your sister’s in labor. She’s been taken to the hospital.” Jared is firing his words at me, stepping toward us all at the table. My legs give out. The strength normally within them has turned to jelly.

  Fuck me… I land on the chair next to Isla. I was petrified in that split second for Isla, then alarmed that my sister had been hurt or taken for revenge for Isla going missing. But Sokolov doesn’t know yet what’s happened I’m sure. I know it won’t be long. But neither will our measures to rid us of him. It didn’t even enter my mind Sarah could be having the baby.

  I’m going to be an uncle.

  The best damn uncle anyone could have.

  With relief, a smile breaks out on my face. Isla stands and wraps her arms around my waist, pulling me to her. “Congratulations.” A kiss brushes across my cheek. “Your sister needs you.” Lifting her face, “She needs all of you. You are her family. I will be fine. You said yourself, this place is secure. So, unless you have any other relatives that may show up unannounced,” her eyes meet mine, “there isn’t any more is there?”

  I choke on a laugh, “Not here in Australia except for mother and father, but they will be with Sarah.”

  “I should be good.” Her hands grip my shoulders firmly. “Go. I’ll be fine. I need to process what you said earlier anyway. I may take a long birthday bath and relax and watch some television. Or decide what I am going to do when this mess is over.”

  “I think you will need me for all those activities.” Picturing Isla naked puts a devious grin on my face. “But we will revisit them when I get back. You can bet on it. I still have a big, hard present to give you for your birthday when I get home.”

  Jared and Liam snigger, while Isla turns a shade of red. Blushing, she is so stunning.

  Pushing on my shoulders, “Go…get… She needs you there.”

  Of course, she’s right. I am supposed to be helping her with the labor. Diving into Isla’s plump lips, I kiss her like there is no tomorrow. I’ve missed her being near me.

  “I’ll call you later on the house phone. If you need anything, anytime, press one on the keypad and it goes directly to one of us. We aren’t far away.” One more kiss. I’m smitten. And it feels so amazing. “Security is placed outside and there’s cameras everywhere. No one can get in here. The place will be secure.”

  “You sister will have had the baby and be home before you get your ass in there. I’m fine, honestly. I’ll be here waiting for your sexy self to return.” Pink creeps up her face this time, “I’m not going anywhere.”

  One last peck, I turn, walking back to the room to find a t-shirt and some shoes. Benito and uncle are half way to the car when I come out. Liam and Jared are saying their goodbyes. “Be back soon. I’ll call you with updates when I can.” I walk to the door, alarming the system.

  “Alex… I’ll be naked and waiting for you when you get home. So, hurry.”

  Fuck… My Swe
etness is a fucking temptress. My dick hears the word naked from Isla’s sweet mouth and it stands to attention. A cock tease is what she is. The image of her alluring curves, pert nipples, and juicy slit will stay with me all day until I get back.

  I can’t turn back, the alarm’s set. The guys burst out with laughter. “You better keep your word. Be ready when I get back, Sweetness. Get some rest, you’re gonna need it.”

  Shutting the door, the guys are still trying to compose themselves. Adjusting my dick, I grumble to myself. I hope Sarah’s labor doesn’t take too long.

  Bubbles float around my body. The smell of the lavender bubble bath soothes my muscles and my mind, which has been in overdrive for so long. My brain at last is allowed to rest. Two hours of drifting in and out of sleep, laying in the froth gave me prune skin. Wrinkles formed all over my hands and feet. But it was well worth it.

  The closet had a range of clothes in it, women’s, men’s, drawers with undergarments, gloves, scarves, ties, and socks. It catered for everyone. Finding a casual long-sleeved floral dress, I shrug it over my shoulders. Brushing my hair out and applying my face with moisturizer sitting on the vanity comes next.

  I haven’t needed much.

  Happier with the simpler things in life.

  Alex Raven… Is anything but simple.

  Walking through the modern white kitchen, the stainless-steel appliances are polished and reflecting me walking past them. The kitchen is generous in size but the blue swirled with grey marbled polished granite is unique and magnificent. It’s so smooth and cool when I run my fingers over it.

  Imagine how it would feel under my ass if Alex had me up here… My pussy starts to melt just thinking about it. Shaking my head, I go back to finding a glass in one of the many cupboards, getting a glass of cold filtered water from the tap.

  Making my way in to the lounge area, which is modern and sleek looking too, I sit down on the plush sofa and search the room with my eyes. Taking in every detail. My first love is antiques, but I can appreciate a beautifully decorated modern home as well. The minimalist design and arrangements don’t allow for clutter. The one white boudoir has photos of Alex’s family I suspect arranged on it and a silver toned large lamp. The huge television screen is mounted on the wall with the lounge chairs facing it. Strategically placed green plants soften the room. The artworks though are what capture my attention. Raising my ass from the lounge, I walk, holding my glass, over to the first canvas.

  What on earth…? It looks like a Magritte painting. No way it could be. Studying the paint, it looks authentic. The autograph in the corner looks as though it says Magritte too. It must be a fake… No one would have one of those in their house, not under protective cases… Would they?

  With a spring in my step, I look around the other walls. A collection of Warhol prints graces the walls in the hallway. A Pollock in the dining area. What else would there be? They must be fakes… I must remember to ask Alex when he returns. He had said something about his father being a lover of art, but this is insane. There’s no plausible way these could be the real thing. In a country house, near Sydney, Australia.

  Shaking my head, gulping my water, I return to the lounge, placing the glass on the plush grey carpet. Bringing my feet up on the lounge, I lay my head back and stretch out, closing my eyes. With a focus on my breathing, I think about what’s taken place.

  Twenty-five today.

  Alex made love to me.

  Being fed by the most caring man I could ever want.

  He licked my pussy until I came.

  My mother spoke to Alex, alone.

  I’ve inherited money from a person I didn’t know existed.

  My mother gave up her family to stay with my father.

  Alex’s family is mafia related.

  I think I met The Boss.

  I’m surrounded by artworks which could be worth millions, in a farmhouse.

  Fuck… It’s ridiculous. My head is swimming.

  Oh… I need to be naked for my man when he gets home. But I guess that won’t be for a while.

  Reaching for the remote, I press the button. I can’t think about all that information billowing through my head. I pray it switches on. It all looks so high tech. The screen comes to life, and the volume makes me jump losing, the remote. The surround sound system is turned up mighty loud. The cars chasing each other on the screen, from Transformers, sounds life-like. Vibrations run through my body with the magnitude of the volume. Fumbling around on the carpet, I snatch the remote, stabbing the volume down button. My head can’t take much more of Optimus and Bumble Bee being hunted down by Megatron.

  Now that it’s not imploding my head, I rest back again, watching the rest of the movie. There’s nothing like a great action flick to hold my interest. Two hours later, it finishes only to move on to The Avengers—Age of Ultron. I couldn’t ask for a better movie to take my mind off Alex. Captain America, The Hulk, Ironman, and my personal favorite—Chris Hemsworth as Thor.

  I drift in and out of consciousness, watching all the scenes with Thor of course. A shrill ring has my eyes darting open. Sounds like a phone. Hazily trying to focus, I sit up and search with my eyes for the phone. Alex didn’t actually mention where it was located. If I walk around, I may hear if it gets louder or softer. Walking toward the kitchen, the ring gets louder, and I feel silly because I spot the phone on the wall near the fridge. Picking up the handset, I say, “Hello?” hesitantly.

  “Sweetness.” It’s Alex and he sounds upbeat. “I thought I’d give you a call because I’m still going to be a while.”

  “Ohhh… No problems.” I’m a little disappointed but I will get my turn soon enough. “How is Sarah and the baby?”

  “They’re both doing well, but at the moment, little bubs is posterior and the doctors are hoping he or she will turn, so Sarah is working on that. She’s so exhausted already though. But the baby’s heart rate is steady so they are hoping that it shouldn’t be much longer. Sarah’s in a fair amount of pain too, so the doctor won’t let it go on for too much longer.”

  “That doesn’t sound very nice. Give her a kiss for me, please. There’s no rush, I’m having my own movie marathon here, passing the time quite nicely watching Mr. Hemsworth and his very, very toned body.”

  “Sounds like I need to remind you who’s body you should be taking notice of, Sweetness” There’s a note of laughter in his voice. “Naked, remember. When I get home. I’ve got another surprise for my birthday girl too. I’ll call you when I’m on my way. Rest up.”

  “I love surprises!” My voice is almost yelling with excitement. “I’m definitely resting. I’ll be waiting here for you. Bye.”

  “Love you,” catches me off guard as the phone call ends. Hanging up the phone, I wrap my arms around myself. My eyes close. My heart actually flutters. Tingles run up the back of my neck. We can say that out loud now to one another. My head knows there’s still plenty of danger around, but the center of my emotions knows that we are on our way to a future together.

  Metal clashing and roars from The Hulk make me walk faster to the movie. Nothing like a good fighting scene in The Avengers. Resuming my position, legs stretched, the movie finishes two hours and twenty-two minutes later.

  Bored now, it’s been a good six hours and Alex still isn’t back. Poor Sarah. The baby’s being stubborn. With the sun getting ready to set, the blue sky is dissolving into spectacular reds and purples. The glass door leading out to the back patio is the only thing stopping me from exploring outside. Reaching for the handle, there is a key in the lock. Turning it, I try the handle and the door opens easily. Alex didn’t say anything about going outside so it has to be okay. But he did set the alarm? Is that to keep me inside as well? The security will be watching anyway, so if the alarm goes off they can reset it.

  The perfume hits me instantly. There’s no loud buzzing of any alarm going off, so I must be in the clear. Roses line the garden bed with small colorful plants at the bottom of them making a border
. The lilac rose draws me in. Similar to the color of the roses Alex sent to me when we first met, but a shade or two lighter, I breathe in its aroma. So beautiful and strong. A natural rose. Stillness encircles me. The sky merging into a deep purple. The sun going behind the mountain ranges. The last half of the sun is on its way down for another day ending.

  Meandering through the plants on the stone pathway, I’m smiling for the first time without it being plastered on, false, or for keeping up appearances. One day away from Dimitri and my world has shifted.

  Am I being a fool to think he won’t come and get me?

  Probably…

  He rules, his universe and Alex didn’t ask permission. Recipe for a catastrophe; family, friends could be hurt and killed. I pray Alex and his family know what they are doing. Putting my trust in Alex is easy. I believe in him and us. Nothing will hurt us now that we know each other’s secrets. Fleeting thoughts evade my mind. Pushing me to do the right thing and leave Alex so harm stays away, but I tried that once and it didn’t stop me wanting him. Craving him. Then, the thoughts are telling me to stay right where I am and let my man save us both. Butterflies dance in my stomach. My man… I’m so pathetic. And I love it…This option is the only one.

  A knocking on wood seizes my attention. Who is that? Maybe it’s the security giving me an update about Alex? But why wouldn’t he ring? Entering the house hesitantly, I head for the front door. There it is again. Bang, bang, bang. It must be all right, this place is secure, Alex assured me. Looking at the alarm panel, there are no lights on at the moment. I guess security has shut it off.

  Bouncy, monster-sized helium balloons hit me in the face. A giggle escapes me. What on earth? Swiping my hands through the metallic strings holding these erratic happy birthday balloons, I catch a glimpse of a delivery man.