Madam Mom

by Lynda Rees

  “No wonder they called Newport Sin City.” Tisha sighed and smiled weakly.

  “Yes. From the thirties to the sixties it operated wide open—the first gaming mecca of the United States. Long before reform groups drove gangsters out of Newport, the Cleveland Syndicate worked their sordid magic. Illegal gambling and prostitution happened out in the open, in front of the law as an accepted way of life. Many clubs flourished. Glenn Schmidt’s Club and Playatorium even had a bowling alley—a quality sideline to gambling and girls. Huh?”

  “I bowled there as a teenager. My friends got caught trying to sneak in the lower area dance club underage.” She laughed. It felt like another life.

  “Tito Carinci renamed The Glenn Hotel on Monmouth the Tropicana before it later burned down. Several mobsters, Jimmy Brink, Moe Dalitz, Sam Tucker, Louis Rothkopf and Morris Kleinman known as the Cleveland Four, lived in the famous hotel. The most famous arrest in Newport history happened there. George Ratterman, a professional footballer and candidate for sheriff, wanted to clean the city up. Knowing he would cause trouble in office, they drugged him and photographed him in bed with a hooker. The arrest destroyed his career.”

  A historian and a fan of the dangerous era, Sam’s eyes sparkled as talked. She hoped he wouldn’t mention her family, Vinnie or Tony.

  “The Lookout House in Ft. Wright housed the most upscale club run by Jimmy Brink burned in the seventies. The Mob favored fire as a way of closing a business. Beverly Hills burned in nineteen-ninety-seven. We were kids. The Mob wasn’t involved in the horrific tragedy.” Sam’s eyes grew milky as though holding back tears, a common reaction of Greater Cincinnati-ans when the Beverly Hills fire came up. Rarely did one meet a local not affected by the blaze.

  “Young, I still remember the Memorial Day weekend. Mom had tickets to see John Davidson. Thank God she didn’t go. It was awful. One-hundred-sixty-five people died.” She stared into the distance, recalling how she’d felt that fateful night.

  “It was horrible, sitting by the radio, my parents cried unashamed.” Sam nodded somberly. “It happened long after the Mob left town. With them in charge lots of fires blazed. They favored flames and drive-by shootings as tools.” He eyed her studiously.

  Tisha winced and diverted her eyes and her hands trembled. She snatched them together on her lap and swiped a single tear from the corner of her eye. Her voice whimpered. “They never solved Dad’s shooting.”

  Sam’s strong hand cupped her jaw. His thumb wiped a tear. “I’m sorry, Tisha. They probably never will.”

  She nodded blinking a couple times then gave him a sad smile.

  “You want to talk, Tisha? I’m here for you. Trust me. Lean on me. Let me help you through it. Anything you want to talk about, I’m your man.”

  If only. She wouldn’t mind Sam being her man. She might love it.

  “Lots of clubs and gangsters thrived back in the heyday. None lived long lives, businesses or the people. They met disastrous deaths, like Buck Brady from a gunshot in an alley. They say he committed suicide. But no one believes it. One guy took a dive out a third-floor hospital window. Hospital windows usually don’t open. Brink testified in the Senate hearing about the Rattemaker issue then died in a private plane crash. Oddly they all died of suspicious circumstances.”

  “Gran says they wanted Dad’s clubs, and he didn’t want to play their games. Gran and Mom suspect Carlo Tallarigo, but there’s no evidence. Do you know him?” She studied his face. The practiced attorney proved expert at hiding emotions.

  “I suspect your parents associated with bad guys. I wondered how much you were aware of.”

  Air gushed from her. “Young and stupid—I knew nothing of their businesses. Gran has filled me in one bit at a time. It’s so horrible, disgusting and frightening. Carlo came to the house today, storming in blustering about wanting to take over Mom’s business. I tried throwing him out, but he got physical. Gran shot him in the foot.” She had to stop to stifle her giggling with a hand as she eyed Sam’s startled expression.

  “No shit? Lola did it? No wonder I’ve been afraid of the tiny minx. It paints a hilarious scene. I have to admit. Your grandmother looks like a sweet little thing. I wouldn’t have suspected she had it in her. Tell me she didn’t kill him.”

  “She didn’t kill him. She would’ve, had he harmed me or her. Don’t let the feisty, little gal’s frail appearance fool you.” Tisha began realizing the extent of Gran’s strength. “Carlo escaped after she threatened to aim at his balls for the next shot. I assume he’ll press charges.”

  “He very well might, but I doubt it. He threatened you in your home. He won’t have a leg to stand on.” They both laughed breaking the tension. “Dad told me you might not know your family’s background. He confided your mother sheltered you.”

  Her mind swirled. What the hell else would she find out? She couldn’t take much more. “I’m a fool. Oblivious to what went on around me. I knew about Dad’s shooting, but assumed it a gangland initiation.”

  “Damn, Tisha, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Roberta had sold her strip clubs and managed a sex ring in a local motel. A guy wrote a check for services and the IRS traced the cash. She got two years behind bars. I don’t have evidence of illegal activity since then, and it appears, at least on paper, she went legitimately into real estate after parole.”

  “It adds up. Gran and Mom think he killed Dad.” He didn’t give any indicate he suspected fishiness with the books.

  “I’m concerned about this Carlo guy. You suspect he’s tied to the Mob? I recall him from the funeral—appeared a dangerous type man. He’s been linked to several crimes, but they couldn’t tie enough evidence to convict him. With Lola and Roberta certain, I don’t doubt his involvement.”

  “I’m not sure what he wants from me. Mom had stock market investments and real estate holdings. Maybe one or more of the properties has importance to Carlo. It doesn’t matter. If he wants to purchase a property I’m selling, my broker can handle it.” Relieved she had it off her conscience.

  “You didn’t call the cops?” He studied her expression.

  Sha laughed shaking her head. “No, Gran swears they can’t help, and Carlo won’t report it.”

  “Lola’s right. He won’t go to a hospital because the law requires they report shootings. He’ll get help otherwise, but he won’t let it drop. You need protection. Tomorrow, we’re going to file an injunction against Carlo and a restraining order. I’m relieved to have this out in the open. We’ve had enough soul searching for one night, though. How about I take you home?” The grimace on his face didn’t look judging, but concerned.

  “I hope you don’t hold it against me.” She felt like a beat up street rat, and couldn’t wait for her head to hit the pillow.

  “Tisha, you’re special. I saw it from the first. I honestly enjoy your company and can’t get enough. I’d like you if you spawned from Attila the Hun.” His eyes glowed brilliantly. He smiled warming her. She felt safe.

  “Thanks Sam. It’s mutual. Excuse me for a second. I need to visit the ladies’ room.”

  Tisha made her way along a dark corridor to the restroom and after she finished stepped back through the door. A hulking, fowl-scented body crashed into her shoulder knocking her against a wall. She blinked expecting the person to step away but instead he leaned against her. His breath oozed garlic and onions combined with stale beer and as he spoke spewed putrid moisture toward her.

  “Carlo, what the hell?”

  His evil sneer sent a shiver down her back. “Ms. McClain, watch where you’re going.”

  “Excuse me, Carlo, but you bumped into me. Did you come to dance?”

  “Nawh, just taking care of business. You find me them damned books, girlie, or the grey-haired screw of a toad won’t need the fancy nursing home she’s planning on. You ain’t got the temperament for it.”

  Erect with her shoulders back, Tisha shoved the insulate beast off her. “Get the hell away from me, Carlo. I want n
othing to do with you. Don’t threaten my family, or you’ll experience the wrath of my temperament.” Leaving him alone in the hallway, Tisha strode proudly back toward where Sam waited for her by the door.

  She could barely hold it together and not show fear.

  CHAPTER 15

  Crisp evening air blasted her face, and she shivered. Sam’s hand slid from her back so his arm surrounded her. “Cold?”

  She blinked a pathetic smile and ignored the question. He exited the lot. “I bumped into Carlo in there. He warned again about the book, whatever the hell it is, and tried intimidating me. I shoved him off and told him to get lost then high-tailed it to you.”

  He snatched her trembling hand with his and gave her a sorrowful shake of the head. “Why didn’t you tell me in there?”

  “I didn’t want more of a scene with him. I don’t want him thinking he’s getting under my skin. He limped out the back door because he didn’t follow me.”

  “Guess so. I didn’t see him.” They rode in silence with him gripping her hand like she might try to escape. No danger there. It felt warm and safe being with Sam, and he could hold on to any part of her he wanted. All evening she’d longed to melt into his body and have his breath against her hair.

  Sam parked beside the side porch and sped around to open her door. He followed her and accepted the key she removed from her bag. Opening the door, he holding it wide. She stepped inside. Their eyes locked and the singular noise their breaths heaving. Tisha offered her hand. Sam took it and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

  Goose bumps formed on her skin at his fingertips. He brushed back a lock of her hair to expose her ear. His finger and thumb fondled her lobe, sending quivers delightfully through her. Words pointless and inadequate, they quietly ascended the staircase to her room. Tisha shut it behind them and flicked the bedside lamp on.

  Sam eased toward the bed and snickered at the pistol lying there. He shrugged but didn’t comment. His kisses discovered Tisha neck, sending delicious tingles shooting throughout evoking an uncontrolled tremble. He grinned at her pleasant reaction.

  His kisses sought tender skin as he nipped her slim neck. She moaned as he nuzzled gently biting. A tight contraction between her legs reminded how he’d played her body as his instrument with relish. Lingering, exploring kisses evoked a heated sensation deep inside, a promise of more to come. Luckily she didn’t jump his bones on the dance floor.

  ♥♥♥♥

  Her scent enveloped him. Breathing deeply she memorized his essence. His lips finally torturously found Tisha’s open, thirsty for him, begging as though having him was vital. His forceful tongue explored her mouth, and she met him zealously. Eager to learn everything about her he licked and probed.

  The savoriness of her tongue joining his sucking gently produced a delicious combination of garlic and beer. Lord! He loved Italian. Their movements primal like an ancient mating ritual, bodies revolved against each other, pressing, and taunting leaving no doubt they needed each other.

  He leaned into her hair, inhaled her scent tipped her chin with a finger barely connecting with his lips. The lightest feather-soft kiss prolonged their joining, and her pulse quickened. Eyes open and locked they kissed. Eyes and mouths communicated a clear message deepening the sensual silence. Neither felt a need to clutter the air with words.

  ♥♥♥♥

  Gently Sam tilted Tisha’s face to his. She accepted willingly, indulging in the luxury savoring Sam’s flavor. Before he could break from her, she provocatively deepened the kiss.

  They draped their coats across a chair and stepped out of their shoes without losing eye contact. Taking her hands he held her away from him so he could fully observe her. His eyes exhibited enjoyment of the view. In perfect sync, they knew what they wanted and intended to have it.

  She basked in the radiance of his gaze as moonlight streaked across her bed. Easing her sweater over her head Sam exposed creamy, white skin. His searing, strong hands glided across her shoulders along her arms and wandered exploring and learning her body. Like a blind man, he studied her physique reading every curve as though seeing for the first time and leaving a trail of goose bumps on her skin. Standing proud and shameless basking in the glory of the moment Tisha relished his scorching, branding as her as his own. Sam claimed her body, and she did not resist. She wanted his hands on her praying it would never end.

  Moving to her chest, fingers scanned barely making contact then cupped the lace-covered breasts. His smoldering eyes focused as he fondled her, and she reveled in divine sensations he evoked cherishing ecstasy on his face. Sam, lost in her, acted on instinct. Nothing else mattered. Fascinated, she dared not move, not wanting to interrupt the spell. Sam weaved intoxicating magic worshiping her body. Tisha allowed herself to be a willing, eager addict.

  Unleashing her bra, it fell into his hand. He tossed it where her sweater landed on the chair. Sam moaned as she inhaled deeply, and her breast heaved with excitement. Nipples braced firm and ready, begging for more. No longer straining against lace they boldly invited him to sample them. His thumbs plucked taunt nubs hardening them further while sizzling fingers cupping the mounds vibrated with a rapid pulse. Tisha moaned and didn’t recognize the sound. The involuntary response proved her helplessly lost in the enchantment of the embrace. Her head fell back, and her eyes closed.

  “Lovely,” he sighed.

  “Ummm,” the only response.

  Taking time, enjoying every sensation, every joining, and his eager mouth found one orb then the other voraciously sucking, licking and chewing with enthusiasm. Impulsively arching forward, her chest swelled inviting him to linger. Her hands rested on his shoulders. She squeezed the fabric of his shirt, and her eyes squinted shut.

  His tongue licked around the soft pillowed flesh back-and-forth torturing sensitive tits with intense sensations. Tisha changed her stance going weak in the knees. He supported her with one arm as she clung to him while tightening passion welled powerfully between her legs, and she wiggled.

  A hand unbuttoned her slacks, and they fell. He bent with them, kissing a trail along her belly to the triangle of lace panty. She stepped out of the pants, and he tossed them onto the pile, while her fingers tangled in his hair.

  Growing weaker with every scalding trace, every sizzling kiss, she swayed. He held her securely. On his knees, he pulled her to him, hands cradling her bare buttocks. Willingly she swayed toward him, too weak to resist—she wouldn’t, anyway.

  He bit her through the filmy fabric gently chewing lace while massaging her butt. Thong undies not quite covering her womanhood, gave easy access. The thin barrier taunted the hidden treasure beneath. Voracious, Tisha moaned then stiffened as he brought her to the peak. Her head lolled backward to the side lost in pleasure. Her body tightened, jerking in delicious frenzy. Her eyes fluttered in ecstasy.

  Sam laughed quietly proceeding to pleasure her more. He worked it extending her orgasm as long as possible determined to bring about another. Exhausted, he laid her back upon the bed. She gasped realizing he meant to give her no rest. She played his willing quarry.

  One hand explored her rear while the other found the juncture between her thighs. She leaned onto it, groaning. Sam’s breath sizzled against tender flesh as his tongue located its target around the lacy barrier suckling the pearl discovered there. Lost in pleasure, she rocked to the tune he played within her.

  Resting her feet atop his shoulders and slipping the tiny fabric away he continued administering to her wet, eager core. One hand held her ass tight against him as a finger explored her inner most region and he devoured her hungrily. Tisha arched zealously insatiable riding him aggressively. Lost in another world, sensation ruled. Everything else clouded.

  ♥♥♥♥

  Her response evoked desire Sam had never felt with any female. He aspired to satisfy her in every way and adored the alluring woman in his arms. He determined to bring her the best orgasm she’d ever experienced. He wanted Tisha—not
merely for sex. The lovely creature inspired possessiveness he’d never felt for a female. He had to make her his.

  “Sam, oh, my god.” She gasped and shook as she came, convulsing deliriously.

  Her warm wet interior grabbed him harder than wicked spasms pulsed in his hand. She arched against the bed, breathing harder and harder, wriggling against him urgently and screamed his name. Clenching his fingers, she continued the prolong pulsing to her climax exhausted, and she fell limp.

  “Oh, Sam, I need you inside me.” Pulling him fully clothed on top her, she kissed him. “My body juices are on your lips.” She staked her claim as she kissed her intoxicating flavor from his lips.

  Together they stripped his clothing off. She cupped his erection firmly, ravenously. Up and down her long slim fingers gripped his manhood, moaning eagerly. Her eyes glued to his erection.

  Sam thrilled at the reverent way she gazed at his nakedness, pleased she liked what she saw. Taking him completely into her hot, wet mouth, she moaned, as did he wondering how long he could endure such a divine sensation. Her heated breath created shivers throughout his body and he jerked erect against her.

  She cupped his balls and tongued the length of his shaft, one by one, taking the orbs into her mouth ever so gently. He gasped at the unexpected pleasure, and his fingers tangled in her mane. Sighing continually gasping noisily for air, it became difficult distinguishing who uttered what. Mutually lost in their own world, intensity of their response surprised them.

  “You precious man.” Tisha pushed away to admire his thick, long size. She stroked it reverently at first, then harder. “I adore your taste and texture.”

  She pleasured his shaft to the point he could take it no more and gently pushed her away, pulling her atop. Wrapping her legs around his hips, she straddled him. Sam entered her forcefully, and she arched welcoming him as her head fell back. Her hands grasp his stomach bracing, keeping him tight inside her and riding enthusiastically, driving hard, body to body.