by Unknown
"Victoria, this is why the need for secrecy," Luca stressed.
"I'll take it to my grave," she responded, tossing her gym bag to the floor.
Victoria climbed into the ring and stared at her opponent with purpose. As she stood and wiped the dirt from her face her eyes locked with Victoria. She turned white as a sheet. The woman looked as if she had just seen her worst nightmare. She was wearing a t-shirt and a pair of yoga pants, similar to the ones that Victoria was forced to wear. Katya looked around in search of a possible escape. But Victoria's eyes never left the bitch that killed her baby.
"In that corner!!" Victoria shouted. "A dead Russian bitch!"
Victoria stalked toward her prey. The Russian pushed her long dark hair from her face and got into a fighting stance. She narrowed her eyes at Victoria and nodded, indicating that she was ready. But for what Victoria had in mind for the evil bitch, she definitely wasn't ready. She ran full speed toward her opponent and the Russian lunged to strike, but Victoria dropped on her side, kicked out, and swept the woman off of her feet. Katya hit the floor in a thud. Victoria quickly mounted her and her assault began. She pounded into the Russian. Flashes of explosions, threats, stalking, car crashes, brutal beatings, and the loss of her unborn baby occupied Victoria's mind. So Victoria, almost blinded by her own tears, continued to beat the woman without remorse. The Russian was flailing her arms, trying to defend herself, and Victoria could hear her cries and pleas for mercy over the roar of the crowd, but all Victoria could see was blood; the blood that she shed on that filthy mattress, where she lost her unborn child.
"Fuck you!" Victoria screamed while whaling on the woman that had terrorized her family.
Katya’s body began to go limp. Her passing out would not be okay with Victoria. She wanted to see the life pass from her body. She wanted to see her soul leave, so she stopped swinging. Katya coughed up blood that was clogging her throat and spat, "You're not going to kill me."
She actually had the nerve to brandish a vile, bloody smile.
"You’re no killer," she managed, barely able to croak.
Victoria looked down at the hateful woman. She couldn’t believe that she had just let those words come out of her mouth. Surely she hadn’t heard her right. Victoria leaned closer to the Russian ensuring that she heard her over the cheering crowd.
"You made me a killer," she hissed.
A look of panic washed over Katya, just as Victoria landed another blow.
"If you kill me…” she gasped, “it will haunt you for the rest of your life."
She felt nothing but pure, unholy hatred as she closed her fingers around her opponent's throat. "I'll work that out with my shrink," Victoria responded coldly.
Katya clawed at Victoria’s hands, to no avail, and it wasn’t long until her arms fell to her side, in defeat. Victoria strangled her until she saw life leave her eyes; until her soul left her body and no doubt, descended to hell. Even as she stared into dead eyes, Victoria couldn't let go. She continued to clutch the dead woman's throat until Luca gently pulled her away. He held her shoulders from behind and whispered in her ear, "It is done."
NATASHA
Natasha watched Victoria walk over to the bar and pour herself a straight shot of Jack Daniels. She was still wearing her workout clothes, and Natasha noticed that they were covered with tiny specks of blood.
"You look like a woman with a lot on her mind," Natasha commented.
Victoria knocked back her shot of Jack.
"Naw friend. My mind is at ease."
Victoria poured another shot.
"Did you have a particularly rough workout today Vic?" Natasha asked, pointing to the blood on her clothing.
Victoria finished her second shot and looked down at her clothing. "Yeah. Brutal."
"Um hmm. OK, but I got news."
Victoria poured yet another shot and walked over to the sofa. She sat and said, "Spill."
"Frankie stopped by while you were at your workout."
"Trouble?" Victoria asked, after taking a small sip of her cocktail.
"Not for us. Apparently, Frankie wanted to deliver some news to us in person; said we needed something to smile about."
"Hell, I could use a smile. What's up?"
"Well, according to the mugshot and police reports that are being circulated throughout the department by an unknown source, Sgt. Banner got popped with a DUI."
"Bout time," Victoria chimed.
"That ain't it. There's more."
“Okay?"
"When they pulled him over, he had a prostitute in the car with him."
"Hell, that ain't surprising. He works in Vice. He's surrounded by prostitutes," Victoria chuckled.
"Naw Vic. They popped him on 76th and Halsted," Natasha said, with a tilt of her head.
Victoria studied Natasha for a few seconds before she realized what she was actually saying to her.
"76th?"
"Yep."
"Get the fuck outta here!"
Natasha's eyebrows rose, but she didn't respond.
"Tasha, get the fuck out?!" Victoria shouted, jumping from the sofa. "Are you fucking with me?"
"Nope. 76th and Halsted; Trannyville," Natasha confirmed.
That area was known for its high concentration of transvestite prostitutes.
"He had a tranny in the car with him?"
"Not only in the car with him. When they rolled up on him, the "he/she" was knocking him off."
"Tash, stop fucking with me!" Victoria shouted.
"No bullshit Vic. It's all over the department. Frankie left you a copy of his mugshot."
"Haaaa! He's done," Victoria chuckled.
She found it funny, but her serious friend, with serious anger issues, wasn't laughing. There was no love lost between Victoria and Sgt. Banner, but Natasha hated the man.
"Fuck him! He's a drunk piece of shit!" Natasha responded.
Chapter 29
One year later...
TAMMY
Tammy stood by the altar unable to take her eyes off of Luca. He stood tall and handsome in his tuxedo. She looked into his smoldering dark eyes and mouthed, "Hi."
"Hi," he mouthed, in return.
When the wedding march began to play, Tammy forced herself to look away from Luca, to the aisle where Mary was making her way to her father. She was a beautiful bride. She wore a dress designed by Tammy. It was a cream, floor-length gown, with a lace bodice and a silk A-line skirt. Her beautiful red hair was pinned in the front while the back flowed free in long, soft curls. Tammy glanced at her dad and smiled. He was enchanted with his bride. His love for her radiated from him. Tammy had never seen her dad so happy. Mary loved him, and for that reason, she loved Mary.
After a beautiful wedding, the Storm's backyard was turned into a reception wonderland. Tammy was sitting on Luca's lap talking to her new mother. Over the past year, Mary had been more of a mother to her than her own had ever been.
"So what's the plan?" Tammy asked Mary. "It's gonna be a crazy couple of weeks for you guys."
"Yes. But we have it all planned out. Since you guys have to be in New York early, we're going to fly down with Jack and Victoria Thursday. Then after the show, we will be utilizing our wonderful wedding present from you and Luca and going to the French Riviera. And, of course, after that, we'll be visiting you guys in Paris."
"We can't wait. Luca has made great plans for your visit."
“Hey, what are you hens cacklin' about? I wanna dance with my wife," her dad interrupted, holding his hand out for Mary.
Mary placed her hand in his and giggled like a school girl. Together, they danced their way to the dance floor. Tammy shifted in Luca's lap and raised his face.
"They're so happy."
"Yes, they are. And what about you, Bella? Are you happy?"
"Happier than I've ever been in my life," she admitted.
And it was true. She'd been living with Luca since she moved to Paris. He moved from his opulent bachelor pad in Paris an
d purchased a beautiful chateau in Versailles, close to Gianni and Natasha. They lived together; worked together; and together they were raising David.
"Good. Take a walk with me. I need to speak with you about something of importance."
Tammy stood and followed Luca through the yard and up the stairs, to the gazebo where they had their first date. It was a gorgeous day for a wedding. The weather in Chicago was always hit or miss. God must've been smiling down on them.
“It was a beautiful wedding," Tammy said, staring down at the crowd below.
"Si. Beautiful."
Tammy turned toward Luca.
"What's on your mind, baby?"
"Tammy, because of you and David, my life is better. I know that I'm not a kind man. I know that I'm hard to deal with, but my affection for you and your affection for me will see us through. No?"
"Yes, Luca."
He was right. No matter how hard he was on the surface, she wanted him nonetheless. He was strong, protective, and he mastered every inch of her body. She stared into his deep, brown eyes and declared, "You're right, our affection will see us through. There is nowhere else that I wanna be. I'm not only safe with you, but I'm happy. And no matter how insufferable you can be," she said with a smile. "You’re the most amazing and caring man that I have ever known."
"Do you feel love for me, Tammy?"
"I do," she whispered, shyly.
"Bene. I love you. Are you afraid?"
"No. I don't fear love. I fear betrayal."
"Bella, I would never betray you. I now believe that it is my lot in life to love and protect you. I believe that you are my soulmate, and David will be my legacy. I want to adopt him and make him a Savelli."
Tammy's breath hitched. She clutched her chest, stunned. Luca had completely taken her by surprise. Him wanting to make David a Savelli, without even making her a Savelli, had touched her in a way that she couldn't fathom. The only father figure that David had ever known was her father, and she never thought that another man would be eager to step up to the plate. Since the day that David was born, she prayed that she would find a man that she loved, and that he would be worthy of her son.
"Luca," she breathed, unable to suppress her tears. "I..." But, she couldn't begin to complete a sentence. She was filled with so much emotion that the only thing that she could do was whimper into his chest. He held her tight, rubbing her back.
As he held her, he asked her, "May I make the boy my son?"
"Yes, Luca. David loves you. I know that he would love to have you as a father. I would love it too."
Tammy wrapped her arms around Luca's neck and frantically kissed every inch of his face.
"Come, donna. Let's get back to the party," Luca chuckled.
"I love you, Luca."
"And I love you."
Tammy was about to follow Luca down the steps, but he stopped suddenly.
"Oh shit! Tammy, I forgot something."
"What?"
"This," he said, turning around.
At first Tammy was confused, but the colossal princess cut diamond that he held in front of her cleared everything up.
"Oh my God." Tammy gasped as Luca dropped to one knee.
Friday...
Tammy smiled for another photo, but what she really wanted was to be on the other side of the room with Luca. She was backstage of her very first fashion show. It was fashion week in New York, and all the buzz indicated that her first show was a hit. They loved her fall line. The House of Giovanni was on its way to becoming a formidable fashion house.
She looked across the room at her big sexy business partner, and she could see the pride in his eyes. Luca all dressed up was a serious distraction. All she could think about was the package between his legs. She wanted him, and she wanted him immediately. After one last smile, she excused herself. She grabbed another glass of champagne and made her way past the supermodels, reporters, and designers just to get at Luca. When she reached him she pressed her body against his and whispered seductively, "Take me to the bathroom."
"Why? Do you have to pee?" Luca teased.
"No, baby. I have a fire that needs to be put out," she purred.
"You've had a few of those," he said, gesturing toward the glass in her hand.
Tammy looked at the glass and giggled.
"Quite a few."
Luca grabbed his own glass from a floating tray. He clinked it against hers.
"Drink up. Now is the time for celebrating. You did good."
"We did good," she corrected.
"Uh uh. I didn't create those beautiful dresses. That was you. I'm very proud, Bella."
"Thank you, baby. Now take me into the bathroom and fuck me stupid."
Luca laughed aloud.
"Now is not the time. Enjoy your party."
Tammy groaned and gave Luca her pouty face. He lifted her chin and kissed her lips. Tammy smiled and wiped her lipstick from his lips.
"Ciao Mamma," he said, over Tammy's shoulder.
Tammy turned around and rushed to hug Luca's mother. "Anna! Did you love the show?"
"Si. It was perfection. Bravo!"
"Oh Anna, I couldn't have done any of this without your help. Thank you for taking me under your wing."
"It was my pleasure, my dear. But, now that you're a famous designer, the House of Giovanni is competition for Annabella's. So, stay on your toes donna," she said with a wink, before walking away.
"Luca, I love your mother," Tammy gushed.
"And she loves you, Bella."
Tammy looked around for Natasha and the rest of her friends.
"Where's our people?"
"They're waiting in your tent for a private toast to your success."
"Well, hell, let's go."
With his hand in the small of her back, Luca guided her through the crowd and out of the main tent. Tammy entered her personal tent to a standing ovation. She did a little curtsey and raised her glass.
She looked around the room and realized that she had never been happier. Everyone that she loved was there. All of the Storms, along with the Savellis. Her dad, Mary, Mia, and even Malik and his husband was there.
"Toast!" Amy shouted.
Jack helped, seven months pregnant, Victoria out of her seat and handed her a glass of water. She instinctively placed her hand on her round belly and raised her glass. Her smile was radiant, and she was beautiful in the maternity dress that Tammy made her. It was great to see Victoria happy again after everything that she'd been through a year before.
Since Tammy moved to Paris, she didn't get to see Victoria as much. But, according to Tracy and Amy, she had been suffering from nightmares for a while. However, with rest, therapy, and Jack's love, she was doing quite well. By all accounts, Victoria was having a happy, healthy pregnancy.
"To my beautiful, talented, and now very successful friend…and soon-to-be cousin. From the time we met you've been lookin' out for me. And now, it's your duty," Natasha chuckled. "To family!"
"To family!" they all shouted.
EPILOGUE
Alejandro "Angel" Medina walked into the private room at Castel Dell'Ovo. In his company were mafia bosses from all over Europe and America, but he, along with his small security detail, were the only representatives of South America, and he wasn't the least bit intimidated. He needed the ear of the boss of all bosses, and no one else would suffice. He had been trying to schedule a face-to-face with the man for months. Now he was sitting in a room full of Sicilians waiting.
Angel took his seat and disregarded the looks of disdain for the "Spic" coming from the other bosses. They would show respect no matter how they felt inside. In not only Bolivia, but all of South America, Angel was a king. He was the boss of bosses.
All conversations seized when Luca Savelli entered the room. What he'd been told of the man was correct. He was big and somewhat menacing in appearance. And yet, Angel wasn't intimidated. He was just as big with his own war stories. He listened to so-called bosses whine like ch
ildren, but he remained silent. When Luca settled all mafia disputes, he turned to Angel.
"And what is your issue Bolivian?"
Angel leaned back in his seat and crossed one leg over the other. He studied Luca Savelli. Soon, he'd find out what the man really was made of.
"With all due respect Don Savelli, I didn't travel all the way across the world, walk through the filthy streets of Naples, and get propositioned by loose Neapolitan women for a sit down with you. I came for the Capo di tutti. Although, since we are soon to be family, I'm sure that we will have our own sit-down."
Luca bunched his eyebrows and leaned forward in his seat.
"Family?"
"Si Senor. Family. You'll soon be father to my grandson, David.
Angel was in prison when Javier, Angel’s only son, was killed protecting his girlfriend in a street gang shootout. When he was released, his first order of business was to annihilate every gang member that was involved in his son’s death.
Angel hadn’t kept in touch with the girl, Tammy, and he had no idea that she was pregnant with his son‘s child. He had only recently recognized her from surveillance photos that he had of Luca Savelli, and when he saw the small boy that strongly resembled his Javier, he knew right away that his blood flowed through the child’s veins.
“But on this subject,” he continued. “We will speak privately. As for the issues of your shipments onto my docks, I'll take that up with your boss."
Luca half smiled, which was surprising to Angel since he'd heard that the man never smiled.
"You want the ear of the boss? Today, consider yourself lucky," Luca said, gesturing toward the entrance.
Angel turned, and there he was. The man himself. The Sicilian boss of bosses. He walked over and took his seat at the head of the table. Angel was finally getting a face to face with Francis Savelli.
The End