by Unknown
***
In the middle of the night, I opened my eyes but everything was hazy. Was I asleep? Was I dreaming? Dante held me like he did every night except for the first time, we were both under the sheets naked.
The moon outside the window lit the room and I watched Dante sleep, his chest rising and falling with each breath. Not wanting to wake him but unable to resist touching him, my fingers gently followed the outline of his pecs.
Yawning, I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. I wasn't even sure if I was still dreaming.
"The danger will be over soon, my angel," he mumbled.
My eyes flew open. Did I hear that right? Or was I dreaming? Dante was sound asleep and I had fallen back asleep, too. What I heard was just a dream. I nestled into Dante, rested my head on his chest, and fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.
CHAPTER NINE
Gia
When I woke the next morning, Dante was gone as usual. He was always up before me and had either already left or was sitting in the living room. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping to wake up beside him though.
I wrapped my old blue robe around me and headed towards the kitchen looking for him. On the counter was a folded notecard with my name scribbled on the top.
Gia,
I have some business to take care of that can't wait. I'll be back in the afternoon. Sonny will be delivering some items later.
With love,
Dante
As I finished reading the note, the intercom buzzer next to the elevator went off. I set the card down and went over to respond to Sonny.
"Good morning, Sonny."
"Good morning, Miss. I wanted to make sure you were up. The first delivery has arrived."
"You can bring it up."
As the elevator hummed, I started to get curious about these deliveries. Dante had things delivered all the time, but the only time he told me about them was the day he went shopping for me. I tried to control my excitement but as the elevator slowed, I thought that maybe the deliveries were for me.
I chewed my lip as the elevator stopped. Part of me kept thinking about how crushed I was going to be when Sonny exited the elevator with a printer cartridge or something unromantic. But a bigger part of me kept hope.
Standing in front of the elevator as the door slid open, I saw the delivery before I saw Sonny. It was a huge bouquet of red roses and white calla lilies in a crystal vase. I knew it! Dante was thinking about me.
Feeling giddy, I tried to keep calm while Sonny carried the flowers in and I pointed to the dining room for him to put them down. I grabbed the card on top and opened it up, anxious to see what Dante wrote.
For my angel,
There's more.
With love,
Dante
More? I wondered. Answering my question, Sonny stepped out of the elevator again with another bouquet. I directed him to the living room with it and he disappeared again to reappear with yet another bouquet. Leading him down the hall, I had Sonny place that one in our bedroom beside the picture of my mom.
I couldn't believe all the flowers! Although he hadn't said anything, it made me feel that last night was as special to him as it was to me.
Sonny left and as I admired the bouquet in the living room, I noticed another card. This one only had two words printed on it. 'Get ready'. I laughed, hearing Dante saying the words in my head.
Dante didn't mince words, and I loved that. While at first I wished he would open up more, now I realized the man I loved was an open book. I just needed to look.
I took my time getting ready, soaking in the whirlpool tub and relaxing. Wearing my robe, I looked through the closet at the things Dante had bought for me when I first arrived.
Not knowing where we were going, I couldn't decide what to wear. Down the hall, I heard the buzz of the intercom system and walked over to hear the elevator already making its way up. I waited for Sonny, wondering if he had another delivery.
Sonny stepped out of the elevator with a garment bag and a large square box of Godiva chocolate truffles. On the box was a note:
Gia,
I want you to feel comfortable tonight. Wear this.
With love,
Dante
I popped a salted caramel truffle into my mouth, delighted by the sweet and savory mixture, then brought the garment bag into the bedroom. I wasn't sure what to expect, but Dante had already shown me he had great taste so I planned to wear whatever was in the bag.
I unzipped the bag and laughed when a dark purple cardigan sweater similar to my navy one popped out. Behind it was matching camisole and then a pretty modern print long skirt. He was right, wearing these clothes, I would definitely feel comfortable. Now I just wanted to know where we were going. Hearing the elevator's hum, I quickly dressed and ran into the hall as I waited for Sonny to appear.
The elevator door opened and it was Dante. He looked handsome and sexy as usual in a black suit with a white shirt.
"Thank you so much, Dante," I said as I threw my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his.
"I'm not done."
In his hand was a small black box. I held my breath, not knowing what to think or what to say. Could that be an...? The unfinished thought hung in the air as I took the box. There was only one way to find out what was inside and every part of my being said that if it was what I thought, I would say yes!
As I opened the box, it let out a soft creak. Sitting in the velvet opening was an antique emerald ring with diamonds surrounding it. It was beautiful, but part of me was a little let down.
"That ring belonged to my grandmother. When she was in her early twenties, she left Italy ready to start a new life. She had turned down the man her parents planned for her to marry, so you can imagine how her family felt. After she arrived in New York, there was a fire in the tenement she was living in, and this ring was the only thing she thought to save because it belonged to her mother."
"And you want me to have it? It's beautiful, but there's so much history here you should keep it in your family," I said.
"I visited Nonna earlier and told her about you. I never knew that story about the ring, but when I told her what happened to you she said it was destino, fate."
He held my hands as he looked deep into my eyes. I hung on to every word he said.
"This ring is a promise I'm making to you," he said. "I promise I will do anything to make you safe, to protect you, and to make you happy. No matters what happens, I promise to always love you. Whatever happens, just look at this ring and remember my promise to you."
I was speechless. My heart raced as I let his words play over in my head. Slipping the ring on my finger I was surprised to see it fit perfectly. Maybe his grandmother was right, maybe it was fate that we met.
***
As Sonny merged onto the Belt Parkway, I realized with all the excitement, I never asked where we were heading. The car was heading towards Long Island, and I thought it was odd we were going so far away.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"It's time you met my family."
"They're in Long Island? I thought you always said you grew up in the neighborhood."
"They moved later."
As usual, Dante didn't say anything else about his family. The closest he came to mentioning them was when he spoke about the Gambinos, the people he worked for.
Looking down at my hand, I admired the way the ring sparkled in the light. I thought about our relationship and the things I learned about him that he never volunteered. I remembered Marty referring to a silver spoon. And Sal calling him the prodigal son, saying he was being groomed, and how they got special treatment.
I started piecing together a puzzle in my head. I thought about the day of the funeral and Terry whispering to me, he's a Gambino. Had I been so busy accepting him as a hit man for the Mafia that I ignored what was staring me in the face?
Feeling stupid, I couldn't ask the man who just made an incredible promise to me what
his last name was. Yet there I was going to meet his family.
Sonny turned onto a road that ran along the shoreline. The view was beautiful, but not enough to make me forget my confusion and embarrassment. The car turned and stopped in front of a large iron gate with an ornate G in the center, and I fought to keep myself composed.
I didn't know what my problem was. I knew he was in the Mafia, I just didn't realize Dante was the Mafia. It seemed like a big deal but when I thought about it, it didn't really matter. What mattered was him, not what he did or what his last name was.
Looking at the ring again, I remembered his promise to me. Dante had always been so generous to me. And now with this promise, I felt indebted to him even more. He did all these things, even saving me without expecting anything in return. It was time I made a promise to him, too.
"Dante?" I said as Sonny stopped the car in front of a large home with wooden shingles, tall windows, and white awnings.
"Yes, my angel?"
"I want to make a promise to you, too. I promise that whatever happens, I'll always love you. I know what you do and I know about the crows, but I won't let any of that change how I feel about you."
He leaned in and kissed my lips, letting his lips linger. I wrapped my arms around him and melted into him.
"There won't be any more crows," he whispered before getting out of the car.
I wanted to ask him what he meant, but as he helped me out of the car, his family came out of the house to greet us. Every person I met kissed my cheeks and hugged me as if they had known me for years.
I loved it. I missed having a big family like that and even when some of the men pulled Dante away from me, I didn't really mind. Dante entered a library where an older man stepped out from behind his desk and hugged him warmly.
"Who's that?" I asked Toni, Dante's sister.
Toni was a beautiful brunette with Dante's eyes and as soon as we met, I knew I'd get along with her.
"That's Papa. He's so happy Dante's moving up. He's been a Soldier long enough. If you ask me, it's about time he became Capo, even if it took Robert's dying to set him straight."
Capo? Moving up? Robert? I didn't understand what was going on. Dante always hated what he did, but maybe he just hated killing. I looked down at the emerald ring and thought about what he said about always protecting me. Could that be it? Did he do this for me? My head spun as I realized the truth.
Dante sat between his father and another man while several others, including Sonny, got them drinks.
"Come on," Toni said. "Let me show you around the house. You and Dante have your own suite, and the pool is amazing."
I had been so overwhelmed by everything that I never looked around. The house looked like it came from a magazine. With its tall ceilings and back wall made entirely of glass that looked out to the beach, it was breathtaking. It was much different than the small brownstone I grew up in in Brooklyn and made me feel very far from home.
I wrapped my arms around myself as we walked through the expansive foyer with its cream-colored marble floors. A voice boomed from the library, echoing against the walls.
"It's a great day when my only son moves up. I haven't been this proud since the day you were made. Now, let's talk business. That thing with the gang, the ones that took Robert out, has that been taken care of?"
"You mean the brother?" Sonny said. "I took care of it. He won't be a problem anymore."
Ice ran through my veins as I realized they were talking about Terry. I rubbed my arm and the ring made a small pull in my sweater. Looking at the ring, I thought about the promises Dante and I made to each other.
In another time I would have been more upset about Terry, but I couldn't forgive him for what he did. I owed Dante my life. He was always there for me. He loved me and I loved him. No matter what.
Thank you so much for reading Soldier. I hope you enjoyed it! Gia's past comes back to haunt her. Will Dante accept that she's not the angel he thinks she is?
The complete boxed set - Made Man Dante - is now available.
About The Author
Liliana Rhodes is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author who writes Contemporary and Paranormal Romance. Blessed with an overactive imagination, she is always writing and plotting her next stories. She enjoys movies, reading, photography, and listening to music. After growing up on the east coast, Liliana now lives in California with her husband, son, two dogs who are treated better than some people, and two parrots who plan to take over the world.
For more about Liliana Rhodes:
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Something True
A New Adult Romance
By Malia Mallory
Successful children's musician Shelley Taylor sings for all kids, but especially the sick ones. After her little sister died in childhood, Shelley founded the music charity KC's Kidz to entertain hospitalized children.
She didn't sign up to babysit a rockstar.
Irish bad boy superstar Liam Smith is in trouble with the law—again—and needs to perform community service. KC's Kidz seems like the perfect fit, especially since Shelley's as curvy as his favorite guitar and he wants to play her.
Liam's deep green eyes strike a chord in Shelley, and she makes him want to sing a different tune. But Liam lives in a spotlight so white hot it might burn them both before they discover the true music inside their hearts.
~ * ~ * ~
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Chapter 1
“Vera, you’ve got to be kidding me. Liam Smith? What would he do?” She rolled her eyes at the thought of the famous rock star giving time to her small children’s charity.
“He’s a musician, Shelley. Isn’t it obvious?” Vera’s wry voice was both indulgent and impatient. “He could perform for the kids. He could call some of his friends and solicit donations. Something. Anything. Aren’t you always saying you need more hands?”
“Yes, willing hands.” Shelley recruited volunteers wherever she found them. More than one unsuspecting person had been transformed from stranger to stalwart supporter by Shelley’s enthusiasm for bringing music to hospitalized children. She hoped one day to expand her program beyond the local medical center, where it was established.
“He’s more than willing, according to his agent.”
Shelley rubbed the bridge of her nose with her finger. “KC’s Kidz is a charity for children. He’s not exactly a role model.” Liam Smith was in the tabloids repeatedly for his bad boy antics—drinking, drugs, fast cars, and even faster women.
“He’s trying to reform. He wants to help.”
Shelley took a deep breath. “I find that very difficult to believe.”
“Sweetie, I’m surprised at you. You’re usually the first person to give someone a chance.” It was true and it had gotten her into trouble more than once. Having had her heart broken by her cheating scum of an ex-boyfriend, she didn’t feel up to hanging around with a rampant womanizer, even for the sake of KC’s Kidz.
Vera continued with barely a pause. “Think about this a minute. His presence could bring attention to KC’s Kidz. Attention means donations.” Publicity was good. It could bring donors. But Liam Smith was just bad publicity waiting to happen. The reputation of KC’s Kidz was too important to risk.
Shelley sighed. Raising donations was a big part of her job. “That’s true, but I’m sure there are lots of organizations that would love to have his help.”
Vera pressed her case. “You’d be doing me a huge favor. I owe a solid to his agent.”
Shelley felt her resistance crumble and she didn’t like it one bit. Vera believed in Shelley from the start and helped her negotiate the tangled music industry. Her agent had been an enthusiastic advocate, guiding Shelley from performances at the local public library through
several moderately successful albums and even local appearances. She owed Vera big time, and Shelley was a notoriously soft touch.
“Okay. Okay. When?”
~ * ~ * ~
Liam brushed his hair out of his eyes. If it were up to him, he’d cut the hair off, but his fans liked it a bit longer. When he’d gotten it buzzed, social media erupted with outrage. “David, I haven’t been sentenced yet.”
“I’ve spoken with your attorney, and we both agree it’s time to be proactive. This fouls up your probation. We’re hoping for community service, and we think if you show you’re already trying to make changes, that’ll go a long way with the judge.”
Liam scoffed. “I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”
“You never do. That’s part of the problem. Let me be flat out honest with you, Liam. I’m worried about you. When you were twenty, these antics could be written off as growing pains and adjusting to fame. Not now. This judge is tough. If she actually decides to give you a hard time, it could throw off the whole tour schedule. There are people counting on you, and a good deal of money is at stake. You need to clean up your act—period. And you need to show this judge that you’re already on a different road. The right road.”
“There’s been a settlement. I don’t even know why I still have to appear.” Liam maintained his tough facade for his agent, but the accident scared him. Fortunately, he hadn’t been drinking or using, only speeding, but that had been enough for him to lose control of his car.
“See? That right there is the problem, Liam. You are endlessly talented, but you’ve lost perspective. The rules apply to you same as everyone else. If you keep going on like you are, someone is going to get seriously hurt. It might be you.”