“Suicide? His punk ass committed suicide?” Kendra said in disbelief.
“I hate to say it, but the world will be a better place with one less scumbag on the loose,” Adanna exclaimed.
“Where’s Nicco?” Both Piero and Michael said simultaneously.
“I’m sure Nicco is around,” Kendra whispered.
“Well I better find out,” Michael said. “Care to join me, Piero?”
“I’m right behind you. Ladies, I’m sure you can find something more pleasant to watch.”
“I’m sure we can, too. You and Michael go do whatever it is you need to do. We’ll be fine,” Kendra said.
* * *
“Shit, this is not good,” Piero said.
“Tell me about it. Can’t say I’m sorry he’s dead,” Michael said.
“I don’t care about that piece of shit, Michael!” Piero said harshly. “But the bartender heard you threaten him. I don’t want any of this to fall back on you. Old man Perini is not giving up on this one. That boy was the apple of their eye. He swears it wasn’t suicide. He had to have known that his son was a wuss.”
“Really, like my folks don’t know how screwed up Nicco is?” Michael snorted. “As for the bartender, he won’t talk.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.”
“All right, get Sal on the phone,” Piero said.
Michael grabbed his cell and dialed Sal.
“Sal, we saw it. Why did you want us to call you back? The report said he committed suicide,” Michael said.
“According to my contact, this was no suicide. I ran into Nicco. He briefly told me what happened. Let’s just say I reminded your brother just who the elder Alesi is. I hope that is not going to be a problem with us?”
“What did you do?” Michael asked hesitantly.
“Relax. I just roughed him up a bit. I tell you this—your brother is ballsy. Reminds me of you in a way. A less human you. Anyway, we need to clean this mess up because your name came up in a conversation via your lady friend Carmella.”
“Dammit! What is she saying?”
“Let’s just say the lady did not take it kindly that you left her hanging. And left with, as she said, some ‘black’ woman. She’s claiming she saw you coming down on Marcello.”
“She couldn’t have heard what I said, Sal, she wasn’t close enough to me. I never yelled. She had to have gotten her information from someone else,” Michael said.
“That’s even worse. She’s going by hearsay and getting everything twisted. No doubt on purpose. I’ll keep an eye on the lady and keep you updated on the investigation. Stay low for a few days. I want to see what old man Perini is doing. You know he’ll have his men all over this.”
“Will do. Keep me posted,” Michael said before hanging up.
“Sal says Carmella’s talking. He’s going to keep an eye on her. Wait a minute.” Michael frowned. “How did Sal get this info before us when he’s in Italy?”
Piero shook his head. “I have no idea where Sal is, but I do know he’s not in Italy. He told me he would be coming back to the States. He didn’t say when, and I didn’t question him.” Piero hesitated. “What did he say?”
“He wants me to lie low for a few days until he can feel out what’s going on. His source says that it’s definitely not a suicide. Old man Perini is putting his men all over this. It’s what I figured from what he was saying on the broadcast tonight,” Michael snarled.
“Let him dig. If he digs too close he’s going to find something that he’s not looking for. If he knows what I know, he needs to leave this alone. I understand this is his son, but considering the company they both kept, they need to tread more than lightly.”
“Well, I agreed to take Kendra shopping tomorrow, and I plan on doing just that,” Michael said.
“Do what you want. Just stay away from that side of town. You know you’re going to have to go the Mass, right? It will be suspicious if you don’t,” Piero said.
“I understand. And you understand this, Piero, I am not afraid of Perini or his people. I have nothing to run from, nor will I hide. That would be even more suspicious.”
“True. Well, I’m going to take Adanna home.”
“Okay. You and Sal keep me posted. I am going to try to keep Kendra away from the news. I don’t want her to think the wrong things about us,” Michael said.
“So you two are in a relationship, no?” Piero asked.
“I told you that before, Piero. You just refused to listen,” Michael said.
“I had to see that this wasn’t some game you were playing. Congratulations. Keep her close,” Piero said.
“I intend to. Let’s go join the women before they start to speculate.”
They walked side by side back into the family room to join the ladies.
Michael and Piero found Kendra and Adanna huddled together talking in whispered voices.
“Hmm, I wonder what that’s all about,” Michael whispered to himself.
“Are you ready to go home, Cara Mia?” Piero asked.
“Yes, I am tired. I can barely keep my eyes open.” Adanna yawned.
“Come on, love, let’s get you home,” Piero said placing a kiss on her forehead.
“I’ll walk to the door with you guys,” Kendra said.
“We’ll both see them out,” Michael said, grabbing Kendra by the hand.
“Whatever you say,” Kendra said sarcastically.
“Charge your phone, Kendra,” Adanna said over another yawn.
“Charging it just as soon as you guys leave,” Kendra said, giving her sister a quick hug and then turning to Piero and giving him one, as well.
“Take care, sweetheart,” Piero said, returning Kendra’s hug. “Michael I will speak with you in the morning.”
“Oh joy,” Michael glowered, unlocking the door and waiting for them to pass through. “Get some rest, Adanna. Stop letting my cousin keep you up all night. You look tired, love.”
“I do not keep, Cara Mia up. Well not always,” Piero smirked.
“Get out,” Michael said, closing the door after them.
“You are a trip,” Kendra said with a shake of her head.
“What did I do now?” he asked, following her to the bedroom.
“Like you don’t know. Come on, tough guy, let’s get some sleep. I have a feeling there are going to be rough days ahead.”
“Hey,” Michael said, taking her hand and pulling her back against his frame. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“You know I won’t let anything happen to you right?” Michael whispered against her ear.
“Yes. I just want to forget about this for the night and get some sleep.” She sighed, resting her head back against his chest.
“Let me close the house up, and I’ll come to bed in a few minutes,” he said, releasing her.
“Okay, but hurry up.”
“Will do.”
Michael left Kendra and went about turning off the lights in the kitchen, and then the lights and television in the family room. They were still rebroadcasting the death of Marcello. “Damn,” Michael whispered. “It couldn’t have happened to a better person.”
By the time, he returned to the bedroom, Kendra had stripped off her clothes gotten into bed, and had fallen asleep, just that quick.
Michael quietly stripped naked and joined Kendra in bed. She made a soft noise and moved to snuggle up to him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to his naked form.
“Night,” he whispered against her head and was rewarded with the sound of her soft snore. He chuckled. He wouldn’t dare tell her that she snored. Besides it was a cute little snore.
Chapter Twelve
Through darkness of the night, the cell phone that was placed on the night table rang.
“Hello.”
“I take it you’ve seen the news.”
“Yes. I know.”
“The bartender?”
“Taken care of.”
“Are you okay with the outcome?”
“Right as rain.”
“Good. Talk to you soon.”
“Looking forward to it. You know you didn’t have to do this.”
“Yes. I did.”
“Thank you.”
“Not necessary. Sleep well.”
“I will now. Goodnight.”
The call was disconnected.
“Who was that this time of night?”
“It was business I needed to take care of. I’ve been slacking lately.
“Hmm. This time of night? It couldn’t wait until morning?”
“No, it couldn’t. Now since we’re both up we might as well do something we’ll both enjoy.
“We might as well.”
The only sounds for a long time were the sounds of their lovemaking.
* * *
Was he dreaming? If he were, he didn’t want to wake. The feel of those soft, succulent lips against his member almost sent him over the edge.
“You like,” she whispered against him.
“Ah, you know I do.” He groaned out loud when she took most of him in her mouth. “Damn.”
“Umm, delicious,” Kendra said, licking him from base to tip.
“Where did you learn to do that?” Michael groaned again, his hips pushing up, causing his cock to sink further into her mouth. “I thought you were all straight-laced.”
“Hmm, you thought like lint,” she said deep-throating him.
“Oh, my damn! Do that again,” he commanded.
And she did. He almost lost it.
“You’ve catered to my mind as well as my body all week long. Just returning the favor,” she said taking hold of him and pumping her hand up and down on him and then taking the tip of him in her mouth and sucking.
“Oh, shit!” he yelled, grabbing her by the hair and guiding her on him. He pumped, and she sucked. Michael was pumping so hard into her mouth; he had to let up when she gagged.
“Sorry, love. So good. So good,” he growled.
He lost it when she lifted her head, took hold of his tip with her hand licked, sucked and swallowed as much of him as her mouth could hold. He came hard in her mouth screaming her name.
“Oh, fuck, Kendra!” he shouted, falling back against the bed…trying to catch his breath. “Sweetheart that was freaking fantastic!”
“Glad you liked,” she smiled up at him, wiping her mouth.
“I’m serious. Thank you, Kendra. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know I didn’t have to. I wanted to. I enjoyed it just as much as you did. Now I need to shower and make us some breakfast. You agreed to take me shopping today,” she said.”
“Not before I return the favor,” he said.
“Later. I need a shower,” she laughed.
“We’ll take one together. I still owe you shower sex,” he said, getting up from the bed and lifting her in his arms as he headed to the shower.
Once inside he placed her on her feet, stood directly in back of her, and turned the shower on low.
“Wow, it’s a good thing we’re both already naked,” she said sarcastically.
“Glorious. Now be quiet and place your hands flat on the tile, and spread your legs wide,” he whispered, sinking his finger into her. Good she was nice and wet. “Yes.”
“Umm, that feels good,” she moaned.
“Not as good as it’s going to feel,” he said snatching up a condom and putting it on. “Hold on to the wall tight, Kendra.”
“Um hm,” she breathed.
Michael removed his finger, aligned his cock with her center and surged up and into her.
Kendra cried out.
Taking her hips in his hands, Michael continued to push in and out of her. He pushed up, and she pushed back. When she let go of the wall to reach back and grab his hair, he smacked her on her ass. “Stop that. I told you to keep your hands on the wall,” he murmured.
“Okay,” she groaned. “Oh, God. So good.”
Michael continued to pump into her until he felt her vaginal walls begin to tighten around him. “That’s right, sweetheart. Come all over me. Come, Kendra. Don’t hold back,” he demanded.
“This is so good. I don’t want it to end,” she breathed.
“There’s plenty more where this came from, Kendra. I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you. Now come,” he demanded.
“Ugghh,” she screamed.
“See that wasn’t so hard. Now was it?” he chided, as he pumped into her one last time, spilling his seed inside he condom. “The best. Damn, we’re good together.”
Michael pulled out of her and helped her to stand up straight. “Now for the real shower,” he chuckled, turning the shower jets on high and washing both of them. He took care to wash her between her legs. She’d already been sore, and he was sure this last round they just did, hadn’t helped her any.
He wanted her all the time. He didn’t know whether that was a good or bad thing. What he did know was that they had something special, and he wasn’t going to let anyone interfere with their being together.
They showered and dressed in silence. No words needed to be said. This morning’s events had created a true connection between them. Michael felt it and knew that she did too.
“You want to eat here or stop somewhere while we shop?” Michael asked.
“Let’s pick up something. I’m just anxious to get out of the house for a while. I could turn into a hermit here. You have everything I need under one roof,” Kendra smiled.
“Glad you like it. Are you ready?” he asked grabbing up his keys.
“Sure am. We can take my car, you know. Piero had it brought here,” Kendra said.
“I know your car is here. However, I’ve heard about your car. No offense, but we will not be going anywhere in that thing,” he snorted.
“My car is fine.”
“Sure it is. We are not going anywhere in that car. I refuse to get stuck on the side of the road,” he laughed.
“Stop laughing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my car.” She pouted and stomped her foot.
“If you believe that, then there’s something wrong with you. And since I know you are a smart lady, then it has to be the car,” he joked. “Besides, the longer we stand here fighting, the less time you have to shop.”
“Whatever. Let’s go,” Kendra grumbled.
“I thought so.”
“I thought so,” she mimicked. “Where are we going?”
“We can either go the mall or a few boutiques I know of.”
“Don’t you dare take me to some place you’ve taken your other women, Michael Alesi,” Kendra said.
“Kendra, I believe I have more class than that,” he snorted. “I gave you options because I didn’t know whether you favored crowds or you wanted a bit more privacy.”
“Sorry. Thanks for the gesture. I’d like to try both if you don’t mind,” she said.
“I don’t mind at all. Where to first?”
“The mall.”
“To the mall it is,” he said leading her out the door and then setting the alarm and locking up after them. “We’re taking the SUV.”
“Whatever you say. Just how many vehicles do you have?”
“Several,” was his only response.
Michael pressed the garage door opener and led her over to a cream colored 4x4 truck. Unlocking the door he helped her up and inside before getting into the vehicle himself and backing out of his yard.
“I like this,” Kendra said. “It’s nice and roomy.”
“I love it. I drive it a lot on the weekends. Well not this one, per se. This is rather new. I had one that I had driven for years. I sold it and bought this a few months ago. I’ve been so busy lately I’ve only driven it a few times. Feels good to get back behind the wheels of my baby,” Michael smiled.
“Now you see how I feel about my car,” Kendra said excitedly.
“Kendra after a car has broken down several times, it’s n
o longer considered a baby. That’s a migraine,” he said dryly.
“You are going to stop talking about my baby, Michael.” Kendra sniffed pettily. “I know Piero told you about the car. Piero has a good heart, but he needs to mind his own business.”
“Now that he knows that you and I are together he won’t hassle you as much. That’s my job. But let me tell you, Kendra, the next time that car breaks down and you’re in it, we junk it and get another. Understood? I can’t have your safety at risk,” Michael said.
“I repeat. There’s nothing wrong with my car,” she pouted.
“Stop pouting Kendra. You won’t mention your car again. We are out to have a good time shopping,” he said sarcastically.
“Well, Michael, if you didn’t want to go, why did you volunteer to bring me? I have GPS in my car and on my cell. I could have very well driven myself. I’m not helpless, you know,” Kendra said.
“Who said I didn’t want to bring you? I just know how women are. This is going to be an all-day affair,” he grunted.
“No, it’s not. I’m only staying another week. I have work to get back, too,” Kendra said.
“Just what kind of work do you do?” Michael asked.
“Oh, a little of this and a little of that. I used to have a 9 to 10 job, literally. I love to travel, and that job was taking up too much of my time. Now, I’m a consultant.”
“You worked one hour a day?” Michael questioned with a puzzled frown.
“No,” she chuckled. “I worked from 9 in the morning until 10 at night.”
“You’re worse than I am. I’ve slowed down a lot, too. Honestly, if I didn’t love my work so and didn’t fear I’d be bored to death at home all the time, I’d hand the business over to someone else right now. I want to travel, too. I’ve worked so hard building up my own little empire that I haven’t really taken a vacation. Sure I’ve partied and hung out, but mostly I’m home. Except for the occasional trip to Milano or Faltando.” he said.
“Faltando?” Where’s that?”
“It’s a small community in Italy. My family is originally from there.”
“So what’s in Milano?” Kendra asked.
“What’s not?”
“That was very cryptic,” Kendra said. “Is that a sore subject?”
“Not at all. Just something I don’t want to get into just now. We have plenty of time for that. The ride to the mall is not the time nor the place to talk,” Michael said, driving along the freeway.
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