Deadly Love

by Yvonne Bennett

  Pivoting, she left the kitchen and made her way down the hall. She paused, noticing the parlor light on. Inhaling a deep breath, she continued her walk, ignoring the curious stare Agostino shot her from inside the parlor.

  "Come here, Bobbie." He ordered softly, which made her freeze up.

  Sucking her teeth, Bobbie started to walk away, but Agostino halted her yet again.

  "Now!" He bit out.

  Agostino wasn't in the mood. He and Andres had gotten in from Colombia just an hour and a half ago, and he didn't have time for his wife's shit. Bobbie turned, gliding into the parlor with a unit on her face. She took a seat opposite him and crossed her arms, causing her bare breasts to push against the silk material of her PJ set. Agostino eyed her perky nipples that were straining against her thin shirt, his dick twitching with his slacks.

  "What the hell do you want, Agostino?" Bobbie huffed in aggravation.

  "Oh, I'm sure you already know the question to that, love. I want my wife and son." Agostino shot her a deadly look, and Bobbie squinted angrily at him.

  "Good luck with that, Hun. Your mistreatment and behavior towards people will make it extremely hard to have what you want, no matter how many zeros you have in your bank account." Bobbie rolled her eyes and pursed her lips.

  "And that's exactly what my guns are for, Mrs. Carmine. Fear and money will make even the most moral person corrupt for the right price. What's yours, Bobbie, huh? According to Freddie, you weren't any more valuable than a few thousand dollars and a couple bags of Coke. What's your price?" Agostino prodded, a slight smile appearing on his when he noticed Bobbie getting agitated.

  "That's the difference between you, Freddie and I, Agostino. A human life is priceless to me. My life is priceless to me! My son's life! I could never put a price on Emilio and me because our lives are much more valuable than a few hundred thousand dollars." Bobbie stared him right in the eye.

  "If I remember correctly, you and Emilio's lives were about 50,000 dollars, according to Ana. If your lives were so precious, you wouldn't have risked running away while pregnant. You're the wife of one of South America's most notorious drug dealers yet, you thought you could just waltz out into the Free world as if you were normal? At any moment or time, you two could have been shot down. You didn't care about your life when you left, Bobbie, or our ninito's. All you cared about were your silly, childish feelings." Agostino relayed, picking up his Brandy glass that sat on the table.

  Taking a big gulp, he placed the glass back down and set his green orbs back on his wife. Bobbie bit her lip, willing herself to keep her composure. Oh, he was most definitely trying to get a reaction out of her.

  "Oh, you mean the feelings of fear, confusion, and suicide? You're right, that is all I cared about. You and Freddie made my life a living hell, of no fault of my own. On top of that, I had to welcome an innocent life into this bullshit. I wasn't about to stand around and let you beat on me in front of Emilio. He will not be like you. Ever!" Bobbie confessed, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

  "I don't want him to be like me!" Agostino jumped from his chair in response, causing Bobbie to jerk back.

  The two just stared at each other, neither making a move to speak.

  "Can I please go to my room? I have to check on Milio." Bobbie broke the silence, her voice low but unwavering.

  Agostino narrowed his eyes at her yet, said nothing. Inching over to her, he snatched her from her seat and wrapped his arms around her waist.

  "Let me go, Agostino!" Bobbie pushed at his chest, hating how her body was hearing up from his touch.

  Her husband captured her lips in a searing kiss, leaving her clutching the lapel of his jacket. She hated him with everything in her being! And most of all, she hated herself. His tongue dipped into her mouth, and Bobbie grew weak. Agostino held her tightly to him as he molested her mouth, causing small moans to escape Bobbie.

  "I hate you! I hate you so much!" She cursed him as she slapped him hard. Agostino just stood there, letting her assault him. Once Bobbie was done, she covered her face and broke down. Removing her hands, Agostino lifted her chin and turned her back toward him.

  "I know, Hermosa. I know." He whispered softly as he stared into her eyes.

  Bobbie peered up at him through blurry eyes, her brown orbs focused on the small red spot on her husband's cheek. Footsteps sounded throughout the hall, and the duo looked up, just in time to see Andres appear in the doorway. Andres paused in surprise at the couple, then immediately took in Bobbie's tear-stained face. Stepping closer to the door, Andres grabbed the knob and pulled the door shut.

  ****

  The other night had left Bobbie frazzled. She had built up her resistance to Agostino to only have him come break her walls down. After Andres had stumbled upon them and shut the door, the duo engaged in a little making out… amongst other things. They didn't have sex. Agostino simply showed Bobbie how hungry he had been these last several months. It was a day later, and Bobbie was still coming down from her orgasm.

  She was so disappointed and ashamed in herself at her wantonness to the point that she hauled ass whenever she and Agostino were in the same room. She was currently out in Andres'garden, Emilio sitting on her hip as she strolled through the numerous flowers and bushes. She pointed out a different species of flowers, teaching Milio what each flower was known for. She ventured deeper into the garden, observing the metal gate that fenced in the entire compound. Emilio began wiggling in her arms, signaling he wanted to get down. His mother placed him on the ground, supporting him with both her hands. The toddler began clapping and stomping his feet.

  "Ba, ba, ba." He flexed his fingers at a sunflower nearby. Bobbie's chest jumped as she pushed Emilio's chubby fingers away.

  "No, baby, you can't eat that." She cooed to him as he started fussing.

  Something rustled far in the bushes, catching Bobbie's attention. The shaking grew closer, and she gripped Emilio tight, throwing him back on her hip. Bobbie took off as if she were running across hot coal. She looked behind her as she sprinted yet, saw nothing. Bumping into something solid, she turned her head and saw Agostino gazing down at her in worry. Bobbie quickly made sure Emilio was okay, then peered behind herself again.

  "I...I...There a dozen-" Bobbie's words fell away as a yellow colored cat slinked from out the bushes, her cheeks growing warm with embarrassment.

  "I'm fine, the cat just spooked me." She cleared her throat and straightened Emilio on her hip.

  Agostino's eyes slid from Bobbie to the infant in her arms. Emilio was oblivious to his father's gaze, to busy yanking on his mother's green wrap dress as he whined.

  "Emilio." His head quickly snapped toward his father, and he released his mother.

  He put his hands out for Agostino, and Bobbie yanked him back. Oh hell no! When the fuck did this happen?! She was completely flabbergasted. Emilio cried more as he reached for his father, Bobbie growing uncomfortable.

  "May I?" She eyed Agostino with big eyes.

  Was he...was he serious right now?

  "I'm surprised you have yet to just snatch him from me with how you are." Agostino licked his lips at her comment, feeling that familiar anger building in his gut.

  She didn't know when to just let things be. But he knew why she was acting like such a pissy bitch. His beautiful didn't want to admit that she enjoyed their time together the other night. It irked him, but he understood. Well...he was trying to be understanding. He didn't expect Bobbie to walk into his arms freely after the way he treated and spoke to her a year ago, even now. Agostino was trying to work on himself, especially his temper.

  There were so many moments where Bobbie had gotten ahead of herself with that slick ass mouth, and he just wanted to break her fucking neck. Yet she had every right to air her frustrations. He had taken her through and back by kidnapping her. Not to mention rubbing Freddie's death in her face every chance he got. He knew Bobbie loved Freddie with everything in her being, even after finding out he was the on
e that put her on the chopping block, and Agostino couldn't rationalize why. That's why bringing up his death to agitate Bobbie brought him great amusement. He hated that she loved that fucking punk after all he did when Agostino himself would have never put her in that position.

  He wanted Bobbie's trust and love, but if he never attained it, he still wouldn't care. He was never letting his family go. Agostino watched intently as Bobbie bounced Emilio, trying her best to soothe him. His screams grew louder, and her frown deepened.

  "Here, you can hold him for a minute. Just a minute, I have to put him down for a nap soon." Bobbie advised as she handed the cranky tot over to his father.

  Emilio's cries instantly ceased as he stared up at his daddy through watery eyes, and Bobbie peered at him in offense.

  Why that little!

  "Hola mi amor." Ago smiled at the baby gently, leaving Bobbie stunned.

  She had never seen a genuine smile grace Agostino's face...until now. And it was beautiful. It made him look ten times more attractive than his belligerent, tight faced counterpart.

  "Dada, dada!" Emilio replied, tugging at his father's trimmed goatee.

  Agostino didn't winch nor pull away; he just let Emilio yank to his heart's content. Although Bobbie couldn't stand her husband's guts, his new look suited him. Plus, his tongue and beard game combined nearly sent her into Earth's outer orbit the other night. Bobbie was starting to admire the sight when something clicked in her mind. Emilio.

  Emilio just said dada! But how did he even know that? He had never said dada before.

  "Tienes un fuerte agarre, hijo. Serás un jugador de béisbol increíble algún día." Agostino continued to hush in spanish as he beamed at his ninito.

  In about 10 years, he could picture him and Emilio playing catch I the backyard of his compound, just enjoying a lazy afternoon together. Bobbie inside making lunch for the boys as she watched one of her favorite classic films on TV. Agostino could picture it so vividly in his mind. The childhood he had never gotten.

  "Nunca te lastimaré, hijo. Lo prometo en mi vida." He kissed his son's tight curls and hugged him tightly.

  Bobbie crossed her arms, trying to shield her heart from the intimate display. Agostino kissed Emilio once more before handing him back to Bobbie. She began trailing toward the patio doors but halted when Agostino called for her.

  "Bobbie." She pivoted to look at him.

  "Thank...Thank you." Agostino said lowly but, Bobbie heard him loud and clear.

  Tongue-tied, Bobbie opted to turn around and make her way inside without a word.

  CHAPTER TEN

  If there was one thing Bobbie hated about being on the run, it was the fact that she and her son couldn't go do the things they were once used to. No grocery or clothing shopping. No visits to the toy store or park. No going out to eat. Although Andres had just about every gadget on the market in his home, Bobbie missed going outside and interacting with people. She was six of looking at Agostino, Andres, and his security detail. Bobbie honestly couldn't wait until this was all over to make her escape. Walking into the kitchen with Emilio, Bobbie saw Johnny making a sandwich.

  "Mrs. Carmine." The dark-haired Latino greeted as he bit into his sandwich.

  "You can call me Bobbie, Johnny, really," Bobbie advised with a tight smile.

  "Okay, Ms. Carmine, I'll keep that in mind." Johnny nodded curtly.

  Bobbie narrowed her eyes at him, but the third in command simply ignored the heated stare she was throwing him.

  "Unlike the last one, you actually have a sense of humor." Bobbie cringed a little at the thought of Gino.

  She couldn't believe that bastard had poisoned...over Agostino of all fucking people. Just thinking about everything she went through with her husband made her sick. She prayed she survived this whole spy situation so she'd be able to get her and her son away from this life.

  "And unlike the other one, I have loyalty and respect. My boss ordered me and the staff to refer to you as Mrs. Carmine, and I'm going to abide by his wishes. The thing about Gino was he wanted to call the shots, and when he felt boss was getting a little too," Johnny tapped his chin as he thought for a second.

  "Smitten! Ah, that's the word. When Gino started to feel Carmine was getting a bit too smitten with you, he thought it was going to distract the boss from business, so he tried to take you out. Yet, he only ended up taking himself out. Fucking fool." Johnny shook his head as he lifted his glass, taking a gulp of his orange drink.

  Bobbie fluttered her eyes so hard they almost popped from their sockets. She was getting tired of his security detail, and Andres trying to convince her that Agostino somehow loved her. That man wasn't capable of a drop of love, although she sometimes doubted it from the way Agostino behaved with Emilio. Bobbie became a bit lenient when it came to Agostino spending time with Emilio. She'd let him hold him for a few minutes and play or let Agostino take Emilio upstairs to Andres'office, where the men and baby goofed around until Bobbie retrieved her son. At first, she was nervous as hell letting Agostino take Emilio, but after a few days, she started to relax. Andres was always around, and Agostino was in his most docile form whenever he was around Emilio.

  He was so attentive and calm with their son, it scared her. Because...he was actually showing love. It was such an odd yet puzzling thing to witness. How could you beat on your wife but worship your child, something that was a part of your wife?

  "Well, beloved, I don't care about your loyalty to your boss, but you can exhibit a little of that respect you claim to have and refer to me as I've stated." Bobbie inched her nose up.

  "I'm a little befuddled, 'Bobbie'." Johnny squinted at her.

  "Do tell why?" Bobbie corrected Emilio on her hip.

  "I'm befuddled because I don't recall you writing my checks." Johnny shrugged, leaving Bobbie wide-mouthed.

  "Why you...you-" Bobbie started to fume, only for her to be cut off.

  "You what? Johnny, what have you done to Bobbie?" Andres stepped into the kitchen with Agostino on his heels.

  "Oh, nothing, Andres. Just letting Mrs. Carmine know that when it comes to my boss, loyalty and truthfulness is always my top priority." Johnny nodded toward Agostino.

  Jealously invaded his body, and Agostino glared at Bobbie while pretending to tend to Emilio. Johnny trashed the remaining bits of his sandwich and placed his empty glass in the sink before departing the kitchen.

  "You know, Bobbie, if you want to be a white in my cousin's house, I can easily-" Agostino started to say, but Andres lifted a hand.

  "You'll do nothing to Bobbie in my house, Agostino. Put a collar on your emotions and calm down. You're forgetting the entire reason we came down to talk to her." Andres reminded his cousin.

  "What do you want to talk to me about?" Bobbie pivoted to look at the men face first.

  "I know you told us on the jet ride over that you hadn't noticed any strange or odd things during your stay in Marathon, but is there anything in particular that stands out? A car you never saw before hanging outside your bungalow? Weird neighbor paying a bit too much attention to you? Anything." Andres questioned.

  Bobbie furrowed her brow as she thought, coming up completely empty.

  "No, nothing. Marathon is small, just like all the keys. When someone moves in or out, you always know. And since it's so tiny, a lot of people opt to ride bikes than drive, so there wasn't what you would consider 'strange' cars driving around." Bobbie answered.

  "Have you ever seen this man around Marathon?" Andres pulled a still image from the post office security video out of his pocket.

  Bobbie grabbed the picture and eyed it, a frown marring her features.

  "No. I've never seen him. Is this the person that's been following me?" Bobbie asked hopefully.

  "No, that's the man that had the discs sent to Agostino. His face is familiar to me, but I can't place him. I thought maybe since he was the one who sent the photos maybe he also took the photos, and you might have seen him hanging around." Andres ex
plained.

  "I've never seen that man in my life, Andres," Bobbie repeated.

  Peering down at Emilio, she noticed he was asleep.

  "Is that all you needed to ask me?" She raised a brow.

  "Yea." Andres sighed then balled his lips in.

  He and Agostino had come to a dead-end and they were having a hard time formulating their next move. If only he could remember where he's seen that man's face.

  "Okay. I'm going to go put Milio down for a nap." Bobbie relayed as she bypassed the men, ignoring Agostino's deadly glare.