For Adriano

by Soraya Naomi

  “I want to know more about Sal, the owner—”

  “Of Club 7,” he finishes with furrowed brows.

  “Yes. Do you know him?”

  Wade’s head tilts to the side. “I’ve heard of him. What do you want to know, specifically, and what are you planning to do with the information once you have it?”

  “I want you to find out what happened to a guard of his, Santino. I don’t have a last name.”

  “I don’t need surnames,” he replies and continues, “And I suppose Adriano can’t find out?”

  Sighing, I answer, “Exactly.”

  He’s contemplating my request and then suddenly speaks. “Who are you, Camilla Guillermo?”

  “You’re not investigating me. And I don’t have much time. How much do you cost, and can you help me?”

  Wade rises and comes toward me at the door. “I’ll think about it.”

  “I need an answer by tomorrow night,” I demand, lifting my chin.

  A grin flashes across his face. “Tomorrow night.”

  ***

  After a hurried shower, I put on a cotton tank top with a loose fitting skirt and head back to Fallon’s.

  “Miss Guillermo, a package has arrived for you,” the receptionist says as he places it under a scanner.

  “This late?” I ask, surprised.

  “Oh my god!” His palm covers his mouth.

  “What? Give me the package!” This can’t be good. All the blood has drained from the guy’s face. I know that Luca and Adriano wouldn’t want him involved in this, so I lean over the counter and snatch the square cardboard box off the desk. It’s surprisingly light in weight and something thunks against the sides.

  His hands shoot out. “No!”

  David comes up right behind me and orders, “Leave Camilla alone.”

  I scoff at the receptionist and take the package with me upstairs, dread filling me.

  Fallon rises from the couch when I enter with my box in hand and place it on the granite kitchen island. Apparently, Rosalia has gone home.

  “What’s that?” Fallon comes into the kitchen.

  “I don’t know. It was just delivered, but I didn’t order anything. And the receptionist guy acted shocked when he scanned it,” I answer and slide my bag off my arm, resting it on the barstool.

  Fallon hands me a knife from the island drawer, and I glide the tip over the sealed top.

  Opening the lids, I gasp in horror when my gaze lands on an ear covered in blood and torn skin on a bed of blood-soaked cotton, and I shove the box away.

  “What is it?” Fallon reaches for the lid.

  “No!” I snatch it back. “You don’t want to see.”

  A frown sweeps over her forehead. “What is it then? You’re completely pale.”

  The elevator doors swoosh open, and I jump at the sound.

  “It’s an ear,” I murmur, and her eyes widen just as David comes into view.

  “I was called and ordered to stay with you two,” he announces in a formal tone.

  Fallon and I glance at each other.

  “I know what’s in the box,” David adds and checks it. “Are you okay?” He looks from me to Fallon.

  Shaken into silence, Fallon simply nods; so do I.

  And then I learn how fast communication lines work in this Syndicate. “Who ordered you?”

  “Adriano.”

  So Adriano already knew about my receiving the box before I’d even opened it? I’m positive it’s from Sal, but whose ear is that? Santino’s? I knew this would happen if I waited too long.

  That pesky feeling of guilt screams at me that I waited much too long, and the hatred for Sal multiplies even more. This is why I want to be part of the Syndicate; I want to be able to protect myself and to strike back. I’m so done with being defenseless.

  We stand there in silence, and I can tell that Fallon also wants to fire a million questions but knows never to talk about Syndicate business without the four highest ranking men present.

  Again, the doors open, and James steps inside, giving me a once-over as he approaches me. “Did you open it?”

  “Yes.”

  He places an arm around my shoulders, and it’s strangely reassuring, yet still a little awkward.

  “Was there a note?”

  I shrug while I’m swimming in thoughts. “I don’t know.”

  Again, someone enters the penthouse: Adriano, who searches me out instantly, perking a brow and asking if I’m okay without a sound, so I nod.

  He’s sending me a look I haven’t seen since I’ve been back; the look he used to give me when we first met. As if I’m not real, but a figment of his imagination.

  We all stand around the island when Luca arrives last.

  “A note?” he asks and wraps his arms around Fallon. She pushes her face into his chest, and he caresses the back of her head. “Go to the bedroom. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  James presents a typed note with blood spatters: ‘Dear Camilla, guess whose ear?’

  I bend my head, letting out a sigh, and press a palm on the counter. “Santino.”

  No one speaks a word, but I’m sure the men around me are communicating silently, and then James says to Luca and Adriano, “I need to talk to you two on the terrace.”

  They follow him out, leaving me with David and the box. And my remorse. And my growing loathing for Fat Sal, which I’ve already carried for years.

  CHAPTER 26

  Adriano

  I slide the terrace door closed for privacy. After stealing a glance at Cam’s bent head, I’m itching to be alone with her; to know what she’s thinking and feeling, but James’s face is already radiating thunder.

  “How the hell is it possible that my daughter receives an ear at a private residence?” James stresses, almost disbelieving it himself. “And what happened at SS?”

  “There was a sniper in the tower across from our building,” I clarify what I saw.

  “I was also followed when I was driving back into the Loop. I shook them off, then Luca called and told me you were being shot at.” James looks inside to the kitchen where Cam is standing.

  Luca speaks in a low tone. “Fat Sal’s been busy.”

  “Any witnesses?” James asks.

  “A pedestrian was shot, and a kid spotted me with my gun,” I reveal.

  “I’ll have Chicago P.D. notified. I hope this doesn’t become a media circus. I’ll have a detective on our payroll check to see if a child’s statement giving your description comes in. If it does, you will handle the situation,” James warns me.

  I nod in acknowledgement.

  “And someone has obviously been followed to your private residence, Luca,” James spits.

  Luca and I have various residences in our names, but everything’s classified. The fact that Fat Sal knows this home address is the biggest breach of privacy we’ve ever encountered.

  “That’s David’s job. He’s supposed to make sure the girls aren’t followed home – ever. I’ll deal with him. New guards are already on the way here.” I rub a hand down my tired face.

  “I need to get to Alessa and Rosalia. Extra soldiers are at my house, just in case my house is breached too. I can’t take Cam with me, and it’s better if we split up now, anyway. Can she go with you, Adriano? Additional guards will also be stationed at your building for you and your parents.”

  His request alleviates the tension in my muscles; however, I’m surprised that he’s leaving Cam in my custody, but that’s tempered down.

  In a stern tone, James adds, “The rules still apply, Capo. She’s off limits. I’m entrusting her to you.”

  “I’ve never been followed home; I’m sure of that. She’ll be safe.” I speak through my displeasure.

  This is the moment that I start to resent my Capo position. I’ve experienced this fleeting feeling once before, also concerning Cam. I hate that I’m restrained in my affection toward her while my lust seems to be mounting with every second she’s near me.


  James orders us, “I want to know where Fat Sal is: is he still in the Loop? We meet tomorrow at eight a.m. at Adriano’s.” He anticipates my next question. “I don’t have a plan of attack right now. Ensure that all the Capi and soldiers are notified to be on high alert. They have permission to shoot to kill any of Sal’s soldiers. Everyone in the Syndicate needs to be brought up to date.”

  “Our top soldiers are already on that,” I confirm and add, “By the way, my BMW is still at SS.”

  “My driver will take you and Cam to the Astoria, and I’ll have a soldier drive your car to your building,” James offers. “Luca, Adriano, we are on the verge of a huge operation. We deliberate retaliation tomorrow.” He effectively concludes this discussion and slides the door open to check on Cam.

  David meets my eyes when I step back inside, and I point my finger toward the elevator, ordering him to follow me.

  “You are dismissed,” I say while James is talking to Cam and Luca disappears in his bedroom to be with Fallon.

  “Sir, why?”

  “You were followed to this private residence. Another guard is taking over your duty.”

  “Sir—”

  “This is non-negotiable. You get one chance with me. Leave,” I command, impatient to be alone with Cam.

  This entire night has flashed by in haste, and I’m confronted with the realization of how easily she could be ripped away from me, or I from her. Earlier tonight, when we crossed a boundary outside on the lounger, everything changed. My resolve that was cracking has vanished into thin air. We’re in the middle of a war in which she can be stripped from my life at any second, and every cell in my body is repelling that idea. I’m going to defy my boss’s order.

  I wait until James and Cam’s conversation ends.

  “Shall we go?” I ask Cam.

  She edges toward me but then stops, knowing James is watching us. “Let me pack some clothes and say goodbye to Fallon.” Her voice is steady with just a hint of a tremble that unmasks her unease, and she goes to her room.

  Within minutes, she’s back with a bag hanging over her shoulder, stuffing a final item of clothing into it.

  “I’m ready.” She comes toward us, and I take her bag off her shoulder.

  “Call me if you need me,” James says to both of us.

  Cam’s hand reaches for mine, but she stills her movement and lowers her arm when I lead the way to the elevator.

  As soon as the doors close, I let the bag fall out of my grasp, and I pull Cam into an embrace.

  “Are you okay?” I whisper as her arms hook around my neck.

  “Just a little shaken.”

  Tightening my hold, I run one hand through her hair while we find comfort in one another. After a distressing couple of hours, her hug evinces that emotion only she can wake in me – that emotion I’ve fought for years, but it never left.

  “This is bad, Adriano. Sal cut off Santino’s ear!”

  “Shhh. We’re going to take care of it.” I cradle her face in both hands. “I promise you.”

  We arrive on the first floor, and James’s driver is already waiting outside the entrance.

  “To the Astoria Tower.” I sit in the back with Cam tucked against my side.

  CHAPTER 27

  Camilla

  I’m on my way to Adriano’s apartment for the first time.

  The shock of seeing Santino’s ear has subsided, and now, anger burns beneath my skin. I’m letting Sal intimidate me, and I’ll not tolerate that. I wonder if James, Luca, and Adriano will let me in on their plan. Adriano promised to take care of it, and I’m hoping this will jump start them into action. But I have a back-up plan: Wade. I’m curious to find out if he’ll accept my assignment tomorrow.

  Snuggling against Adriano in the car, I revel in his tight grasp. I was correct; we have made progress since earlier tonight when we almost had sex on the lounger on Fallon’s terrace. Even though a part of me was scared he might try to pull away again, I think that tendency has abandoned him.

  “Are you sure it was Santino’s ear?” he asks.

  “No. I’m not positive.”

  “Then it could also be from someone else, and Sal’s just trying to rile you.”

  “That’s possible.”

  While our cuddle calms us visibly by the ebbing tension of our bodies, and Adriano’s presence is comforting, the guilt about Santino remains, as usual.

  “I have to visit my parents first, but I don’t want to leave you alone at my loft, so you’re coming with me.”

  I look up with a smile. “I’m going to meet your parents?”

  One brow arches, and he gives me a mocking glance. “Yes. Behave.”

  “I always behave. But I’m a mess.” I pluck the fabric of my tight top and rumpled skirt.

  “You look beautiful,” he comments, checking his phone messages.

  Taken aback by his tender tone, I stare at him while he types with one hand, his other arm around me. I place my lips to his ear, and his palm glides down my back, resting on my ass.

  “Thank you.”

  Adriano’s head turns slightly until our faces are an inch apart. His eyes seek mine, and we admire each other with the rumble of the engine fading away.

  “You’re always beautiful,” he whispers.

  He grips my behind, and our lips almost touch, but we pull apart just as we hit a bump in the road and slide away from each other.

  The vehicle comes to a stop at a high-rise where the valet is waiting at the front entrance.

  As we walk through the pristine white and metal foyer toward the elevator, Adriano entwines our fingers, and I feast on our tangled hands and the glint in his eyes.

  “My brother and sister will also be there. No one knows about any Syndicate business, Cam, so no speaking of anything Syndicate related. I’ll take the lead if they ask you any questions you’re apprehensive to answer,” he says as we enter and head up to his parents’ floor.

  “Okay.”

  His thumb swirls over the back of my hand, sending a shiver up my spine.

  The elevator comes to a stop on a spacious floor with only two apartment doors on each side of the hall.

  Adriano lets go of my hand and knocks on the left one.

  It's opened by a remarkably handsome Italian with the same thick black hair as Adriano’s that curls where it’s longer. His brows hit his hairline when he spots me, and the corner of his mouth tilts up.

  I smile back, and Adriano throws the door open. “Carmine, this is Cam.”

  Carmine covers my hand with both of his. “Cam, it’s a pleasure.” Then he turns to Adriano and asks softly, “Fratello, che cosa succede?” Brother, what’s going on?

  “Ti spiegherò più tardi.” I’ll explain later.

  Adriano goes to the end of the hall, and we enter a living room with thick curtains hanging down the windows and an indoor terrace.

  His father’s seated on the chesterfield in the living room, and his mom’s lying down with her legs draped over his father’s lap.

  She notices her son and stands up. “Adriano!”

  He kisses his mother’s cheek and hugs his father. He’s as tall as his father but has his mother’s black hair.

  From the corner of the room, a beautiful brunette dressed in satin sleepwear comes to greet us.

  “Cam, these are my parents, Sophia and Max. This is my sister, Mary.” He presses his lips to Mary’s forehead, and adoration paints her face when she sees her older brother.

  Everyone’s silent, then his mom says joyfully, “Cam, nice to meet you.” His mom has a thick Italian accent, and while her welcome exudes warmth, I can’t help but notice how thin she is. “Would you like something to drink?” And she asks Adriano, “Have you eaten, son?”

  “I have, Mama, thank you. I’m just stopping by to say hello, sorry I’m this late, but I couldn’t come earlier. We were just on our way up.”

  “My son, you come here with a girl for the first time. Do you think I care about the time? ”
She puts her arms around his middle.

  I swear a look of guiltiness blazes behind his eyes, and it’s endearing to see how affectionate he and his mom are.

  “I want to get to know her,” Sophia scoffs and smiles playfully at me.

  He sighs and can’t deny his mother.

  “Sit.” She waves her hands downward, so we’re forced onto the couch.

  While Mary sits on the armrest and talks about her graduate program to Adriano, Carmine joins me.

  “So, Cam, you’re a friend of Adriano’s?”

  “Yes.” For now, I’m just a friend.

  Adriano’s arm comes around the back of the couch, hand resting on my shoulder.

  Carmine’s boyish grin is eerily similar to Adriano’s, and he scoots closer. “Just a friend? He’s very possessive of his friend.”

  Adriano swats the back of his head. “Don’t bother her.” And he laughs at his brother, who’s soothing the sting.

  His father is constantly at his mom’s side and gives her pills to swallow at one point, making me wonder what kind of health issues she has.

  After ten minutes of teasing back and forth and answering many questions, his mother chokes on her medicine. Sadness and worry descend over the room when she coughs and becomes very light-headed. Adriano’s on his mother within seconds and carries her down the hall, to the bedroom, with his father and sister in tow.

  “Is your mother sick?” I ask Carmine.

  “You should direct your questions to Adriano,” he answers, combing his unruly hair back.

  We’re still on the couch in awkward silence as Carmine observes me unashamedly.

  Pretending to ignore him, I keep my focus on the window.

  Adriano returns, and after witnessing our uncomfortable demeanor, he’s eager to leave.

  So am I. Seeing him interact with his family reinforces my feelings for him. I knew he was protective of them, and they’re clearly close. Understanding dawns on me as to why he’s fighting our being together. He already told me he couldn’t take that risk because he also supports his family, but I think he’s their primary provider. Carmine’s somewhat of a mystery. His brother should be able to support himself, and he evidently has some suspicions about Adriano’s work.