Crossfire (Rarissime Book 1)

by Anna Widzisz

  "Has someone told you that you're a dick?"

  "Many times. You cannot imagine the immensity of the fucks I do not give. Whatever you do just keep the rules in mind. Noah has gone a long way since he became a Capo but there's a limit as to what he can do. You should've told him about her. At least a little bit."

  As smart as Flavio was, sometimes he easily forgot that his brother wasn't as good to others as he was to him. Things that he would accept and do for his family didn’t apply to others. Granted, he wouldn't kill Elio for pursuing a relationship with an outsider unless it went beyond the loyalty towards the Las Vegas Famiglia.

  "Just leave it be. I am not stupid," he murmured.

  "Good to know," Flavio said ironically, which prompted him to immediately end the call. Elio was done with people telling him shit. He killed the engine and ran to Savannah's doors trying to escape the rain and all the responsibility that was hanging over his head like the sword of Damocles.

  Savannah wasn't expecting him. That much was certain when she opened the doors and her expression changed. She was looking at him confused, however, she said nothing as she stepped back inviting him in. His gaze darted over to her clothes. She was wearing simple black sweatpants and a cropped hoodie. Her hair was in a messy bun and she had no makeup on. He had to admit that even such a look she, somehow, made sexy.

  Maybe because she wasn't pretending.

  It was her through and through.

  Something Elio rarely saw among the mafia circles.

  Men always had to show strength because weakness couldn't exist. Women put on additional layers of concealer to hide bruises because they were punching bags for their husbands, or even if they happened to have decent partners, they could barely handle the type of work they were doing. Constant anxiety whether they would come home. Because unfortunately, most mafiosos ended up in jail or ten feet underground at one point.

  And here he was pulling Savannah into this dark, shaky world.

  He sighed, brushing away the thoughts. It wasn't the time nor the place.

  "What are you doing here, Elio?" she asked calmly.

  Elio opened his mouth to reply, however, as footsteps sounded in the distance he looked behind the girl. There was Aiden standing in his blue t-shirt and jeans, observing them in silence. He didn't seem fazed that the man was here. And it crossed Elio's mind that the girl was actually talking to her brother about him. To some extent.

  "Aiden, I will be right back. You can go shuffle the deck and don't cheat," Savannah told the little boy. He nodded and disappeared.

  Her attention shifted back.

  "I came to take you out. Do you have someone to leave your brother with?"

  Her first instinct was to refuse. The night they'd had wasn't enough to completely quiet her internal struggle. The voices became softer and some of them wavered towards giving Elio a chance. She knew that he wouldn't let it go this time. But she didn't want to, either.

  "Elio," she said honestly, looking up into his eyes, trying to stay strong. But the moment she caught a spark in them everything came crashing down and she found herself nodding in agreement.

  The man's lips pulled into a smile. "Put on a dress. The place has a formal dress code."

  They moved deeper into the apartment. The interior surprised Elio because as bad as the building looked from the outside, Savannah had turned it into a home with all the photos, flowers and other decorations that were put all over the place. It was kept traditional with a hint of a modern fraction. Nothing that cost a lot but it still felt like a family home.

  Nothing like the cold house he grew up in.

  "Are we going to that restaurant again? Because I've already eaten and I don't feel like being in a place full of judgmental people."

  Elio shook his head, chuckling. "Believe me. The place I'm taking you to is anything but full of judgmental people."

  The girl sighed. "That still doesn't make me feel much better."

  She looked at her brother who was sitting on the couch with a deck of card in his small hands, playing with them. Then her eyes settled on Elio, begging flashing in them. Was she thinking that the man would hurt him? He was nowhere near throwing away all his rules. Just because he dispatched the thoughts of how wrong it was for him to be here with the girl, he would never even consider doing something so horrendous. It gave him chills that Savannah so much as suggested otherwise.

  "Go change. We need to be there in an hour. Aiden will be fine here with me," he assured her and pushed towards the door that he believed might be her bedroom. Hesitantly, she left.

  Elio sat down next to the boy in rather awkward silence. Being around children wasn't something he was comfortable with because he had no idea what to talk about to fill in this terrible moment they were sharing. Besides, even though he had two small cousins, he usually preferred to avoid them just like his bitchy aunt. His low tolerance for bitchiness was especially visible in their company. Most of his family felt entitled to be the way they were just because they moved up the ladder in the Famiglia. No longer simple soldiers. At least not all of them. And that was the biggest difference between him and them. Elio wanted to earn things, not pretend to already have them all and act almighty without a solid reason to.

  Aiden didn't speak a single word or budge from his spot on the couch. He looked at ease with no talking as he held the cards. However, when Elio glanced up from his blue shirt, his eyes were on him.

  "What?" he asked.

  He unabashedly kept his eyes peeled on the man but didn't answer. The deep black eyes were freaking him out with the void that was almost beaming from them.

  Elio grew annoyed. "Why are you looking at me like this?"

  The boy stayed quiet.

  "He doesn't talk much. Or almost never," said Savannah from the room, probably listening in on them.

  "Why don't you talk?"

  Aiden shrugged.

  "You talked to me before in the car," he tried again, thinking back to that day when he had fallen down the monkey bars. He had told him that he was five.

  "I answered you, not talked," Aiden finally said. His voice completely not what Elio expected. It was almost too soft for the expression on his face and the cold look he served him. If it wasn't for his height and childlike facial features, he wouldn't be that much different from an adult.

  "Same shit."

  "Are you Savannah's boyfriend now?"

  The question made Elio choke on the air. He didn't expect him to be so upfront with his concern. Because it wasn't said in a normal childlike curiosity.

  "No," Elio reacted almost instantly, wanting to get this idea out of not only Aiden's head but also his own. If he kept on thinking about it later, it would be extremely bad. There was no need to allow such options in his future plans.

  He wasn't boyfriend material. He’d always known that and always believed that if there was a point in his life when he would have to pay attention to a girl outside of fucking, it would be someone his father chose for him to marry for the Famiglia’s sake. Not by his own choice. It would be an act of convenience rather than desire.

  Aiden half-smiled. "Good," he said. "I don't like you."

  Elio scoffed at the blunt words that came out of the boy's lips. He might not talk much, but he sure as fuck knew how to make his words count.

  Savannah came into the living room, a scorching expression on her face. She pursed her lips, glancing at the five-year-old. "Haven't we talked about respecting people? It's not nice to say things like this, Aiden."

  For a couple of seconds, the siblings had a staring contest as if that was the way they usually fought. Who would last longer before breaking and apologizing. It didn't seem like a good concept, however, at least they didn't feel the need to scream at each other. Which wouldn't probably work, either, since Savannah would be the only one doing all the talking. It was their middle ground.

  Her eyebrow rose and she put her hands on her hips, waiting expectantly.

  "Sorry,
" whispered Aiden without looking at Elio. It was meant for him, however, the boy didn't regret his words and only apologized for his sister's sake. It's not like the man even cared much. Aiden didn't know him, but if he did, he would have more reasons to stay true to his opinion.

  Then he left the room to take a few things after Savannah told him that he would spend the evening with Frank downstairs.

  "I'm sorry for him. He doesn't feel comfortable with strangers around."

  Her words sounded and bounced without much consideration from Elio. He focused on the girl's appearance, wondering how the hell he kept on missing subtle hints of just how beautiful she was. First, her deep blue eyes that could probably swallow him whole, hypnotizing him. Then her body as she was laying on his bed. And the overall look that in a matter of minutes went from a homey one in sweats to a killer outfit that accentuated all her curves.

  Savannah wasn't the standard beauty as Elio already realized. She wasn't skinny enough for model standards, which was refreshing. He was used to hanging around those and banging them. Their falseness was almost palpable. Instead, he preferred soft curves with a hint of unfeigned innocence.

  Her hair in a high, slick ponytail revealed a slender neck. She was wearing a pastel pink dress with a plunging neckline, which was both considered pure because of the color and sexy as her breasts were slightly showing. It was composed and tasteful. And totally not what Elio expected. She had applied some delicate make-up with her eyelashes long and thick, making the man's cock twitch in his pants as he felt even more enchanted by her eyes. She was rather pale which elegantly matched the outfit.

  She took a step towards Elio, black heels strapped around her ankles clicking on the floor. Savannah was short, however, now her slim legs looked long driving him crazy. Once their eyes met, she looked down embarrassed. It was obvious that she wasn't used to wearing such revealing clothes and felt uncomfortable. And if Elio were a better man, he would suggest her to change. But the words stuck in his throat, unable to deny himself this view. Her cheeks were red and even make-up wasn't capable of hiding it.

  Elio knew that it wouldn't be the only time Savannah acted like this tonight, knowing what he had planned. She wasn't aware of it yet.

  He came up to her, her fruity scent tantalizing his senses without any trouble.

  "Don't look at me like this," she managed to stammer out. She arched a brow, fixing her tied hair.

  "I’d stop if I could," he began, trying very hard to focus on her face alone. He wasn't a gentleman in the slightest yet there would come a time later to take a better look at the girl. "I wasn't expecting you to even own such dress. Let alone wear it."

  Savannah straightened, brushing the material with her hands. It wasn't extremely tight but enough to show her wide hips and tiny waist. "Megan, one of the waitresses, gave me this dress because it didn't fit her. I'll change," she whispered, turning around.

  Elio at once stopped her, leaning towards her ear. "No, I like it."

  Goosebumps adorned her neck as she felt his hot breath on her skin. A minty breath replenishing the urge she had to kiss him right there and now. Remembering the kiss they'd shared by the Venetian wasn't helping either. Elio skimmed the skin right behind her ear with his nose.

  "Elio," she breathed out.

  Suddenly, she felt a warm feeling in-between her legs, indicating just how much the man's presence was affecting her. She tensed, feeling unfamiliar.

  They heard grunting which made them come back to earth. Aiden was looking at them with mere annoyance. He raised his arm and pointed at the front door, the gesture asking whether they were going to leave.

  "It appears that he's done talking," Elio joked.

  "Be thankful. I don't think we would want to hear everything my brother has to say on a daily basis."

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  "Elio, no."

  A big white building stretched in front of them. The glass windows were tinted which most likely meant that they were also one-sided. No light or people to be seen. On top of the building and right above the front entry, there was a big yellow neon sign Ecstasy, already suggesting to Savannah where Elio had taken her. She’d passed this place many times since it'd opened a year ago. Never paid much attention, knowing perfectly well that it was the kind of place people with particular tastes attended.

  Not her.

  Never her.

  And not just because it was hard to get in.

  Her legs began to shake, knees almost giving in if not for the simple reason that Elio kept her grounded with his arm around her. Right now, the girl thought that it was probably because he could see the dread settle in her expression and didn't want her to attempt an escape.

  Her heart was pounding.

  An exaggerated reaction. She knew that. Knowing all she did about Elio, she should have expected him to go over the top when it came to dates. Because that's what he’d called it back in the car.

  Right now she could laugh because a date for her was dinner and a movie. Not a sex club.

  She shook her head. "I'm not going there. No way," she refused.

  "Yes, you are."

  "Why in the world would you think it a good idea to come here?" she asked, even though she really didn't want to know what was going through his head when coming up with something like this.

  Did he come here a lot?

  How many girls had he brought here?

  Elio stepped in front of her, making her look at him.

  "It's a sex club," she whispered, hoping that no one heard her judgmental voice.

  In any other situation, she could care less that this place existed. She was all about people doing whatever they wanted within reason. But at this moment, she was the one dragged here and she couldn't think of anything she wanted to do less than this.

  The man laughed. "It's not a sex club, Savannah," he said loudly, clearly not giving a shit if someone overheard him. "At least not in the literal sense."

  Savannah snorted. "As if that changes things."

  "There are storytelling events organized here. Today there's a mixed theme which makes it the perfect opportunity to find out what you like."

  "Storytelling events?"

  He nodded and grabbed her hand, dragging her towards the entrance. He greeted the guards with a handshake, going inside without the need to wait in queue. Per usual this place must have belonged to the Famiglia. Or at least be under their protection. And people recognized Elio, which meant that it wasn’t his first time here. Just like Savannah suspected.

  The inside was dark, only neon lights illuminating the space. There was a long corridor, its walls decorated with many sensual, minimalistic, black and white paintings. A fugitive glance at some of the canvases was enough to make Savannah realize what they pictured. It made her even more uneasy.

  They turned right, going straight into a spacious room that looked almost like a normal VIP nightclub. There were many white leather couches, purple and pink lights highlighting their colors. Across from them, there was a small stage, however, no one was standing on it. Everyone was spread around, talking to one another.

  Savannah looked at them carefully.

  There were more women than men. That much was certain just by a single glance. However, both made sure to look their best. Women in their dresses, usually provocative, and men in their suits or other elegant clothing. It seemed like high-end event. Whatever this storytelling even meant.

  The girl squeezed Elio's hand, ensuring that he remained by her side. He was still there, looking at her with fascination. He was trying to read her thoughts and it wasn't that hard. Savannah was scared, confused.... and captivated.

  "Elio," they heard a male voice. As they turned their heads to the left where the voice was coming from, they saw a tall, slim man with raven black hair slicked back and brown eyes that flashed with an unasked question. He was flustered seeing the Enforcer there and in the company of a girl he had never seen before.

  "Fuck," Elio breathed
out quietly, stepping up to block the man's view of Savannah. "Coluccio," he added, nodding his head.

  "What are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you anytime soon."

  "It was a spur of the moment decision. You're working today?"

  The man nodded. "Of course, these events are the most popular. Especially since we're operating five different rooms today. Many things to take care of as you are well aware." He looked at Savannah. "And who's your friend?"

  "She's—" he started saying just as the girl circled him, extending her hand.

  "I'm Savannah," she introduced herself.

  Coluccio smiled at her and kissed her hand. "It's really nice to meet you, Savannah. Have you been here before?"

  She was quick to negate.

  "What room do you intend to go into?"

  "Room?"

  Elio cleared his throat, uncomfortable that the girl was talking to the man as if it were nothing. She must have realized that he was part of the Famiglia. However, she was nervous and tried to cover it up by excessively talking.

  "Sì. Today we have a Dom and Sub one, BDSM, Group sex, Voyeur and Orgasm control."

  A heatwave hit Savannah like a ton of bricks. Her throat clogged up and she could barely breathe. Her anger towards Elio mounted with each passing second. At this point, it was hard to pretend that this place didn't bother her. Up until recently, she hadn't even been in any shape or form intimate with a man. Being twenty wasn't determinant for the experience level. Elio knew that. She might have never admitted it but her actions were enough to let him know.

  The men exchanged a few more words, however, she completely detached herself from the conversation. Lost in her own mind. Should she have been more upfront with Elio? Was that the reason why he took her here? She still wasn't sure what the whole storytelling event was but hearing about the kinks that apparently were separated into their own rooms, she could care less.

  If Elio wasn’t holding her wrist tightly, she'd turn around and walk out of here.