Dangerous Beauty: Part One: Destiny

by Michelle Hardin

  “Think I’m going to have a salad, I feel like everything I eat is going straight to my ass these days,” Jenna said pulling Carter back to the present.

  They were sitting at Madison’s for a late lunch after their insane shopping spree. Carter was glad that she catalogue ordered most of her clothes to be delivered to her and Nathan’s place in Manhattan.

  Nathan and I’s place. Our Place.

  “Why are you smiling? Do you agree that my ass is fat?”

  Carter looked up and saw that Jenna was looking at her frowning. “No, Jenna, your ass isn’t fat,” Carter said dryly. “If your ass is fat then mine is giant, because I have more ass then you,” Carter said in a matter-of-fact tone.

  Jenna laughed. “You’re not giant.”

  “And you are not fat.”

  “I know. It’s just…I’m a lot more body conscious now that I get naked in front of someone other than myself. I know Ben loves my body, but he’s just stupid and horny all the time,” Jenna said pouting a little.

  Carter was shocked when she found out that Jenna’s new boyfriend was Benny from the bar, but she was also happy for her. Ben’s nice, and she wanted Jenna to be happy.

  “Jenna, you’re gorgeous. There’s nothing wrong with your body. If I was a lesbian I’d be all over you,” Carter said with a playful smile and a wink.

  Jenna smiled. “You’re sweet, you always are. I might be pretty, but only people that look like you are considered gorgeous, honey.”

  Carter frowned and shook her head. “No, Jen, I’m no prettier than you are, and Ben loves you’re body because you’re hot, and because he’s horny.”

  Jenna laughed. “Whatever you say,” Jenna said through a laugh.

  Carter rolled her eyes. “So you and Ben are great, huh?” she asked.

  Jenna nodded and smiled. “Yep, I like him a lot. I think he and I are going to make it. I don’t know, I guess we’ll see, we’re not to Nathan and Carter level yet.”

  “Nathan and Carter level?”

  Jenna smiled wide. “He looks at you like you’re everything that’s precious in the world to him, Carter. That golden god loves you like crazy.”

  Carter laughed. “That doesn’t make any sense, Jen.”

  Jenna nodded and smiled. “It does, and I hope that one day Ben looks at me like that. Loves me like that.”

  Carter smiled. “He will.”

  Jenna smiled, and then her smile disappeared. “Now, how are you going to deal with the parasite?” Jenna asked frowning.

  Carter frowned. “Huh?” she asked confused about what Jenna was talking about.

  “Kyle.”

  “What about Kyle? He and Nathan are best friends.”

  “Yeah, that may be true, but Kyle’s in love with you, Carter,” Jenna said in a serious tone.

  Carter snorted. “Kyle is not in love with me. He’s too busy being in love with himself,” she replied. Which is true. If Kyle was in love with her he would have told her by now. Wouldn’t he?

  Jenna rolled her eyes. “You’re not slow at all, Carter. I know exactly how smart you are. That’s why I know the only reason you don’t see that Kyle’s in love with you is because you’re refusing to look. You don’t want to complicate things because you probably don’t return his feelings.”

  Carter rolled her eyes. “That’s because there are no feelings to return, he’s not in love with me, Jen. Kyle’s not the fall in love type of guy.”

  “He is when the woman is you. But he could have never been the guy for you. You and Nathan are too perfect for each other. So maybe it’s a good thing you chose not to acknowledge his feelings it just would have ended badly,” She said with a shrug. “But he is in love with you, Carter, I’m not blind.”

  “Yeah, whatever,” Carter said with a wave of her hand. She and Kyle were best friends and that’s all, she thought as she tossed her hair over her shoulder.

  Carter heard Jenna clear her throat trying to get her attention. When she looked up Jenna had a sly smile on her face. Carter frowned. “What?”

  Jenna’s smile widened. “So, Zeus likes it a little rough in bed, huh?”

  Carter’s eyes went wide and she gasped, she had never heard Jenna talk like that before. “Jenna! That is an inappropriate question. What has gotten into you?” Carter said blushing. It was never really easy for her to talk about sex, well at least not her sex life. This was the first time she’d ever actually had one, well a good one at least.

  Jenna laughed. “Well it’s kind of hard not to think about Zeus’s bed habits when you’re showcasing that big ass hickey. Oh I’m sorry, is love bite more appropriate for you?” Jenna said through a laugh.

  Carter’s hand shot up to her neck. “Where?” Carter questioned frantically.

  Jenna chuckled. “Not there. It’s like half neck half shoulder. Wow, it must have gotten crazy last night,” Jenna said wiggling her eyebrows.

  Carter covered her shoulder and bit her bottom lip. “He sort of…bit me last night when we…Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m telling you this,” Carter said burying her face in her palms, blushing furiously.

  “Wow,” Jenna said biting her bottom lip, “that is fucking hot, Carter. OMG, I bet he’s really good in bed too,” Jenna said with a mischievous smile as she signaled for the waiter to come and take their order

  Carter laughed and shook her head. “Jesus, what has Ben done to you, Jenna?” she said through a laugh.

  ***

  Nathan finally finished making arrangements for his and Carter’s arrival in Manhattan. He spent the rest of the morning after Carter and Jenna left as well as the afternoon preparing everything that was necessary to ensure her safety and comfort on their arrival home.

  Deciding that it may not be a good idea to show how much of a fearless badass he is anymore, Nathan took more precaution and increased his security. That meant a driver, his men and the increased security at the apartment as well. Nathan was sure his father would be thrilled to hear this seeing as he had been trying to get Nathan to stop driving around New York without protection. Nathan only used his additional men when he was out of the country, but now he actually needed them with him in New York, not just because of who he is but because of who he had with him… Spook Steele’s daughter.

  Word would spread fast that Nathan Salerno was back in Manhattan, and it would spread even faster when they found out that he wasn’t alone. Everyone will want to know who the young woman is with the young business man and alleged mafia underboss, Nathan Salerno. He would make sure he was prepared for anything. There was only one unpredictable issue that he had.

  This issue being Carter’s mother.

  Nathan wasn’t a fan of the mystery of Anastacia Stone. He didn’t like the possibility of someone mistaking Carter for this Anastacia woman, especially if it is an enemy. To fix that little issue he had security ready to accompany Carter everywhere she went in New York. He also bought her a brand new set of knives with a holster that can strap on her thigh. It carries four small sharp knives that can pierce skin at the slightest touch. He knew if anyone knew how to handle the knives it would be his Carter. He also bought her a gun. He didn’t miss how well she handled a gun during her argument with Tessa. She handled the Glock like a pro, so he bought her one, custom made, that should be at the penthouse when they get home tomorrow.

  That was another thing Nathan needed to tell her, they were leaving tomorrow.

  Nathan left the bed room and headed down stairs. He needed to get the guys on the same page as they prepared to head back to Manhattan.

  Nathan made his way down the staircase and spotted Dante, Lucca, and Mickey in the living room.

  “Lucca, where’s Kyle?” Nathan asked walking into the living room.

  Lucca looked up, noting Nathan’s demeanor before answering. “I’m not sure. I’ll go find him,” Lucca said getting up. He knew when his cousin was talking to him as a cousin, and as a boss, and Nathan was all business right now.

  Nathan nodded
as Lucca left the room, and then turned his attention to his phone.

  “Is everything okay?” Dante asked looking at Nathan.

  Nathan looked up at Dante. “Yeah, everything’s fine.” Then he turned his attention back to his phone. His father wanted him to call him as soon as possible. Nathan knew that Mitchell would probably be on the call to which he wasn’t looking forward to. Nathan’s been ignoring the constant calls from Mitchell for the past few weeks and he knew Mitchell was probably not particularly happy about that, but Nathan really didn’t give a fuck about what Mitchell was happy about. Mitchell couldn’t tell him shit, and whatever he’d been calling about these past few weeks could wait until Nathan got back to Manhattan. If the asshole wasn’t his father’s friend, Nathan would fuck his face up for continuing to call him when he told him not to. But Nathan would make sure Mitchell learned respect when he got back to Manhattan.

  Both Kyle and Lucca walked into the living room.

  Nathan took the chair that was positioned in front of the coffee table and couch. He crossed one long leg over the other while he continued to go through the many messages on his phone.

  The guys all sat back and watched Nathan as he continued looking through his phone as if they weren’t even there, but they all knew better than to say anything. Nathan wasn’t exactly in vacation time mode, this was obviously business. So they all waited patiently for the young underboss to speak.

  “Dial Manhattan and put it on speaker,” Nathan ordered still not looking up from his phone.

  Kyle walked over to the phone and did as instructed. He then placed the phone in the middle of the table as it began to ring.

  After three rings there was an answer.

  “The Salerno Organization. How can I assist you today?” a woman’s voice said over the phone.

  “Transfer me upstairs, Chelsea,” Nathan replied.

  “Yes sir, Mr. Salerno. I hope you’ve had a nice vacation,” Chelsea said in a sweet voice.

  Nathan smiled. Chelsea was always a sweetheart. “That’s very kind, sweetheart. I have.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, sir. If you just hold on a second, I’ll transfer you to your father’s office. See you soon, Mr. Salerno,” she said right before she transferred the call.

  “You do know she’s only that nice to you because she is in love with you, right?” Lucca teased looking over at Nathan.

  Nathan chuckled still not looking up from his messages. The phone began to ring, and after two rings it was answered.

  “Yeah,” a male voice said over the phone.

  Nathan took his eyes off his cell phone a looked at the phone on the table and frowned. “Is that how you answer a fuckin’ phone?” Nathan asked recognizing the voice on the line. Nathan had told the idiot not to answer the phone like that a thousand times before. It was unprofessional.

  The man gasped. “Holy Shit. Nathan? I didn’t know it was you. My bad. Hey, what the hell!”

  “Is there a reason why you have been ignoring my calls young Mr. Salerno?” Mitchell asked after he took the phone from Gianni.

  Nathan’s jaw clenched and he gritted his teeth. Even the sound of Mitchell’s voice pissed him off. “Dove è il mio padre?” Nathan asked through clenched teeth, trying to rein in his temper.

  “He stepped out for a moment. What did you think? That he would just sit around and stare at the phone until you decided to remember that you have responsibilities here in Manhattan?” Mitchell replied his words dripping with disapproval.

  Nathan didn’t give a fuck what Mitchell thought, the son of a bitch thought he had a right to talk to him anyway he wanted because he was once the second in command. But that was before Nathan came of age and took his rightful place as the underboss. Mitchell seemed to constantly forget that Nathan had become the one to answer to, and not the one to be questioned.

  “Mitchell, send someone to find my father,” Nathan said maintaining his cool.

  “Is there a reason why you cut off Andrew Reeves?” Mitchell asked in an authoritative tone.

  Lucca shot up from his seat.

  “Who the fuck do you think you are, Mitch? You may want to remember who the fuck you’re talking to. Nathan doesn’t have to tell you shit, you fat fuck,” Lucca he yelled at the phone.

  Nathan chuckled because he knew his cousin would lose his temper before he did.

  “Of course you’re there too, with your disrespectful ass, Lucca. Notice that I wasn’t speaking to you, I was speaking to Nathan,” Mitchell scoffed.

  Lucca was about to say something back to Mitchell, but Nathan silenced him by holding up his hand.

  “Mitchell, I remember telling you to send one of the men to tell my father that I’m returning his call. As for your calls, I did not care to answer them, and as for my reasons for what happened with Reeves, well that’s none of your fucking business,” Nathan said coolly.

  Mitchell snorted. “If it’s family business it is all of our business, when I was second—”

  “Enough,” Nathan finally snapped. “You do not question me. If you do it again there will consequences that not even my father can protect you from. Do you understand?” Nathan’s patience disappeared when Mitchell didn’t immediately answer. “Answer me,” he roared.

  Mitchell cleared his throat before speaking. “Yes sir, I understand.” He muttered with reluctance in his voice.

  Nathan sat back in his seat. “Very well” he said, returning to his calm state. “Now do as I said.”

  He heard Mitchell place the phone on the table and yell at someone in the background to go and tell Angelo that Nathan was calling.

  “What the fuck is wrong with that bitch?” Lucca said. “Just say the fucking word, Nathan, and I swear I’ll teach that fucker a lesson in respect that he’ll never forget,” Lucca said glaring at the phone.

  Nathan smirked and shook his head, Lucca and that famous temper of his. Nathan had almost forgotten about it since Lucca had been in a more relaxed mood during this little break.

  “Not yet cousin,” Nathan said smirking.

  They heard someone pick up the phone. “Nathan, I’m going to transfer you into his office,” Gianni said.

  Nathan rolled his eyes. Why did it always take so long to get to his damn father? Nathan could have saved all the bull shit if his father would have answered his damn cell phone.

  “Well! This couldn’t possibly be my son. The last time I talked to him he hung up on me.” Angelo Salerno’s accented voice sounded through the phone.

  Nathan chuckled. “Forgive me for that, father. The last time we spoke I wasn’t at my best.”

  “It would be easier to forgive you if you would bring your blond ass home. I need you here a.s.a.p.”

  “I know, papa. I’ve read your messages and I’ve already made arrangements for my arrival home tomorrow.”

  “Yes I heard. I’m glad you’re finally taking your safety seriously,” Angelo said.

  Nathan didn’t reply. It wasn’t his safety he was concerned with. He looked around at the guys giving him curious looks. He hadn’t told them about the extra security measures he’d taken, or why yet.

  “When were you planning on telling me about your decision with Andrew?” Angelo asked bring Nathan’s attention back to him.

  “I was going to call you but I’ve been a little…busy these last few weeks.”

  “Busy?”

  “Yes, busy. It also slipped my mind to call and make sure Reeves paid what I told him,” Nathan said realizing for the first time how far gone he’d been these few weeks. He’d never been so forgetful before especially since he gave Reeves a time limit, and a threat was on the table.

  “He did. He sent the money in record time as well as a nice little 20% tip of what he already owed us, but that hasn’t stopped him from being pissed that you cut him off Nathan,” Angelo said with a smile in his voice. “I agree with your decision son, it’s exactly what I would’ve done. Andrew is more trouble than he’s worth.”

  �
��So, now he’s shopping around for allies to try and retaliate? For what? I only slapped him around a bit,” Nathan said with a smirk.

  Angelo laughed. “Slapped him around a bit huh? Nathan, you knocked out two of his teeth, killed two of his men, broke his nose, gave him a concussion, and damaged his restaurant. All in front of his family. Of course he has some ambitions of retaliation,” Angelo said through a laugh.

  Nathan let out an exasperated sigh. “I’ll be in Manhattan tomorrow, papa. I’ll take care of this then.”

  “You have many things to “Take Care Of” Nathan, but that’s your fault for letting it all pile up. You haven’t even called to look in on your businesses son. You should be happy you have such a good papa that looks out for you.”

  “I am, and I apologize. I’ll do better. I promise,”

  “You already do well enough, son. I’m proud of you, whatever time you have taken you deserved. Now get your ass home and let’s continue running this empire together shall we? We have many things to discuss,” Angelo said.

  Nathan smiled because he always enjoyed making his father proud. His opinion was the only one that Nathan cared about. And his father was right, they do have many things to discuss. “Absolutely, I’ll be home in the morning. I have to handle a few things when I get back to Manhattan, but I’ll meet you in your office around noon.”

  “Very well, son.” His father cleared his throat. “Have you heard from Mikilo and Kyle at all?”

  Nathan nodded. “They’re here with me right now.”

  Nathan heard his father chuckle. “I should have known, and I suppose Dante and Lucca are there too?”

  “Yes,” they all said simultaneously.

  Angelo laughed. “Some things never change. Same as when you all were kids, we’d look up and the five of you would be gone somewhere raising hell,” he said through a laugh. “Mikilo, you and your brother call your father. He wants to hear from you. That goes for you too, Dante. Lucca your father’s headed back to Italy in a couple of days so get your ass back here to see him before he leaves to take care of our business there. He’ll be gone for a few months. Understand?” Angelo asked waiting for their responses.