“Uh oh,” Gina muttered under her breath and left my side to go see Allegra. I glanced up at VIP and immediately wished I hadn’t. The Nucci boys and the Grabano boys were arguing intensely. Marco and Rico were in the front yelling at the two front leaders of the Nucci group. Grant and Dominic stood behind them, ready to draw their weapons. I knew Dominic had used a gun before, I just had never seen him with one and so eager to use it.
Forcing myself to look away, I hurried over to the bar to find out what was going on. Miranda saw me approaching and stepped away from the cluster to talk. Her face was pinched and anxious.
“What is going on?” I asked her.
She pulled me to the side and answered in a hushed voice, “Allegra’s father was killed tonight.”
“Oh my God! Poor Allegra! Was this a hit?” I asked although I had a feeling I already knew the answer. Allegra’s father was an accountant who assisted with certain business transactions and was good friends with Dominic’s dad. It made sense that Brittany would be the one to help Allegra since her father had been killed under similar circumstances.
“We think so, although the Nuccis are denying it. That is what all the shouting is about.” She tilted her head in the direction of VIP. My heart was stuck in my throat. The situation up there seemed to be unraveling and I feared someone else was going to get killed tonight. Summoning up courage I didn’t know I possessed I proceeded to march towards VIP. Miranda caught up to me on the dance floor and grabbed my arm.
“What are you doing?” she hissed.
“I’m putting an end to this.”
“Are you fucking crazy?” I didn’t answer her; afraid my courage would falter, and continued to march forward. “Oh for the love of Christ, I’m not letting you do this alone, both Grant and Dom will have my head,” Miranda said as she caught up to me. Grant eyed us warily as we approached. He grew more alarmed when we walked up the steps and moved behind the Grabano group. Dominic mouthed “What are you doing?” to me, I ignored him. Miranda followed my lead as we moved to the center, standing between both groups. Each side quieted instantly at the unexpected interruption.
“Gentleman,” I addressed the two groups. “Before you all get trigger happy can I say something?”
The front man on the Nucci side looked amused. “By all means, Miss?”
“Ross.”
“Miss Ross, you have our full attention.” His lips twitched as he tried to suppress a laugh. I would probably find the situation amusing too if I was in his shoes. What would possess two young women, unarmed and outnumbered, to stand in the middle of an imminent showdown?
I could tell that the Nucci side became less defensive in their stance. I couldn’t say the same for the Grabano side, especially for Dominic and Grant. They both looked poised to fight and were watching the other side for any movement. I was shaking badly and really wasn’t sure what to say next.
“Thank you,” I began. “I just wanted to point out a couple of things.” I paused to look at everyone. “First, I understand that family means a lot around here. You are all here because of family, right?” A few murmurs of agreement could be heard from both sides. “Take away the differences between your families for a moment; the fact is that there is a girl down there,” I pointed at Allegra, “who just lost her father. Now, I don’t know who was responsible, but I think enough blood has been spilled tonight.” I stopped and let that statement sink in. “Secondly, the mayor and district attorney just left. They can identify everyone here tonight…probably not a good time to start shooting up the place.” I heard more rumblings of agreement and could feel the atmosphere change. It wasn’t as charged with hostility anymore. Even Dominic and Grant seemed to relax.
“Natalie, you are absolutely correct,” Marco stated. “This isn’t the time or place.” The underlying message was clear; there would be another time, another place. A score still needed to be settled.
“I agree Marco. The lady has a point. Let’s go.” The front leader of the Nuccis lowered his guard and motioned for his boys to follow.
Grant escorted the group out. When they were out of eyesight Dominic hurried to my side. I could tell he was upset. “What was that all about? You could have gotten yourself killed!”
“I think that was bold and just what we needed.” Uncle Marco remarked as he came to join Dominic, Miranda and I. “The situation was going to get out of hand and we needed a cool head. Good move Natalie,” he praised. Uncle Al and Rico nodded in agreement, they came to stand behind Marco.
“Um, thank you? It wasn’t my idea though.”
“It wasn’t?”
“No, it was all Miranda. She thought it would be better if I did the speaking. They might not have listened to her since she’s a Grabano.” Marco turned to appraise his daughter. He looked at her with a little more deference. I snuck a wink at the bewildered looking Miranda.
“Well, Miranda, I’m impressed! Very clever.” He put his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.
“I learned from the best,” she reciprocated the compliment and smiled up at her father.
Grant returned and was about ready to light into me when he saw the glow on Miranda’s face and that Dominic was more relaxed.
“What did I miss?”
“That you’re dating probably the most brilliant woman in the world.” Marco answered and he filled Grant in on the recent disclosure.
“That was a risky move and I’m glad we had the outcome that we did,” Grant remarked. He still didn’t look pleased with our actions. We probably hadn’t heard the last of it, but Grant wouldn’t say anything in front of the hierarchy.
“I know. But you all are willing to listen to reason every now again, I assumed the Nucci boys were capable of it too,” Miranda responded, joking lightly, willing to play along that it was her idea from the start.
“I may have underestimated you Miranda. Keep on surprising me ok, kid?” Marco complimented his daughter again before leaving with Al and Rico to go see Allegra. One thing I knew for sure was that Allegra would be taken care of. When one of their own is slain, ‘the family’ is always there for emotional and financial support and can be counted on to avenge the murder.
I was happy to give Miranda the credit. She was constantly struggling to find her place in the misogynistic hierarchy and didn’t want to be discounted because she was a woman. Tonight may have given her a chance at more.
Chapter 24
Smog shrouded the skyline in a never ending haze that went from yellow to a poisonous orange as temperatures soared. Humidity oppressed air and sleepless nights led to irritable masses.
As if in synch with the weather, the feud between the Grabano’s and the Nucci’s escalated. Violence gripped the city as the Grabano family defended their territory. Allegra’s father’s murder set off a bloody crime spree that kept the media busy. They reported on car bombings and drive-by gangland shootings erupting all over the city. Grant and Dominic were busy attending top secret strategy sessions during the day and working at night.
With the spare time on my hands and spare cash in my pocket, I rented a small space at a local artist’s co-op in Manayunk. It was nice to get back to my creative roots and I hadn’t realized how much my new life had consumed my old one. Getting away from the drama of the mob to carve a little niche for myself was just what I needed.
The atmosphere at the co-op was laid back and had a hippy vibe. A bong sat in the corner and everyone contributed to the pot of weed that sat on the table. Days would be spent opening up my creativity. Some days I would paint, others were spent on the pottery wheel or sculpting freehand. It was a release and enabled me to block out the murders that were taking place all over the city.
At the end of the day I would leave relaxed and mentally prepared to face the drama again. One night I arrived home and was surprised to find Dominic already there. His face lit up when I walked through the door. His smile and brilliant eyes still made my heart melt.
“Hi baby
!” he said softly into my ear as he wrapped his arms around me.
“I’m glad you’re home,” I said against his chest, inhaling the spice of his cologne. We stood there embracing each other, enjoying the moment. I shifted my head and smelled something other than cologne. My mouth started to water.
“Mmmm. What’s that smell?”
“I made dinner.”
“You can cook?” I looked at him amazed. “All this time we’ve been eating out and you can cook?” I followed my nose to the living room where Dominic had set up a candlelit dinner on the coffee table.
“Yummy, steak and asparagus - some of my favorites!”
“I know,” Dominic chuckled at my enthusiasm. “I also made garlic mashed potatoes.”
“Sounds delicious. I’m impressed.”
“I got a special recipe from the head chef at Butter,” he revealed.
I sat down cross legged on the floor. Dominic filled our wine glasses with merlot and sat down next to me. The food was superb.
“This is so nice, thanks.” I reached for Dominic’s hand and he met me halfway.
“I know this summer hasn’t been easy for you and I haven’t been around a lot.” He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed it.
“I’ve missed you,” I admitted, “Although I am enjoying the studio.”
“I can tell. You look so serene when you come home. It erases the worry from your face.” He brushed his hand across my forehead and I closed my eyes, enjoying the caress. “Are you doing ok, Nat? Things have been getting crazy and this is still new to you and all…”
“You’re right. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve never been a violent person and now I am surrounded by violence. Plus, not a day goes by that I don’t worry about you and Grant.”
“You don’t have to worry about us. We can handle it,” he attempted to reassure me.
“You guys are both in the middle of everything though. You must be considered a big target to the Nuccis.” Emotion caused my voice to crack and I choked back tears. Dominic moved over so he was sitting behind me, he wrapped his arms and legs around me.
“Shhh, baby, it’s okay,” he whispered in a soothing voice. “Grant and I are being careful.”
“I’m sure Allegra’s dad told her the same thing.”
“We are being careful. Do you trust me?”
“Of course,” I didn’t hesitate answering because I did trust him.
“I’ll be careful for you, I promise.” I had to take his word even though the promise would be hard to keep, especially if a target had been placed on his back. I kissed the top of his arm.
“Okay, I’ll try not to worry too much,” I promised in return.
“I think your promise to me will be harder to keep!” he joked. I playfully nudged my elbow into his ribs. Dominic kissed the top of my head and extricated himself out from behind me.
“Where are you going?”
“To get dessert,” he said over his shoulder, walking into the kitchen. He quickly returned with a dessert plate in each hand. When he set the plates down I saw that each had a cannoli.
“Yum! Are these from Termini Bros.?” I asked, referring to the Italian bakery that had been around for decades. As far as I was concerned, they had the best cannoli in the city.
“Yup,” he answered with a grin.
“I’m sure glad I exercise every day because I would be a total cow right about now. You Grabanos know how to feed a girl!”
“Not to mention the Manganellis,” Dominic reminded me of his Aunt Gloria and Uncle Franco.
“Especially the Manganellis – especially Aunt Gloria,” I agreed.
“It’s nice to be with a girl who appreciates food and isn’t afraid to eat in front of me. So many girls I dated were always on a diet or would only eat salad.” His nose scrunched up at this thought.
“Let me guess, Brittany.”
“Yeah, she was one. How’d you guess?”
“She is always complaining about how fat she is in the employee lounge and claims that cocaine is the best diet drug ever.”
Dom nodded his head in silent agreement because he knew exactly what I was talking about. We got off topic when he fed me a piece of his cannoli. Some of the creamy filling remained on his finger so I sucked it off, licking the very tip before drawing his finger back in my mouth. He moaned in response.
“God, I’m glad we don’t have to work tonight.”
“You don’t have to meet with the boys tonight either?” I asked, crawling onto his lap.
“Nope.” He smiled at me. “I thought we’d hang out and spend some time together.” I liked the sound of that – some actual couple time. Placing my hands on his cheeks, I lowered my mouth to his. Traces of sweet cream were on his lower lip and I drew it into my mouth, nibbling, sucking, causing Dom to groan and grab onto my hips. He was already hard and I felt my insides melt. Rocking forward to press closer, I gasped when he thrust to meet me.
Dessert was forgotten.
We went to bed early, leaving a trail of clothes in our wake. I lay on my back and Dom lifted a leg, slowly kissing from my ankle to my inner I thigh. He’d pause and watch me squirm with anticipation before continuing. Lust pooled in my center and spilled out to meet Dom’s eager tongue. He licked and sucked, testing my limits. Balling the sheets in my fists, my hips rose to meet his mouth and I cried out as his tongue dove in deep. My body arched on its own as my muscles separated from bone and I collapsed back against the mattress, panting and weak, but wanting more. He rose over me and took my mouth. I wrapped my legs around his hips, pressing my breasts against his chest. Our naked bodies molded around each other and despite the air conditioning, we were working up a sweat.
Dom abandoned my mouth and lowered his lips to my breasts, sucking on a nipple, grazing his teeth across the tip. I moaned and thrust against his erection, which was heavy against my thigh. “Dom, please,” I begged, scratching his back, trying to find any means possible to release the pressure building within. He moved onto the other nipple, sucking hard, making me gasp and writhe even more beneath him.
He chuckled, a low throaty sound, almost like a growl before thrusting into me. Surprised and relieved at his sudden entrance, I cried out and opened my legs wider, wanting all of him. He hovered over me, chest glistening with sweat, as he pulled almost all the way out before slamming into me again. My body went nuclear and burst around him, but I didn’t slow down and met him thrust for thrust. He watched me with a gaze almost equally as penetrating and that turned me on even more. Shuddering, I came again and swore my bones had completely melted away, but Dom wasn’t done. In one fluid motion, he flipped me onto my hands and knees and slid in from behind. I moaned and pushed back against him, loving the pressure. He filled me completely and with each thrust, hit some spot deep inside that made me quiver. The pressure built again and I felt Dom slow down, getting deeper right before he exploded and I came with him. I fell asleep with Dom curled up behind me, his arm draped across my side, keeping me tucked up next to him.
The dreams came. I was standing in the hallway of The Speak. The pool of blood was creeping closer to me and I was frozen in place. The bits of skull and the globs of brain moved with the blood. I watched in horror as it approached, but that wasn’t what had me frozen in place. The source of the blood, the person lying dead on the floor was...Dominic.
I woke up screaming, my body soaked in a cold sweat. Dominic jerked awake when I screamed. His arm hugged me closer.
“Nat! Shhh, it’s okay, I’m right here. You had a bad dream.”
My heart pounded and I took big heaving gasps of air in an attempt to calm down. I rolled over so I could see Dominic and make sure he was real. I started sobbing and pressed my face into his bare chest. He hugged me closer and smoothed my hair. “Shhh baby, it’s okay,” he kept murmuring until my sobs dissipated. He kept me pressed close to him until my body stopped shaking. I could feel him looking down at me and I looked up at him, my eyes puffy and sore from the tears.
<
br /> “Are you alright? What was your dream about?”
I couldn’t tell him what I really dreamt, so I told him that it was the scene from The Speak with the three men that Grant had shot. Technically, that was the source of my bad dreams.
“Oh baby,” he cried as he pulled me closer to him. “I’m so sorry you had to see that!” He kissed my forehead. I laid there pressed close to Dominic grateful that the dream was just a dream. I couldn’t bear to lose him. I had fallen hard for this man, harder than I thought possible. He felt right to me and despite the chaos going on around us, he was the calm inside the storm. Never before had I felt comfortable enough with a man to allow myself to be completely exposed and vulnerable and not care. I knew in my heart that Dominic would never hurt or betray me. I sighed as I let the calm that Dominic emanated envelope me. “Love you, Nat,” he whispered and kissed my forehead. My heart froze for just a second, froze with fear, surprise and…recognition.
“I love you too, Dom,” I lifted my face to look up at him and he kissed me. Yes, I loved him. I had promised my silence to the mob so that Grant and I could live. I never thought that I could find happiness here too.
Chapter 25
July was speeding by. Dominic and Grant continued to be busy, the mob war showing no signs of ending. I hopped into my car one morning with the top down. A cool front had moved in that dropped the humidity. The beastly mugginess had disappeared overnight and I could actually drive with the convertible down without the risk of heat stroke. I pulled out onto Columbus Blvd. and continued up to Spring Garden on my way to Fairmount Park, looking forward to running without choking on humidity and smog. I turned left onto Spring Garden and noticed a blue sedan behind me turned too. I continued up Spring Garden and crossed over to Fairmount. The sedan turned with me. I zipped up Fairmount and found a parking spot near the path that looped through the park. A glance in the rearview mirror showed the same sedan pulling into a spot a few cars down.
The Beautiful People (The New Mafia Trilogy) Page 14