by Bethany-Kris
“The day is still young,” Mac teased.
“Indeed it is, but there are some things we need to talk about first.” Her hands dropped from his shoulders.
“I know.”
“Let’s not have this conversation in front of little ears,” she said.
Mac nodded, taking her hand and leading her from their son’s nursery and into the kitchen. They sat down at the kitchen table, and the air between them was momentarily strained. Her husband’s eyes took on a hard glint.
“A lot happened yesterday.”
“Yeah, it did,” Melina said.
“When we walked into that funeral, the last thing I expected was what happened. Or what has the potential to happen now. But what I’m most concerned with is how everything will affect my family.”
“What happens to either of your families is ultimately up to you.”
“I know.”
“I think somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew that when Luca went in this time he wasn’t coming out. I also believe you knew what would happen, but what I didn’t know was that you were ready to completely accept his blessing.”
Mac leaned back and crossed his arms across his chest. “How do you know he gave me his blessing?”
“Because one thing Luca Pivetti is not is a fool. He may no longer be in a position to run the organization he built, but there is no way he wants everything he worked for to go to shit. It doesn’t take a genius to know you are the only option for the continued survival of la famiglia.”
Her husband ran a hand over his face. “For so long I’ve been trying to navigate my own path. To find my way out of the shadow that James’ name cast over me.”
“And you’ve done that your own way, but that doesn’t stop now. It can’t stop if either of your families are to survive. You know the kind of threat we face. I’m tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop, Mac. Something has to be done.”
Mac pushed away from the table and stood up. Melina watched silently as he moved about the kitchen fixing a pot of coffee before he finally sat back down.
“And it will be, but taking care of this kind of problem is not just black and white. There are certain things that just can’t be done on a whim.”
“A made man is one that can’t be arbitrarily killed. The consequences for an unsanctioned hit by someone connected would be dire, I suppose.”
“Yes, they would.”
“You can’t kill him, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t someone else who can.”
The coffee pot stopped, and Melina quickly moved to pour her and Mac a cup each. He remained quiet as she added one creamer and sugar to his and Cinnabon creamer to her own cup. She bit her lip as the unsaid words she hadn’t voiced hung in the air between them. Her husband was a smart man, but she knew that even he had his limits.
“What if I’m not comfortable with what you’re suggesting?”
Melina placed his cup of coffee in front of him on the table, before she sat back down with her own cup. Taking a long swallow of the sweet and creamy, hot drink, she took a moment to choose her words.
“We have no choice.”
“There’s always a choice, Melina.”
“Not this time. The longer he has to gather men closer to him, the more danger there is for us and our son. There is a threat that needs to be eliminated, and I am in the prime position to do it.”
Mac took three long hard swallows of his coffee, before he set the mug back down on the table and pushed it away.
“I know that when you married me you were aware of what becoming a part of this lifestyle entailed. That there would be danger and sometimes we would have to get dirty, but blood on your hands was something I never wanted. Especially the blood of a snake like Anthony.”
“I appreciate all of that, but it doesn’t change our current situation. There are some things that need to be done, and sometimes the only person to do those things is a woman.”
“I don’t like it, doll.”
“You don’t have to. You just have to agree to it.”
Melina finished her cup of coffee and waited, watching her husband. The war of emotions ranged across his face. Her husband loved her, valued, and respected her. He was also fully aware of what she was capable of, and that was where his indecision lay. To allow his wife to get her hands bloody or remain at a stalemate with a target on his back. There was only one option.
“Okay.”
One simple word.
So much said without being spoken.
So many undercutting emotions.
“All right.”
She stood, taking their coffee mugs from the table to wash them in the sink. Releasing a breath, she turned on the water at the sink and began washing the two cups. It was time to put things right. To protect her family. To cut the head off a snake once and for all. Melina was under no illusions about what she had to do and the aftermath that would follow.
“We’ll make it through this.”
Mac’s arms wrapped around her and she leaned back against him, savoring in the warmth of his embrace. As long as they had each other, there was no threat they couldn’t face. No challenge they couldn’t handle.
“You look good enough to eat, doll.”
Melina did a slow twirl in front of the mirror as her husband came to stand behind her.
“I’ll make time for you to do that later,” Melina teased.
“If you want, I can make time right now.”
Mac’s hands slid around her waist and up to cup her breasts through the red silk that covered them. His thumbs rubbed slow circles over her nipples, and Melina arched her back against him.
“I should’ve known you’d try and play dirty.”
“Never that, doll. I’m only offering to give you what you asked for.”
Regretfully, Melina moved his hands away and faced him. “If we weren’t already running late, I’d take you up on your offer, but I for one am looking forward to opening night at Rosemarie’s.”
“Then we’d better get going.”
Melina nodded, turning back to the mirror to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Tonight her hair was tousled in soft curls that fell down her back. A pair of black diamond studs sparkled at her ears. The red silk dress she wore ended at mid-thigh and hugged her every curve. Mac hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off her ever since she’d donned the designer gown. She supposed the deep cut that showcased her cleavage didn’t hurt things either.
“If you keep admiring yourself in the mirror, doll, I’m going to change my mind.”
“Okay. Okay. I’m ready.”
Melina allowed her husband to lead her from their bedroom and into the living room. The sound of baby giggles drew them even quicker. They found Victoria and Enric tickling Marquise whose face was stretched wide with laughter. For a moment, she and Mac just stood there watching the scene unfold in front of them. The joy on their son’s face as he played with his aunt and his father’s subordinate was wide and clear. Melina didn’t miss the long looks Enric and Victoria cast at each other when the other wasn’t looking. Something was brewing between them, and it had been for a while. She only hoped when the storm finally hit, the young man and woman would be prepared for the winds that would follow.
“You two are in for a long night,” Mac said breaking the silence.
“Meaning what?” Victoria challenged.
“Meaning Marquise is normally in his crib by now and yet you two have him up playing. It’s going to be a while before he sleeps.”
“I don’t mind,” Enric said.
“Me, neither.”
Mac laughed. “The both of you will soon learn.”
“Weren’t you supposed to be gone fifteen minutes ago?” Victoria prodded as Marquise lay in her arms smiling.
“We get the hint,” Melina said.
Quickly she and Mac kissed their son goodbye and hurried out the front door. Mac opened the back door of the car and helped her inside. When their car was pullin
g out of the driveway, Mac shook his head.
“What is it?” Melina asked.
“I’m going to have to have a talk with Enric.”
“About?”
“My sister.”
“What is there to talk about? They like each other, even if they’re not ready to admit it. They’ll come to each other in their own time. The last thing Victoria needs is you sticking your nose in her business.”
“She’s my sister. She will always be my damn business.”
“Careful, Mac. You’re about to start sounding like a patriarchal jackass.”
Mac looked at her, eyes glittering in the dark. “That’s a new one, doll.”
Melina shrugged. “Just calling it how I see it.”
“I take it you see Enric and Vic as a good match.”
She took her husband’s hand in hers. “They remind me of us,” she said quietly.
“In what way?”
“Well I didn’t particularly like you much when we first met either although it was obvious you were pretty crazy about me.”
Tracing the curve of her cheek, Mac kissed her softly on the lips. “No argument there.”
“Yes, and somehow we found our way to one another when the time was right.”
“Yeah, we did.” Mac sighed. “Fine. I’ll butt out when it comes to Vic and Enric.”
“Good. I’m sure they both will appreciate it.”
It wasn’t long before they arrived at Rosemarie’s. The old fashioned Italian style eatery was celebrating its grand opening tonight. Mac had explained that Raphael Arogosa came from an old Italian family and had grown up in the same neighborhood as Mac. He was one of the few boys in the neighborhood that hadn’t become a part of organized crime in some way.
Instead the man had gone to culinary school and decided to open a restaurant in honor of his late grandmother. Her husband had been more than happy to help finance the endeavor with no strings attached. There was a line of people wrapped around the red brick building as their car cruised to a stop at the front entrance.
“Standing room only,” Melina said.
“Good thing we’re on the short list then.”
The town car came to a stop, and Mac helped her from the vehicle. All eyes were on them as they walked up to the front of the line where two burly men were watching the doors and doing their best to keep the eager crowd in line.
“Maccari,” Mac said.
One of the men grabbed the heavy brass door handles and held the door open for them.
“Thank you,” Melina said.
“Welcome, ma’am.”
They entered the building, and the soft strands of Italian opera played over loud speakers. Pictures of historic places in Italy lined either side of the wall. The smells of garlic and freshly baked bread filled the air.
“My mouth is starting to water,” Melina said.
“Cynthia wouldn’t be happy to hear you say that,” Mac teased.
“What? I can’t be excited about tasting anyone else’s food but your mother’s?”
“No.”
“Asshole.” She smiled.
Mac pinched her arm as they walked up to the distressed brown podium. A bubbly hostess directed a solitary man to a table near the front. When the blonde saw Mac, her eyes immediately took on a predatory gaze. Melina fought down the urge to slap the woman across her smiling face.
“Table for two,” Mac said.
“Welcome to Rosemarie’s. What’s the name?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Maccari,” Melina said pointedly.
“Down, tiger,” Mac whispered in her ear before pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Mac.”
They turned towards the sound of the voice. A dark-haired man, with a slim build and shining green eyes came towards them wearing a red buttoned up shirt and black pants.
“Raphael.”
Mac released her hand and turned to greet the man with a handshake and hug.
“I’m so glad you could make it. I assume this is your lovely wife, Melina.”
“You’d be right. This is my queen. Melina, meet Raphael, one of the best chiefs on the east coast.”
Melina smiled, extending her hand. “Pleasure to meet you Raphael. If Mac praises your cooking, then it must be good.”
“Let’s hope I live up to his expectations. There’s a table set up for the two of you. Whatever you want is on the house,” Raphael said.
“I appreciate that very much.”
“It’s just a little token of my appreciation for everything you’ve done.”
“No need to thank me. You deserve this, and your grandmother would be proud.”
“Thank you. Let me escort the two of you to your table,” Raphael said.
Mac tucked Melina’s arm through his as they followed Raphael to their table, situated near the center of the room. The textured earth tone walls and dark wood gave the place a homely feel. The dark red table runners that covered the cherry wood tables reminded Melina of marinara sauce and further reminded her of just how hungry she was.
As Raphael stopped at their table, Melina noted that they could see everyone around them. Mac pulled out a chair for Melina. He stiffened looking past her into the distance. She followed his gaze and saw Anthony Corelli at a table on the other side of the room surrounded by several men. Spotting Melina, he smiled and raised a glass of red wine in the air.
“How long has he been here?” Mac asked Raphael. The strain was evident in his voice.
“Long enough for me to be ready for him to get the hell out. He’s been acting like some goddamn king holding court all night.”
“Have a seat, doll,” Mac said gentling his voice.
Melina did as her husband asked.
“Thanks again, Raphael.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll send a waiter right over.”
Mac nodded before taking his seat across the table from her, where he was able to keep an eye on Anthony.
“The bastard doesn’t know when to quit, does he?” Mac said.
“He’s only doing this to provoke you.”
“I know, but here of all places. Fucking here. This was deliberate. He knew I’d be here to support Raphael.”
“He wants you to make a scene in an effort to bolster his own image. Let the interloper pretend to be a king. You and I both know who the real king is, so we are going to enjoy our night out just like we intended. Nothing has changed.”
“You’ve learned this game well.”
“Indeed I have, and first thing in the morning I’m going to make a phone call that is going to put us one step closer to having a problem taken care of once and for all.”
Melina perused the menu that was left on their table as a waiter came over to get their drink and appetizer orders. She chose fried lasagna bites and left the wine selection up to the waiter. Mac went for fried calamari. When the waiter left, Melina did her best to engage Mac in conversation, but his attention was divided between her and whatever Anthony was doing across the room.
“All right, now I’m starting to feel a little pissed off,” she said. Melina tapped his shin with the edge of her heel.
Mac reached for her hand across the table. “I’m sorry, but if you could see what I see right now.” A muscle in his jaw tensed.
“Perhaps I should.”
Discretely moving her chair so that she was now sitting on Mac’s left hand side, it took less than a minute before she could see what had her husband still so riled up. Corelli held out his hand and Melina watched disbelievingly as two men greeted Anthony by kissing the ring on his hand.
“This almost leaves me speechless. Almost,” Melina said.
“I’ve never seen a power play like this before. Luca not publicly naming a successor has this whole organization in an uproar.”
“Think of it this way, Mac. In some ways, Luca did you a favor. By not publicly throwing his weight behind you, he gave you the opportunity to create your own legacy. To show that you don’t need anyone to g
ive you anything. That you are perfectly able to prove your capability on your own terms.”
“Have I told you how much I love how your mind works?” Mac offered her a smile.
Melina shook her head. “No. Not lately.”
She laughed as their waiter returned with a bottle of wine, their appetizers, and a bowl of fresh garlic knots.
“Well let me rectify that. I love your mind and everything else about you,” Mac said.
“That’s better.”
Melina shared a quick kiss with her husband before they put in their orders for the main course, Eggplant Parmesan for Mac and Chicken Marsala for her. Popping a lasagna bite in her mouth, Melina moaned.
“This is divine.”
“Glad you like it, doll. Try some of my calamari.”
Melina allowed Mac to feed her. The calamari was perfectly cooked and tender enough to melt in her mouth.
“From the rapturous expression on your face, I’d say the calamari is a hit, too,” Mac said.
“And you would be right.”
His gaze momentarily strayed from her to Anthony’s corner again, and she put a lasagna bite in his mouth to refocus his attention.
“No more of that tonight, Mac. Appearances are everything.”
Mac nodded, refocusing his attention. Melina hated the way Anthony was getting to her husband. Mac was usually calm and collected on even his worst days, but somehow Corelli seemed to have gotten under his skin in a way no one else ever had. It wasn’t what he needed and certainly was not a good start for a future boss. Anthony was like a fly, annoying and always buzzing around. An irritant. But like with flies, all it took was one good swat to finally get rid of the irritant permanently. Anthony’s swat was coming sooner than he realized.
“Are you sure about this? It’s not too late to back out,” Mac said.
Melina shook her head. “It’s all going to be fine. You have to trust me to get this done.”
“I do.”
“Then everything else will work itself out,” Melina assured her nervous husband.
Mac took both of her hands in his and brought them to his lips, pressing soft kisses on them.
“A man is supposed to protect his family.”