Bella: The Begining (Sagatori Family Saga #1)

by Kimberly Soto

  Mrs. Moretti,

  I look forward to our lunch date.

  Mr. Moretti.

  I smiled at the gesture.

  The rest of the morning went smoothly. As I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted by the hostess. Dominic stood close to me, matching each step I took. He was serious about the job that he’d been given, and unlike the cugine that had protected me, he didn’t seem annoyed with me. So far everyone was very kind.

  We approached the table that Jax sat at. He stood when we approached, and a smile lifted to his lips for a brief moment. “Hello,” he said, tucking his napkin into his lap after I’d sat.

  “Hello.” I smiled, taking in the beautiful restaurant.

  “Do you approve?” Why is he constantly seeking my approval?

  “I suppose.” I smiled on the inside leaving no evidence of approval on the outside.

  “You’re a difficult woman to please,” he said as he waved the waiter to the table. The tall, very cute waiter approached, smiling at me and then to Jax. I returned his smile, quickly catching Jax’s attention.

  “Mr. Moretti, what can I get for you this afternoon?”

  Jax ordered for me and was very clearly marking his territory when he named me as his wife. His tone was sharp enough to slice through a steak. The waiter nodded, never looking back at me as he walked away.

  “Staking your claim I see.” I twisted my hands together on the table. Jax reached for them as he watched me closely.

  “I am. I have something for you.” His eyes met mine. He released me and reached for a small bag that sat on the seat next to him. “This is for you.” He opened a tiny black box. My eyes widened when the large, shiny ring sparkled in the sunlight. “You needed a wedding ring.”

  “Yes, we must keep up appearances,” I answered sardonically.

  “Why must everything I do not be good enough for you?” My eyes narrowed, but I didn’t look up. I realized I had been less than kind to him, but honestly, what did he expect?

  “Where is your ring?” I asked when I realized there wasn’t one in the bag for him. Couldn’t I claim him? Was he free to do as he pleased?

  The look of shock filled his face. “I wasn’t shopping for myself, I was shopping for you.” I nodded while he placed the ring on my finger. It fit perfectly. How had he known my size? I couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful sparkle the ring threw as the light caught it. “Do you approve?”

  I shrugged back against my seat. “Do I get to claim you as well?” I asked, ignoring his question.

  His eyes grew wide, and he picked up the wine glass finishing his drink quickly. “You didn’t answer my question, Bella.” He removed the napkin from his lap and waved the waiter over requesting the check.

  He handed over payment for lunch and stood to hover over me as I watched him. He was cocky, sure of himself to say the least. I honestly wondered if this pissed me off or turned me on. The fact that I had to ask myself that question in itself angered me.

  I stood from my seat and wrapped my scarf around my neck. Jax held my black wool coat open and slipped it over my shoulders. I’d never been good with giving up control. I’d begun slipping into the idea that I could give it someday, but I didn’t like being told what to do. Every time he’d attempted to dominate me, I wanted to slap him. I’d seen the way woman were treated by controlling husbands. I’d also witnessed how couples outside of the familia were treated as equals, and that’s what I wanted. I told myself if I had that, I could give up control, but the fact was I wouldn’t need to.

  “Bella, do you approve of the ring? Please don’t force me to ask again.” I refused to answer him.

  The sun’s reflection caught on the ginormous ring that hugged my finger. A smile broke onto my lips and an unsatisfied twist inside of my stomach broke the smile as quickly as it had come. The ring didn't mean anything. It was just a piece of jewelry and nothing more.

  Mickie opened the door to the limo and Dominic stood close by as he watched the area. I stepped inside the limo and Jax followed behind me. After Mickie closed the door behind him, he sat still against the door making no attempt to move closer to me. He adjusted his tie and ran his hands through his hair. My eyes were fixed on him. Thick dark hair, large oval eyes, and a strong jaw. What was he feeling? Was he stressed? Had I upset him again? Why did I always have to be so difficult?

  I remained still in my seat as I continued to watch him. We’d gone three blocks and his eyes never met mine. I wanted to talk to him and see what was wrong, but the silence felt more inviting.

  “I’ll be taking you home.” His voiced ushered me from my thoughts.

  “Where will you go?”

  “Business, Bella,” he answered with an annoyed tone.

  “Of course. Well then, I’ll just sit in the castle and wait for my prince to rescue me.” I flipped my hair from my face.

  His body was against mine before my hand left contact with the dark strands. “Comments like that make me want to kill every man in this town.” His hand was at my throat. His eyes were dark and his growl was deep coming from a place he hid well. “Do you understand, Bella?”

  I shook under his touch. My throat pained where his fingers pressed into the flesh. When I didn’t answer he pressed harder. “Yes!” I choked.

  He released his hand from my throat pulling my lips flush with his. “I asked you a question earlier, and you continue to ignore it.”

  I knew the question and I knew what he wanted, but I wouldn’t give it to him. He could beat me to death if he wanted, but I wouldn’t be treated like that again. My pathetic tears pooled at the corners of my eyes. He could see them, and as the first slipped I breathed the word I knew he didn’t want to hear. “No.” He’d said he would respect me. He’d lied. So why should I respect him? I’d lie as well.

  Perhaps Sam wasn’t the one I should’ve been scared of. Perhaps it was him, Jax Moretti. Perhaps he was the man who had orchestrated this entire thing. Truthfully, he was no better than Sam. Sam was bad. He’d wanted me that night. I couldn’t bring myself to speak aloud what he’d done to me, and I refused to let it inside my head again. I’d kill him, and I’d kill Jax if he ever lay another hand on me.

  Jax’s eyes growled at me with hate. It was more than clear he hated me when the word left my lips. I wasn’t okay with that. Because I knew he wouldn’t let me go, I saw that more than anything. I could see deep down in the swirling colors of his eyes that this was a game he intended to win, but why? He could have what he wanted. I knew I was only a side item that lingered until it wasn’t needed any longer. Why did he want to treat me so badly?

  He snapped his hand away and leaned back onto the seat. He looked down as he slipped on his black leather gloves. “You think I don’t know what you’re thinking?” He stared out the window. I remained quiet, hugging myself in the seat. “I’m no better than him. Like you’d said before.”

  His admission confused me. Everything about Jax Moretti confused me. “If you touch me like that again, you’d better kill me,” I said as I adjusted my hair. My throat hurt, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of watching me comfort myself. If he was vile enough to put his hands on me, he’d probably get off on it. “Or I’ll kill you.”

  His brows set firmly and his eyes stared out the window. “Threats will get you nowhere with me, Isabella,” he growled angrily. Chills ran down my spine. I knew why this was all wrong. He was just like Sam. That look, those eyes. Made men were made to kill, and he was the boss. Why for one second did I think he was different? He played me in the beginning.

  And now… I knew the truth.

  CHAPTER TEN

  —Bella—

  My days and nights were filled with emptiness. I hadn’t seen Jax in five days. He dropped me off after he’d grabbed my throat and never came back. I’d been asking my round-the-clock protection, Dominic and Tommy, but they'd refused to answer me each time.

  I wanted so badly to fire them, but of course, I wasn’t their bos
s. They made it very clear they weren’t going anywhere. I tried to keep myself busy, spending time with Alessandra most afternoons. She was such a sweet woman. She’d spent most of the days teaching me to cook. My momma had died before she could teach me. It was nice to have someone close who didn’t want to kill or guard me to death.

  Alessandra and I had made risotto for lunch. I packed some away in the refrigerator for later. She went about her usual routine after we’d hung out, and I drifted through the Chicago Post. I flipped through the articles mindlessly while Sarah Fimm played through my earbuds.

  Every once in a while, my eyes would wonder to the cold cloudy day from the red chair I sat wrapped in. Dominic approached me and removed the earbuds from my ears. I wanted to object but couldn’t before he spoke.

  “There’s an FBI Agent here to see you. I’m going to have her sent up, but… Mrs. Moretti you do not have to answer her questions without an attorney present. I will call Mr. Moretti and inform him.” I gave a dark stare. Jax wasn’t answering my calls, but he’d answer Dominic’s calls? Nice. Dominic came back into the room with his suit jacket over his shoulder and a phone to his ear. “I’ll let her know, boss.” He slid his phone into his pocket.

  “And?” I asked annoyed.

  “He said sit tight, he’ll be here shortly. Oh, and he also said not to say a word to them.”

  “Seriously? What the hell am I going to say?” I knew why they were here, I wasn’t stupid. I’d been approached by several FBI agents in the past wanting information on my father. I laughed in their faces then and I’d do it this time, too. I knew that coming after me meant they didn’t have anything on anyone else. Bastards. Once again, I’d be used to get to someone else.

  I stood when the doorbell chimed. Alessandra stayed with me. Her support was all I had.

  The female agent walked into the apartment with a whistle from her lips. “Wow, nice apartment, Mrs. Moretti. Hi there, I’m Agent Devano.” She smiled as she offered her hand.

  Play nice, Bella. “Hello.” I took her hand. “Please have a seat.” I could see Alessandra shifting in her chair. She was uncomfortable with this as much as I was, but I’d fake it 'till I made it. “What brings you by?”

  The lonely looking woman pulled a grin onto her dull face. “My partner is on his way up as well,” she told Dominic. “Mrs. Moretti, where is your husband?” How the hell did she know I was married to him? It had only been a week. They were watching him closely; this she’d given me without knowing she had.

  “Oh, you know how business is, it keeps my man busy.” I smiled and tilted my head.

  Alessandra continued to stir in her seat. “Alessandra, would you please get us some drinks?” I winked at her. She offered a nervous smile before she stood and then walked quickly to the kitchen.

  “Yes, how is your father these days?” She shouldn't have led with that. I instantly wanted to go for the throat. Dominic stood behind the sofa shaking his head. How had he known what I'd been thinking? The doorbell rang, and he hesitantly stepped away to answer it.

  He entered the room with a male agent this time. “Mrs. Moretti?” he asked. The female agent stood as well. “Mrs. Moretti, we have a warrant for your arrest.”

  I laughed. I was in shock. “For what?” I demanded.

  “You’re wanted as a person of interest in an ongoing criminal investigation.”

  “Wait." I raised my hand. "Are you able to arrest me? Shouldn’t a warrant come from the local police?” I thought maybe I could get away with stalling them.

  “Yes, we can. We have three police officers outside of the apartment if you’d like to ask them,” he said sardonically.

  My eyes weaved across the room to Dominic who remained silent. The male agent approached me and placed handcuffs tightly around my wrists. I’d been questioned before, but never arrested.

  ***

  The agents walked me to the lobby where everyone could see them escort me inside of a police vehicle. I was mortified to say the least. Women whispered while they held their lapdogs in a corner near the attendant’s desk. Great! I didn’t want this to be how I met my neighbors.

  The people on the streets formed a circle while cameras flashed and news reporters filmed. Was I really important enough that the news crews were lined around the building? Dominic quickly pulled around to the front of the building honking at the reporters to move. I could see him behind the police car driving the black Cadillac SUV he’d been given to drive me around in.

  The cuffs pinched my skin, but I knew better than to ask for someone to loosen them. They’d only give me a hard time. I decided to keep my mouth shut.

  The police officer spoke into the radio about the vehicle behind us, and I rolled my eyes. Did they really have to cause such a scene?

  I didn’t know how long the drive had been to the police station, but it wasn’t long enough. Honestly, did they plan on putting me in a cell? I wouldn’t do well in one of those.

  The officers pulled the car into a garage and escorted me out. I was grateful when we walked up the stairs and into a heavily populated area. There wasn’t a cell in sight. I breathed in a deep breath. The female police officer gripped my arm tightly as she walked me through the crowded lobby.

  We entered a room with windows all around, where everyone could see me. I was on display.

  “Mrs. Moretti, so glad you could join us today.” The stupid female agent laughed. I couldn’t remember what her name was.

  “Why am I here?”

  The detective approached me and undid my cuffs. I was so relieved, but then he placed my hands in front and reattaching them.

  “You're here because of your husband.”

  “And?” I glared at the detective.

  “We see that your engagement was very short. A quickie wedding. Tell us what that was about.”

  “I would like to speak with my attorney.”

  “Lawyering up, huh.” She ticked her head back and forth. “I see where you’re coming from. You have something to hide. I suppose I might lawyer up, too. What about you, Brosco, would you lawyer up?”

  Brosco laughed. “Yeah, I’d lawyer up, if I had something to hide. Sure.”

  “Tell us what your husband does for a living, Mrs. Moretti.” I had no freaking idea what Jax did. I knew he ran the Chicago outfit, but we’d literally not been in the same room as each other for five days. How was I supposed to know anything? He kept me in the dark at every turn.

  “A little of this and a little of that. I’m not going to tell you again, bitch. I want my fucking attorney.”

  Both agents looked out the window to my husband. Jax Moretti. The real reason I was here. He watched me with anger pouring from his expression. I wondered who he was mad at, the Feds or me.

  Our eyes locked, and I instantly saw sorrow. He was sorry this was happening to me. I felt relieved that he cared. Maybe he didn’t care, but for that moment our eyes locked he did and that’s all that mattered, and I had no idea why.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  —Jax—

  As I peeked around the corner, I could see her sitting in the cold, white room. I saw her for the innocent girl she was… or still is. The Bella that hadn’t grown up around vicious killers: the men who begged for her attention even when she was just a girl in high school. She was innocent. That shit didn’t sit well with me it didn’t make what I’d done… What I’d said, any fucking easier.

  Her big, gray eyes swung around the room. She was scared. She fuckin’ should be scared. Those fucking apes would make her feel like trash for being associated with the familia. Fuckin’ bullshit. They had no fuckin’ right to take her in for questioning. I'd take care of them later.

  “You think she’ll talk?” Mickie asked from behind me as he sucked on his toothpick.

  I shook my head while I still watched her.

  “Think she’s got somethin’ to say?” He questioned

  “I think she has a lot to say.”

  “But not to them?”
<
br />   “I fucking hope not.” I hoped she wouldn’t give me up. She didn’t know anything about my business, but there was always a future filled with questioning opportunity.

  “You want me to see what’s taking the fuckin’ lawyer so long?”

  “Yea,”

  “You got it, boss.” Mickie’s loud ass shoes clanked against the cheap tile floor as he stepped away to make his call.

  “Excuse me?” A high-pitched voice squeaked at me, pulling on my Kiton 50-K suit jacket.

  My eyes fell to the little dark-haired locks. “Can I help you?” I roamed my eyes around the large police station looking for a mother who might be frantic over losing her child in the last place any mother would want to. I didn’t see anyone matching that description.

  “Sir, are you sad?” Sad? What the fuck?

  “Do I look sad?” I attempted at shrugging the little girl from my suit.

  “Yes, you look like you’re sad.” Her hair hung into her eyes.

  My posture became erect and then I adjusted my silk tie. “I’m never sad.” I cleared my throat. “Where’s your momma?” Someone needed to claim this kid.

  The little girl turned pointing towards a lady I figured was about fifty pounds, sores all over her face, and the bitch couldn't stop fidgeting either. “That’s your momma?” Oh fuck, poor kid.

  “Uh huh.” Her head snapped back at me. “She’s in trouble.” She shrugged as she pulled a stuffed green rabbit to her chest.

  “Is someone gonna take care of you?” What the fuck was this kid doing roaming free with no adult to look after her, yet they had Bella sitting locked up in that fucking room?”

  “My nonni is coming to get me. She always gets me picked up when Momma’s in trouble.”

  I reached into my pocket pulling out a large amount of cash, hoping I could find something to put into the ratty ass snack machine for the kid. She’d probably starve to death if I didn’t. “Here kid, go get yourself somethin’ from that machine over there.” I pointed before looking around for Mickie and Randolph.