Hidden Deceit: A Mafia Romance (Corrupt Minds Book 2)

by Camille Alexander

  “That was fun, hey. Such good company.” Joe was visibly irritated as we drove home, keen to get as much distance between us and Gino.

  “At least it’s over and done with. The ‘dinner’ ice is broken. Next time, I’m going to have a hangnail emergency. You’re on your own then, hon.” I smiled as he gave me his “you rotten scoundrel” look.

  “Wait 'til I get you home, you naughty girl. I’ll show you a hangnail.”

  “Oooh, another badass in the Coli clan. Please, Mr. Gangster, don’t hurt me!”

  “I see. You like badass do you? Good, cause I’m gonna be badass all over your cute little body later.”

  I loved the way Joe looked when he was horny. He had an extra edge of sexy about him. His lips were fuller, his eyes sleepy, and his jaw morphed into a square, chiseled wonder—or maybe it was just me. I couldn’t wait until he got me home and naked.

  It was late by the time we pulled into our driveway. The evening was clear, the stars studded the skies, and the wind was silent. Joe opened the door. I patted his hard buns as he dropped the keys in the basket next to the coat rack. He grabbed my hands, swung me around, and smacked me on the butt.

  “It’s payday, missy. Come here. I’ll show you who the badass Coli is.”

  He pulled me to him, grinding me with his groin as he showed off his fine manhood. It took my body a mere millisecond to respond to his. I was ready for my “punishment.”

  “Ah, yes, punish me…”

  The phone rang. Shitballs! Now what?

  Joe moaned as I reached to answer. “Who would call so late? Don’t answer. We’re not home.”

  “Hush, you honey devil.” I giggled. “It could be important.” I wriggled free and answered.

  “Hello, Ella speaking.”

  “Darling, it’s mama. Oh, darling, something’s happened.” My mother’s voice was frail, with a trace of panic.

  “Mama, what’s wrong? What’s happened?” My heart took off at a hundred beats a minute.

  “Your father had a heart attack this evening. We’re at the hospital.”

  “Oh my god, Mama! Is he okay? Are you okay?”

  “He’s out of the woods, darling. He’s going in for bypass surgery in a few minutes.”

  “We’re on our way.” I hung up the phone before my mother could answer.

  “What’s wrong, my love?” Joe asked.

  “It’s my father, Joe. He’s had a heart attack. He’s going into surgery now.”

  “Get your purse, let’s go.”

  We were at the hospital in record time. Joe drove like a Grand Prix champion, while I tried to fight back the tears. The cardiology department was right at the back of the hospital entrance—by the time I got to it, I could have done with a bypass too. My mother was sitting in the room adjacent to the theatre, looking frail and scared. I threw my arms around her as I allowed my tears to spill over.

  “Oh, Mama. I’m so sorry. Are you okay? Can I get you a coffee?”

  “I’m so glad you’re here, my love. No, thank you. He’s just gone in. Now, we wait.”

  “What happened, Mama?”

  “We had just finished dinner. I was in the kitchen making coffee when I heard a dish crashing to the floor. Your father was lying on the ground, gripping his arm tightly. I called the doctor immediately, he called the ambulance, and here we are.”

  “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you, Mama. Joe and I were out to dinner.”

  “It’s okay, my love. There was nothing any of us could have done anyway. The doctor said it was a mild attack, but I’m a mess, Ella.”

  I remembered when my mom and I were up late, chatting in the kitchen. She’d looked stressed about something then, but I didn’t want to interrogate her.

  “Mama, did you know papa wasn’t well?”

  “We had a feeling. He had dizzy spells and terrible heartburn, but you know your papa, he’s bulletproof, or so he thinks. So, when the symptoms went away, he put it down to stress and didn’t see his doctor. I should have driven him there myself.” She started crying, uncontrollably.

  “Don’t worry, Mama. He’s a fighter, I’m sure he’s going to be just fine. He’ll bounce back and get on your nerves for at least another thirty years.”

  My mother smiled, but her eyes were sad and scared.

  “Why don’t you go home for a quick shower and some clean clothes?” Joe said. “I spoke to the nurse, and she says Papa will be in the theatre for at least six hours. I’ll stay here, and Ella can go with you. I promise to let you know if there’s any news.” Joe was kneeling in front of my mother, holding her hands in his.

  “That’s a good idea, Joe. Come, Mama, let’s go home to freshen up.”

  “Thank you for your concern, my darlings, but I’m not moving from here. I’ll never forgive myself if your father wakes up and I’m not here.”

  “Okay, you ladies stay here. I’ll go to the house and pick up a few things for you, Mama. Ella, will you make a list for me, please?”

  “Thank you, Joe. Mama, what can Joe bring you?”

  “I think your papa’s pajamas and slippers. The ones on the bed are fine. And his nightgown please, Joe. Also, his reading glasses and his book are on the nightstand. A toothbrush and his shaving kit too. Thank you, Joe.”

  “It’s a pleasure, Mama. If there’s anything else, call the house.”

  “Thank you, my darling. I’ll stay here with mama. Love you.”

  “Love you too, my gorgeous.”

  Mama and I were left alone to talk and pray.

  JOE

  The first thing I did when I arrived at Giovani and Alicia’s home was phone my parents. I informed them of the events of the evening and told them which hospital Giovani was at. I collected the few items for Ella’s father and headed back. Poor Ella was a wreck. I wanted to be with her, to comfort her.

  My parents were with Ella and her mother when I got back to the hospital. My mother was holding Alicia’s hand, and my father was talking to the doctors. Ella sat quietly, staring into space.

  “I’m back, my love. Any news yet?”

  “No, not yet, but the assisting doctor says the operation is going well. Oh, Joe, I’m so scared.”

  “Don’t worry, my love. Your father is strong. He’ll pull through. Can I get you anything?”

  “Just hold me please, Joe.”

  The hours ticked by as we sat waiting for news. I told my parents it was okay for them to leave, that I would call them as soon as we heard from the doctor. They left reluctantly, leaving me and my girls to it.

  At four o’clock that morning, the surgeon came to give us a report. Giovani was doing fine, the operation a success. We were all so tired that we were slow in reaction to the good news.

  “Can I see my husband, please doctor?” Ella’s mother stood as she looked pleadingly at the surgeon.

  “Of course, Mrs. Lastra. He’s very tired and groggy from being under anesthetic for so long, but that’s normal. I have to insist that you keep the visit short, please.”

  Alicia was halfway down the passage before the doctor was done speaking. I’d always admired the love Ella’s parents had for each other.

  I called my parents with the good news, and after an hour with Giovani, we dropped Alicia off on our way home. My Ella was exhausted. It had been a very long twenty-four hours—none of it good.

  “Let’s get some rest, gorgeous. I’ll call the university and tell them you need a few days off. You go up to bed; I’ll be there soon.”

  “Thank you, Joe. For everything.”

  Ella was exhausted. By the time I’d finished the phone calls and got to our bedroom, she was fast asleep. I called my office and told them I wouldn’t be in. I lay down beside my beautiful wife and fell into a deep sleep.

  ELEANORA

  I woke up around five o’clock in the afternoon. My head was still foggy when I went downstairs to the kitchen, every step of the staircase agitating my throbbing headache. Joe was sitting at the counter eating t
oast and drinking coffee.

  “Ah, coffee. Need some badly.”

  “Hey, Sleeping Beauty. I was about to send in the dwarfs to wake you. Come, sit. I’ll pour you a cup. Would you like some toast?”

  “Yes, please. I’m starving. When did you get up?” He looked as fresh as a daisy. I felt like crap.

  “About an hour ago. You were out for the count, so I came downstairs to do some paperwork. How are you feeling?”

  “I’d like to get the registration of the truck that hit me.”

  Joe laughed. “That bad, is it?”

  “Worse. Has my mother called? How’s my papa?”

  “He’s much better this evening. Your mama says his color is good and he’s lucid. Have a bath and a snack, my love. Afterward, I’ll go with you to see him.”

  I was convinced that my husband was the sweetest creature on two legs. I was so thankful for him. After wolfing down my breakfast, followed by a hot shower, Joe and I went to see my father. He was awake when we got to his room.

  “Don’t do that again, Papa! You scared us. How are you feeling?”

  “Good morning, my little fireball. I’m well thanks, and how are you?” My father had a faint smile.

  I chuckled as I took his hand. It was warm and soft, and I was eternally grateful that he was alive.

  “And? How are you feeling, Papa?”

  “I needed a full service, an oil change, and air in my tires—now I’m as good as new—a sport’s model.”

  Joe and I laughed. My father held his chest and said “Ouch, don’t make me laugh, it hurts like a son of a bitch. Excuse my language, ladies.”

  “Don’t worry, Papa. I’ve got your back.” Joe gave my father a thumbs up and a wink.

  “How are you, Mama?” My mother had a spring in her step. She’d clearly recovered from her near implosion.

  “I’m much better now. I’m just afraid your Papa is going to use this as an excuse not to mow the lawn and change a few globes.”

  “You’re a terror, Alicia. I had to feign a heart attack so that I could come to hospital and rest, woman!”

  We all laughed as my mother wiped away a tear. It was good to have my father back.

  Chapter Nine

  JOE

  I sat at my desk, Gino across from me, spewing venom.

  “You’re such a jealous dipshit! You won’t see anything my way. The business is making money hand over fist, and you keep convincing Papa not to invest. You think you’re smarter than us just because you have a degree, do you?”

  “Gino, it has nothing to do with jealousy or vanity. The business you want us to invest in is a sinking ship. The financials do not support the actual figures the owner is hiding from you. He’s probably trying to get rid of it because the cops are wise to his schemes.”

  “Bullshit! This isn’t over, Joe. You’re walking a tightrope. If you’re not careful, you’re going to fall.”

  “Are you threatening me, Gino?” My blood was boiling.

  “It’s good advice, that’s all. How’s Ella?”

  It wasn’t saying her name that bothered me; it was the way he said it. If he ever tried to intimidate Ella, I’d rip his fucking head off. I spoke very slowly and deliberately.

  “Gino, don’t get personal. I’m not going to change my mind about the deal. And if you ever talk to me about Ella again, I’ll kick your ass so fucking hard, you won’t find it with a mirror.”

  The battle lines were drawn, and both of us knew it. It was time to put Gino in his place.

  He stormed out of my office and slammed the door so hard on his way out, the windows rattled. He went straight to my father’s office, like a sulky brat. I watched him through the one way glass as he left shortly after. He did not look happy.

  ELEANORA

  My father was on the mend, my mother was chirpy again, Bria and Franco were getting married in a week’s time, and I had my Joe—life was good again. We hadn’t seen much of Gino. Not that I was complaining. Bria came over one afternoon after work. We grabbed a bottle of wine and went out to the gazebo by the pool.

  “What’s new in your world? You pregnant yet?”

  “No. You’re worse than my mother! She practically follows me to the toilet with a pregnancy test kit every time we visit.”

  “You can’t blame her, really. She’s an Italian mama. I’m surprised she hasn’t hidden a fertility potion in your handbag. You may wanna have a look, just in case.”

  “Now that’s a scary thought.” We laughed as I poured myself another glass of wine. “Are you ready for next week?”

  “I am. I’m not sure who’s more excited about my wedding, me or my mother. She’s driving me nuts. Fabio isn’t exactly helping. He keeps dodging her and rushing off to ‘meetings’ every time she comes around for a fitting or something. He better not be like that when we have kids. I’ll lock his ass up in a room full of dirty diapers if he doesn’t behave.”

  “I don’t doubt that for a second.”

  “Gino’s been very quiet. What’s he up to?”

  The mere mention of his name sent acid to my throat.

  “He’s been conspicuous by his absence. I must say, I’m not missing him. No more dinner invites, thank God.”

  “Are he and Joe still locking horns at work?”

  “That will never change. Gino acts as though he’s accepted the pecking order, but I don’t trust the peace.”

  “What do you think he’s up to?”

  “Not sure, but from what I’ve seen, Gino is not the type of man who’ll back down without a fight. We’re keeping a close eye on him. Are you and Fabio staying for dinner?”

  “If only. We’re meeting the priest for a ‘little talk’ and then dinner with the in-laws. That’s why I’m here for a few glasses of wine.”

  “Been there, done that, girlfriend. Chin up; you’ll survive.”

  “That was absolutely no comfort; thanks, Ella.”

  “Get out of here, you nutter. Time to face the music.”

  Joe arrived home shortly after Bria left. He looked so handsome in his tailored suit, I wanted to kiss him all over. He, on the other hand, looked super pissed.

  “Oh dear, what did he do now?”

  “Poor me a large whiskey and I’ll tell you.”

  “Sounds serious. Come, let’s sit outside at the pool. Get into something comfy and join me outside.”

  “Great. I’ll be right back.”

  I watched the birds fly over the surface of the pool, scooping up bugs as they went. It was a beautiful evening. The crickets were chirping, the birds were singing, the last rays of the sun were warm on my face, and it was all so Italy. I loved my country so much. Growing up in Sicily gave me a deep love for nature, and I hoped Joe and I could impart that to our children.

  “You’re deep in thought, my gorgeous. Thinking of me?” Joe bent over me and kissed me. Then, he sat down next to me on the hammock swing.

  “Always. I was also thinking of our babies and how I want to show them the whole of Italy when they’re old enough to appreciate it.”

  “Ah, that’s lovely, darling. Wait a minute, you’re not pregnant are you?”

  “Get that smirk off your face, lover boy. I am not. You keep those swimmers of yours on a leash buddy. I’m not ready yet.”

  “Killjoy.” I pinched him on the arm, and he grabbed my knee and squeezed it. It tickled like hell and he loved it. He enjoyed reducing me to a puddle of goo.

  “You wanna tell me why you were so upset when you came home?”

  “I’m so tired of complaining about the same shit. I feel like a broken record. I’m irritating myself now. I can only imagine how you must feel.”

  “My love, family is tricky. You didn’t bring this on yourself. I love you, warts and all. Don’t be sorry. We’ll make do.”

  “Enough about me. How’s your father doing? It’s been a few weeks now. He must be getting stronger.”

  “You know Papa; he’ll probably enter the Olympics soon. Poor Mama is on
edge, but then again, if you were ill, I’d be a mess.”

  Joe flexed his biceps. “Me, ill? Never! Not while I have my gorgeous nurse taking care of my every need. Speaking of which—I think I need my temperature checked.”

  “Okay, strip and I’ll see what I can do.”

  JOE

  My father called me early on Sunday morning and asked us to join him and Mama for breakfast. Ella and I loved spending time with my parents; they doted on my beautiful wife. I had a feeling it wasn’t about eating a meal together.

  “Buongiorno!” My mother was always bright and happy to see us. “Come join me on the patio, Ella. Let the men catch up.”

  We walked to my father’s study, the place where he ruled the roost. I’d noticed a few more gray hairs sprouting on the head that was once jet black. My Papa was getting older, and I would imagine the stress of running the family business with all its responsibilities weighed heavy on one man’s shoulders. Having me assisting him was a blessing, but I suspected that he was nearing his retirement plans.

  My father had always been the life of any party. I recall countless parties at home while I was growing up—always plenty of dancing, laughter, and mirth. Papa had married my mother when he was in his forties. He’d always said that he wasn’t ready for such a commitment until he’d met her. They’d had me when he was almost fifty, which meant that he was no spring chicken. He was tired and I was mindful.

  He handed me a shot of espresso and sat down behind his hand-carved, antique rosewood desk. He looked like a king, presiding over his subjects.

  “Is it just me, Papa, or is that desk growing?” I chuckled as a big grin lit up his face.

  “Just you wait; when you’re my age, the furniture will be growing around you too.”

  “Okay, I consider myself warned. So, what’s on your mind, Papa? I can tell you have something important to share with me.”

  Papa and I had always enjoyed a close relationship. He was the boss, and I never questioned it. But he was a kind, loving father, and I could speak my mind without fear. I hoped to have the same relationship with my son one day.

  “Joe, I want to retire and take your Mama around the world. There’s so much we haven’t seen, and I don’t want to wait until we’re too old to enjoy the fruits of our labor.”