I watched as Becca lay her head back unconscious. Anger seethed through me, and before I realized it I’d grabbed onto her blonde hair. “What the fuck are you really doing here, Rebecca?” I screamed into her face.
She blinked rapidly as she woke. “Let go of me!” she yelled through her clamped teeth.
I kneeled down facing her. “What. The. Fuck. Are. You. Really. Doing. Here?”
Her make-up smeared face bent into darkness. The corners of her dark eyes lifted just as the corners of her smeared lips rose with sadistic satisfaction. “To hurt you.”
My fingers pressed against the warm flesh of her neck feeling her carotid artery pulse against the pads of my fingers. “How did you think this was gonna go?” The whites of her eyes reddened as my fingers tightened one by one. “You thought I’d let you hurt me?” A strangled gurgle came from her throat as she shook her head. “You think I’d let anyone touch what belongs to me?” Her eyes filled with the color of blood.
“Jax, can’t get anything if she’s dead.” I closed my eyes and held my breath as I released my fingers.
She coughed and chocked as a tear slid down her cheek. “It was never up to you or I. This world is a twisted bitch, Jax, and in the end we all die, even your precious Bella.”
My eyes locked on hers. “My Bella? What are you talking about?” My jaw tightened.
Her eyes narrowed with anger. “No, Jax, not your Bella, not anymore.”
I stood there, focusing on the thump of her heart, rise and fall of her chest as the breath gushed from her lungs, the back and forth her eyes gave as she wondered what I would do to her. “Not my Bella? Not anymore? Why the fuck are you speaking in cryptic code?”
Her lungs filled with a harsh breath. “If you’re asking me this question, you’ve already lost her.”
“What do you know?”
Another smirk swept her mouth. “I know if you have to get information from me to save your sweet Bella you’re as pathetic as I remember.” I wanted to snap her neck, and as badly as my hands wanted to curl around her throat I couldn’t do it—
I turned my attention toward Victor. “Stay with her.” I nodded. “I’ll call you.” I pulled the door open to leave.
The plane would be ready to take off by the time I got there, but I needed to call Sal. He was the one I went to about Bella’s protection. Ultimately, if Dominic and Tony fucked up, Sal fucked up.
I pulled out my burner phone to call Sal. He let the phone ring four times before he finally answered. “Do not make me wait four fucking rings again.”
“Sorry, boss.”
“Where’s Bella?”
“Taking a bath.”
“Got some serious shit going on right now. I want all hands on deck.”
“Yes, sir.”
“The plane is leaving as soon as I get to the airport, and I’ll be in Chicago in a few hours.”
“Anything you need me to do?”
“Yeah, protect my wife with your mother fucking life. That’s all I need you to do.” I jogged up the stairs from the basement. “Dominic and Tony stay with her every second, and you make sure there isn’t a threat coming at her.”
“Got it.” Why the fuck did I have to go over his job description.
I sighed. “They’re probably already close, and I have no fucking clue what they want.”
“Boss?”
“The fucking Russians.”
“Got it.”
“I’ll fucking end you if anything happens to her.”
“Boss, with all due respect, I’ve known Bella since we were kids, and I love her, too.”
I closed my eyes tight. “I’m fucking bettin’ on that.” I disconnected the call and slipped the phone into my jacket.
When I reached the kitchen, Dwight was sitting at the table. “We gotta go.”
He followed me to the office as I scrambled to get my important shit packed up, nothing incriminating just some things I needed. One thing of which was a picture of Bella I took everywhere I went. Most of the time she wasn’t with me, but I liked keeping her close. “Boss what’s going on?”
“That fucking bitch implied Bella’s in trouble.”
I knew why and I needed to do everything in my power to stop it.
Bella
“You didn’t even get to visit.” Emily sobbed into the phone.
“Hey, we’ll see each other soon.”
“Yes, baby shower!” she said cheerfully into the phone then made a chocking sound.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I just got excited and choked on my mocha.”
“Coffee? Since when do you drink coffee?”
“I haven’t been sleeping very well, and this new job is kickin’ my freakin’ ass. I’m thinking’ ‘bout putting a hit on this jackass I work for.”
“Emily! Don’t say shit like that!” I scolded her. She’s always been so reckless with her choice of words.
“I’m kidding, chill!” She yawned. “But seriously, when are you coming to see me?”
I wasn’t going to, and I knew it. So I smiled and gave a fake reassuring lie. “Soon, I promise.”
“Good! Now that’s all settled, tell me what that sexy beast is up to?”
“What sexy beast?” I laughed feigning ignorance.
“Tony, what’s he up to?”
I shrugged. “Eating everything in the apartment. Geez, poor Alessandra has to shop every day to keep these guys fed.”
“Awe how is she? She is the sweetest.”
“I know; I love her so much. She’s good though, just keeping busy. I think she’d probably go stir crazy if she wasn’t constantly busy with something.”
“Yeah, I wish I could be there all the time with you guys. It sucks so badly here. The girls are always too busy to hang out. Mom and Dad have firmly stuck themselves into every facet of my life.”
I laughed. “Oh it can’t be that bad.”
“Seriously? I was shaving my legs two nights ago and my freakin’ father let himself into my apartment. It’s bad, Bella.”
I stifled a laugh. “That is kinda bad.”
“He said he heard there was a mugging two streets over so, of course, he thought the mugger went straight to my house to kill me.”
I laughed again. “Oh, God.”
“Seriously girl, you have no idea how overprotective he is, it’s borderline stalker.”
“I kinda do know what that feels like.”
“Oh yeah, sorry, forgot you were married to him.”
“Yeah,” I laughed again. “Can’t you come for a visit?”
“Wish I could, but the new boss insists I give him a month notice to take off of work.”
“Come this weekend. I’ll send the plane for you. Maybe you can catch a ride with Jax if he comes home then.”
“He’s not there?”
“Nope, he’s in Detroit.”
I held the phone from my ear as Emily yelled at another driver. “That bastard just cut me off.”
A knock at the door had me up from the chair next to the window to answer. Tony and Sal were on the other side holding panicked expressions. “Hang up.”
“I gotta go.”
“Okay, I love you.”
“Love you.” I disconnected the call as they entered. “What’s going on?”
“The boss called, said we needed to keep a close eye on you,” Sal said while he walked toward the bedroom window peeking through the curtain.
“This looks like something serious is going on.”
“Yeah,” Sal answered still peeking out. “Stay away from the windows, don’t answer the door… the usual.”
“Okay, where is Jax?”
“On his way.”
“Must be really big if he’s coming all the way home.” I rolled my eyes as I entered the closet turning the light on. I reached for a pair of yoga pants and tank top. I needed to work on my breathing and stretching. Sal and Tony stood outside the closet as I exited, and I lifted my clothes signaling the
m to leave.
“Sorry, Bella, Tony stays with you.”
I opened my mouth in shock. “I need to change,” I huffed.
Tony pointed to the closet. “Change in there and I’ll wait here.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. He doesn’t leave your side.”
“And Dominic gets to do what?” I asked sarcastically.
“He’s outside your bedroom door.” Sal lifted his brow. “Listen, don’t try any brave bullshit, but if something happens, I want you to have this.” He reached into his brown leather holster pulling out a black automatic. He pulled the slide back and checked all facets of the gun and assured the safety was on. “Don’t shoot anyone unless you have to.”
“In other words don’t shoot us.” Tony said.
“That serious?” I held the gun in my hands staring at Sal.
“That serious.”
“Why couldn’t I have married a—” I didn’t even bother finishing the question because it didn’t matter. I turned my attention to the window. “Do I have to carry it everywhere I go?”
“Nah, just keep it close,” Sal answered.
I nodded. “Okay. I’m gonna change.” I slipped into my closet closing the door.
After changing I left the closet seeing that Sal was gone and Tony was standing at the window. Ignoring him I slipped my earphones into my phone and pressed my music app. I slid the yoga mat from under my bed pressing it flat to the floor and began. I closed my eyes as I leaned into a stretch. I breathed deeply relaxing into my pose, as I wondered why I couldn’t have a normal life. I began to tense thinking of all the ridiculous shit I’d had to deal with over the last year. I breathed deeply once again needing to relax before I pulled something. I was literally a prisoner every day of my life. Hell, I couldn’t even volunteer like a normal person. My friends weren’t my friends—Russians, guns, feds—hadn’t seen them for a while, but they were there watching and waiting till they had something that would stick—bastards.
I climbed into downward dog wishing I could run away, far away. I wondered if Jax would come with me if I asked. This life couldn’t possibly be more important than Ennio and me. He’d see that it was a good idea if I mentioned it. Maybe I would—just mention it to him—feel him out.
I breathed harshly, blowing out the negative presence in my body while I finished. I’d closed my eyes the entire workout just wanting to be somewhere else, but once I’d opened them I just wanted to punch something, someone, anyone.
I rolled my mat up and slid it back under the bed. “I’m going to take a shower.”
“I thought you just took a bath.”
I turned to Tony feeling my face heat. “No, I was going to, but Emily called. I talked with her for an hour before I was rudely interrupted. And for what, oh yeah, I don’t know because no one tells me any fucking thing. My life isn’t my own because—” I lifted my hands. “—my life sucks dick!”
“Sorry,” he offered.
“Yeah… me too.” I watched the light beam through the window before finally turning to the bathroom slamming the door.
Jax
I stared down at the red flowers I’d had Wyatt stop for. I didn’t want to take the much-needed time to stop, but she deserved it. I knew she was safe at the penthouse so I figured I’d be good on time. She didn’t deserve this life. All that shit back there with Rebecca, fuck— she did not need to see all of that. But she did and now I’d have to make her see reason for whatever came next. Bella wasn’t your average wife. She came with strength I didn’t understand. She wanted to stand by my side no matter what, but this life wasn’t for a woman. She couldn’t handle everything it took to be the man I was. I made decisions every single day that were going to send me to Hell no matter how many Hail Mary’s the priest said were needed. I knew my fate in the end. I’d likely die in a grave someone had dug just for me. If I was lucky, she wouldn’t be anywhere near that but the way she’s always getting into my fucking business it’s gonna land her in the grave next to mine. I gotta tell you, there is nothing in the world that scares me more than losing her.
Wyatt drove into the parking garage and parked near the elevator. I grabbed my bag and flowers stepping out of the SUV. Wyatt watched all around knowing the quiet garage could be filled with anything.
My phone rang before we stepped onto the elevator, and after passing my bag to Wyatt I reached inside my pocket pulling it out seeing it was Chase.
“Hello.”
“I’m at the house.”
“Okay, tell Adam to stay with Mom and Pops.”
“That bad?”
The elevator door opened. “I don’t want to take any chances.”
“Got it.”
I disconnected the call and as the doors began to close an arm reached inside. Wyatt immediately reached for his gun.
“Hi, Jax.” Mr. and Mrs. Dexter said. “You don’t mind sharing a ride do you?” He smiled.
“Of course not.” I smiled. The older couple lived four floors below Bella and me.
“It’s terribly hot this summer.”
“And dry, dear, don’t forget dry.” The couple spoke.
“How long have you two been married now?”
“Fifty-two wonderful years,” Mr. Dexter answered.
“Oh, John, Fifty-two long years, Jax.”
I chuckled under my breath. “What advice can you offer a newbie like me?”
“Oh life isn’t perfect, but always remember to listen to each other,” she answered.
“What she’s trying to say is the woman is always right.” He shook his finger at me.
“Oh stop it, John.” She shook her head. “He is such a romantic,” she continued with an eye roll.
I smiled as I watched the two of them banter back and forth.
“Just love and respect one another, and you’ll build a lifetime of love and happiness.”
“That simple, huh?”
They both laughed shaking their heads. “Oh no, but you’ll find what works for the both of you and then you just go with it.”
I drew in a deep breath clinging to the roses.
“And the roses are always nice, too, but remember to embrace each other.” She shrugged into her husband. “Sometimes a lady likes to be held.” Mr. Dexter wrapped his arms around his wife as the elevator door opened and the two stepped out. “Good luck.” They both smiled and waved.
We continued four more floors and exited to the penthouse seeing a guard at the door.
“Mr. Moretti.” He nodded offering his respect.
“Everything good?”
“Yes, sir, quiet here.”
I nodded in return as I entered through the front door. The penthouse was as he’d said, quiet. “Hello?” I asked as I peered through the entrance.
“Ah, you’re home finally!” Alessandra greeted me wearing an apron. “You need to go see your wife.” She eyed me. “Then come down for dinner.” She hurried me to the stairs. “She’s missed you something terrible.”
“Yeah?”
“Go!”
“Stay inside, get with Sal.” I said looking back to Wyatt.
“Oh, I’ll take that.” I stepped off of the stairs taking my bag from him. When I reached the top, I saw that Dominic waited at the bedroom entrance.
“Boss,” he lifted his chin.
I nodded and entered seeing Tony but no Bella. “Where is she?”
He pointed toward the bathroom door. “She’s been in there for an hour.”
“She okay?”
“She’s just—” He eyed me.
“Just say it.”
He clasped his hands to his front. “She’s just tired of all the drama. This isn’t for her.”
I watched him for a moment before opening the door and slipping inside. She lay in the Jacuzzi tub sleeping with her ear-buds in her ears. Bubbles thinned out across the top of the water leaving it easy to see her naked body: her breasts, toned legs, curvy hips. All I wanted to do was slip into the
tub with her.
I hadn’t seen her for five days, and that was too fucking long to be without her by my side. I bent to my knees leaning in to kiss her sweet full lips. She stirred in the water but didn’t open her eyes. I lifted her hand tracing my tongue across the wet flesh. Her eyes opened, and a smile curved onto her lips. “Hi, baby.”
“Hi.” Her smile widened with surprise.
I reached for the flowers that lay on the floor next to me and lifted them to her. “Peace offering.”
Her smile faded for a moment. “They’re pretty.” Her eyes reached me once again. “But you’re the only peace offering I need, Jax.” She reached for my face pulling me to her lips. “I missed you so fucking much.” Our tongues swept into the others mouth.
“Tell him to get out and take me to bed.”
I stood and walked to the door as I removed my jacket. Tony was still sitting near the window. “You’re dismissed, you and Dominic wait at the end of the hall. I’ll call if I need you.”
He nodded and left the room. I began unbuttoning my shirt as I walked to the door locking it. When I turned I was reminded of everything that had happened as I saw the hole I’d left in the wall the week before.
I drew in a deep breath and untucked my shirt. Bella opened the door holding a towel around her drenched body. Her hair dripping around her shoulders.
“Care to dry me off?”
I unclasped my cufflinks for the ten steps until I reached her wet body. “I like you better wet.” I reached for her shoulders grazing my knuckles across her flesh.
She shivered under my touch. “I swear to God, Jax.”
I blinked not recognizing the look on her face. I wasn’t clear if it was sadness, anger, or lust. “Baby?”
She dropped the towel revealing her large breasts, full hips, and baby bump. “I need you to fuck me… I want you to own my body, make it yours, make me beg for it.” She reached for my hands pressing them to her breasts.
“Need?”
“More than anything.”
Her nipples were hard as I rolled them between my fingertips. As badly as I wanted to do as she’d asked, I just wanted to sink deeply into her pussy and let go of every worry that had built up in the time we’d been apart. But this was about satisfying her, so that’s what I’d do.
Bella (A Sagatori family saga-A Mafia Romance Book 6) Page 4