Sausalito Nights (Montgomery Beauty Book 1)

by Stephanie Salvatore

  Santino. Son of a bitch! What the hell was he doing here?

  The tall man with dark blonde hair and entrancing green eyes with a permanent smirk etched over his lips stood at the front of the crowd. My eyes quickly met Luciana’s as she pursed her lips and furrowed her eyebrows. Trouble settled into the atmosphere, and there was no escaping it.

  As we made our way into the main entertaining space of the large yacht, soft hymns played in the background. I looked around seeing a scarce number of familiar faces before I escaped to the top deck and stood at the railing in the middle of the large vessel. Scanning the guests arriving from below, I froze. A smile lifted against my lips and I sighed in relief as I spotted Chris on the bench we sat on the other night.

  “Montgomery!” I yelled. I caught his attention and nudged my head.

  He stood and locked his eyes into mine, walking toward the crowd and winked at me as he waited to get in. I pursed my lips up and nonchalantly wandered over to the snack table and popped a piece of cheese in my mouth, standing at the opposed railing looking out at the view of San Francisco skyline beyond the bay. The sky was filled with wispy clouds, the colors turning pink and purple as the sun set behind the mountains. Chris would be up in a matter of moments. I couldn’t have been bothered to think about the risks to be seen with him publicly because all I wanted to do was spend more time with him.

  I felt a hand grasp the side of my waist and pulled me out of my thoughts. I jumped slightly, slowly turning around to see Santino standing behind me. “What are you doing? Get your hand off of me.” I narrowed my eyes up at him.

  He chuckled lowly. “Oh come on, gorgeous. Did you really think we wouldn’t see each other tonight?”

  The last encounter we had started just like this and ended when I pushed his unwanted hands off of me. “What do you want, Santino?” My tone was cold.

  “You know exactly what I want, Lor. You know we have something. Why don’t you just accept it?” He placed both his hands on my hips and backed me up against the railing.

  I looked away from him trying to keep my emotions together. “And if I said I disagreed, then how does this end?”

  He chuckled. “I think you’re in denial.”

  I rolled my eyes, scoffing. “No, because I’m not interested. Why can’t you accept that?”

  His hands returned to the sides of my waist, those intimidating eyes and a smug smirk rose against his lips. “Cause I know what I can give you. A life full of luxuries you couldn’t dream of. Our families have the same values and standards. You don’t even have to be in the business, Lor. You can be my sweet baby mama, and I’ll spoil you. Besides, your parents love me and I’m sure your father would approve.”

  “Yeah, well. I don’t approve. Move out of my way.” I snapped. Santino didn’t know I completed the family ritual, and the red glamour gloves to match my dress hid the evidence.

  “What is your big rush? Are you going to meet that new kid?”

  My lips fell open as I realized that he had been watching me. He saw me with Chris. I did not like this, a horrible feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. I needed to get away from him, but he was stronger than me; and frankly, I was afraid of what he would try if I made a scene, but he wasn’t giving me much of a choice at this point.

  I pushed him away. “You were watching me?! Santino, this is the last time I’m going to ask you nicely. Leave me the hell alone.”

  Before he could say another word, my brother came flying in from the other side of the yacht, taking Santino down to the ground. “I told you to stay the fuck away from my sister!” he said before he punched him square in the jaw.

  My eyes diverted off toward the water, as a crowd moved in around Armani and Santino fighting before a pair of arms pulled me out of the line of fire. I turned to meet Christopher’s striking eyes and a concerned look covering his face.

  “What happened? Are you okay?” he whispered.

  “No, and I really don’t want to talk about it. I need to get away from here.”

  He pulled back to look at me and his eyes diverted to the men being pulled apart by my father and Matteo before he glanced down at me once more. “Of course. Come on.” He left an arm around me and led me down the staircase.

  We walked downstairs, and up the side corridor to the back of the vessel, finding a half circle couch for us to sit down on. He wrapped a gentle arm around me and we looked on as we moved away from the setting sun painting the colors pinks, purples, and orange swirling through a layer of clouds sitting on the horizon.

  His thumb brushed against the back of my shoulder. “I know it’s a little soon to talk about what just happened, but can I ask you a question?”

  I looked back him with gentle eyes. “Of course you can.”

  “I noticed the bandages on your arms the other day when you were showing me around. I…just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  I swallowed hard. This wasn’t going to be easy to explain, let alone open up about. How would I explain it without actually exposing the syndicate?

  “Coincidence of bad luck. I bought my first tattoo this week, and the other is a burn I got from splashing oil from the fryers at the club house restaurant.”

  “That’s too bad. I’m sorry. Are you okay?” His tone lowered, and he sounded almost sad.

  “Yeah… I’ll be alright. Thank you for checking on me though.” Inhaling a soft, sharp breath, I exhaled slowly relieved that he didn’t push the subject about the tattoo and the burn. I was safe for now, but I wouldn’t be for long. His caring demeanor told me that he could very well follow up on this later, and with the burn and tattoo mirroring each other. He might place it together and start asking more questions. I wasn’t ready for that, and I hoped I wouldn’t have to explain myself. I needed to be discreet as possible about the family business. I didn’t know much; but I knew that organized crime was illegal, that my father went to great lengths to protect our name, and his highly grossed income that came along with his title as a fucking mob boss.

  I feel the hot Italian blood in me boiling. This was the exact reason I wanted out. I didn’t want to be the poor soul that sold my family out. Looking at Chris watching me with those big gentle eyes, I feel myself come down. It was too soon to tell if it would happen, but I wanted him to be the one that saved me from the lonely path I’d be taking when this last year of high school was over… and it’s hasn’t even begun.

  Why do I do this to myself?

  ***

  An hour passed by since the fight with Armani and Santino broke out. Chris and I stayed as far away from the other guests and my family as possible. We talked about early childhood memories, favorite foods, holiday traditions and the conversation flowed. I was surprised that he allowed my excuses about my arms go so quickly, but he did and it showed he had respect, and perhaps that I could trust him? We might need more time on the trust, but his respect hit a high chord of positivity for sure.

  Leaning into Christopher’s arm that he wrapped around me caused desires to ditch the party; but before I had the chance to ask him, my father waltzed into our view. “Lorelai… a word…” He was quick to disappear and he didn’t look happy.

  I looked at Chris and mouthed an apology to him before I followed him around the corner. “What is it?”

  “Who is that boy and why are his hands all over you?” he snapped.

  “His name is Christopher Montgomery. He just moved here. He’s very nice, Daddy.”

  He shook his head. “He needs to leave. You are not to see him again. Do you understand?”

  I furrowed my eyebrows at him. “But…”

  “I don’t want to hear another word. Dating of any kind is off limits, young lady.” He walked away as I turned back to Chris and found my brother escorting Christopher toward the exit. Tears welled in my eyes and I couldn’t believe that my family pulled out all the stops before they took a chance to get to know him. This would not end well.

  I needed to see him again, no matte
r the cost.

  Precarious Business

  Christopher

  I walked down the ramp back to the boardwalk and looked at the kid that escorted me out as we docked. I was able to get a closer look at him as he stood in front of me. He towered over me in height with his dark hair and blue eyes, and a slim built stature. The combination of the similar facial features to Lorelai and the protection he had over her hit me. He had to be a relative.

  He placed his arms across his chest. “Look. I don’t know you and I’m sure you’re a nice kid; but I have to look out for my sister, and you can’t come around her again.”

  Her brother? Great. He would more than likely pound me like he did the other kid coming onto Lorelai if I didn’t back off. I am now annoyed. Pressing my lips together as I tried to hold back frustration and stared off for a moment. “Alright. Alright. I get it. Can I go now?”

  He eyed me carefully with narrowed eyes. “This is the only warning you get. Don’t cross the lines or you’ll regret it.” He stepped back, dropping his arms, revealing a decent sized tattoo on the same arm as Lorelai’s…only his was a crown hanging over a diamond. He walked backward before he disappeared and left me outside of the yacht on the boardwalk, flabbergasted in my thoughts.

  I ran my fingers through my hair and blew a breath of air out of my mouth attempting to wrap my head around the events that took place over the last hour. She wasn’t safe from this man that pinned her against the railing, I couldn’t see her, and now these tattoos that appeared on her brother’s arm had me sketched out too. The Castillos, were they just power hungry with their money? What the hell was it that made them so successful? Maybe I was better off not asking questions. I felt like the less I knew, the safer I was.

  I didn’t need nor want another Castillo in my face. A sharp pain pierced my skin as goosebumps rose over my body. I continued down the boardwalk with my head down. My head spun as I turned around and ran my fingers through my hair and forced myself in the opposite direction of the yacht. The short lived memories of my time with Lorelai raced through my mind. Everything about her flashed through my head like a film strip. Her smile, the bright blue eyes that resembled the very stars in the sky above her hometown. I found another bench and took a seat leaning back as I stared off into the darkness feeling defeated. Perhaps I should have taken her brother’s warning and accept that this wasn’t meant to happen.

  A group of men in suits surrounding Lorelai’s brother and Santino came into view, breaking the paralyzing indecisive thoughts in my head. Six men surrounded them, three on each side, and all eyes glanced at me, some narrowed and some were just plain, and stone cold stares. Were they signaling one last final warning meaning business? Looking at the ground after they passed, I turned my head slightly to the right and watched as they continued under the Black Diamond Club arch.

  Inhaling a deep breath. There was no doubt in my mind that there was a dark cloud hanging over this place. A sick, twisted feeling stirred in my stomach. I remembered Lorelai’s warning from a few nights ago, and I wouldn’t dare go back on my word. This was clearly none of my business and I normally didn’t care to stick my nose where it didn’t belong, but the heavy realization that I would not be able to see Lorelai tugged at my heart strings further. Her father and his minions were everywhere.

  As I made it past the yacht, I looked out at the moon reflecting on the bay and spotted a large sailboat with a lantern on it. I narrowed my eyes as a petite figured shadow in red came into my vision.

  “Psst…Montgomery!” A soft female voice called out.

  I walked down to the dock spotting a one hundred foot sailboat yacht. “What on Earth are you doing?”

  She flashed a smile at me. “Going for a ride. Care to join me?”

  “I… was told I cou-..”

  “I know what you were told.” She cut off my rambling words. “What they don’t know can’t hurt us.” She spoke softly, her tone sounded almost devious.

  I walked closer and looked around at the setup. The blue eyed brunette was ready to set sail.

  “Come on, join me! Besides, our date at the Summer Fest was a blowout. We can finish it up on Cakes and Pies.” Her playful tone returned and I couldn’t help but smile back at her.

  I chuckled. “Cakes and Pies?” My eyes diverted to the name painted on the side of the vessel in hot pink.

  “Yeah. What’s better than Cake and Pie?” She stood at the stairs leading into the boat and reached her hand out, staring at me with a playful smirk tugging at her lips.

  I hesitated as I thought about the warning I was given. The call was tough, and apparently the universe was testing me.

  I inhaled a deep breath before I stepped off the dock onto the vessel and took her hand. “How can I say no to cakes and pies?”

  She giggled and placed a hand on my chest. “You simply cannot.” she whispered.

  I chuckled softly as my hands found her hips. “You’re absolutely right. I can’t. We should get out on the water before someone spots us.”

  “You worry too much. I am going to break that.” She winked at me before she went to pull the rope off the dock and threw it to the floor before she started the motor, and we made our way out on the water.

  Looking around, I was calm enough to take in the large size of this sailboat, and I realized this wasn’t your average sailboat. It was the size of a yacht, with a motor on it. Considering where she came from, I wasn’t too surprised. I sat in the chair across from her and placed my ankle on the top of my leg. “How long have you been sailing?”

  She looked at me. “I’ve been on boats my entire life; but Armani, my brother, started giving me lessons when I was seven, so about ten years.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Armani? Is that who escorted me out earlier?”

  “That would be the one. He’s the first born son named after my father. Junior, he’s four years older than me and thinks he’s the king. I also have a sister, her name is Luciana. We’re fourteen months apart. She walked in with me and Amelia. Amelia would be my mother.” She paused. “Do you have any siblings?”

  I shook my head. “Nope. It’s just me and my parents and Nana and Papa. We have a small family, but we stay close.”

  She smiled at me. “You’re lucky. I have a very large, temperamental Italian family that is spread out all over the world.”

  I stayed quiet for a moment. “Temperamental? I couldn’t tell.”

  She laughed softly. “Italians? Temperamental? Never.” She flashed a smile and the remainder of the ride remained silent.

  Allowing the sound of the vessel moving through the water to calm my anxieties about sneaking off with her, I could see why she loved being out on the water so much. “Where are we going?”

  She glanced at me as we turned into dock. “It’s a surprise,” she said as the vessel came to a stop, and she turned the engine off. It was dark all accept a light on the back of what appeared to be a houseboat.

  I watched as she tied the boat to the dock and stepped out. “Come on. Cakes and Pies will be here when we get back.”

  I chuckled and went to exit as I saw her reach a hand out for mine. I smiled as I took her hand and followed her lead. She pulled a ring of keys out and opened the door before she led us inside and put on the lights before she dimmed them and looked at me. “Don’t worry. It’s vacant for the week. No one will find us here.”

  I smiled at her. “Well, I can’t deny your logic.”

  She laughed and walked into the kitchen and spotted a bottle of wine. “Do you drink?”

  I shook my head. “Not unless I’m at the vineyard.”

  She gasped. “Vineyard? Tell me more.”

  I laughed. “My grandparents own a winery up in Napa; and for some reason, my crazy family thought it would be a wise idea to start me out early on wine tastings.”

  Her eyes sparkled under the dim lights as she popped the cork from the bottle. “Your family has eclectic tastes in how they raise their kid. Wine is my best fri
end.”

  I chuckled. “Really now?”

  She poured the white zinfandel and handed me a glass. “Absolutely. I’d like to propose a toast.”

  I leaned against the counter and crossed my arms holding my glass. “Alright. Let’s hear it.”

  “To your first summer in Sausalito. May it be adventurous, thrilling, and safe with a certain brunette that has had her eyes on you since the moment you moved in.”

  I smirked. “To the long nights that I won’t sleep because sleeping with one eye open isn’t actually possible.”

  She clung her glass to mine and took a sip. “Who said anything about sleeping? These rentals book way in advance, and the owners close down the reservations after a certain point. I can guarantee we’ll have a place to hideaway if you wanted to see me again after tonight.”

  I looked at her after I sipped my own and chuckled. “Are you trying to tell me you’re going to corrupt me, Miss Castillo?”

  She took a step toward me, a foot of space left between us as she looked up at me. “Absolutely, so you better embrace it Montgomery.”

  A smile rose against my cheeks, reaching to cup her cheek slowly. Her fingers grasped around my wrist as I pushed soft curls behind her ear. “Embrace it I will,” I whispered as I took initiative and inched toward her. She met me halfway and froze. Her eyes focused on mine, our lips inches apart. I’d never experienced a moment that felt so charged with anticipation. I moved in slow motion until my lips pressed against hers; and, to an everlasting surprise, she returned that sweet kiss. Dainty hands grazed over my chest snaking around my neck.

  Without breaking the kiss, I grasped the sides of her waist and pinned her back to the wall. My carpenter hands grazed the sides of her waist. Keeping a gentle hold on her with one hand, I cascaded my fingers over the slim curves of her waist and chest, cradling my hand against her cheek gently as our lips parted. Her chest heaved up and down before her sweet lips that tasted between a cross of chocolate and coffee pressed a deeper passionate kiss. A volt of energy surged through my veins as our lips locked with one passionate kiss after another.