by Jade, Ella
“Now that dinner is over, she seems less anxious.” I noted.
“We’re a lot to get used to.” Vince kissed his wife. “See you soon.”
She nodded as she headed down the hall.
Once she was out of sight, I asked, “Is everything okay? Nadia doesn’t seem herself.”
“She’ll be all right.” Vincenzo sighed. “We’ve been trying for a few months, you know?”
“Trying? Oh, like a baby? That’s great.”
“Yeah, but we haven’t been successful.”
“Gianni and Angelique’s news upset her.” Poor Nadia. She was an incredible woman with such a big heart. She had to face so much this past year with learning who her father was and becoming part of our family.
“She’s so happy for them. We both are.”
“I know but she’s entitled to how she feels.”
“It’s still early. She’s young and healthy. It will happen for us.” My brother was always positive and confident. “I have to keep her calm and do my best to reassure her.”
“I’m sure in a few months, you’ll have news to share too.”
“Thanks.”
“What’s that?” I pointed to the papers he held. “Contracts?”
“I wish.” He handed me the folder. “Nadia designed the Marchelli crest Santino wanted.”
Santino had asked Nadia to design something that the five brothers could use for matching tattoos. Vince was not an ink man. I opened the folder and looked over the graphics. “These are really good.” There were five unique designs. All featured an intricate letter M with a Roman Numeral etched beneath it. “I like the numbers.”
“One for each of our birth order. Dominick gets number one, Gianni would be number two and so on.”
“Nadia did a fantastic job. Santino will be pleased.”
“Nadia did one without the number and added a wine bottle with the Wine Boss logo. You can use it for the winery if you’d like.”
“That’s a great idea. I’ll implement them in a few weeks.”
“What the hell are you two doing out here?” Gianni opened the door to the study. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
“Sorry.” Vince entered the room. “I was showing Sal the crest.”
“Nadia finished?” Santino took the folder from me. “Let’s see.”
“There’s one for each of you,” Vince said. “I was telling Sal that Nadia also did a more generic one we could use for business.”
“Cool.” Santino’s face lit with excitement. “Let’s make appointments to get this done. Gianni’s running out of space on his skin.”
“I have to save room for the twins.” Gianni looked over his shoulder. “I want to put their faces back here.”
“See,” Santino said. “We need to get this done.”
“You’re never going to get Harvard, over here,” Dominick motioned toward Vincenzo, using his nickname for him. “To agree.”
“Vincenzo.” Santino shot him a look. “If we’re not all in, it won’t mean the same.”
“I haven’t decided yet.” Vince’s relaxed demeanor filled the room. “But it doesn’t mean that the four of you can’t go ahead with it. I’ll even come and watch.”
Dominick snickered as he racked the balls on the table. “It’s okay, Vincenzo. You don’t have to do it.”
“Don’t tell him that,” Santino huffed. “If you say he doesn’t have to, I’ll never get him to do it.”
“Salvatore.” Dominick ignored Santino. “A messenger dropped off that envelope on Dad’s desk for you a few minutes ago.”
“Really?” I picked up the envelope and noted the return address. “It’s from Andre, the photographer who took some photos. He sent me the digital proofs this morning but wanted me to have a few hard copies.”
“Let us see.” Gianni choose his favorite pool stick.
“I’m sure you can find them on-line.” I glanced at my watch. “I have to get to the winery.”
“What’s going on with you and the chef?” Santino asked. “She’s hot.”
“I have to go.” I headed for the door. “Let’s grab drinks this week. We’ll pick a date to get the tattoos done.”
“I’ll let my guy know we’re coming,” Gianni said. “He’ll go nuts if we’re all in there at the same time.”
“Maybe we should consider a private session,” Dominick suggested. “No need for everyone in the shop to take video and post it.”
“Not Thursday.” Santino leaned against the pool table. “I have a date.”
“With?” Gianni asked.
“No one you’ll ever meet.” Santino smirked. “Not at all like Sal and Hayden.”
“We’re still learning one another. It’s very new,” I defended.
“You brought her home,” Santino said. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“She’s the kind of girl you bring home,” Gianni said. “Not at all like the ones you date, Santino.”
“Which is why you’ll never meet my dates.” Santino took the first shot on the table.
“I’m sure we’re all better off.” Dominick chugged his beer. “Sal, I’ll walk you out.”
I waved goodbye to my brothers as they gathered around the pool table. When Dominick and I made our way to the foyer, I wondered why he wanted to get me alone.
“Gia wants to know when you’ll take her to see the grapes.”
“This week,” I promised. “She can come to the winery and hang out with me. I’ll bring her back here for lunch and swimming.”
“She’ll love that.”
We continued to walk down the foyer but the conversation was far from over.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“Why does anything have to be up?” He leaned against the banister of the main staircase. “Can’t I say goodbye?”
“You could but that’s not what you’re doing. Say what you need to say so I can assure you that I’ll be careful. Whatever it is, I’m sure I don’t need extra security, especially not at the winery.”
“You’re always careful.” He patted my shoulder. “I did a little digging when I saw the interviews with Hayden. I recognized her last name.”
“And?”
“Her father worked for the Collandras for a few years. Nothing major. Mostly side jobs and errands.”
“He was making a living.”
“Yeah, he was still employed with them when he died.”
“Are you trying to link Hayden to something? Because I don’t think she’s any threat to us.”
“I’m not saying she is but you know how I feel about coincidences.”
“Seriously? Her father died when she was a teenager. She’s not working for anyone.”
“I can see you like her.”
“I do.” It didn’t matter what I said, Dominick was always on guard.
“I wanted you to know her father’s death was suspicious.”
“What do you mean?”
“He was found in the backseat of his car by the Brooklyn Bridge. A bullet in his temple. It was ruled a suicide.”
Poor Hayden. “You don’t believe he killed himself?”
“The word on the street was Phillip owed money to a rival family. They’re no longer around because they were reckless and pissed the wrong people off, so Hayden’s not in any danger. They created plenty of trouble for Antonio and Franco.”
“What does Hayden have to do with this?”
“Probably nothing. She didn’t mention that she knew Antonio or Franco?”
“Why would she?”
“Because she knows who we are?”
I thought back to my first encounter with her. The questions surrounding the winery and if it was legitimate. If she knew anything about my father’s world, she probably wanted nothing to do with it.
“Hayden shouldn’t pay for her father’s sins any more than I should for Dad’s.”
“Salvatore.” He sighed. “It’s my job to protect this family.”
“From Hayden
?”
“No.” He gazed out the window as my dad and Gia drove by in the golf cart. “I wanted you to know about her background. She was young when her dad died. If there is any connection between her family and ours, I wanted you to be prepared.”
“You’re overprotective.”
“I won’t apologize for that.”
“When Franco shot Vincenzo, that wasn’t your fault. You had no idea he was that unstable.”
“I’ll never make that mistake again.”
Chapter Eight
Hayden
Calling in the Favor
Sal and I walked out to the parking lot hand in hand after dinner service was over. It had been a long and hectic night. My feet were tired and I craved a hot shower. Preferably in Sal’s bathroom under those magnificent faucets. I wouldn’t mind taking one with him either.
“Andre did a smash up job with those pictures.” I couldn’t believe the chemistry that came through and with so little effort from any of us. “My favorite one is when I straightened your tie. The look on your face was priceless.”
“That’s because I knew it wasn’t crooked.” He arched a brow at me. “I’m far too meticulous for that.”
“Meticulous? Is that what you call it?” I laughed. “You’re right though. Your tie along with the rest of you was perfect. Andre said to act natural and I didn’t know what else to do.”
“It worked.” He put his phone in his pocket. “Maria has already started posting them on social media. People are speculating about us.”
“I’m sure all of your groupies are disappointed.”
“My groupies?”
“Please.” The man had to know how in-demand he was. “Did you see the three women’s faces when you offered to walk me to my car? It was as if you shattered their whole world.”
“Oh, those three? Well, they’ve been trying to get me to take them into New York City for several weeks. I promised them dinner and a show as a favor to their uncle who sends plenty of business my way.”
“Really?” Do you think I’m going to stand for that? “When are we going?”
“Huh? I hadn’t thought of that.”
“You’re not going without me? Those women will devour you.”
“I thought you were far too confident to have a jealous streak.”
“I’m not jealous.” Liar!
“Yes, you are and I like it but there’s something you need to know.”
“What’s that?”
“A real man never makes the woman he’s with jealous. It’s all the other women who should be jealous of you because you have my undivided attention.”
“Oh.” I smiled. “There’s that charm I’m so drawn to.”
“There’s something else you should know.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ve already asked Santino and Dominick to take those women to the city.”
“When did you arrange that?”
“The moment I realized I would never be satisfied with anyone other than you.”
Seriously... can he be real?
“Are you sure you can’t spend the night?” Sal pinned me against my car. “I liked having you in my bed. I’d like to keep you there.”
“I’ll be back.” I stole a quick kiss. “I have to go home and get myself together.” As much as I wanted to stay, I didn’t want to rush this. Too much of a good thing and all.
“Tomorrow night?”
“I’ll stay with you then.”
“My family didn’t scare you away?” He wrapped his arms around my waist. “That’s a good sign.”
“Scare me away?” That couldn’t be further from the truth. “I thought they were fantastic. All so welcoming. I had a great time. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.”
“They all adored you. Nadia and Angelique have been texting me all night with questions. They can be as intrusive as Gianni and Santino but they mean well.”
“They invited me to lunch this week.”
“I heard.” He grinned “Something about them being tired of being outnumbered?”
“Do you mind if I go out with them?”
“Why would I?”
“I don’t want to overstep. We’re still getting to know one another. I don’t want to be in your face.”
“I have a feeling I could never get enough of you. I think it’s a good idea for you to get to know them.” He ran his finger across my lips. “My family can be, well, you know who we are. You might benefit from Nadia and Angelique’s perspective.”
“I’m not going to run.” I focused on his lips. “I’m tougher than you think.”
“I don’t doubt that.” He nipped at my bottom lip. “The past day has been full of surprises.”
“For me too.” I kissed him, taking my time to really enjoy him. “I look forward to more of us.”
“There will be plenty more.” He opened my car door for me. “I promise.”
“I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Us?”
“I’m still getting used to being a chef here. That was a dream come true. The media exposure and working with Rocco were definitely bonuses. You? It’s a lot to take in.”
“You take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”
“My life has been difficult for so long.” I didn’t talk about my past often. I liked keeping it behind me. Where it belonged. “I’m finally getting it together and knowing I don’t have to do it all alone is reassuring. For the first time, I feel like I’m part of something.”
“You’ll never be alone again.”
“You always know what to say.” I hugged him, needing to be close to him.
“You should go before I persuade you to stay.”
“You’re not an easy man to walk away from.” I slid into the driver’s seat. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“I’m counting on it.” He leaned down and kissed me again. “Goodnight.”
I STUMBLED INTO MY apartment from the sheer giddiness of the past twenty-four hours. It had been an absolute whirlwind. From the wicked storm last night to me locking my keys in the car and ending up with Sal. Seeing those incredible pictures of us that Andre sent this morning, and then meeting his family. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the Marchellis could be so warm and welcoming. They were portrayed as ruthless and destructive. I’d seen the documentaries and the news footage on them. No matter what they were accused of, it didn’t matter. Not when you were with them and experiencing who they really were. A family in the truest sense. I wanted to be part of it all. Sal was right, he could give me everything. All I had to do was let him.
When I switched on the light, I took pleasure in the fact that my life was finally turning around. Then his voice startled me and my heart dropped. I should have known things were going far too good for someone like me.
“Hello, gorgeous.” He sat on the sofa, still, almost as solid as stone. “I didn’t think you’d ever get home.”
In an instant, I recalled that day when he handed me the money that I never should have accepted. If I hadn’t taken it would I be where I was today? Would I have met Sal? Had the chance to experience all that I had these past few weeks? Did it matter? The moment I shook his hand, my life never belonged to me.
“Franco,” my voice cracked. “What are you doing here?”
“Ah...” His laugh was low and menacing. “As if you don’t know.”
I placed my bag on the floor by the door, knowing I couldn’t run. “It’s been a long time.”
“Then let me refresh your memory, sweetheart.” He came toward me. “It’s about time for me to cash in on that favor.”
Damn it!
Chapter Nine
Hayden
Betrayal
My legs buckled and I thought I might vomit but I held it together as Franco cornered me against the wall. I should have stayed with Sal.
“I’m not here to hurt you. We’ve always been cool with one another.” He mot
ioned toward the couch. “Have a seat and relax.”
“I’d rather stand.” I’d never had a reason to mistrust him before but then, I was never dating Salvatore.
“Fine.” He moved away from me and leaned against the back of a chair. “I’ll be brief. I am rather busy these days now that my father has abandoned me. I’m sure you’ve met my new sister by now.”
“Nadia.” I nodded. “She’s lovely.”
“She ruined my life by coming around and looking for her father. My father.” He clenched his fists and greeted his teeth. “Then she fucking marries a Marchelli and my old man embraces the whole thing. It’s sickening.”
“I don’t know anything about this but I’m sorry you’re going through it.”
“Thanks.” He snickered. “I don’t care about Nadia or my dad or Vincenzo. That’s not why I’m here.”
“Why are you here?”
“As I said, you owe me and I’m ready to collect.”
“I could start repaying the loan. It wouldn’t be much at first but I’ll pay you back.” I straightened my posture, inching away from the door. “All of it.”
“I don’t want your money. What you have to offer me is far more valuable than any cash.”
“I don’t know what I could possibly have to offer you.”
“Let me put it out there for you.” He crossed his legs at the ankles, still leaning casually against the chair. “Imagine my surprise when I saw you’d been hired at the Marchelli winery. What a success story you are.”
“I worked hard to get that job.”
“I’m sure you did but you couldn’t have done it without me.”
When I opened my mouth to protest, he held up his finger, halting any argument I may have tried to make.
“Not that there’s any shame in taking help but do you remember our deal?”
I nodded.
“Good.” He grinned. “Little Hayden from the neighborhood. A street rat, no family to speak of, no money, no help until I came along and changed all of that for you. I saw the interviews. The photos online. I see the way Salvatore looks at you. As if you’re his greatest prize. Who could blame him? The media, the customers, the potential customers are all going wild for the two of you. At first I thought it was an act to drum up business but something tells me you’ve fallen for the most charming and endearing Marchelli brother.”