Matteo (The Syndicates series Book 1)

by Cala Riley

  The hairs on the back of my neck stand once again as I’m getting in. I pull back, looking around, but I don’t see anything. All day I’ve felt as if someone’s watching me. Once in the car, I subtly look around out the window, I still don’t see anyone staring at me.

  “What’s wrong?” Sofia asks, catching my frown.

  “Nothing. I just had a momentary feeling like I was being watched.” I rub the back of my neck.

  “Can’t blame them for staring. We’re four beautiful women surrounded by bodyguards. They probably think we’re famous,” Iz says.

  “I’m sure it’s nothing.” Mia smiles.

  “And even if it is something, we have nothing to worry about. We’re surrounded by capable men, and if for some reason they fell, we can take care of ourselves. It’s honestly probably one of them that is giving you that feeling.” Sofia grabs my hand. “Now wait until you check out this store.”

  The girls talk around me, but I can’t shake the feeling from the house.

  You’re being paranoid, I tell myself.

  It’s because I thought I saw Ricky outside the club the other day. Now, I’m worried he’s outside staring at me, even when I know it’s impossible.

  “If I see you here again, you won’t be leaving. Understand?”

  I still remember the way he made my stomach crawl. If it hadn’t had been for him, I wouldn’t have run that day, which means I wouldn’t have met Matteo. As much as he scares me, I’m grateful for him too. Matteo has been the best thing to ever happen to me, even if he’s second-guessing himself now.

  I know now that I don’t want to go back to living on the streets. I’ll do everything I can to put myself in a better place than I was before.

  “We’re here. Come on, Vanessa. This is going to be so much fun,” Mia squeals in delight.

  I slide out of the SUV, seeing that we are now in Manhattan on Fifth Avenue.

  “Let’s go to Benny’s first. I’m starving,” Sofia insists.

  “You’re always starving, but okay. Twist my arm,” Izzy teases her.

  “Come on.” Mia wraps my arm in hers. “Have you ever been to Benny’s?”

  “No. I used to avoid this area. The Upper East Siders don’t really like the dirty homeless hanging around.”

  She frowns. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even think about that. Nevertheless, you get to experience it now. It’s just a diner that serves common American food, but Sofia has been craving chili cheese dogs her entire pregnancy.”

  “That sounds interesting. I’ve had hot dogs before, but never with chili on them.”

  “We can get you one today.”

  “Wait, Mia. I don’t have any money.” I pull her to a stop.

  Nico pops up from behind us, handing me a card. “Boss said to spend whatever you want.”

  “You told him we took her?” Mia gasps.

  “He knew as soon as the door was open that you were there. I had to tell him you left. You know he is my boss.”

  Mia huffs. “Fine, but for that, he can buy me lunch too.”

  “I don’t know. I don’t want to spend his money.”

  “He wants you to. Now please go inside. Being in the open isn’t smart.” Nico ushers us inside.

  We join Sofia and Izzy at the table.

  “What do you think? A strawberry milkshake or a chocolate one?” Sofia asks me as soon as I sit down.

  “I don’t know. I’ve never had one.”

  “That boy hasn’t been treating you right. I’m going to have a talk with him.” Sofia shakes her head.

  “What can I get started for you?” the server asks as she approaches the table.

  “My friend and I are going to share milkshakes, so can we get a strawberry and chocolate with two extra glasses?” Sofia smiles up at the woman.

  “Of course, for you two?”

  “Coke,” Izzy orders.

  “Water for me,” Mia offers her own small smile.

  Once she leaves, Sofia turns back to me. “We are hanging out more. You need to experience the world beyond Queens.”

  “I used to walk around all the boroughs, not just Queens. Actually, Queens is the one I avoided most,” I tell her.

  “Really? Why?”

  I shrug. “Some unfriendly people live in Queens. Besides, every time I end up in Queens, I end up in trouble. I mean, look at me. The last time I came, I ended up living with Matteo.”

  “Don’t act like you don’t love it. We see the lovey-dovey faces you guys make at each other while at dinner.” Izzy sticks her finger in her mouth like she’s about to throw up.

  “It hasn’t all been bad.” I try to hide my smile thinking about everything I’ve learned from him.

  “Okay, enough of that. I don’t need to hear about my brother’s sex life. Let’s discuss a game plan for today.”

  I give Sofia a grateful smile as she starts to talk about the shops we are going to hit.

  Still, while we sit through lunch, I can’t shake the feeling of someone watching us. Even when I look around and only see the guards assigned to us, including Nico, I can’t help a feeling of dread setting in.

  I don’t know why, but I have a feeling something terrible is going to happen.

  Pacing back and forth in my living room, my anger grows. I came home to an empty house, for the first time since Vanessa moved in.

  Has she really been here that long that I can’t even remember a time before her?

  Pulling out my phone, I read the text again.

  Iz: I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but your girl is a riot.

  Me: What do you mean?

  Iz: We kidnapped her for the day.

  Me: Iz… tell me you didn’t

  Iz: Relax, she’s fine.

  Me: have her back by five.

  I check the time and see it’s four forty-five and slide my phone back into my pocket.

  She will be back any time now.

  I already knew that the girls had gone to the house. I got the notification when their code was used. Nico also texted as soon as he saw them. Then he texted saying they were leaving.

  That’s when I started to worry. I’d like to say I was worried about the girls being with Vanessa when I’m not sure about her myself, but that wasn’t it. I was worried about Vanessa being out in public, knowing that there might be someone stalking her. Even with all the guards I know are with them, I had to resist the urge to rush out of work and find them.

  I stomp over to the decanter and pour myself a glass of whiskey.

  “She’s fine. Hell, she couldn’t be safer if you tried,” I mutter to myself. Tossing the drink back I can’t help but hiss at the burn.

  A two hundred dollar bottle of whiskey isn’t meant to be slammed back like a shot; it’s meant to be savored. Even so, I couldn’t help it. The girl has me losing my mind.

  The door opens and I hear Sofia and Iz’s laughter. Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to get my anger under control.

  They did nothing wrong, I remind myself as I breathe slowly. They are bringing her into the fold like you want.

  Right?

  “Hey you,” Sofia says, dropping bags by the island. “Are you good?” she asks, frowning.

  “I’m fine,” I say harshly. Then I clear my throat. “I’m fine, I promise.”

  I don’t want to take my anger out on her.

  No, your anger is meant for Vanessa. How will she handle it?

  We are going to find out tonight.

  “Matty, did you know Vanessa has a dry sense of humor, like someone else we know?” Iz says, throwing herself down on my couch.

  “Uh, guys. I think it’s time to leave,” Mia says, clearly reading the room unlike the other two.

  I lock eyes with Vanessa and watch her slowly retreat.

  “Thanks for including me today, ladies, I’m going to go put this stuff away,” she says, clutching her one bag as if someone’s going to take it from her.

  Not when I’m around.

  Fuck, I need
to figure this shit out. I can’t keep yearning for her while also suspecting her of wrongdoing. I need to make up my fucking mind.

  “Psh.” Iz waves Mia’s comment away. “We can hang out here for a bit. I like to make Gio sweat.”

  “Actually, I need you to leave,” I say gruffly. “Vanessa and I have plans. Right, cara?” I say, making her pause.

  She spins around to face all of us. “That’s right. We have plans,” she says weakly.

  I clap. “Thanks for taking Vanessa out today, I’m sure she had a good time,” I say as I heard the women head toward the front door. “Until next time,” I say, holding the front door open.

  Mia kisses my cheek as she passes and Sofia does the same.

  “Don’t think this is the end of this conversation, Matteo,” Sofia says breezily.

  Iz stops in front of me, crossing her arms.

  “Yes?” I ask, raising a brow.

  “You better not hurt that girl,” she growls.

  “Wouldn’t dream of it,” I deadpan, making her sigh.

  “Be good,” she says, kissing my cheek as she walks out.

  I shut the door and flip the lock.

  “Run,” I rasp, feeling Vanessa’s eyes on me.

  I hear her gasp and the pounding of her footsteps as she runs through the house.

  Pushing off the front door, I do the only thing I can.

  I chase. Catching up to Vanessa in a matter of steps, I grab her around the waist and pin her against the wall.

  “I didn’t want to go,” she blurts out.

  “No?” I rasp, running my nose along her neck, licking her pulse point.

  “I didn’t want to make you mad,” she confesses, clawing at my back. “Please, I don’t want you to be mad.”

  “What would you do if I was?” I ask, nipping at her collarbone.

  “Anything, I’d do anything to make you happy.”

  “Anything?”

  “Anything.”

  I push off the wall, letting her slide down. Vanessa looks at me with confusion.

  “Turn around.”

  Wordlessly she does as I say. I take off my tie and bind her wrists behind her back.

  Spinning her around, I demand, “Get on your knees.” I watch her eyes flare as she sinks down.

  “Good girl,” I murmur, undoing my pants. I let them fall as my cock springs free. My cock twitches as she licks her lips, staring at it.

  I run my finger along her bottom lip. “Open.” She does as I ask and I slide my finger into her mouth. She wraps her lips around me. “I want you to suck my cock, just like that. Can you do that?” I ask, pulling my finger out of her hot little mouth.

  “Yes.” She leans forward, like she’s hypnotized, and licks me from balls to tip, making me hiss. I work my hands into her hair as she takes me into her mouth. She starts slow, working me in farther the more comfortable she gets. I use my hands and set the pace as I fuck her face.

  Vanessa moans around my cock, rubbing her thighs together.

  “Does sucking me off turn you on, cara?” I ask, speeding up.

  She hums around my cock. The tingling up my back warns me this is almost over.

  “I’m going to come down your throat,” I warn her.

  Vanessa speeds up, sucking me in as far as she can, making me moan. I jerk into her mouth, deep into her throat, and spill my load. I grunt, pulling out of her hot little mouth. Vanessa leans forward, licking me clean, making me hiss.

  “You like that?” I rasp, swiping the dribble off her lip.

  “So much,” she confesses, squirming.

  I help her stand and untie her wrists.

  “Come, it’s your turn now,” I tell her, pulling her toward the bedroom.

  I don’t know what it is about Vanessa, but she makes me feel like a sex-starved teenage boy.

  Entering through the back door of Bello Italiano, I head into the private room. I motion for Frankie to stand at the side of the room. I’ve begun bringing him with me since Nico is protecting Vanessa. I’m grooming him to be as good as Nico.

  Nodding at Bash and Sofia, I slide by and take a seat next to Gio.

  “How have you been?” he asks.

  “Not too bad. How have you been?”

  “Can’t complain.” He smirks.

  “Iz and the kids doing good?” I ask, referring to his cousins that Iz and him are raising.

  “They are moody little shits, but we’re having fun.” He smiles. “It’s been a while since you’ve seen the girls, huh?”

  “I’ve seen them in passing, but I haven’t spent any time with them.” I shrug, thinking about how much time I used to spend with Sofia, Mia, and Iz.

  Lo and Bash walk in and we all rise. As soon as Bash sits at the head of the table, we all sit.

  With a nod from Bash, the servers swoop in, filling our wine glasses and taking our orders. Once the room is cleared, each man fills Bash and everyone in on what’s happening in their area. How much protection money is being brought in and if we’ve seen anything to be concerned about.

  “Matteo, how are things going over in Queens?”

  “Things are going well, Don Bastiano.” I nod, using his status and full name. “Everyone is current on their dues. Club Ivy has been packed and hasn’t had a bad review since I took over. One bartender caught a man trying to drug a woman but caught him in time and tossed him out. Took a picture of his ID and put him on the banned list.”

  “That’s what I like to hear.” Bash nods, respect shining in his eyes. “What about the matter of the rogue Westies?”

  “It’s been quiet since you’ve talked with O’Reilly.”

  “Good. Now let’s wrap things up,” he says, telling all of us about things coming up, and what to look out for. As soon as he’s done, he dismisses everyone.

  Bash, Lo, Gio, and I stay sitting, watching men scatter.

  “It sounds like things are going well over in Queens,” Bash says, removing four cigars from his jacket.

  “They are.” I nod. “I’ve been doing the numbers to lighten Sofia’s load.”

  “I appreciate that.” He smirks, making us laugh.

  “So.” He puffs on his cigar as the lighter is passed. “Tell us, what’s going on with you and the homeless girl.”

  “Her name is Vanessa, not ‘homeless girl’,” I growl out, showing my hand.

  “Interesting,” Lo muses, making the other two laugh.

  “So? Are you keeping her?” Bash asks.

  “I want to, but it’s not exactly up to me now, is it?”

  “Of course it is,” Lo scoffs. “You just need to give her a reason to stay.”

  “More than your cock,” Gio deadpans.

  I rub my face, suddenly tired.

  “Between the four of us, I’m sure we can come up with something. But if I’ve learned anything from the girls, it’s that they need something of their own. They need something outside of us to feed their souls and give them a purpose,” Gio says.

  “What’s something she’s interested in?” Lo asks.

  “She’s always reading.”

  “Buy her a bookstore,” Bash offers.

  “Or a library,” Lo says.

  “That doesn’t feel right.” I shake my head, trying to think of what she could want. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t want her doing anything until I know she’s safe.”

  “You can’t keep her from living her life because of a little danger. Take it from us, most often the women can take care of themselves,” Bash admits.

  “I know, but I can’t stand the thought of her getting hurt. Then after we talked the other night, all I can think about is what if I’m wrong about her?”

  Bash lets out a sigh. “I didn’t say that to make you question everything. It’s my job to ask the tough questions. Has she ever given you a reason not to trust her?”

  “She tried to escape once. Lied to Nico to do it.”

  Lo chuckles. “Escape? Did you kidnap the chick?”

  I look a
way, not wanting to admit that I did just that.

  “Holy fuck. You did, didn’t you? This is great.” Gio busts out laughing. “Saint Matteo kidnapping the chick he loves.”

  “Who said I love her?” I bristle.

  “You didn’t have to. You kidnapped the chick, and she wound up in your bed. That said enough.” Lo ducks when I chuck a napkin at his head.

  “Other than that?” Bash prompts.

  “No. She stayed when Nico got hurt. She had an opportunity to run, but she didn’t.”

  “Has she tried to hurt either of you? Have you found her snooping?” Lo asks.

  “No. She pretty much reads or watches cooking shows all day.”

  “I don’t think it is. The girls have spent time with her. They believe she’s genuine,” Gio adds.

  “She may be playing a game or she could be in love with you. Either way, you need to let her live her life. Find something she loves to do and make it happen for her.”

  “Think about it. Ask questions. Figure her out and the answer will come to you,” Gio says.

  “Thanks,” I sigh, looking at the guys. “I guess I will head out and get started on it.”

  The four of us stand and clear the room.

  “Hey guys, everything go okay?” Sofia asks.

  Bash pulls her into his arms and kisses her deeply.

  “Everything went fine,” he murmurs.

  “Good,” she replies. “Tell Vanessa I want her to come early Sunday. She’s been learning to cook on her own. I want her to help out in the kitchen. I can’t do much, but Nona will be happy to teach her.”

  “I’ll let her know. I’ll catch you later.”

  As I head out to the car, I text Nico.

  Me: What’s she doing?

  Nico: Sitting in the living room in front of the fire reading a book.

  Me: Anything to report?

  Nico: It’s been quiet.

  Me: I’ll be there soon.

  I slip my phone into my pocket, jumping into the car with Frankie.

  Time to get home to my girl.

  Arms wrap around me, pulling me out of my trance. I blink several times, the fire coming back into focus.

  “What are you doing sitting on the floor?” Matteo rasps behind me.

  Leaning back into him, I close my eyes, listening to the fire crackle.