by S. C. Ellen
I hear footsteps coming down the stairs and see Carson from the corner of my eye looking as if he’s about to head out for the night.
He sees the inquisitive look I carry on my face, and before I can ask, he explains, “Meeting with the familia tonight.”
“About what?” I ask.
He stares at me as if I really just asked him that.
“Just keeping you on your toes.” I shrug, but I do feel a little silly as I raise my reading glasses to the top of my head. Not my fault I’m nosy by nature.
His eyes linger on me for a moment—something I catch him doing more often recently—and then his phone chimes, jarring him into action.
“Well, I’m off. I trust that you will not leave from this house or answer the door for anyone under any circumstance. One of our men, Frank, will be standing guard, but don’t hesitate to contact me if anything happens or if you need something. We clear?” he sternly asserts.
“Aye-aye, Captain!” I salute him, and that earns me a playful smirk.
“Nice glasses, by the way, they suit you.” And with the start of a blush forming on my cheeks, he’s out the door.
I’m not sure what happened over the last few days, but Carson has gotten a lot less uptight around me, and dare I say even enjoyable to be around? It’s too soon to say if it will stick, but at this point, I’m going to take what I can get.
I cuddle the blanket closer to my chest and return to my book, with a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
After a few hours of mindless reading, I place the book down, stretch out my sore muscles, and head into the bathroom to take a hot shower before I finally call it a night. Once the water starts to run cold from how long I’m in there for, I grab the towel from off of the rack and dry my hair and body with it, realizing quickly that I brought only a set of bra and panties in with me, and forgot to bring a pair of pajamas to change into, as well.
Well, it’s a good thing Carson isn’t home or this could have been an awkward encounter…
I put on the black undergarments and peek outside of the doorway, making sure he didn’t come home while I was in the shower…thankfully, he didn’t. My eyes search the hallway and catch on a certain bedroom door that happens to be slightly open, almost inviting me in.
I contemplate for a moment whether or not I should go in there. I mean, it is an invasion of privacy and all…I laugh out loud at the thought. When has that ever stopped me before, and besides, this is my house.
Ignoring my hesitation, I step inside Carson’s room with the scent of him immediately filling my senses. It’s all around me, and it’s oddly comforting. My eyes spot the unmade bed, and a few items of clothing he has skewed around the floor.
Nothing really out of the ordinary, I don’t even know why a part of me expected that coming in here was going to somehow answer or explain a part of him to me.
I turn to leave. “Shit!” I curse, after I kick something. I look down to see what it was that I ran into. The suitcase. The one that he brought in from his house the other day. I bend down to pick it up and move it out of the way when suddenly the contents of the suitcase spill out, and my eyes widen in surprise at what now covers the floor.
Hundreds. Thousands.
What has to have been hundreds of thousands of dollars graciously spill out onto the floor. Questions begin forming rapidly in my brain at the sight of it all.
How did he get his hands on so much money? Why is it in a suitcase in my home instead of a safe, for Christ’s sake?
I am all for snooping, but I know I need to get out of here, so I quickly scoop the money back into the case, and act like I never saw it in the first place.
However, my eyes catch onto something, and I spot the infamous Blizzard robe with my hands just itching to try it on.
Should I do it?! Oh, what the hell, why not? It’s not like he’s even home to catch me.
I quickly put the silk, icy-blue robe on and begin to sashay my way around the room in it, taking notice of how comfortable and cozy it actually is, and how it envelops me with the smell of him.
Another item in the closet grabs my attention, and I quickly grab hold of a black bag and place it on his bed. I take a seat next to it and hesitantly open it up.
Guns, guns, and more guns.
From tiny little handguns, to revolvers, to pistols, he has it all. Not to mention the knife collection he seems to have going on in there as well, accompanied by brass knuckles and leather gloves.
Unfortunately, I don’t have time to snoop through his room any longer because I begin to hear the front door rattling and footsteps coming from downstairs.
Shit! He’s home!
I throw his bag back inside the closet, quietly close his door, and run like hell to lock myself in the bathroom.
Damn, that was close.
I run my hand down my face in exasperation, and my eyes connect with the icy-blue robe that is still wrapped around my body.
Oh no!
I hear footsteps coming up the stairs, and I know that I’m busted.
I hear someone talking from outside the door, and reality dawns on me. That’s not Carson.
Maybe he invited a friend over?
But the deep accent accompanying the person makes me believe that this person is no friend.
“Da… This is the house you followed him to?… I am here… No sign of him… The girl?… What girl?”
And in that moment, I knew that it’s a Russian and I am doomed.
Before I begin to hyperventilate, I go over my options. I can unlock the door and run for my life, but if he has a gun that won’t help. Or I can just stay in here and wait until he leaves, and then call Carson, but I’m sure the Russian will figure out my whereabouts soon, once he goes through all of the rooms in the house and sees that this one is the only one locked!
So that is how I find myself clinging to the outside of my bathroom window in nothing but Carson’s robe and my underwear.
I look down and a wave of dizziness washes over me when I see how high up I am.
Come on, Alayna, you can do this!
I take a deep breath and swing my legs toward the large tree next to the window. I have a good footing on a thick branch, and slowly push off the window. I nearly fall to my death when my shaky foot slips out from under me, but I quickly grab hold of another branch and slowly but surely make my way down. Once my feet reach solid ground, I all but kiss it.
I run over to Frank’s car, knocking frantically on his window. “Open up, Frank! Call the club! A Russian broke in!” I get no response back. Surely, he didn’t fall asleep? I peer inside.
I hold back a scream and nearly gag at the sight of Frank’s slumped body, laid over the steering wheel, with fresh blood oozing from the back of his head.
With zero time to dwell any further, I quickly pull myself together and think of a new game plan. Grabbing hold of a thick rock from the ground, I make my way over to the passenger side window. With all my strength, I slam the stone into the glass, shattering it completely. I unlock the door and make my way inside of the car.
I’m shaking beyond belief, but I have to do this. Making a noise of pure disgust, I lean over and begin searching through Frank’s pockets for his phone. I’m shaking so hard that it causes me to take more time than I want to, but as soon as I find it, I immediately search through his contacts.
“Please have Carson, please have Carson,” I continue chanting to no one until I find his name.
I dial Carson’s number, and Carson picks up on the first ring. Thank God.
“Frank. What’s wrong?”
“Carson,” I choke out. “Help.”
Carson
Earlier
The last thing I want to fucking do today is go to a meeting. Ever since Saturday night when the shit with the Russians went down, I have had the world’s most aggravating headache and all I want to do is sleep it off. That Dmitri has some balls on him, coming on our fucking turf, in MY fucking club. L
ittle bastard has no respect and knew exactly what he was doing. He’s lucky I didn’t kill him right then and there when I found him messing with Alayna.
Fuck, just thinking about it makes my blood boil.
Vinny needs me to set a new plan in motion tonight to take further action against the Russians. I’m still debating whether or not to tell him what happened that night at the club, seeing as luckily, nothing really did happen. I head downstairs and find Alayna cuddled up on the couch with her head in a book. She’s so caught up in it that she doesn’t even realize I’m standing right in front of her. I take that opportunity to focus on her effortless beauty, blown away by how good she looks even when her hair is tied up in a messy bun, with not a trace of makeup on her face, and big, wide-framed glasses perched on top of her nose. She looks stunning, and I nearly kick myself for getting so distracted by her.
I find that I have to remind myself nearly every moment that she is off fucking limits.
I don’t even realize how long I’m watching her until my phone pings, reminding me of the meeting. After giving strict instructions to Frank taking watch outside, I get the hell out of there quickly.
Walking into the club, I sit at my usual spot and find Nina already pouring me a glass of whiskey.
“Hi ya, handsome.” Her tits are almost on the verge of spilling out over her tight black tank top as she passes me the drink.
“What are you doing working behind the bar tonight?” I ask.
“Ray had some business to take care of, so I volunteered to help out. Why? You’d rather be watching me working that pole, huh?” She playfully winks at me as she flicks her short, choppy black hair to the side.
“Are you trying to get a rise out of me tonight, Nina?” She makes her way from behind the bar and spins my chair to face her. She nudges my legs open and steps in between them. Her hands gliding across my chest as she leans in close to my ear.
“I’m trying to get a rise out of something.” Her hand trails farther down and moves across my dick. I stop her before she can undo the waistband of my jeans.
“Now’s not the time, Nina, I’m supposed to be meeting Jase and Lance.” I don’t know why I’m blowing her off, usually I never pass up a fuck with her, but I just don’t have the mind for it tonight, at least not with her, because all I find myself thinking about is a girl with bright blue eyes and a smart-ass mouth.
Fuck. I can’t afford to think like this.
Maybe on second thought… I should fuck Nina to get Alayna out of my system. So that’s what I do. I take her in one of the bathroom stalls and fuck her from behind, not giving a shit to finish her off. Does it help? Not one fucking bit.
“Once you’re cleaned up, grab me a drink, would ya?” She looks a little dumbfounded, but I don’t offer an explanation. I leave her in the stall and make my way out. Thankfully, Jase and Lance arrive, and once Nina is done fixing herself, she rushes off to get them their drinks.
“What’s up, man?” Jase greets me.
I shrug. “Same bullshit, just a different day,” I respond, taking a sip of my fresh drink.
“How’s life at casa de Alayna?” Lance asks before plopping down next to Jase. Nina brings the drinks over to the men, stopping when she hears his question.
“You’re living with Alayna?” The hurt in her voice is evident, and quite frankly I don’t give a damn, so I ignore it.
Nina is sex on legs, but apparently, she doesn’t understand that that’s all she is. I’ve made it quite clear to her numerous times that I don’t do relationships. Never have and never will. Too dangerous in this life, and to be honest, I’ve got enough shit on my plate to be bothered with anything more than a casual fuck.
Once she realizes I’m not going to answer her, she leaves with a hmph.
“And that is why I don’t do club chicks.” Jase chuckles. “But seriously, living with my sister? You have to be going nutty by now.”
I smirk just a little bit. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
“Well, salut to that.” Lance raises his glass, and we both follow.
Jase checks the time on his watch. “Well, duty calls, fellas.” I take one last sip of my drink, and we head to the meeting room.
It’s a small room with a big oval table and chairs surrounding it. Men are already gathered around with their glasses full of whiskey in one hand and a cigarette or cigar in the other. Vinny takes his seat at the head of the table, and Jase and I flank both of his sides.
I give Romario a brief nod in acknowledgment and lean back in my chair.
Vinny starts off the meeting. “It’s been a week since we’ve last heard from the Russians, and I don’t like it. They’re too quiet, too off the radar. I know they’re planning something. Something big.”
I glance at Jase, seeing as he is already staring at me. We nod in silent agreement and understanding about what needs to be done.
I decide it’s probably best that the news comes from me. “Dmitri and his crew were spotted at our club on Saturday. They got in using the back exit when it was unguarded.” I grab a cigarette from my front shirt pocket and light it. Waiting for Vin’s reaction to the news.
“And none of you thought it would be wise to let me in on this information?”
“We didn’t think it was necessary, Pops. Nothing happened, Carson handled it.” Jase shrugs.
“I don’t give a flying merda!” His fist angrily hits the table. “Next time a Russian bastardo sets foot on my soil, and I don’t know about it, I will handle both of you. Capisce?”
We both nod, not wanting to anger him further.
“Anything else anyone wants to get off their chests?” Vinny’s stark gaze connects with everyone in the room. “No? Good. Now with more pressing matters.” Vinny gestures to Romario. “Any news on our shipment?”
Romario clears his throat, “Chicago is pleased with the arsenal. It arrived yesterday and pickup went smoothly. Riscatto sends his best regards.” He picks up a suitcase from under the table, opening it just a fraction. Crisp hundred-dollar bills take up the whole case, nearly spilling out.
“And our purchase?” Vinny asks.
“Locked and loaded in the storage unit, north of downtown. AKs, revolvers, pistols, and as much ammo as we would need if a war broke out.”
“Good. Very good.” Vinny nods and turns his attention to me. “Any word from New York?”
Blowing out a puff of smoke, I shrug. “Marcus said all is well. The women from Paris arrived on Thursday, and we already have three offers for them.”
“And the coke?” he asks.
An old man we call Smokey answers. He’s named that because he has to use an electronic larynx device to speak from because of one too many cigars. Even now he has one dangling from his lips. “Fresh from Columbia, and already sold to half of Detroit.”
“Bene.” Vincenzo turns back toward me. “Frank is guarding my Alayna tonight, si?”
“Of course, I would never leave her unattended. Why?”
“Just a thought. I believe you have something to share with the men.”
I stub out my cigarette in the ashtray and run a quick hand through my hair. “I’ve been tracking the members of the American bratva for quite some time now. I’ve learned their men, their families, their money, and their products. I say the only way we hurt them, and hurt them good, is through their pockets.” I look around the table. “They have moved their warehouses more north, near the Pontiac City area. If we can sabotage their deliveries, they’ll be without weapons and cargo. They’ll be at their weakest, and that’s when we can take them down. For good.”
“I know the Moscow bratva have a strong hate for the American bratva. Carson, I know you have an in with…what’s his name again?” Jase asks, taking a sip of his whiskey.
“Maksim Vasiliev, and I’m not involving him. He’s an unpredictable asshole.”
“I mean, it wouldn’t be the worst thing we’ve done teaming up with a bratva that makes this one look like child’s play.�
� Jase shrugs.
“Like I said, not going to happen.” The ringing of my phone has me on high alert, especially because I told Frank to only contact me in case of an emergency.
I feel Vinny’s stare beaming a whole through the side of my face. I answer on the second ring.
“What is it, Frank?”
Vinny and I are staring at each other and he looks as on edge as I feel.
“Carson.” I immediately stand, knocking over the chair behind me once I hear the desperation in Alayna’s voice. “Help.”
“Alayna?” And from the mere mention of her name, Vincenzo turns lethal, shouting out orders to his men. Jase immediately loads up his pistol.
With a terrified tremble in her voice, she replies, “Russian… in the house… hurry.” I am out of the door in a matter of seconds with Jase following right behind me.
“I’m on my way. Stay on the line.” I head to my car, and Jase to his.
“I’ll try,” she softly whispers. I have never heard her sound so scared and hopeless, and it sends a fierce need through me.
“Where is Frank?” I ask as I start up my engine and hit the gas, leaving skid marks in my wake.
“Dead.”
I punch my steering wheel, pressing the gas farther down, hitting deadly speed limits.
“How many men?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“I don’t know… I only heard one.” She lets out a shaky breath, and I will my car to go faster.
“Where are you exactly?”
“Frank’s car. Carson… please hurry.” Her voice cracks at the end.
Her desperation for me, like I’m the only one who can save her, the only one who can truly protect her, does something to me. Just thinking about what I’m going to do, and the hell I’m going to rain down on the fucker who made her scared like this, gives me a sick satisfaction.
“Alayna, listen to me, drive Frank’s car to the nearest gas station. I will have someone meet you there, okay?”
I hear a bit of shuffling and then her frantic voice, “They’re gone, Carson! The keys are gone! I can’t find them anywhere!”
I can hear that she’s on the brink of losing it, so I try to calm her down the best way I know how, with the truth.