The Forbidden Prince
Book 2 of
A Sweet Seattle Mafia Romance
Bonnie R. Paulson
The Forbidden Prince
He’s the prince of the biggest mafia family on the west coast. I’m an FBI agent’s daughter. When my dad asks me to go undercover, I’ll risk my heart over my father’s approval.
I’ve been waiting my whole life for a chance to prove myself. When the opportunity comes, I’m not ready for it to be dressed in black Armani with the eyes of a charming devil and the lips of a saint.
Everyone knows Angelo Rossi. Mamas cross themselves while hoping he chooses their daughter to be the future queen of the Rossi family. His biggest weakness is a pretty woman. He can’t turn down a challenge.
I’m presenting myself as the biggest challenge he’s ever met. My reputation is full of prim and proper while my smile promises sinful fun.
If I play hard to get for the prince who gets everything and everyone, maybe I’ll get the one thing I’ve always wanted – my father’s love.
Be careful, Sofia, the prince is named for an angel used to getting what he wants. He may claim you as his.
Chapter 1
Angelo
The low moon with a red ring was a bad omen. I glared at the night sky. My nonnina always crossed herself when there was a red presence in the sky. She’d said it was a promise of things to come that one didn’t want. Then she would smack her husband, my grandfather, on the hand and tell him he couldn’t have the cannolis cooling on the racks.
I glanced around the alley. Normally, I wasn’t the one dropping the money off. With the extra watchmen out for the Bianchis and their troublemaking and always a second eye watching the Capones, there was a need for everyone to step up and do more.
A breeze blowing in off the sound carried the aromas of Seattle, pungent with the salt of the sea.
Tapping on the metal door, I continuously scanned the shadows of the alley. It wouldn’t be the first time I was spied on, if anyone were out there. It wouldn’t be the first time I had to defend myself. If I were arrested, I wouldn’t be amused, although I also wouldn’t be surprised.
Creaking open, the over-sized metal door revealed an older man with silvery blond hair dressed in a suit that could have come from the highest designer in New York. The man narrowed his eyes and held his lips tight in a line.
“There’s a monsignor in the moon tonight.” The code phrase changed sporadically and the newest term had been texted to me about five minutes before I knocked.
The man’s wariness didn’t fade as he held out an envelope that bulged on the sides. I furrowed my brow and did the same. My envelope was full of money, but I wasn’t supposed to be picking anything up, just dropping off the Rossi donation to the new company we were trying to line up a partnership with.
“Yesterday’s tomorrow is looking grim.” The blond man delivered another code for that was all and time to get out of there.
They traded their packages and I held the envelope down by my side as I turned and loped away. I wouldn’t put it in the pocket of my inner jacket until I was safely inside my vehicle. Holding it where I had it would give me the chance to ditch it if anyone gave chase after me. I could always come back and get it. A little trick my father had taught me a few years back.
My leather Italian loafers designed by a cousin scratched over the gravel on the asphalt of the alley. I had parked around the corner in front of a fish place I wanted to try some time.
As soon as I stepped onto the street where my car was parked, there was a shift in the air. Whatever aura had hidden in the alley was gone as I rejoined the rush of downtown Seattle with cars zooming past and people walking here and there. Pike Place Market captivated many tourists and transient crowds which left the inner workings of that part of the city perfect for doing private business.
Just over the ridge of buildings, the Seattle Space Needle climbed into the sky as if defying the portent of warnings in the moon.
A quick peek at my titanium watch confirmed that evening wouldn’t be the one to try the fish at the restaurant. I climbed into my black and silver two-tone Maserati and started the engine.
As I pulled away from the curb, I finally let myself consider what the exchange suggested. I hadn’t been aware of any need to pick up a package. Normally, my father, The Rossi, kept me apprised of any exchanges or buyouts, but this one felt different. With such a young relationship with the Thompson Corporation, I was understandably leery of any steps the Thompsons took toward the Rossi family.
My sister’s recent relationship to a Rossi family rival, Leonardo Capone, left me unsure just what direction the Rossi family itself should be going. My future was wrapped up in the Rossis. For now, I was the underboss while my father was the dom. As soon as Giovanni relinquished his hold on the empire, I would step into position and take over.
If The Rossi changed the direction of the Rossi family holdings and businesses, I needed to know about it. The momentum of success would need to be carried over and that would be impossible if the impetus of the business slowed or altered in any way.
Reaching out, I pressed the call button on the car’s dashboard. “Call The Rossi.” I spoke in a normal tone as the Bluetooth capabilities of the car connected to the phone and I could talk to the system as if the phone were a person sitting right beside me.
The ringing of the other line filled the car and I turned onto Yester Way to get out from under the weight of the city.
When my father answered, he didn’t speak, just waited for me to state why I called so late.
“I completed the drop but got an exchange. It hasn’t been opened. Did you want me to bring it by tonight or just deliver it in the morning?” I casually rested my fingers on the leather steering wheel, comfortable driving the fast car.
“You’re going to take it to the wharf tomorrow. Meet at eleven and you’ll speak with a woman named Sofia.” My father’s gruff voice never failed to mesmerize me. No matter how much I wanted to take over the Rossi family leadership role, I couldn’t help but defer to my father. The man had captured so much of my respect while doing nefarious things. I never understood it, but I’d fallen hook, line, and sinker for the responsibilities of the Rossi family.
I would never be able to get out from underneath its clutches.
“The wharf. Got it.” I went where The Rossi wanted and when. I wasn’t sure what I would be doing, but I had no doubt my father would give me instructions.
“You listen to me, Angelo. This Sofia is dangerous. She’s beautiful and from what I understand she controls the men in the company. You are to stay away from her in any other context than professional. Are we clear? I don’t need your sloppy mistakes ruining this business deal.” The Rossi didn’t smooth his comments to make a point. He just said what was needed, completely understanding that what he said would go.
I had some of that power, but I wouldn’t have it all until my father gave up his seat at the head of the family. Something that wouldn’t happen for a long time.
Swallowing, I nodded. I’d been warned away from a woman once before by my father and, at the time, I had refused to listen. That had cost me more than I’d been willing to give up and all for a piece of tail. I wouldn’t be doing it again. “Yes, sir.”
“Angelo, I want your word. I’ve heard more about this woman’s ability to wrap men around her finger than I’ve heard of the Giovanni Italian restaurant’s famous lasagna. This deal cannot go south, do we understand each other?” The Rossi had already explained the importance of the deal with the Thompson Corporation he’d been working on for almost six months. The doubled-up warning left a raw sensation in my mouth.
“Of course, Father. I won
’t mix business with pleasure on this deal. Nothing will mess it up.” The last time I’d made a mistake and placed my trust in the wrong person, she’d screwed us all over and turned things over to the Bianchis, giving them all the information, leaving me embarrassed and lovesick.
She’d never even cared about me. Trust was an ugly thing to destroy and she’d devastated me enough to destroy my trust in any woman but my mother again. “Don’t worry. I don’t trust women anymore. They all lie and cheat.” I clenched my jaw at the painful truth.
The Rossi chuckled, the throaty sound filling the car. “We’ll see, Angelo. I know a few good Italian women who have been raised the right way that you might find would make lovely wives. You need someone docile and ready to take care of your home. Just say and I’ll set you up with a few of them. There are a lot of mothers who would love to have you take their daughter to wife.”
I rolled my eyes. “Thank you, sir, but I’m still going to have to decline your offer. Maybe sometime next year.” I’d never accept my father’s offer to arrange a marriage. I didn’t want a docile wife or a boring woman to come home to.
In all honesty, I’d rather just take over the family and let things go as they were. Living on my own would keep things simple. I liked simple. Women were anything but.
“Remember what I said, Angelo. Sofia is not for you.” The Rossi hung up, leaving me more curious and just a little frustrated that I’d been told multiple no’s on something I didn’t even want.
Hopefully, I wouldn’t rise to the challenge brooked in The Rossi’s tone. I didn’t like being told no and sometimes I did things I wasn’t supposed to do simply because I could. But this time we were talking about a woman and, since I didn’t trust women, I doubted I’d have any problems following these orders.
How appealing could this woman be?
Chapter 2
Sofia
I leaned my head forward, slowly stretching my neck as I tried to calm my nerves. Angelo Rossi would be at my office and warehouse in the next fifteen minutes and I wasn’t an experienced enough woman to handle a man like him.
All of the rumors about him would either be confirmed or denied. All of the descriptions I’d heard about him would be put to the test. I wasn’t sure how much of the rumors were expanded and how many were just that – rumors.
My phone dinged as I stood at the large wall-spanning windows overlooking the wharf. Moving to pick up the phone, I used the fingerprint scan button on the top corner to access it. Then I swiped my private email and opened a fast note from my father.
Sofia, remember the time we have all put into this. Don’t give anything away. He’ll be there shortly to examine Thompson Corporation. You run everything. Don’t let me or the agency down.
Everything came down to the agency. For as long as I could remember, that’s all that ever mattered to my father. During my childhood, he was never around because of work. When I went off to school, he only showed interest when he found out my major was in law enforcement with a minor in political science.
Those were the requirements to get a foot in with the Bureau.
The doorbell rang through the warehouse, the sound tinny and like a loud bong at the same time.
Inhaling deeply, I flipped my dark curly hair over my shoulder and smoothed my hands down the front and sides of my deep green sheath-style dress. The tight pencil skirt stopped just past my knees and the four-inch black heels showed off calves I worked hard to keep sleek and toned.
Pulling my shoulders back, I lifted my chin and turned, nodding tightly at my bodyguard, Blue, who was both a cousin and an agent deep undercover. We all were. It was the only way we were going to infiltrate the Rossi family. Collaring a major crime family like the Rossis, the Capones, or the Bianchis was a career maker. Everyone in the district craved it, my father most of all.
While Blue moved with a crisp stride down the steps to the front door, I scanned the upper level. I’d furnished it myself with wall to wall cream carpeting, mahogany furniture, and splashes of color in small accessories on the desk, some shelves, and a side table.
I knew my good side. I knew my looks were appealing and challenging to men. I’d been told once that I could have passed as Snow White, if she were real. There was a level of comfort in knowing my genetic gifts were going to help my father somehow, help me, too.
Curling the side of my mouth with a smile I’d practiced in the mirror, I arched an eyebrow and leaned my hips against the edge of my expansive desk. Lifting my chin just enough to add an obstinate angle to my jaw, I worked on the image I would present and didn’t prepare myself for the possibility that the rumors about Angelo Rossi would be true.
He sauntered up the stairs, the dark waves in his hair carefully controlled but with just enough freedom a few locks caressed his forehead. A tightly trimmed beard and mustache set off the paleness of his skin which only made him look stronger as he turned dark, sultry eyes my way when he reached the top of the steps.
Rather than give into the stuttering in his presence I knew was just under the surface, I pushed away from the desk and let my hips sway side to side as I approached him. We closed the distance between us and I held out my hand, making sure to shake with a firm grasp like my father had taught me. I wasn’t the type of girl to let myself seem weak or prissy.
His touch was warm and sent lightning bolts to my belly. One more clue I would have to watch myself closely around him.
“Mr. Rossi, it’s nice to finally meet you. Your father speaks very highly of you.” I offered him a side-smile like I had a secret, all the while wishing I could just be myself. Unfortunately, the me I wanted to be wasn’t who had been assigned the case. No, I had to be the Sofia Thompson who was the head of an international corporation that was a cover for illegal activities.
He scanned my form while still grasping my hand in his. “That’s surprising, since I’ve never heard of you.”
I almost told him my eyes were up here but I was supposed to be the goods, yet at the same time I was also supposed to be the controller of many men. Taking a chance, I reached out and wrapped my free hand around both of ours and I gently tugged him closer until I was in his space but controlling the moment.
Keeping my voice low and friendly, I arched an eyebrow at him, breathing in the darkly scented cologne wafting off his skin. “If you can’t look me in the eye when you’re addressing me, you can tell your dom to send someone else.” I allowed some of the challenge to come through my gaze as he jerked his eyes toward mine.
After a moment, he released my hand and inclined his head. “My apologies. It’s one way of gauging the people I deal with.”
“Really? You inventory all the assets of everyone you meet? What did you think about Blue’s butt?” I cocked my finger in the direction of my cousin who had moved to stand by the top of the stairs. “Didn’t you think his shoulders were delicious?” I half-turned, trailing my finger along the desk as I held Angelo’s gaze with my own. “There are other ways to gauge someone, Mr. Rossi. Checking out my rack is not one of them.”
“Point taken.” He carefully held his eyes above my neckline and I suddenly wanted to tease him. The man was going to be the key to everything and if I could just hold it together, I could make it out of the entire incident unscathed.
I motioned toward my chest and waist and stopped on the other side of the desk. Cocking my head to the side, I grinned. “They’re pretty great, though, aren’t they?”
His face turned red as he avoided looking, as if he sensed I was testing him.
Good for him. I was testing him.
“I’m here to deliver the first package. The Rossi said you’d know what to do with it.” Angelo reached into his jacket pocket and Blue stepped forward, his own hand moving to his hip.
I shook my head tightly at my bodyguard and half-closed my eyes. Angelo caught the movement and looked behind him, displaying the lines of his neck that led beneath the well-tailored black suit jacket.
He held o
ut his hands, in one was a white envelope that bulged from its contents. “Trust me, Ms. Thompson, if I was going to hurt you, you’d know.” A promise in his eyes left me breathless and I swallowed as I took the package.
“Thank you. I’ll have Blue see you out.” I set the envelope on the desk and turned back toward the windows, moving to stare out at the sea. I had been told by the men in my unit to turn my back on him last for two reasons; one, it would dismiss him and remind him who was in charge, and two, my butt was an even better asset than my chest.
He paused and before walking away, he murmured for my ears only, “I look forward to seeing you again, Ms. Thompson.” He left and I refused to turn around as I caught my breath. The man was beyond addicting and I had a feeling I was playing with the devil.
I moved to the desk and pulled out my phone and sent a text I should probably have waited to send.
I got him.
A piece of me was afraid it was the other way around.
Chapter 3
Angelo
Sofia had no idea what a challenge she presented to me. Calling me out on looking at what she so freely offered on display with a hard glint in her eye that suggested she’d been scanned by the worst left me questioning my own effect on women. I didn’t want to upset her. I didn’t want to offend her.
But how did you look away from someone with the curves of a Monticello race track? Even while the sass came off her in waves, there was an innocence to her expression that I craved to taste.
The fact that she ran the entire Thompson Corporation only made her more intriguing. A woman like that would most definitely not be trustworthy. I would have to watch my back even more carefully than my father had warned me about.
But the partnership was going to be interesting.
She hadn’t said anything about meeting again. The next morning, I tugged on the cuff of my white button up shirt as I waited for my father to text me.
The Forbidden Prince Page 1