by Nyx, Angel
“There's nothing to thank me for, Bella.. I wanted to be there. Let me carry him up for you.”
The first time he'd offered it had annoyed me because I thought he assumed I wasn't strong enough to carry Eli down the stairs. Now I knew he was just being a gentleman. “Okay.” I moved ahead of him to get the door to the building open and once again when we reached my apartment.
“Which one is his room?”
The cocked brow and the look on his face did all sorts of things to my body. It should be a crime to be that sexy at 4 in the damn morning. “First door on the right.”
It wasn't until Eli was tucked into his bed that the late hour really hit me. I felt completely drained and it must have shown on my face.
“I should let you get some sleep, Bella. Don't worry about the bill, it's taken care of. Get some rest.”
Before I was able to process his words he pulled me into his arms and kissed me breathless. How did he have such an effect on me? “Gio, it's not your responsibility to cover my son's bill.”
“I never said it was. I'm still taking care of it. Goodnight, Bella. Rest well.”
He didn't give me the chance to argue any further. He just left. By the time I finally collapsed into bed, the sun was just lightening the sky outside my bedroom window.
Five hours later I sat at my kitchen table sipping coffee and trying desperately to wake up. Did I want to be up this early? No, but the apartment manager was finally getting someone in to fix the leaky faucet in my bathroom. I'd been complaining about it for months now.
“He paid the hospital bill?”
Risa sat across from me looking as sleep deprived as I felt. “He did, despite me telling him twice he didn't need to do it.”
“Girl, if you don't snatch that man up I will. Any man who is willing to spend that kind of money has to be a good guy.”
“I don't know, Risa. I mean, where did he get all that money? Sure, he bought the club, but it's not exactly a lucrative business. Not right now. That asshole, Harry, was skimming off of everyone. How do I know Gio isn't the same way?”
“Do you really think that's how he makes his money? Does he seem like the type of man to do that sort of thing?”
I had to admit he didn't. “No. Not really.”
“So then why are you worried that's what he's doing? Carly, come on. How long has it been since you've dated? It's obvious he's got the hots for you.”
“Risa, he's my boss. What happens when the new wears off and he moves on to someone else? I can't risk my job by getting involved with my boss. It's not worth worrying about whether or not I'm going to lose it if things don't work out.”
“Carly. I don't want to see you push away something that could turn into a really good thing out of fear. You've been alone a long time and you deserve to be happy.”
“I didn't get enough sleep to deal with this right now.” Was it a cop out? Maybe, but Risa was hitting too close to home for my comfort.
“Suit yourself.”
Those words replayed through my mind all day. At least I wouldn't have to face Gio tonight. It was my night off. A small reprieve but a reprieve nonetheless.
Chapter Sixteen
Gio
Something was wrong. I knew it the moment I woke up and saw the message on my phone. La famiglia needs you. I made my way through the city to Mama and Pop's place with hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles were white. What the fuck else was going to go wrong? You'd think being in a city where there wasn't a strong mafia presence would make life easy. You'd be wrong. New Orleans might not have much of a mafia presence, but it still had it's crime ridden areas.
“Mio figlio. He's in his office.”
The way Mama met me at the door solidified the feeling that something was wrong. What the hell could have happened this time? “Grazie, Mama.” I kissed her cheek and moved past her to the stairs that would take me to the second floor and my father's office. With each step the tension rose. A quick knock on the door and I was pushing it open.
“Gio. We have a situation in Hollygrove.”
I froze at those words. Carly lived in Hollygrove. “What kind of situation?” I had to force my mind away from Carly and on business.
“The restaurant we acquired over on Monroe Street. There was a shooting. You need to get over there and make sure none of la famiglia were involved.”
My tension rose at Pop’s words. The restaurant was a block away from Carly’s home. I didn’t like it. “On my way, Pop.”
I tore through the streets on the way to the restaurant. I knew the police would be there by the time I arrived, but since we owned it, getting information shouldn’t be too difficult. I wanted to swing by Carly’s, but that would have to wait. Business first.
When I pulled up near the police barricades I climbed out of my car and made my way to the officer standing closest to me. “Morning, Officer. I’m Giovanni Marchetti. Mi famiglia, my family owns this restaurant. I need to get inside and check on my people.”
“I don’t have the authority to grant you access, Mr, Marchetti.”
“Then find someone who does.”
I waited for what felt like forever, but was really only minutes, when a detective approached. “Mr. Marchetti, I’m Detective Burchett. If you’ll follow me. The crime scene has been secured so there is no chance of contaminating it.”
“Grazie, Detective. I am quite concerned about the safety of my employees.” I knew better than to ask what happened. I would find out once I was inside.
“Understandable. We’re still conducting our investigation so none of the employees are at liberty to leave, yet.”
“I understand, Detective.” I stepped inside and took in the scene. One booth was splattered in blood and the area surrounding it was cordoned off. The employees were corralled at the back of the restaurant, near the kitchen, and I made my way to them.
“Mr. Marchetti. Grazie a Dio you’ve come.”
“Alonzo. Did we lose anyone?” Alonzo was the restaurant’s manager.
“Si. Annamaria was killed and Carlos was caught in the crossfire.”
I went to Alonzo and moved him away from the others. “Tell me what happened.” I kept my voice low so none of the officers wandering around would hear.
“Annamaria’s husband came in, brandishing a gun. She tried to get him to calm down and leave but he started screaming at her, something about her cheating on him. He was enraged. He told her if he couldn’t have her, no one would, and started shooting. Carlos tried to tackle him and was hit. They took him to University Medical Center. He was in bad shape, Boss. I don’t know if he’s going to make it.”
“Fuck.” I ran a hand over my face and sighed. “I’ll take care of it. What about the husband?”
“Shot himself. Dipshit fucked up and didn’t kill himself, though. He was taken to the hospital, too.”
“Annamaria had three kids, didn’t she?” When Alonzo nodded I continued. “I’ll see to it they’re not separated if they go into foster care, and they’ll be taken care of. Give everyone two weeks off, with pay. That’ll give them time to process what happened here and give us time to make repairs.”
“You got it, Boss.”
My mind was already elsewhere. I had things I needed to take care of, so as soon as the police let people leave, I exited the building and headed to my car.
First order of business; check in on Carly.
Chapter Seventeen
Carly
I thought I’d put it behind me. Rico’s death. It’s been years, you’d think I’d be over it by now, right? That was what I thought, too. When the sound of gunfire echoed through the neighborhood, I realized how wrong I was. When it started, I’d grabbed Eli and hid in my closet until it was over.
Hours later, I was still shaken up over it. Eli was playing his video game and I was sitting on the sofa with a cup of coffee when a knock at the door had me jumping. Thank fuck the cup wasn’t full or I’d have spilled it down the front
of me. “Gio? What are you doing here?” I stared at him once I’d opened the door to find him standing there.
“Good afternoon to you, too, Bella. I came by to check on you and Eli.”
“Why? Shit, I’m being rude. Please, come in. Can I get you something to drink? I have tea, coffee, juice, or water.”
“Coffee sounds perfect.”
I moved out of his way when he reached out to touch me. My nerves were shot – I couldn’t handle anymore stress right now.
“How is Eli? Is the infection getting better?”
“Yes. Thank you for asking.” I set a cup of coffee on the table along with the sugar and creamer. “I notice you didn’t answer my question. Why did you come to check on us?” His sigh made me arch a brow.
“There was a shooting at one of the businesses mi famiglia owns not far from here. I know hearing gunfire can be very unsettling. I wanted to be sure you and Eli were all right.”
I studied him from across the table. There was something...off about all of this. The way he spoke of his family, if we were in a city like Chicago I’d think they were mafia, but that was silly. There was no mafia in New Orleans. Right? “Thank you for your concern. Do you take this much interest in all your employees?” I pushed down the spike of jealousy that flared up at the thought of him paying such attention to another woman.
“No, Bella. Only you.”
I felt the warmth in my cheeks at his words. Pushing the feeling aside, I sat there sipping my coffee. “Was anyone hurt? Did...anyone die? In the shooting, I mean.”
“Si, unfortunately. One of the waitresses lost her life. She’d recently left her husband and he showed up at the restaurant, brandishing a gun. One of the cooks charged at him, to try to disarm him, and was wounded, as well.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry.” I noticed my hands were shaking and set them in my lap.
“What is wrong, Bella? You’re shaking.”
If someone asked me why I told him the truth, I don't think I could have answered. “Eli’s father was killed in a drive-by shooting. I thought I was over it, but hearing the gunfire so close, I guess it has my nerves on edge.”
“I am sorry, Bella. You cared a great deal for him, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, I did. I know I was only sixteen and most relationships at that age don’t last, but I think we would have been the exception.” I shrugged. “It’s a moot point.” I watched as he seemed to process what I’d said.
“I need to be going. Thank you for the coffee.”
I watched as he took his cup to the sink and rinsed it out. “You’re welcome. And thank you, Gio, for your concern.”
“I’ll see you tonight, Bella.”
Before I could say anything in response, he stopped next to me where I sat at the table, dipped his head, and kissed me.
“Mm. Delicious.”
His voice came out on a growl that had things tightening low in my body. I watched him stalk across my apartment and once the door closed behind him, I collapsed in my chair, rested my head on my arms on top of the table and sighed. That man was not making it easy to keep him at arm’s length. I needed to steel my resolve around him. He was way too dangerous for my peace of mind.
Chapter Eighteen
Gio
As soon as I left Carly’s I headed to University Medical Center. Stepping up to the reception desk in the emergency room, I waited for the woman behind the counter to finish with her phone call before I spoke. “Carlos Sanchez was rushed into the ER earlier with a gunshot wound. Can you tell me if he’s been admitted yet?” After a few clacks of the computer keys the woman returned her attention to me.
“Mr. Sanchez is in surgery. The trauma surgery center is on the fifth floor in Zone A.”
“Grazie.” I nodded at her and made my way to the surgery center. There I came face to face with Carlos’ parents and his girlfriend. “Signore e Signora Sanchez. I am so sorry this happened.” I’d met both his parents and his girlfriend, Savannah, when his parents celebrated their anniversary earlier in the year at the restaurant. “I want you both to know that any medical bills from the shooting will be taken care of. Don’t worry about anything. The man responsible will pay for his crimes.”
“Gracias. You’ve been very good to our familia.”
I nodded at his father. “Is there any news, yet?”
“No. We are still waiting.”
“Do you mind if I wait with you?”
“Of course we don’t mind.”
I took the seat next to Carlos’ mother and sent a quick text to my Pop.
One dead, another critically wounded. The shooter tried but failed to kill himself. The deceased has three children. We need to insure they aren’t separated and are taken care of.
The reply from my father was quick.
I will see to it they’re taken care of. All of them.
I knew he meant more than just the children. Their mother’s murderer wouldn’t live to see a courtroom.
Hours later, Carlos’ parents were finally approached by a doctor. “Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez? I’m Doctor Whittaker. The surgery went well. The bullet caused a lot of internal damage but we were able to repair it. He lost a lot of blood and will be in ICU for at least the next few days.”
“Gracias a Dio.”
When Mrs. Sanchez nearly collapsed in relief at hearing Carlos had survived the surgery, both her husband and I caught her and supported her until she got her feet beneath her again.
“When can we see him?”
“He’s still in recovery, Mr. Sanchez, but I can have someone escort you to his room to wait for him.”
“Gracias.”
“Signore e Signora, I will leave you to visit with your son.” I pulled a card from my wallet. “Should you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call this number and it will be taken care of.” I turned to his girlfriend. “That goes for you, as well,” I said and handed her a card also. With that I left to first check on the clean up at the restaurant and then head to my home to shower, eat, and get ready for another night at Dangerous Curves.
“Tony. Sorry I didn’t make it in for the inventory. I had business to take care of.”
“Not a problem, Gio. Carly and I took care of it. I need to talk to you about that, though.”
“I don’t like that sound of that. What’s wrong?”
“Some of the stock was missing, according to the shipment orders. I’m keeping a close eye, without letting on to the staff, to be sure it isn’t an ongoing problem.”
“Fuck. Keep me posted. Have you seen Carly, yet?”
“You got it bad for her, cugino.”
I snorted. “She’s sexy and feisty, of course I do. Answer the question, Tony.” his chuckle irritated me but I pushed the irritation away.
“She’s backstage taking care of a minor problem one of the dancers had.”
“Good to know. Pour me a scotch.” Once I had my drink in hand, I moved to the VIP section and took up residence on one of the comfortable sofas there.
My mind was on a certain brunette beauty when someone was suddenly sitting in my lap. My eyes focused and I cocked a brow at the woman. “It’s Chablis, right? What do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m touched you remembered my name. I’m making myself comfortable, of course.”
I started to move her off my lap when her arms wrapped around my neck.
“I just wanted to talk. About the manager’s position. I’m a little confused why you gave the job to Carly. She’s never managed anything before. She didn’t even graduate high school. I, however, was a manager for four years before I started working here. I’m sure you have your reasons for giving the position to someone with no experience, though, right?”
“My reasons are my own Chablis.”
“Oh, I know, and I’m not questioning your authority, Mr. Marchetti. I just think...if you really want to turn things around so the club starts making money, you’d reconsider. It’s just a thought.”
Before I cou
ld say anything in response, her lips landed on mine.
Chapter Nineteen
Carly
I’d arrived at Dangerous Curves to find that Sienna, one of the newer dancers, was in a panic over the outfit she needed for the group performance having a tear in it. After calming her down and quickly fixing it, I headed out front and up to the VIP section where I needed to check to be sure it was fully stocked for the night.
I’d just cleared the top step when I looked up to find Chablis and Gio kissing. “What. The. Fuck?” I saw Gio jerk away from Chablis even as I turned and made a beeline for the ground floor, and my office.
“Bella, Carly, wait. I can explain.”
“Save it, Gio. I don’t want to hear it.” I knew. I knew better than to let him close. This was the wake-up I needed to keep the man at arm’s length.
I made it to my office but before I could close the door, Gio was there. “I really don’t want to hear any excuses, Gio. Besides, it’s none of my business what, or who, you do.”
“Enough, Bella. She kissed me, not the other way around. If you’d waited a few seconds you would have seen me dump her on her ass with the warning that if she ever pulls a stunt like that again she can kiss her job goodbye.”
I stared at him. I wanted to believe him but how could I? I’d seen them kissing.
“Carly. Tesoro. If I have to fire her tonight to prove it to you, I will.”
I sighed and closed my eyes. “No. That won’t be necessary. It really isn’t any of my business, Gio. You’re my boss. Nothing more.”
“Non, Tesoro. I am more than that.”
I found myself pulled into his arms, despite my weak protests, and his lips claimed mine. A soft moan escaped me and my hands lifted to grip his shirt. The things he did to me. His arms tightened around me and for just a moment, I allowed myself to enjoy his embrace. Then I got control of my senses and pulled away. “Why was she in your lap in the first place if you aren’t interested in her?”