Gino - Ashley Rhodes

GINO SEDUCED BY THE MOB - BOOK 2

ASHLEY RHODES

COPYRIGHT © 2017 BY ASHLEY RHODES This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be constructed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical articles and reviews. EDITOR: Teresa Banschbach

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1

Looking Back

H

and she curled into a tight ball to stave off the chill of the cold concrete floor. Having been locked in the damp underground room for weeks, her had body had grown progressively weaker. Tiffany could no longer stand up for herself, much less any of the other women. Though her body was too ER BODY WAS WRACKED WITH PAIN

exhausted to move, her mind was restless. Listlessly, her thoughts reeled back to better times. Less than a month ago, her life was the stuff of dreams. At nineteen, she came into the longawaited inheritance her grandmother bequeathed. Promptly putting boot to ass, she’d rid herself of everything that wasn’t working in her life. Not the least of which had been the nasty, ill-mannered relatives who’d taken her in when her parents had died. Their repressive fundamentalist beliefs had squashed her spirit for far too long. Shaking off a lifetime of bad memories, she rented her very first apartment. Perhaps furnishing it with an eye to the lifestyle she wanted, rather than one she could afford, hadn’t been the best of ideas, but for once her living space felt a reflection of her own personal style. Now she just had to work on maintaining her fabulous new lifestyle. Fortunately, success drifted within her reach when she won a teen magazine clothing design competition. She’d been entering them for years, but this was her year. She remembered her big day well. Turning

over with a groan, she pulled the pillow over her head to drown out the alarm chirping from her cell phone. It was now or never time. Rolling out of bed, she turned off the alarm and headed for the shower. Almost too excited to sleep the preceding night, Tiffany had mentally rehearsed her presentation time and time again. As the warm water sluiced over her body, she reminded herself that the hard part was behind her. She’d beaten out thousands of other teens out in the national competition. Her prize was an opportunity to present her clothing designs to the venerable international clothier, Le Renard. It was the chance of a lifetime and she wasn’t about to squander it. Laying out a smart Mediterranean-inspired suit with a long duster-style jacket, she groomed herself to within an inch of her life. Since she’d packed, repacked, and double checked her design portfolio the evening before, she had time to focus on her appearance this morning. Tiffany concentrated on making herself over in the image of her target audience. She was vying for the attention of young, wealthy females who

preferred thinking of themselves as international citizens of the world. Though Le Renard was a very traditional clothing house, Tiffany was gambling everything on the hope that they could see promise in the line of clothing designed for younger women. Within the hour, she found herself sitting in their posh office suite. Just being in the fashion district always gave her butterflies. Taking a deep breath, she steadied her nerves. The carefully crafted presentation had been practiced ad nauseam. She’d stick to the plan and hope for the best. Smoothing one hand down her jacket, she gracefully stood when they called her name. Shoving down the panic rising in her gut, she followed the well-dressed PA, presumably to their conference room. Left alone to set up her presentation, she quickly pulled out her design boards and placed them in order on the easel. What little courage she had failed, when every executive who entered the room was at least fifty. The chances of them seeing value in her designs or viewing them as forward thinking was slim to

none. Steeling herself, she walked them through her portfolio. An older man sat facing her at the far end of the ten-foot table with his fingers steepled together. He didn’t look all that impressed. A female spoke. Her name was Adalie Marsh. She was one of the design directors. “Do have any other designs? We would like to see more variety.” Pulling out her tablet and flash drive, Tiffany plugged into the wide screen and began flipping through her files. The male spoke. “Mademoiselle Tiffany, stop. Please go back to the design of the pea coat.” Tiffany cringed as the other members of the design team oohed and aahed over the design. The old fogies would be captivated by her most classic design. It was very atypical of the rest of her line. By the end of the meeting, it was clear that the company was intent on reaping the PR benefit of the large nationally promoted competition by featuring her most conservative design. It was a huge win, but one that left her feeling marginalized and underutilized as a designer. She stayed for

several hours as they worked out the specifics of a contract and their photographer took pictures of her standing behind one of their design tables with their more tenured design team surrounding her. Tiffany entered her apartment lobby to find the concierge smiling broadly at her. He gestured to a huge arrangement of flowers. “Someone has a new admirer.” The older man always teased her about admirers because they were scarce on the ground in her busy life. She smiled indulgently. “How are you today, Mr. Harper?” “Fine. And how about your lovely self, Miss Tiffany?” “I’m good, I suppose. Bet the flowers are from Brad. I had an important meeting today.” “I heard. You’re quite a local celebrity now.” Tiffany laughed. It wasn’t a delicate feminine sound, more of a derisive snort. “That’ll be the day. Let’s have a look at the card.” She plucked the tiny white envelope from the center and opened it. “Humph. It’s from Lorenzo.” “Ahh, the good-looking gentleman who visits

on every alternating Saturday morning for coffee? I like him. Maybe romance is in the air at long last?” Another snort slipped out before she could stop it. “When hell freezes over. I’ve known him since I was five and he is definitely not marriage material.” “Too bad. He’d make beautiful babies, that one.” “Yeah, the dirty horn dog’s a real looker.” “What dirty horn dog?” Tiffany turned to see her longtime friend Cheryl entering the small lobby. “No one you want to know. Trust me on that, girlfriend.” “You got that right. I’ve got absolutely no time for guys and no interest in horn dogs. Stop stalling. What design did the Frenchies pick?” “You’ll never believe it in a million freaking years. Grab these flowers, will you?” Cheryl grabbed the huge vase and followed her to the elevator. “They didn’t like any of the designs in my presentation.” “No freaking way. That’s impossible, even for

those stuffy old farts. All your best designs were in there.” Sliding her key into the door, she popped it open and dropped her large design portfolio and purse beside the door. Cheryl artfully arranged the flowers on her entry room table. Then they kicked off their shoes and curled up on her large posh sofa. “It’s true. They made me show them all my designs. I pulled up everything I had on my flash drive and guess what they went with?” “Can’t imagine.” “Remember that pea coat I designed back in high school?” “No flippin’ way!” Chery’s indignant tone was just the balm her battered ego needed. “Who cares? I think they had to showcase something of mine because I won the stupid contest. They picked the most conservative piece I ever designed.” Cheryl responded wryly. “It’ll look good wrapped around their mostly geriatric clientele.” “Well, it definitely isn’t going to put me on the

map with people our age. Still, it’s an honor to have a design so well received by their team. I should count myself lucky and keep it moving forward.” “I say it’s time to celebrate. Meet you back here at nine tonight with my dancing shoes on?” Cheryl was not much of a party animal, so Tiffany knew the offer was a genuine attempt to cheer her up. “A night on the town chasing gorgeous guys with my bestie? Not a bad consolation prize.” Her best friend’s dazzling smile really brightened her day.

2

Shadowy Figures

T

normally wouldn’t have bothered Tiffany. Tonight, it did. Maybe it was the drinking and dancing that had her leaving the bar feeling a little off-kilter. Looking over her shoulder, she caught a glimpse of a dark figure stepping back out of sight. Were they being followed? She dismissed the idea for the HE DIMLY LIT STREET

umpteenth time. It was late and she was a little lightheaded from all the booze and dancing. Locking arms with her equally tipsy friend didn’t bode well for the pair of them remaining upright. Cheryl rolled her eyes when Tiffany made the sign of the cross like a good Catholic girl after stumbling slightly. Cheryl gripped her tighter as they walked. Totally unaware of her bad gut feeling, her tipsy friend chattered on blithely. “Didn’t you think the bouncer was cute? I think he had the hots for you.” “Not me. He kept starming at you all night.” Tiffany tried to shake off the feeling of impending doom that suddenly descended upon her. “Staring, not starming. Gawd, we’re totally trashed.” Tiffany shook her head. Had she actually said starming? The next thing she knew a pair of strong arms slipped around her waist, pulling her from her friend’s grasp. Cheryl giggled harder, totally unaware of who had grabbed her friend. “Looks like you ladies could use a protector.

Ya know, to keep the guys from starming at you and all.” Elbowing the huge man in the ribs, she responded playfully. “Cut it out, Johnny. We’re fine.” “I got a limo. We’ve got champagne on ice. Sure I can’t interest you in a ride home? Enzo would kick my ass if I left you out here stumbling around on your own at three a.m.” Tiffany scowled at her longtime acquaintance. “We’re fime.” The hulking man scratched the back of his head. “Well, since fime isn’t even a word, I’m going to assume you’re not fime at all.” Shaking a finger in his face, she stammered. “Don’t use your non-drunkenness against us. We’re helpless females…” Tiffany couldn’t remember what happened next, but she woke up in Don Carlo’s limo, with Cheryl smoothing her hair out of her face. “What happened? I thought we were walking home.” Her friend’s worried expression looked strange on her young face. It drove home the fact

that neither of them had known much trouble in their young lives. “Johnny pointed out that we were apparently going in the not right direction for getting home.” Tiff could feel her brow creasing as she tried to figure out what in the world her friend was trying to communicate. “The what?” Cheryl concentrated a moment before answering. “We were going in the wrong direction. You passed out and Johnny caught you. Now we’re here, drinking champagne in a mobster’s limo, going in the right direction for getting home. This is not how I saw our evening progressing.” “Calm down, princess. You’re perfectly safe. I’m not interested in taking advantage of any drunk bitches. I’m just dropping you both off at Tiffany’s. Be sure to keep her in the recovery position. Do you know what that is, blondie?” “Name’s Cheryl and I’m not stupid.” Tiffany chewed her bottom lip until Johnny reached over and tapped her chin. “None of that Tiff. You know I ain’t the big bad wolf. No need to be afraid.”

“I’m not afraid of you. It’s just…” Gazing into Johnny’s serious expression, she suddenly felt stupid talking about the shadowy figure. “Out with it, princess. What’s got you worried?” “Nothing.” “Look, I know that I ain’t done nothin’ to ya. Enzo gave me the run down on you. Want to hear the short list or the long list of rules for interacting with you?” Cheryl responded curiously. “Short list?” “We ain’t supposed to approach you in public because you don’t like to be seen with our kind. We’re allowed to talk to you at private gatherings only. We aren’t to use bad language and especially not the F word, cause you’re a real lady. No trying to get into your pants. No offering you foods or drinks that you might perceive as fattening because it puts you in a pissy mood. You’re allergic to milk products, so if we get you a coffee it’s got to have non-dairy, low-fat creamer. I could go and on…” Tiffany held up a hand for him to stop talking.

Cheryl immediately shoved a cold glass of champagne into it. “Sorry, there’s no water. Your mouth probably tastes bad. I forgot to mention that right before you passed out, you puked.” “Great.” Taking a huge gulp, she swallowed the cool liquid. It was clearly the good stuff because it went down smoothly. “I’m having another problem.” Johnny leaned forward. “What’s up, Tiff? Someone giving you a hard time? We’ll ring their bell. Who is it?” “I don’t know if I’m being foolish, but several times this past week, I’ve felt like someone was following me.” Puking her guts up must have helped. Her head felt clearer. Johnny’s voice turned harsh. “Tell me everything. Leave nothing out.” “There isn’t much to tell. My Spidey senses have been going crazy. I feel like I’m being watched. A few times I turned around quickly and saw someone stepping back into the shadows. Am I going crazy?”

“Maybe, but it’s more likely that someone’s stalking you. Had any relationships that ended badly lately?” “Nope.” “Ever dated anyone who was creepy or possessive?” Rolling her eyes, she responded curtly. “Pot or kettle? Even though we’ve never dated, you’re the creepiest person I know.” Cheryl admonished her harshly. “Tiff, he’s trying to help you. Don’t be rude.” Johnny chuckled. “I’m not insulted. I’ve worked my ass off to craft my intimidating mobster persona. I take it as a compliment.” “It’s not a persona. You really are creepy as hell, dude.” An imperious wave of his hand dismissed her insight. “Whatever, princess. Aware of anyone who has a beef with you?” “Unlike you, I’m a nice person. I don’t make enemies, Johnny.” “In that case, it’s probably your imagination. I’ll talk to Enzo. He’ll probably want to put a man

on you for a bit just to make sure.” Cheryl peered at them over her champagne glass. “Let me get this straight. Your solution to a man following her is to assign another man to follow her?” “You got it, sweetheart.” “Sounds like something might be wrong with the logic.” Clearly, the drinking had affected her friend’s ability to think the situation through. Tiffany sighed. “Thanks, Johnny. I’d feel safer.” “Don’t want Enzo on my ass cause his pretty little friend’s afraid to leave her penthouse. In fact, I’m leaving Donovan outside your door tonight. Don’t freak out in the morning when you find him there.” “It is morning.” Cheryl was staring at Johnny like he had two heads. “You’re an irritating little piece of pretty ain’t ya?” Tiffany woke to a loud pounding on her door a few hours later. A quick look at the clock shocked her. It was already nine am. Where did the morning

go? Rolling over onto her back she squinted her eyes, trying to remember the evening before. It was hazy, but she remembered most of it. She met with Cheryl, they went to a club; the alcohol and dancing were fun, then Johnny gave them a lift home. She told him about her shadow anxiety and he left a man at her door. It was probably Donovan knocking. Climbing out of bed, she answered the door. Instead of Donovan, she found Lorenzo standing on the other side of the threshold. “You look like shit, Tiff.” “Is that coffee for me?” “Coffee and donuts. Let’s talk.” “Thanks for the coffee, Enzo. I appreciate it. Don’t know why you brought donuts. You know I never touch deep fried foods.” “These are from that place over on Ninth, where the sweets are all baked and made with whole wheat flour. Trust me, it tastes like crap. Have one. They’re right up your alley.” Stuffing her face into the bag, she inhaled deeply. “You’re too good to me, Enzo.”

“Where’s your friend?” “Cheryl usually takes off at the crack of dawn. She takes classes at the university. Gonna be an accountant.” “Just what the world needs, more pencil pushers. Don’t particularly give a shit about your little friend. Tell me about the shadow guy.” Lorenzo was always one to just cut to the chase and today was no different. “I’m sure Johnny told you that I just feel like someone’s watching me and thought I saw someone stepping back into the shadows a few times. That’s it.” “You should have called me the first time the hairs stood up on the back of your neck.” “I know, Enzo. I know.” “Donovan didn’t see anything unusual. I’m replacing him with Tony today. Donovan will be with you nights and Tony during the day.” “For how long, Enzo?” “As long as it takes for me to be sure you’re safe. Trust me. This is what I do.” “Tell Johnny I said thanks, will you?”

His lopsided smile made him seem boyish and totally masked his dangerous nature. “Already did, Tiff. It’s probably nothing, but we’ll make sure.” Tiffany said goodbye to her overprotective friend, feeling safe and secure with the extra set of eyes protecting her. A nice warm shower washed away her fears, invigorating her for the beautiful day that lay before her.

3

Strange Quirky Family

B

LINKING BACK HIS SURPRISE,

Gino stared at the woman who’d taken him in when no one else on the planet cared if he lived or died. The wornout stripper had a heart of pure gold. Although her youthful beauty had slipped away more than a decade ago, he could still see the remnant of the woman she’d been in her glory years. Unlike most

of her ilk, she’d managed to retain her dignity and some semblance of sweet humanity. His mind reeled back to the sixteen-year-old misfit he’d been when she discovered him living on the streets for the fifth time in his short life. Huddling in a raggedy blanket on a cold winter’s night was the kind of suffering that he’d grown all too familiar with. Seeing her car go careening off the road had shocked the crap out of him. Without thought to his own safety, he ran to the vehicle to make sure she was okay. Stumbling out, she fell to the ground a few feet away. Gino kneeled and tilted her head up, looking for injuries in case her face had impacted the steering wheel. Finding none, he asked if she was okay. That one act of kindness had impressed her enough to offer him the use of her pool house. It had only been a tiny room with a wet bar and bathroom. There was barely enough room for a bed, but to him it was heaven. The woman had continued to mother him until he got the message, loud and clear, that she’d claimed him as the son she never had. It felt nice to have someone who

cared, even if that person was very unusual at times. Her voice brought him back to the present. “Gino, baby. I’m talking to you.” “I’m listening, Elaine. Really I am.” “Well, you should be. This is important. And don’t call me Elaine. The clairvoyant who read my fortune said you were meant for great things. She said all that stuff you learned in the Marines was going to be used for a higher cause. Said you were going to be a hero.” Smiling indulgently, he watched the older woman stuff little treats into her chihuahua’s mouth. The mangy animal was yet another of her rescues and was still a little feral from living in an alley. There was something about the woman that inspired trust in people and animals, especially the ones who might otherwise be tempted to bite the hand that fed them. The little dog’s big brown eyes looked up at her with apprehension, hunger, and what seemed like a little gratitude. Fuck, it was like watching his first meal with her in the third person.

The woman quipped irritably. “Then again, I don’t know if I should believe her because she called Marshall a cute little rat.” “You named him already?” “Everyone needs a name, baby. Even canines.” “I told her not to call him a rat and guess what? She called him a dog.” “He’s not a dog?” Even Gino was having a hard time following her train of thought on this one. “Gino! Of course, not. He’s a canine, specifically a chihuahua.” Not everyone loves chihuahuas, mother. Some people believe they’re a temperamental breed.” “Well, I think it was extremely rude.” Cuddling the dog up to her neck she purred affectionately. “You aren’t temperamental, are you, precious?” “So, I’m not going to be a hero after all. Damn, I was looking forward to that.” The woman pinned him with an assessing gaze. “We know you’re going to be a hero. It was the other stuff she said that worries me. She insisted that she saw a dark-haired beauty in your future. One that you’ll save like you did me.”

Something thawed in his heart. “If you’ll remember, I didn’t save you. I just checked on you after the accident.” “Now, you’re just being obtuse. I meant by coming to stay with me and being the son I always wanted.” “I already got a mother. I don’t need two.” Gino saw her eyes light up at his compliment. “I think she meant that you were going to meet a woman and fall in love. You know, save her from a life of loneliness.” “Don’t go dreaming about me finding true love, mother. I’d be more likely to end up a real live action hero.” He tried to soften the blow with humor. His adorable, self-appointed mother figure didn’t see his flaws. She probably thought the women were beating down his door to vie for his affections. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most women avoided the large, scarred Marine with unruly brown hair. “You’re a very special person, Gino. You have to know that you make my life complete.” Uncomfortable with her emotional sharing, he

mixed his own emotional response with a bit of humor. “Well, I always wanted a fantastic person for a mother. Someone who understands me and doesn’t judge me. Finding you feels a little like winning the fucking lottery.” The woman’s expression looked doubtful. “You don’t think I’m too much?” “Too much what, fun and excitement? Almost, but I think that I can manage. Got a surprise for you.” When he thunked down the DVD boxed set of MacGyver onto the coffee between them, her squeal of delight could have peeled the paint off a freight train. “Want to order pizza and have a MacGyver marathon, just like the old days?” “You better believe it, Gino. I’m so excited. It feels like my birthday.” Joining her freewheeling, fly-by-the-seat of her pants thirst for fun, he exclaimed, “Load up the DVD player and I’ll grab us a birthday cake. It’ll be for all the birthdays we missed out on before I came to live with you.” “Gino, you really are the best thing that ever

happened to me.” “Right back at you, mom.” For some reason, the chihuahua began yapping. “I just know you’re going to love movie night, Marshall.” Looking up at him as he stood, his mother came to her feet. “Don’t get chocolate cake, Gino.” “I think that I read somewhere that canines can’t have chocolate, right?” Beaming her pleasure, she stepped onto a little stepstool and dropped a lipsticky kiss on his cheek before stepping down to order pizza. Her high heels dug into the snow-white pile carpeting as she tottled to the phone. She still wore big 80’s hair, leggings and an oversized t-shirt that slid off one shoulder. Of course, she still danced like the chick from Flashdance every day for exercise, insisting it burned more calories than aerobics. Gino really couldn’t argue that one with her. He sighed contentedly as he drove to the local supermarket. Gino appreciated his very tiny and extremely dysfunctional family more than most people. Truth be told, he loved Elaine’s

personality. She was quirky, irreverent, and totally ridiculous at times. Being prior military, he was about as rigid as they came. They complemented each other. He was always there to pull her back from the ledge, and she was always ready to pull him out of his boring routine. Best of all, she chose him to be her son. Not many people could make that claim. Being chosen, made him prouder than anything else ever had.

4

Danger Lurking in the Shadows

T

IFFANY SETTLED

INTO

HER

DAY-TO-DAY

LIFE

thinking everything was just fine right up until the night her whole world came crashing down around her. The evening had gone smoothly. She’d even gotten used to the two bodyguards her overprotective friend had assigned to protect her.

They hovered around, constantly scanning the landscape for danger. Honestly, they were like little terminators, always on guard for threats. Though Tony was always game for a laugh, Donovan was British and there never was a more strait-laced or formal man put on the face of the earth. He not only kept her within his sights every evening, he brought her up short when she drank too much or cozied up too quickly with men he didn’t like the look of. The older man was more like an overprotective uncle than mafia henchman. Tiffany often replayed the night in her mind, obsessed with trying to figure out if there was anything she could have done differently. Anything that might have saved him. Donovan had left a few minutes before her to fetch their vehicle. She left about five minutes later. It was the wee hours of the morning and most of the other patrons had left already. The morning air was unseasonably cool for the end of May and nipped at her skin. A very faint fog drifted along the sidewalk, lending the night an eerie, ethereal feel.

She’d been surprised to discover Donovan was not parked in front, waiting on her. Gazing around, she spied the vehicle still parked down the street. As she walked towards the dark SUV, a tendril of anxiety snaked through her gut. Something was off. Donovan was always right where he was supposed to be. Crossing the street, she rounded the oversized vehicle and was horrified to discover Donovan sprawled in a pool of his own blood. Time seemed to slow down as she moved to the downed man’s side. Without thought to consequences, she kneeled, touching his blood-stained face. “Donny, wake up. It’s going to be alright. I’m calling 911.” In response to her desperate pleas, his eyes popped open. For a brief terrifying moment, she saw pure fear playing across his handsome features. He mouthed one command. It looked like the word run, but no sound came forth. In place of words, was a gurgling noise that suggested the death rattle that old timers had whispered about when gathered for funerals and such. Several things hit her at once. His cell was

laying a few feet from him, smashed. His gun was lying beside him with the silencer still attached. Spent shell casings were scattered about. He’d tried to defend himself. Without thinking, she automatically covered the gaping wound in his stomach with her bare hand and began applying pressure. It seemed to be stemming the flow of blood somewhat. “Hold on Donny. God, just hold on.” She realized that she was murmuring frantic nonsense as she willed her other hand to search her coat pockets for her own cell phone. Suddenly, a man stepped from the shadows. He was huge and had a rugged face. He spoke something she didn’t understand. Before she could respond, he shook his head as if reminding himself to use English. “Leave the dead to die.” Grabbing her by her long, thick, brown hair, he jerked her away. A huge hand knocked the cell phone from her hand the moment it cleared her pocket. “No, please. I’ve got to help him.” “He is no longer your problem, little kiska. Where you go, he cannot follow.” The big brute began binding her wrists and

ankles with zip ties and taping her mouth with duct tape, clearly intent on tossing her into the open trunk of a nearby older model sedan. Tiffany knew deep down inside that once she went into that trunk, her probability of surviving would take a nosedive, so she fought him every step of the way. Backhanding her across the face he stated coldly, “You will stop. If you do not, there will not be enough of you left to sell.” Oh, my God. Did he plan to sell her? She was literally dumbfounded by his ability to kill her bodyguard and steal her right off the street without anyone noticing. How was that possible in the United States of America? As she struggled to break free in the dark confines of the trunk, she could hear him turn the music up. The bastard was humming to the tune, apparently totally unconcerned with the fact that he actually had a human being bound and gagged in his trunk. That fact alone told Tiffany everything she needed to know about the man. Her mind reeled as she realized that the Russian must have been the guy stalking her. He

must have wanted her badly to hang around for endless weeks waiting for an opportunity to grab her. Why her? God knows, there was nothing remotely special about her. Sure, she was attractive, but so were lots of other women. Her family wasn’t wealthy enough to pay a lot of money for her safe return. Realizing she was wasting precious time worrying about things that didn’t matter, she redoubled her efforts to get free by gingerly searching around the trunk for something to cut the zip ties. She remembered her house keys were in her coat pocket. Edging her bound wrists around to retrieve them was an exercise in pain as she felt them cut into her skin. Growing lightheaded from the shock and pain, she forced herself to stay focused. Now was her best chance of escape. She couldn’t let it slip by. Grasping the keys, she tugged them from her pocket and began to saw away at the binding between her wrists. The angle was awkward and the keys weren’t nearly sharp enough to finish the job. Having no other choice, she soldiered on. The drive was incredibly long

and at some point, she managed to get her hands free. Still unable to see, she removed her shoes and managed to squirm out of the bonds around her ankles. Just a step away from escape, the car came to rumbling stop. Laying still, she could hear her abductor slam his car door and his footsteps as he walked to the back of the car. He was whistling like he didn’t have a care in the whole world. It spiked her anger. Instead of yanking the trunk open, he began fiddling with the side of the car. She recognized the sound of him filling the gas tank and smiled. They were clearly someplace public. She grasped around for the interior trunk latch, imagining the surprised looks on the faces of the other customers as she jumped from the car. Yanking as hard as she could the trunk popped open and she jumped out. Much to her disappointment, they were refueling from a farm pump in the middle of nowhere. Looking around, she only saw overgrown pastures for miles around. The Russian shot her an irritated look. She turned on her heel and took off running. Having left her

high heels in the trunk, her tender feet seemed to find every rock and twig as she sprinted away. A huge warm body landed on her, knocking her to the ground. She struggled for all she was worth until the man jerked his pelvis against her and she felt his hardon. For some reason, the thought of getting raped froze her in place. He flipped her over. “You have much to fear, little kiska. Before your ordeal is over, many will use you. I will not be among them.” Pushing his chest back to give herself a scant inch to breathe she asked, “Why are you doing this?” “The vors do as they wish. Those of us who remain, bow to their will or we die.” “How can you live with yourself?” Jerking her roughly to her feet, he began pulling her back to his vehicle. “Not easily, I can assure you.” “You’re a monster.” “Your words are not far from the truth. This is not how I envisioned my time in America to be.”

“Let me guess, you were going to be a butcher? A baker? A candlestick maker?” Why in the hell she was tormenting the big brute, she’d never know. It wasn’t the smartest move she’d ever made. “Do not taunt me with American riddles, kiska. My sister is all alone in Russia. She is in an orphanage outside the small town of Sochi, where we grew up. It is a rough place. Being in the orphanage is bad enough, but if I refuse the will of the vor, then she will be sold. I am all that stands between her and the fate that now awaits you.” “Why is her life worth so much more than mine?” “She is fourteen. Her small body would not survive what is in store for you. I am sorry things must be this way. Sorry for us both. Now, you will come.” “How do I know you’re even telling me the truth?” “I have no reason to lie. I have you and you will not escape. I have nothing to gain or lose by speaking to you.”

“Then why do you do it?” “I see the fire in your blood, kiska. I try to tell you this much, fighting the will of the vor is the path to true suffering. This I know better than most.” For the first time, she noticed the long, ragged scar that tore down the left side of his face. It trailed from the hairline all the way down his neck and into the collar of his shirt. It was healed but still looked pink, like it was a few months old. He was huge and strong as an ox, yet he’d clearly lost his battle against the vor. That meant, she had absolutely no hope of avoiding their plans for her. Hope dimmed as the Russian’s words of wisdom sunk in. Fighting would only make things worse for her. Yet, how could she just roll over and give herself over to men who would use her body or sell her for cash?

5

Henchman Extraordinaire

G

and looked over at his foster mother. She was totally enthralled with the ending to their favorite MacGyver episode. She turned to him as soon as the credits rolled. “Halloween Nights is the best episode ever.” “Yes, ma’am. I totally agree. Wish they’d begin INO DRAINED THE LAST OF HIS BEER

making new episodes.” “Even Marshall loved that episode. He didn’t sleep once.” “Yep, it was freakin’ fascinatin’.” Gino stretched his arms over his head, thinking of turning in for the night. “You ready for some cake, baby?” “Sure, why not?” Last weekend had been so much fun, they’d decided to continue the series in the same fashion. That meant more pizza and yet more cake. Elaine was admittedly strange, but who was he to judge how she liked for them to spend family time? They headed for the long snack bar that separated the living room from the kitchen. Gino went to fetch plates, while she removed the cake from the packaging. A few minutes later they were well on their way to a late-night sugar high. “Can’t believe you got chocolate this time.” “Marshall didn’t eat cake last time, remember?” Looking totally sincere, the older woman replied. “Maybe he just wasn’t in a mood for cake.

You know the rules, Gino. You should try a new food three times before making a final decision. We have to offer it to him two more times to be sure.” Gino smiled indulgently at the older woman. “Sorry, I thought that rule was just for people.” “Canines are people too, Gino.” He wasn’t going to touch that one with a tenfoot pole. “Hey, Gino. What’s this?” “Don’t know. They were cramming them in everyone’s bags at the grocery store.” Sliding the paper over in front of her, the older woman studied it as she ate. Gino watched as she slowly put down her canine and reached for the old-fashioned phone hanging on the wall. It amused him to no end that at some point in antiquity, she’d replaced the curling cord going from the phone to the receiver with one that didn’t match and was about 20 feet long. She’d often sit on her sofa with the cord strung across the room chatting to her friends about every crazy thing under the sun.

This evening she sat talking on the phone as her fingers wound in and out of the curled cord. Her shiny red nails were a sharp contrast against the dull yellow cord. “Hello My name is Elaine Sawyer and I got your flyer…” “Well no, I don’t know where the woman is…” “Noooo, I didn’t take her or shoot her friend….um, bodyguard…” “I never met her before…” “Well, if you’d stop shooting questions to me at the speed of light, I’ll tell you why I called.” There was a long dramatic pause and Gino could hardly wait to hear the rest of her conversation. She was probably going to refer them to her clairvoyant or something crazy. “I’m worried about her. She looks sweet and innocent.” Gino leaned over to look at the flyer. The woman appeared to be in her early twenties and she did look an innocent as hell. His mother continued. “She clearly needs a hero and I happen to have

one available. He just got discharged from the Marine Corps and he’s the perfect man for the job…” “I don’t care if you hiring or not. I’m sending my Gino to see you. He’ll find that missing girl, I promise you that…” Glancing over at him her voice dropped an octave. “Why yes, he’s right here. Of course, you can talk to him.” Being quite accustomed to dealing with such sticky situations, Gino graciously accepted the phone when she passed it to him. An annoyed voice on the other end of the line was thick with sarcasm. “So, your mommy says you’re a hero.” “She never said she was my mom.” “She never said she was crazy either, but it was inferred.” “Don’t care for the insinuation.” “You’re a pretty mellow fellow.” “Do you rhyme all the time?” “No, do you?” “Not usually. It thought it might a new trend or

something. What are you doing to find the girl? Besides handing out flyers at the local grocery stores, I mean.” “Not that’s it any of your business, but we filed a missing person’s case with the police, knocked on every door in the area, and are running down every lead we get. They’re all taking us nowhere. We’ve checked airports, the train station, and bus terminals. We’re shaking down every two-bit pussy ring in the city and are thinking of offering a reward. Any suggestions, hero?” Gino could tell the man was exasperated, so he let the gibe pass. “How long has she been gone?” “Less than twenty-four hours.” “You’ve got a fighting chance of gettin’ her back, but you gotta stop wasting your time. You’re running this whole operation like some fuckin’ crime show. You gotta know no one’s going to abduct someone, then use public transportation to get them out of the area. Most canvasses reveal nothing, so that’s a long shot. You need to focus on local law enforcement. Get them to pull up all their missing persons’ cases for the last year or so and

see if any of them have a similar MO. Dive into her past relationships. Check for abusive boyfriends or even overly-controlling ones.” “We need to meet, hero.” “Are you serious or just fucking around?” “I’m fucking desperate, that’s what I am. She’s my best friend. I’ve got over thirty men on this and we’re running out of leads.” Gino sighed. “Fine. Give me your address.” His mother beamed when he handed the phone back to her. Gino lifted the flyer and looked at the crisp image of the well-dressed young woman. She had long dark hair and big brown eyes. It was a real shame that she was in trouble. “You should take this case. Only you can save her. I know this in my heart, Gino.” Marshall yipped out his own retort. It left Gino feeling weird. How strange was it that he was starting to think of Marshall as a person? His life was slowly turning on its side. Gino could sense it happening. It felt a bit like the hand of destiny turning the helm, steering his life onto a totally different path.

His mother leaned over beside him to look at the flyer. “She’s a dark-haired beauty, all right.” They immediately made eye contact and Gino wasn’t sure he liked his mother’s smug expression. Maybe the woman really was dialed into some kind of extra sense. Gino gazed at the pretty woman’s smiling face again and murmured, “Hang in there, beautiful. I’m coming for you.”

6

Rescued by The Mob

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that landed on her already aching ribs. The big Russian’s words ran through her head. Fighting the will of the vor is the path to true suffering. No truer words had ever been spoken, and she now wished like hell that she’d listened to the only Russian who’d been remotely honest with her. The men IFFANY BARELY FELT THE SWIFT KICK

who’d taken control of her at the Canadian border had been Russian as well. They’d called him, Petrov. She thought it might be his last name. Her mind drifted to Donovan. He’d told her that Americans were pompous for having three names. His family had only doled out first names to their brood of five strapping boys. He insisted only royalty and the self-important upper class needed additional names. The fancier the person, the more names they needed. The Prince of Wales had four in addition to his surname, which was hyphenated. Even Tiffany had to admit that Charles Philip Arthur George Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince of Wales, was a lot to remember. She wondered vaguely if he signed his full name on official documents or just shortened it. Another kick landed. This time on her shoulder. Without the strength to react, she just laid like a limp rag as the pain shot through her upper torso. Strange, over the last few weeks of being a noncompliant bitch, she’d been certain her mind would fold before her body. She now knew something very few people did. The human body

was a frail vessel indeed when compared to the human mind. Pride filled her soul to know that although she would die a dirty mess lying on the cold ground in some distant land, she would have the satisfaction of knowing she never gave in to the demands of her captors. The first time they beat her, it had infused her with a will to never surrender. The silly fools honestly thought that raping her would change that fact. It didn’t. Every vile act they perpetrated upon her, only made her willing to fight more ferociously than before, and somehow also able to lock the moment away in the dark recesses of her mind. It was almost as if her soul fed on the very thing they thought would break her spirit. For the longest time, she held out hope that something would happen to enable her to escape or someone would come to rescue her. The authorities must have cottoned onto the fact that so many Americans were being taken. The moment of realization hit her like a ton of bricks a few weeks into her ordeal and she realized no one was coming for her. Instead of

making her feel hopeless and compliant, it fueled an internal fire the likes of which she’d never known. As the other women fell into line one by one, Tiffany fought them tooth and nail. She had no doubt that her pretty face wasn’t pretty anymore. It didn’t matter. She wasn’t long for this world anyway.

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eanwhile, Gino was mulling over his options. He’d visited the strange, stressedout man looking for looking for the beautiful brunette. Lorenzo and his friend Johnny were okay kinds of men. Both were pretty mobbed up, especially Johnny, who was Don Carlo’s oldest son. Gino had grown up in the area and Don Carlo’s crew didn’t bother him. They normally saved their savagery for people who crossed them and he’d never been quite stupid enough to do that. They had been desperate to find the missing girl and Gino’s particular skill set was proving quite beneficial. Their search had sent them across

the country to Washington State, then to Alaska. Now, they were crossing the Russian border. Lorenzo had made it clear, he was not giving up without knowing what happened to his friend. Johnny had gotten munitions and muscle from his father who didn’t give two hoots in hell about the chick. They just wanted to bloody the Russians’ noses in their own territory. None of it was a gigantic leap for Gino because he been involved with similar actions in the Marine Corps. Similar work, different employer as far as he was concerned. Good thing he was involved. The mobsters weren’t used to international jobs. Their planning and logistics sucked ass. Gino had taken over that piece the first time things had gotten sticky. They had only one man who spoke Russian, but he was very knowledgeable of Russian culture as well. He’d taught them some Russian catch phrases and given pointers on clothing and mannerisms. It enabled them to blend in somewhat. If they traveled in groups of two or three, they didn’t seem to garner much notice.

Currently, they were traveling by rail to a town near the Black Sea. A Russian Vor was rumored to own a huge old-fashioned castle there. All their intel pointed to him as the point of origin for the Bratva responsible for the missing girls. This particular Vor was a nasty character. Most of his comrades had disavowed him, which almost never happened among the Vors. They were twenty men strong and traveling as a small military detachment. The advantages for this particular ruse were many. There were no military bases nearby, so it was unlikely they would bump into true members of the military. They’d also learned that everyone avoided military convoys like they carried the plague. Though it was unclear to Gino why exactly that was, he’d noticed it to be true. Often, people wouldn’t even look at them when they passed. It was quite a strategic advantage for them. The men were all wearing military fatigues. The fracture tactical pattern was slightly different from what Gino was used to, but the differences in workmanship were minimal. It made him wonder if

there were huge factories in some third world nation that just made it all. They clambered off the train in the wee hours of the morning and climbed into two cargo vans, which had been rented in advance and were waiting for them at the isolated terminal. Each van had been painted with a different floral shop logo. The men changed out of their fatigues and opted for jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. The bitter cold made coats and hats necessary. Gino had carefully chosen every man’s wardrobe to blend in but not look too much like the others. To his mind, their street clothing was simply urban camouflage. Lorenzo and Johnny leaned over in the van and they planned their strategy to breach the castle. Johnny blew his warm breath into his cupped hands. “I still can’t believe we’re planning to attack a fuckin’ castle. Hell, I’ll bet armies have tried that shit for centuries and didn’t manage it. What the hell makes you think we’re gonna be able to do it?” Gino rolled his eyes at his clearly ignorant friend. “Castles aren’t what they used to be,

Johnny.” “What the fuck does that mean?” Sighing, Gino explained. “They used to be designed more like a fort, to keep people out. Nowadays, the moats have been drained and filled in. There aren’t guards on the turrets. They ain’t got archers trying to shoot flaming fucking arrows at us anymore, Johnny.” Lorenzo chimed in. “He’s right, Johnny. Nowadays, they’re just fancy houses. There might be a lot of guards, but they’ll just be regular Bratva…mobsters like us.” Johnny seemed to find some enthusiasm for the mission. “Fuck yeah! Means they all bleed red, just like us.” Gino knew better than to discount Johnny, just because he sounded stupid most of the time. The man was death and destruction on a leash. Gino had already watched him stand up to his father, Don Carlo, and shake information out of some pretty tough fuckers. Johnny was a force to be reckoned with. Only a fool would overlook how dangerous the man was.

Pointing to the map in his hands, he went over the plan one more time. Gino had already spent two days scoping out the castle and was well aware of the goings-on there. “We have three teams of five men each coming in using a standard arrow formation. I take point, Johnny takes bravo team, and you take delta team, boss. Got it?” Both men nodded. It was the same as they’d originally planned. “We’ll have snipers here, here, and here. They’ll act as backup and alert us if reinforcements show up. The snipers will drop everyone outside and then we move forward. Remember, there is no family here. The only people inside that building are hostages and mobsters. So, shoot first and don’t hesitate.” Lorenzo rubbed his chin. “You sure this blueprint is correct? It looks like it was drawn by a child.” Gino grinned. “We got it from the local planning office. It's hundreds of years old. There were no computers when that shit was built. Trust me, it’s as right as they could make it. Seems the

Russians require building permits when you change shit too. They renovated about ten years ago and had to file a floor plan. The building inspectors wouldn’t have accepted it unless it was correct because they’re responsible for ensuring proper weight distribution on all the load-bearing walls.” Johnny shook his head in disgust. “That some stupid boring shit, Gino. Glad I didn’t have to research all that.” Lorenzo shot Johnny a dark look. “What he means to say is thanks. We probably wouldn’t have thought to check the planning commission for a floorplan. It helps. Do you really think that fuckin’ castle has a dungeon and that’s where they’re keeping the women?” “Dungeons are not very nice places, boss. They were designed for keeping people imprisoned. It would be more logical to think the women are being held there than locked up all around the joint.” Lorenzo’s lips pressed into a firm line. “Fine. Let’s do this shit and get the hell home.”

Pouring out of the vans, everyone grouped with their team leader and double checked to make sure their communications equipment was working. Gino had ordered shoulder mikes similar to the ones law enforcement officers wore. He’s also outfitted each man with a clip-on surveillance camera to record what went down. At least if none of them made it out alive, the information would be transmitted digitally to a remote server and Don Carlo would know what happened to his son. Gino thought shrewdly that is just might give them enough intelligence to make a second run at rescuing the women. Then again, without Lorenzo pushing the mule uphill, maybe not. Within the hour, they were forcing entrances open and a firefight ensued. There were many more men than Gino’s two days of surveillance had detected. He worried that they would run out of ammo. Whispering into his mike, he cautioned the men. “Pay attention to your ammo, remember to use their weapons against them.” That would be second nature for trained soldiers, but most of this crew didn’t have military training.

Immediately Johnny’s voice boomed over his radio. “Don’t be so fuckin’ stupid. My team grabbed their weapons from the jump. They’re shooting automatic and we’re shooting semiautomatic. Do the fuckin’ math, dude.” Johnny’s no-nonsense approach didn’t offend Gino in the least. What the man lacked in the areas of tact and sensitivity, he more than made up for with street smarts and loyalty. Johnny had a real nose for violence and like a shark in the water, he smelled blood. Gino smiled as he moved forward. Don Carlo’s men might not be actual soldiers but they had the heart of a warrior. If they were going to rescue the women tonight, warriors were exactly what they needed. The Russians were dropping like flies because they weren’t wearing Kevlar. That type of gear was wildly cost-prohibitive in Russia. In truth, Gino had been forced to scrounge to come with enough for all the men. Now it was paying off in a big way. His team cleared the bottom floor as the other

two teams climbed to the second and third floors, shooting and flushing out people as they went. Gino saw women and children trying to exit through the front and redirected them to a small room. They seemed like servants and maybe their children. No need in them getting out to warn of the attack before they secured the hostages. He secured the door, and the three teams converged on the door leading to the basement or in this structure, the dungeon. It was old, dank, and dusty. Gino pulled the handkerchief tied around his neck, up over his nose and mouth because it also smelled a bit like a sewer. There were only a few guards down below and they shot the ones who didn’t flee. Locating and freeing the women was their primary objective and nothing would draw them from that goal. Gino saw the first of them in a Spartan cell with metal bars. Upon seeing him, they cringed. He lowered his weapon slightly and ordered, “Fan out, find Miss Tiffany.” Turning to the women again, he stated, “Stand back. I’m blowing the lock off the door. We’re American and we’re getting

you the hell outta here.” The women who hadn’t already done so moved back. One with delicate Asian features spoke to him. You’re looking for Tiffany?” “We came to rescue her. Don’t worry, we’re getting you all out of this hellhole and back to the States.” “She’s here. She’s passed out. We think she’s dehydrated. We drink out of the water hose, but she got some kind of bug and couldn’t keep the water down.” The women parted and Gino stopped down to have a look at the woman lying on the cold stone floor. The sight of her beautiful face almost took his breath away. Even covered in dirt and grime, she was the most angelic thing he’d ever set eyes on. The various photographs Lorenzo had shown them, certainly hadn’t done her justice. His hand went to the mike on his shoulder. “Lorenzo, I found your friend. She’s real sick. Get the medic here. “Roger that, Gino. I’m on my way.” Gino barked orders he hardly remembered to

the men through his shoulder mike, before gently picking her up and carrying her out of the cell. The other members of his team were herding the remaining women out behind him. Up the steps and out the front door, he went. He saw one of the other members of their team unlocking the small room and the servants poured out, running outside. Gino didn’t know or care where they were going at this point. He just wanted to get the women and their men out safely Lorenzo met him at the doorway and held out his arms. For some reason, Gino was reluctant to let her go. Staring down at her, he swallowed thickly as his arms tightened slightly. “Come the fuck on, Gino. We gotta get outta here. Load up the other females and just like you planned, we move out together.” Lorenzo’s panicked voice drew him from his momentary paralysis. He carefully handed the woman over to Lorenzo and muttered under his breath, “Whatever you say, boss.” Stepping back was the hardest thing he’d ever done in his life. He knew he was overly protective,

because of the weeks they’d spent looking for her and the fact that many of the men had verbalized concerns that her chances of survival were minimal at best. Gino had refused to accept that, as had Lorenzo and Johnny. Now, here she was. Warm and safe in their care. Lorenzo was right, they needed to get moving if they were going to keep her that way. Turning on his heel, he headed to the other van. The women were packed in like sardines, taking up every available inch of floor space. Some were sitting on men’s laps. It was more due to space than the men feeling overprotective. He could tell many were unhappy about the close quarters. Slamming the door, he stomped back to the other van and climbed in. Hitting the roof, the van jolted forward.

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iffany was still restless, but she thought she heard a familiar voice. “Tiff, baby. Can you hear me?”

The deep rich baritone that could only belong to one person. Her best friend in the entire world had come to say goodbye. Yes, it was Lorenzo. She recognized his expensive cologne and the smell of his sweaty body. The man was always in need of a good scrub in her humble opinion. Yet, she remembered more. There had someone else. She vaguely remembered shouts, gunshots, and being lifted gently from the ground. That man had strong arms and hard muscles. He didn’t wear cologne. Instead, he smelled strongly of soap and sweat. He’d been angry, filled with hot male fury. The stranger had cursed, using profanity even she’d never heard before. The last thing she remembered hearing was him bark. “All the bastards die tonight. Kill them all. No one lives.” She couldn’t make her eyes open fully before all went black again. How long she’d been out, she didn’t know, but before her eyes opened, she’d felt the soft mattress beneath her. Though unable to move, she managed to force her eyes open finally. Something big hovered over her and she waited patiently as it slowly came into focus. Lorenzo’s

worried face was inches from her own. She’d never seen a more beautiful sight in her whole life.

ou’re right, Gino. She is waking up. Tiff, can “Y you hear me?” She tried to speak but her mouth felt like cotton. A man she didn’t recognize, held out a bottle of water with a bendable straw. She drank, then drank some more before squeaking out brittle words, “You came for me.” “Of fuckin’ course we came. Jesus, did you really think we wouldn’t?” Johnny leaned over into her line of sight. “Sorry, it took so long. Had a hell of a hard time findin’ you.” “The others?” “Got them all. Loaded up every bitch they had.” Lorenzo shoved him aside. “We’re heading out in the morning. You’re in bad shape, but you’re doing much better than you were a few days ago

when we rescued you. We got a doc to check you out. He had you on an IV for a while and gave you a three-day course of some high speed antibiotics.” “Jesus, I don’t remember…” “Look Tiff, we gotta jet. It’s dangerous here.” “Where are we?” “Some small town on the Black Sea.” “Sochi?” “Yeah. Why?” “Orphanage. Outside town. Fourteen-year-old girl. Last name Petrov. We take her or I don’t go.” Her muscles were stiff, but she could move her arms and legs around. Johnny’s exasperated voice filled the air. “You gotta be fuckin’ kiddin’ me?” The man she didn’t know spoke. He seemed to be the voice of reason. “Shut the hell up, Johnny. Can’t you see she’s been through the fuckin’ ringer?” Lorenzo mused out loud. “She must know something we don’t. Maybe the girl’s in danger. We found kids in that place. Maybe that orphanage is where they get them. Who knows what they do to

them.” Johnny snorted, “Fuck that. I’m in.” The other man stated quietly. “We’ll scope the place out and then pay them a little visit tonight.” Grabbing Lorenzo’s hand, she murmured, “No. You stay. Don’t want…to be…alone.” The man she didn’t know whispered, “Pretty little bitch’s breakin’ my heart, boss.” Johnny stated matter-of-factly, “Fuck. Stay Enzo. Me and Gino, we got this.” Lorenzo paused for a moment as if considering the situation. “No thrilling heroics. Get in, find the girl, and get back out again.” “We’re smuggling fourteen women back into the US, what’s one more? Hope you know what you’re doin’, Enzo.” Johnny wasn’t thrilled but he was a team player. Tiffany couldn’t help the tears that slid from her eyes. If she were being honest with herself, she’d admit to not knowing why she was compelled to rescue Petrov’s sister. Maybe, she realized he wasn’t going to be able to do the nasty things they were forcing him to do forever. One

slip up on his part and the little one would pay the price. The big guy had fought the battle hard and suffered a stunning defeat. If there was anything she could do to right that wrong, she would. Hell, maybe she had Stockholm syndrome, but she felt an ounce of compassion for the rough man. She had more than a little compassion in her heart for the innocent little girl. “S…sorry about Donovan. I tried…to save him. I really…did.” “What the fuck? Donovan’s fine, Tiff. He was touch and go there for a while but he pulled through. Won’t be good for much for a few months, but we got him covered. Don’t you worry none about him, sweetheart.” Tiffany looked around the room. Enzo had them held up in a bed and breakfast of some sort. She’d been given a sponge bath at some point while she’d been out. Though she felt cleaner, she still craved the opportunity to shower. As the hours ticked by, she could move and even sit up. One of the women she’d been held with came in with warm broth and offered to help her into the

shower. Tiffany always liked Crystal, even though she’d been one of the first to cave into their captors’ demands. Once inside the bathroom, her clothing came off, and Tiffany was truly horrified by what she saw in the bathroom mirror. Though she’d always been thin, her body was emaciated to the point that she could see each rib. Her eyes had been sunken into their sockets from dehydration, but now she just had dark circles under both eyes. Abrasions and bruises covered one side of her torso and there were sores on her arms and legs, probably from prolonged neglect of hygiene. The small Asian woman removed her own clothing and started the shower, adjusting the temperature by hand. At first, Tiffany was surprised that Crystal planned to shower along with her but after realizing she was shaking slightly as she stood waiting, it made sense. They had long since lost the ability to feel shame about seeing each other naked. Being held in the large cages with no enclosures for the makeshift toilet or the water hose that provided

both drinking water and a means to clean themselves, had given them little privacy. Tiffany felt nothing as the nice woman ran a soapy sponge over her body and gently washed her hair. She quickly helped her out of the shower and sat her on the toilet wrapped in a thirsty towel while the woman completed her own shower. Tiffany found herself wondering what Petrov’s sister would be like. Petrov had been huge and hulking, with dark hair and clear blue eyes. She didn’t have very long to wonder because a few hours later, Johnny and the new guy they referred to as Gino returned with the youngster. She was wide-eyed and frightened. Tiffany motioned to her, “Come.” The girl moved towards her, almost gratefully. Tiffany didn’t miss how she edged around the men with great caution. It made her more empathetic to her plight. “Do you understand English?” “My brother in America. I learn, so I can join him.” “Smart girl. What’s your name?”

“My mother die when she give birth to me. My brother love all things American. He name me Penny, after girl from American cartoon.” “I saw that movie. It so happens, Penny, I know your brother.” The girl’s face lit up. You know my Dimitri?” “Well I only met him once, but he’s real worried about you. If you want, I can take you to him.” “You do that if I want or not, I think.” Tiffany smothered a smile. “You’re right. I don’t think you’re very safe here either. We’re taking you and I’ll get you paperwork when we get there, okay?” “Promise, you take me only to Dimitri?” Tiffany made a little x on her chest. “Cross my heart. Hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye.” The girl frowned. “Why you say this? Do no stick things in eye. It very painful. You should know this. You all growed up.” Tiffany chuckled. “It’s just a kid’s saying. I’m promising that I’d rather be stuck in the eye with a needle than lie to you.”

“Strange saying.” “How about this?” Picking up the girl’s hand she locked pinkies with her and shook up and down. “This is what I and my best friend do when we make promises to each other. We pinky swear.” “This I have seen on the television. I like much better.”

7

Transcontinental Journey Home

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coming back as she sucked down bottle after bottle of hydrating fluid. The IV had gotten her out of the danger zone, but forcing fluids kept her from slipping back there. The drinks tasted light and fruity. Lorenzo’s new man, Gino, insisted on giving IFFANY FELT SOME OF HER OLD FIGHT

her something for pain every few hours. He swore it wasn’t addictive. Tiffany didn’t believe anything capable of erasing her pain so effectively could be non-addictive. It worried her. As they left the next morning she, turned him away entirely. “A few aches and pains won’t kill me, but an addiction just might.” “You need to take your medication. The doctor told us you will only get addicted through prolonged use.” Tiffany snarked, “Back off, handsome. My body, my choice.” Lorenzo interceded. “Leave her alone, Gino. She’s stubborn about crap like that.” Johnny snorted, “Her head’s probably all jacked up from the Russian shit she’s been through. Probably doesn’t trust you. Want me to give it to her?” Tiffany turned an angry glare on the stupid man. “I’m in control of all my faculties, dumbass.” “I beg to differ, Tiff. You just called Gino handsome.” Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that the

large henchman appeared embarrassed. It was a cute look for him. He was standing with hands behind his back, looking everywhere but at her. His dark hair was combed neatly back from his face, revealing several small facial scars and an unusual slope to the outside of one eye. She couldn’t tell if it was caused by a birth defect or an old injury. He had large blue eyes, a nice square jawline and some sweet lips. His imperfections added to his charm rather than detracting from it. Turning back to Johnny she stated in his flat dead voice, “Just because I look like hell, doesn’t mean I’m blind, Johnny.” Johnny snorted and began to reply but Lorenzo cut him off, “Now’s not the time, Johnny. Leave her the fuck alone or we’re gonna go a round or two. What’s it gonna be?” “I don’t mind goin’ a round or two with your pansy ass…” Gino spoke up, “Neither of you is going to do anything quite that stupid. We’re loading up the women and getting them the fuck back to where they came from. You two knuckleheads are not

gonna do anything to draw attention to our situation. Got that?” Lorenzo jerked his chin in agreement. Johnny muttered under his breath, “You ain’t my goddamn daddy, Gino.” Gino stated politely, “Stop acting like a child, and you won’t need one.” Tiffany’s eyes narrowed. “Who in the hell works for who here, because I can’t figure it out.” Gino almost smiled, but Lorenzo was the one who answered. “No one’s in charge. I did hire Gino to help find you. He’s overseen that mission. He’s damn good at things like that. However, now you’re found. Moving forward we’ll be working together and split the profits three ways. We’re usually of the same mind about most things.” Johnny complained, “No, we’re not. He thinks he’s runnin’ the show.” Lorenzo responded sternly, “He’s just giving good advice. You can either follow it or make an ass of yourself and screw up our best chance of gettin’ everyone out of here alive. Your choice,

Johnny.” “I don’t like bein’ told what to do.” “Nobody does. I happen to like the fact that Gino has a cool head and he’s not afraid to sound off when we’re going off the rails. If you weren’t so stubborn, you’d see how much we need him to balance out whatever is going on between the two of us. He doesn’t mean any harm. We’re stronger with him than without him, and you know it.” Rubbing his chin, Johnny replied thoughtfully, “You might be onto something there, Enzo.” Tiffany frowned as she glanced back at the enigmatic Gino. He was clearly a complex man. His thoughtfulness and intelligence were balanced by a no-nonsense attitude and strength of character that seemed advanced for his years. He couldn’t be much older than Enzo, yet he commanded respect from the other two stronger personalities. More than that, she felt safe with him, though she barely knew him. She suddenly wanted to know more. Then she remembered that he must see her as damaged beyond all repair. Had he been present when

Lorenzo found her? Shit, it had been him that found her. She’d remember that voice anywhere. All the bastards die tonight. Kill them all. No one lives. The words rang in her ears. Seeing her like that had clearly freaked the man out. Her heart fell as she realized that he’d never see her as anything other than a victim. None of the men would ever know how hard she fought and she’d burn in hell before she ever told a living soul.

G

ino avoided the woman’s gaze. Leave it to Johnny to make a bad situation worse. Though he loved working for Lorenzo, Johnny was a constant challenge to deal with. The headstrong mobster was crass, indifferent to the suffering of others, and had only agreed to come at the insistence of his father, Don Carlo. The aging mafia don had been incensed that the Russian mob was trying to move in on his territory. Sending his eldest son onto Russian soil to deal a lethal blow

would be the shot heard round the world for mobsters of every sort. Still, he was grateful for Don Carlo’s guns and manpower. Those resources had made the mission possible. He was hired for the express purpose of helping Lorenzo locate his childhood friend. At first, he’d been suspicious that Lorenzo was in love with the woman or something of that nature. Now it was clear that theirs was a truly platonic friendship. As the day wore on, Gino had been forced to turn away to keep from laughing on a couple of occasions when she called him a man whore and encouraged him to find a woman and settle down. Little Tiffany had a sharp tongue, but she was smart as a whip, even in her diminished state. Gino had watched over the last few days with growing admiration as she fought to regain her strength, falling in and out of consciousness. One of Don Carlo’s men was a former army medic who spoke Russian. He’d linked them with the physician who swore there were no broken bones or internal damage. His limited treatment had

worked wonders. They knew the rest would heal, given time. Her moments of vulnerability had been few, but each time she broke down into tears it tore a gigantic hole in Gino’s soul. When she’d pleaded with Lorenzo to stay with her, his chest had constricted to the point that he could barely breathe. Gino had been responsible for organizing the women and seeing that their needs were met. The medic had translated with the hotel staff, shopped for supplies, and even purchased clothing and incidentals for the women. Gino’s took it upon himself to talk to the women and keep them calm. He was good with people and the females were so grateful to be rescued that they were compliant to the point of being pitiful. He’d gotten close to Crystal. He sat with her, handing her a bag from a local McDonalds. “What are these, Gino?” “Umm, deep fried cheese nuggets. Brie nuggets, I believe.” “I thought Brie was a French cheese.”

Gino smiled indulgently. “You’re right. What did the Russians feed you?” “Some kind of gruel in the mornings. It tasted really bitter. In the evenings, we usually got some sort of watery soup. We managed to survive by washing it all down with water from a garden hose.” “Fuckers. They all deserved what we gave them.” “Did you kill them all?” “Every single one we could. Unfortunately, getting you guys out was the priority, so we couldn’t give the mansion a final sweep. I’m sure a few got away. How’d they get you?” Sighing, the woman explained. “They snatched us all off the streets. I think we were chosen at random, except the one you came for.” “Why did they want Tiffany?” “He saw her in some magazine and liked the look of her. Offered her a posh life if she went with him willingly.” “Since she’s still here, so I assume she didn’t take him up on that deal.”

“God, no. She fought them tooth and nail. Slammed one of those big coffee pots into the guy’s head. The Russians were furious because he had to get stitches.” “Jesus. What’d they do to her?” “You don’t want to know.” Gino held the woman’s gaze until she spoke again. Her voice was a harsh whisper. “They took her over to one of the tables, tied her down and raped her until she passed out.” “Christ.” “They just got progressively more brutal with her after that. She fought like a wildcat, but they hit her, kicked her, and refused to give her food. I’m guessing they did everything they could think of to get her to submit, but nothing worked. She had it worse than all of us, cause every time they tried to hurt us, she jumped in.” “Why would she do that?” “I don’t know. It’s like she had it in her head that she was going to die, and decided to do it on her terms.” “Fuck. I don’t even know what to say to that.”

“When we submitted, they were rough but didn’t go out of their way to hurt us. If we fought they were brutal. Keep an eye on that one. She isn’t going to just be okay once you get her back home.” “I wonder if any of you are.” “Keep track of as many of us as you can. Give us a reason to get our lives back together. I could care less if I live or die right now. I know it’s wrong to feel that way but I honestly can’t make myself care.” Gino was silent for a moment. “What if I told you that Don Carlo didn’t pay for this operation? He just fronted the money. You ladies will need to get your lives together, obtain gainful employment, and pay off the debt. It’s morally the right thing to do.” Her eyes narrowed. “Sounds like you’re giving me the opportunity to take some control of my life and pay back a life debt that would otherwise nag at my conscience. That might be enough to get most of us on the straight and narrow. Pretty fucked up that the only thing making me want to live right now, is the opportunity to pay back this debt, isn’t

it?” “No. You’re just really confused right now.” “Is what you said about the debt even true?” “I can make it true.” Losing his appetite, he threw his food back into the bag. Walking over to Johnny and Lorenzo he stated flatly, “We need to talk.” He carefully explained the situation. Lorenzo immediately stated, “No fuckin’ way. That’s ape shit crazy, Gino.” “I wholeheartedly agree. I’m just the messenger here. Crystal told it to me straight and this is a viable solution.” “I don’t accept that.” Johnny spoke, “Who the fuck cares what kind of situation we have to put them in to motivate them to get their shit together? You really want to come all the way here and shoot the place up to rescue a bunch of broads who end up offing themselves or spending the rest of their lives strung out on dope? That ain’t the rescue mission I signed up for.” “It ain’t right to charge them money. They’re

victims.” “Then we won’t really charge them. We’ll just tell them that, then leave them be. If they end up in a position where they come back to us and want to pay, then we make sure they know it’s voluntary. I’ll get my pops to play along. You know, make them feel good about the progress they made and shit like that. We don’t want them to feel like victims the rest of their lives, right?” “What about the money they pay?” “Fuck, if I know. My pops sure ain’t hard up enough for money to take it off the backs of a bunch of women who’ve been through what these broads have.” Gino mused out loud, “Maybe we could save the money and gift it back to them over a period of years or donate it to a charity.” “Whatever, Gino. This is your brain child. You go talk to them. Try to be motivational and shit, okay?” “Why me, boss?” Jesus, he’d done his share by coming up with the crazy plan. Why couldn’t Lorenzo do him a solid and just talk to the women?

“You got people skills. Shit, just do it, Gino.” Crystal helped him talk to the women. Most were curiously upbeat about the prospect of accepting financial responsibility for a portion of their own rescue. He made it very clear that no one was making money off their unfortunate situation. Their response was overwhelmingly positive. One of the women asked if this was an ongoing partnership where they could call on him if they found themselves in trouble again. Gino agreed, knowing they’d probably not turn down helping them in the future. Tiffany responded particularly well to his ingenious form of motivation. If not for the overwhelming feeling of empowerment flowing through the room, Gino would have kicked his own ass. He’d deal with the feelings of guilt over being dishonest if helped the women spin their lives in a positive direction. Sometimes, he was too smart for his own good. The men broke up into teams of two and escorted the women one and two at a time back to the States. It seemed more like couples or friends

traveling together, so it drew little notice. Gino had brought enough supplies to make fake passports and Don Carlo had sent them a shifty guy who was no good with a gun but fantastic with a computer and mini-printer. In the end, it all worked out somehow.

8

Getting Back on Track

L

TIFFANY the morning after she returned to her apartment, bearing coffee and donuts. “Smells great. I get the feeling those are both the real thing.” Though she was aiming for a teasing quality to her voice, it fell a little flat. “I think a little sugar and an honest to goodness ORENZO VISITED

fried dough ball will be good for you.” As they dropped down onto her sofa, she quipped. “I’m not complaining. After eating gruel for a couple of months, this is a real treat.” “Guess you know why I’m here?” The grimness of his voice made her laugh. “I know exactly why you’re here and since I couldn’t sleep last night, I came up with a game plan.” Lorenzo looked relieved. “Let’s hear it, princess.” “Keep your voice down. The little one’s still sleeping.” “Roger that. I honestly forgot all about her.” Tiffany smiled wryly. “Good thing you don’t have children.” Pulling out a notebook, she showed him some sketches, several pages of written notes, and several logo designs. “I’ve decided to just make my own designs and sell them directly to the public.” “That sounds like a big endeavor. Sure, you’re ready for that kind of stress?” “Almost dying taught me two important things

about myself. One, I’m much stronger than I ever thought I was. And two, life is short. I want to live a little before I die. Don’t worry, I already researched numbers of counselors. I’m not stupid enough to think I can put this whole mess behind me without talking to someone.” “What you do mean by sell to the public? Like an online store or something like that?” “I’ll sell online, but I really want my own store front. After being isolated underground, I want to sit behind my own counter and design while the sun shines through the window.” Lorenzo beamed at her. “Sounds wonderful, Tiff. Any ideas about a location?” “Something on the east side, maybe along Jolanda Boulevard or somewhere like that?” “That’s a prime location for a shop. We ended up with a building near there. Intended to put a beauty salon in, but my man calculated the square footage wrong. It has more back space than we could ever use but not enough front space. Found out the floor plan is considered obsolete, cause it’s not useful for hardly anybody. Can’t renovate

because it’s a historical building. All trendy and shit. Be perfect for you.” “Is it in my price range?” “Don’t know how much you’re looking to spend, but we got it for a song because of the aforementioned renovation restrictions. Seems it’s in a great location if you can make use of the floor space. Want to have a look?” Tiffany practically squealed her delight, but Lorenzo gestured her down. “Sounds like a lot of sewing for one pretty little set of hands. Got any ideas on who you can hire to help out?” “Madam Lin puts together all my designs. I can’t sew to save my life. She’s always said that when my volume went up, she can get some people to help.” “Well, we can stop by and see the shop after we get back from Doc Flanagan’s.” Her cheerful expression immediately fell. “I don’t need a doctor, much less a mob doctor.” “Well, I need to know you’re okay.” “I’m fine.”

“Let Doc Flanagan give you the once over and I won’t ever mention it again. Please Tiff, just for me.” “Quit with the puppy dog eyes, Enzo. I’ll go, just don’t expect me to be nice to the old coot.” Lorenzo laughed, “The old coot is now a new coot. His son took over his practice.” “We are NOT telling him I got abducted…” “Hell no. I told him you joined the Peace Corps and spent time in places most people look to avoid. Told him you ain’t been eatin’ right and got into a car crash and had to come home.” Flashing him a look of disapproval, she stated flatly, “Lying is like breathing to you, isn’t it?” Not offended in the least, he actually seemed a bit proud. “Don’t judge. It’s my top secret super power.” “Yeah, super dude. What time’s the appointment?” “He’s been waiting since five am. Might have called him in a panic last night when I couldn’t sleep.” Looking at her friend, for the first time she saw

what she’d been missing. He looked exhausted and nervous. She immediately felt like shit. The man had organized a band of mobsters and rescued her from another country. As bizarre as that sounded, she shouldn’t be giving him shit about anything. “Sorry, you got pulled into this mess, Lorenzo.” His head jerked up and his expression was dumbfounded for a brief moment before turning smug. “What the fuck are you talkin’ about, Tiff? I was made for shit like this. Don’t feel sorry for me. Feel sorry for those women you were with. If not for me being hell bent on rescuing you, they’d still be there.” Tiffany jerked back at his words. It felt like getting splashed with cold water. Lorenzo’s voice softened, “In a way, you saved all their lives. You know that, right?” Tiffany felt her throat closing as she realized his words were true. “Thank you for taking them all. I appreciate it.” “Me too.” A small voice came from the far side of the room. They both looked over to see Penny standing in

the doorway to the guest bedroom with a blanket wrapped around her. Lorenzo smiled. “You’re welcome. Come. I brought donuts. Forgot you were here, or I’d have gotten you a hot chocolate.” “That okay, hero. I drink water all the time.” Tiffany laughed. “Did you just call him a hero?” The little girl padded over in bare feet. “Is not right word?” “Yep, he’s a hero all right. I don’t know how to explain this, but have you seen the heroes on television who don’t like others to know about their heroic deeds?” The girl nodded, wide-eyed. Tiffany continued, “Let’s just keep the hero stuff on the down low. It’s secret information. You can tell your brother but no one else.” The girl nodded. “On the down low. Got it. Where is my brother?” “I’m not sure, sweetie. I have an idea on how we can find him, though. I put clothing in your room. Get dressed. We’re going out with Lorenzo.

I’ll take you shopping and we’ll have lunch someplace nice, okay.” The little tween raced to her room without a word. Pulling his thumb towards the doorway, Lorenzo commented, “Nice kid. I like her. Ever gonna tell me why we grabbed her.” “Promise not to explode and I’ll tell you.” “I don’t like the direction this conversation is taking, Tiff.” “Her brother’s the one who abducted me.” She thought again of the handsome Russian who was tasked with collecting the women. He was rough and tried to kill Donovan but he’d admitted to feeling trapped. Lorenzo’s soft cursing broke her train of thought. Looking up into his furious face, she tried to explain. “I could tell he hated doing it. Said they would rape and kill her if he didn’t do what they wanted. You should have seen the guy. He’d make two of you and he had this huge ugly scar. Said he fought the will of the Vor and lost. He was practically

their slave because they had his sister. I think she’s all the family he has. Well, thanks to you and me, they don’t have her anymore.” “You’re just going to hand her over to him?” His look was half disbelieving and half hopeful. He got it, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Tiffany pressed her case with finesse, used to getting her way with her childhood friend. “He came to America for a better life, hoping to bring her over. They used him like they used me. Well, not exactly like they used me, but you know what I mean. He tried to help me, Enzo. He warned me that if I fought them, they’d brutalize me. He was the only person who tried to be protective of me in any way, though he had no means to avoid turning me over to them. I’ve got no particular love for the guy, but he deserves a second chance.” “Fuckin’ hell, Tiff. I want his blood, but you’re probably right.” She could tell the situation posed a bit of an intrapsychic conflict for Lorenzo. Placing her hand on his arm, she insisted gently. “Just let me handle this, Enzo. I know what I’m doing.”

Sighing, he acquiesced. “You earned that right after everything you’ve been through.” Gaining his cooperation was a victory. She quickly moved the conversation in another direction before he changed his mind. “I’m shocked that Don Carlo supported this whole rescue effort.” “He wasn’t all that wild about it until he found out they took you. You’re practically a hometown celebrity after winning that contest.” Tiffany couldn’t keep the bewildered expression from her face. “Didn’t realize so many people read, Styling Like a Star.” “Is that the name of the magazine you were in? I never picked up on that, but they showed the spread on the nightly news for a long time after you went missing. I know your parents are long dead, but your aunts and uncles all came on television asking for leads. They did right by you, Tiff.” “My friend Cheryl must have been devastated. I should call her.” “Johnny took care of her. He told her that you got called to France for that design job with the

French company, and were spending the summer there because you had relatives there. She was already on her way back to the West Coast to spend time with her relatives. Most people thought you ran off with a rich playboy.” Tiffany breathed out a sigh of relief. She definitely didn’t want Cheryl thinking about such a horrific ordeal every time they were together. Tiffany was totally focused on getting some normality back into her life. Put the crap behind her and move forward in a different direction. It sounded good, but the nightmares persisted even after her rescue. Nibbling on the crusty donut was heaven after being starved for so long. “So, are Johnny and your new friend Gino, totally shell-shocked from accompanying you on your little mission?” “Hell no. Johnny can’t stop gobbling up deep dish pizza. I think the man’s addicted to pizza and beer.” Tiffany giggled. “Simpleton.” Lorenzo smiled brightly. “That he is, Tiff. I’m going to tell him you said that.”

Her eyes flew open. “Don’t you dare Enzo. The man risked his life for me. Plus, I don’t want that scary freak mad at me.” “I was only joking. You should know by now that I never discuss the things we talk about with anyone else.” Smiling she queried, “How’s the new guy holding up?” “Gino’s solid. He spent time in the Marine Corps. He didn’t seem fazed by any of it. Honestly, it was just business as usual for that guy.” “Well, I think he’s the nicest of the three of you and you can tell him I said that.” “Yeah, like I’m going to say something like that. He’s already obsessed with you. I’m not adding more fuel to the flames, Tiff.” Oh, that was music to her ears. She smiled smugly. “Well, most guys are obsessed with me, Enzo. Thought you knew that.” Her gentle teasing eased the awkwardness of their first encounter since returning to the real world. There was absolutely no way she’d admit to Enzo that she kind of had the hots for his new

henchman. That was top secret information. Something she’d normally only tell Cheryl, but she really couldn’t tell her, without having to explain how she met him. Lorenzo stayed by her side the entire day. However, seeing the mob doctor was the low point of her day. He was shifty, suspicious, and far too thorough. She was ever so glad when it was all over. Her getting a clean bill of health seemed to put Enzo at ease. That’s really what Tiffany was after. They visited the storefront, which turned out to not only be perfect for her needs but also fit into her budget. This venture would clean out the last of the money her grandmother left for her but it would be worth it if the business took off. Even if money was tight for a while, she’d get by. They stopped by a clothing store and picked up clothing for Penny along with some incidentals. Tiffany found her a nice sized suitcase to pack her things into and grabbed her a bed in a bag for good measure. No telling how long the girl was going to be with her or where she’d end up.

Penny seemed to be enthralled with America in general. They stopped at a fancy eatery for lunch and the staff was really sweet to the tween. She was eager to try everything, so they brought her sampling tray instead of a full meal. She loved the variety, so Tiffany had them do the same with their dessert menu. It was enough for all of them to nibble. Gino and Johnny joined them for lunch. Johnny was his boisterous self and kept hitting on their waitress, who seemed both mortified and yet somehow interested at the same time. Gino was quiet and circumspect. He allowed the conversation to flow around him, occasionally interjected comments as the occasion called for it. For her part, Tiffany did her very best to avoid looking at him. She didn’t want him to see her stillgaunt facial features or her curious interest in him.

9

Lucky Penny

O

NCE BACK AT HER PLACE,

Penny hurried to the guest room to stow all her new belongings. Tiffany made some coffee and settled down on her sofa to enjoy some down time with Lorenzo. “So, you taking that kid to raise or you want me to look around for her brother?” Tiffany grinned. “Neither. We get him to come

to us. She quickly flipped the screen of her electronic tablet around for Lorenzo to see. There was a huge full page display advertisement with a strangely cryptic message. D, You’ve lost you lucky Penny. Found by a friend. Call 718-555-1219 T “Well, that must have cost you a mint.” “Not really. An old boyfriend is the advertising director. Let’s just say we worked out a trade.” Lorenzo cursed under his breath. “I’d have paid for the ad, Tiff.” Laughing she sipped her coffee. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Enzo. He’s engaged and his fiancée is crazy about my designs. I agreed to design her wedding gown for free. I’d have done it for free with all the exposure his wedding is going to receive. Call me a publicity hound but this is a

win/win.” “You’re a lot smarter than I give you credit for, Tiff.” “So, do think he will see it?” Lorenzo threw her a lopsided grin. “The ad’s huge. That should about do it. Number’s to a burner phone, right?” Nodding, Tiffany pushed send. The ad was scheduled to run for a full week.

T

he following morning the burner phone rang at the crack of dawn. Tiffany grabbed it, eager to reunite the girl with her family. “Hello.” “You have my sister?” “What’s your name? “If you have my sister, you know my name.” “I’m quite partial to the sweet little thing. Regardless of what you might think, I don’t hate you either. You have to work with me here. I’m not

giving her up to just any guy with a cool accent.” “Dimitri Petrov. May I speak to my Penny?” “No. She’s sleeping. Come to my house. You know where I live. Bring her hot chocolate and donuts. We’re going to be real civil. Don’t spook her.” “I understand. What else should I bring?” “What do you mean?” “Do you wish me to bring money? I will pay. Don’t hurt her.” “Jesus, dude. Get a grip. I brought her here so you could keep her safe, not to get anything from you. You didn’t lie to me. I’m not lying to you.” “As you say.” “Just get here ASAP. I want to talk to you before she wakes up.” “Understood. I will bring no weapon. I am not a threat.” “Again, I know that. Get your ass over here. I have a lot to tell you.” Thirty minutes later there was a knock at the door. Tiffany flung the door open to find the huge scarred man standing in front of her.

“My sister. Is she safe?” “Come in and you can see for yourself. Don’t wake her, though. I want to talk to you first.” “It will be as you say.” Tiffany took the tray of drinks and box of donuts from his trembling hands. “First door on the left. Have a look. We’re the only two people here.” The large man crept suspiciously towards the room and cracked the door. He relaxed somewhat when he saw the girl in the soft glow of the nightlight. He walked silently over and touched her gently on the forehead. Gentle snoring sounds emanated from her. He turned, smiling at Tiffany. She motioned him from the room and he followed her to the sofa and sat down. “I am sorry. I thought you were being dishonest with me.” “Look, I know we met under some strange circumstances, but that alone does not make us enemies.” “You made the Vor disappear. His crew has not contacted me. How did you do that?” “With lots of American gangsters with big

guns. It doesn’t matter. We’re both free now. Don’t you see? We can get on with our lives now.” “I don’t see how you can forgive what I did to you. I killed your man.” “He lived. You didn’t kill him.” “Still, are you angry with me?” “Did you have a choice?” “No. But the fact remains…” “I learned some things about life in Russia. The Vors are powerful people. You tried to resist them but they had leverage over you.” “Now you have that leverage.” “You still don’t get it. They beat me, raped me, and starved me. They took away all my personal control. It was empowering for me take back control of my life. It feels even better to help you take back control of yours.” “You would do that, for me?” “Do you realize that you were the only person who even tried to be honest with me?” “We were both victims. It did not make sense to inflict more suffering upon you than was necessary.”

“We all have to pay for our mistakes Dimitri. I have a suggestion on how you can pay for yours. Get your sister someplace safe and enjoy life. We can get you both new identities. Go somewhere obscure and just start over, but never forget to pay the favor forward. If you can ever help another person, do it without hesitation. The nicer things you do, the better you will feel about yourself.” “I have no right to feel good, but will do as you say.” Grabbing him by the arm, Tiffany gave him a little shake. “Everyone deserves to be happy. I’ve found the guy who makes life worth living for me. I’m going to spend the next year or so getting my life in order, then I’m not going to let anything stand the in the way of going after him. I want to think of you somewhere safe, living happily ever after.” Tears showed in the big man’s eyes for a moment. “This feels like a dream come true for me.” Penny’s sleepy voice yelled from her room. “Dimitri, is that you?”

He stood and the tween ran right into his arms. “I can’t believe you found me.” “Miss Tiffany reached out to me and of course, I came. You are my sister. Now we can be together, you and me.” Refusing to let go she whispered, “I missed you. The orphanage wasn’t nice…” “I know little one. It is behind us now. Come, I brought you chocolate.” Tiffany handed them both drinks and donuts. “You two catch up. I’m going to grab a shower.” She wasn’t very surprised to find the pair of them gone, along with Penny’s belongings when she returned from grooming.” She found a note written in strange English letters, though some looked reversed. Miss Tiffany: Penny and I would like to thank you. You bring hope where there was only hopelessness. Joy where there was only misery, light where there was only darkness, and peace where there was only conflict. We wish upon you the

happiness that you have brought to us. Dimitri and Penny 718-555-5597 PS: Call upon me if ever you have need. Tiffany smiled as she sipped the hot chocolate that Dimitri had left for her. Pulling out her diary, she opened it to the very back. Under the item list entitled: Getting My Life Back, she marked off the next two items on her list. The one about forgiving her abductor and second of reuniting him with his sister. It felt good to cross new items off her list. Being the organized person she was, Tiffany had developed a formal plan to get her from the mess she was now, to the person she wanted to become. After some deep introspection, she knew there was no going back to the person she had been before the abduction. She was on track to be a totally different person now and she had to face that fact head on. As frightening as it was, she was looking forward to finding the new Tiffany.

10

Flash Forward

T

since her abduction. She’d seen a therapist for the first couple of those years, worked tirelessly to get her business off the ground and even found some level of success. None of the women had heard anything from the Russians. She guessed them getting a bloodied nose on their home turf had IFFANY WAS COMING UP ON THREE YEARS

throttled their enthusiasm for international intrigue. Though she’d had many dates, she had not worked up the nerve to be intimate with a man. She wanted to, believed she could, but when push came to shove, she always chickened out. Tonight had been a disaster. She’d invited Cheryl out to get her nose out of her books and the men she’d invited had been spectacularly boring and self-absorbed. To top it all off, an intoxicated Lorenzo was on the dance floor seducing Cheryl for all the world to see. She prayed her friend would be able to see what a player he was. Though she loved Lorenzo like a brother, she wasn’t keen to find herself mediating a dispute between the two of them once the inevitable happened. Lorenzo wasn’t the onewoman type, while Cheryl was practically a virgin. She secretly cheered when Cheryl took her leave of him. Unfortunately, hawkish as ever, he realized she was blowing him off and followed her. Well crap. Her back was against the wall and she only had one option. Dragging herself from her seat, she strolled across the room and slid into the

table with Gino. Turning to the woman beside him, she made the going away motion with her hand. Gino whispered something in the woman’s ear and she flounced away in a huff. Gino folded his napkin across his lap and cleared his throat. “Is there something you need from me, Miss Tiffany?” Tilting her head, she noticed he almost seemed miffed. “Why would you say that?” “You only ever talk to me when you need something. Carry my bags, fetch me a coffee, park my car. Honestly, I’m not your driver. Nor am I your personal servant.” God, it felt like being slapped in the face. She’d tried to get close to him a bunch of time by pretending to need something. Apparently, he’d taken that to mean that she didn’t respect him. Crap, crap, and double crap. Looking down, she twisted her hands in her lap. Of all the men in the world, this was the only one that affected her in such a way. Her voice came out a stammer. “I’m… sor…sorry. I didn’t realize I was being rude.” Gino refused to make eye contact with her. “Perhaps if you can tell me what you need, I can

attend to that and get back to…” Glancing at the woman at the bar he continued. “…um, my evening.” Great. He not only wasn’t interested in her, he couldn’t wait to be rid of her. Clearing her throat, she spoke quickly. “Lorenzo just followed my best friend Cheryl into the back. Can you let him know that she’s my friend, Cheryl and therefore, not for public consumption?” “They’re both grown adults. They can do what they like.” “She’s very inexperienced with relationships. She’ll be really hurt when he…does what he does. Can’t you talk to him? Please. Do this one thing and I’ll never ask you anything else ever again.” Bringing her hands up into a prayer pose, she gave him a pleading look. Sliding out of his seat, he mumbled under his breath, “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. Get an ice pack ready, because he going to punch me for cock blocking him.” Tiffany jumped up and hugged him before she thought about it, whispering in his ear. “Cock block

away. He so deserves it.” Gino sighed when the redhead stalked out the door in a huff. Tiffany cringed. “Sorry about that. I’ll call her for you. Now go!” She sat back down at the table, waving away potential suitors before they even got to her table. They were only mesmerized by the dress anyways. It was glittery and she knew all too well how men were attracted to shiny objects. Frowning, she realized how jaded she was getting. Gino slowly entered from the back, walked right through the dance floor, and sank down into a seat across from her. “You didn’t get punched. What did he say?” He sighed but didn’t answer. “Did you even see them?” “Oh, hell yeah. More of them than I wanted.” Sinking her forehead into her open palm, she moaned. “Christ on a Cracker. Don’t tell me, you were too late?” “That’d be a nice way to say it.” Waving over a server, he ordered himself a gin and tonic. The fact that he didn’t offer to buy her a drink was her

clue that he was still looking to be rid of her. “Thanks for giving it the old college try, Gino. I really appreciate it.” “Yeah. You’re welcome. Guess I’ll catch you later.” Since he made no effort to leave, she surmised it was his overly polite way of dismissing her. The guy had class. She had to give him that much. “Umm…Gino. I really didn’t mean to be rude to you. I just like you and that’s why I ask you to do things for me.” “Yep. That what guys like me are good for, right?” Before she could answer, he had gotten to his feet and was wandering off. She really felt like crap. Since Cheryl was already heading for heartbreak city, there was no point in hanging around. Scrambling to her feet, she headed toward the door. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Gino drinking alone at a small table in the corner. He looked miserable. Guilt clawed at her gut. She knew what loneliness felt like. It was a gaping hollowness that could never quite be filled. A raw

low-grade ache that was only temporarily filled by contact with others. It was the one thing she could always count on to be waiting at home for her at the end of a harried day. If she hadn’t barged in, he’d still be having a fabulous evening with the gorgeous redhead. Fighting off the feeling that she was nothing but trouble, no matter the situation, she headed home. As she drove, Tiffany tried to figure out how she could have messed up so badly with Gino. She really didn’t see him much, but when she did, she always tried to talk to him and hang onto the moment. Maybe asking Gino to do things for her hadn’t been the best way to go about spending more time with him. Now, he seemed to be under the impression she saw him as an errand boy. Nothing could be further from the truth. She saw him as smart, attractive, and competent. He always seemed to be the voice of reason and a man who really get things done. Unfortunately, she remembered what it felt like to be in his strong arms. The scent of his skin. How angry he was on her behalf. How caring and

protective he was after her rescue. Now, she’d made him feel bad about himself and that sucked.

11

Natural Born Allies

T

right on time. Unfortunately, she found Lorenzo at her back as she opened the door. Since she’d texted Cheryl the night before, she knew that Cheryl blew him off with a fake name and number. Ha, Tiffany was the one who taught her that trick. He clearly came looking for intel and she’d already decided to play IFFANY STUMBLED INTO HER SHOP

dumb. Ignoring him, she turned over her open sign and loaded her cash drawer. Damn the man all to hell. Why’d have to put her in this situation over a woman he clearly thought about as a good fuck. Well, Cheryl was much more than just a shiny new mobster toy. She was a freaking human being and regardless of the favor he’d done her, Tiffany was not rolling over on her friend. Lorenzo waited patiently before handing her a Styrofoam cup of coffee with her name scribbled across the side. She sighed and took the cup from him. Playing dumb, she stated flatly. “I’m not sleeping with you, Enzo.” Her attitude took him by surprise. “Where the fuck did that come from?” “Just sayin’ up front that it ain’t happening.” “I’m not here to try to get into your pants. Jesus, give me a little credit.” “Are you here to shop for women’s clothing and accessories?” “Well no…” “Then get out. I’m trying to run a business

here.” “Fine, I’ll take some nice jewelry and a scarf for my mom.” She picked up several pieces, laying then on the counter for him to inspect. One was a nice chunky gemstone necklace with garnets. He sat it aside with a red angora scarf. “These and that pink scarf in a separate box.” As she rang his purchases, swiped his credit card, and boxed his purchases, Lorenzo looked around. “Will that be all, sir?” “Shit, Tiff, you used to play in my treehouse when we were kids. Now, you’re gonna stand there and call me sir like we don’t even know each other?” “Like I already said, I’m trying to run a business here.” Waving his hand at the very upscale fixtures, he noted, “A very successful business, it looks like.” Still playing dumb she informed him politely, “Tell Don Carlo I’m not paying any more than the standard 7%. If he tries to jab me for more, I’ll

close up shop and move uptown. Been thinkin’ of doing that anyway.” “Where in God’s name did that come from? This isn’t even my assigned territory.” “Good, then I’ll just call Marko to get rid of you. I mean, that’s what my 7% buys doesn’t it… protection?” She tried to ignore Lorenzo and her eyes landed on his handsome partner. He was wearing black dress pants and a crisp white polo with a dark wool jacket. As her eyes slid over him, she had to admit he looked well put together. It was nice to have an opportunity to give him a proper once over while he stood gazing out the window. God, he was sex on two legs. She felt herself warming in places she usually didn’t. It made her smile because she worried that maybe what had happened to her in Russian has killed her sex drive off permanently. Maybe it was more an issue of finding the right partner. Glancing at Lorenzo, her attention was brought back to subject at hand. His interest in making her best friend his new chew toy for about five

minutes. It pissed her right off to think of the horn dog preying on her defenseless friend. “All right, I don’t have any idea what you are up in arms about. Want to drop me a clue here, because I sure the fuck can’t figure it out?” “You are a whore. I don’t know how much plainer to make things, Enzo.” So much for playing dumb. Why had she said that? She was rattled by realizing Gino was here. That must be the reason. Her eyes drifted over to the muscle-bound man again. This time he noticed and looked away. Was he still mad about last night? “Is this about your little friend?” Jerking her attention back to Lorenzo, she snapped, “Cheryl’s a nice person. I hate that you’re messing with her head. She doesn’t do one night stands.” “She fuckin’ better not be. That little princess belongs to me. Now, you gonna tell me where she is, or do I have to torture it out of you.” Pulling back, she did a double take. God, he went from zero to a hundred in about three seconds. Steeling herself for a fight, she folded her arms

over her chest. “I’m not giving you her number or address, so you can just get the hell on outta here.” “Torture it is, then.” He began to move behind the counter but Gino stopped him abruptly. “Look, boss. We ain’t gonna be puttin’ the screws to the nice boutique owner. You gotta work this shit out some other way.” He was so adorable when he was being protective. His voice was all rough and tough. She really liked him. “Aren’t you just a knight in shining armor waiting to sweep a lady off her feet?” Looking from her to Lorenzo, he asked, “What am I missing?” Lorenzo’s serious voice broke it down for him, “When we were growing up, I used to tickle compliance outta her.” Tiffany stared at him, somewhat less than amused at being reminded of the way he used to torment her as a child. “You weren’t funny then, and you’re certainly not funny now. You know that, don’t you?” “You always laughed.”

“I’m not in the mood to throw my best friend to the wolves today. So, why don’t you take off before I really do call Marko?” “Look, I know you think I just want to use her and toss her aside. Those days are long gone. I’m interested in her for the long haul.” Tiffany’s eyes narrowed, as she thought that one over. Lorenzo had never shown any interest in a permanent relationship with a woman before. That probably meant that he thought he was serious. Still, it just didn’t seem like him to go gaga over a woman after one date. “I saw you with her last night. Looked like all the same old Enzo moves to me.” Lorenzo stood scratching his chin deep in thought. It provided another opportunity for her perused the hunk of a sidekick he’d brought into her domain. Their eyes met for a brief moment and she smiled at him. He glanced at Lorenzo and rolled his eyes, shrugging. So, it was true. Lorenzo was falling for her friend. Ha, served him right for breaking hearts right, left, and center for years. She

hoped he hit the ground hard. Suddenly Lorenzo was talking again. “Let me prove it to you, Tiff. How about the two of you come to my parents’ house for dinner tonight?” “Why would we do that?” “My mom loves you and she’s been asking about you. I’ll tell her to make that cheesecake you always liked. How about it? My mom fawns over Gino like he’s the goddamn prince of Egypt. It’ll be fun to see which of you that she likes more.” Folding her arms over her chest, she replied smugly, “She’s always liked me better. You know that, Enzo.” His mother was sweet to make a special lactose-free cheesecake just for her. She was a really nice lady. “Yeah, well, Gino’s an orphan. All those years of not having a mommy to love him just tears her up inside. He’ll give you a run for your money tonight, sweetheart.” Her eyes drift to Gino who is looking away while blushing a deep shade of crimson. Shooting Lorenzo a dark look, her heart broke a little for Gino. It was bad enough not to have parents

without his stupid friend using the fact to score a date. It was hard to tell what other embarrassing details about Gino Lorenzo had in his bag of trick. “I’ll see that she comes. I like…your…umm… mother.” Tiffany couldn’t take her eyes off Gino. He looked so vulnerable standing there. Losing their parents was something they had in common. Maybe she could get him to talk about it. Might help them both. Lorenzo pulled her from her thoughts again, “Hope you like your coffee, Tiff. I got the kind you like…you know, low-fat, lactosefree, double mocha latte cappuccino venti with nine sugars and five extra shots of expresso blah, blah, blah...” She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her lips. Lorenzo was nothing, if not funny. At least Cheryl had that to look forward to. “You just make this shit up as you go, don’t you?” Taking a sip, she almost choked. “Jesus, Enzo, this tastes like garbage. Did you actually put all that in one cup?” Though Lorenzo didn’t answer, she heard Gino mutter, “Not too nice, boss.”

Lorenzo could be really annoying at sometimes. Picking up her cell phone she dialed Cheryl. “Hey, Tiff. What’s up?” “Guess who paid me a little visit first thing this morning?” “Hopefully, someone cute.” “Depends on who you ask. It was Lorenzo.” “The horn dog? What did he want?” “Give you three guesses, but you only going to need one?” Cheryl croaked out her answer. “Me?” “He’s totally infatuated with you. Wants us both to come to his parents’ house for dinner.” “No. Absolutely not.” “Will you for me? I’ve been crushing on his bodyguard for years. He promised to bring Gino if you come.” “Shit. I don’t like this, Tiff.” “I know. We’ll arrive together and leave together. Please. I kind of messed up with Gino and I want a chance to talk to him.” “Sure. What are you wearing?”

“Plain black dress. You?” “Probably a suit. Something totally not sexy.” “Thanks. I owe you big time.” Cheryl’s voice lifted. “Hey, we’re best friends forever, girlfriend. We hang together, no matter what.” Her response took the wind out of Tiffany’s sails a bit. Real best friends told each other everything and she’d never came clean with Cheryl about Russia. After they hung up, she went into the back and looked at the sleek black dress she’d designed. It would look perfect with some black pumps and the right jewelry. Maybe if she fixed herself up enough, Gino would see her as a woman instead of a victim or Lorenzo’s spoiled friend. She couldn’t quite get a read on how he saw her.

12

Never Really Fitting In

G

INO MUTTERED,

“NOT TOO NICE, BOSS.” “Couldn’t remember what the chick drank. Guess the order was off a little. Can’t be too nice to the bitches. With my charm and good looks, they get attached way to easy.” “Yeah, I can see that by the disappearing act your new girl did on you.”

“Don’t be an ass.” “I’m not. Just a little jealous, that’s all.” “If you’d been payin’ attention, you’d know Miss Tiffany has the hots for you.” Gino thought for a brief second about that possibility. She had smiled at him. The thought that the woman he’d been dreaming of for years could be attracted to him really rocked his world. Starting the car, he began to back out. “Well, thanks for pointing out how fuckin’ unlovable I am. That always goes over really well with the ladies.” Lorenzo grabbed his arm as if to drive home his point. “Don’t you ever say or even think that again. It’s not your fuckin’ that fault your birth parents left you. It could have been because they died or were too sick to take proper care of you. Could have been that they were too young to raise you or any number of reasons.” “Yeah, sure thing boss.” Leave it to Lorenzo to soft-pedal the truth until it didn’t resemble the truth anymore. That’s what friends were for he supposed. “It’s true.”

“Yeah, well whatever. We’ve been up for almost twenty-four hours straight. If we don’t get some sleep, we ain’t gonna make such a good impression on your mom.” Lorenzo turned curious eyes on him. “Look, dude, we got bitches to impress tonight, not mothers. Get your head straight.” “Whatever you say, boss.” Why had he said that? It was par for the course with him. He was always sticking his foot in his mouth when it came to women. He guessed that he kind of thought of going to Lorenzo’s house like going to his own. It was family time, so the primary goal was to make mothers feel special. Only Lorenzo was right. Tonight, his friend would be seeing the woman he banged last night. She’d be thrilled to see him. They all were. Lorenzo was popular with the ladies. Gino, on the other hand, would just have a long series of awkward moments to fill. Even as much as he liked seeing Tiffany, he wasn’t looking forward to tonight. Seeing Lorenzo enjoying the company of the woman he was clearing falling in love with

would be a painful reminder that no such love would be forthcoming for him. No. Women never really warmed to him. Gino was a huge muscle-bound freak. He’d heard nothing except how he was too large his entire life. The rumor going around the orphanage where he grew up was that he was too large and his mother had died giving birth to him. He seriously believed that. He’d killed his own mother and for that reason, his father had abandoned him to the care of strangers. The thought that such a beautiful and accomplished woman could be interested in him was absurd. After proper reflection, he was certain she was being nice to him because she felt guilty about treating him like her own personal servant. It’s literally the only thing that made sense. Gino had a hard time paying attention, even though Johnny’s information was earth-shattering intel on the Irish moving into their territory. Truth be told he didn’t really care about crime, the mafia, or rival gangs. He was only involved to have something constructive to do and because he

was partial to keeping Lorenzo breathing. His friend was far too focused on clawing his way to the top of some imaginary hierarchy of wealth and power. Gino couldn’t relate at all. He liked to keep things simple. He liked certain people and was keen on protecting them. If he had enough money to get by, everything was right in his world. Sitting with Lorenzo and his father had been all kinds of awkward. If Gino had thought he was the only socially inept person in the world, he was very wrong. The conversation taking place between the two of them was actually painful. He’d been so desperate for an escape, that when Tiffany and her friend arrived, he’d practically jumped from his seat. His strangeness must have been showing because he suddenly became aware that both women were staring at him with interest. He felt huge and rough standing in an elegant room with a crystal chandelier and two beautiful women staring at him. Swallowing thickly, his gaze lingered over Tiffany. She was decked out perfectly. Slinky, but

modest dress, high heels, moderate makeup and her hair piled on her head in a complicated arrangement. She looked very sophisticated. Tiffany handed his mother an expensive bottle of wine. She was elegant and smart. It accentuated the fact that he was just the opposite. Lorenzo was getting angry because his woman was staring at the wrong man. Gino could hear Lorenzo’s woman comment on how large his hands were. The other women practically laughed. It made him want to run, but he stood his ground like a man should. Gino finally pulled himself together and eased down onto the sofa. Not knowing what else to do, he apologized. “Sorry about that. I guess pretty girls don’t get to see scarred up henchmen very often. I feel like I’m quite the spectacle tonight.” “It’s fine,” Lorenzo reassure him politely. Thinking he should just leave he asked, “Want that I should…” Lorenzo glanced up smiling. He wasn’t going to suggest whacking them. Hell, Lorenzo was joking. It was kind of funny and broke the tension

of the moment. “…leave and pick you up later?” “Hell, the fuck, no. My mom would kill me. Not to mention Tiff.” Gino tried to relax again. They talked back and forth and Lorenzo’s father encouraged them to mingle with the females. As soon as he entered the kitchen, Tiffany approached him. She was still smiling. He looked away, still feeling a little self-conscious. “Sorry about Cheryl. I’m sure she didn’t think you could hear her.” “It’s fine. People have commented about my size my whole life. I’m used to it.” Tiffany tilted her head. “She was implying that you were well endowed. Big hands equal big junk. It was a naughty girl joke to break the ice.” Jerking his head up, he tried to assess if she was being honest. “Umm, she doesn’t look like the type to make naughty jokes.” “She was probably just nervous. So, do you?” Gino had to smile. “So, who’s being naughty now?” “I was aiming for flirty.”

“I’d say you succeeded at both.” Tiffany leaned over and wrapped her arm around his. It felt warm and friendly. “I have something really important to tell you.” “Shoot, beautiful. I’m all ears.” “I think you’re really nice and all those times I asked you to do things it was because I wanted to get friendly, but didn’t know how.” His skin felt prickly and his breath caught in his throat. “You don’t think I’m a little strange?” “Hell, no. Whatever gave you that idea?” “Umm, I don’t know really.” “Well just so you know, the only thing that makes you seem at all strange is the company you keep.” Gino bit back a smile. “You love Lorenzo.” “Well, you ought to hear a conversation between the three of you from the outside. Honestly, you’re the only one with your head screwed on.” Narrowing his eyes, he asked pointedly, “Are you still flirting? I really can’t tell.” Her laugh was light and musical. Easy on the

ears. “You’ll have to figure that one out for yourself.” “Well, tonight Lorenzo seems to be getting it from all sides. I’d steer clear of him.” “I only focus on one gorgeous hunk at a time.” Gino was honestly feeling less strange by the moment. Maybe Tiffany did like him, at least for a friend. She was being really nice to him. As they were ushered into the dining room, Tiffany strolled along with him. It felt nice for once. Only one thing concerned him. Lorenzo and his pretty little girlfriend were nowhere to be found. Gino didn’t know why he was even anxious about that, but he was. Surely they would be fine at his parents’ home. Suddenly, she was at the table and he came in shortly thereafter, looking extremely put out. Gino glanced from one to the other of them trying to figure out what had happened. The next thing he knew, Lorenzo was barking at Tiffany. “Tiff, if you don’t ease up off my man, he’s gonna pop.” Her head swiveled to make eye contact.

“He ain’t used to so much female attention, that’s all I’m sayin’.” “Nothing like you, then?” “Don’t start. That shit’s all in the past now.” Tiffany snarked back at him. “Doesn’t matter whether you have sex with a dozen women a day or the same woman a dozen times a day, you’re still broken.” Lorenzo was clearly stunned that she had spoken to him like in front of his parents. His little girlfriend spoke up for him. “Tiffany, you need to apologize. There’s nothing wrong with him.” Shit, the whole night was going straight to hell and the only possible explanation for people fighting when they normally got along was him. He was the odd person out. Standing up, he murmured. “I think, I’m the piece that’s throwing everything off tonight. Text when you need me, boss. Ma’am, your food was wonderful.” Not sure what else to say, he walked quietly to the front door and slipped out.

Within moments, Tiffany slipped out as well. She appeared to be about to break down. Shit. He needed to apologize. Stepping out to meet her, he was shocked that she flew into his arms. She came to him for comfort in her time of need. It felt wonderful to have her trust, if not her affection. Her body shook slightly, alerting him that she was crying. “You okay, baby?” “Why did he have to drag us into his problems with Cheryl?” Rocking her slightly, he responded. “I think he was just stressed.” Pulling away, she glanced down at the ground. “Maybe he’s right.” “Why would you say that?” Backing up towards her vehicle, she mumbled. “I’m a lot of trouble.” Turning she fumbled with her keys. “You are not trouble.” She was hurting and Gino didn’t know what to do to make it better. “Sorry, Gino. I don’t know what I was thinking…why I thought there could be

a you and me.” He took a step towards her vehicle just as she climbed into the vehicle. “I know I’m too much to handle.” He reached out as she shut the door and his hands landed on the window. He spread his fingers as he stared down at her tear-stained face. She mouthed the word, sorry. Pressing his fingers into the glass he wondered why she would ever think that. How could she be too much? Too much beauty? Too much laughter and goodness? Too complimentary of him? Too funny and fun loving? What the hell did she think she was too much of? Whatever it was, he didn’t see it. Gino found himself wanting to jerk the door open and pull her into his arms again. Then again, maybe that’s what set her off in the first place. Hellfire and damnation. He’d probably scared her. That made a whole lot more sense than the crap she was spewing about being too much. Forcing himself to take a step back, he looked away. His chest ached as her vehicle moved, taking her far

away from him. Gino leaned against his vehicle and pulled out his emergency cigarette. It was in a little glass vial, which he snapped. He shoved it between his lips and lit it up. It tasted stale, but he didn’t care. His mother had gifted it to him as a joke when he stopped smoking. That had been almost two years ago. He’d carried it as a reminder that he had control of his only real addiction, rather than it having control of him. He was so preoccupied thinking about how things went bad, that he didn’t feel particularly guilty about falling off the wagon. For some reason, he felt like that scared sixteen-year-old, cold, hungry and huddling in a dirty blanket under the bridge with the rest of the bums all over again. He still visited the vagrants there off and on, taking them food, blankets, and warm socks. Though the faces changed and he no longer knew them, he still knew what it felt like to be cold and alone, with no hope in sight. He was right back there in his mind and there was only one explanation. He knew deep down inside Tiffany was sweet on him. She’d made it

plain she found him attractive when they first met. Even though he gotten confused by her asking favors of him, he now suspected it was an attempt to get his attention. Tonight, she’d singled him out and favored him with her attention, warm smiles, and laughter. Then for some inexplicable reason, it all went bad. She’d brought warmth, affection, and whatever it was that his life had been missing. Now, with her gone, he was feeling the loss more profoundly for having known it in the first place. Gino wasn’t sure how long he’d been standing in the cold, but his phone beeped and it was a text from Lorenzo. He wanted a ride for himself and his new woman. Gino texted back and within moments they appeared. When they climbed into the back, Gino politely gave them some privacy. They seemed to be thoroughly wrapped up in each other. It irked him that Lorenzo had provoked Tiffany and though she had been crushed, it hadn’t put a dent in his evening. After walking his pretty girlfriend to her door, Lorenzo climbed back into the car and sat beside

Gino. Clearing his throat, he spoke quietly. “I’m sorry about the way things went with Tiffany. I know she can come on strong and be overwhelming at times but I think she really likes you. Maybe the two of you can work out some kind of signal for when she’s pushing too hard.” Gino blinked at his friend, unable to respond. Did Lorenzo really think him incapable of telling a woman where to get off? “I’m quite capable of letting her know if I need some space. What the hell would make you think otherwise?” Lorenzo tilted his head, his lips pressed into a firm line. “I just don’t want you to think you have to let her run all over you because she’s my friend. I know I let her get away with a lot, but that’s on me.” Shock tore through Gino, spiking his anger. “If I decide to lay claim to that broad, ain’t you or nobody else gonna tell me how to handle her. You need to get your fuckin’ nose out of it, Lorenzo.” His friend jerked back slightly. “So, it’s like that?”

As far as he was concerned, the conversation was over. Starting the engine, Gino murmured. “I’m dropping you off at the house. Need to stop anywhere on the way?” “No. Are we okay?” “We’re just fuckin’ fine, boss. I just need some space from you right now.” “You’ve never said that to me before, Gino.” “Well, you ain’t never been all up in my shit like this before.” The drive to their place was quiet, with each man lost in his own thoughts.

13

Mr. Right

T

IFFANY SAT ON HER HUGE WRAPAROUND SOFA with

a glass of red wine and a cozy throw. Reading a nice mystery was just the ticket to take her mind off her horrible evening. She didn’t bother to check her phone the several times it chimed. It would be Cheryl and/or Lorenzo trying to smooth things over. She wasn’t mad at anyone

but wasn’t in the mood to deal with conversation right now. Her front doorbell chimed. Sighing, she refused to answer it. Two more chimes and she called out for the person to enter. She wasn’t usually so lax with her personal security, but she knew it would be Cheryl. Her longtime friend clearly was not going to the let night’s events fade into oblivion. So be it. A few glasses of wine and a little chat would probably make both of them feel better. The only problem was, it wasn’t her friend to strolled into the living room carrying a bottle of vintage red wine. Sitting up with a jolt, she almost spilled her wine. Gino looked a little nervous. “You were expecting someone else?” “My friend, Cheryl.” “Ah, Lorenzo’s new female friend. Shall I leave?” Swallowing hard, she shook her head. “We don’t have anything planned. I heard my phone jingle a few times. Thought it might be her calling. When I heard the knock…” She trailed off

as he moved closer. “You thought she might be at the door to check on you? Well, it is only me bearing gifts.” Tiffany couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “So, I see. You’re a real glutton for punishment.” Clearing his throat, he set the bottle of wine on the coffee table. “I was actually having a nice time until things fell apart.” “Lorenzo thinks I’m too much to handle.” “I don’t.” “Then you don’t know me very well.” “I’d like to.” His comment stunned her. She was used to men who much less forthcoming about what they wanted from her. Gino didn’t play games and it made her like him all the more. She downed the last drink from her glass and set it aside. When Gino spoke, his voice was low and husky. “Please let me know if I’m being pushy.” Tiffany drew the coverlet aside. “You aren’t. In fact, you’re being quite charming. Let me get you a glass.” She padded quickly to her kitchen and brought

back a glass and a corkscrew. Gino popped the cork, refilled her glass then poured wine into his own glass. “So, tell me about yourself, Gino. I don’t think we’ve ever really talked.” “I’ll give you the good, bad, and the ugly. My parents died when I was really young. I was in and out of foster homes and I spent some time on the streets as a young teen.” “That sounds pretty crappy. My parents died in an automobile accident when I was about six. I got shuffled to several relatives and ended up with an uncle.” “Did you like it there?” “They were fundamentalists and had a very narrow view of the world. Let’s just say I was forever disappointing them.” “I hope they didn’t harm you.” “Of course, they did. They didn’t hit me or anything, but it was all the shaming and telling me I wasn’t going to amount to much that kept me pretty depressed. I’d go to Cheryl’s house a lot and just pretend her family was mine.”

“At least you found a safe place.” “How about yourself?” “When I was sixteen, a really nice woman took me in. She just kept mothering me until I began to believe she cared for me. It took a while. She’s a little unusual, but I care for her deeply.” “Bet she’s pretty awesome. I’d love to meet her sometime.” “I’ll invite you for our next MacGyver marathon,” He responded dryly, clearly not thinking she’d be interested. “Oh, my God. I love MacGyver. Did you see the ‘Phoenix Under Siege’ episode? You know, the one with the terrorist that took over their headquarters? He had to outsmart them and save his grandfather.” Gino tilted his head and looked at her speculatively. “That’s actually our second favorite episode…” Before he could finish she interjected, “Bet you like that Halloween episode where everyone dressed up best.” Nodding his head, she smiled. “Chicks usually

aren’t quite so enthusiastic about MacGyver.” “Well, they should be. Cheryl and I still watch it every now and then. You reminded me of MacGyver when we were in Russia. Especially when you helped that guy make all our passports. Remember how you stuck my picture in one with bubble gum because you ran out of glue?” “I remember. Just doing what needed to be done.” “All the guys listened to you. You were all large and in charge. I really liked that about you.” “You were probably catching me at my best.” Looking away, her face fell. “Well, you caught me at my worst in Russia.” “Doesn’t matter. You were still strong and let me have it about trying to dose you with those pain killers.” “See? I’m a pain in the ass.” “If sticking up for yourself means you’re a pain, then everyone should be one.” “You’re always so positive and supportive. It’s another thing I like about you.”’ “Yeah, that and a fiver will get me a cup of

coffee. They probably give you coffee for free just for brightening up the place.” “Well, handsome, flattery will get you everywhere. Come sit with me and tell me all about how great I am.” Moving closer, he sat side-by-side with her. “I want to hear more about how you can possibly be so confused that you think Phoenix is better than the Halloween episode.” Tiffany laughed. “Well, it was all the action and adventure.” “The Halloween episode had that, along with cool costumes.” “It’s a television series, not real life, so technically, all the clothes are costumes. They wear camouflage fatigues for the action scenes, dress clothes to create a classy atmosphere, and seductive gowns and bedclothes set a romantic mood.” Running a finger down the thin strap of her pajama shirt he murmured. “I could argue real life is much like studio produced fiction. As a clothing designer, you must be aware that clothing is one

way we use to communicate who we are to the outside world.” His finger tracing over her delicate flesh made her break out in goose bumps and her nipples harden. “I like the way you respond to my touch.” Biting her bottom lip, she didn’t respond. The moment was nice and intimate. She didn’t want it to end just yet. Drawing one finger down to slowly circle her taut nipple he spoke. “Lorenzo was worried that I wouldn’t be able to say no to you. He should have been more worried that you wouldn’t be able to resist me.” “I haven’t…you know. Not since Russia.” Drawing his hand up to wrap a long of her long dark hair around his curious finger, he asked. “Do you mind if I ask why not? You are a beautiful woman. You deserve to have a man at your beck and call.” “I just can’t seem to get into it. I think I want it, then when I’m in the moment, I kind of freak out.” “What you mean by in the moment?” His questions should have felt intrusive, but when he

brought the long lock of her hair to his nose and inhaled, it drove home exactly how fascinated he was with her. “Once he’s on top of me, I feel smothered and…” Looking up into her eyes, he whispered. “Controlled and a little trapped?” Nodding, she found herself relieved that he understood. “Have you ever considered taking control in the bedroom?” “You mean being on top? I tried that once. I was still anxious that he might grab me.” Gino’s hand raised to his throat and he began pulling at his tie. Tiffany watched with no small amount of curiosity as he pulled it off and created some kind of strange slip knot in each end. He stood after removing his suit jacket and slipped one hand into each loop created by the slip knots. He kneeled at the end of the sofa for a moment and she saw it move slightly. Tiffany stood, trying to see what he was doing. Rolling onto the sofa with his hands bound above his head, he stared at her.

She realized in an instant what he’d done. The sexy, clever man had bound his hands to the leg of her sofa. Since it didn’t have arms, his hands hung over then end. Though he had a little slack, there was no way he could touch her. Staring into his gorgeous eyes, she knew the man was offering himself for her pleasure. It was exactly what she needed. She could tell because her sexuality awoke with a roar. Casting aside worries about whether what they were doing was right, she accepted the precious gift he offered. “You’re sure about this?” Biting her lip, she waited for him to answer. “Hell, yes,” Gino replied emphatically. Bending down she pulled off one loafer then the other. Next came off the socks one at a time. She gently tickled the bottoms of his feet and was absurdly pleased when he laughed out loud. “You are one ridiculously sexy man. I hope you know that.” Catching his breath, he replied playfully. “Bet you say to all the guys.” “Have you noticed?”

“That the conversation isn’t awkward and flows easily between us? Can’t imagine how that could possibly be happening, but I noticed.” Wiggling her fingers in front of her like ten little worms, she moved to unbutton his shirt. “I think this is the most fun I’ve ever had with a guy.” His eyes were shining with mischief. She smiled down at him. “I’m going to assume that you’ve never been tied up like this before.” His look turned dark and she knew she’d brought up some horrible memory from his past. “No, not by a female.” His voice was clipped and he looked away. Crawling up his body, she distracted him with a kiss as her hands mapped his naked torso. His lips opened and she slid her tongue against his, exploring and caressing every square inch of his mouth. Pulling back, she ran one finger over his bottom lip. “You taste like expensive wine and hot sexy male. My favorite combination.” He smirked. “Glad to be of service.” His breathy response betrayed his arousal. Great. He was back in the game.

Wiggling out of her pajama bottoms, she tossed them aside. His eyes automatically glanced down but she put her hand playfully over his eyes. “No peeking. I’m not naked yet.” “I feel like I’m going to internally combust.” He kept his eyes shut tightly, though, like a good boy. Tiffany liked having a compliant male beneath her, instead of one all over her trying to grope their way to glory. Sliding her legs apart, she planted one knee on each side of his thighs. He shifted slightly beneath her, leaving her with the impression that he was getting more comfortable. Sitting back, she pulled her thin nightshirt over her head. “Now you can look.” His eyes opened and his gaze warmed as his eyes roamed over her slight curves. A sharp intake of breath told her that his eyes had landed on her exposed pussy. There was a short pause as he enjoyed the sight of her. When he spoke, his voice sounded a little strangled. “God, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” Pleased by his response, her hands went to his

pants, and she began unbuckling his belt. “You’re already hard. I’m really loving the enthusiasm, big guy.” “Any man in his right mind would kill to be where I am right now.” Leaning forward, she captured his lips again. “Nice of you to say. Can I do whatever I want?” He nodded as he unsuccessfully attempted to shake a stray piece of hair from his face. Tiffany brought her hand up and smoothed the little wisp out of his face, giving him one more kiss before reluctantly climbing off. He eagerly lifted his hips so she could slide his pants and underwear off. It left him wearing only his button up shirt, which she’d opened to reveal his massive chest. There was no doubt about his rough past. Evidence of it marred his masculine skin. There were thin white lines, a couple of injuries that had required sutures in the distance past and some evidence of burning along the left side of his rib cage. Her hand drifted over each one, but her eyes never left his face. There was something strangely intimate about learning his body as she stared into

his eyes. His expression shifted slightly as her fingers caressed each new scar. She almost thought she could see how he felt about each one as her fingertips came into contact with it. For some reason, the experience was too personal for words. Swallowing hard, she looked away as she drew her hands away from the one on his neck. It could have been a death blow. Trembling, she kneeled beside the sofa, leaned over and kissed his lips. Every square inch of him was beautiful in her eyes. She wanted to tell him, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, she began with the scar on his neck and moved downward to his chest, kissing each and every imperfection she could find. His body trembled slightly beneath her sensual assault. Moving back up, she experimented with teasing his nipples and he drew in a harsh breath. In many regards, pleasuring him was even better than receiving pleasure herself. She moved down to his stomach, giving kisses and nips before landing on his imposing manhood. She glanced at him one last time before running

her hand up and down his impressive length. Leaning over again, she tasted him. He squirmed a little and she sucked him into her mouth as she fondled his jewels. It felt good to connect with the man she’d been crushing on for such a long time. To give him pleasure, to be desired, and pursued. Everything about the encounter including him going to such great lengths to ensure she felt comfortable with him felt wonderful and right to her. His voice whispered seductively in her ear. “Ride me, beautiful. Let me feel you wrapped around me.” Glancing up at him, she thought about it long and hard. She was so wet, it wasn’t even funny. Having the big sexy brute powerless and at her mercy was a real turn on. She climbed on top of him, straddling his thighs again. “You taste really good.” Tilting his head, he smiled slightly. “I’m gluten-free you know.” Laughing, she leaned up and kissed him again. Lifting herself she placed him at her entrance and

eased down. As she sank down onto him, she wiggled her hips. She’d hoped to take him all in one smooth move, but that proved to be an impossible task. He was just too big. She eased back and forth taking him a little at a time, sitting back to give it her full attention. It amazed her that she was wet, eager, and wasn’t freaking out at all. “You feel really good.” His eyes were shuttered. “So do you, beautiful. Don’t stop.” “Like I ever would. I’m not stopping until I have every single inch of you.” “I like where your head is.” She smiled, thinking that she really liked where his…umm…head was as well. A few strokes and she wasn’t thinking about anything except the magic being with him created between her legs. The man had a bit of a dirty mouth and wasn’t shy about using it to urge her on. He was nothing like the prim and proper accountants, bankers, and lawyers she’d spent time with before her abduction. Leaning forward, she touched his face and

looked him in the eyes as she moved on him. If it were true that the eyes were windows to the soul, his weren’t give away much this time. Maybe he’d given too much when her hands mapped his torso earlier. A swift jerk of his chin brought her lips back to his. His tongue twirled with hers in an erotic dance mimicking their bodies as she rode him. “Harder if you can.” His voice was breathless, beguiling, and so much more expressive than his facial expressions. Tiffany moved against him quicker and with more force, feeling his thick cock lighting up every single sensitive point in her sheath. God, he felt fantastic. She realized that she was so there already. “Come with me, baby.” When her body seized in ecstasy, it felt like his cock got bigger. Her barely rational mind realized it was the opposite. Her body was squeezing him. He groaned as she rode the wave of pure pleasure and then he tensed beneath her. She felt him bucking against her body slightly and then he stilled. It took a moment for them to catch their

breath. “Thank you, handsome. I really needed that.” Looking down at her resting on his chest, a ghost of a smile crossed his face. “I should be the one thanking you. You did do all the work.” Tiffany giggled and began working the knot on one of his wrists. She loosened it enough for him to pull his hand free. “We wouldn’t want you to get muscle cramps.” He immediately reached out for her with the tie still dangling from one wrist. Something about his huge hands triggered her panic response. She flew off him grabbing her throw. Gino frowned. “I’d never hurt you. You gotta know that by now, Miss Tiffany.” “Yeah, my brain is well aware of that fact. My survival instinct is apparently having a hard time getting on board.” Grabbing her pajamas, she quickly pulled them on. Gino pulled his underwear and pants on and sat on the edge of her sofa without zipping up. Sitting there with his happy trail exposed and his chest on display, he looked like a sexy pin-up guy from a calendar.

Suddenly, she felt foolish. It was something about being dressed again. “You’re smoking hot. I hope you know that, baby.” Gino turned curious eyes on her and opened his massive arms. She flew into them and they curled up together. Resting her cheek on his chest again, she pulled the spread over them. “So, touching you while you’re naked is the thing we can’t do?” Running a finger down the edge of his shirt then back up his skin alongside, she replied thoughtfully. “If I had known ahead of time, I would have warned you. Guess I’m still pretty messed up.” Gino rubbed his cheek over her hair and tucked her protectively under his chin. “All of us who’ve really lived have been damaged by the experience.” Astounded, she whispered. “You say the most profound things, just like you’re talking about the weather or something.” “Got all my wisdom from the school of hard knocks, beautiful. That don’t exactly make me

special.” Wrapping both arms around his naked torso, she insisted. “That’s where you’re wrong, Gino. You’re sweet, think outside the box, and don’t make me feel like a weirdo. I’d say you are something really special.” Staring into her eyes, he asked quietly. “Want me to leave or stay, Tiff?” “Would you stay? I can try to sleep with you in the bed if you like. It would be more comfortable for you.” There was a slight pause before he spoke. “We’ll stay right here, sweetness. I’m comfortable enough just where I am.” Yawning, she murmured drowsily. “You’re an easy man to love, Gino.” She felt his arms tighten protectively around her as she tumbled off to sleep.

14

In Eyeball Deep

T

the next morning on her sofa. Something had woken her. Grabbing her phone, she felt it vibrate in her hand. It was Cheryl calling, and it was only seven in the morning. Hitting the answer button, she tried vainly to remember when she’d woken this early. “Girl, do you have any idea what time it is. Let IFFANY WOKE ALONE

me clue you in. It’s too early to be alive.” “I know.” Her friend sounded anxious. Tiffany sat up straight. Something was wrong. She could tell by the tone of her voice. “I’m missing a comic for my DC collection. Want to help me hunt down Wonder Woman Versus the Spark? I got a lead on one in mint condition at that shop over on Rock Street.” Shock tore through her from her toes to her fingertips. It was their secret code from when they were tweens. Something really serious must be happening…something that called for total secrecy. Tiffany’s voice turned serious. “Give me fifteen and I’ll meet you there.” Hopping into the shower, Tiffany had a quickie without getting her hair wet. She quickly dried, pulled her hair into a messy ponytail and pulled on some casual clothing. She jerked on a jacket and headed out the front door. The only time Cheryl had used the code when they were children, was when something untoward was happening at her house and it wasn’t a good idea for Tiffany to come there. When Cheryl was

sixteen, she’d used it because a visiting uncle had asked Cheryl if she wanted to shower with him. Tiffany had gone home and stood by her as she told her parents about it. The ensuing scene that followed that meeting was burned into her mind for all times. Cheryl’s parents had confronted the man, ripped him a new one, and proceeded to call every single member of their family to report the situation to them. They had used it a few times when her parents were fighting or when Cheryl just needed some space. Tiffany literally couldn’t imagine what could have spooked her friend enough to call a clandestine secret meet up with her. Adults didn’t meet on gigantic rocks in the middle of nowhere, did they? Climbing onto the huge rock, she queried. “What the hell’s going on? We haven’t used our top-secret code since junior high school.” Cheryl glanced nervously around before answering in a low voice. “The FBI came to my apartment this morning and pushed their way right in.”

“Is this about your brother?” “No. They were asking about Lorenzo and his bunch. Said they were mafia.” Tiffany closed her eyes. “They kind of are.” “I thought you said they were attorneys?” “His father is. Lorenzo is totally mobbed up.” Tiffany watched her try to get her head around the whole dating a mobster idea. She carefully explained how Johnny’s father was the local crime boss and how they ran guns, drugs, bookies, loan sharks, and protection rackets. Tiffany also tried to drive home how that sounds a lot worse than it is. “Now’s not a wonderful time to figure this out, since I already agreed to two dates a week with the guy.” “You don’t understand. They aren’t all that bad. A while back they lost a lot of men ridding the city of the Russian mob. The Russians were into the skin trade…kidnapping and selling women and children. Don Carlo shut all that down. There are always going to be people who want to bet and do drugs and shit like that. Don Carlo keeps order. If they go down, the really bad shit will just come

flooding back and no one will be safe.” “Something sounds really shady about the spin you’re putting on that story.” “It’s true, I swear. You know Lorenzo. Do you think he’s evil?” Cheryl snorted. “No. Arrogant, impetuous, and horny as hell, maybe. Evil, no. After they talked a while longer the conversation turned to her and Gino. It was a soft spot for Tiffany. Gino had apparently gotten up at o-dark-thirty and hit the road without so much as a courtesy text. It was clear that she hadn’t made a very good impression on him last night. Maybe she’d drank more wine than she’d thought because she had been under the mistaken impression that he was as thrilled as she’d been. Then again, who would want a woman they couldn’t touch in bed? Hell, they never even made it to bed. She mumbled, “Maybe Enzo’s right. I’m too much for any man to handle.” Her friend, who clearly didn’t understand her very complicated situation gave some advice about taking things slowly. She’d been doing that over

two years. Tiffany had to get away and think. Mumbling some consoling words to her friend, she headed for work. Wore, work, and more work. Design board after design board filled with clothing that was becoming increasingly skimpier and sexier. Slamming the board down on her counter, she clutched the charcoal in her hand so tightly it snapped in two. Sighing, she looked up to find Gino staring at her through the display window. Tiffany found herself smiling at him, even though he hadn’t called her all week like she thought he would. He yanked the door open and stalked over to the counter. “Hello, Gino. It’s nice to see you again.” Instead of returning her greeting, he demanded. “Why the hell haven’t you called me?” What in God’s name would make him think she would be the one calling him? “You could have at least texted.” “I don’t understand.” “If you don’t want to see me anymore, just say

so. I thought we really connected, you and me. I wrote you that nice note, putting the ball in your court and then nothing for five whole days.” Tiffany jerked to attention. “Look, I do like you; we did connect, but I never found any note from you.” Gino pulled out his cell phone and a few flicks of his fingers later there was what could only be described as a very nice note showing on the screen. Enlarging it with two fingers she read it. Dear Beautiful, Just wanted to say thank you for last night. You’re the sweetest chick I’ve ever met. I know I’m not as good looking or educated as most of the men you date, but I want a shot at being with you just the same. I want to see you again. If you feel the same way. call or text me. XOXO Gino Tiffany had to read it twice, before shaking her head. Gino stated flatly. “You can clearly see, I left it on that little bar between your kitchen and living room.”

“I ran out the next morning to see Cheryl and when I came back there was nothing on my bar.” “Whatever. I really didn’t think you were like that, Tiff.” Turning, he began to leave. She felt herself panicking a bit. “I’m not playing around, Gino. I really didn’t get your note.” He stopped for a brief second and appeared to be gathering his thoughts for the big blow off. Quickly walking around the counter, she stood between him and the door. “Did you mean it…what you said in the note?” “When I wrote it.” “Then too bad. You’re stuck with another date.” “Fine. We can go for drinks at the club. No more getting naked until I know that I can trust you.” Tiffany couldn’t help the laughter that spilled out. In fact, she laughed until her ribs hurt. Even Gino smiled slightly. He jerked his chin towards the door and she hurried to gather up her purse and coat then locked up the shop. Within twenty

minutes, they were at the club. Gino ordered a gin and tonic, like always. Tiffany ordered a crisp white wine. They settled in for a quiet conversation. This time the conversation was stilted. The implications of the mysteriously missing note hung between them. “Is that ‘don’t touch me when I’m naked’ thing the only problem you’ve had since you got back?” Tiffany sighed. “There’s also been bad dreams. I saw a counselor for a while. She said they would go away in time.” “Lorenzo told me you let the fucker who abducted you off the hook.” “I had my reasons.” “I know. Don’t agree, but it’s not my business.” “I just wanted closure. It worked out well for me. I still stay in touch with Dimitri. We have lunch every now and then. None of my nightmares are about getting abducted. They’re all about being locked in that cage. Sometimes, I fall asleep and I’m…” “Right back there. Going through it all again. Feeling the pain and smelling the same scents.”

“How’d you know?” “Sometimes, it happens to me. I fall asleep and I’m right back under that bridge. I’m freezing cold. My clothes were always damp from the rain. The stench of unwashed bodies and the smell of canned meat is still with me. I’m scared and hopeless, all over again.” “God, Gino. It’s been a long time for you. Do you ever worry that it’ll never go away?” Taking a drink of his gin, his voice dropped a level. “No. I worry that one day I won’t remember. That I’ll forget where I came from and turn into one of the arrogant, unfeeling assholes I see walking around all over the place.” Looking into her eyes, he whispered, “Remembering is what makes me who I am. I don’t ever want to lose that.” “Jesus, Gino. There you go again. Saying the most profound things like it’s nothing at all.” “Let me ask you something, Tiff. If you could take it all back; go back in time to the exact moment and decide to stay home that night, would you?”

Tiffany opened her mouth to give the answer that should have come easily. Then she closed it and thought for a long time before answering. “If I’d stayed home that night, they’d have just gotten me another night. They wanted me because the Vor saw me in that magazine. If I could go back and not enter the contest that ended up in that magazine spread, I’m not sure…” Gino tilted his head slightly, waiting for her to go on. “I wish like hell that none of us had been taken. Yet, if I hadn’t been grabbed, then Lorenzo wouldn’t have hired you. I can’t imagine a world where we never met. Not to mention that all the others got rescued because you led them to me. I also learned things about myself that I would never have guessed. I’m smarter, stronger and more worldly for having gone through that trauma. Hell, I don’t know how to explain it so that it makes rational sense.” Gino interjected, “I feel like the hardships were a test of my character and I passed. Now, I know myself and…”

Tiffany finished his sentence. “Now, no one can ever tell you who you are, because you know deep down inside on a profoundly personal level who you are and what you’re capable of. “Exactly.” “I feel like a traded pain for knowledge.” Tiffany stared into Gino’s eyes and realized they were having another one of those moments where totally on the same page. She whispered, “Sometimes, it feels like we’re soulmates or something.” Gino drained his glass and held it up to the server. “Don’t be telling my foster mom anything about that. She loves talking about soulmates. She has a whole spiel about it.” “Well, maybe when I work my way back into your good graces, I can meet her.” “She’s all I have, Tiff.” Hearing those words drove home exactly what his concern was. “I would never do anything to hurt her feelings. We don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, though. I can wait. She just seems original and interesting when you talk

about her. More like the mom I wished I’d had instead of the one I ended up with.” “Fuck. I’m going over there for Marshall’s birthday tomorrow evening. You’re welcome to join me.” “Wow, I didn’t know you had a foster brother.” Gino took his drink from the server and swallowed a mouthful before replying dryly. “Yeah, he’s a stray just like me.” Tiffany couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “I’d really like that, baby.” Gino neatly wrapped the conversation back around to the original subject. “So, what do you think might help you put some of those bad dreams about Russia to rest? What would give you some closure?” Tiffany chewed on her bottom lip as she thought it over. “I’m pretty close to paying off Don Carlo. Every week when I pay him, it kind of brings it all back.” “I’m sure he’d be happy with what you already paid.” “He’s been real nice, but I like that I can pick

up my share of the cost of getting me outta there. I don’t know why, but makes me feel like I have some control.” “If you want, I can help you look over your business model and see if there are areas you could improve on or ways to raise additional capital.” “I didn’t know you had a head for business, Gino.” “The military had a very lean Six Sigma program. I got pulled into the training because I was a logistics specialist. It’s helped me get our legitimate businesses operating efficiently.” Cueing on the confused look on her face he continued. “You know we own this club. Well, we also own a garage, dry cleaners, and a hair salon. I hired a manager for each business, but still do most of the bookkeeping myself. I keep my eye on operations and they earn us a tidy sum. God knows if it doesn’t involve a big heist or shooting up the place, Johnny’s not interested. Lorenzo just leverages his intellect in a different direction.”

Tiffany laughed. “I’ll bet those two are not much help.” “I like handling that kind of thing. Makes me feel smart, though God knows I’m not. “I think you’re fantastic and I’d really like your help, Gino. Over the last couple of years, my business has grown. I have the shop, an online store, and we’ve recently begun putting together prototype designs for others looking to break into the business.” They’d no sooner scared up some paper and began putting down ideas than Cheryl and Lorenzo stopped by to talk. Their discussion involved her disclosing to Cheryl for the first time about her experiences in Russia. Somehow her best friend finally knowing the truth was a huge relief. It didn’t feel like that awful period of her life was something that needed to stay locked away from everyone else. Cheryl was a good sport about it, and it didn’t feel anywhere as awkward as she’d thought it would. Tiffany was truly disappointed when Gino dropped her at her place with nothing more than a

smoking hot kiss to tide her over until the next evening. That was fine. She could play it cool. Besides, she was really looking forward to meeting his foster mom. Tiffany hadn’t been joking about thinking she sounded interesting. Quirky people were kind of her thing.

15

Meeting the Family

T

Tiffany found herself standing beside Gino as he introduced her to his foster brother, Marshall. Tiffany’s eyes went from the chihuahua to Gino and back again, as his foster mother rambled on. “You know something? I never realized how difficult it could be to find a party hat for a HE

NEXT

EVENING,

Marshall-sized head. We were at the party store for hours and tried on every single hat in the entire store before we found this one. What do you think?” “Well, it’s very…festive.” Tiffany chewed her lip as she looked at the tiny dog in the cone shaped party had that had originally said happy birthday princess. Only Elaine had marked out the word princess with a sharpie and written in his name in bold black letters. “You’re staring at us so strangely. What are you thinking, dear?” Tiffany started talking before she thought. “I was just thinking that the black sharpie doesn’t really go with the light pink and silver colors on the hat, but since the party’s just for family, I think it’ll be just fine.” Gino’s head snapped to look at her and his mother’s eyes got big. Then she smiled and state conspiratorially. “You know, I thought the very same thing.” Tiffany found herself talking again before she really thought about it. “Brilliant minds think alike.

If we had some glue and silver glitter, I could fix that right up.” The older woman sighed. “I wish, but it would take forever to dry.” “It would be done if a jiffy if we painted it on thinly then blew dry it.” Elaine looked at Gino. Before she had a chance to speak, he stood. “You don’t even have to say it. I’m all over this.” As he walked away, the older woman explained. “I have a whole room dedicated to nothing but crafting and sewing.” “Wow, you sew. I’m a clothing designer.” “You should design something for Marshall. Maybe a cute little coat or something.” It felt like lightning striking her brain. Elaine was just in the age group to love that old coat design. “I have a lovely pea coat some French company lost their mind over. I could design you both one to match.” Elaine’s perfectly polished fingernails tapped on Marshall’s collar. “That would make all my friends green with envy.”

Tiffany laughed. “Green friends are my favorite color.” Gino came back into the room with a small stack of supplies. “Are they anything like green M & M’s?” Tiffany smothered a smile at his mother’s confused expression. They chatted amiably as Tiffany worked on Marshall’s birthday hat. “I knew my Gino would be the one to find you. He’s a real action hero, you know.” “You don’t have to tell me, ma’am. I saw him in action myself.” “Really?” “He found me and carried me right out of that awful place when I couldn’t even stand.” “My Gino’s really smart and brave.” The older woman was clearly talking up her son to her. Tiffany found it adorable. “Hey, you two. I’m sitting right here.” Gino’s indignation was endearing as well. They were both absolutely wonderful people. Tiffany looked at him with mock disapproval for objecting to their idle hero worship. “Good.

You can tell her all about you MacGyvered up me a fake passport.” His mother looked stunned. “You faked a passport?” Gino’s hands came up in front of him in a calming gesture. “I only did what I had to do to get those women home.” “Of course, you did, dear. I mean did you actually use a MacGyver technique?” “I used a tiny spot of chewing gum to keep the passport photo in place until we could laminate it. No big deal. My tricks are more like a cross between life hacks and MacGyver techniques.” Settling back, she smiled at him as she stroked Marshall’s fur. “I want to hear about every single one of them.” “I use them all the time. You want to hear about every single one, the ones I used in Russia, or the ones I used just today?” Tiffany looked up from her very detailed work. “Begin with the ones you used today.” Gino rolled his eyes. “Fine. I got in a rush at the dentist’s office and didn’t want to wait for the

elevator to stop at every floor, so I hit the door close button at the same time as the one for the ground floor and it overrode the systems settings, taking me straight down.” Tiffany nodded approvingly, barely looking up from her tedious task. “That’s a good one. We’ll remember it, in case we ever have to get somewhere fast.” “My life’s full of crazy hacks. Let’s see I used the seat warmer in my SUV to keep pizza hot while I drove home with it. Instead of making a grocery list I took a picture of the contents of my refrigerator and food pantry. If I’m not sure if I need something, I refer to the two pictures. Made shopping a snap today. I’ve pretty much been rushing all day. This morning instead of putting cream and sugar in my coffee and waiting for it cool down, I put a tablespoon of vanilla ice cream. It only took a second to melt and cooled it right down so I could drink it. His mother seemed enthralled. “Impressive.” “I almost forgot that I had to get into a storage room in one of our new warehouses but it had a

padlock, so I bumped it open. I have a specially designed key with little ridges and I can insert it into almost any padlock and then hit the lock hard with something like a rock or hammer and it pops right open. Guess that’s about it for today.” His mother made him run through some of the tricks he used to get the job done in Russia. Tiffany had to admit that though Gino seemed bored to death by the conversation, she and his mother were fascinated by his ingenuity. Strangely enough, even Marshall was quiet and attentive. After quick once over with the blow dryer, Tiffany presented Marshall with his improved birthday hat. He looked really cute. “That is definitely picture-worthy.” Both Gino and his mother stared for a brief moment. “Tell me we’re taking pictures. It’s his birthday. He’s going to want pictures.” Gino grumbled, “Of course he gonna want pictures. How else is he going to remember the day? I don’t know what in the world I was thinking.” Elaine seemed enthusiastic. “Let’s get a shot of

him in front of his cake.” Tiffany couldn’t be quite sure, but the little dog seemed to be preening a bit as the three adults snapped pictures with their cell phones. It was the kind of silly fun she rarely had an opportunity to enjoy in her life. Tiffany was stunned when she walked by the refrigerator and noticed a flyer with her picture on it. She supposed that Lorenzo had papered the town with them when she first went missing. To see her own face smiling back at her as the words in bold block style text begged for information on her whereabouts felt like getting punched in the gut. Her arms went slack and her plate slid out of grasp. Feeling weak in the knees, her hand came out to rest on the refrigerator door for support. It felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room, only to be replaced with the smells of her captivity. Before she knew what hit her, a hand landed on her shoulder and she fought back. Everything seemed to move in a slow-motion blur. There were people shouting and running. She thought she heard

gunshots. It was difficult to separate her present day from her memory of being rescued. She struggled to get back to her feet…to break free of the hands trying to hold her down. Then there was only darkness. It felt like getting sucked into a dark hole, one she feared that she might never get back out of. Tiffany didn’t know how long she’d been out, but when she woke the smells of her former cell had been replaced by the mild scent of coconut and chlorine. She became aware of a large warm body beside her. It had to be Gino, but she couldn’t imagine where they were. Opening her eyes, she looked around the small efficiency. There was the large bed they were lying on, a tiny table with two chairs, a recliner, a plasma television mounted on the wall, and tiny wet bar. The neat little room was done in masculine browns and navy blue. The bed was comfortable and she had Gino at her side. Her eyes squeezed shut as she remembered how she’d freaked out at Marshall’s party. “Are you alright, beautiful?”

“I’m no good for you, Gino. We both know it.” When his arm tightened around her, she realized he’d been holding her to his chest. “Don’t want to hear that shit coming out of your pretty mouth again.” “Your mother must think I’m crazy.” Gino actually laughed. “Let me get this straight. We just invited you to a birthday party for a little dog she pretends is my brother and you spent an hour making him a pretty hat, but you’re somehow worried that she might think you’re the crazy one?” Tiffany looked up at him as she bit her bottom lip. “When you put it like that, I don’t seem all that crazy after all.” “Trust me, you’re not crazy. You fit right in around here. Sorry, I had to tell my mother that this is an off and on again thing with you. She wanted to call her acupuncturist to make sure your life force was put back into balance. I was pretty sure you wouldn’t want that.” Tiffany giggled. “We’ll consider that a little white lie.” “It was the flyer, wasn’t it?”

“It was such a shock to see...I wasn’t expecting…I don’t know why I reacted so badly. Sorry about it, though.” “I told Elaine to throw it away.” Tiffany sat up. “You can’t throw it away.” “Why the hell not?” “Can you call your mom? I need to talk to her.” “Right now?” “Please, Gino.” Picking up his cell from the bedside table, he dialed his mother’s number. After speaking softly into the phone, he handed it to her. Tiffany squared her shoulders and walked away slightly to speak to the woman. “Hey. Sorry about freaking out earlier.” “Don’t give it another thought. Gino told me you had it pretty rough before he found you. He also told me to get rid of the poster but it didn’t feel right, so I put it away. Is that okay?” “That’s why I called. I don’t want it to get too far away, because...well…you know.” “It is the thing that brought you both together. It means something.”

“Yea, that’s exactly what I was thinking. I can’t deal with seeing right now. Do you think you could hold onto it for me?” “Don’t you worry, I’ll keep it safe and sound. Want me to bring you two out some cake and coffee?” “Where in the heck are we? I thought Gino took me to his house.” “Nope. Gino used to live in the pool house. That’s where you are right now. I kept everything just the way he left it.” “It’s lovely.” “I’m cutting you some cake right now.” “That would really be great, Elaine. Thanks for being so nice about my strangeness.” “I don’t think you’re strange. I think you’re just perfect for my Gino.” Tiffany half smiled at her earnest reply. “We’ll have to convince him of that.” “We will. He’s very jealous, you know that, don’t you?” “I didn’t, but thanks for the 411.” “Women have to stick together, dear. See you in

a bit.”

16

Smack Happy Boyfriends

A

CHERYL, roped her into the adventure of a lifetime. With her back was against the wall, her friend had agreed to wear a wire for the FBI. It was only meant to be for a weekend. Cheryl was convinced they wouldn’t hear much besides copious amounts of sex. They both agreed to stick together, thinking it NOTHER SHORT MEETING WITH

would be easier to steer the conversation away from sticky subjects if they tag teamed it. The things she did for her best friends. After everything she’d been through, it didn’t even seem like much risk. Neither of them could be arrested for dating mobsters. The only thing that really worried her was not coming clean with Gino. That man was a conundrum, wrapped around Rubik's Cube, and disguised as a total beefcake. It rankled her that Gino had dropped her off yet again without coming in last night. She suspected he was still upset about that stupid missing note. He either didn’t fully trust her or didn’t want to take their relationship to the next level. He had to know an intimate relationship with a woman like her would have to be exclusive. What the hell did he have going on that he didn’t want to give up? That was the real question. Her mind reeled back to what his mother had said about him being jealous. Maybe it was time for him to step up or step back. Deciding to give him a little nudge in the right direction, she called Daren. He was an old friend and they went out off

and on. Lorenzo was sure to let Gino know all about it when he got home. Then he’d have to decide what in the hell he wanted. When Saturday rolled around, she showed up at the restaurant with Cheryl. Lorenzo just about lost it when Daren joined them. He couldn’t get to his cell fast enough. Shooting a quick text, he turned his attention back to Cheryl. Tiffany hadn’t counted on that. What if Gino showed up? Shooting Daren a nervous glance, she found him staring at Cheryl and Lorenzo. They were practically planning their next sexual escapade right in front of him. Tiffany found herself annoyed that he was so interested. If he was hoping for a threesome, he might as well give it up. Within fifteen minutes, Gino came stalking into the restaurant. He grabbed a chair from a nearby table and squeezed it between Tiffany and Daren. Elbowing the other man back a scant inch, he turned his hurt eyes to Tiffany. “Didn’t know you were going out tonight, precious.” Embarrassment swept through her, making her face flame red. “I didn’t think you cared to know

about my nightlife.” “On the contrary, I’m fuckin’ fascinated about what you do at night.” Smiling faintly, she scooted closer to him. He placed a possessive arm around the back of her chair before turning to the other man. “Fuck off. Now.” Tiffany felt both the thrill of victory and a tremendous amount of uncertainty about how Gino was going to handle catching her out with another man. He kept his eyes on her all evening. Her attention was torn between worrying over Gino and backing up her friend as she tried to keep the conversation ball rolling in the right direction. It made her uncomfortable to know the FBI was listening to every word they said. Lorenzo was off the charts frustrated and Cheryl was not making it easy for him to get back into her good graces. The minute they hit the club, Lorenzo pulled him aside. As the man wasn’t particularly trying to keep his voice down, Tiffany heard every single word he said. Lorenzo spat out angrily. “Did you see that shit

in the restaurant?” “What shit, boss?” “Them dragging that stupid fuck in just so I’d call you and you’d get jealous.” “Yeah, I noticed that.” Gino cast a heated glance at her, half paying attention to Lorenzo. “Well, what the fuck are we gonna do about it? We can’t let this shit slide, Gino.” Clearly, her sweet little gangster didn’t agree. “I liked it, boss. Ain’t no woman ever worked so hard to get me jealous before.” “Well, I ain’t about lettin’ no bitches lead me around by the nose, Gino. And you better grow as set before you end up pussy whipped.” “Whatever you say, boss.” Tossing Tiffany another heated look, he asked. “We finished here, boss? I gotta show Tiff the conference room.” “Fuckin’ unbelievable.” Lorenzo stalked off in a huff. Tiffany, on the other hand, was on top of the world. Gino wasn’t mad. He seemed thrilled that she’d provoked him. So, the hot sexy man liked being pursued? She could do that all day long. She

watched him walk over to her. His hand came out, palm up and she slid her hand into his. He tugged her gently across the dance floor and to the stairs. As they walked up, he murmured. “You’re gonna love the conference room. You can see the whole dance floor through a huge one-way mirror. The view is fuckin’ spectacular.” “Sounds like fun. I’m glad you showed up tonight.” “You’re getting your pretty little ass spanked for that and I don’t want to hear a damn word about it.” Tiffany gulped down a quick breath. For some godforsaken reason, the thought of Gino smacking her bare ass made her hot. He had big hands. The thought of a red-hot handprint on each butt cheek had her stepping closer to him. “Two smack limit. I’m just a beginner, you know.” “Deal. Nice of you to wear that cute little mini. It’ll make getting to your ass all the easier.” “Don’t you talk to me like that, you pervert.” Though she gave the correct response, her voice sure didn’t display any self-righteousness

indignation. It sounded more like breathless anticipation, and he noticed. Turning curious eyes on her, he commented. “That ain’t no way to make up, now is it?” They entered the room. Slamming the door behind them, he locked it securely. When he turned to her, she backed up slightly. “You should be the one apologizing to me.” His hands went for his suit jacket and he pulled it off, draping it across the end of the settee. “Why the fuck would I do that?” Next, he began unbuttoning the sleeves of his dress shirt and pulling his tie off. The man was way more confrontational than she’d ever seen him before. Tiffany swallowed hard as she watched the gorgeous man taking off his clothing. “Well, you kept dropping me off without coming in. It’s very rude a give a girl mind-blowing sex, then refuse to do again.” He toed off his shoes and began unbuttoning his shirt. “So, you thought you’d go out with another man right in front of Lorenzo. You had to know he’d tell me, so I can only assume you wanted to

make me jealous.” “I don’t think it worked. You just seem angry.” “I’m a lot of things right now. Confused, angry, jealous, hurt, and real goddamn sexually frustrated. You think it’s been easy to keep my hands off you? It’s been hell. You’re all I’ve been thinking of, day in and day out. How soft your skin is and how sweet you smell when you’re aroused. Knowing you only get wet for me. No one else, just me. Do you know what that does to a man?” Shaking her head, she couldn’t make words come out of her mouth. “Knowing your sweetness, then being without it is the worse torture that I’ve ever known.” Taking a step closer, he stated, “I want you to give me everything tonight. I want my handprints on your lovely ass, your lips on mine, and my hands to roam free on your naked flesh. I want more than you’ve ever given a man. I want your trust, your body, and your emotions. No more Mr. Nice Guy. I want it all.” She moved towards him as he pulled off his undershirt shirt and tore at the front of his pants. As

she drew near, his hands came out around her waist. Tugging her closer, he spoke softly, “I’ve told you what I want. Now, you tell me what I can have.” “Everything.” Pulling back slightly, he gazed down into her face, searching for something. Whatever he wanted, he must have found because he drew her towards the sofa. One gentle tug on her hand, had her tumbling across his lap. Pulling up her full miniskirt, he rubbed his hands across her naked ass cheeks. A gentle snap of her thong had her looking behind her apprehensively. “Just a little warm up, since I only get two swats.” Instinctively, her fingernails dug into the rough fabric of the settee. He squeezed her bottom in both hands for a moment before speaking. “Are you ready, beautiful?” A loud smack preceded a sting across her right ass cheek. It was just hard enough to be erotic and leave a handprint. He’d really held his strength in check. It made her like him better…trust him more. Within a second, another fell over her left cheek.

He fumbled in his pocket and she assumed he was adjusting his junk. Then she heard a little clicking sound. Looking over her shoulder, she saw him putting away his cell phone. “Did you just take a picture of my ass?” Honestly, she didn’t know why she was so surprised about that. Still, she had her clothes on so she was well within her comfort zone. “Just for you and me, beautiful. I promise.” “I’m trusting you.” “Good. Now, tell me why did you get two swats from your hero tonight?” She almost smiled that he used the word hero to describe himself after objecting to others using it. “I…I tried to make you jealous.” “Yes, you fucking well did. Don’t ever do that again. I nearly lost it on the poor fool. If he’d given me the slightest provocation, I’d have wiped the floor with him.” “I’m sorry, Gino. I wanted you and I didn’t know how else to get you.” “Next time just say something, text me, or hell, just flash me your tits. Trust me, I’ll recognize that

as a signal.” Tiffany had to laugh because he was trying to use humor to bring things down a notch. Standing up, Gino took her with him and strolled across the room dumping her on top of the conference room table. She grabbed onto the edge when he dragged the table a few feet to rest right in front of the huge window. Shoving down his pants, he was naked in a matter of seconds. “Aren’t you worried someone will look up?” “One-way mirror. We see them. They DO NOT see us.” “I remember you said that.” “Make room, beautiful.” “Wha…what are you doing?” “Laying down. You’re trusting me tonight, Remember.” Climbing onto the huge conference table, he jerked his chin for her get on top of him. She wondered why he wasn’t making her get naked. Not that she wanted to, but she would if he asked because she was desperate to keep him happy with

her. Instead, he put his hand around her waist and pulled her up over his groin. The only thing separating them was her thong. She realized all too late what his game was when one hand slid under her skirt. A slight purring and her thong pulling against her skin were the only indications she got, that she was losing the tiny bit of protection. Just as one hand pulled the small scrap of fabric to his nose, the other hand smoothed up the inside of one thigh and landed on her sex. “You’re soft and wet. I think you like experiencing unexpected things with me.” Her eyes jumped nervously to his and she realized what he was saying was true. He did keep surprising her. Never knowing what to expect kept her from anticipating and excessively worrying about every move he made. Did he know how helpful that was for someone like her? His thumb gently teased her tiny bud, circling it over and over. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I want you to ride me, just like you did on your sofa that night. You can keep your clothing on if you

want or you can take them off. Your choice. I’m not going to grab you or anything like that. I’m just going to keep on touching you, just like this, unless you tell me you want more.” Tiffany could feel her eyes filling with tears. God, how she loved his man. He was meeting her where she was and taking her to where she wanted to be a step at a time. Nodding her head, she bent down to kiss him. He whispered in her hear. “If you want, you can scoot up and let me have a little taste. I won’t grab you and you can scoot back anytime you want.” “Sure you want to do that?” “Hell, yes. I’ve been dreaming of it. Up you go.” Tiffany moved up until she had had one knee on each side of his head. Then she eased down slightly. His mouth moving on her was such sweet ecstasy, she never wanted to move. His tongue felt soft, wet, and stroked her tiny nub just right. Within moments, she was getting really wet and dying to feel him inside her. Sliding back, she kissed him,

tasting herself on his moist lips. She eased down over him, fighting to take all of him. His hand stilled on her lower stomach to give her support. His calloused fingers felt good against her skin. In fact, she could stand some more of that. Tugging her skirt up over her head, she tossed it aside. Reaching down, she brought both of his hands up to her sides. He kept them there, gently caressing her skin as she moved on him. Looking down, she remembered how much he enjoyed looking at her breasts. Then, she remembered how much she loved his eyes on her naked body. Slowly her hands went to her shirt and she lifted it above her head. Her bra snapped in the front. A quick flick of her fingers and it popped open. Sliding it off, she playfully covered his eyes with it. “No fair, beautiful.” The growl in his voice spiked her lust. “That’s what you get for spanking me.” “Sorry, princess.” His voice was far from contrite. “You don’t sound very sorry.”

“Uncover my eyes and I might let you spank me one day.” Snatching the fabric from his face, she leaned over to look in his eyes. They shone with mischief and he had a little smirk playing about his mouth. “You big liar. I knew that offer was too good to be true.” Running one hand down to tease her sensitive flesh, he murmured. “Sorry, sweetheart, but I’m all man.” She wiggled the last bit to take him fully. “I kind of noticed that.” She squirmed on top of him, as he went back to teasing her tender flesh with his thumb. “You feel good. Really good.” He groaned. “Glad to be of service. You do too. Much better than anything I’ve ever felt before.” She gave him a quick kiss. “So, we doing this thing?” “Ready when you are, beautiful.” She began to move on him, easy at first and then slowly picked up speed. She grabbed his free

hand and brought it up to cup her breasts. Tilting her head back, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the exhilarating ride. She felt wanton and freed of her inhibitions. Bringing her head up, she looked out the huge one-way mirror. The club was packed with people. They were wearing low cut dresses and nice suits. Their bodies moved together floor in an erotic dance born of lust and passion, but none more perfectly than the dance she was sharing with her sexy mobster. Gino’s hand drifted from her breast to gently cup her face as she looked down at him. She expected his expression to be closed off again, but it was one of open adoration. It turned his often harsh expression into something exceptionally handsome, thrilling her in a way few things in her life ever had. Leaning over to kiss him again, she moved harder and faster. “I’m falling for you. I hope you know that, sweetheart.” His whispered declaration melted her heart.

“Hold me. I want to feel your arms around me.” His large hands slid up and circled her body loosely as he gently stroked her back and shoulders. She felt the end coming as her movements lost their rhythm. His manhood hit all the right notes with every single stroke. The moment she came felt like being swept away in a torrent of blinding hot passion. She felt him go rigid beneath her as he found his release. It was strange that they didn’t need to talk about it. Her orgasm always seemed to provoke his. It felt like they were connected in every intimate way imaginable. They lay entwined in each other’s arms as they caught their breath. It occurred to Tiffany to wonder how they were moving forward. “Will you come home with me tonight?” “I’d love to if you’ll have me.” Wrapping a finger around a stray lock of his hair, she gave a gentle tug. “Just try to ditch me.” “You should be more worried that I’ll never give you a moment’s rest.”

Propping up onto her elbow, she smiled at him. “I can’t believe we’re here totally naked and hands on.” “I’m glad you’re getting more comfortable with me.” “I’m not.” The look on his face told her that he didn’t know quite how to respond. “I’m way more than comfortable. I feel downright at home in your arms.” The tiny smile that curved up the corners of his mouth felt like sunshine beaming directly into her soul. She couldn’t resist stealing another kiss. “Want to head out? If you’re up to it, we can have round two at your place. I’d invite you to my place, but I have Lorenzo and Johnny for roommates.” “Forget that. You’re better off at my place. I’ll keep you entertained.” She waggled her eyebrows, confident for once she could deliver. “I’m not particular. Anything that includes spending time with you will be just fine with me.” “You’re easy to please.”

“Either that or you’re just good company.” She laughed as she grabbed her clothes. “Maybe a little of each. I’ve dreamed about being with you for so long, this hardly seems real.” A hand came out, catching her wrist. “What did you just say?” Sheepishly, she admitted what she thought was already obvious. “I’ve been crushing on you since the day we met. I knew that to have a chance with you, I had to get myself together. It’s one of the things that drove me to get into therapy and get my life sorted.” Gino looked thoroughly shocked. “Let me get this straight. You thought you had to improve yourself in order to be with me?” Nodding, she didn’t really know what he was getting at. “Gino, you may think I’m messed up now, but I’m a thousand times better than I was when I first got back. I worked really hard so you’d see me as something other than a victim.” Gino made a strangled sound in the back of his throat as he roughly pulled her into his lap. He crushed her body to his and buried his face in the

side of her neck. Something profound was happening between them, but Tiffany had no idea what it was. He rocked her gently for a long time without speaking. When he loosened his hold slightly, Tiffany peered up at him. “Are you alright?” He cleared his throat as if he were going to speak, but looked away instead. Unsure what was going on, she gently urged him to get dressed. Within moments they were heading downstairs. Gino didn’t speak the entire way to her place, seemingly lost deep in his own thoughts. When they walked into her loft, he took her by the hand and led her over to the sofa. “Got something I need to say.” Looking her in the eyes he spoke sincerely, “You’re fuckin’ perfect. You were perfect on the day I met you and every single day since. Anything going on with you is because some asshole dumped a load of shit on you that no woman should have to deal with. I never saw you as a victim, so you don’t need to keep pushing me away until you’re perfect. I’d consider it an honor to be the person you come to

when you need support or company. I promise that if you trust me, I won’t let you down. That’s all I wanted to say.” “Well, that was about the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me. I’d be a fool to turn down an offer like that.” “Good. Let’s go to bed. It’s been a long day for you.” Instead of getting naked, Gino slept in his briefs and Tiffany pulled on a t-shirt and panties. It was nice to cuddle up to someone for a change. Before she had a chance to really process the day’s events, she drifted off to sleep.

17

Facing Down a Vor

T

up by her phone beeping. Groggily, she grabbed it. “How in God’s name do you get up so freaking early?” Cheryl’s chipper voice responded brightly. “Want to come out for drinks then visit Lorenzo’s parents’ house for dinner tonight.” Tiffany sighed dramatically and threw herself IFFANY WAS WOKEN

back onto her pillow. “I wasn’t looking forward to facing up to his parents anytime soon after my last fiasco there, but I guess I should so they don’t think I’m a total nut job.” “They love you and you know it.” “I love them, too. Can I invite tall, dark, and handsome? Hold on.” Gino griped, “You better be talkin’ about me, sweetheart.” “Of course. Who else do I know that fits that description?” Gino scooted down, shoved up her shirt and began kissing her stomach.” She suppressed a giggle because he was being extra tickly. Trying to get off the phone as quickly as possible she stated. “He’d be delighted to come.” Cheryl laughed, “Don’t bully poor Gino. You know how shy he is.” “Are you kidding me? He’s anything but shy. You should have seen what he had us doing in that conference room at the club last night.” “I can guess.” Cheryl gave her a sly warning about laying off

the alcohol. Tiffany knew it was because the FBI would be listening again. Pulling Gino up, she looked at him seriously. “What’s wrong, beautiful?” “Something’s going on with Cheryl. It’s fairly serious, but I promised I wouldn’t say anything. We’ve got something really good going here. I don’t want their mess to cause problems with us when it comes out.” Gino looked at her, blinking once as he considered her words. “What do you want from me? Is there anything I can do to make this problem go away quickly?” “Honestly, just steer the conversation away from your work.” “We don’t talk about that stuff around you two anyway. Johnny has a saying about keeping quiet around the bitches because they spook easily. Lorenzo has a similar saying, only marginally less offensive. Me, I don’t like talking about what we do when we’re doing it. I sure the hell ain’t gonna talk about it in my free time. Do you have a problem with what I do?”

“I trust you. I worry for your safety, but I’ve seen you in action. I think you’re smarter and faster than most men. Just bear one thing in mind, when you’re out risking your life. Remember that I’m waiting and praying that you come home to me every night, so don’t take unnecessary risks.” “That is not what I thought you were gonna say.” Wrapping her arms around his neck she whispered, “I really love you, Gino. Just be safe wherever you go.” Gino tilted her head up to look into her eyes. “I’m totally crazy about you too, Tiff. More than I’ve been or thought I could be. I won’t take any chances with myself, okay?” Nodding her head, she fought the tears back. Gino kissed her on the forehead. “None of that, sweetness. It’s sexy shower time.” Picking her up, he headed for her bathroom. Though her day flew by, the evening fell apart pretty damned quickly. When they arrived at the club that night, Lorenzo seemed a little off his game. He was irritated about something. Tiffany

worried that he’d discovered his new girlfriend was cooperating with the FBI in a sting operation against him. She couldn’t even imagine how her childhood friend would react to something like that. They put on a brave face and kept the conversation going. Then the unthinkable happened. Johnny walked in and made a beeline straight for them. Johnny picked up on Lorenzo’s vibe and listened as he gently prodded Cheryl for information, before finally speaking up. “Unlike Lorenzo, I’m only gonna ask one fuckin’ time. What the hell is going on with you two? Cheryl dragged her off for a bathroom break before things could really get out of control. While they were in the restroom, a woman walked up to them as bold as brass and demanded. “What the hell is up with the third wheel? Is he a walking lie detector or something?” Tiffany stepped protectively in front of Cheryl. “Who the hell are you?” Cheryl gently pressed her aside. “Agent Henson, meet my friend Tiffany. Tiff, this the agent

who approached me. Come to find out she isn’t much of a team player. Her partner wants Don Carlo, but for some reason, she’s only interested in the Russians.” Tiffany eyed the woman suspiciously. “Why didn’t you just say so? They’ll probably tell you whatever you want to know if you don’t implicate them. They hate the damn Russians.” “My sister was taken by a Russian crime family. I’m embedded with the FBI, but I work for Homeland Security. We’re trying to bust a ring of Russians who’ve been kidnapping women all over the country.” Tiffany stepped forward. “They took me. Don Carlo sent men to get us back. We didn’t all make it out alive, but they tried. Who was your sister? Maybe I saw her when I was in Russia.” The agent gaped at her admission. “They took you all the way to Russia?” “Where else would Russians take their product? That’s how they referred to us…as product.” “We thought Mexico or South America. We

never thought they’d take people all the way to Russia. My sister’s name was Margaret Henson. She looks just like me. We’re twins.” Tiffany looked the woman over carefully. “I don’t remember seeing anyone like you. They beat us, raped us, and kept us in cages. When you find your sister, she’s going to be in bad shape.” The woman spun around expectantly, slamming her fist into the wall. Her knuckles oozed blood a little. Tiffany asked cautiously. “How far are you willing to go to get her back?” Turning to face her, the woman’s expression was fierce. “Is there any line you won’t cross?” “I’ll do anything to get her back. ANYTHING. I don’t care how deep this goes or how dangerous it gets. She’s the only family I have, and she’s counting on me to save her.” Tiffany crossed her arms over her chest. “Your career is finished. You know that, right?” “I can get another job. I don’t care if it guarding apes at the zoo. I want my sister back

home alive and in one piece.” “I only know one way to make that happen.” Cheryl’s voice came out as a whisper. “We’ll sic Johnny on her. You give yourself over to him and his father, and they move heaven and earth to get your sister back.” “Why wouldn’t they just not kill me?” “Johnny loves women who lie and deceive him. He gets off on the thrill of the chase. You’re just his type.” The woman sucked in a breath. “Let me guess. He’s the sexy third wheel who knew immediately that you two were hiding something.” “That would be him. If you intrigue him, he won’t let his father kill you.” They concocted a fantastical plan for her play Don Carlo, the FBI, and Homeland all against each other to get her sister back. Tiffany cautioned her that if things went bad, to side with Don Carlo and Johnny, because they’d burn in hell before they left her high and dry. The woman probably only agreed because she didn’t see another option. Tiffany dragged Cheryl back to the table.

Unfortunately, the big reveal didn’t go quite as smoothly as they planned. They got rid of Cheryl’s cell signal and she told them in detail about being approached by the two agents; how they threatened her brother with extended jail time to get her to cooperate and how the female FBI agent was only interested in getting her sister back from the Russians. Lorenzo appeared too stunned to speak. Much to Tiffany’s disappointment, Gino immediately suggested that they whack the pair of them. Johnny seemed more interested in taking the female officer up on her offer. Staring at Gino, Johnny stated matter-of-factly. “I’d be inclined to agree with you for once. You know me, I’m for whacking any agent stupid enough to stick their snout in our business. But didn’t you hear the part about the agent being willing to give herself to me? I’ve owned a pit bull, a pony, and an AK-47, but never an FBI agent. Don’t take away my fun by killing her, Gino.” Lorenzo’s voice was ice cold and he refused to even look at her. “What’s your plan, Johnny?”

“I’ll play with her, much like a cat does a mouse, then take her to my father. You shouldn’t be worried about what I do with the agent. You two have your own rats to deal with.” Lorenzo found his voice. Unfortunately, his frustration at being betrayed by the woman he loved, came out in the form of a threat. As they left locked in a battle of wills, Johnny stalked over to where the FBI agents were sitting. Faster than anyone could blink he grabbed the male officer by the shirt and tossed him towards a bouncer. Tiffany watched helplessly as the man was escorted roughly out the front door. Her eyes found Gino. “Well, that was a little more drama than I thought you ladies were capable of in a day. Guess I’m dealing a damn lot better, cause at least you gave me a head’s up. Mind if I ask you one quick question?” “I’ll always be honest with you, Gino.” “What did you do with the mystery note?” Truly perplexed that with everything going on, he would wrap back around that she shook her head. “Why are you asking about that again, baby?”

“Just seems strange that you’d be honest about something this big, then lie about something as inconsequential as the note.” Looking him in the eyes, she responded honestly. “You know me. I didn’t want to let go of the flyer that provoked a panic attack. Do you think I don’t want to have the sweet note you left for me? I want it, Gino. I just never found it.” “Then it’s still at your place. Come, I want to look for it.” Unsure why this meant so much to him, she took his hand and they headed to her place. Once there, they searched everywhere. Her housekeeper, Eva, who only visited once a week, was still there and even helped look. The older woman smiled when she realized they were looking for a love note. After an hour of looking, Tiffany pulled out a pint of ice cream and two spoons. Joining Gino sitting at the bar, she handed him a spoon. As they nibbled bites of rocky road, Gino tried to console her. “At least we have the copy on my cell phone. That’s something at least.”

Eva tossed a goodbye over her shoulder as she left, with her organized little basket of cleaning supplies. The moment the door closed Tiffany and Gino looked at each other. It was Gino who spoke first. “Did you feel that?” “A gust of air when the door shut.” Standing, he queried thoughtfully. “Didn’t you say you left that morning in the rush to meet Cheryl?” “We met at a secret meeting place outside in that little, forested area. It was the day she told me about the FBI contacting her.” “Maybe when you shut the door the note blew away.” “But where?” Pulling the pad over, Gino tore off a sheet and placed it on the counter in the exact location he left her note. “Go shut the door.” When she did, the note got caught up and landed on the floor near her stove. Gino gently pulled the large bottom drawer out and set it aside. They both peered inside at the little sheet of paper

gathering dust. It was just lying on the floor, pretty as you please. Gino reached in, grabbed the note and handed it to her before quickly replacing the drawer. They both sat on the floor leaning back against the stove as they read it. Tiffany ran her hand reverently down the front of the paper. “I think mementos mean more to me because I never had much love in my life. I feel like I must keep every scrap of evidence that someone cared for me. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?” Gino’s hand came out over hers. “I know you couldn’t get your head around why I kept asking about this note. It must seem like a trivial thing, but it was the first time I ever put myself out there to a woman. Not getting a response, when I wanted you so badly, tore a gigantic hole in my soul.” Tiffany cuddled on his chest as she looked at the note. “I would have called you right away if I’d gotten it. I really loved our first night together.” “Me too, Tiff. Me too.” “I’ll put this somewhere safe.” Gino’s cell phone chirped and he pulled it from his pocket to read the text.

“Shit. Cheryl took off with some biker from her brother’s club. It seems that our friend, Lorenzo, in his brilliance threatened to take her on a long drive.” “Doesn’t that mean…?” “Yeah. That’s exactly what that means. Stupid son of a bitch. I gotta go for a little while. Don’t wait up for me.” Standing, she snagged her key ring and slipped off an extra key to her loft for him. “Sneak in anytime, handsome. I’ll keep a spot in the bed warm for you.” Grabbing both her wrists, he brought them around to the small of her back as he stepped forward, capturing her lips. Their tongues tangled in a passionate kiss for a brief moment before he pulled back to look down into her face. His expression was warm and adoring as his hand slid down taking the key from her grasp. The important things with Gino seemed to come with a tiny ceremony to mark the occasion. She really liked that about him. Without speaking the words, they both knew that they were officially a couple with

all the thrills and perks, therein.

18

Facing Down a Vor

T

LORENZO AND CHERYL DRAMA seemed endless. It had been days since Cheryl took off, and the guys were doing everything within their power to find her. Gino had also been distracting Lorenzo with some job they’d been planning. He didn’t give specifics and she hadn’t asked. Gino had said Lorenzo was in a bad way, HE

hadn’t showered or slept for days, and was thoroughly obsessed with finding Cheryl. Tiffany had left messages and texts for Cheryl, but none had been returned. It left Tiffany wondering if Cheryl didn’t trust her now that she was tight with Gino. A nice evening out had settled all that. Cheryl looked fabulous and the two of them were back to casual flirting. They were even having dinner at his folks’ house every Sunday again. Those two had more bumps in the road than she could deal with. No sooner had they smoothed things out again, than Cheryl said something stupid about him quitting the mob to deserve her. Then he went off the deep end and almost cheated on her in a fit of desperation. Honestly, her two best friends were annoying the living daylights out of her these days. Somehow, Gino managed to wrangle their mess to ground, which didn’t surprise Tiffany much. She’d been getting some strange calls on her cell phone. It was a heavy breather. Rather than starting yet more drama, she just hung up on him. Without

the benefit of a response, most situations like that resolved themselves in her world. Whatever job the men were working on, had Gino on edge. He came home in what could only be described as a rage and went straight to the bathroom to soak in the tub. She brought him a gin and tonic and kneeled beside the tub. “Want to talk about it?” “Fuck, no.” “It might help.” Sighing, his magnificent shoulders tensed. “We were pulling a job for Don Carlo. Some idiot was trying to blackmail him and we had to break into his place and grab the evidence. What we found there pissed me off.” “Did you find what you were looking for, Gino?” “Sure the fuck did, and a whole lot more than we bargained for.” “What else did you find?” “Look in my pants pocket.” Tiffany willed her hands to stop trembling as she pulled a short thick piece of leather from his

pocket. It had a dainty little buckle. She recognized it immediately as a slave collar. The Russians had used them on her and the other women. Her other hand immediately went the part of her neck such collars had always chafed. “Did you find people or just paraphernalia?” Tiffany wasn’t sure she wanted an answer to that particular question. “There were half a dozen broads there, with Russian guards. The fucker we were looking for wasn’t home, though. Why is it the ones responsible keep slipping our grip?” “Leaning forward, she ran a hand through the side of his hair. You aren’t law enforcement, baby. It’s not your job to rid Gotham City of crime.” Rolling his eyes at her silly joke. “That FBI chick of Johnny’s talked him into leaving them there. We stayed down the street until they arrived, just to be sure. We got a lot of loot and all the guys agreed to keep out twenty grand each for them to get their lives started again. Don’t know why I’m angry when I should be glad we stumbled upon them.”

“Maybe they make you think of me.” Smiling slightly. “The fuck they do. Not one of them is half as smart or strong as you are, babe. Why don’t you get rid of your clothing and curl up in here with me?” “Sounds good. They cuddled in the huge warm tub and then took turns washing each other. It was sweet, sexy fun that pulled Gino out of his horrible mood. ♦♦♦♦♦ The next day sitting at her shop, she glanced up when the bell jingled. Seeing the man who walked in, made her blood run cold. It was Petrov, her very least favorite Vor. She reached for her cell and held it under the counter. Pressing record on her video, she sat it down on the darkened shelf below the register. “I want you out of my store, now.” The man smiled coldly. “We don’t always get what we want, Miss Tiff-a-ny. I’m living proof of

that.” “Don’t take one step closer. What the hell do you want?” “Same thing I wanted before. You.” “Get out or I’m calling the police.” “There is no need to fear for your safety. I have no intention of taking you against your will this time. I want you to come on your own.” “That will never happen.” “I made mistake when last I had you. You are a strong woman. I thought to break you with pain and humiliation. Now I can see how foolish that plan was. This time will be much different.” “What the plan? Buy me flowers and chocolates? You’re wasting your time and mine.” “I failed to destroy something you valued before. I will not make that mistake again.” “What are you talking about? You cannot make a threat that could compel me to come to you. Hurt me and I’ll hurt you back. You still wear my scar for all the world to see.” “Often a good woman with submit to protect something she values, if not to save her own self. I

will destroy something important to you if you do not come to my side immediately.” She intoned flatly. “Something I value?” “You have a very nice shop.” “Burn it to the ground. I’ll build a new one. Take all my money. I’ll earn more. Burn my home and I’ll find another. There’s nothing you can take that I cannot replace.” “We will see little misksha. We will see.” The moment he walked out the door she saved the recording and e-mailed it to Dimitri with a message that simply said HELP. She ran to the door and locked it tight. Gino would be there in less than half an hour. She scrambled around, gathering up her design boards and things of sentimental value. If he was going to hit her shop, she’d take what she couldn’t afford to lose and stash it. Dimitri called her within moments. “Miss Tiffany, are you well?” “I’m mad as hell, Dimitri. I can’t believe that bastard’s back. Tell me what I need to do.” “Sit tight. I come to you.”

“No. What if he sees you?” “I make sure he does not. It will take me one day. I must make arrangements for Penny.” “I hate to drag you back into this.” “You do not. I am the one who dragged you into the world of the Vor. It is for me to right the wrong.” “Just be careful, Dimitri.” He rang off without answering. She tried to be casual when Gino arrived. He seemed preoccupied as well. She remembered what he’d said about trusting him, but this wasn’t a matter of trust. I was more a matter of keeping him safe. Then again, how could he be safe if he didn’t know the Vor was back? Also, he’d be the one responsible for coming after her if she was taken again. By the time they’d gotten to her place, she’d decided that she’d better just come clean with him. “Gino, we need to talk.” They sat on the sofa and Tiffany pulled a pillow protectively in front of her stomach. “I’m in a world of trouble, Gino, and I don’t know what to do about it. I don’t want to drag you into it but I’m

afraid for us both.” “Is this about the Vor who visited you today?” Shock tore through her, leaving her momentarily unable to respond. Gathering her wits about her, she queried. “How the hell did you know about that?” “We installed your security system. I saw it on camera. You don’t have audio, so I don’t know what he said. Want to fill me in?” “I can do one better. I recorded it with my cell phone.” “I saw you talking on the phone. Did you call the police? It wasn’t Lorenzo or Johnny. I checked and both said they hadn’t heard from you today.” Tiffany looked away. “I called the Russian who abducted me.” “You trusted him before me?” Tiffany could tell by the tone of his voice that Gino was furious. “He owes me, Gino. He’s worked for the Vor and knows how the man operates.” “Let’s hear the fuckin’ message, sweetness. We can argue about that later.”

Tiffany’s trembling hands took out her cell and pushed play. They listened to the voices sparring back and forth. Gino smiled at her. “You did really good, Tiff. I mean that.” “What do you think he’ll target first?” “Probably your business. Hittin’ people in the money maker is their trademark move. The question is when.” Dimitri will be here tomorrow. Will you work with him?” “I’d rather put a bullet in his head. However, since I need to know what he knows to keep you safe, he’ll get a pass on this one.” She released a nervous breath. “Anymore secrets up your sleeve, darlin’?” Shaking her head, she felt like crap for not immediately contacting him. He opened his arms and she flew into his warm protective embrace. Once his arms came down around her, she could almost believe everything was going to be okay.

19

Avoiding the Vor

T

of the remote rustic cabin, peering into the dense forest. It was a nice place; spacious, well-appointed, and just about far enough off the beaten path to go unnoticed, even by the locals. Gino had called in favors from everyone from Don Carlo to Lorenzo and Johnny. He even called in some biker club. IFFANY STOOD AT THE WINDOW

She thought maybe it was the one Cheryl’s brother was involved with. Shoulder to shoulder with Dimitri, they looked fairly unstoppable. Gino was an expert at battening down the hatches. He’d stashed her and his little family out in the middle of nowhere until the Vor could be neutralized. Neutralized was a strange word. Did it mean arrested, killed, or simply bribed to go away once and for all? In Gino’s world, it could mean anything. Suddenly, there was a light knock at her door. She called for the person to come and Cheryl crossed the room, sitting beside her on the window seat. Her friend looked serious. “Sorry, you got caught up in the crap storm that happens to be my life.” Cheryl grinned. “I’d rather be in the crap with you than vacationing on an exotic island paradise with anyone else.” Tiffany giggled. “You always make me laugh.” “It’s what friends are for, don’t you know?” Haunting images flitted through her mind of her time in Russia. “I can’t take a chance on anything

happening to you, Cheryl. You don’t know…can’t imagine what it’s like to be taken.” “I asked Lorenzo a bunch of questions, and although he didn’t like talking about it, he told me what he saw when they busted you out. It sounded like something straight from a made for TV miniseries. Lorenzo’s perception couldn’t have been very accurate since he just blew in, shot the place up, and left. I imagine it was much worse. I’m sorry that happened to you.” “I am too. It was easily the most horrific experience of my life. Can I tell you a secret?” “I’m all ears, girlfriend.” “The guy who took gave me a warning. He said to fight the will of the Vor is the path to true suffering. Even though I knew there was no chance of winning that particular battle of wills, I fought them at every turn because it wasn’t fair. I was terrified, but my mind would only allow me but one option and that was to fight.” “There’s nothing wrong with that.” “My secret is, when Petrov walked into my shop, I wasn’t terrified anymore. Standing face-to-

face with him, I was just angry.” “Hell hath no fury?” “Exactly.” “On the one-in-a-million chance that they find us, get Elaine out. I’ll make that stupid son of bitch wish he was never born.” “I don’t know, Tiff. I think we should stick together. Strength in numbers and all like that.” “If Petrov ever comes calling, you’ll be able to recognize him by the large scar across his right temple. Know how he got it?” Cheryl shook her head, wide-eyed.” “I clocked him with a chunk of metal. He had to have stitches and was pretty pissed. Want to know what he did to get even with me?” Cheryl shook her head again, looking more scared by the moment. Even though her friend had indicated she didn’t want to know, Tiffany told her anyway. She needed to understand the type of person they were dealing with. “He had two men hold me over a desk while he raped me.” Her friend’s horrified gasp picked at her pride.

“Then he had them continue to hold me down while half a dozen other men took turns raping me repeatedly. I couldn’t tell you how long it went on because at some point I just passed out.” Cheryl’s hand came out, grasping her arm so hard it was almost painful. “I’m not telling you that to get sympathy or to scare you. I need you know how they handle women who defy them. Do you think Elaine could survive something like that? Could you?” Tiffany could tell, she’d successfully driven her point home. Cheryl nodded. “I didn’t understand, but now I think I do. If things go bad, I’ll get Elaine out and send Gino and Lorenzo in to get you out. No matter what happens, survive. We’ll get you out.” “With any luck, it won’t come down to that.” Cheryl looked her in the eyes. “When does it all stop?” “That’s the hardest part to deal with. It never stops. Somewhere in the world people are getting taken, sold, and abused every single day of the week. We’re just all lulled into a false sense of

security most days because it isn’t us.” “Until it is.” “Exactly.” Tiffany smiled wryly. Cheryl definitely had her head in the game at this point. “I was supposed to be getting you for breakfast.” “And you don’t want Miss Elaine coming to look for us? She’s harmless, just a little odd.” “I’ll say. Do you know she insisted on buying twenty pounds of bacon when we stopped for groceries?” Without missing a beat, Tiffany responded politely, “Marshall loves bacon.” “So do I, but twenty pounds? You’ve gotta be kidding me?” “No, I’m really not. She ties a little bib around him when he eats.” “So, he doesn’t mess his clothes up?” Tiffany grinned. “I really like that woman.” Cheryl smothered a smile. “I do too. Come on before she sends Marshall to get us.” Sure enough in the huge country kitchen, Elaine was busy frying up bacon. Marshall was sat on a

little stool at the island bar with a plate in front of him. He had a small baby sized bib tied around his neck as he watched his person cook his breakfast. Tiffany was surprised when he yipped out loud. Elaine shook her head. “Don’t worry, I’m not giving them your bacon.” Sliding several slices onto the plate, she warned the little dog. “Careful, Marshall. Let it cool or you’ll burn your tongue.” Ignoring her, the little dog dug right in. “Good morning ladies. Hope you slept well.” Tiffany smiled at her soon to be mother-in-law. “I did. Thanks for asking. This is a really wonderful place.” The woman beamed. “It belonged to my fourth husband, God rest his soul. He had it put into a trust for me. He was a real sweetheart. Said I deserved a place with a little peace and quiet, for when the going got tough.” “How the heck many husbands have you had?” Cheryl asked as she poured herself some juice. Tiffany was floored that her friend would be crass. “Cheryl, you know better than to ask something like that.”

Though her friend looked embarrassed, Elaine just laughed. “I’ve had five altogether. Each one a grand romance in its own right.” Tiffany was impressed. “I’d settle for just one grand romance.” “My Gino can be very romantic.” Tiffany beamed at the woman. “Umm ma’am, he’s officially my Gino now.” Handing her a plate of eggs, toast, and a small mountain of bacon Elaine teased. “I don’t see a ring on your finger yet, my dear.” “A minor technicality. I plan to rectify that as soon as possible.” Tiffany took the plate and sat down. Marshall yipped the moment the plate hit the table. Looking up at the older woman, she realized the extra bacon was in case she wanted to feed some to the tiny chihuahua. “You sure do eat a lot for such a small canine.” Elaine beamed at her over her cup of java. “How’d you come by Marshall, by the way?” “Found him in an alley. He was small and scrawny back then. I rescued him.”

“Did you ever stop to think that he may belong to someone?” Cheryl chirped, “Finders keepers, that’s what I say.” Tiffany smiled. “He’s better off with you, that’s for damn sure.” Cheryl’s hand went to her smartphone. “Maybe he’s chipped. They have a number you can call. It’ll tell you if there is a chipped animal within a mile of your GPS location and they keep information of chipped animals in their database. The only real question is, do you really want to know?” Tiffany watched Elaine struggling with her choice. Finally, with a defeated look on her face, she nodded. Cheryl called the number and spoke with a person briefly. After putting down her cell phone, she looked up at them from under her long lashes. “There is a sub-dermally chipped animal within five yards of us. They’re going to text me the owner’s name and address.” Elaine looked faint as she collapsed into a

chair. Marshall yipped in panic and hopped into her lap. “I don’t want to know.” Tiffany’s hand came out to rest on her arm. “Yes, you do. Maybe the owner is too old to care for Marshall or passed away. There had to be some reason why he was dropped into that alley.” “I already have a pretty good idea. When I picked him, the vet said he had Intervertebral Disc Disease. The treatment cost me several thousand dollars. Now that he’s all better, they’ll probably want him back. He a fabulous canine.” Cheryl’s phone beeped and when she read the message, her eyes got big. Tiffany could see the panic on her face. “Call Gino. Call him now and tell him to get his ass here. We somehow ended up Petrov’s dog. It says right here, Ivan Petrov with a Russian address. That can’t be a coincidence, right?” Elaine was on her feet and picking up her cell so fast, Tiffany barely saw her move. She was simply there one moment and gone the next. She staggered to her feet as the truth of her situation set in.

“Keep your promise. Take Elaine and get the hell outta here.” “What are you talking about? We just get Gino or Lorenzo to give the man his dog back? Problem solved.” Tiffany’s voice was a whisper. “Do you actually think it was the damn canine that Petrov chipped? She’s had him since before I went missing. Use your damn brain, Cheryl. It’s me. I’m the goddamn property he chipped.” Chery’s uncomprehending stare went on for a few moments as she processed the situation. “No. I can’t believe that. No one would chip a human.” “Unless he considered me a pet.” The horrified look on her friend’s face turned to pure blind fury. Jerking out her cell, she called Lorenzo. Tiffany was only barely aware of them talking. Elaine walked up to them and handed her a phone. “Hello. Gino is that you?” “You fuckin’ well better believe it’s me.” “Did Elaine tell you they chipped me? They are probably tracking me right now.”

“We’re an hour from your current location. We left three men surrounding your place. We can’t get any of them on the phone. Since I’m talking to you, I assume you’re getting a cell signal. That only leaves one option.” “He’s here.” She gasped in shock. “Chances are good he is. You can’t take a chance on leaving the cabin. Barricade the doors and windows with furniture. There’s a root cellar under the kitchen floor. Get everyone down there and quiet.” “You’re coming for me, right?” “Nothing could keep me away. This time, the fucker’s going down. I promise you that.” “Be careful, Gino. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you.” “Don’t turn into a worrywart before your time, sweetness. We’re gonna have a lot of years together before either of us bites the dust. Now get below. We’re an hour out. You just need to hold out for one hour. Think you can do that for me, babe?” “I can try. If things go too badly, don’t blame yourself.”

“I love you, Tiff.” “Love you, too.” Elaine was back, guiding her back to the kitchen. Tiffany looked down to see a large piece of the flooring had been pulled back. It was on a hydraulic hinge of some sort, creating a trapped door. The room below was dimly lit. Cheryl climbed down a small ladder. Elaine handed her Marshall. “You next, Tiffany. Hurry now. I’ll climb down and shut the door. I’m the only one who knows how to work it.” Just then they heard a loud crash, like a window or a door breaking. Tiffany quickly climbed down and waited anxiously watched as Elaine climbed down, bringing the door down on top of her. It had some fancy round locking system that she turned, sealing the door shut. Putting a finger to her mouth, she indicated for them to be quiet. The soft glow of the light was dimmed even further until they could barely make out the lines of furnishings in the room. Tiffany whispered, “Maybe we should turn off our cell

phones in case they can track them.” They all followed her suggestion. “We definitely don’t want one to sound off right now.” Cheryl’s voice was barely audible in the quiet room Marshall ran over to Elaine and she picked him up to soothe him. There was a huge, older sectional sofa and they all sat quietly. Waiting for the chaos that was sure to come. They could barely hear footsteps and people turning over furniture. For Tiffany, it was a stark reminder of how just quickly she could be whisked back into her darkest nightmare. Only this time, she had Cheryl and Elaine to worry about. The worry of going through the abuse she’d suffered in Russia again was dwarfed by her concern for her two companions. Looking around she whispered. “Is there a secondary exit?” “Yes, but if we leave, they’re sure to see us.” Cheryl chimed in her concerns. “Elaine’s right. We don’t know how many are out there. Lorenzo said they must have taken out his three men. If they can take out three of Don Carlo’s mobsters, we

won’t present much of a challenge.” “I was thinking of distracting them.” Elaine’s voice became harsh. “You will not sacrifice yourself for us.” Grabbing Tiffany by the arm, her voice eased. “Regardless of what you think, you’re not expendable. Women stick together. If they find us, let me manage the men.” Cheryl shook her head, dread lacing her voice. “You cannot manage men like these. They’ll do awful things to you.” The woman snorted quietly. “I wouldn’t be the first time. My Gino will come for us. You’ll see. Until then we MacGyver our way through this situation.” Tiffany nodded. “What do we have to work with?” “My fourth husband was convinced the government was going to collapse. He stocked this room to be his last stronghold. If we’re quiet, we could probably snoop around a little. There’s no telling what kind of stuff he’s got around here.” Cheryl commented insightfully. “We need to think less MacGyver and more Home Alone.”

Tiffany sighed, certain the two were being overly optimistic about their chances of fending off the burly Russians. Finding a flashlight, she turned it on. The light flared to life and she was careful to keep it pointed downwards and covered by her hand to minimize the light. Elaine carefully opened a large metal cabinet. When she shined the light into the dark recesses of the various shelves, the first thing that caught Tiffany’s eye was an automatic fire starter. It was a looped device that ran on batteries. It was normally laid in a charcoal grill to start the flames. She gingerly picked it up and switched it on. The batteries were still good because coil began to heat up. She handed it handle first to Cheryl. The next thing she spied was an automatic nail gun. Grabbing that and an extension cord, she passed it off to Elaine. She snagged a box of roofing nails, heading towards the back exit that Elaine had pointed out earlier. Cheryl tried to be the voice of reason. “You know none of this stupid shit is going to work, right? This is real life, not TV.”

Tiffany nodded. “I’m not trying to fight off mobsters with this stuff. We’re just buying time. We needed an hour. We’re down to fifty-two minutes. If they figure out where we are, maybe this stupid crap will slow them down. We need to buy enough time for Gino and Lorenzo to get here with Don Carlo’s men.” “Alright. Now that I understand your train of thought, maybe I can be helpful.” Tiffany quickly looped the fire starter over the metal doorknob. “If we hear them messing around the door, we’ll switch it on. It heats really fast and gets red hot. Next, she began setting nails, sharp side up in front of the door. Cheryl mused, “Might help and might not, depending on what kind of shoes they’re wearing.” “It can’t hurt. We just need to remember to shuffle our feet when we walk to knock them out of the way, instead of stepping on the sharp points.” Elaine nodded, but her expression was grim. Tiffany quickly began laying them on the flat rungs of the ladder leading down to their hideaway, carefully placing each individual nail

sharp side up. Meanwhile, the men above were getting progressively louder, making Marshall anxious. Elaine kept him huddled to her chest, cooing sweet things in his ear. Cheryl whispered. “They are probably getting frustrated. They know you’re here but can’t find you. Probably already ransacked the attic. It’s the most obvious place to hide.” Looking at her watch, Tiffany murmured. “We only have thirty-two more minutes, until the Cavalry arrives.” Suddenly, they heard some stomping around the back door. Tiffany rushed over and switched on the fire starter and backed away as it grew red hot against the old-fashioned steel doorknob. She picked up the nail gun and realized she had no idea how to load it. It was a good idea going nowhere fast. It was clearly the difference between television and real life. People were hindered by their lack of knowledge of common things. There was some screaming and cursing around the door. Tiffany looked at her watch. Twenty-

seven more minutes to go. A deep male voice with a Russian accent barked out orders. “Kick it down, you fool.” Three kicks later and the door lay in pieces all over her carefully placed nails. Crap. Seeing that her well-laid plans were an ineffective barrier was disappointing, but at least she had the satisfaction of knowing they hadn’t just sat around waiting to be rescued. Another miscalculation on their part. As soon as a large male walked through the doorway, Marshall began growling and trying to get out of Elaine’s arms. She quickly shoved him into the supply cabinet and slammed the door shut. “Smart woman. I have no time for small, barking dogs.” “He’s a canine.” “That is what I said.” Turning his attention towards his men he stated flatly. “Bring them upstairs. I will know what they know or they will bleed.” The women were grabbed and roughly taken outside, around the house and into the spacious main room.

Elaine stood heading towards the kitchen. “Would anyone care for coffee?” Petrov grabbed her and slung her carelessly back onto the huge sofa. “That was really rude. What do you have against being civil?” “Do not argue with me, woman. Though I am here for Tiff-an-y, I will take you as well if you dare to anger me.” Looking at Cheryl, he stated flatly. “You are young and will bring a fair price, so we take you with us no matter what you do.” She gave him an uncaring shrug. “It’s your funeral, crazy dude. Do what you want.” “So sure of yourself. I like that in a woman.” “Then take me and leave Tiffany. You’ve hurt her enough.” “So noble, as well. Perhaps Tiff-an-y can tell you how well such selfless devotion to others worked out for her when she was last a guest of the bear.” Cheryl shook her head. “You gangsters are all alike. You love your carefully crafted mobster personas. You’ve got the Russian Vor role down.

You’re just like I always imagined a Vor to be. Does that make me a mentalist or you a boring caricature?” He caught her insult immediately. The fake smile stamped on his face didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Breaking you will give me great pleasure.” Glancing at her watch, they were down to nineteen minutes. “You never broke Tiffany. Perhaps you are not a very competent Vor.” “I failed to apply the proper leverage. It is a mistake I do not plan to make twice.” Reaching into his jacket he pulled out a huge gun and pointed it right at Cheryl’s head. “Miss Tiff-a-ny. Your friend requires instruction in our ways.” Tiffany’s breath caught in her throat, rendering her unable to speak. “Come, Tiff-a-ny. You will service me on your knees or your friend will pay the price of your defiance.” Tiffany never took her eyes from the hateful man as she walked towards him. “You really are

repulsive. I hope you know that.” “You will learn to care for me in time. Even the most cold-hearted of women appreciates a strong man.” Tiffany stood before the man and lightning struck her brain. “How about I please you and go willingly with you. Will you leave them both here?” His head tilted slightly. “The young one comes. If you continue to please me, I will see that she comes to no harm. Now, get on your knees and prove to everyone in this room who is in control.” Instead of complying, she reached for the buttons on the front of her shirt. She saw the man’s eyes go wide and a flash of smug satisfaction briefly move across his face. He’d been overly focused on her for a very long time. She viewed that as a real weakness, one she could possibly exploit. Slowly she unbuttoned her shirt one button at a time. Sliding it open, she stated seductively. “Now that I belong to you, do you want your men to see me naked?”

“I care not what their eyes see. They know better than to touch what is mine.” “Suit yourself.” Her hands went to the front of her jeans and she worked each button free before sliding them from her hips. Toeing off her shoes, she kicked the pants away. Standing in front of him wearing a skimpy camisole and silk panties, she let her eyes slide over her. Cheryl gasped. “Tiffany, no.” Turning her back on the Russians, she faced the other two women with her hands clasped in front of her. Gently tapping one finger on her wristwatch, she spoke soothingly. “Sorry, sweetie. You’re my best friend. I can’t let them hurt you. Besides, since I returned from Russia I’ve been thinking that I should have taken him up on his offer. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how sexy he is. At some point, a girl should stop fighting and just accept the inevitable. There’s nothing WE can do, but submit.” Still tapping her watch, she watched understanding slip onto Cheryl’s face. Elaine’s face jerked up to her in surprise,

communicating that she got it as well. They were buying time, nothing more. Cheryl moved from the sofa. “I think you may be onto something. He’s pretty hot. Maybe if we’re both accommodating, he’ll learn to trust us more.” Tiffany turned to Petrov. “See? We can be reasonable. Would you like to see my friend with less clothing?” Petrov looked for all the world like he suspected them of some foul play but couldn’t figure out for the life of him what it was. A swift jerk of his head told her to get on with it. Tiffany approached Cheryl. With her back to Petrov, she could hardly conceal how hilarious she found his gullibility. She slowly began to unbutton and remove her friend’s clothing as the men stood around watching. She led Cheryl over to where Petrov was standing and leaned over, kissing her chastely on the lips. His breathing was coming out harsh, seeing the two scantily clad women together. Cheryl purred in her ear. “I could almost actually enjoy this if it weren’t for the other men watching.”

Petrov immediately barked. “Out. Get out.” “Boss…” Never one to let the voice of reason get in the way of having what he wanted, the Russian lifted his gun again. This time he aimed squarely at the man who spoke. “They are just women. Go outside and make sure the vehicles are prepared. We leave when I am finished with the bitches.” His men headed outside without a word. “On your knees, both of you. So pretty and so mine.” Cheryl giggled and whispered. “Just one kiss. In America, a man would never ask a woman for sex without kissing her first.” “I do not care for kissing.” Both women jumped on him at the same time, turning him slightly as they took turns kissing him. Tiffany thought to herself that it had to be getting close to time for the cavalry to come riding to the rescue. She looked into his eyes as she leisurely began working the buckle on his belt. Cheryl ran her hands up his arm admiringly. “You have a lot of muscles.”

He clicked the safety back on along the side of his handgun, as it drifted downwards into a relaxed position. “I am only concerned with one muscle. You will see to it that it is well-exercised. And you will make that little laughing noise again. The giggle. I like that.” As the women shoved at his pants, Cheryl inconspicuously checked his pockets. Was it too much to ask for the man to be carrying something they could use for a weapon? Apparently, it was. Thank God, Elaine finally got into the game. Tiffany watched in her peripheral vision as the woman snuck up on the big Russian and clocked him in the back of the head brutally with a wrought iron table lamp. Stepping over him once he fell, she nodded with satisfaction. “That was for scaring Marshall, you arrogant bastard.” Turning her attention to the other two women she grinned. “Why are men so naïve? Will you tell me that?” Tiffany stood up, making a grab for her clothing. “Because they’re always thinking with their peckers. They have a one-track mind. Look, we’ve only got five minutes or so to go on our

window. We best get back out of the way. I don’t want to be trampled by the cavalry.” Elaine nodded and pointed up. “I say we give the attic a try this time. There’s a window up there. If the shit really hits the fan, we can take our chances by climbing out onto the roof.” “Sounds like a plan.” Cheryl quipped sarcastically, “Just so you know, Tiff. I’ve never had to work so hard to stay alive in my entire freaking life.” Tiffany murmured under her breath, “Welcome to my world.” Elaine chimed in, “Consider it learning a life skill, ladies. Come on, this way.” The attic was musty and Tiffany was sick and tired of dealing with this situation. She wished Gino would deal with the big Russian once and for all, but was immediately swamped with guilt when she realized she could have done that herself. Instead, she stupidly went running off to hide. It slowly occurred to her that she’d never have the heart to kill another human being anyway. She just didn’t have it in her.

They heard shooting outside and Tiffany hissed. “Stay away from the window. Let’s cover the door with furniture in case they try to use this area as a refuge of last resort.” “Good thinking.” Working together they shoved a dresser in front of the door. As they waited, they heard the firefight outside heating up.

20

Cavalry

G

for the umpteenth time. Johnny’s agent acted for all the world like she didn’t even know him, as she sat scrolling through information on a small handheld tablet. It was pissing his friend off. Gino could tell, because he was fidgety and annoyed. Everything he loved was in danger. He’d not easily forgive himself if INO CHECKED HIS WEAPON

anything happened to Tiffany or Elaine. They were speeding to the cabin, with lights flashing and sirens wailing. Traveling with the agents meant they could get there faster, but weren’t allowed to do shit once they arrived. And that was what was pissing Gino off at the moment. When Elaine had called him with news of the tracking device, it felt like the world dropped out from under his feet. Everyone dropped whatever they were doing and hauled ass back to the cabin. Even now, worry twisted his gut because none of the women were responding to texts or calls. The one hour drive only took forty minutes but it was the longest forty minutes of his entire life. Lorenzo was calmly staring out the window. Gino could almost hear his friend mentally beating himself up over leaving his new fiancée at the isolated location with minimal protection. It would have been the perfect way to keep them safe if not for the tracking device the Russians had placed somewhere in Tiffany’s body. The thought of them doing that to her precious form sent a surge of rage through his body that he was barely able to contain.

He wanted Petrov and wanted him badly. As they skidded into place near the entrance, he could see the local sheriff’s office had already arrived and were hanging back, out of sight. Gino, Dimitri, Lorenzo, and Johnny followed the agent out of the vehicle. Converging with the federal agents, they made their report. The Sheriff began giving his report. “It’s a hot mess. There appear to be some bodies along the frontline of the property just out of sight of the road. We have no idea if they’re actually dead. None of them are moving.” Lorenzo interjected smoothly. “They would be the bodyguards I assigned to my fiancée." “I’ve got EMS on standby on the off chance they aren’t Code Black at the scene. Near as we can tell there are around seven or eight large men roaming around the cabin. It’s hard to tell because not all of them may be coming out.” Agent Henson responded professionally. “We’ve been investigating Mr. Petrov in relation to a string of abductions we believe are linked to human trafficking. We believe one of the three

women in the cabin is a former abductee.” The older man’s face registered shock. “You mean he kidnaped her before, she managed to get away from the bastard. and he’s back to get her again?” “Exactly.” “To hell with that. I say we go ahead on in there and…” “Fuck up his world? I fuckin’ agree.” Johnny’s voice was steely as he stared down at his lady. She pulled her FBI jacket around her and zipped it up quickly. “As a paid informant, you don’t get a say in how I conduct this investigation. Am I making myself clear, Mr. Carlo?” “Fucking, crystal clear. Just remember, those women mean something to us. They’re our girlfriends and mothers, not some faceless link in a chain of evidence leading you to the arrest of a lifetime.” Gino wasn’t sure exactly what was going on between the two of them, but the nice FBI lady needed to hang onto her cover until she found out where her sister was. To her credit, the woman

kept her cool. “Understood, Mr. Carlo. Can I get you and the other federal informants to step back, so we can do our job?” If looks could kill, Agent Henson would be dead. Johnny’s dark look was enough to chill even Gino to the bone. “That is a foolish decision. You need all the firepower you can get.” Ignoring Dimitri’s very stern warning, she motioned the deputies forward. Gino watched as the lone agent and sheriff’s deputies converged on the area. The sheriff’s men were take-no-prisoners, shooting to kill. The agent, not so much. It occurred to Gino that she wanted witnesses to interrogate. Corpses were of very little use in her ongoing investigation against the Russians. As the shooting died down, they moved forward. Passing ground stained red with Russian blood, they entered the house. Petrov was sitting on the floor with his wrists handcuffed behind his back. His pants were down around his knees and

his head was bleeding. The sight left Gino feeling furious because it gave the appearance he was knocked unconscious while trying sexually assault one of them. His hand instinctively landed on his gun as he realized which of the women was at the top of the wish list this holiday season. Agent Henson’s hand came out to grab his hand, just as Lorenzo and Johnny stepped into a tight circle around him. The woman whispered, “Ease back, Gino. It appears they knocked him out before he got too far.” Johnny’s eyes flashed with anger. “I noticed Petrov’s not answering the nice deputies’ questions.” “I’ll get him released as soon as possible.” Lorenzo turned on her with a snarl. “After all this, and you aren’t even going to try to prosecute him? Law enforcement agencies are about as helpful as a fly in my fuckin’ soup.” Johnny’s voice came out strangely unemotional. “Don’t you recognize a gift when you see it?” The woman leaned in and spoke softly. “Look, we can arrest him and try to make some of this shit

stick, but he’s just going to sit in his cell and ignore every question we throw at him. If I get him released, you can play it smart by being outside waiting to give him a little escort. We can’t let him continue running around free. He’ll just come after your friend over and over until he gets her.” “Release him, pretty agent. We take care of him.” Dimitri’s voice was filled with the repressed rage all of them were filling. “I say we just whack him.” She shot Gino an annoyed look. “Fine, but only after we squeeze him for intel on my sister. He’s the only lead I’ve got and I’m trusting you not to fuck this up, Johnny.” Smiling slightly, he responded playfully. “You been ignoring me all goddamn day and now you want me to promise my undying dedication to your cause? That don’t hardly seem fair.” Biting back a smile she responded lightly, “How about if I promise to do all manner of depraved things to you tonight? Would that be enough to get you back on my side?” His voice dropped an octave, “More than

enough.” Gino’s phone rang. “It’s Tiffany.” Quickly answering it, he asked nervously. “Tiffany, is everyone okay? Where are you? We’ll come and get you.” “We didn’t make it out. We barricaded ourselves in the attic.” “Sit tight, we’re on our way up.” “Hold on, the second floor has not been cleared yet.” Agent Henson’s warning fell on deaf ears. “I clear it.” There was a loud clicking sound as a clip was loaded into a huge Glock. Dimitri smiled malevolently, then turned toward the stairs. “Russian comrades make problem in America. I make right again, then rescue Miss Tiffany.” “Can someone please stop him?” Henson’s voice raised an octave. Without answering, Gino was hot on his heels. “Oh, hell no. Nobody’s rescuing my girl, but me.” “And him too.” Agent Henson waved her hand in their direction. Maybe it was the few bullets the deputies had

caught while taking the cabin, but no one seemed to mind the big scary men taking the initiative confronting whatever awaited them upstairs. Johnny and Lorenzo rushed after the first two men, clearly intent on covering their six. The female agent literally growled her disapproval as she stalked past them to keep up with the gangsters. Gino could hear her mumbling to herself. “That figures. If you want something done right…” Looking behind him, he saw her stalk up to Johnny, grab him by the shoulder and try to step in front of him. The woman had balls, he’d give her that much. Gino became aware of two things at once. Johnny and his woman getting in a pissing contest and a movement in a room to his right. “Hostile at two o’clock.” He shouted the words as he gestured with one hand and kept walking. Lorenzo and Johnny kicked the door in and shots were fired. Agent Henson came up behind him and Dimitri. “Good looking out, Gino.” “Just trying to get my girl back and get the fuck outta here.”

Turning slightly to the left, and firing several shots in rapid succession, she murmured quietly. “Well, you’re almost home free.” They approached a narrow stairwell heading up. Dimitri stepped forward, but Gino’s huge hand came up to his chest and held him back. “My women, my risk.” Tilting his head the large Russian commented logically. “I take risk. You stay safe.” “That’s a fuckin’ emasculatin’ thing to say to another man.” While they argued, the agent tried to edge right around them. Gino stepped in front of her. “You’re not even second in the pecking order, sweetheart. Get to the back of the fuckin’ line.” Throwing up her hands in exasperation, she seethed. “God save me from overprotective mobsters.” Gino moved quietly up the staircase. It had two sharp angles and on the last one, a large man was squatting on the stoop. He brought up his weapon to the man’s head. “We’re three dozen men deep. You can’t win this battle. Live to fight another

day.” When the man dropped his gun, Gino noticed his hand appeared to have a huge second or thirddegree burn covering the palm. It looked both painful and just plain gross. Did he really want to know? No, not at all. Dimitri subdued the man without incident. Agent Henson stopped to talk to him, probably trying to get intel on her sister’s whereabouts. He stepped up to the attic door and leaned his ear against it. “Miss Tiffany? Mother? Can you hear me? Open the door if you can.” There was a heavy scraping sound then the door flew open. Tiffany flung herself at him and he motioned to Elaine to come. Wrapping them both in a huge embrace, he finally knew the moment of peace he’d been searching for all day long. “You came for us. I knew you would. I just knew my Gino wouldn’t let us down. He’s a real action hero.” Instead of being loud and sure of herself, like she normally was, his mother’s voice was small and slightly apprehensive. Dimitri came barreling up the steps. “All is

well, Miss Tiffany?” Elaine started in his arms at hearing his Russian accent. “It's fine, mother. He’s a friend.” Tiffany pulled away slightly turning to Dimitri. “Marshall is locked in a cabinet in the cellar. Be careful, we booby trapped the place with nails on the floor.” “Petrov locked a boy in a cabinet?” “Tiny canine and he probably going to try to bite you if he hears you speak.” “I will retrieve.” Gino was grateful that Tiffany had the presence of mind to let them know about his mother’s little dog. Having the scruffy little animal in her arms would give her immeasurable comfort in this situation. They headed downstairs. His eyes sought out Johnny’s and the man glanced around the floor, indicating the bodies had been removed. Petrov was still sitting on the floor but someone had been kind enough to pull his pants up for him. Elaine slipped from his grasp and stalked over to the man. He actually flinched slightly when he

realized she was coming towards him. She grabbed him by the shirt and found her anger again. “Know that big lump on your hard head? That was me. If you ever lay another hand on my Tiffany, I’ll take a minute longer to finish the job. Got it?” The man looked away, but there was no mistaking the guilty look on his face. Elaine let him go and smoothed down his shirt like he was a fiveyear-old who couldn’t dress properly. “Your mother would be ashamed if she could see you today.” Now the man looked actually humiliated. She probably reminded him of his own mother. The older woman stood when she heard Marshall yip. Dimitri handed her the little dog and she announced unceremoniously. “Thank you all for helping my Gino with his rescue today. I’m going to make breakfast for everyone.” Turning to Petrov she stated. “I don’t mean to carry a grudge, but you don’t deserve bacon.” Her little dog yipped. One of the deputies tried to redirect her. “Ma’am, this is a crime scene. You can’t cook.” Her head snapped up. “Young man, is this your

house?” “Well, no…” “You’re right, it’s mine. No crime took place in my kitchen. I’m going there to cook. and if you try to stop me, my Gino will have to take you outside and have words with you.” “But ma’am…” “Button it up. My Marshall has low blood sugar. He needs his breakfast.” “Ma’am, it's dinner time.” “Are you gonna argue with the purdy lady all damn day or let her get back to living her life. I for one could really use a bite to eat and nice strong black coffee.” Elaine’s eyes warmed up to the outspoken sheriff. “I’ll have it ready quick as a wink.” Sticking her nose in the air, she stalked off to the kitchen. Tiffany and Cheryl followed quietly after her. They busied themselves tying Marshall’s little bib around his neck and making him comfortable on his tall bar stool. Tiffany quickly put a plate on the table, so he would know he was getting fed. He yipped his thanks and watched the

women prepare food. Cheryl made a pot of coffee and got out a dozen various cups and mugs. Tiffany took a couple of loaves of bread out of her freezer and began making toast. Elaine pulled out several skillets and began loading the pans with bacon. Cheryl got out eggs and Gino lost interest in what they were doing in favor of just seeing them moving around trying to help Elaine get back to a good place. He was grateful. Though they couldn’t know it, she’d always been fragile in her own way. Lorenzo, Johnny, and Dimitri came into the spacious kitchen and quietly watched. Elaine looked up and smiled at them. “You boys can grab a coffee and go out on the deck.” Nodding, they saw a set of French doors leading out to a large wooden deck. “We’ll bring you a plate in a bit.” No one seriously thought of defying her wishes. Lorenzo grinned at him. “That was fuckin’ close. Johnny’s woman is absolutely right. We can’t let Petrov make bail, then go runnin’ around.” “Ever heard of a rough ride?” They turned to see the older sheriff coming up the steps to speak with them.

Johnny nodded curtly. “They get in the paddy wagon, but they don’t get out.” “It’s a technique reserved for real dirt bags when we don’t have enough to keep them.” “That ain’t no kind of shit to be tellin’ a bunch of gangsters.” “Well, your pappy already gave the plan his seal of approval.” “We need to interrogate him, umm, our way.” “Meet us at the county jail after the Feds leave. We’ll get him to talk. Then when we transport him from county lock up to the state holding facility, he might somehow pick his safety harness open. They do that sometimes when they’re trying to escape during transport. The problem is they roll around back there during the drive. There are a lotta metal and sharp edges back there. They don’t always make it.” “My old man stamped his seal of approval on that shit?” “Call him. We go way back. Grew up together. Been taking out the trash for years.” “Won’t that cause problems for you?”

“Yep, but I can handle it. I only answer to my local community and they sure ain’t gonna care about some Russian who got caught stealing American women.” Lorenzo sighed. “Fine, then. Problem solved.” Gino shrugged. “I wasn’t looking forward to hunting him down again anyways.” Dimitri gave a sharp nod. “This better for everyone. No risk for us.” Their conversation was interrupted by the Elaine bringing out plates of food. Gino shook his head as she fussed over them. It was kind of cute. The sight of Tiffany carrying huge plates of really unhealthy food looked strange to Gino’s eyes. She was more of a bran muffin and yogurt kind of gal. It occurred to him, that they would probably be eating out a lot. She didn’t strike him as a domestic goddess. Still, she was everything he ever wanted in a woman. He, literally, couldn’t take his eyes off her. Protecting her was now his number one priority.

21

Making Her Mine

G

INO,

JOHNNY, LORENZO, AND DIMITRI showed up at the back loading dock at the county jail at three am sharp. Just as arranged, a deputy opened the door and let them in. Gino noticed the place was practically emptied of deputies and support staff. They were led to an interrogation room. Petrov was sitting behind a metal table with

metal restraints built into the top. An uncomfortable looking steel band was clamped over each wrist, holding that limb to the table. It was a good set up. The sheriff jerked his chin with a disgusted look on his face. “Change of plans. Agent Henson is coming to pick up the prisoner with two other agents. We got four hours and can’t do visible damage.” Gino stepped forward, pulling a Taser from his pocket. Lighting it up, he stared at Petrov. “Taser’s are known to cause cardiac arrhythmia, even in healthy adults. Might even cause a heart attack.” Turning his eyes to the sheriff, he stated flatly. “You know if your station doesn’t have defibrillator a person could end up dead.” The sheriff’s head tilted slightly as he smothered a smile. “I’ve heard that’s a painful way to go. We might have defibrillator round here somewhere. Don’t mean any of us know how to use the dang thing.” Gino could tell by his exaggerated accent that the good sheriff was just being obtuse.

Petrov gritted his teeth, grinding them noisily before speaking. “What is it you gentlemen want of me?” Dimitri answered quickly. “Women. We want the other women you have taken. Tell us where to find them.” The man smiled. It was not a nice smile. His lips were curled up but the expression was pure malice. “You want them all or the one that looks like the pretty FBI agent?” Johnny’s big hand flew across the man’s face before anyone could stop him. Leaning over the table, he got into the man’s face. “Know who I am?” “The son of one Don Carlo. I know this.” “I came to your place, shot the place up and killed a bunch of your guys. Know why I did that?” “Your friend wanted his woman back.” “No, that’s why he went. I went because my old man wanted me to bloody your nose in your own back yard. He wanted you to understand that we can track you down like the fuckin’ mangy animal you are and slit your throat anytime we

want.” The man swallowed, looking down at his hands. His eyes came back up and he stared into Johnny’s eyes. “Then, why didn’t you?” “You are nothing in our world. It was barely worth traipsing to your stupid country once, much less twice. Thought you’d take the hint to stay off our turf. You didn’t, so we have unresolved business.” “Why should I tell you anything?” “Because if you do, I’m going to let you walk out of here with those agents. That means you get to live another day. Once they let you go, if you don’t cross my radar again, I’ll let you live. The truth is, we really don’t give a shit about you cause you’re just not all that important. If I set eyes on you, though, I’ll drop you where you stand. Got it?” Without speaking, Petrov nodded his understanding. “Now tell the nice sheriff what the fuck he wants to know.” “The other woman. I want numbers and name and places.”

“I keep meticulous records in a virtual cloud, so I can access them wherever I go.” One of the deputies scurried off and brought back an electronic tablet. “Uncuff my hands.” “Not a chance.” Gino walked over and made Petrov give him the name and log-on information of the cloud. “Jesus, you do keep all information on all your crimes, not just the human trafficking.” “I did not agree for you have that. Take the information on the women and leave the rest.” A quick glance at Johnny told him that was not happening. Gino took out a flash drive and copied all the information over. Then, he carefully deleted all the information on the women from Petrov’s cloud, before signing out. “Tell us about the woman who looks like the FBI agent.” Petrov smiled another sickening smile. “She was special order, for a wealthy benefactor. You find her information under the code word -dragonfly.” “What was special about her?”

“Much like her sister, she had skills from her time in the military.” Gino leaned across the table. “She’s a fuckin’ librarian.” “Did her sister tell you that lie? You are more gullible than me.” Johnny growled, “Spit it the fuck out. What skills?” “Skills of seduction and she can make herself look like anyone with disguises. This woman knows how to shoot many weapons and fights like a tiger. It took six men to subdue her.” “She’s a fuckin’ spy? Why hasn’t she managed to get away?” “No one escapes from the Dragonfly.” “Who is that?” “It is not a who, it is a what. The Dragonfly organization has been around for a very long time. They are very good at making people forget who they are. They will force her to do their bidding.” “What kind of bidding?” “Read the files. They are contract killers.” Johnny eased up a little. “Well, that’s so bad.”

Everyone turned confused eyes on him. His frustrated voice rang out. “It’s better than being someone’s sex slave.” “Says the man with his sister tied to his bed.” Gino immediately shot Lorenzo a dirty look as the Russian’s eyes got big. “He’s joking. Ignore him.” Gino took his opportunity to lean over the table to glare at the large Russian. “Just because Johnny doesn’t consider it worth his time to track you down, that doesn’t mean we all feel that way. When the Feds cut you lose, I’ll be waiting. My gun will be loaded with a bullet with your name on it. You won’t know where or when, but at a time you least expect it, I’ll be there. When we’re alone, just you and me, I plan to do everything you did to my Tiffany to you. You can consider this a promise from me to you.” “She’s just a woman.” “She’s my woman. Even though you touched her before I ever met her, I will still show you no mercy. Would you like to know why? Because I will be exacting justice for her, not appeasing my own fury. Were it for me instead of her, I’d just kill

you right now, where you sit and be done with it.” A hand landed on his arm and he realized that he’d laid the Taser down and his hand was on the gun at his hip. “Sorry, I just got caught up in the moment.” Lorenzo’s voice was soft in his ear. “Don’t worry, I agree with you. He’s ours.” The sheriff spoke matter-of-factly. “I would hope the Feds never cut you lose.” Petrov just looked down, doing his best to ignore them. The deputy took him back to his cell and the men gathered in a conference room. Gino shoved the flash drive into a laptop connected to a large screen on the wall. Gino copied it over to the laptop’s hard drive then into his own cloud. It was valuable information and he didn’t want it to get away from him, particularly because he knew that he’d be expected to hand the flash drive over to Agent Benson when she arrived in the morning. Lorenzo gasped his amazement. “They’re selling the women for a goddamn mint and there are hundreds of them.”

Gino responded quietly. “Exactly 327 of them.” Johnny spoke up, “E-mail me the information on Dragonfly, then delete it from the flash drive. I think my fuckin’ lying little agent wouldn’t want the FBI to know she’s been running her own operation on the side.” Gino complied without question. The sheriff shook his head. “I’m only planning to follow-up if it’s my county.” “There are only three references to Stockdom County. Looks like they were selling women to a gentleman’s club out on route 580. Shipping some dope to a biker club with a charter in this county and blackmailing some local judge.” “Sounds like more than enough to keep me and my men busy.” Gino smiled. “I’ll delete that from the flash drive as well.” “I don’t see anything related to our operation.” Gino smiled at Johnny. “You’re right. They aren’t quite stupid enough to bump nasties with our operation.” Lorenzo chimed in his two cents’ worth.

“Muscling in on our territory would be a death sentence. Any mention in there on the Eagles?” Gino quirked a brow. “Charlie’s club? Let me check.” Scrolling through the information, he smiled. “He had guys monitoring their drug distribution chain. No contact with the club, but they were eyeing their business model.” Lorenzo opened his mouth, but Gino interrupted. “I know, I know. Delete it.” Lorenzo nodded. “It’s interesting how they operate. Sending in men, gathering intel and developing plans.” Johnny delivering his stunning insight into the situation. “They operate like we do. They call it organized crime for a fuckin’ reason.” As the hours wore on, the conference room table filled with small paper coffee cups. When the morning shift arrived at seven a.m., the small station filled with personnel. The team of three FBI agents was buzzed through the double locking front doors and the sheriff waved them into the conference room. Her eyes flew to Johnny first and whatever she

saw there, alarmed her slightly. Gino could tell because her eyes got larger. She immediately schooled her expression into an unreadable mask. The sheriff pulled the flash drive from the laptop and held it out for her. “I spoke to Mr. Petrov one last time last night. He kept talking until he got caught up in a web of his own lies. I eventually got him to sign into his cloud. Gangster keeps pretty meticulous records. I shoved everything he had onto this for you. Looks like he was into a bunch of nasty shit. Hope you can make some of it stick.” Looking as impressed as she should, she closed her fist around the flash drive. “I’m certain the information will prove invaluable in our ongoing investigation.” “Well, I do hope you are successful locating more of the women he abducted. I did notice there were quite a few of them. He has a black file. It lists feedback on women who didn’t acclimate well to their new owners.” “Accidental deaths, suicides, and the one’s they had to put down?”

The older man nodded, unable to speak. Johnny crooked his head. “You don’t seem quite as goddamn surprised as we were that they’d keep records on that kind of shit.” Not looking at him, she responded quietly. “We’ve heard of organizations that had black files. Though it’s not common, it’s not unheard of either.” “Well, I hope there’s no one you know on the list.” The woman’s demeanor began breaking down right before their eyes. She zipped and unzipped her jacket. Jerking her gloves out of her pocket, she pulled them on and turned towards the door. “Thank you, gentlemen. We should hit the road.” They watched from the doorway, as the prisoner was brought into the processing alcove. The shackles around his ankles were removed, the chain pulled from his cuffs and finally, the handcuffs were removed. Gino took a step forward as Agent Henson moved in front of the huge man. She pulled out her cuffs and cuffed one wrist and then the other. Her fingers ran through his palm and

he froze. The man’s eyes got really big for a second. Nausea churned in Gino’s gut. What was she playing at? If he didn’t know better he’d think she slipped him the flash drive they’d just given her. That didn’t make an ounce of sense. He walked out behind them, still trying to figure out what was going on. He felt Johnny and Lorenzo behind him. Before he could mention the something fishy he’d seen, Petrov began running. Gino saw that his hands were no longer handcuffed together. The cuffs were hanging from his left wrist and dangled back and forth as he ran. The agents didn’t miss a beat. Unholstering their weapons, they yelled at him to stop. Stepping forward, they all three opened fire on the man. There was no one to notice in the nearly empty parking lot. Gino took a step forward when the officers walked over to the man. On the edge of the sidewalk, he saw something shiny. Stepping on it, he bent down and pretended to tie his shoe. Just before standing, he palmed the tiny handcuff key. They backed up and watched the ambulance

arrive. The EMS workers worked on him for about twenty minutes before they deemed him stable enough to move. The two agents accompanying Henson climbed into the ambulance and made eye contact with her once before closing the door. She walked over to Johnny. Lowering her voice, she sounded wiped out when she spoke. “We need to get home and review the information on the flash drive. I guess this is where I part ways with the FBI.” “You part ways when I and my old man say so. Go to your office, check in, do your paperwork on the transport that went bad. We’ll give them time to process the information and see what they make of it. We have a copy of everything, including the information on your sister that we deleted from the flash drive. Come straight home when you’re finished. We got shit to discuss.” “I don’t care about paperwork or checking in. If we have intel on my sister, I want to follow up on it.” “We’ll do that just as soon as you get done at the office. Get in, do your thing, and get the fuck

back out. I’ll be waiting.” “Promise?” “Yeah. Now go.” Turning on her heel, she headed for her vehicle. As soon as Gino slid behind the wheel of their own vehicle, he turned to Johnny. “Your FBI agent killed Petrov.” “I know. I was there, remember?” Gino tossed him the handcuff key. “I saw her touch his palm when she put the cuffs on his wrists. Next thing we know the stupid bastard thinks he got the green light to make a run for it. Found this on the sidewalk he ran down. You don’t have to be a fuckin’ genius to work out what happened.” Lorenzo spoke in a hushed tone. “If what you’re saying is true, it sounds like a setup. Those agents sure didn’t hesitate to shoot his ass.” Gino started the engine and looked at Johnny in the rear-view mirror. “You got yourself a goddamn dangerous woman. Don’t turn your back on her, that’s all I’m saying.” “Don’t tell me what to do with my own bitch,

Gino. You know I don’t like that shit.” Gino turned on his blinker and eased out of the parking lot. “I’ll tell you what I know. You’re a fuckin’ adrenaline junkie and it’s going to get you dead if you’re not real careful.” “Ain’t you got your own bitch to worry about, Gino?” “I’ve decided I ain’t interested in letting her twist in the wind again. I’m slapping a ring on her finger and quick.” Lorenzo gasped. He looked comical with his mouth hanging open. “Bit early to be gettin’ hitched ain’t it?” “Don’t worry about it, Lorenzo. I know you think you’re the only one ready, but you got to see that it’s time for Tiff to be settlin’ down.” “I got a lead on a contractor building some mini-mansions. Took Cheryl to look at the prototype. We’re having one built.” “I’ll have a look. Maybe one day, Johnny will grow up and get a real house as well.” “Sounds expensive.” “It is, but out of the three of us, you’re the only

one with real money.” Glaring at the two men in the front seat, Johnny commented flatly, “I got it because I don’t spend it on stupid shit I don’t need.”

22

Making Her Mine

G

sweating in his fancy custom-made tuxedo. It had been close to six months since they’d put Petrov in the ground. The sheriff and his deputies had been ever so helpful in dealing with that situation. The moment word of his death reached them, Tiffany’s nightmares began to ease up. Not having that dark shadow hanging INO STOOD AT THE ALTAR

over her shoulder, enabled her to relax. Johnny complained grumpily, “Leave it to Tiff to design a suit no man can stand to wear.” Lorenzo replied with a shake of his head. “The tux is fine. I rather like mine. Stop being a baby. Your mother’s watching you.” Johnny glanced at his parents. Sure enough, they were admiring him. “She ain’t the only woman getting’ an eyeful. Your pretty agent looks like she could eat you alive.” Gino teased his annoying friend, “That has to soothe your ego a bit since she decided to bring a plus one to the wedding.” “That pretty little bitch is mine. Can’t believe she brought a date. I’m seriously going to kill him and chain her to my bed, again.” The minister leaned over the podium, looking alarmed. “He’s kidding, right?” As the music started, Gino waited patiently for Tiffany to show her lovely face. His mind reeled back to the night he proposed. He’d packed them a picnic lunch and took her to visit an abandoned

mini-mansion along the river. There were only three homes in the area and he’d fallen in love with one. Looking back, he’d be hard pressed to decide if she was delighted more by the fancy two-carat diamond engagement ring or the fact that he’d bought them a house. It didn’t matter. In her enthusiasm, she’d sexed him for hours. He’d never felt more loved in his life. When she appeared at the end of the aisle, every head in the room turned. She was stunning in her long white gown. It hugged every slight curve, leaving her creamy white shoulders and arms exposed. The long veil covering her beautiful face detracted from her otherwise perfect appearance in his humble opinion. She walked gracefully with her arm looped through the man standing in for her father. Lorenzo’s father had been thrilled when offered the opportunity to walk her down the aisle. The older man was glowing with pride. Wearing a dress of her own design, Tiffany was radiant. Though he’d never cut her special day short, all he could think of was pulling that dress off her and making love to her all night long.

Unfortunately for him, this was the most special day of her life, so that would have to wait. As they exchanged vows in front of over a hundred honored guests, his focus narrowed. Forgetting them all, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. This was the highlight of his life and he wanted to remember every single moment of it. He memorized every fleeting expression on her face and the way her lips curled up when she looked at him. Holding hands, they exchanged their words of devotion and the minister declared them man and wife. Tears streamed down her smiling face, as he took her in his arms for the long-awaited kiss that sealed the deal. It felt much like moving in a dream. He didn’t remember doing it, but somehow the kiss ended with him picking her up and stalking out of the church with her. He only realized he’d done that when they came up for air and he realized they were somehow in the limo headed to the reception. She slid onto his lap and he pulled the dress up her long legs. He needed to touch her skin and feel her lips on his. His beautiful new wife was an

obliging woman today. He expected her to object when his hands smoothed up her inner thighs. Instead, she whispered encouragement as his fingers slipped under her silky white panties. Rocking against his hand, she was unashamed of the enjoyment his gentle seduction wrought on her. Pride swelled in his chest as she allowed him to bring her to climax. Leaning her forehead against his, she caught her breath. “That was fantastic, babe. Gonna let me have a little taste of your sexy rod?” “Later, sweetheart. Today is for you.” She kissed him as she rocked against his hard on. “Wrong, you gorgeous, sexy man. Today is about us.” She worked her hand into his pants and stroked him. The woman had a nice touch. She was ambitious too. Instead of stroking him off, she pulled him out and guided him to her warm moist core. Shoving her silk panties aside, she took him. Holding her hips, he allowed her to rock back and forth, slowing taking him over and over. Watching as her beautiful gown slid down her

shoulders, revealing inch after inch of creamy skin. Seeing how her pert breasts threatened the strength of the delicate neckline and how beautiful her face was when she was lost in the pleasure of making love to him. It was all too much. His arms came up around her, one crossing her back and the other cupping her face. His lips landed on hers as he took control. Lifting her and pulling her down hard on his manhood felt better than anything else ever had. She rubbed her tongue against his and it spiked his lust. The hand on her waist ventured under her pretty white dress and in one quick jerk, her panties were gone. His fingers found her slick nub and he rubbed small tight circles, just the way she liked. She moaned as he kissed her, and he knew she loved it when he made love to her. There was something about a fantastically, sexy woman who truly loved him that was simply irresistible. Gino pulled back slightly to watch her face as she came for the second time in his arms, he could barely contain his own release. Being hard the better part of the entire ceremony didn’t come as much of a surprise. He’d been anticipating

that would be the case, ever since she sketched her dress design. She’d done it little by little as they relaxed in the evenings. Though he’d pretended to read, he’d really been enthralled by the time and energy she put into designing her wedding gown. He knew it was for the sole purpose of wowing him, and that knowledge made it a hundred times more difficult to be patient. Seeing her walk down the aisle in the gown, it had hit him hard that this was his happily ever after. He’d never once expected that a throwaway who grew up with so little, could one day become important enough to be loved by so special a woman. A small hand came up to touch his cheek. “What are you thinking about so hard?” Gino smiled and turned his head slightly, kissing the palm of her hand. “Just thinking about if I deserve a woman like you.” Her other hand came up and she tilted his face to look into her eyes. “You better believe that you do, my sweet. I thank God every day that Elaine came into your life and made that first call to

Lorenzo.” Gino smiled faintly. “How’d you hear about that?” “Lorenzo told me about it. I’m so grateful because I honestly can’t imagine never knowing you.” “I’ve felt like something important was missing my entire life. I never know what it was until I met you.” “That’s the part I don’t get. I’m nothing to write home about.” Gripping his head a little tighter as she wiggled in his lap. “Watch it, sweetness. Since I’m still inside you, my body’s interpreting that little wiggle as an invitation for round two.” Tiffany giggled. I’ve been fascinated by you for so long, worried about how to approach you and fantasized about being with you so often, that when it came true, it felt magical.” He teased playfully. “Maybe we are fated like Elaine says.” “We’re more than fated. We’re perfect for each

other, Gino. No matter what happens, I’m never letting you go.” Hugging her close as he rested his cheek against her chest, he murmured. “I ain’t goin’ no place, Tiff. I promise. I just want to be with you.”

IF YOU MISSED BOOK 1 IN SEDUCED BY THE MOB…

“YOUR LIPS MAY BE SAYING NO BUT YOUR BODY IS SINGING A DIFFERENT TUNE. WE CAN’T DENY WHAT WE FEEL…WHAT WE NEED. THIS AIN’T JUST ABOUT SEX AND YOU’RE KIDDIN’ YOURSELF IF YOU THINK OTHERWISE.” Lorenzo Normally, women come easy for me. I ain't even gotta try. One night of sex is normally enough, then I'm on the hunt for the next trophy. Cheryl....she's different though. And it's not just 'cos she's playin' hard to get. She's smart, she's gorgeous, and she can hold her own even with my messed up family and friends. Hell, I haven't even told her what line of work I'm in, just in case it scares her away. Yup, I'm in deep with this girl.

But things are about to get messy - and if I'm not careful, I'll lose everything. The scary thing is, I ain't even sure if I care, as long as I don't lose her... Cheryl The first time I saw him, it was like he was one of my fantasies brought to life. Tall, fit, dressed impeccably...and big where it counts. Lorenzo knows what he wants, and he knows how to get it. Right now, he wants me. I want him too...but he's danger personified. I don't need him to tell me that he's a mobster - everything about him just screams it at me. I should run in the opposite direction as fast as I can....but I don't. I'm drawn to him, and I can't deny it to myself. Before long though, I get drawn into his crazy life way deeper than I ever wanted to be....and it might just be more than I can handle...

Lorenzo is the first book in the Seduced by the Mob series. It's a full-length novel with no cheating, a HEA, and no cliffhanger.

CHAPTER 1

C

and quickly snapped her textbook closed. The economics of foreign markets would just have to wait. She’d promised to go out with Tiffany and she always had been a person to keep her promises, even the reluctant ones. Nightclubs were not really her scene. However, her friend loved clubbing more than any woman should. Tiffany was wealthy, insanely HERYL GLANCED AT HER WATCH

beautiful, and owned her own line of designer clothing. The girl partied her ass off almost every night of the week. They’d known each other since grade school and insisting on a night out on the town was just Tiffany’s way of dragging her out of the house. Cheryl supposed that’s what friends were for, annoying the life out of a person when they really needed to study. As she got ready, Cheryl couldn’t help but harbor a secret desire to meet someone special. She found herself daydreaming again of her perfect man. He would be tall, dark, and handsome. He’d be wealthy, complicated to figure out, and have a little edge to him. Naturally, her perfect man would be simply crazy about her. She smiled to herself. If I’m gonna dream, then I might as well dream big. Her enthusiasm dimmed somewhat when she remembered that Tiffany had a bad habit of trying to hook her up with rich, eligible bachelors. Unfortunately, they were usually wealthy CEO’s who couldn’t stop preening long enough to flirt

with a woman. Shoving aside the depressing thought, she scurried out the door praying for something wonderful to happen. Arriving at the nightclub, she spied Tiffany sitting at a large table crowded with people. She put on her smiling face and joined their little party. It was clear the men were filthy rich because they were all talking business, marginalizing the females, and jockeying for social standing against each other. Formulating a quick plan in her head, she decided to drink fast and duck out early. A couple of drinks later and she was loosened up enough to flirt with the hot server as he dropped their last round of drinks on the table. That got her a couple of snarky comments from the men, but she was way past caring. Even Tiffany seemed to have to conceded that they were a waste of skin. That’s when it officially turned into a girl’s night out. The women flocked to the dance floor together, dancing in a group like drunken frat girls. It was the first bit of real fun she’d had all night. Closing her eyes, she let the music take her away. As she moved to the beat of the music, Cheryl

allowed her tipsy mind to drift to her favorite fantasy. In it, she dreamed of a man so hot her panties would fly off at the mere sight of him. Images of a ripped naked torso drifted through her mind. God, she loved a guy with sculpted abs. She was all too aware that masculine endowments, much like coffee, came in three basic sizes. Though she always ordered a regular size coffee, she’d want her endowment in the grande or venti category. She smiled as she continued to refine the image of her perfect man. He would be a genuine bad boy with a heart of gold. Oh yeah, he’d need to have a fabulous sense of humor as well. He would be thoroughly obsessed with her. In fact, in her fantasy, the man just couldn’t keep his hands off her. She could almost feel his strong arms cradling her body. Opening her eyes lackadaisically, she noticed a man across the room looking straight at her. He certainly looked like her imaginary fantasy man. He stood well over six feet tall. His broad shoulders and muscular physique set him apart from almost every other man in the room. The

handsome stranger was wearing a designer suit, but looked nothing like Tiffany’s friends. As her eyes slid over him, she realized what the difference was. His suit hugged every taut muscle and cradled the huge bulge growing beneath his well-cut trousers. She watched him reach down to adjust himself as he looked at her. A smile threatened to curve her lips. When was the last time a man had been so aroused by the sight of her that he’d needed to rearrange his junk? She couldn’t remember. She closed her eyes just as she saw him drain the last of his shot. The look on his face was predatory and lustful, pushing her sexy fantasy into total overdrive. When she beckoned forth her fantasy lover again, she was pleased to discover that he had a face and thick, corded neck muscles. It was all too easy to incorporate the newly acquired information into her private fantasy. She imagined how their tongues would tangle together as they struggled to divest each other of clothing. He would be so hot for her that he would rip her clothing in his eagerness to get her naked. Pinning her beneath

him, he would devour her, taking and taking and taking some more. The images in her mind were powerfully erotic. Suddenly, a hand slipped around her waist from behind, gently drawing her back into a wall of solid muscle. Starting slightly, she stilled as a raspy voice whispered into her ear. “You want to tell me what you’re thinking about out here all alone on the dance floor with your eyes closed?” She knew without looking, it was the handsome stranger from across the room. He smelled like masculine skin care products, whiskey, and hot sexy man. Glancing back into his warm hazel brown eyes, she shook her head slightly. Yet, her body betrayed her by melting back into his embrace. His hands moved down, skimming over her mound briefly before coming back up. “Don’t think for a minute that I can’t tell when a woman’s fantasizing about riding my cock.” She laughed nervously. “There are a lot of men here. Even if I were thinking nasty thoughts, odds

are it could involve any number of guys.” “Yeah Doll, there are a lot of guys here. Not many men, though, and I think you have a thing for real men,” he remarked. “Don’t act like you know me,” she replied. “I know you couldn’t wait to get away from those desk jockeys you were sitting with earlier. What kind of man prefers talking to other men over hitting on a hot chick? Pussies, that’s who. I saw you flirting with the waiter. For fuck’s sake, he was more of a man than those idiots ever thought of being.” She smiled back at him as they continued to sway to the music. No use arguing with this one. He was a good dancer and she was all too comfortable in his strong arms. “You got me there, big guy,” she shrugged. “Let’s get outta here, Doll.” His words jolted her back to reality because they bespoke a kind of reckless impulsiveness she’d never once embraced. She began to pull away, worrying that he was not the kind of man to take no for an answer.

“I need to go powder my nose,” she told him. He tilted his head and one corner of his mouth quirked up. “Your nose is fine, Doll.” Her lips pressed together in a hard line. “I need to pee,” she further clarified. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Wouldn’t be tryin’ to ditch me would ya, Doll?” She looked away, avoiding his gaze as she stammered. “Be right back.” Standing in front of the mirror in the ladies’ room, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Damn her long blonde hair and blue eyes all to hell. Her stupid pretty face had gotten her into more trouble in her life than was even fair. Now, she had a hardcore badass on her tail. Forget the wine and roses. He wasn’t the bad boy with a heart of gold she’d dreamed of meeting. In fact, he likely wasn’t the type to give a damn about a woman once he pinned her to the wall and got what he wanted. Then there was the other problem. During their little body rub on the dance floor, she became all too aware that he was packing heat. Only cops and

criminals carried guns into a club. He wouldn’t be a cop, not when wearing threads that cost more than the average cop’s monthly salary. Damn, she would just have to slip out the back. Coming tonight had been a shitty idea. She peered out of the restroom door, noted the coast was clear, and quickly headed in the opposite direction. Down the long hallway, she could see a bright red exit sign. Pleased at her stroke of good luck, she headed directly towards it and hopefully freedom. A large hand came out of nowhere and pulled her into a little alcove between offices. Before she could cry out, her back was against the wall and the handsome stranger had caged her in with his arms. She looked up to find a lopsided smile on his face. For some reason, her throat closed up on her. How did he find her? He didn’t look angry. That was good. It felt like he was just giving her a moment to panic and move past it. Damn it all to bloody hell. She wasn’t nearly as scared as she should be. If she was being honest, she would

admit to a tiny part of her being thrilled that he’d come after her. The part of her brain not currently being controlled by her libido was screaming for her to run. Since that was the part of her brain apparently intent on ensuring she died an old maid with a hundred cats in a safe, but poorly decorated older Victorian style home, she promptly ignored it. Instead, she chewed on her bottom lip as she felt her mouth pull into a satisfied little smirk. He’d pursued her and that could only mean one thing. Of all the women in the club, he wanted her. He was smoking hot and the lust in his eyes pulled her in like a moth to the flame. “So, what do you have to say for yourself, little ‘Miss I’ll be Right Back’?” He was teasing. She could tell by the smile. “You’re used to getting what you want from women, aren’t you?” she asked. “Don’t answer my question with a question. It’s rude.” Still smiling, therefore still teasing. Running her hands up his chest she gripped his lapels and jerked him forward until they were

chest to chest. “What can I say? I like to be chased, you like to chase. I really don’t see a problem here.” He brought one of her hands down to cover the huge bulge in his pants. “Funny, that feels like a problem to me.” Not smiling, therefore not teasing anymore. The man definitely wanted some action. She gave him a slight squeeze before replying. “Umm…feels more like an opportunity to me.” Now it was her turn to tease. “Hoped you were gonna say that.” His voice was husky and his eyes shuttered. He seemed to be slipping into some sort of lust-induced haze. His hand came up under her short skirt and he ripped away her tiny lace panties as he inhaled the scent of her hair. She glanced up at him. He smirked “I know what you’re gonna say before you say it. It ain’t polite to rip off a woman’s panties before you give her a little kiss.” His words were a heady mixture of teasing and flirting with a thick overlay of lust. She smiled ruefully at him before giving a short

nod. He slid to his knees mumbling, “A kiss it is then.” His head literally disappeared beneath her full short skirt, and she could feel his fingers opening her and then his tongue gently gliding over her nub. God, what kind of man gets on his knees for a woman he doesn’t even know in a public place? Anyone could walk by and see him…see her… know what they were doing. Something about that sent a shiver up her spine as she opened her legs giving him more room. His tender ministerings were a cross between kisses, licks, and nips which culminated in him sucking her clit as his tongue teased her tender flesh. Just when she felt her legs begin to shake and a white-hot flame building in her core, he slipped back up her body. “Not yet, Doll. I wanna feel that pretty little pussy wrapped around my cock when you come,” he informed her. She nodded and wrapped one leg around his waist. How in the hell had she gotten so compliant? The little voices were battling it out in

her mind. It sounded something like: Voice One: Run…go get a cat and a floppy hat. Throw on some dark shades and hide from him. Voice Two: Don’t be an idiot. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Wrap your legs around this hot fool and ride him like a cowgirl…then listen to voice one. Voice two was definitely the winner in that short self-styled debate. The internal dialogue faded away the moment his lips landed on hers. She could taste herself on him and it thrilled her. She heard the sound of his zipper opening and then felt the full length of him as he thrust forcibly into her. “God, Doll, you’re tight. Don’t you fuckin’ have sex?” “Not often enough,” she muttered. His eyes came down to meet hers. A cocky grin spread across his handsome face. “We’ll have to see what we can do to fix that.” It occurred to her to think he had been giving her a moment to adjust to his size. That was kind of sweet.

His voice sounded in her ear. “Ready?” She nodded and he hammered into her with force and precision. Tilting his hips slightly with each thrust until he found her sweet spot. Once that happened, it was all over. He made sure to hit it every single time until she was hanging onto him, kissing his neck, and mewling her pleasure in his ear. “Lorenzo’s the name, Doll. Now would be a great time to be hearin’ it.” “God, Lorenzo. You need to stop. I can’t…take it.” “Oh, you can baby. You’ll take me all night long.” Grabbing her hands, he lifted them above her head and pounded into her so forcefully, her toes lifted off the floor with each thrust. Being helpless beneath him was so much like her fantasy, that she came apart instantaneously. A few short quick thrusts later and he jerked violently inside her as he emptied into her. Instead of pulling out, he leaned down resting his forehead against hers. She saw a shadow of movement behind him.

He must have sensed it as well because his body tensed. Before she could think or react, he was reaching inside his jacket. In a flash, she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was going for his gun. He pressed her back against the wall with his body. Was he protecting her or covering her nakedness? She couldn’t tell. A masculine voice interrupted them. “Sorry, Boss, but we gotta go. The Irish are on the move.” “Give me a minute.” “Sure thing, boss.” “And Gino…don’t ever walk up behind me like that again unless you want to eat a bullet. Are we clear?” Lorenzo demanded. The man shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat. “Yes, sir. I wasn’t thinkin’.” “Name?” he questioned the woman in his arms. “Cheryl Stallings.” “Well, Cheryl Stallings. You’re coming with me.” “Why in God’s name would I do that?” “Because we’re not quite finished here. I don’t fuck nice girls like you against a goddamn wall

then walk off and leave them. I’m not like that.” She plucked the pen from his shirt pocket and shoved his sleeve up slightly before inking her phone number onto his skin. It was barely noticeable. Looking up into his face she saw the lopsided grin was back. “That number better not be to dial-a-prayer or anything like that, Doll,” he warned. She smiled up at him. “Give me more credit than that.” He planted a small chaste kiss on her lips. “Thanks for the lift-off, Doll. I really needed that.” “I’d say it was my pleasure, but you already know it was.” “Don’t know about you, but it seems like we’re doing a lot of talking in and around the fuckin’. That usually don’t happen for me,” Lorenzo groused. “The fucking or the talking? With your bedside manner, I can’t believe you get much opportunity to fuck, and you can barely conjugate your verbs so lots of talking doesn’t seem like your style either,” Cheryl stated.

He laughed as he rubbed a hand down his chest. “That just earned you a nice spanking.” “Maybe later.” “Definitely later,” Lorenzo promised her. “We’ll see.” His expression turned serious. One hand came out and landed on her mound. He squeezed her slightly through her skirt. “Put a lock on that shit. It’s mine,” he ordered. Shock tore through her as he gave her one final nod before walking away. Reality came crashing in again. Shit, shit, shit, and double shit. Did she just hold her own with a freaking mobster? Who gets referred to as ‘boss’ in this city except for mob bosses? No one, that’s who. Panicking a bit, she took some deep breaths. Good thing she didn’t give the sexy bastard her real last name or her actual phone number. Even in the thrill of the moment, she’d managed to sneak in some clear thinking. Rubbing her forehead, she decided to head home and never, ever come back to this godforsaken place.

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SENTINEL

I

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THEY SAY YOU CAN'T RUN FROM YOUR PAST FOREVER… BUT I CAN DAMN WELL TRY...

Chrissy

A

new life. A fresh start. That's what I wanted when I finally escaped from my abusive ex, billionaire Benny Ashcroft. I've changed my name, enrolled in college, and while it's tough to support myself alone, my freedom is worth it. I don't need to rely on anyone else - I don't want to. Especially not a man. But then I meet Rafe. He's the leader of the Devil Riders MC, and my head tells me that he's bad news. My heart though...that's another matter. His gorgeous tattooed body, his striking emerald eyes, his sheer presence - he's irresistible, and I can't stop myself from being drawn to him. When Rafe and the Devil Riders rescue me from the unwanted advances of a dirtbag trucker at my night job, I somehow find myself instead working for them, in their bar - the Devil's Hideout. They're rough men, tempered by a life lived on the outside - but they're loyal, fiercely protective of their own, and they soon take me

under their wing. But just as I start to feel like I belong, that I've found my new family, my past comes hurtling back, forcing me to run once more. My burgeoning relationship with Rafe is the hardest to leave behind, but I have no choice. I'll soon learn, though, that Rafe isn't so easy to shake off... Rafe The first time I saw her, being pawed at by that asshole trucker, I knew she was different. Flaming red hair with a temperament to match, and dropdead gorgeous. I can see in her eyes, though, the walls she's built up around herself. I'm hardly one to talk, of course. We've all got our issues, things that we'd prefer to leave in our past - and I'm no different. Two tours in Afghanistan were enough to build pretty thick walls of my own. These days, though, I somehow find myself the

leader of the Devil Riders. They're my new family, and a rougher, cruder, more loyal bunch of sons of bitches you could never hope to find. Me and Chrissy are taking things one day at a time, and I can start to feel those old walls of mine crumbling...but then she just up and disappears one day. Seems that her past finally caught up to her. Like my dad always said, though, you can't run from your problems forever. And I'm not about to let her get away that easily...

Read on for a sneak peek of Sentinel…

1

C

HRISSY’S HEAD THROBBED

from where he had hit her, and she winced as a trickle of blood oozed from her nose. This is it. This is the last time. She’d said that to herself so many times before, but this time she meant it. Truly meant it. She hurried to her wardrobe and threw it open, grabbing armfuls of clothes and haphazardly shoving them into a case. It briefly crossed her

mind just how much all this stuff was worth, and how roughly she was treating it, but that didn’t matter anymore. She had to get out, she had to get away. A sudden banging on the door started; heavy, urgent knocks followed by a hoarse voice, the words thick and slurred. “Open this fucking door, Chrissy!” Her heart was pounding. It was Benny—he must have woken up again. Chrissy had thought that the cocktail of drugs and booze he’d already consumed would have been enough to keep him unconscious all night. Obviously not. She crammed the last armful of clothes into the case and forced it closed, then took a brief moment to glance around the room for anything she might have missed that could be important. It was huge, their bedroom. Lavishly decorated, stuffed with impossibly expensive furniture and fixtures. Chrissy could still remember the awe that she had felt, the first time that he’d brought her here. Now, all that was left was hatred and contempt.

She could have taken some of the jewelry; Benny would never notice, and it was worth a fortune. But she couldn’t. It would always remind her of him, and all she wanted from him was distance. She had to escape him, his abuse. The jewels would help, but she wasn’t going to steal from him, not make it seem that she’d been after his money all along. She wasn’t the gold-digger he accused her of being and she wouldn’t do a thing that would let him suggest it. Fuck that. She dragged the suitcase off the bed and strode to the door, taking only a moment to steel herself before she threw it open. Chrissy expected Benny to be waiting, his anger building. She was anticipating a confrontation—having to struggle with him physically. She had psyched herself for it and was ready to fight to get away from him. But when the door opened to reveal the corridor beyond, he was laying on the floor, unconscious. Drool seeped from his lips, and he was snoring loudly. Benny Ashcroft, son of billionaire media

mogul David Ashcroft and one of the most desirable bachelors in America had shown her his true colors. And now, lying on the floor, he looked exactly like what he was—a pathetic, utterly loathsome, cowardly, alcoholic woman-beater. If she didn’t hate him so much, Chrissy could even have felt sorry for him. But not anymore. He’d hit her for the last time. He was a bad drunk, and it wasn’t the first time he’d flown into a jealous rage over nothing. He was a spoiled brat, and his father’s money had protected him from the consequences of his actions for far too long. But all the money in the world couldn’t make her stay. All the money in the world wouldn’t make him seem like a real man. Fuck him. She stepped over his unconscious form and walked out without a backward glance.

hen Chrissy pulled up in front of an unassuming suburban house, on an unassuming suburban street,

she let out a sigh of relief. Although far removed from the luxury and opulence of Ashcroft Manor, it seemed welcoming. It was home. Or had been at least, until she’d moved out. She took a deep breath and looked at herself in the rear view mirror, wiping away the crusted blood from her nose and wincing as she gingerly probed her rapidly blackening eye. There was no way she was going to be able to hide it from her Mom and Dad, but maybe it would finally be the evidence they’d need. Chrissy’s reservations about Bennie had been growing for months now. She’d always disliked his attitude toward people, but thought he would respond to having someone care for him. About him. He was rich beyond most people’s wildest dreams, and provided for her every financial need, but he was troubled. The occasional drink had turned into binging every night on whatever he was able to get his hands on. Booze, pills, and powders were his idea of fun. And it was only escalating. Chrissy knew that she couldn’t go back, not ever again.

W

She had brought up her concerns with her parents, gently, a few times now. She’d told them about his violent temper, his unpredictable behavior. Each time, though, they’d urged her to ride it out. “Think of the money, sweetie. He offers security… opportunities. Don’t throw it all away just because he likes to take a drink once in a while. He’s wonderful when he’s sober. If you throw this away, wreck your relationship with him, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.” Their concerns and her own belief that she could help him, had convinced her to keep trying. Chrissy had never been all that close with her parents and ever since she’d grown up and started making her own decisions, living her own life, she’d felt herself becoming more distant from them. She thought they were probably happiest when she was a kid. They’d liked being able to dictate her life, but they’d had trouble coming to terms with the fact that she was now an independent adult capable of making her own choices. They didn’t like it to the point that they’d

begun losing their tempers with her when she didn’t see things their way. She didn’t expect them to be happy she’d left Benny, not even now, but she needed support and she didn’t have anywhere else to go. And they were still her parents, and she was sure that once they saw what he had done to her, they’d come around. They’d see that she was making the right decision and help her get away from him. It was late as she walked up to the front door, knocking and then waiting. The lights were off and they were probably asleep, but it didn’t take long before Chrissy’s Dad opened the door, his confused and bleary countenance clearing a little once he saw her there. “Chrissy? What time is it? Is everything OK?” Chrissy had wanted to remain strong, to show him that she was rational and clear-headed, but as soon as she saw him she broke down and burst into tears, flinging herself into his arms. He hugged her, a puzzled expression on his face. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Here, come inside and I’ll make some cocoa and you can tell me all

about it.”

T

he three of them sat quietly around the kitchen table. Steaming mugs of dark, soothing liquid sat in front of them. Chrissie’s parents were still slightly fuzzy with sleep, dressed in their pajamas. Chrissy herself was still wide awake after the night’s events. Her Mom had tended to her nose and swollen eye with clucks of concern, and now they were expectant, looking at her and waiting to hear what had happened. And Chrissy told them. She poured out her heart. She detailed how Bennie was wild and out of control, how one moment he was sweet as could be, and the next he could fly into a rage. How he was drinking a bottle of whiskey a night these days, more often than not passing out comatose on the couch. How he had gotten jealous that evening when he saw a message from a male friend on her cellphone, and how he had hit her when she denied any wrongdoing.

She tried her best to make them see how it was over; that there was nothing good left between her and Benny, and that she wouldn’t be going back to him, no matter what. Her Mom and Dad listened intently, letting her tell her story. Their faces were full of sympathy and righteous anger. That was, right up until Chrissy reached the end of her story. The part where she was done with Bennie Ashcroft. Then things changed. Her Mom was the first to speak. “Chrissy,” she said. “You are upset. You need to think about this for a little while before you make any rash decisions.” “Think about what?” “Benny made a mistake tonight, for sure, but everyone deserves a second chance. Maybe you could suggest counseling for him, get some help for his problems.” Chrissy shook her head. “Mom, there’s no way in hell he would ever agree to it. Every time I’ve ever brought up his problems, he waves them away or gets angry at

me. He’ll do what he wants to do—he’s Bennie Ashcroft the billionaire. Untouchable, above everyone else in his mind.” The first twinge of annoyance crossed her mother’s face then. “So you’re just going to throw away everything for one…indiscretion?” Chrissy could only gape in shock. “Indiscretion?” she spluttered. “Look at me! Look at what he did to me! And it’s only getting worse! Who knows what’ll happen next?” Her Dad put a hand over his wife’s, a look passing between them, and then spoke gently to Chrissy. “Sweetheart. We know you’re hurting right now, and we know that you hate him for what he did. That’s completely understandable. All we’re saying is, sleep on it. Don’t make rash, emotional decisions that will affect the rest of your life without taking some time to think about it first.” Chrissy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. A rage welled up inside her and she began to tremble uncontrollably, as she blinked back the

tears that threatened to overcome her again. “I’m your daughter, and I’m looking for help. I’m sitting here in front of you with a black eye and a bleeding nose. All I wanted was your support, for you to tell me that everything’s going to be OK, that I can stay here with you until I get back on my feet. He beat me. He beat me until I ran away and hid because I was so scared. If he hadn’t passed out, I don’t know what he would have done. And you’re telling me that I should take a day to calm down and then go back and beg him to take me back?” Later she would remember the moment, the precise instant that something snapped inside her mother. The woman leaned forward over the table, an ugly expression twisting her features. She looked frightening under the harsh glow of the light above their heads. “Listen here, Chrissy,” she hissed. “I don’t want to hear any more self-pitying whining from you, you hear? Bennie Ashcroft is a billionaire. When you marry him you’ll be rich. Do you have any concept of how rich you’ll be? There isn’t a

woman in her right mind who wouldn’t do anything and everything to be in your position—you could help your family. And I hear you telling us that you are so damn selfish that you are willing to throw all that away because the man made one drunken mistake that he’ll regret in the morning?” Chrissy couldn’t believe her ears. There was nothing she could say to that. Then she watched her mother relax and lean back in her chair. The scowl faded slowly and was replaced with what the woman must have thought was a gentle smile. Instead, it was a mockery of genuine compassion. “Now, why don’t you go upstairs and get some sleep? Everything will look better in the morning. It always does. You can stay with us for a few days, then we’ll go over to the Ashcroft place with you, and we can all get everything straightened out.” Chrissy wondered if they could hear the pounding of her heart. It was almost deafening in her own ears. That was part of the shock. She had come here because she thought it was a safe place, a haven after the horrific events of that night. But

she was wrong, and she knew it now. She had to get out, get away. She stood and stumbled backward, sending her chair clattering to the ground. Her parents stood too, confusion on their faces. Even now it was clear that they assumed that she was going to do as they asked. That she would go back to him, as if nothing had ever happened. She backed away from them slowly. “I need to go,” she stammered. “I can’t stay here. Not anymore.” “Chrissy,” her Dad said firmly. “Listen. I’ve always been too proud to tell you this, but you aren’t giving me any choice.” He took a breath. “We are deep underwater on this house and behind on the mortgage. My hours have been cut, and we can’t pay the bills. If it carries on like this, we’re going to lose everything. Please, I beg you, don’t do this. Once the two of you are married, things will be different, I’m sure of it. But you can’t leave before that. We need you.” Chrissy gasped in amazement. It was all about

the money, nothing more, nothing less. They needed her to stay with Bennie for themselves. They weren’t even thinking about her or her safety. The anger and resentment exploded out of her mouth with fiery intensity. “I came here because I needed you!” she howled. “I needed to be your little girl again, for you to tell me that everything would be OK and that you’d support me in whatever I wanted to do. I needed you to protect me and take care of me.” Tears of anger and fear and desperation flowed down her face. “We are taking care of you, Chrissy,” her Dad pleaded. “We’re trying to take care of all of us.” Chrissy just shook her head and backed away. She couldn’t stay here, either. There was nothing for her, nobody. She turned and ran from the kitchen, toward the front door. Behind her, she heard her parents shout, calling her to come back. She didn’t listen. It was over. She was alone. She had run away from Benny, and that had been the right thing to do. She’d stopped running,

thinking she’d gone far enough, would find support, but she’d been wrong. She got into her old Honda and pulled away quickly. She drove off into the night, leaving her old home and her parents behind her. Her old life behind her.

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