Chapter One
There was no such thing as being too careful. Certainly not in the underworld in which I lived.
Danger, violence, and unpredictability prevailed, something I’d learned the hard way only a couple of years before. I had the scars from thinking I could trust someone I’d thought was vetted and had considered loyal.
Loyalty had proven hard to come by, men selling their souls and even their firstborn child if it meant becoming wealthy or moving to a higher plane of power.
The brutal education had provided me with keen observation skills and a will to live.
Even if that meant killing someone I cared about.
“Christ, buddy. Don’t look like you just lost your best friend. This is routine shit.” Dion Marcini was a man I considered a mentor of sorts. He’d taught me a thing or two about handling enemies, proving that even those with charisma coming from their ass could be considered savages.
“Something bothers me about tonight,” I told him in return. There was no reason I remained on edge. Don Santorelli’s Underboss knew what the fuck he was talking about, becoming the right-hand man of New York’s most powerful mafia family. While he always acted casual about business transactions, he had his eye on the ball at all times. I’d seen him turn into a carnivore with a venomous strike on more than one occasion.
“And what’s that? The payout?”
On the dark and stormy night, I’d gone with him to handle collections. While still considered lucrative, rousting small companies for money in exchange for protection was a dying industry.
Even Don Santorelli, a man in his middle sixties, had succumbed to easier, wiser methods of handling business. That included utilizing the internet, online banking, secure emails, and keeping hackers on staff. Hell, the man had even resorted to having me establish Facebook and Instagram pages, determined to highlight his charitable contributions and acts.
I’d been shocked the other morning when he’d grilled me on the use of TikTok. I hadn’t found the heart to tell him the platform might not be around that much longer. I applauded his attempt at acting normal in a world of violence.
“It’s too quiet. This is a wine distribution center. They have twenty-four-hour shifts. Didn’t you notice how few employees are in the warehouse?”
We were headed to the main office where the manager Randall Essex resided, the aging man never once giving us any trouble. The guy was putting three kids through college. He needed his job.
Dion stopped only feet from the closed office door, taking a few seconds to scan the perimeter of the oversized space. With a nod and nothing else, he motioned for another Capo to come closer.
Gio approached, but was far too nonchalant about his duties for my liking. Given the relatively calm waters as of late, every soldier had become lazy in their duties. That was my opinion and one I wouldn’t share with my best friend. Dion certainly didn’t like being challenged.
“What’s up, boss?” Gio asked.
Both Dion and I caught sight of two obviously very nervous workers keeping their distance while constantly darting their eyes in our direction.
I immediately reached for my weapon, my gut telling me this was a setup.
“Check the perimeter. Keep all eyes out for any trouble,” Dion told him.
While we didn’t have a full force with us because that usually wasn’t necessary, the men who kept us protected were skilled marksmen. But if this was an ambush, award-winning skills meant shit.
Gio didn’t need to be told twice what to do, moving quickly toward the door we’d come in from.
“Relax. We’ll be in and out in ten minutes. As long as the fucker has the money ready.” Dion seemed relaxed, but I sensed he was paying close attention to our surroundings.
I still had my hand on the handle of my Beretta when we reached the office door. He threw out his arm, giving me a nod that translated into buttoning my jacket.
While I did as requested, he was well aware my reflexes were better than most. He walked inside and Randall immediately stood. He was sweating more than usual, immediately wiping his palms on his trousers.
It was often the little things that brought attention to an unusual occurrence. Maybe that was why my hackles continued to be raised.
“Randall. Just a routine stop. We weren’t trying to interrupt your business,” Dion said to him as he sauntered closer to the nervous man’s desk.
I glanced around the room, attempting to gather if there was anything out of the ordinary beside the man’s nervousness.
“It’s okay,” Randall managed.
“Short staffed tonight,” Dion continued.
“Yeah, Molly had her baby and I have a couple out sick. Plus, there’s some big fire going on down Burke Street.”
There was nothing particularly wrong about Randall’s statement, with a single exception,
If Molly had birthed her child, there was no chance for the kid’s survival at only four months.
With Dion laughing, acting as if the man’s statement was normal, he didn’t have a chance to see my expression shift from emotionless to offering a warning.
Gunfire broke out seconds later, loud voices coming from the main room.
Randall dropped as if on cue, the scum hiding under his desk. I wanted nothing more than to put a bullet into the asshole’s brain myself.
But there was no time.
Both Dion and I raced to the office door, my friend and Underboss giving me a nod. With a hard kick of my boot, the door went flying off its cheap hinges.
Another wave of gunfire erupted, this time the aim directed toward the open doorway. We’d worked together so many times that there was no need for directions. As soon as the last of the bullets was shot into the office, we both moved into the middle of the doorway, shooting indiscriminately.
Bodies went down, grunts and moans heard just before the dead men slumped to the cold concrete.
We didn’t stop there, both of us shifting from side to side as we were faced with enemy soldiers popping up from every direction.
When a son of a bitch got too close to Dion, I was the one to put a bullet in the asshole’s head. Dion grinned as he threw a look over his shoulder. Later, he’d tell me that he owed me one.
Hell, the man owed me more than ten, but I wasn’t counting.
We had each other’s backs. In the cruel, calculating world of the Italian Mafioso, it was the one thing I could count on.
Five minutes later, quiet fell onto the warehouse. Other than a couple of cries from the remaining employees who’d taken refuge underneath tables and pieces of equipment.
Gio rushed into the room, sweat beading across his forehead.
“Who the fuck did this?” Dion demanded.
“The fucking Lupini boys.”
Lupini. The name wasn’t a surprise, although the peace shared between the two powerful mafia families had been ongoing for years. But when power, influence, and money were involved, treaties born of evil and bloodshed were only as good as the next dead body dropped on your doorstep.
“Well, fuck,” Dion snarled, immediately heading toward the office. I followed behind him, reaching the chickenshit Randall before he did.
As soon as I jerked the traitorous asshole to his feet, he pissed in his pants. Good. He should be terrified of what we would do to him.
“Who the hell did this?” I growled.
He acted as if he had no clue, his face turning red.
I slammed his back against the wall with enough force to jar the fillings in his teeth.
Randall moaned, already starting to whimper like a kid. Goddamn, there was nothing worse.
“Stop fucking blubbering and talk,” Dion directed.
I was required to give Randall a savage punch in his gut for him to start talking. “I suggest you follow orders if you want to see those three bright kids of yours again.”
“Oh, please. Please don’t hurt them.”
While the three kids were college age, I had no intention of killing children. Not my thing and fortunately an act considered distasteful by the Santorelli syndicate.
“Talk,” I barked at him, issuing a deep growl.
“Okay. He did. He forced me to. I’m sorry. I had no choice. I just made a call you were here. Nothing more.”
“Who the fuck are you talking about?”
“Drago. Drago Nozella.” Randall proceeded to sob.
I eased him down, allowing the broken man to cower against the wall while I turned my attention toward Dion. “Drago is a real pig.”
Dion laughed. We’d had a couple of squabbles with Nozella since he was Don Lupini’s Underboss, but nothing more than kids acting like bullies in a schoolyard. Still, the man was dangerous and more than a bit insane.
“Interesting. I guess Don Santorelli will soon learn the truce might be over.”
“Yeah, it might be.” I took a deep breath and held it. In a world of monsters, it was only a matter of time before the beasts came out to play in the darkness.
The time was now.
And I was looking forward to it.
[divider]Chapter Two
Carmella
“But I don’t like the medicine,” Becky said as she clung to her teddy bear.
I’d had my fill of runny noses, bronchitis, high fevers, and even two broken bones in one day. I’d fit in more patients in ten long hours than I had in weeks. All because it was cold and flu season.
My mind drifted off to the sunny shores of Cancun just briefly, but long enough to remind me it was time to book my vacation. Not that I’d had one in three years. But this was going to be my year.
I bent down, wiggling the bear’s paw. “But you do want to feel better so you and your bear can play just like you used to. Right?”
“Clever,” the girl sniffed.
“Clever?” I repeated and stole a look at the girl’s mother, who was fighting the urge to roll her eyes.
“My bear. His name is Clever because he gets into trouble all the time but manages to convince Mommy I did it.” She started coughing again and I eased back, glancing at my nurse.
At this rate if I wasn’t very careful to continue wearing my mask, I’d be the one hacking and sniffling. I was a terrible patient. Most doctors were.
“Well, if that’s the case then I think Clever will be upset if you don’t take your medicine. He will certainly tell your mommy you haven’t been following my orders.” I wrinkled my nose on purpose, locking eyes with the rounded plastic pieces on Clever’s face.
Becky sighed and acted as if Clever was whispering in her ear. She finally nodded. “Okay. Clever said you were right and I need to take my medicine.”
“Well, then I am glad Clever could help. How about a lollypop in exchange?” I was no longer certain I was making decent sense. I was already reaching for the cannister filled with lollypops.
“Don’t forget about Clever.”
“Of course, I won’t forget about Clever.” I handed Becky two and headed toward the girl’s mother.
“Thank you so much for seeing us on short notice, Dr. Lupini. Becky refuses to see any other doctor.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment and my pleasure. Now, I’ve called in a prescription for some antibiotics and a stronger cough syrup than you can purchase on the shelves. However, don’t let the cough continue past five days. If so, come back and see me. I don’t want her cold turning into pneumonia.”
“I’ll keep a close eye. If I know my daughter, she’ll be a little cling-on during her illness.”
I laughed and peeled off the gloves, tossing them in the trash. “I have one of those. Take care.”
As I headed out, Zoe followed me. I could already see the smirk on her face. She was not only my main nurse at the clinic; she was also my best friend. As soon as I was in my office, I dropped into my way too comfy desk chair.
“You did great today,” Zoe offered.
“Do you mean with the puke at eight-thirty this morning or the squirt of ketchup covering my blouse?”
“Your first blouse. You had a spare.”
Laughing ached as did every other movement at this point. “Thank God for extra clothes.”
“Last patient. Time for you to go home and put your feet up. Unless you have a hot date.”
“Oh, please. You know I’ve sworn off men.”
“That’s right. Didn’t you call them twinkies?”
Snorting, I gave her a funny look. “What I said was their dicks were like twinkies. Gross on the outside and ooey, gooey in the middle. And in my case, the twinkie was cut in half.”
“Ouch. The visions will never leave my mind.”
I leaned my head back, staring up at the ceiling. “Who are you kidding? You’re dating a nice guy. As for me, I have a birthday celebration to head to with my great family.”
“Another ouch.”
The special ring on my phone made me groan. “Speak of the devil.” I didn’t bother asking her to leave. Zoe knew how hard I tried to avoid my family, especially my father. It wasn’t that I didn’t love him, but just by talking to him, I was reminded of a dark past and a possible ugly future.
One I’d tried with everything I had to prevent.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Just a reminder that Amber’s party is tonight.”
“How could I forget? She’s turning the magical, terrifying age of seventeen. She has the entire world in the palm of her hands.” I adored my half-sister. I really did. But the huge Italian family get-togethers were something I wasn’t interested in participating in.
“Just be here. And make certain you bring a present.” My father had more money than God, but he never missed an opportunity for a freebie or a handout. Vendors used to drop off goods and products to our house all the time. Of course, I’d learned a long time ago some were bribes.
Like the new car still driven by my dad and his second wife.
“I’ll be there. I’m leaving work in a few minutes. A quick shower and I’ll be on the road.” I tried to keep a nice tone in my voice. I really did.
The hour drive wasn’t usually a big deal.
Except when I was tired.
Which seemed to be all the time lately.
“Don’t be late.” My father wasn’t his usual grouchy self. At least that meant maybe business wouldn’t interfere with the joyous celebration and I wouldn’t need to get into an argument with him as usually occurred.
I tossed the phone, returning to staring up at the ceiling. Here I’d thought life would get less complicated once out of the family enclave and living on my own. Maybe it had, but what I’d thought would be an easier, more fulfilling road was certainly draining.
“Don’t forget you have a seven-thirty appointment tomorrow.” Zoe acted as if she was telling me a secret.
“Oh, shit. I forgot about that.” It was a special favor for a long-term client, the woman fighting to keep her son from going to the hospital. “I won’t be late. I’m driving out, dropping off the present, and leaving after a piece of cake of course.”
“An hour there and back and you’re only going to stay until you wolf down cake?”
“That’s the plan.”
“I’m going to see if there’s any way to push Mrs. Mason’s appointment for Timmy back or to another day.”
I laughed as she retreated from my office. She certainly knew how I was when it came to what ended up being three visits a year. One for Amber’s birthday, another for my half-brother Michael’s, and another during the holidays. Although I never specified the visit would be on Christmas.
Arguments had a way of taking on entirely new meanings in the Lupini family.
Correction. In the Lupini crime syndicate family.
[divider]
Alejandro
The room remained quiet while Don Santorelli absorbed the news, the only sound the ticking of his massive and beautifully ornate ancient grandfather clock. It was the first piece of furniture I’d concentrated on studying the day I’d first been brought into his office.
That had been day five after my hire into the organization.
He’d sat me down, offered me a glass of his finest scotch, a Cuban cigar, and had proceeded to ask me a few personal questions. Then he’d leaned over his massive desk and offered a piece of advice.
He’d told me that not only did he like me, he believed he could trust me. However, if I failed that trust in any way, he’d be the one to take me apart limb by limb.
After that, he’d mentioned that I’d beg him to kill me with a dull spoon if necessary.
I’d never forgotten the advice or the education on loyalty.
Don Santorelli was a formidable man even at his age. With only some gray at his temples, he could easily pass for someone in his late forties. He was fair but brutal, highly respected by his soldiers.
He’d even garnered the respect of powerful men outside the business such as the mayor, leaders of the port authority, and several celebrities. The man enjoyed celebrating his good fortune and wealth by attending soirees and throwing huge parties. It was something I’d warned him about as his lieutenant.
He’d laughed and told me life wasn’t worth living if you did it in a cage.
He was right about that.
His exhale was deep as he glanced toward Dion, tilting his head. When he shifted it to me before Gio then Bronco, the other two of three Capos, he was highlighting the pecking order once again. None of the crews had been asked to the meeting, the soldiers doing nothing more than preparing for their marching orders.
I had my hands behind my back, standing as a military man would do while waiting his orders. I assumed he would initiate a strike against Lupini and his organization. That was the way of crime syndicates. If your foe was alive after an attack, you would be bludgeoned to death in return.
“Relax, Banderas,” the Don said, using my last name as he always did in tense situations.
“Should I ready the soldiers?” Dion asked.
The Don took a puff of his cigar while swirling the same brand of scotch I’d been offered two years before. “We’re going to do things differently this time out.”
“How so, if you don’t mind me asking, sir.”
The Don took a sip of his drink, staring into the liquid before tossing the remainder into his throat. It was the only indication the night’s activities had troubled him to any degree.
He’d schooled me on the varieties of decent scotch after realizing how much I’d enjoyed his first selection. I’d learned that contrary to some popular views, the aged liquor was meant to be savored, not shot like tequila.
“Diplomatically,” he said after swallowing.
I glanced toward Dion who lifted his eyebrows. There had been a few times Don Santorelli had come up with some crazy ideas. I think we both felt as if this could be one of those times.
The Don didn’t bother to enlighten us before picking up his secure cell phone. I had to give the man and his intelligence credit. He had the most secure communications equipment of anyone I’d ever met, military included.
It was impossible to break into the system or obtain access to the estate. If you didn’t belong here, you were tossed in the East River with cement shoes.
He sat back as if he didn’t have a care in the world while the call connected. I knew the moment it did by the change in the Don’s eyes. They’d gone from the lighter blue shade to something much darker, more ominous.
He was preparing to play a game of Russian roulette.
“Yes, Don Lupini. It’s your good friend, Don Santorelli.”
I heard Gio whistle under his breath and shot him a warning look. Luis Santorelli didn’t like to be questioned or challenged about anything that came out of his mouth. We were alike that way.
“Yes, I know. It has been a long time. Too long.” All Don Santorelli had to do was steal a quick gaze toward the bottle of scotch and Bronco immediately responded, refilling without hesitation. “I would agree there seems to be some misunderstanding. You know what happens when these types of actions go unchecked.”
I sucked in my breath. Since when had the man offered an olive branch to the second most powerful Don in the upper Eastern half of the United States? Some soldiers might say he was going soft.
I knew better.
The man was conniving and very calculated.
He laughed as if the two of them were old friends. “Your daughter’s birthday party? My God. I cannot believe she turned seventeen already. It seemed just like yesterday I attended her christening.”
The way of politics within crime families, especially of certain descents. Weddings, funerals, and christenings were considered off limits to war play. But a member of the Borgata always attended, the unwritten rule yet to be challenged on my watch.
“I won’t keep you then, Matheas.” Using the man’s first name meant the situation was on hold. No action would be taken until we were told otherwise. “Yes. I agree. A meeting is the best way to handle the… misinformation. I’ll have my Underboss reach out to yours tomorrow sometime and arrange a neutral location.”
Neutral.
That meant either New Hampshire or Massachusetts.
Dion exhaled. He wasn’t a fan of the diplomacy Don Santorelli enjoyed using. Dion was only in his middle thirties, yet he preferred the old school methods of killing first, asking questions later. I’d often warned him that that way of thinking would drive him to an early grave.
“Well, that is a fabulous invitation, Matheas. I will definitely stop by. Please, tell your lovely wife I asked about her. Yes, thank you. All is well.” Don Santorelli ended the call, keeping the phone in his hand for a few seconds.
When he lowered his arm, immediately reaching for his scotch, he lifted a single eyebrow and stared directly at Dion. “We’re attending a party tonight, a birthday party. Alejandro, Dion, you’re coming with me. We leave in two hours.”
I sensed Gio was about to ask what the hell was going on, but Dion offered him a hard look as a warning. “Two hours, boss. I assume you’ll want to take a present with you.”
“Ah, yes. We’ll stop at my favorite jewelry store on the way. Thank you for reminding me, Dion. Two hours.”
“Yes, sir.” Dion motioned to everyone to leave the man’s office.
Bronco and Gio seemed almost perturbed, Gio cursing in Italian.
“Il Don si ammorbidisce,” Gio hissed.
Calling a Cosa Nostra leader soft was akin to calling him stupid.
I wasn’t shocked at Dion’s reaction when he quickly backhanded the man. No one disrespected the Don inside the family organization, least of all those considered the man’s most trusted advisors.
“Sei su un terreno molto sottile,” Dion told him.
You’re on very thin ice.
Gio’s one problem was he didn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.
“Ascolta e osserva, altrimenti la tua lingua verrà presa per rappresaglia.” The saying was appropriate and something Don Santorelli had also taught me the very first week.
Listen and observe or your tongue will be taken in retaliation.
Gio snarled as he glared at me. “You’re always up the Don’s butt. I wonder why that is.” He backed away before I could react, Bronco even stepping in the middle of the corridor in hopes I’d let it go.
I took a deep breath and held it, nodding to Bronco. Tonight wasn’t the appropriate time to settle any score with the pompous son of a bitch.
“Don’t let him bother you,” Dion advised. “Troubles at home.”
“Another reason never to get hooked up with a woman.”
He slapped me on the back. “Good point. Let’s go have one drink before we head to a party.”
We both laughed, only my thoughts drifted to how Don Santorelli would attempt to keep a war from ensuing.
That was the last thing I wanted to happen.
Too much work had been put into maintaining a peaceful existence.
But if bloodshed was needed…
That was fine by me.
[divider]Chapter Three
Carmella
“Mama. Look at the cookies and the cake!” Gabriel’s little face was electrified as he pointed toward the dining room table, the six-tier cake the centerpiece.
Decorated in Amber’s two favorite colors of pink and purple, the artistic creation rivaled every wedding cake I’d ever seen.
There were dozens of other desserts from chocolate lava cake to cocoa pinwheels, wedding cookies, and Amber’s favorite chocolate fudge.
I assumed without looking there were other tables full of yummy creations from beef carvings to shrimp the size of my hand. If I knew my father, he’d hired an ice sculptor, tasking him to create an exquisite dolphin.
I knew that because for my sixteenth birthday he’d hired four caterers, an ice sculptor, and an orchestra alongside two award-winning pastry chefs. Sadly, Amber’s sweet sixteen had been spent in a hospital bed, so this birthday was more lavish than any before.
Guests were already milling about, incredible music coming from hidden speakers. When I’d driven up, I’d noticed the two huge white tents located on the lawn. My guess was the teenagers Amber’s age were partying out there with their own DJ.
Good for her.
I sure didn’t want to be stuck with my father and stepmother’s prissy friends, but I plastered on a smile anyway. A requirement of being a tarnished mafia princess.
“I know, baby. You can have some cake later. After you eat a little dinner. Okay?”
My son scrunched up his face, immediately folding his arms. It was exactly what his father used to do when he was angry with me. Which had become all the time during the last year of hell together.
“O-tay. I don’t like it though, Mommy.”
I had to fight to keep from laughing, even putting my fingers across my mouth. “I know you don’t, honey, but your little tummy would hurt if you ate too many sweets. Then I’d need to take you to a doctor.”
He peered up at me and I knew at that moment the sun rose and set on the little boy. He was my greatest joy and accomplishment. Graduating medical school first in my class and opening up my own practice didn’t mean anything in comparison to creating such a little life force.
“Mommy. You’re a doctor.” When he spoke that way, I could see the little adult in him clawing to escape. And he was only four and a half.
“Is that the most handsome grandson in the world?” My father stormed into the room with his arms outstretched.
Gabriel broke free from me, racing toward his grandfather, who scooped him up and smothered him in kisses. I felt a twinge of guilt for keeping my son from his blood, but it was more about keeping Gabriel from the life.
I wanted him to be a kid, not forced to be surrounded by bodyguards and weapons. I walked closer, noticing my father was studying what I was wearing.
As he always did.
So, I’d selected a pantsuit. I wasn’t a dress kind of girl and my father knew it. He also rubbed it in that while growing up, I’d been mistaken more than once for a boy. That had changed when I’d gotten boobs.
Thankfully, he said nothing, instead moving to the sweets table and selecting a cookie. I didn’t bother trying to stop the man. This was his house and as he’d always told me, his rules.
I noticed Sasha out of the corner of my eye and smiled. She seemed pleased I wasn’t in a bad mood, which I was half the time I arrived at the house. Mostly because my father usually never asked me to come. He summoned me.
“Sasha. You look beautiful,” I told her. And it was the truth. I’d never hated my stepmother, even though my mother hadn’t been dead and buried for longer than fourteen months before they’d gotten married. It had been tough for a ten-year-old girl to handle. A few years later, they’d started a new family and I’d felt completely left out. Thankfully, I was brilliant in school, graduating a year early from high school and entering college.
My father had wanted peace in the house from all the bickering. It was the only reason he’d allowed me to head several states away to attend college then medical school. They’d been the happiest, wildest days of my life. Thankfully, I’d stopped seeing her as the enemy years before.
And I absolutely adored my half-brother and half-sister. They were amazing little people. Well, not so little any longer.
“You really think so? Your father doesn’t like this color on me.”
“Ignore him. He’s colorblind. Sapphire is your color.”
The fact she was beaming from something I’d said to her brought a knot into my stomach. I’d been so damn rough on her through the years. “You are such a beautiful soul. I’m so glad you could make it. Amber has been asking about you.”
“Where is she?”
Sasha rolled her eyes. “In the tent. That girl is going to be the death of me. Do you know she wants to be an actress now? God help me.”
We both laughed. “Next week that will change.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. Get a drink. Maybe you can coax her to the main house.”
“I’ll do my best. Do me a favor in the meantime. Don’t let Pops feed my son every single cookie. I do not need a cranky baby boy on the trip home.”
She winked. “Leave it to me. I’ll make him a plate of his favorite foods.”
I squeezed her arm and moved to the massive living room that could double as a ballroom for any hotel. I hadn’t grown up here, the house a purchase for Sasha as a wedding gift. It had always seemed foreign to me, but it was beautiful. I grabbed a glass of champagne from one of several waiters walking through, waving to a couple of people I knew.
Kind of knew.
I’d distanced myself from my father’s world so long ago that even the old family friends didn’t seem familiar any longer. It was odd to be a member of the family and feel like you were looking from the outside in.
I headed to one of four sets of French doors. The moment I cracked one open, the blasting music assaulted my senses. The kids had returned to enjoying metal music along with their hip-hop and rap. Not that I was an expert in music. I rarely had time to listen to anything but a little bit of news in the morning.
Or one of Gabriel’s three dozen Disney movies. Over and over again.
And again.
I laughed softly to myself as I headed down the stone pathway. The house was situated beautifully on several acres of land, dense forest surrounding it on both sides. In the back was a beautiful view of a body of water. There was something very serene about the entire area of Bay Shore.
It was close enough to New York to keep an eye on business, but not too snotty as my father called the Hamptons while still a lovely place to raise two kids. My ten-year-old self had considered herself an adult.
I’d been such a little prima donna.
At least I didn’t see that in Amber. With the present I’d purchased months before in my hand, I headed down the path to the tents. The first was set up with food and beverages, not all of them nonalcoholic either. I didn’t see a chaperone. Lordy. I’d need to look the other way by the end of the night.
The second was where all the action was, as many as one hundred kids already dancing and squealing.
But the highest pitched squeal came when Amber saw me. She went tearing through the crowd, throwing her arms around me. “You came!”
“Of course I came,” I yelled, given how loud the music was. “Can we go outside?”
“Sure.” She pulled away and clapped her hands. She looked like a fairytale come true, her chiffon dress perfection.
I’d been a tomboy. She was the epitome of an Italian princess. So beautiful. So sophisticated.
I was proud of her as if she was my own. We headed out of the tent and she immediately eyed the present.
“Is that for me?” she asked, even batting her eyelashes, a signature move.
“That depends on if you’re the birthday girl.”
“You know I am.” She didn’t wait for me to hand her the small box, snatching it from my hand. When she ripped off the gold foil, her smile was huge. It was as if she didn’t have several tables full of presents waiting for her to open.
The moment she opened the box, she gasped and looked up at me with tears in her eyes. “It’s beautiful! I love it.” She fingered the sterling silver dolphin, which happened to be her favorite creature on earth.
“His eye is a sapphire, diamonds on his fin.”
“Love. Love. Love!”
She threw her arms around me a second time and some bubbly slipped over the edges of my flute. “You are welcome. I thought you might like it. I saw it in a little jewelry store in White Plains and snatched it up months ago.”
“You’re my favorite sister.”
“I’m your only sister, girlie. Don’t forget that. If you’ll hold my champagne, I’ll put it on for you.”
“Yes, please!” Amber was in her element and I was happy for her. She’d been protected and fawned over, especially since her life had nearly been cut short by a horrific illness.
She managed to lift her hair as I walked around her and as I was locking the clasp, I noticed our father and three other men were heading in our direction.
I immediately stiffened.
I’d been removed from my father’s world mostly for years, but that didn’t mean I’d stuck my head in the sand. My father was a powerful, ruthless man who’d used violence and even murder throughout his life. That had placed him on the throne of the crime syndicate when he was only twenty-four years old. He’d lived up to his father’s reputation for brutality.
But not with his family. I would give him that.
He’d become less violent over the last few years partially based on success as well as the use of technology. That didn’t mean he was without enemies, including one of the men approaching.
Don Luis Santorelli was another mafia Don, almost if not equally as merciless as my father. He ruled his territories the same why my father had, stuck in the old ways while attempting to embrace the newer ones. Flanking his side were two of his made men, two positioned in the upper echelon of a very controlled society.
One soldier I recognized and had once had a crush on years before. The other I’d seen in passing, never formally meeting him. Not that I’d wanted to. As soon as the politics of crime were brought to any discussion, I turned to having a sailor mouth, often embarrassing my father.
He’d been appalled that someone so well educated could use such filthy language. That’s how angry he and his world often made me. However, tonight I was determined to keep a smile on my face. Amber didn’t deserve to have anything ruin her special night.
“Amber. Carmella. I was hoping to find my two daughters together. Do you remember Luis Santorelli?” He directed his question to my sister, but his eyes were locked on mine.
I was immediately uncomfortable. For him to be using the Don’s first name didn’t bode well with me and I wasn’t certain why.
“Don Santorelli,” Amber said, even curtseying in front of him. She’d been trained well in methods of protocol.
“Such a beautiful girl. You’ve grown into a fine-looking young woman. Your father is obviously very proud.”
Dion Marcini was staring at me as he had every time we’d seen each other. He’d let me down easily as a teenager, but that didn’t mean I hadn’t resented him for years. While handsome, his face held the scars of his profession like a badge of honor. I thought them reprehensible.
The other man, Alejandro something, was unmarked as of yet, his olive skin and dark hair a striking background to his eyes. While there were outside lights everywhere, I wasn’t entirely certain if they were blue or green. Either way, they were mesmerizing. I felt a rush of heat that was entirely unexpected.
There was also something about the man that seemed cold, distant, but forever watchful.
“Thank you, Luis. Both her mother and I are very proud of her,” our father beamed. “Seventeen.”
There was something odd about reciting Amber’s age, as if he was telling the world she’d soon be an adult. I instantly bristled and realized I’d even fisted one hand.
“Stop it, Daddy. You’re embarrassing me,” Amber groaned.
“Carmella,” Dion said under his breath. “It’s good to see you.”
“You as well.”
The moment was awkward. Ordinarily an Underboss would never talk to the daughter of a Don without an introduction. The circumstances were friendly. Too polite. That made me nervous.
“I have something for you, Amber. I hope you find this to your liking.” Don Santorelli handed her a silver bag with a big red bow.
I grabbed the flute from her hand, encouraging her with my eyes to open it. As she did, I couldn’t help but grab another look at Alejandro. He was expressionless, merely watching the interaction then scanning the party. Did he really think there’d be an assassination attempt tonight?
Another reason to be appalled.
When Amber opened the gift, there was no squealing as she’d done with mine. Unless my slight gasp was any consolation. The diamond necklace was an incredible piece of art. It was also extremely expensive. To the tune of maybe one hundred thousand dollars.
My God.
For a gesture to be made was one thing. But the necklace was insanely over the top. I glanced at my father, who was beaming from the presentation.
My stomach was ready to revolt.
It was all I could do to keep from grabbing Amber’s hand and taking her home with me. To my younger sister’s credit, she maintained more diplomacy than I’d had at her age.
“Thank you so much, Don Santorelli. It’s exquisite. I hope you won’t take offense, but my sister just gave me this incredible dolphin necklace and I’d prefer to keep it on for now. Is that alright with you?”
She had a way about her that had already made her a heart-throb.
The Don laughed and was also beaming. “Of course it is. I’m glad you like your present. I didn’t mean to intrude on family time, but I wanted to pay my respects to such a joyful event.”
Pay his respects. I shuddered from the thought. I remembered seeing him at my mother’s funeral all those years ago. There’d been other mafia Dons as well, men who couldn’t care less about our loss, but seemed required to attend.
I’d resented my father even more.
“Why don’t you go enjoy your party with your friends?” I asked her to give her an excuse to escape.
“Yes, I should see to my guests. Thank you again.” I took the package from her hands, trying to offer an admiring glance.
“If it would be alright, Matheas, I’d like to take just five minutes of your time. No more.” I had a feeling the meeting had been arranged ahead of time.
I nodded to Amber and she moved off after giving me a look. She was a smart girl. She knew when not to ask questions. Ordinarily, I would grill my father, but I gritted my teeth instead, throwing back most of the champagne.
Time for more.
I turned away, ignoring whatever they were saying. As I headed for the food and beverage tent, I had the distinct impression I was being followed. I didn’t bother looking, waiting until a glass was in my hand before shaking my head.
“Do you always creep around, Dion?”
He laughed and flanked my side. “I wasn’t creeping. I was waiting politely until you obtained your drink.”
“You can go now.”
I moved away from him and I’ll be damned if he didn’t step in front of me. “We can still be friends.”
“That ship sailed a long time ago. You have a life. I have an entirely different kind of life and one I enjoy tremendously.”
“So much your father’s daughter. Bold. Daring. You don’t take any shit from anyone.”
“I’d keep that in mind if I were you.”
He was grinning like we were actively flirting. I didn’t hate the man. I just hated all he stood for. “How about going out for coffee sometime. I’ll come to you, even to your clinic in White Plains.”
Hiding where I lived from these kinds of people was not possible. That didn’t mean I wasn’t irritated as hell. I bit back another nasty retort and smiled once again. “You’ll spill it on yourself and I certainly wouldn’t want that to happen.”
“You’re a doctor. You can fix me right up.”
“Not my specialty.” I managed to sidestep him with a wider arc, avoiding him altogether. I was far too frustrated, heading out of the tent as fast as I could. I knew Dion would follow me.
The moment I tipped my head over my shoulder to see if that was happening, I ran into a hard body. “Oh, shit.”
A hand grabbed my elbow to keep me from falling. When I lifted my head, I was staring into the eyes of Alejandro, only this time I could tell they were the most hypnotic shade of green I’d ever seen. He remained expressionless although he allowed his gaze to wander down my neck to my chest.
A shot of electricity tore through me. How strange considering he wasn’t uttering a word.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going,” I finally said to try to break the spell.
He nodded. “Are you okay?”
“Never better. Thank you.” I pulled away and was determined to make it back to the house where it was safer. I had the feeling both men were continuing to stare at me. How odd.
They were both handsome, but my mind continually drifted to Alejandro. As soon as I walked inside and passed by my father’s office, I noticed he was saying goodbye to Don Santorelli, shaking his hand and it seemed formal yet pleasant.
The Don walked from the room and before I could sneak by, my father caught me.
“Carmella, come in for just a minute.”
I groaned inwardly and headed into this office. “What was that about?”
“Business. But it’s done for the night. I noticed you and Dion getting along.”
“Like oil and water, you mean.”
He laughed as if I was making a joke. “He would be good for you and I know he adores Gabriel.”
The mention of my son’s name and my claws were brought out. “He has a father. An asshole of one, but it’s still my son’s flesh and blood. I’m not trying to get a husband or replace the man in Gabriel’s eyes. We’re doing just fine on our own.” I started to leave and my father’s voice changed.
“There are times that the entire family must be considered in decisions, Carmella. You are well aware of that. There may be a time I need you.”
Need.
For political gain.
I was disgusted and he knew it. Yes, I was my father’s daughter. A fighter. No one was going to force me into doing anything I didn’t want to do.
Period.
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