Captured by the Mob (Bianchi Crime Family Book 2) Read online

  “What’s this, you have a girl and you haven’t introduced us to her. Your zia is quite put out with you.” He wags his finger at me, which means he’s been sent here by the boss herself and she’s displeased.

  “I want to, but our relationship is complicated,” I sigh. The reality of the situation is I’m so out of my depths that I don’t know how to fix it.

  “Have you and her…” I promised him I wouldn’t, but I’m not sure I can resist forever.

  “Not yet.”

  “But you keep her in your home.” He raises that brow again, questioning my actions. Hell, I question it as well, but my mind is made up. Mariana is mine.

  “That’s because she will be my wife soon.”

  “Well, I don’t want to tell you how to live your life, but hiding her away from the family like a dirty secret isn’t good.”

  “I’m not hiding her away. Didn’t Dom tell you that I kidnapped her?”

  “Oh. No, he didn’t. So it’s like that. Good,” he says, nodding with a grin.

  “I thought you’d be angry.”

  “Ah, sometimes it’s the only way they can see it’s where they belong.” He winks and then gives me a hug. “Take care. We want to meet her before you two marry, at least.”

  “How did Domani wait so long?”

  “Because he knew he couldn’t touch her, so he kept his distance. Your queen is in your home—temptation at your fingertips.”

  Domani calls just as I walk my uncle to the door. “I know I said you could have the day off, but I think it’s time to move on Gordon.”

  “Have you gotten the latest report?”

  “Yes. Come over.”

  “On my way.”

  “Ah, zio, it looks like I’m headed over.”

  “And what about your beauty locked away? She doesn’t have dancing dishes to talk to, does she?” It’s not lost on me that I’m a beast.

  “But I do have a great library for her to slide across like Belle.”

  “I told you it was a good idea.” He winks and steps out. I write a note on the door and then leave the house. I should go in and see her, but since I left her sleeping, I don’t want to wake her.

  When I get over to Dom’s house, my zia is waiting to slap my arm. “I’m sorry. I’ll bring her soon.”

  “Yeah, they have a lot more to work out than Domani and I did. Shit, our troubles look like a cakewalk,” Aria says, coming into the room with the baby in her arms.

  “Amore, don’t be mean to the poor guy. He’s madly in love with Mariana,” Domani says, stealing a kiss on her cheek before kissing the baby’s head.

  “Fine. Well, why didn’t you bring her with you?”

  “She was sleeping.”

  “Please tell me you either woke her up to say you’d be out, or at least left a note or something for her,” Aria asks while rolling her eyes.

  “Yeah, I left a note on the front door,” I explain, showing her I’m not a complete ass.

  “Wow, you are an idiot. On the front door? I can’t. Luigi, I need you to drive me over to Nero’s,” she calls out, shaking her head at me, but I’m not sure what I did wrong.

  “I’m coming with you,” my zia says. She turns to me when she realizes I have no clue how I fucked it up this time. “You left the note on the front door like you expect her to run away.” Damn it. She has a point. If I’d left it in on her bedroom door that would have been smarter.

  “Do you want me to take Luca with me?” Aria asks Dom.

  “No, my queen.” He loves having his boy with us. Twenty minutes later the women leave the house, and Dom and I head into this office to work on a game plan.

  My heart thumps in my chest as we wait for the response from Paul Gordon. He's agreed to meet us at Domani's home, believing his men will protect him, but his men are pussies and will fall if they challenge us.

  Inviting him here on the pretense of business was a mastery of skill, but the talk of massive profits drives motivation for most. He's a typical scumbag that needs to meet his maker, but I have to bide my time. We need more than his life at our feet. I want to find the players and crush them. When I think about my Mariana being a potential victim of his, my blood goes cold.

  He preys on innocent women, making my stomach turn with the violent urge to rip his heart straight out of his chest.

  “Calm down. We need him to come here on the pretense of business. If he sees you looking like a damn raving lunatic, it won’t work out well.”

  “Sorry. The thought of him being even remotely close to Mariana pisses me off. I’m glad she’s at the house instead of here.”

  “Don’t worry. If everything goes according to plan, he’ll never be a danger to her again,” Dom says. Damn right. One way or another I’m getting my hands on Gordon and he’ll be dead. Nico got that information to me right on damn time. I owe him and Bingo a lot because I wouldn’t have gotten to Mariana in time.

  “Do you think he’s arrogant enough to come down here?” I ask, knowing I’ll go looking for him either way, but the prick is bold as hell.

  “Yes. Men like Gordon think they’re untouchable. Plus, he’s under the assumption that we’re a small-time operation. It’s good that I’ve kept an extremely low profile.” We run so much, but it’s all under wraps to keep the Feds and other officials off our backs.

  “Well, we gave him the impression that the Bianchi family is crumbling under the weight of the new law enforcement in the area.”

  “Yes. He doesn’t grasp the danger he’s in.”

  “Nope.”

  A call comes to Domani’s home number, which is a secure line. “Bianchi.”

  “This is Paul Gordon. My friend asked that we meet. I don’t have much time today, but I will be near the Northside in an hour.”

  “That will do for us. I’m at home dealing with some personal matters, so I’ll be here.”

  “Yeah, I heard you were married, but I have girls if you’re looking for something sweet on the side.”

  “Maybe. Married life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” A look of pure rage crosses his face as he tells that whopper. My cousin adores his wife. Fuck, Domani might kill him for even suggesting that.

  “I’ve got the perfect lineup,” Gordon says with a chuckle.

  “We can talk when you get here. I worry about anyone listening in.”

  “Understood. Say no more.”

  Domani ends the call. “That was disgusting.”

  “Yeah, he’s a natural-born pig. The thought of someone other than my Aria is revolting. Still, I have to play the game until I have him in my clutches.”

  “Then I get to play.”

  “That you do. Now, let us discuss other matters. I’ve got the distillery numbers to speak to you about.” While we wait for the sick fuck, we handle our business; however, destroying Gordon plays in my head the entire time.

  Chapter Eight

  Mariana

  The man is an idiot. I wake up to hear him talking to a man. I keep out of sight and listen as best as I can. The man cheers him on for abducting me. I shake my head, but I suppose it’s natural in the criminal world. When he leaves, he looks up at the stairs several times, appearing to be confused. Finally he writes a note and attaches it to the front door.

  As soon as he’s gone, I snatch it off the door.

  I have to go to Domani’s and didn’t want to wake you. Please don’t leave. — Nero

  I don’t know whether to laugh or swoon. The man is trying. Instead of thinking of leaving, I head into the kitchen. If he has a sweet tooth, I think I’ll bake a cake or some dessert. I head into the massive pantry and look for some ingredients. This guy does have a sweet tooth. I dig through the pantry, and there are so many packaged treats: everything Hostess makes along with Reese’s, and all kinds of chocolate. He needs something homemade for dessert. I pull out the ingredients to make him a pie.

  The doorbell rings, and I head out of the kitchen to see who is here. Maybe I shouldn’t answer.
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  Then the door opens to Aria and another woman who’s a bit older. “Ah, there you are. I wouldn’t have come in, but we weren’t sure you’d know to open the door. The house is secure, so you don’t have to worry about strangers. So this is my mother-in-law, Signora Bianchi.”

  “Hello,” I say, blushing.

  “She’s gorgeous.”

  “Right? No wonder Nero’s acting like an idiot.”

  “Please don’t be mad at him for not telling you he was leaving.”

  “I got his note. Although, we’re not that close, so it’s not like he has to tell me where he’s going.”

  “I told you she doesn’t get how lost Nero is.”

  “She’s adorable.”

  “Um… thanks. I was in the kitchen about to make a dessert for after dinner. Do you know what he’d prefer?”

  “Well, it depends on what you have. He prefers fresh apple pie. I know my baby boy.” Nero did say she was more like a mother to him than his own. I smile as she leads us into the kitchen. “So you’re making him a dessert. I can’t wait for the wedding.”

  “I’m sorry, Signora Bianchi, because he’s not going to give you time for a big wedding.”

  “I don’t have any family or friends to invite anyway.”

  “Ay dio, I just need a week. You kids. I’m calling your mother and we’re going to get to work.”

  “Oh goodness. You’re going to have a huge wedding.”

  “You know, Nero hasn’t asked me and we hardly know each other.”

  “It’s so cute how she doesn’t think it’s going to happen. You can stay with us if you want to avoid temptation. Nero won’t bed you until you’re his wife.”

  “What?”

  “That’s the vow the men in the family took. No putanas and no bedding your bride-to-be before the wedding.” Aria goes on to tell me how their wedding was a last-minute change, but I’m still trying to put it together that they’re telling me Nero’s a virgin.

  “Wait… are you telling me that Nero has saved himself for marriage?” I shake my head, not believing it.

  “Yes. He has more reasons for it. His mother was a putana and she used his father and tried to make him betray his family. He only wants his wife to be in his bed.”

  “Oh.” That explains the fact that he put me back into the guest room.

  “I see the wheels turning in her head.”

  “I need to make the pie, and I don’t know about the wedding. I’m not counting my chickens before they’re hatched.”

  “Just so you know, I can be a bridesmaid.”

  “If that’s the case, you can.”

  “Yay,” she squeals, jumping up and hugging me.

  We make the pie together for the next couple of hours, and it’s a total blast. These women are amazing, and I’m grateful that they want me to be included.

  We’re just pulling the last pie out of the oven when Dom calls, saying he needs her to come home and to take care of Luca.

  With a shrug of her shoulders, she says, “Okay. Come on, ladies, let’s take pie to the men instead. We’ll leave the second one for you two, but this will make their day. I’m sure whatever it is, the men are going to do something important.”

  “Are you sure I should go?”

  “Why not? If he has a problem with it, tell him to fuck off.”

  “We’re gonna be good friends.”

  “That we are.” We leave the house, and Aria locks the door and then hands me the keys. I’m surprised, but I tuck them in my pocket and hop in the back seat. “Luigi, this is Mariana, Nero’s future bride.”

  “Not yet,” I say, reminding them it’s not official in any way, shape, or form.

  “Yes, I know who she is.” He smiles at me, and I wonder if I’m the last person to learn of our impending marriage. As soon as we pull through a large steel gate, I spot a vehicle I recognize instantly. I hope it’s not the case. “Um… who’s car is that?” The license plates with “P. King” on them give it away, and I have my answer.

  “The men have a guest. It’s nothing that should concern you.”

  “Actually, it does. I can’t go in there. Please, can you drop them off and take me back to the house,” I confess, voice shaking as I duck my head down.

  “Of course. Of course,” Aria says, rubbing my arm to comfort me. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing. It’s just that he’s a sleazebag,” I tell her. It’s all I really can say because of his threat to me, which was enough to send me running for my life.

  “And Nero knows it, Miss Conlon,” Luigi adds.

  “Does he, though?” I challenge.

  “Stay in the car and down. Ladies, I’ll escort you in and take Miss Conlon back.”

  “Thank you,” I whisper. They exit the vehicle, and then Luigi returns a minute later.

  “Okay. Let’s get you back to the house.”

  “Thank you. Please don’t tell Nero I left the house.”

  “If you wish it.”

  “Are you just saying that?”

  “No. It’s not my business, and as my wife would say—a happy wife, a happy life.”

  “A smart man in the bunch.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.” He drops me off and thankfully, Aria gave me the keys so I go back into the house and walk into the living room, taking a seat on the sofa. I need a break from all the drama that has encompassed my life the past few days. Since I met Nero, my world has been non-stop confusion mixed with nothing but riotous emotions. Despite knowing that my boss was in their home, I trust that it wasn’t for a pleasant visit, and only added to the truth to Aria’s words. Nero is willing to slay my dragons because he wants me to be his. Other than his actual profession, the man screams too good to be true.

  I wait for him to come back, but as the time grows later, the doorbell rings. I look out, and it’s Luigi. I open the door. “What’s going on?”

  “I’ve been summoned to inform you that Nero will be later than expected. He’ll be giving you a new phone tomorrow, but for now he doesn’t want you to worry. I’ve also brought you a dish from Giuseppe.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Do you want to come in?” I offer, attempting to come off okay, but I’m really not. I wanted to see Nero.

  “No. I have to go home before my wife reams me a new one.” He smiles and turns to leave.

  “Did he say roughly what time he’d be back?” I call out, hoping that he has some sort of answer to give me.

  Shaking his head, he frowns slightly before adding, “No, but it will be sometime in the wee hours of the morning.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’m sorry, but like I said, it’s nothing to worry about.”

  “Thank you. Have a good night.” He leaves the house, and I set the plated container on the table by the door. Looking out the window, I watch as Luigi pulls out of the gated drive and heads in the opposite direction of Aria’s home. Well, what am I going to do with myself? I guess it’s time to see what they brought me.

  Taking it into the kitchen, I open the still-warm dish. It’s a lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread. This family definitely knows how to eat. I pour myself a glass of wine and take a seat at the island to eat.

  Once I finish, I clean the plate so I can return it tomorrow. Then, I decide to explore the house. It’s a large home, but not as large as Dom and Aria’s. Still, there are lots of doors. I didn’t bother earlier because I thought Nero would be home sooner.

  I find myself in the library, checking out the large stack of books that fill each and every wall from floor to ceiling. I never pictured Nero as a reader, but I guess I was mistaken. Maybe he’s a collector. I stroll across until I get to a large sliding wooden ladder. Immediately, I climb on it and pull a Belle move, sliding along the bookcase. I nearly fall when it stops. No one tells you it’s much harder than it looks. Climbing off before I break my neck, I begin to look for a book.

  “Well, this isn’t an easy task either.” Finally, I settle on a crime no
vel and lie in the amazing settee to read.

  Chapter Nine

  Nero

  “We’re so glad to have you here,” Domani says, stepping to the side and taking his seat behind his desk. “Please. Have a seat. Would you like a drink?”

  “No, thank you. I got a call that your people wanted to meet with me to work on a deal.” Good. I’m sure Dom’s gritting his teeth, trying to remain civil. I’m itching to rip his head off.

  “Yes. We have a beef with the Martinelli family, and well, we want to move in on their territory. They’re appearing weak because they don’t know you have dealings in their area.”

  “Well, they are slipping, but when empires get too big, they lose track of their money and they start to crumble.” I growl, moving from my perch against the wall behind him.

  “Yeah. We had a little problem like that recently.”

  “You didn’t need to bring your goon in here.”

  “Nero’s not my goon, as you put it. He’s my second-in-command, so you will do well to mind your manners.”

  “Sorry. I just get jumpy when I’m outnumbered.”

  “I can sympathize with that.” I toss my cousin a glare that the fuckhead doesn’t notice.

  “So, let’s get down to business. We’re looking to expand and clean house.”

  “What does this have to do with me?”

  “Nothing, but we wanted to let you know because we wanted to make a deal.” All I want is to end his life, but I plan to take some time, making him squirm before I end him.

  “What deal?”

  “We’ll get the feds off your scent, but we want fifty percent of your business.”

  “Are you fucking nuts? The feds aren’t onto me at all.”

  “That’s right, you think because you have a couple police officers on the take that you’re safe. We know otherwise. See, when our guy fucked up and started skimming from his deliveries, we checked into his personal dealings. Your name came up.”

  “I don’t have anything to do with Eddie Walsh.”

  “We didn’t mention his fucking name, so how the fuck did you know who we were talking about?”

  “Um… see, that’s because he’s the only one who constantly owes me money.”