Omerta Book Two Read online

  “I dreamed this so differently.” Adara rested her head and hand on his chest. She closed her eyes. “I thought you could never forgive me. I just... I thought I’d have to work harder to convince you to love me.”

  He relaxed with her under his arm and closed his eyes.

  “I’ve kept dinner warm. Started it late because I knew you were coming. I just knew it. I’m going to fix us something to eat and—.”

  “Let me do it.”

  “Really?”

  “I’ve spoken to Gio. I went back to the streets and finished some business for the boss. That’s where I’ve been. Now I have some time off for the next few days. I’m going to take care of you.”

  “Really?”

  Carlo let her go and left her on the sofa to stretch out. In the kitchen half the work was done. He loved a woman that could cook. He finished off dinner and served it to her by the television. She did most of the eating and smiling at the show on TV. He kept stealing glances of her. Everything he felt in that moment if bottled would have a single name. Hope.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The Good Husband/The Spoiled Wife

  Palermo, Sicily

  THE WARMTH OF THE SHOWER almost trapped her. The baby preferred it. She could feel the tension in her body evaporate with the steam. However, nothing replaced rest and she needed more of it. Fatigue plagued her daily. She didn’t trust herself to make it back to her bed without a fainting spell. When she stepped out of the shower to a ringing phone she was careful. She grabbed a towel and covered herself but measured her steps with caution. The other day her clumsiness caused her to slip and nearly fall. It scared her. It added to her stress.

  The phone in her room wasn’t one that rang often. There were only one of two callers and she feared bad news from either.

  “Pronto?” she answered.

  “Stai bene? Are you okay?”

  “Lo? Yeah, of course, I’m fine,” she took down a big gulp of a breath. “Just moved a little too fast. I’m fine. What about you?”

  “We’ve landed in Spain. I’m using a phone in the terminal.”

  “Why?”

  “Needed to make a stop. The plane is being refueled. We are headed to the island next.”

  “Oh? Where is Marietta?”

  “Sedated. I have her resting.”

  “I told you about giving her that stuff.”

  “She needs it now Catalina. I’ll ween her off of the drugs when we get to the island.”

  “It’s messing with her head.”

  “No. Gio is messing with her head by taking our daughter.”

  “Okay fine, when she feels better you have her call me. Promise.”

  “Catalina—?”

  “I was so worried about—”

  “Catalina? Stop listen—”

  “—you. I can’t take all this stress.”

  “Catalina!”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m calling because I might not be able to when I get to Greece. I need more money. I need to be able to hire more men. To be able to protect us before I can resolve this thing with Gio.”

  “I know that. I’m trying.”

  “You have to try harder. I’ve got the Armenians on my ass now. Greece and Spain aren’t safe, but I can’t get any further than that with my men and the money you gave me. I met with my contacts in Spain and they told me that there is... a price on my head. I’ll probably end up in South America but that will take more money. Listen I don’t trust these men without incentive. I need it!”

  “I’m getting dressed to go meet the lawyers. It’s hard. First you blocked me from Armando’s money and now Domi’s coming. The attorneys are acting jumpy. They’re more afraid of Gio than concerned about protecting me, lately. I’ll know more soon.”

  “If Gio finds this out, that you’ve helped me, I have to ask—”

  “I won’t say a word. I swear.”

  “Don’t fight him, Catalina. Give him what he wants. Just let me know if you do. I’ve fucked up your life enough.”

  “He wants you not me,” she assured him.

  “I know, but he also wants control. If Gio thinks I’m on the run and you helped me, we’re both in deep shit.”

  “You are on the run. I did help you!”

  Lorenzo chuckled.

  “I’m serious!”

  “The best way to handle Gio is to give him control and play naive. Get me the money and I’ll disappear.”

  “How?”

  “I’ll head to Australia.”

  “Australia? You said South America—?”

  “Josef told me about a beach town in Australia. It’s off the grid. It’s near the sea and it is safe. It’s no where’s land. I just need enough money to secure me and to pay these men off before I disappear. I’m putting my life in your hands.”

  “What about your daughter? What about Lorenza?”

  Lorenzo fell silent.

  “You can’t leave the baby, Lo.”

  “Mirabella will take care of her.”

  “Marietta won’t survive this plan. Not mentally. You can’t just run away without your child. Are you insane? You must face Gio and end this. Be brave.”

  “Brave! Brave? Andare all'inferno. You mean kill myself? Because that’s the trade. My life for theirs.”

  “Giving Marietta her baby and safety should be your only priority.”

  “I’m not dying for this. I need her, I love her. And my child... I’ll get her back. Eventually. Right now, I want Marietta to heal from all of this. So help me and stop crushing my fucking balls.”

  Catalina bit down on her bottom lip to hold her tongue. Going back under her brother and Dominic’s thumb made her stomach queasy. It would be the only way to really help him. Lorenzo always wanted sacrifices but never gave any of his own.

  “How do I reach you?” she asked.

  “I have this satellite phone with the men. I will call you tomorrow this time. But you can reach me on it anytime.”

  Catalina got a pen and paper. Lorenzo gave her the number to call and she scribbled it down.

  “Be careful.”

  He hung up. Catalina sat on the bed and fought down the urge to cry. There was no way out of this for any of them. Giovanni was the only way.

  “YOU LOOK PRETTY, BELLA.”

  Startled, she turned. She was greeted by the most appreciative smile she’d seen from her husband in recent days. His hands were in his trouser pockets, which parted his blazer.

  “Do you like it? The changes I made?”

  He nodded as his gaze swept her figure again.

  “Not me, silly. The office. Do you like it?” She turned his face with both hands, so he could see the improvements. Under her instruction his gaze swept the furniture and then returned to her. He winked.

  “You do like it,” she grinned.

  “It feels like home again.”

  “Since you’ve been spending more time here lately I figured I would finish it for you. I guess this means you won’t be conducting business inside anymore.”

  “Will you miss me?”

  “The kids will,” she teased.

  “Very funny,” he said and ran his hand down her hip.

  “I have a lunch planned today. A few of my designers are arriving, since we are going to Milan next year I need to review a few proposals. It’ll be my rebirth. A major surprise for the fashion snobs.”

  “Why not this year?”

  “Giving birth requires reprioritization. I must rebuild again. Plus, I’m not sure what direction I want to take the company in. Kyra and Jamie have some new ideas for me.”

  “It’s your vision not theirs. You are what makes Mirabella’s special.” He took her hand and pulled her closer. “I haven’t forgotten how sexy my designing Bella can be before she launches a new season.”

  “You appreciate my talent?”

  “Mmm,” he said and kissed her hand. “It’s your talent that made me fall in love with you.”

  “Is that so? W
as it my talent that made you creep into my bed the first night we made love? Or was it your arrogance over my rejection?”

  “Creep? Rejection? You never rejected me.”

  She nodded and grinned. “Yes, I did.”

  “I’m no creep,” he frowned.

  She laughed. “It’s a figure of speech. Song? TLC? Ever heard it?”

  Giovanni shook his head no.

  “Baby,” she stroked his jaw. “I have to catch you up on American music.”

  His hand slipped around to squeeze her left cheek. Mirabella put her arms around his neck and pressed her belly against him. He held her ass with both hands.

  “What is this new direction for the business?” he asked.

  “It’s not Mirabella’s anymore. Mirabella’s was what I created with Fabiana. It was exclusive to me and my life then. My life has changed.”

  “I don’t need you to change.”

  “But we have changed. I’m not that woman anymore. Even the press speculates that my stores closing and random disappearances from fashion is because I’m different. My last press release said I was taking time out to focus on family. When I return it should be all about family.”

  “Sounds like you’ve made a decision.”

  She nodded. “This company will legitimize our children. Will be their legacy. We’ll expand it beyond fashion, to jewelry to commodities, to everything. It will be our new empire after everything is done. And we won’t call it Mirabella’s. We will call it Battaglia.”

  Giovanni eyes stretched.

  She brushed her lips across his. “If that’s okay with you.”

  He didn’t answer. She could see him working out the possibilities. She seized on his willingness to learn from her. “I plan to show the world the power of family. I’m inspired to use everything you taught me, about love and loyalty. About faith and forgiveness. I want you to be inspired too. To build your organization, a new one. A better one.”

  His mouth drew closer until his warm lips sealed a kiss between them. Though she felt his desire in the kiss, she wanted more. She wanted him to hear her. With a gentle push at his chest she stopped the kiss before it was too late.

  “I need you to focus sweetheart.”

  “Oh, I am focused,” he said and kissed her neck.

  She again pushed back on his passion. “I’m missing one hook. One thing that will turn heads and push us into the future. A real statement.”

  “It’s simple. Use me.”

  “Huh?”

  “Don’t I inspire you?”

  Mirabella chuckled. “I design women’s clothes. I can’t see you in a dress.”

  “Who says you have to design women’s clothes? You can design anything you want.” His lips brushed her throat. She did love the feel of him. The look of him when she dressed him. She’d never really given her men’s line much attention. In his arms she began to consider the possibilities. Dressing men like her husband did send a tingle of inspiration through her psyche. Mirabella ran her hands down his back and considered the possibilities.

  “I like it. It’s perfect. It’s exactly how we begin,” she said.

  “Maybe we should go back to where it all began. Really find the inspiration?”

  “Oh?”

  “Bellagio,” he said.

  “Where did that idea come from?”

  “Bellagio is where I decided.”

  “To what?”

  “To make you mine of course.”

  Mirabella smiled. “Ah, so you think rewinding time is the key?”

  “I think it helps.”

  “Possibly.”

  “You and the kids should go there. It’s closer to Milan and it’ll be a positive change. For us.” He kissed her brow.

  “I have Lorenza, she’s too young.”

  “It’ll be good for the baby,” Giovanni reasoned. “Fresh air, and relaxation for her favorite aunt.”

  “I’m eight months pregnant. I could have the baby early. What then?”

  “There’s the perfect hospital there. It faces the lake, and the flowers are plenty in the gardens. A beautiful place for my little one to come into the world. Very peaceful. It would be restful for you. Plus, they have the best doctors.”

  Mirabella stepped back to give herself a little space. His words and touch were working in tandem with her own desires to find peace with him again. He often pulled her under his spell when he seduced her to do his bidding. “I heard from the staff that you’re returning to Sicily. That you plan to stay in Palermo. Palermo? Is this true?”

  Giovanni groaned and turned to step away and she grabbed his arm. “That’s why you want to send me to Bellagio?”

  “You know what comes next.”

  “But Palermo? You’ve claimed Palermo, have you?”

  “Why is that so surprising?”

  “Gio? You can’t take it all. Tacchini once told me—”

  Mirabella paused. Giovanni gaze impaled her. She stammered through her backtrack. “La Camorra, the clans, it’s your cover. The more you take the more exposure risk.”

  “You learned that from Tacchini?” Giovanni asked.

  She lowered her gaze. “I learned it from you. Watching you.”

  “Then learn this. I’m the capu di tutti capi, and I deserve it all. I deserve a wife that wants me to have it all.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  He turned her chin back, so she couldn’t look away. Her gaze lifted to his.

  “Donna Nera?”

  She gave him a slow nod. “I’m your Donna Nera.”

  He smirked.

  “Your father must be really smiling down in hell right now.”

  Giovanni’s smirk slipped into a sly smile.

  “I guess we should celebrate. You did it, Gio. Bravo. La cosa nostra let you in,” she said. “Now it will be even harder for you to walk away.”

  “We could have never walked away,” Giovanni said. “You are the only heir to the Mancini’s treasure. The only one left that matters. The Dons of Sicily understand this now. This is the logical move.”

  “This is revenge,” she corrected him.

  “La Camorristi is stronger than it was before. The clans run the Amalfi all the way through Puglia. The Russians take all the risks in Roma and Naples. The Mafia is mine. We’re back.” He swept her up in his arms and spun her around. She had to be an extra thirty pounds but he didn’t seem to notice.

  “Put me down!” she laughed.

  He set her on her feet.

  “Okay. Fine. We’re back. Now what about my plan?”

  “Designing men clothes?”

  “Not just clothes. A dynasty that brings you millions, maybe one day even billions. And it’s all legal, nothing to do with the mafia. A real dynasty that we can rule over in the public. A way for you and me to start over and protect our children from this life.”

  “We have started over. And I will protect our children.” He pulled away. She stopped him.

  “Gio? Think about the future we’ve always wanted. The one you promised me on our wedding night. The one you promised Eve when you found us in Switzerland.”

  “I have. It’s all I’ve done. And I just told you how we will make the future Bella.” He cupped her face.

  “No more talk about business. It makes my dick soft. You’re my wife. I need my wife.”

  “Okay Gio,” she hugged him and rubbed his back. He kissed her hair, and then her forehead.

  “Bellagio?” he asked. “Will you go?”

  She shook her head no and peeked up at him.

  “Bella—” he groaned.

  “If we really have won. It’s my choice too. I should have the baby in Sicily.”

  “Sicily?”

  “It’s where you were born. It’s where the boys were born. It’s where the family is. If you’re going to Sicily to be the King, then me and the kids will come with you. I am your queen.”

  Giovanni chuckled. “That’s not how this works. We had an agreement. I’ve kept my p
romises, haven’t I?”

  “Yes, but I just think—”

  “I’ve heard your proposals, and your counter-proposals, and your thoughts and concerns. I’ve heard it all. You knew this would end my way.”

  “Eventually, I did know, I just think you need to consider one more thing—”

  “We’re not going to have this conversation.”

  “Lorenza and Marietta have a different ending.”

  “Bella, I’ve decided.”

  “Not good enough!”

  “It’s decided!” he shouted at her.

  “You promised me.”

  Giovanni frowned. She stood her ground. “Death is not the only way to justice Gio. There are many ways to get justice. Choose one that keeps your soul and saves an innocent child from knowing the pain we both have. The pain of losing a parent, or both parents.”

  His gaze softened. After a long pause he gave her a sympathetic nod. He kissed her on the lips and she closed her eyes for him and seem to calm down. “Yes. I made a promise to you when I found you in Switzerland. I made promises after the china man took you and I rescued you. I made promises when I woke to find another man standing in my shoes, loving you, when you have always and will always be mine. And you agreed to believe in me. I promised you a future.” He ran his nose down from her cheek to her neck. “I never forget my promises. Because I can never forget how your love saved me. No one fought for me like you have.” He ran his hands down her back and squeezed her backside. “No one has ever loved me the way you do Bella.”

  “Then we have a new deal. I want to have our baby in Sicily. Like I did with our sons, and you will take my plan, whatever part of it works best, and you will find a way. Right Gio?”

  “You want to be in Sicily because you can’t get enough of me,” he teased.

  “Yes. But my plan—”

  “Tell me why?”

  “What?”

  “You want to be close to me to stay in my ear, to hold my hand and keep me from what you and I know must happen.”