Page 66

sixty-six

Phone Calls & Switches

Dario

Laying in bed, I wait for Jade to come home with Spade. Between him and Jameson, they beat me to it. I’m always last to the party, but tonight I’m excited to see if she signed our marriage certificate with our name changes, along with Jaxon’s new birth certificate. I tried to go to sleep, but all I did was toss and turn. So I decided to check my emails even though I spent the day at the Mill.

Tomorrow is Fight Night and I want Jade to come with me. I didn’t tell the guy’s but, I set up a fight for myself. They will all bitch, moan and groan, including her, but I won’t open my mouth until the last minute, then she can kick my ass after I win. Jameson will be busy with house details and I told Ryder to keep Spade occupied while we go to The Mill.

Plus the renovations are finally complete and the furniture she picked out months ago has arrived. So I want to show her our finished office. I told the guys we need to come up with a game plan on how to juggle running all the businesses and taking care of the kids. I personally don’t believe in nannies or babysitters. Being in the life we live, we trust no one to come into our personal spaces to take care of the kids. It’s a huge no for me. There’s too many threats and it’s only going to get worse.

Scanning through my unread email, one catches my eye. Opening it I read.

What in the actual fuck? Taking out my phone I scroll down to my sister's name and press call.

“Hello?” She sobs.

“Giovanna, it's Dario. What’s wrong? Where is Sergio?” I ask and she cries harder.

“D, I n-need help. Me and Antonio need o-out. I did s-something b-bad.” She stammers.

“Okay, where are you?” I ask softly, losing my patience hearing my sister so helpless.

“Home, please come get us.” She begs.

“Ok, I’m on my way. Sit tight and don’t answer the door for anyone. What is your gate code. No one has it right? Other than Father and Sergio?” I ask.

“It’s #6969. No, no one other than them has it.” She says.

“Okay. I’ll be there in twenty.” I say.

“Okay. Thank you.” She says.

“Thank me later, Giovanna.” I say, hanging up and getting out of bed. Fuck. I need to let Spade know what’s going on. I thought they would be home by now.

Walking to the closet, I put on black ripped jeans, a white tee and a black hoodie over it. I slide on my Tims and head for the vault.

Slipping out of the room, I see Jameson tip-toeing out of Jaxon’s room. His eyes meet mine and I nod him over to the vault. I walk down the hallway, enter the code, and open the door as he follows in shutting it quietly behind us.

“What’s going on?” He asks, concern laced in his tone

“The cops found The Aces. The feds raided the mansion and I’m assuming Spades too. All illegal assets have been seized and frozen and Giovanna emailed me all this begging for help. I called her and she’s alone, scared and did something bad.” I say, opening the cabinet to the pistols grabbing a few and some clips. Strapping a thigh and shoulder holster to my body.

“Well fuck, shit is hitting the fan ain’t it?” He says and I nod.

“Wanna roll with me and get my sister and nephew?” I ask and he nods.

“Grab me some shit and I’ll meet you downstairs.” He says leaving the room. I pull out a small duffel and fill it with knives, more guns and ammo and tear gas. Zipping it up, I walk out locking the door and climb down the stairs two at a time. Just as I hit the bottom one, Spade and Jade come into view. They both look at me and Jade comes running over

“What happened? Where are you fucking going?” She asks in a panic.

I tell them the same thing I told Jameson, who finally graces us with his presence. I chuck the bag at him and he checks the contents, pulling knives out and sliding them into his sheaths along with two guns.

“I’m coming with.” Jade declares and we all laugh.

“Take that sexy ass upstairs. If you can make a room up for my sister and nephew, that would be helpful.” I say and she narrows her eyes at me.

“Fine, I can do that.” She says, walking up to me cupping my cheek.

“Bring them home, Husband.” She says with a smirk and I smile, grabbing her hand and placing a kiss on her ring.

“Yes my little Wife. We won’t be too long.” I say reassuringly.

“Stay safe, all of you, and come home.” She orders kissing each of us as Spade comes out of the closet riddled with weapons to his chest.

“I’m ready.” He laughs. “Don’t wake Ry please, he’d be pissed if he knew I was going without him.”

“Too late, dickhead! Let’s roll.” Ryder says, giving Spade the finger. I just shake my head and head out the front door.

“Let's take the Ram. It’s the only vehicle that’s not on anyone’s radar right now” Jameson suggests and we all head over and pile in.

It doesn’t take us long to get to her development. I give Jameson the code to key in and the gates open smoothly, closing fast behind us. Her house is located on the far end of the cul-de-sac.

“I’m not sure what we’re walking in on, but she called sobbing that she needed out, and that she did something bad. I asked her where Sergio was and she wouldn’t tell me.” I tell them and Spade curses under his breath.

“Sergio helped get everything out of The Academy. I thought he was on our side. Do you think he flipped and hurt her?” He asks, but I shake my head.

“I have no idea, as far as I know, he didn’t want to deal with The Aces and was a hard working husband and good father. I know just as much as you do.” I say and he nods as we pull into the driveway. We pile out checking our surroundings as we get to the front door. I turn the knob and push the door open.

“Gi,” I yell out as I walk through the foyer with the guys on my tail. The living room light turns on and Giovanna is sitting in a chair, hands shaking and bloodied, smoking a joint.

“Gi, what happened?” I ask as I step further into the living room taking in the scene. The tv is smashed, vases broken on the marble floor, couch flipped over and glass everywhere.

“Where’s Sergio?” Spade asks and she points behind us. I walk over to her as the others go look in the dining room. I take the joint from her mouth and stomp it out on the floor. Cupping her cheeks I see her one eye has a popped blood vessel. The other is black and blue, her lips are split and she has hand marks over her throat.

“Did he hurt you?” I ask and she nods.

“For years, me and Antonio.” She admits and I growl. She stands lifting her shirt, showing me all the bruises and burn marks that riddle her torso, she turns and I see slashes, both fresh and old, mar her entire back.

“Is he still alive?” I spit through gritted teeth, and she nods.

“Go pack a few bags. Take all the money and jewelry from this house, including his guns, and anything valuable in the safe. Leave it all at the bottom of the stairs. Get my nephew and take your car to my house. My wife, Jade, will be there waiting. She will get you and Antonio comfortable. You’ll like her.” I order, giving her a half smile.

“W-what are you going to do to him?” She stammers, and I smile.

“Something I should’ve done long ago. Now go do as you're told. I won’t start until you leave the driveway.” I say. Taking out my phone, I send her the address.

“I sent you the address. It’s twelve minutes away. Now go.” I command and she jumps, walking fast to the stairs. I watch as she goes up, and once she’s out of sight, I remove my hoodie and place it on the banister along with my holsters. He wants to beat on my sister?I’ll show him a fucking beating.

Spade walks towards me with a raised brow.

“How does he look?” I ask and he shakes his head.

“He’s breathing. It looks like she hit him over the head with something, but not hard enough to kill him. She stabbed him, but it looks like a flesh wound, nothing he can’t recover from. Looks like a case of her beating his ass.” He laughs, but I’m not laughing with him. He clears his throat watching my every movement.

“What did she say?” He asks and I smile.

“She didn’t have to say anything to tell me what happened.” I spit and he raises a brow.

“Okayyy, wanna fill me the fuck in or shall I continue to play your game of Clue?” He asks and I smirk.

“I told her to pack some bags and ransack his safe. She should be bringing the bags down for us to put in her car. Go find the keys to her black Lincoln, it's the two door. Open the garage, make sure she can get out and that he’s not blocking her in.She will head over to our house with Antonio.” I say as I unbuckle my thigh holster, taking one of my knives out, twirling it in my hand.

“Did you text Jade, letting her know?” He asks and I shake my head.

“Not yet, can you get me the duffle real quick?” I ask and he nods heading out the front door as I take my fresh white tee off and lay it with my hoodie.

Reaching into my back pocket, I grab my phone and scroll to Jade’s name, opening up the text thread.

Me: My sister will be arriving shortly with Antonio. He’s four. Giovanna is pretty banged up. Don’t be alarmed when the security system goes off. She will be driving an all blacked out Lincoln Coupe. We will be home a bit after she arrives.

Almost immediately.

Jade: Ok, got it. Did he hurt her?

Me: Yes and has been for years. It’s bad.

Jade: What’s the game plan? Do we need a clean-up crew on standby?

Me: Na, Kitten. Daddy’s here to give him a proper beating, then feed him to the wolves.

Jade: Why does that have to sound so fucking hot. Jesus. Hurry home so I can take care of Daddy’s needs.

I smirk at the thought of her on her knees taking my cock as I run my bloody hands through her curls.

Me: Yes ma’am. If you get too tired waiting for us, go to bed. I’ll wake you when I get home. I love you, Wife.

Jade: You know damn well I’ll be awake. I love you too, Husband.

Sliding my phone in my back pocket, Spade comes in with the duffel as Giovanna comes down the stairs with a few bags.

“Is that everything?” I ask and she nods.

“Are you sure? Nothing of moms is here? Because the moment you step out of that door is the last time you will ever see this place.” I say sternly and she nods again.

“I packed everything that means something to me. Along with money and jewels to start over.” She says and I nod.

“Okay, Spade will take the bags to your car. It’s already running and waiting. Jade is also expecting you. Before you grab my nephew, can you bring down four leather belts of his please?” I tell her and she nods going back up the stairs. Jameson walks out of the dining room and over to me.

“You got a plan?” He asks and I nod.

“Yup, and I’ll need everyone’s help once Gi and Antonio are out of the driveway.” I growl. Giovanna walks down a few steps as Jameson meets her halfway, handing him the belts, then walks back up to get Antonio.

Taking the belts from Jameson’s hand, he raises a brow.

“What’d he do to her? I know that look in your eye, brother.” He says and I smile.

“He did fucking enough and now, I’m going to beat him like he did to her and once I’m satisfied, if he’s still breathing, you can have some fun with him. But we aren’t leaving this house until he’s dead.” I spit with venom lacing my tone.

“Oh yeah? Then lets fucking play.” Jameson says, rubbing his hands together.

“Keep him in there until she leaves.” I order and he nods, walking back in the dining room. Spade walks in the door as she walks down the stairs carrying a sleeping little boy. She nods passing me and Spade right out the front door. I give her a few moments before headlights shine through the front windows and all I see is taillights.

Taking out my phone, I let Jade know she’s on the way and place my phone on the banister with the rest of my shit. Walking into the dining room, I see Ryder holding down a very conscious and very angry Sergio. It’s time to play.

Cracking my knuckles, I step further into the room and his eyes lock onto mine and widen at the sight of me.

“Let him stand.” I order, and Ryder takes his foot off his chest. Sergio slaps Ryder’s leg away as he stands, chest puffed out like he’s some kind of big man. I step closer to him as his breathing hitches ever so slightly, showing his fear. Good.

“What are you all doing in my home?” He asks, but I shake my head.

“You lost the right to speak, let alone ask questions, the moment you raised a hand to my sister and nephew.” I spit and he laughs. I rear back and send a quick jab to his mouth, causing his lip to split. His eyes narrow as he charges me swinging wildly, missing as I send another jab to the side of his head causing him to stumble past me into the foyer. He spins, throwing a wide left hook and a quick right jab which never connects. He’s too fucking slow .

Slapping his punches out of the way, I swing hard with my right and low with my left, landing both punches on his cheek and nose as blood sprays against my chest from his head whipping so hard. He stumbles again.

“You make this too easy.” I taunt and he roars colliding with my stomach which makes me wince but I throw him off me.

“Come on. Just hit me once. Hit me like you hit her.” I growl, instigating his rage. He swings again landing a punch to my chest that causes me to laugh.

“That’s it, that’s all you got?” I mock, sending another jab to his nose, reveling in the crunch under my knuckles as his head flies back. He stumbles into the stairs and now it’s my turn to really play.

“Hold him down, use those belts and secure him to the railings. I want his bare back facing me. Jameson, slice his shirt off.” I command and the guys work quickly getting him into position as Sergio struggles. Jameson places a knife to his throat and that makes him comply. I look around the room for something I could use next. I walk over to the tall vase and take out the long leaf, seeing blood on the tip of it makes me furious knowing this is exactly what he used on her. Walking back over as he struggles against his own belts, I rear back letting his own homemade switch sail through the air and whip his tender flesh. He screams as I laugh, doing it again.

“You want to scar the woman you’re supposed to protect and beat the child you created? Well welcome to your own personal hell Sergio. She showed me all the marks on her body and now you will have them too.” I spit, whipping the switch against his back. I keep doing this, reveling in the way his skin splits on impact, creating the most beautiful slices along his back.

“Anyone have a cigarette, cigar or joint?” I ask and Ryder produces a pack of cigarettes and Spade pulls out a few joints.

“Very nice, perfect for the occasion. Light em up boys. I want his body littered with burn marks as I continue to whip into him. Jameson, how would you like to create some art? Do what you may with the front of him., create a masterpiece, brother.” I laugh and they all nod, having mindless conversation as they sink their burning embers into his side, arms, neck, ribs and face as I continue to slowly whip him, aiming for the already opened wounds. The smell of blood and burning flesh permeates the air as he screams his throat raw while Jameson sits on the stairs in front of him, doing what he does best. It’s not until I can’t lift my arms any longer that I throw the switch to the ground. Walking up behind him, I pull his head all the way back, until he can’t scream anymore and nod at Jameson who stands and drags his knife across Sergio’s throat.

“The Kings send their regards.” I spit as he chokes, blood splattering both me and Jameson. Spade whoots and does a little dance that has me laughing. Ryder just shakes his head and Jameson jumps in on it.

Letting go of Sergio’s head, I fall to my knees and lean against the banister, trying to catch my breath. Ryder hands me a cigarette that I gladly take. I don’t usually smoke, but fuck it.

“Are we burning the place? What’s the plan?” Spade asks and I shrug.

“There’s too much to clean up and I just want a hot shower and climb into bed with our wife.” I say.

“So clean-up crew it is.” He says and I nod, lighting the cigarette and taking a deep hit.

Sitting up, I look up at the others after a few minutes, “You guys ready to roll? Everything in place?” I ask and they all nod.

“Alright, let's go.” I say, grabbing my stuff from the banister and leaving the house. Taking out my phone I send my wife a text.

Me: On our way and I want you in bed waiting for me.

Jade: Yes, Daddy.

I smile, shoving my phone in my back pocket as I climb in the truck.Jameson puts on some country song and I close my eyes for a few minutes as we drive home.