Page 16

Luca

The alley behind Mama Sicily’s Pizzeria stretches into darkness, hemmed in by brick walls that seem to lean inward the further you go. Steam hisses from rusted pipes, mixing with the metallic scent of blood that even the recent rain hasn’t washed away. My head throbs where Evan hit me with the lamp, each pulse a reminder of how everything went sideways tonight.

Anger simmers in my belly as I take in the scene. Shell casings glinting near the dumpster, and bullet holes are stitched across brick. A single police car remains, its lights painting the wet pavement in alternating red and blue. That officer will leave soon. The cops don’t dig that deep when we go after our own. They make a showing and pretend to investigate, but they’ll leave it to us to handle this situation.

“There were three shooters,” Sammy reports, his voice too loud in the confined space. “Luigi got two of them before they took him down. Luigi said it was Kovalev’s men.”

I swear under my breath. “Seriously? How many times do I have to stomp on those roaches?” The struggle for territory is a never ending battle. It’s exhausting because there will always be those who think they can just come in and take what’s mine. They can’t. I’ll keep fighting until my last breath. This is Barone territory and anyone who challenges me will pay dearly.

“Go after the one that got away,” I grate. “He can’t survive the night. Find the rat wherever he’s hiding.”

“Some of the men are already looking, but I know more want to join them.” Sammy goes to talk to the group of my soldiers hovering near the scene. My men don’t look scared. They look pissed. They’ll be only too happy to hunt down the last shooter.

Sammy has quick conversation, slaps a few guys on the shoulder, and returns to me. “They’re eager to get some payback.” He smirks. “That poor slob is going to suffer too. They won’t make it quick.”

“Good.” I push my hands into the pockets of my jeans. I was in such a hurry to get here, I forgot to bring an actual coat. The damp night seeps in around the collar of my dress shirt, sending chills through me. “What’s Luigi’s condition?”

“Critical but stable.” Sammy shifts his weight, his massive frame blocking what little light filters down from the street. “Took bullets to his shoulder and one leg. He wasn’t wearing a vest because he was on a date. But he’s tough, he’ll make it. He seemed more pissed about not getting laid tonight than getting shot.”

I give a wry smile and glance over at the blond woman sniffling near the front of Mama Sicily’s Pizzeria. Mascara is smeared beneath her eyes, and there’s blood on her white fur coat, and runs in her stockings. She’s doing her best to keep it together, but she’s starting to crumble. “Take her home. See if she can give you any more details about what happened.”

“Will do, boss.”

“And get her coat cleaned for her. Luigi would want us to take care of her. I think she’s that blonde chick he’s always talking about. Brenda? Beatrice? I can’t remember, but I think he actually likes her.”

“Okay.” Sammy nods. “I’ll see that she’s got everything she needs.”

Sammy leaves me and as much as I try to focus on the scene, my thoughts keeps slipping back to Evan. He’s a distraction I don’t need right now, but I’m frustrated we got interrupted. He tasted just as good as I remembered. I let out a shaky breath as memories of his warm, moist mouth nudge me. How we ended up making out, I’m not sure. One minute we were arguing and the next he had his beautiful mouth on mine. I was surprised he kissed me first, but I sure as fuck wasn’t going to complain about it. If Matteo hadn’t interrupted us, I’d have taken Evan right there up against that wall. He was more than willing. I shiver. I was cockblocked by the fucking Kovalev syndicate. Just one more reason to hate the bastards.

I glance up at the surrounding buildings, looming like sentinels. The restaurant’s back door hangs crooked on its hinges, splintered from the firefight. Above, fire escapes zigzag against the night sky, metal stairs leading to dark windows where I know people are watching, too afraid to show themselves.

My phone vibrates. It’s a text from Matteo, letting me know he’s got Evan back in his room, cuffed to the bed. That visual sends a wave of dirty thoughts searing through my brain. I’d love nothing more than to finish up here and go home to pick up where I left off with Evan. Would he be up for that? He certainly seemed open to the idea of sex when we were in Mama’s art room. He was all in. Just like I was.

Focus. I need to focus.

I can deal with Evan when I get home. Right now, I need to handle the Kovalev syndicate situation. The guy who shot Luigi will have to pay with his life. That isn’t negotiable. Luigi isn’t just a grunt. He’s been with us since my father’s time. He’s a loyal, solid solider. He’s a real character too. He’s loud and he jokes a lot. He’s been married four times already, and something tells me that blonde woman he was with tonight might be wife number five before long.

I shiver when rain starts falling again, light enough to mist the air. It’s going to be a very long night. Once the last shooter is handled, I’ll need to meet with Sergei Kovalev. My father was friends with his father and because of that relationship, I’ve been lenient with Sergei. I don’t want to kill Sergei unless there’s no other way, but something needs to change.

My initial impulse is to find Sergei and beat him within an inch of his life. But one thing dealing with Evan has taught me is that not all men respond to intimidation well. Yeah, I could threaten Sergei and rough him up, but from what I’ve seen, the guy will just be more determined to come back at me.

What might work better is to give him some incentive to leave Seabrooke. I think I understand Sergei. He’s trying to break free of his father’s shadow. That’s something I understand all too well. He’s frustrated and wants more money and power so he can establish himself as a leader. While I can’t let him have that here in Seabrooke, I can give him that somewhere else.

I have some casinos in Charles Bay, a city a hundred miles north of Seabrooke. I’m thinking if I offer those to Sergei, he might be willing to leave Seabrooke. He’d be a fool not to take the offer. He’d get established gambling operations he wouldn’t have to build from scratch, and immediate revenue. I’d get rid of properties that are hard to manage and protect from a distance. All he’d need to do is give me a small percentage of his profits as a nominal punishment for his recent behavior. It’s a win-win for both of us. I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t go for it.

It’s a similar approach to how I plan on handling Evan. I want to take away something he hates, the throwing of hockey games, and offer him something he wants, like protection for his team and his family. In return, I want more of him. I don’t want the story of him being my lover to be fiction. I want it to be reality, an exchange for the things I’ll give him. It’s a quid pro quo of sorts. I wouldn’t even consider something like this if I didn’t know how much he wants me too. But he does want me, so this arrangement should be fun for both of us.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to tell Evan my plans tonight because he attacked me the minute I walked into his room. I touch the wound on my head and let out a gruff laugh. I’m annoyed by his boldness but also impressed that he tried something so risky. I need to stop underestimating Evan. He’s not as brutal as me, but he’s also not a little helpless lamb.

Which only makes me want him more.

****

It’s 3:00 a.m. by the time I get home. I’m exhausted, but pleased with how things turned out. Sergei went for the deal I offered with barely disguised enthusiasm. I’m sure he expected me to come in, guns blazing. While that was a tempting idea, considering his attack on Luigi, ultimately, the bargain I struck with him makes more sense for both of us.

My success with Sergei gives me hope that negotiations with Evan will go equally as well. I hope so. The little taste I had of him this evening has me craving more. Since I’m no longer going to ask his team to throw games, I’m removing the one major obstacle to Evan sleeping with me. At least, that’s how I see it. I suppose we’ll see if Evan agrees.

I need sleep, but I feel compelled to talk to Evan now. We need to figure things out ASAP because his little escape attempt shows he’s becoming desperate. Plus, I had Matteo cuff him to his bed, so he’s probably seething and not sleeping. But first, I need to wash up. I never tended to the wound on my head. I pass Evan’s room, excitement niggling at me, and go to take a quick shower.

Once the blood is washed away, I examine the cut on my head. There’s a bump, but it’s a superficial wound. I still have a pounding headache though. Evan clocked me pretty good. I take some headache medication and then go to the door that connects my room to Ethan’s. I’m excited to see him, but realize he won’t feel the same. Despite him putting his tongue in my mouth, he’s still going to fight me. He’s confused and unhappy about his attraction to me, but it’s there whether he likes it or not.

His room is dark when I enter, but there’s a full moon tonight and slivers of silvery light cross the foot of the bed. I can make out the dark shape of Evan’s broad shoulders against the headboard, and his knees appear to be pulled up to his chest. He’s not asleep, I know that because I can feel his angry stare the minute I enter his room.

“I hope you’re here to get these damn cuffs off of me,” he says in a gravelly voice.

“I am.” I reach him and flick on the nightstand lamp. “If you promise to behave.”

He winces at the sudden light. “There’s that word behave again,” he mutters. His cheeks are flushed and his eyes very green in the lamplight. His body is angled awkwardly because of his cuffed wrist, and he does not look happy. “You act like I’m the only one who isn’t playing nice.”

“I want to be nice to you.” I grab the little key out of my pocket hold it up for him to see. “But you’re not making it easy. Promise you won’t try and hit me over the head again if I unhook you?”

He hesitates. “I promise.”

I lean closer to him, inhaling his familiar scent. It’s risky getting this close to him because he still has one hand free. But he doesn’t make any move against me, although his breathing picks up at my nearness. I have to squash a smile. He wants to hate me, but he just can’t stop his physical reaction to me. That’s a good thing. Since he wants me as much as I want him, this plan of mine should work.

Once his hand is free, I straighten. He gives me a surly glance as he rubs his wrist. I set the handcuffs on the nightstand, and perch on the end of his bed. He watches me warily, still rubbing his wrist. I allow him time to calm down, and only speak once he seems less furious.

“I’m sorry I had to cuff you,” I say. “But I had stuff to deal with and couldn’t risk you making a break for it again.”

“I gather one of your men got shot?” He doesn’t exactly look sympathetic, but I can tell the violence bothers him.

“Yes, but Luigi will be fine.” I purse my lips, holding his uneasy stare. “And I’ve handled the situation.”

“Of course you have.” He snorts, giving me a disapproving look. “I can just imagine how you handled it too.”

“The shooter had to die. He tried to kill one of my men. But I showed leniency to his boss.” He doesn’t look impressed with my showing of mercy. He simply watches me with disdain. “I easily could have killed them all.”

“I’m sure you could have.”

“But I didn’t,” I say, studying him. “I showed restraint.”

He frowns. “Are you seeking my approval or something?”

My cheeks warm. “Fuck no.” Aren’t I though? Why else am I explaining myself to him? I clear my throat. “I simply know how overly compassionate you are. I thought you should know I can show mercy when I want.”

“Congrats?” He gives a humorless laugh. “I’m not worried about you murdering your own kind. If you kill each other off, good,” he grates. “I’m worried about myself. How much longer are you going to keep me here? I have obligations. There are people who depend on me.” His eyes flicker and I wonder if he’s thinking of his mom.

“Well, Evan,” I say smoothly. “If you hadn’t attacked me earlier, you’d already know why you’re still here. I planned on having a nice dinner with you where we could discuss our options.”

“What options?” He scowls.

“You have things you want, and so do I. We need to come to an agreement and meet in the middle.”

His mouth hardens. “I won’t turn on my team. I already told you that. I just won’t do it.” His words are firm, and while there’s rebellion in his eyes, there’s also fear.

I hold up one hand. “I’m not talking about you throwing games. I can see that isn’t something you can do. You care too much about your team.”

Instead of looking relieved, he looks suspicious. “You’re suddenly cool with that? Why would you be? You acted like it was the end of the world when I didn’t throw that game against Chicago.”

I let out a harsh breath. “That’s because your little stunt didn’t just affect me. As I explained before, your impulsive decision to not throw the game pissed off a lot of other people. Powerful, vengeful types.”

“So you keep saying. But so far, you’re the only thug causing me problems.”

I grit my teeth. “I think I have a solution that will keep you alive.”

Although sometimes I wonder why I bother.

“And this plan of yours doesn’t involve the Ice Hawks throwing games?” His expression says he’s not buying it. “I thought that was how you were going to make money.”

“I’ve found another way to make money off the team.”

He murmurs, “Something tells me it’s not legal.”

“That side of things is none of your concern.” I shift toward him, ignoring how he flinches. “If you agree to my terms, we’ll both get what we want. That’s the only part that really matters.”

“What exactly do you want from me, Luca?” His green eyes are wary. He still has his knees pulled to his chest in a protective posture, and his body language screams mistrust.

I hesitate. “Well, before we get into the details of what I want from you, I want to talk about money.”

He blinks at me. “Money?”

I nod. “I know that you’re struggling financially.”

He narrows his eyes. “I make plenty of money.”

“While that’s true, we both know it’s not enough. Not with all the financial obligations you’ve taken on for your family.”

He goes very still. “What the hell would you know about my financial obligations?”

“I make it my business to always know every detail about my opponent when negotiating. It’s really the only way to come out on top.” I smirk. “And you know how I love being on top.”

Pink touches his cheeks, but when he speaks, his voice is laced with anger. “What do my financial obligations have to do with you?”

“I want to help you.”

That tugs a harsh laugh from him. “Bullshit.”

“I truly do.” I study him, debating whether to be blunt or ease into it. He looks on edge, and I’m not sure how he’ll react if I lay out the details. But there’s no point in dragging this out. “I know you pay for your mother to stay at the Laurel Gardens Memory Center, and that you’re helping your father with legal debt from a drunk driving incident a few years ago. And then there’s your brother. I know you cover the cost of his therapy, so he can see a private therapist instead of going through the VA.”

He clamps his jaw tight and then gets to his feet, glowering at me. “You touch any of them and I’ll kill you. I mean it.” His voice shakes as he continues. “They have nothing to do with what’s happening with you and me.”

I stand too, and my pulse picks up at the feral look in his eyes. I’m not easily intimidated, but Evan is a big, athletic guy and he looks like he’d love to rip my head off with his bare hands. “Calm down,” I growl. “I don’t want to hurt your family. I want to help you take care of them.”

He takes a step back, still looking angry. But at least he seems to be listening. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s honorable that you’re trying to help your family, but let’s face it, by the time you’ve paid for all their needs, there isn’t much left for your own living expenses. You’ve still got agent fees, food, and rent. Your apartment’s not pricey, but it’s not free, and rent in Seabrooke is high, even for small apartments.” I shrug. “I’d like to take some of the burden off of you.”

“And why the hell would you do that?” His voice is hard.

“Because I want you happy.” I ignore his snort of disbelief. “But you’re too buried with financial responsibilities to enjoy life.”

“You’re seriously trying to pretend you’re doing any of this for me ?” The veins in his neck distend. “Stop whitewashing whatever this is. What’s in it for you to help me? Because, let’s face it, that’s what this is really about. You want something from me, and you think helping me financially will get you what you want.”

“Is it wrong of me to request something in return for keeping you alive and taking care of your family?” An uncharacteristic wave of anxiety tightens my chest as I hold his antagonistic gaze. This is the moment of truth. Once I lay all my cards on the table, this conversation will either get me what I want, or make everything implode.

“Give me details. What exactly do you want from me?” When I don’t immediately respond, he frowns. “Why are you stalling? Do you need a kidney or something?”

“No.” I laugh, but my heart is racing. “You’re right, I’m not just doing this for you. I’m doing it for me too. I really enjoyed our night together, and I want more of you. One night wasn’t enough.”

He looks confused at first, but then he seems to catch on. A chill shifts through his eyes as he says flatly, “You want sex.”

“Yeah. It’s not just about sex, but yeah, I want more of that too.” I hold his disgusted gaze. “Everyone who wants you dead will back off if I say you’re my property.”

“Your property,” he murmurs, curling his lip. “Jesus, there really is no bottom with you, is there?”

Heat touches my cheeks, but I pretend his words don’t bother me. “Don’t act coy. You enjoyed fucking as much as I did. We both know you did.”

He gives a harsh laugh. “I had no idea who you were. That makes all the difference. I don’t want to repeat what was already a horrible mistake.”

“Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t just about sex.” I dismiss what he’s saying because I don’t believe him. He’s lying. That kiss we shared earlier that he instigated proves he’s full of shit. He wants more of me but he’s too proud to admit it. “There’s an unspoken rule in the Firm that significant others are untouchable. But this arrangement would serve two purposes. It would save your life, but also allow me to save face. It’s win-win for both of us.”

He shakes his head. “No fucking way would I enter into that agreement with you. You must be out of your mind to even suggest it.”

“And you need to stop being emotional and use your brain.”

Red spears appear on his cheeks. “I’m emotional because I don’t want to be your whore ?”

“There are worse things.”

“You would think that, wouldn’t you?”

“Do you realize if your little escape plan tonight had worked you’d most likely be dead?” My voice is hard. “Vincent has his men parked outside your apartment building right this minute. If you’d gone back to your apartment, you’d have been a sitting duck.”

His face twitches. “How do I know that’s true? Maybe no one gives a shit that I didn’t throw the game. Maybe they’re all mad at you, not me.”

I laugh. “Oh, they’re mad at me too. That’s why, in order to keep us both safe, I need this agreement with you. The sex is just the icing on the cake, baby. If you agree to this arrangement, it’s perfect because everyone understands why I’d forgive my lover for fucking up. What they won’t tolerate is me going easy on you if you’re just a slob who refused my orders. See the difference? One scenario makes me look weak, while the other makes me look like a doting lover. If you’re officially my property, that protects you and me.”

He laughs harshly. “I don’t want to be known as your property .”

I sigh with exasperation. “Evan, if I don’t shield you, you’ll die. But I’m not going to go to all that trouble unless I get something out of it.”

“And that something is sex?” His voice is bitter. “You seriously see nothing wrong with blackmailing me into sleeping with you?”

I shrug. “We both enjoyed our night together. I know you don’t want to acknowledge that, but it’s the truth. And, personally, I think my offer is very generous. I didn’t have to tack on paying for your family’s needs too. But I know your family is important to you, and I happen to value family myself.”

“You’re not exactly the poster boy for family values.”

“No, I’m not. But I’d die for my family and I know you would too. We share that in common. Nobody is all good or all bad. People are a mixture of both.”

His eyes flicker. “You truly see nothing wrong with this, do you?”

“I can agree this is an unorthodox arrangement, but it’s not like we don’t have great sexual chemistry. You had your tongue in my mouth just hours ago, so don’t play the blushing virgin.” I smirk. “We’d both enjoy this arrangement. We don’t have to like each other as people to fuck.”

He glowers at me. “Look, I’ll admit we have a weird… sexual attraction for each other, but that doesn’t mean I want to be associated with you. Now that I know who and what you are, I don’t want people thinking I like you, or that I think you’re a good person.”

“Instead of worrying about what people will think of you, you should worry about how much your family will suffer if you die .”

He winces and sits on the edge of the bed. He stares at the floor, brow furrowed. “So I’m supposed to whore myself out to you, with the promise you’ll protect me and help my family financially?” He glances up, resentment shimmering in his eyes. “That’s seriously your plan?”

I lift one shoulder. “If you’d stop fighting me all the time, we could have a lot of fun together.”

A muscle works in his cheek and he’s quiet for a few minutes. “Let’s say I agree to this insanity.” He grimaces as if he can’t believe the words that just came out of his mouth. “What happens if you get bored of me? Will all of your protection and financial help just disappear?”

“No. I’d still protect you and help you financially.”

“Really?” Doubt flashes in his eyes. “Why would you?”

I shrug. “It wouldn’t be your fault I tired of you. So long as you hold up your end of the bargain, I’ll take care of you. As I said before, I’m not a good man, but I am a man of my word.”

His frustration is clear in the tight set of his jaw. I know him well enough by now to recognize that his first instinct is to tell me to go fuck myself. But the idea of his family being taken care of has to be tempting. That’s why I added it to sweeten the deal. It’s in Evan’s nature to puts others first, and that’s my ace in the hole.

“I’m not a rapist,” I say, just in case he needs to hear that. “I won’t force myself on you.”

I won’t need to.

His hands clench on his thighs. He doesn’t speak for the longest time, then he quietly asks, “How exactly would this work?”

I can barely contain my excitement as he seems to capitulate. I’ve longed to be inside him again, with him squirming beneath me, begging for more. I’ll give him time to get used to the idea of being mine. That seems only right. But his hunger matches mine, and I know, eventually, he’ll willingly come into my bed. Judging by what happened tonight in my mother’s art studio, I won’t have to wait that long either.

“You’ll accompany me to dinners in the city, maybe a few syndicate functions so everyone can see us together. You’ll have to play the part though. You can’t be scowling at me all through dinner and expect this plan to work.”

“If I agree to this—” He grits his teeth. “I want to keep my apartment.”

I scowl. “You can keep your lease, if it makes you feel better, but, for now, you’ll you need to actually live here at my home.”

There’s a stubborn tilt to his mouth. “I don’t want to live here with you. Plus, my apartment is closer to the arena. I need to be there every day. It makes more sense for me to stay at my apartment.”

“It’s not safe,” I rumble. “Remember, this is my life on the line too. You’ll need to live here for a few months at least, until we’re sure everyone believes we’re together. After they begin to accept that we’re a thing, then maybe you can stay at your apartment half the time.” I’m only agreeing to this compromise because I’ll probably tire of him after a few months anyway. Once that happens, I won’t want him around.

His mouth thins. “And what about my stuff?”

“You’ll have anything you need here. All you have to do is ask.” The frustration in his eyes increases so I relent slightly. “Fine, we can bring some of your things here if it means that much to you.” Remembering his shabby apartment, it’s hard to imagine what it is he can’t part with. But if giving him this concession makes him happy, I’ll do that for him. Anything that makes him more pliable is to my advantage.

“The drive from here is way longer,” he grumbles. “And I don’t even have my truck, thanks to you and Marco kidnapping me the night of the hockey game.”

“I already had your truck brought here. But from now on, my guys will need to drive you to the arena and anywhere else you need to go. You’ll need security.”

His eyes flash with suspicion. “I thought I was protected just by being your… lover or whatever. Isn’t that the whole point of this ruse?”

I run my tongue over my bottom lip. “That part isn’t a ruse. You will be my lover.”

He tenses. “You know what I mean.”

I shrug. “For the most part, you’ll be protected simply by being mine. But there are always people out there who want to hurt me. I’m a very rich and powerful man, which makes me a target. That’s why I have security at all times, and my family does too. But as for the other mafia bosses putting out a hit on you? That won’t happen. Not if you’re mine.”

“I’m a grown man,” he mutters. “I don’t need to be driven around like a child. This situation will be bad enough. I at least want my independence.”

“It seems daunting right now, but I think you’ll get used to it quickly,” I say smoothly. “I’ll do what I can to make it easy on you.”

“Yeah, right.”

“So do you accept my terms?” I ask breathlessly. I try not to look too eager, but it’s almost impossible. It’s been a long road getting to this moment.

He closes his eyes, lines of strain on his face. When he opens them, he looks resigned. “Fine. I don’t have much choice.”

“Excellent,” I say a bit more exuberantly than intended. I bite the inside of my cheek to help rein in my glee, and stand. “Now, get some sleep. I believe you have practice tomorrow and a game on Saturday.”

“I’m well aware of both of those things,” he grates out. “I wasn’t sure if you’d let me do either.”

“Since you’ve accepted my offer of protection, I see no reason to keep you from doing what you love.”

“How magnanimous of you.” He rubs the back of his neck, looking agitated. “You know, my team is going to wonder where I’ve been. I disappeared immediately after the game. I barely said two words to anyone in the room. How do I explain where I’ve been? I can’t exactly be honest.”

“Already handled,” I say, moving to the connecting door.

“How?”

I shrug. “I texted Coach last night after the game and told him you’d had a family emergency that concerned your mom. I told him you wanted me to reach out for you because you’d left your phone in your locker. I also said you’d be at practice tomorrow.” I glance at my watch. “Or I guess that’s technically today.”

He squints at me. “You don’t think Coach might find it weird that you know all that personal shit about my life, but he didn’t?”

I smile slyly. “Baby, we’re lovers, remember? Of course I know everything that’s going on in your life, my little petunia.”

His face turns pink. “Call me that again, and I’ll cut your dick off while you sleep.”

I give a bark of a laugh and open the door that connects our rooms. “Have fun at practice tomorrow. And be sure to give it all you’ve got on Saturday. I don’t want to be dating a loser.”

He lets loose a string of curse words that would make a drill sergeant blush, but I don’t give a fuck. I got what I wanted. He might act like he hates the idea of being in my bed, but we both know it’s just a matter of time before Evan is under me again, moaning my name.