A light tap on the door distracts me from my anxious thoughts about how the night will unfold. My focus quickly shifts as Enzo strides into the room looking like a damn snack. One that I wish to devour in every way possible. His dark suit makes his skin appear richer in tone, while his tattoos peek out subtly over the collar of his white shirt. His deep brown eyes glow with a hint of gold, roaming over my body as he admires the way the black dress he gifted me clings to the curves of my ass.
“Wow, Princess, he pauses, shaking his head. His tongue traces the seam of his bottom lip as he takes a step towards me. “You look like a Goddess,” the huskiness in his tone makes me smile, a blush creeping across my cheeks. He tilts my face up to meet his gaze.
“I have a present for you,” he says, grasping my chin and pulling a long box from his other hand behind his back. The box is thin, wrapped in gold foil with a dark red bow on top. I squeal, not caring how childish I sound, it’s been too long that I've received a present from someone other than my family. Eagerly, I open the box to find a beautiful silver blade with intricate circular designs and a delicate floral etching along the bottom. Gripping the sleek black handle, I can’t contain my excitement. I wrap my arms around his neck and plant him a kiss on his cheek before admiring the deadly blade in my hands. He pulls out another object from his pocket, a silver-plated sheath for the knife, he gently takes the weapon from my hands and covers it. He slowly slides the covered blade down the v neck of my black dress before placing it on my bed.
“Tease,” I say, walking over to the dresser in my room. Pulling out the top drawer, I retrieve my handheld gun along with a garter holster to secure the weapon around my right leg. I also grab another garter specialized for knifes. I’ve learned to always be prepared when it comes to dealing with the family business. I won't take any chances.
Pulling up the slit in my dress, showcasing my right leg as I slide the garter up my upper thigh. Grabbing the small pistol, I make sure that the safety is on and put it in place. I always keep it loaded and in the drawer only to have it with me when it may truly be needed. Enzo watches me curiously, almost surprised to see a gun in my possession. I know he sees me as the Princess who doesn’t have an evil bone in her body. That’s not the case. I may not be fully experienced in the world but there’s a darkness that I hide, even from myself. I wink at him as I switch legs, and slowly raise the garter for the knife on and grab the blade from the bed to put it in its place. Once fully situated, I pull down the slit of my dress and adjust the dress to perfection.
Taking a slow breath of relief, “I’m ready,” I sigh, forcing all the hesitance from my voice to disappear. Enzo holds his palm out for me to hold, as he guides me out of my bedroom and down the steps to meet with Kai. He’s dressed like Enzo, with their dark suits perfectly in place, their hair done to perfection and both men with a glow full of excitement opposite to what I am feeling currently.
Chapter 22
Landing on top of a casino in Las Vegas should be exciting. It’s a once in a lifetime experience for someone like me. Someone stuck in a box and only given freedom when shit hits the fan, which is practically never. Security was in place as soon as we arrived thanks to our own territory in Vegas. It may not be the largest we have but we have a decent number of soldiers here, all of whom are prepared for when we meet the Italians.
Rocco stands at the entrance of the rooftop as we land. His suit is a dark navy blue, he wears a white button down with no jacket that allows his dark features similar to Enzo’s look lighter than normal. Enzo scowls when he takes note ofRocco's presence. We carefully step off the helicopter and onto the helipad. The cool breeze causes me to shiver, making me reconsider the choice of dress. I wrap my arm around Enzo’s like any couple would when they walk down the street, until we stop right in front of Rocco.
“What the hell is happening,” Enzo seethes, punching Rocco lightly on the arm. He has every right to question him. Shit, I’d also like to know why he was allowed to return without any of my brothers. I raise an eyebrow, waiting to hear the excuses from this man that Enzo calls a friend.
“Let’s get inside so we can talk,” Rocco suggests softly.Enzo and I glare at him suspiciously, not exactly convinced that we aren’t walking into a trap.We don’t need anymore enemies.
Enzo shakes his head, refusing to move another step until he gets the answers he demands.
“No. Talk now.” His hoarse voice carries the same commanding tone he uses with my body, signaling his unwavering seriousness.
“Fine. Well, Dario is my cousin. My real name is Rocco Mancini.” He admits, dropping a bomb before he simply shrugs like it’s no big deal. How did Enzo not know? Aren’t they best friends?
“What the fuck, Rocco! Why didn’t you just tell me that when I sent you with the Dominguez brothers? Instead of lying to my fucking face every day.” Enzo yells, looking thoroughly confused.
“It’s been years. I was forced to America when I was young. My uncle allowed me to stay here and when Dario took over, he didn’t command me to leave. I would have listened had he commanded me to come home but he knows I have a good life. Look, I discussed the situation with him with the Colombians, and he agreed to help. He just wanted to meet with you, and Lina.” He confesses; his guilt noticeably more visible.
“Well, let’s go meet with him then,” I interrupt, not wanting for them to start a fight on the rooftop. I can only suspect that would turn out very badly for everyone.
We all move towards the door, and walk down the steps in silence as the anger radiates off of Enzo in each stomp of his foot. Rocco leads us all the way to the 9th floor of the hotel.
“So, why fucking hide your true identity?” Enzo asks him. Rocco hesitates for a moment before gripping the back of his neck. “You see how life is in the Cartel, the Mafia is no different. If anything it’s worse. I was also sworn to secrecy so I couldn’t have told you even if I wanted to.”
Enzo doesn’t question him any more, neither do I as we make our way down the hallway and inside a hotel room. A man stands there with five guards, each similar in height and wearing suits like Enzo normally would as security.The man in the center has so many similarities to Enzo, and Rocco. Their eyes are a similar brown but where Enzo has hints ofgold, the other man has specks of green. Their hair is similar in color and length, which makes me think Enzo could be part Italian. Enzo is lighter skinned, with a faint tan that he’d gotten recently, the other man is a little darker. His muscles are also toned and defined, clearly noticeable in the gray suit he wore.
There’s a sense of familiarity in his eyes as he glances at me and then Enzo. His facial expression gives nothing away as we descend into the room standing directly in front of the head of the Italian Mafia.
“Catalina. It’s a pleasure,” says the man in the center extending his arm out to me. Reluctantly I take it, “Dario Mancini,” he says in a thick Italian accent, placing a chaste kiss on my hand before stepping back quickly. It’s almost as if he were testing Enzo’s restraint of the gesture.
“Enzo, I take it,” Dario’s eyebrows lift in entertainment, as Enzo steps forward blocking me from his view.
“Your brothers were very persuasive. It didn’t take long before we came up with an arrangement that would be beneficial for all of us.” He clarifies, extending his arms gesturing us to sit on the lavish couch of the hotel room.
“Rather than marry the Columbian, we believe that merging our families will be the better fit. We’ve already discussed logistics with your brothers. We’ll get into more detail after we help you rid the world of the scum in your territories.” He starts, Enzo is shaking in anger at his words and I tremble in fear. It’s either marry an ally or an enemy regardless, none of those options end with the man I want. The man that sits besides me and makes me feel seen.
“We’ve brought half our men with us and your brothers will arrive with the remaining half. We see that you’ve already started making a statement with the Columbians by stopping the cocaine intake in each location. Fantastic strategy. I’m beyond impressed. You’ll make a wonderful addition.” Dario grins, his smile reminds me of Enzo. There’s no way in hell I can go through with any wedding. Making an escape won’t be easy, but the moment I get a chance I’ll have to take it. I can’t trust anyone that works for my brothers so I’ll have to contact Sierra and see if she’ll help me disappear.
“Thank you,” I say confidently in my ability and knowledge of my family’s business.
-“You’ll be a great asset to our family,” he stands, and Enzo mimics the movements standing in front of me. “And I see you have a loyal following too,” giving Enzo a sideways glance before excusing himself. Rocco follows Dario, leaving us alone in the room with the Italian guards.
We remain silent a few moments until Rocco strides into the room. He stands by the door waiting for us to move closer.
“Dario got you a room, Catalina. You’re on the 7th floor. Enzo, you have the room across the hallway.” He pauses, “Enzo. Dario said to enjoy the guest room and to use it well.” Rocco winks, his mischievous smile has a hidden message in a way that I’m not sure I want to know.
