Bellissimo Fortuna (Beautiful Fortune) (15 page)

Once I catch my breath and recover from the sensuous assault of feelings washing over my body, I whisper, “That was unexpected.”

“No that was fucking necessary. I’ll be so glad when we have our own space and I can do that multiple times a day.”

“A day?”

“Yes. A fucking day. Multiple times.” He bends down and scoops me over his shoulder, “Now it’s time again.” Swatting my ass, he trudges down the hallway to our bedroom with me over his shoulder and his hand firmly on my backside. College life kicks ass.

Chapter 16

Bronson

Frank Locati has once again ruined a day that should have been joyous for his daughter. Christmas Eve. I’m trying to console my girl so she can repeat the story to my father. I knew it was a bad idea for her to go over there, but she was insistent, she needed her damn pictures. I waited in the car for her, she told me it would be easier and she would be quick. Seeing her run out of the house like the devil himself was chasing her, visibly shaken from what just went down, I was out of the car ready to storm the house. She jumped in the car, “Get in; let’s go.”

I didn’t argue and when we had driven a block or so, I pulled over. “What happened?”

“Marco, my father was talking to him.”

“He was in the house?”

“Yes.”

“Calm down, tell me everything.”

“I never told him I was coming. I think I secretly hoped he would be happy to see me. As soon as I walked in, I heard my father’s voice, so I waited. Then Marco began talking.”

“About what, baby?”

“All I heard was Marco telling my dad he was tired of waiting, and this isn’t what he was promised. He said he was tired of hiding, and if they got to him, he would rat my father out. My dad assured Marco that within the next year all their plans would pan out. He then offered Marco a trip to the Caribbean to ensure his safety. Said there were some business associates that would help. I heard them walk to the door, so I ran out. I didn’t want them to see me. I heard him call my name. I’m scared, Bronson.”

I immediately drove like a bat out of hell to my house. My father and Luis were summoned to come home when my mom saw the state Callie was in and what I was able to explain to her. The front door slams and there are two other captains with my dad. I guess my mom told him it was serious, but when it comes to his kids, he has never been levelheaded. He will protect us, no matter the cost.

The room is quiet and regardless of the vastness of it, it seems we are right on top of one another. I can hear everyone breathing, and I can feel her shaking. This is almost déjà vu from six months ago, except this time she isn’t recovering from a brutal attack. One thing came out of today . . . it proves her dad was behind the last encounter. I hold her close as she recounts the story to them and then she startles me, “I don’t know what he’s planning, I just know it’s not good. I’m not going to ask you to spare him this time, some people aren’t worth saving.” She just gave her blessing for them to take out her father. I can’t say I’ll lose any sleep when he’s dead, but I know it will hurt her, no matter what kind of brave face she’s putting on now. She’s angry, justifiably, but when that anger wears off, she’ll be sad, hurt, and I pray she doesn’t blame my family or me.

“None of you leave this house without the guards.” Luis stands and walks away with the other two men. My father kisses her on the top of the head, and disappears into his office. Tonight is going to be a true testament to everyone’s strength. Can we endure this? Who’s to blame? Yes, her father for his actions, but my father isn’t exactly innocent. This life is something he chose. Will Callie and I be the ones to pay for the sins of our fathers?

Nobody moved from the couch all night, all watching the men in and out of the house, my father never leaving his office. No word on what happened, but I know my father would leave when they had him. I know enough that someone was sent to collect him. I wasn’t sure if my dad would be there during the interrogation . . . that would be hard. I do know he would be there to look his once best friend in the eye, make peace, and end things.

Finally, my dad emerged, and he looked older than I had ever seen him. Sighing he sat down across from Callie. “The associate willing to hide Marco is no affiliate of ours. He deals drugs, and since I pulled back from that, he has no ties to us. From the intel I’ve gathered, your father is still working with him. Possibly to set up his own organization. I do know your father disappeared. I believe that’s where he is, and until he surfaces I will keep the guards on you at school, and the alarm at the condo is being upgraded. He saw you; I have no doubt that’s why he ran. I don’t know where his head is, but I will keep you safe. He won’t get to any of you.”

“Dad, I can’t have guards with me when I go to training.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I’m hoping the situation will be resolved by then.”

“I hope he fucking dies; slowly, and painfully.” Callie shocks both of us. She’s closed off; her eyes show no signs of emotion. “I’m serious, I hate him.”

“No you don’t, baby. You’re mad; I understand, but don’t be like this. This isn’t who you are.” Her hatred is warranted, but this isn’t what she stands for. I don’t want her to get lost in this mess.

“I know,” she sighs. “I’m so frustrated. I don’t know who he is anymore. I don’t understand his vendetta against us.”

Christmas day was somber, and we all tried to make the best of a tense situation. Unfortunately, the black cloud never left us.

The guards tried to stay as unobtrusive as they could, but we were always aware, having them meant Frank was still out there, still a threat to Callie. Instead of going home, my parents came here. With training less than a month away, decisions had to be made.

“I don’t want to be apart, but I can’t put your safety at risk. Why not stay here, do a summer session . . . the guards and alarm are here and at least I’d know you were safe.” Those words burned my vocal cords as I said them.

“But it was going to be just us this summer. I know you’re going to be busy but I’d have you every night.” She’s pouting, and if she weren’t so damn cute it would break my heart. She’s only reiterating everything I’m thinking, but this is a sacrifice I’m willing to make for her safety.

“I know we have our entire life. It will pass quickly. I promise.”

“What else do you promise?”

“That I can have you naked and be inside of you in less than a minute.” I have her naked, but I can’t resist eating at my favorite spot first. I slide into her slowly and the moan she gives me in return spurs me on. “Fuck, each time you milk my cock is like the first time. I’ll never get tired of this.” She’s not much of a talker during sex; she’s more of a doer. I pull out and flip her on her stomach, wedging a pillow underneath her hips. Holding her down and sliding back in still feels like heaven. She can’t gain power like this, so I’m in control. I work her up to the edge, and then let it ebb away until finally I let her come. By the time I leave in a few weeks she won’t be able to walk, not having her for eighteen long weeks is enough to make me want to weep.

Leaving her was hard, but training is brutal. Long days make the nights seem longer without her. I miss her voice, her smile, and her sweet touch. I miss everything about her, and the fact that there is no news on her dad is messing with my mind. I finish training in a week, and they will all fly in the day before graduation. I need her with me. Surprisingly, I have excelled at training and I have been offered a position at the Miami and Denver Division. I would have loved to take Denver, get as far away as I can, but I wouldn’t do that to her or Bianca. Their relationship is just as important as ours, and if I’m working long hours she can always go home and visit Bianca, once her father has been taken care of. I just have a few more days to get through before our life can begin. I stare at the ring I bought yesterday, imagine what it will look like on her finger, her face when she says yes; I dream of seeing her walk down the aisle toward me. There are so many things we have yet to experience, and to know we are going to make those firsts together means everything to me. I can’t wait to slip that ring on her finger and hear her say, “I do.” The sooner the better.

I’m a ball of nerves waiting at the airport. Luis and my dad had some business they were called away for, so they arrive about two hours before Callie, Mom, and Bianca. I can’t wait to show my dad and Luis the ring and get their blessing. I will probably drop to my knee right there in the airport. I can’t wait and even if I wanted to make it special, I know I’ll blow it and blurt it out. The time passes, and my father doesn’t get off his plane, I take out my phone and nothing. No missed calls. Maybe he just missed his connecting flight. I shoot him a text. No response. I’d call Callie to see if they know anything but they should be in the air by now. I sit back down checking any other airlines to see if any are coming from Atlanta, where my dad was. There are too many to check each gate, so I’ll just head to the meeting area where I was going to wait for the girls. My dad’s resourceful; he’ll find me.

My mom’s picture flashes on my screen, odd because they should be here. “Hey, Mom. All okay?”

“Bronson,” her voice broken. No. Whatever she’s about to tell me can’t be good. My mom isn’t a crier; she is compassionate, strong, loving, but not overly emotional. “Son, you need to come home.”

“What happened?”

“Y-yo-your father and Luis w-we-were ambushed on the way to the airport. He’s gone.” I hang up on her. Just end the call. Too much to process, too much to do. I rush to the nearest ticket counter, pull out my credit card, and get the first flight home. Dakota shows up mere minutes after the transaction is complete and gets on the same flight.

Nothing can be said in death. Sure there are many platitudes. I’m sorry. I’m here. Can I do anything? Do you need anything? They all mean well, words of comfort, offering you kindness in a dark time, but they don’t change anything. My father is still dead. I don’t know the story, and I need to be home. I immediately dial Callie; I need to hear her voice.

“I’m so sorry, Bronson. Are you coming home?”

“I’ll be there in an hour.” I’m fighting tears just hearing her voice. I know I’ll break down in her arms. “Do you know what happened?”

“We’ll talk when you get home. Just be safe. Is Dakota with you?”

“Yes.” She isn’t telling me something, and I can deduce that it was business related. “Are the guards still with you?”

“Yes, and about four more are outside since we got word. We’re safe, just waiting on you. I love you.”

“Love you,” I repeat, running my finger over her ring.

The house is lit up; I know nobody is sleeping right now. The first person I see is my mom, and she is wrecked. I’ve never seen her like this, but of course I’ve never seen her after she lost her husband.

“Bronson,” she says as she breaks down, and I take her in my arms. After a few minutes, her sobs stop, and she pulls away. “Enough of that. I’m strong. I’m the parent, I’ll get us through this.” I catch a glimpse of the woman she has always been. She’ll grieve, privately, but for everyone she will put on her poker face and get through the arrangements that need to be made. She pushes me away, and I gravitate towards Callie and Bianca. Dakota is holding Bianca as she weeps, and I kiss her head in passing, my focus on Callie whose eyes are swollen and she won’t look at me.

“Hey,” I tell her as I reach for her.

She flinches, then says, “I’m sorry.”

“What?” I reach for her again, and she backs up. “Come here.”

“My father did this. He fucking ruined everything and murdered your father! You don’t want to touch me!” She is hysterical, and my mom comes up to her and slaps her across the face. My initial reaction is to yell at her, console Callie, and ask my mom what the fuck she’s thinking.

“Stop, Callie. The sins of the fathers aren’t ours to carry. Stop this! You’re our family, and this isn’t on you. We love you.” I need answers, but I need her to know I love her. This isn’t her fault, but if her dad is behind this, all bets are off. I will hunt that son of a bitch down on my own.

I reach around my mom and grab her arm, hauling her to my body. “Stop, baby.” She grabs me around the waist.

“I’m sorry. This isn’t about me. How are you?”

“In shock. Someone needs to tell me what the hell is going on.” We all take a seat.

My mom starts, “Luis and your father left their meeting and were headed to the airport. Somewhere along the way, they got re-routed. It was a set up. According to the security following them they were ambushed but a few of the guards recognized Marco and Frank. Your dad died instantly, but Luis is in surgery. He was shot in the head but expected to live. He’ll never be the same, but he’ll be alive.” I can’t deal with this. I look at the girl I love and know I will be the last one to ever see her father alive. She meets my gaze and slowly nods her head in agreement.