LUCA (You Will Be Mine) (The Sicilian Mafia Series Book 1) (5 page)

I woke up the next morning in my little tower. I called it that because I had a huge room at the top of my castle. It sported its own kitchen and dining area with a separate bathroom. It was a big studio apartment in a very big mansion. Whatever it could be called, it was my sanctuary. A place to escape the trials and tribulations of the day/evening.

Thinking about yesterday, I judged that, overall, it had gone well—despite Luca Belatoni’s attempts to spoil it. In my sleepy haze, I found myself thinking about him and wondering why I hadn’t heard a thing from him since our last conversation. I was disappointed in a sense, and I was also disappointed in myself for being disappointed in the first place. He was like an itch that needed scratching. He was also a thorn in my side and a pain in the fucking arse.

And yet, I was lying in bed fantasising about gripping his hair in my hands and pulling him into me like the tigress I felt I was. I wanted to run my fingers along the prickly hairs on his chin, and I wanted to feel his body pressed against mine as he fucked me with his caramel-coloured eyes staring into mine. At the same time, I wanted to punch his lights out!

Still, I had things to do, so I got up, showered, dressed in a nice, figure-hugging, above-the-knee dress, and proceeded to make my way to the office two floors down.

Most of the place was quiet as some of the girls were still asleep. I never disturbed them too much during the day as they worked so hard during the night.

I’m not stupid. I realise that some girls—some nights—do not wish to sleep with the clients that flow through our doors. In a sense, the girls are extremely talented actors. They make the men feel special and wanted—even though they may be cringing inside. I have always tried to make the matches as compatible as possible, though. It all depended upon the personality of our client and the needs he or she had. Yes, I did say
she
. We have occasionally entertained female clients. Typically, they were just women interested in trying to experiment with their sexuality. Sometimes, they just wanted to try and see what it was like to be with a woman for a change. We offered them a way to do that with total anonymity. If they liked the experience, good for them. If they didn’t, then they could just forget about it and move on: put it down to a one-off they would never have to worry about returning to bite them in the ass in the future.

“Clara,” Belinda whispered from the bottom of the stairs. She looked worried.

“What is it, Belinda?”

“Mia’s in the kitchen crying. Something happened last night.”

“Why wasn’t I told this last night?” I was suddenly on high alert.

“She didn’t want to trouble you.” She looked timidly at me and gave me a weak smile.

I didn’t waste any time. I was hot on Belinda’s heels as we made our way to the kitchen where we found Mia crying. Melinda was with her, trying to comfort her.

“What’s happened?” I suddenly found myself panicking a little—thinking that someone had hurt her. I was ready to scream blue murder.

“Last night, wh-wh-when Mr. Brannan and I … we-we-were having sex, the co-co-condom split.” She then wailed like a baby. I could understand why. Anyone would be in a panic over something like that.

Pulling Mia in for a hug, I stroked her hair. “Mia, it will be okay. Look at me.” I pushed her away and made her look me in the eye. “This is what we’re going to do. First of all, we’re going to make an appointment with the doctor, so you can get the morning after pill. Then, at the same time, we will see about getting you tested. I’m sure you will be fine as the last test Mr. Brannan had was clear, but we’ll do this just to make certain.”

She smiled and nodded her head. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. I know you’re upset, and I completely understand why. Just remember we have very strict guidelines here to make sure everyone is clean, and these situations are the very reasons why these guidelines are in place.” Addressing all of the girls, I asked, “Has Mr. Brannan said anything about this?”

Mia nodded. “He was quite sweet about it. He assured me he was clean, and I assured him I was, too.”

“Okay. I shall go and give him a call in just a moment, but first of all, let’s get you set up for your appointment. You’re my priority now, and I don’t want to see you upset. When one lady here is upset, we all are.”

“Thank you … again.” I squeezed her arm and was confident enough that she had calmed down a little.

“Stay here and get yourself a nice hot cup of coffee and something to eat. I’ll cancel all of your appointments this evening and let you know straight away what time you can go to see Dr. Flemming.”

“What are you going to tell everyone?” she asked, looking worried.

“I’ll tell them that you have some sort of flu. They’ll understand.”

“I’m really sorry this has messed you about.”

I shook my head. “Don’t be. These things happen, and they’re beyond anyone’s control. Maybe if you weren’t so tight down there…” I smiled, letting her know I was joking.

She giggled. “Maybe if he wasn’t so big.” Her eyes widened.

I raised my eyebrow. “Is he really?”

She very slowly nodded her head. “
Oh,
yeah.”

I smiled. “Well, I’ll go see to it that I massage his ego a little. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

After making sure everyone was okay, I took the stairs back up to my office. The list of things to do on a daily basis seemed endless.

Just as I sat down and was about to call the doctor, Belinda walked in. “Natalie is here to see you.”

I bit my lip, thinking this was the worst time for her to be coming round for a visit. “Could you do me a huge favour?”

“Sure thing. What is it?”

I picked up a folder I had on my desk and handed it to her. “Inside are all the forms that Natalie needs to fill in and sign. Would you mind helping her with them?”

She nodded. “Sure, no problem at all. Consider it done.”

“Thank you. Please let her know that I’m sorry I missed her today. Just explain that I have some urgent business that needs attending. I’m going to call Dr. Flemming about Mia now, and I may as well mention Natalie.”

“Of course. Let me know once you have spoken with her. I’ll see to it that Natalie has everything.”

“Thank you.”

Belinda left, and I sighed in relief. She was always a huge help here when things got a little out of hand. She seemed to be able to handle anything, so I leaned on her quite a bit when the need presented itself. She was quickly becoming my right-hand woman and was paid extra because of it.

Picking the phone up, I dialled Dr. Flemming’s number. She answered after just two rings. “Dr. Flemming.”

I heard her cheery voice, and it made me smile. “Good morning, Barbara. How are you?”

“Clara, so nice to hear from you. I’m good thanks. I take it you’re not calling just to chitchat?”

“No. I have a problem unfortunately.”

“Oh? Pray tell.” I could hear the intrigue in her voice.

“Mia had a problem last night with one of the clients. She needs the morning after pill and a test if you can do that today?”

“Oh, dear! Is she okay?”

“Yes, she’s fine. Just a little shaken by the experience. She wasn’t harmed; something just happened that was out of her control.”

“Ah. I see. Okay.”

I think she got it straight away. Dr. Flemming obviously knew what we did here, although I never had nor would voice it out loud. She was a very down-to-earth doctor, and it also helped that I paid her enough to keep her quiet.

“I do have a slot free this morning if you want to send her. She would have to hurry, though.”

“You’re an absolute star! Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Happy to help.”

I bet you are with the money I pay you!

“There is one other thing. I have a new girl starting, and she needs testing as well.”

“Of course. Bring them both down, and I’ll test this girl first and Mia second. Mia will obviously need handling with care. What is this other girl’s name?”

“Natalie Ferro.”

I could hear her on the line, hesitating. She was obviously writing all this down. “Okay, great. Send them down, and I’ll get Natalie on the system and care for Mia and any concerns she may have.”

I sighed my relief. “Thank you. I shall send them now.”

I put the phone down and immediately went in search of Belinda. I found her outside of my office at the desk she used. Natalie was sat opposite, concentration etched on her face as she filled in all of the forms.

“Good morning, Natalie.”

Natalie looked up and smiled. “Good morning, Clara. I thought I was going to miss you today.”

“It’s been a little hectic this morning already. Sorry about that. I did want to meet with you again and have a little chat.”

“That’s okay. I completely understand.”

“Natalie, I’ve just been on the phone to our doctor. Her name is Barbara Flemming, and she is excellent at what she does. All the girls love her.”

“Okay.”

“She said that she could test you this morning if you’re free?”

Natalie nodded. “Yes, certainly. It would be a perfect time actually. I do have quite a free day today.”

“Excellent. Another girl called Mia is going also. I will let her know, and you two can go together. I will arrange for our driver, Carlos, to take you both. Once you are finished, he will take you wherever you need to go.”

She smiled brightly. “That’s brilliant. Thank you.”

“I’ll do all the arranging, Clara. You go back and sort whatever you need to. I’ll make sure Mia and Natalie are okay.”

I squeezed Belinda’s arm gently. I was extremely grateful to have her. “Thanks, Belinda.”

She smiled sweetly back. “No problem at all.” She then turned her attention back to Natalie.

“Have a good day, Natalie. If you have any problems, just give me a shout.”

She waved at me. “Sure. Thank you.”

About an hour later, I slumped in my chair with a big sigh. I had called Mr. Brennan and he seemed happy enough. He would get tested, but was happy. That was the main thing.

Getting up from my chair, I thought it would be nice to get some fresh air. I was starting to get a little stir crazy and thought a walk around the grounds might calm me down a little.

With that thought in my head, that’s exactly what I did. The sun was out today, but it was a little fresh. Every time the breeze hit my face it would sting a little. Still, I accepted it as I was just happy enough to be outside for a little—even in the cold.

I walked around for about half an hour taking in the view of the Kentish fields ahead, and the expanse of trees around. On my journey, I bumped into my gardener, Thomas. He was young and a little easy on the eyes. My girls all had a field day watching him in the summer with his top off.

I said
hi
and went through a few pleasantries before I thought it was time to head back inside. Just before heading in, though, I spied something in the distance. It looked like a fleet of cars were heading this way. I didn’t know why, but something was telling me this wasn’t right.

On full alert, I ran back into the house and screamed at all the girls to head for their rooms.

“Why? What’s happening?” Samantha’s face mirrored my own.

“I don’t know, but there are people coming, and I don’t think they’re friendlies somehow. Everyone, please go to your rooms and stay there until I say it’s safe.”

They all nodded, and I turned to go back out the door. The cars were coming closer, and I managed to spy the identity of one of the passengers straight away. I should have guessed it—Mr. Belatoni.

Instinctively, I bolted the doors shut and stood to attention upon the steps. It wasn’t long before a loud banging sound erupted around the house. Then, all became quiet inside as everyone went off to hide. I had never seen or heard it that quiet before. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.

“Clara, I know you’re in there. Just be a good girl and open the door for me. You have sixty seconds.”

My eyes widened in panic. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t let him in; he had his henchmen with him, and there was no telling what they were here to do. My girls’ safety was my number one priority.

I stood—panicked—just waiting and hoping he would eventually give up and go away. I didn’t truly think that would be likely, however. He soon proved me right when I heard them bash through my door. It took them several attempts to get the door open, but they managed it. As soon as they all broke through, in walked Luca. It was almost as if everything was happening in slow-motion. Again, he commanded the room like a giant bull about to charge.

He took in his surroundings, but before long, those steely, sparkling, caramel eyes bored into mine like a man possessed. And boy did he possess me. I couldn’t move; I couldn’t even breathe. I also couldn’t take my eyes off that man.

He came to halt with a few men standing directly behind him. He stood still and leisurely raked his gaze over my body. I wasn’t sure, but I thought I heard a low growl escape from him. With the room being so big and without another sound to be heard, the vibrating rumble in his throat was amplified.