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  We’re both silent for a few moments while Nic calls Sean to give him a rundown of what’s happened. Sean Moretti is my father’s highest-ranking lieutenant as well as a liaison to the local authorities when needed. That will definitely be necessary now. Asheville, North Carolina, might have its share of crime, but a car explosion on an upscale residential street is pretty rare. There will be questions and plenty of them. When Nic is finished, he chuckles ruefully. “I’ve gotta say, even Sean was a bit surprised by that news. Normally, nothing throws him off. But his first response was, ‘Come again?’ I can only imagine what Rutger’s reaction will be.”

  I grimace, knowing my father’s temper well. “I’d say it’ll involve the word fuck a lot. If he’s smart, he’ll get it out of his system before he goes home, though.”

  “Hell yeah.” Nic shudders. “For such a little thing, your mom is one scary woman.”

  “She is,” I agree. I don’t add that she’s also the most loving, supportive person I know. She doesn’t take any shit from anyone. No doubt it’s a major reason my parents have been happily married for so long. They love just as hard as they fight. I’ve heard that men grow up to marry women like their mothers, and while I’ve always found that to be a little disturbing, there’s no denying she and Nina are a lot alike. Keep thinking that shit, and you’ll never get it up around Nina again.

  I’m more than happy to push that from my mind as Nic slows to make a turn. He rolls the window down and exchanges a few words with the guard at the gate. Then we wait while the vehicle is inspected. Even though we’re known here, safety protocol must be followed. The men here are trained by a retired Navy SEAL, and many of them are retired military as well. “Lester is waiting for you at the house,” the guard informs us before tipping a hand to his forehead and pushing a button to open the gate.

  “This is like something out of a movie,” Nina marvels as we pass several armed guards on the three-mile trip to Tony’s home.

  “Security is tight right now because of the unrest within the Gavino family. Also, Tony knew I’d be coming here, so I assume he added more men to the already sizable crew. The compound is over ten acres of land, so patrolling it is no small task.”

  Nina takes her safety belt off and moves until she’s between our seats. “Don’t Tony and Jacey live in an apartment in his club? Or has that changed?”

  “What the fuck, Belle? You just tossed out personal information about one of the most powerful men connected to the mafia as if it were nothing. You cannot do that.”

  “He’s right, Nina,” Nic says, surprising me. He’s unusually serious. “Even before this latest development, that would have caused a few raised eyebrows if it got back to the wrong people. But now, what you view as an innocent comment could get you killed. With Franklin gone, you’re simply an unknown entity with no one within the Gavinos to stand up for you. At this point, they’d rather eliminate you than have to worry about you.”

  It irks me a bit when she says softly, “Oh… I see.” Have I not said something similar several times already? Yet I can tell she’s shaken by Nic’s warning. “I hadn’t thought of it like that.” What the fuck? I’d practically drawn her a picture. Is she really that intent on disagreeing with everything I say? In a word, yes. I attempt to control my irritation as we come to a stop in front of the house. “But don’t a lot of people know about Tony’s apartment in the club? Surely, he’s… entertained there before.”

  Nic chuckles wryly, while I resist the urge to beat my head on the dashboard. Can she never simply just toss out the white flag and give in? I’d be so shocked if she did, I’d probably check her for a pulse. “They’re not under scrutiny from the wrong people, sweetheart. You are.” I see Lester approaching, so I open the door and step out before she can think of a comeback. The older man and I shake hands, then he claps me on the back and then does the same to Nic. His gaze shifts beyond me to where Nina stands a few feet away. “Lester, I’d like you to meet Nina. She’s a friend of ours, and I believe Tony told you we’d be staying here for a few days.” Even though Lester has Tony’s complete trust, I still keep the introductions deliberately vague. I also have no intention of telling him about the car bomb. If Tony decides to bring him into the loop, then I’ll trust his judgment, but I don’t volunteer information that’ll lead to more questions. The past has taught us a hard and deadly lesson about the men who protect us. One traitor is more than capable of bringing an entire organization to its knees. Neither the Morettis nor the Gavinos are immune to such betrayal. Anger surges through me at the thought of Tony’s uncle Marcel, but I push the grim memories away. Now isn’t the time for it. Focus.

  “Pleasure, young lady,” Lester says briefly as he tips his head respectfully in Nina’s direction. Tony has trained him well, so he doesn’t ask, nor expect, an explanation for our bedraggled appearances. In the light of the courtyard, I can’t help but notice that Nina looks as if she’s been dragged through a field full of thorns by her hair. She even has a leaf dangling from one strand. A glance in Nic’s direction confirms he hasn’t fared much better. Now that the adrenaline is wearing off, I’m aware of several new aches and pains in my body. “Door’s open. Let me know if you need anything. Security is tight and the compound is well-covered, so I wouldn’t expect any unwanted guests.”

  “Thanks, Lester.” I nod, then turn to put my hand on Nina’s back. “Let’s get inside. I don’t know about you, but I could use a shower and a drink.”

  “Oh baby, talk dirty to me.” She grins before wincing. “Toss in some Advil, and that’ll be the best offer I’ve had in ages.”

  Nic makes a gagging sound as he motions impatiently at the front door. “If you two can get your hormones under control until later, I’d really appreciate it.”

  A smart retort is on the tip of my tongue before I remember that he’s covering my back. He can’t go inside until I do. Were Tony here, we’d both be covering his. It’s simply the way of our family. The highest-ranking member must be covered. It’s a custom I’ve never been fond of when it means using someone as a human shield to protect me. But arguing is pointless and will only keep us exposed longer.

  The enormity of what’s transpired tonight weighs heavily on my mind as the three of us walk wearily into Tony’s house. An odd feeling of finality makes me uneasy as Nic closes the door behind us. Did he slam the damn thing, or am I simply imagining how loudly it echoed throughout the empty foyer? Taking Nina into my protection had merely been a precaution before, but now that someone blew my fucking car up, the game has changed significantly. The Morettis will be forced to retaliate. Even if I were some lowly member of the family, an attack would not be tolerated. But considering my rank, this was some serious shit. Sure, it could be argued that Nina was the target, and there is probably some truth to that, but the bomb hadn’t been in her car. I was either meant to be the victim or collateral damage. It doesn’t really matter. Dead is dead. As I glance at Nina, I’m filled with both rage and guilt. I set these wheels into motion, and there is nothing to do but survive as it plays out. I make a silent vow to both her and myself. I’ll do whatever it takes to see that she doesn’t pay for the sins of Franklin or his idiot son.

  Nor will she pay for mine.

  From this point forward, I’ll be her human shield, and God help anyone who tries to go through me to get to her.

  2

  Nina

  I’d never want to admit it to him, but if some mafia nutjob is trying to kill me, there’s no one I trust more than the brooding man who hasn’t said more than three words in the past ten minutes. Marco is like a caged animal as he paces the length of Tony’s study. Since arriving about an hour ago, we’ve all showered and changed out of our dirty clothes. Marco insisted on standing outside the bathroom door while I cleaned up. Then he handed me off to Nic while he did the same. It seems as if my privacy is a thing of the past for a while. In truth, I’m not sure I would want to be alone even if given the choice. I am seriously spooked. Sure,
I spent several years in the home of the Gavino family, and I’m not ignorant to the mafia world by any stretch of the imagination, yet I have never thought my life might be in danger. “Dude, could you please stop? You’re giving me motion sickness,” Nic grumbles as he sets his bottle of water aside to focus on his cousin.

  Marco appears surprised as if he forgot we were even in the room with him. At any other time, I’d probably have some dirty thoughts about his ability to focus so single-mindedly, but the whole bomb thing has put a dent in my libido. But his ass is so amazing in those jeans. Okay, apparently, I can have a near-death experience and still objectify Marco Moretti a short while later. If he were to ever discover how often he starred in my solo sessions, I’d be forced to move to another country, change my name, and start over again. I’ve barely been able to keep him at arm’s length with my insults. If he has a clue that I want him as much as he claims to desire me, it will be game over. He would use that to get exactly what he wanted, and then I’d be one more woman in a long line who have fallen victim to the charms of the Italian stud, Marco Moretti. And dammit, I don’t want to be another groupie. He might not be a rock star, but something is sexy about the air of danger that surrounds him. I’m completely lost in my head when I feel a thump on my shoulder. “Wh—what?” I ask in confusion. Both Marco and Nic are staring at me expectantly. Then I see movement in the doorway. Two Marcos? A head injury. There can be no other explanation.

  “Are you sure you just gave her Advil?” Nic asks his cousin in amusement. “She looks stoned. I swear if you’re hoarding the good stuff, I’m going to be pissed.”

  I blink a few times, but the other Marco is still there. When he moves from the shadows into the room, I see subtle differences. A big one being the gray at his temples. The pieces fall into place seconds before he reaches Marco’s side and pulls him into a hug. “Son, had to come see for myself that you’re okay.” It’s rather amusing to see Nic wearing a respectful expression as he extends a hand to the older man. “Nicoli, thanks for getting word to us so quickly.” The three men speak in low tones for a moment and then turn to face me.

  Marco gives me a reassuring half-smile before saying, “Nina, this is my father, Rutger Moretti.” I’m not sure if I should remain seated, stand, or bow. He is quite possibly one of the most powerful men in the South—if not the world. Anthony Moretti might be famous in Asheville, but little is known about the current head of the Moretti family. Franklin had never attempted to keep a low profile, and that may have made killing him easier to accomplish. I doubt Rutger is so careless.

  He surprises me by crossing the room and taking the chair closest to where I’m sitting. “Nina, it’s a pleasure. Franklin spoke highly of you.” He looks at his son, almost indulgently as he says, “And Marco is a fan as well. I am sorry our first meeting is under such circumstances, though. Franklin was a valued colleague as well as a friend. Many, including myself, will grieve his passing.” I notice he makes no mention of Frankie Jr., which isn’t surprising. And truthfully, if he had, I would have known his speech was polite bullshit. There is no way any sane person could mourn his death. He had been an asshole, but even worse, he’d been a dangerous one. No part of me will miss Frankie Jr., but Franklin—that’s more complicated.

  “Thank you,” I murmur, weirdly tongue-tied around this charismatic man. No wonder Marco’s mother is rumored to be so tough. The poor thing probably had to beat the women off her husband with a stick. Even I admit something about him makes you want to sit up a little straighter, smooth your hair down, and let out a breathy giggle. I mentally roll my eyes at my inner dialogue. I really must limit my lusting to one Moretti. The whole father-son thing could get a tad confusing, and it’s plain wrong. Naturally, I make a mental note to explore it for my next book idea. While it might not appeal to me, there are undoubtedly many mommy porn lovers out there who’d get off on it. Those who have no excitement in their own lives and create romantic worlds through their writing. Oh, and who own several vibrators when the inspiration proves to be too stimulating. Can I get an amen? I nearly laugh aloud at that thought but manage to rein it in. Rutger would probably find my humor ill-timed and offensive. Then Nic might be ordered to stab me and dispose of the body. Shit! Stop before you make a fool of yourself. Oh crap, he’s staring at me. What did he say?

  Nic has his head cocked to the side as he smirks. It’s then I realize something horrifying. Oh my God, I’m gripping Rutger’s arm so tightly that I’m probably cutting his circulation off. I think I detect a hint of curiosity in his otherwise blank expression. Think fast! “I… er, sorry about that. I was so overcome with… grief. Pardon the inappropriate touching. I mean, not in the way that sounded, obviously. There was nothing sexual about it. Just that I shouldn’t have touched you at all without invitation since you’re the big dog.” Oh, dear God. Shut your mouth, Nina. Yet I continue driving the train, straight off the cliff, down an embankment, and into a wall. “Well, not a dog as in the woof-woof barking type. More of an alpha, although those are mostly animals too. A bull might be a better representation or even a—”

  “Nina,” Marco says, sounding pained. “I think he gets it.” I feel certain that my face is glowing bright pink right about now. How long would I have gone on if he hadn’t stopped me? I cringe thinking about it.

  “You’re no fun at all,” Nic complains. “She was just getting started.” He shakes his head as he looks at his boss in disappointment. “She can go for an hour if you let her. It’s hysterical.”

  Before Rutger can respond, there’s a knock on the door, and as one, the men are instantly alert. It’s an impressive sight to see. If they’d pulled their guns, my nipples would have hardened. Now that could be a great line in my book too. “It’s Lester,” a voice calls out. “We’ve got a little situation at the main gate. It’s nothing I can’t handle, but I want to see if a visitor is expected first.”

  “You can come in, Lester,” Marco instructs.

  When the older man steps inside, he nods respectfully. “There’s a Ms. Gavino raising hell, demanding to see Ms. Nina.”

  “Minka?” I ask in surprise. I get to my feet, wondering what could have possibly brought my friend here. How did she even know where to find me? This is Minka. There’s nothing she can’t do, remember? There’s dead silence for a long moment, then Lester inclines his head once in affirmation of my question.

  “This could be a trap,” Marco warns. “Let’s check the video and see.” He walks over to the desk and pushes a button. A nearby wall panel slides to the side, revealing a bank of monitors. Another click and there’s a sound from the one that I assume is at the front gate.

  And there she is, my blonde best friend, looking very much like an avenging angel in what appears to be all black. “Listen here, you fucking rent-a-Joe. If I don’t see Nina Gavino in five minutes flat, I’m gonna plant the heel of my boot up your fat ass.” Putting her hands on her hips, she adds, “If you don’t believe me, then you wait and see. I warn you, though, you’ll be shitting manmade materials for a damn month.”

  “Yep, that would be her all right,” Nic mutters distastefully. I don’t know why, but those two loathe each other. Considering they’re from different families, I have no idea when they’ve even spent that much time together. I’d asked Minka, but she had been unusually close-mouthed about Nic. I even joked about him ignoring her Facebook request or something silly along those lines, and she glared at me for so long that I dropped the subject and never broached it again. I love Minka like a sister, but I’m smart enough to understand that pissing her off is a bad idea. I’ve seen her plant a knee in more than one man’s balls, so I have no desire to test her patience. I don’t need a broken vagina. After all, one day I might use it again. A girl can always dream.

  “Have her escorted in,” Rutger orders, taking me by surprise. I expected she’d be turned away, regardless of her threats. And I’m not so certain that I want more mayhem to deal with right now. “I believe we should hear
Ms. Gavino out since she’s gone to great trouble to find Nina.”

  “I think a muzzle and a leash are a better plan,” Nic grumbles.

  “Nicoli,” Rutger chides. “You’re speaking of Nina’s friend. And from what I just witnessed, it would be prudent not to piss her off.”

  “I’ve got twenty on her making you cry like a baby.” Marco smirks. “Personally, I’d be curious to see how she gets those heels in your ass.” Frowning, he quickly adds, “On second thought, that might be a little too much for me.” I bite back a grin at his words. His sense of humor is so flipping sexy. Roll your tongue back in.

  A nearby door slams loudly, and we all jump yet again. Then Lester is back, escorting my frowning best friend. I notice the way the men take in her leather-clad figure, and for the first time, I feel a twinge of envy. I’m short and curvy, with far too much ass. And she’s tall and voluptuous. Get over yourself and stop being such a damn girl. I swear she snarls when she spots Nic, and the room sizzles with tension. Then she sees me and hurls herself in my direction. I barely have time to squeak in surprise before I’m locked in her arms with my face pressed between her tits. “Oh my God, I’ve been so fucking worried about you. Ever since this shit went down, it’s beyond weird at the home base. I told Daddy if anything happened to you, I’d blow the place up myself. Then I heard on the police scanner that there was an explosion on your street. I nearly had a heart attack, Ni.” She has always called me a shortened version of my name, and I, in turn, do the same with her.