Ruthless: A Dark Mafia Romance Read online

  Chapter Six

  Giovanni

  Hypnotic. Everything about her was just that and so much more. The beauty. She stood right in front of me, the woman I never thought I’d see again.

  For a few amazing seconds, I was with her in the tiny bathroom, observing the way she handled being restrained and completely without control. She’d been like a beautiful flower opening up to the glorious would of submission, giving me her complete trust. Now, she realized that very trust had been placed in the hands of a brutal monster. I could see it in her eyes. I could feel almost hear her rapid heartbeat, the blood pumping through her veins.

  She wanted to hate me, to pretend that what we’d shared had never happened.

  But I knew better.

  And I hungered more than before.

  The taste of her had left me famished, needing to quench the kind of thirst that was all consuming. I longed to possess her, to make certain that no other man had her. The thought refused to be denied.

  I wanted to strip away her clothing, devouring every inch of her. I longed to shove my cock into her tight asshole, stealing her breath. I blinked, sensing confusion in my capos. The irony of the situation was almost ridiculous. Fate had to be fucking with me. Exhaling, I thought about what I would say to her. She stood like fire and brimstone, ready to launch into me.

  Hell, I didn’t blame her. I’d been an asshole at the end, even though there was nothing else I could do. Her safety was paramount. The dichotomy of my feelings was off the charts, making my balls tighten.

  I’d been an absolute fool to taste one of the locals, taking her to my hotel suite and fucking her. I’d been an even bigger fool hunting her down, basically breaking into her house. But I’d wanted her, every gorgeous inch and I’d refused to think clearly. I took a deep breath as our eyes locked. There were so many words to say but neither of us had any idea how to start. Plus, I could see just how pissed she was.

  Hearing the way in which she purred my name was a powerful aphrodisiac, driving me back to the hours we’d shared together. I could almost read her mind, mental images of the savage passion fresh. I devoured her with my soul, allowing her to see the brutal yearning that still encompassed my very being.

  I’d placed the fling in a box, certain I’d never have the joy of seeing her again. Now this. Fucking fantastic.

  “Do you know this chick, boss?” Marco asked, keeping his fingers locked on the trigger.

  “Back off, Marco and she’s a doctor. Doctor...?” I asked, waiting for her to fill in the blanks. I seriously doubted her first name was Minx, but the pseudonym suited her.

  “Dr. Mason,” she replied. Her sensuous lips pursed as she glared at me first then shifting to my capos. “If we’re going to treat you, Mr. Doe as well as keep your anonymity, I suggest you find a more innocuous name. John Doe is nothing but a red flag to anyone searching for someone’s identity. You’re also already disruptive, which is something I won’t tolerate. We can do this the easy way or the hard way and either one is fine with me.”

  A doctor and a very intelligent one at that.

  I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought. She was as brainy as she was beautiful, making the draw I had even more tangible. There’d been nothing in her house indicating her profession. Fate had a funny way of kicking me in the balls. My cock was throbbing like a son of a bitch. She stood in hospital scrubs and a white coat, her long hair pulled back in a ponytail and with very little makeup on, but I’d never been more attracted to a woman. She was perfect. She’d become my obsession.

  And she would indeed be mine for longer than just two days.

  What were the chances that she’d be my doctor, tending to my health as well as my needs? I eased off the bed, pushing Marco aside. “You’re right about the name and that’s a very good idea. As far as the disruption, I apologize. That wasn’t my intent in coming here.” Her face was flushed, similar to the way it had been the very first time I’d spanked her. Her actions indicated just how nervous she was.

  “Then what is your intent, Mr. Calduchi? You certainly don’t seem worse for wear.” Jerking open the file, she flipped through the three attached pages, all the while shaking her head.

  Her concern while we were lying in her bed had been palpable. Now, I knew why.

  “A bullet wound through the chest. A clean shot but within inches of your heart and a difficult surgery. Given you died on the table for a full two minutes, it seems you’re lucky to be alive. Perhaps my expertise is exactly what you need, but as I mentioned before, I have rules you will follow.”

  A flash of images from the near-death experience washed in front of me. The ugliness hadn’t left, a swirling of angry and vicious monsters thwarting my sleep. Twitching involuntarily, I pushed off the vision, putting it aside as something I didn’t believe in. Those who believed in the Catholic faith would say I was going to hell. While I was no expert, I’d heard enough stories. I’d only visited purgatory, but my mother’s hopes at redemption had likely been lost years before.

  “I’m lucky in many ways, Dr. Mason, but luck had nothing to do with the reason I’m still breathing.” I took another step closer and she backed away. She was frightened of me, but the desire remained, infused in the fresh scent of body wash combined with the luscious fragrance of her pussy. The passion had been even more unbridled the second time around, leaving me hungry for more in every manner.

  Her submission, even in the slightest fashion left my cock twitching. I noticed the rope marks on her wrists, my desires flaring to the point of combustion. I could only imagine how her bottom felt after being spanked more than once.

  “He’s a very important patient.” Daniel kept both hands on his gun even though he lowered the Glock. “You damn well better keep him alive.”

  “I have dozens of patients and they’re all important,” she retorted. “You have no right to interfere with any of them. Keep that in mind.” She swept her gaze to the others then back to me, a wry expression replacing any concept of terror.

  I wasn’t surprised at her caustic attitude. She’d been incensed after being escorted out of my hotel room. Then when I left the second time, I hadn’t scored any points. The last thing I’d wanted to share with her was checking into a hospital. What fucking irony.

  She was angry with herself for allowing her guard to fall not once but twice. Now, she believed she had full control. She was wrong. The lovely doctor also had no idea how much I’d wanted to stay with her. I’d been the one to allow my guard to fall. “I assure you that I’ll be out of your hair within a week. A few days of treatment is all I can afford to take.”

  “Afford?” Chuckling, her nostrils flared then she simply slapped shut the file. “I suggest you rest, Mr. Calduchi, given the nature of your gunshot wound. I will be happy to make a name change in our system once that’s been decided. Please keep in mind that this is a hospital and not a hunting ground.”

  With anyone else, I would retaliate, even considering snapping their neck, but with her, everything seemed different. “We will follow the hospital regulations at least to a point while I’m your patient. However, keep in mind that while I’m aware a few hospital personnel had to be told of my arrival, no one else is to know. Period. You will not talk to anyone outside of this hospital and if you receive threats of any nature, you will immediately notify either one of my men or myself. There will be a certain amount of business handled within these walls, but I’ll try and keep that to a minimum. I will also be allowed to come and go as I please if necessary and without questions or pushback. Those are my rules. Do you understand, Dr. Mason?”

  Her smirk sent another wave of burning desire shooting through my loins. As she folded her arms across the file and her chest, closing the distance, she tipped her head, exposing her strong jawline. “And if there are any threats made to my nursing staff or anyone else at this hospital, you will be tossed out without question. Is that something you can understand?”

  The tension was explosive. My
capos had never seen me back down to anyone, especially a woman. I slid my index finger under her chin, allowing the tip to dig in. “Be very careful, Dr. Mason, what you say. Everything you may have heard or read about me is only a portion of the reality of my world but much of what you believe is true. Something for you to keep in mind.”

  A smile crossing her face, she maintained her position. “And I don’t take kindly to threats from anyone, Gio. Something for you to keep in mind.” She waited, refusing to back down.

  I chuckled and lowered my hand, giving her a respectful nod. “Very well, Doctor. I think we understand each other well enough. Now, if you’ll be so kind, I do have some business to discuss.” While I’d known Antonio had already swept the room for bugs of any kind, the last thing I wanted was the lovely creature to hear anything regarding my business. That would make her a liability that I’d be forced to handle in a manner that didn’t suit me.

  “Very well. You can conduct your business, as long as it’s done quietly. I have rounds to complete. I will need to examine your wound later today in order to determine a course of action. That is, if any is actually needed.” She issued another hard glare before turning and walking out.

  I could taste her hunger on my tongue.

  “What in the fuck was that?” Marco hissed the second the door closed. He slipped his weapon into his waistband and jerked the edge of his jacket in order to hide his gun. “Ball buster. Jesus.”

  “No one for you to worry about.” I shifted my cock, trying to abate the discomfort. I hadn’t been able to get her off my mind. Seeing her again was not in my best interest. She was far too distracting, and I needed to focus.

  “She has no idea who she’s dealing with,” Daniel snorted. “Maybe we need to teach her a lesson, boss. I’m more than happy to do that.” His repulsive hand actions drew my rage to the surface.

  I snapped my hand around his throat, lifting him several inches off the floor. His eyes were like saucers, the gurgling sounds coming from his throat in no way soothing the anger. “The doctor is off limits. Do you understand?”

  Daniel’s face turned red as I squeezed, and he held up his hands in acquiescence. While Marco remained silent, I could sense his discord.

  “Do you fucking understand me? She’s not to be touched in any manner!”

  Marco finally moved closer, enabling me to see his face. “That’s fine, boss. We get it.”

  Sputtering, Daniel gripped my forearm, wheezing. I let him drop like a rock, wincing as the slice of anguish shifting around the wound surfaced. I rubbed the spot, walking closer to the window and peering out at the dilapidated parking lot. The hospital had certainly seen better days, a perfect hiding place for now. “Why the fuck did you choose this location?” Both of my men were fidgeting, Daniel continuing to cough. The glimmer of sun allowed me to see their reflections. Pensive.

  “I knew we could trust the medical director. He’s been helpful in the past,” Marco said, grinning. “Said this was the best doctor for your injury. Damn asshole better be right.”

  Helpful. Which meant the guy was on the take. That could come in handy at a later time. Allies were certainly needed. “I’m certain she’ll perform her duties as necessary.”

  “You can’t be too careful, boss. You have enemies everywhere.” Marco’s tone was unusually preoccupied.

  Enemies. What else was new? “What do we need to discuss? As you heard from the doctor, I require rest.” I noticed the tentative look they shared. My incapacitation was fucking up everything. Daniel coughed again then looked away. “Cut the crap. I’m in no mood. What was so urgent you took a trip to Ohio right now?”

  “Boss, the word on the street is that the entire Calduchi family was targeted with this hit.” Marco kept his voice even.

  “I already know this shit. What else?” The aching in my chest continued, a reminder of just how close I’d come to being clipped.

  Marco cleared his throat. “Just a rumor, but we heard that the contract was an inside job.”

  I snapped my head in their direction, trying to control my breathing. So my father’s concerns were real. “Just as we suspected. We have a traitor in our midst. I hope that means you uncovered the bastard.”

  Daniel shrugged as he continued to rub his throat. “Not yet, but we’re trying. No one knows. There’s a lot of trash talk on the street about how weak the Calduchi family really is, so we thought you’d like to know.”

  While my father had been hated for his merciless behavior, threats occurring on any given day, there were very few people who had the fucking balls to try to pull off a contract job of that significance. New York pricks? Yeah, but one of my men? “Who?” The question was directed at Marco. I could tell by his expression he knew more than he was letting on. He’d kept his ear to the ground since the beginning, listening and observing his strong suit.

  “Don’t want to say anything until we’re sure, boss,” Marco answered.

  I stole a glance at the door, half expecting to see the doctor standing there, glowering as she’d done earlier. “Tell me.”

  Marco shoved his hands into his pockets and moved toward the window. “Michael Romano.”

  Stymied, I sputtered out laughter. “You’re shittin’ me. Right?” My father’s longtime friend, a man who’d been the best man at his wedding, who’d been my father’s ear as well as the Consigliere of the family. There was no fucking way. None. The man was a respected attorney, a family man, and would have died in order to protect Montego.

  “Afraid not.”

  Snarling, I pounded my fist on the glass. “This isn’t the kind of shit you go spouting off, Marco. I want facts and details. And not a fuckin’ word of this gets out on the street. Not one word or I’ll cut both of your tongues out.”

  Marco didn’t respond. He simply stared out the window.

  “Fine. Where is this shit coming from?” I had to consider the possibility, which meant that my change in scenery had to be protected at all costs.

  “Try and remember that day. Michael wasn’t at the lunch. From what I heard, he wasn’t even invited. Shit comin’ down the pike says he’d had an argument with your father the morning before the massacre.” Marco’s words were perfunctory. “He’s acting like he’s really the man in charge, pissing off a lot of the buttons.”

  My thoughts drifted to whatever Montego had wanted to discuss with me just minutes before his death. The concept that Michael was a rat was plausible. To make matters worse, a lot of the young soldiers held the highest respect for the man, which had always intrigued as well as irritated my father. “Watch him and let me know everything he’s doing. Find out everything you can. And hear me, I must be one hundred percent certain of this before I make any kind of decision. Is that clear?” The last thing I needed was another hit. New York would use any additional sign of weakness to muscle in.

  “Very.” Marco sighed, allowing a few seconds to pass. “You know, this wouldn’t be a bad state to live in. I could see settling down here, buying a little house and having a few kids.”

  “Saw a few good-lookin’ women on the way here,” Daniel chortled.

  I rubbed my hands, trying to keep my reactions to the minimum. I was worried on several levels. This couldn’t have occurred at a worse time. “Any news on my brother’s whereabouts?”

  “Nothing new. Jagger disappeared. I’m checking all his usual spots, but so far, nothing.” Daniel knew my brother perhaps better than I did. Hell, I didn’t know my kid brother at all, but at this point, I couldn’t risk calling him. Our last argument had been caustic. We were nothing alike. Jagger had always been the good son, our mother’s protector. I’d been the evil child, even terrifying my mother and our priest.

  “Find him. It’s important. If there’s one person who might know, it’s Michael. Make casual inquiries, nothing to tip him off that we’re onto him. I need you both to get back there before he becomes aware that you’re missing. Keep the peace. Keep him away from the hospital and confirm who the
rat is. Once you do, I want to know immediately. And make certain the damn hospital staff thoroughly understand the need for absolute silence. I don’t give a shit what you have to do in order to make that happen.”

  “Yes, boss,” Marco half whispered. “I gotta tell you, I don’t like the shit going down on the streets.”

  “Yeah? Well, that will change soon enough. And the Feds?” They certainly wouldn’t be kept at bay for long either. I’d tangled with them often enough to know they were usually the source of leaking information.

  Daniel chuckled. “Bastards are clueless. They’re swimming around, asking a lot of questions but I didn’t see them taking any notes.”

  “They’re no doubt happy Montego Calduchi is gone.” My words sounded hollow. The game was the same as when my father had taken the helm and would be long after I was gone.

  “They do want to talk to you.” Marco locked eyes with mine. “They have a detective just sitting in the waiting room in Chicago. He might become an issue.”

  “As we figured. Do whatever is necessary to keep business going but leave the detective alone for now. We don’t need that shit. And make certain everyone is paying. Don’t let anybody renege on a single dollar they owe us.” Right now, there could be no weakness shown in any manner. While word on the street was I remained incapacitated, at least Michael’s presence would allow business to continue as usual. For now. Whatever was determined, I would be forced to deal with the reckoning.

  And the aftermath.

  “You’re certain you’re safe here, Gio?” Marco asked, this time more as a friend than my right-hand man.

  “As safe as I’d be anywhere else. At least as far as I know.” I gave him a hard look. Trust was becoming more and more difficult.

  “You got a plan just in case?” Paling, Marco lifted a single eyebrow and tried to smile.

  “I know what I’m doing.” My plan was to be back on my own turf at the end of the seven days. By then, all the shit should be sorted out. There was another thought swimming in my mind, one that seemed more plausible with every passing second, but I’d have to place my trust in Marco.