Protective Phlox, page 21
“Holy fuck, are you crazy?” His voice shook, and I was positive he was going to piss himself. He looked cross-eyed as he stared at the metal, pinning him to the car.
“If my son wasn’t a few feet away inside that house, I’d put a bullet between your eyes for stepping foot on my property and trying to lay claim to not only my wife but my son. I’m a man of very little patience as it is, but even more so when someone threatens my family.”
“I swear I didn’t know…she led me on…the bitch told me that he was mine.”
Crack. The bone in the fucker’s nose broke as I brought the butt of my gun down. Blood dripped down his face as his eyes filled with tears.
“Oww, fuck. You broke my nose.”
“Don’t you dare insult Savannah,” I growled, my finger close to releasing the safety and ending his miserable life. Fuck the consequences. “I’m not an idiot, and I know my wife. You’re only here because you thought you could squeeze some money out of her.” His eyes flicked away from mine. The guilt was written all over his face. “I don’t know how you found out where she was living, but my guess is that you looked it up and saw that she had made it rich. Figured you’d come here and stir up trouble, maybe threaten a legal battle for Cutter. Am I close?”
He licked his lips. “Answer me,” I shook with the fury that was fueling me.
“Yes, yes, okay. She left her address with her mother, and I looked it up. It pissed me off that I wanted to get back together, and she’d moved on, so….”
“So, you thought you’d be a fucking piece of shit and try to ruin her new life. I should kill you. I’m so fucking tempted, but instead, this is what you’re going to do if you want to live. Listen closely and shut the fuck up. You will do exactly as I say, or you’re going to end up floating in the ocean for the sharks to find.” Shawn nodded as enthusiastically as he could but didn’t open his mouth. “Good, you have some sense. You’re going to go home, and you’re never going to call, text, visit, or do anything else with Savannah ever again. You do that, and I’ll let you live because you helped take care of Savannah’s mother when she was out of the country. But…if you so much as look in her direction for any reason, you’re a dead man.”
As I leaned in closer, my fist pressed harder into his chest. I could feel the thumping of his heart as it beat out of control. “I can promise you that before you die, I’ll make sure you beg for death. Don’t fuck with me, Shawn, and don’t make the mistake of thinking the cops would be on your side. I own this city, and I can make you disappear without ever lifting a finger.” Removing the gun, I kept a firm grip on the worm that thought he was a man. “Do we understand one another?”
He nodded. I smiled even as my eyes promised death. Just the thought of him touching Savannah, let alone fucking her, was enough to make me want to skin him alive. The possessive rage that burned in my gut where she was concerned was lethal, and he was so fucking lucky Cutter was here. I didn’t want to bring that kind of violence into his life so young. It was inevitable, but not now, and hopefully not for years to come.
“Excellent. I’m glad we understand one another. Now get the fuck out of here before I change my mind,” I said, stepping back and letting him go.
My phone dinged with a message, but I ignored it as I watched Shawn scamper around the front of his car. It took the idiot three tries to get the door open before he finally fell inside and took off.
“You want us to follow him and make sure he actually leaves Cali,” Robert asked. I was really starting to like this guy.
“Yeah, take Sal with you. If that fucker stops anywhere, I want to know about it,” I said, pulling out my phone to stare at the notification from an unknown number.
“You got it, Boss,” Robert said as the two men ran for one of the cars and sped away.
I unlocked my phone and stared at the short cryptic message accompanied by a voice recording.
Unknown: I thought you should know.
I skeptically hit play and froze at the unmistakable sound of my father’s voice.
“I thought you would be thrilled with this deal.”
“Would I like the information…yes, of course, I would, but I’m not stupid. This is an extremely volatile situation, Dimitri.”
That was Romeo Mancini. I’d spoken to him a few times and he had a distinctive tone to his voice that I’d know anywhere.
“I know that it’s risky, but what is life without risk?”
“I just don’t know.”
“Romeo, I thought you were not just ambitious but the smart Mancini. What I’m proposing solves both of our issues and keeps our hands clean. No one would blame you for your uncle’s death, and no one would blame Nathaniel for killing him. I’m telling you, Romeo, this is a win for everyone.”
What the fuck was my father talking about? It sounded like Romeo wanted Aldo dead. What the fuck did I have to do with that? I walked inside the house to get away from the breeze that was making the voices harder to hear.
“I may agree with you, but are you really willing to put your grandson’s life in danger? Aldo is insane, and I can’t control what he does or when,” Romeo said, and my heart pounded faster, the pressure building inside my head.
“He’s the bastard son of a federal agent that Nathaniel doesn’t know exists. I don’t care if the girl dies. In fact, it will make my life easier if she does. If Nathaniel makes it in time to save them and kill Aldo, then fine. If he doesn’t, then we will still get what we both want. Nathaniel is hotheaded with a misguided sense of loyalty. He won’t be able to help himself and will kill Aldo either way.”
My hand gripped the phone tighter. There was a long pause, and I looked at the message to see if that was it.
“I don’t know, Dimitri. I don’t like this. It feels like a setup that could backfire six different ways, including starting a war that neither of us want,” Romeo said.
“I’m not setting you up, and you hold the power to get me what I want, which is a place in the overseas action. An in to all the channels I’ve been repeatedly blocked from. I also get free passage through your area whenever I need it. I’ll provide the names of the federal agents in your organization, including the mother of my grandson. I will also make sure that Nathaniel finds out about his son. This is very valuable information that no one else knows, and you can use it to get what you really want. It is a fair trade that you can’t pass up, and you know it.”
“This is a deadly game you’re playing, and if Nathaniel ever finds out what you’ve done….”
“My son will never find out, and as I said, I don’t care if the girl dies. I’d prefer if my grandson lived, but if not, that’s why I have multiple children, isn’t it?” My father laughed, making it clear that none of us were worth more than the next dollar he could make. I almost dropped the phone as the rage and shock collided in my system and froze me in place as I sucked in deep, ragged breaths.
“I guess we have a different view of family, Dimitri, but fine. I agree to your terms, and when you hand the information over, I’ll leak the paternity results to Aldo. I don’t feel right sending Nathaniel in there without protection. So, I’ll have my men on standby to intervene if things get out of control. I don’t need the blood of a kid on my hands.”
“Do what you want, Romeo. As long as you sign the contract, I’ll give you everything you need to know.”
“Send over the paperwork. I’ll read it and get it back to you tomorrow.”
The recording stopped, and all I heard was a ringing in my ears as the thoughts swirled around and all the little dots clicked into place. It was never Cesare, and there was a good chance he never got my messages or even knew what was happening at all. My father leveraged the life of my son on my loyalty and willingness to kill Aldo for going after Cutter and Savannah.
My feet were on the move before I could finish processing what I’d heard. I was going to kill him.
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
SAVANNAH
It had been so long since I had a girl’s day that I’d forgotten what one was even like. College was probably the last time that I could recall. We’d started the morning early and had breakfast at Roses du Couchant, a stunning spot right on the beach that looked out at the water. Then we headed off to get mani-pedis, which Helena insisted we do with champagne. Of course, this turned into a laughing fit and a balancing act not to spill the drinks.
Nathaniel’s sister, Kaylani, was sweet and funny, and within minutes, it felt like we’d known one another our whole lives. She told me she preferred to be called Lani, loved to party, didn’t take herself too seriously, and would lie for me if needed. I wasn’t sure what to make of that opening statement, but after spending half a day with her, it totally suited her personality.
“Wow, that was incredible. My masseuse was hot. I would go back there for a different kind of service anytime,” Kaylani said.
“Kaylani,” Helena gasped, making the two of us laugh. Helena slipped her arm into mine as we walked to the cars. “Ignore my daughter. She has a foul mouth and a dirty mind.”
“Oh please, Mom. You know you love it. You just don’t want to admit it. We all know that you’re a sex kitten. I mean, you had four kids.”
I snickered when Helena’s face turned bright red as she glared at her daughter. “I’m not saying I don’t understand. I’m just saying that we are in the company of gentlemen, and it should be private girl talk.”
Helena looked back over her shoulder, and so did I, forgetting that we had an entourage of men with us. I’d strangely gotten used to them lingering all the time. Goran didn’t seem to mind, but it was hard to tell with the dark shades and the hard set of his mouth.
“Fine, I’ll behave,” Kaylani said as she held out her hand, inspecting her nails, which now had glittery stones all over them.
“Did you enjoy yourself, Love,” Helena asked while patting my arm that she was holding.
“I did, thank you. It was all very relaxing. I especially loved the mud bath.”
“Oh, it is lovely, and your skin feels as soft as a newborn baby’s bottom afterward. Are you ready for the last stop of the day before we meet up with Nathaniel and Titus for dinner?”
“I can’t even imagine what else you have planned, but I am all in. This is the most fun I’ve had in a very long time.”
“I’m so happy. It’s great having you in the family, and it means so much to me that you’re letting me plan your wedding here.”
“I’ll be honest, I’m not much for planning large events, so you are helping me out with your willingness to get involved. All I know is that Nathan wants red as one of the colors. That was his only stipulation,” I said as we got into the back of the limo. Goran and a couple of the guards got in with us, but the rest were in the other SUVs that followed us everywhere.
“I can work with that. The florist is set to come out tomorrow at eleven, and then we will meet with Mr. Cartier about renting out the butterfly conservatory for the ceremony. He has many places, but I’m sure you’re going to fall in love with the gardens they have for events, and the butterflies are beautiful.”
“It sounds so magical,” I said.
“I know I’ve said this to you already, but no matter what my husband says, we are all delighted to welcome you into our family. I’ve never seen my son so happy. He has a light in his eyes, and that’s because of you and Cutter.” Helena grabbed a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to get all emotional like this.”
“Yeah, I wasn’t sure what you were going to be like being an ex-Fed and all, but you’re amazing, Savannah. I’ve always wanted a sister, and I hate Vera with a passion. I can’t believe Father has set sweet Titus up with that woman. She is a soul-sucking leech.”
“Kaylani,” Helena scolded again, but Kaylani seemed to be cut from the same cloth that I was. She wasn’t holding back for anyone or anything.
“I’m serious. I don’t know why Father insists on pairing us all up like we’re part of his thoroughbred breeding program. It’s not right.”
Helena sighed. “We’ve been over this. Your father has found who he wants you to marry, and there is nothing I can do. I’ve tried to talk him out of it.”
Kaylani rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and ankles like she was double-blocking the idea of an arranged marriage.
“He can say whatever he wants, stomp his feet, and call me names, but he will not force me to marry some old windbag so that he can make more money. He has more than he can spend before he dies, which can’t come soon enough.”
“How about we change the topic,” I interjected quickly as Helena’s face blanched. “Where are we headed next?”
Helena shook her head at her daughter but focused on me. “That is a surprise.” She leaned closer and whispered, which was useless because everyone would still be able to hear her. “Speaking of surprises, have you told Nathaniel yet?”
I looked at her and then everyone else, who tried to pretend they weren’t listening.
“Told him what?”
“That you’re pregnant, of course. It’s obvious. I noticed over a week ago but have been patiently waiting for you to announce it.”
My mouth dropped open as I gaped at Helena. “I’m what?” Glancing down, I laid a hand over my stomach. “How do you know? I don’t have any symptoms like I did with Cutter.”
“Your skin is glowing, and your hair looks like spun silk. You’ve been randomly tired and have suddenly gone off eating eggs. Trust me, love. You’re pregnant.”
I quickly ran through the math in my head. It had been two months almost to the day since Nathan stormed back into my life, and we had our shotgun wedding at the Russian consulate. It had been so crazy that I hadn’t even noticed that I was late.
“Congratulations, Savannah,” Goran said as he smirked across from me. I sucked in a deep breath as I pointed at everyone in the car.
“No one in here let it slip to Nathan. I want to be sure and then tell him myself.”
The guards instantly held up their hands. “We won’t say a word, not our news, not our business,” Goran said.
“Don’t look at me. I won’t say anything,” Kaylani said but squealed as she gripped me in a hug. “I’m going to be an auntie again. Oh, please have a girl. I want to dote on my niece and show her all the good shops and which boys she should definitely stay away from.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” I said, laughing. “First things first, on the way home, can we make a pit stop at the pharmacy?”
Helena smiled wide. “I will march in there and buy the test myself. It will give the clerk a heart attack if they think it’s for an old bird like me.”
“Stop that, you’re not old. You’re in your prime and beautiful. I’ll be blessed to look half as good as you do when I reach my fifties.”
“You’re too sweet,” she said as she hugged me next. “Congratulations, my dear.” The car slowed to a stop, and I looked out, smiling wide as I noticed the windows displaying wedding dresses. “Let’s go get you a dress to make you look like a queen.”
The guards knocked, giving us the all-clear, but I held Helena back for a moment so we could talk privately.
“I just wanted to say thank you. Not just for all of this, which is lavish and has made me feel so welcome, but also because….” My throat clogged, and I quickly blinked away the tears forming. “I don’t have the best relationship with my mother, and at one point in my life, I dreamed of doing these things with her. When I realized that wasn’t going to happen, a part of me was devastated, but you’ve made me feel like I belong. Thank you for giving me that. It means more than I could ever put into words.”
Helena dabbed at her eyes again. “You’re welcome, dear. I see you as a daughter already. Now, before I cry all my makeup off, let’s go shopping.”
She knocked on the glass, and one of the men opened the door for us. There was no way that today could get any better.
This was the sixth dress that I tried, and as soon as the owner of the store brought it into the changing room to show me, I knew it was the one. It went on like a glove and was elegant but not overly done. I loved that it was a soft eggshell instead of the stark white, which washed me out. My shoulders were bare except for the tie around my neck. It had a low sweetheart neckline that I knew Nathan would appreciate, and I loved that the drop waist had a corset tie-up back. There was just enough champagne embroidery to give it a queenly look but not push it into the over-the-top category. I loved it.
“Come on out here and let us see,” Kaylani said, breaking my staring contest with the mirror. I tore my eyes away and let the owner help me step down from the pedestal she had me get on to lace up the back.
“You look stunning,” she said as I slipped my feet into the matching satin shoes.
“Thank you.”
“Are you ready?” I nodded, and she opened the curtain to let me step out. Helena and Kaylani stopped sipping their champagne as their mouths fell open.
“Oh my god, you’re a freaking vision,” Kaylani said, making me blush.
Stepping up on the low riser, I turned so they could see the back and then slowly faced them again.
Helena had a hand over her mouth, tears running down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, I’m a mess. You’re just so beautiful. I love it. Do you love it?”
“I really do, I….” I jerked, startled as something hit the large bay windows.
Everything was loud and a little muffled as the guards sprang into action. Mass chaos ensued as Kaylani and Helena were dragged to the floor, their bodies covered by guards. Goran yelled as he ran at me. Why was he in slow motion? That seemed odd.
A throbbing pain started in my abdomen. I looked down and blinked as I stared at the once stunning dress with a massive red stain soaking the front. The sharp pain hit as my brain caught up to the shock of being shot.
