Claim, page 1
Claim
A Protector Vengeance Dark Mafia Romance
The Carrington Cartel Duet
Book 2
Chiquita Dennie
304 Publishing Company
Copyright © 2022 by Chiquita Dennie
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
For questions and comments about this book, please contact 304 Publishing at 304publishing@gmail.com. Visit the official website at www.chiquitadennie.com
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Contents
Latest Releases
Disclaimer
Introduction
Notes : The Carrington Cartel
Synopsis:
1. Gigi
2. Gigi
3. Axel
4. Gigi
5. Axel
6. Gigi
7. Axel
8. Dario
9. Ginerva
10. Gigi
11. Axel
12. Gigi
13. Axel
14. Axel
15. Gigi
16. Gigi
17. Axel
18. Gigi
19. Axel
20. Gigi
21. Axel
Epilogue
Reader Questions
Coming in 2024: Achille Cartel
Heart of Stone Universe
About the Author
What’s Next?
Acknowledgments
304 Publishing Company
Catalog Releases
Latest Releases
Latest Releases from Chiquita Dennie
The Early Years-A Prequel Short Story
Antonio and Sabrina: Struck in Love 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Heart of Stone, Book 1 (Emery & Jackson)
Heart Of Stone Book 1.5 Emery &Jackson A Valentine’s Day Short
Janice and Carlo: Captivated by His Love
Heart of Stone, Book 2 (Jordan and Damon)
Temptation
Heart of Stone, Book 3 (Angela and Brent)
Cocky Catcher
Bossy Billionaire
Bottoms Up Heart of Stone, Book 3.5 (Jessica and Joseph Short
Love Shorts: A Collection of Short Stories
Joaquin Fuertes (The Fuertes Cartel Book 1)
Exposed (Salvation Society Novel)
Joaquin Fuertes (The Fuertes Cartel Book 2)
Refuel (A Driven World Novel)
Pressure (A Driven World Novel)
Until Serena (HEA World Novel)
Antonio and Sabrina: Struck in Love 5
Heart of Stone, Book 4 (Jessica and Joseph)
She’s All I Need
Red Light District (A Fantasy Romance Short)
Claim: The Carrington Cartel Book 2
Joaquin Fuertes (The Fuertes Cartel Book 3)
Something Gained (A Romantic Comedy Book1)
Upcoming Releases (2023/2024):
Fall For You (Satin Hill Book1)
Dare To Love
Scoring with Sadie
Unveiled (Achille Cartel Book 1)
Nicco: TN Seal Security Book 3
Something Earned (A Romantic Comedy Book 2)
Disclaimer
This work of fiction contains strong language and explicit sexual content and is only intended for mature readers. This story may contain unconventional situations, language, and sexual encounters that may offend some readers. This book is for mature readers (18+).
Introduction
Grab some wine and get ready for more spicy, sinful, sexy suspense.
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Notes : The Carrington Cartel
Welcome to the Carrington Cartel, a duet series that features characters from Stuck in Love, and Fuertes Cartel. Gigi, Laurent, and Axel briefly appear in the Struck in Love series as an introduction. You do not have to read the entire series, but spoilers are included in this new series. If you want the entire reading order of Struck in Love Universe, check the next page.
Struck In Love Universe
https://books2read.com/u/49Zjnw
Ruthless Struck in Love Book 1
https://books2read.com/u/4AxKLo
Savage Struck in Love Book 2
https://books2read.com/u/bpED6g
Beast Struck in Love Book 3
https://books2read.com/u/3LpgdJ
Janice and Carlo Captivated by His Love
https://books2read.com/u/b6je6M
Brutal Struck in Love Book 4
https://books2read.com/u/4NQyE9
Stolen-The Fuertes Cartel Book 1
https://books2read.com/u/mvZlgV
Saved-The Fuertes Cartel Book 2
https://books2read.com/u/4DWwLd
Redemption Struck in Love Book 5
https://books2read.com/u/b5kZ8O
Betrayed-The Fuertes Cartel Book 3
https://books2read.com/u/4A5LGp
Torn: The Carrington Cartel Book 1
https://books2read.com/u/mqXare
Claim: The Carrington Cartel Book 2
https://books2read.com/u/bwyjPY
Synopsis:
They might have won the first battle, but the war is about to start.
When Gigi and Axel unexpectedly fell in love, the events that followed were expected yet terrible. Turning away from the match her father secured for her to strengthen the cartel left Axel fighting for his life.
Balancing her new role as Boss becomes more complicated than Gigi ever anticipated. But stepping down isn’t an option.
Secrets from the past linger in the shadows, and if they come to light, they will destroy everything.
Gigi has always been underestimated, and it’s time to show her true wrath and take revenge on her enemies.
Gigi wants blood to pay for what she lost.
Chapter 1
Gigi
Seven months later.
I tossed and turned all night, trying to get a good night's sleep, but nightmares continued to cloud my dreams. The rain descended for the third day in a row, pounding on the roof. Usually, I could sleep if I had Axel next to me, but now it was different.
I felt a kick in my stomach. “Shush,” I muttered tiredly. “You decided to keep me company again, huh?”
I turned over, sat up, and stretched my arms over my head. My stomach calmed down a little while I checked the time on my phone. It rang, startling me.
“Yes?” I answered, rubbing my stomach.
“We’re outside?” Turin said.
I stood and walked to the window, seeing a few of my men lined up. “All right. I’m on my way down. Give me a few minutes.”
Turin blew out a breath. “Boss?”
“Yes, Turin.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
My eyes stung with tears. “Positive. Please don’t question me again.”
“Have to look out for you, since he’s not here.”
My voice was calm. “He would want me to handle business.”
“You're right,” he responded, amused.
“I’ll be down soon.”
“No heels this time,” he muttered.
I giggled and looked down at my swollen feet. “Let it go, Turin.”
“No, because you need someone to watch over you.”
“They’re only three inches,” I teased.
He’d become more of a big brother over the past few months. Our back-and-forth banter was the highlight of my days.
Turin grumbled. “You’re determined to drive me crazy.”
“As my friend, you should be used to it by now.”
“Get dressed.” He ended the call.
I shook my head, stood, and walked into the bathroom to shower and dress for another late-night meet-up. The local meat factory had become the destination in order for me to not travel too far during my pregnancy.
Forty minutes later, Turin parked the car in the usual spot and turned toward me.
I frowned. “What?”
He grasped my hand. “The moment I think it’s too much, you’re leaving.”
“Who put you in charge of babysitting me?”
“I put myself in charge. What are the rules again?”
“Turin, I’m fine. Rules are for kids.”
The look on his face had me laughing. Most people would think I was crazy pushing a mafia guy around.
“You're pregnant and running a cartel. You need someone to tell you no.”
I twisted the ring on my finger and stared off into the night. “That someone isn’t here.”
“Let’s go, so we can get you back home.” Turin pushed the door open and rounded the car to help me out.
I stepped out in my long black stretch dress with the split up the right side and three-inch heels. My belly made an appearance before my face. “Is he conscious?”
The guard on duty opened the door to the basement.
Turin held his hand out for me, so I didn’t miss a step. “Yeah. I told them to leave y
“Thank you.”
I scanned the room and took in my surrounding crew as they waited for my orders. I’d reconstructed the Carrington Cartel after what happened with my family and Axel.
“Please, I don’t know anything,” Sandro pleaded.
I rubbed my belly to calm my baby. “Sandro, I thought we could trust you.”
Blood trickled down his face as he lifted his head. Seems they did more than enough damage before I arrived. His clothes were torn, and his wounds were fresh.
“Gigi, I swear Lazaro acted alone!”
My brows pinched together. “Did he?”
“Yes! I can help you, Gigi. Whatever you need.”
My frown set into a dark mask. “Dario is missing, and I want his head.”
I knew Sandro was lying. I wanted to cut him up into pieces, but we didn’t have enough time.
“He’s never contacted me,” Sandro stated.
“Really? Because I have a phone record that says differently.”
Sandro bowed his head.
“Dario is my enemy, and you're going to tell me what you know.”
Turin grabbed my arm as I moved in closer.
“Turin, let me go.” I stuck my hand in my purse to pull out my gun.
“Gigi, I swear,” Sandro whimpered.
“It’s Boss to you, Sandro, and I’m afraid you’re no longer worth my time.”
I pulled the trigger and watched his lifeless body slump. My baby boy kicked up a storm as Turin and I walked out, and our soldiers cleaned up.
I dozed as the music played on the radio and we headed home.
Turin’s phone rang, and he pulled it from his pocket. “It’s for you.”
“Who is this?” I demanded, rubbing my stomach.
“Angel.”
I dropped the phone in shock.
“Gigi!” Turin nudged my arm. “You're dreaming again.”
I was startled awake as Turin pulled up outside the house. I released a shaky breath and lifted my head toward him. “When is he going to wake up?”
Turin leaned his head on the headrest. “He’s fighting for you and the little one in your stomach.”
“I keep hoping this is all a dream and the bombing never happened.”
Turin’s brow creased with worry as he pivoted to face me. “Maybe you should take some time off. Step away from the business, at least until the baby is born.”
“No.”
His jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed. “Gigi, I know you want to prove yourself, but it’s getting dangerous.”
“Until Dario is found and killed, I won’t rest.” I reached for the door handle.
Turin’s firm hand stopped me. “You know I’m not letting you walk in alone.”
“Turin, you worry too much.”
“That’s my job until my brother comes back.”
Turin climbed out of the car and jogged around to my side to help me out. He took the key from my hand and unlocked the door.
I hung my coat on the rack before removing my heels. “You want a drink?”
“No. I need to get some sleep.”
“You can sleep in the guestroom. It’s late to be driving.”
Turin checked the living room and then into the kitchen. This was his routine, and now he had my other guards doing the same thing. When my family was killed in our home in Italy, my protection increased. Turin had become the friend I needed in Axel’s absence. Since moving to New York, I’d mostly stayed home unless the girls came and wanted to hang out or I had a business meeting.
I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and took a sip as I leaned against the counter. “What?” I asked Turin as he glared at me.
“Put a hold on your plans,” he pleaded.
I slowly placed the water bottle on the counter and winced as the baby kicked. “Calm down. Uncle Turin is here,” I soothed, rubbing my stomach. I looked at Turin. “I promise I’ll think about it.”
He placed a hand on my shoulder. “Do more than think, Gigi. Axel wouldn’t want you meeting with his enemies while you’re pregnant.”
“How will he know?” I asked as I turned and left the kitchen.
Turin shrugged as I reached the stairs. “Because when he wakes up, I’ll be the first to tell him.”
I laughed. “Snitch.”
Turin smirked. “Take it with pride.”
I punched him lightly on the shoulder before continuing up the stairs to my bedroom. “You need to find yourself a girlfriend,” I yelled and closed my bedroom door.
I heard Turin chuckle as he went to the guest room.
The next day.
I smiled in the clinical room as the monitor echoed my baby’s heartbeat. My days had moved more slowly without Axel in my life, and knowing our baby was growing inside me was the only thing keeping me going.
“Everything is right on track. Have you decided if you want a natural birth without medicine? We’re not that far off at eight months,” Dr. Noella said, turning off the monitor and cleaning the gel from my stomach.
I sat up and straightened my clothing. “Part of me is scared to go through this for the first time without my parents. I'm eight months along and about to be someone’s mom.”
Dr. Noella rested a hand on my shoulder. “Did you take my advice and schedule an appointment with a therapist?”
I appreciated Dr. Noella’s help, but my problems couldn’t be solved with therapy. The only things that would help were my husband waking up from his coma and finding the person who tried to kill him.
A few minutes later, I left Dr. Noella’s private facility after scheduling my next appointment and slipped into the back seat of the waiting car.
“Where to, ma’am?” Ralfie, my driver, asked.
Usually, I would head to the office to look over the books, but my gut told me I needed to see Axel today. “The hospital.”
As Ralfie pulled out of the parking lot and made a left down Forty-Eighth Street, nightmarish memories played on repeat in my head. Fulgenzio being blown apart as he started the car, and Axel being thrown back by the blast…
“Ma’am, do you know where you are?”
My eyes felt heavy and my chest was tight. I could barely breathe. “Axel,” I whimpered, looking at the stranger. I pushed his hand away as he tried to put an oxygen mask over my face.
“We’ll be at the hospital soon. I need you to calm down.”
I coughed and tried to sit up, but the EMTs placed me on a stretcher and moved me to an ambulance. Chaos unfolded in front of my home, with the fire department and police surrounding us.
“Where’s Axel?” I cried, trying to get out of the ambulance.
“Please try to calm down. Your heart rate is through the roof.”
I didn't care about myself. I wanted my husband. “I need Axel.”
I glimpsed Axel’s lifeless form as they moved him to another ambulance. I reached for him, but darkness dragged me under.
I blinked my eyes open to a sterile room. Tubes ran from my arm and oxygen hissed at my nose. Janice and Sabrina stood in the corner, talking to a nurse. I glanced toward the window and saw Turin. My throat was dry. I tried to clear it but only made it worse.
“Axel,” I whispered.
Everybody scrambled to my side.
Sabrina gripped my hand, and Janice smoothed my hair off my face.
“Where’s Axel?” I croaked.
Janice and Sabrina shared a look.
“Turin, where is Axel?” I demanded, my voice stronger.
Turin rubbed the back of his neck, dipping his head to avoid my glare.
“Gigi, you need to relax,” Janice said calmly.
