Held Firm: A Dark Mafia Romance, page 17
“I’ll leave you alone with them. You have a lot of catching up to do.”
“No, please don’t,” she said quickly. “Whatever we talk about, I want you there.”
“Okay, Bianca, I’ll stick around, but if I start to feel you should be by yourselves, I’ll slip away.”
While Lorenzo paced and sipped on a glass of whiskey, Ariana remained seated on the couch and fiddled with the gold heart around her neck. It held pictures of her two children when they were newborns. Though she wore the expensive jewelry Lorenzo had given her over the years, the heart never came off.
“How much longer will they be?” she asked anxiously. “I hope nothing happened to them.”
“They left the restaurant twenty minutes ago,” Lorenzo replied. “They should be driving up any minute now.”
“Lorenzo…”
“Don’t say it. I already know how you feel.”
“But you’re wrong about this,” she exclaimed, rising to her feet. “Ambush your men all you want, but not our daughter. Don’t you think she’s been through enough?”
“I’ll admit she’s—
“Excuse me, Mr. Albertini…?” Sammy said deferentially, walking into the room and interrupting him.
“Sammy, she’ll be here any minute,” Lorenzo shouted. “Stay out of sight until I call you.”
“I’m sorry, sir. I couldn’t help hearing what your wife said as I was about to walk in, and that’s why I’m here,” Sammy said solemnly, moving across to the bay windows and staring out at the colorfully lit landscaped garden. “That’s so beautiful,” he murmured. “It must be magical living up here in the canyons.”
“Screw the gardens,” Lorenzo barked. “You need to disappear until I’m ready for you.”
“Forgive me, but I’m staying,” Sammy said firmly as he turned around. “Your wife is right. I know Bianca. This will backfire on all three of us.”
“Lorenzo, listen to him,” Ariana begged. “Sammy knows her in ways we don’t.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lorenzo growled.
“Not like that, Mr. Albertini,” Sammy said hastily. “Bianca is a beautiful girl, but she’s not exactly my type.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know your type,” Lorenzo grunted.
“She’s here,” Ariana exclaimed as headlights flashed across the grounds. “Sammy, stay right where you are.”
“No, leave,” Lorenzo barked, “before she comes in.”
“I’m sorry, Lorenzo,” Ariana said firmly, darting to the door and standing in front of it. “The only way Sammy will leave this room is if he pushes me out of the way.”
“Dammit, woman! You’ll ruin everything.”
“Mr. Albertini,” Sammy said calmly, but raising his voice. “I know it was a shock hearing what your daughter has done, but threatening to hurt me to make her confess is wrong, and I’m sorry, but I won’t have any part of it.”
“I’m not threatening to hurt you, not exactly, and you and I have a deal.”
“We had a deal. I’m sorry, I’ve changed my mind. If she wants to tell you, that’s up to her. I won’t be a party to any kind of blackmail or coercion.”
“Give your daughter some credit,” Ariana interjected. “She’s a good girl at heart. Let her share the story of her own volition when she’s ready.”
“It appears I don’t have much choice,” Lorenzo said angrily, staring at Sammy. “As far as our deal is concerned—”
But before he could finish, Nick opened the door and Bianca stepped into the room.
CHAPTER 23
Before Bianca had a chance to even blink, Ariana threw her arms around her and hugged her tightly. Squeezing her eyes shut, Bianca felt heat in her throat and the threat of tears.
“Sweetheart, I can’t begin to tell you how desperate I’ve been,” Ariana said, her voice cracking as she pulled back and studied her daughter. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, honestly, I’m fine.”
“Come here, little girl,” Lorenzo ordered, walking briskly across the room and opening his arms.
“I’m not a little girl anymore, Dad,” she said, clinging to him and trying not to cry.
“You’ll always be my little girl. That will never change.”
His comment hit a raw, vulnerable place in her soul, and the wet droplets won the war and spilled down her cheeks.
“Hey, honey, it’s okay, everything’s okay,” he crooned. “You’re safe now, but I understand what you’ve been through. Maybe even what you’re going through right now.”
“I doubt it,” she sniffled, shifting to stare up at him.
“I’ve been around a while. There isn’t much your old man hasn’t seen or done.”
“Sorry, Dad, there’s mascara all over your shirt,” she muttered, spying the black smudges.
“That’s what a father’s shirt is for, and why he has to own more than one.”
“You’re too funny,” she remarked with the hint of a smile. “Where do you come up with these lines?”
“They fall from the ether, and there’s someone else who wants to welcome you home,” he announced, stepping sideways and gesturing across the room.
“Sammy,” she exclaimed, shocked to see him. “What are you doing here?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see anyone in my life,” he answered evasively as he hurried over to her. “What’s with the short blonde hair? You look like some kind of femme fatale.”
“Nick came up with it so I wouldn’t be recognized. It worked brilliantly.”
“And Nick is…?”
“My white knight in swimming trunks, or at least he was,” she replied, but as she turned to call him over, she saw him speaking quietly with her parents. “Hey, Dad, I take it Sammy’s presence means you know he’s a good guy after all.”
“You could say that,” her father replied, “but there’s a lot about him you don’t know, isn’t that right, Sam?”
Moving her eyes back to Sam’s face, she saw his brow crinkle.
“Sam, what’s he talking about?”
“Don’t be mad, Bianca, but I’m not exactly the poverty stricken gambler you think I am.”
“He sure isn’t,” Lorenzo declared. “He’s one of the best damn poker players in Vegas, and I’m going to set him up with Rupert Colby.”
“Uh, you’re still going to do that?” Sammy asked. “I figured since—”
“Hell, yeah,” Lorenzo answered sharply, cutting him off.
“But, Sammy, if you’re not poverty stricken, why do you live in such a tiny apartment?” Bianca asked. “Why did you borrow money from me, and who is Rupert Colby?”
“I wanted to explain all this in my own time,” Sammy said with a sigh, shooting a look at Lorenzo.
“I’m not mad at you, I’m just confused,” Bianca continued. “Please tell me what this is all about?”
“Well, where do I begin? It’s true I have plenty of money. I stay where I am because it’s crazy cheap and it doesn’t bother me. Believe me, compared to some of the places I lived in growing up, it’s a palace.”
“But the money? Why did you borrow it?”
“Bianca, you’re the only person—ever—who has believed in me. Every time you set me up with a stake, it gave me confidence, and I also knew giving me the cash made you feel like you mattered, that you made a difference, and you did. You still do. It was never about the money. Our back and forth was about our hearts. Then your father showed up at my door asking if I knew anything about your disappearance. We talked and—”
“You can stop there,” Lorenzo said hastily.
“I was going to say,” Sammy continued, “we talked and he realized how much I care about you, and he offered to introduce me to Rupert Colby. Rupert is similar to a sports agent, except he represents poker players.”
“Why would you do that, Dad?”
“We can talk about it another time,” Lorenzo said quickly. “Let’s just enjoy your safe return.”
Taking a breath and wiping her wet face, Bianca looked from her father, to her mother, back to Sam, then across to Nick who had settled on the couch.
“Why do I get the feeling something else is going on here?” she asked warily. “Something all of you know but don’t want to tell me.”
“You know what, she’s right, this is bullshit,” Sammy suddenly proclaimed. “I’m sorry, Mr. Albertini, but there have been too many lies. It’s time to get things out in the open.”
Immediately jumping to his feet, Nick hurried across to Bianca.
“Is that what you want?” he asked quietly. “Are you ready to tell your story?”
“Yeah, I am, but will you stay with me?”
“Of course I will.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Lorenzo demanded.
“Please, Dad, sit back down with Mom. You may have secrets, but I do too. There’s something I need to tell you.”
Lorenzo paused, then turned and strode to the couch and settled next to his wife, while Sammy settled into an adjacent armchair.
“Thanks,” Bianca began nervously. “Uh, Mom, Dad, do either of you know my favorite color?”
“I, uh, I’m not sure,” her mother stammered as her father shrugged his shoulders.
“Do either of you have any idea what I’ve been longing to do for years, but never have?”
“Sorry, honey,” her father replied. “I guess there are things we should know about you, but don’t.”
“What about you, Sammy?”
“Aqua is your favorite color. It reminds you of a tropical island, and you’d love to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands,” he replied, “but at the top of your wish list is riding a horse.”
“Mom, lavender is your favorite color, you love the smell,” Bianca declared. “Dad, yours is charcoal gray, especially for your suits and cars. You’re dying to visit Italy and drive through Tuscany, and Mom, you want to attend a designer fashion show in Paris. I don’t doubt you love me, but you’re not interested in anything I say, anything I do, or anything I want to do. Dad, you’re always carrying on about protecting me, but locking me up in your compound and not letting me have a fucking life is driving me nuts.”
“Bianca!” he shouted, jumping to his feet.
“It’s true, and God forbid I meet a guy I actually like. You send one of your goons over to tell him to treat me with respect. Do you think I ever hear from him again? And Mom, I ask you to go shopping or join me for lunch, but there’s always something more important you have to do.”
“Bianca,” Ariana said urgently, “please understand—”
“Let me finish,” Bianca snapped. “I was snatched off the street and I went through hell, and now you’re all over me, but in a couple of weeks things will be exactly the same. Oh, and where’s Alfredo? Too busy running your casino to be here?”
“He was in New York,” Lorenzo said sharply. “The minute I called he arranged for a jet and he’ll be arriving in the morning. Your brother adores you.”
“Perhaps, but I can’t remember the last time we did anything together.”
“Bianca, we may not be the most involved parents in the world, but we love you like crazy,” her mother swore earnestly. “You must know that.”
“I do, but you take me for granted, you ignore me, you have no interest in me. What I like, the things I want to do and see. It hurts, and it’s infuriating.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way, honey, I really am,” Ariana said, moving toward her, “but you’re wrong, of course we’re interested in you.”
“Sweetheart, you mean the world to me,” Lorenzo insisted. “I had no idea you felt this way. Maybe something good will come out of this terrible thing that happened to you.”
“But, Dad, what does that mean in real terms?”
“I can answer that,” Ariana interjected. “We’ll take a family vacation to St. Thomas. All of us, we can go for a week, and when we get back I’ll find a barn and we’ll see about riding lessons.”
“Thanks for saying all that, it’s great, really; the thing is, and I’m not sure how to say this so I’ll just blurt it out. Nick has asked me to stay here in Los Angeles and work in his office. I’ve said yes.”
“Hey, you don’t have to start right away,” Nick offered. “Take some time and go on that trip.”
“Hold on,” Lorenzo exclaimed. “How can I protect you if you’re here?”
“There you go again!” Bianca yelled. “Dad, I don’t need your protection. I need a life, a life you’re interested in. That’s why I did it, to get your fucking attention!”
“Did what exactly?” Lorenzo demanded, narrowing his eyes.
“What do you think? I had myself kidnapped, but when we arrived in Malibu, Matteus told me he was going to ask for some serious ransom money, and I wouldn’t be going anywhere until he got it. That’s when everything turned into a total mess, and I’m sorry, really I am. If I’d had any inkling things would get so screwed up I never would have done it. I didn’t mean to put you through so much worry. I only planned to be gone a day or two, All I wanted was to get your attention for more than five minutes,” she finished, stifling a sob.
But watching her parents, she couldn’t understand why there was so little reaction, then Sammy rose from his chair and caught her attention.
“Now it’s my turn,” he exclaimed.
“Sammy, this is not a good idea,” Lorenzo growled. “It’s too soon.”
“We already knew,” Ariana abruptly interjected with a heavy sigh. “We just wanted to give you the opportunity to tell us yourself.”
“You knew? How, when did you find out, and what’s too soon? Christ, my head is spinning.”
“There are some details you don’t know,” Lorenzo said solemnly. “Matt turned the tables on you initially, then Roland stepped into the picture and took over. That’s one of the reasons Big Mike shot him, but there’s something else you don’t know. Matteus isn’t dead. Mike saved his life.”
“What? Where is he?”
“We’re not sure, but—”
“Stop! I’ve had enough,” she shouted, then turned around and leaned against Nick. “Nick, will you please get me out of here? I’m dizzy and this is all too much.”
“Of course,” he murmured, putting his arms around her. “It’s late,” he announced, raising his voice and looking across at Lorenzo and Ariana. “I know there’s more to talk about, but it can wait.”
“Yes, yes,” Lorenzo agreed. “I know you said we’re welcome to stay, but I booked a suite at the Nobu Ryokan on the beach. We’ll call you in the morning and take things from there.”
“We love you, sweetheart,” Ariana said earnestly, walking quickly across the room and pecking Bianca on the cheek. “We’re so relieved and grateful you’re back with us safe and sound.”
“I love you too, Mom, and honestly, I’m really, really sorry about everything. It was a ridiculous thing for me to do. I feel like an idiot.”
“There’s an old saying, sweetheart; desperate people do desperate things, and I’m sorry you felt that way. Your father and I both are. By the way, I threw some of your things in a bag for you. It’s in the hall.”
“You did? Thank you. I have absolutely nothing. Nick lent me some of his sister’s clothes.”
“Everything will be okay,” her father assured her, kissing her forehead. “We’ll work things out, I promise.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
As Lorenzo and Ariana headed for the front door, Sammy stepped up to say goodbye.
“There is more, Bianca,” he said quietly, “and I promise I’ll tell you tomorrow.”
“But, uh, where are you going to spend the night?”
“Your father has offered me a room at the hotel.”
“Please stay here,” she pleaded softly.
“Yes, stay,” Nick said quickly.
“Uh, sure, and thanks,” Sammy replied gratefully. “I’ll let them know.”
“Are you still dizzy?” Nick asked as Sammy hurried away.
“A bit, but I think it’s because I’m exhausted.”
“You should go to bed. I’ll take Sammy to the guest suite on the other side of the house. It has a small kitchenette that might be handy for him.”
“That sounds good, and you’re right, I need to lie down,” she muttered, surrendering to a yawn. “What about you? Are you okay? You look so serious.”
“Yeah, fine, I just have a lot to think about. After I get Sammy settled, I’ll probably have a drink and ponder a few things. Don’t worry if I don’t join you right away.”
“I won’t, and you should wait here for him. Goodnight, I love you.”
“I love you too, Bianca. Get some rest.”
CHAPTER 24
As Bianca left the room, Nick walked across to the drinks cabinet, poured himself a large bourbon, then stepped up to the window and stared at the gardens just as Sammy had done a short time before. Though the colored lights softly illuminating the shrubs and trees usually had a calming effect, Nick remained troubled.
“I could look at that all night,” Sammy remarked, walking up behind him.
“My sister designed it. She’s very talented. Would you like a drink?”
“Yeah, after all that, I could use one.”
“Help yourself.”
“Thanks,” Sammy replied, pouring a small amount of vodka into a glass. “Has Bianca gone to bed?”
“Yeah, she was dead on her feet.”
“I’m not surprised, she’s been through hell, the poor thing.”
“You don’t know the half of it,” Nick muttered. “Sammy, I don’t mean to overstep, but can I give you a piece of friendly advice?”
“Sure.”
“Don’t accept any favors from Lorenzo, and the same is true of anyone else who’s connected—if you know what I mean. It may be tempting, but once you’re in, you’re in, and there’s no exit door.”
“It’s hard to say no to a man like him.”
“Trust me, it will be a whole lot harder if you say yes.”
