Claimed by the Enforcer: A Venturi Mafia Spin-off novel, page 1
Copyright © 2024 Nikki Rose.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination.
Book design by Nikki Rose.
First printing edition 2024.
All rights reserved.
Venturi Mafia
Reading Order
Rendezvous with the Enemy (Venturi Mafia, #0.5)
Free with newsletter subscription
Willed to the Enemy (Venturi Mafia, #1)
Bound to the Enemy (Venturi Mafia, #2)
Devoted to the Enemy (Venturi Mafia, #3)
Taken by the Underboss (Venturi Mafia: Made Men, #1)
Hired by the Consigliere (Venturi Mafia: Made Men, #2)
Claimed by the Enforcer (Venturi Mafia: Made Men, #3)
Chapter 1
Luca
Teo pocketed his phone and clapped his hands together excitedly. “She’s here.”
The parlor buzzed with excitement as all Mira's closest friends and family gathered to await her arrival. My heart pounded in my chest with the long-awaited anticipation. With law school finished, she would finally be returning home for good.
I hated that I had to miss her graduation in the US, but with everything going on with the Romanos and the added threat of Don Fabbri, Teo couldn't spare me for an overseas trip.
The door opened and we all turned to see Piero, Nic, and Mira walk in.
Mira gasped and grinned. "You're all here."
"Of course. I may have had to miss my little sister's graduation, but I wasn't going to let her return home go uncelebrated," Teo said happily as he stepped away from our small group to hug Mira and greet his father and brother.
"I'll forgive you since you had such a good excuse. Speaking of, where is my beautiful sister-in-law? Upstairs in bed where the doctor banished her?"
"Not quite," Mia called out from the chaise lounge where she sat with her legs propped up, her hand affectionately resting on her large pregnant belly.
Mira rushed over to her and leaned down to give her a hug while I impatiently waited an appropriate amount of time for her to greet the others before I stepped up.
"Mira," I grinned and stepped forward once there was an opportune lull. "I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to make it to your graduation. I wanted to be there, but Teo needed—"
"I know. I completely understand." She gently squeezed my arm and smiled, causing my heart to race.
Just then, the man I had, over the past few months, grown to loath walked through the door.
My joy in seeing Mira faded at the site of him and her smile dropped as she scanned over my new expression.
"What's he doing here?"
Mira followed my gaze to the door where Stefano Costa stood, shaking hands with Piero.
"Stefano came back from Cambridge with us. He flew out to surprise me at graduation."
"He flew out..."
"Yes."
"Well, I guess it's good that I didn't make it out there for your big day," I replied flatly.
"Luca..."
I leaned in so only she could hear but my hands shook with barely restrained anger. " I understand family obligations. You promised your father that you would try to get to know Stefano for the family, but don't you think it's time to put the poor bastard out of his misery?"
"I've actually grown quite fond of Stefano over these last few months. It's refreshing to be with someone who isn't ashamed to be with me," Mira hissed and pulled her arm from my grasp just as Stefano joined us, placing his hand on the small of her back and I wanted to snap his arm off.
"Luca, it's good to see you again." He offered me his hand and I grit my teeth as we shook hands in greeting.
"Likewise." I hated having to be polite when all I really wanted was to punch the guy in the face. It wasn't like me to mask my true opinions about a person, but it was Mira's celebration, and I didn't want anything to take away from that.
"I hear that you have been pretty busy lately as the new head Enforcer."
"Yeah. If you'll excuse me, I need a drink."
"That sounds like an excellent idea. I think I'll join you."
I held in my groans about him following me and just walked to the wet bar. I grabbed myself a glass and poured my drink with a heavy hand. I didn't bother pouring Stefano a drink. If he wanted something, he could get it himself.
He came up beside me, grabbed a glass, and picked out an expensive bourbon. "You know," he said thoughtfully as he poured his drink. "Mira really missed you at graduation."
"She did?" I looked at him from my peripheral vision, not turning to face him for fear that he would see the hope in my eyes.
"Yeah."
"She said that?" I asked skeptically.
"Not in so many words. But her expression when her father told her that you wouldn't be able to be there made it clear."
"I feel bad that Teo and I weren't able to attend. He has other obligations that are taking up his energy and time at the moment."
"It’s obvious Mira cares a lot about you."
"Well, I've known her for a long time. It takes time to build up the kind of relationship we have." I turned to him with a stern expression.
"I imagine so. You are a good friend to her, and your long history must be partly why she considers you as one of her brothers." The way he accentuated the word 'brother' was like twisting a knife in my gut.
My jaw clenched and my hand tightened around my glass, to the point that I was afraid it might break. He knew what he was doing whether he would ever admit it or not. I had to keep my cool or he would win. I drained my glass and carefully placed it on a side table.
I'd been looking so forward to Mira finally returning home for good that I'd ignored the fact that she told me she was dating someone. I knew her father had set up an arrangement for her to date the Sicilian heir and I knew that she had agreed but I never imagined that they would hit it off or that she would bring him home with her.
I needed to get out of there before I did something I would regret. Not because I would regret knocking that smug look off Costa’s face but because I would be doing it in the home of my don, his father, all the higher ups of the family, and wrecking Mira’s celebration. I needed to find a way to excuse myself as quickly as possible without any altercations.
I found Mira, surrounded by guests, all congratulating her, and I worked my way to her until I could finally reach out and give her arm a little squeeze. “I need to head on out.”
“So soon?” Mira's voice had already lost the anger from earlier. She sounded as if she actually wanted me there.
“I got some things I have to take care of. I'll put your present on the table with the rest of them.”
“You aren't going to stay and watch me open it?”
“Nah, it has my name on it. You'll know which one's mine.”
“Nonsense. Come on. I'll open it now before you leave. Surely you can wait a few extra minutes?”
“I suppose.” I led her to a small corner of the room where we could have a moment of privacy and pulled the small jewelry box from my jacket pocket.
I held out the box, wrapped in black wrapping paper with shiny gold ribbon and bow. Mira looked at me curiously as she took the gift in hand. She paused for only a moment before excitedly tearing away the paper and removing the lid to the box, revealing a platinum Scales of Justice pendant encrusted in diamonds.
Mira gasped as she gazed down at it. “Luca, it's perfect.” She looked up at me with a curious expression that I couldn't name, and her smile warmed my heart. “Will you help me put it on?” she said almost breathlessly, and I nodded with a smile before reaching my hand out for the necklace. Mira placed it in my hand, and I twirled my finger to signal for her to turn around, which she did.
I lightly gathered her dark brown curls and placed them over one shoulder. She took the hair and held it up from her neck while I secured the clasp.
I'm not sure why the simple act of moving her hair and placing the necklace on her felt intensely intimate but it was everything I could do to regain my composure when she let her hair fall back down around her shoulders and turn back to face me.
I cleared my throat before speaking. “Bellissima.”
“Thank you. It's really the most thoughtful and beautiful gift.”
“I'm glad you like it.”
“I love it.” Mira took a step toward me, and I felt that familiar pull. It was dangerous for both of us.
I took a step back and forced a smile. “I should go, but I'll see you soon.
“Maybe we can have lunch this week?” Mira asked hopefully.
“I'll see how my schedule is and give you a call.”
“Okay.”
I gave her a small peck on the cheek before heading for the door, only stopping long enough to say my farewell to Teo and the other men gathered with him.
"Luca!" I had barely made it down the front steps when Mira called out to me from the front door.
I whirled around in response. Hope that she was going to ask me to stay crossed my mind before I saw the worry on her face. I climbed the stairs two at a time back to her. "What's wrong?"
"It's Mia. She's in labor. Teo asked me to stop you. We're heading to the hospital, and he wants you there."
"Of course." I grabbed Mira's arm, and we rushed back inside to see what we could do to help.
We hurried through the entryway toward the parlor when Stefano stepped out.
"Mira, I was just coming to look for you."
"Can you believe it? Mia's going to have the baby. I got home just in time. I'm so glad that I didn't miss it," Mia said excitedly.
I wanted to leave but they blocked my way to Teo.
"It is an exciting day for your family." Stefano smiled but there was something in his eyes when he looked at Mira that left me unsettled.
"You'll come with us to the hospital won't you? Having babies usually takes a while and I'd love your company."
"Unfortunately, I have some business that I need to take care of. Go on ahead and I promise that I will come as soon as I'm able."
Mira's expression fell for just a moment before she forced a smile. "Of course. I'll see you soon."
Stefano kissed her gently on the forehead. The moment felt too intimate and left me feeling uncomfortable for watching so I did my best to turn my gaze away, but I was seething inside that he touched her at all.
As soon as Mira stepped back from Stefano, I took her arm. "We shouldn't keep them waiting," I spoke softly to her, and she nodded before I pulled her away but not before catching the icy glare that Stefano cast at me before stepping outside.
Chapter 2
Mira
I sat in the waiting room of the hospital's maternity ward, excitedly bouncing my knees as we waited for word from the doctors.
Luca and Enzo had stayed behind to make sure that all the guests were taken care of before they joined the rest of us in our private waiting room.
Sienna and Arman were the family doctors but neither of them specialized in obstetrics so they would be acting as assistants to the best obstetrician my brother could find. Mia was in good hands, but I couldn't help the conflicting excitement and a hint of worry.
Aurora sat to my right while my father, Nic, and Alessandro stood gathered on the other side of the room.
I was too excited to even be annoyed by the fact that Stefano hadn't come with me.
Luca and Enzo rushed in, and I stood as they approached.
"Hey, any word?" Luca gave me a quick hug and I couldn't help the desire for it to last just a little longer than it did but that wouldn't be appropriate.
"Nothing yet."
"I'm sure everything is going fine. These things take a while from what Sienna has told me," Alessandro said calmly.
I nodded as did the others. Just then, Sienna came through the double doors, making a beeline for us. My father and the others joined.
"Is everything okay?" I held my breath and waited for her answer.
"There was a complication. Mia started hemorrhaging so they are having to take her in for an emergency C-section."
"Oh God..." I choked on my prayer for their safety.
Luca wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me in tight. "She's in good hands. The best. Mia and the baby will be fine," he whispered into my hair.
"I hope you're right." I gazed up at him, taking comfort in his embrace and the reassuring smile he offered.
"How's Teo?" our father asked as he stepped forward.
"He's hanging in there. Worried, of course. They tried to make him leave the room, but he refused."
Luca let out a single chuckle and I shook my head. "That sounds like my brother."
"I need to get back in there. I just wanted to let you all know what's going on.
"Thank you, Sienna." I gently squeezed her hand in thanks before she hurried back.
I turned to return to my seat when Luca stopped me, using a crooked finger to lift my gaze gently to his.
"They're both going to be okay, Mia and the baby."
"I'm just so worried." I let out a heavy sigh and my shoulders slumped.
Luca pulled me to his chest, and I relished the warmth of his embrace. It was just what I needed to center me in the middle of all the chaos and worry.
A throat cleared somewhere behind me, and I jumped away from Luca to see Stefano carrying several coffees. "I thought everyone could use a little caffeine right about now. I'm sorry for being late but I had some very important business that couldn't wait."
He glanced from me to Luca with some uncertainty, as if trying to figure out if what he had walked in on was anything to worry about. He stepped closer to me and offered us a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. "How are things with Mia and the baby coming along?"
"Not so good. We just found out they had to take her in for an emergency c-section."
"I'm so sorry." Stefano sat the coffee on a small table. He pulled me to him and wrapped his arms around me.
I felt awkward having him hold me the same way Luca had just been but was soon interrupted by my father’s voice.
“Stefano.” My father’s tone was quiet but pleased.
Stefano pulled away from me gently, leaving one arm wrapped around my shoulder, unafraid to show his affection in front of my family. “Don Piero, I am so sorry to hear about the complications.” He offered my father his hand and they shook.
“Thank you for being here. I’m glad that my little girl has someone to look out for her and be here at a time like this.”
“It’s my pleasure. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Stefano kissed the top of my head and pulled me a little tighter to his side.
An uneasy feeling as if someone was watching us drew my attention from their conversation. I looked up to catch Luca’s glare from across the room and it made me squirm. I gently pulled myself away from Stefano’s side, feeling awkward under Luca’s watchful eye.
He looked down at me with puzzled concern and I forced a smile. "We should get everyone their coffee and find a seat."
Stefano nodded and smiled softly at me.
Time passed slowly. Mia's pregnancy had not been without a few complications, and I was worried for her and the baby, but there was also an added tension between Stefano and Luca.
I sat beside Stefano, nervously wringing my hands and staring at the geometric shapes on the floor. He placed his hand on my back, rubbing in small circles as a silent comfort.
