1. Gabriella

1

GAbrIELLA

T he day my cousin Rocco Bianche died, I didn’t shed a single tear. Granted, he was a psychotic, controlling, power-hungry asshole who abused and murdered a woman. Well, one that I know of, anyway. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if there had been others. So, yeah, he didn’t deserve to be mourned. Not by me, anyway.

Possessing the last name Bianche is a powerful thing in this city. My family is one of the reigning Five Families and after Rocco died, I was invited to be a part of the meetings. I can’t explain what an honor it is to sit at that table in some secret location and be a part of the decision-making process. To be treated as an equal who has something important to say rather than be ignored and brushed off because I’m merely a young woman who no one takes seriously. Because that’s how it used to be.

I suppose if I’m being honest, it’s still an uphill battle for me to be heard. But, I’m working hard and trying my damndest to fit into the boy’s club. I work my ass off, more than anyone I know, because I want to be treated with respect. And I’ve always been a firm believer that respect is something earned, not given.

Glancing down at my slim Gucci watch, I realize it’s almost time to leave. I came into the office extra early today because I had a lot of research to do on a company that I’m seriously considering buying. Normally, I’d recommend it and someone else in my family would look over my notes and decide whether or not to go ahead with the purchase. But this is different. For the first time, I’m considering going out on my own and buying a company all by myself. It’s a risky move, especially if I can’t revitalize Holloway Corp. But, after studying their business structure closely, I’m pretty sure I can flip things around, increase their revenue and make the company a success again.

Proving my worth is something I’ve struggled to do my entire life. After losing my father five years ago, it’s only been me and my mom. She could care less about the responsibilities and pressure that come along with our last name, but I care. I’ve stepped into my father’s shoes and do my best to show the other mafia families in New York City that I am a force to be reckoned with.

Besides being a woman in a man’s world, I’m also fairly attractive which doesn’t always work in my favor. Sometimes when I’m speaking in a meeting, I can feel the men staring at me. And it’s not because they’re so invested in my ideas or what I’m saying. It’s more like they’re checking out my rack which infuriates me on every level. All I’ve ever wanted is to be treated like an equal. I don’t ask for special privileges or favors. And, despite not having a penis between my legs, I just want a fair shake. To be taken seriously like the rest of the men in the room.

Closing my folders and notebooks, I gather all of the research I’ve conducted on Holloway Corp. and put it in my desk drawer. As scary as it is, I’m leaning toward buying the company. The owner and CEO is sixty-five years old and planning to retire soon. He hasn’t put a lot of time and effort into his business over the last few years and I believe that’s why it’s floundering. I don’t blame him, though. During my digging, I also discovered Doug Holloway lost his wife last year. Maybe he came to realize life is about more than just working. Or, maybe he’s ready to go lay on a beach somewhere and enjoy his retirement.

Personally, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of working. It gives me a feeling of purpose and allows me to show off my brain. Despite how quickly some people may judge me when we first meet, I have a Master’s Degree in Business and a damn intelligent head on my shoulders. Even so, I find myself constantly having to prove my worth by working harder and going above and beyond to be taken seriously. It gets frustrating, but what can I do?

Work harder. That always seems to be the answer I come back to.

Standing up, I stretch, roll my neck to get the kinks out then reach over and grab my purse. It’s only a little after one o’clock in the afternoon, but I’ve gotten an eight-hour day in already. Sometimes my brain has trouble shutting down at night, so I tend to get up early and immediately start working. This morning, for example, I was already up, showered and ready by 4:45 AM. I made my coffee and came straight to the office. That’s not always typical, but I will never stroll in here past 8 AM. Not that I have anyone to impress. It’s just me and my executive assistant.

After smoothing my skirt, I button my suit jacket and walk out of my office. My assistant, Trista, glances up and grins. “Off to your secret meeting?”

My mouth edges up. “That’s right, so I’m going to need you to hold the fort down.”

“You know it.” She jots a quick note down then looks back up at me through her glasses. “Should I expect you back in a couple of hours?”

“I might work at home after my meeting, but I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

“Thanks, Trista.” As I head toward the elevator, I thank my lucky stars to have such a competent and reliable assistant. Trista keeps my calendar organized and reminds me of every little thing I need to do. She’s an absolute lifesaver and I wouldn’t be able to survive without her.

After my dad died, I inherited Gabana Holdings LLC, a combination of my name, Gabriella, and my mother’s, Ariana. Although my mom never cared much about learning how the company ran, I was always fascinated. Even when I was just a tot, I used to love coming to the office with my dad and sitting on his lap as he went over company reports. Since it’s a holding company, we don’t have any actual employees. So it would always just be my dad and me. When I got older, he’d assign me a job—a real one—and once I completed it, we’d go over it together. I loved our time together and learned so much from him. Losing him to cancer was devastating. I think one of the reasons I work my ass off is because I want him to be proud of me and what I’m accomplishing. Nothing is more important than making sure I make the right decisions and continue to make Gabana Holdings LLC a success.

Does that mean my dating life has taken a hit? Yeah, that would be an understatement. Work keeps me occupied 24/7, so there’s no time for anything else. Will I regret that one day? Maybe when I’m sixty and alone?

Nah, I don’t think so. I’ll always have my work…and a vibrator in case the urge arises. Besides, the two times I’ve had sex with an actual flesh and blood man, I was left shaking my head and completely unsatisfied. Like, huh? That’s it? That’s the best you can do? Talk about a complete waste of my precious time. After two disappointing encounters, I decided that I’m in charge of my own orgasms just like I’m in charge of everything else in my life.

The elevator zips down to the parking garage, the door opens and I step out. My gaze moves straight to my black Dodge Hellcat parked at the opposite end of the garage, as far away from the other cars as I could manage. It’s the most extravagant purchase I’ve allowed myself. But, I work hard and figured I deserved a treat. So last year, I bought her on my twenty-eighth birthday. Heels clicking along the pavement, I admire its sleek, ebony beauty. She’s all American muscle and I love it.

After getting in, I start her up and the engine roars to life with a growl. I don’t know a lot about cars, but I know this car is cool as shit and I’ve always liked the make and model. It’s funny because I haven’t even bought my own place yet. I live in a nice apartment downtown, but I still pay rent every month. For whatever reason, I don’t want to be locked into owning a home. The idea of being stuck somewhere, especially in a place I don’t really like all that much, doesn’t sit well with me. Plus, I like being close to my mom’s apartment which is only a couple of blocks away. Of course, Dad bought it, so it’s all paid off. But, for whatever reason, I can’t find a place I like enough to buy and I don’t need that kind of commitment in my life. Not with a home or a man.

Although, there is one man who has managed to pique my curiosity. If I’m being honest, not many do. But Enzo Rossi, a son from one of the other five families, is catnip to my dusty hoo-ha. He’s powerful, intelligent, sophisticated and the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m not sure if I’m more attracted to his smarts or the way his custom designer suits fit his perfect body so well. Because it’s delicious in all the most tempting ways.

Extremely tall, lean and with muscles in all the right places, Enzo has dark, thick hair and even darker eyes. Eyes that I’ve caught staring at me on more than one occasion. But that’s probably because I’m the only female who’s been invited to attend meetings. Other than his sister Carlotta, but she rarely goes. Sometimes, I sneak little glances at him and, every single time, my stomach does crazy flutters and I unconsciously bite my lip like some kind of inexperienced, little girl.

Sure, maybe I don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to relationships and sex. But, I’m willing to bet Gabana Holdings LLC that Enzo is as smooth in the sack as he looks like he’d be. The way he carries himself, always with such confidence, is a huge turn-on for me. He’s a man who knows what he wants and he goes after it, ultimately obtaining it.

Freaking catnip.

Releasing a shaky sigh, I hope he’s at today’s meeting. Lately, we’ve been playing a little game. Or, rather getting bolder, I’d say, because last week we spent the entire meeting eye fucking each other. My mind was going crazy and I could barely concentrate from all the heated looks he kept sending my way. And, I wasn’t much better. I encouraged him like an absolute tease, hoping to work him up like he was working me up. I kept fluttering my lashes, licking my lips and playing with my long, dark hair. Although, I would’ve much rather been playing with Enzo…running my fingers through his hair, sliding my hands beneath his suit jacket, unbuckling his belt as we kiss each other into oblivion.

By the time that meeting was over, it was like the Hudson River in my panties.

I’ve heard the rumors, so I know he works just as hard as I do. He doesn’t go out a lot and is constantly working which I can relate to so easily. They say he can be found at his office more often than not and he isn’t involved in a serious relationship. Other than his work, of course. Like me, work seems to be the only thing we’re seriously committed to.

Mmm, we’d be perfect together, I think with a dreamy little smile. We might not see each other much because we’d always be working, but that’s okay. That’s the kind of relationship I could handle.

Every time the Five Families meet, it’s at a new location and not disclosed until a couple of hours before the actual meeting. Today, it’s being held in an old, abandoned warehouse on the edge of Brooklyn near the docks. It takes me longer to get there than I would’ve liked, but what can I do? Traffic in NYC sucks and isn’t for the faint of heart.

Parking my Hellcat, I turn her off and look around the parking lot. I see a lot of fancy, expensive cars, including the midnight blue Jaguar that I know belongs to Enzo Rossi. It’s parked right in front of the door, not even in a spot. Squeezing my thighs together, I pull down the visor, check my appearance in the mirror and quickly apply some more lip gloss.

I’m excited to see Enzo. But I also need to remain professional in this meeting and pay better attention than I did last week. Being taken seriously is important to me. Much more important than flirting with some man, albeit a hot as hell man, who’s sitting across the table from me.

I get out of my car, lock it and walk up to the door where two huge, burly enforcers stand guard. They nod, knowing exactly who I am, and one of them opens the door for me. I slip past them, lift my chin and walk confidently over to the large, round table where representatives from each of the five mafia families in NYC are starting to sit down. A quick glance at my watch tells me we’ll be starting momentarily. Right on time.

Lowering down into a seat, I look around at who’s here, hoping against hope that my cousins Tommaso and Romeo won’t be in attendance. We’re never on the same page and they love to undermine me every chance they get. Unfortunately, I spot them chatting in the corner and I stifle a sigh. They leave a bad taste in my mouth and I cross my arms, leaning back in my chair, not wanting to deal with them.

The Five Families are made up of The Rossi’s, The Bianchi’s, The DeLuca’s, The Caparelli’s and The Milano’s. But, it’s clear to me that Miceli Rossi is the one in charge. Not long ago, he got into some pretty big trouble with the table and almost got banned. He killed my cousin Rocco, but for good reason—for stealing his wife. Even so, people were pissed and ready to kick Miceli to the curb. I was the deciding vote and I decided he wasn’t going anywhere. I guess you could say Miceli owes me, and I’ve tucked that little ace up my sleeve for later.

There are five Rossi siblings in total, but Miceli isn’t the one who interests me. My gaze drifts over to Enzo who’s walking over, surrounded by his brothers. Mmm, that man can wear a suit like no other. I’m in serious danger of drooling. His dark eyes meet mine and his mouth edges up ever so slightly as he sits down across from me. I hold his gaze, slow blink, then turn my attention to Miceli who begins the meeting.

Technically, we’re all enemies, always trying to encroach on each other’s territories and businesses. Supposedly, our grandfathers made a verbal agreement forever ago to stick to our own areas, but that’s done. Miceli and his brothers suggested it would be in the Five Families’ best interest to create a solid alliance. Instead of only the family heads meeting, anyone from the family is welcome to attend the clandestine meetings and vote on decisions that need to be made. It helps spread out and better balance the power, they’d said. Plus, by creating this Alliance, we’re all working together to protect each other’s best interests, rather than working against each other. I don’t know about all that, but I like the fact that I’m sitting here right now whereas before, I wasn’t allowed to be a part of the proceedings.

Plus, you know what they say. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

For the next hour, we discuss a variety of topics and I keep looking over at Enzo. And he keeps looking at me. I can’t help it. There’s a pull, an undeniable chemistry between us, and I’m not sure how to handle it. I’d love to crawl across the table, grab his lapels and yank him up for a hot kiss, but I don’t think that’s a very real possibility. But, I am imagining what it would be like to kiss him. Would he be slow and gentle? Would it be full of passion and need? I’d be willing to bet my last dollar that Enzo is a man who knows how to kiss a girl senseless. And I’ve never been kissed senseless, so consider me damn interested.

As the meeting winds down, it turns to something I’m rather passionate about—helping small businesses. But, in this case, the group is discussing raising rents in a few of the neighborhoods which I know will hurt and, most likely, shut down some of the smaller mom and pop shops. I know that I need to speak up and I do without hesitation.

“I’ve spent years working closely with growing small businesses and early-stage startups in a variety of capacities—” I begin then get rudely cut off.

“That’s great, Gabriella,” Tommaso interrupts, voice dripping with condescension, “but we don’t want to save them. We want to kick them out.” A couple of men chuckle and I grit my teeth, feeling my cheeks flame because of how he just disrespected me in front of everyone. God, I want to punch him in the face. You’d think my cousin would be on my side or at least support me, but no. He’s a giant ass of epic proportion.

“It makes no sense to keep these little businesses around when we can find new tenants who can afford to pay more each month,” Tommaso says, overruling me before I can barely get a word in edgewise. God, I want to smack him right across his smug face.

For some reason, I look across at Enzo and I see a muscle flex in his cheek. Once Tommaso finishes speaking, Enzo says, “I’d like to hear what she has to say. About small businesses.”

My heart thunders and I want to lean across the table and kiss him. Right on his beautiful lips.

I clear my throat as all eyes focus on me. “Well, the one thing I’ve learned is small business owners have one major thing in common—passion. And they’re especially passionate about what they’re building and trying to grow. Instead of shutting them down, I suggest we help them succeed which, in turn, is good for the neighborhood.”

My attention flickers over to Miceli. “Go on,” he encourages.

Feeling a surge of confidence, I continue, “Compared to large enterprises or established large businesses, small businesses and early-stage startups are at a disadvantage when it comes to growing and scaling. It may be easy to start a new business, but keeping one running is not. Nearly one in five fails within the first year. By the fifth year, fifty percent of small businesses fail.”

Beside me, Romeo yawns loudly and I do my best to ignore him. I wish I could say my cousins supported me being here, but they don’t at all.

“And how would we help them?” Enzo asks, locking eyes with me.

“Well, there are plenty of reasons why businesses fail, but both financing hurdles and marketing mistakes are pretty high up on the list. In order to achieve growth, small businesses need the same things larger corporations have—most importantly, access to data and financial capital and revenue.”

“So, correct me if I’m wrong, but what you’re suggesting is we help these small businesses become successful and then raise their rent?” Enzo asks, dark eyes twinkling.

“Exactly,” I say and smile at him. “Otherwise, they won’t be able to afford the higher rent and, most likely, the building will wind up vacant. Then nobody is getting paid.”

Several heads nod and I sit up a little taller, my chest puffing out slightly. They’re actually listening to me and it feels really good.

“Thank you for your insight,” Miceli says. “I suggest everyone think it over and we can discuss how to help the existing businesses more in depth next week.”

Oh, my God, I want to scream in excitement because, for the first time, I was heard. Feeling empowered and beyond happy, I send Enzo a grateful smile. A very grateful, and slightly sexy, smile.