Chapter 19Ciara

Chapter 19

Ciara

The men we had watching Johnny's bar reported that a van had sped away from the facility two hours ago. We were preparing to go into battle on Santiago's turf tonight, but I was anxious to hear what was happening at the bar.

A couple of members of the team followed the van and discovered they met with someone. Pretty Boy Mike. We were surprised that Santiago let him out so soon.

I was working out in the gym, practicing my kickboxing when the news came. Luca and a few other men joined in the workout, after which we discussed Pretty Boy's possible motive for leaving his father's domain.

"I don't think he's as close to his father as we originally thought," Luca said.

"Unless Santiago sent him as bait," I suggested.

"Nah, I think Pretty Boy is doing this on his own without the knowledge of his father, otherwise he wouldn't have called for his own team."

"What do you mean?"

"Those men he met are not a part of Santiago's soldiers."

"No, but if his father is looking for him, he'll send back-up just in case."

I rubbed the back of my neck with my towel as I thought about this for a second. What Luca was saying was that Pretty Boy was doing his own thing without his father and was probably thinking of coming to the factory. If so, his father's men might accompany him.

"Okay, change of plans. We won't strike the tunnel tonight. Let's really send Santiago a message this time."

"Agreed," both Luca and Sandy chorused.

"I should have done that from the beginning. I thought I was being slick."

Sandy said, "You did just fine."

"Thanks Sandy," I beamed as I turned t Luca. "Hey Luca, I'm hungry."

"Why you telling me?"

"You're the one who's always feeding me. I want curried goat for lunch," I ordered. "And make sure to get Jamaican June plum juice."

Luca turned to Sandy. "You see how she orders me around? Is that how it's gonna be all the time?"

Sandy held up his hand in defense. "Don't bring me into your shit. You two lovebirds always bickering and making up," he laughed. "It's like you're already married."

"I'm not marrying that fool," I protested.

"You see," Luca said. "That's what I have to deal with."

Sandy started to walk away. "Just get it over with and send me my invite."

"I'm not marrying him!" I continued my protest.

"Yeah, yeah," Sandy laughed. "I know, you ain't marrying the fool."

He continued laughing while leaving the gym. Some of the other men were also cackling and looking on with amusement, while Luca completely ignored me.

"Aren't you going to order lunch?" I asked. When he continued ignoring me, I called his name. "Luca!"

"Oh, you talking to me?" he looked sullen.

"Who else would I be talking to?"

"Your future husband, maybe. Since I am not him …"

"You're a fucking idiot," I muttered. "I'm hungry."

"No."

I could easily ask anyone to order the food, has ruined me for anyone else. Yes, Luca spoiled me rotten and I loved being the center of his attention. He was always asking me if I was hungry, what I wanted to eat, was I okay, did I take rest? He was always running around to find exactly what I wanted at any given time, day or night. He was responsible for my behavior, and I didn't want it to change.

"Come on," I closed the space between us. "Babes, your baby girl is hungry."

"Ask one of the guys to get you food."

"I want you to get it. I'll make it up to you later."

"Are you bribing me?" His eyes widened.

I chuckled. "I'll let you tie me up and drink shots off my belly."

"That's one bribe I may not be able to refuse, but no."

I tipped on my toes and whispered in his ear, "I'll let you spank me with that horse crop you've been hiding."

"Woman, don't promise things you can't handle."

"Do I look like I can't handle a little spanking?" I reached up and cupped his face. "I'm all yours to do what you want."

"You said curried goat with June plum juice?"

I grinned. "Yes."

I couldn't believe that this relationship started during my most difficult time. It wasn't something planned, yet I knew it would have happened sometime soon. I was happy that Luca was there for me, also I had others looking out for me and I knew I would be fine.

He was easy to get along with, loving, kind and attentive. Did I mention that he was a god in bed? With his sometimes nice-guy attitude, you would have thought that he'd be the opposite, but he wasn't. He knew when to give, what to give, and how to give it.

After that first tryst, we just fell into this situation. At first, I'd refused to acknowledge it, especially after hearing he had a son. But whenever I thought of ending it with Luca, the pain became unbearable, and I knew he was the reason for my sanity.

I showered while Luca was away buying food. A few others accompanied him, and they brought back enough food for the entire team. Som opted for burger from a famous hamburger restaurant, while others had pizza, and some opted for Jamaican food.

Luca had never had Jamaican food before meeting me and now he seemed to be hooked on their flavors. His favorite was the oxtail with rice and peas. He kept referring to it as rice and beans, and the staff at our favorite spot had to correct him a few times.

Today he got curried goat for himself, and I wondered how he would handle it since he barely handled the jerk chicken the last time. Jamaican curried goat was known for being spicy and Luca was one Italian who couldn't handle his spice.

It was now around two in the afternoon when we gathered for lunch. It would be our last meal for a while. If anyone was hungry later, they could have instant ramen or snacks, which were always at hand. The large fridge in the back had all sorts of drinks, bread, and eggs. So technically, we were never out of food and sometimes we cooked our own meals.

However, during these busy times, we opted for takeout which was more convenient. We had our lunch peacefully – Luca being surprised at the spice in the goat – while we waited patiently for Pretty Boy and his minions. I was looking forward to it.

"This is some spicy shit!" he complained.

"Poor baby, want some milk?"

"You taunting me?" He pointed his fork in my direction. "I'll deal with you later."