Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

N ico

A goddamn spanking. I wasn’t even entirely certain why my brain had gravitated to something so primal. So Neanderthal. Had my goddaughter deserved it? Yes, she had. She had zero remorse for almost getting herself killed. Was it admirable she cared so much for her friend? Yes, it was, but I hadn’t lied. In my world it would be a huge weakness with a neon sign announcing it.

Still, I was furious with myself. Not necessarily for attempting to help her understand she couldn’t do stupid things. For the way my mind had drifted prior to and after the spanking.

To my more erotic thoughts.

I had no business thinking of her any differently than I had for almost twenty-five years. She was my goddaughter, a young woman who still needed my help. I stormed into my office, resisting slamming the door, but the thoughts and feelings remained.

They’d become especially bad after touching her more intimately. No, a spanking wasn’t always about passion. Usually, it was about an act of discipline and nothing more, but for me, it had been the closest I’d been to a woman in one hell of a long time. I had my reasons. Didn’t everyone? While mine wasn’t as tragic, it was a huge reason I didn’t want to be close to anyone ever again.

Maybe that’s why I’d kept Alexandra at arm’s distance. Or maybe it was just about guilt for not being able to save Gregory’s life. That mattered no longer. She was here and possibly to stay permanently.

I pounded one fist on my desk before I shoved aside feeling sorry for myself. The feelings might be understandable given her beauty, but they held no place in my life or world. I quickly dialed Luca before they got out of hand.

“Good almost afternoon, boss,” Luca said. “You rested up?”

I exhaled, still feeling the exhaustion. “That’s not possible right now. I want to have a meeting later today, around three. We’ll do so at the office. I would prefer Alexandra have no chance of overhearing what is being said. Gather the men together. Find out anything new occurring in DC before the meeting. I want to ensure I stay abreast of the Greeks’ activities.”

“Already on it. I’ll make the calls.”

“Excellent.” I didn’t need to leave any warm and fuzzies. We were friends, but he was still my employee.

From there, I contacted my one really good friend and corporate plus personal attorney. Francesco Lombardi was someone I’d known for a long time, our meeting occurring right after I’d returned from the shitshow twenty-five years before. He had a shark-like reputation, which was what I’d needed at the time. I’d been distracted enough I’d had to ensure nothing was dropped from the dozen businesses I’d owned. He’d helped me refocus and keep on track.

For that I was grateful. And paid him damn well.

Since then, we’d developed a friendship that had built over time. “Francesco.”

“My good friend. I heard you were out of the country.”

I stared out the window at the hills in the distance. Alexandra would love the property. She should be very happy here. “I was unexpectedly. Do you have time to meet me at the office around three today?”

“You’re in luck. A court case was cancelled, little weasel. I’ll be there.”

“Good. Then I’ll tell you all about my adventure.” I had no other word for what had recently occurred. It could have ended badly. At least she’d listened to me once she’d gotten me on the phone. That had been helpful. And likely had kept her alive.

What I hadn’t told her was that the men Luca had hired had seen at least two suspicious cars cruising the area. Luca’s men knew how to stay out of sight, but had been prepared to attack if necessary. Fortunately, the bastards hadn’t turned into the parking lot of the motel. If they had, it would have led to a bloodbath.

And I certainly didn’t need that on foreign soil.

“It’ll be good to see you,” Francesco said before ending the call.

I held the phone in my hand for a few seconds. A week ago, I could never have thought my life would collide with hers. I’d kept watch, more so than she obviously had guessed. I’d shared every milestone from afar, reveling in how intelligent she was, even getting almost a full scholarship to college then medical school.

I’d even been a lurker on her social media. She’d been careful, never posting anything controversial. Early on I’d become very proud of the young woman she was becoming. And I felt the same now.

Which was why the lurid thoughts had to be locked away. I did my best, grabbing the keys to the Ferrari convertible. She would find the older vehicle cliché, as if I was attempting to be some eighties television star. It was a car I’d acquired from a man who hadn’t been able to pay me what he owed me. It had sat in my garage parked alongside my eight other vehicles for almost two years.

I stared at it almost every day, finally falling in love with its sleek design. I’d had it refurbished back to as original as possible and enjoyed using it for recreational activities. Not business. Nothing flashy for business.

At least I could chuckle. I headed into the kitchen, grabbing a couple of bottles of water before returning to the dining room. As with every room on the back of the house, a series of French doors led to either a stone patio or a deck on the bottom floor and on the second, a series of private balconies.

Even on the front, in true Mediterranean style, there were four smaller balconies. The doors were functioning, but I’d had them locked down and fully secured when the single attempt on my life had been made at my house. That had been years before.

Since then, there had been relative peace, other than a few offhanded incidents I’d been required to handle. I wanted it to stay that way.

I found her outside, staring at the view.

When I walked onto the patio, she bristled slightly. The wind was whipping through her long hair, her face completely turned away from me.

“I have some water and I think you’ll like a ride.”

She didn’t respond or even move an inch at first and I thought she was going to ignore me or worse. Finally, she turned, studying me as intently as I had a feeling I’d been studying her all during breakfast.

It had been a delight to see her eating. Most women ate demurely, especially around people they didn’t know. She’d had every right to power in food. I’d known she was starving.

Hell, I’d known that when I’d brought water and juice into her room earlier that morning.

Invading her privacy and space.

I hadn’t even given my actions a thought. That said too many not so nice things about me.

“I’m eager to see the property. It’s just so beautiful.”

“Then let’s go.” I handed her the water and as soon as I did, our fingers touched or maybe I should say collided.

I was pulled back into an electric moment and it was obvious so was she. Not good for either one of us.

Playing it off, I took a step back, showing her the keys. “Get ready for a ride.”

She asked a few questions about the estate as she headed to the garage. Once inside, she stood still, not gawking but truly admiring my collection.

“A Maserati, an old Porsche 9-1-1, a Cougar, a personal gangster-style black SUV, a stunning Corvette, a Magnum PI Ferrari in the appropriate popping cherry red color, and a Harley? Oh, and let’s not forget a big Dodge Ram. You have it all covered. Style and opulence along with power.”

“You know your vehicles, although the SUV is a traditional ride for every powerful businessman.”

She gave me a cute look, wrinkling her nose. “I’m not a fool, Nico. Since it’s obvious I’m going to be spending some significant time here I suggest that you accept that I figured out the kind of man you were a long time ago. Being here simply solidified my belief. You are a ruthless mafia leader who is highly respected and trying to shift to a more legitimate business. That’s easy to see. And admirable. As my aunt would say, call a spade a spade.”

I had to laugh. She was straight and to the point, partially because she was so highly intelligent. I appreciated that, although she wasn’t going to learn more about my business. That wasn’t in her best interest.

Or mine for that matter.

“I adore cars. One day I was determined to purchase a Porsche, although I know it’s not practical. I promised myself that on the day I graduated from medical school. Silly, huh?”

“Not silly at all. We’re taking the Ferrari.” I motioned the way, waiting until she climbed inside before opening the garage door and the convertible top.

She looked up, glee in her eyes. “Amazing. You must love how you live.”

The truth wasn’t always wine and roses. I couldn’t complain about anything given the wealth and influence I had, but there were times I was lonely. No one knew that. It wasn’t something I could or should admit.

“Put on your seatbelt, Alexandra. As I said, we’re in for a ride.”

As soon as I revved the engine, backing out, she seemed more gleeful than before. While the best way to see the entire estate and the gorgeous trees and vineyards was by horseback, there were enough access roads to provide stunning views and the ability to walk to anywhere she wanted to go.

I headed off, being careful I didn’t press down on the accelerator as I headed away from the main part of the estate.

She was laughing by the second sharp curve, trying to keep hair from her eyes. I realized she didn’t have sunglasses and reached into the glove compartment in front of her. She stiffened just as she’d done before. When I produced an extra pair of dark shades, she sighed.

“You think of everything,” she said, her voice gruff.

“Not everything. We’ll get you a pair of your own. A shopping trip, even online, will be in order. I’ll leave you with my card later so you can purchase whatever you want from Amazon.”

“Amazon?”

“There are other stores of course, online catalog facilities that will deliver. The housekeeper will be working by the time we get back. You can ask her.”

Alexandra was staring at me incredulously. “Well, okay then.”

The woman allowed me to smile and I felt that was even a bit too taboo. I continued driving, finally turning on the satellite radio. The station was more jazz than anything.

“We’re in a hot red sports car on a gorgeous sunny day and you’re listening to jazz? Do you mind if I try and find something?”

She made me laugh all over again. “Feel free.”

After flipping from one station to another, one of them seemed to please her. She immediately started grooving in her seat. It took me a few seconds to realize what I was listening to.

“Eighties music? You’re too young.”

“You’re never too young for sexy dance music. Well, maybe you are.” Her laugh was no longer stilted, happier than I’d heard, which surprised me.

“Very funny. Maybe one night we’ll go to a club. Then you tell me.” I had no idea what I was doing or suggesting. I hadn’t been to a dance club in years. Yes, I had a preferred quiet bar where I was able to unwind and enjoy a good steak, but that was entirely different.

“You’re on, buster.” She threw me a look, even lifting her shades. She had a flirtatious way about her that was completely unassuming.

When I rounded another corner, the view of the acres of olive trees came into view and she gasped, even rising as much to her feet as possible to look over the edge of the convertible portion. “You own all this?”

“A few hundred acres.”

“Are they producing?”

“Of course, as well as our vineyards. Our corporation had always been fortified by the production of top-quality olive oil and almost fifteen years ago, I branched out into a winery. Up until then, I sold our grapes to a couple different producers. Since then, they’ve become award winning.”

“You’ve been holding out on me. I’ve read you were involved in both industries, but this is entirely different than anything I imagined.” Her teasing continued. “Stop the car.”

I slowed, pulling the Ferrari to a stop near a cluster of trees. Within seconds, she’d jumped out, immediately half jogging toward the center. She was obviously unused to seeing so much greenery. The little house her aunt had purchased had the typical quarter acre of land with a single tree and several azaleas. There were parks in her area, like the one she’d called from on that first night, but as a medical student, I knew she hadn’t done much but go to class and study.

Maybe being here would broaden her horizons.

I took my time trailing after her. When I was a kid, I used to come here to think and plan, dreaming for my future, but after taking over, I almost never made a trip here. I had people to take care of the trees, harvesting the olives and getting the massive production to our various plants. I trusted them. My brother was also in charge of that portion of my business, my sister taking the helm of the vineyard and winery.

We used to squabble all the time as a family. We were now more cohesive together, acting as a family and a corporation. Because of that, we’d grown the business by fivefold.

She was almost skipping from tree to tree. If the spanking had bothered her, I couldn’t tell it. At least she seemed more relaxed.

“How old are these trees?” she asked when I walked close enough to hear her.

“We’ve lost a few over the years in storms and a fire, but for the most part, they live as many as five hundred years. This patch is very old, here long before my father was born. The next one over are newer but maturing nicely.”

“Incredible. I’d love to see where you make the olive oil one day.”

Almost everything about her surprised me. “You would?”

“Absolutely. I’ve been stuck in dissecting cadavers to the point I’d prefer to learn about other living things. Flowers. Plants. Trees.”

“Then I can make that happen. Why don’t we go see the vineyards? I think my brother told me the next harvest is less than two weeks away.”

“You have a brother?” She seemed shocked.

It had never dawned on me that she had no idea about my family. It had never come up and I honestly hadn’t believed there would be a need. “Yes, Domino. He’s a bit younger and more of a rebel like you. But he’s a tree whisperer, able to know the perfect moment when the olives have reached their peak ripeness. I also have a sister, Isabella, who could be my twin. She’s very studious, learning everything about the craft of making wine.”

Alexandra blinked a few times. I could tell she was uncertain what to say. They weren’t exactly her family, but I sensed she felt some angst. Of course, they knew about her and the fact she was my ward. They’d asked some questions over the years, but had eventually stopped asking if they could meet her. I hadn’t thought about that. They’d make a big deal over her arrival. Great. A party. Just what I hated.

“Your mother and father? Did you say something about your father dying?”

I nodded and moved closer, the scent of her perfume inflaming my nostrils. As she brushed hair from her face, she was searching my eyes.

“Yes, he died of a heart attack. Nothing menacing. He was in good shape, which shocked all of us, but evidently had an underlying heart condition. My mother is alive and spunky, refusing to come live with any of her children. She has a house on the grounds. That allows her privacy and some autonomy while we can check on her regularly. She will never admit to being old.”

“It sounds like I might like her.” She scooted closer, definitely too close, now only inches away. The moment was difficult, more so than I would have thought.

But we remained where we were, doing nothing more than gazing into each other’s eyes. I had to break the crazy mesmerizing moment. “You’ll get to meet them. Just be careful. They might fall in love with you. Trust me, Italian families can be overbearing.”

“Since I’ve never had that, it might be nice for a change.”

“Aunt Kim wasn’t warm?”

“Not at first. But over time things changed. But she wasn’t gushy like she told me my mother was. I have no clue. She didn’t want to talk about my mother.”

“Your mother was very much like you,” I told her. “Beautiful and intelligent, funny; she wrapped your father around her little finger within days.”

She was thoughtful about what I was telling her as we headed back to the car. “I miss her and I don’t even know her.”

I could only imagine.

I didn’t allow her to fall into too much despair, taking off with full acceleration. She whistled, smiling once again. We were at the vineyards within a couple of minutes.

However, on the drive I remembered something my father had asked only two days before his death. I’d loved pleasing my father. We’d been one big happy family and his approval still meant something to me. He’d taken me golfing of all things, asking me nonchalantly his favor.

He’d wanted me to marry someone, producing several heirs so the family legacy could go on. I’d wanted to ask why not Domino, but I’d known the answer. My brother was far too much of a playboy. There’d be countless scandals, his escapades photographed as they had been for years.

They didn’t matter as much since he was single. He wasn’t into drugs or doing stupid shit; he just enjoyed being with one beautiful woman after another.

Needless to say, I’d been floored. He’d suggested a pool of women and I’d almost seriously considered it. Where my brother was perfectly happy being the bachelor, I remained tired of dating, the pool of women in Palermo and the surrounding area shrinking by the year. Plus, I wasn’t romantic. I couldn’t care less about the pomp and circumstance of a heavy romance.

I’d told him I’d think about it.

And he’d died two days later without hearing my answer.

Had it felt like I’d dodged a bullet? Maybe, but for how long? Heirs were almost required in my world.

And why was I going down that path right now?

As before, she stepped out first, looking at the plants with reverence. My sister did that. She could spend hours in the vineyards, checking every plant. If I didn’t know better, I’d say Alexandra knew a little bit about vineyards herself, finally plucking a single grape off one of the vines.

She turned to face me as if I’d become angry she’d dared take a grape. I lifted an eyebrow, nodding. The expression on her face when she took a bite allowed me to grin. Everything about her was fresh, inviting. She wasn’t jaded like the people I had to deal with in my world. She was almost a babe in the woods.

I found myself clenching my fists. It was that moment I knew I’d need to stay as far away from her as possible.

If not, I’d fall into the quicksand and there would be no return.

She would then belong to me.