Elio, p.13
Elio, page 13
“I’m constantly surrounded by him.”
“That’s love, Cora,” she stressed.
I jumped as the door opened, and EJ entered.
“Renato is waiting for you, Rena,” EJ said, gathering me into his arms.
He kissed my forehead, and the four of us left the building to a barrage of police. EJ helped me into the waiting car and turned to speak briefly to Renato and Sante before climbing in beside me.
“Hey, we're fine,” he said, reaching for my hand.
“When will he stop?” Enrique’s soldiers had attacked without remorse, uncaring about who could have been killed.
“He’s a boy sending other people to take care of his business.”
I caressed his scarred knuckles. “Where are we going? I want to go check on Devi.”
“To my parents’ house.”
“EJ, she’s my best friend.”
“Once things calm down, we can visit her.”
“Things never seem to calm down with you.” Reasoning with EJ was like trying to reason with a brick wall.
We arrived at his parent’s house, and I quickly exited the car, pulling out my phone to call for a car service. The phone was snatched out of my hand.
“Give me my phone back,” I snarled at EJ.
He wrapped his hand around my throat and crushed his lips to mine.
I bit his bottom lip and pulled away. “Leave me alone.”
“Cora, I apologized for today,” he said, frustrated.
“Your business is hurting my friends,” I hissed, jerking out of his grip.
“Come inside so we can talk.”
“I’m going home.”
“No, you're not.”
“Yes. I. Am.” I marched up to the car. “Freddie, drive me home, or so help me God, I will walk.”
Freddie glanced at EJ, who gave him a slight nod.
I needed space to wrap my head around what had happened and to decide if I could live this life.
As soon as I got back to my apartment, I texted Devi.
Me: Are you okay?
Devi: I’m fine. So is the baby.
Me: Thank God. Call me when you can.
I opened a bottle of wine and ran myself a bath, relaxing in the hot water for a long time. Once I was done, I grabbed leftover cake from the fridge and settled on the couch.
I jumped up at the knock at my front door. I selfishly hoped it was EJ, but I was surprised to see my mother.
“How did you get here?”
She slipped off her jacket and placed it on the loveseat with her purse. “I had the butler drop me off.”
“Are you hungry?”
“No. I wanted to check on you.”
“I’m waiting for Devi to call me back. I texted her earlier. She and the baby are fine,” I said, sitting on the couch.
Mom dropped down beside me. “Hopefully, they’ll be home soon.”
“You didn't have to come all this way.”
“Of course I did. You’re my daughter. I was on my way to the event and heard what happened.”
“Oh, geez. I forgot about you and Adelina.” I reached for the landline.
“She’s okay. EJ told her you were here and needed space.”
“Adelina’s always been good to me.”
“EJ’s worried about you.”
“Sometimes, I feel like our love is a fairy tale, and other times, it seems like a nightmare because of his family’s mob life.”
“He loves you more than anyone, Cora.” She stroked my hair as I lay my head on her lap. “I was young once. Love is tricky.”
My head snapped up as the front door opened, and EJ entered. I avoided his gaze as he headed straight for my bedroom.
“Talk to him,” Mom said.
“He wants me to leave my apartment and job.”
“Do what makes you happy, Cora.”
“Thank you.” I climbed off the couch and sauntered. Standing in the doorway, I watched as he removed his jacket and kicked off his shoes. “You have a house.”
“I like this place better.”
“We can’t keep going back and forth, EJ. I’m tired of being a walking target.”
He sat on the edge of the bed and stretched out a hand. I moved toward him, and he pulled me onto his lap. “I’m sorry you’re in the middle of all this.”
“Maybe it’s time to get out of the business.”
“Cora, I can’t do that.”
“You want me to leave my life, but you can’t do the same thing.” I yanked away.
“It’s not that simple. This is my family’s life.”
“What about my life?”
We glared at each other. This conversation was getting us nowhere and putting us both in a bad mood. I just wanted to sleep and forget what had happened today.
Mom had gone when I returned to the living room, no doubt making herself scarce while we talked. I lay on the couch with a blanket and watched movies until I fell asleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, EJ woke me carrying me back to the bedroom.
“Sorry for falling asleep,” I murmured.
“Make it up to me.”
I turned to face him in bed, running a hand down his chest and inside his boxers to grip his heavy rod. “How would you like me to do that, Mr. Calabresi?”
EJ’s jaw was covered in a light scruff where he hadn’t shaved. I took in his full lips, chiseled jawline, and thick lashes. I loved that mouth of his, how he swirled his long tongue across my clit and sucked on my nipples. Perfect. I wanted to ride him all night.
He moaned as I leaned in and sucked on his neck. “Stop teasing me, Cora.”
I grinned wickedly. “I like teasing you.”
I pushed him onto his back, and he gripped my thighs as I straddled his hips. I bent, kissing him deeply, our tongues sliding together.
EJ whispered, “You are my love. My everything, Cora.”
Chapter 16
Elio Jr
A war started two weeks after the shootout at the baby shower. Both families showed no mercy in touching each other’s businesses. I got approval from Savio to steal shipments of their cocaine in Mexico. Enrique and Cacho retaliated by robbing a few of our warehouses. The Vargas Cartel had expanded into more of our territory, selling their drugs and stealing our guns.
Sante managed to get the word around town to our suppliers not to do business with the Vargas Cartel. We worked late nights to ensure our soldiers were on top of what needed to happen and when to strike. We needed to make a statement that we weren’t backing down from this fight.
My father received a call from the governor about how we were making too much noise in Chicago, so Savio and I went to meet with him. We sat in his office, waiting for him to arrive. He finally walked in with a few of his lackeys as if they could intimate us.
“Savio. EJ.” Governor Roy tipped his head at us and sank into his chair.
I nodded. “Governor Roy.”
The governor lifted a cigar from a box on his desk. “I’m not very happy with what I’m seeing.”
Savio narrowed his eyes. “We agree.”
I looked from my brother to Governor Roy, waiting for him to reassure my brother that he was still on board with the casino.
“What are you planning on doing to fix the situation?” Governor Roy questioned.
“The situation is more complicated than we anticipated.”
Governor Roy pounded his fist on the desk. “I know, based on the phone calls and news channel reports from all the bodies piling up in the morgue!”
My brow spiked at his aggression. “Governor Roy, I suggest you watch your tone when you talk to us.
He tensed and looked at his bodyguard. “The city is on fire because of you and your wars. One of you needs to stand down.”
Something about his tone and suggestion were off.
“What did he promise you?”
Governor Roy frowned. “Who?”
“You can only pretend for so long, Governor. I seem to recall that my family donated the highest amount to your election campaign,” I reminded him.
The governor gulped water from the glass on his desk and coughed nervously. I opened my briefcase, removed a yellow envelope, and tossed it onto his desk. He reached for it hesitantly, and his face turned red as he removed the contents.
“Those are photos of you meeting with Cacho Vargas, correct?”
“Where did you get these?” the governor spluttered.
“We have eyes everywhere, Roy. We know about your little gambling problem and your debts with the Vargas Cartel.”
Governor Roy rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s none of your business.”
“Keep looking, Roy.”
The last two photos showed him snorting cocaine with a woman who wasn’t his wife. Vincenzo had pulled more evidence, but I suspected the governor would fold easily with these four pictures. I still had a few more aces up my sleeve—the illegitimate child in another state that he wasn’t paying support for and proof he was stealing from his wife’s account to pay off his mistresses. Roy wouldn’t last long if I learned he was playing both sides.
“How do I know you didn’t fake these photos?”
I leaned forward so he could hear me. Savio gripped my arm to stop me from getting in his face. “The only reason you’re in this position is because of me. The board voted to dismiss you, but I convinced them to give you another chance.”
“Listen, I can do the job, but you're putting me in a bad situation with a few higher-ups,” Roy argued, the veins popping in his forehead.
“The only people you answer to are us.”
“Here’s the deal, Governor. You cut all ties with the Vargas Cartel, or you’ll be looking for another job,” Savio informed him.
Savio and I rose from our chairs.
“Keep the photos. We have plenty more,” I said as a parting shot.
Savio stopped me outside of the building. “You looked ready to kill him.”
“He’s playing us, Savio.”
Savio’s forehead creased as he frowned. “Roy knows we can handle him. What’s really pissing you off?”
Savio had always been like a second father to us growing up, someone we could go to for advice and help, especially if we fucked up.
I flexed my jaw. “I’m trying to keep Cora safe, and she’s fighting me at every turn.”
Savio shoved his hands in his pockets. “You know, I went through the same thing with Mckayla.”
“She’s not the same as Cora.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“I don’t know.” I was wound up and suspicious of every person who came in my direction. Being with Cora gave me peace, but I could admit I became a little neglectful when I lost myself in work.
We climbed into the car and fastened our seatbelts. My thoughts were jammed together, and I was worried about how we could ensure the Governor stayed under our control.
“Play it safe and triple up on her security or make her live with you,” Savio said.
I shook my head. “She’s not Mckayla.”
“Don’t give her a choice. We heard from our sources that Cacho is talking about leaving for Mexico.”
“He can try, but the only way he’ll leave is in a body bag.”
“I’ll pay the governor another visit in a few weeks. For now, give him a little time to get his mind right,” Savio recommended.
I thought about it for a few seconds before nodding. Savio’s phone rang, and as he answered, mine vibrated in my pocket.
Cora: You left early this morning.
Me: Business meeting.
Cora: Are you at the office?
Me: On the way back now.
Cora: I’m here with lunch.
Me: You should have told me you wanted to have lunch together.
Cora: It’s my surprise.
Me: See you in five minutes.
Cora: See you soon.
My assistant handed me the files ready for me to sign and told me Cora was waiting in my office. I shut the door behind me and tossed the documents on my desk. Cora was sitting on the couch, and I lifted her onto my lap.
She cupped my chin and kissed me on the lips. “How was the meeting?”
I ran my hand along her thigh. “Like any other meeting. I had to put my foot down.”
Cora picked up the baked potatoes and steaks. “What do you think about dinner tonight?”
“Where?”
“My place.”
“You're going to cook for me?”
Cora lifted the fork to my mouth and fed me some of the steak. “I told my friends about the vacation you're treating me to, and I wanted to show you how much I appreciate you being patient.”
“We’ve navigated some crazy waters together, huh?”
“We sure have. And my mom loves you.” Cora rolled her eyes at her statement.
I grinned. “Marilyn brought you to me.”
“I feel the same way.”
“What time are you thinking for dinner?”
“Probably seven or eight. I have some paperwork to finish up at the office.” Cora sprinkled some salt over her food.
“You didn’t drive here today, did you?”
“No, but I plan on driving myself to work,” she said, wiping her mouth with the napkin.
“We’ve talked about this, Cora. It’s not safe right now.”
“The guards can follow me.”
“Not enough. I need eyes on you at all times.”
“We’re not discussing this right now.”
We vetted new soldiers every day to work for the family. If Cora thought she would win this battle, she was mistaken.
“Come on, feed me, and tell me what you plan on doing for your trip.” I gently tapped her ass.
“Maybe Atlantic City.”
“I thought you wanted to go to the beach? Devi’s had the baby now.”
“Exactly, and Wale doesn’t want her to leave at all, but she needs a break for a minute to relax.”
I fiddled with the charm bracelet her mom bought her for her thirteenth birthday. “Atlantic City isn’t far. You can be back in a few days.”
Cora pressed her lips to mine. “Yep, so can you book the dates for me.”
I pulled out my cell phone. “I’ll have my assistant call the pilot to prepare the jet for you.”
“Give me a week or two.”
“All right. Just remember, you have a man who will burn the city down if harm comes to you.”
Cora placed the food on the table and gazed into my eyes.
I cupped the back of her neck, and the softness of her skin sent chills down my spine. “You're sexy today.”
Cora looked down at herself. “It’s just a skirt and a shirt.”
I ran my fingers down her throat. “Not to me.”
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
I slowly leaned in and brushed a kiss along her jawline. “Tasting what’s mine.”
“We can’t.”
“Why not? It’s my office.”
“People will hear.” She glanced at the window where the blinds were closed and bit her lip.
My dick strained in my pants. “I’m not the only one ready to fuck. I can smell your arousal.”
Cora ran a hand down my chest as she moved against me.
“Temptress.”
“Only for you.”
I sighed, forcing my body to calm. “Much as I hate to break up our lunch date, I do have to finish some work.”
She nodded and rose from my lap. “Call me when you're on the way to my place.”
I stopped her as she started to clean up. “Don’t worry about the trash. I’ll get it later.” I walk her toward the door and pull it open. “Have a good afternoon.”
I kissed her, sliding my tongue into her mouth. Gripping her ass, I pressed her against my erection. Before I changed my mind, I released her, and she wiped her lipstick from my lips.
“See you later,” she murmured.
“Call me when you make it home.”
“I will.”
Hours later, I closed my computer, weary from long phone calls and meetings with the board. I filed the final documents for the casino property and stood, picking up my keys and jacket and locking the office door behind me. My assistant wrapped up her phone call and took the files I handed her.
“Those need to be sent to Vincenzo to be read over.”
“Of course, Mr. Calabresi.”
I checked the time on my watch. “Take off for the day.”
“I need to get a few more things on your calendar.”
“It can wait for tomorrow.”
She smiled and thanked me.
I headed to the elevator as someone stepped out and hopped on, pressing the button for the main lobby. I met Freddie at the front of the building and slipped into the back seat. Tossing my jacket beside me, I pulled out my phone and smiled as I scrolled through some old photos of Cora and me.
“Where to, Boss?”
“Cora’s.”
“Heads up,” Freddie said.
I looked behind me and noticed a black vehicle riding two cars behind us. “Drive around to make sure we're not being tailed.”
My phone rang, and I answered.
“We may have a problem,” Roy muttered.
“Problem, Governor?”
“He’s not letting me cut ties with him.”
“That’s not my problem.”
“Listen to me, Elio. What you want will worsen things for everybody.”
“Governor, we talked about what you need to do, or Enrique Vargas won't be your only problem.”
“He’s saying I have to pay, and I don't have the money.”
“Your debt is on you. Your family is at home?”
“What?”
“Your wife and child are home right now, and you're at the office, correct?”
“Wait a minute.”
“I have trained shooters around your mansion and staff inside who will take them out with one phone call from me.”
Governor Roy pleaded, “Please! We can come up with a better plan.”
“Then figure it out.”
“Enrique wants me to deny the casino land to your family.”
My spine stiffened. I closed my eyes to control my temper, gripping my gun. “We break ground in a few months. Do you really want to piss me off, Roy?” I pounded my fist against the car seat.
