Renato, p.16
Renato, page 16
“RJ’s rubbed off on me.”
“What if we all have sons like us?”
“I know, it’s like a whole other generation of Calabresi boys.” I chuckled at my joke.
“Yeah, it would be, but everything’s set in place.” Sante tossed his empty beer in the trash.
“Press conference didn’t help.”
“Look into our assets.”
“Not worried. All of our stuff is legit,” EJ said as he texted on his phone.
“But he’s trying to turn the public against us. It’s all about perception. If we look bad enough, they assume we’re guilty with no evidence,” Sante snipped.
“But I’m gonna take care of him. Costa was at Brilynn’s or his people are. He’s not hiding, so he thinks he’s safe, we got to make a move.”
“I agree we need to go tonight. EJ, you stay here,” Sante demanded.
An hour later I was strapped into a black bulletproof vest. Dome pulled up to Brilynn’s place. It was me, Sante, Savio, and Remo, then in another car was the rest of the team. I checked the time, and there was now only one car parked outside. It was just going on nine.
I got out of the car and walked up to her house to knock, and not a few minutes later, the door unfastened.
“Why are you here?” A flicker of fear swept over her face before she pursed her lips together.
“We need to talk.” I pushed my way through the door. She stumbled back and fell.
“Get away from me!” she screamed.
I kicked the door closed behind me; she just couldn’t keep quiet. I cocked my head as she tried to reach for her phone. I lunged at her.
“Women like you disgust me.” I gripped her face firmly. Brilynn tried to push me away, forcing herself to the floor.
“You’re pathetic.” I dropped down to my knees and stared at her. “My wife is ten times a better woman than you will ever be.”
“Let me go,” she begged.
I pushed her head back and scanned my eyes around her living room.
I saw a couple photos of Sonya and her together.
“Where did you get the money for the house?”
“None of your business.”
“You were just living in an apartment with Sonya and now all of a sudden you can afford this house.”
“Fuck you, and Sonya will see soon. Get out of my house.”
I chuckled. “How much are Emers and the mayor paying you?”
Her eyes ballooned wide. “Emers and my business has nothing to do with you.”
“None of my business? Really? Because I saw his car here earlier and a few weeks ago.”
“You make me sick.”
“It was late. Did you know he’s married? Still has a couple of girlfriends on the side. So you’re like number three or four?”
She smirked. “I knew you wanted me.”
“Bitch, I would never stoop that low. You’re not my type.”
I removed my hand.
She stood, ready to slap me across the face. I grabbed her wrist, pulling it behind her back.
“You know I gave you a chance to leave.”
I covered her mouth as she screamed.
“I like when they scream,” I whispered.
I kept her head in a chokehold and pulled out the needle. I spun her around, and her eyes clouded in fear as I clasped my hand around her throat. Then I pushed the needle into her neck. I didn’t always have to have blood. I do prefer to see the sight of blood from my victims. But this time, since she was Sonya’s friend, I decided to keep it clean and just have it look like an overdose and tasked my men to set it up with needles and drugs around the room. I placed her on the couch slowly with her arms still out. They would find her immediately. I retreated back the way I’d come, progressing to the car.
I monitored her neighbors’ homes as I climbed into the car, and we drove off when my phone rang and Sonya’s name showed under my favorites.
I placed the phone on speaker.
“Hello.”
“Where are you?”
“Out with my brothers.”
“When are you coming home?” she whined, and I adjusted my shaft.
I smiled and took her off speakerphone.
“Is RJ asleep?”
“Yes, he was knocked out as soon as we got him in the bath.”
“Did he love his gifts?”
“You know he did, and that ridiculous car he’s constantly tried to play with.”
“He can have anything he wants.”
“Renato, we shouldn’t spoil him.”
“That’s a promise I can’t keep.” I heard a splash of water.
“My mom showed up to the party before it was over.”
To hear that her mom came surprised me, but I wouldn’t try and get in between their relationship. I’m close to both of my parents, and I grew up with my grandfather; RJ should have a piece of her family around.
“Are you in the tub?”
“Yes, with a glass of wine.”
“Ughhh…” I grunted at the thought of her pouty lips and fat ass on my face.
“Hurry up and maybe I’ll think of a way to relieve your stress.”
“Teasing me only makes me do what I want to do to you even longer.”
“How do I tease you?”
“Tease me with your fat pussy that smothers my tongue. Tease me when your moans sound like I’ve taken you to the highest of highs. Tease me when you wrap your pouty lips around my dick and make me come.”
“How long will it take you to get here?”
“Is the bathroom door locked?”
“Yes, why?”
“Unlock it, I’m outside.” I heard the dial tone and pressed the end of the call and tossed it on the nightstand as the door yanked ajar. She stood on her tiptoes, linked her hands to the back of my head, and pressed into my chest.
“Are you in for the night?”
“Yes.” I slipped my hand around to sink my nails into her left cheek.
“Come let me tease you then.” Sonya took my hand, led me into the bathroom, and shut the door behind us.
Chapter 22
Sonya
Monday morning came around, and the day started off all wrong when I woke up late and almost missed the start of class. Renato twisted me in all different angles, and I was happy to enjoy his tongue all over my body; it relaxed him to see me pleased. His eyes bored into mine when I pleased him right back.
“Fuck! Sonya, suck me clean.” Renato grunted, bent my head back, and watched me swallow his cum down my throat.
“Sonya!” the professor called out.
“Huh?”
“Did you hear the question?” Professor Kirk probed.
“Sorry, no I didn’t.” I sat up straighter.
“I asked if you’ve found an art gallery to intern with.”
“My brother-in-law is helping me secure an internship.”
“All right, please make sure you stay awake during class.”
A curt smile formed on his face, and I nodded.
Class ended, and I grabbed my backpack, heading to my next class.
An hour later, I ambled out of class to grab something to eat. Dome came toward me and took my backpack out of my hands.
“Dome, I can carry my bag,” I joked.
“No, ma’am.”
“How long have you worked for Renato?”
Dome and I had become friendly, but we’ve never had a full conversation about his life outside of driving me around and being cordial.
“A few years.”
“Do you only work for Renato?”
“We rotate between each family if they need extra protection.” He opened the door of the cafeteria.
It was kind of sad that everybody was already connected as groups at each table. It felt like back in high school; I wanted to have friends. Brilynn and I had talked about being on campus together, but now our lives were separate.
“Are you hungry, Dome?” I turned to check, and he watched the crowd.
I tapped him on the shoulder.
“I doubt you’ll have trouble here,” I jested.
He cracked a smile and patted his jacket. I looked to his waist and saw a gun.
“Always prepared,” he answered.
“After class can we run by my mom’s?”
“Boss said he’s going to come pick you up.”
“Crap, I forgot.”
I recalled how my mom came to the birthday party later than expected, but I enjoyed how happy RJ was to see her and the other kids and take pictures together.
“I hate to admit, but you two made a beautiful baby, Sonya.” Mom held my hand.
“Even though it’s with a guy you hate.” I leaned my head on her shoulder.
“We’ve come a long way, but I will give him credit.”
“Thank you.”
“Courtney, are you hungry?” Adelina came near with a tray of food.
“No thank you, Adelina. Sonya stuffed my face already when I got here,” Mom kidded, taking the stuffed bear out of RJ’s hand.
“Yeah, I told her you don’t let anyone leave without eating, so she might as well pig out now.” I pointed out how Adelina treated everyone like family when she met them.
“Glad you and Sonya are back on track. I know how it feels to lose a relationship with your child,” Adelina confessed, and I was curious who she was talking about.
“You have a lovely home.” Mom trained her eyes on the mansion that sat behind us.
“Thank you. My husband wanted a place to raise our kids, and grandkids one day.” Adelina tickled RJ.
“He’s getting tired, Sonya,” Mom brought up. I looked into his eyes and saw the restlessness from all the running around today.
“He sure is. I think we’ve had enough fun for the day.”
“I’ll need to call her and reschedule,” I told Dome and picked up a bottle of water and a salad and went to the cash register to pay.
“How many more classes?”
“Just one after lunch. I need to go by the office to check in with Vincenzo.”
“Should I tell Renato? I know he doesn’t want you out all day,” Dome replied, lifting his phone up.
“No, I can tell him when he picks me up. RJ is home with Deborah anyway.”
Dome stood at the edge of the table, and I felt anxious with him hovering over me.
“Can you sit down, Dome? It’s weird, I have people staring at me.”
“My job is to protect you.”
“Can’t you do it by sitting down though?” I poured oil and vinegar on my salad, then unwrapped my fork and knife. He didn’t move and scanned the room as I complained.
“Be happy Boss didn’t want more men on you.”
“That’s true, He talked about putting you guys in the class with me and I had to plead with him to cut it down to you and one person outside the building.
“Emers is slick, he’s nothing like Tulio.”
“I wish I’d never overheard him that day.”
“It’ll be over soon.” Dome patted my shoulder.
I finished my lunch and went to my next class.
“Hey you’re new, right?” A guy approached, and I froze. He sat next to me in my art history class, and we’d never talked, so I was surprised he made a move today of all days.
“I am.”
“I’m Sean.” He held a hand toward me, and I reciprocated.
“Sonya.”
“You’re married.” He zeroed in on my left hand, tossing his blond ponytail, then his blue eyes pierced mine.
“I am.” I gleaned at my wedding ring.
“He’s a lucky man.”
“Thanks.”
“You don’t look old enough to be married.” He removed his book out of his bag.
“How should a married woman look?” My right brow quirked up at his statement.
“I picture someone at least in their late thirties, short hair, long dress with a jacket, carrying a notepad to keep up with the schedule.”
I burst out in laughter. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
“Not disappointed at all.” Sean winked at me.
His cocky demeanor reminded me of Renato, and I chuckled when he passed me a note.
We should have lunch sometime as friends.
I balled the note up and focused on the professor for the next hour. After the professor added a pop quiz and relayed the homework we needed to study, Sean and I chatted, peeling out of the building while Dome held a grimace as we laughed together. He tried to push Sean away, but I demanded we were just making friendly conversation.
“How old are you?” Sean asked, holding his backpack and books.
“About to be twenty-five.”
Honk!
Sean and I stared forward; my stomach clenched at Renato standing outside of his car, then he started toward us.
“Uhm, Sean I’ll see you in class.” I tried to end our conversation.
“Let me get your number so we can study together.” Sean pushed his phone toward me. Renato snatched it out of his hand and scrolled to get his number and send to his own phone. “Aye, that’s my phone, man,” Sean fussed and tried to grab it back.
“Renato, it’s not what you think.”
“Did she tell you she’s married?”
“Yeah, we weren’t doing anything,” I snapped, planting my hand on my hip.
“Dome, take her to my car.” Renato ignored me.
“Renato, leave him alone. He’s in my class.” I stood in between them, glaring into his eyes.
He growled, looked from Sean down to me, and smirked before pecking my lips.
“For you.” He slipped his tongue in my mouth.
“Thank you, can he have his phone back please.”
“Remember when you think of her, picture my face and fist. She’s married.” Renato tossed his phone back to him, took my hand, and headed to his car. He unlocked my door, and I piled into the backseat. Dome took my backpack and tossed it in the trunk as Sean stared at us.
“Embarrassing me is not in my plans for our agreement.”
He shrugged his shoulders, and my head whirled around.
“You think it’s funny, don’t you?” I shifted in the seat and saw out of the corner of my eye his smile grow.
“I know what guys think about when they see a beautiful woman.”
“Duh, I was a stripper, I know as well.”
The veins in his knuckles popped as he gripped the steering wheel.
“Whatever his name is—”
“His name is Sean, and you have some making up to do, mister, for embarrassing me.”
“Happily do anything to get that pretty smile on your face.”
“How about you run me by the office. I need to talk to Vincenzo.”
“I wanted to take you to dinner.”
“Can we push it back? I haven’t been in the office for the past few days, and I need to check in with him.”
“You really like your job.”
He turned on the signal.
“Yep, my professor wants me to get an internship, so I need to make sure I can get in at the gallery.”
“I’m sure you have it in the bag.” Renato put his hand on my thigh as he drove.
“How was RJ when you left the house?” I texted Deborah to check on him earlier.
“He was up playing in his room.”
“After I leave the office, I promised my mom we would hang out. Do you mind if Dome takes me?”
He scratched the back of his neck. “Remember you have a family.”
“Let’s not go there. I’ll be home before dinner.”
“All I ask.”
“What did you do all day?”
He pulled up to the front of the Calabresi offices.
“I hung out with RJ for a little while, then handled some business.”
“Do I want to know what that business is?”
He put the car in park and leaned over the console to crash our lips together.
“Go work, and I’ll check in with you later. Don’t stay too late, or I’ll have Dome come get you,” Renato demanded, touching the door handle.
“Same to you.”
He stared as the doorman held the door ajar for me and finally went on his way. I got on the elevator and rode it to Vincenzo’s floor. Checking the time, it showed two p.m., and I had plenty of time to see my mom afterwards and make it home for dinner.
“Hey, Sonya.” Vincenzo’s assistant, Krissy, waved at me.
“Hi, is he with anyone?”
“You came at the perfect time.”
“Great, I won’t hold him too long.” She buzzed me in, and I tapped on his door, poking my head in. He was in the chair with his eyes closed.
“Working hard.” I cackled, and he opened one eye at me.
“I thought you had class.”
“I’m finished for the day.”
“Usually you don’t work on school days midweek.”
“You’re right, but I feel bad I haven’t been around in a few days.” I plopped down in the chair.
“Education is more important. Don’t feel guilty.”
“How can you be related to Renato and be so sweet?”
He cackled, and I really wondered how all of his older brothers were such rude assholes, especially Renato.
“The mask comes off sometimes,” Vincenzo teased.
“That’s something I can’t believe.”
“True, after being treated like a baby all my life I had to show I was tough, and I’d get into fights at school because I was known as the little brother.”
“Please never change. We need a sane brother out of the bunch.”
“Wish I could keep that promise.”
“Is something wrong?”
“No, how can I help you?”
“Are you trying to change the subject?”
He chortled, then turned his attention to his phone.
“Since you won’t tell me what’s going on, can you please talk to your brother?”
“Renato?”
“Yeah, my crazy husband.”
“Tell me what he did.”
I gave a rundown of how Renato made a big deal of Sean and me talking, and all Vincenzo could do was laugh.
“That’s not funny.” I threw my hands up in exasperation.
“Renato has no home training.”
“Now you tell me.”
“Be happy he didn’t shoot him.”
