“You think she had to tell me? I never understood why you never let him marry her even though she had your grandkid. Then I did a little digging. You know that DNA test makes you the father and him the brother of little Antonio. Brother, I’m betting he told you it was a mix up, or did you know you were fucking your father’s leftovers?”
“What the fuck?” Rafael Jr. exclaims, staring at his dad with contempt.
“He’s lying.” He tries to go into an explanation or maybe an excuse, but I don’t have the time or patience for it, so I interrupt them.
“Have a good day, gentlemen. Oh, and Rafael—if you need a copy, it was with my attorney’s things yesterday before he was shot. I have a copy.” They storm off, and I’m betting young Rafe is thinking about it.
The buzzer goes off again and I’m about to bark out that I’ve called the cops, but the giant man in the camera tells me it’s not him. He has four other men surrounding him. “Can I help you?”
“I am Alexei Bykov.”
“Please go through my security and then come in.” I get up and walk to the foyer. It takes a minute before they’re searched. After they leave their obviously illegal guns outside, I invite them in. “Sorry about that, but I’ve had a rough time lately. I’m Santino Benedetti.”
“I thought it was Marchetti.” He gives me a suspicious look since he probably looked me up.
I want him at ease. I’m dealing with extra trouble I don’t need. “I’ve just been made aware of my parentage. Please follow me into the living room.” I escort them in there.
“Martin, please prepare some drinks for these men.”
“Mr. Benedetti, is it?”
“Yes.”
“I’m here about my cousin. I don’t know who did this exactly, but in Russia the number of people could be staggering.”
“I’m not sure if I was the reason for your cousin being targeted. I don’t know if you saw those bastards out there.”
“I did. Is that what America’s Mob looks like, because it is weak.”
“Oh no, don’t underestimate that piece of shit. The older one. He’s going to be my first kill.”
“Ha. Mr.—”
“Santino.”
“Santino, I can tell you are not meant for this. From the records I pulled, you have a clean nose except for the wrongful conviction. Unless you have sneaky lawyers?” He winks, knowing Dimitri was mine.
“No. I was set up. I’m not in that line of work. Dimitri did his best and worked with my people to get my freedom. I owed him so much, but I might have put him in the way. I’m sorry.”
“Do you have any evidence of that?”
“I received this text right after the shooting.” I pull my phone out of my pants pocket and bring up the messages.
He reads it and then passes it to the other guys. “I’m not sure it was my enemies, but whoever they are, they are my enemies now.”
“Oh goodness.” We all turn to see my mother standing there. “I thought you let those other two in.” She has her hand pressed to her chest.
I walk to her, giving her a quick, reassuring hug. “Never, Mother. They’ll take you over my dead body.”
“So who are they?” She crosses her arms.
“Unfortunately, the reason I was at the police station was because my lawyer was shot. His family arrived from Russia.”
She clasps her hands to her mouth. “Really? Oh my goodness. I’m terribly sorry. Is he alive?”
“Thank you,” Bykov says with a nod. “I hope he survives.”
“When can we prepare to see him? We wish to take him back home as soon as he’s recovered.”
“It’s something you have to speak to the police about. They will need a bunch of shit from you before he will be released if he pulls through.”
“Very well. Can you give me the information for the hospital? I’d love to check on him.”
“Sure. I need to see Dimitri soon, but I don’t want to be the reason they make a second attempt.” I text it to him. “They won’t.” He stands up and says, “We will be staying at the Plaza. Can you inform the authorities to contact me?”
He takes his leave with the rest of his men. “That man looks like he’s about your age. I’m sorry about your lawyer.”
“Me too. Come, let’s eat some lunch and then relax for a bit.”
Chapter Fifteen
Giada
A week. I have been on this island for a week. Not once have I gotten to hear from or see Santino. He hasn’t called, messaged, or visited me. I’m beginning to honestly believe that he’s moved on to a new flavor. After all, it’s been two years of no pussy. That’s got to drive a man like him insane. He’s hot, young, and virile. Gosh, remembering the things he did to me reminds me how much he needs to get laid.
“Lunch is ready,” Joey says, interrupting my memory of Santino’s fingers teasing my pussy to an incredible orgasm.
“Okay.” I follow him into the kitchen where the temporary chef has prepared a delicious pasta in a light sauce.
“Thank you.” He leaves us to enjoy the meal. This is the only meal Joey eats with me. I like the guy, even though he hardly says a word. He’s the only reason I don’t jump into the ocean and end it all. Every once in a while, he lets it slip that he’s spoken to Santino. He tells me that Santino misses me but refuses to give me the phone. I can’t tell if he’s telling me the truth or trying to keep me compliant.
“So when can I leave?” I ask after I plop down on the stool.
His expression changes and he tilts his head. “Are you going to ask every single day?”
I roll my eyes and then pop a grape in my mouth. “Yep. I mean, I’m not
