Scandalous Heroes Box Set (141 page)

“You’ve been talking to cousin Piero again, I see. Relax, Mikey. I am good, no?”

“State your business, Nicco. I have plans this morning,” Michael said slowly.

“Just thought I’d give my big brother a call to see how he was doing.”

“Really? What are you doing up and about so early, and so near my home, to be exact?” Michael asked.

“Just felt like a drive,” was Nicco’s response.

Michael knew his brother was up to something. He had no idea what, but with Nicco, it couldn’t be good. “I don’t know what you are about lately, Nick, but be careful you don’t find yourself swimming with the fishes,” Michael said, his voice controlled.

“Interesting,” was Nicco’s only reply.

“Yes. Very. Heed my words, Nicco.”

“I see you’re not in the mood for conversation. Talk to you soon, Mikey,” Nicco said.

The next sound Michael heard was nothing. Nicco had disconnected the call. His brother was hell bent on being a pain in the ass. It was sure to land him in a lot of trouble, Michael thought.
I don’t have time for Nicco’s stupidity. He will learn soon enough that grown men are not to be toyed with.
Michael hurriedly dialed Piero to let him know that he was running a little behind. Piero’s cell rang several times without an answer. Michael was waiting for his voicemail when Piero finally answered in a lazy voice.

Michael gave a shout of laughter as Piero shot off rapid Italian in his ear.

“Piero, sorry to take you from your beautiful wife, but did you forget that you asked to meet with me and Sal?” He laughed since it was obvious Piero
had
forgotten. “I am just calling to say that I will be a little late, but I see that is not necessary, as it appears you are otherwise engaged, no?”

“Where are you?” Piero asked in their native language. Evidently, he didn’t want Adanna to know what he was saying.

“I am still at home. I just wanted to let you know that I would be there shortly. You know how I am on timeliness,” Michael said.

Piero told him to drive slow in Italian and then spoke in English. “That will be fine. Cara Mia’s sister, Kendra, will be stopping by soon to visit for the weekend.”

Michael chuckled again. “I see. So, you’re trying to spend some quality time with your wife before she arrives,” he joked.

“Yes.”

“Piero, your home is huge. Adanna’s sister could get lost in there trying to find you two. Besides, do you ever come up for air? You’ve had Adanna to yourself for months now…not including the honeymoon. I’m surprised she’s not pregnant with triplets,” Michael said.

“Take your time, Michael,” Piero said before hanging up.

Michael looked down at his cell and gave a full-bellied laugh. “Wow, love must be grand?” he said, shaking his head and going over to his walk-in closet to pick out something to wear. He dressed quickly and went downstairs to put on a pot of coffee. He might as well grab a cup. That would give Piero more time to spend with his beautiful wife, but he would make Piero feed him. He didn’t feel like making himself anything.

After sitting down to a leisurely cup a coffee and reading the paper, he grabbed his keys, set his alarm, and left his house.

Chapter Two

Michael pulled his Mercedes™ into Piero’s long, circular driveway behind Sal’s sleek, black Cadillac™ and got out. Sal exited his car at the same time.

“Sal?” Michael questioned.

“I’ve been here for fifteen minutes trying to get in,” Sal grunted.

Michael chuckled. “Damn! And I thought
I
liked sex. Those two should run a marathon.”

“Tell me about it. It’s a wonder Piero hasn’t had a coronary by now. Even a young man has limits. I don’t care if he makes love to his wife all day and night, but hell, open the damn door when you invite people over,” Sal grumbled.

“Did you call his cell?” Michael asked.

“What for? You know him, Michael. He won’t answer,” Sal snorted.

“I spoke to him, and he said not to hurry, but that was over an hour ago. As a matter of fact, that was almost two hours ago,” Michael said, looking down at his watch.

Just then, another car pulled up in the driveway.

“I wonder who that could be,” Michael said.

“That’s Adanna’s sister, Kendra,” Sal said, eyeing the burgundy SUV.

“That’s a big car,” Michael said, watching as she pulled in behind his car.

“That’s her toy. She whips that truck around like it’s a small vehicle. Scary it is. It’s in the shop more than it is on the road. She refuses to let Piero or Adanna buy her a new one. I offered, but she wouldn’t hear of it. Our sister-in-law is very thick-headed. She doesn’t think we know, but she’s been trying to recoup the money her boyfriend stole from her. I’ll tell you all about it later. Here she comes,” Sal whispered.

At that moment, Kendra walked up on the both of them.

“Hey there, Sal!” Kendra cried, giving Sal a big hug. Michael watched the exchange quietly. As Kendra stood on her tiptoes to kiss Sal on his cheek, Michael’s eyes landed on her backside.

“Why are you standing outside?” Michael heard her ask.

“Your sister and my brother are not answering the door, even though Michael and I were invited over,” Sal chuckled.

“Oh, hey, Cousin Michael,” Kendra cried, turning away from Sal.

“How are you, Kendra?” he asked, eyeing her from head to toe and liking what he saw. She wasn’t what you would call a classic beauty, however, her skin was simply flawless. From what he could see, she had a body that would make a man like him beg for it. Often.

“I’m good. Thanks for asking,” she responded, not giving him a second glance as she turned back to Sal. “Come on, big guy. Let’s wake the freaks up. My brother-in-law absolutely knew I was coming, and I refuse to stand outside while they get their freak on, especially since I can’t. Hell, being horny is not fun.”

Michael and Sal both stood with their mouths open as they watched Kendra march to the door, lift the gold door knocker, and begin banging and ringing the bell simultaneously.

“Did she say what I thought she said?” Michael asked.

“She did,” Sal answered. “That’s Kendra. She says what’s on her mind.”

“Maybe she shouldn’t,” Michael frowned. “Someone might take that the wrong way.”

“My brothers and I have stressed that to her. She is too spontaneous. It can and will land her in a lot of trouble if she is not careful. Very intelligent, yet naive in many ways. She needs a good man, according to her mamma and mine,” Sal whispered. He walked toward Kendra, leaving Michael to follow.

“Are you volunteering?” Michael asked, following on Sal’s heels.

“Not at all. I consider her a sister, and I am very protective of her,” Sal added, eyeing Michael keenly.

“Understood, Salvatore. I am merely inquiring,” Michael assured him, although he did feel a sense of relief knowing that Sal was not interested in Kendra sexually.

“Not you, Michael. Nicco. We will talk later, no?” Sal said.

“I will make sure of it.” Michael scowled. He didn’t want Kendra anywhere near Nicco. Nicco was his brother, and he loved him dearly, but more often than not, he could cheerfully strangle him with his bare hands.

“What are you two blabbering about?” Kendra asked, still banging on the door. “Adanna, if you don’t open this door this instant, I will…” Kendra was in mid-sentence when the door swung open to reveal a smiling Piero on the other side.

“Hello, Kendra. Cara Mia is getting dressed. She will be down shortly,” he said, pulling her the rest of the way inside and engulfing her in a big hug. “Sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“No, you’re not. You and my sister are sex-starved freaky-deaks. I swear that girl should be walking bow-legged as much as you two go at it. Lucky girl,” Kendra said, returning Piero’s hug. “Now, move it so I can see my sister. Hell, can she still walk?”

“My wife is well, Kendra, and yes, she can walk. We are newlyweds, no?” he said.

“Newlyweds, my ass. Tell that to Mommy and Daddy. I know the deal. I’ve seen those toys Adanna tries to hide every time I come around,” Kendra shot back, walking toward the winding staircase in search of her sister. “I guess I’ll be sleeping on the other side of the house again. I ain’t mad atcha.”

Michael watched her disappear around the corner, still mumbling about Piero and Adanna’s sexual escapades.

“Is she always like that?” he asked no one in particular.

“Yes,” both Piero and Sal answered at once.

“And she doesn’t have a man in her life?” Michael asked quietly.

“She is not a good fit for you, Michael, no? You are used to women kowtowing to your every whim. Kendra is not like that. Besides, I do not wish to see her hurt. In fact, I will take offense at anyone who tries to,” Piero said pointedly.

“So will I, Piero,” Michael responded, holding Piero’s gaze. “Now, why have you summoned us here?”

“Yes, why have we been summoned?” Sal interjected.

“Come into the library, and we will talk,” Piero said, leading them to the library.

“Must be serious,” Sal whispered.

“Why do I have a feeling I am not going to like what he is about to say?” Michael moaned.

“Probably because you know him. I know I am not going to like it. A private meeting in the library. Not good. Not good at all,” Sal said. “I need an antacid tablet.”

Michael choked on his laughter. “Really, cousin, the meeting hasn’t started yet and you already need a tablet? Aren’t you the older brother?”

“I thought I was. Piero has a good head for business, as well as other things. Being in Italy really matured him. Besides, he knows he always has my assistance with anything,” Sal said, stressing the word
anything
.

Michael preceded Sal into the library. Piero stood aside as they walked in and then locked the door after them.

“Hmm, this must be serious. You’re locking the door,” Michael said, eyeing his cousin.

“Have a seat,” Piero said, moving to sit behind the massive desk. “Now, I just need to say two things: Nicco and the Perinis. First, Michael, Nicco is out of control. I don’t know whether or not your brother has a death wish, but he’s treading in dangerous territory and with very dangerous people. All of the Perinis are not good people, Michael. Nicco’s throwing the family name around too much and in the wrong circles. Both of our parents have worked hard to run honest businesses and provide for their children. Nicco is hell bent on stirring up trouble. Why?”

With a heavy sigh, as well as a heavy heart, Michael shook his head. He didn’t know why Nicco did the things he did. No one did. He’d done a 180-degree turn in the last three years. He’d been perfectly fine. A normal young man, or so Michael thought. But lately…well, he didn’t know whether to have his brother committed or just beat the hell out of him himself.

“I have no clue as to why Nicco does the things he does. For some reason, he seems to know my every move. Why, I do not understand. He called me before I left the house, baiting me about who had just left my home. If he weren’t my brother, I would think it very strange, him knowing my comings and goings, and whom I am coming and going with.” Michael shrugged in frustration.

“He’s an ass is what he is,” Sal snickered. “Sorry, Michael, but your brother is a first rate asshole. If he weren’t my cousin, I would have taken him out long ago.”

“Sal,” Piero sighed.

“No, Piero. We have danced around Nicco’s foolishness for far too long now. He is a man, no? No longer a boy. Every action has a consequence, good or bad, and it is time Nicco learns this, no?” Sal barked. “You are a married man now, Piero. You can’t get involved with stupidity that will harm your beautiful wife. As I am sure you have not fully explained to her what it is that you have been doing to keep this family on the up and up. That is not fair to you or to Adanna.”

Piero shrugged. “I have done no more than you or Michael. Especially Michael. Michael has sacrificed more than many know of. Hence, you all being here today. I don’t know the full extent of what Nicco has done or is doing, but I can tell you that it is not good. Not good at all,” Piero finished.

Michael covered his face with his hands and sighed again, long and deep. “I will speak to Nicco,” he breathed.

“Just what is it that you think he has done, Piero?” Sal asked.

“I didn’t say anything before, but at the wedding, Adanna and I received not one but two gold envelopes,” Piero said.

Michael stiffened. He noticed that Sal did, too.

“From whom?” Michael asked.

“I do not know. Kendra was in charge of the bridal purse, and on top of that, we had close to 500 guests. Old man Perini was the only one who had people hanging around him at all times, but then he always has an entourage of people with him.” Piero shrugged.

“Either someone is playing games, or we have a problem,” Michael said quietly.

“Were the envelopes real gold?” Sal asked.

“Very,” Piero responded.

“Marcello and Nicco are very close, Piero. I will speak with Nicco at once. Who knows, maybe he will stop being an ass for once and give me some straight answers,” Michael murmured.

“I will pack and be out by this evening. No later than tomorrow morning,” Sal said.

“Wait before you pack, Sal. Let’s see where Michael gets with Nicco,” Piero said.

“Will do,” Sal said, with a nod.

“Did you ask Kendra if she knew who gave her the special envelopes, Piero?” Michael asked.

“No, I didn’t. If something is going on, I don’t want my wife or her sister involved,” Piero responded.

“Exactly,” Sal said.

“I understand,” Michael said to his cousins, however, it would help if he knew for sure if Kendra had seen who had given her the envelopes. He wouldn’t mind getting close to Kendra. After all, she was a woman, and she was available as far as he knew. If she weren’t…oh well.

“Michael. Michael.”

Michael started as he heard his name being called. He looked up to see Piero staring at him with a frown upon his face.

“Stop worrying about Nicco, Michael,” Sal said, from next to him.

“I’m not worried,” Michael responded.