Taking the Bait (7 page)

“Regan, you don’t know how upset I am that I didn’t know what Marco was going to do.”

“I’m really glad I found the hidden gun in your drawer.”

“Me too. Have you ever fired a gun before or was it luck?”

“A little of both. My dad took me a couple of times out to hunt animals and to get practice just in case someone ever tried to attack me. It’s funny, but it wasn’t until I knew what my uncle did for a living that I understood why my father was teaching me. He feared my uncle’s enemies would come looking to seek revenge on my uncle. I guess he was kind of right.”

“No he wasn’t. I wasn’t seeking revenge on your family, just your uncle’s family.”

“Yeah, but if it wasn’t you, who knows would be next.”

“Don’t think like that. It wasn’t that serious until your uncle came into our area.”

“Dante,” I said as rested my head on his shoulder.

“Regan, my princess. So did your parents name you after the daughter in King Lear?”

“Yes, they did. They thought it was a very beautiful name.”

“Your character matches hers. You’re sweet and honest.”

“Thanks. Is it bad that I just want to stay like this?”

“No, but we’ll have more time for this, tomorrow. Let me get dressed, and we’ll go downstairs.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Me either, but if you’re going to marry me tomorrow, we have to get the ball rolling.”

“Okay,” I grumbled.

“Don’t say it like it’s a bad thing. Okay,” he said in annoyed and miserable tone, mocking me.

I let him get dressed only because I was looking forward to tomorrow. I knew it was crazy to marry a man I just met, but hell I gave him my most valuable gift to date—my virtue.

We came downstairs and there were two women down there that I didn’t know, but the resemblance was noticeably there. They had to be Dante’s mother and sister.

“Mama, Papa, Silvia, let me introduce you to my beautiful fiancée Regan Daley. Regan, amore, this is my father Stefano, my mother Francesca, and my little sister Silvia.”

“Hello…” I said shyly. I wasn’t aware they were all here. I look a mess, and his sister looks like a beautiful dark beauty.

“So you’re the poor girl that’s been unfortunate to be my brother’s wife. I suppose it’s better than that other one. He’s got an attitude problem.”

“You mean Declan?” I asked curiously. Declan was always nice to strangers.

“Yes, she means me,” Declan said as he came from the kitchen with a forkful of pie.

“You couldn’t wait boy?”

“No, sir. They were taking too long to come down. I got hungry. Unlike some, I work instead of living off my parents.”

“See what I mean? A total prick.”

“Watch your mouth, Silvia Franchetti!” Mr. Franchetti shouted at her.

“Sorry, papa.”

“I need to learn that trick. That got her quiet fast.” Man Declan was asking for it.

“Boy, you’re biting off more than he can chew,” my dad said. The other parents were smirking too.

I had a feeling I knew what it was about, but I don’t think Dante would care for his sister and my ex to be a couple.

Until two days ago he was my boyfriend, and I wasn’t destroyed like I should be. Dante looked at me to see if I noticed the mounting tension. I smiled up at him and said, “I have to prepare for a wedding. Excuse me Dante.”

“Fine. Give me a kiss.” I lifted up on my tippy toes and gave him a sweet kiss that he took a new level. It was passionate and possessive. He pulled away and looked directly at Declan with a sneer. Declan in return just went back to eating his slice of pie like he didn’t see anything interesting.

“Regan, dear. We don’t have much time since someone is so impatient.”

“Hey, I’m just trying to protect her.”

“And her reputation,” my father said angrily.

“That too,” Dante said with a sly grin. He wasn’t ashamed at all for trying to knock me up.

I avoided looking at my father because I was embarrassed. My mother grabbed my hand dragged me from the room, and his mom did the same to Silvia.

“Dante brought some dresses with us as we were leaving,” Silvia said.

I looked at her confused.

“He said he had clothes ordered for you before everything happened,” his mother answered my unasked question.

Then I remembered that I was waiting for the order when that man tried to kill me. I completely forgot his threat to me. I needed to talk to Dante right away. “Excuse me. I need to speak with Dante,” I said in a panic and rushed from the room.

I ran back down to the sitting room where the men were discussing something. I knocked on the door, and Dante looked up at me with a grin and suddenly all my worries and fears were gone. He stood up with concern on his face. “Amore, what’s wrong?”

“Can we talk? In private?” I said quietly. The look on his handsome face told me that he wasn’t going to like what I have to say.

“Amore, I have a feeling if it’s what I think you want to talk about, then no. We are getting married tomorrow.”

“Please let’s go talk somewhere else.”

“Let’s go,” he said abruptly. He was mad at my reticence. We walked down where I walked with Declan two days ago. I felt like if this was the break up spot. I wasn’t sure if what I was feeling for Dante was more than just lust, and I really didn’t know if I could trust him with my happily ever after. I knew it was a little late to feel that way now, but I did.

“What is it that you wanted to say?”

“I can’t marry you tomorrow.”

“What the fuck did I say in there? I didn’t come out here to hear that shit. You’re not leaving me. I said we’re getting married and that’s it.”

“I don’t want to marry you,” I shouted at him, angry at his refusal to consider what I had to say.

“You don’t want to marry me.” His words were cold, and I felt the hurt in him, but I wasn’t sure he was for real. Doubts clouded my mind. I wasn’t ready to marry him tomorrow, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want to not marry him at all. I just needed time to be sure.

“Fine. I’m going to back to my life in Chicago, and you can go back to your life here. If your pregnant you better tell me. I won’t let my child grow up to be a bastard raised by another man.”

“I…don’t want you to go,”

“You don’t want to marry me, but you don’t want me to leave. Regan you can’t have it both ways.”

“Fine. Go.” I had to be strong. He wasn’t going to listen or give me time then I had to settle for a life without him.

He turned to walk away, and the tears pooled in my eyes. He was letting me go, so easily. Then he turned and looked back at me. If I wasn’t mistaken, there was a sheen in his eyes. He turned back around and stood there, not saying a word just staring back at the house. I watched as his shoulders fell. My mind started going insane with whether I was making the right decision.

To both of us marriage meant forever, but would it be a happy one? Would I wake up heartbroken when he’d be off with one of his mistresses? Would he ever abuse me because he could? He could be rough, would his jealousy become too much for him to handle?

I wasn’t paying any attention, and he was on me in a moment. His strong body covered me as we hit the ground. Fear engulfed me when I thought he was attacking me, but it was the hail of gunfire that told me he was protecting me.

“Dante,” I cried in fear.

“Shh…amore. Don’t move. I want whoever it is to think we’re dead. When I tell you, I want you to run as fast and as low as you can. Please do as I say. Don’t argue.” He rolled slightly away and down into the long grass. Then he looked back at me and whispered sincerely, “Ti amo.”

I didn’t know what it meant, but I knew it was something special. He stroked my hand one more time and said in a hushed tone, “Run.”

I positioned myself like a sprinter and took off running. I heard the gunfire, and it was getting closer. I managed to keep going until I reached the Sullivan ranch.

I ran into Declan’s barn and grabbed the push broom and wiped my footprints from the floor and hid in the spot we used to hide in as kids. I was terrified, but not for myself. My family and friends were in the house, and Dante was all alone in the open. I wanted to run back, but I remembered what he told me before. I wished there were guns hidden in here, but there weren’t any. I sat in the corner cubbyhole and cried.

It was light out when I woke up. They hadn’t found me, but I could hear movement outside the barn. I couldn’t make out the voices or what they were saying. I prayed my family was alright. My Dante. I cried myself to sleep thinking I’d never see him again. I didn’t want to rush our life together, but I didn’t know it was the only life I would have with him.

I heard a car drive up and the doors slam as the occupants got out. I could hear their footstep as they got closer, and then, the barn door opened. I prayed it was help.

“He said she would be in here,” I knew the voice, but I was scared because I wasn’t sure if it was good or bad thing that he was looking for me.

Then I heard him. “I have to find her. I need to know that she’s okay and that they didn’t get her,” Dante groaned.

“You should be in a fucking hospital, cousin.”

“I’m not trusting anyone else around her but me.”

“I told you she’d be trouble, but if your happy.”

“Fuck. I don’t see her in here. She wanted to leave me.”

“What the fuck do you expect bro? You are forcing her into a marriage in a matter of days, after the guys kidnapped her. Then one of our own tried to kill her.”

“I didn’t do anything to her though. I’ve been the nicest I’ve ever been to anyone,” he grouched.

“She’s a woman, man. She needs all the hearts and flowers type of shit. Ask yourself does your father take your mother out and buy her flowers for nothing?”

“Yeah, but we haven’t even had time for that.”

“Exactly. How do you think she feels just jumping in with nothing, but gunfire, kidnapping and some sex?”

“When did you turn into a savant with the ladies?”

“Just because I fuck the broads and leave doesn’t mean I don’t know how to treat a lady.”

“Fuck. I need to find her.”

“We need to get you to the hospital. You’re looking pale.”

I was so busy listening to their conversation I forgot to reveal myself. I lifted the hatch and called out to them.

“Dante…I’m coming.”

“Damn, man, you’re good. You didn’t even touch her, and she’s coming.”

“Don’t be a prick. Amore, where are you?” he groaned harshly this time.

“I’m climbing out,” I grunted. His cousin, the one from the garage put out his hand to help me, and he noticed the indecision in my eyes.

“I’m not going to hurt you, cara. You’re his and an innocent. Hurry, I need to get this buffoon to the hospital.”

I slipped my hand in his and he helped me out. Dante just reached us, and I noticed the seeping bandage on his waist.

“Oh my Lord. You’re bleeding.”

“Are you okay to walk?” his cousin asked me.

“Yes, I’m not hurt.”

“Good. Help me get him to the car.”

We both wrapped one arm around him and got him into the car. The driver was Mr. Sullivan. I somehow thought it would be my father. I was afraid to ask the question that I knew would break me.

“Tell me. Are they okay?”

“Let’s get him to the hospital first.”

I looked over at Dante, and his gaze didn’t leave mine. He tried to keep his eyes open, but the blood loss was wearing on him.

“Dante, stay with me.”

“If I live I want you to marry me as soon as possible.”

“I will.”

“Damn, woman, all it takes was for me to get shot for you to agree.”

“You’re stubborn. Just rest and get better for me.”

We got to the hospital, and they took him right away. They wouldn’t let me go with him because he wasn’t my husband, and they were going to prep him for surgery.

Mrs. Franchetti came up with Silvia. The pain in their eyes I knew for some reason wasn’t for Dante. “Please tell me.”

“You need to go to her. Come.”

They walked me to the hospital bed, where my mother lied there motionless. She was bandaged around her neck and head. My father was sitting next to her bedside. His head resting in her hand. He was whispering his love for her in our native tongue.

My father looked up and raised his arm and pulled me down into his embrace.

“I’m sorry, Papa.”

“No. This is not because of you. Michael will die by my hands. His cruelty knows no end. She’s going to be okay. She has to be.”

“She will,” I said as I cried into my father’s chest. This was all my fault. If I hadn’t gone to Chicago like a fool none of this would have ever happened. I couldn’t look at my mother; my shame was too great.

“How is everyone else?” my dad asked.

“I don’t know. Mrs. Franchetti and Silvia brought me in here after they took Dante in.”

“I don’t like his lifestyle, but I really like him. He’s honorable. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here to pray for my Moira or to see my angel.”

“It’s our fault for being here in the first place. If I’d never met Dante, mother would be okay.”

“No. She wouldn’t. There is more history than you know, but I can’t talk about it right now. Please go check on Declan. He’s been injured as well.”

“Did anyone die?”

“All of Michael’s men, and two of Franchetti’s men. Mr. Franchetti was grazed, but Declan saved him as well as Silvia.”

I needed more answers, and I needed to see Dante. I couldn’t think about the worst. I had to believe that he was going to be fine. He was big and strong. I got up and turned to glance at my beloved mother. It broke my heart, and I knew it would destroy my father if she didn’t make it.

I walked out into the hallway, and Silvia was waiting for me with the cousin.

“I’m sorry, Regan,” Silvia.

“I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Tony.”

“Oh, I remember you.”

“I was hoping you’d forgotten.”

“Have you gotten any word on Dante yet?” I asked them.

Silvia shook her head and said, “No. My parents are waiting outside the OR for answers.”

“I’m going to go check on Declan,” I stated. I needed to get my mind off my mother and my fiancé.

“Can I come with you?” Silvia asked hesitantly as if I would say no.

“Of course. As long as you two don’t fight.” I teased.

“I’ll be good, but I can’t speak for him.”

“I’ll walk you ladies then I have to make the calls to the guys’ families”

Mrs. and Mr. Sullivan were in the room as Declan slept.

“Hello, my dear Regan. I’m so glad that they found you okay,” Mrs. Sullivan said.

“How is he?” I said with a sob. Declan was a really good and honest man. He didn’t deserve this.

“He’s going to be fine. He was a minor wound, but he didn’t want to rest until he heard you were safe.”

“I’ll let him rest.” I turned and walked away. I turned back to his parents and said, “I’m really sorry this happened.”

“I’m sorry too, but we can’t help who we’re related to.”

“Thank you. I’ll check on him later.”

We went into the waiting area, and I was interviewed by the officials, but I really didn’t have anything to add. I hadn’t seen who was shooting at us, and I hid like a coward until the coast cleared. It was two hours later and Dante was out of surgery and in the recovery area. They still wouldn’t let me see him. I was frustrated, but Declan was up and wanted to see me. If that’s what he wanted I was happy to comply.

“Hey, superhero! How are you doing?”

“Better. Now that I know you’re alive. Did Dante find you in the spot I told him?”

“Yes. What happened Declan?”

“We were all discussing the plan for dealing with Flanagan, when we heard the gunfire start. They shot at you and Dante first. Then the others came in the house, but it gave us a moment to at least get your father’s guns. What we didn’t know was that they had gotten in and were in your bedroom already. They approached with all the women as shields. They wanted to have your father watch her be slaughtered. They had already struck her in the head and she was bleeding when they cut her. That was when your father lost it and killed every one of those bloody bastards he could. Everything was chaos, and all I remember clearly was getting Silvia out of the way. It was my priority. I don’t know why; she’s a pain in the arse.”

“That’s because you really like her.”

“I don’t.”

“Please, and I don’t like Dante,” I snorted.

“No, you love him,” he replied.

“You think it’s love?”

“Yes, why don’t you feel that way? I know it hasn’t been long, but the way you look at him is a major giveaway.”

“I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t hurt you too much,” I said guiltily.

“My pride is the only that was hurt by our break up. I’ll always love you, Regan—but as my lifelong friend.”

“Well then I’m sorry I hurt your pride.”

“I was a terrible boyfriend. It was clear to me even before Dante stole you. Hell the kidnapping killer kissed you more than I ever did. That’s got to say something.”

“True. So we’re still okay?” I asked hopefully.

“Always,” he said with a smile and opened his arms for a hug.

“I’m going out of my mind with everything that happened. It all seems so surreal. Just a week ago I lived a normal life in the country then all of the sudden I became the fiancée to a mob boss, and my uncle was trying to have my whole family killed.”

“Tell me about it. I thought I was dating the prettiest, sweetest girl in town, and she goes on holiday only to fall madly in love with a criminal. I’ve been doing this all wrong.”

There was a knock before Silvia walked in her eyes with unshed tears, and I thought the worst happened with Dante.

“No, no!” I cried. I fell to my knees thinking he was gone.

Silvia ran to me and kneeled. She pulled my head up and said, “He’s fine. Calm down, Regan. He’s asked to see you.”

I felt silly for a moment. Of course she had tears in her eyes; we were all attacked, and we all had people we loved who’d been injured. My mind was living with the worst possible scenario switch flipped on, and it was stuck that way.

“I’ll be back. Silvia, can you keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t try to get out of bed?”

“I don’t need a nanny.”

“Just behave!” I shouted merrily as I walked out the door.

“Badly,” he replied.

Dante’s mother was waiting for me. “Regan, Dante refuses to stay still until he sees you.”

“Can you take me there?”

“Absolutely. He’s a stubborn man.”

I just smiled because it was his stubbornness that kept him chasing me.

I could hear him yelling to never refuse to let me in. I giggled and damn the walls must be thin because he said, “Amore, is that you?”

“Dante,” I chanted as I stood in the doorway. Smiling back at me, he commanded, “Everyone else beat it. Leave me with my woman.”

“Mr. Franchetti, I need to check your vitals,” the recovery nurse said.

“I don’t give a shit. Get out,” he growled.

“Please, Dante. Let them do what they have to do first. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Only for you,” he grumbled.

I walked up to him and grabbed his hand.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m aching, but they gave me a lot of pain killers. How are you?” he said solemnly, knowing everything that happened yesterday and my mother’s condition.

“I’m trying to be okay. I’ve been making my rounds today.” I just caressed his hand that he squeezed in mine.

“I’m done here. I’ll be back to check on you in a little while. Try to rest.”

I waited until after everyone left to ask the question that had been on my mind since yesterday. “Will life for us always be like this?”

“No. Not always and maybe not ever again, but I can’t make any promises that something won’t happen like this when your uncle and men just as ruthless are still out there. Will you stay by my side or are your feelings the same as yesterday.”

“My mind is a jumble, but today I know my heart better and apparently so does everyone else.”

“So what is your heart saying?”

“It’s saying I need you. My mind is telling me it’s too soon, but I can’t stop reliving you walking away from me. I felt broken, then all hell broke loose, and I almost lost you.”

“I’m happy that you did as I asked. It wasn’t safe for you. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did and keep you safe.”

“I know, but I feel like such a coward. I hid and no one else did.”

“You did the right thing. Did you have a gun?”

“No.”

“Then what the fuck could you do? My mother and sister were in there too. They could have been hurt if it wasn’t for Declan and Fabricio. They saved them, but at a high cost. Declan was lucky, he survived. Fabricio didn’t. The women couldn’t protect themselves. If you’d been there, all the men would have died just to protect you. You’re special to so many, but especially to me.” It was clear the medication was kicking in because he was getting drowsy.