Taking the Bait (8 page)

“Rest, Dante. I’m not going to go anywhere.”

“Don’t leave me, ever, amore,” he muttered as his eyes closed.

“Okay,” I agreed.

I bent down and gave him a chaste and soft kiss on his lips. He just smiled and fell asleep. I sat in deep thought while I waited by his side. I heard his phone ringing. It was in a clear bag with all his belongings. I grabbed it and looked at his caller ID. It was the devil himself. I felt my anger reach a peak. I slid the phone symbol because I wanted to have the satisfaction of him knowing I survived.

“Hello, dearest Uncle.”

“Regan, you’re alive. I was so worried about you. I knew Franchetti was coming for you and your family. I had to send my men to protect you.”

“Quit that embarrassingly phony concern you bloody bastard. You deserve the fate that you’ll be given. I know you’re checking to see if Dante’s dead, what? Can’t get a hold of your men? That’s because they are all starting to rot. You’ve created a devil yesterday. I won’t stop until you’ve paid for your treachery. I will have my father show me how to filet the flesh properly, not because I want to be nice, but because I want to keep you alive while I tear the flesh from your skin. I want hear every ounce of suffering you feel as you I gut you.”

“You’ve got it wrong. It’s Franchetti who’s the bad guy. He’s after your father and his ties to the IRA.”

“Bullshit my father doesn’t have those ties. Besides, what would a Italian Mafioso do with something so far from his backyard when he has all the power he could want in his own neck of the woods? You’re a liar, murderer, and the worse kind of fucked up there is, but you haven’t dealt with me before. I will find you, and I’ll pay you back for what you did to my mother. Death will be all you beg for when I get a hold of you.”

I had nothing left to say as I readied myself for a war that I was thrown in to. My mother’s face was running through my head while I spoke to her blood who didn’t care who he destroyed. I wanted to launch Dante’s phone, I was so angry, but I just ended the call.

“Damn, I knew you’d be trouble.” I heard Dante utter from his bed.

“You’re awake.”

“And you’re scary when you’re angry. Is it wrong to say that I’m turned the fuck on?” He gave me a wink.

“I’m past angry. I feel murderous. My rage was compounded by each and every one of his lies.”

“What did he say to you?”

“That you were after something to do with the IRA and my father’s ties to it. That’s bull because my father doesn’t have ties to any of that stuff.”

“Amore…It wasn’t all a lie.”

“What?!” I roared.

“Calm down my fiery goddess. I mean you and I weren’t the reason your family was targeted. Your father is keeping something from all of us. He lied when he told me he never killed anyone before. He was a natural, yesterday. His skills were clearly military precise. His blade skills were dangerously accurate. The man’s a trained killer, but I’m not sure what he had on Flanagan that would send Flanagan ready to kill his own sister.”

“Twenty years of simmering hatred and jealousy,” my father said as he walked into the room.

He looked at us with misery written all over his face. “I knew that it would come to a head someday, but I never expected him to bring anyone else in on it. The bastard pretended to love you and your mother so much that I thought his hatred was only for me. His troubles with you, Dante, gave him his chance to strike at me. I’m sorry, a leanbh.”

“Father, why didn’t you say anything before? I wouldn’t have ever spoken to any of them.”

“I didn’t want you involved, and he was offended that I kept you away from his daughter because according to him, we shouldn’t let our issues keep you girls from getting along. Your mother and I fell for it. He claimed that it was all the Franchetti family’s fault when you were taken. I knew the truth, but didn’t want to believe that I’d sent you to your death, knowing what he was capable of.”

“I just want it over with. I want him out of our lives for good, and if that means that I have to kill him—I will.” I was feeling homicidal. It was a new feeling to me and the strangest thing was I didn’t care about how it made me look. That vile creature attempted to wipe out my entire family.

“Calm your ass down, amore. You aren’t doing shit, but keep you’re beautiful ass locked away,” Dante said as he raised his bed up.

“No. I’m not,” I replied stubbornly.

“Yes, you are,” he growled.

“We’ll see,” I grumbled.

“So Daley, is there anything else that I should know about?”

“Nothing more than that. He’s a jealous piece of shit who I refused to do business with, regardless of the fact that I was married to his sister. It hurt him with some of his associates, and he’s had it out for me since. I want his head for his.”

“I’ll deal with him when the time comes.”

“We’ll see,” my father grumbled.

They let me out of the hospital three days ago. I didn’t want to take Regan back to the house; it was too much for her to see. We’ve been living in the Sullivan’s home since the shootout. The investigators had been through the house, but didn’t want the evidence disturbed, yet.

My men, my mother and sister, went to go get somethings for Regan and her father to wear. He refused to leave the hospital as Moira lay in a coma. I never wanted to be in his place. I would look at Regan and pray that I was taken first when we grew old.

Lord, I’m dealing with more fucked up people than me,
I thought as Declan and Regan were bickering about how Flanagan and his daughter should be dealt with. Neither of them knew it, but I wasn’t going to let either of them leave Ireland until Flanagan was gone.

Regan thought that if she gave me that sweet look I would somehow be mush in her hands. My mother had been teaching her well. She was trying to pull one over on me every chance she could. Mostly her antics had to do with me getting better, so I let her win. The sooner I was better, the sooner we were married and the sooner I could end Flanagan.

“Amore, I’m tired of this conversation. You need to quit it already. There is no way that I’m going to let you do something that stupid.” I turned to my mother and asked, “Mama would Papa let you go chasing after a killer?”

“No. Regan, he is right. Leave it to the men.”

I gave my mother a wink and a nod to thank her for setting Regan straight. She didn’t care for being overruled, but wouldn’t dare refute my mother.

“Amore, it’s getting late. Let’s go to bed,” I said.

“Goodnight, mio figlio.”

“Goodnight, Mama. Dec, don’t think this shit doesn’t apply to you too. Flanagan is mine to deal with.” I gave that bastard a dirty look and I walked away with some tenderness, but the pain was mostly gone.

Regan was by my side—always. I didn’t know if it was because of the fact that we almost ended our relationship or the fact that we could have died, but either way we were always together. If one of us left the room, the other was soon to follow. All I knew was that we couldn’t stand to be away from each other.

The wedding ceremony was going to take place the following day because I wanted her to take my name already. This time she readily agreed. It was great because since the moment I met her, my patience was missing in action.

We just closed the bedroom door when she asked, “Dante, when can we…you know?” She was cute when she was shy as fuck, especially when she talked about sex.

“Baby, don’t ever be ashamed to tell me you want me. I have no problem with it, ever. The doctors told me to avoid strenuous activity for another three weeks, but I am taking you tomorrow night.”

“Okay,” she said with a big grin. I was feeling horny all the time then she had to go and get all sweet and shy on me. Now, all I can think about is tossing her little ass on the bed and feeling her sweet pussy swallow my cock, but I really needed to take it easy.

Getting shot on your side wasn’t a nice feeling at all. My movements were limited and painful, but I was still going to own her on our wedding night. It was a rite of passage to fuck your wife into a blissful slumber on your wedding night and I was taking it.

“Amore, let’s get some rest. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

“If I must. You know, lying next to you isn’t easy.”

“Tell me about it. I wake up ready to pin you to the bed and fuck you until we fall back asleep.”

“Why do you have to say such things? I don’t know why I wear panties anymore.”

“Me either. Frankly I like you buck ass-naked.”

“Then I’ll keep my clothes on for one more night.”

“Damn right, you will. It’s hard enough to break walls already. If you keep it up, you won’t be getting out of bed for a week.”

She just giggled. I was fucking serious. She ached, but it wasn’t as bad as it was for me. Blue balls are not a laughing matter. I wanted teach her a lesson for teasing me. That shit wasn’t funny. If she kept it up, I’d have her on her knees, easing my ache.

†††

I couldn’t believe this was happening. Dante Franchetti and I were getting married at my ex-boyfriend’s home just a week after we’d broken up. Declan and I had always been friends, and it’s really good that he’s okay with this. I thought his parents would have been upset, but they were just as welcoming to the Franchetti family. I was starting to think it had a great deal to do with the fact that Declan had been drooling over Silvia Franchetti that swayed their view of the whole Franchetti invasion.

Living at the Sullivan home was a little uncomfortable for me, and I could tell it bothered Dante a bit as well. He tried to hide it, but I watched how he often looked between Declan and me, like he was trying to see if there was something lingering between us. That was when he would get territorial and kiss me hard or squeeze my ass.

I was getting ready for the wedding in our room, so Dante got ready in another room. I was alone with Silvia, since Declan and Silvia’s mothers left the room to handle the other arrangements.

“Silvia, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Are you interested in Declan?”

“No!” she exclaimed. I almost broke out in laughter with the blatant lie.

“That was a fast response,” I accused.

“Why waste time when I know the answer?”

“Well, I got the vibe that you liked him. You fight like cats and dogs.”

“We’re not that bad. He’s just pissy because you left him for my brother and is taking it out on me.”

“Declan isn’t upset about me and Dante. We’ve talked about it twice now, and he has been nothing but supportive when it comes to me and Dante.”

“I heard you two talking the other day and he said he loved you still.”

“As friends. Declan and I have been friends since we were kids. We only started dating because our parents thought we would be a good match. We didn’t do anything too intimate together. Hell he only kissed me once. He’s a good man, but he wasn’t the one for me, and I wasn’t the one for him.”

“Oh…”

“I really don’t know what to tell you. It’s clear you’re both interested, but you both live so far away from each other.”

“It just a phase, it’ll pass. I’ve been there before,” she whispered. Dante told me about her engagement that was broken because she caught her fiancé with another woman.

“Give it time then. If it’s going to develop in to something, it will. I tried to make your brother give us time, but he wasn’t happy with it at all. At first I wasn’t going for it, but after what happened I agreed with him.”

“I’m glad. My brother is so different now that you’ve come along. He wasn’t good-humored at all and so difficult to deal with. Now he’s smiling and a little more friendly. Plus, he normally threatens any guy that wants to speak with me, but he doesn’t give Declan the warning glare.”

“I know I was afraid of them meeting. It wasn’t bad at all.”

“Dante wasn’t happy that you two were still talking after you two met, but he knew that Declan wouldn’t have helped Dante if he wanted you still.”

“Ladies, enough gabbing. We have a wedding to hold. My son isn’t a very patient man. You two can talk tomorrow.”

“Why not after the ceremony?”

“Do you think your brother is going to let her out of his sight after the wedding? He wants to check into a hotel after it’s over.”

“Really?” I said with a smile.

“I assume you want that as well.”

“Oh…” I blushed. “It’s just that it feels awkward being here with Dante sleeping in the same room with my long time family friends.”

“I understand. When Stefano and I married his mama lived with us. It was very uncomfortable. It took a long time for me to get over the fact that she knew what we were doing. You’ll be fine. I’m proud that my son chose such a wonderful young lady, no matter the unorthodox way it happened.”

“Thank you,” I said with tears in my eyes.

My father left the hospital to be present for this moment. It was the only time he was willing to leave. I loved my mother, and it broke my heart that she couldn’t be here with us. I visited her earlier in the morning before I started to get ready for the wedding. I wanted to let her know that I loved her, and I wished she could have been the one to help me get ready, but I demanded that she be around when it was time to see her grandbaby.

It was time to walk down the makeshift aisle in the Sullivan’s barn. There was a lot more people present than I expected to be there. Most of the town who hadn’t been working made it a point to come. They were all thoroughly searched per Dante’s command, but no one seemed offended by it, given the incident five days ago.

I selected a gown that was mostly white. It’s only bit of color was the lovely black trim on the bust line, which enhanced my breasts. It was surprising to me that such a beautiful ball gown would be in the dresses he brought. When I asked him about it he said, “I knew we were getting married and I wanted it to be soon, so I ordered it with the rest of the clothes.” I just smiled at his unwillingness to let me go.

“Papa, are you sure you can do this?” I asked as I looked at my worn out father as we walked down the aisle.

“My dearest girl, your mother would want me to be at your side. Remember you’re mine too. We made you out of love, and I’m grateful every day for you and your mother.”

“Thank you, Papa. I love you.”

“I love you too, my sweet. Please be happy today. I have to leave right after the ceremony, but I love you no less.”

“You’re making me cry.”

“Oh-oh, let me get you to him before your makeup smears. He might cut and run,” he laughed.

“Well you’ll just have to bring him back to me,” I said just as we reached Dante.

“I’m not going anywhere that you aren’t going.” He turned to my father and said, “Thank you, sir.”

“Take great care of her or that filet set will be waiting for you.”

“You’re sick, but you’ve got nothing to worry about. She’s going to have the best I have to offer.” The men shook hands before my father kissed my cheek. I felt a tingle as my father placed my hand in Dante’s strong hand. He held it tight throughout the ceremony, like he was afraid I’d run if he loosened his grip.

The ceremony was over before I knew it, and now I was the wife of Dante Franchetti. I couldn’t believe that after such a short period I was married to the man who’d mistakenly kidnapped me.

He was so handsome, I just stared at him. His light blue eyes radiated pure satisfaction. His brown hair was cut shorter than before, almost a military cut, making it look lighter than it was, but I liked it on him. I was stunned out of my observations, when his lips met mine. It was pure bliss as he gripped the back of my head and slid his hand onto my ass. The crowd roared with cheers. It made the sadness in my heart ease a bit.

True to his word, my father left the wedding ceremony and returned to his vigil at my mother’s bedside.

“Mrs. Franchetti, I hate to rush you, but we have to walk back down the aisle.”

“Oh, sorry, I was lost in my thoughts,” I said as I looked toward the door where my father was exiting.

“He really is happy for us, you know?” He was afraid I was hurt by my father need to leave, but I wasn’t.

“I know. I was just admiring his love for her.”

“She’s going to be alright.”

“You don’t know that.”

“No, I don’t, but I have to have hope enough for the both of us.”

We gathered in the house with food and drinks. Dante was in a rush to get out of there before as he claims, “His dick breaks off from being so hard.” We said our goodbyes and were driven into town and to our hotel. I knew my body was going to be in trouble, and I bit off more than I could chew, but I wouldn’t regret it—not one bit.

†††

My heart was thumping hard as I waited for the priest to say, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” I just pictured Flanagan’s men coming in to stop the wedding and shoot my Regan. Once he made her mine in the eyes of God, I wanted to run out of the door and claim her body as mine all over again.

The moment we entered the hotel room I was on her. My mouth clashed with hers in a frenzied attack. Her lips meshed with mine as we kissed like we hadn’t see each other in over a week.

“Mine. Amore. You’re Mrs. Dante Franchetti. Hell, saying that is a fucking turn on.”

I popped about three painkillers before the ceremony, even though I knew it wasn’t recommended because I wanted to enjoy bringing my wife off. I wanted to pump into her, roughly. Her eyes were bright with excitement as pinned her to the wall. She was the sexiest thing I’d ever seen.

I licked my way down to her cleavage that was popping out of her dress. I loved her tits, they were spectacular. My hands reached around her back and to the zipper. Pulling it down, I grinned, knowing what was hidden under her dress. I slid her straps off her, but not before tasting the bared flesh of her shoulder. I let the dress fall to the floor in a heap of white. She stepped out of it without taking her eyes off me. Regan’s beauty was remarkable, irresistible, and mesmerizing. Her hair was down, just the way I liked it.