Cash Money (Bad Money #4) (7 page)

Chapter 12

Kate

After gathering everything to make spaghetti at the store, they rode home as the sun set in the far end of the sky. Peace and calmness had settled over her sometime during the ride, and by the time they got back to Jon's place, she wasn't concerned with the future, or even what might happen later that evening. Living in the moment was too appealing to worry about it for a while.

"You cooking, or am I?" Jon brushed his hand over her butt as they walked to the door. The playful smile on his lips was refreshing. Having visited the safety deposit box tore down some of the barrier she was starting to resurrect against him.

"Let's do it together." She moved back and let him open the door, enjoying the view of his ass in his jeans far more than she thought possible. "I like these jeans."

"I think you like
what's
in the jeans." He chuckled and turned on lights as he moved to the kitchen.

"That too." She set her bags down next to his and started to open cabinets in search of pots and pans.

"Hey. Last tough subject for tonight, I hope." His voice was soft, inviting.

She stood up from her bent-over position and gave him her attention. "Sure. What?"

"You're not going after Billy Turner. You had your revenge with Victor. Billy's mine. Understood?" He moved to stand in front of her and gripped her chin, half expecting her to swat him off and bite his head off.

She nodded and pressed against his hold. "Yeah. Take him. I'm tired anyway."

"Good." He leaned down and licked at her mouth. "I wanna own you tonight, Kate. Just us. No drama or worries of dying tomorrow. No Billy or Victor. No Marcus. I need tonight for us."

"Okay," she mumbled as tendrils of pleasure raced across her skin. Her indecision over next steps with Jon and Marcus were going to have to find their proper place. Life wasn't just about who you spent your nights with, but where you were going, who you were becoming.

"Now, cook me my dinner, woman." He chuckled as she picked up a spatula and swatted his side.

"Better watch it. I don't mind the black widow title. It's kinda sexy." She wagged her eyebrows and worked to get the hamburger meat in the skillet. "Fix the salad and tell me where you want to see yourself in ten years. Just be honest. If you could have anything you wanted in the future, what would it look like?"

He ran his fingers over her lower back as he moved around her, gathering the items needed for the salad. "Hmmm... that's a hard one."

"Try for me?" She glanced over her shoulder, wanting to know him more. Needing to.

"Yeah, sure." He grabbed a few beers from the fridge and offered her one. "I want a small house, a lot like this one. Two or three bedrooms at most. I want a couple of kids, a job that leaves me proud to be involved with it, and a wife that loves me almost as much as I love her."

Foreign emotions danced inside of her. There was no place for Marcus and her to continue to see each other if she and Jon were to create that future together. The question was whether she wanted it to.

"I like it." She smiled and worked on the meat.

"Your turn." He moved up behind her and moved her hair from her neck before pressing his mouth against her and wrapping his strong arms around her. "If you could have anything you wanted. What would it be?"

She swallowed and pursed her lips for a minute before answering. "Freedom. Freedom from the oppression of guilt, shame, love."

"Oppression of love? Love binds you?" He kissed her again and ran his hands over her hips to cup her mound. "Love or pleasure?"

"Both." She turned her face enough to enjoy the attention of his lips against hers.

"What does this freedom look like, baby?" He moved up to suck the bottom of her earlobe into the warmth of his mouth.

"I don't know," she responded breathily, unable to stop her heart from racing with his touch combined with their domesticated actions. "I've never felt it really."

"Interesting." He kissed her neck once more. "And kids. Do you want kids?"

"I can't have them, but yes, I think I would have liked to if it were possible." She pulled away from him, a little sensitive over the topic. The only man that might be okay with having a barren woman was Marcus. Maybe that was part of the draw toward him too. To already be enough even in the midst of her lack.

"We can adopt." He moved back to the salad and loaded up two bowls. "We'll try for kids, and if you can't have them, then we adopt. It changes nothing. We'll love them until they’re sick of us either way."

Tears blurred her vision. "Do you think that's possible? I've killed and stolen. I've been in the darkest alleys in the world doing things that I'd not utter in the light. Do you really think there is a future where all of that can honestly go away and never rise again to steal everything from me?"

"Baby." He pulled her back from the stove and brushed away her tears. "That future is right around the corner. You have to stop expecting the worst and look for the chance at a new beginning."

"I want to, but I'm honestly not sure how." She slid her hands up his chest and let out a soft sigh. "I'm ready for brighter days. The ones filled with laughter and fun. All of this darkness is starting to permeate the center of me again."

"Then we get out. Marcus is the only anchor holding you in place, Kate. We'll get Billy, I promise, but you have to work on letting Marcus go. He loves this life." Jon kissed her forehead. "He'll always be in our lives, but he has to stop being your life, Katie."

She nodded, understanding the decision all too clear. "I thought we were going to have fun tonight."

He chuckled and wiped away the rest of her tears. "We are. No more of this shit. It belongs in another day, but not today."

"Good. I'm tired of it. It's the same conversation I have over and over in my head nonstop lately." She pulled the package of noodles from the bag beside her and started to drop them into the pot.

"Wait. Crazy girl. You gotta break them into thirds. Have you never worked at an Italian restaurant?" He moved up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and broke the noodles as she snuggled back against him.

The simple things in life were what seemed to be missing. She'd never really had them, so to experience them was almost overwhelming though it felt trite.

"I've never worked anywhere but the streets and the club." She let Jon finish the noodles as she stood trapped between him and the stove.

"Really? I could tell you some stories then. Restaurants are the best. The guys are fun and outgoing, and the girls just wanna chance to see your dick. As a kid... it's awesome." He chuckled and kissed her cheek before moving back.

"A chance to see your dick? Wow. Sounds like the best place on earth for a horny, unwanted young guy." She shrugged and gave him a cheeky grin.

"Unwanted? What the fuck's that supposed to mean?" He reached over and pinched her side. "I was
hella
wanted. Once the girls figured out that I was hiding this beast?" He grabbed his cock and wagged his eyebrows.

"Beast? I've seen a lot bigger." She glanced down at it, lying like a dog, but rather enjoying the growl that left him.

"Oh no you didn't." He wrapped his arms around her and picked her up, hustling her to the darkness of the bedroom and dropping her on the bed only to lie down on top of her. "You're a damn liar. I remember our first time. Your fear over not being able to take me was fucking hot."

He bucked his hips and drove into her as she swatted at him and laughed loudly, needing the moment far more than she realized.

"I did not. I was scared I might not know when we started fucking because you were so tiny, itsy-bitsy." She laughed as he growled loudly and thrusted again.

"You're such a bitch. I love it." He moved down and pressed his lips to her breasts, tugging at her and tightening his hands around her waist. "God, I love you, baby. You might not realize it, but you're everything I want in a woman."

Kate ran her fingers through his hair and watched him as he worshiped her with soft sensual movements. "You deserve better. Way better." She touched his cheek and gave him a sad smile. "You know you do."

"No, but you do." He moved back up and forced her legs open so that he could settle in between them. "I'm gonna make this right. Start working on trusting me. We need that between us. I'd do anything for you, Kate, and I know you would for me too. What you gave up for my freedom with Victor sickens me that you felt the need to save me, but I'd do it in a heartbeat too."

"Dammit. Did Marcus tell you that?" She growled and pushed at his chest. "You weren't supposed to know about that shit."

He pulled her hands high above her head and dry humped her slowly, using his entire body to spread tingles across her skin.

"Well, I do know. I've never been loved so much by someone. I'm going to make it up to you every day for the rest of our lives." He leaned down and nuzzled her. "Start letting Marcus go, Kate. There's not room for us both."

She started to respond as the smell of smoke filled her senses. "Fuck! The meat."

Jon jumped up like his ass was on fire and ran into the kitchen as she followed him. The noodles had boiled over and the ground hamburger was black.

He laughed and looked over his shoulder. "Looks like take out. Chinese?"

She rolled her eyes and grabbed his keys. "I guess. You and your shitty cooking skills."

"Me? Oh, hell no."

She squealed as she turned and raced for the front door with Jon hot on her heels. It was a night that wasn't like any other she'd experienced. It wasn't about being tough or even being right. It was about simply being her.

It had the power to change everything.

Chapter 13

Marcus

"Do you know anything about these people?" Zak asked as they rode in the back of the taxi to meet Demetri on the west side of Chicago at an Italian restaurant named Gino's.

"No, but Jeffery said they were an old school syndicate, not that the kid would know his ass from a hole in the ground, but whatever. What do we have to lose?" Marcus glanced over at Zak. "We meet with them and see what they're looking for and what we have to offer, then we get back on a plane and mull the shit over."

"All right. Old school as in mafia structure?" Zak lifted his eyebrow.

"I guess. I think it's more about family, respect and honor, though they're just as nefarious as we are." Marcus chuckled and leaned forward to address the cabbie. "How much longer?"

"Right up here, sir. Sorry traffic was so bad. Just the time of day here when people get out for a long lunch." He glanced over his shoulder and smiled.

The car stopped, and Marcus paid the man before getting out and walking with Zak into the quaint restaurant. It was packed with people and the line was halfway out the door.

"I'm sure he has our name on a list," Marcus mumbled and moved forward to talk with the hostess. Sure enough, Demetri had a room reserved in the back, and Marcus was ushered through the crowd with Zak right behind him. "He doesn't know you're coming, so let me introduce you as my associate."

"Sure. Whatever you want." Zak stepped up beside him as they moved into the large, empty room. A tall guy with broad shoulders and a deep accent stood at the far end of the room with his back to them, barking into the phone at someone.

"I don't fucking care what you have to do. Fix it, or I'll send Izabella to see you, Charles. Understand where I'm at with this." He glanced over his shoulder and nodded. "I have to go. Stop pulling my chain. You're out of links."

Marcus stood beside the table, comfortable in the presence of the guy simply because of all of the shit he'd already been through.

"Sorry about that." The man walked toward them and extended his hand to Marcus first, and then Zak. "I'm Demetri DeMarco. My friends call me D, but seeing that you're strangers..." He chuckled and lifted his hands. "Sit, please. You're my guests for the next few hours, though I expected only you, Marcus."

That the guy was already aware of who Marcus was said that he'd looked into everything available to him before inviting Marcus up. Where it should have bothered Marcus, it didn't. It rather impressed him.

"This is Zak. He's my closest associate." Marcus nodded at Zak before taking his seat. "Thanks for meeting with us on such short notice."

"Pleasure is all mine." The darkness in Demetri's eyes was rivaled to Billy's, and yet the man was dressed in an expensive business suit, his dark hair combed back and eyes piercing. He almost reminded Marcus of a more refined, younger version of Victor. The combination was deadly and something about him left Marcus a little on edge.

"Drinks?" The waitress stopped beside them.

"Guys? What can Cynthia get you?" Demetri lifted his eyebrow.

"Water," Zak responded. "With lemons, please, ma'am."

"I'll take a Jack and Coke. Double. On the rocks, please." Marcus leaned back in his seat and turned his attention back to Demetri. "Why am I here?"

"A man who likes to cut to the chase. I like it." Demetri picked up a file and handed it to Marcus. "We run a tight, small operation here in Chicago, but our reach is extensive. We work hard and we work a lot, but we're family. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than in the middle of this place surrounded by the only people I can trust. My syndicate."

"And you're the boss?" Zak asked. "The kingpin?"

"No. I'm the under boss. My employer is a longtime friend of my family, and it's his family that I've been integrated into. My older sister runs the shipping of goods, my younger brother the trading we do in weaponry."

"And Izabella is your hit man?" Marcus lifted his eyebrow as a smirk tugged at his mouth.

The feminine voice that rose up behind him was sexy and full of confidence. "She is, and if you're not careful, she'll tap you out before you know what hit you."

Demetri shook his head as a beautiful woman walked around and dropped down into the seat next to him. "Izabella Castaletta, my new friends. She's our enforcer."

The dark-haired beauty tilted her head to the side as she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you both. I hear you’re locked in the clutches of the dastardly Billy Turner."

Long dark brown hair framed one of the most angelic faces Marcus had ever seen. She rivaled Kate, but where his girl was tough and intimidating, this one almost seemed more feminine, more soft and refined around the edges.

More deadly.

"We're hoping to soon be done with Billy." Marcus brushed his hand over his chest. "He's an old problem that keeps cropping up."

"We can help." Demetri picked up his glass and took a quick sip. "We're looking to add another couple of solid people to our narcotics ring. We've heard good things about you."

"From who?" Marcus locked gazes with Demetri.

"Various sources." A smile tugged at the other man's lip. "Let's just say that we're interested in talking partnership, but before we even begin... let’s get a few things out of the way."

"Of course." Marcus shifted his attention back to Izabella, who hadn't taken her eyes off of him yet. "See something you like?"

"You look like a good ride." She smiled sweetly.

"Izzy." Demetri jerked his head toward her and gave her a stern look. "Don't."

"Fine. No fun at all." She winked at Marcus and got up, walking toward the exit. "I'm going to find a basket of that warm, sticky garlic bread you like, D."

Marcus couldn't help but notice the way Demetri’s eyes followed after the woman. He wanted her. It was rather interesting that he didn't have her already. They seemed to have been made for one another, the two of them a power couple if Marcus had ever seen one.

"Forgive her. She enjoys pushing my buttons almost as much as killing." Demetri shook his head and set his drink down.

Zak chuckled and patted his chest. "My wife used to do the same to me. It's her way of telling you that you're close to the fire, but you're not yet welcomed to reach out and warm yourself by it."

Demetri smirked and shook his head. "That obvious, hm?"

"Only to a man who's been through it as well." Zak leaned forward and tapped the table. "Are you hoping that Marcus will join you here in Chicago or would you allow him to stay in New Orleans?"

"Here." Demetri shifted his attention back to Marcus. "We're very tight-knit as I mentioned moments before. We run everything from here. We raise our families together, eat dinner together and run the underbelly of half the United States from this hub. We're looking for another capo, not a lackey. That's what I'm offering you."

"And the few things you wanted to get out of the way?" Marcus lifted his eyebrow.

"We're old school syndicate. We have a power structure, and much like the mobs in the early twenties, we play by those rules exclusively. We have people working for us in every possible outlet here in the city, helping to cover our activities and being paid handsomely to do so. You would have to be willing to leave your home, your friends and your family. If you come here, only you come."

"And if I'm married?" Marcus asked as the image of Kate on her knees taking him so tenderly the night before pumped through him.

"You're not." Demetri smirked. "The girl isn't welcomed. She's not the type of woman who would do well here. I promise."

Zak reached out and touched Marcus's chest. "That might be up for discussion. He's been with the same woman most of his life. If she's out, then I'm pretty sure he-"

"Fine." Marcus removed Zak's hand from him. "She needs a better life anyway. Tell me about the drug ring. Who would be in charge of it with me? Who would train me?"

"You alone would be in charge of it, and I would train you. If there are any places where I am lacking, then Marco, Joe's son, will step in. He's brilliant, but a loose cannon." Demetri tapped the table and glanced back up as Izabella walked in.

"You dogging my family again?" She sat down and offered a bowl of warm bread to Marcus. "Call me Izzy."

"Right." He took it and grabbed a piece of bread before handing it to Zak. "When are we talking about, Demetri? I can't leave my girl to deal with Billy. He's too much. He's fucking sick, and has a hard-on for her as it is."

"In a week's time. No longer." Demetri picked up his menu. "As I said, you get Billy to a contained location and call. I'll send Izabella down to take care of him, and no one will ever know where the shot came from."

"You're that good?" Marcus glanced over at the dark-haired beauty as his cock twitched in his slacks. She was breathtaking, something to behold for sure.

Her gaze darkened. "The best."

"And where does Zak fit into this? I want him with me. He's a good man, and has lots of contacts in Russia." Marcus glanced over at Zak and ignored the desire to mentally strip Izzy down and bend her over the table.

Bitch was a little full of herself.

"He's welcomed to join you, but that would be your call entirely. We keep to our areas of specialty when possible, but as part of the Castaletta family, you might be called on to step in and assist in some other areas. You'd have to agree to that as well before joining us."

"I'm good with that. All of it." Marcus wiped his hands on the napkin in front of him. "I'd like to meet Mr. Castaletta, seeing that joining the family would ultimately be answering to him. I'm good with you thus far, but I'm not working for a man that I can't respect."

"Excellent. I'll arrange something for tomorrow morning. Breakfast at his place." Demetri motioned for the waitress to join them. "Let's talk money, rules of the house and punishment for leaking a word of any of this to anyone."

"Let's do." Marcus picked up his menu, glancing up once more to find the beautiful woman still watching him. He licked his lips subtly and enjoyed the tight smile that lifted her mouth. She might belong to Demetri, but if they weren't in a committed relationship, then she was free for at least a little bit of fun.

A warning rushed through him, and where it should have stopped him in his tracks with his actions, it seemed to only make him desire the challenge of surviving all of it more.

It was time to move on. It was best for everyone.

It had to be… the machine was already in motion.