Hush 2: Slow Burn (22 page)

chapter Forty-one

Quiet Before …

Uri

New York

I am irritated to no end. That dodgy bastard that I will never call an uncle has been plotting all of this before I could even walk. All of this is about revenge. He has woven together a basket that no one looked into until it was too late.

Nothing and I mean nothing around here is as it seems. Roberto took this fact and has used it to his advantage. I still can’t believe he has tried his hand on such a level. But what does the madman have to lose.

My mother was never his to begin with. Due to complications with Michael at birth, she could never have any more children. Therefore, she never gave him an heir to his good for nothing name. My siblings hate him with a fierce passion and have only kept his last name under my orders. My grandfather is gone and left nothing for Roberto. The Empire now belongs to Luca. To top it off my mother has left him.

All of those facts make him more dangerous than he was in the beginning. He will pay, though. He will pay in blood. Not just for what he has done, but because I have watched my Bella go back to that place.

Yes, it was wiser to let her help eliminate the problems that were sitting among us. However, that does not take away from the bad taste that has been left in my mouth. It is one thing to hear of her handy work or to see her lose it on the one person that deserved to have Val unleashed on them.

I, however, watched my Tina disappear for three days, to be replaced with Morte Nera. For that, I will have Roberto’s head because I vowed she would never have to go there again.

Valentina is too smart for her own good. No matter how I try to shield her from this world of madness, she seems to find her way right back into it. I often question whether or not she was just made to be at my side in this. It has become so natural for us both.

Then I come to my senses that thought is just bloody madness. This is not what my Bella Donna should be focused on. I smile as I think about the changes to Valentina’s body that I don’t believe she has noticed yet.

I, on the other hand, have been more vigilant this time. After all, I refuse to have anything between my wife and me. I had hoped to have her pregnant sooner, but I am happy with the timing now given the circumstances.

I have a snake to track down. Roberto somehow has slipped my watchful eye. It won’t remain that way for long. Now that I have confirmed he is the puppeteer, playtime is over.

There are still holes in this intricate plot of his that I am filling in. I assume his knowledge of Mims came from posing as his accountant and Vanessa’s friend. With all I dug up on Mims, I’m sure there was some type of blackmail going on to have him do Roberto’s bidding. After all, that is how cowards work.

The dangling pieces here for me are his knowledge of Coleman and his ability to connect me to both the Mairetties and the Blacks. There are few that know of the power play that Sam, Wyatt and I have been working on, very few. I get why Roberto would want to stop it, but I don’t know how he could know about it. Not yet at least.

“Uri, I can hear you thinking from all the way over here,” Valentina grumbles from in front the vanity she is sitting at.

We are still guests at the Briggs compound, which I prefer now that my target is missing. It has been two weeks since we returned from Italy and tonight is a sort of celebration. The women are becoming restless and this is our way of pacifying what may turn ugly pretty soon if we don’t resolve things.

I walk over to stand behind her and place my hands on her shoulders. I look her in the eyes through the mirror. “I do not like silence that I do not create myself,” I reply.

“Baby, you have to relax. We have some of the best working to locate him. I’m sure it won’t be much longer. I don’t think he expected the Locatelli family to get involved. He may be second guessing this plan of his,” Valentina shrugs. “Shit just got real.”

“Shit as you say has always been real. I don’t want to talk about this. Tonight we will enjoy time with family and friends,” I murmur before kissing the top of her head.

She turns to me with that beautiful smile on her face and I am tempted to kiss her lip gloss right off. I hope she is carrying my son this time.

“Uri, I want to tell you -,” Valentina starts but my mobile rings.

I hold up a finger for her to hold on. “Hello, what do you have,” I say into the phone, already knowing that it is Michael.

“I have him, but I don’t like this Uri. He is playing cat, mouse with us,” Michael grumbles into the line.

“Yes, I know. What are you suggesting we do?” I ask.

“What you do best. I didn’t say he plays this better than we do. It is just clear he thinks he does,” Michael says gruffly.

“I am coming to you. I want this over with,” I hang up with that. No further words are needed.

Valentina sighs and stands giving me a full view of the yellow evening gown she is wearing. I smile at her color choice. It is my favorite color on her.

Valentina gives me a pretty pout as she runs her hands up the front of my chest then slides her hands to my back. I want nothing more than to turn her around and slide her gown out of the way, but business first.

“You look so handsome in your tux, I was looking forward to being in your arms tonight,” She purrs.

I cup her face longing to spend some simple time with my wife. “Once I finish this I will hold you in my arms for as long as you like, Love,” I promise.

“I will save a dance for you,” she says and places a kiss on my lips. “You don’t need long for this.”

I smirk at my wife, knowing her words for the challenge that they are. Cupping the back of her head, I pull her to me and give her a proper kiss. I plunge my tongue into her warm waiting mouth, savoring the fresh and delicate flavor of it.

“Be good while I’m gone,” I kiss the tip of her nose and turn to leave.

Forty-Two

Fever and Fire

Shannon

New York

“Shh, sweet baby, Shh,” I coo to my little niece. I came to play with some of the babies before going down to the party this evening.

I found Vita’s nanny looking overwhelmed holding a crying Vita. I took her in my arms right away hoping to soothe her. So far nothing is working.

“Well, if it isn’t two of my favorite girls,” Nico croons as he enters the nursery.

“Hey, Nico,” I smile up at him as I bounce Vita gently.

“I was actually looking for your man,” Nico says.

I laugh to myself because Nico is still dressed in a pair of well-worn jeans and a fitted white t-shirt. His brown hair is a bit longer than usual falling even more into his eyes. It is a sexy look on him. I almost blush at the thought.

“Luca got a text or something and had to run to one of the clubs for a bit. He said he wouldn’t be long,” I shrug before trying to sooth Vita again.

Nico frowns and looks as if he is about to say something when Vita’s cries grow louder and pierce the room. Nico’s eyes widen as he looks down at our niece. “Let me try, do you mind,” he asks reaching for her.

“Please,” I say and hand her over.

“Hey sweetness, what’s the matter. You can tell your Uncle Nico, I’ll make it all better,” Nico coos to Vita.

Her wails get louder as if she is actually really trying to explain to him what is going on. Nico brushes a hand over her head and then places his cheek to her forehead. His frown deepens and he looks at me.

“How long has she been like this? She is burning up. Did anyone call for Uri or Valentina,” Nico asks with concern lacing his voice.

“I’ve been in here for about five minutes before you arrived trying to get her settled. I was just thinking of going to find Tina when you came in,” I reply.

“I think we should go get her now,” Nico says and turns with the baby in his arms.

We only take a few steps when a concerned looking Valentina rushes in the room. She rushes over to Nico. “Oh my God, that is my baby crying like that. Nico what did you do to her,” Valentina narrows her eyes at her brother-in-law.

“Nope, not this time. I just got her in my arms, she was wailing the house down before I got here. We were just on our way to find you she is burning up,” Nico says shaking his head.

Valentina plucks Vita from his arms. As soon as her fingers touch her daughter her brows dip low in concern. I thought she felt warm to me, but I am always hot. Some mother I will make.

“How long has she been hollering like this,” Valentina snaps in the direction of her nanny Bethany.

“Maybe a half hour now,” Bethany says nervously.

“And you didn’t think to come to me,” Valentina hisses.

“I …I didn’t want to disturb you,” Bethany says shakily.

“My daughter is burning up,” Valentina growls.

“Hey Sis, relax we can call in a doctor,” Nico says easily, trying to defuse the situation.

“No, I’m so tired of her. She sits around drooling over my husband and the rest of you more than she pays attention to Vita. I have let it slide because your mom and Annabella are usually around to make sure my baby is looked after. Please believe sweetheart, you will be looking for a new job when I talk to my husband,” Valentina snaps.

“Let’s go see if your doctor will make a house call,” Nico tries again.

“No Nico,” Valentina sighs. “He could take forever to get here. I’m taking her to the ER.”

Nico presses his lips looking as if he is thinking this over while Valentina rushes around to get Vita ready. Nico runs a hand over his head and I know right away what he is thinking. Uri would not want Valentina and Vita leaving the house alone.

“I’ll come with you,” he finally states.

“You don’t have to,” Valentina says over her shoulder as she tosses a few things in the diaper bag.

“No, I think it is best. I know you can take care of yourself, but you can get distracted if you are focused on the baby,” Nico says.

“I’ll be fine. Stay and enjoy the party,” Valentina turns to smile at him.

“Honestly, I would rather come along with you,” Nico smiles. “I am one of the few single guys here. I wasn’t looking forward to tonight at all.”

Nico waves his hands over his attire and we all start to giggle. Nico reaches for the diaper bag and gestures for Valentina to lead the way. I just follow wordlessly. Valentina won’t argue once we are in the car. Nico is right she is distracted with a crying Vita.

~B
~

Valentina

That damn nanny. If my daughter weren't crying so loud, I would have beat the snot out of her. Something told me to go check on Vita. Bethany was a last minute hire. She is the daughter of one of Uri’s guys but is not too damn bright.

We needed her for the trip to Italy and kept her on as a favor to her dad, which honestly is the real reason I did not drag her simple ass. Her dad has been loyal to Uri for years. I don’t want to rock that boat, but she will not be taking care of my baby again.

Vita had a temperature of 104 degrees by the time we reached the ER. After giving her one of those medical icies to suck on and examining her, I was told that on top of teething, Vita has a double ear infection. All I can think about is how much I want my husband. Our little princess is sick and her father has to deal with some asshole.

Nico has been the best, though. He is a sucker for his little niece anyway. After they had given her something for the ear infection and fever, Vita fell right to sleep in Nico’s arms. He’ll make a great father someday.

At almost eleven months I worry about Vita now as much as I did when she was a newborn. She is so curious and I can see in her eyes she is ready to jump up and run with the other kids. She gets so excited to see them and she actually makes attempts to stand already. Donatella teases that she is moving out of the way for the next one.

She has no idea how right she may be. I have been keeping that fact to myself. Uri has enough on his plate. Besides I don’t think I am that far along and I have not confirmed it.

I had planned to tell Uri that I suspect that I am tonight, but his ringing cell phone stole the opportunity. I’ll tell him as soon as this mess is over. It will be over soon; I can feel it. I can practically taste it in the air.

“It is good to have connections,” Nico winks at me as we make our way out of the hospital. He was able to get Vita seen and cared for before we even stepped into the place. A doctor friend of his was waiting for us at a private entrance designated for the elite and famous.

“Thank you so much, Nico,” I sigh in relief now that Vita is sleeping and seeming to be better.

“No problem Sis,” Nico smiles. “Hey, Shannon have you spoken to Luca?”

“No, I tried texting him, but I’m not getting a response,” Shannon frowns down at her phone.

“You know when I first came looking for Luca it was because of an odd text I received. I wanted to run it by him and Uri,” Nico says frowning.

I stop in my tracks getting a gut feeling I am not going to like this text of his. “What did it say,” I ask.

“It asked me to come to one of the clubs out in Long Island, Spit Fire. Something about checking on something for Luca,” Nico brows dipped further. “Luca never asks me for shit. He still isn’t used to the idea of Uri’s having us real siblings.”

Nico chuckles a little. “I think he wants Uri all to himself,” Nico loses the humor just as fast as it came. “I didn’t like the text so I was going to ask about it, but you said Luca was already on his way to one of the clubs for something that came up.”

Shannon’s face pales. I almost growl. Pam sent me a text asking where I was. When I told her, she mentioned that Nate and Bobby had to run out for something too. I am no fool someone has been luring the men away.

“We need to get back,” I say starting for the car.

Just as Nico opens the door to place Vita in the car seat the sound of tires screeching rings through the air. I grab my gun from the diaper bag and push Shannon down out of the way.

She hits the ground with a thud and a grunt. That is when everything starts to move in slow motion. Nico still has Vita in his arms. I can see the shock on his face as shots ring out and buzz in our direction.

I release the safety on my gun and aim for the shooter in the front seat. I hit him dead center in the forehead. Bullets are still flying our way as Shannon starts to scream.

“Nico, get down. Get my baby down,” I scream and fire a few more shots. I hit a tire and the car swerves to the side.

Nico seems frozen in time just as a bullet directs it way toward him and Vita. My eyes grow wide because in that moment I swear I can actually see the bullet as it heads for my little girl and there is nothing on this earth that I can do.

The air leaves my body as I know I won’t be able to get to them in time. I won’t be able to save my baby. Suddenly, as if someone presses the fast forward and play button on the whole scene, Nico turns his back cradling Vita’s little body as he acts as a shield.

I watch as his back bucks when he takes a bullet to the shoulder. The next bullet hits him in the leg. The gun he had reached for from the back of his jeans falls to the ground, but he holds onto Vita as he uses his body and the car as a shield.

“Damn it, Nico,” I scream. This is so messed up. I knew he should have stayed behind. He is a soccer player, not a freaking bodyguard or assassin. I know he meant well, but now Uri is going to kill me. “Shit!”

I empty the rest of my clip into the car as it turns to race back at us. I hit the driver and the two in the back seat. My already racing heart pounds harder when I hear the sound of more squealing tires. This is un-fucking-believable.

I reach down tearing the skirt from the gown I never changed out of. I reload and run towards the car coming at us and away from our car hoping to draw all attention to me. Nico is bleeding out and I need to get this under control before it is too late. I don’t know how bad it is, I don’t have time to really assess the situation.

I let loose on the car, but this driver is a little better and out maneuvers my bullets, barely. I get one of the shooters in the neck and another in the shoulder. I dash behind a car further away from Shannon, Nico, and Vita. I need to reload again. I am cursing myself for not packing two glocks.

I go to reload, but the change in Shannon’s screams that pierce the air grab my attention. It is only for a second, but a vital second all the same. I turn toward her and the glass above my head bursts, raining glass down around me.

“
No
,” Nico roars sounding as if he is fighting with all his might.

I pivot to head in their direction, but more glass rains down from the next vehicle. I realize too late what they are doing. I’ve allowed them to cage me in. Each time I move to the next car, they shoot the glass out.

“Fuck it,” I hiss. I lift up and start to shoot through the blown out glass.

“Take them all,” I hear a thickly accented voice scream. “He is just as valuable to Uri. Take them and let’s go.”

“No,” Nico roars again. I can see him trying to fight them off and keep them away from Vita, but he is not moving right. Panic seizes me as I realize he may have been hit again, but he is fighting for my baby.

I turn my gun on the two men now trying to drag Nico’s large body away, while he clings to a crying Vita. I curse because I can’t get a good shot. Nico’s face twists as he seems to use all the strength he has left. He breaks away and moves towards me dragging his left leg along as best as he can.

“Val,” he bellows, “take her.” I know what he is going to do before he does it. He lifts my daughter and with a good thrust he tosses her to me.

My reflexes are impeccable; something Nico has complemented me on a number of times. I have just enough time to tuck my pistol, drop into a roll, and lift to my knee with my arms open enough to grab and cradle my daughter in my arms.

One of the men that had been trying to drag Nico away walks up and hits him in the back of the head with the butt of his gun. With Vita squirming frantically and climbing up my chest I don’t get my gun out time to fire a shot before Nico and Shannon are shoved into a car and sped off with.

“Shit,” I holler. “Damn it!”