Bella (A Sagatori Family Saga a Mafia Romance Book 3) (3 page)

Tony and I grabbed lunch at a little restaurant catching up on everything I’d missed back home. He made it seem as though I hadn’t missed anything at all, but I knew there had probably been a lot.

I opted for a big juicy cheeseburger and fries. I never ate like that, but since Tony ordered it I thought what the hell. I dipped my fry into the ketchup and popped into in my mouth.

“Are you gonna be here for a while?”

He shrugged. “The boss said he wants me around to keep you safe.”

“I wonder what changed his mind.” Jax hadn’t been keen on anyone from my past being near me, and that made me question a lot of things. Was he being protective? Did he have his own agenda?

“I don’t know.”

“Well, I just think it’s strange that you’re here. One minute I’m not allowed to speak to you, and the next you’re my security detail.”

“You think too much, Bella. Let it go and be happy. And the boss, he’s good to you?”

I looked at Tony from under my lashes while chewing my food before I spoke. “He’s okay.” I shrugged.

“He doesn’t force anything, right?”

“Tony!” I hissed. “Please give a girl some credit, will ya.”

“You’re like my sister, Bella, if I didn’t ask, your father would come back from the dead and kill me.” A pain stabbed at my chest. My father would’ve never let anyone hurt me. I refuse to be seen as weak, so I brushed it off and smiled. “Yeah, he’s good to me. He took me to the opera.”

“No shit.” He stretched his facial features, impressed. “That’s cool.”

“So how about you and Emily?” I wiggled my brows and smiled.

“Damn woman, eat another fry would ya?” He was flustered.

I leaned in, planning to give him a hard time when someone cleared their throat over us.

I quickly took my gaze to the left and saw a tall man wearing a white T-shirt, jeans, and leather jacket. He wore a goatee and his head was shaved. Another man stood closely behind him, watching their surroundings. Goosebumps peppered my flesh with warning that this guy wasn’t good. Tony’s foot nudged mine with his own warning.

“Can I help you?” Tony asked. I heard a click and knew it was Tony’s gun. He’d have no problem taking this guy out in a restaurant filled with witnesses to protect me, and that’s when I knew why Jax had hired Tony. He must’ve also known Tony was loyal to the death.

“You can’t help anybody; I have a message for your husband. Tell him we’re watching him and every move he and his crew makes.” The man spoke with a light Russian accent mixed with a little Jersey.

I wanted to say something, anything. Who did this guy think he was coming at a woman like that? I remained quiet even though it killed me to do it, and I bit my tongue.

“We are watching you too, Isabella. We see every move you make. It would be such a shame if you were hurt in the crossfire, wouldn’t it?”

Suddenly the man’s body lurched forward then dropped to the ground. I looked at Tony in shock, but he was on his feet quickly with the barrel of his gun positioned on the forehead of the other man. He spared no time in pulling the trigger. Two lifeless bodies lay at our feet in a pool of crimson blood. The silencer he had on his gun prevented anyone from hearing what had happened. Tony pulled my arm and quickly walked us out.

My heart raced in my chest. I could hear my heart thump viciously in my ears and the adrenaline was overtaking me and my thoughts. “What the fuck did you do that for?”

“Bella, shut up!” he yelled as he pushed me into the car. He climbed inside then pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a number. “Boss, there’s been an incident.” He drew in a deep breath as he sped us away. He spoke to Jax telling him about the Russian, what he’d done, and why. By the end of the call Tony seemed nervous but unexpectedly calmer than he should have been or, at least, calmer than I was.

The men had been shot in the head and left to bleed out all over the floor. No one seemed to notice before we left, but they would soon and if there were cameras we’d surely go to prison for a long time.

“Can I speak now?”

“What?”

“What are we going to do?”

He snorted. “You’re not going to do anything except keep your yap shut and let the boss handle this shit.” Oh, how I hadn’t missed his loving ways. Just like a brother.

“What if they had cameras? We could go to prison, Tony.”

“Nah, we’re good; don’t stress. The boss will take care of it. He’s already got a crew on the way, and they’ll deal with it. Just forget what you saw and everything will be good.”

“
Wow,
Tony, you didn’t even think you just acted.”

“At the end of the
day,
you do what you have to do. No one threatens the boss’ wife and walks away.”

“What if you hadn’t killed them?”

His head turned
in
my direction, his eyes looking up through his lashes. “What do you think?”

“Ah, okay I understand.”

“But that’s not why I did it. How dare that Russian fuck threaten a woman. I’d kill every last one of ‘em.”

“No need in starting a bloodbath.” I slipped on my sunglasses.

“Bella, what you saw in that restaurant was just the beginning. Shit is about to get bad really quick.”

“Fantastic—” I sighed, “—and the Gala is Friday.”

“Don’t get your hopes set on going anywhere for a while.”

Another sigh left my lips. This life sucked in so many ways. I’d continue being a prisoner.

                                                                                                                              I didn’t know who I wanted to kill first. Anyone that got in my way was going to die, so I guessed it didn’t matter who went first. The Bratva went to my wife. They actually walked up to her and threatened her. Tony shot the fuckers, but now they’d retaliate with all they had. That only meant we’d have to kill them a lot faster than originally planned, but I was cool with that.

My phone rang. “Yeah?”

“Boss, I spoke with the owner. No one saw anything, and all is good.”

“Deliver them and make it clear no one goes near my wife.” Anger sizzled my blood.

“You got it, boss.” I disconnected the call.

Mickie entered my office holding a grim look. “What is it?” I growled.

“You told me to come in.”

“Yeah.” I rubbed the two-day stubble on my face. “The Bratva approached Bella at a restaurant, and Tony took care of them at the fucking table.”

“That good or bad?” Mickie knew this could go either way. I gave him a what-the-fuck look. “Just makin’ sure, boss.” He raised his hands with caution. “What do you need me to do?”

“I need you to prepare for war.” War meant many things to all people, but in the famiglia it meant that members of our family would die. Blood would be shed on both sides of the line. During a war there was also the likely hood that someone would screw up and get caught. Causing the worry that someone would rat. A war was bad on every level.

“Consider it done.” I knew without a doubt I could trust Mickie, but even he couldn’t guarantee anything now.

“I’m gonna need Sal here.”

“Boss? I thought?”

“You thought what?”

“Nothin’, boss, consider it done. I’ll get him here in a few hours.”

I nodded. “We need to lock up tight, don’t want the boogie man getting in.” In the famiglia— at least in the family I run—we wouldn’t go into a man’s home and hurt the women and children to seek revenge or make someone pay. But the Bratva, specifically Orlov, will do that and more. I don’t see any reason in hurting women and children. That gets me nowhere and quite frankly my moral compass ticks at that angle. I’m just not that fucking sick. Bella and Alessandra are my responsibility, and therefore I must ensure they’re safe and protected no matter the cost. “How the fuck are you getting anything done if you’re still standing in my fucking office?” I snapped.

“Yes, boss.” Mickie left my office without another word.

I picked up my phone to call Tony letting it ring once before Bella walked into my office. Her long dark hair fallen on her shoulders, her chest full, lips plump, hips curvy. She closed the door behind her as she entered fully.

“Jax.” Emotion sat at the tip of her tongue.

I stood, rounded my desk, and crossed my office. She was still as she watched me. I leaned in and reached behind her turning the lock on the door.

“What are you doing?” I didn’t answer as my hands slid across her arms. Her eyes closed as she enjoyed my touch.

My dick was hard for her. I needed to be inside of her; I needed to taste her. I swept her long dark hair away from her neck and sunk my lips into her smooth, soft flesh. She shuddered, and then I grabbed her into my arms turning her around to face away from me. I needed to take her rough. I needed to dominate her body. I needed release.

I walked her to my desk pushing the chair out of our way. I placed my hand on her back pressing her chest down against my desk. I lifted her skirt revealing her red lace panties and full hips that begged to be held in my hands.

“Jax...”

“Shh.” I kneeled down running my tongue along the seam of her panties.

“Ahh,” she moaned, and her breath relaxed under my touch with her cheek pressed against the mahogany desk.

My hand slid along her ass grabbing the flesh into my palm. Bella had put a spell on me, even if I refused to admit it to myself. My fingers slid her panties to the side as I leaned into to taste her. Her body jerked as my tongue swept across her opening. She was wet and great satisfaction overcame me. My dick needed escape. I stood, one hand held at Bella’s ass as I released my pants. My dick was hard, and I needed to be inside of her.

I spread her ass cheeks sliding into her hot, wet pussy, pushing deep while I gripped her hips. She moaned and gripped the desk for support. I shoved in and out of her hard and without control. She tightened against me as my dick pulled out. She wanted me as much as I wanted her. Her ass pressed out into my body as she relished the feeling. Her gasps were hushed, and I knew she was holding back. I could feel her writhe beneath me as she began to let go.

Feeling her under me sated me. I knew she was safe while I protected her. This body was safe but her heart… I could make no promises.

Harder she pushed into my thrust, our skin smacked echoing throughout my office. This hadn’t been romantic but rather dirty. Her orgasm came and she cried out begging me to fuck her harder. My dick slammed into her over and over until she relaxed from the explosion that overtook her body. My orgasm came moments after hers, and I couldn’t suppress it after feeling her tighten against me.

I came hard shoving into her, my fingers pressed into her flesh. The cum shot inside of her more violently than I ever remembering it from any other sex that I’d ever had before..

I collapsed onto her body as I caught my breath.

“Jax?”

“Yeah?”

“I can’t breathe,” she giggled, I jumped back pulling her with me. “Did you approve?” she mocked me.

“I did.” I smiled and traced my thumb across her full lips.

She had me, and I needed to fight that.

“What now?”

I didn’t have an answer for her. I didn’t know what was next. “Work.”

“Of course.” She twisted her sexy ass while she slid her skirt down her hips as she watched me. Her cheeks flushed and hair messy. She’d been thoroughly fucked, and it was very obvious. “What are we going to do about the Russians?”

“We? We are going to do nothing. I’m going to see to it that they’re dealt with.”

“Yeah, you’re doing a bang-up job so far.” She smirked sarcastically.

“If anyone else ever spoke to me like that I’d gut them.”

“So gut me. What’s stopping you?” Her arms crossed her chest.

We had literally just fucked and already we were arguing. I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. This woman was going to be the death of me. I drew in a deep breath. “You’re a woman, Bella, you know there’s nothing that you can do.”

“I almost forgot, I’m all tits and ass. Lord knows I couldn’t possibly handle anything man related.” She stepped in front of me. “Isn’t that right, husband?” Her hand reached for my dick that was back in my pants and squeezed.

“Shit!” I winced.

She smirked and left my office.

I closed the door to my suite and locked it. I needed to be alone. I knew what was happening, and I wanted it to stop. Feeling for Jax wasn’t the plan, but that’s what’s happened.

I fell back in my bed waiting for everything to collapse in my life. Would he keep me prisoner? Would I find happiness within the confines of Jax Moretti’s life? I think I’ve made it very clear that I’m not happy being his trophy wife.

The first night Jax and I met, I told him I’d like to run my father’s company. Jax runs that now. I rolled onto my stomach bringing up the contact list on my phone.

“Hello?” Emily said into the phone.

“Hey.” I rolled onto my back again.

“That’s a shitty way to sound.” She knew me better than anyone.

“I have problems, Emily, and I need to be brought back to reality.”

“You fell in love with him, huh?”

“I don’t know if it’s full blown love, but I know it’s only a matter of time. I’m in serious trouble. I don’t want to be one of those women.”

“You’re an adult; why not just leave him? Seriously what’s he going to do, Bell? Send his cronies after you?”

I shook my head. “I want you to come visit me.”

“Yes! Can I come now?” she laughed.

“Don’t think I don’t know you are coming to see Tony.”

“I don’t want to be the slutty friend, so I’ll just tell you you’re wrong.”

“But?”

“I don’t know; I just miss him I guess.” She sighed.

“Move down here.”

“My parents would die, although that does give me a few ideas.” I shook my head again. “I can grab a plane and be there tonight.”

Then I remembered why I’m a prisoner in the sky. “Wait, it’ll have to wait; I’m on lock down.” I dropped my head to the pillow.

“Oh, okay well we can plan it soon or you can come here.”

“I’ll call you later.” Disappointment rained over my words.

We disconnected the call. I stood dropping my clothes in a messy pile as I walked to the bathroom to soak in the tub. I hadn’t gotten any blood on me, but that wasn’t what I needed to wash away.

***

“Bella.” Megan grabbed me for a hug as Jax and I entered the Gala hand in hand.

Tonight we had four men guarding us. Jax was simply being paranoid, I was certain. I hadn’t had any of the knowledge about the war that was brewing and the more I thought of it the more I thought he wasn’t paranoid. I took in a deep breath. The Russians hadn’t retaliated yet that I knew of. All Jax would say when I’d asked was,
“I’m dealing with it”
.

“You are definitely the moist beautiful couple here tonight. I love that you match, fantastic.” Jax insisted that I wear another crimson gown, and he of course matched in his crimson tie and handkerchief.

“Thank you,” I said taking my attention to the crowd of people that filled the large hotel ballroom. I didn’t know a single person here, and a nervous insecurity filled my chest pulling it tight.

A tall man approached from behind Jax watching me then Jax. “Jax.” He reached out his hand.

“Mayor Wallace.” Jax smiled.

“I thought I saw your lovely wife’s name on the front of the prgram.

“Hello.” I said as I reached my hand out to the mayor. He leaned forward surprising me as he kissed my cheek.  “We haven’t had the pleasure. I’m Bella Moretti.” I smiled. The mayor was a very attractive man. He stood the same height as Jax, short dark hair, a nice dark shadow over his jaw. His frame was wide. If I had to guess, I’d say he was probably thirty. Jax’s hand landed on the small of my back as I spoke.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bella.” A smile lifted on the mayor’s lips. “You did a wonderful job putting this together.”

“Thank you.” I smiled and my cheeks warmed. “But it was mostly Megan.” Megan stood to my left in deep conversation with another gentleman.

“You must’ve had a hand. I come every year and this year…” his eyes wandered around the room, “…it’s different.”

“Thank you.” I bowed my head.

“You must have a deep investment?” This question put me at ease. I’d always worried that people looked at me differently outside the family. I’d only ever been around the family except my time in college, but those kids didn’t care who I was, hell half of them were mobster children too, so it wasn’t an issue. We just wanted a chance to be free to be who we wanted and who
we
saw our self as without the stigmata of something else. But here in this room of grownups— social lights if you will— it’s difficult to feel as if I’m making my own way. I still lived in a dark shadow. I’m not allowed to leave my own home. I don’t sleep in the same bed as my husband. My parents’ are gone now and there was no one left to love me. The fear that people would reject me if I put the real Bella out there was real.

The mayor continued speaking to Jax and me for a few more moments. When he walked away from our conversation, Jax pulled me away. We exited the door to the room all while he gripped the small of my back. He pressed his hand to the ladies’ bathroom door rushing me inside. “Jax?”

The bathroom was built for a single person. Jax locked the door behind us then moved slowly in my direction. I’d pressed my back against the wall, and his eyes watched with fire. His hands reached for my face pulling me into a kiss. Lips, tongues entangled. Heat rose from my core. Hands folded through my hair. Jax ran his hand along my ass gripping me through the thin crimson material. “Bella,” he breathed into my mouth lifting my dress. My dress was pulled to my waist and then he pulled my panties down my legs. “Step out,”

His hand swept between my legs dipping inside of my warmth. I moaned wanting more. He removed his fingers from inside of me, kissed my neck, and pulled my dress down my legs. “What are you doing?” I gasped breathlessly.

He pulled my panties to his mouth. “Remember who it is you belong to, Bella.”

“Wha-,” I was left hot and bothered against the wall.

Jax unlocked the door and walked out leaving me to myself. Was he punishing me for speaking with the mayor? The kiss to my cheek? I hadn’t done anything wrong and wondered if this was jealousy. Satisfaction smothered my flesh as I adjusted my dress and reapplied my lipstick. I’d give him something to be jealous about if it meant he’d touch me like that again.

I opened the door stepping out with an evil plan. Tony and Dominic waited against the wall. “Come on, boys, it’s time to have some fun.”

“Bella, I don’t like where this is going,” Tony said playfully. I turned my head towards Tony with a grin held on my face.

I made rounds meeting all of the guests that had come to support our cause. I shook hands with Senators and even had the opportunity to meet a Duchess; all while I was pantyless. From time to time, I would scan the room to find Jax schmoozing with the guests. But when I caught sight of Jax leaning against the bar with another woman my plan was set into gear.

I spotted a man that had been staring at me all evening. I had thought he would be the perfect man to insert into my plan. With Tony and Dominic following close behind me, I locked eyes with the man. He was tall, blond, and brooding. His tux fit him well. He watched me with hunger in his eyes, and I knew he was the perfect man for the job.

“Hello…” I approached pressing my clutch under my arm and extended my hand. “…I’m Bella.”

He set his glass on the bar next to him just ten feet from my husband. “Hello, I’m Jordan, it’s a pleasure.” He gently cradled my hand lifting it to his lips. “Can I get you a drink?”

I smiled fighting the need to look to my left as I felt the hardened stare that heated my skin. “A scotch please.” Dominic stepped closer to me attempting to whisper something in my ear, but I waved him away.

“Is this your first time at the Chicago Cancer Gala? I don’t believe I’ve seen you before.”

I positioned myself on the stool next to Jordan and took in a small sip of my drink setting it back down on the bar. I nodded my head. “Yes, this is my first time, but hopefully not my last.”

“It’s a great cause.”

“I agree; do you have experience with cancer, Jordan.” I leaned in waiting for his answer.

He drew in a deep breath. “I do.” He sipped his drink.

“I’m so sorry to hear that, but I’m glad you’re here.”

His eyes narrowed. “Wait,” he said and lifted a finger. “You’re Bella Moretti, one of the organizers?”

“I am.” I nodded

Jordan turned to face the bar saying something funny. I laughed and pressed my hand to his shoulder. My eyes lifted forward seeing Jax watching me. I’d never seen anger in his eyes like I did then. He was angry and the satisfaction I felt was glorious. I’d done what I came to do. And now I’d finish what I’d started and continue with my night.

I leaned in and whispered, “Jordan, it was a pleasure to meet you but I must continue with my rounds.

He stood as I did. “Bella, it was the best ten minutes of my night.” He leaned in and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

Dominic cleared his throat. “Bella,”

I offered a nod and followed not giving Jax another look. I was certain he could see the smile pressed along my face.

“Are you trying to get us killed?” Tony hissed as he grabbed my arm moving me around the room.

A server walked past carrying a tray of white wine,
1
and before I could ask for one a glass lifted in front of me. “Not smart,” Jax whispered. I smiled as I reached for the glass.

“I could say the same for you and your lady friend.” He’d been sitting with her for the last thirty minutes whereas he’d barely said three words to me the entire night.

“Jealous?”

“Hardly, but I could ask you the same question.”

Jax leaned into my ear pressing a kiss lightly. “That woman didn’t touch me, Bella, and I didn’t touch her, but tonight two men have touched what belongs to me.” He stood tall. “What did I tell you would happen if another man touched what was mine?” He brought his wine glass to his lips.

My heart pounded against my chest. “Don’t be an ass, Jax. It was harmless. It was nice to be spoken to by a man that could appreciate me if even only for a few moments.”

“Games get people killed, Bella.” Guilt washed over me that I could’ve gambled with someone’s life.

Another hour passed with Jax nowhere in sight. I’d spotted Jordan and the mayor several times and felt relieved that he hadn’t had them killed…yet.”

I said my goodbyes and left the gala without another glance around in search for Jax. He’d probably left me, and I was okay with that. I’d like to be as far away from him as possible right now. I’d tried to get a reaction from him even if it had been childish. I needed to feel loved and wanted for a moment. I’m a woman with needs, and human comfort was one of those needs; perhaps the most important of them all.

Tony held the door for me as I crossed the hotel threshold. Jax leaned against a dark sports car. We had arrived in a limo. I hesitated my approach while he opened the passenger door for me. I stepped inside the luxurious car that I’d only seen once before. The door closed causing an echo under the hotel awning. I drew in a deep breath as Jax stepped inside the car.

“Buckle up.” He shifted the car into gear waiting for me to comply.

When the seatbelt clicked into place, Jax sped out of the drive. “Where are we going?” I stared out of the window watching the lights of the city pass.

He didn’t speak to me for the entire drive. The silence was uncomfortable, and I found myself tense in my seat.
Was he angry with me? Would he hurt me?

When the car shifted onto a gravel road, I worried he was going to hurt me. After all, did I truly know what Jax Moretti was capable of? The car stopped on a hill that showed the cities lights. Chicago was a beautiful city and when the night fell it was even more so.

He shifted the car into park and unclasped his seatbelt. I refrained from speaking as I waited for him to speak. Instead of speaking, however, he stepped out of the car. I followed moments later. When I stepped out into the cool night I watched the view completely overwhelmed. It was beyond beautiful. I leaned into the warm car hood tucking my arms into my chest taking it all in.

We were completely alone here. I didn’t see that Tony, Dominic, Sal, or Mickie had followed us. I was aware that Jax was approaching from my left, but I continued to face forward. His jacket was set on my shoulders hugging me before I turned my gaze to Jax. The darkness made it difficult to read his expression, but I did try.

Would this ever get easier?