Dirty Little Secrets (5 page)

Chapter Nine

The week had been a long one for Ava. Between worrying over the mysterious phone call she’d received, trying to maintain her business and Maia’s all-consuming excitement about Natalie moving in, Ava was exhausted. Thank God today was Friday.

This evening would be the start to a wild weekend in which she intended to let loose and have some fun. If that fun included having her legs wrapped around a handsome stranger, all the better. And after everything she was currently going through because of her husband’s inability to keep it in his pants, no one could blame her.

Her attorney, Melissa, had filed a petition to have the lawsuit dismissed. Now, all they could do was wait to see which judge would be assigned the case. The next phase was likely a hearing. Ava couldn’t wait. She was ready to wipe the floor with Dominic. How dare he think he could just walk into her perfectly ordered life, and disrupt everything without any consequences?

By the time she was finished, he’d wish he’d never attempted this foolishness in the first place. Her desk phone rang. “Yes, Karen?”

“A ‘Smitty’ is on the line for you.”

“Put him through, Karen.” Ava waited for the transfer and soon Smitty’s voice came on the line.

“How’s my favorite mob princess?”

“Really, Smitty? You call my work phone making jokes like that.”

“Hey. You are what you are. No denying it.”

Ava laughed. “All right. You got something for me?”

“Yeah I do. Check your email and get back to me after you’ve had a chance to look it over.”

“I’ll get back to you next week.”

“Next week. I thought you’d be chomping at the bit.”

“Don’t get me wrong. I am, but I have plans this weekend so I’m putting all business on hold for a few days.”

“Ava is about to let loose. Don’t let me catch you on the news,” Smitty teased.

Ava ended the call and quickly went to her private email account. The email from Smitty was waiting. No note, only an attachment, a PDF with fifty pages. Ava waited for the information to come out of her printer. As the first of the pages slid out of her printer, she realize the first was a birth certificate. Dominic Sambarino. December 3rd.
Only eight years separated them in age.

Ava noticed that no father was listed under parent’s information and the name Martelli nowhere on the birth certificate. The boy had been born at Dade Memorial. His mother’s full name was Carmella Donatella Sambarino.

The birth certificate would be helpful. If things went further with this court business it could definitely go a long way to thwarting Dominic’s case. She wondered how Smitty had been able to get a hold of it so quickly. There was no telling with him.

Putting it aside, she reached for the next page off the printer. It was a photograph of Joseph, Carmella and a very young Dominic. Even at a young age, Ava could see the rage hiding behind his eyes. In the picture Joseph was kissing Carmella’s cheek.

Ava swallowed the rising anger in her throat and put the picture away. She could hear the printer slowing. It was almost done. She moved the waiting pile of papers onto her desk. More photos. Pictures of Carmella and Joseph. Pictures of all three of them together. In none of the pictures was Dominic smiling.

For him to be so adamant about Joseph being his father, he sure didn’t appear to be very fond of him
.
Ava hated to admit it but the pictures established that there was some kind of relationship between the three. The true extent of it though, could be spun any kind of way with the right attorney. And Melissa was definitely the right attorney.

Ava looked through a few more family photos. Each one made the knot in her neck pull a little bit tighter and she didn’t understand why. She knew Joseph had not been a faithful man. She’d never expected that of him. But seeing photographs of him with another woman, well it was tangible proof of everything she’d tried to lock away.

Dirty little secrets. She guessed everyone had them. She blinked away the tears forming in her eyes. Some things always had a way of coming to the light no matter how much you tried to keep them in the dark.

Frowning, she put the pictures away, only to find that there were more of them. The first was of Dominic and a pretty woman obviously older than him
.
She quickly thumbed through more of the pictures. They were all the same. Dominic pictured with attractive, older women, some black, some white and others Hispanic. All of the women appeared to be impeccably dressed and expensively coiffed—all in their thirties and forties.

In some photos he was holding the woman’s hand, in others, he had an arm wrapped around their waist or shoulders. He liked older women it seemed.

The last photograph she looked at made her pause. It showed a young Dominic, Carmella and Angelo. Her brother-in-law had never hinted that he had his own relationship with Carmella, other than just knowing her as Joseph’s mistress, but this photo told a different story.

With Angelo kissing her cheek as Dominic looked on, it was more than evident that Angelo had his own dirty little secrets. Maybe Angelo was the boy’s father. Intrigued, Ava put aside the photographs and picked up Smitty’s accompanying notes.

Boy is a high school graduate only. Never held a job in his life. Appears to prefer to keep company with older, well-established women. Lives mainly from an allowance given to him by Carmella and a small trust left to him. Lives in a high-rise penthouse off the beach. Seems to prefer a somewhat extravagant lifestyle.

There is
talk of Dominic signing on with one of the other families as a soldier. Boy appears secretive and keeps to himself. Joseph Martelli seems to be the only significant male figure in his life.

Ava rolled her eyes and flipped the page. The next thing that greeted her eyes was a small clipping from the
Miami Herald
. The clip was almost 30 years old. Ava read on.
Domestic disturbance at the home of Carmella Sambarino. Ms. Sambarino was found with a black eye and busted lip. Her attacker, known Miami mob muscle Andre Bonasario, was shown fleeing the scene. Ms. Sambarino later declined to press charges.

Ava turned to the next page. It was another news article from the
Miami Herald
. It was dated about three months after the previous one.
Mob man Bonasario meets his end. Victim of a drive-by shooting. Police are investigating.

She moved to the next page.
Local gossip suggests Joseph had Andre whacked. Apparently Andre had been secretly seeing Carmella. Joseph was livid and after it all came to light with the news article, Andre had to be dealt with. Soon afterwards Carmella was pregnant. Some think Dominic is really Bonasario’s kid.

“Bing-o.”

This was it. This was what she needed. It was the smoking gun. Not only was Joseph not listed on the birth certificate, but Carmella apparently was not a one-man kind of woman. All of this combined with the information shedding light on Dominic’s less than stellar character should help her case. The man was clearly a user who had no thoughts of trying to be anything other than a criminal.

Ava was pleased with Smitty’s work. Turning to her desktop, she quickly forwarded the email to Melissa. While it was true they might not be able admit any of Smitty’s surveillance into court, insinuations alone could go a long way to damage Dominic’s credibility. Melissa would know just what to do with the information. Ava looked at the clock on her wall.

“Time to go.”

Turning off her computer, Ava scooped up all of Smitty’s information and put it inside her purse. Her heart rate started to accelerate. Well this was it. The time had come. After dropping home to get ready and pack a small bag, it was time to get her wild weekend started. Natalie was staying at the house with Maia and Mrs. Valdez would be staying in the main house as well. So far Ava’s search for a bodyguard was at a firm halt. Seemed some of these so-called bodyguards were too afraid to work for the widow of a mob boss. But she’d find someone. She had to.

But for now it was time to put all of her cares away. Ava hoped the guys Gina had hired were as hot as she’d claimed. She could use a night of no-strings-attached passion with a nameless hunk.

Hush, Ava. Joseph is the only man you’ve ever been with. You probably wouldn’t know what to do with a sexy young man.

Ava ignored the voice in her head. Joseph could rot in hell for all she cared. It was time to banish the memory of him as much as she could. And an illicit weekend with a younger gentleman who was hopefully more skilled in the bedroom than her dear departed husband should go a long way to expelling Joseph’s unfaithful memory for good.

Chapter Ten

Ava sat inside the limousine. All around her women were chatting in hushed whispers. She remained silent. She knew what she was getting into when she agreed to this but she hadn’t expected to be so uncomfortable.

Ava had never been one to have many female friends. Women of all ages and races tended to be very petty. She didn’t have time for the small talk that followed with having a group of female friends. When it came to small talk with women, Ava was a novice.

Taking a sip of the Chardonnay in her glass, she surveyed the women sitting across from her. Blonde hair. Huge bosom. Clearly implants. Botoxed lips. A tiny, blue Robin-like mask covered her face.

The woman to Ava’s right was a Latina with a tall willowy frame. A yellow, feathered mask covered her face. Ava had her pegged as a model or trophy wife. Maybe both. Either way, she and the model were the only people of color in this limo. Ava hoped there were more minorities in one of the other two limousines. She wanted to blend in. She didn’t need anyone guessing at her identity.

The limo stopped and a few moments later, the doors of the car opened. White gloved hands reached inside to help the women out of the car. Ava watched the women exit one by one until she was the only one left.

Holding onto her purse, she took the gloved hand and exited the limo. In front of her women in all manner of dresses and masks stood chatting excitedly. Docked directly in front of them was a yacht almost the same size as a cruise ship.

More and more women milled around the dock. Ava noticed a tall, dark-skinned, voluptuous African American woman and two more Latin women.

Okay, there’s a few of us. But I’m the only light-skinned African American with blonde hair. Way to go, Ava. You stick out like a sore thumb.

She should’ve listened to her instinct and bought a wig. Oh well, there was no turning back now. Ava stood holding her purse and then a “whirring” sound drew her attention. A set of stairs was being slowly unfurled from the ship. The women stopped talking and waited for the stairs to come all the way down.

“Ladies, are you ready to have a good time?”

Standing at the top of the stairs was a vibrant redhead, wearing an elaborate silver beaded and feathered mask and matching silk off-the-shoulder gown. Ava knew it was no one but her best friend, Gina. There was no mistaking that particular shade of red hair.

An excited chatter rose among the women.

“Welcome aboard The Pleasure Cruise and follow me to the ballroom. There you can make your selection.”

Like a herd of wildebeests, the women rushed the stairs leading up to the yacht. They were acting like they had never seen men before.

Ava stood, watching. No way was she running up the stairs like some horny virgin trying to get laid. As the last woman started up the stairs, Ava finally followed. When she reached the top of the stairs and entered the yacht, Ava saw hardwood floors that lead down a long hallway. On either side of the hall were mirrors of varying shapes and sizes. Walking slowly, Ava noted her reflection in the mirrors.

Instead of her customary bob, tonight her hair was a cloud of honey-colored curls. A blue mask with silver sequins and blue feathers covered much of her face, hiding her identity, except for her cat-like green eyes and full lips. Adorned in a blue Valentino dress fitted like a bustier at the top with silver sequins outlining her breasts, from her waist down the material was sheer and ended midway down her thighs. Matching four-inch heels and a small clutch completed her outfit. No little black cocktail dress for her. Tonight she was going all out.

Ava increased her strides and followed the hallway to the open doors. Inside were large crystal chandeliers. The floor appeared to be made of marble. Her heels clicked against it as she walked farther into the room. Situated off to the side of the large room were white clothed tables and silver chairs. Strategically placed around the room were small buffets. Standing behind each of the stations was a man or woman attired in a traditional black butler suit. Each table had a large sign standing up stating what kind of food was being served.

The food looked delicious, but what now captured her attention was the large platform in the middle of the room that Gina stood on. The stage was packed with men wearing masks. Clad in black suits that matched their masks, she could see that underneath the suits they had on white button-up shirts. Only the shirts were unbuttoned and bared their amazing physiques. Ava had never seen so many men with sculpted bodies in one place. Large pecs. Taut stomachs. Involuntarily, Ava fanned herself.

From what she could see Gina had made some terrific selections. The men were from all races so in a sense it was like choosing which flavor of ice cream you wanted from an endless selection. As Ava’s eyes ran up and down the stage, she couldn’t decide which man was more attractive. Being able to look at their faces might have made the selection a little easier but, secrecy was supposed to be the theme of this little weekend together.

“Ladies. May I have your attention?”

Ava surfaced from her private thoughts as Gina tried to get everyone’s attention. The rest of the women came to stand in front of the stage. Many of them were already pointing and whispering. She hoped these guys knew what they had themselves in for with these horny housewives.

“Thank you. Now first of all I want to say thank you so much for coming. You all are well aware who I am so let’s skip all the formalities and get down to business. Before you ladies is a selection of the finest men that Miami has to offer. They are yours to do with as you will. Their sole mission is to satisfy each and every one of your desires,” Gina said.

“Can I have all of them?” A petite blonde shouted from the crowd.

Gina smiled. “Unfortunately no. I want all the ladies to have a good time. So if you prefer, your handsome gentleman can remain masked for the duration of your time together or they can unmask. If at any time you would like some time to yourself, all the men here have their own quarters they can retire to. Remember, whatever you desire is yours. Now have at it.”

Gina exited the stage, but not before grabbing a long-haired hunky blonde and leaving with him. Ava watched as the women rushed the stage. Through it all the men stood still. Stoic. The men were probably used to being grabbed like the last pair of designer jeans on a shelf, but Ava wasn’t going to participate in the foolery. She wasn’t that desperate. Ava turned her back on the stage and took a few steps when she felt a hand touch the small of her back.

“Excuse me?” A man’s voice said close to her ear.

Ava stopped, suddenly well aware of the hand resting familiarly in that delicious place where her bottom started to curve. She turned around slowly, hesitant to break the contact. Standing in front of her was one of the deliciously appealing men on the menu.

His skin was a beautiful lightly bronzed color. His hair dark and spiky as if he’d just had a fresh cut. Even his chin looked pretty hot.
Square and strong, with no stubble. Not to mention his lips. Thick enough to let you know kissing him would be a dream, but not so full that you’d think you were kissing another girl.

“Yes?”

“Forgive me for being out of line. I know that the women here are supposed to select which of us they want, but I couldn’t just stand there and not present myself to clearly the most beautiful woman in the entire room.”

The sound of his voice caused a tremble in places that had not moved in Ava in a very, very long time. “I like a man who knows what he wants, but you don’t have to flatter my ego by telling me I’m the most beautiful woman here.”

“What if you are…to me?” the masked man asked.

Ava studied him as best she could. Briefly her eyes moved past him to watch the women on the stage. A few of them were openly arguing over men on the platform. Others had already moved off with their prizes.

She turned her attention back to the bold man in front of her. “Then I would say you have excellent taste.”

“I’m glad that’s something we can agree on,” the man said. He reached out and curved his arm around her hip, pulling her closer.

Despite her natural instinct to back away, Ava allowed herself to be brought chest to chest with the stranger. The scent of him assailed her senses. Spicy. Bold. Hot. Just like him
.

She swallowed. “So tell me, is there anything else we can agree on?”

He nodded. With his free hand, he brushed his thumb across her lips. Her mouth opened slightly in anticipation of him placing his thumb inside. She was somewhat disappointed when he didn’t. Instead his hand slid down to the back of her neck. He held it in his hands. “We can agree that I want you very, very much and that instead of standing here talking, we could be in your room really getting to know each other.”

She stared at him, and he leaned close and took the lobe of her right ear into his mouth. He sucked it into his lips and she felt the first swipe of his moist tongue. It had been so long since she felt desire, since she knew a man really wanted her. She wanted this, needed need this
.
As the man released the lobe of her ear and stared at her waiting, Ava made a decision.

“So what do I call you?”

“Whatever you want,” he answered.

“Then how about Marco?”

“I’ll be Marco or whoever else you want me to be.”

“Sounds good.” Her gaze drifted to the food buffet. “Shall we eat first?”

He offered her a small smile, even as his eyes appraised her again. Then he nodded his head. “Why don’t we have a little room service…” He grinned and dimples appeared on both cheeks. “Before the room service.”

“I like the way you think.”

“Then give me just a minute,
bella
,” he said before walking away to capture a waiter’s attention.

He returned with a determined look in his eyes fringed with long dark lashes.

“Is it all set?” she asked.

“Indeed.”

“Then for tonight at least, I’m all yours. Room 304,” Ava said.

Turning, she took a step to leave the ballroom. Marco’s hand settled possessively around her waist. Tonight was going to be the night. She was putting the memory of Joseph’s touch out of her mind forever. As they came to the open doors of the elevator that would take them to her room, Marco slipped his hand inside her dress. So swiftly no one would see them, his hand pushed the side of her dress up with it as his fingers walked a pattern to the band of her panties. Ava didn’t stop him.

As the elevator doors closed behind them, his fingers grew bolder, rubbing her between her legs. She was sure he could feel the dampness of the lace.

“Ready for me, are you?” he whispered, rubbing the soft bud through her panties.

Ava groaned. “Yes.”

The elevator doors opened. They’d made it to the third floor. Marco’s eyes bored into hers.

“Then it’s a good thing we’re here.”

Ava didn’t meet his eyes. She exited the elevator trying to put some distance between them. Walking down the dark burgundy and gold carpeted hallway, she noticed that this floor was much smaller than she thought. It appeared there were only four doors on this entire hall. Number 304 was at the very end. Reaching into her small clutch, she withdrew the key she’d been given. For a moment she just held it. Then she felt Marco’s presence behind her. His erection pressed into her.

“Do you need some help with that?” he whispered, voice close to her ear.

“No. I’ve got it.”

She nodded, but still didn’t put the key into the lock.

“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

She turned to face him. “Of course not.”

Marco leaned forward and braced his hands on both sides of the doorway. He leaned down closer to her so that their lips were only a breadth apart. “Good, because I’d really hate not to be able to finish what I started in that elevator.”

Ava nodded and turned around. She stuck the key into the door and unlocked the room. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. Before she could react, Marco shoved her back into a wall and slammed the door shut.