Heatwave

CHAPTER ONE

Rachel Stewart closed the empty fridge and checked her cupboards a second time.

Still empty.

Her roommate Lisa had left her in the lurch for her half of the rent again. Lisa’s stuff and several articles of Rachel’s clothing were missing from the apartment when Rachel returned home from work. Clearly Lisa would not be returning with her half or Rachel’s clothes.

Rachel’s stomach growled again.

It’s fine, I’ll advertise for a new roommate on payday and before I know it the pantry will be filled with food, she said to herself.

Her stomach clenched, grasping at the emptiness. She blinked back her tears.

Things are not as bad as they seem.

She could borrow money for food from friends but she couldn’t seem to bring herself to ask. After her parents had been killed in a car accident a few years back when she was in college, her friends had taken on this pity look every time they spoke with her.

The looks were finally beginning to fade. She didn’t want the pity and couldn’t bare the chance of them coming back.

Sitting down at the dining room table she opened her purse. Rachel fished out the card one of the patrons at the restaurant she worked at had given her. The image of the guy came to mind as she held the card in her hand.

He wasn’t her type in the least with his loud voice and the way he occupied the booth he seemed to be laying instead of sitting. He’d been quite insistent about taking her out this evening. She’d said she would think about it only because he’d been sitting with an old friend of hers.

The name on the card was Gerard Marconi, but her old friend Torrey had called him Gerry. Torrey was just as scrawny as he had been a couple of years ago. He’d seemed even smaller under Gerry’s domineering presence.

No, he wasn’t the type she’d consider under normal circumstances.

When Rachel had seen Torrey at the restaurant, she’d hoped Angelo might be with him. Hoped wasn’t a strong enough word to describe the feeling. She’d rushed right over to the table to ask about Angelo.

Angelo Donati was the one that got away.

She’d actually been about to go on a date with Angelo when her parent’s accident happened. With the tragedy, Rachel lost touch with Angelo. The semester had ended and Angelo must have moved on to another college because he was nowhere to be found.

Rachel sighed. It wasn’t meant to be. She would have to forget his jet black hair and those honey brown eyes of Angelo if she was going to last through a date with Gerry.

I need to eat. I’ll let him buy me dinner. Maybe he’ll surprise me and be better at second impressions. Yeah, right.

Rachel dialed the number on the card before she lost her nerve. It rang twice. Hello, Gerardo Marconi.

Uh, yes. Hello. This is Rachel. You gave me your card at C’Magnifique today.

There was a pause before he spoke and Rachel almost hung up.

Right. Angelo’s fan.

Angelo’s fan? Why because I asked Torrey about Angelo? It wasn’t like Torrey had been any help.

I guess. I’m free tonight as it turns out.

Perfect. Wear something nice. You live in the Hollands Apartments. I’ll pick you up in an hour.

Her heartbeat sped up a few beats. How do you know where I live?

Torrey told me. Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you in an hour.

Rachel set her cell phone on the table and began to chew at her thumbnail.

Well, he knows where I live and he’ll be here in no time. No getting out of it now. Rachel decided Torrey was a jerk for giving out her address without her permission and she’d tell him so if she saw him again.

Lisa took Rachel’s favorite dress and left a skimpy red thing in its place.

Oh right. A three hundred dollar gown traded for this hooker dress for five bucks at a flea market, that’s fair.

Gerry Marconi had been wearing a navy suit that was beyond extravagant at the restaurant. He wasn’t going to think anything in her wardrobe was nice.

Rachel winced at the jean skirt and the library Marm print dress she wore to church.

What am I gonna do?

The red skanky dress was all there was and she knew it.

Rachel showered and put on her makeup, dreading stepping into the hooker get up. The red lipstick matched the dress and set off her fair skin. Her skin was clear and flawless which made her all the more annoyed she wasn’t going on a hot date.

Heat rollers gave her long golden blonde hair a curly bounce. She lined her blue eyes with black and used a smoky eye shadow pallet she kept light and hoped that if she did look like a hooker she’d look like an expensive one.

She misted herself with her favorite perfume and then dressed quickly into the stretchy red thing.

My mother is rolling over in her grave, Rachel said shaking her head at her reflection. Her cleavage was more than she’d ever shown not to mention the open back of the dress. The length was mid-thigh but with how snug the material fit she still felt over exposed. Where did you wear this dress, Lisa?

I’m going to have a hell of a time convincing Gerardo I’m not a slut in this get-up.

Rachel looked at the clock. It was way too late to cancel. He’d be there any second.

Crap!

She slipped on gold high heels and grabbed her gold clutch before wincing at herself again in the mirror. The image looking back at her was so different than what she was used to seeing. If she was being honest with herself, it had been a while since she had gone on a date which left little opportunity to dress up.

Still the get-up she was wearing never would have entered into the equation.

This is what you get, Rachel, trading dating for food. I’m never doing this again.

A solid knock sounded on her door. I’ll be right there. She opened up the coat closet and practically squealed with delight when she saw her long black, double breasted wool coat.

Sweet! I’m keeping this baby on.

She put the coat on and quickly buttoned it up. She was smiling when she opened the door.

You look beautiful, Gerardo said with the kind of smile a predator delivers to its prey. A chill of fear iced through her.

He took her elbow. Shall we go?

How do I get out of this?

Rachel locked up deciding she was going to become very ill after dinner.

We’re going to a company party at my boss’s house. Do you know who Santé Grimaldi is? He was looking at her expectantly.

Truthfully the name sounded familiar but she didn’t know where from. I’m not sure.

Gerardo laughed at her response. You will. When he opened the car door for her, it was to the large backseat already carrying two other women. Rachel looked at him questioningly.

My cousins, don’t worry about it.

He pressed his body against hers guiding into the backseat and blocking her exit at the same time.

The backseat curved in the shape of a capital ‘L’. Gerardo seated himself between the two cousins and signaled the driver to go.

Cousins my ass.

I should probably tell you right now I’m not into ménage a trois or-

Gerard’s laughter cut her off. Don’t worry, little lamb. We’re just going to a company party. We’re gonna have a nice time and that’s it.

Rachel was waiting for the part where he would ask if she agreed but it didn’t come. Gerard didn’t allow for anyone to disagree. She wasn’t this hungry.

Gerry, you’re scaring her, the pretty brunette pouted out her pink lips. Stick with me, honey, you’ll be okay. Gerardo glared at the brunette and she shrank away from him.

Gerardo leaned forward not allowing her to escape. Mona, did I ask for your help?

No. I’m sorry, baby. Her brown eyes were big and wide.

Gerardo stared at her for a few minutes until finally he gave a small nod that released Mona from the frozen state of terror. Mona let go of the breath she was holding and behind the smile she gave Gerry there was still fear in her eyes.

Okay, well I have to move. I don’t want this freak knowing where I live.

So, Torrey says you and Angelo were pretty close.

No. Not really. We went on a few dates. I haven’t seen or heard from him in years.

CHAPTER TWO

Angelo grinned as he slammed his car door. He was going to love getting Grimaldi back after all these years.

Grimaldi may have been able to control Angelo’s father, Remo Donati, but he had nothing on Angelo and they both knew it. Grimaldi was scrambling to get a grip and sink his claws into Angelo but he couldn’t. The only thing Angelo cared about was bringing him down.

Grimaldi’s men greeted Angelo like a member of the family. That didn’t surprise Angelo. They’d been around him enough as a kid and teenager to claim the familiarity.

All except Torrey. He knew to keep his distance. Seeing Torrey inflamed his anger as it always did. Angelo watched as Torrey slid like a serpent from the front room escaping Angelo’s loathing gaze.

Grimaldi emerged from his office and came forward and embraced Angelo. It’s been too long, son. Remo would have wanted you here with the family. He smiled, his double chin bulging up from beneath his jawline.

I’m not back. I’m here to remind you that I’m not Remo. My dad is dead and so is his legacy.

So is Amelio Fabbri. Grimaldi rocked back on his heels as he continued to smile.

Yes, he is. Angelo glanced around the room, checking for a change in the air.

Grimaldi put his hand on Angelo’s shoulder. It’s in your blood. Don’t fight who you are.

You know this decision is mine and I’ve made it Grimaldi. Angelo met his gaze with a challenge in his eyes.

He saw the anger in Grimaldi’s small cruel eyes before he pushed it aside. They both knew that if anything happened to Angelo, Grimaldi would be exposed for the murdering criminal he was with the evidence Angelo had on him.

Only Angelo knew he wasn’t going to sit on it like a life insurance policy. Grimaldi was going to burn for what he’d done.

Well, if you’re sure. Maybe you want to think on it a little longer.

Angelo was about to decline the offer with great satisfaction but the overly large grin on Grimaldi’s round face spoke volumes. He had something up his sleeve. At least he believed he did.

What would make me reconsider, Grimaldi?

Grimaldi nodded. Maybe after we have a drink, some good food. You remember how much you love being a part of the family. Look, Gerry is here.

Gerry Marconi was trashy, reckless and a coward. All of his acts of strength were shown on women. Angelo shook his head in disgust. Apparently, two women weren’t enough for dinner there was a third this time. From where Angelo was standing all he could see was long wavy golden hair and a long dark coat on the new addition to Gerry’s collection.

The new trophy was no girl.

She straightened her beautiful shoulders that were lean with definition. Her back was flawless with smooth, vibrant skin arching in an incline to her small waist where the red material began and curved over a behind that was made for men to fantasize over.

Every man in the room was waiting with great anticipation for the vixen to turn around.

Angelo’s heart froze mid-beat as she turned her face and looked over her shoulder at the group.

Son of a bitch.

You know Miss Rachel Stewart don’t you? Grimaldi asked right at Angelo’s ear.

Angelo didn’t confirm or deny. If Rachel didn’t recognize him, if she’d forgotten him she’d be safe.

Her deep blue eyes found him, widening as her full red lips parted. Rachel inhaled, her full breasts rising as she turned fully toward him.

Shit, she’s beautiful.

Angelo did his best not to show any further sign of recognition. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. That dress on any other woman would have been trashy but on Rachel, it was elegant in the most sensual way.

Rachel started toward him.

No! No, no, no.

He turned away toward Joey but Joey was drooling. Too busy to help Angelo avoid what was coming.

Angelo. There was a smile and relief in her voice.

Angelo turned toward her again knowing it was obvious to all they knew each other. Hello, Rachel, he said keeping any emotion from his voice. What are you doing here? This isn’t really your crowd.

Angelo, of course she’ll fit in with us. Gerry’s girls are always welcome here. Grimaldi slapped him on the back.

Rachel shook her head. I am not one of Gerry’s girls. She looked with pleading eyes into his. I’m not.

I know, Angelo acknowledged quietly.

Aw, come on, baby, don’t be like that. Gerry drew her in closer. He lifted his hand, his eyes on Rachel’s naked back.

Angelo gave him a warning look but Gerry paid him no attention. He ran his hand across her shoulder blades and began to descend down her back.

The fear glistened in Rachel’s eyes and Angelo did exactly as he shouldn’t. He caught Gerry’s wrist. That’s enough, Angelo said meeting Gerry’s challenging gaze. He could feel Grimaldi watching them.

Let’s give these two a minute, Gerry. They want to catch up, I think, Grimaldi said.

Angelo moved his piercing gaze to Grimaldi, refusing to give him the leverage he knew he already had.

Yes. Yes, we do need to catch up. Thank you for suggesting that, sir, Rachel said to Grimaldi, who laughed as he ushered the group toward the dining room.

Rachel was breathless and wide eyed as she started talking at him ninety miles an hour. What is going on? Is Gerry a hit man or something? What are you doing here? Who are these people? Will you get me out of here?

Angelo nodded over at Gerry, who was lingering in the doorway and Rachel followed the motion to see their audience. She hugged Angelo, her soft breasts pressing against his chest.

Please save me from him, Angelo. He scares me.

Angelo took hold of her shoulders and backed her up so he could think straight. Rachel, do you have family or friends you can go to that live outside the city? Perhaps friends, people who wouldn’t necessarily associate you with? he asked quietly.

Her blue eyes got bigger. No. My parents are dead they were the only family I had.

Friends? he asked pushing away the guilt and anger that was rising up inside of him.

She shouldn’t be here. She’s here because of me.

Yes, but they’re all local. Why? You’re freaking me out, Angelo.

Okay. Just stay with me. I won’t let anything happen to you. Do you trust me?

She nodded smiling at him even though he knew she had to be afraid.

CHAPTER THREE

Get a hold of yourself, Rachel.

Her heart was giving a drum roll that only added to her unease.

Gerry was not the kind of man she wanted anything to do with. She had decided to leave and she was looking for another exit when she’d spotted Angelo.

Seeing him again felt like she’d done a belly flop into a hot tub. She was breathless, and her body tingled all over as if recovering from a slap. She was still frozen in the moment when it was registering that Angelo really was there and it wasn’t her mind creating him from her fear.

His brown eyes reminded her of honey. They weren’t as amber as they were, and they had grown darker over the last couple of years, or maybe it was the lighting in the room. His shoulders had filled out nicely, and his masculine jawline was just as sexy as ever.

That jet black mane of his was shorter and looking at it reminded her how it felt between her fingers when they’d kissed. She remembered loving the way he held her. His strong shielding arms around her was what she needed right then.

Angelo had so much presence in what was Grimaldi’s house, but the room belonged to Angelo. If Rachel had seen him anywhere else she would have been too intimidated to approach him. He was in a very nice tailored suit and didn’t act as though he felt out of place.

What is he doing here with these criminals?

Rachel had recognized Grimaldi from the news the moment she saw him and connected the name at last. He was a crime boss. He was part of the mafia.

It’s really not good that you’re here, Rachel, Angelo said in a low voice.

Well, you can thank Torrey for that. There’s no way I would’ve gone on a date with Gerry if Torrey hadn’t vouched for him. Rachel was really regretting calling Gerry. Maybe more than she’d ever regretted any choice she’d made.

Licking her lips she looked at Angelo again to reassure herself he really was there.

She had been taken with Angelo and it had added to the pain of losing her parents when he’d disappeared from her life too.

Obviously, he didn’t feel the same way about her but that was okay. They had only gone on a few dates after all.

Rachel focus. You’re surrounded by the mafia.

Angelo was looking her over pretty closely. She’d laugh if she wasn’t so scared. He probably couldn’t believe she was wearing such a slutty dress. Her clothing had been very conservative when they’d dated.

Am I going to die in this dress?

We’re waiting on you, Gerry said to Angelo.

Angelo put his arm around her with his warm palm resting on her right hip. He had a slight scowl on his face as he led her to the next room.

If Angelo was scared he wasn’t showing it.

Rachel put on her poker face, she couldn’t show fear to these rabid dogs. She had to be brave.

Angelo held a chair out for her and then took the seat to her left. Gerry took the seat to her right.

Crap. Don’t be scared, Rachel.

She heard them talking but it was like background noise. All she could manage was to keep an eye on Gerry and eat the food placed in front of her. She didn’t know what she was eating or even if she liked it. She just ate feeling like everyone could see how terrified she was.

The meal seemed to drag on for hours. Angelo squeezed her thigh leaning close he said, Breathe, honey.

Oh yeah. Breathe, Rachel.

She let go of the breath she was holding as Angelo removed his hand. It took most of her self-control to keep herself from snatching back his hand and locking it in an iron grip.

Gerry was glaring at Mona.

That poor woman needs to get away from him. She’s terrified of him. She must have a reason to be afraid.

Mona’s dark chocolate brown eyes were wet with fear. Her hand trembled. The fork she was holding visibly shook.

So, Gerry, Rachel heard herself say. You were very sweet to reunite Angelo and me after these past couple years. She couldn’t smile so her statement meant to distract him from Mona came out sounding more like an accusation.

She could feel Angelo looking at her. He probably thought she was crazy.

Gerry looked past her at Angelo and she watched as his face deepened to a red plum hue. Gerry shook his head looking across the table in front of him. Torrey is the one you should be thanking. I was just your ride.

Rachel glanced over at Angelo, who was staring at Gerry. The intensity melted away as she watched Angelo but she hadn’t missed the clear threat in his eyes meant for Gerry.

That wasn’t a side of Angelo she’d ever seen. She wasn’t about to complain about it right then. He was protecting.

She was very lucky Angelo remembered her. A guy like him probably went through many women. The couple dates they’d shared probably didn’t rate with the ones he’d had since.

Where is Torrey? Angelo asked scanning the faces at the table.

I wouldn’t insult you by bringing Torrey to the dinner table. We all know there’s some beef between the two of you.

*****

No wonder Torrey was skulking in the dark corners of the house. He was bringing Rachel into this mess again? Torrey was in the crosshairs and he was put there by Grimaldi.

Rachel, you are a lovely young woman. Tell me, what do you think of my home? Grimaldi asked Rachel.

She looked to Angelo with questioning wide blue eyes. I think the house is nice, very extravagant.

Yes, a far cry better than the life you’ve had to endure. I imagine Angelo is going to upgrade your living circumstances now that you are his? Grimaldi said with his beady eyes on Angelo.

I’m not a kept-type woman. Angelo doesn’t have to upgrade anything.

A quick glance in Rachel’s direction confirmed her cheeks were growing red with anger as the men at the table laughed.

Dinner continued with the conversation looping back continuously to Rachel and Angelo’s questionable stake on her.

You know, Rachel, Grimaldi said already laughing in amusement. If Angelo doesn’t want to keep you, Gerry will. Right, Gerry?

Angelo knew there was no way out of it. He had to stake his claim on Rachel and openly confirm his vulnerability or stay invulnerable and throw Rachel to the wolves. He wasn’t about to sit by and watch Gerry paw at Rachel.

Gerry nodded leaning in toward Rachel. I could take good care of you, baby.

Like you do with Mona or the other one? I’d rather be homeless.

Angelo laughed as Gerry’s leer turned into a glare with bared teeth jutting forward showing his under bite. Putting his arm around Rachel, Angelo pressed Gerry back against his chair. Rachel is mine. Angelo smiled when she looked at him with raised eyebrows.

He took her hand and kissed her palm. She’s very special to me. I would take offense to anyone upsetting my Rachel, Angelo said looking at her intently in her royal blue eyes.

She searched his eyes as he kissed her palm again. He gave her a wink, and she smiled nervously.

Grimaldi nodded. Glad to hear it. He smacked the tabletop triumphantly and called for dessert. Rachel jumped at the sound so Angelo gathered her close at his side. Don’t worry, he whispered. I’ll protect you.

Let’s just get out of here, Rachel whispered back.

You’re not leaving already are you?

Gerry asked loud enough to get Grimaldi’s notice.

Angelo shook his head. Of course not.

Good. We need to talk first, Angelo. Grimaldi stood up. The boys will keep Rachel company.

Rachel dug her nails into Angelo’s leg and he let out a sigh of strong discomfort.

I’ll be right back, he said to Rachel patting her hand but she wasn’t retracting her claws. Then we’ll go.

She nodded shakily and released his leg. Don’t be long. Her tone was more of a threat even with the forced smile she was wearing. Angelo didn’t want to leave her, but he knew they weren’t leaving Grimaldi’s house without Grimaldi getting the word he wanted.

He followed Grimaldi into his study. The room smelled of cigar smoke and was full of books and newspapers. It was the same as when he was a boy.

Your father trained you. You took out Amelio Fabbri after he killed your father because of loyalty. Angelo, you’ve got potential with the family. We’d hate to lose you like we lost Remo. His expression was sad with a deep frown but his underlying threat was clear.

A lot of guys would love to make a name for themselves taking out Remo Donati’s son. You and your loved ones need the family behind you.

Yeah. Angelo forced himself to nod. Thank you, Grimaldi.

Your father always called me Santé. Please, call me Santé to honor your father.

Angelo swallowed his loathing. ‘Thank you, Santé."

Grimaldi laughed triumphantly. He slapped Angelo on the back and led him over to the desk. "We gotta let the other families know you’re with me, so they’ll leave you alone.