TODAY, OUR TEAM MEMBER, AUTHOR LORRAINE CAREY, IS SHARING CHAPTER TWO OF HER MAFIA ROMANCE NOVEL, 'BLOODLINES AND BETRAYALS' #RWRTeamBlog #ReadWriteRepeat
- 7 hours ago
- 13 min read
Chapter 2
Elena was glad to slip into her comfy nightgown and climb into bed. Her thoughts shifted from anger to excitement at the thought of Tony phoning her. Mob or no mob, I don’t care; he’s hot! Oh, the way he strutted in with those black Ray-Bans and a black leather jacket. And the way he acted as though he owned the place. It seemed as though people froze when he entered the club. Visions of his jet-black hair slicked back behind his ears filled her thoughts. With that, she drifted off to a deep sleep.
Sunlight peeked through the thin blinds, waking her. She glanced over at her clock and saw it was now 8:30. Since it was Saturday, she had no classes at the university. She relished the fact that she could sleep in. She threw on her robe and headed downstairs for a cup of tea. She knew her parents would most likely be awake and have already had breakfast. Both were early risers.
Elena tiptoed down the stairs but stopped on the first landing as she heard her mom speaking in a loud tone to her father. “Salvatore, I don’t know what we’ll do if she goes out with this gangster! You and I both know the Marinetti family, and we know what happened seven years ago. They are bad news.”
“Yes, I remember it well. It’s one memory I try to suppress, but I love you and accept who you are, despite your family’s past actions. Now, calm down, Fran. She hasn’t even had a date yet. Let’s take things one step at a time,” Salvatore said, pouring himself another cup of coffee.
Elena clenched her fists and froze at what she heard. How dare they! I’m twenty-two years old and well capable of making my own decisions. This isn’t the old country! She knew she had to calm down before she headed into the kitchen.
“Good morning, sweetheart!” Salvatore chirped as he rose from his chair to hug his daughter.
Elena kissed him on the cheek and then turned to kiss her mother as well.
“Your mom tells me you have met a handsome young man.”
Elena sat down as her mom turned the kettle on for her tea. “Yes, I have. I’m sure Mother has told you all about him.”
“Not so much. I would love to hear about it, that’s if you want to talk about it.” Salvatore wanted to hear the words from his daughter even though he’d been versed by Fran.
Elena shrugged her shoulders and proceeded to tell her father how she met him and that he was supposed to call her.
To her surprise, her father responded quite cheerfully. “I’m happy for you. I hope he does call, and I hope he knows how lucky he is if you accept an offer for a date.”
Fran sat there, slack-jawed. Her husband wasn’t as upset as she was. He was not a worrier like her and had more of a laid back attitude.
“Well, we will see if he calls,” Elena responded as her mom poured her a cup of tea.
“Any plans for today?” her mother asked.
“Not much. I’m going to call Pam and see if she wants to go to the mall and do some shopping for new outfits for spring.”
“Now that sounds like fun. Your father and I have some shopping to do ourselves, so we may be out the rest of the day.”
Elena was glad her mother didn’t bring up anything else regarding Tony. She finished her toast and tea and headed up to her room to call Pam.
Pam answered on the first ring, excited to talk to her friend. She wanted to rehash all the details from last night at the club and the hot Italian guy. “Do you think he’ll call you?” she asked.
“I hope so. He’s all I could think about, but if it’s up to my mother, she’ll do anything in her power to keep me from seeing him.”
“What ... why?”
“She thinks his family is the mob — the bad kind.”
“Is there a good kind?” Pam asked.
“Very funny,” Elena replied, not wanting to go into any details about her mother’s family. She was pretty sure Pam’s family had no ties, but everyone in Youngstown was aware of the mob and all the businesses they used as a cover for their illegal organizations.
Pam declined Elena’s offer because she had to visit her aunt, but wanted first hand details if Tony did call.
Elena decided to shower and then head to the mall herself. Maybe that would take her mind off Tony for a while.
Just as she hopped out of the shower, she heard the phone ringing. She wrapped a towel around herself and headed to the phone in the upstairs hallway. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard Tony’s velvety voice. She was glad her parents had already left the house, so she didn’t have to whisper.
“Elena ... are you there?” Tony asked in a low voice, noting there was no answer yet.
“Yes ... I’m here. How are you?”
“I’m good, but I’d be even better if you would join me tonight for dinner at Rossini’s. You know it’s the best Italian restaurant in the area.”
Elena paused again, her heart racing. “Sure, I’d love to.”
“How about I pick you up, say, around seven-ish? I need to know your address.”
“It’s ... it’s ...”
Elena sat down on the floor in the hallway, contemplating the backlash she would get from her mother if he came to the house.
“Is something wrong, Elena?” he asked.
“No, no. It’s fine.” She rambled off her address quickly and decided to face the fray this evening.
“Aw, so Struthers it is. I’m familiar with that area.” He proceeded to tell her he was looking forward to their date before he ended the call.
Elena set the phone back in its cradle and headed into her bedroom in a daze. Now I just have to figure out what to wear and how to break the news to Mom. Her shopping trip had to be put on hold; there was too much to do now, too much to think about.
She heard the garage door opening. She flew into a panic mode as she rushed downstairs to help her parents unload groceries. Maybe I can butter Mom up before I break the news of my date tonight, she thought as she carried two heavy bags into the kitchen.
“Well, someone seems to be in a good mood,” her mother said, plopping down a large bag filled with produce. “Oh ... don’t tell me that mafioso’s son called you!”
Elena took a deep breath and readied herself for some heavy repercussions from her mother. “Actually, he did. And I’m so excited I could burst!”
Her mother shook her head and turned to Salvatore, who had just brought in the last of the groceries. “What are we going to do? We can’t allow that gangster to come here!”
Salvatore took his wife’s hand and instructed her to sit down. Elena’s heart began to race as she stood by the kitchen sink, waiting to hear what her father had to say.
“Now listen, Fran, you don’t have any real evidence that this young man is involved in crime like his father. Let her go out with him. I mean, it’s just one night. Who knows, this may never lead to anything serious.”
Fran’s face was beet red. “It better not, because we can’t have our family name tainted.”
“Oh, you mean your family name,” Salvatore said as he shook his head. “I believe that’s already been taken care of.”
Fran’s eyes shot daggers at her husband.
Elena hugged her dad. “Thanks for sticking up for him. I have a feeling this guy is clean and not the thug Mom makes him out to be.” She pulled away, still hanging onto his muscular arms, locking her eyes with his deep browns.
“Now let’s hear the details of this date tonight,” he inquired as he began to unpack the groceries.
Fran held her words as she wanted to hear all the details before she commented.
Elena told them that Tony was taking her to Rossini’s. “He’ll be here at 7 p.m.”
“Rossini’s ... huh?” Fran shook her head.
“Yes, you know they are supposed to have great Italian food,” Elena added.
“A known mob-run business,” Fran added in a snarky tone.
“Enough!” Salvatore held up his hands, indicating for his wife to stop. But she kept mumbling under her breath about the mob and went about unpacking groceries.
Elena offered to help, but both her folks declined her offer, telling her to spend the day getting ready for her date.
Elena padded out of the kitchen and headed up the stairs, relieved that the initial announcement was over, but she stopped at the first landing to overhear her mother’s voice.
“I’m going to have to call Lamberto. He’s got to follow them. I don’t like anything about this.”
“Look, you’re making matters worse, Fran! By God, your cousin is still an active hit-man. You planning to take this kid out? There’s no reason to get him involved. It’s just a date.” Salvatore stood blocking the yellow kitchen wall phone.
Elena felt ill. She knew her mom’s cousin was in the mob, had heard rumors but didn’t know how much Lamberto was involved. She walked up to her room and sat on her bed. Her head pounded, and her heart raced. She had to lie down for a bit to get her composure.
A gentle knock on her bedroom door woke her from a quick nap. It was her mom. She sat on the bed and apologized to Elena, telling her she knew she was being overprotective, but she worried for her safety.
“So, your cousin won’t be following us?” Elena asked. “I had no idea he was a killer!”
Fran shook her head and took hold of Elena’s hand. “Look, he had a one-time run-in with a hardcore criminal from Cleveland who was a threat to our family. We vowed to protect one another. It’s how we roll.”
“And you’re okay now with me going out with Tony?”
“Not so much, but your father convinced me it should be okay,” she said. “I just want you to know what you’re dealing with here. Once you get involved with this type of family, your reputation will be tarnished, and people will never see you in the same light. This is a small town. Trust me. I don’t want to have to say, I told you so.” Fran squared her shoulders and headed toward the door.
As soon as she shut her door, Elena took a deep breath and then rummaged through her closet in search of something to wear tonight, with thoughts of having a hitman in her family still racing in her brain. She had hours to prepare but knew she’d most likely spend too much time worrying about what to wear.
She pulled a red miniskirt and a white ruffled blouse up to herself, looking in her dresser mirror. This seems sexy but not too inappropriate. Now, to do something with my hair.
She styled her long hair in a high ponytail with a red ribbon to match her skirt and applied red lipstick to give it the final touch. Checking herself in the mirror, Elena was finally satisfied with the way she looked. She grabbed her short, white leather jacket before heading downstairs. Late April meant the evenings were still cool. The minutes ticked away.
Having her folks meet Tony was a given, and with that thought, her stomach had a few knots. She headed downstairs to show off her outfit to her folks, twirling around to get their approval.
Her father smiled, and her mom gave a half-smile. “That skirt is a bit short,” her mom added.
“Well, it’s the 70's, Mom. It’s a miniskirt, and this is the look,” Elena added.
Her mother gave her a disapproving look. “I guess so, but you’re sending this guy the wrong message.”
The sound of a loud car engine pulling into the driveway brought the conversation to an end. Elena peeked out the front window to see a red Mustang GT pull in. “He’s here!” she cheered.
Elena opened the door to find Tony decked out in black denims and his signature black leather jacket, minus the Ray-Bans. He waited to be invited in.
Stepping into the house, his eyes glanced around the country-style furniture in the living room. “Very nice,” he said, smoothing his hair back.
“Thank you. My mom has a knack for this type of thing,” she said, taking his hand and leading him into the kitchen. She took a deep breath, knowing her parents were patiently waiting to meet him.
Tony was most gracious as he reached his hand out to shake both her parents’ hands. He even complimented Francesca. “You have some great taste when it comes to decorating.”
With that, Fran thanked him and asked them what their plans were, knowing what they were but wanting to hear it from him, causing Elena’s face to turn red with embarrassment.
Tony mentioned Rossini’s, and Fran had to search for words. “Well ... I hope you enjoy the food.”
Elena blew a kiss to her parents as she and Tony turned to head to the front door.
As soon as she heard a car door slam, Fran peered out the front window. “Look, there’s a black Town Car parked in the street. It’s his dad’s bodyguards!”
“Calm down now, Fran. You’re getting yourself worked up,” Salvatore said, standing right behind her.
“I can’t calm down. She’s going out with a mobster’s son! I’ve got to call Lamberto!”
"No, not the Lamb!" shouted Salvatore, mocking her, his hands in the air.
***
Tony complimented Elena on her hairstyle. She smoothed her long ponytail and thanked him. “I wanted to look nice for you.”
“Darlin, you could come in a shower curtain and look fantastic.” Um ... did he really say a shower curtain? She chuckled to herself.
It wasn’t until they turned onto Youngstown Poland Road that she noticed the black Town Car following them. Alarmed, Elena turned to Tony. “Who are those guys following us?”
“Oh, those dudes ... they are friends of my dad. Just making sure this car doesn’t break down. I’ve been having issues with it, and you know how hard it is to get a mechanic on the weekend.”
Hmm ... don’t know if I believe that one, Elena thought, remembering what her mom had said.
“Everything okay?” Tony asked, aware of Elena’s silence.
“Yes, it’s all good, Tony. Guess I’m just nervous for some reason.”
“You don’t have to be, darlin’. Not when you’re with me.”
Tony turned up the volume as Bruce Springsteen sang “Born to Run” came on the radio. He turned to Elena. “I love this song!”
Elena agreed and scooted closer to him, flashing a smile while wondering what exactly he meant by that statement.
The valets at the restaurant seemed to be awaiting their arrival. Two young men opened the car doors for them. Tony came around to take Elena’s hand as a tall, uniformed doorman greeted Tony like he was the king of a faraway land.
Elena turned around to see if the Town Car was still there. She didn’t see it, but was too excited and let that thought go.
A tall older man holding two menus led them to a table in the far back. The low lighting and candles glowing on the tables made for a romantic atmosphere.
Tony pulled the chair out for Elena. He was quite the gentleman.
Taking a seat, he leaned in to take her hand, “Get anything you want tonight. It’s all on the house. Get the best wine and whatever you want.”
***
Ignoring her husband’s request, Fran called Lamberto, luckily reaching him on the second ring. “And what do I owe the honor of this call, cousin?”
“It’s Elena.”
“What’s wrong? Is she okay?” Lamberto’s voice was full of alarm.
“She’s okay, but I need your help. She’s out on a date with Ralph Marinetti’s son.”
“You don’t say. Now, how in the hell did that happen?”
“She met him at a club the other night. She won’t listen to me about how dangerous this is. You know how stubborn she is.”
“Yes, just like someone else I know,” Lamberto said jokingly. “I do know the ramifications this can have for our family. I’m sure she has no idea I shot his dad’s cousin long ago. We’re still in dangerous times. Let me know where they went, and I’ll be glad to take a drive by and check on her.”
“She’s at Rossini’s.”
“Aw, yes, one of Marinetti’s businesses. I get it.”
Fran was relieved and thanked her cousin. He promised to give her a call when he got home to report anything suspicious.
She turned to find Salvatore standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, shaking his head.
***
The glow from the candle that graced the center of the table illuminated Tony’s olive complexion and full lips. Elena couldn’t help but feel her attraction to this handsome man.
Tony lit a cigarette, took a puff, and reached for Elena’s hand. “You know I have to tell you how sexy you look tonight in that miniskirt. It’s hard for a man like me to control himself from taking you right out to the car and having my way with you.”
Elena’s eyes got as big as saucers, not knowing how to respond. His words were turning her on in ways she hadn’t experienced before.
After ordering chicken parmesan for her and Tony’s lobster ravioli, they sipped the expensive wine the waiter kept pouring.
The cook made an appearance at the table to see how the food was and gave a wink to Tony, which was not missed by Elena.
Unbeknownst to Elena, Lamberto was cruising the restaurant parking lot. He caught sight of the black Town Car with two of Ralph Marinetti’s henchmen and knew they also noticed him. They were all there to provide protection, but for different people. Lamberto parked at the far end of the lot.
Tony and Elena walked arm in arm out of the restaurant. Elena’s mind was too preoccupied with her feelings to worry about the Town Car that had been following them. Nor did she notice Lamberto’s silver Cutlass Supreme. He had his binoculars out, scoping out the couple. His usual fedora covered most of his face, but those who knew him knew it was his signature look. With a face that resembled a pit bull, many people knew not to mess with him.
On the short drive home, Tony placed his hand between Elena’s legs. She turned to see him with a huge grin on his face. He expressed his desire to invite her out again next weekend, and she readily accepted.
***
Fran was startled by the late night phone call, and her heart raced when she heard Lamberto’s voice on the other end. “I saw the car!”
“What? Whose car?”
“A black Town Car that belongs to Ralph Marinetti’s guys. There were two men inside. I also spotted Tony’s car. I waited until they came out of the restaurant. He was holding her close as they walked to the car.”
Fran had no words, trying to control herself. “See, it’s just as I thought. Ralph’s son is dangerous, and now he’s got my daughter involved as well.”
“Not to worry, cousin. I’ll be vigilant in this situation. Familia always comes first.”
Fran twisted and turned as she tried to relax in the overstuffed chair in her bedroom until she heard the door open and knew it was Elena returning home. She breathed a sigh of relief knowing her daughter was safe, but for how long?
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AUTHOR BIO
Lorraine Carey is a paranormal enthusiast whose own unexplained experiences have inspired much of her fiction. She is the author of fourteen published novels, including three co-authored works, and her writing appears in four anthologies. One of her YA novels earned a Silver Award from Reader’s Favorite and was a finalist in the Wind Dancer Film Contest. While best known for paranormal stories, she also writes thrillers, romance, and erotica. A veteran teacher, Lorraine began writing for young adults to inspire a love of reading. Now retired and living in Florida, she spends her time writing whenever the spirits are willing.
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COMING SOON: On Wednesday, 15th July, we are thrilled to welcome our guest author, Koos Verkaik, who will be sharing an excerpt from his novel, 'All-Father'.
