Page 54 of Ti Amo

Carlo chuckled. “Fucker is useless.”

The bound and gagged man whimpered. With a noose around his neck and his hands tied behind his back, the only thing keeping him alive was his balancing act. He stood on a very shaky three-legged stool. His eyes bulged. Sweat ran down his face over the electrical tape holding the gag in his mouth.

“How the fuck is he going to tell us where Angelo is with his mouth covered?”

Lorenzo stood. He withdrew his gun and rammed it into the man’s groin. Carlo continued to eat, slightly amused. “Hear me. I can make this last all night. It takes a man exactly five hours to bleed out if his cock is shot off. Did you know that?”

The man whimpered.

“You will tell us where Angelo is, and we will consider sparing your life.Capisci?”

The man nodded.

“Cut him the fuck down.” Lorenzo put the gun back inside the back of his pants.

“Why do I have to do it?” Carlo frowned.

“Because I’m the fuckingsotto capu. Now do as I say!”

Carlo cursed under his breath. He reached inside his boot and removed a knife. Lorenzo paced away. This was a long shot. Who knew if the fucking driver had any idea where Angelo was held up? But it was the only lead he had. If he played his cards right they could have Angelo before the night ended.

****

Mira opened her eyes to find herself alone. She sat up in bed and wiped fatigue from her sagging lids. Her head felt heavy, as if she’d been drinking. She hadn’t. Last night they made love until they both collapsed in exhaustion. The sheets were tangled around her waist and legs. She touched the four passionate bruises on her breasts from his sucks and love bites.

A deep whisper of a man’s voice echoed in the distance.

Mira froze and her attention was averted to the adjoining room, the door was partially closed. He was in there, and he sounded as if he were having a conversation. Mira drew back the covers and shed the sheets. She brought her feet around to plant them on the floor. The coolness sent icy shivers up her legs and spine. She found the strength to stand and quickly located a floor length nightgown and matching robe to cover her nudity. Tying the sash she approached the door to her daughter’s room curiously. When she opened it she saw Giovanni in a rocking chair holding a large book. Eve sat up in his lap fixated on the pages of the book. He read to her in Italian. Her daughter reached and turned the page prematurely blinking at the colorful illustration on the next page. Mira smiled. Giovanni continued with the story, rocking slowly. Eve sucked on her pacifier and dropped back against her father’s chest.

She watched them until the story came to an end.

“Lucciola, should Papa read another?”

Eve opened the book and indicated she wanted him to start again.

“I think that means yes.” Mira said. Eve’s head shot up. Immediately she began to wiggle to be free of her father’s lap. He let her slip from the chair, and her daughter hurried across the room toward her. Mira lowered. Her bones ached but not enough to prevent her from picking Eve up into her arms. “Did she wake? Was she upset?”

Giovanni rocked back and closed his eyes. He didn’t answer. Mira walked over to the crib and placed Eve back in it. Her daughter whined in protest but she forced her to lie down. A mother’s touch always worked. She rubbed her belly and shook her softly until her lids fluttered and shut. Mira sang softly to her until she was certain her voice lulled her back to sleep. It was late, and she should have changed her. But Mira withdrew.

“We need to talk.” Giovanni spoke.

She turned and he stood directly behind her. Giovanni cupped her neck and drew her face to his forcing her to rise on her toes and brace for support with her hands to his chest. He kissed her. “We need to talk, Bella. There’s something you should know.”

“Okay.”

“Is she sleeping?”

“She is.”

“Then come with me.”

He took her hand and pulled her toward the door. They ventured out into the dark house. He led her down the hall and then Giovanni paused. Catalina crept along the hall. She didn’t see them before she slipped inside of her bedroom.

Giovanni frowned at her stealthy behavior.

“She probably went below for something to drink.” Mira whispered. Giovanni stared a moment longer. Mira silently prayed that Catalina hadn’t been where she thought she’d been. God help them all if Dominic appeared next. “What is it you want to talk to me about?” Mira said, hoping to draw his attention. It worked. He continued down the hall holding her hand tightly. They arrived at a door she hadn’t entered. He pushed it open and she saw it was a small office. More like a library because the walls were covered with books. The only one without them was a ceiling to floor window behind the desk. The moon spread a natural light over everything and she walked inside, bathed in its silver glow.

“Have a seat,” he said.

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