Page 50 of Consequences
Hollis shrugs like it’s no big deal, but we all know it is. Not only is he sharing information between Families, but not attaching a price tag shows how personal this is, rather than being simply business.
“Leandro and I have been working round the clock, so I am just thankful it’s paying off,” Hollis says carefully.
So am I. Any longer and I was going to chain him to the bed. The last few weeks have been hell on us all work-wise, but Hollis has been pushing himself the most. Until recently though, therehasn’t been anything I could do about it. Now, I’m finally cleared for sex, and can take matters into my own hands. Or…
Looking at the boy sitting at his Master’s feet, I can’t help but smile at the look of utter awe and heat he gives my Tesoro. Hollis either doesn’t notice, or is purposefully teasing his puppy by not giving him the attention he wants.
How Hol can ignore the complete need Emilio is giving off is impressive, especially when I have to hold myself back from crossing the invisible Amato/Martelli barrier and taking my Topolino into my arms.
Benjamin has learned to read me well, because he smiles at me, with need in his eyes, along with love I probably don’t deserve—not that it’s going to prevent me from enjoying it.
What I don’t enjoy is the way that bastard is still too close to Benjamin. I am not a jealous person, or even a possessive one. No, what I am is protective of those I care about. As far as I know, Benjamin hasn’t changed his mind regarding Ignacio. They might be friends, and Ignacio may be protective in his own way, but that doesn’t mean he has a right to be so close to Benjamin, unless he asks for it. And considering how closely I’ve been watching my Topolino since we arrived, I know he hasn’t.
There’s challenge and amusement in Ignacio’s dark eyes. It makes me want to bury him alive. Too bad both Roman and Benjamin would kill me if I did that.
Roman reaches his hand out, carefully pressing the back of his fingers against my leg. Ignacio’s eyes narrow as I drop my hand down to cover his, accepting the grounding the boy is offering.
If I didn’t think it’d get my ass kicked, I’d allow a hint of smugness to bleed into my demeanor, but the last thing I need is for my lovers and Cristian to beat my ass because I antagonized the bastard.
“So, while we know more,” Cristian says carefully, cutting into my musings. “We really don’t know much.”
“It’s more than what we had before,” Hollis argues. “It’s slow going, but each piece we unravel gives us more of the picture. We’ve eliminated their direct links to our organizations, and have preventative measures in place so it won’t happen again.
“We know they’re high up in the food chain. Not only do they have authority over the local police force, but federal connections as well. That is…not good, but we at least know where to look now. We might not have all the pieces of the puzzle, but the edges are at least coming together.”
“Not fast enough, but I’d rather not make waves by trying to rush it,” Cristian says carefully.
“Agreed,” Il Padrone responds. “They have to know we’re aware the conspiracy goes deeper than just Court. It’s best to exercise caution, moving in the shadows is what we’re good at. We know they’re coming, but if we’re careful, they won’t seeuscoming forthemuntil it’s too late.”
Excitement rushes through me, and I allow a grin to spread across my lips. The tension in the room turning from caution mixed with sexual, to anticipation, as we can all taste the bloodshed to come.
No matter what happens, whatever our Families end up looking like with the shifting dynamics and “fuck me” vibes coming from everyone—including the Bosses—the promise of death and violence will be the one thing we can all agree on.
The meeting wraps up quickly, with nothing else to go over, and the weird tension is back. The need for my Baby Mouse is too much, and Cristian reaches out to set a hand on my arm, squeezing hard.
Il Padrone’s bright gaze narrows as he zeros in on the touch. If I wasn’t itching for my Benjamin, I’d play with him, but the idea of him disliking Cristian touching me is going to have to besaved for later. Especially since I now know that I need to talk to my friend about whatever happened this morning after Cristian whisked Il Padrone into his office.
Roman is, of course, the one who moves first. His patience seemingly having run out. He stands in front of Il Padrone and dips his head respectfully.
“Padrone,” he says, his voice soft, but tone loud enough for us all to hear. No one moves, curious to see where this is going. “I need to apologize for my attitude and the disrespectful way I spoke to you last time we met. I…was not at my best. That is no excuse. I was raised better, but emotions were high, and I reacted without thought. I am sorry for disrespecting you and not remembering my place. We are not equals—yet—and I need to remember that.
“However, I hope you are willing to work with me, and help me to be better. I believe there’s a lot I can learn from you and the way you rule. I truly am sorry for not remembering my place. It was hard letting go after having to hold everything together for so long, but I do respect your place, and my own, and hope this hasn’t damaged our working relationship.”
It’s so quiet you could hear a pin drop, as Il Padrone stares at Roman, his intense blue gaze unwavering. “And your actions for trying to claim what’s not yours?” he asks. “Are you sorry for that?”
I am proud of how Roman doesn’t flinch at the question, nor does he take his eyes off the Martelli Boss, even as Ignacio’s gaze bores into Roman intently.
“No, Padrone,” Roman says. “I don’t regret falling in love. I never have and never will. I hope you will not only consider my apology, but allow me to speak with Ignacio in private. Even if it’s just for five minutes. I am serious about him, and it’s been…difficult being away from him.”
“Are you apologizing in the hope that I will give you what you want?” There’s an edge to Il Padrone’s voice and I tense, causing Cristian to put more pressure in his touch, holding me in place.
“No, Padrone,” Roman replies. “I owe you an apology because I acted like a brat, not like a future Boss. Being able to at least touch Ignacio for a moment would simply be a selfish need, not anything to do with my apology.”
Little shit’s been practicing, I muse. I am both proud and concerned for Roman. He’s obviously given this apology some thought, but what concerns me is if Il Padrone will believe him or not.
Well, the whelp certainly learned how to apologize… While I’m not positive it’s sincere, I’ll give him credit for the attempt. The question is…do my Boys deserve the chance to be with any of the Amatos, especially before facing punishment.
I look around the room, noting the ravenous stares from my Boys as they lean toward the Amatos they’ve claimed. It pisses me off, but I carefully keep my face blank. Flicking my gaze to the Amatos…now that is a different case.
