14 Days With The Mafia Lord

~ Precious Cargo ~

GIOVANNI

"It's quite pleasing to see the turnout for this event, don't you think, Mr. Enrico?"

This came from André Cassini, the host of this event and the head of the Cassini Mafia family. He was a tall, greedy man with thinning gray hair and spoke with a thin voice that grated on my nerves. If he wasn't already my enemy from holding onto a territory I wanted, his voice alone was enough to put him on my wrong side.

Elaine, André, his wife Marie, and I were standing to the side of the boisterous party, having a conversation.

"Of course, Mr. Cassini," I agreed, forcing my lips into a friendly smile I didn't remotely feel. I took a sip of whiskey from the glass in my hand. I tried not to show how much I wanted to shoot him and his wrinkly wife, who carried the distinct smell of mothballs, even though it was apparent she'd over-sprayed her perfume to cover it up.

I wondered why I hadn't just sent one of my men on this scouting mission instead of coming myself.

"Who doesn't like a good party, right?" Elaine asked. Her smile looked more natural than what I'd given.

I was mesmerized by her beauty. When she'd stepped out of the mansion dressed in that sparkly black dress accentuating her feminine curves, all the breath in my body left with such alarming speed I thought I'd been sucker punched square in the gut.

She was nothing short of ethereal, and I wondered how someone as vile and disgusting as Blanco Martinez could father such a pure and beautiful being.

She was so unexpectedly stunning that keeping my eyes away from her on the drive here was a struggle. I unashamedly watched her as she fidgeted with everything on her person—her bracelet, dress, diamond necklace—to keep from looking at me. And now that we were here, it seemed I wasn't the only one who found it hard to keep my eyes off her.

As we worked the room, Elaine proved she could adapt to anything. We talked and shook hands with different Mafia bosses, cartel lords, and dangerous men of the criminal underworld. Their eyes lingered on her attractive figure even though most of them came with their wives.

If I was being completely honest, I didn't blame them. Most of the women at this event were middle-aged, and some were downright elderly. To a fully red-blooded man, Elaine was the equivalent of catnip to cats.

Which was why I made sure to plant myself firmly by her side and glare at any motherfucker who leered at her.

A camera flash caught my attention, and I surreptitiously moved closer to Elaine. My excuse was that I was trying to adjust my cuff, but I really wanted to make sure one of the many paparazzi took a picture of Elaine and me together. Then, for that picture to somehow make its way to old Blanco Martinez. I'd give anything to see his reaction to Elaine next to me.

"You'd think that with all the money we put into this party, the planner would pick a different color than, what is that? Peach? Peach clashes with my skin tone," Marie said, turning her nose up at the decoration. With the way her brown hair was piled on top of her head, I was reminded of a witch from a children's book.

Her husband rolled his eyes and turned to reply, but thankfully, I was spared from his drivel when Elaine leaned into me.

"Giovanni," she whispered into my ear. "I have to use the ladies' room."

I stiffened at the implications of her simple request. She'd be out of my sight for a considerable amount of time, and who knows what she could get up to. With the way she defied me at every turn I still didn't trust her not to try and escape.

With that in mind, I ignored her. Focusing instead on the live band on stage and the chattering guests.

Elaine leaned closer. "Did you hear me? I have to use the bathroom."

I internally rolled my eyes and took a sip of my drink, fully intent on continuing to ignore her.

It didn't stay that way for too long because Marie decided to put her geriatric nose into the conversation.

"Elaine, dear, are you alright?"

"Perché non ti fai gli affari tuoi, fottuta stronza? (Why can't you just mind your own business, you fucking bitch)." I muttered under my breath.

Elaine was quiet, her expression flicking between me and Marie as if she was scared of what I'd possibly do.

I had to give it to Marie. She was persistent, if nothing else.

Reaching out, she gripped Elaine's bare arm, the skin around her hazel eyes crinkling. "Elaine? You don't look so good. Are you uncomfortable? Do you want some water?"

If Elaine was bothered by Marie's obvious lack of boundaries, she didn't show it. Instead, she flashed a warm smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Cassini, but I'm fine. I wanted to use the bathroom, but I'm fine now. Don't worry about me."

An unable-to-take-a-hint woman, Marie Cassini scoffed and let go of Elaine's arm. "There's no need to lie, my dear. I know you're not alright, and I also know what's going on. Giovanni doesn't want you to leave his sight. While that is sweet, your health is the most important thing."

I looked at André, wondering why he wasn't doing anything to curb his wife's loose tongue. All he did was hold her hand and lightly stroke it.

"I get it, though. That unwillingness to let each other go. Why, this one was just as infatuated with me back when he was a spring chicken," she said, gesturing to her husband, and they both laughed.

At least I wasn't the only one stunned by what she said. Elaine's blue eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open like she was going to speak.

Recovering quickly, I beat her to it. "You're right, Mrs. Cassini. I can't bear the thought of having Elaine out of my sight for even a second. She's the air I breathe," I lied through my teeth, pulling Elaine closer to further sell it.

She still retained the shocked look but quickly covered it up and let out a small laugh. "Giovanni, you're just too much sometimes."

"Well, I have to be. You're precious cargo, you know. If you want to go ladies' room, I'll have you escorted."

I raised my hand to signal to Butch, who was sampling canape nearby, but André interrupted me.

"There's really no need for that, Mr. Enrico. This venue is more secure than the White House. She'll be fine to go to the bathroom alone. I'm sure the fine lady would enjoy her privacy without feeling like someone is breathing down her neck."

I wasn't comfortable leaving her alone, but I couldn't think of any way to justify having her escorted, so I didn't argue.

Forcing a smile, I let Elaine go. "Of course."

Before she left, I leaned down and whispered into her ear. "Don't waste any time in there, and if you even think of trying anything stupid, you'll pay. Dearly."

With no reaction, she turned around, and I watched as she sashayed toward the restroom.

.......

Thanks for reading. 💕