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  I slammed my whiskey down my throat. “Gio, I’ll be right back.” Casually, I strolled downstairs through the crowd towards the bar. I made eye contact with the bartender.

  “Hey, this seat is reserved! Find another seat,” the bartender said to the guy sitting next to the woman.

  The guy stepped away.

  I nodded my head to the bartender as I slid in next to her.

  “Excuse me Miss.”

  She halted her conversation with her friend, then turned to me. “Yes.”

  “I need to see your ID. The police raided our club lately. I’m spot checking ID’s. Not to worry. I’m sure you aren’t under age,” I grinned.

  Her smile faded. She dug into her compact black purse, retrieving her ID.

  “I showed my ID at the door.”

  “I understand. Sometimes people show fake ID’s,” I shrugged.

  She placed her identification card in my hand. Her friend asked her what was wrong.

  I glanced at her then back at the ID card. She nervously rubbed her arm.

  Placing one hand on the bar, I leaned close to her ear. “I need to see your real ID or I’ll have security escort you out.”

  She reached back into her purse, then placed another piece of ID in my hand.

  “Nadine Barlow from Philly,” I smiled.

  “You know what don’t worry about it.” I placed her ID back into her hand.

  “Stevie!”

  “Yeah boss!”

  “Give the ladies whatever they want to drink.”

  “Sure, thing Tone.”

  Nadine flashed that incredible smile again. “Thank you.” I wanted to taste those fucking ruby red lips.

  “It’s no problem. My name is Anthony Magarelli.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  The ladies ordered their drinks. Nadine introduced me to her friend. I sat talking to the lady’s a while.

  “I’ll let you ladies get back to your night. Feel free to join me and my friend in VIP if you like.”

  Nadine grabbed my large bicep. “Thanks again.”

  My eyes roamed her body in the short black dress. Then my eyes met hers. “Any time beautiful.” I winked.

  That’s all it took. Once back at my table I told Giovanni about Nadine. He began busting my balls about how I always run that ID play to get pussy. Twenty minutes later Nadine and her friend joined us. A few drinks later my hand rested on her thigh. She rubbed the back of my hand. Most women placed my hand against their pussy. I don’t know for some reason I was happy she didn’t.

  Nadine’s friend Lana took to Giovanni quick. He never had a problem getting women, so I wasn’t surprised. An hour later we drove the ladies to their dorm. Sliding the driver’s seat back a little, I slipped Nadine into my lap, sucking on her fucking ruby red lips. My cock was rock hard against her pussy. Not sure what the fuck was wrong with me, but I couldn’t fuck her that night. I made Gio walk with me. We accompanied the ladies to their dorm room. I wanted to make sure they were safe.

  After spending time with Nadine, I told her the truth a few weeks later about the ID play. She was upset. I made it up to her by fucking the shit out of her. In my head she was my woman even though I told her we couldn’t be together. She told me I was right, and she needed to focus on school.

  TONY

  BACK TO THAT NIGHT

  Later Friday night after meeting with Francine and Dillon, I told Nadine to come over.

  Once she arrived we sat in the living room. The lights upstairs cascaded downstairs. She listened intently as I told her what was about to happen. Abruptly, she left my side on the couch, fleeing to the large window. She wrapped her arms around herself, crying. All the lies we told each other to keep our feelings at bay turned out to be just that, lies. We had deep feelings for each other.

  Stepping behind her, I turned her around, pulling her into my arms. I couldn’t look at her soaked face. She sobbed against my massive chest. A single tear rolled down my face, landing in her short black hair. Nadine glanced up at me, slamming her lips into mine. Scooping her up into my arms, I carried her upstairs to my bed. My hands swept her purple blouse over her head the moment I laid her down. Our lips devoured each other’s at every possible opportunity.

  “I don’t want you to leave Tony.” Her fingers grazed through my short brown hair.

  “Nadine, I don’t want to leave you.”

  Her fingers swept under my t-shirt. Nadine’s tongue circled my nipples. She pushed my shirt over my head. Our eyes met again. Sliding her bra over her breast, my mouth hungrily took her breast into my mouth.

  “Fuck, I don’t want to leave you.”

  Our fingers met at the waist band of her skirt. We slipped it down her beautiful brown legs together. Spreading her legs my teeth clenched her pussy through her powder blue panties.

  “Fuck!” Nadine screamed.

  Standing to my feet, I snatched her panties off swiftly, dropping them to the floor. Unbuttoning my jeans, my boxers and jeans fell to the floor.

  Nadine removed her powder blue bra while she watched me completely undress.

  “You know what to do.”

  Her legs fell open. I licked my lips, right before climbing on the bed, planting my tongue into her tight hole.

  I watched as her dark oval eyes closed. My greedy fingers trailed up her flat stomach, capturing her breast with my beast sized hands.

  “Tony it feels so good,” she cried. Her small hands latched onto my large forearms.

  “Make me cum Tony. Make me cum all night.”

  “You know I will beautiful.” My tongue slipped through her folds stopping at her clit. I sucked her clit until she couldn’t stop moaning. I fucking loved to hear her moan.

  “Music to daddy’s ears baby.”

  Nadine’s fingers gripped my hair. “Lick my clit Tony. Please!”

  My tongue slipped around her wet clit with ease until she was cumming in my mouth. Nadine pulled me over her. Shoving her tongue into my mouth, she pushed her pussy onto my dick. Briefly my lips parted, as I slid deep inside her potent pussy.

  “Shit, I’m going to miss this pussy.”

  My fucking toes curled. I was having second thoughts about leaving. Holding her tight, I laid her against the headboard. Leaning back on my knees still inside her, both of my hands wrapped around her neck. I stroked her pussy from side to side as she held onto my forearms. Never taking her eyes off mine she slowed my rhythm by circling her hips. Nadine’s eyes closed a bit. “Tony, I’m cumming! I’m cumming.”

  “Baby, look at me.” Her eyes popped open. My pace increased. My hands tightened around her neck. Nadine watched me relentlessly slam into her pussy. I released her neck, one hand slipped around her waist, the other gripped the headboard.

  “Fuck!” I yelled through gritted teeth as I exploded deep inside her tight walls. My chest heaved in and out while beads of sweat poured down my face. Nadine’s delicate hands swiped the sweat away before my head fell against hers as I slid out of her pussy.

  Nadine slipped out of bed, disappearing into the bathroom, returning a short time later with a towel. She wiped my body down until I was free of sweat. Tossing the towel onto the chair in the corner, she hopped back into bed, resting her head on my shoulder. Her soft hand caressed my cheek as I held her in my arms never wanting to let her go.

  “You never have to say the words verbally, but your eyes give you away every time. It’s ok Tony...” She pulled back staring into my blue eyes.

  “…I love you too.”

  You have no idea where I had to go in my head to leave the only woman I ever loved. The post card I mailed to her P. O. Box read:

  Everything is fine.

  I love you Nadine.

  PRESENT

  I’ve kept a picture of her in my wallet all these years. Using an alias name, I follow her on social media. She’s still single. Nadine is a successful Pediatrician, she should have a husband and kids by now. Nadine’s most recent social media update says she�
�s flying to L.A. for a medical conference. I’m tempted to sit in the hotel lobby where the conference is being held, just to see her in person one more time. We haven’t spoken in fourteen years. No, I think I need to leave well enough alone.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  SERGIO

  Flashback

  Stepping into the Wonder bar I was greeted by my friends and a few women. Anytime I went out I was greeted by women. They clung onto my arm like a damp towel. Always whispering in my ear, what they wanted to do to me. Not sure if I was tired of them promising they’d give me the ride of my life or if deep down I was longing for something different. Being born a Magarelli earns you respect. Sometimes people fear you due to the stories they’ve heard. It’s simple, we don’t take shit from nobody.

  My friends and I sat in a large corner booth discussing our plans for the rest of the night. My eyes scanned the room. It is important I’m aware of my surroundings. My eyes fell on a beautiful brunette across the room. You can tell the way she carried a conversation with her friends she wasn’t stuck up, but genuine. I’m tired of the self-absorbed broads. She placed her hand on her friend’s hand sitting across from her. I tried reading her lips. All I could visualize was, ‘It will be alright.’

  I wanted to get to know her. “Vic, I will be right back.”

  “I will order another round of drinks while you’re gone.”

  Buttoning my suit jacket, as I strolled toward her table. I wanted to look sharp when I approached her. In passing, I spoke to several people I know.

  Standing at her table, gazing into her brown eyes, confirmed what I already knew. She had to be mine. Watching her lips as she told me her name, had me hypnotized. Her voice was divine. I was so taken by her, I almost forgot to introduce myself to her friends. After getting the formalities out of the way, I led Francine to the dance floor. Never once did she give off a desperate persona to be in my presence. Honestly, I don’t think she knew who I was. I rather it be that way, gives us a chance to get to know each other.

  Taking her lips in mine felt invigorating. I wanted my lips to touch every portion of her porcelain skin. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted to be inside her later that night, but I could tell she’s not that kind of woman.

  Friday afternoon, I called Francine’s house. A woman answered. She placed me on hold. Her voice was muffled. However, I heard her yell Francine’s name throughout the house. She said something else I couldn’t make out. She came back on the line asking if she could take a message. I was confused. Why would Francine dodge my call after having such a wonderful time last night?

  Saturday, I phoned Francine’s house again and the same thing happened.

  Balling my fist on my lap, I was fuming as I sat in my father’s office. I hung up the phone. My blood was boiling. What the fuck was going on! She thinks it’s that easy to never see me again, well she’s got another thing coming.

  I had one of my guys collect some info on Francine.

  Later that night, I showed up at Francine’s house. Her mother Mrs. Cunningham was very cordial.

  After waiting in the sitting room for about fifteen minutes, Francine finally walked in. Gazing into her beautiful face almost made me lose my voice. I thought, I was going to swallow my tongue, that’s the kind of power this one woman has over me. Longing to hold her in my arms, I kept my cool as she sat on the sofa next to me.

  Once she told me she heard who I was, it all made since why she was dodging me. I don’t give a fuck about her wanting to stay clear of me because my family is in the mob. None of that shit matters. Only me making Francine my woman is what mattered. Kissing her lips again felt good. Francine was in for a rude awakening. The way she moaned against my lips told me she was in love with me too. Yeah, it ain’t no way she was getting away from me.

  After our first date, our courtship was a world wind. She understood she was my woman. I would break a man’s neck if he stared too hard at what’s mine. Whenever she and I went out to dinner, the waitresses knew not to look at Francine wrong, if they did then my sister Catriona would handle them.

  Our wedding night was spectacular. My virgin bride and I made love all night long. Not having sex for six months before we tied the knot was hard.

  When our son Dillon was born, that was another special time in my life. He was my little man. I loved seeing his face every night after work. My family was my pride and joy.

  That day in the bar’s back room, my sister and I tortured a man. Normally that would have been just another day until my son watched through the crack in the door as I squished Little Ernie’s head in the Vice.

  Once my anger is turned on, it’s almost impossible to turn it off. Walking around town, shooting your mouth off, telling your friends you are tired of working for Sergio Magarelli and you ain’t working for me no more. Yeah, that will get your stupid fucking brains squeezed out of your head. I ain’t got a tolerance for disrespect. That maggot piece of shit, had to be dealt with, by me. My sister chose to join in on the fun because she wanted him dead just as bad as I did. Now that little Ernie is dead he ain’t got to work for me no more. I laughed aloud.

  Seeing the fear in my son’s eyes when he sat next to me on the leather sofa in my office at home, saddened my heart. Truthfully, that wasn’t a side I wanted my sons to ever have to witness. Looking little Dillon in the eyes telling him he means the world to me and that I would do anything to protect him, made his body relax a bit.

  As time went on, I really wanted to keep my kids out of the life, however sometimes I believed it wouldn’t be possible. Who was going to take over once I retired? My goal was to have my nephew Anthony take over and become the next boss.

  The night I returned from Vegas, my wife greeted me at the door.

  “Sergio!” Francine ran into my arms, holding me for dear life.

  I pulled her back, staring into her teary eyes.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “There’s been an accident.”

  My heart hit the floor.

  “Anthony picked Dillon up from my sisters in Philly. On their drive back, Anthony must have lost control of the car in the snow storm, and the car…”

  Her hand flew over her mouth as she wept. “Went over the edge and exploded. They are dead! My baby is dead,” she cried.

  I was in shock. I didn’t know how to respond. I held my withering wife in my arms. Gripping her fingers tight, we walked upstairs to our bedroom. Throwing my coat on the chair across from me, I sat in a chair in the corner of my bedroom holding Francine as I stared out the window. I couldn’t wrap my mind around not ever seeing my boy again.

  CHAPTER SIX

  SERGIO

  “When did this happen and where is the crash site? I need to go there.”

  Francine sat up in my lap. “It happened last night.”

  “Why am I just hearing about it!” I roared.

  “If I would have told you last night, you would have stopped your meeting, and flew home.”

  “You are damn right!”

  “Listen, we need to tell our son Dominic his brother isn’t here anymore,” Francine cried.

  I never wept so hard in my life. I held my wife tight that night, never wanting to let her go.

  The next day we talked to Dominic. He was heartbroken. A dark cloud remained over my family for a long time.

  Mickeys wife called me Monday afternoon.

  “Sergio, I am so sorry for your loss, if there is anything I can do just let me know. “

  “Thank you. Maybe you can come over and help Francine plan the funeral.”

  “Of course. One more thing. Mickey never came home after dropping Dillon off Friday night. I know he doesn’t come home for a couple of days sometimes because he’s handling business. When you talk to him ask him to call me please?”

  “Sure, thing Josey.”

  When Mickey didn’t show up for Dillon and Anthony’s funeral that Thursday, I knew something was severally wrong.

  Filippo shook my hand a
s I stood in line with the family after the funeral ended.

  “I’m sorry for your losses. Dillon and Anthony were good men.”

  “Thank you.”

  I held his hand a little longer. “How is Leech doing? I heard he got shot outside the club.”

  “Yeah, he’s getting better, he should be out of the hospital next week.”

  I leaned close to his ear. “I understand that was the same night Mickey came to the club to collect. Did things get out of hand? Is there something you want to tell me?”

  I asked standing tall glaring into his eyes.

  “No, no, nothing. Mickey collected then went on his way.”

  “Really, take a look around. Do you see Mickey here? I sure don’t. If I find out you had anything to do with my brother’s disappearance…”

  I patted him on the shoulder. “You know what will happen. I won’t care about the agreement made between our families.” My eyes burned right through him.

  “Sergio, I will ask around to see if anyone seen Mickey.”

  I smiled. “Thanks.”

  As Filippo walked away, I motioned for my right-hand man Giovanni to step over.

  “Keep your eyes on that maggot, I don’t trust nothing he says.”

  “You got it Sergio.”

  Present Day

  The hole in my heart from the loss of my son, will never heal. I remember Francine waiting to tell me two months after Dillon’s death, she was pregnant. I was sad and happy at the same time. I was happy to learn we were having a baby, but sad because we had recently lost our son.

  Francine still brightens my day and I can’t keep my hands off of her. Dominic and his brother were so close. Over the years I spent more time with him helping him handle losing his brother.

  Alexandria is fourteen years old. I can’t believe my son has been gone for so long. I never get to see my son get married, have kids, or become a successful business man. His life was snuffed out.

  Someone killed my brother Mickey. This fall his remains were found buried around Draper Lake. He’s been dead for fourteen years. Something doesn’t feel right. I’m the Governor of New Jersey now. I can’t go around getting my hands dirty. I need a man like myself. A man who won’t stop until they solve the problem. My son Dominic will investigate everything that happened that weekend fourteen years ago. I know my son, he will find answers.