Indecent Pawn: What price is too high to pay for another person’s debt? (25 page)

“Thank me?”

“Thank you for slapping some since into me. You did what no one else could to help me realize what a mistake I was making.” Antonio said fishing the other picture from his pocket. “If you hadn’t of sent such a sloppy little shit after her, I wouldn’t have realized how much I care for her.”

“…” From the ticking of his jaw, Antonio could tell he was starting to see no light at the end of the tunnel for him.

“I must admit, I am very proud of my bella. The force and angle of the blade was dead on. Wouldn’t you say?”

“What do you want?”

“It’s simple really.” Antonio laced his hands in his lap. “I want to know why? Why would you betray your own flesh and blood? What I had you had so what else was there?”

“You don’t deserve to be Don. You never wanted this lifestyle to begin with. It should be MINE!”

“How do you figure this should be yours? What the hell have done to build up this empire? You’ve made it your mission to tear what has been built down with your selfishness and greed.”

“Grandfather told me so, that’s why.”

“What?”

“Grandfather Baldassare taught me enough before he died. He’d said you would fail as a Don because you lacked heart. You didn’t have the guts to be in charge of this cut throat industry.” Ernesto chuckled with a slur to his speech. “He was right. My mother was right. Your father was a wimp who fell for a woman of equally weak genes.” Antonio had heard it all before. No one believed his mother was good enough for his father and the throne he’d taken over.

In truth the type of women they claim he was to be with were the weak ones. The ones that were easily distracted with temptation. Uncle Carmine’s wife was put to death
mysteriously
for her infidelity with her guard. Roberto’s mother ran away to parts of Greece to hide away with her family. Her harsh treatment towards Roberto and his chosen lifestyle warranted several threats from Miss Carlina Mucciono in the flesh. They mistook his mother for a weak woman when in fact she could be just as ruthless as anyone of them but only when she felt her children were being threatened.

“Now you are tainting the blood line further by shacking up with that…”

“Careful now. I won’t allow you to speak anymore blasphemy of my mother nor my wife to be. This has nothing to do with them but has everything to do with you. Your mother and our late
nonno
did a real number on you.”

“Fuck both of those puttanna’s!” Ernesto shouted. “Others will come. You won’t see them coming. This isn’t over. You’re weak! You will fail.”

“Why kill your father? What did you gain from that?” Antonio asked squashing the emotions he felt trying to resurface. “Did Zio Carmine find out about your terrible deeds? No need to answer that because he confided in another before you could get to him. Thanks to your sloppy work and inability to cover your tracks properly, your plans have been scrutinized for a while.” At his silence, Antonio continued to taunt the self-righteous son of a bitch.

“I must admit the club incident was a nice little trick. Calling in the Chinese to work out a deed such as that is commendable but not quite good enough.” Antonio chuckled darkly. “Thanks to you though, he has been handled like the rest of the
puttanna’s
you had in your favor.”

“What are you speaking of? I haven’t done anything to Chon.”

“I never said his name but thanks for confirming what he had to say as well.” Antonio smirked. “Furthermore, are you sure? That wasn’t what the news just reported.” With a pen from his pocket he used it as a stylus to push the buttons on the tablets remote to flip the television on. With a few more flips the news footage of some sort of major wreckage was displayed on the screen.

‘Reporters on the scene are pulling the wreckage from the horrific helicopter explosion carrying the Chinese Businessman Keung Chon. Authorities have been tipped off that it could have been a deliberate explosion not a mechanical malfunction. Possible suspect names are being withheld pending further review. Sources close to the Chon family link connections to an individual out of Italy as a person of interest. It seems the two have been at odds for reasons unknown at this hour.’
The more the reporter spoke the more blood seemed to drain from Ernesto’s heavily tanned face.

“How can you be sure you didn’t send out a hit on Chon? You’ve issued so many in the recent months. After all it was you who has been spreading vicious gossip like a little puttanna about not doing anything to avenge Carmine’s murder. Tuo padre, mio zio.”

“I can tell you where the money is.”

“No need, I already know and it’s already been recovered.”

“…” Antonio saw the panic on his face suddenly appear. His eyes started to dart around and breathing was hyped up a notch.

“Game over.” The housekeeper already removed the gun from under the conference room table and he’d just disabled the one at the bar. Not that he would have a chance in hell getting to it. By the time the thought to retrieve his baby backup from his ankle, his life will have officially ended.

“The heat will all turn on you when my body is discovered.”

“Who says your body will be discoverable? You have no people. You’re people work for me and always has from day one. Who will care to look for you besides the authorities? And even then that is to arrest you for the brutal murdering spree you have just gone on.”

“What then? When they can’t find me all fingers will point to you. I have people in unsuspecting places. The truth will be revealed.”

“I would say let me worry about that but why put up the charade.” Antonio said calmly. “All of your loose ends and stones left turned over have all been dealt with. Those fools hidden in the recesses of Chicago, the gutter. They are no more. That pathetic family you
claim
because of that cunt of a mother of yours, they were only using you. So sorry to break the news to you. Once the buck stopped and the money dries up, they could care less.”

“Have mercy on me Don, I will just disappear.” His body became so discombobulated. The sweat started to pour down his face. Loosening his tie, he stood to his feet. Whatever he had laced the drink he intended for Antonio with was making him hallucinate.

“Yes you will.” Antonio stated lowly watching his cousin’s behavior. Falling to the floor with a thud, he noticed he couldn’t find his bearings in order to defend himself. The stupid prick had just disabled himself.

Rising to his feet he sauntered over to the pezzo di merda and watched him wiggle around like the snake he was. Blood was supposed to be better than what this porca miseria had reverted them to. It should have been the both them on the same team ready to concur the world just as their father’s before them. There was no honor among thieves, he’d better remember that. Antonio placed a foot on each one of Ernesto’s arms to cage him in just where he wanted him. Up until that moment he didn’t know just what he wanted to do to him. His next words although slurred helped him to solidify his decision.

“Che ti morisse la madre!” Ernesto started to chant all sorts of evil thoughts while struggling to remove Antonio from restraining him. “A fanabla!”

“Salvami un sedile.” Antonio told him to save him a seat and slid his knife from it’s holster that was strapped to his back. The shimmer from the blade made the mumbling idiot shut up quickly. “Open wide.” At his resistance, Antonio swiped the sharp blade across his right ear causing him to scream out. A strong grip then applied pressure to his neck at the proper pressure points to cause him to cough uncontrollably. While his mouth was ajar, Antonio grabbed his tongue pulling with such a strong grip that the pain in his ear was long forgotten. Without a second thought, Antonio cut a nice chunk of his tongue off.

“See, hear, nor
SPEAK
no more evil.” The thick blood gushed to the opened wound and puddled into his mouth. Tears of pure pain ran from his eyes like a faucet.

Once he thought he could show compassion to the misguided soul into leaving the bad seeds his mother planted into him. His mother, father, and even his uncle had spoken to him fervently about his poor cousin. He’d broken his Zio’s heart, this he knew. As an afterthought, he slammed the cold jagged blade into the place where his heart should have laid. He’d broken so many hearts with the wake of his deceit it was only fair he suffer the same fate. With no remorse, Antonio watched the deceitful sack of shit he once loved as family drift into the abyss.

Allison woke up for what felt like the hundredth time since she has been back in Italy. Technically it’s only been a full day since she has been back. In the distance she could hear a lot of rustling going on. Looking for the clock to see what time it was, she realized she was still on the couch where the last rump was dealt. Thankfully Antonio had thought to cover her up because she was indeed very naked. Why didn’t he wake her?

Standing to her feet to make a bee-line to the bathroom she saw one of the housekeepers in the room. It seems she was changing the linen and straightening the room up. Even though she was trying to be quiet, Allison could then comprehend what the rustling sound was that she heard. On her way to the bathroom she could hear her apologize for waking her but Allison had to go too bad. Only accepting her apology and checking the time in passing.

Memories of what took place in that very shower just that morning brought a blush to her cheeks. Antonio definitely had a way with his body. Having only been with two men in her entire life she felt ecstatic to find the one that rocked her world the second time around. Although it would have been ideal to have a man such as this as the first instead of the second but who is to say they would have ever met if it weren’t for her disastrous marriage. 

That is one thing that she sends a big ‘thank you’ to Derek for. Wherever he will spend eternity that is. If it had not been for her no good, unlucky, extreme gambling husband she would have never been used as a pawn. A very Indecent Pawn at that, she never would have been acquainted with such a powerful force of a man such as Antonio Mucciono. An indecent pawn that will shape, mold, and form the rest of her life.

This once terrible, unmoral arrangement has been both a blessing and a curse. The blessing being the life she now carries. A life that in her modest opinion is a love child. What better way to bring a life into the world than it being out of love? If he didn’t love her that’s fine with her but she wouldn’t lie and say she didn’t love him. It took some serious thinking and pondering but the fact remains, Allison is in love with Antonio.

Unfortunately that is where the curse comes into play. Enough people have lost their lives around her and one in particular by her very own hands. She can’t help but feel remorse for their souls and guilt in her heart feeling at fault in one way or the other. Sure she didn’t physically kill Derek, nor did she believe Antonio had anything to do with it but karma did bite him in the ass. Karma for all the abuse he dealt to her innocent being and probably others before her, sending him into a cruel reality. At least that’s how she feels.

Antonio made no qualms about feeling pretty much the same way as they spoke about it. Still quite a few deaths around her were mainly her fault. They were after her. Mainly because of him and wanting to hurt him but the fact remains, she is the center of the pawn game. Unlike when things were getting really rough, she didn’t feel alone through it all. Allison had faith that Antonio would never leave her side again. She had to have faith in this cruel world no matter the hardships she has faced. The love she has for him would just have to suffice and stand for them both.

“Good afternoon caro.” Carlina greeted Allison when she finally emerged.

“Good afternoon Carlina.” She hugged her mother figure. “Sorry about last night.”

“What are you apologizing for? You have been through so much Allison. There is no need for that.”

“I’m glad to hear you speak. Girl you had me worried.” Stephanie hugged her next.

“Sorry Steph. I guess I was in shock. At least that’s what Antonio said.”

“You were. WE were all worried.” Steph said and Carlina nodded. “Gio and Rob blamed themselves for not protecting you.”

“Oh God, they shouldn’t. If it weren’t for them teaching me a bit about protecting myself, I possibly wouldn’t be here right now.” Allison confessed. “Well, added with the determination to be here to tell Antonio about this one.”

“Speaking of that young lady, I have a bone to pick with you.” Carlina looked at her accusingly. “Why didn’t you tell me I am going to be una nonna?” She gushed.

“I wanted Antonio to know first. The only reason why everyone else knows is because I was having black out spells and things. Steph has been my home care doctor.”

“I am so happy!” Carlina exclaimed bringing both girls in for a group hug. She was squeezing the life out of them. “Both of my boys have found their life partners.” Allison was starting to become a bit claustrophobic and then her stomach growled rather loudly.

“Excuse me. So embarrassing. That’s been happening a lot.” Both women laughed.

“We better get you fed. Did Antonio not make sure you got the soup and sandwiches? He made us promise to stay away.” Carlina fussed.

“No Carlina, he more like
warned
us to stay away.” Steph joked.

“He didn’t?”

“Yes ma’am he did.”

“Speaking of Antonio, is he around? As a matter of fact, where are any of the boys?”

“No caro, they left earlier for their last meeting. Antonio didn’t tell you before he left?”

“No.” Allison couldn’t stop the negative thoughts from circling her mind like vultures over road kill.
‘What if he regretted saying some things?’ ‘What if it was all a dream?’ ‘What if something happened to him?’
She would die if anything happened to him. Especially after she has entertained the notion that she indeed wanting more with and from him. Most importantly,
what if he suddenly decided he didn’t want her as much as he wanted his baby
?

“He’ll be back before you know it. Don’t worry.”

“How did you sleep?” Steph changed the subject to what she thought was a lighter topic. A blush immediately spread over her face. Just thinking about the positions they were in through the night and that morning was causing warmness to envelop her body. “That good, huh?”

“I slept soundly.”

“I bet.”

“Steph…”

“Alli…”

“Girls.” Carlina giggled and rolled her eyes. “I’m pretty sure you girls had an eventful night but we are talking about my boys here.”

“Sorry Carlina.”

“I’m only kidding.”

“Carlina, may I ask you a question?”

“Sure caro.”

“When did you know you were in love, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“…” The girls noticed Carlina got a far off look before smiling fondly. “As cliché as it sounds, it was love at first sight. I was so afraid of my late husband when we first met. He was so intimidating plus his reputation was horrible. Therefore I had every reason to be fearful but something about his eyes made me want to be brave if for nothing else other than to stand beside him.”

“Sound familiar?” Stephanie asked with a smirk.

“Vaguely.” Allison answered with a blush.

“Allison, although you two didn’t meet the traditional way there is no reason to feel guilty for loving my son so early. And before you deny my suspicions just remember I am a mother. I know all and see all before any of you.”

“I do love Antonio. I just can’t figure out how that’s possible. Honestly I never loved my late husband. I felt obligated to him if anything.”

“Why did you suffer silently all those years? Almost ten years is a long time.”

“Derek is the first and only man that showed me genuine attention aside from just saying how
sexy
my curves were. Looking back it’s all in what he said versus what he showed. Talk should have been cheap instead it was golden being everything I wanted to hear.” Allison reminisced over her past surprisingly not bitter but grateful. “After the magic potion that painted him as a saint wore off I was left with the real monster. The one so demanding that he would lock me in the basement of our home when he was angry. I was forced to subdue in every way imaginable. I have lost lives that should have brought about joy but it was nothing near.”

“Well, it’s a good thing he pawned such a fine piece of china as yourself or else I would have never gotten my daughter in law.”

“Carlina…”

“Come on now. You can’t tell me that both of you weren’t thinking the same thing.”

“…” All three women laughed because they were selfishly thinking the same thing. If Derek hadn’t been so dirty Allison never would have been able to experience real love from a mother figure and give love to another. Stephanie would have been consumed with work and secretly meeting with Gio. Allison was her first girlfriend she could talk to about anything being that she was a foster kid herself. Carlina made her happiness clear from jump so there was no question as to why she was thrilled.

“What if Antonio never feels the same?”

“…” Steph and Carlina looked at one another before looking at Allison like she had lost her mind.

“You can’t be serious, right?” Steph asked.

“Of course I’m serious. I mean I am having his baby but then what. No offense Carlina but your son could just take his child and be done with me.”

“None taken because that is just idiocy coming from your mouth right now. I will just consider that as cold feet talking because you are making no sense right now.”

“It’s a very valid question. Especially with us being as
different
as we are.”

“You are tripping for real. I wish I would have videoed the reunion between you two last night.” Steph said.

“Caro, my son absolutely adores you. If you think he doesn’t then just ask him. I am pretty certain he would love to show and tell you just how much.” She winked and took a sip of her tea.

“Okay ewe. Furthermore the way he was telling you that everything was going to be alright and he was apologizing for not being there to protect you, you have that man. He is probably wrapped all the way around your fist forget the one finger. I don’t know Antonio like that and can tell he loves you.”

“…”

“Have you ever told him you love him?”

“No.”

“Exactly but I bet he knows from the way you show him. Do you feel loved when you are together and I’m not talking only sexually? How did it feel to wake up next to him? How did it feel to talk to him and be comforted by him?”

“Thank you Carlina.” Allison conceded.

“No problem caro. I am here for you girls whenever you all need me.”

~

The remainder of the day they indulged in some in house spa treatments. Through a careful screening process a spa team was allowed through the iron gates. There was no complaints from any of the women as they enjoyed the pampering. Girl talk, an array of gourmet snacks, and relaxation was just what the doctor ordered as they let all of their cares waste away. Every so often she would look at the clock to gage the time wondering was Antonio alright and when would he return.

Not wanting to be a party-pooper she allowed them to drag her to the theatre area to watch different movies. About midnight she decided to partake in a long bubble bath to relax her nerves. Thinking maybe he was just spending the night wherever his meeting had been she called it a night. Allison prayed to the God above to return the man she loved in one piece before drifting off.

~

Allison felt small butterfly kisses on her tummy but was too tired to open her eyes. Thinking for sure it was just the wind blowing the sheet across her half naked body. After her bath, she had rubbed down with some brown sugar and vanilla scented shea butter. Sleeping without panties had become a fetish so she just slid into one of Antonio’s undershirts. Knowing full well it would only cause her boobs to fall out of the arm holes and it would probably ride up her wide hips. It was just comfortable sleep attire.

“I know your awake, bella.” She heard Antonio whisper from close by. Opening her eyes to the darkness, she tried to shake off the sleep. Antonio was laying on his side half way down her body. His infatuation with her stomach was cute.

“Ciao Bello.” Allison spoke to him in his native tongue. Everybody had been teaching her a little bit at a time. His one brow cocked up in amusement and she wondered did she say it wrong.

“You’ve been learning, bella.” He commended. “What else can you say?” Allison bit her lip trying to decide if she wanted to say what was in her heart.

“Mi sei mancato terribilmente.” The shock on his face when she told him she missed him was gratifying.

“I missed you too baby.” Now it was her turn to look shocked.

“Why didn’t you wake me before you left?” She asked when she finally recovered from his confession.

“You needed to rest.” He chuckled with a hint of mystery. “We had a long night and an intriguing morning. Thank you by the way.”

“For what?”

“You gave me that much needed boost to finish my work and get back to you.”

“You’ve been gone all day.”

“Yes well, my business was out of town. I apologize if I worried you.” They were now face to face as they spoke.

“Was your business trip productive at least?”

“Very much so. All of the funds that were embezzled have been recovered.”

“That’s great. I’m so glad everything worked out.”