TWENTY-ONE

A Meeting of Minds

ALESSIO

“What do you think?” Josie asks once she’s finished presenting her idea.

The minx waited until she woke me up by sucking my cock, then she lured me into the shower where I had no choice but to fuck her senseless. I can’t get enough of her, and she knows it. We almost didn’t make it out of the hotel room. She wriggles into this formfitting emerald-green dress that accentuates her curves, then crosses her legs, exposing her creamy, silky thighs, to slip on the sexiest three-inch heels. She then sashays to the door and looks over her shoulder.

“Are you coming?” she teases. “We’re going to be late.” We’re already late. We were expected half an hour ago, but we got off to a late start. I sent Reno a text to tell him to start without us since lunch was at one.

I was tempted to haul her back inside even though we’re heading over to visit with Lucia and Leo to see the baby once more before we go home. Marco and Nero are coming to pay their respects, and as such, Reno and his family will be joining us. While we’re all together, we’ll take the time to discuss some family matters.

Josie picks this moment to give me her thoughts on Mia and Mara and their ridiculous idea about moving out on their own.

“How long have you been thinking on this?”

“I got the idea from Dante. He lives on the same property as Reno and his family, but has a place of his own. Mia is looking for space. Mara would never let her go it alone. I agree, it’s too dangerous for the sisters of a capo to be out there on their own. A compromise is the best solution. Maybe they can do part-time courses at the college and the rest online. You know that Matteo and Fern would die before they let anything happen to them, and under close watch, they’ll be safe. You can make it part of the agreement to let them have their own place. I think it’s fair.” She rests her head on my shoulder for good measure.

“I’ll think about it,” I reply. It’s a solid idea, but I want to work out the logistics completely before giving my approval.

“Well, think of it this way: with Mia and Mara safely tucked away in their beds at the carriage house, we can be as loud as we want,” she adds for incentive.

“If I go for this,” I start to say, and automatically, Josie bounces with excitement in her seat. “Josie, if, and I mean if, there are going to be rules. They don’t move out until they start college.”

“It’ll take time for the place to be built.”

“I decide the security detail, and all guests must be approved and vetted by me,” I tell her. “They’re a prime target for our enemies. I won’t bend on this. They can hate me, but they’ll be alive.”

“They could never hate you, and I think you’ll be surprised at how mature they are. Talk to them. I’m sure you’ll find that they’re more than reasonable young ladies,” she says.

“You better be prepared for many loud nights,” I tease.

“I look forward to it,” Josie says, then laughs.

I have to admit, Joseph is a cute baby. So are Reno’s kids, Samuele and Simona. Kids are funny little people. Samuele bombards his mom with a million questions. “Why doesn’t he have teeth? Why does he sleep so much? Why is he so little?” He’s a curious child, but he’s driving his mom crazy. As soon as Reno calls his name, he goes running over and jumps into his father’s arms for a father-son chat.

Simona hasn’t taken her eyes off Joseph. Anna is holding the baby when he wraps his fist around Simona’s fingers. She sits quietly next to her mom, content to let him keep holding her hand. Simona is quiet like her mother and very sensitive. She doesn’t like loud voices. I noticed that Sebastian is careful to speak less animatedly when he’s with her.

We’ve had a great visit all afternoon, but we need to leave to meet our plane soon. Leo guides us to his study and pours us each a brandy to toast his son.

“He’s a handsome boy,” Marco says. “To his health and well-being.” He raises his glass, as do we all, and we all take a sip.

“Luciano wanted to be here, but he’s holding down the fort, and since Grazia had their baby girl a few months ago, he didn’t think they were ready to travel,” Nero says. Luciano has been Nero’s best friend since they were kids. Their friendship is as long-lasting as mine and Niccolo’s. I had heard that Nero didn’t take it well when Luciano approached Marco for Grazia’s hand in marriage, but since both are still standing, it’s safe to say they worked it out.

“How the new princess?” Dante asks with a chuckle.

“Ciara is the belle of the family. My son, Antonio, dotes on his little cousin. Luciano’s mother is spoiling her, and look at my father.” He points to Marco. “He’s puffed up like a peacock.”

“Quiet. I’m still your capo,” Marco jokes. “And let’s not forget Zia Cara. That girl has brought over more tutus than any one little girl will ever need.”

“Speak of the devil,” Leo says, and answers his cell. “We were just talking about you and your new family. How are they all doing?” He excuses himself to take the call, then returns a few minutes later.

“Josephine and I will have to leave shortly. We have a plane to catch, but I invite you all to come and visit Las Vegas. We have much to celebrate,” I say, and we do. We aided one another in eliminating threats to our families, collaborated in business, and have formed firm bonds.

“Not only at weddings and funerals,” Sebastian adds, and we all have a laugh.

“Our next wedding isn’t until Cara’s, and that isn’t until next year at the earliest, when she finishes college. Let’s not wait that long,” Marco says. You couldn’t miss it if you tried—Reno and Sebastian look at Dante, waiting to see how he reacts.

Dante’s eyes go dark. It’s like he’s putting a cap on a volcano that’s going to explode at any moment. Then coldly, he says, “Cara is getting married?”

“Yes. Emiliano spoke to Luciano just last week. Emiliano’s a good man. He’s very respected and has grown into a very powerful soldier. His father is grooming him well to take over for him when he retires,” Marco informs us.

I don’t know much about Emiliano, but what I have heard is all good. When the Russians were trying to get to Olivia, Emiliano held them off until Sebastian and Dante got there. That took guts and know-how.

The mood in the room shifts. Tension hangs in the air. Dante sucks back the last of his drink. “I wish them well. You’ll have to excuse me. I need to take care of some business.”

He’s gone in a flash.

Reno moves the conversation in another direction. We discuss the upcoming possibilities and tackle the current obstacles. Our meeting of minds leads us to understand that we’re stronger together.

As the plane taxis down the runway, Josie holds my hand. I didn’t realize she was a nervous flyer, although it makes sense considering she’s never traveled. We take off, but her hand is still in mine.

“Joseph is so adorable. That squishy face gets me every time,” Josie says. “Of course, our baby will be gorgeous.” She reaches over and brushes her lips over mine.

“A little girl who looks like her mother will be the death of me. Then I’ll have four women to protect. I’ll have to get more men inducted and buy more guns.” Josie rolls her eyes. “Did you roll your eyes at me?”

“I believe I did.” She takes off her seat belt to sit on my lap.

“You know I’ve killed men for less,” I tease. I let my hand roam her outer thigh, slipping under the dress, which has ridden up, exposing her skin.

She feigns horror, theatrically throwing her hand over her mouth. “Oh please, sir, let me live. I’ll do anything.” Josie kisses behind my ear, then my neck. The wanton then proceeds to unbutton my shirt and presses her lips there.

“Gattina, don’t think I won’t take you right here and now,” I warn. “You keep this up, and you’ll be the newest member of the mile-high club.”

She climbs off my lap. “You’re right. This isn’t the time or the place.” She smooths the front of her dress. “I didn’t get much sleep last night. Someone kept me up all night. I think I’ll take a nap.” She pauses, then adds, “In the back.”

I gave Josie a tour of the plane yesterday and pointed out the small bedroom. It’s rarely used, but it’s proving to be a very convenient expense. She walks away, her hips swaying, and her hand moves to the zipper at the back of her dress and slides it down.

I’ve created a sex kitten. I’m not complaining. I could spend the entire day in bed with Josie and still not get enough of her.

With her, it’s not just about our time in bed. I love our conversations and the way she cares for Mia and Mara. She’s growing into her own and forming strong friendships, even with the women from Il Destino. Josie is resilient, weathering the storms that have come her way. Through it all, she hasn’t lost her warm and caring nature.

I saw this when she was a young teenager and fell in love with her then. I might not have known it was love, but even my hardened heart knew she was what I wanted.

Without delay, I get up and follow her. It’s been hours since I made love to my wife. I need to do something about that.

When I open the door, Josie is lying on the bed, her hair strewn across the pillow, completely naked. I give her a sly grin, “Have you been waiting for me?”

“Absolutely not. I didn’t want to wrinkle my dress.”

I burst out laughing, and Josie joins in with a giggle. We may have to travel more often.