Armored by S. W. Frank Page A

burgeoning gut, he could not identify. He let Matteo’s call go to voicemail and called Nico.
    Nico answered surrounded by acoustic music. “Cosa cugino?”
    “You did not tell me about this party for Tony.”
    “Why should I?”
    “Because we are famiglia.”
    “Is there a point to this call cazzo?”
    “Sí. Have a word with Tony, he has no security.”
    “He has a gun and so do I.”
    “Bene. Is the job done?”
    “What do you think the smiley face meant?” Nico asked sarcastically.
    There was laughter in the background. Giuseppe smirked. “Tell Tony we are no longer amici.”
    “Cugino, get the fuck off the phone. I saw your damn car out there. If you weren’t invited…then that might tell you something…news flash…you’re not his friend. Ciao!”
    Giuseppe snort before disconnecting. He did not want to be friends with Tony, Nicole is the person he sought an intimate friendship. He pointed for the driver to go and then settled back to return Matteo’s numerous calls and texts.
    “What is the emergency Matteo?” he asked. “I would think you would enjoy the peace and quiet with my sister out of your coiffed hair.”
    “You did not call to inform me of Sophie’s decision.”
    “I have been busy. My mama was given an ultimatum. I am certain she will do the right thing.”
    Giuseppe scrutinized the night landscape. Darkness can be beautiful when quiet.
    “This Yosef is not good for our families. There has been talk of dissension once news of his presence surfaced.”
    “People talk; it is their actions that concern me most.”
    “And what of this lunacy that has gripped Alfonzo?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “He has given valuables that were his inheritance to the likes of smugglers.”
    “What my fratello does with his property is not my business or yours, Matteo,” Giuseppe replied patiently. His mind traveled to Allie. Perhaps he should call the child before she goes to bed to say good-night. Today, he realized how truly amazing bambini are. They speak inappropriately but are not intentionally cruel. Ah, he felt such pain to think he injured his dear Allie.
    “Did you enjoy the outing with Carlo?”
    “Sí.”
    “And the donna, did she enjoy the day as well?”
    Giuseppe’s ears twitched. “Are you spying Matteo?”
    “No, when you didn’t answer after I called many times I contacted my cugino to ensure all was well.”
    Giuseppe’s hooded eyes were on the dark skull of his Capo dozing in the passenger seat. Perhaps it was a mistake to hire any of Matteo’s relatives. They forgot their loyalty is to Don Dichenzo; that is their pledge.
    “You and Amelda are meddlesome. You belong together. Do not involve yourself in my personal affairs Matteo or that of my fratello, capisce?”
    “Likewise stronzo.”
    Giuseppe tossed manners aside and abruptly disconnected. He preferred to say good-night to Allie rather than conversation with an officious Don.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    C hapter Fourteen
     
     
     
     
     
    “Come on gorgeous, everyone’s too busy drinking to notice we’ve disappeared.” Tony coaxed as he lifted his fiancée’s dress while pinning her to the wall of the bedroom closet. She’d gone upstairs to fetch her camera and he followed. She looked so sexy in the off the shoulder teal gown that he experienced a rush right before the hard-on came.
    “Tony what about the guests?”
    He stretched her arms over her head, sliding warm hands down her skin until they were on her hips, working down the strap of the flesh tone G-string. She relinquished the protest when he surged with a pumping motion almost to her stomach. The music covered her pant and her eyes closed to the rhythmic melody being crooned throughout the home.
    ‘ I can hear her heart beat for a thousand miles,
    And the heavens open up every time she smiles ,
    And when I come home to her that's where I belong ,
    Yet I'm running to her like a river's song …
    S he gives me love, love, love, love, crazy