Chapter 36 Vow in Blood
A black limo comes to a screeching halt in front of us blocking the only exit. Who is this now? Adrenaline surges through me as my body tenses and I shift Alessia behind me reaching for my gun in my holster.
“Stay back until I know if it’s safe,” I whisper to her and I feel her nod behind me. For once she understands and there is no argument.
I cock my gun, the sound echoing in the alley, removing the safety and get in position training my gun at the car. Ready to murder whoever else tries to take away what belongs to me again tonight. From the sounds of it the men have already moved the victims back into La Magerita backyard. I can’t risk turning around to confirm in case the visitor is a sharp shooter like me. I wait patiently for the person in the car to step out.
If this is Marci Vitelli I am going to riddle his body with so many bullets it’s going to take a forensic specialist to be able to identify him. That will teach him to try and take what belongs to me. Rage unbidden rises in my chest as I tighten my hold on my gun.
The passenger door opens and Luca steps out in a white button up shirt, brown suspenders and a hat. He must have finished early with his family.
Relief fills me as I set the safety back on my gun and put it back in my holster, and I bring Alessia to my side once more. “You can relax, Cara Mia, it’s only Luca.”
I hear her huge sigh of relief. Dios mio… even though she is still trembling as Luca walks towards us adjusting his hat once. His eyes meet mine and he gives me a nod.
“Why are you in the back alley? Did you have unwelcome guests?” he asks, peering into the alley.
I nod. “Yes. A few of Marco Vitelli’s men wanting to take Alessia to him.” She shivers by my side as I recount what happened.
“We handled the men and I asked the ours to clean the scene,” I tell him.
He tilts his head, holding his chin with his fingers deep in thought. “Alex, isn’t that odd?” He pauses. “Marco isn’t supposed to step into this territory without sending word to you or the Sirrano’s. And why does he want to speak with Alessia?”
I zero my eyes at a spot across his shoulder thinking of a master plan. “You summed up my thoughts exactly, Amigo. We need to get to the bottom of this and I have a feeling there will be more bloodshed at the end of the tunnel.”
A thought comes to me and I ask, “Why did you park here?” surprised by his timing.
He nods once, a brief smile touches his face. “I didn’t initially. I parked out front and went into the club to find you.” He shifts his foot adjusting his tie. “Joe told me you stepped out back with back up so I quickly told Tony to block the alley in case,” he finishes as we turn around and walk towards his limo together. And that’s why we are friends. He understands me and has quick reflexes.
I face him, my mouth twitching in a smile. “That was pretty good assumption, Luca.”
He bows his head at me, removing his hat and placing it back on his head. “Luca Castillo always at your service,” and I chuckle.
I open the door and wait for Alessia to step in and I close the door after me as Luca walks over and settles on the left hand side.
Luca faces me. “Where are we heading to now, Alex?” he asks.
Sighing, I pull Alessia towards my chest, laying her head on me hoping I can get her to stop shaking. She doesn’t argue, she seems to be in shock as she slips her arms around my chest and holds on to me tight. Something warm filters into my body, it feels so unbelievably good as my body stirs.
I glance at him. “I need to go to the hotel, check on a few things…” I say, not telling him my plans of spending the night there.
He leans towards the communicator. “La Visage, Tony, and make it snappy.”
“Yes, boss,” the driver’s response wafts through the speakers as he switches on the car.
Luca leans back in the chair and asks softly, “Is she going to be okay?” I nod. “Yes. She is just in shock. She will be fine.”
I rub Alessia’s back in circles trying to soothe her. She tries to move and I hold on to her whispering in her ears, “No, stay. Lean on me, Cara Mia.” I feel a strong desire to protect her and keep her safe at all costs. I can lie to myself and say it’s because of La Rosa but deep down inside? I know it’s beyond that.
She sighs, nodding softly as she finally starts to relax in my embrace. The car slowly moves away from the back alley, leaving all the danger behind. For the mean time. I still need to find out what exactly Marco Vitelli is doing in Sicilly . He runs a tight ship in Las Vegas and I don’t step into his territory without sending word first. Strazza. Something is off and I will get to the bottom of it.
As we weave our way around traffic and neon lights blur past my window, I hold on to Alessia like a lifeline. I bend my face to her neck, inhaling her essence and letting it imprint in my brain. The rage inside me is nowhere near diminished but it’s contained for now.
Soon enough we will arrive at my safe place, La Visage, my territory. Most of Sicilly don't know I own the five star hotel. It will be a good place to escape for the night. Because tonight nobody touches my woman but me. No one will even dare to look at her without my permission granted in blood.