Trouble was in the air.
Melina was certain of it.
Though Mac hadn’t said much about the particulars of his meeting with Luca, when he had returned home, his mood had been off. He’d played with their son, given Marquise his bath and bottle before putting him to bed. She’d waited for Mac to say something, but he hadn’t. He had simply pulled her into his arms as they lay in bed, while he half-heartedly watched a football game.
Part of her had wanted to press him, but she knew her husband. Mac would talk to her about what he could when he was ready. She just needed to give him time. That had been two days ago.
“Doll?”
Melina opened one eye and looked at her husband. The warmth and comfort of their bed made the thought of moving a distressing one.
“Yeah?”
“I just got a call. Your presence has been requested at the Pivetti mansion.”
Melina opened both eyes and rolled over. “When?”
“At ten for brunch.”
She groaned. “Not that I don’t love the idea of seeing Neeya, but Marquise is still asleep. I was looking forward to attempting to sleep in today.”
Mac ran his fingers through her hair, gently massaging her scalp. “I know. You’ve been absolutely amazing. It’s like you’re Superwoman or something.”
“I’m glad you’ve noticed. That boy is your son through and through.”
“Yes, he is. Our son is the greatest gift you could ever have given me.”
Mac’s voice was rich with emotion. Melina moved closer to her husband, cupping his face in her hands.
“Talk to me.”
Mac moved his head so that he could kiss the palm of her hand. “I’m good.”
She shook her head. “No, you’re not. I’ve given you time, but your mood hasn’t changed since you met with Luca.”
“Things went fine with Luca,” Mac said.
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. I showed him pictures of Marquise, and he offered me his congratulations. It made him reflect on some things.”
“Like?” Melina snuggled into the curve of Mac’s arm.
“The birth of his first daughter. Enric, too.”
“It must be tearing him up inside to be away from his children, especially with everything Enric’s gone through.”
“He knows Enric is stubborn like him, but that doesn’t make it any easier.”
“Why don’t you bring Enric to see his sisters while I visit with Neeya? I’m sure it would be good for all of them,” Melina suggested.
“Yeah. I’ll do that. It was in the plans.”
Melina cleared her throat. “Well, if it wasn’t your visit with Luca that changed your mood then what was it?”
Mac was quiet, and Melina watched the plains of his handsome face. He was waging a war internally with himself. There was a fine line between confiding in her, and betraying the confidences of what made the mafia the organization it was.
“Let’s just say that in a truly loyal family, even if the boss was going away for a while, it wouldn’t matter. There would be a natural order to things.”
“But in this case, there’s still unrest,” Melina finished.
Mac nodded. “Unrest and greed corrupt even the noblest of men. At the same time, those with no regard for what someone else has built have no problems with tearing down an empire, no matter how fucking wonderful it is.”
Her husband had said a mouthful.
“Someone’s feeling themselves a little too much and ready to make a power grab.”
“Yeah.”
“Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out it’s everyone’s favorite Capo,” Melina said. She sat up and crossed her arms. “What are you going to do about it?”
Mac frowned. “I’m not the boss.”
“I never said you were. I just asked what you were going to do because you and I both know that man likes to deliberately push your buttons. The last thing anyone needs is more attention from the cops or the Feds.”
“I won’t disagree with you there. We’re walking a fine line right now.” Mac’s brow knitted together.
“Exactly. So, as usual I am going to trust that you will continue to handle your shit, but make no mistake, if need be, I am ready, willing and able to go Bonnie Parker on somebody’s ass.”
Mac laughed, a large grin splitting across his face. “You don’t need to remind me. I’m well aware I’m married to the best gangster moll a man could ever ask for.”
“Yeah, and don’t you forget it.”
Melina kissed Mac softly before she pulled back to look at him. There it was. The fire in his hazel eyes that she loved. It was a fire that never ceased to scorch her soul.
“Never,” Mac promised.
“Good, because with all seriousness, that is one job I would be glad to do.”
Mac kissed the bridge of her nose. “I didn’t imagine motherhood would make you this antsy, doll. I thought you’d still be caught up in the glow of being a new mom.”
“I am. Our son is the best thing I’ve done in life, and the reason why I’m extra concerned about any unrest a certain asshole is stirring up.”
“I don’t want you to worry. I’m handling things in the parameters I’m able to.”
“Then that’s all I need to know.”
A loud wail drew their attention.
“Sounds like my boy is awake,” Mac said.
He got out of bed and before Melina could say a word, he was heading to the nursery. She leaned back against the headboard as she waited for Mac to bring Marquise into their bedroom. Mac was downplaying things to a certain extent, but she trusted her husband. He would protect their family, while at the same time, maintaining his loyalty to Cosa Nostra. One thing Mac had always been was a man of duality. He could move between worlds and handle multiple situations.
“Look who’s awake and happy to see his dad.”
Melina smiled as Mac came into their bedroom, holding Marquise. Sure enough, their precious baby looked as if he was smiling at his father as Mac spoke softly to him. These were the moments she lived and would die for.
She knew how things worked.
She knew the role that she was supposed to play, and she would with a smile on her face.
She would love her son and support her husband.
But if the time came when Mac needed his gun moll back in action, she would be all too happy to fill that role again.
It was back to bodyguards.
At least for a while.
Though she didn’t like it one little bit, Melina hadn’t argued when Mac told her he was going to have a guard escort her to see Neeya while he picked up Enric. If that was what it took to put her husband at ease, she would not complain. Besides it was nice having someone around to help her carry some of the many bags and things you needed to have when you had a baby.
“We’re here, Mrs. Maccari.”
“Thank you, Samuel,” she said to the older man before turning to her son.
Marquise stared at her with wide eyes. “You hear that, sweetness? We’re here, so please be on your best behavior for Mommy.”
Her son seemed to frown at her and she laughed.
“Okay. Message received.”
The back door of the limousine was opened by Samuel, and Melina quickly unbuckled Marquise from his car seat. He squirmed in her arms as she exited the car.
“Would you get Marquise’s bags for me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Closing the door, Samuel got Marquise’s things from the other side of the limo before he escorted them up the stairs to the front door. The Pivetti mansion had always been an imposing monstrosity in itself, but today things felt different. The winds of change were truly in the air.
Samuel knocked on the door. A few moments later it was opened by one of the same maids Melina always saw when she visited. Usually she was greeted with a smile. Today the woman simply opened the door and ushered them inside. Though for a moment, her eyes did light up when she saw Marquise.
“Melina?”
Striding into the foyer was Neeya Pivetti, dressed down in a way Melina had never seen her. At all of their meetings, the Don’s wife was always wearing the height of fashion. Today she wore a simple pair of black slacks and a blue cardigan. Her normally well coifed hair was loose and kept off her bare face by a simple black headband. This was a Neeya that Melina had never seen before, and she honestly didn’t know what to make of her.
“Neeya, it’s wonderful to see you again.”
“You too, dear. Now let me have a look at this handsome little man.”
Neeya reached for Marquise, and Melina carefully handed her son to the older woman. In the back of her mind, she was silently praying her baby didn’t burst into tears. Neeya’s eyes lit up as she held Marquise.
“He’s beautiful, Melina. I’m sure Mac is walking around like a strutting peacock.”
Melina laughed as she followed Neeya down one of the large halls. Her guard followed discretely behind them.
“Maybe he’s strutting just a little bit.”
“And no one can blame him, dear. I knew you two would make some gorgeous babies together.”
As they continued walking, Melina noticed the bare walls. Where there once had been photographs, beautiful paintings of the family, and stunning art décor, was now nothing. The mansion was eerily quiet as they went into the solarium located near the massive patio. A small glass table covered with food and four chairs was the only furniture in the room.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
Neeya took a seat, still holding Marquise and staring at him intently. Melina followed suit.
“You’re welcome, but I’m only speaking the truth. He has your eyes, but no one could ever doubt that Mac is his father.”
“That’s one less thing to worry about,” Melina said lightly.
“Yes. Life does seem to have a way of giving us enough issues without us creating any unnecessary ones.”
Neeya’s eyes were momentarily downcast, but just as quickly as the look appeared, it was gone.
“That it does. I expected to see you at the hospital,” Melina said.
Neeya held one of Marquise’s hands. “I’m sorry about that, dear. I thought it would be a good time for you and your family to enjoy the blessed moment.”
“You are family.”
Reaching for her hand across the table, Neeya smiled. “As are you. I truly meant no offense.”
“I know you didn’t, but even if you didn’t want to come to the hospital you could’ve come by the house later. Your presence was sorely missed.”
Marquise started to whine, and Melina quickly grabbed a bottle from one of her baby bags, and handed it to Neeya.
“I apologize. I was sure with all the excitement of this little angel’s birth, my presence wouldn’t be missed.”
“Neeya, I don’t know what’s going on, and I’m not going to ask because it’s none of my business. What I am going to say is that in a lifestyle where friends are few and far in between and a real family is even rarer, you matter a lot to me. You’ve helped in your own way to fill a void.”
Melina picked up a strawberry and bit into it. Her hostess was quiet for a moment as she gave Marquise his bottle.
“Your mother.”
Melina nodded. “Yes.”
“I’m honored that you would think of me that way. I’ve felt a connection to you since Mac first brought you around, and I’m glad to know the feelings are reciprocated. You are an extraordinary woman, Melina.”
“As are you.”
“Perhaps. Life has a way of reminding you that you are not as untouchable as you think.”
“I’m sorry.”
Neeya put Marquise’s empty bottle on the table and put him over her shoulder to burp him. “You have nothing to be sorry about, dear. We play the cards that we are dealt and hope for the best.”
“Yes, but a wise woman once told me that perception is everything,” Melina gently reminded her.
Raising a brow, Neeya offered her a small smile. “Indeed it is. But things are not always as they are perceived.”
Before Melina could say anything the sound of girls’ voices carried to them.
“Mom?”
“In here.”
Melina turned as Neeya’s three daughters came into the room. They too were dressed down. None of the principessa finery she had seen the girls in on several occasions adorned them.
“Mac just brought Enric. We’re going into the theater room to hang out for a bit,” the youngest said.
“Sounds like a wonderful idea. Make sure I see him before he leaves.”
“Yes, Mother.”
The girls left the room, but not before the oldest gave her mother the strangest of looks. Melina silently wondered what that was about.
“He’s an exceptional young man. I hope he realizes his own resilience before it’s too late,” Neeya said.
“It’s not awkward for you,” Melina dared to probe.
“Not in the least. Enric was conceived before Luca and I even met. At first, I wondered if there was still some lingering feelings for Enric’s mother, but once I realized that was not an issue, it was fine. It would be petty and foolhardy to treat my husband’s only son as anything other than welcome.”
“Not everyone would be as magnanimous.” Melina took a sip of orange juice.
“Perhaps not, but the life I’ve lived has taught me a great many things. One of those being, you have to learn to pick and choose your battles. Why go to war over something not worth the bloodshed?”
“Especially when there are real wars brewing,” Melina added.
Neeya smiled as Marquise finally burped. Moving to cradle him in her arms, she slowly started to rock him to sleep.
“Yes. The best way to win any war is to do the unexpected. There will always be vultures circling, ready to feed on the scraps. Simply don’t give them any.”
Melina finished a bite of the ham and egg quiche before she spoke. “Games of strategy have never been my preference. I prefer to tackle things head on, but sometimes that is not an option.”
“Yes. You have an upfront personality, which is one of your endearing qualities, but there is a time and place for everything. You are in an even more important position now. Not only are you a rising Capo’s wife, but you are also the mother of a made man’s boy. Your worth has gone up exponentially, and that means the number of people seeking to undermine you has as well.”
“I’m aware, and I’m doing my best to navigate this new role but the urge to do something is always there. Sometimes it’s hard to just sit back and let my husband take the lead.”
“I know that struggle well, but there are ways that women can get things done that a man would never even dream of. Take a good look at your chess board and utilize the pieces you have in play. I’m sure you’ll realize you’re not as powerless as you thought.”
Marquise had fallen asleep. Both women looked at the deep, even breaths of the sleeping infant.
“From one strategist to another?” Melina asked.
Neeya smiled before leaning in closer. “From the best one you’ll ever know. Now enjoy your brunch, dear.”
Melina indulged in the lavish brunch laid out before her. Her hostess was silent, simply staring at Marquise and lost in her own world. Neeya Pivetti bore many burdens on her slim shoulders, but beneath it all the woman was a fighter. Perhaps not the in-your-face way Melina was, but a fighter nonetheless. Even better than being a fighter, she was a brilliant strategist.
For the first time, Melina considered that change could bring about something new and better than what was being left behind. The Pivetti mansion may have been empty, but the heart of its mistress was full. Of love, hope, or revenge, Melina couldn’t honestly say. What she did know was that no matter what happened, Neeya Pivetti was a queen whether she had a castle or not. Somehow Melina was sure the coming days would be illuminating.
“I enjoyed your visit so much, Melina. It’s a blessing to get to hold a baby in my arms again.”
“I should thank you. You’re a natural with Marquise. I might call you if I ever need a babysitter.”
The two women walked towards the foyer with Samuel following behind them.
“I’d be happy to do it, dear. He’s a delight.”
“Thank you and thank you for all the wonderful gifts.”
“I hope you enjoy them all.”
“Because they came from you, I have no doubt she will.”
The words came from Mac who was standing in the foyer. Beside him was Enric and his sisters. Her gaze flicked over her husband in a bold perusal for a brief moment. Though they’d woken up in bed together not long ago, she couldn’t help the tug of excitement she felt at seeing him. Especially when the suit he wore was perfectly made for him.
“Mac, dear. Wonderful to see you as always,” Neeya said.
She handed Marquise to Melina and enveloped Mac in a warm hug.
“You too, Mrs. Pivetti.”
Neeya waved him way. “You know better. It’s Neeya to you.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Neeya moved to where her stepson sat in his wheelchair. Though he smiled often at his sisters and seemed to happily respond to whatever they said to him, there was a noticeable unease about him. As if sadness and anger were warring within him. Melina recognized and knew those feelings well.
“Enric, glad to finally see you. My girls have missed you.”
The young man offered his stepmother his hand. “I’ve missed them.”
Neeya ignored his handshake and hugged him to her instead. Somehow Melina felt as if she’d just witnessed a pivotal moment. Enric was wounded and uncertain of his place in either family right now. His stepmother’s open embrace of him was a signal that he belonged. With everything he’d been through, Melina knew it meant something to him whether he acknowledged it out loud or not.
“Don’t be a stranger.” Neeya said as she pulled away.
“I could say the same thing,” Melina said.
She moved closer to the young man and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Marquise and I have been waiting for a visit.”
Enric regarded her with eyes so like his father. “Skip keeps me busy.”
Melina cut her eyes at her husband. “Looks like I need to have a talk with my husband.”
“Thanks, Enric. You just got me in trouble with my wife.” There was a teasing lit in his voice as he regarded the young soldier.
“Sorry.”
Melina shook her head. “No apologies. Just come by and see us sometimes. We owe you so much.”
“I will,” Enric said.
He looked away briefly in an effort to collect himself. A few minutes later, everyone had said their goodbyes and was leaving the mansion, when Melina had a thought.
“Do you have anything pressing you need to attend to right now?” she asked her husband.
Mac shook his head. “No. Why?”
“Would you mind taking Marquise back to the house while I take your car and drop by The Dollhouse?”
“I see that look in your eyes, wife. What are you up to?”
“Never speak about a move. Just put it in motion.”
Mac lifted a brow. “Very sage-like advice. You constantly surprise me, doll.”
Melina came closer and placed a hand on her husband’s face. “And that’s what keeps things interesting, don’t you agree?”
Mac nodded before his lips captured hers. His tongue touched the seam of her lips, before he kissed her again. Hard. Her body ached for him. For the chance to be one with him again. A discrete clearing of the throat made them move apart.
“Sorry to interrupt, Skip. Would you like me to escort the missus to do her business?” Samuel asked.
“No, Samuel. That won’t be necessary,” Melina said.
“Melina?”
She handed their son to Mac. “Relax. I’ll be gone less than three hours. I’ll text you when I make it, and I’m ready to leave.”
Mac hesitated, before he finally acquiesced to her wishes. “All right.”
Marquise chose that precise moment to start wailing. She gave her husband a pitying look.
“It’s your turn. Now, keys please.”
Mac handed her his keys. She gave him and her son a quick kiss, before grabbing her purse from inside the limousine and quickly walking over to where Mac’s Challenger was parked. Unlocking the car and sliding easily behind the wheel, Melina buckled up, put the car in gear and roared down the Pivetti driveway. Her conversation with Neeya replayed again in her mind. Idly sitting by had never been her style and just because it was required of her now, didn’t mean she couldn’t put some plans of her own in play.
It seemed every light was green as she drove the stretch of highway that would take her to The Dollhouse. Her purpose for stopping by was threefold. Ten minutes later, she pulled into her reserved parking space and texted her husband. Mac responded back instantly. She rolled her eyes at his instructions to keep him posted. Exiting and locking the car behind her, Melina walked inside and was mildly surprised to see the club at half capacity. This time of the day was usually slow before the evening rush.
She greeted one of her hostesses, and the men and women working the bar, before heading to her office. Once she was inside, she quickly looked over the books and did her own calculations. Though she had an accountant, Melina believed in being on top of her business. An hour later she was done and satisfied.
“Boss Lady!”
Melina looked up and saw Erika standing in the doorway.
“Well, hey stranger. Nice to see you,” Melina said.
She came from behind her desk and hugged Erika. The two women had been through an ordeal together. In the ensuing happiness of her son’s birth, she hadn’t seen or called her friend.
“I could say the same about you. Domestic bliss has taken over everything, huh?”
Melina drew back. “No. I still have a business to run and interests to protect.”
“I heard that. How’s the munchkin?”
“Perfect. Every day he does some new little thing that makes my heart melt.”
Melina sat back down behind her desk.
“I bet. You better watch him. Marquise is going to be a lady killer like his daddy.”
“I don’t even want to think that far ahead.”
Erika laughed as she sat on the edge of the leather armchair in the room. “Get ready for it, mama. You’re going to have little girls sending home notes asking, Do you like me?”
“And they will be going straight into the trash. Nope. Not having it.”
“You look really happy, Melina. I’m glad.”
“I can say the same about you. Not to mention the type of money you’ve been bringing in. I’m incredibly impressed.”
“Don’t be too impressed. Two thirds of it is from one particular patron. You know him pretty well, actually.”
Melina leaned back in her seat and crossed her legs. “I do.”
“Yes. Anthony Corelli.”
Internally, Melina smiled. For once maybe her plans and Fate’s were going to line up.
“I don’t think anyone really knows Anthony Corelli.”
“Well, he usually has something to say about you,” Erika said.
“Really? I can’t imagine why.”
“To be honest, I think he has a hard nut for you, and I’m just a poor substitute. But I’m all right with it. As long as he keeps the green flowing, you’ll get no complaints from me.”
“I can imagine the two of you get along very well.”
Erika plucked a stray eyelash from her eye. “We do. Sometimes we talk for a bit. I can tell his work stresses him out.”
“Is that so?”
“From what I gather. Is there a reason you’re so interested in Anthony Corelli all of a sudden?”
Melina had to think and think fast. She and Erika were friends. She’d invited the young woman into her world and so far that gesture hadn’t been misplaced. But she also didn’t need Erika to be privy to anything that might come back to haunt her if things went sour.
“Actually there is.”
Erika’s eyes stretched. “Oh. Do tell?”
“I just feel like knowing Anthony a little better might help ease some tension. All I really know about the man is that he is a business associate of my husband’s. Other than that Anthony’s a blank slate.”
“I sort of get the feeling he might not be too fond of Mac.” Erika bit her lip.
“I do too, and I want to do something about that. Maybe if I knew a little more about the man, the two of them could come to a meeting of minds on certain things.”
“It’s a good idea, I think.”
“I’m glad because you are in a unique position to help me, and I can assure you I have no problem making it more than worth your while.”
Her petite friend regarded her with a shrewd gaze and for just a moment, Melina feared that she might have made a mistake. Perhaps she’d said too much or tipped her hand.
“I’m in, although let me warn you, sometimes he doesn’t say too much. Or if he does it’s some crass remark about how sexy you are or how big your tits have gotten with the pregnancy and all.”
Melina wrinkled her nose. “Why am I not surprised? Men.”
Erika shrugged, a half-smile on her face. “Hey. All I can say is you’ve made quite the impression on the man.”
“I can assure you it wasn’t my intent.”
“Oh, I know. Even Ray Charles could see how in love you and Mac are. So when do you want me to make a report?”
“Only if you have something. Other than that business as usual. You can look for an extra incentive with your next paycheck.”
Erika stood up. “Yes, ma’am. Anything else?”
“Yeah, now that you mention it. I’m thinking about having a private get together for my husband and a few friends. Find out how many of the girls would like to participate.”
“Will do. I’ll talk to you soon,” Erika said before leaving.
When she’d shut the door behind her, Melina smiled. Perhaps this might go off without a hitch. She didn’t know how Mac would feel about her plan as far as Anthony was concerned, but he’d surely agree to doing a little something for his guys. The idea had come to her when she saw Enric. The young man had nearly lost his life trying to protect her. Marquise might not be here if it wasn’t for him. The same could be said of Giuseppe, who was still being treated for the terrible burns he’d gotten from a car bomb meant for her.
Melina understood that this lifestyle was a choice. The men who become a part of it were no angels, but that didn’t mean that they didn’t deserve to know their sacrifices were appreciated.
After all, what good was status and money if you were dead? Yes, a nice get together for Mac and his crew would probably do wonders for morale. Besides that, if word discretely got out, there was no doubt it would raise her husband a head above the other Capos. And ensure the continuing loyalty of his crew.
The game was in motion.