If you wanted things done right, sometimes you had to do them yourself.
At least that was the motto Melina was currently subscribing to.
It wasn’t that she didn’t think she had fully capable people available to assist her with her current undertaking. It was just that she knew the importance of tonight’s event, and she wanted everything to be perfect. Mac had expressed his appreciation that she cared about the men in his crew. Tonight would be a chance to show just how much.
For probably the hundredth time, Melina moved around The Dollhouse, checking things off the list she’d made earlier. Actually she’d moved past checking hours ago. Rechecking was more like it. She stopped and frowned when she noticed Mac sitting at the bar watching her with a smirk.
“Nice to see that one of us is acting like he doesn’t have a care in the world,” she said.
“And why would you think that, doll?”
“Because I’m running around here like a chicken with my head cut off, and you’re all easy breezy.”
Mac raised a brow. “Easy breezy? Hardly. I just know that my wife is fully capable of doing an amazing job at whatever she puts her mind to, so there is no reason to stress about tonight.”
“Oh.”
Mac moved from his seat and walked over to his wife. He tipped her chin up with his finger and offered her a full smile.
“You’re the most confident woman I know, so tell me what about this night has you so rattled?”
“I wouldn’t say I’m rattled. I just want to do this right. With everything going on, I think it’s important that we all have a chance to decompress and enjoy some of the good in life. Besides that, I just want your guys to feel appreciated. Not that you don’t do a good job of that on your own.” Melina held up a hand in defense.
Mac put his arms around her waist. “You’re doing something no other Capo’s wife has even thought of doing. Your heart is in the right place and because of that tonight will be a success no matter what.”
“Flatterer. I knew there was a reason I married you,” Melina teased.
“The only reason?”
“Hardly.”
Melina kissed Mac, her tongue slipping in his mouth in a kiss of love and appreciation. He returned her kiss with the same fiery fervor. Mac was a rare man and every day made her realize just how lucky she was to be married to him.
“The lovebirds at it again.”
Melina eased apart from her husband and rolled her eyes as Erika walked in. “Don’t hate. Appreciate.”
Erika laughed as she came closer to her boss. “No hate here. Always happy to see you smiling.”
“Good to hear. You look especially nice this evening.”
“Always dress for the occasion, Boss Lady.”
“I like that way of thinking. I’ll see you in a few minutes, doll.”
Melina nodded as her husband walked away before turning back to Erika. “Well.”
“Nothing yet. Just the usual complaints about not being respected and there needs to be change.”
“Really?”
Erika nodded as she flicked away a stray strand of hair. “Yes. That man has a major chip on his shoulder.”
“Thanks for the info. Look for your first bonus,” Melina said.
“That wasn’t much. Glad it helped. Excuse me while I check my makeup.”
Momentarily left alone, Melina finished going through her check list before the club started to fill with people. The bartenders and wait staff appeared first, followed by the caterers and the DJ. Her girls came in next, and she was happy to see almost every girl that worked for her had volunteered to work tonight. If nothing else, Mac’s men wouldn’t be lacking for female company.
“Melina, the crew is ready to come in,” Mac said appearing at her side.
Giving one last look to make sure everything was set up correctly, she took Mac’s hand and joined him at the entrance to the club.
“Moment of truth.”
“You know you don’t have to do this. The party itself is enough.”
She shook her head. “Nope. This is non-negotiable. Introduce me to everyone. I don’t have to know what they do for you. I just want to know their names and thank them.”
“Whatever my wife wants, she gets.”
“I’m going to remind you of this conversation at a later date.”
“I have no doubt of that,” Mac said.
Before Melina could say anything else, the doors opened and one by one, the men started to file in. A good majority of them she didn’t recognize, but she greeted them with the same enthusiasm of those she did know. Every man was not only respectful, but seemed deeply humbled that she had gone out of her way for them. The appreciation in their eyes was one of the best gifts she could’ve ever received. Enric was the last of the men to arrive.
“Enric. So glad you could come,” Melina said.
The young man rolled his wheelchair up to where she and Mac stood. His eyes shifted briefly to her husband before they went back to her.
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“Always.”
Melina leaned down and kissed his cheek. Enric had the good grace to blush before he addressed Mac.
“Skip.”
“Enric. Enjoy yourself.”
The young man nodded and wheeled away leaving Mac and Melina alone.
“Was that everyone?” Melina asked.
“Yes.”
Melina released a breath. “Good. That was a lot of men to meet and greet.”
“That meant a lot to them.”
“I could tell it did. What was that between you and Enric?”
Mac put his hand against the small of her back and guided her back to where the party was in full swing.
“Nothing. I spoke some harsh truths to him, and he’s still a little sore about it. He’ll get over it eventually.”
“Just how tough were you, Mac?”
“Enough. He has to shake this shit off. There are so many people that need him.”
“I’m sure he will in his own time. Now how about you and I enjoy ourselves?”
Melina took Mac’s hand and pulled him out onto the middle of the floor where a few of his crew and some of her girls were dancing to the slow grooves the DJ was playing. Melina slipped her arms around her husband and laid her head against his chest.
“Doll, I’m not sure I know this song.”
“Why am I not surprised? I’ve got to introduce you to more soul and R&B music. This is I Still Love You by Next. It’s one of my favorite songs, by the way.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, it is.”
The night seemed to pass in a kaleidoscope of music, laughs, and good food. Fernando’s, the five star restaurant she’d hired to cater the event had outdone themselves in every way. Nearly two hours later, Melina had her share of stuffed mushrooms, prosciutto wrapped green beans and veal parmesan. Even Mac had admitted the food was almost as good as his mom’s. Almost. Then he’d made her promise to never repeat what he’d said.
Of course, she’d promised before extracting a promise of her own from him later. The drinks continued to come, and the music continued to flow. Life was good. Each and every person at The Dollhouse had needed this. The escape from the harsh reality that any moment could be their last. A subtle reminder to live life to the absolute fullest in every way. Melina grabbed a flute of champagne from one of the servers and quickly downed it before pulling Mac back out onto the dance floor.
“You’re not tired yet, doll?”
She shook her head. “No. It feels like I’ve cast my cares to the winds tonight, and I can just let loose.”
“Maybe it’s all that champagne talking,” Mac teased her.
“Or maybe I’m just enjoying this time with my husband and counting down the days until we can be as close as humanly possible again.”
Mac groaned. “You and me both. This is the worst kind of torture.”
Melina laughed as Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic started to play. She and Mac danced together seamlessly as one. And then the music came to a loud and screeching halt.
“What the hell?” Melina said.
“Sorry to interrupt your little get together, but we need to speak with the owner of this establishment,” a man’s voice said on the loud speaker.
Melina looked over towards where the DJ booth was set up and noticed two men she hadn’t seen before standing on either side of the DJ. Both were dark-haired. One older. One younger. With purposeful strides she made her way over, with Mac right behind her.
“I’m the owner, Melina Maccari. I’d like to know why you’ve come into my establishment uninvited and rudely interrupted this private party.”
Both men exchanged glances before slipping their hands into their jacket pocket. Melina braced herself and cursed under her breath when she saw what they’d pulled out.
Badges.
Fuck.
“Detectives Meyer and Langley. We have a few questions for you, Mrs. Maccari.”
Just like that, the night was ruined.
Melina didn’t blame her guests for filing out as quickly as they could.
The stench of cop was in the air.
Beside her, Mac bristled while the detectives smirked as the club emptied. The assholes knew exactly what they had done.
“I’m sorry to inform you gentlemen, that coming here was a waste of your time. I have nothing to say to you.”
The older mustached, Detective Meyer smiled showing tobacco stained teeth. “I think you might change your tune once you hear what we have to say.”
“Unless you have a search or arrest warrant, I suggest that the two of you get the fuck out of my wife’s establishment before I get our lawyer on the phone. I’m sure the police department would love another harassment suit.”
Langley held up his hands. “No need for any of that, warrants included. We actually just came by as a courtesy to Mrs. Maccari.”
Melina arched a brow. “Is that so? Public relations department hounding you guys now?”
“Hardly. We just thought you might like to know one of your employees has been picked up for heroin and cocaine possession,” Meyer said.
Mac’s hand slipped around her waist.
“I think you must be mistaken. All of my employees were here this evening, enjoying a party I threw for them.”
“Hmm. Sure is a lot of employees for one place. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it looked like some low level mob figures were choosing their entertainment for a different kind of party if you catch my drift,” Langley said.
“My wife has tried to be courteous by not having the two of you thrown out on your asses, but I’m not my wife. I suggest you leave now before I show you why the things they say about me may very well be true.”
Detective Meyer’s lip curled into a sneer. “Is that a threat, Maccari? We can haul your ass in right now for threatening a police officer. I’m sure the guys in booking will be happy to see you again.”
Langley placed a hand on Meyer’s shoulder and shook his head. Melina wasn’t fooled in the least. They were playing the classic good cop/bad cop routine. Too bad for them it wouldn’t work.
“Forgive my partner. Sometimes he gets a little too high strung. As I said this was just a courtesy to let you know, Brianna Carmichael is in lockup. She had half a brick of cocaine and ten ounces of heroin.”
Detective Langley took out a picture and laid it on top of the bar before turning back to his partner. “Let’s go, partner.”
Meyer leveled a hard glare at Mac before he reluctantly followed his partner out of the club. Melina’s temple started to throb. This was not the shit she needed right now. She picked up the picture and cursed under her breath. The detectives weren’t bullshitting. There was Brianna in her booking photo looking worse for wear.
“How the hell could this happen?” she asked.
Mac took the photograph from her hand and crumpled it into a ball.
“It doesn’t matter how. What matters now is that it did and that creates yet another problem we don’t need.”
There was a hard edge to his voice.
“You think this is my fault?”
His hands found her shoulders. “Of course not. You can’t control what someone does when they’re not working for you, anymore than I can. I know how selective you are with the women you hire to work here.”
She rubbed a hand over her face. “I did. I vetted all of them. I don’t understand this. Brianna isn’t some young stupid girl. She’s a pro. A pro with two kids to support while she studies for her MBA. This isn’t her.”
Mac laid the balled up piece of paper on the bar and leaned against it, quiet for a moment.
“It’s very likely then that she could have been setup as a way to get to you and me.”
Melina considered the possibility. “That makes sense, but then the next question is who has the most to gain from taking us down. The cops? Or someone else in our world?”
“It could be either at this point. You and I seem to have a target on our backs no matter where we turn.”
“Then we need to do something about it. I don’t like feeling like a sitting duck, Mac.”
“I know that. Neither do I, but right now it’s best if we lay low. As far as Brianna goes, you know she can’t work for you anymore.”
Melina crossed her arms. “Yeah. Yeah. I know. Any association with her is bad for business all around. We don’t need any more heat from the cops on us.”
“Exactly.”
Melina sighed. “When is this going to stop, Mac?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. All we can do now is remain vigilant and tread very carefully.”
“Yeah. That seems to be our new reality these days. Guess I’d better get the cleanup crew here.”
Melina walked towards her office to place the call and silently fumed. Was this what life would always be like married to Mac? Loud explosive moments of happiness, followed by uncertainty and distrust around every corner? She didn’t like it. Melina was a straight shooter. The subterfuge and sneaking around annoyed the fuck out of her. If you had a problem with someone, address them head on. But that wasn’t the way Cosa Nostra operated and as much as she disliked it, she was going to have to get used to it.
For better or worse.
When she’d said her vows, she’d meant every word of them. Melina was no shrinking violet. Times were tense and unpredictable now, but as long as she and Mac had each other, they could weather any storm. Even the ones they never knew were coming.
Ten weeks.
Melina couldn’t believe it.
She stared at her son as the priest held him and liberally sprinkled water on Marquise’s forehead. Biting her lip, she silently hoped that her son wouldn’t cry. Next to her stood Mac, stoic and strong. Even so, she didn’t miss the sheen covering his eyes as they watched their baby be christened.
On either side of them were Marquise’s godparents, Enric and Victoria. It hadn’t taken any convincing for Victoria to agree to be Marquise’s godmother. She loved her nephew as if he were her own child. And Marquise was fond of his Aunt Tori as Victoria referred to herself. You could see it in the way he smiled whenever she was around and reached for her. Yes, they had a bond and choosing Victoria made sense.
Enric, on the other hand, had not been so amicable at first. In fact, the young man had argued that they should pick someone more deserving of such an honor. It had taken a gentle reminder from her that there was no one more honorable than the man who’d saved Marquise’s life before he was even born. Enric had grown quiet and then he’d agreed. She glanced at him and saw him shifting his attention back and forth between Victoria and Marquise. It seemed something was still brewing between those two.
As the priest handed Marquise back to her, the church parishioners clapped. Another soul had been brought into the Catholic faith. It was a day to rejoice for all. Mac put his arm around her, kissing the top of her forehead as they returned to their seats. Cynthia waited on a pew and eagerly reached for her grandson. Marquise gurgled as he went to his grandmother, and Melina’s heart melted a little inside. Mac held her hand as they sat through the rest of the service.
When it was over, Cynthia rushed off, explaining she had a few last minute things to pick up from the store. She would expect them over in an hour and a half for dinner. Though the two of them had looked forward to a quiet evening at home, they knew they could not refuse Cynthia’s orders.
“I can’t believe he’s growing so fast,” Melina said as they exited the church.
“Neither can I. Seems unreal sometimes.”
“What does?”
“That we created something so perfect,” Mac said.
“He is that. Aren’t you, Marquise?”
Melina smiled at her son, and rubbed her thumb against one of his fluffy cheeks. Every time she looked at their child, she felt a fresh rush of love.
“So I managed to catch a glimpse of the little principe today.”
Melina stopped walking and looked up. Anthony stood in front of them. His eyes glued to her son. She shifted Marquise so that he was now looking over her shoulder.
“Anthony, I’m surprised to see you here,” Mac said.
“Sometimes you just get tired of the same old thing. I decided to try something different today. Glad I did, though.”
“And why is that?” Melina asked.
“Because I got to see how well you and your son are doing. We’re all family here, Melina.”
“Hmm. That’s news to me,” Mac said.
“It’s Sunday. A holy day. There’s no need for hostility.”
“Trust me. You would absolutely know if I was hostile, Anthony. I just find your sudden interest in my son a bit curious is all,” Mac said.
“It’s up to us to look to our futures in these uncertain times. Children make you do just that.”
“Yes, well if you’ll excuse us, Anthony. We have somewhere to be,” Melina added.
“A pleasure as always, my dear.”
Mac and Melina continued their descent down the stone steps of the church until they reached their waiting limousine. Once they were inside and Marquise was firmly strapped into his car seat, Melina turned to her husband.
“Him showing up on the day of Marquise’s christening is no coincidence. The bastard is up to something.”
“Yes, he is.”
Melina swallowed hard as a fresh welling of terror swelled up in her throat. She kissed her son’s cheek as he slept, blissfully unaware of the chaos going on around him.
“Do you think … he would hurt our son?” she whispered.
Mac didn’t say anything. He simply looked at her with an empty expression. She understood perfectly, and it scared her to the depths of her soul.