APOV
"We need to spend every morning like this" Christian groaned, sucking on my neck as he moved inside me.
I could definitely agree with him on that. Yesterday had been draining for all of us but being here, just the two of us now, was what I needed.
My children are hurting and I never wanted that to happen, never wanted them to find out about my childhood the way they did. We had all shed a tear last night, even my husband who I think held us all together. I always said he was my rock and I definitely needed him to lean on last night.
"Princess, come back to me" he said, picking his movements up when he brushed a tear away.
Pulling his mouth down to mine, I needed him to completely surround me as we brought each other to our peaks.
I lay in his arms, cuddling into him as close as I could get.
"I love you Ana so much and our babies. I'm sorry for making everything worse yesterday, I don't think I have ever been angrier at Theo than I was last night. In that moment I wanted them all to see what you have been through, how much you had to fight to be with us today. It was a shit move but I don't want to ever see you cry and especially for your tears to be caused by our children."
"I don't blame you Christian. It's just not something I find easy to talk about. I'm worried about them."
"They will be fine, just expect them to be more overprotective than normal. I spoke to Theo before we came home last night, hugged him tight again. Even though I had been angry with him earlier, that boy's protection of you rivals my own and the thought of you being hurt, drove him crazy. I don't think any of them stayed away last night. I got up to see that Lucy was alright and I heard them talking, plotting if I know those three."
"Was Lucy ok" I asked him.
"Yes, she was sniffling in her sleep. I answered a call from your Dad as she had sent a message to her grandparents and great grandparents to tell them that she loved them. They know what happened, Dad had called Sicily as well. Princess if I ask you to do one thing, will you please do it."
"What is it Christian."
"Promise me" he said again.
"I promise, now what am I promising I will not do."
"Take off without any guard, without any protection. I have never had a panic attack but I think I came close with you and Theo missing and Lucy having a meltdown.
"I promise" I said, kissing his lips "I love you."
I lay in his arms, Christian's fingers moving up and down my back to the base of my spine. Looking to the clock, I could see it was getting late and we had a busy day ahead.
"We need to get up soon, we have a meeting to get to."
"Our business meeting has lacked any talk about business so far" he laughed.
"That happens after noon, the pleasure comes before."
"I love your logic" he said, getting out of bed and walking naked to the bathroom door.
"Are you just going to stay there gawking or are you going to join me in the shower."
Gawking, I will have him gawking in a moment, and I did. His eyes followed me as I walked towards him and continued until I was under the spray where he joined me.
"This afternoon" Christian said.
"Is still going ahead" I told him.
Everyone had been told that a new Consigliere would be introduced today, everyone who was of rank, told to be in attendance. I don't think it will look good, if it's cancelled for a family crisis. This family is built on the solid foundations that we have laid out and we will always be a united front together.
"Who's picking Lucy up, I forgot to ask."
"Don't worry Mum and Dad are picking her up. She wanted to have a sleepover with Gabriella tonight originally but she said last night that she wanted to stay at home, keep an eye on her mother I think."
"I missed talking to the children before we went to bed" I told Christian, while getting dressed.
"You were exhausted Ana, completely drained. You were asleep before we were even halfway home from Escala."
As predicted our boys were waiting for us to come down the stairs. They had ventured back into the den but I don't think any of them were watching the replays on TV.
"Did Lucy get to school ok" I asked.
"Yes Mum, she went off chattering away with Gabriella and Nicole." Luca said getting up.
I had a hug off my children every morning but today, each of them held on for just that bit longer.
"I'm sorry Mum, about the way I behaved yesterday" Theo told me, when he finally let go.
"You have nothing to be sorry for son. Anger is something I know very well when it comes to someone you love being hurt, guilt as well but it's something I have had to let go of. The people who hurt me and your grandmother were dealt with a long time ago, they can't hurt me any more Theo. Be angry, punch the shit out of the bag and then move on, you have to otherwise it will consume you. I spent years being afraid of what was around the corner, terrified to really let anyone in apart from my sisters and Grandma Claire and Granddad Eamon. Your Dad and your grandparents, all our family, they helped me not be afraid any more and I'm not, well not about them anyway."
"Who are you afraid of now Mum" Matteo asked me, who was trapped under his dog
"Walking into that warehouse this afternoon and being strong enough to stand by your dad's side."
"Ana" Christian said but I shushed him.
"I know Christian, I can walk into that room and shut them all up but that doesn't mean I won't have butterflies on the inside while I'm doing it."
"It wouldn't get to the point that you need to shut someone up Mum, because if anyone disrespects you, they will be dealt with" Theo said.
"I don't want to be fixing any holes today boys, or busted knuckles, besides being shut up by me with hurt their ego a lot more than a punch will do. We need to channel your Dad, strong silent type."
"Dad, silent in those meetings, never" Theo laughed.
"What I meant is that, not one person in that room doesn't know what will happen to them if they cross your Dad. We or I need to be like that too. My gun will be in my purse although I don't plan on using it. And what are you smirking at Christian" I said, trying not to smile but seeing my husband's beautiful one, it was hard not to join him.
"I just can't tell you how proud I am to have you with me today Ana. I know you're always there but to have you in that room with me, by my side" his smile got wider.
"I'm very happy to be there Christian. Now these men, how many of them will I not know."
"About a quarter of them. We do have more men than what you will see today but they're not ranked high enough to be invited."
"Ok, what time are you leaving."
"Soon, Ana."
"While you all go, I'm going to have a cup of tea and go and visit Hugo."
I kissed my husband's lips and hugged each of my boys before they left. The plan was to have everyone there and seated, the meeting about to start before I joined them. I made my tea, strong. Needing to be awake today, when I would be happy to curl up back in bed now. I walked down towards the water's edge and over to the bench, patting Hugo's little statue on the way. I feel at peace in this corner, like it was our little place and it helped being here.
"Ana a call from your father" Dulce called from the back door, as she brought the phone to me.
"Thank you, hi Dad."
"Hello sweetheart, are you ok."
"I'm fine Dad, nervous about today as my emotions still feel a bit raw from yesterday."
"Theo" my Dad sighed.
"No Dad, not Theo. I can understand his anger. If I found out what happened to Mum when I was his age, I would've been angry too. I feel raw having to relive my time in that house, what the people of Montesano ignored."
"That is a town, I would've happily seen as ash. I wish I was closer, give you a hug."
"I will expect double when you come for the boy's birthdays."
"You can count on it. What time are you leaving for the meeting" he asked.
"Soon, just waiting for David to come and tell me when it's nearly time to go. I'm nervous Dad, not about facing them, more like doing something that will embarrass Christian."
"Ana there is nothing you could ever do that would make Christian feel like that. Yes, he's the Boss and everyone is meant to act a certain way around him, everyone except you and your children."
"I know" I looked towards the door, where David had emerged, letting me know it was time to leave soon. "Dad, I have to go. Need to go and show everyone who's Boss."
"You go and kick arse sweetheart and I will speak to you soon. Love you."
"Love you too Dad, give everyone my love."
"Will do" with that we hung up.
"I wish I could take you all with me today" I said, to the four dogs at my feet. Milo liked to sniff everyone new just like Hugo and with Sprout there, he could gas out anyone who started anything.
I was chuckling to myself about that fact as I walked back up to the house and to my bedroom. I had a dark blue trouser suit that I have worn to work which I think would be good for today. Very professional, well I do look that as a doctor. As a Consigliere, I have no idea.
David drove me over to the warehouse, a place I haven't visited for a very long time. I left evil in this building which was disposed of by my father. Speaking to Dad had calmed me and I know once I was at Christian's side, he would too.
We pulled up to the side of the warehouse as I waited for David to open my door. Ian had pulled in beside us and he was soon on my other side. I acknowledge the men who were on guard outside with a nod, some I knew, others not.
"Stay here" I told my guards, knowing they would join the group once I was seated.
I could hear voices, but my heels clacking on the concrete floor had heads turning my way when I came into view. Christian stood, his actions alone having everyone on their feet. Only being in here now, did I realise how many people worked for my husband and these were only the higher ranks.
"You look fucking gorgeous" Christian whispered in my ear as I took the seat he held out for me.
"Please be seated" I said and they all did.
"I would like to introduce you to our new Consigliere, she's to sit at my side at all times and is here as my adviser only. All disagreements, problems are to go to your higher up."
I placed my hand on Christian's thigh, getting his strength as well as giving him my own.
"Now, fallout from Newport" he said, immediately getting down to business and taking the focus off me. Christian decided to use this time for a meeting as well as my introduction to see how everyone acted once I was in the room. If they can't accept my presence in this family business then they won't be here long.
I could feel eyes on me as I found the person who had a scowl on his face. I stared back, he was young, probably thought this was a boy's club and I had just ruined his image.
"Cops, swarmed the place. Spoke to us, I think they choked on their doughnuts when Alex and I gave them our surname but they saw the tapes and there is nothing to tie us to that place. The guy inside was found half buried under the rubble so that explained his death as far as they're concerned. Our new boss was so happy that we had protected his business, he put a little extra in the pay packet. From now on, I have a team there so I can get back to my real job."
"Has anyone come back to see what's there" Jason asked.
"No, cops are still swarming around. They uncovered an arms factory but are keeping it quiet from the press at the moment in case the guys came back. I mean it's a small town and there was a fireball, not something they can really keep quiet but I think they're desperate for a major arrest. They have guys hiding, if they can be called that for someone's return especially setting up a sting for Friday night after our guy told them that is when he hears the boat. I have a very good feeling that they're wasting their time. I have a few guys in Salem though, keeping an ear to the ground for any mention of Newport" Luca told us.
Lorenzo brought some photos out passing them to Christian who handed them onto me. I had no idea who they were of but they must be important as everyone was looking carefully at each set.
"This is Javier Garcia, now deceased and his son Ricardo. Now they were taken over fifteen years ago when we were watching their movements. These photos were taken on Friday night. Ramirez was Javier's underboss of sorts back in the day, ruthless bastard" I felt like I was in a zoo when Christian swore, as if I would take offence. I hear it on a daily basis, get over it, I wanted to shout. "These others have we identified them."
"The woman, no. The men who were offloading and also the ones already at the warehouse have all got records. Drugs, theft even money laundering. Some but not all were related to Javier Garcia's old crew."
I picked up the photo of the woman, looking closely.
"What was she doing there" I asked.
"Barking orders at the men off loading the boat. She arrived with Ramirez" Theo told me.
"Boss then" I said, hearing a quiet scoff from across the table.
I looked around knowing it came from the man who liked to stare. The men on either side looked shocked that he had so blatantly disregarded what I had said, both who knew who I was. I felt like I was being tested on how tough I was to be in the company of these men, whether I would be brave enough to call him out.
I think Theo was about to shoot him, but Christian shook his head. It was my turn to show my place and shut this man up.
"You don't think a woman can be a Boss, hasn't got the brains to lead a team. Believe me we can be very intelligent and incredibly resourceful. You seem to have a problem with women in general or is it just me as you have looked like you have been sucking on a lemon since I arrived."
"No Ma'am."
"Cameron, if you disrespect my mother one more time, you will be taking your last breath" Theo told him, pointing his gun at this guy's head.
"Mooother" he stuttered, realised how much deep shit his mouth had gotten him into.
"Yes, his mother and those two as well as one other" I said pointing to Matteo and Luca, who were both stood with their guns drawn also. "Dr Grey or if you want my complete title Dr Grey-Mancini-Lambert. If anyone has a problem with me sitting at my husband's side, then please speak up now" Not one word was said.
I don't think I had seen so many faces pale before, especially this guy. While the smiles grew on everyone that I had known or met before today. This had been a test of sorts to see how they would accept someone who they had not known before and this guy had failed miserably. I ignored everyone, picking the photos up again. I looked closely, feeling Christian's kiss to the side of my head, as I sorted through the photos, discounting some until I had only three.
"Mum, you look like you're studying an x-ray" Theo said, making me smile.
"Like I haven't looked at enough of them over the years" I laughed.
"Princess, what are you seeing that we haven't" Christian asked.
"These two are related" I asked, putting two of the photos down.
"Yes, father and son."
"This one too" I said, handing Christian the photo of the woman. I could hear murmurs around the room but I looked to Christian who was looking to the photo and then back to me.
"How" he asked.
I turned the photo of the younger man over and took the photo of the woman from Christian. Putting the old man and the woman side by side I used the other photo to cover the bottom of their faces, just leaving the top of the nose and mainly their eyes in view. Although one was very aged, they shared a lot of features that were near identical.
"Shit, Princess you're right."
"The daughter" Jason said, as I turned to him.
"Daughter?"
"Yes, where Garcia and his son were staying in Dalton, it was owned by a woman who had known him since they were children. The warehouse was owned by her as well. She had a daughter who was supposed to be estranged."
"What did they fall out over, that would separate mother and daughter." Luca asked.
"Maybe she found out that the man she called Dad, wasn't her Dad all along" I said, removing the sons photo so I could see the full photos now. "Lorenzo, do we have a name for the daughter and who was listed as her father."
"Maria Lopez. From the records, the fathers part was left blank An…. Dr Grey" he said, correcting himself. "I ran the name through the police computer, using the mothers name as well, there is nothing listed. She doesn't have a record or if she is, she's using a different name."
"Wouldn't she have other records, id other places as well."
"She should've but we haven't found anything which makes me believe she's using a different name, otherwise she never leaves the house, never had a job."
"Would she be under Garcia instead or this Ramirez as she was with him." I asked him.
"Maybe, i will look into it" Lorenzo said.
I looked to Christian, realising I had taken over his meeting but he was smiling down at me. I had come to be my husband's advisor and had gotten sucked into the meeting but I don't think anyone would complain and those who did, were not worth my time.
"Sorry, I will stay quiet now."
"No sis please don't, can I have your brain" Elliot asked.
"I sort of need it at the moment Elliot and I'm in no rush to give it up."
I sat quietly as my husband continued the meeting, his fingers entwined with mine under the table now. The main priority was finding out for certain who this woman was and where her location was now.
Christian didn't like hurting women but if she was a major player in these threats against us then I have no doubt that he would treat her like any others.
The meeting was wrapped up as everyone started to disperse. I did notice that this man who had spoken to me was quickly followed out by Jason and Luke. I could have had him removed at anytime but I wanted him to see how intelligent woman can work.
"I'm getting out of here as soon as I can, you two coming" Theo said to his brothers.
"What's wrong" Matteo asked.
"Dad looks like he's about to devour Mum and I don't want to be around when that happens."
I looked up to Christian, his eyes dark and that look alone would make me want to devour him too.
"We will go and check on Lucy, she will be home by now" Luca told us, before my boys left.
Christian took my hand, leading us towards his car. Neither of us had said a word and for the moment that was fine. I could feel the adrenaline of being in there, starting to wane now it was just the two of us and I needed my husband. Where he had taken us, I had no idea as we were on a deserted country road. As soon as we safely stopped, he pulled me onto his lap and crashed his lips to mine.
"Princess, I need to be inside you. You look so hot but trousers" we struggled to get them off, both laughing by the time they were thrown onto the back seat.
"I thought you would prefer a trouser suit instead of a skirt in there."
"I do, just not at this moment."
His jeans were opened and pushed down before I sunk down on his cock.
My blouse that was under my jacket was ripped as his hands frantically moved to my breast. Neither of us could get enough of each other as our lips and teeth gently sucked and nibbled any flesh we could reach. Christian picked up his movements, rubbing my clit as my back arched.
"Cum for me Princess" he groaned in my ear, holding back his own release.
As I fell over the edge, he quickly followed.
"If this is what happens after every meeting, I hope we have many more together" I panted into his neck.
"Me too Princess, me too."
"I could do with a nap now" I laughed as my trousers were returned and I got back into my seat.
"Sounds perfect Ana, I'm sure the kids can stay at my parents for a bit. Let's go to bed."
His car took off in the direction of home but I had no doubt from the looks he was giving me that once we got there, no sleep would be involved.
Thank you for reading.
I hope to have the next chapter out over the weekend. Bad Girls too.
Take care.
Caroline.
