Chapter 9

Luci's POV

I checked my watch for the umpteenth time and wondered what was keeping Stephanie. We'd agreed to meet at one, and it was now nearly two. It wasn't like her. She was usually a stickler for being on time. Yes, there were those occasions when she was running a bit late, but that was almost always due to circumstances beyond her control.

Letting out a sigh, I debated on whether I should go ahead and order something more substantial than the breadsticks that Pino sent over to tide me over till my dinner companion arrived. I decided to give her fifteen more minutes, and then I was calling it a day.

I picked up the book that I'd brought and went back to reading. I was just getting to the steamy part where the hero tossed the heroine over his shoulder and stormed into the bedroom where he dumped her on the bed before following her down. He was one pissed-off mercenary, and his eyes bored into Jessica—the heroine—as he demanded to know what she thought she was playing at by getting involved with Leon—the villain, although she wasn't aware at the moment that he was the villain.

A sickly sweet-smelling perfume wafted through the air, and I placed a hand on my baby bump as I fought a wave of nausea. The scraping of a chair on the floor had me looking up to see my nemesis take a seat opposite me.

She gave me an obviously fake smile as she simpered, "Well, well, well. How is the mommy-to-be?"

I glared at her, hoping she'd take the hint and get lost, but no such luck. "What do you want, Cruella?"

She made a tsking noise with her tongue. "I never knew that motherhood caused one to go dumb. There can't be any other explanation for your forgetting my name."

My eyes narrowed even more. "If you prefer, I can always call you, madre stronzo..."

Deep laughter sounded from behind me, and I knew that even if the "mother fucker" in front of me didn't know I'd just called her that, Pino—who was fluent in his native language—surely did.

I glanced over at the counter where Pino stood talking with my current babysitter, Vincenzo.

Pino's eyes danced with merriment as he tilted his head to me, letting me know he did indeed hear the conversation I was having with the bitch across from me.

I turned back to Sheryl andsaid, "I have lunch plans, and you aren't invited."

Her eyes narrowed condescendingly at me to match her tone as she said, "Oh, sweetie, I won't take up much of your time. I just wanted you to know that little stunt you pulled at the fundraiser was quite the scene." She looked down at her nails as she continued, "You ruined a perfectly good pair of heels by the way. You should seriously consider coughing up the money to cover a new pair."

If I wasn't pissed before, I was now. I could almost feel the steam coming out of my ears as my hands clenched into fists below the table and I said, "I'm not giving you one red cent. If you're so hard up for money, you should expand your territory to more than just a corner on Stark Street."

Her head whipped up, and something about the way she was looking at me had every hair on the back of my neck standing on end. The sudden thought that this woman was seriously off her rocker took hold and wouldn't go away. My unease at being in her presence grew as she looked directly at me and smiled like she knew something I didn't.

She tilted her head so that she was looking down her nose at me and then said, "Lester is blind to some things, and since that is working in my favor, you should know that I'm pregnant with his baby. Once he comes back, he's planning to take custody of that dago you're carrying and be rid of you. Just know, I have no intention of raising my child with that thing you're carrying. I'm sure I can convince Lester to discard that thing once he has custody."

I had to swallow several times fast to keep myself from hurling vomit on the creature across from me. Not that I would have minded seeing her covered with the stuff again, but I'd hate to do that to Pino. After all, he'd be the one who had to clean it up.

When I finally had myself under control so that I could keep everything down, I said, "This baby is mine. You also need to be very aware of who you're speaking to. I wouldn't waste a thought about making life miserable for you. I can do it too…without a second's hesitation." I took a calming breath and then continued. "Clearly Lester doesn't realize he's playing with two scoops of crazy by having you around." My hands were shaking, but I kept themout of sight because there was no way I was letting her know that she'd rattled me in any way. "I'm telling you this just once: Stay away from me, and stay away from my baby. If you get within so much as shouting distance, you won't have to worry about that baby you're carrying coming into contact with my child." I stood, taking hold of the back of the chair. Whether it was to steady myself or to hurl it at her, I couldn't say. "I'm done here. You just better listen to what I've said."

I turned to walk away and felt something grab my ankle and pull. I started to fall, but Vinny was there almost instantly and stopped me before I hit the ground. Tears pooled in my eyes and started streaming down my cheeks asemotion overwhelmed me. I heard Pino shouting at Sheryl as Vinny held me close to him and led me out to the car.

His voice was calming as he talked to me in Italian about not letting anything happen to me or the little bambina.

Still, tears fell as I thought of everything Sheryl had said and what she'd tried to do.

As we reached the car, Vinny's voice broke through my thoughts, and I heard him say, "Your father knows about these little run-ins you've been having.He will handle everything and take the necessary steps to assure nothing happens to you or his grandchild. I can tell you already that you will be followed by a full contingent and that psycho will be rerouted if she's even spotted within ten feet of you. Now, let's get you in the back of the vehicle, and Jimmy will wait here for Stephanie and let her know what's going on."

Vinny was one of my father's trusted soldiers. He was mild mannered and slow to anger. Once he reached that point, though, he was a force to be reckoned with, and right now, although I knew his anger wasn't directed at me, it was coming through loud and clear.

As he made sure I was settled in the back seat, he squatted down and said, "Luciana, do you hear me? You didn't hurt yourself, did you? Tell me, do you need a doctor?"

I looked at him through teary eyes, and my voice was barely a whisper as I said, "I'm fine, Vinny. It was just the fear of falling and the baby being hurt. Please… Just take me home." A thought occurred, and I frowned. "Stephanie was supposed to meet me here for lunch, and it's not like her not to show up without calling."

Vinny nodded. "Yes, I sent a text to Marco, and he's checking to make sure nothing's happened." His dark-brown eyes gentled as he looked at me. "Just promise me that if you need a doctor, you'll tell me."

I nodded. "I will. I just need to call Stephanie so I know she's all right."

He took out his phone and frowned. "According to Marco, she's at her parents' and has been there all morning."

My eyes widened. "So why didn't she come to meet me for lunch?" I started searching for my phone, but my hands were still shaky and it was more difficult than I'd imagined it could be.

Vinny took my phone, punched in her number, and then hit the speaker button as he handed me the phone and climbed behind the wheel. He'd just pulled out into traffic when Stephanie finally picked up.

Her voice was lighthearted as she asked, "How are you, little mamma?"

I struggled to hide the hurt I was feeling as I said, "A bit confused. We had lunch plans at Pino's today, but you never showed and you didn't call to cancel. What happened?"

There was a moment of silence, and then she said, "Luci… You canceled on me. I got your text early this morning."

My eyes widened. "I never sent you a text to cancel."

A glance at the rearview mirror told me that Vinny was looking back at me as Stephanie said, "Check your phone, because the text I got came from your number."

I hit a couple of buttons and scrolled through the text messages till I found an outgoing one to Stephanie canceling our lunch date. I started swearing in Italian, andVinny pulled over to the curb and pulled out his own phone. I knew who he was calling even before he confirmed my suspicions, and then he started talking in Italian like I wouldn't be able to follow the conversation and know that he was telling my father we had a situation.

My father's booming voice came clearly through the phone ashe told Vinny he was on his way.

Knowing my father like I did, the only time I'd heard that tone was when he was royally pissed off. I lowered my head and made the sign of the cross as I whispered, "Lord bless the state of New Jersey." The phone in my hand was forgotten as I looked up and saw the gleam in Vinny's eyes as a sly grin formed on his face. All I could think was this couldn't be good.

I sat back in the seat and tried to calm myself, but the thoughts that came to mind were of Lester. Even before that last scene, we'dhad our fair share of issues. Lester was very intense about things, even more so when he was first back from one of the "trips" he went on for his job.

I remembered one night when we'd gone to one of the classier restaurants in Newark, there were two guys clowning around, and one of them pushed into Lester. He got that "don't mess with me" face of his on, and when the guy touched his shoulder to apologize, Lester moved with lightning speed and punched him in the jaw before putting him flat on his back with his arm at an odd angle behind his back. The poor guy ended up in the emergency room with a broken jaw and dislocated shoulder.

Surprisingly enough, there was no police report, even though they'd been called to break up the fight. While the EMTs were loading the joker into the ambulance, Lester had made a call, and a few minutes later we were sent on our way. Of course, growing up the way I did, I never asked him what happened. In my circle, you were told things only on a need-to-know basis, and I figured Lester would tell me if I needed to know.

That wasn't the only incident, though. Another time, we were at the fair and there was a guy making rude comments about what he'd like to do to me. Lester sent the guy a couple of looks, but when it came to brains, this bozo had gotten the short end of the stick, because he didn't heed the warnings. Everything came to a head when the guy brushed up against me and grabbed my ass. Lester moved like a flash, andbefore I could blink, the guy was locked in the Jiffy John and the unit was knocked on its side and rolled several times.

Everything would have been fine after that, but the guy had some friends who'd seen what had happened, and they'd been drinking, so their brains were on vacation. The group of five men stumbled over to where Lester and I were, and the one who seemed to be the leader told us we'd made a big mistake by manhandling their buddy.

I could still see the look in Lester's eyes as he faced the group of men…

There was no expression on his face, but the menace emanating from his eyes gave me pause. I looked around, trying to see where my bodyguards were, and was lucky enough to spot Luca. I lifted a hand and saw him talking into his phone as he made his way to where I was standing.

I turned back to the commotion in front of me and was in time to see all five of the men rush Lester. He didn't move for several painstaking seconds, andI thought they were going to hurt him really badly. After all, there were five of them, and even if they weren't too smart, they were pretty beefed up.

Suddenly, Lester leapt into theair and performed a roundhouse kick that took out three of the men. When he landed, he went after the rest of the group, andbefore Luca could get to us, Lester had all five of the men laid out cold on the ground.

Lester spun in my direction, and his eyes narrowed as he saw Luca closing in on me. He went into a stance that I'd only ever seen in those action movies, wherethe hero does some kind of karate.

I put my hand up to stop Luca and stepped between him and Lester. My voice was soft and gentle as I said, "It's all right, Les. I'm safe, and so are you. No one else is going to come at us. You stopped them, and they're not getting up."

He seemed to relax just a smidge, but I could sense the tightness in him as if he were ready to strike instantly if anything changed.

I wrapped my arms around him and laid my head on his shoulder. Lester's tension melted immediately.

Three burly men in police uniforms headed our way.

Luca motioned with his head, and I knew what that meant.

I leaned back so I could see Les's face and, giving him my sexiest look, said, "Let's get out of here. I know where we could have a whole lot more fun."

He grinned.

The sound of the car door opening brought me back to the present, and Vinny held out his hand to help me from the car. When he went to walk me inside, I looked up at him and smiled wryly as I said, "I think I can make it from here."

Vinny's eyebrow went up. "You think I'm going to get called on the carpet because I didn't see you to the door?"

I shook my head as I let out a sigh. I knew it was no use arguing, soI accepted the status quo.

Vinny made sure I was seated on the sofa with a cup of tea within reach as well as my phone before he considered his task complete.

Once the door was shut behind him, I contemplated watching some TV but quickly vetoed that. Instead, I let memories take me back once again to the months Lester and I were together. There weren't a lot of "trips," buteach one called for an adjustment period before Lester was the fun-loving guy I'd first metinstead of the intense "soldier" I caught glimpses of. I didn't quite understand his phrase of "going in the wind" or "flying under the radar." but those absences were at the root of his agitation when he returned.

I always wondered if I'd made a difference in his life as profoundly as he impacted mine… I guess now I'd never know.

The ringing of my phone drew my attention away from my thoughts, and when I looked at the caller ID, Inoticed that Stephanie was calling. I answered warily after what had happened with the text message, but as soon as I heard her voice, I relaxed.

"How are you doing, Luci?"

"Better. But I won't rest till I find out how that bitch was able to do it."

"Don't worry about that. I'm working on it already. I just wanted to let you know that I'm running late and won't be home until late."

"Please tell me the reason you aren't running late is because you're chasing this down."

She laughed. "Don't sweat it. I'll see you when I see you. Just put your feet up and take it easy. We'll have a talk when I get home, and you can tell me all about your run-in earlier."

I snorted. "That bitch better hope I don't see her first, or she won't know what's coming."

"Now I didn't mean to get you all worked up again..."

"I'm okay. Just some of the things she said…"

Stephanie's voice got frosty as she said, "You might have to stand in line if I see her first."

I laughed. "You always make me feel better. Hurry home. I don't like the idea of my being responsible for you having more work."

Something about the pause made me think she was shaking her head…or rolling her eyes. She had a way of doing that. After a few beats she said, "Don't worry. Really. This is something I would have been doing at some point, and it's always best to have it done and out of the way." She hesitated a moment and then continued, "Umm…if Joe stops by, can you tell him I'll give him a call tomorrow? I'm not really up for company tonight."

I grinned. "Oh, I'll tell him all right. Along with the rider that you have a new boyfriend and he needs to take a hike."

Stephanie tsked. "You can't do that! I'd have to find another in to the police department's computers."

We both laughed. The conversation wound down after that, and we said our goodbyes.

I sat contemplating my cell phone for several seconds as an idea formed. I needed Lester to rein Sheryl in and keep her out of my face. My eyes narrowed as I thought about what she'd said about my baby, and I was more determined to tell Lester off. If he thought he was getting my baby, he had a screw loose. Before I could chicken out, I typed in: I'd appreciate it if you would put a muzzle and leash on that bitch of a girlfriend of yours.

I hit Send and put the phone down on the end table beside where I was sitting. I kept stealing glances at the phone, wondering how he was going to react…or even if he was going to act.

Just when I thought he wasn't going to respond, there was a ding telling me I had a new text. My hands were sweaty, and I wiped them on my pants legs before reaching for the phone. When I opened the text, the anger I felt earlier made a big comeback. and I sat there steaming as I read: Why thefuck are you texting me about how I should treat the mother of my child?"

My fingers flew over the keys on the phone as I typed in: I don't appreciate her getting in my face. If you're so fond of her, you want to keep her away from me, or I'll rip her face off, among other things.

It didn't take long to get his response: You touch one hair on her beautiful head, andI'll make your life miserable. I'll take that thing you're carrying and make sure you never see it.

My hands were shaking. So this was how he wanted to play this? Well, I could play hardball too.You told me you never wanted children, but now you're happy with her being pregnant? What gives, Les? What about our baby?

I didn't want kids until I met her. She changed my outlook about so many things. I love her so much that I really want children with her. As soon as I get back, we'regetting married. I want my child to have a stable and loving home with two parents who love him or her.

I had to bite down on my bottom lip to stop the tears that wanted to fall. I could barely manage to see the keyboard because of the tears swimming in my eyes. So now you want to get married too? Boy, you really are changing your tune.

By now I was extremely upset, and I knew it couldn't be good for the baby, especially after what happened earlier in the day. His answer cut me in ways I didn't think were possible to hurt as I read: I love her. That's all that matters.

Gritting my teeth, I composed my answer and sent it off. How nice of you to love her when we were seeing each other for over eight months and you never said that to me! Were you seeing her at the same time that we were together?

I decided not to send this one, but as I was reaching for the back button, my thumb touched Send, and it was gone and there was nothing I could do to call it back. The pain was intense, and I needed to get out of my head so I could deal with it. Standing, I headed to my bedroom and plugged in my iPod so it played through the speakers in my room.

The opening strains of "Nobody's Fool" by Cinderella filtered through the speakers.

I count the falling tears

They fall before my eyes

My phone dings telling me there's a new text.

I fell onto the bed, and one hand went to rest on my abdomen as I read the message. You were nothing but an easy fuck and it was fun for a time until you became too much work. I could never love you. Just because you say you're carrying my baby doesn't entitle you to any special treatment.

Words from the song broke through my hurt and anger.

Seems like a thousand years

Since we broke the ties

I call you on the phone

But never get a rise

So sit there all alone

It's time you realize

I'm not your fool

Nobody's fool

Nobody's foooool

My eyes closed, and I took a couple of deep breaths, trying to get my emotions under control. When I thought I'd managed, I went back to the text and finished reading it. Just know that once that baby is born, I'm getting custody and you will never see it again. Get it through your damn head, Luci, I want nothing more to do with you! Don't contact me again. My lawyer will contact you with the necessary paperwork. If you try to fight me on this, you'll lose and lose big. I'm done with this shit, so move on and leave me to live my life with Sheryl. She is, after all, theonly woman I could ever love.

I reread the words on the screen several times, trying to make sense of what I was reading. The way he was talking to me like I was some piece of trash he threw away painted our whole relationship in a different light, and the pain was intense.

The last strains of the song played, and as I listened, it was as if the last nail of the coffin was being hammered home. I let go and cried as my heart broke into a million pieces.

I count the falling tears

They fall before my eyes

Seems like a thousand years

Since we broke the ties

I'm not your fool

Nobody's fool

Sheryl's POV

I laughed as I pictured what that bitch on the other end of the phone was doing at that moment. That will teach her and those muscle-bound idiots who arealways around her. Threaten me, will they? Well, I guess I won this one after all, now didn't I?

Lucky for me, Lester was too distracted after he found out he was going to be a daddy to notice what I was doing. I was going to have to give Gavino a bonus. This little clone gadget he gave me did the trick. Not only that, but I could send text from her own phone to whoever I wanted.

I giggled. She thought she was talking to Lester, but it was all me. And the best part was she would never know any different. She was so gullible.