Crossing Roman (Genoa Mafia Series Book 1) Page 2

  Madison briefly considered taking her handbag, but instead left it in the car. The place smelled of money and no one here would be interested in the sixty dollars in her wallet or her dime store purse.

  “Follow me.” Arlo opened the door, and she was awed by the home.

  Madison had only been there once before and that was after she’d been kidnapped. Andrea, an unlucky-in-love bride whom Madison once worked with, had been abused by her fiancé, Diego. After Madison convinced her to go to the police and call off the wedding, Diego went crazy, and kidnapped both Madison and his former bride-to-be. If it hadn’t been for Roman and his men rescuing them, there was no telling what would have happened. She’d be forever grateful for them coming to her aid, but the image of Roman shooting Diego in the head with no remorse whatsoever would haunt her for a long time. The local police still suspected Roman in the monster’s disappearance, but with no body and no one making a fuss about it, the case had been dismissed.

  After they set her free, she fainted and found herself here, weak from lack of food and fear. Everyone had been kind to her, but there hadn’t been time to take in the décor of anything other than the room she’d woken up in. Now she stopped and took in her surroundings. The place was open and airy. A few poinsettias dotted the tables while strands of holly still hung from doorways.

  Like most people in the north land, Christmas decorations came down in stages. The tree was put away on New Year’s Eve, but wreaths, plants, and greenery stayed around for as long as they lasted. One year Madison had forgotten to take down the wreath above her garage. After birds built a nest, it remained up until their babies flew away. Harming such fragile creatures appalled her even if it meant having a Christmas wreath up past Easter.

  She wiped her snowy boots on a rug in the expansive foyer and trailed behind Arlo down a long hall. His broad shoulders made the hallway appear small even though it wasn’t. Warm dark woods and burgundy accents carried out throughout the home’s architecture. Expensive paintings dotted the wall between windows with breathtaking views of the lake. Madison barely missed bumping into Arlo’s back when he stopped to knock on a door.

  “Come in.” The deep voice behind it sped up her heart. He was a dangerous man but at night she still dreamed of Roman’s kisses. A flutter ripped through her lower belly thinking about what might have happened if she’d said yes to his pursuit. Arlo opened the door and motioned for her to enter.

  Shaking off her nerves, Madison reminded herself why she was here. She marched into the room and planted her feet in front of his desk. He was just as gorgeous as the last time she saw him. Even more so if that was possible.

  “My fashion show is scheduled for next month and now my venue has cancelled my booking. You wouldn’t happen to have had anything to do with that, now would you?”

  Roman rose from his chair. He came around the front and leaned against his desk. The cover model of a gentlemen’s fashion magazine couldn’t hold a candle to his luscious appearance—lavender dress shirt, patterned tie, and black pants. Did he not own a pair of jeans? It was a Saturday. Her weekend attire was leggings and a fleece zip-up. In summer it was shorts, tee, and flip-flops.

  “So accusatory.” He dragged out his response smugly. “It’s nice to see you too, Madison.” The way her name rolled off his tongue always made her swoon. “You look beautiful as always.” He gave her a once over as she folded her arms across her chest. A raspy laugh rumbled from his throat and her cheeks flushed.

  She stomped her foot and a chunk of missed snow slid on the carpet. The man had her flustered like a teenager with her first crush.

  “Uh…thanks,” she said, feeling less than beautiful and even more anxious. Madison shoved her hands in her pockets to keep from running and jumping in his arms. If she focused on their last knee-weakening kiss, she’d be a goner. Her mother’s business was at stake. “Did you do that? It’s been held there each year. My mother’s business depends on that show.”

  He shrugged his shoulders with a confidence that couldn’t be taught.

  “If your venue is unavailable, you are welcome to use Firenza free of charge.”

  “How charitable of you.” Folding her arms in front of her again, she paced the room.

  “I am charitable.”

  “A man in organized crime.” Madison used air quotes for emphasis. “Charitable. Hmm.”

  “Firenza is my sister’s place. It’s a legitimate establishment.” His eyes narrowed and flashed with anger. “The family business does not affect hers.”

  “How much?” She had no choice but to take it, but it would not be for free. There was no way she wanted to be indebted to the family.

  His lips spread wide in a panty dropping grin.

  “Consider it a gift from my sister. Valentina would be more than happy to help you out of a bind.”

  She found it hard to believe anything from a crime family was free. There had to be a price to pay or a future favor to be asked.

  “Really?” She narrowed her eyes and tilted her head to the side.

  Roman pushed off from the edge of his desk and wandered way too close, invading her space. Sultry aftershave of an enticing mixture of musk and pine wafted to her nose. She inhaled deeply, letting it wash over her. Was it bad that she wanted to jump his bones? He was so wrong for her. He stood for everything she didn’t, but there was something about the man that drew her in to the point he could make her sin and never regret a second.

  What was it he’d said the first time they met in the coffee shop? She was debating over her favorite piece of cake and he whispered behind her, “Sometimes doing what you want is worth the guilt.” Oh how she wanted to do things with him that would leave her feeling guilty and loving every minute of it.

  “Why don’t you have dinner with me and Valentina this evening? I’ll cook.” His smile made her knees weak. “We could discuss the logistics of your event.”

  He made a good case, but she wasn’t fooled for a minute.

  “As long as Valentina is here, I’ll be here.”

  Chapter Two

  Roman

  “Cold out today,” Arlo mumbled.

  “Huh?” Roman tuned out the man driving. “What’d you say?” He still reeled from seeing Madison. He loved the boldness she displayed by showing up at his house. Trapping her to keep her there flickered through his mind. The woman crawled under his skin and stayed there. Her showing up today was a bonus to the otherwise boring events.

  “The weather. It’s cold out today.” Arlo, his enforcer, kicked the heat up a little higher in their vehicle.

  “It’s January in Wisconsin. It’s going to be cold. We should’ve left earlier. I’m never going to get all this shit done.”

  “What’s on the list?” He started to tap the brake long before the intersection. The roads were still a little slick after last night’s snow.

  “We have to swing by Gessner’s.”

  “The cheese maker?” Arlo eased onto the interstate and pressed the pedal to the floor, constantly checking the mirrors for followers. The vehicle was bulletproof but neither of them wanted to test it.

  “Yeah. Too bad he fell on hard times and had to borrow. Alvin’s making his final payment today.” Roman started out like most guys in the business, breaking fingers and legs of those who couldn’t pay. It was nice to know this man was able to keep up.

  His cell rang. The image on the phone was that of his sister. “Valentina. What’s up?”

  “Roman.” Her voice was hoarse.

  “What’s wrong?” It didn’t sound like her.

  “I’m in bed. I caught a bad cold. I hope it’s not the flu.” Her voice muffled into the phone as she coughed.

  Roman groaned and scratched his forehead. “Did you send Uncle Matteo flowers yet?” Their favorite uncle was in the hospital.

  “I haven’t done anything.” She sniffed into the phone. “I’ve barely been out of bed.”

  “Where are you?”

  “I’m at
Mom and Dad’s.” Their parents’ home was in Chicago.

  “Shit. I need you.” He groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. “Dammit, I invited Madison over to discuss her bridal show. I told her you’d be there and she could use Firenza.”

  “Ha, you are never going to convince her to date you, Romeo.” He hated that nickname. It meant he was a player. Maybe he fucking was, but he would reconsider it if he could have another chance with Madison. She was the one who got away and the one he intended to catch. “You are playing with fire, getting her bridal show banned from every place in town.” This time she coughed into the phone. “Shame on you.”

  “I have no shame and you agreed to help me.” He exhaled and scowled out the window. The gray sky matched his mood perfectly.

  “I’ll help you with anything. You are my brother, but I never said this was a good idea.” Another coughing fit started. “I’ve got to go.” The phone went dead.

  He beat his fist against the dash. “Son of a—” Then he rested his elbow on the arm rest. Roman was a man used to control, even if it was the location of a fucking bridal show. Madison needed to learn. Ever since he spotted her heart-shaped ass as she bent over, staring at the cake counter in the coffee shop, she’d been on his mind. From the first time he stared into her deep blue eyes, he was intrigued. Why, he wasn’t sure. Maybe it was the fact that she was so far removed from the underworld he lived in. Maybe because she was a small town girl with a special innocence about her. Or maybe it was the fact that she was a challenge. She’d turned him down, but he wasn’t taking no for an answer.

  “Now what?” Arlo kept both hands on the wheel as they drove.

  “Valentina’s sick.” Roman tapped a finger against his chin. “Firenza was supposed to be her thing, not mine.”

  His driver chuckled.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You. You got it bad for Madison and you won’t stop until you get her.”

  It was all true, but what would happen after he had her? Would he want to move on to the next like he usually did? For some reason, he suspected the answer would be no.

  Madison was someone who had her own life, her own business, and her own dreams and ambitions. She had choices Roman didn’t. His life was already planned out. Hell, his father was putting pressure on him to get married and soon. His father wanted him to marry and unite his strong family to another one—the Rinaldis. The family needed an heir. Being the son of Don Caponelli had never been easy. The arranged marriage his father pushed for was something he couldn’t comprehend. If he was getting married, it would be on his terms and to the one he wanted to spend his life with and no one else.

  When Madison popped back in his mind, he smiled. She was beautiful—tall, curvy, with thick shoulder-length brown hair. Her skin reminded him of fine china. He’d never asked about her parents, but there was something about her that made him think she might have some Italian heritage somewhere in her background.

  “What? You’re not going to deny it?” Arlo joked and took the off-ramp to Milwaukee.

  “No.” Roman wasn’t denying anything.

  “Good. I like her.” Roman lifted an eyebrow as he listened to his friend. “Girl’s got spunk,” Arlo added.

  “Well, that’s good you like her. I have to get her to like me.” That had never been a problem before. He was used to getting any woman he wanted, anytime he wanted. At age thirty, he yearned like a bastard for a more meaningful relationship—a partner in life. The old school, traditional prearranged family bit the big one. His parents’ marriage was arranged many years ago. Roman knew after only spending a short time with Madison that she may be the one. He couldn’t explain it, he just knew it. She complemented him. The only problem was that sweet girls with ambition and goals didn’t fall for bad boys whose lives were already planned. They wanted their own control. Frustration slammed into his chest. He couldn’t change what he was, but he was determined to show her what kind of man he could be for her.

  The hearty smell of cheese hit his nose as the bell jingled on top of the door of Gessner’s.

  “Roman,” the man behind the counter yelled. “Welcome. It’s good to see you.” Alvin Gessner had been a friend of Roman’s father for years. They’d gone to school together and both had followed each in their own family’s business. The cheesemaker had been successful for years until the economy went bust and they lost some valuable restaurant and specialty food store accounts. The banks weren’t loaning money and the family stepped in to provide the cash. Thankfully, Gessner had been able to keep up with the payments. It would have been hell if he couldn’t. Roman didn’t want to leave Alvin’s wife a widow. He liked the family. Always had, but business was business.

  Alvin’s wife, Judy, was wrapping cheese. She looked in his direction and smiled. “Roman. Hello.”

  “Al, Judy, you’re both looking well.”

  Alvin came around and shook hands with both men. “Wait here.” The guy patted him on the shoulder and headed for the office.

  “How have you been, Judy?” Roman tasted a piece of cheese off the sample tray. The Asiago here was the best. They even carried chocolate cheese made with cream cheese. Madison would love that. How easily she popped in his head, and seeing her today had his thoughts on overdrive.

  Judy wiped her hands on her apron. “Busy. You know…with the holidays. So many cheese trays.” She used both hands for emphasis.

  “That’s good.” He tried the parmesan this time. The hard cheeses made him think of Madison again and the front of his pants tightened imagining her. If it weren’t for his long coat covering himself, it would’ve been an awkward moment for sure.

  “Here you go.” Alvin came back in the room. He carried a thick envelope in one hand and a box in the other. He handed both to Arlo but addressed Roman.

  “What’s this?” Roman wondered about the box.

  “I boxed up some of our specialties for you.” The man was all smiles.

  “Thanks, Al. Good doing business with you.” He shook his hand again and nodded to his wife. It was a relief that the money was paid and their account now closed.

  Roman and Arlo left. It was already dark out and they had to haul ass to get home in time. They drove the rest of the way home in silence. Roman’s heart rate ticked at an exhilarating rate. He was going to see Madison at seven. He had to prepare. Everything had to be perfect for his spit-fire.

  “You need to pick up Madison at six-thirty,” Roman ordered Arlo as a reminder.

  “Yeah, I’ll be there.”

  Roman tapped his finger on the dash. He was on edge. It was like how he felt before a hit, only this time the target was the woman he hoped would fall in love with him.

  Chapter Three

  Madison

  The knock on the door nearly made her jump out of her skin, as if she wasn’t nervous enough. Madison was equally pissed and excited at the same time. At least Valentina would be there. She’d been concentrating so hard on her makeup that the knock scared her half to death. Her hair brush hit the floor and she cursed. It was pure luck that she was already done lining her eyes or there would have been a black mark halfway across her face, or worse yet, she’d be missing an eyeball. Giving one last look into the full-length mirror, she grabbed her purse and hurried down the stairs.

  By the time she’d reached the main floor, her guest had switched to the doorbell.

  “Coming.” Madison slid across the linoleum floor in her tights, her leather boots in one hand. Flinging open the door, she came face to face with a frowning Arlo.

  “Hello.” She’d hoped Roman would be the one standing before her, but she kept the disappointment out of her voice. “Arlo.” Obviously he didn’t care enough to pick her up himself. One boot slipped through her fingers and landed with a loud thump.

  “Something came up that Romeo had to handle himself.”

  Madison shrugged off the Romeo reference and motioned for Arlo to come in. She sat on the vintage ottoman by the coffee table
to slip on her knee-high boots.

  Displeasure was all over his face as he stepped in and closed the door behind him.

  “Is something wrong?” she clipped, annoyed Roman didn’t have the decency to pick her up himself. She zipped up one boot and now struggled with the other.

  “You should never open the door without first checking to see who it is.” He scolded her like she was a twelve-year-old.

  “It’s a small town.” She dismissed his advice with a zip of the last boot. “Hardly anything ever happens here.”

  “Is that so?” The guy was so big he filled the entire doorway. “Wasn’t it just a short time ago that we had to save you from the bastard who kidnapped you. He would have killed you.” Arlo’s voice rose uncharacteristically.

  She’d tried to forget that horrible experience. But it did little to simmer her anger.

  “I’m fine. Thank you for your brutish words of wisdom.”

  “There’s nothing brutish about it. As Romeo’s woman, you will be a target and you can’t ever forget it.” He pointed a thick finger at her for emphasis.

  Madison rose to attention. “What did you just say?” Her voice was low and menacing, shocking herself as well as Arlo. His woman? “Thank you for the advice,” she added with sarcasm. Her teeth clenched. “But I am not Roman’s woman.” Arlo could refer to him as Romeo, but she never would.

  Arlo laughed and held her coat for her. “What Roman wants, Roman gets.”

  “Well, what Madison wants, Madison gets and what Madison wants is a venue for her show.” Her words were venomous. “And that’s the only reason I am dining with the devil.” She really didn’t consider Roman the devil, but right now she was pissed.

  Arlo just smiled, ignoring everything she said.

  “Besides Valentina, their mother is great at event planning.” He guided her out the door and toward the car.