•KINLEY• Gianni was seated at the dinner table when Luca and I returned.He looked annoyed."Where were you?" He asked."Luca was teaching me how to use a gun."Gianni gave Luca an amused look, "How did she do?""Not bad for a beginner. But we definitely have to work on her aim."I took a seat at the table, "I'm getting the hang of it, though. Although the weight of the gun threw me off a bit in the beginning."Luca touched my shoulder lightly, "I'm going to go and call my wife. Gianni, if you will excuse me."Gianni nodded and Luca walked out.Gianni lifted his glass and took a sip of his drink, "Is there a reason for this sudden interest in how to shoot?""Yes," I admitted, "I don't want you to give up who you are to try and keep me safe. I am your wife, I am a part of this mafia, whether we like it or not. It's about time I start acting like it."Gianni sighed heavily, "Gattina, you don't have to do this. You don't have to prove anything to me.""I'm not trying to prove something,
•KINLEY•The meeting with King was going well, although I noticed that Gianni had yet to mention Jade. He had mentioned a few names, but not hers.I was surprised that he had even mentioned Billie's family, but I was more surprised that King seemed interested in taking them down.Seeing as he was Billie's step-brother, I had expected him to offer them special treatment.I sat quietly listening to them speak, Gianni going so far as to offer to walk them into a trap.King seemed to agree with Gianni, and I got to my feet realizing this meeting was going on longer than I had planned."I have to excuse myself. I'm meeting some designers with Billie today, we want to go over what pieces to showcase for the club re-opening."Gianni stood to kiss me goodbye and I walked out, Luca waiting at the door for me."Ready to go?" He asked."Yes, I want the plans behind me so I can stop stressing about it.""It will be a huge success, you're worrying over nothing.""I hope you're right. I hope you're
•KINLEY•I stood in Euphoria while the last rehearsal took place before our bid reopening night.The designers had outdone themselves and I was happy we got to showcase a few well-known designers as well as some new and struggling talent.The walls had been decorated with abstract paintings from Bonnie's art gallery.Billie and Cassie stood on either side of me, watching the models walk down the stage we had set up as the runway.The dancers Gianni had let go were rehearsing their dance routines in the hanging cages.It was somewhat of a magical feeling to be experiencing this."People are going to love this," Billie said.I nodded, there was no way they couldn't. I felt a burst of pride knowing we had pulled this off so well."I can't wait for tomorrow night," I was practically bursting at the seams with excitement, "I'm a bit nervous about the press, but the excitement outweighs the worry.""There is nothing to be nervous about, they'll take some pictures, ask a few questions and go
•KINLEY•My nerves were shattered, and being pregnant I couldn't use alcohol to help with that.The club was already packed, and I stood near the bar keeping an eye on everything.The press had arrived the moment the doors were opened and had been snapping pictures ever since thankfully they had only taken a few photos of me but they hadn't asked me any questions.My stomach felt fluttery with nerves as it was and I wasn't sure I would be able to answer any questions successfully right now.Gianni was running a little late, he had called me from home o let me know he would be here as soon as possible, but he had a few things he needed to take care of first.When I had asked, he didn't elaborate, but I knew it had to have something to do with the mafia business.Billie walked over to me with a pink fruity-looking cocktail in her hand, "Babe, why are you standing over here looking as if you've just been thrown out of home? This is a huge success, that you created!"I forced a smile, "I
•KINLEY•Gianni was pissed off. I could feel it as we walked down the hallway, coming to a stop where no one would be able to hear us."Kinley, what is the meaning of this?"I raised a brow, "Firstly, Billie's sister has children here. Secondly, you know how important tonight was for me, why didn't you do this tomorrow? Why did you have to do this tonight?"He sighed, "Because I didn't want you involved in this.""Hence the half-dressed agent who was draped all over you.""Kinley, really? Now is not the time for this. We are busy with something important here.""Gianni, are you absolutely mad? We just spoke about this yesterday, did you forget? Together. Don't shut me out. And don't underestimate me."He ran a hand through his hair, "Can we talk about this when we get home?""No. You can't have the FBI rushing in here when there are kids around. Do you have any idea how scary and traumatizing that would be for them? I won't allow it."He remained silent as he stared at me for a few mo
•KINLEY•I had tossed and turned the entire night, my anxiety sneaking in like a thief of joy.When I had woken up the first thing I did was check the internet news sites, and sure enough, there were stories questioning why Gianni had not been seen at the re-opening and why I had left so abruptly.Some went as far as to have headlines asking if there was trouble in paradise.I put my phone down and made my way downstairs while still in my pajamas. To my surprise, Gianni sat at the table."What are you doing?" I asked. By this time he was usually in his study, or off doing something."Having breakfast with my wife."I took a seat opposite him, "Don't you have important things to take care of?"He frowned at me, "Of course I do. But you told me you feel neglected, I am trying to make time to spend with you.""Oh. Okay." I felt a bit bad that I sounded so cold about it, but I wasn't sure how to handle this.Just last night I had been wondering if we had rushed things, and now he was doi
•GIANNI•Once we landed in Mexico we went straight to the hotel room.Luca and I were sitting at the small table on the balcony, and despite Barnabas wanting to be involved, he stood near the railing speaking to Kinley.She laughed at something he said and I looked over at them."Boss, if you keep doing that, we're never going to formulate a plan."I knew Luca was right, but I didn't like how friendly my cousin was being. In my opinion, he was pushing it a bit too much for my liking."Gianni."I turned back to Luca, "I know, Luca. But look at him, he's practically throwing himself at her."Luca looked over at them before turning back to me, "I'm failing to see what you're seeing. Barnabas is being friendly with your wife. Would you rather he treats her badly the same way his mother does?""No. But we all know the Esposito men. He's hoping to get her into his bed."Luca sighed, "You're being jealous. Kinley would never entertain that idea and you know it. Now can you calm down and pay
•KINLEY•Gianni let me sleep while the three of them continued making plans.When I woke up I had some greek yogurt Gianni had bought me.The three of them were still on the balcony, even though it was beginning to get dark.After eating, I made my way out to them, "How is the planning coming along?""We have it all planned out. How are you feeling?" Gianni asked as he extended his hand out toward me."A little better. Are we going tonight or tomorrow?""Tonight."I knew that we all wanted this over and done with, so I wouldn't argue with that.I sat with them until it was time to leave.Originally I had felt fine about this, but now that we were actually in the car and on our way to Jade I was beginning to feel a bit queasy at the idea.As we drove, Gianni skimmed over the plan for me. We would stop near the front of the villa, and Barney and Luca would go around the back while Gianni took me through the front.To my surprise, just as we were getting out of the car, he handed me a gu