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MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL CONDOLENCES
PaigeI race to the kitchen window, and Sonya runs out the back door, heading into the neighbor’s yard. Alfredo’s gun is pointed at her back, but he won’t do it.Please don’t do it. I watch her run away until she’s out of sight.Alfredo comes back into the house and refuses to look at me. He walks out into the living room.“Atkins!” he shouts.“No!” Regina yells asAtkins drags her off her bed.Regina fights hard, trying to kick him in the stomach. Atkins blocks each blow, his face impassive to her abuse. She turns on him savagely. “You’re a bunch of murderers! A gang of shitty murderers!” She has to stop fighting when Atkins catches her wrists in his hands. Regina stares at me with pleading eyes. “Charlene, help me.”I look down at the floor. “We can’t stay here, Regina,” I whisper.She wails as she’s led to the Rover by Atkins. He tries to help her into the back seat, but she knocks his hands away before getting in. Atkins broke her heart, but somehow, I think this is worse.Alfredo dr
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL WE SOCIALIZE
No, but we socialise with many families.”“Allies?” she asks.“They could be.”The church fills up, signaled by the creak and groan of the wooden pews. Latecomers must stand in the vestibule. Mourners greet me, but few stops at my mom’s coffin. The silence I dreaded before is replaced by low whispers, and I think I’ll go mad imagining what they are saying about her.A hush falls over the room as priest stands before my mom’s coffin. He begins his prayers in a booming voice, and those that plan to stay sit down, while others retreat to the vestibule to renew connections. We stand in silent respect as the priest begins a ritual of solace and healing that is the tradition.Sean hurries in and sits behind me. “There are Brotherhood switching their allegiance in favor of Sonya and the Guillermo.” Last night during the wake, the younger Brotherhood openly grieved with my sister.I don’t blame them. Not after the pain I’ve caused her.Charlene slips her hand out of mine. “You’re not leaving,
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL WEDDING INVITATIONS
“Charlene?” Alfredo raises his voice before I can shut the door. “Sean, wait a moment.”Sean leaves the office as I step back inside. I’m shocked, if not a little stunned to beat out Brotherhood business. Alfredo pulls me into his arms. I’m suddenly reassured by the comforting gesture, but I’m bracing myself for everything to turn on its head.“Believe me,” he says. “The less you’re involved, the better. Things are so unstable that we can’t take a chance of someone giving away anything vital. I can’t stop you from searching, but you’ll get hurt if it’s known you have the account numbers.” He pauses for emphasis. “And if you uncover something else, don’t follow it up without telling me.”I inhale, holding onto him tightly to keep myself from shaking. “What else is there?”“Nothing, but if you find something,” he says. “Tell me.”He gives me a hard look, and I wonder what’s going through his mind. Why do I keep thinking that everyone in the world is somehow connected to my problems?“I
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL SUSPICION
“You’re an asshole,” I hissed as he laughed at my heartfelt greeting.“Charlene, I’ve been worried about you and Regina.”“Don’t you dare lie,” I tell him. “Don’t say you’re working undercover or some worthless shit like that. What the fuck are you thinking?” My voice echoes down the hallway and back again. I hurry toward the terrace so I can talk outside. “Where is the money?”“Charlene, you may not know this, but the will has to go through probate first …”“I’ll probate your scrawny ass,” I practically shout. “Don’t you dare speak to me as if I’m a child. Do you think I would trust you over my lawyer? You better not steal from me.”“Or what?” he asks smugly. “You’ll sic that big guard dog on me? I should be afraid. But seeing what he did to his own mother, I think you should be afraid.”“What did you say?” I ask.The phone is silent, but I can hear him breathing on the other end. He fucked up by letting me know that he knows about mother in law. No one reported her death, much less
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Alliances
A chill drips down my spine, not fear but dread. “Which is?”“Your sister cannot be allowed to run the Guillermo’s empire.” His tone carries authority. “You killed Guillermo. You have claimed it by right of conquest. It should be you who sits at its head, not her.”Rivero is careful not to spell it out in grim terms. Kill my own baby sister, and I will have the backing of all the allies I need to put down my enemies. Then I will have the peace I seek.I nod.Charlene places the menu down. “I would like to go home now.”“We cannot leave.” My tone is cold. “To leave now shows weakness. I need his backing. And if you want peace in our future, I suggest we at least have an appetizer.”“Fine.” Charlene picks up the menu again, but the light that had been in her eyes is no longer there. “Chocolate cake, and then we go home.”CharleneWhen Alfredo tells me his latest plan, I lose my breath.“No.” I shake my head. “She’s a child!She’s too young to get married.”“It’s the best way to keep Regi
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL MEETING ZARA
Charlene shifts in her seat, sitting at the end of the couch away from Sean.“What do we need to do to get better families on this list?” I ask.Sean stares at the screen. “We can offer a gift?”Charlene stares daggers at me. “Are you talking about auctioning off my sister?”Sean glances at Charlene and then focuses on me. “Perhaps there are better ways than using marriage? You’ve had mixed luck with matrimony so far.”I scowl at Sean. “Names? What about Sammie or Taras?”“He’s married to Eva, and the Taras were no fans of Algredo’s father. A rushed marriage isn’t going to mend a blood feud. Especially a marriage to a sister-in-law,” he replies quickly.I have to restrain myself from shouting at him. “I need a better name, Sean”He looks at me coldly. “Perhaps the girl has plans for her own life.”Instantly, I remember the day when Alfredo mom said something similar about Charlene.What if that woman you brought here also made promises that you are making her break?My voice lowers. “I
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL ZARA'S ADVICE
“I don’t know much about being a wife to a husband in the brotherhood,” I blurt out clumsily.Her gaze rests on the small diamond pendant around my neck, and she frowns ever so slightly. “Is that a gift from your husband?”My hand rests on it, and I nod.“Is it real?” she asks.I nod again. “I’m pretty sure all the jewelry he has given me is real.”“Foolish girl.” She smiles thinly. “All your jewelry should be appraised and then duplicated. Youneverwear the originals. I will give you the name of a shop. Very discreet. They will pay for them, and your husband will never know. Never let your husband pick your jewelry.”My eyes widen as if she’s talking crazy. “Then how do I ask for it?”She tsks like I’m a child. “You admire a piece or find a picture of something you like in an auction catalog. Place the page on his desk. He will buy it for you. Don’t let him give you anything you can’t sell.”A chill descends my spine at her words. She’s not telling me how to be a wife.She’s telling m
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL NATHAN DEATH
I remember what he said when Regina was first brought here.“A brotherhood wife sleeps with him unless he decides otherwise.”“I didn’t plan to … I fell asleep.” I stand and navigate my body carefully around his. “I’m going upstairs to pack.”I don’t dare look at him as I hurry out the door, past the guard.My foot lands on the step, and I immediately run the rest of the way to our bedroom. I know he won’t let me leave, and I must be crazy to think otherwise, but I’ll try anyway. I don’t have my own luggage, so I search in his closet. That’s not all I find. Behind a heavy wool dress coat, there’s a gun cabinet. I stare at them in rows shiny black and terrifyingly cold.I cover them up with the coat again.I drag the first empty suitcase out and toss it onto the bed when Alfredo enters the room. He walks slowly to the bed and watches me as I throw an armful of dresses into the case.Where am I going to wear these things?Evening gowns made of silk and satin are too fancy for me to hide i
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MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Walk away
Despite my fear, I can’t bring myself to go too far. Tears are streaming down my face as I scream uncontrollably. But no one can hear me with the hallway door shut.I keep crawling, and in the dark, my hand touches something in Alfredo's jacket … his gun.And it’s enough for me to make a split-second decision. One that I hope will ultimately save our lives. I grab the gun and pull the trigger. An ear-splitting bang alerts the whole household. Suddenly, all the lights come on in every room of the house, and I hear footsteps running up the stairs. I scream again, and Vanya appears at the door, fully dressed though his brown hair is slightly ruffled.“Charlene, where is Alfredo?” he asks, wide-eyed.But before I can respond, another gunshot resounds through the bedroom, making me shriek in terror. Maya hurries toward the bedroom door and yanks his gun from his belt. His face contorts in fury as he disappears into the room. I turn back to follow him, but I’m swept up from behind by strong
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Take my wife name out of it
“I prefer it,” I reply curtly. “Who shot the cop,Sara? Was it you or Lance?”“How do you know it wasn’t your sister?” A smirk tugs at her lips.I shake my head. “Sonya wouldn’t.” But as soon as the words leave my lips, I realize just how little I truly know my own sister.“An eye for an eye.” The sly smile widens across Sara’s lips. “One family for another. You know as well as I do that Sonya was never raised in the rules of the Bratva like you and I.”The private room is filled with an uncomfortable silence, and the waiter’s footsteps echo as he enters. He looks nervously at us and realizes no one has even picked up a menu. He hesitantly asks if we’re ready to place our orders. No one wants to eat, so I order a bottle of vodka.“No one will want to associate with someone wanted by the law,” I break the silence. “Not for this. And if you goaded Sonya into doing this—”“I didn’t.” She stops me before I can finish my accusation. “That’s why I want to talk about a truce.”The waiter ente
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL MEETING SARA
Charlene smiles shyly and then focuses on her salad, spearing a piece of avocado with her fork. Her gaze falls on the lone brass key in the box, and I know she’s dying to ask questions.“Technically, we don’t own it yet,” I reply. “We’re negotiating the price, and then there’s closing. The couple that owns it are excited to retire early. None of their children are interested in running the place. It’s a good location.”“What about security?” she asks, eyeing the few diners seated at random tables.“The river protects one side, and security can stay in the inn. You don’t have to open it to the public. You’ll be safe here as long as you don’t forget who you are.”Charlene puts down her fork and looks around the charming antique interior with exposed beams and wood plank floors. A large stone fireplace crackles and fills the room with warmth. The walls are a mix of wood paneling and stone accents. In the corner is a bar stocked with local craft beers. Old, framed prints and maps of the a
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL I AM SORRY, Regina
Just like Alfredo, these people will praise me for my brutality toward my family.Could Alfredo ever escape what was fated to happen?Could I?I don’t wait for the morning or for Regina to say come in.I unlock the door and enter her room. The couture dress is balled up and thrown on the floor while Regina lies on her bed in her old clothes that she took from Dad’s house. Her earbuds are in, and she ignores me as I pace alongside her bed. Her eyes stay trained on the laptop screen as if there’s actually something absorbing on streaming. I sit down on the bed near her and close the screen.“What do you want?” she asks crossly.I sit up straight. “I want to tell you that I’m sorry for slapping you.”“Is that it?” Regina asks, sitting up and crossing her legs.I watch my tone. “Yes, I’m sorry I slapped you, but we couldn’t risk it last night.”She rolls her eyes and replies, “Of course,My dear sister Charlene couldn’t risk something .”I look away and can’t think of what to say.“They do
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL THE NEW CHARLENE
Stefan frowns, and a nagging feeling descends like a chill down my ribs, letting me know that something might be wrong.“Excuse me.” I leave them and search for Alfredo.I don’t like the look on Stefan’s face, and if he’s up to something, I want it stopped now. All I want is a joyful night without drama and violence, and I’m not about to see it ruined by teenage hormones.“Charlene, good to see you.” A large hand grips my upper arm, and Ivo greets me with a hearty hug. “May we speak?”Distracted by his greeting, I nod as he leads me into the ballroom and almost outside through the French doors. “This is an impressive showing. You’ve done well for your first full event as Andrei’s wife. Any news?”My lips form a thin line. “I don’t know anything about Sonya Gregory. As far as I know, she’s gone underground.”“Of course.” He strokes his bushy beard with his overgrown fingernails. “But there was something else. An unfortunate shooting?”“I believe my husband. I wouldn’t be here talking t
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL THE PARTY
“Maybe this friendship with Zara is not a bad thing,” Sean replies. “There is an advantage to your wife learning how to be a prop wife. Which means you can start treating her like one. You’ve allowed her too much freedom.”I chuckle as I pour another. “I kept her locked in a bedroom.”“A bedroom for a queen with endless luxuries and wealth,” replies Sean . “You’ve spoiled her. And she knows she can use sex to manipulate you. There’s a part of you that is holding onto her too tight. If you hold onto a butterfly’s wing, it will tear when it tries to fly away. Only when you let go will it want to return.” Sean continues with a smirk on his lips. “Make Charlene think she’s crazy for wanting to leave you. You must be like mu father”“Never.”“You have little choice,Alfredo.” Sean looks at his glass before taking a sip. “You need to turn Charlene into a Brotherhood wife. Your mom hated your father, but she wanted for nothing.”“Except love,” I reply flatly.“You loved your mother, Alfredo.
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL NATHAN DEATH
I remember what he said when Regina was first brought here.“A brotherhood wife sleeps with him unless he decides otherwise.”“I didn’t plan to … I fell asleep.” I stand and navigate my body carefully around his. “I’m going upstairs to pack.”I don’t dare look at him as I hurry out the door, past the guard.My foot lands on the step, and I immediately run the rest of the way to our bedroom. I know he won’t let me leave, and I must be crazy to think otherwise, but I’ll try anyway. I don’t have my own luggage, so I search in his closet. That’s not all I find. Behind a heavy wool dress coat, there’s a gun cabinet. I stare at them in rows shiny black and terrifyingly cold.I cover them up with the coat again.I drag the first empty suitcase out and toss it onto the bed when Alfredo enters the room. He walks slowly to the bed and watches me as I throw an armful of dresses into the case.Where am I going to wear these things?Evening gowns made of silk and satin are too fancy for me to hide i
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL ZARA'S ADVICE
“I don’t know much about being a wife to a husband in the brotherhood,” I blurt out clumsily.Her gaze rests on the small diamond pendant around my neck, and she frowns ever so slightly. “Is that a gift from your husband?”My hand rests on it, and I nod.“Is it real?” she asks.I nod again. “I’m pretty sure all the jewelry he has given me is real.”“Foolish girl.” She smiles thinly. “All your jewelry should be appraised and then duplicated. Youneverwear the originals. I will give you the name of a shop. Very discreet. They will pay for them, and your husband will never know. Never let your husband pick your jewelry.”My eyes widen as if she’s talking crazy. “Then how do I ask for it?”She tsks like I’m a child. “You admire a piece or find a picture of something you like in an auction catalog. Place the page on his desk. He will buy it for you. Don’t let him give you anything you can’t sell.”A chill descends my spine at her words. She’s not telling me how to be a wife.She’s telling m
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL MEETING ZARA
Charlene shifts in her seat, sitting at the end of the couch away from Sean.“What do we need to do to get better families on this list?” I ask.Sean stares at the screen. “We can offer a gift?”Charlene stares daggers at me. “Are you talking about auctioning off my sister?”Sean glances at Charlene and then focuses on me. “Perhaps there are better ways than using marriage? You’ve had mixed luck with matrimony so far.”I scowl at Sean. “Names? What about Sammie or Taras?”“He’s married to Eva, and the Taras were no fans of Algredo’s father. A rushed marriage isn’t going to mend a blood feud. Especially a marriage to a sister-in-law,” he replies quickly.I have to restrain myself from shouting at him. “I need a better name, Sean”He looks at me coldly. “Perhaps the girl has plans for her own life.”Instantly, I remember the day when Alfredo mom said something similar about Charlene.What if that woman you brought here also made promises that you are making her break?My voice lowers. “I
