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Taking Ricardo
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL RICARDO
“I know who and what you are,” he wheezes. “And I don’t care what you do to me. Shoot me in the head and throw me in a ditch. I don’t care. Do you have a message for your father when I see him in hell?”“Don’t plan your trip so soon.” I watch the traffic out the car window as if I’m a tourist enjoying the ride. “You’ll be receiving medical attention where I’m taking you.”“I’ll refuse it. I want to die.”“If it was up to me, old man, I’d let you die. Hell, I’d even keep you around to witness your slow and painful decline. But your daughter Charlene would be devastated. So, you’ll be under a doctor’s care.”“How do you know what she wants?” he asks. “What have you done with my daughter?”“What have I done to your daughter?” I meet his gaze in the rearview mirror. “I married her.”“Liar.” He folds his arms over his chest and winces in pain.“I don’t lie,” I say as I turn to look him in the eyes. “That’s something thieves do.”A shadow of a recoil passes over his face at the mention of t
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Pains
Because she was a whore that he couldn’t control, just like my wife,” he says. “Has dear Eva ever shown you the list of men she’s been with? I’m surprised Eduardo didn’t break her neck that night. How do you know you’re even Eduardo’s son? Maybe you’re a bastard, like your sister that I have raised as mine.”I was shocked know this same man had raised a girl my mom had given birth to as his child.I had always have hatred for Rhoda and I never knew she is my sister.“ You look shocked? Your mom slept with so many men that she left you for years and go with another man who happen to be my friend, he died and your mom returned to your father , I was surprised he still accepted her.I rush to the bed, but he smiles at my display of anger.He wants to die,I remind myself. Now he knows what to say, and I don’t know how to get under his skin.“I don’t believe you’re married to my daughter,” he continues. “She has the good sense not to get involved with filth. From what I have seen from my da
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL MRS Reagan
The woman is only here because she’s a stand-in for me. Rhoda won’t dare hurt me physically, but she’ll do all she can to make me suffer emotionally. It’s working as I hold myself and rock. Or maybe Rhoda will hurt me. Maybe she’s proving that no one is off-limits to her crazy hate.“Rhoda .” I inch closer to the bars. “Please don’t hurt her. Her father will pay.”Rhoda cocks her head to the side. “Pay? Do you take me for a cheap whore?”It takes every ounce of strength to say nothing and keep myself from reaching for my belly. But I manage it all the same.“Do you ever think,” Rhoda asks as she faces me, “that one day you might have to watch this if your husband wills it? Would you tell him to spare an enemy so that you might spare your conscience? Do you imagine that he would listen?”“You don’t have to do this ,” I protest. Rhoda throws her head back and laughs madly. “Then clearly you know nothing of our dear Matinez”With desperate eyes, the woman looks at me and then at Rhoda.
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Future Heiress
The ransom?” I ask.Rhoda walks toward the bed and sits down beside me. “He paid me what he owed me when he saw what we would do to her.”“You mean what you did do.” I correct her.“It was a show for the cameras,” she explains casually. “I would only go so far with a woman. Besides, she’s worth more if she’s untouched. My men put on a good and convincing show for the cameras.”A chill races through me, but thankfully it isn’t followed by sickness. I shift my weight away from hers, and Rhoda eyes my hips as I move away. I shouldn’t have done that. I gave her back a little of her power.Her eyes meet mine with a predator’s gleam. “And that’s the trick. The implied threats are often the most powerful. Your victims will fill in the gaps with their own imagination. You only need to give that imagination enough material to grow. Her father was given a warning. He listens to warnings,Mrs. Reagan.”My stomach gurgles loud enough for us both to hear, but I ignore it. I will myself to stare ste
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL CHEMISTRY
I noticed something like a chemistry between them Whenever Rhoda pats his arm, she looks like she’s whispering to a lover, but the topic is always how to get revenge.“You’ve been such an excellent guest, so I’m taking you on my getaway,” she says.A lump secures itself in my throat.Rhoda chuckles. “We’re not going too far. And try not to vomit in the car.”Valerie echoes Rhoda’s laughter, and she grabs the moment to talk about me in the third person. “If it wasn’t for her husband’s last name, you wouldn’t know she was linked to a ruthless husband. Some men don’t want a strong woman. They want someone who will make them feel big in comparison.”“Those are weak men,” Valeri interjects. “I prefer a woman that can save my ass if I need it.”“Is that so, Valeri?” purrs Rhoda . “I can’t think of any time that you need saving.”The thought of them being romantically involved enters my mind, but I quickly push it away. I don’t want to be queasy. I’m relieved when the car enters the highway.
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL SAVING MY WOMAN
Alfredo.The frustration is building up in me, threatening to surface in a storm of rage. Not knowing where Charlene is or even if she’s safe. I don’t dare think of the other possibility. It will set me off, and I must keep calm to think straight. Impulsive action will lead to something I may not want to face.But I continue to Ricardo room and enter. The guard seated inside stands when I enter.“Anything?”The guard shakes his head. “No, all he does is sleep, and the nurse says he is comfortable. It’s all we can expect.”I nod, pleased with his attentiveness, and walk toward Ricardo bedside. The old man has color in his cheeks, but the rest of him looks ghastly pale. His eyelids are parted as his mouth opens, sucking in precious air. He claims he wants to die but hangs onto life dearly. His eyes flutter open and then focus on me … his son-in-law.I frown at him, not concealing that I despise him and what he has done, not only to my father but to his own family. He may have shown Char
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL Rescue
Suddenly, gunshots ring out. Valeri is on his feet with his gun drawn, running toward the hallway door. Rhoda also leaps up, but instead of following Rhoda’s, she claps her hands with joy as if she’s won a prize.“He’s here!” she exclaims. “Your husband is here to rescue you.”I get up, prepared to run, but Rhoda grabs my arm in her vise-like grip. I struggle to yank free, but I’m weak from my confinement, and madness gives her strength. I’m afraid to fall because I am not feeling well.“Your place as the heiress is waiting,” .“ I don’t want it, you can have it, he is your father and not my father” I said.I do not wish to even let go of my father’s dynasty for you, he is hot and that should be enough for you, he got what my dad owns, the only reason I was friendly with you and brought you out here was to find out if you will be interested, let me give you a very good advice don’t come back, I won’t be good to you then” she said“ Keep his fortune all to yourself” I saidA repeat of
MAFIA’s COLLATERAL’S GIRL DANGER
I should get to the point and ask Alfredo about the money. Tell him what Rhoda said. Put him on the spot. But I’m afraid of what his answers will be. I’m so scared I will hate him if he confirms my suspicions.Because I know it won’t change anything in the end.Alfredo shifts in his seat and stares straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge I exist. He should be furious. He risked a lot to save me, but I’ve shown no gratitude. The growing argument subsides, and the rest of the ride home is spent in bitter silence.I can’t help thinking about what Rhoda kept telling me.CHARLENE Nothing else is said, and soon the Rover pulls into the driveway in front of the mansion. Alfredo jumps out before me and walks away from the Rover.Sean meets my gaze in the rearview mirror. “He has done a lot for you,” he says. “But he is hard to reach. Maybe you’d appreciate what he has sacrificed if you could make him talk to you?”“It’s not your business,” I snap. “I’ve had enough advice.”“He’s my boss, so
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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
