Betrayed by Alcino E-Book

Lashe' Lacroix

• Herausgeber: Lashe' Lacroix
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

I lied to her. Betrayed her, but I’ll never let her go.
Telica Vivenzio is like poison. Her innocence intoxicates me wrapped up in all that hard exterior lies the heart of a warrior. Unlike me, she has suppressed her darkness behind a cynical demeanor and snarky attitude.
Her transgressions are lies and petty theft and mine are the countless bodies and nameless faces scattered across the globe. When he dares to take her, and my truth is revealed, then I know that I have lost her.
She is my light through the darkness. The calming balm to my fragile mind. I’ve killed for her in the past, and I’ll do it again. The don has forbidden me from claiming her as mine, but I could no more turn my back on her than cease my own heart to beat.
Keeping her means signing my own death warrant, but after one taste of her, my fate has been sealed. It’s a shame to taint someone so pure, but I must drag her into the darkness, one last time.
Betrayed by Alcino is a mafia romance suspense. This book contains dark themes, which may not be suitable for all readers.

Leseprobe

Betrayed By Alcino

A Dark Mafia Romance

Lashe’ Lacroix

Contents

Telica Vivenzio

1. Alcino Santagata

2. Telica

3. Alcino

4. Telica

5. Telica

6. Alcino

7. Telica

8. Alcino

9. Telica

10. Alcino

11. Telica

12. Alcino

13. Telica

14. Alcino

15. Telica

16. Alcino

17. Telica

18. Alcino

19. Telica

20. Alcino

21. Telica

22. Alcino

***

23. Telica

24. Alcino

25. Telica

26. Alcino

27. Telica

28. Alcino

29. Telica

30. Alcino

31. Telica

Epilogue

About the Author

Also by Lashe’ Lacroix

Betrayed By Alcino

Copyright © 2021 by Lashe’ Lacroix.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For More Information Contact:

http://www.lashelacroix.com

Telica Vivenzio

Jan 01,2010, Stanford, California

I looked at Asha. Sharp hunger pains gripped my stomach and I clutched it and doubled over. The cold brick floor of the Stanford Holy Shelter was damp. A mold and musty stench hung in the air.

Asha bent and handed me half of peanut butter and jelly sandwich along with a piece of a whole grain bar. “Here, I brought you some food.”

Looking down at the food handed to me, I frowned. “I haven’t eaten in three days, and this is all you brought me?”

She turned away from me. “It won’t be like this for long. I graduate in six months. I will have a job and a place for us to live.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I stood up. “You said that four years ago. You also promised that we would all be together. Where is Nico?”

Asha looked away. “I don’t know where he is.”

She opened her mouth then closed it when several girls passed by my bed. This place was noisy, dirty, and depressing. My other pair of shoes that were hidden under the bed, were not there anymore.

“Teli, we just have to weather this place for a little while longer,” said Asha.

“You ‘ve been saying that but what if you don’t get a job or a place for us to live? What if we don’t find Nico?”

“Teli, trust me. I already have several offers. I’ll select the one with the highest salary and best relocation package for us.”

Balling my fist, I shook my head. “This life sucks.”

Stomping down the hall, I turned right and exited the side door. The wind whipped my thin shirt about me and I trembled as the cold air felt like thin blades slicing through me.

Leaning against the brick building, I slammed the back of my head against it. I don’t know why I’m giving Asha such a hard time. Her and Nico are the only family I have left.

Maybe she will get tired of me and leave me too. Everyone always leaves.

Reaching inside my pocket, I pulled out a cigarette. Fumbling in my other pocket for my lighter, I cursed. It’s dark outside and the shelter wasn’t in the best location. Across the street the homeless crackheads paced as they rubbed frantically at their arms, speaking in hushed tones to themselves.

Asha might have a future. She was getting ready to graduate from Stanford University. Instead of parties and boyfriends, she worked two minimum paying jobs to get through school in the hopes she’d be able to take care of me.

Sighing, I watched the pregnant homeless woman across the street. She wore a tattered polka dotted dress and shoes that didn’t fit her feet. Her blonde hair was matted and twisted in a ball on top of her head. The strands looked oily. Every time she saw a man, she rushed up to him, offering herself for drugs, money, water, and gum.

A red car pulled to the curb. The passenger side door opened and a fat man jumped out. He grabbed the pregnant woman by the hair and threw her to the ground. Unbuckling his pants, he pulled his penis out and urinated in her face. There were several guys inside the car laughing and making jokes.

Sputtering, she punched the fat man.

He punched her in the face in retaliation, before doubling over. After a few minutes he pulled his pants up and got inside the car.

I looked around as the car sped down the street. The guys on the street watching the incident just stood there and did nothing. Nobody helped. Turning, I looked at the woman. She wiped her bloody face with her hands and stood to her feet.

When mom and dad were alive, they said that homelessness was a choice. I wasn’t so sure now. We didn’t choose for them to die and we didn’t choose to become the property of the foster care system. Auntie Tanya never wanted us, but she didn’t put us out on the street. Living with her and her abusive husband Mark had been hell. When she had a heart attack, he tossed us on the street. She left everything, including the house in his name.

Why hadn’t they taken us with them? Dying with them in a plane crash would have been much better than the life we had.

Looking across the street I saw the woman again. Her back was plastered to the metal bus sign. A tall man had her legs wrapped around his waist and he pumped into her so hard the sign wobbled.

I swallowed the hard lump in my throat and forced myself to watch the horrible scene. In life you have predators and prey. Right now, I was prey. This could be my life any day now. At five foot three, I didn’t have any breast and my thick, frizzy, curly hair never flowed into slick luscious locks. There was nothing beautiful about me. My thin body was scrawny and malnourished.

At least I had a mouth. I would be forced to shove dicks in my mouth to survived, at least until I had breast and looked like a girl.

Turning away I walked back to the side door when I heard tires screeching and smelled burning rubber. Looking behind me a dark car pulled up to the curb a foot away from me.

The passenger window rolled down. “It’s dangerous for you to be out here late at night all alone. Are you lost?”

My heart raced in my chest. The deep baritone voice caused shivers to run down my spine.

Did he think I was a prostitute or drug addict? I couldn’t blame him if he did.

“Life is dangerous. Get lost.” I curled my fingers around the door handle but I didn’t go inside.

“So much mouth for a little kid. You should run along before trouble finds you. This isn’t the safest neighborhood,” he said.

My teeth bit my lower lip. “I’m not a kid.”

He laughed. “I see you like danger and adventure. If you’re not a kid prove it. If you come here and tell me your name, I will give you a hundred dollars.”

I looked across the street. There were still some junkies roaming around but none of them were paying attention to me. I doubted that they would help me if I needed it. I was on my own.

Dropping my hand from the door, I walked over to the passenger side of the car. I stood a few feet away from the door, not trusting he wouldn’t yank me inside.

Ignoring my ragged breaths, I shrugged. “My name is Alyssa.”

His face was shrouded in shadows. A faint scent of sandalwood and Cuban cigars filled my nostrils. The faint sounds of Nat King Cole played on the radio.

“Try again little girl. What is your real name?”

I frowned. “What difference does it make?”

His right held a crisp one-hundred-dollar bill. “I don’t like liars and I wanted to like you.”

Lowering his hand, he placed the money in the ashtray not bothering to secure it to keep it from flying out the window.

That hundred dollars could feed Asha and I for an entire month.

I licked my lips. “Telica.”

Suddenly the light inside the car came on. I stared at him. He had a strong jaw, thick blonde hair, and powder blue eyes.

“I’m Daniel. Daniel Pennington.” He smiled. His pearly white straight teeth looked perfect as he picked up the money and held his arm out toward me.

I licked my dry lips. “Toss it out the window.”

Behind me, the door opened. Asha walked out.

“Teli what are you doing out here? Get away from that car. I know you know better than to talk to strangers.”

“It’s just Daniel.” I walked up to the car and leaned in and snatched the money curling it in my clammy palm.

Asha wrapped her arms around me. “I know your license plate. Leave here before I call the cops.”

As soon as we were safely inside the building and sitting on our bed, Asha turned to me.

“What were you doing outside talking to a stranger? You don’t know a Daniel. Anything could have happened to you.”

She ripped the cigarette out of my mouth.

“I needed to smoke. It helps with the hunger pains, and I needed the fresh air.” I tried to prevent her but she snatched my cigarette and flung it.

Asha gripped her fingers around my jaw. “We have already been separated from Nico. I can’t lose you too.”

Flopping down on my bed, I crossed my arms. “I told you, he wasn’t a stranger. Go to sleep and stop worrying about me.”

Asha snorted. “You’re my baby sister. It’s my job to take care of you. You’re fourteen years old. Just a baby.”

Six months had passed with excruciating slowness. The only thing that got me through the day was Asha’s graduation and the hope of us finally having a real place to live and leaving this hell hole. I paced back and forth, waiting for Asha to come home.

When the light had faded from the sky. I leaped on the bed and waited for her. Leaning against the tattered headboard I closed my eyes for a few minutes.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder, and I jerked awake.

Asha smiled but she didn’t have on her cap and gown. She wore a faded pair of jeans and a crop top.

I sat up. “How was your graduation?”

“Long. Teli, I received this today.” She pushed the crisp envelop toward me.

Opening the envelope, I read it. “They offered you the job and are relocating you. You didn’t accept this job, did you?”

“Yes, I accepted it. They offered a starting salary of fifty thousand a year and relocation expenses. Everything had already taken care of.”

Closing my eyes, I threw the envelope back at her. “It would be perfect if the job was in California. We can’t move to Washington DC; how will Nico find us or get to us?”

“We can’t afford to stay in California. The job offers I received wouldn’t allow us to live here, eat and pay for necessities.”

Jumping up I paced in front the bed. “I don’t want to leave California without Nico.”

“Neither do I, Teli, but we don’t have a choice.”

Turning around I glared at my sister. “You can go by yourself. I’ll stay here.” Stomping down the hall, I turned and exited out the side door.

It was raining. Leaning my head against the wall, I fumbled into my pocket looking for my half a cigarette. My lips curved when Daniel’s car pulled up.

He rolled down the window. “Telica, do you need a light?”

Pushing away from the wall, I smiled. “Thanks. I was just about to leave.”

Strolling over to the car, I bent my head in his car window, and allowed him to light my cigarette.

Daniel smiled. “Where are you going?”

Ever since I’d met Daniel, he started had coming around more often. Each time he brought food, money and other things. I had never gone anywhere with him.

Where are you going? I shrugged, out.

He flashed me a wolfish grin. “Come with me. I was just going to get a bite to eat. Are you hungry?”

“I’m famished.” Opening the passenger door, I slid inside.

After we had eaten, I looked at him. “Thanks for the food. Can you drop me off at my place?”

He glanced at me. “Sure, but I need to stop by my house first.”

Shifting in my seat, I looked out the window. “I’ll wait in the car for you.”

He smiled. “Nonsense.”

Two hours later, we arrived at his house. His house was tan and dark brown stucco and nestled behind a thick wood. It was secluded and very drab. The other homes that were in the neighborhood had lighter colored stucco. He turned the engine off, and I followed him inside.

As soon as I crossed the threshold, he closed the door and locked it. The hair on the back of my neck prickled and I swallowed hard. He put the keys in his front pocket and waltzed into the kitchen.

There was exotic tan and gold granite counter tops everywhere and built-in stainless-steel appliances. Pulling out a chair at the glass table, I waited as I assumed that he needed something from the kitchen.

He walked over to the cabinets and took out two glasses. There were several expensive paintings on the wall. The furniture was a combination of traditional and minimalist.

After pouring two glasses of red liquid into goblets, he handed me one. “Here sip on this. I’ll be back.”

Grabbing the glass, I took a big gulp. Daniel disappeared behind me and back down the hall. I waited for a while, not hearing anything past his footsteps upstairs. Tapping my fingers on the table, I took large gulps of the liquid. It was cool, tangy with a hint of pomegranate.

My blood pressure rose and the vein in my head throbbed incessantly. Breathing heavily, I swayed in my seat. I glared at the glass and frowned.

Something is wrong. I am here alone and nobody knows where I am.

This was a mistake. I glanced at his full glass he hadn’t touched. My skin felt hot and itchy. Struggling to my feet I staggered down the hall to the front door unlocking it. Passing the welcome mat, I collapsed on the front lawn.

I was paralyzed. Gritting my teeth, I tried to move my arms and legs but nothing happened. Opening my mouth, I tried to scream but my vocal cords didn’t work. The front door opened, and Daniel came strolling toward me.

Without a word, he bent and picked me up in his arms. He kicked the front door closed behind us, and the lock slid into place. Instead of taking me back to the kitchen table, he past the table and opened the door to the basement. His heavy footsteps reverberated against the wood steps as he didn’t bother to turn on the light. When we reached the basement, he padded toward another door that had a silver pad lock on it. He dropped me, my tailbone hitting the cold, hard cement.

His lips curved. “You really shouldn’t talk to strangers.”

Alcino Santagata

May 20,2010, Stanford, California

I watched as Daniel Pennington, the rich philanthropist, pedophile, murder, and rapist strolled out the house and picked up the girl. Like a leaf into a tornado, she was swept into his arms lifeless and limp. The cocky bastard thought that because the FBI hadn’t been able to determine that he was the infamous pedophile serial killer dubbed “The Snatcher” that he could continue his plight.

Putting down the binoculars, I made my way to my car, I released the trunk, and pulled out my little black tote and closed it. Tightening my black leather gloves, I marched through the woods toward his back door.

Quickly picking the lock, it clicked and I slipped inside. The house was quiet, but that wasn’t surprising since he was in his little torture chamber. I knew his house like my own as I had surveillance planted all over his estate. I moved stealthily through the basement. There was a light coming from the door at the back of the basement. Pulling out the gun, I screwed on the silencer.

I walked to the door. The pad lock laid on the floor. There was a faint blue light, but I couldn’t hear any sounds. Opening the door, I pointed the gun at him. Daniel had a scalpel in his hand and he was frozen in place. What I saw sickened me, and it was hard for anything to move me.

My nostrils flared as I pulled the trigger. The bullet hit him in the kneecap, and he bent. I shot him in the other knee.

Spittle flew from his lips. “I will kill you.”

My lips curled as I dropped my bag on the bed. Opening it I pulled out a syringe. Kicking the weapon, I grabbed him by the neck and shoved the needle in it. He slumped to the floor.

The girl’s clothing was cut from her slender frame, and there was a long diagonal bloody scar from her sternum past her belly button. Her hands were handcuffed to the bed. She was spread eagle with corded rope binding her lower limbs to each of the bed post.

I pulled out another syringe from my bag.

This one quite different from the one I gave Daniel. I injected her, and swiftly removed her from her bindings. Wrapping a sheet around her nakedness, I carried her up the stairs. I had at least an hour before she would awaken, and I didn’t want her to hear or see what was in store for him. He thought she was his prey but he was mine. Putting her in bed, I ran down the stairs back to the basement.

Stepping inside the room, I swiped the handcuffs and bound his hands behind him. Before I killed him, he would tell me where the others were. I wasn’t here for her. I was here for the children. He didn’t just singularly focus on one child at a time, he also kept a group of kids. That was what led to his downfall. Daniel had kidnapped the wrong kid. Lucas Burlasconi. I promised his mother I would always take care of him. In my twenty-seven years of living, I had never broken a promise and I wasn’t about to start now.

I picked up the scalpel and stalked over to Daniel. His legs jerked as he slowly lifted his head. A surge of adrenaline soared through my veins. I was looking forward to having a lot of fun with this asshole. He prayed on children, sexually molested, dismembered and tortured them, so now it was his turn. I was a monster too, but my darkness never touched children. Molestation and rape weren’t something I’d ever turn a blind eye to. He had escaped the FBI and the authorities but now he couldn’t escape me.

Daniel jerked his hands attempting to free himself. “Who are you? What do you want?”

Twirling the blade, I smiled. “You’re going to die soon. It can be slow and painful or quick and fast. It’s your choice.”

Avoiding his futile attempts at kicking me, I crushed my foot down on his bleeding kneecaps. “Where are the rest of the kids? Don’t make me ask you twice.”

He clenched his lips. His eyes leaked tears but he didn’t make a sound. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I swiftly jabbed the knife into his leg, deliberately missing his femur artery.

He howled and I smiled as my predatory gaze honed in on his sounds. Everyone had a unique sound when they were being tortured, and Daniel wasn’t an exception. He slumped and his shoulders sagged. Without waiting, I dug the blade into his kneecap.

“Alright. The kids are at 4523 Bayshore Rd storage unit 1200 E.”

Something in my chest eased. My fingers tightened around the weapon. This bastard put kids in a storage unit. As much as he deserved a week of slow torture, I wasn’t willing to risk the children’s lives to torture him.

He spat at my feet. “Finish me fast and quick.”

Daniel thought that I was going to finish him quick. He is so stupid. I’m in control not him.

My thoughts traveled to the little girl that had been with him. He was efficient at luring kids away with him but she looked different.

Tapping my gloved hand on my cheek, I narrowed my eyes at him. “What did you do to the girl? How did you get her to come with you?”

“Today is her birthday. Women always want to do something exciting and forbidden on their birthday.” The lazy smile that spread across his face taunted me. I needed an award for showing restraint.

“Well, it’s her lucky day, she won’t be another victim and her lock of hair won’t be added to your collection.”

He laughed. “You’re too late. She will always be promiscuous now. My touch has tainted her. When she grows up, if she makes it that long, she will always crave the pain and pleasure I taught her here in this house.”

I won’t give him the quick death he longed for.People like him repulsed me.

“You won’t even be a nightmare for her or anyone else. You have no legacy.”

“I didn’t do everything I wanted to do to her. She’s still alive after all. If you bring her in here and sit her on my face….”

My vision clouded as a red haze fell over it and the pounding in my ears increased. I took several steady breaths to control my eagerness to end his life. The bastard wanted to die quickly but he wouldn’t get his wish. My hands clenched and unclenched.

I punched him.

Unleashing all my controlled rage and darkness, I savored his screams until his voice went hoars. The cracking of his jaw sounded like music to my ears. He had told me all I needed to hear. Kicking his legs apart, I leveled the weapon above his penis. When his smile faded, I smirked then sliced his saggy member off. I made quick work of it slicing it into pieces where the remains could barely be identified.

He screamed until his voice was hoars.

I sliced his lips off. His blood bathed the glint off the silver edge and I kept mutilating him. Wiping the blood on his clothes, I stood watching as the light faded from his eyes, and his life slipped away. The hair on my nape stood up as the air in the room changed. Her soft footsteps travelled past me, and she held out her tiny fingers looking at the bloody scalpel.

Raising my eyebrow, I studied her face. There was a darkness inside of her. It drew me in like a warm cloak. There was a sadness about her. Her skin was the creamy color of a porcelain doll. Those green eyes were enchanting. She couldn’t be any more than fourteen years old. Her miss matched shirt was stained and wrinkled, and the tiny shoes on her feet had been white once upon a time. Now they were black with duct tape on the soles. Her statue was gaunt and bony, with her delicate veins forced through the surface of her skin. She had been hungry or borderline starving. I knew the toll that hunger, and sickness could take on a body and how many years it took to reverse the malnutrition.

She won’t take it. He is already dead anyway. What does it matter?

“Angel you should close your eyes and wait out in the hall. I will take you home.”

She tilted her head. “I’m no angel and I don’t have a home. I belong to the streets. Hand over the knife.” She wiggled her fingers in front of me.

There was no emotion in her voice. What had happened to this girl? She wasn’t afraid of me, although she should be.

“I could kill you just like him, maybe you should run now.” Twirling the scalpel in my hand I gave her my most menacing scowl.

She shrugged. “You’d be doing me a favor and giving my sister the life, she deserves. Life was hell and death came easy. Kill me or hand it over.”

“What is your name little girl?”

“Telica.” She reached out her hand for the weapon but I shook my head.

“What is your last name?”

“Vivenzio. Telica Vivenzio but it doesn’t matter. Both of us know you’ll never allow me to live after this. The only question is will you touch me like he did.”

“No. Here.” I handed her the weapon.

She took it. Her steps were slow and graceful as she moved close to him. Glancing at my watch, I calculated the normal traffic time in my head. She needed a meal and quick. Saving her from him didn’t mean anything if she starved herself to death. I had ten thousand dollars in cash on me. It wasn’t much but something told me that she could make it work for her and her sister.

She sliced the sharp blade across his neck. Blood splattered over her face. Placing her fingertips to her cheek, she examined the blood on the tips of her fingers and tasted it.

Grabbing her hand, I gently took the knife from her careful not to allow the blade to touch her tender flesh. Replacing the scalpel in my bag, I looked at my instruments. Her green eyes were wide and glossy. There was no fear in them but satisfaction.

I didn’t want to chance giving her another injection, so I bent and applied pressure to her pressure point until her eyes went from wide to close. When she crumpled, I caught her before she fell and carried her out. After a quick search, I found a pen with the Stanford Holy Shelter’s address on it.

The world was screwed up if I was the one rescuing children from serial killers and pedophiles.

I drove a few blocks from the shelter where she stayed. The street was empty and I only needed five minutes.

“Why feed me and give me money when you’re going to kill me,” said Telica.

“Green eyed angel, I saved you from him. Trusting strangers, especially men will get your life taken. Do you want to die so soon?”

“Maybe, but you’re a stranger and you helped me. There are good men in this world.”

“That is where you’re wrong. I’m not a good man. One good deed doesn’t clean away a lifetime of horrible deeds. My saving you came with a price and now it’s time to pay up.”

She narrowed her eyes at me. Unfastening her seatbelt, she crawled over to me and dropped between my legs. “I should have known.”

She grabbed my zipper. Her hands trembled and she shifted on her feet like on a balance beam.

I pushed her hands away from me and looked down at her. “What are you doing?”

“Sucking your dick. Isn’t that what you meant by price. All men just want their dick wet.”

“No. For a virgin you aren’t that smart. The price is a promise. You won’t do drugs and sleep with multiple men. You will give your virginity to a man you care for, who demonstrated that he deserves you.”

“Well, I choose you. You saved me.”

“I don’t sleep with children. My taste run dark and women beg for my cock before ever seeing it.” Taking the syringe out my pocket, I stuck her in the neck.

“You lied. I knew you were going to kill me.” Her eyes fluttered close as she sank to the floor.

“Yes, I did. Our paths will cross again and when they do, I hope for your sake I can resist your darkness. If not then you’ll be the first woman to own me.”

I’m a murderer. A mobster. A bastard who didn’t feel shit for anyone. I have never shown mercy, never shown compassion to anyone except her.

Telica

Feb 20,2019, Atlantic City, New Jersey

I stood inside the Borgata Hotel and Spa Casino. I thought agreeing to come here with Karen was a great idea but I’m not so sure now. Karen Tanner was a skank. She slept with everyone’s boyfriend and husband, but that wasn’t what bothered me. It was her habit of always starting trouble.

“I didn’t come all this way to get locked up. You want to flirt with her boyfriend you will get your ass beat alone and go to jail by yourself.”

The last time I had your back I was in a holding cell for forty hours listening to the rats’ scratch between my feet as they bounced from beam to beam in the wall. Nico hadn’t spoken to me for two months. It was the first time I saw my brother truly angry and disappointed in me. That would never happen again.

Turning my head, I looked at the casino décor. The blue sofas and the gold accents were flashy. Several colorful abstract paintings hung above the dark navy-blue leather couches. They looked great. The flashing lights above the gambling machines were bright against the dark lighting in the rest of the casino. There was laughter over the buzzing and whirling of the machines. My lungs hurt from the thick clouds of cigarette smoke that scented the air.

Her lips thinned. “Don’t be such a bitch. I brought you here and if there’s a fight, I expect you to have my back,” said Karen.

Rolling my eyes. “Then stop acting like that. I’m going to the bar to get a drink. Get your shit together.”

The rouge carpet was a contrast from the taupe marble that was in the entrance of the casino. A black piano sat catty cornered to the side. There were short brown stools lined up in front of the bar. The bar had custom molding above it and the wall was filled with bottles upon bottles. Most of them I couldn’t name as they were so far beyond my price range.

I’m a Jose Cuervo kind of chick. On a good day, give me some Crown Royal and a hard dick topped with vanilla bean whip cream and Whiskey Cake.

This bar was packed and I’m not surprised. The bartender looked like he poured heavy and had a charismatic smile. I wasn’t going to allow Karen to ruin my time here. My first time in New Jersey wasn’t going to be a bust or be highlighted with me protecting my ass in a jail cell again. Men weren’t the only ones that wanted to stick big things in your ass.

After running my hands over my neck, I strolled over to the bar, and leaned in next to the chucky man sitting to my left. A swift glance down the bar, let me see that most of the men here looked old and boring. I was hoping for eye candy but the scenery didn’t look promising. The scent of hot wings and beer drifted to my nose.

The bartender wiped down the bar with a rough white cloth. “What can I get you beautiful?”

“A Tequila Sunrise.” Clutching my purse, I gave him my dazzling smile.

“Coming right up.”

A tall redhead wearing a sequined dress laughed. Leaning against the bar, I allowed the chatter to sooth me. Wiggling my fingers, I grinned when the bartender slid my drink over towards me. Opening my purse, I tried to hand him a crisp twenty.

He held up his hands. “It’s already taken care of.”

Frowning, I look at him. “By whom?”

“The man that is sitting at the piano. He said, “Anything that you want, to put it on his tab”.

“How do you know he’s good for it?” Tilting my head to the side, I pushed my ass out and arched my back just a bit, hoping the mystery man had a great view.

“The casino comps him rooms every time he’s in the states. Even if he never gambles much, he spends just as much in alcohol one himself and his associates.”

A hush fell over the bar. Turning around my mouth fell open as the man at the piano started to play Beethoven Sonata Twenty-Nine. That was one of the most difficult pieces to play on the piano. I could hardly breathe. His beauty was magnificent.

His caramel skin was smooth and a stark contrast from his thick wavy jet-black hair. Long think fingers danced over the keys as his eyes surveyed the people around him. He was taking in everything and not missing a beat. How is he playing this complicated piece without looking at the keys? His chiseled jaw was covered with a goatee that looked soft. Usually, I don’t like men with mustaches but he wore his well. His thin lips and intense expressive chestnut eyes held mine. Even sitting, I could tell that he was tall. My guess would be that he was six two at the least.

I licked my lips. My mouth had gone dry. His eyes on mine sent a bolt of electricity straight to my core. Squeezing my lower lips closed, I hoped my dress doesn’t have a wet spot. After a few minutes, I looked behind him, breaking the battle of wills. My lungs needed a minute to allow air in. Pressing my glass to my lips, I took a sip.

When he completed the piece, he stood and walked toward me.

My knees became weak. He didn’t have a six pack., but he had an eight pack. His muscles had muscles. The suit he wore wasn’t off any retail shelf. It was custom and he wore it well. A Gold Rolex Omega Vintage watch hung loosely on his wrist. Everything about this man spelled wealth.

He leaned over to me. “A beautiful drink for a stunning woman.”

I raised my eyebrow. His voice was like deep dark chocolate, sinful and mouthwatering. “Thank you, sir.”

“My friends call me Al.”

My eyes traveled from his eyes to roam slowly over him. “Are we friends?”

His lips curve. “We’re not enemies. Please join me for a drink?”

Before I could answer, he turned around and walked into a room on the right.

Grabbing my drink, I walked into the room behind him. He sat at the table with a black bottle of Macallan. Which was a 60-Year-Old bottle of whiskey. Sinking down into the chair across from him, I starred. The lighting in the room was dim and very intimate. A scent of hibiscus and sandalwood drifted to my nose and I closed my eyes and allowed the aroma to imprint on me.

My eyes roamed over him then to the bottle. “So, you’re a whiskey drinker?”

“You could say that. Here, why don’t you try it. There’s whiskey and then there’s Macallan.” He poured me a glass.

Putting the glass to my lips, I took a sip. It wasn’t something I wanted to drink. “Is there a difference?”

His lips curved. “Macallan cost almost two million dollars.”

My eyes widened, but I took a sip. It was smooth but it wasn’t something that I wanted to drink. “Do you come here often?”

Placing the glass aside, I studied him. He was stunning. Everything about him screamed that he was a powerful predator. The casino had given him a room for his own entertainment. His clothes and manners showed his wealth, and this pricy drink. I doubted that anybody else here could afford a bottle of the whisky he drank.

He shrugged. “I don’t come as often as I would like.”

I doubted that I would ever run into this man again. Now that we had met, I would not forget him. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. Lucky for me, there was no way I could catch feelings for him because we would never see each other again.

Tilting his head to the side, he smiled. “A penny for your thoughts?”

“When is your birthday? What is your zodiac sign?” Moving my hair behind my ear, I studied his face. I love reading horoscopes and reading the stars. It tells a lot about a person and what is going on in their life. I could use a leg up on this man. I felt like a gazette in the presence of a hungry lion.

His smile widened. “Today is my birthday. I’m a Pisces. And you?”

Who stays alone on their birthday? He had money so why wasn’t he spending it on his special day with his friends?

“Happy Birthday Al. I’m a Taurus and May twenty is my birthday.”

According to the stars we are compatible. We are supposed to be sexually compatible as well.

“Alcino said, “Will you celebrate my birthday with me tonight?” He drained the rest of his glass and set it aside.

Leaning back, I cross my arms over my chest. “Are you here alone? I would imagine that on your birthday you would want to be surrounded by friends and family.”

“Yes, but I had to work. “Will you celebrate it with me upstairs in my penthouse?”

Should I go to his room? He seems like someone I can get used to. Well, why not. You only live once.

“Sure.” Taking out my phone, I sent a quick text to Karen letting her know where I was going. Normally I wouldn’t go anywhere alone with a man I didn’t know. Especially a man that Karen had never seen. Karen would come and throw herself at him, but at least she would be able to identify him if something happened. I sent her a text to meet me in his room. Fifteen minutes later, Karen had changed her outfit and waltzed into the room.

“Telica, you didn’t tell me you had company,” said Karen.

She has changed into what I call a stripper outfit. It was a see-through bodysuit with glitter and sparkles. Her hair had been swept into a ponytail courtesy of a fake bundle of hair and her face was airbrushed. Sauntering over to Alcino, she bent over to him and allowed him a generous view of her fake breast.

Gritting my teeth, I stood quickly and my chair toppled over. “Alcino this is Karen.”

Instead of him enjoying the view of her breast he stared at me. “Karen, it’s nice to meet you. I’m happy that Telica is taking her safety serious. If you are worried about her, just have management ring my room. I’m staying in the penthouse.”

Karen straightened and smiled. “Which room? This casino must have more than one penthouse.”

He finally looked at her. “You’re right. There are six penthouse rooms here. They are all blocked off for me. Management knows how to reach me.” Walking toward me, he extended his hand. Placing my hand in his, I followed him out. Karen stood and stared at us. I looked back at the bottle on the table.

“What about your Whiskey bottle.

“I have more bottles in my room.”

I stepped into his penthouse. The entire floor was white marble. There was a marbled circular hot tub in the middle of the floor. A golden dome light hung above it. I had never been in a place so beautiful. There was a soft scent of eucalyptus. He stopped and placed his room key on the desk.

Bending, he opened the stainless-steel refrigerator; he took two glasses and the bottle of champagne that was in the bucket of ice. I moved toward him like a moth to a flame.

Taking the glass of champagne, I tapped the glass to his. “May all your wishes come true.”

His lips curved. “Not all my wishes.”

He walked over to the massive king-sized bed and sat down.

For the first time ever, I was frozen in place. My body trembled just looking at him. I wanted him so much it terrified me. Taking a deep breath, I sat down next to him.

“Are you a virgin?”

My mouth opened and then closed. I looked away from him and around the room. “No. Are you a virgin?”

Why would he ask me that? Men don’t usually ask your body count especially a one-night stand.

Without thought, I down the champagne despite already being tipsy. I’m not a drinker but right now I felt like I needed more liquid courage than ever. The atmosphere in here has shifted from lightheadedness to seriousness. It is cold in here where there was warmth just a moment ago.

Pursing his lips, something flashed across his face. “Do you break your promises?”

“What?” I shook my head to clear the sudden dizziness.

“No, I don’t which is why I’m not quick to give them.”

His hand rested on my neck. “I think you don’t always keep them.”

Alcino

Feb 21,2019, Atlantic City, New Jersey

I applied enough pressure to put her to sleep. She must have been exhausted. I’m not sure why I’m flooded with disappointment but I felt it just the same. I had kept my eye on Telica despite telling myself every year this year would be the last time. The way I looked at her was different now. She wasn’t a kid anymore. A part of me wished she had lied to me, but she hadn’t. I knew that she dated men and discarded them, but she had promised to keep her virginity sacred.

What had changed? If she thought that he was worth her virginity, why wasn’t she still with him?

Taking her shoes off, I slipped her underneath the sheets. Laying down next to her, I wrapped my arm around her waist and buried my face in her hair. Closing my eyes, I savored this moment that would never happen again. It couldn’t. She needed a man that was stable, safe, and secure. A man in the mafia could never give her the security she needed.