“Ok, but why would Falcone care if my mother was related to Salvatore Vitiello?”
“Because that means she’s the aunt of the current head of the Familia, and that makes her the perfect contact person.”
“I thought Las Vegas wants nothing to do with New York. They hate each other. That’s what my father always said.”
“That’s true,” Growl agreed. “Falcone wants the Familia dead, and the Chicago Outfit as well. But his power is waning. The Russians have grown too strong in Las Vegas. And now that Chicago and New York are working together Falcone worries that the Russians will lose interest in those cities and focus all their energy on taking control over Las Vegas. If Falcone wants to hold his city, he needs the support of the other families. And that won’t be easy. He’s made a lot of enemies over the years.”
I snorted. “I’m not surprised. He’s a sadistic bastard, and never really cared about working together with anyone. Why should the Vitiellos even consider coming to the Camorra’s help?”
“Because of your mother. Apparently, Luca Vitiello is very family oriented. Or at least he’s been since he married Aria. If your mother, as his aunt, contacts him and asks for help, Falcone’s chances are much better than without her.”
“Why hasn’t Falcone asked my mother before? Why now?”
“Falcone has been trying to solve things on his own as he always has, but now that even your father has betrayed him with the help of the Bratva, even Falcone realizes that he needs to do something soon or Las Vegas is lost.”
“I say let the Bratva have the city. They can’t possible be any worse than Falcone. The city will be better off without the bastard.”
“Perhaps,” Growl said with a shrug. “But that’s your answer. And as long as Falcone hopes for New York’s support and as long as your mother does as he says, your sister and she will be safe.”
“But what if New York refuses to help Falcone?”
“Then Falcone will probably threaten to kill your mother and sister. That could change Luca Vitiello’s mind. Though I doubt that he’ll risk New York for an aunt that he doesn’t know only because Falcone threatens to kill her. Luca has almost as much blood on his hands as I. He can make hard decisions.”
“But if that happens, my mother and sister will die!”
“It’s a possibility.”
“And even if Luca agrees to help, Falcone will keep my mother as a prisoner and my sister as leverage. They won’t be better off than me.”
Growl’s face tightened, but he nodded in agreement. “Their only chance is to escape from Las Vegas. If they go to New York, Luca will probably take them in. His wife will certainly convince him.”
New York. That was the solution to everything.
“When can I see my mother? I want to talk to her to make sure she’s doing ok.”
Growl raised his eyebrows. “Do you think I lied to you? She’s doing ok considering everything, believe me.”
“I do,” I said. “But I need to see her. Please.”
Growl sighed. “It’s not that easy. Falcone keeps a close eye on her. He won’t be happy if you go to her.”
“There has to be a way,” I said imploringly.
Growl sighed. “I don’t know why I’m even telling you all this. This could be treason. I’m working for Falcone.”
“Or perhaps he figured you’d tell me and he hopes it’ll make me better to control. He can’t believe you won’t mention anything to me,” I said. He looked doubtful. He was slipping away again. I wasn’t sure how to bind him to me. The only time he’d let down his guard at all was when we’d had sex.
I scooted a bit closer to him but I’d never had to use my body to get what I wanted. I could tell Growl hadn’t stopped admiring my body from the moment he’d come in. He still wanted me, so last night hadn’t been enough. If only I knew how to seduce him. I wasn’t sure what to do at all. My body was definitely already imagining how it would be to feel his touch again. I tried not to let thoughts of appropriateness ruin this for me. But I’d always been taught to act reserved and like a lady. Seducing someone wasn’t something my mother would have ever condoned. I faltered, my eyes tracing Growl’s muscles visible through his thin t-shirt and his strong thighs. My belly filled with warmth at the sight. I had already slept with him. This was easy now, I tried to tell myself.
Growl must have seen something in my expression because he let out a low groan and pulled me toward him, claiming my mouth for a kiss. When he pulled away, he rasped, “Do you even know what you’re doing?”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Cara
Did I know that I was doing? God, no, I didn’t. The only thing I was sure of was that my body wanted him, had wanted him from the first moment we’d seen each other, and now I could justify my desire with something else. He was my only chance to get what I wanted and if that required using my body to get it, I was willing to do so. He kissed me again, harder this time and began tearing at my shirt. I wanted to protest but before I could he’d ripped it apart, leaving me in nothing but my bra. And then that was gone too and he sucked my nipple into his mouth. I cried out in surprise and lust, and barely had time to catch my breath when Growl staggered to his feet. Confusion shot through me. Was he leaving? Had I done something wrong? I’d thought he wanted me even more than I wanted him.