Russo: His Untold Story (Blacklisted #3) (4 page)

“We are going to leave this in here. Genovese is here today. He will see you at some point, as well as myself. We’re going to take the vehicle to the valet, meaning Genovese is going to have access to it. The reservation and keys will be found. It’s going to give them a way to access us—or so they think. It’s just a test run, to see what he’s willing to do. We’ll be at the hotel but not in this room. I’ve already set up cameras there to see who goes in. You’re just here tonight so he can physically see you; refuel his desires.” I didn’t mean to sound so frustrated as I said the last point, but the rest of the plan was weighing on me heavily. The feelings I had for her were starting to manifest themselves in ways I couldn’t describe. The idea of what would happen afterwards was making me feel sick.

“What’s wrong, Michael? I thought you’d be happy this was going so well.” Her fingers tickled the hairs on my arms, her face full of concern. God, please stop feeling bad for me, Gabriella. I’m just a fucking monster.

“It was different before Brie. I planned all of this before I spent time with you, before you shared yourself with me. I don’t want him to see you.” Why was I telling her this? She wouldn’t believe it after tomorrow. I couldn’t blame her though—I just hoped she’d look past it all. She surprised me when I felt her lips against mine, but the need to return it was overwhelming. I forced myself to pull away after a moment, offering her a smile that she could probably see through. I just wanted to get this over with.

I wanted her to have fun while we were here which meant I needed to get my head out of my ass. Had the circumstances not been what they were, I might have been more excited. I had always had a thing for gambling—if you could call it that. I had a natural affinity for poker, and had gotten my dad, uncles, and cousins for more money than any of them would like to admit. I had played a few games here and there outside of the family, but I tried to avoid being a well-known name. Poker was meant to be a hobby for me, nothing more. But with Brie at my side I was feeling playful, and I knew the high-stakes room would be an easy way to get what I needed.

“I’m going to show you some of my other talents.” I winked at her, pulling her towards the separated room. I spoke briefly with the guard, quick assurance that I had enough money to be walking in here, and that I would be the one playing. The security kept close tabs on everything, and part of that was knowing who had the money.

I approached a small table where a few guys sat around playing poker. The women aside them were dripping lavish jewels and expensive gowns—common for this room. The rest of the guys here were at least 20 years my senior, but that was another common trait for a high-stakes room. Young guys like me didn’t have a ton of money, and if they did they usually weren’t comfortable enough to gamble it away with old dogs like these. The women in here were like Brie; young, beautiful, charming—everything a rich piece of shit looked for in a side-piece. They could call them whatever they wanted but in the end these girls were glorified affairs; trophies that they wanted to show off to the boys. I instinctively held Brie close to me; I didn’t want anyone mistaking her for a conquest.

I pulled a seat out for Brie but kept it merely an inch from mine. I was welcomed into the game with open arms; they saw young money and assumed an easy beat—but they were wrong. Within an hour I was up about $83,000 and I could see from Brie’s expression that she was impressed. I suddenly realized she was tapping my leg. I followed her gaze and my eyes narrowed as I recognized the sick fuck that started this all.

“Bingo,” I mumbled, before excusing us from the table. The gentlemen seemed rather perturbed by my winning, and I figured they’d be more than happy to see me go. I grabbed Brie’s hand and moved her towards the main room, parking her at a slot machine briefly. I took a moment to survey the room, wondering where he was lurking. The second I lifted my eyes to the stairs I saw him. I pulled her up from the stool and tugged her towards the stairs, doing my best to get her into the limelight. I watched Genovese’s eyes find her, and then me immediately after. I glared back, before offering a quick wink. Got you, you sick piece of shit. I turned my attention back to Brie and pulled her into my arms, dipping her low before my lips were on hers. It was like heat, fireworks, mama’s sauce, and Sinatra’s voice all mixing into one perfect fucking moment. When I pulled my lips from hers, her eyes opened, her lips parted slowly. I’d miss that look—if I lost her this is the way I’d remember her.

“Time to go,” I mumbled as I watched Genovese with little surprise. He had turned on his heel, his face a mixture of anger and interest. Brie was tugging at my hand, her face a mixture of confusion, lust, and irritation.

“He’s going to call valet and ask if any of the vehicles are registered to me. The SUV is under my name. He’ll tell them to search it and they’ll find exactly what we want them to. He’ll be discreet and quick. He’s probably already getting ready to head towards his back exit.” Genovese was a creature of habit; he followed a simple routine, and let his cock do more thinking than his brain. To a degree he was easy to predict, as long as you knew what you were doing. I had put so much into this… I had lost so much of myself, executing this fucking plan and I prayed to whoever the fuck would listen—please let this all go smoothly.

I guided Brie towards the bar and ordered two drinks, tossing a $20 bill on the counter after.

“Is now really the time for cocktails?” There was an edge to her voice, but I couldn’t blame her. She looked around the room anxiously, her hands shaking. I needed her calm for this, and I knew the drink would help. I held the drink up for her, my voice soft.

“Brie, I need you calm, the alcohol is for your nerves. I need you to trust me.” I handed it to her, the words burning a hole in my tongue. Trust me? Why should she. I was walking her right into the fucking lion’s den. I tossed my drink back and shook my head, willing the thoughts away. Almost over… this was almost over.

“Now take a deep breath and listen to me. We’re going to go get the SUV, we’re going to drive to the hotel. Okay?” I said in a calm, but stern voice. I needed her to do what I was telling her and there was no room for her to act sassy right now. To my surprise and eternal gratitude she listened to me. She let me lead her to the entrance, though she stayed close. I handed the valet the ticket he had given us and within moments the SUV was in front of us. Once I got her in and we made it out of the parking lot I watched as Brie checked the hotel things.

“How did you know?” she asked, holding the reservation and only one key.

“He’s cocky. Cocky people do as they please with little concern that their plans will go wrong.” This applied to me more than I wanted to admit. How could I sit here saying all of this as if I had any room to judge him right now? Wasn’t I doing the same to her? Hadn’t I used her for my own selfish needs, killed people in my way, and lied to her? That sick feeling was filling in my stomach again. Get a grip, you’re almost done. You can spend the rest of your life making it up to her just get it done.

I had barely noticed that we had made it to our destination, thankful my autopilot hadn’t gotten us killed. The familiar architecture of the Four Seasons loomed over us, Brie’s eyes filling with wonder as she looked from me to the building repeatedly.

“This is where you booked our fake room? Why would you spend so much money on a room we aren’t using?” She was so cute. Regardless of the fact that I had the money, she was still practical. I decided to skip over the explanation that Genovese would doubt the validity of us staying in a Holiday Inn.

“First of all, money isn’t an issue. Between the money from both of my parents passing, the restaurant’s insurance policy, the money my dad had already saved, and the money I made while running the restaurant I’m more than comfortable. Secondly, we’re going to be staying here for the next two days—we just have a different room.”

“We… we are?” I could tell she was trying to keep her excitement at bay. Spending the last few weeks with her had made me very in tune with her expressions and I knew how happy she’d be to stay somewhere other than the basement of a warehouse, no matter how nice I made it.

“Yes, Brie. I’ve booked you some spa treatments for tomorrow—I hope you don’t mind. I just… I’ve put you through a lot; I want to make it up to you. We also have a reservation for dessert and drinks tonight, if you won’t mind joining me.” I’m a complete piece of shit. Why was I feeding her this bullshit right now? Fuck she deserved so much better.

“That’s very sweet of you, I’d love to. But what about clothes? I didn’t pack anything!”

“I already have a bag for you in the car, cara mia.” I winked and moved out of the car quickly before she’d see the look in my eyes. I was losing it fast. Her excitement, the trust she had in me—it was too much. I moved to her side of the vehicle and pulled her out, handing the keys to the waiting valet.

“I’ll go back for our bags in a while. First we have to check in and see how the plan is working so far.”

As I pulled her through the hotel I watched her take it all in. The Four Seasons was a far cry from the basement she had been staying in. She continued to spin around slowly as I checked us in, the clerk laughing quietly as his eyes followed Brie’s movements. I lead her to the elevators and pulled her in, my arm wrapping tightly around her. I was so scared to let her go—but only because I knew exactly what was coming.

I had reserved a beautiful suite, my guilt undoubtedly doing most of the work here. Everything was picturesque, and perfect—much how I saw Brie. I quickly explained the layout of the room while I took my jacket off. When a knock sounded at the door I fought the urge to pull my concealed knife from my waist; I didn’t want to startle her.

“I’ll get it,” I told her, before checking the small peephole. Oh, bellboy… Madonn, I needed to get my act together. I took the bags and tipped him, making sure to put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door after he departed. When I was all set I pulled my laptop out and called her over, patting the seat on the couch next to me. It took a moment for the surveillance feed to come through but soon my handiwork came to light. I had staged the room earlier, leaving an overnight bag, a bottle of champagne, clothes here and there. More importantly a small envelope sat on the bed, waiting for the sick fuck that I knew would show up.

“What’s that?” she asked, pointing at the envelope. She always noticed the smallest things.

“I had some of the other pictures of you I took printed; including the one you suggested.”

“Oh the one with me in your bed, with the handcuffs?” Her cheeks flushed at the memory, a small smile teasing her lips. It was all I could do not to drag her into the bedroom right now. My hairs stood on end as I remembered every inch of her soft skin staring at me while she twisted her wrists and playfully begged me to remove the cuffs. Brie kept me in an eternal state of lust, confusion, anger, and guilt. I was having a hard time pulling myself out of the memory until sound emitted from the small speakers of the laptop.

I watched eagerly as Genovese suddenly came into the scene. I felt like a kid who was just told he could eat all of his Halloween candy. He hadn’t sent someone else, he hadn’t ignored my baiting—he came. I watched as he angrily searched the rooms, seemingly annoyed that no one was there waiting for him. Soon enough he was taking the envelope from the bed, his hands tightening on the contents as he mumbled under his breath. I felt Brie shudder next to me, and realized how creepy this might be for her. I pulled her close but continued to watch as the piece of shit dropped his pants and boxers. This was the fucking icing on the cake. This sick old bastard was gonna beat his meat over some fuckin’ pictures. I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped.

“No he’s not really going to do that is he?” Brie shrieked, horror emanating from her eyes. The second he was touching his dick she looked away, more angry than upset at this point. That was my girl; all fire. It took a lot to break her. I buried my face in her hair and closed the laptop, deciding I didn’t need to expose her to more than necessary. The rest of the night went by in a blur of me doing anything I could to make her happy, while the guilt ate at every inch of my brain. When she slept I held her tightly against my body, my eyes glued to the door as if I could suddenly take all of it back. When she stirred in the morning I closed my eyes. I couldn’t make eye contact with her; I couldn’t smile at her knowing what was next.

She was only gone an hour when I realized I couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t go through with it. Not one ounce of revenge was going to be worth traumatizing her. I couldn’t believe I had even let it go this far. I barely had my shoes on before I was out the door, heading downstairs to the spa. My hands shook, my fingers digging into my palm as I waited at the desk for the clerk.

“WHICH ROOM IS BRIE IN?” My voice came out in a frantic shout. Fuck, I was past losing it. The girl on the other side of the desk look frightened, and I couldn’t blame her. Her eyes searched the room before she swallowed hard, her voice quiet.

“She’s uh… gone. A man… came and picked her up?” She was leaving something out, but it didn’t matter. He already came. She was gone.

Within ten minutes I had packed up everything in the room, checked out and gotten into the SUV. I didn’t know where I was going—I didn’t know where to find her. I had made such a meticulous plan to keep Genovese preoccupied throughout the day that I hadn’t even considered where he would be keeping her. Fuck. Think, you idiot. This is your fault. It’s your fucking fault she’s with him. My hands tightened on the steering wheel, my knuckles a step above white as I let my mind speed through the different obstacles I had setup for the day. Finding him wouldn’t get me what I needed—confronting him would get one of us killed, and I still wouldn’t know where Brie was. I had to find a way to figure out where he had rented an apartment.

I made my way back to the warehouse, flinging my laptop open the second the door closed behind me. Genovese wanted her as a girlfriend, which meant he would want a place that he could keep her. He wouldn’t put her in a shithole, he would pick a nice place that he didn’t mind being. A nice place meant it had to be connected to someone’s social security number—someone had to be linked to it. He wouldn’t use his own name, his wife would come across it at some point and believe it or not the piece of shit did seem to care if she stuck around.

I pulled up the list of guys that I knew he kept in his closer circle. There were about 20 guys give or take, that I could see him using for this situation. They would be guys that he would trust to know the location, and guys he would trust around her. It would have to be someone that had a clean record and decent credit because the landlord would undoubtedly run a credit check and background check if it was a nicer place. I just had to go through all of their records and see who hadn’t done a bid. Once that was over it was just a matter of calling a few friends and finding out which of these guys had new property in their name.

I did the best I could to keep her out of my head while I dug into the lives of each and every guy on the list. I tried not to think of her doe like eyes, her fiery expression, or the way her lips curved. I tried not to think of the fact that I had put her directly in the line of fire, knowing that she trusted me so fully.

By the time an hour had passed I had narrowed my list down to about 8 guys that hadn’t been caught for any of the stunts they pulled. I made a quick call to a contact I had enlisted when this whole stupid plan of mine came about, knowing he’d be the best for getting me what I needed.

After twenty minutes of explaining what needed to be explained, and promising an astronomical amount of money, Charlie promised me results. He said he’d call back within a few hours, though he understood time was of the essence. I couldn’t sit around idly while I waited for his response, so I changed, and prepared for whatever the day had ahead of me. I slipped two knives into the inner holster on the waist of my pants. I knew my gun was in the glove box, silencer already secured. In the back of the SUV a shovel, a duffel bag of tools, and rope waited for me. This day would end however I deemed fit, and as the time ticked by, my conscious dripped away with it.

I wanted to see him, I needed to know that he wasn’t anywhere near her. I began to recall each little “hiccup” I setup for the day, wondering which would bring his attention. I had left the casino alone, knowing that would’ve been too complicated, and far too risky. I had run some fraud charges off his wife’s credit cards but there was no guarantee that he would go home—it was more likely he’d have someone else take care of it. I had arranged for some of his incoming trucks to take a little detour; which meant his guys would throw up the red flag—letting him know the merchandise never came in. No merchandise meant he couldn’t sell it to the stores, and that meant a big pay cut. That would be it—that greedy fucker wouldn’t let anyone fuck with his money.

The trucks were meant to arrive at a warehouse over by the docks. Most of his guys operated out of there, and I knew Genovese kept an office there as well. I was outside and back in the SUV as fast as my legs could carry me. Every second I wasted was a second more that she was in danger, and I couldn’t handle the fact that it was all thanks to me.

When I arrived at the docks there was a lot going on. I didn’t recognize any of the vehicles I normally saw Genovese being transported in, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t around. I parked a few blocks away and slithered from building to building, knowing that I couldn’t dare let one of them see me over here. Genovese knew Gabriella had been with me, and if he was smart he knew I was coming for him. His guys would be on the lookout and I had to be prepared for that.

I made my way to the warehouse and up one of the fire escapes. I stayed outside, lingering closely to a broken window that would hopefully allow me to hear what I needed. I could hear voices, but not the one I was looking for. As they talked, I leaned closer, focusing on each word.

“Ay, Joey said to get all this shit straightened out. Lotta fuckin’ stuff went wrong today and you know he doesn’t want to be bothered now that he finally gotta hold of that fuckin’ girl.”

“Thank the fuckin’ Madonna! I didn’t know when he was gonna give it a rest. She’s just a piece of pussy, he could’ve found another.”

“Ehh come on, you know Joey. He doesn’t hear no. And I’m sure she won’t be saying no to him again unless she’s real fuckin’ stupid.”

“Yeah right, she’ll take the dick like every other fuckin’ girl out there and smooth her shit out real quick. He’ll have her cooin’ like a fuckin’ kitten once she gets a hold of the credit cards.” My fists tightened at my sides as they laughed. They didn’t know her; they didn’t know she wasn’t some cheap slut that would give it up for money. No, instead she gave herself to me, a schmuck that treated her worse than he would. At least he was honest about his intentions—what was I?

I stayed there for over an hour before I accepted that he wasn’t here. The idea that he was with her terrified me. I still hadn’t heard back from Charlie and I had no idea where else to start looking.

I spent the next few hours going to every single spot I knew he associated with. My faith was dwindling; I wasn’t finding either of them. It was growing dark out and I knew the longer this took, the more of a possibility that something had happened to her. She could say no as many times as she wanted, and I’m sure my girl would put up a fight—but in the end… Fuck I wouldn’t even think of it.

I was parked on the side of the road, my fingers clutching my hair as I fought to come with any other ideas when finally my phone rang.

“CHARLIE?!” I yelled into it, my breath spastic.

“Hey, sorry it took so long. I got somethin’ for ya—new loft under that Piccini guy. It’s downtown.” He spent the next few minutes getting me the address and verifying the money I’d be giving him. People were all the same, good or bad they were just looking to get paid. I raced over to the other side of town, parking out back of a swanky loft building that seemed more than perfect for him. I felt my heart beat a little faster when I recognized the plates on the back of an SUV parked a few spots away. This had to be it. I pulled my gun from the glove box, making sure my silencer was secure. The idea of killing for her wasn’t even remotely questionable for me. I’d plow down every fucking body that stood between me and getting her out of here.

Getting inside the security door in back was easier than it should’ve been, but I was a little bothered by going into this blind. I had no idea how many guys were upstairs, but that wasn’t going to stop me. When I reached the right floor I peered through the narrow glass window, noting the single guard that stood outside of a door about halfway down the hall. It’d be difficult to get that far without him noticing, which meant I’d have to take him head on and hope that we could keep it quiet. Brie’s eyes kept flashing in my head, along with her laugh, her inexplicable ability to piss me off, and the way she trusted me. She deserved so much more than this.

I pushed the door open slowly, amazed that the large steel door could be so silent. I held the handle as it shut, careful to keep the noise at a minimum. I made it about five feet towards him before he looked up, a smirk on his face as he suddenly started to move towards me. I moved quickly and silently, my hand gripping my knife before I was within a foot of him. He went to grab his gun but I was too quick. I was digging my knife into his gut, my hand pushing against his mouth as I lowered him carefully to the floor. I twisted my knife, dragging it up until the blood that pooled beneath him moved towards my feet. He had stopped struggling; his body limp when I moved my hand. I knew I’d have to come back and move him but getting to Brie came first. I could hear his voice inside, I could tell he was talking to her. I half considered throwing my body through the door but on a second scan of it realized it was a little too heavy duty for that. I went back to the guards body and began searching his pockets, knowing Genovese would’ve given him a “just in case” key. I was rewarded with a silver key stuck inside his shirt pocket.

I wish I could say that I could clearly remember everything that played out within the next few minutes. I barely registered my own movements as I found myself burying my knife into what I figured to be the heart of an unexpected second guard. We had struggled, and caught Genovese’s attention. I could see Gabriella, and I was too distracted. My knife went flying and suddenly I was on the floor and losing my ability to breathe quickly. Everything was going in and out, but I remember seeing Gabriella looking at me. Was she moving closer? No Brie, run while you have the chance. He was talking to me but the words sounded like I was listening while my head was underwater. He was screaming, and suddenly she was on the floor. The pressure was gone, I could breathe again. Was he bleeding? My gun, where is my gun. I reached back slowly, my fingers wrapping around the cold metal that waited patiently tucked into my jeans. I pulled it out quickly and aimed, taking a quick shot for his stomach. I didn’t want him dead yet, I just wanted her to be safe.

I watched as he collapsed onto his stomach, his hand blindly clutching at his fresh wound. I eyed Brie, and she knew to move away from him. I used my foot to flip him onto his back, smirking at the hideous groan that came out of him.

“Now, old man. As I promised; I’d like to make you pay for what you’ve done. Especially to Brie.” I rose my eyes to her again, knowing I didn’t want her around for this.

“Brie, go to the bedroom and close the door. Put the TV on.” I can’t imagine what my expression must have looked like because she was gone in seconds. I tucked my gun back into my jeans and pulled him up into a sitting position. I pulled his tie from around his neck and force the wide part of it into his mouth, tying it tightly behind his head. It felt surreal to finally be at this point; to know that my serenity waited for me on the other side of this nightmare.

I never thought I’d find such delight in torturing a man; but there is evil in everyone. I reveled in the muffled screams that escaped him as I slammed one of my knives straight through his thigh. With the other I took my sweet time, carving gashes into his face, his arms, his chest—his eyes drooped, he wouldn’t be around for much more of this. With a final prayer to the Madonna herself, I plunged the blade through his chest. I couldn’t believe he was gone.

I took the time to drag the two bodies into the kitchen, not wanting Brie to see what I had done. I left them in a pile against the fridge, dreading the knowledge that I’d have to come back and get them later tonight.

I pushed open the door of the bedroom a few moments later, my body shaking as I looked over her frame.

“Brie.” Before I could say another word she was throwing herself on me, her arms wrapped around my blood stained frame.

“Can we go back to your place, please?” she asked, while the tears slipped down her face. I’d never fucking forgive myself for putting her through this. I slipped my arms under her knees and hoisted her up, holding her close to my body. As we made our way through the apartment she looked around, curiosity written all over her face.

“In the kitchen. After I take you home I have to come back here. I have to make this look like a business arrangement gone wrong.” I didn’t give her any more detail than that, and she didn’t pry. I carried her down each flight of stairs, and to my SUV. I secured her in her seat, and was glad to see her fall asleep only minutes after. When we made it to the warehouse I carefully scooped her back up and took her inside. She began to stir by the time we reached the bathroom, so I placed her down on the sink. I wanted to take care of her—I wanted to avoid the inevitable. I turned on the bath and let the water run before I turned back to her and began to remove the clothes that clung to her frame.

With each new inch of exposed skin, I grew angrier with myself. She was covered in bruises and scratches, fresh and glaring right at me.