Read Russo: His Untold Story (Blacklisted #3) Online
Authors: Maria Delaurentis
What the fuck is that annoying sound? Get it together, think—what happened. I was amazed how quickly it all came back to me. That crazy fuckin’ widow shot me. She tried to shoot my girl, I played hero, and got shot. The sound—what is that sound? Beeping, duh idiot, you’re in the fuckin’ hospital. This bed feels like shit. Why does one side feel lower? I fought to open my eyes, but was quickly rewarded with that beautiful fuckin’ girl that I apparently would do anything for. She was calling Frankie and Elena over but she was the only one I cared about right now. I studied her, fully realizing the gravity of my feelings. She looked scared, and I figured my silence wasn’t helping. We had to be even now—didn’t we? I put her in a shit ton of danger, I understood that. But fuck—I took a bullet for her! The corner of my mouth turned up as I spoke.
“Did I redeem myself yet?”
The next week and a half was terrible. I was probably overreacting but there was nothing worse than being stuck in a hospital. They checked me daily, but rarely let me get up and actually walk around. ”You have to heal,” Brie would scold me. Finally, the doctor released me to “Brie’s care” but I was still restricted to what I could do. Bed rest—fuck me. Why leave the hospital if I still couldn’t do a fuckin’ thing? And to top it all off we had to push back the opening! On the plus side, getting shot had apparently been a big help in the promotion side of things—people were chompin’ at the fuckin’ bit to get a table. Our reservations were stacked and I was ecstatic, but I didn’t tell Brie. I wanted it to be a surprise when we opened just how popular we had become overnight.
My girl took care of me every day, cookin’, taking care of the business, keeping me company—she was perfect. The family came over every now and then, bringin’ meals and sittin’ with me a while—but it wasn’t enough, I was getting fuckin’ stir-crazy. Once another week passed we had another visit with the doctor and Madonn, I almost kissed the guy when he lifted the fuckin’ restriction. I still had to take it easy but I could finally get some shit done.
Brie had her arm around my waist as we walked back to the parking garage. She was so concerned about me… it was a beautiful thing. This girl loved me more than she was ready to say, but I could see it and I’d be damned if I let her get away after all this. I stopped her and pulled her into my arms, ignoring the bickering that followed.
“Gabriella, you’re it for me, you know that?”
“What are you talking about?”
"I mean you're fuckin' it for me! You're my girl, you're my life. I took a bullet for you; does that not spell it out for you?" I chuckled and grabbed her face, staring at her.
“Marry me.”
“Marry you?!” What was she not getting here?
“Am I speaking French, Gabriella? Yes. Marry me. Don’t try to tell me you aren’t sure, bambina, I know you are. You took care of me, you’ve stuck by me, and we’re opening a business together. Just let me put it on paper, let me put a ring on that finger and call you my wife.” I was close to begging at this point, my fingers sliding to her shoulders as I held her firmly.
"I … Michael, this is just so sudden. Can I think about this?" I shook my head and laughed, knowing she was just being stubborn.
"Think about it all you want, Gabriella. But mark my words; you're going to be my wife.” And of that I was sure.
We still had one week to go before the opening and it was fuckin’ insane. Food coming in, people running around, staff getting the once over—I was losin’ it. But Brie was there, keepin’ me grounded like always.
The morning of our opening I made my girl breakfast in bed, wanting her to have her strength for the night ahead of us. While she ate I cleaned up the kitchen, knowing I’d feel better if I wasn’t in the middle of a huge mess. When I heard her come in I turned to her, speaking firmly.
"So, the restaurant is only open 5pm-11pm tonight. I know you want to head over there and be there all day but you've done enough and I want you to go relax today, alright? I already made the spa appointment.” I fixed a look on her, hoping she understood this wasn’t up for debate.
The look on her face said it all, and I had no idea why I hadn’t thought of it. I sighed and took her plates from her, tossing them in the sink before I turned back and wrapped my arms around her.
"Gabriella, I know I can never say sorry enough times, but that part of our life is done. I'll never do anything to hurt you again.” I held her still, hoping she could see just how much I fuckin’ meant what I was saying. ”I love you, alright? I love you more than anything I could ever love. You're all I think about, all I dream about—when that bitch aimed that gun at you. . . I didn't even have to think. I'd pick you over me every time, Gabriella.”
"I. . . I love you too.” Were angels fucking singing? Was the Madonna herself in the fuckin’ room? She fucking said it. She fucking loved me.
"I've been waiting to hear those words… longer than I want to admit.” And then I was on her. I was touching her, kissing her, grabbing her—I couldn’t fucking believe she finally said it. I picked her up and carried to the bedroom, ready to get exactly what I needed to seal the fuckin’ deal. I tried my best to take my time with her, to appreciate every single second of this—but fuck she was so beautiful.
“God, I’m never going to get used to how beautiful you are,” and it was the fuckin’ truth. I took my time and worshipped my girl like she deserved. I touched every inch of her skin, and brought her to the stars.
While my girl enjoyed a much deserved day of relaxation, I made my way to multiple jewelry stores. I was done waiting—this girl was going to marry me. After about two hours of looking, I finally settled on a princess cut diamond in a white gold setting. That was $14,000 I was glad to spend.
The opening was everything I could have dreamed of, and I knew my parents would’ve been proud. Brie and I worked around the room, greeting, filling drinks, keepin’ our staff grounded. The family had been by, and were quick to offer their congrats. Everything went smoothly and I was starting to wonder if this was a fuckin’ prank. The whole night went through without one fuckin’ bump and by the time we were closing up I was exhausted. A little after midnight the staff had finally gone home and I could hear Brie fussin’ around the kitchen—the girl never took a break. Thankfully, I knew just how to get my girl’s attention.
I sat at the piano and started to play quietly at first, getting myself reacquainted with the keys. It felt so natural, and soon the music was driftin’ around the room as I sang along to one of my favorites; “It Had to Be You”. I had the fight the urge to laugh when I heard Brie come out; the girl was too easy sometimes. She hummed along with me and when I finished I turned and threw myself on my knees, grinning at her. Before she bothered to say anything I reached into my pocket and pulled out the small box the jeweler had given me.
“I said it before, and I’ll keep saying it until you say yes, Brie. Be my wife.” I held her hand tightly, not wanting to let her get away from this. I knew she loved me, and she had to know at this point I loved her more than life itself—literally. She was crying suddenly, and I had no idea how to take it. She must’ve seen the look on my face because she finally put me out of my fuckin’ misery and said “yes”.
Life was never what anyone expected. In less than two years I lost my parents, a business, my grip on reality, and my morals. But in that same time span I gained clarity, a new business, and the love of my life. I had done so many things that I wasn’t proud of, and Madonn—I had no idea how I ended up with this life, but fuck—I wasn’t letting it go.
The first title in the Blacklisted series
Turning down the advances of local crime boss Joey Genovese not only cost Gabriella her job, but such is his influence that she can no longer hold a job in the city she loves. Just when she thought things can’t get any worse, she gets thrown into the back of an old van by a kidnapper who politely introduces himself as ‘Michael’.
While she expects a dirty basement littered with rats, she finds herself confined to an abandoned warehouse converted to a modern loft, with everything she could ever ask for. Handsome and intelligent, Michael is the type of kidnapper she could only dream of.
Michael’s parents were murdered by Genovese, and Gabriella is just the right type of bait to help him get his revenge. Killing Genovese is all he cares about. His plan is meticulous, his attitude ruthless.
But falling for his hostage was the one thing he couldn’t plan for.
Putting Gabriella on the lure just became that much tougher, even with her consent. Genovese runs this town for a reason, and he doesn’t take kindly to those who don’t comply. Eliminating him will be harder than either of them could imagine.
Will Michael avenge his parents’ death and grant Gabriella her freedom, or will Genovese finally get what he’s wanted all along?
Grab your copy at Amazon.com or use the following link:
The second title in the Blacklisted series
Brie's world was turned upside down by two men - local crime boss Joey Genovese, and Michael Russo, the kidnapper of her dreams. Having survived both, she now is looking to pick up the pieces of her life with neither of them in the picture.
But when Genovese's jilted widow turns up at her new workplace, Brie finds herself right back at square one. Reluctantly, she allows Michael back into her life, to finally fix the mess he created once and for all.
Things are never that simple. Michael hasn't got any less charming, and Genovese apparently has no less strings to her evil bow than her late husband.
Will Brie be forever tormented by the mob, or can Michael save the day ... and get the girl?
Grab your copy at Amazon.com or use the following link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QKWLJ4S
From The Author
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