"I don't like it, but my hands are tied. I just want you to know this: if I ever get the chance to betray you, I will. If the opportunity arises to pay you back, I'll take it. You'll never be able to trust me."
- Darren Shan
My stomach was a tangled knot of nervous excitement as I retrieved my small suitcase to begin packing for my trip to New York.
There was a certain reluctance in my actions; an unwillingness to leave Uncle Ben and Noah alone for an entire forty-eight hours. While I had left Sawyer in charge in my absence and papa would be available if needed, the thought of being away from Noah felt unsettling, a daunting prospect I was very tempted to avoid altogether.
I had almost convinced myself to surrender my plans to this reluctance when a knock on the door abruptly tugged me out of my thoughts.
Noah's gentle voice filtered through the wooden door. "Frankie?" he queried.
I scrambled to my feet, relieved to see him standing in the doorway. "Hey baby, what's up?" I responded, inviting him to join me in the room.
Slowly, Noah crossed the room to where a half-smoked cigarette lay smouldering in the ashtray perched on the window ledge. His fingers delicately put out its fiery tip before turning to me. "When's your flight?" he asked, his gaze gentle and probing.
Finding myself sitting beside him, I carefully studied his features in an attempt to decipher the sea of emotions that seemed to dance behind his eyes. "In two hours," I told him honestly, feeling my heart squeeze in my chest as I added, "Baby, I can call it off if you need me here."
"No, no." He shook his head. "I just wish you'd take Sawyer with you, for protection. I worry about you."
The way he looked at me, my heart soared. The sincere concern reflected in his gaze felt as if it could lift me right off the ground. He cared so profoundly that it was overwhelming.
But leaving them without any protection was not an idea I was comfortable entertaining. "Baby, I promise you, I'll be okay," I reassured him. "Sawyer's more needed here, with you guys."
Noah's eyes darted away from mine, and I knew then that whatever words he was to utter next would stab straight through my heart. "I know you worry about me... more than anyone," he whispered barely above the audible threshold. "I'm your weak point, Frankie. And we both know people break at their weakest points."
"Noah, please-" I started, but his interruption left me faltering in my words.
He continued with a helpless shrug, his gaze avoiding mine. "I am... a burden to you, always. And I wish... I wasn't. I wish I was different. I wish I could be of assistance, not... not something holding you back."
Taken aback by his words, my hands instinctively sought his, grasping them tight within my own. A tide of sorrow crashed against the barriers of my heart, swelling to an almost unbearable intensity.
"Baby," I started again, my voice trembling with unshed tears, "you're not a burden to me, never. You're my rock, my anchor. You make me strong, give me hope. You're the reason I strive to remain human. There's absolutely nothing about you I would ever want to change."
Before I could say anything more, Noah had wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his warm embrace. "I love you, Frankie. I love you so much," he murmured, his warmth seeping into my soul.
His words sparked a tear that trailed a path down my cheek, but I brushed it away. "I love you too, baby, more than you could ever imagine," I replied, planting a gentle peck on his cheek.
Noah drew back from our embrace, a brilliant smile suddenly breaking the shadows on his face. "Alright, time for you to get ready. And take Sawyer with you," he reiterated, his eyes flickering with warmth.
I started to protest, but he cut me off yet again. "Uncle Ben and I, we're heading to Jay's place. He'll be here to pick us up soon. We missed Eileen and Little Johnny."
The relieved smile that brightened my face was impossible to stifle. Knowing that they would be spending their time with Jay, and therefore under safe care, granted me a significant amount of peace. Knowing that they would not only be safe but enjoy themselves warmed my heart.
──●◎●──
"Ready to take off, darling?" Ronan asked, gesturing towards the private jet.
I nodded and followed him on board, feeling my heart flutter as Hector greeted us at the door.
Once comfortably settled on the plush seat right beside Hector, I was swiftly engulfed by his charismatic aura.
The brush of his gentle hand against my thigh made an electrifying current course through my body, evoking spine-tingling shivers within me. His voice, low and honeyed, washed over me like warm caramel as he leaned close to murmur in my ear, "I missed having you."
But our little moment was quickly interrupted by Ronan, who cleared his throat obtrusively. "Oh please, get a room you two," he jested, playfully rolling his eyes.
Caught red-handed, my face turned a rosy red. Trying to play cool, I retorted, "What are you talking about?" But my words only made him laugh louder.
Hector winked at me, and I felt a wave of desire wash over me, knowing we still had a couple of hours on this flight.
Ronan made his way to the inner cabin where his computer sat open, ready for him to continue his work. I noticed him putting on his music headphones, effectively shutting out the world around him.
Seeing this, Hector took the opportunity to slide the partition closed to our small section of the jet, giving us privacy in our spacious cabin.
He wasted no time in pulling me towards him, his lips crashing onto mine in a fierce kiss. I melted into him, my hands tangled in his dark honey hair, pulling him closer.
Our kisses were rough and frantic, each one more passionate than the last. Hector's hands roamed all over my body, his touch igniting a fire within me. And I responded with equal urgency, running my hands down his muscular chest and over his toned abs.
I couldn't get enough of him, and I knew he felt the same.
Our bodies were pressed against each other, our clothes barely a barrier between us. Hector's hands traveled down my back, pulling me even closer to him. His touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine. I moaned against his lips, unable to control the escalating desire coursing through me.
Hector's hands moved down to my hips, lifting me up and positioning me on his lap. I gasped as I felt his length pressing against me, the evidence of his desire evident. I couldn't resist grinding against him, eliciting a low growl from him. His hands gripped my hips, guiding my movements as we both sought release.
──●◎●──
When we arrived at the Plaza, we were greeted warmly by Allegra and her mother.
"Oh, I'm so happy you all could come!" Allegra burst out, her eyes alight with happiness. "Frankie, your presence is truly appreciated." she stated, placing special emphasis on my name.
Returning her genuine enthusiasm with a cordial smile, I nodded in response.
Ronan pulled her into a warm embrace, "We wouldn't miss it for the world," he replied, his voice a velvet purr of genuine honesty. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Ronan slipped into the thickening crowd with Allegra's mother.
Allegra cozied up to Hector, greeting him with a customary Italian double kiss. "Hector, I'm happy you're here." My heart swelled with a sudden tinge of jealousy. I'd forgotten how passionate Italians could be.
Hector beamed back at Allegra with a genuine smile. "It's an honor for me to celebrate such an important day with you and your family, Allegra."
"Get settled into your rooms, everyone," she said. "I'll catch up with you shortly and please, don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything."
As we lingered in the hallway, Sawyer checked in with me. "Frankie, can you handle the suitcase? I'm going to assess the security measures to make sure everything's good before the wedding." His dedication was commendable.
"Relax, Sawyer. It's a Plaza. And besides, this is the Capano wedding, so I'm pretty sure everything's good," I reassured him.
But determined as ever, he replied, "Double-checking never killed nobody. I'll catch up with you guys later." With that, he took off like a rocket.
"Your man is quite the loyal guy," Hector observed, the admiration in his tone unmistakable.
Still gazing after Sawyer, I responded with a soft smile, "Sawyer is more than that, he's like a big brother to me."
Sensing the fondness in my tone, Hector nodded with a chuckle, "I can see why you both work well together."
With a smirk, I quipped back, "Well, I may be his boss, but don't tell him that, he bosses me around too."
His deep chuckle echoed softly in the halls as he took my hand, guiding me toward the waiting elevator. "Let's go find our rooms."
──●◎●──
Making my way to the closet, I pulled out my chosen dress for the evening - a stunning Michael Kors black gown. Positioning it delicately on the bed, I sauntered to my makeup vanity table to glam myself up for the night.
But just as I began to apply my lipstick, a knock interrupted me. "Ms. Monroe?" a voice enquired.
Huffing slightly, I answered the door to find the bellboy bearing a garment bag. "Mr. Pierce had this delivered for you, ma'am. Where do you like me to place it?"
"Thanks, I'll take it," I replied, taking the bag off his hands. "One moment, please." Rushing back into my room, I retrieved my handbag, extracting a hundred dollar bill before I returned to him. I thanked him before securing the door.
Opening the garment bag, my gaze fell on a sophisticated Yves Saint Laurent black dress with a chic boat neckline and a fitted bodice.
Slipping it on, I stood in front of the mirror, admiring how the sleek design accentuated my curves down to the knee, where it gracefully flowed into a floor-length hemline. It was a stunning creation, one that I would never have imagined myself wearing. But it seemed Mr. Pierce had a good eye for fashion, for this dress was absolutely perfect.
Just as I finished my makeup, a knock on the door interrupted me yet again. Quickly grabbing the hem of my dress, I hurried to answer it.
There in the doorway was Hector, looking absolutely stunning in a sharp, tailored black tuxedo, his dark blonde hair slicked back into perfection. His dimpled smile flashed at me, making my knees weak as they always did. He murmured, "You look stunning in that dress," in his trademark husky tone.
Returning his smile, I said, "You picked it out after all. Make yourself comfortable, I'm almost done."
Just as I was about to disappear into the other room, Hector reached out and grabbed my arm, spinning me around and pulling me close to his solid frame.
Our eyes met and I could see the intense desire burning in his grey irises. My heart hammered against my rib cage as his hand slowly snaked around my neck, drawing me dangerously closer.
As much as I craved the feel of his lips on mine, this seductive dance was a game that both of us knew how to play.
"I think it's time to go," I whispered, freeing myself from his tight grip. My lips curved into a mischievous smirk, a little bit of satisfaction washing over me as I left him hanging.
A little payback for all the teasing he put me through on the plane.
Grabbing my Astrida Bride strappy pumps, I sat on the edge of the bed. Hector suddenly dropped to one knee before me and took the shoes from my grasp. His touch was tantalizing, tickling my skin and setting my nerves alight.
He then ran his hand along the length of my leg, causing waves of tingling warmth to surge through my body. When he slipped my heels onto my feet, he also scattered hot, soft kisses on my thighs, resulting in a moan of pleasure escaping from my lips.
"Hector.." I barely whispered, as my thoughts were swamped with yearning for him.
His response was to look up at me, the desire mirrored in his eyes as his voice weighed heavy with dark lust. "All you have to do is say the word," he promised.
My self-restraint was ebbing away, the overwhelming urge to give into my burning desire almost made me surrender, but another knock at the door disrupted our moment.
"Frankie, are you ready yet?" Ronan's voice echoed from the other side.
A small chuckle escaped my lips, as I exchanged a knowing glance with Hector. "I'm coming down in a minute, Rory!" I called out, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.
"I'll be waiting for both of you downstairs in the lobby. Don't keep me waiting," he instructed before walking away.
"He never misses a thing, does he?" Hector remarked, his expression tinged with amusement.
Sometimes, I forgot how well Ronan could read me.
I watched as Hector let out a heavy breath, trying to calm his hard-on, and I couldn't help but gulp at the sight before me. "Someone just got cockblocked," I giggled, moving past him.
Hector seized my arm, holding me back. Our eyes met, his typically gentle demeanor turning intense, "There's no escaping this. We'll finish what we've started later tonight," he promised, his voice thick with desire.
──●◎●──
Hector took my hand in his as we walked through the entrance of the ballroom. The place was abuzz with chatter and laughter as the guests milled around, admiring the wedding decorations and the outfits of those in attendance.
As we were finding our assigned seats, I couldn't help but catch sight of Allegra who was right in the middle of the dance floor, wrapped in intimate conversation with Sawyer. Even amidst the buzz and noise of the ongoing event, it was clear to see just how comfortable the two seemed to be in each other's presence, almost as though they were familiar with each other.
Allegra caught my eye from across the room and started making her way towards me, her face breaking into a genuine smile. "Wow, you look stunning! That dress is everything!" she gushed.
I couldn't help but glance over at Hector, knowing that his impeccable taste had played a part in my glamorous appearance. Hector flashed me a sly wink, causing an electrifying jolt to shoot down my spine.
As Allegra reached me, I couldn't resist beaming back at her. "Thank you so much, you look gorgeous as well!"
I couldn't suppress the burning question any longer. "I couldn't help but notice how cozy you and Sawyer were earlier. Have you two met before?"
Her cheerful expression slightly faltered, revealing a tinge of hesitance, but after a brief second of uncertainty, she slowly nodded in response. "Yeah, there's a bit of a history between us. Maybe one day, I'll sit down and tell you all about it."
In that instant, Salvatore Lombardi made his grand entrance into the ballroom, two guests flanking him on either side.
Salvatore was a towering figure, built like a titan and exuding a commanding presence that demanded attention. His nickname Big Solly came not just from his imposing stature but from the respect and admiration his aura commanded.
Clothed in an impeccably tailored navy-blue tuxedo, he looked the epitome of power, sophistication and charm. Every fiber of his being seemed to reflect a sense of allure that transcended physical attraction.
As Salvatore saw me, his stern face softened into a gentle smile before striding towards me.
With a slight nod, he offered his hand to me. "Francesca, cara, (dear)" he greeted in a warm tone, "You truly look radiant. The stars are missing one, tonight," he complimented. His smooth words, steeped in both kindness and cryptic familiarity, stirred a storm of confusion in my mind.
How could this be?
There were questions mounting inside me, needing immediate attention and serious discussion with Salvatore. Yet, I managed to push my confusion aside for a later time and responded to his gracious compliment, "Mr. Lombardi, it's a pleasure to see you."
Big Solly shifted his focus to Allegra, thanking her for the invitation, "You've put together an excellent gathering, Allegra, as beautiful as you."
Allegra was left blushing, murmuring a thank you in response.
At that point, Salvatore introduced his company to us, "May I introduce my good friend and brother-in-law, Carlo De Luca, and my beautiful daughter, Serafina."
As Serafina's eyes landed on me, a spark of recognition flashed in them. "It's nice to finally meet the woman my father has been talking so much about," she said, locking me in her stare.
I couldn't help but chuckle, slightly overwhelmed and mildly flustered by the unexpected focus. "I hope it's all been good things." I quipped, trying to ease the sudden spike of tension that gripped the air.
Serafina laughed a tinkling laugh, revealing a grin that showcased her confident nature, "Why wouldn't it be? All good things, I assure you!"
Carlo extended his hand in a polite gesture. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Francesca."
I shook his hand, returning the pleasantries. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. De Luca."
As the night pressed on, a whirlwind of questions started stirring in my mind. Big Solly's words spun around in my mind like a jigsaw puzzle, taunting me. "The stars are missing one tonight." It was a phrase that only my father used to say to me, and until that point, I had never heard anyone else use it.
Desperate for some fresh air and clarity, I made my way out to the terrace. The glittering, city lights stretched as far as the eyes could see and did their part in soothing my disturbed mind.
But my fleeting sense of calm shattered as a gruff voice resonated in the hushed air, "Francesca Hansley."
Spinning around in shock, I came face-to-face with an old man who held a burning cigar between his weathered fingers. His sinister eyes oozed malevolence so loud that it screamed at me to beware. The eeriness that surrounded him made my heart pound with dread.
"Who are you? And how do you know my name?" I couldn't quite manage to mask the edginess in my voice.
With a humourless chuckle, he moved closer, locking his chilly gaze with mine. "Ah, you see, I know a great deal more about you than just your name, Francesca. For starters, you bear an uncanny resemblance to your grandmother."
Before I could probe further, chaos was unleashed. Gunfire filled the air, sending people into a panic. My heart raced in fear for Ronan, Sawyer, and Hector.
Frantically, my eyes darted around the room, desperately searching of Allegra or her man, hoping to find a firearm.
As I turned my gaze back to where the mysterious old man had stood, I was taken aback to find him vanished, leaving no trace of his presence.
Shaking off the surprise, I quickly ran back inside. "What the hell is happening?" I demanded loudly, over the deafening crack of gunfire.
Hector was quick to draw me close, scanning the ballroom for the shooters. "Stay down," he commanded firmly, urging me to take cover under a nearby table.
However, before we could retreat, Allegra rushed in our direction, urgently pushing a couple of guns into our hands, with a fierce command, "We need to stop them before they kill anyone else!"
Nodding, I clasped the firearm, adjusting my grip around its weight.
Hector cast another glance around the room and barked urgently, "We need to get everyone out of here!"
Adrenaline pumping through my veins, I yelled back at Allegra, "Get your family to safety, we'll provide cover!"
Quick on her feet, Allegra gave a sharp nod in understanding and swiftly plunged into the crowd. She was directing them towards the safest exit while Hector and I held off the attackers.
"Where's Ronan?" I yellef out, sweeping my gaze around the room for him and Sawyer, my heart pounding wildly.
A wave of relief washed over me when I spotted them along with Big Solly and Carlo, unharmed and retaliating against the shooters.
Big Solly rushed towards me amidst the storm of flying bullets, worry etched on his face. "Take cover behind me!" he bellowed at me over the gunfire but I stubbornly refused.
"Serafina?" I managed to holler out in between expertly aiming my gun and taking down one of the shooters.
"Upstairs!" he responded before pushing me into a position where his own bulk stood as a barrier between me and the gunshots.
Together, Hector, Big Solly and I crept towards the source of the gunfire. A quick survey from behind the security of my cover allowed me to gauge the full scale of the havoc wreaked by the mysterious group of masked men.
We made our move, shooting towards the attackers and taking cover behind any available structure. The masked men soon realized that they had resistance, and the shooting intensified.
Still, we fought against the wave, shooting and hiding, shooting and hiding, but their pressure was intensifying.
Thankfully, the sound of police sirens outside filled the air, and I took a deep, somewhat relieved breath.
Two of the attackers closed in on us, and I pulled the trigger to fire a shot, only to be met with a dry click that revealed an empty chamber, leaving me completely vulnerable.
One of them aimed his weapon directly at me, trigger just waiting to be pulled. His chilling, murderous gaze fixed itself on me.
I watched the trigger squeeze and accepted my fate, waiting for the fatal blow. Yet, it never came. Instead, an eerie silence was followed by a soft thud.
I opened my eyes, my brain struggling to comprehend the sight. Salvatore Lombardi was sprawled on the cold ground, his chest a vivid red as a bullet lay embedded within. He gasped for breath, barely managing to keep his eyes open.
I fell to my knees next to him, my hands frantically applying pressure on the unstoppable blood flow.
"Hector!" I yelled in desperation, "Call an ambulance! Please, do it now!" My vision blurred with the onslaught of tears.
"Don't... Don't cry, cara, (dear)" Salvatore managed amidst raspy breaths.
"Why? Why did you do that?" I choked out between sobs.
Salvatore simply smiled at me, his usual warm smile that always left me wondering why he cared so much.
And now, as I held him in my trembling arms, staring into the eyes of the man who had shielded me from a certain death, I silently willed the powers-that-be to just allow him to pull through.