Indebted to the Mafia King

Tony

Chloe's scent on my sheets woke me up, but not finding her beside me left a sour taste in my mouth. For a moment, I wished she was there with me, so we could spend some time together, even if just talking. I wouldn't mind doing more if she wanted though. Judging from the way she groaned and squirmed under me last night, I could only assume she liked it.

Now I can finally remember what she looked like when she was under me. I can finally remember her moans when I pleased her. I can still feel her soft skin on my fingers... God, she is so damn perfect it hurts.

I wished I could stop time and just have her to myself for an entire day, not having to worry about anything other than making her happy and satisfied. That'd be a fucking dream.

But when I stepped out of the shower and saw an incoming call from Dante, I stiffened on the spot. He doesn't normally call me, so I picked it up immediately. When I heard he was in town, I stormed out of the room, quickly kissing Ellie and Chloe goodbye before heading out of the house.

It didn't go unnoticed by me that Nicky was already there, probably prying to see if I was lying about Chloe's condition yesterday, but I didn't have time to indulge her. I rushed to my car and that's why, right now, I'm parking outside the stately home Dante and Eleni still own here in the city.

Since Dante told me over the phone to just come inside whenever I arrived, I show myself in. As soon as I'm crossing the foyer, a two-year-old Alexander runs toward the kitchen, his five-year-old sister Tasia chasing him, drawing giggles from him while he flees from her grasp. They don't seem to notice my presence, so I follow after them carefully so as not to scare them.

"Come on, guys! Your snack is ready," Dante calls from the kitchen. "Can we sit down and have a proper meal? Or there will be no TV tonight."

"I'm here!" I announce to no one in particular, hoping Dante hears me from the hallway. I get to the door just in time to see him set the kids' plates in front of them on the table. He snaps his head up as soon as I'm in sight. "Hey there, man!" he greets me, gesturing for me to come inside. "Say hello to Uncle Tony, guys."

"Hi, Uncle Tony," both kids say in unison.

"Hello, everyone. That looks like a very good breakfast, huh?" I note, staring at their plates filled with fruits cut into animal forms, pancakes with smiley faces, and what I assume are sandwiches with jam. I raise my brows at Dante, who simply shrugs at me.

"The things you learn to do when you're a father," he excuses, turning to the counter and pouring two mugs of black coffee.

I am thankful when he hands me one. Missing Chloe's breakfast almost killed me. Her pancakes smelled delicious when I left, and I almost told Dante he'd have to wait to see me.

But I was too curious to know why he showed up unannounced with the entire family, so I came rushing as soon as I heard from him. I look around, missing one person. "Where is Eleni?" I ask.

"She is on the way to your house, actually," he tells me with a grin. I am sure he heard about Chloe and I, but I'm not looking forward to talking to him about it.

"Care to tell me why you're here?" I add instead, changing the subject abruptly.

"I had to close a deal with an exporter for my restaurant...and underground olive oil smuggling," he answers nonchalantly, as if this is just another day at the office for him. Which, honestly, it kind of is. I guess you can take the man out of the mafia, but you can never take the mafia out of the man.

"Smuggling, huh?" I tease, lowering my voice so the kids don't hear us.

Dante shrugs again, sipping from his coffee. I do the same, welcoming the hot liquid into my system. It tastes surprisingly good. "Never took you for the house-husband," I add in a joking tone.

"Like I said, the things you need to learn..." he chuckles, gesturing with his head to the open door that leads to the backyard.

I follow him there, leaning against the door and crossing my arms in front of my chest.

"So, back to the subject of why Eleni is on the way to your house... A little bird told me about you and Chloe being a thing now. I'm a bit reluctant to offer you my congratulations," Dante tells me sincerely.

I nod, clenching my jaw. I can't blame him. I wouldn't offer my congratulations either. When he decided to get married and start his new life with Eleni, I couldn't understand him.

"What the hell were you thinking, man?" he carries on, but his tone is playful, almost teasing. I look at him with a frown. "Chloe is way too good for you," he notes.

A snort escapes my lips. I was not expecting him to say that at all.

"I couldn't agree more," I cede. "She definitely is."

Dante glances behind him to make sure the kids are behaving, and turns his attention back to me.

"Did anyone tell you what actually happened?" I have no idea who he heard the news from, but as far as I'm concerned, other than Nicky and Armando, no one knows the truth behind my marriage with Chloe. "Hmm, not really. But from what I know about you, I am sure you wouldn't act harshly like this if it weren't for a good reason," Dante points out. "Is it bad?"

I nod, the picture of Chloe's bruises flashing before my eyes. This fucking image haunts me every single night ever since I saw them. I had to look away while we had sex last night so I didn't get distracted by the faded scars I spotted on her arms and back, otherwise I'd stop and hunt the motherfucker to the ends of the earth.

"She is in a tough spot," I answer, choosing to leave the details out. I don't want to share Chloe's secrets, even if it's to someone we trust completely. "The De La Cruz cartel is after her."

Dante's eyes widen with surprise. "Fuck..." he whispers.

"Yeah, precisely," I murmur.

"You know I'm not getting myself involved in any of that anymore, man," he says apologetically. "I trust you'll do the right thing though. I really hope you get that sorted out sooner rather than later."

I nod at him, hoping to convey my gratitude even though he can't do anything to help me. He chose to step away from this life, and I gladly accepted to take over, so I can't ask him for help. We never saw eye to eye, but I trust him. And I guess I could use his experience as a married man to try and understand my situation with Chloe.

I have no idea what to expect from her, from us, after last night. I don't want to scare her. I'm not even sure if I want to be with her completely-knowing how risky that can be for her and Ellie.

I am fucking lost, and more than ever, I have no idea what to do when it comes to her.

Dante could be helpful and help me understand my confusing feelings, but before I have the chance to think of a way to word it without sounding like a fucking loser, my phone buzzes in my pocket with a text message from Cal. 'Need to meet ASAP.'

I feel Dante's eyes on me while I reply to Cal saying that I'm on my way.

"Still enjoying running New York?" he asks smugly.

I look up to see him grinning at me, amusement in his eyes.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," I tell him bitterly. "Having a wife does complicate things though," I admit, shoving my phone back in my pocket.

"Reschedule?" Dante offers, gesturing between us with his mug. "Maybe with a glass of bourbon next time?"

"Just text me the time and place," I agree, patting him on the shoulder and getting back to the kitchen, placing my mug on the counter and turning to the kids. "I have to go now, kids. It was great to see you. You're growing so fast I'm afraid you'll be bigger than me next time we see each other."

They both giggle, and I wave them goodbye before seeing myself out.

I just hope whatever Cal has to tell me gets us closer to ending this fucking nightmare with the Miami cartel.