Mafia Lullaby - A Dark Captive Romance

“Gentlemen.” Frank Romero sauntered into the room from the side entrance that led to his own private office. “Let’s make this brief. I have to get across town for a meet and greet.” Frank pulled out the chair at the head of the table and stared down each man until they were quietly in their seats.

Frank poured himself a glass of water from the pitcher in front of him and sipped at it, then put the glass down. Every meeting started the same way. He would rush in, hurry everyone to their seats and then take his sweet ass time getting to the point.

“I heard good things about the auction last night.” Frank tapped his fingertips on the tabletop. “Angelina brought in the highest bid.” He pointed to Costello with a grin. “Twice what I had her listed for.”

Costello inclined his head in acknowledgement of the praise. Angelina had been a hard one to break, but once she did, he’d molded her into the perfect girl for auction.

“The other girls did great too. I don’t want anyone thinking they didn’t do their jobs. Fine stock on that stage last night.” Frank grinned. Three deep wrinkles on both sides of his mouth appeared when he was at his happiest. It was as though he had so much extra skin on his face that when he smiled, it all smooshed up.

Frank took his seat and motioned to Johnny on his left.

“Just a few quick things then you guys can get back to doing what you do best.” Johnny, Frank’s younger brother, pulled out his phone, swiping to his notes. Everything was electronic with Johnny. Nothing was put on paper. If anyone outside the family were to get ahold of that phone or his computer—they’d all be fucked.

“Tony and Marco, you two are with me tonight. We’ll pick up the next shipment of Lullaby, and you’ll bring it back here for distribution. Costello, you have a new recruit. She arrived last night. The nannies will get her all cleaned up once she wakes up this afternoon. We had to double dose her with Lullaby and it laid her out cold. Once she’s up and about, they’ll come get you.”

“Her file?” Costello asked.

Johnny looked up from his phone. “Just emailed it to you.”

Frank had a high security server installed for the House to keep all of Johnny’s emails internal and unhackable. Or so they said.

“Thanks.” Costello pulled out his phone to be sure he received it before Johnny took off. Seeing the message in his inbox, he put the device away.

“Gianni, your girl didn’t sell last night. Put her in rotation for the playroom. Maybe some time with the customers will up her sale value. Or at least she’ll be earning us some fucking money.” Johnny shook his head. “She’s been here almost six months. She should have sold by now.”

Gianni frowned. He’d been training Shelby hard, knowing the time was coming when Johnny and Frank would stick her in the playroom.

“You got it.” Gianni nodded.

“Okay, enough House business.” Frank waved his hand. “Family dinner next Sunday. No exceptions.” He pointed his stubby finger at each of them. “Loretta’s cooking. I expect all of you there. Bring the kids.”

“Would love to, Uncle Frank. We’ll be there.” Tony nodded.

“Of course, we’ll be there. I think Sammy has a hockey game, but we’ll work it out,” Marco said.

“You let him play, Marco. He made a commitment to that team.” Frank stabbed the table with his finger. Loyalty and commitment were top priorities to Uncle Frank. Unless he thought someone double crossed him. If he believed one of his men—nephew or not— went against him in any way, he was dealt with.

“Of course. We’ll make it work, like I said,” Marco repeated.

Frank stood up from the table, rebuttoning his jacket. “Okay, then. Next Sunday, dinner.” He pointed to Costello. “I want the same results from this new girl as you got with Angelina.”

Costello nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

Frank laughed. “Maybe keep your dick out of the others while you’re working with her. From what Louis told me, she didn’t come easily. He’s got a few scratches on his hands for his efforts.”

Costello stood up from the table. “She’s no different than any other girl in the House. She’ll get with the program and learn the rules. If she doesn’t, she’ll discover what happens.” Costello grinned. There hadn’t been a girl in the House who didn’t fall in line. Whoever this girl was, she wouldn’t be any different.

Ariana’s head was going to explode. She cracked her eyes open enough to see some light and quickly squeezed them shut again. The pain in her temples thumped too loudly for her to hear if anyone else was in the room.

“I can give you something for your head,” a deep voice said. She winced at the increased pain his voice brought.