The American Soldier Collection 14: Baby Love (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  It had been years since she’d done any criminal work, but growing up in the South Liberty gang had taught her well. Knowing that Nina was the little cunt who’d saved Polo’s niece Gale from getting torn apart just added to her hatred of the girl. Nina landed Polo’s attention. Every girl in the South Liberty gang drooled over the older man and the power he had.

  Mirella had worked hard to prove her loyalty to him and in being a top leader in the South Liberty gang. She needed more money and power, and as she watched Nina get out from under Polo’s thumb and become a success, she’d fought to be successful, too, and had finally landed the mob boss Polo. The thing was he didn’t even know how capable Mirella was. He was keeping her as a lover and nothing more. She was determined to be his wife. By setting up Nina as a partner in taking the drugs and money, it would finally get Polo to let her go and make him realize that Mirella was the one for him. The one woman willing to put everything on the line to be his wife.

  Mirella planned the heist and stole a shitload of drugs and money, which helped to pay off the right people to keep their mouths shut and to kill Zinc and Cobra. She was there with Polo at his bar when he found out about the hit and the stolen merchandise. It was crazy, but one of the guys, Charro, who she screwed around with on the side started spreading the rumor that the Russians were involved. Mirella wanted to pin the heist on Nina, but learning about her brother and Cobra and how they were into some side shit couldn’t have been more perfect for Mirella’s plan He had an addiction problem, and so did Cobra. In order to keep their secret from the Russians they worked for, they got high on Cuban territory, and she arranged for them to get high with the men who worked for Polo.

  She smiled as she watched Cramer enter the building where the crackheads hung out. He would put it all together. Especially knowing that Charro would set it up to say he heard Zinc talking about a job, about his sister and setting her up for life. Then Mirella would set Nina up to take the fall, and Polo would want nothing to do with her and order a hit on her. That should end this all nice and tidily. She smiled as she walked back toward the car, thinking everything was coming together perfectly.

  * * * *

  Paulie snapped numerous pictures of Mirella standing by the building and watching Cramer walk into the crack house. Something was going on, and his gut had been right in making him follow Mirella. Cramer wasn’t stupid, but he did like a nice piece of ass when he could get it. The fact that he’d fucked Mirella made Paulie think that Cramer wasn’t so trustworthy and could be persuaded to the wrong side. Mirella was a whore, and she was also out to hurt Nina.

  As she got into her car, he debated about following her or keeping on top of Cramer. Then he figured he could always get information on Cramer and on the crack house. He knew people, and one call would get him information he needed. He placed the car in drive and slowly pulled out after Mirella left. As he followed her out of town and deeper into Cuban territory, his instincts burned with hatred. He felt his blood boil as Mirella pulled into the bar owned by Polo. What was that bitch up to?

  He parked the car and waited, wondering and deciding what to do next. He took out his cell phone and made the call.

  “Yeah, we got a problem and a half, and I need everything on this woman, Mirella. I’m sending a picture, her name, and what I have so far, but I want everything, all the way back as far as you can get. I need it as soon as possible.” He clicked off the phone and exhaled. If Mirella was working some scam to get Nina hurt or killed, he would personally make sure she suffered. His boss was not going to be happy.

  * * * *

  Nina was shaking as she waited to meet with Viktor. She didn’t know how she was going to make it through work tonight. She had just gotten out of the doctor’s office when her cell phone rang and Viktor asked her to come to the office. Her pregnancy was confirmed, and despite how scared she was, she got excited as the doctor talked to her about prenatal vitamins, about watching her diet and eating for two, and about these books that would keep her in focus on what to expect each month. She had the items in her car and had already gotten the vitamins and taken them. She also carried a bottle of water and some crackers, just in case the morning sickness hit her at any time of the day, which it seemed to.

  She was going through with this, and she was hoping that today’s meeting would bring them closer to clearing Zinc or maybe keep her out of danger.

  She knew she looked tired. She had lost some weight worrying and getting sick every morning this week. So when Viktor greeted her, his concern was apparent.

  He closed the door to the office.

  “Nina.” He hugged her, and she didn’t give in to the need to be held. She couldn’t trust anyone, and it would be just her and her baby from here on out. He stepped back, not missing the fact that she was cold and distant.

  “How are you feeling? You look like you’ve lost some weight.”

  She took a seat in the chair in front of his desk. Viktor leaned against it.

  “It’s been a very upsetting few months. How are you, your team, and Nalia? I heard that things were pretty intense for some time but now she’s safe and with her father.”

  He smiled softly. “She is, and we’re all doing better now that we know the danger is over for now.”

  “That’s good to hear. I appreciate you seeing me, finally. I know you’ve had a lot going on. Is there any update on Zinc’s murder or the gossip that he stole from the Cubans?” she asked him, and he squinted his eyes at her.

  “Cramer is working on some leads. We’re keeping our ears open and hoping to get some more information, too. I have a few questions for you.”

  “Okay.” She felt the nauseous feeling hit her belly. She prayed she didn’t get sick.

  “Did you know that Zinc was using drugs?” he asked her, shocking her.

  She sat forward in her seat, the quick motion hitting her belly instantly. She covered it with her hand and felt her coloring fade. “Zinc? Use drugs? No. Where did you hear that?” she asked, shaking her head.

  He took a deep breath and released it.

  “Cramer got a tip on some information that Cobra and Zinc would go to this warehouse in the Cuban gang’s territory. Through questioning some guys, he found out that they frequented the place a lot, right before the hit on some guys who sold drugs and guns for other businessmen. Nina, they hung out with some guys, the ones who were delivering the drugs and doing the exchange for money for Malfetto and his gang.”

  She shook her head. “There’s no way he would do that. He wouldn’t rip off Malfetto. You all know that man’s capabilities, and he’s connected to other gangs and bosses. Hell, you have people that do business with them,” Nina said to him, and his eyes widened that she knew that. “I’ve heard that working at the clubs. People talk. If it’s not true, I’m sorry.”

  “He stole the stuff from Malfetto, and that delivery was supposed to go to Polo.”

  She gasped and felt the tears hit her eyes and her heart pound inside. “Oh, God.”

  “Yes. He finds out Zinc was your brother, if he hasn’t already, then you’re in deep danger. Nina, I need to know that you’re not involved with this.”

  “Of course I’m not involved with this. I don’t even believe that Zinc was.”

  “Why did Corona and the others put two hundred thousand dollars in your bank account?” He shocked her by asking her that.

  She suddenly felt dizzy and nauseous. She covered her stomach.

  “I’m going to be sick.” She stood up.

  “The bathroom is there.” He held her, walking her to the bathroom.

  When she got there, she closed the door and threw up. She was crying and her head was pounding. She eased herself up, washed her face and her mouth, and wished she had brought in her crackers and the drink. She opened the door.

  “Nina?” he questioned her, and she went to her chair and grabbed her purse. He watched her.

  “What’s going on? Be honest with me. If you’re in trouble, I wi
ll help you.”

  “No, you won’t. You think I’m part of this, and I’m not.”

  “Honey, you’ve done nothing over the years to indicate that you aren’t loyal to me, to the family, or not appreciative of the help I’ve given you. I don’t believe that you’re involved. That’s why I’m asking you these questions, and not Cramer or someone else.”

  She felt the tears fill her eyes. He was telling her that he believed she was innocent, but how could she tell him about the money from Corona and not appear like some whore? She felt embarrassed all over again. Viktor crossed his arms in front of his chest and gave her that hard stare of his.

  “You’re acting suspicious, and you’re hiding something. What was the money about? Why are you so upset you’re getting sick?”

  She tightened up as he raised his voice, and then exhaled.

  “You’re not giving me much of a choice here. Talk to me. Tell me why the money is in the account. Corona and his team is being investigated, too. They were friends with Zinc, and it isn’t looking good for them.”

  She jerked her head up, surprised by not only the fact Viktor thought Corona and the team were involved but that she felt compelled to protect them despite what they had done to her.

  “I was stupid, Viktor. I let my guard down, and I went and fell in love with Corona, Jessup, Atlanta, and Freeman, okay? I’m an idiot. I thought that maybe, just maybe, they felt the same way, and, well, it was obvious that, despite them claiming their professions didn’t give them time for a commitment, I still went and fell in love with them. I’m sick over it. Over Zinc and what he may or may not have done, and the fact that now I’m being looked at as a culprit in this. It’s all too much.” She cried and then wiped her eyes and continued to carry on.

  Viktor was silent as she continued to ramble.

  “Then they basically let me know it was just sex, and when I got home and found out about Zinc and Cramer accused me of being involved, I found the two hundred thousand dollars in my account.”

  “From Zinc?”

  “No, from Corona.” She cried and then wiped her eyes as she babbled on.

  “A payoff like some high-priced whore. I don’t even know why he did it, but it hurt so badly.”

  “Jesus. Stupid freaking Marines. Are you sure he didn’t say anything like he wanted to take care of you and they would be back between missions?”

  She shook her head and straightened her shoulders.

  “They never wanted anything more. I knew I was taking a chance and that they weren’t the kind of men to commit, and they have jobs to do. It doesn’t really matter now, because I’ll never see them again. Now I have to worry about what Zinc did and how this is affecting my life.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say. They’re good men, good soldiers.”

  “I’m fine. I have to be, because it’s just me and…” The tears flowed, and she covered her mouth with her hand.

  “Nina?”

  “I know you may not believe me, Viktor, but I wasn’t involved with this. I don’t think Zinc was, either, even if his drug addiction was a fact. You both saved me from Polo’s men. Polo wanted me even after you took over the club, and you and Zinc got him to stay away.”

  “We did, and I thought it was over years ago when he didn’t contact you anymore. Nina, Zinc told Atlanta one night, months before they were assigned to you and he was killed, that you belonged to a made man. Could Zinc have been working out some kind of side deal with Polo over you? He did show interest, and it took a lot to get him to back off and let you live your life…”

  “Oh, God. My own brother?” She shook her head and cried. “Could this get any worse?” The tears continued to flow.

  “Cramer is looking into some other things. I have men investigating, as well, and some inside people in Polo’s organization. We’ll get to the bottom of this. You should know that Corona and his team are back in town.” She was shocked, and a mix of emotions filled her body.

  “Do they know what’s going on?”

  “Yes, and they will try to see you. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding with the money.”

  “It was pretty clear to me. I should get going. Please keep me informed of any details.”

  “You, as well. If anyone contacts you, call me and we’ll take care of it.”

  Nina left with a heavy heart and the knowledge that she couldn’t stay in Chicago much longer. She needed to disappear. It was the only way to settle things and move on with a new life that would keep her and the baby safe.

  Chapter 10

  “Don’t go see her. We can’t give her the kind of life she deserves,” Atlanta said to Freeman.

  Freeman ran his fingers through his hair and stared at his brothers, his team.

  “I can’t take it. I miss her. I want to see her and make sure that she’s okay. This shit with her brother and Cramer looking into her as a suspect is ridiculous,” Freeman said.

  “We don’t know her well enough to know if she was part of that or not. If you go see her, then what? You want to take her back to our place and screw around with her for the week we’re here or the days we’re around before we get another call? It’s fucked up. Plus, what if she is involved with Polo? Do we really know her?” Jessup said to him.

  “How could you even think Nina would be involved with that? You know, I don’t care. I’m going to Bailey’s, and if I see her, I’ll talk to her and ask her how she is. You guys can stay the fuck here.”

  Freeman was pissed as he headed out the door. They were back in town and could be here for a few days, maybe a week. They didn’t know, but he knew he missed seeing her, and he was worried about her and the fact that she might hate them. He had to see Nina, and whatever happened, happened.

  * * * *

  Nina nervously parked her car and then walked down the block to Polo’s bar. She had to end this bullshit here and now. What she hadn’t expected to see was Mirella leaving from the back entrance and getting into her car. Nina turned away from that direction and hurried to the front entrance before Mirella could see her. She had a bad feeling in her gut. As she debated about going into the bar, the door opened and two of Polo’s main guys appeared. They saw her and held the door open.

  She knew it was too late to turn around and leave, so she straightened out her spine and headed inside. If this was a mistake, then she wasn’t as street-smart as she thought she was.

  The place was pretty empty, considering it was late afternoon. She figured Polo was a creature of habit and would be there. He always got into the bar by four o’clock, sometimes even earlier if he had meetings with businessmen. She had enough time before she needed to be at Bailey’s tonight.

  Nina glanced around and noted a few familiar faces. She hadn’t wanted anyone to know she was here in Polo’s bar, but she figured word traveled fast, especially since both she and Zinc were now accused of ripping off Polo. For her to come here would be considered foolish, as though she were ballsy or had a death wish. She was hoping the latter would get spread around the streets.

  The moment the door opened to the back room, she spotted Polo. He looked a bit older than he had six years ago, but she was surprised by how good he looked, but He was an attractive man with a tan complexion, bold black hair with a dusting of grey here and there, and he always wore a three-piece suit. Today was no different, and the expression on his face told her she’d pleased him as she entered the room.

  His eyes roamed over her body. She’d been sure to dress appropriately, wanting to appear professional, classy, and in attire to manage the club tonight, where she would be heading to from here if all went well.

  He approached slowly and nodded to his guards.

  One of them stood in front of her. “Arms up,” he said to her, and she knew they were going to check her for guns, but with a dress this tight, there was no room for weapons, not even the knife she would have loved to have carried on her inner thigh, just in case things got out of hand. Instead, she’d come unarm
ed, just ready to plead her case and ask Polo what he thought happened and where he stood.

  “You look incredible, Nina. It’s been too long.” He placed his hands on her arms and leaned down to kiss her cheek.

  She was sure to not tighten up and let him know how scared she was of him and his capabilities. A man like Polo could end her life, and she wasn’t just looking out for herself now. She was looking out for her baby, too.

  “You look good, too, Polo. The bar looks great.”

  He smiled and stepped back. “Can I get you a drink?”

  “Water is fine.”

  He lifted one of his eyebrows up at her.

  “I have to head to Bailey’s tonight. It’s going to be a long night, and believe it or not, staying hydrated is important.”

  That inquisitive look left his eyes. “I understand. You work very hard for Viktor and his team. I have to say, I’m surprised that you’ve had the nerve to come here, and alone. No Viktor to plead your case.”

  “You shouldn’t be surprised, Polo, and Viktor doesn’t know I’m here. No one does, because no one cares. I got the message loud and clear.”

  “They not treating you right, or they just don’t like thieves in their little circle?”

  “If I stole from you, and was part of whatever you think Zinc and Cobra were part of, would I be here right now? Seriously, Polo, I’m not stupid. I know what you, what Malfetto and any other mob bosses, are capable of. I’m here to end this, to plead my case to you and make you see that I wasn’t involved in any way.”