A Heart of Gang (The Centofanti Gang Book 1) Read online

  “Of course. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  I left them in the study and headed for the kitchen in search of Skylar. I wanted to make sure she was okay after finding out that Daniel had been lying to her for the past three years. My heart broke for my best friend; she didn’t deserve to be treated like that. I found her in the kitchen with Clara, checking on the assortment of foods. She appeared to be happy, chatting and laughing with the older woman. As I stood in the doorway watching my best friend, I felt an arm snake around my waist. I turned my head and saw Paul standing next to me, his eyes on the pair for a moment before shifting to me.

  “Let’s go enjoy the party,” he leaned over and kissed my forehead.

  Paul led me out the sliding door to the backyard, pausing long enough to hand me a glass of red wine. Taking a sip, I savored the sweetness as we stepped onto the patio. Paul excused himself to go congratulate the newly engaged couple and I took the time to look around the yard. The Carmichael-Centofanti family really did know how to put together a party. White twinkling lights hung in the air, weaving through the trees and around the pillars. Tables were covered in white; the centerpieces were elegant and simple with small white candles and lace. There was a small stage off to one side of the patio, where a DJ was set up playing music. A dance floor was set out in front of the stage. I noticed Lola trying to flirt with the DJ and failing to get his attention. I shook my head and my eyes rested on Alpo, who I almost didn't recognize since he was dressed in a suit and not jeans. He smiled and waved me over. Slowly, I reached his table and he gestured toward a chair.

  "Pretty cool, huh?" he asked, motioning to the party as I took a seat.

  "Amazing," I agreed, taking a sip of my wine.

  "Don't worry, Jade. We're going to bring Ava home, safe and sound. You're fidgeting," he said, shrugging when I looked at him questioningly. “It’s your telltale when you’re feeling anxious.”

  "What if we're too late and somebody gets hurt?" I stared down at my hands.

  "Hey now," he waited until I looked up, "Don't be like that. You gave Paul something no one else could - a family of his own. Now that he's gotten you back, he's going to keep you around at all costs. Put a smile on that face because here he comes."

  I had barely managed a smile when I felt Paul lean down and kiss my cheek. Alpo nodded at us before taking a sip of his beer.

  "Having fun?" Paul sat down next to me and casually draped his arm over my shoulders.

  "Yes, I am. Alpo here was just telling me how many of your mom’s parties I get to look forward to now," I smiled.

  "Is that so? Well, I suppose he's right about that," Paul said, a bemused expression on his face. Alpo shrugged nonchalantly, his gaze fixing on something behind us before a scowl formed on his face.

  "Do you want more wine, Jade?" Alpo stood up abruptly, downing the rest of his drink.

  "Yes, please," I mumbled, handing him my glass. As soon as he was gone, Paul stood up and held out his hand.

  "Do you want to dance?"

  "Sure." He led me to the dance floor and pulled me close as the DJ started to play a slow song.

  "I've missed you, Jade," he whispered as we swayed to the music. "I know I hurt you by keeping the truth from you and I'm so sorry I let you slip away."

  "We're together now," I said, looking up at him. He smiled at my words.

  "Yes, we are. I know everything is crazy right now and I wish I had planned this out better but there's something I need to do," Paul stopped and took a step back before pulling a box out of his pocket and getting down on one knee. "Jade, I love you with everything that I am. I've loved you for over six years and I don't plan on letting you go ever again. I promise to take care of you and our beautiful daughter, to always love you both and make sure you never feel lonely again. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

  The entire time Paul was talking, the small crowd around us had quieted down. I barely acknowledged them as I stared at the man in front of me with tears in my eyes. I loved him and he loved me just as much, if not more.

  "Yes," I said as I wiped a tear away from my cheeks. "Yes, of course I will marry you."

  Everyone erupted into cheers as Paul slid the ring onto my finger and stood up to kiss me. He grinned as he wiped the tears away and I laughed. Clara was the first one to hug us, followed by Leo, my dad, and Alpo. Alpo handed me my glass of wine and winked before shaking Paul's hand. Leo smiled warmly as he embraced me.

  "Welcome to the family, my dear."

  "Thank you, Uncle Leo."

  Just then, Leo's phone began ringing and he stepped away from us. He held the phone up to his ear long enough for whoever was on the other end to tell him something. He hung up, a grim expression on his face.

  "It's time.” He called out. “Men, you know the drill. Meet me in the front room. We leave in ten minutes."

  CHAPTER 9: RESCUE MISSION

  My stomach was tangled in knots as I grabbed my purse and a black leather jacket from my room. Adrenaline raced through my veins in an icy chill as I rushed back downstairs, where Leo and Paul were waiting in the foyer. Five other men were standing behind Leo, each one watching me silently. Paul opened the front door and stepped to the side as each man headed outside. I noticed I was the only woman in the group, and I wondered briefly if I made the right decision.

  Paul sat next to me in the backseat of the closest black SUV and lightly squeezed my hand, making my doubts disappear. I knew I could save my daughter and keep my family safe as long as I had the man sitting next to me to lean on. As we approached the warehouse, panic started to settle in again and I focused on my baby girl to keep myself from hyperventilating. Leo stopped the car at the checkpoint and turned to face me.

  "Are you ready?" he asked.

  "About as ready as I’ll ever be. My daughter is in there. I'm going to get her back."

  Leo nodded before handing me a gun. I took it and carefully slid it under my garter belt, making sure my dress covered it without looking suspicious. Paul looked a little surprised by my actions and I shrugged, not explaining how or why I knew to do that expertly. One of the men opened the car door and helped me out, making sure my feet were planted firmly on the ground. Smoothing out my dress, I squared back my shoulders and entered the warehouse.

  Leo and his men had the building surrounded, just in case something went wrong. Paul wasn't with me, so I had to make sure I didn't mess anything up. The soft click of my heels echoed through the empty corridor as I entered the center of the warehouse.

  There were six or seven men in the room, I made a mental note as I did a quick glance around; the scent of bleach filled my nostrils even from the shadows of the doorway and I tried not to cringe as it burned my nose. As soon as I walked into the room, their heads snapped up, confusion and amusement varying on their faces.

  "Excuse me. I'm here to see Ramsey," I said calmly, looking each man in the eye. "Can you boys help me out?"

  "Sure," one of the bigger men replied. "What's your name?"

  "Back off, Alex. I'll take care of her," Daniel stepped out of the darkness, his expression grim.

  "You!" I hissed, my eyes narrowing slightly. "How dare you even speak to me, you good-for-nothing, lying, dirty scumbag!"

  "Nice to see you, too, Jade. Would you like some water or maybe a can of pop?"

  I spit in his face, and Daniel grimaced as he wiped it off. There was a small glint of understanding in his eyes as he gazed at me. Then it was gone, just like the man I thought I knew in the last three years. The ice in my veins turned into boiling lava and I slapped him across the face.

  "Fuck you! Just so you know, Sky’s heartbroken. She’s been crying on and off for hours. You destroyed everything good she believed in and now I can’t be there to comfort my best friend because you kidnapped my daughter! How can you live with yourself, knowing you threw away the best thing that has happened to you? You’re a despicable human being!"

  Daniel’s face fell as the other men howled
with laughter as I glared at him. Daniel pulled himself together and his face became emotionless.

  "Hey now, I'm just trying to be polite. Besides, I don't think Paul would be too thrilled if I let these men bang his little slut. They’ve been a little… deprived of entertainment lately."

  "Easy, Jade. He's just trying to get under your skin. Remember you're there for Ava." Leo's voice crackled through my earpiece.

  "I’ve never been a stripper and I’d never be one for you, dog. Anyways, I just need to speak with Ramsey," I said sweetly, ignoring Daniel's insulting threat.

  "Ah, what a pleasant surprise," a voice boomed above us. I glanced up to see a man about as big as Leo leaning against the railing. He was wearing a three-piece suit and seemed completely comfortable in his surroundings, despite being in a deserted warehouse that was falling apart.

  "Ramsey, I assume?"

  "Yes, and you must be Jade." It wasn’t a question.

  "Yes, sir. I am."

  "You're here for Ava," he said matter-of-factly.

  "I am," I stared at him confidently.

  "Does Leo know you're here?"

  "Yes, he does. In fact, he says hi."

  “Ah, well give him my best regards. Longtime enemies… we’re practically friends. Now," Ramsey chuckled before he made his way down the stairs to me, "let's get to business."

  "I’m here for Ava. That’s all I want, and I’ll get out of your hair. Please. My daughter is everything to me. She’s just a baby! She doesn’t have anything to do with this… she doesn’t have to be involved in any part of this feud." I pleaded with him.

  "This feud isn't between you and I, Jade. It's between the Carmichaels and I. Am I right to assume Paul has recently proposed?" Ramsey nodded toward the ring glittering on my hand. Daniel made a noise of disgust, which I ignored.

  "Yes, he has. But I'm not here to discuss Paul. I'm just here for my daughter. Why kidnap her if you want revenge on Paul? He may be her father, but he has nothing to do with Ava. I've raised her for four years by myself and he didn't even know about her until this morning, thanks to Daniel over here."

  "Yes, I know… But he has always been fond of you and I knew if something as tragic as kidnapping his daughter were to happen and it led to a moment like this, he would do anything to help you." His eyes glistened menacingly, his lips curling in a sinister smile.

  Something about Ramsey's words sparked a flame inside me as I realized he had tricked us. Leo cursed under his breath in the earpiece and shouted to his men, his words fading in my ears as my mind went into overdrive. I knew they wouldn't reach me in time; there was no way they could cover the distance in a matter of seconds. I carefully slipped the gun out from under my dress when Ramsey turned away and motioned to Alex and Daniel.

  Both men slowly approached me, and I backed away, weighing my options. I could run, but they'd catch me before I got very far, especially in these heels. I couldn't wait for Paul to come get me; there was a good chance I’d be dead first. The gun felt heavy in my hand and I took a deep breath before pointing it right at Daniel's chest.

  "Come any closer and I will shoot." Turning my gaze to Ramsey, I saw surprise and admiration on his face. "Give me back my daughter, you sick bastard. Or so help me God, I will shoot every man in this damn room without hesitation before I shoot you."

  "Felix, go get little Ava. I'm sure she'll want to see her mommy," Ramsey waved toward me dismissively.

  Felix walked over to the left of Ramsey’s chair and opened a large wooden shipping crate, lifting a tied-up Ava into his arms. Her eyes filled with tears as soon as she noticed me standing a few feet away.

  "Mommy! I want to go home!" she wailed, hiccupping from the sobs that racked viciously through her small body.

  "Ava, baby girl. Listen to me," I said soothingly as I casted a glance at Daniel and kept my aim straight on his heart, "it'll be over soon. We'll go home soon. Don't cry, okay? You’ll be okay, don’t worry. I'm here now, Mommy's here.”

  "Isn't that the sweetest thing you have ever seen?" Ramsey said mockingly. "Mommy to the rescue. Too bad you won't get to celebrate long."

  Daniel started to lunge at me, and I ducked to the right, causing him to stumble from the sudden movement. I kicked him in the back and sent him flying over the crates, the sound of wood splitting echoing through the warehouse. Alex rushed at me from behind and I twisted his wrist, flipping him over my shoulder.

  He groaned as he landed on his back with a loud thud. I used every self-defense move I could remember as each of Ramsey’s goons charged and soon the floor was covered with groaning men. Picking up my gun from where Daniel had knocked it out of my hands, I faced Ramsey, who looked impressed even as I aimed for his head.

  "Who knew a woman like you could take out six of my best men? Too bad you didn't get all of them," he added smugly. Before I could turn around, something hit my head, and everything slowly started to go black. I heard Paul scream my name over Ava's growing wails.

  "Jade! No!"

  Then nothing.

  * * * * *

  My eyes fluttered open groggily as my body woke up. I was lying on an old mattress in a dirty room that was dimly lit. My wrists were chained to the floor on either side of the bed. Trying my best to sit up, I groaned as I stretched out, my body protesting as pain shot through me.

  The events of the last few days crashed over me. Promising Ava to find her dad, finding Paul at the beach, Ava being kidnapped, confronting Leo then Lola, Paul proposing, talking to Ramsey, taking out six men. Sheesh, no wonder why my body feels like it's been hit by a train, I thought.

  A door creaked open loudly and I squinted against the sudden bright light. Ramsey walked into the room and towered over me, his presence radiating power and intimidation. I refused to look at him; instead, I stared pointedly at the wall beside me, pretending to be more interested in the crumbling gray brick. He chuckled darkly under his breath.

  "Is this how it's going to be?" he asked, kneeling down beside me.

  I still refused to look at him. He trailed a finger down my cheek and neck, grinning as I flinched.

  “You know, you would make the perfect little wife for me. I could give you and Ava so much more than Paul ever could. I could make you a queen, respected and feared just like me.”

  “I’d rather be pecked to death by a flock of hummingbirds than have anything to do with you,” I said harshly before spitting at him.

  "My, my, my. You are quite feisty. I like it. Paul is one lucky man, you know." Ramsey whispered. "To capture a beautiful woman like you. Too bad he didn't take advantage of you when he had the chance."

  Ramsey grabbed a fistful of my hair and pulled my head back sharply. I yelped as tears sprung to my eyes. He pinned me down to the bed and I tried to struggle out of the horror that was about to unfold. The chains on my wrists made escaping impossible and I cried out in agony as they bit into my flesh. Ramsey roughly shoved my dress up with one hand as the other pressed into the base of my neck, exposing me from the waist down. I tried kicking him as he ripped my panties off, but he was much stronger.

  In one movement, he had undressed himself from the waist down and slammed into me. The roughness was too much for me to handle and I couldn't fight anymore. My whole body went numb and I silently begged for help. Once he was done, Ramsey got dressed and left me sobbing, curled up into a ball.

  I lost track of time as Ramsey came and went as he pleased. My body was too weak to struggle against his brutal attacks. Tears were constantly streaming down my face, adding to the layer of dirt caked on top of my days-old makeup. Sleep couldn't even take away the pain long enough for the nightmares to disappear.

  After the last time Ramsey left, I had closed my eyes and let the darkness take me under, losing all sense of reality. A muffled explosion followed by a loud thud jostled me awake and I cowered as the door flew off the hinges, rattling to the concrete floor beside the bed. A large shadow fell over me as a familiar man walked in and I cried out in relief.


  "Uncle Leo! Please help me," I sobbed, gesturing to the chains around my wrists frantically.

  "Sh, it's okay, Jade. We've got you," Uncle Leo said as he unchained my wrists one at a time. He helped me up and took a look at me. "Are you hurt? Can you walk?"

  "I don’t know, I think so. He... raped me," I whispered, unable to meet his gaze.

  "That son of a bitch. Here, put this on." Leo shrugged out of his jacket and handed it to me, his expression hard. "Your dress is shredded to pieces and I'm sure you don't want anyone staring at you any more than what they will."

  "Thanks." My face flushed with embarrassment as I took the jacket from him and slipped it on. It covered me like a dress, and I buttoned it as quickly as I could, unable to stop my body from shaking.

  Uncle Leo led me carefully out of the small room, one of his arms wrapped around my back. We made our way out to the main warehouse where the rest of the Carmichael gang had Ramsey surrounded, their guns drawn out just in case. Ramsey appeared to be yelling at someone who I couldn't see through the ring of men. As we approached them, the circle broke long enough to allow us through and I saw Paul pointing a gun at Ramsey's head, who was on his knees with his arms tied behind his back.

  "First, you kidnap my daughter. Then you kidnap the only woman I've ever loved, all because you couldn’t let go of a stupid grudge… it wasn’t even my fault your guy ended up in jail! You deserve to go to Hell!" Paul bellowed, his eyes full of rage.

  "Go ahead and shoot me," Ramsey said coolly, not batting an eyelash at Paul’s anger.

  "Gentlemen, gentlemen. Let's not do anything rash," Uncle Leo lit a cigar and took a long drag from it. "If anyone is going to shoot this piece of trash, it should be Jade."

  Leo motioned me forward and the men looked at me in shock and disbelief, some growling at Ramsey in angry disapproval as they noticed the bruises that weren’t covered by the jacket. I knew I looked horrible and at that moment, I wished the men would rip Ramsey apart, so I didn’t have to confront him. However, a part of me was glad they stayed where they were.