Arranged for the Cold Don

Chapter 5

Chapter five

REINA

I MIGHT NOT HAVE HAD A good reason to dislike Javier Michello in the beginning, but after meeting him, after he shot too close to my head, and he was the one that made papa hit Andre. I now had enough motive to immensely dislike him.

I sat cross-legged on the couch, watching a documentary on recent animals breeding, still dressed in my sweaty leggings and an off-the-

shoulder top since I just got back from practice.

I was deeply engrossed in the show, before

“Motherfucker.” I tensed.

It was Javier and it sounded like he was going to kill someone, and his steps were coming straight for me. Before I knew it, he reached over my shoulder and stole my remote.

“Hey,” I protested.

He didn’t respond; he only changed the channel. Breaking News flashed on the bottom half of the screen, and the blonde newscaster went over the

details of a large drug bust at the border.

Javier stood behind me, His hands were griping the back of the couch on either side of were I sat as he slightly leaned over my head, his attention on the TV like I wasn’t even here.

It was invasive and rude.

I didn’t like this man—heart fluttering or not—and I suddenly didn’t care how inappropriate it would be to talk back to him.

“You’ve been busted” I drawled. “Bummer.”

A tug on my ponytail. “Watch it.” His words were low and distracted. Seeing him ticked off pleased me. I wanted to do it again. Was this how people became addicts?

“There are several other televisions in this house, Michello.”

Another tug on my ponytail, but this time he wrapped his hand twice in my hair and pulled so I was looking at him upside down.

His eyes narrowed. “I’m beginning to think the so called rain that's a sweet girl doesn't exist.”

“It does.”

“Oh just not towards me?

I swallowed. “You caused my brother injuries.”

His gaze flicked to the TV. “He deserved worse.”

“You don't get to say,” I breathed.

His gaze came down to me. “Oh sweetheart I get

to say that and more.”

“He’s my brother.”

He looked unfazed. “He’s an idiot.”

“I think you should be on your way now.”

“You know what pisses me off?” His tone was dark, but it pleased me.

“Assuming?”

He leaned really close that now he was breathing down my neck, then he whispered, “Smart girl.”

A shiver ran down my neck, but then he left with a parting word. “Don’t f*****g do it again.”

My nonna, mama, Javier and I sat at the dining table on the patio.

“Really, Maddie,” Nonna complained. “It’s hotter than a blaze out here.”

I’d changed into low-waisted shorts and a tank top that bared a sliver of my midriff, and a drop of sweat still ran down my back.

“Some fresh air is good for you,” Mama replied.

“So is edible food,” Nonna muttered, pushing potatoes around with her fork like she was scared to eat it.

I kept my eyes on my plate as I ate, mostly because Javier sat directly across from me. He wore no jacket, and he’d rolled up his white dress shirt.

I was right. He had tattoos and I was shocked to see black ink peeking out from his unbuttoned shirt. It wasn’t often I’d met men with tattoos—at least, not ones so obvious. I guessed he accepted the nickname ‘L’aspide’ which I’d heard he

was called. I might have read a few articles on him myself. I was curious about my husband.

“Why are you man spreading?” Nonna looked at Javier.

His gaze flicked to my nonna. “What?”

“Manspreading. How you’re sitting.”

He didn’t respond, only sat back, rested his arm behind a free chair,and then, like he was merely getting comfortable, stretched his legs out a little further.

My nonna’s expression hardened.

“You know, Javier,” Nonna started again,“I don’t blame you at all for correcting Andre, His papà hasn’t done a thing even when he deserved it long since.”

Mama grunted, apparently now listening to the conversation. “That boy has shot at my vases and statues. Don’t know what he'd target next.” She

sounded like it was the most grievous thing Tony had ever done.

“Glad to hear it,” Javier drawled, wearing a slight smirk and locking eyes with me. I shot him a dark look, and now he smiled triumphantly at me.

My nonna and mama interaction at times was all I needed to see to know I would never live with my mother-in-law and I was glad Javier was orphaned.

I chewed my lip, hesitating.

“Mama,” I started, “one of the dancers is having a pool party but it's her birthday l. And I was wondering if I could go . . .?”

“Who is it?” she asked.

I shifted under her stare. “Well, actually . . . his name is Adam.”

Nonna harrumphed. “Why, is he your side chick?"

I shot her a look for giving the wrong idea.

She pursed her lips and focused on poking at her food.

The table went quiet while she gave it some thought. I swallowed as Javier’s gaze bore a hole in the side of my face.

“I want the address and the person’s information. And you’ll take someone with you.”

I let out a small breath. “Thanks, mama.”

“I’m going inside before I melt,” Nonna said, getting to her feet. “This was the worst day to eat outside, Maddie. Don’t know what you were thinking.”

Javier suddenly spoke up “I'm going to the party with you.”

“No. I don't want to draw unnecessary attention.”

“There'll be nothing like that.”

“ Have you seen the size of yourself? Or your face?”

He was quiet for a while like he was giving it some thought. “Fine Vlad will go with you.”

“ I don't even talk or bond with Vlad.”

“You better start doing so now.” He stood on his feet. “That's the only option you have.” He said while walking away.

Mama sat there looking uninterested in our talk.

“Mama, did you see what he did?”

“He's a Don Rain, and I think it's best for you to listen to him.” She stood up to leave also. “Besides that would put your papa at ease knowing you're safe.”

“I'm not safe with him.”

“You're a girl, use what your brain and brawn to protect yourself.”

Mama walked away and I was left sitting alone with my thoughts.