Balance (The Chicago Defiance MC Book 6) Read online

  There’s something about him. His strength, his charm, that damn man bun. Everything about him has me wanting to know more. I just have no idea what’s the right thing to do. Follow my gut that Ace is worth the trouble, or follow my head telling me the world won’t agree.

  My trailer door swings open—no knock, no asking if he may enter—and he storms in, his face clearly concerned, his chest panting, his complexion flushed as he glances around the trailer for any visible signs of something. I just don’t know what.

  “It’s fine. We’re fine, Ace. Take a breath,” Cindi announces standing up rushing to his side. She places her hand on his chest as if to placate him. But his eyes don’t meet hers. They shift to me, and he softens. His electric blue eyes meet mine, and honestly, it’s like a zing shoots through me.

  There’s so much being said as he looks at me—concern, frustration, relief, longing.

  I understand because I’m looking at him the same way.

  “You wanna tell me why I shouldn’t drag you out of here right now, Neve?” He grunts.

  My chest squeezes at his words, but I huff out, “Excuse me?”

  “It’s dangerous for you to be here. Cindi text me what Danny said. I don’t like it. You need to leave the set immediately, come stay at the clubhouse until we can figure out what the hell he’s up to.”

  Cocking my head, the corner of my lips turn up. “Are you asking me or telling me?”

  He steps past Cindi toward me. Instantly, my heart races faster as he approaches with such fury and determination. I like this more aggressive side of him, but I won’t let him boss me around. I’m strong. He can’t dictate my life to me, especially when I’m in the middle of making a fucking movie. There is such a thing as a contract, and I’m not about to break it.

  He steps in front of me, his chest heaving as he stares right into my eyes. My knees almost buckle as he asserts himself. “I’m fucking telling you, Neve. I’ve spent the last week trying to dig up any shit I can on Danny, and I can’t find a damn thing. He’s a ghost which can only mean one thing, he’s… Bad. Fucking. News.”

  My stomach swirls, but I relax a little. “So, that’s where you’ve been for the last week?”

  He softens his stance slightly, bobbing his head once. “Yeah, trying to find out who the fuck he is… for you.”

  “What about me? Am I chopped liver?” Cindi teases.

  We both look over at her as her face lights up. “And for you, too, Cindi. Of course, for you. That bastard’s not good for either of you to be around.”

  I exhale relaxing a little as I fall back onto the seat now that the tension has ebbed, thanks to Cindi. “Well, I can’t leave the set, Ace. I’m being paid to do a job. I have a contract. We have to find another way.”

  He runs his hand over his lustrous head of hair. “I don’t like it.”

  “It is what it is, Ace.”

  He huffs, turns, stomps toward the door like he’s leaving, then storms past Cindi and out the door. His heavy feet pound the stairs.

  “Ace?” I call out as I tense up. He can’t just walk out because he didn’t get his own way. “Ace!” I yell, officially annoyed he’s just up and left because I didn’t do as he said.

  Letting out a frustrated groan, I slam my closed fist onto the sofa as Cindi bites down on her bottom lip. “Man, you two have some fireworks between you.”

  I exhale while shaking my head. “No. Ace is just an adolescent. He’s dominating, demanding—”

  “I’d choose your next words carefully, Neve,” his voice interrupts in warning as he walks inside the trailer carrying some tech gear. “Just went to my ride to grab this, though I’m not sure I’m welcome?”

  My stomach flips as he strides in, a cocky appearance on his face as he places the gear on the kitchenette bench. I’m not sure how to play this. I only said what I said because I was hurt he left. I should have known better, he didn’t leave. He’s better than I gave him credit for. So, I decide to swallow my pride. “I’m sorry. You’re not an adolescent, dominating, demanding jerk.”

  He raises his brow. “Jerk? Didn’t hear you say that.”

  I slump my body. “No, but I was thinking it before you interrupted me.”

  Cindi tries to hold in her giggle but fails.

  Ace sighs and strides over squatting in front of me, grabbing my hands in his. “I accept your apology, but just know when the need calls for it, I can be very dominating and demanding. But I’m never an adolescent or a jerk, not to you.” His thumbs stroke the tops of my hands sending a shiver down my spine, all the while goosebumps rise all along my skin. Ace affects me, I can’t deny it, no matter how hard I try. We have a connection, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. Just being near him ignites something deep inside of me. He makes my heart beat faster, my stomach flutter. It’s like the whole world stops and it’s just us. It’s crazy, he’s not right for me. But fuck, if he doesn’t feel like he’s exactly perfect for me. His words make my abdomen clench in desire. The thought of Ace being dominant and demanding only has my mind going to places it shouldn’t go as I stare into his eyes.

  I want to kiss him.

  Everything in me wants to throw myself at him right now while my chest heaves for breath.

  “Ah… do you guys want some privacy?” Cindi asks hesitantly.

  Both Ace and I snap our heads toward her. Somehow, I’d forgotten she was even here.

  Shit. His effect on me is strong.

  We must seem like a pair of idiots in front of her. Ace came here for a reason, we need to get to that reason. I wave my hand through the air. “No, don’t be silly. Ace, you have your tech gear here, shall we get to it?”

  He turns back to me offering a deep sigh and a thoughtful expression. “I need your cell.”

  Tensing up, I reach for it. “Why?”

  “So I can place a tracker on it, so I’ll know where you are at all times.”

  Raising my brow, I shrug while handing it to him as he pulls out some of his tech gear getting straight to it. “How will this work? You’ll just be able to see where I am on that laptop?” I ask.

  “With this program, I’ll know exactly where you are, and I’ll be able to remotely access your microphone if I need to hear what’s going on.”

  Sitting taller, I watch him curiously. I’m not sure I like that idea. “What do you mean?”

  He stops what he’s doing clearly sensing my apprehension. “I promise I’ll only do it if I feel you’re in danger. I’ll make it so an icon will appear on your screen, so you’ll know when I’m listening and recording. Anyone else who sees it will just think it’s some app on your cell. That way you’ll feel safe knowing when I’m listening ‘cause you’ll be able to see it.”

  Glancing at Cindi, she strengthens her stature supportively. “You can put it on mine, too, Ace,” she offers.

  “It’s already on there.”

  She lets out a stifled laugh and smiles. “Of course, it is.”

  I exhale heavily. I don’t know how I feel about this, but I guess it’s the safest option. For now. “Okay, do it. But if you listen in on me just for fun, I’m going to have words with you.”

  “Noted.”

  He gets to work putting the program on my cell. I have to admit seeing him do his geek thing is not only impressive but kind of hot. I don’t know if he wrote the software himself or if he just has it, but the way he’s geeking out on me right now, yeah, I’m totally digging it.

  He does my cell and hands it back to me. His laptop is still on the kitchenette as he signals to me. “Okay, Neve, watch your lock screen,” he tells me, then presses something on his laptop. A little ace of spades icon comes up in the bottom lefthand corner.

  He mouths ‘talk,’ so I giggle but oblige him. “Lovely weather we’re having.”

  He rolls his eyes as he hits the button on his keyboard while shaking his head.

  “What? It was all I could think of under pressure.”

  “You’re adorable,” he
chimes, then hits another button as my voice plays back over his laptop speakers.

  “Lovely weather we’re having.”

  It’s amazing what technology can do these days.

  “You’re talented, Ace,” I tell him.

  His face lights up like I couldn’t have said anything better, like all he’s ever wanted is a compliment from me. I don’t know if he gets told how amazing he is often enough.

  “Thanks, but it’s what I do, and if it will keep you safe, then it needs to be done. It’s not like having you at the clubhouse, but if you won’t go there, then at least having access is the next best thing. Just make sure you always have your cell with you.”

  Nodding, I hold my cell to my chest like it’s my lifeline. “Don’t worry, I will!”

  “Good, I also put my number in your cell while I had it. Just call or text me when you get a chance, and then I’ll have yours,” he replies blasé like it’s the most normal thing for him to do as he turns to pack up his gear.

  I can’t help but smile with a nod. “Actually Ace, while you’re here, I don’t know how much Cindi filled you in, but when Danny was talking to that Roman guy he was talking about another person called Ossani? Have you heard of that name?”

  His face strains like he’s trying to think, but he shrugs his shoulders. “I don’t recall, leave it with me. I’ll check it out. But in the meantime, you girls watch yourselves. Cindi, you stick with Neve. I don’t want either of you alone.”

  I like he cares so much. He hardly knows me, yet he’s willing to do so much for me. I know he’s doing this for Cindi as well, but he doesn’t need to risk his skin for me. He’s doing it because he’s a good guy. A decent guy. He’s not what the media would make him out to be, and I already know I’ve made my mind up about him. He’s not what his cut represents, not at all, he’s so much better than that. Yes, I might have only met him a few times, but I can already tell he is one of the good guys.

  Do I trust my life in his hands?

  Absolutely.

  He turns to pack up his gear as I stand, walking to him. “Thank you. Thanks for helping me even though we don’t know what it is I need help from just yet.”

  He spins to face me with kind eyes. “I’m here any time you need me, Neve. I’m just a phone call away.” He grabs his gear searching my eyes. That energy, that pulse flows through us again. I really want to reach out and touch him, but his hands are full, and I don’t want to make it awkward. “I should go, I have some research to do, but I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Okay. Let me know if you find something.”

  He takes a deep breath staring right into my soul. I don’t want him to leave. I don’t think he wants to leave either, but he finally averts his eyes and turns for the door. Planting a quick kiss on Cindi’s cheek, he then walks out of the trailer leaving me wanting. I can’t help but feel jealous that Cindi got a kiss on the cheek, and I didn’t.

  They have a considerable history.

  I’ve known him just over a week.

  I’m expecting too much.

  “Is he always that serious?” I ask finally letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

  Cindi glances at me like she doesn’t know whether to laugh or take what I said seriously. “When it comes to safety, yeah, definitely.”

  Gnawing on my bottom lip, I hear the rumble of his Harley. I like his more protective side. Ace is so many things, and it’s great that I’m getting to see all his facets.

  He’s not just an ace, he’s a full deck of cards, and with him, I think I could have a winning hand.

  ACE

  After wracking my brain and resources for the last week trying to figure out who the fuck this Danny Esposito guy is, and now after having to put a tracker on Neve and Cindi’s cells, enough is fucking enough. I’ve got to widen my reach.

  How better to find out information on the Mafia than to go to your actual ties to the Mafia?

  Pulling up my ride at Enzo’s Pizzeria, I turn off my engine, kicking out my stand, and yank off my helmet. Sliding from my bike, I head for the door. The guy who’s dressed impeccably in a suit assesses me and my cut, giving me a brief once over before opening the door. I know he’s not really working for the restaurant. He’s one of Enzo’s soldiers assessing who comes and goes from the place. Luckily for me, the club is now allowed access whenever we need it. I also don’t miss his hand move to his mouth as he talks into his cuff obviously relaying to someone I’m here. Probably Enzo’s underboss, Franky.

  As I walk in, the place looks the same—dull lighting with a classic Italian feel, the round tables and booths with checkered tablecloths, and the strong smell of spice in the air. Gotta admit it makes me hungry. But I’m not here for pizza and garlic bread.

  The place is empty. It’s just before the dinner rush. The sounds of the kitchen prepping for service filter through the air while I make my way to the back of the restaurant. Suddenly, the back doors swing open, and I notice Enzo and Franky walking out in their smart, black, pinstriped suits with gold chains dangling from their necks as they strut toward me.

  Enzo throws his arms out in greeting. “Ah… Ace, it’s good to see you. We haven’t seen the Defiance brothers for a while. Torque relayed the fact some assholes are wearing gold chains like ours. The only thing I can think of is that someone is attempting to cause shit for us. But if you’re here, that must mean things are still sour? Don’t tell me there’s trouble in paradise?” he quips grabbing my shoulder while smiling at me. Franky remains stoic as he stands by his Don’s side like a statue.

  Enzo drops his hand from my shoulder signaling to the back of the room. Men in their telltale pinstriped suits rush from places I didn’t even know they were and lock the doors to stand guard at the windows. I tense up knowing this is normal behavior when Enzo knows bad news is coming.

  “Ace, tell me, what shit do we have to prepare for?” Enzo asks.

  I gesture for the booth closest to us, the red and white gingham table cloth seeming so innocent for these ruthless mafiosos. Enzo lifts his head, and we slide in. Enzo plus his underboss on one side, me on the other as I try to figure out what information I want from him.

  He sits forward folding his hands on the table with a heavy sigh. “Is Torque alive? It must be bad if you’re here and not the president.”

  I shake my head. “No. Shit! I’ve done this all wrong. Enzo, everyone’s fine, there’s no immediate threat. Torque and the club are okay. I apologize for coming in like this without explaining myself first.”

  He sits back in the booth with a grunt. “Then why the fuck are you here, Ace?”

  I grimace. “Cindi.”

  The rings under Enzo’s eyes tell a story, but his warm face still lights up whenever I mention Cindi’s name. “Mio bellissimo… I owe her a heavy debt for stepping in to help save my principessa. How is she?”

  Cindi got into acting because she stepped in to help get Enzo’s daughter back from known traffickers. Cindi went in pretending to be sold as a trafficked woman as payment for Enzo’s daughter, Zia’s return. Of course, we disguised Sensei’s father, Hiro, as a buyer and bought Cindi in the trade. In the end, we got Cindi and Enzo’s daughter back, outsmarting the traffickers and saving the day. All because Cindi is such a good actress. Enzo’s never been so fucking grateful.

  “This is the thing, Enzo. Cindi’s on set filming a mov—”

  “She is? Good for her,” he beams with pride.

  “It is, yeah, but there’s a slight problem.”

  He stiffens sitting forward like he’s ready to kill someone for upsetting his ‘beautiful one.’ “Tell me.”

  “She’s shooting a Mafia movie.” His face lights up with pride as his chest puffs out. “But there’s this advisor on set,” I continue, but his joy falls from his face instantly as he frowns, his eyes turning hard. “Who?”

  “That’s the thing, I’ve been digging for a week trying to figure out who the fuck this guy is, but every search on his name c
omes back blank.”

  He grunts in frustration as he glares at me gritting his teeth. “Who?” he repeats.

  “Danny Esposito?”

  He shakes his head glancing at Franky who shrugs as well. Enzo rubs his chin with a heavy exhale. “Don’t know the name, tell me more.”

  “Okay, so the lead actress, Neve De Villa, has seen him snooping around the shadows with a man called Roman.” Enzo sits a little taller as I continue, “She overheard them talking about a guy called Ossani?”

  Enzo slams his closed fist on the table hard sending a shock wave of fear through me. “Fuck! Ace the reason you can’t find anything on Danny is because his surname isn’t Esposito… it’s Ossani. He and Roman are the sons of Sal Ossani from Lincoln Park, the only other Mafia family allowed to run in Chicago alongside the Andrettis. We’re far enough away from each other that it’s not an issue. We have an understanding with them... we don’t cross into each other’s territory or trade off each other’s deals. But Ace, the Ossanis are the epitome of Mafia, they’re worse than I was back in my heyday. If you have them on your radar, you better keep an eye out… and keep me the fuck out of it.”

  A chill runs down my spine. Knowing Danny’s not a Mafia advisor at all but the capo son of a Don, makes me feel sick. He’s not only playing the movie producers, but the whole crew and that includes Neve and Cindi.

  Right now, I don’t understand what the fuck the Ossani Mafia is doing. What’s their end game? I have to get Neve and Cindi out of there, and I have to do it now.

  “Thanks, Enzo, you’ve been a tremendous help.” I stand offering him my hand.

  He takes it wrapping his other one around it as he shakes. “Ace, tread this water carefully. Roman, Danny… they’re loyal capos. Sal knows what he wants, and he always gets it.”

  I dip my head letting Enzo’s hand go as I glance at Franky. Again, he’s a man of few words. As I turn to head for the door, I know I should inform Torque and my brothers about what the hell is going on, but right now my main priority is getting back to the set to get those girls away from Danny fucking Ossani.