Salvatore (Mafia Heat, #3) Read online

  Mafia Heat: Salvatore

  By Ella Jade

  Copyright © 2019, Ella Jade

  Editor: Lacey Wolfe

  Cover Artist: Fantasia Frog Designs

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  www.authorellajade.com

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Acknowledgements

  Back Cover Copy

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  About Ella Jade

  Acknowledgements

  To my readers: I’m so excited to be able to share book three in the Mafia Heat Series. The story is progressing and the family is growing both in size and in character development. I love creating the Marchelli brothers. Salvatore is such a gentle soul. You’re going to love him!

  To my faithful team: Lacey Wolfe, Tamaria Soana, Amanda Adkins, Jewelz Gemz, Shelly Small, and Misty Roule. To be honest, I don’t think I can write another book without your support. Thank you for all you do!

  Salvatore awaits you...

  Back Cover Copy

  HAYDEN

  Life isn't easy,

  Something I learned the hard way,

  While fending for myself.

  Finally, I'm on my way.

  My goals are within reach,

  And the sexiest and most powerful bachelor in town,

  Has his sights set on me.

  But the help I got years ago,

  Is now calling in the payback,

  And it's going to cost everything,

  Possibly destroy it all.

  SALVATORE

  One thing,

  I only wanted one thing,

  And that was to keep my business to myself,

  Out of the illegal crap my family is embroiled in.

  But when I see the talented and driven new chef,

  Everything changes,

  And I want so much more.

  But her betrayal shatters us,

  And ruins it all.

  Chapter One

  Hayden

  The Beginning

  When he handed me the cash, I didn’t know how to respond. I was days away from being evicted. I hadn’t seen my mom in a month. Working two jobs for over a year was getting old. One as a waitress and the other in the kitchen of a local restaurant. I had a knack for cooking but I wasn’t refined enough to work for any of the major restaurants in the city. Not yet. I was young. Only a few years out of high school.

  I wanted more than anything to go to culinary school. Until now, it was a dream. One that I’d put off since graduation. Something always came up. My father died. My mother needed help paying the rent. I took a second job. I didn’t have any money.

  Gazing down at the bag filled with cash, money was no longer an issue. Franco Collandra stared at me, waiting for me to say something. I’d known him since we were kids. His father, Antonio, was a big deal in the neighborhood. The family was linked to organized crime. My own dad had done odd jobs for them. I wasn’t sure what kind of jobs but probably not legal. When he died, he took those stories with him.

  “This is a lot of money.” I leaned against the old wooden door of my apartment. “I don’t think I can accept this.”

  “I wouldn’t have given it to you if I didn’t want to.” Franco crossed his arms over his muscular chest. “Your dad was loyal to my family for many years. It was a shame what happened to him.”

  I nodded but I didn’t like to think about it.

  “You’re struggling,” he said. “There’s no reason for it. I can’t locate your mother. I’ll keep looking if you want me to.”

  After not hearing from my mom for a couple of weeks, I began to worry. She’d often pulled disappearing acts but never for this long. I’d gone to the Collandras because they were fond of my dad. I thought maybe they could help me find her. Antonio put Franco on it. In the process, he’d been coming around and looking out for me.

  “I’m sure she’ll turn up.” She always did, especially when the current guy in her life dumped her. “Why are you giving me this money?”

  “You told me you wanted to go to school. Now you can.”

  “I’m not sure when I could repay this. I have to apply for culinary school, get in, get my education, find a job and...”

  He scrolled through his phone, not really that interested in what I had to say.

  “All of that could take a long time.” In my gut, I knew I shouldn’t take the money. But I was tired of struggling. Trying not to be a victim of my surroundings. It was so hard. I’d never seen this much cash before.

  “As I said, your dad was loyal to my family for a long time. I hope the money helps you find a better life.”

  “Franco, I don’t know.”

  “I’m leaving the money with you. That’s what my father wants. You can do whatever you want with it.”

  “I want to go to school.”

  “Then it’s settled.”

  “I’m going to pay you back.”

  “Right.” He laughed. “I believe you’re going to be successful. You’ve got determination. You’re resourceful and strong. I like that.”

  “Thank you.”

  “If it makes you feel better about taking the money, you can repay the loan with a favor.”

  “What kind of favor?”

  “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I believe everyone has something for someone. Maybe not today, maybe not next week but you never know. There might be something you can do for me someday.” He extended his hand. “Right now, you get that education.”

  “Okay.” I shook his hand. “It’s a deal.”

  When he gazed down at our joined hands, I had every intention of honoring this agreement.

  FOUR YEARS LATER

  Walking out of the Marchelli Winery, I had a renewed sense of self-worth. The past was finally behind me. No more eviction notices, drug-infested neighborhoods, or scraping to get by. I busted my ass to get through culinary school. Sleeping on couches, taking buses, and putting up with useless family members. No more!

  I looked down at the jacket in my hands. Sous Chef. All the years of scrounging and working hard paid off. I was now employed at one of the most renowned wineries in the country. I’d be second in command in that bustling kitchen.

  I didn’t care what kind of reputation the owners had. Their mob connections didn’t bother me. I’d come from a neighborhood where questionable men did questionable things. You mind your bus
iness, look the other way, and do what you have to do to make it out alive. If it wasn’t for the Collandras, I wouldn’t have gotten this far.

  No matter what line of work the Marchellis were into these days, their winery was legit. Somehow they had managed to put this place on the map in a matter of a few years. Their wine was being served in every major city in the United States. If Boss Wine wasn’t on the menu, it soon would be. The reviews were off the charts. Customers flocked to the winery to get a glimpse of this secret celebrity family. They were also raving about the food, drinks, and experience. It was named one of the trendiest spots around. The perfect restaurant for me to make my mark.

  I’d also noticed how many women on social media mentioned how delectable the man responsible for the success of this place was. Salvatore Marchelli had turned the winery into an empire. I hadn’t met my new boss yet but his mother, Jennie, couldn’t mention him enough during the interview process. He was supposed to be here today to meet me and give his final approval but he got held up, so his mother hired me. I wondered if Mr. Marchelli would approve of me? Did it matter? His mother already had. She and the executive chef, Rocco DeCarro, had put me through a grueling interview process. When we started, there were twenty of the brightest up and coming stars vying for the position. I was the only one left standing. Me! The new Sous Chef for Marchelli Winery. At twenty-six, my future just got a whole lot brighter.

  “Sweet,” I whispered as a sleek, silver Jaguar parked in front of the winery. I was still taking public transportation but maybe one day I could afford a ride like that. A girl could dream, couldn’t she?

  As I made my way down the stairs of the grand entrance of the restaurant, the man who had hurried out of the most expensive car I’d ever seen wasn’t paying attention and clipped my shoulder with his toned bicep, dropping a folder stuffed with papers. As the documents flew in the air, he gazed up at them.

  “Perfect,” he mumbled.

  “Maybe you should watch where you’re going?” I suggested.

  “Yes,” he agreed. “I apologize.” He looked me over. “Are you okay?”

  “No harm.” I stared into his wide brown eyes, noting a hint of amber running through them. “Your papers.”

  “It’s been that kind of a day.” He bent down and gathered them, quickly shoving them into the folder. When he stood, he glanced at the prized jacket I held in my hands. I couldn’t wait to put it on tomorrow night at dinner service.

  His full lips curved into an irresistible smile. It was then that I realized how handsome he was. It wasn’t just his face. It was the whole package. Tailored suit, expensive shoes, perfectly groomed stubble along his jawline, and not a shiny, black hair out of place on his head. He smelled good too. I had never seen such an inviting man before. I wasn’t one to gawk or get all giddy when a hot guy walked into the room but he was a major exception. He looked familiar but I couldn’t place him.

  “You missed one.” I pointed to the paper by his feet before bending down and picking it up. I quickly glanced at it, recognizing the various types of wine listed on the spreadsheet.

  “Thank you.” He took it from me, sliding it into the folder with the others.

  “Do you work here?” Maybe he was a salesman but the job would have to be pretty lucrative for him to drive that car. Hell, his watch probably cost more than my rent.

  “Something like that.”

  “That’s a great car.” I nodded behind him.

  “Thanks, I don’t drive it that often.”

  “So, what’s it like dealing with these people?” I thumbed to the restaurant behind me.

  When he grinned, I thought I might have missed something but he was so attractive I didn’t want to blow this opportunity. I didn’t usually chase after men but today was one of the best days of my life. Would it hurt to be a little social? Have some fun? Maybe I’d score a ride in his expensive car and we could go out for a drink. I wanted to celebrate my success. Most of my friends were either married or in serious relationships. I’d been so ambitious these past few years, I hadn’t made many new friends.

  “What do you mean by these people?”

  “The Marchellis.” Just saying their name gave me a thrill. “Despite what I’ve heard about them, I still applied to work here. The allure of this place comes from who they are. Their business is booming. I couldn’t resist being part of that but I do want to make sure it’s cool here.”

  “I see.” He looked at my jacket. “Very impressive. I heard the competition was tough during the interview process.”

  “Nothing I couldn’t handle.” I was a hot mess applying for this job but I had confidence in my cooking. “I was determined.”

  “Despite what you heard about the Marchellis?”

  “They’re in the news and not always for good reasons. I thought maybe you had a take on the business. Is it really legitimate?” I wasn’t bothered by who this family was. They’d managed to stay out of serious trouble despite the ramblings on the street. The Marchellis didn’t scare me but I wanted to make sure my new career didn’t disappear because the Feds came knocking on the door and shut them down. That wasn’t exactly a question I could ask during the interview. Now that I had the job, I didn’t see any reason why I shouldn’t inquire a bit.

  “I can assure you the winery is completely legitimate.” He glanced at his watch. “I work really hard to maintain a professional image. One the family can be proud of.”

  “Oh, are you their PR person?”

  “Again, something like that.”

  “Are you being mysterious on purpose?” Who are you? “Mysterious can be fun.” I checked his finger to make sure there wasn’t a wedding ring because that would be my luck. According to his left hand, he was single. “Are you flirting with me?”

  “Maybe it’s you who is flirting with me?”

  “I’m a modern girl.”

  “Good luck with your new job, Ms. Chambers.”

  “How did you know my—”

  “Sorry I’m late.” Another incredibly attractive man with impressive forearms covered in beautiful tattoos joined us in front of the building. “Dad had an emergency.”

  “No problem,” my mystery guy said. “I’m fresh out of a meeting.”

  “Hello.” The sexy tattooed guy smiled at me. “I’m Gianni.” He extended his hand which I politely shook. Two hunky men in a matter of minutes? “Looks like you’re the new chef.” He smirked at the guy standing next to me. “I didn’t realize my brother was involved in the hiring process. Congratulations.”

  “Your brother?” Gianni’s brother would be...

  “I wasn’t but I was about to properly introducing myself.”

  Please don’t be...

  “I’m Salvatore Marchelli.”

  Of course you are. That’s why you look so familiar. I’d seen him in magazines and on promos for the winery. I should have paid better attention.

  “Welcome to our completely legitimate winery.”

  A ride in his car and a drink was probably off the table now. Could I have made a more idiotic impression?

  “I hope your cooking is as bold as your personality.”

  Shit!

  SALVATORE

  I left the stunned new chef in front of the restaurant as Gianni and I made our way into the building. If my day wasn’t so hectic, I’d have taken the time to figure out what was up with her. She was quite mesmerizing but a little odd. Quirky even. My mom and Rocco liked her so she couldn’t be that bad.

  “What’s up with you and the hot chef?” Gianni asked as we headed to my office.

  “Nothing.”

  “It didn’t look like nothing.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “She seemed shocked when you told her who you were.”

  “Well, despite what you might think, not everyone knows who we are. Some of us try to stay out of trouble.”

  “Fair point.” He plopped down on the couch in front of my desk. “You would think she would h
ave done her research before applying for the job. How did she not know who you were?”

  “I wasn’t present for any of the hiring. I left it up to Mom and Rocco. They were more than capable.” I hoped she could cook better than she could make a first impression. “What brings you here?”

  “Security.” He propped his feet on my desk.

  I took a deep breath and bit my lip because my brother taunted me by being so sloppy. “What about it?”

  “Dad wants me to amp it up and Dominick agrees.”

  “Why? Is there a threat?” I gazed at his feet, my fingers twitching to push them off my desk.

  Our father was one of the most revered mob bosses on the East coast. He ran New York and New Jersey for decades. Most of my life. In the past few years, he’d been phasing our family out of the major action. My mother wanted him to retire and leave a legitimate business for her sons. Unfortunately, walking away from the Mafia wasn’t that easy. Something always seemed to come up that prevented him from retiring.

  “Dad has an awkward feeling. Nothing concrete but you know when he has a feeling.”

  “We go into lockdown mode for weeks.” I tossed the folder on my desk and sighed. “That’s great. I don’t have time for that.”

  “What’s wrong with you?” Gianni asked. “You’re in a mood.”

  “So? Get your feet off my desk!”

  “It took a full two minutes for your OCD to kick in. That’s a long time for you. You’re distracted.” He removed his feet from my desk, wiping his hand along the oak. “You’re never in a bad mood.”

  “We all agreed that the winery was off-limits. I can’t have any more guards than we already do patrolling the place while customers are in here. What do you think potential brides would say about that? Would you want your reception here?”

  “I had my reception here.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “The security would be discreet.”

  “Whatever.” If my father and Dominick, our oldest brother, had already given the word, I wouldn’t win any arguments.