Sartinis Revenge

By Mia Loveless

Death to the Verdis!

Rachel and Sophia Sartini vowed to avenge Simon murder. When Rachel is kidnapped and rescued by a stranger will love get in the way of revenge?
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This is the second book in the Revenge Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mia Loveless
• Release date: Oct 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301943951

Mia Loveless

I'm a indie author of fiery, passionate, steamy erotic multicultural interracial romance featuring women of african heritage. My stories take place in locations around the world.

Book preview

SARTINIS REVENGE

By

Mia Loveless

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PUBLISHED BY:

Mia Loveless on Smashwords.com

Sartinis Revenge

Copyright © 2012 by Mia Loveless

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Chapter 1

Giovanni Verdi sat at his desk, running his fingers through his thick, curly black hair. His eyes fairly burned a hole in the letter that lay in front of him as he reread it for about the fifteenth time.

We are calling you out for murdering our beloved brother, Simon Sartini. Any chance of a truce is obviously null and void, and we shall not rest until Simon’s murder is avenged. So consider yourself forewarned and know – no matter what you do or where you try to hide, you will be found and brought to justice.

Rachel & Sophia Sartini

The signatures were written in dark, red blood. Giovanni’s nostrils quivered as the scent of it floated past them once again.

Antonio sat across the desk from his uncle Giovanni. He had traveled to Sicily, taking the letter with him to get Giovanni’s advice on how to handle what was surely to be the coming storm of revenge.

We were so close to bringing this horrid centuries old feud to a close – Rachel and Francesco were betrothed, and everyone seemed happy that things were finally taking a positive turn He sighed deeply. Do you have any insight or wisdom you can impart to me, Uncle?

Giovanni shook his head sadly. When passions such as these have been aroused in a wronged family, even if your family is not guilty, most assuredly a price will be exacted, and at great cost. Unless it is possible to conclusively prove that the Verdis were framed for the murder of Simon, I’m afraid no Verdi is safe. He rose and looked out the window at the beautiful vineyard country that surrounded his villa.

Thank you for seeing me, Uncle, Antonio replied. I thought as much, but wanted to let you know of this trouble. I fear you are right, that not one of us is truly safe until the murderer is brought to justice. This was obviously a plot to irrevocably prevent the truce between the families from ever taking place. I must go in search of this assassin myself, and hopefully find a way to bring the truth to light. He stood, crossed to Giovanni, and clasped him into a quick hug. Take care of yourself, and you might consider doubling the guard on the villa. I don’t think Sicily is the first place they would look, but as you say, they are hell-bent on revenge and are likely to leave no stone unturned when it comes to tracking down Verdis.

Giovanni emitted a scoffing exhalation. I’m not afraid, Antonio. I have lived an incredibly long life, far longer than you. It is your children I fear for the most. They are still so young, in vampire terms. Do your best to protect them, and if there is anything I can do to assist you in that, please don’t hesitate to ask. The men shook hands and nodded at one another respectfully, and then Antonio turned on his heel and exited his uncle’s study.

****

Francesco and Claudia were each busily packing a valise. Their father had just returned home from Sicily the day before, and instructed them to immediately put together necessities for a road trip of undetermined length. They were to take only one good outfit with them, the rest of their clothes were to be very commonplace and well-worn. Their servants had donated most of the ill-fitting old but clean clothes each one was taking along. Antonio wisely realized that if they were dressed like commoners, they would be much less conspicuous to any trackers from the Sartini clan.

Francesco kiddingly threw a pair of slacks and a Henley style shirt at his sister. Perhaps we should pull a Shakespearean trick and you should masquerade as a boy, he teased. She gave him a dark look just as their father entered the room.

Actually, that’s not such a bad idea, he offered. Claudia groaned audibly, knowing that once her father’s mind was made up, it was hard to change it.

Are you kidding me, Dad? And how would you expect me to pull that off, with these? she gestured to her ample bosom while her brother chortled.

There are such things as elastic bandages to help flatten you out, and loose fitting clothing, too, Antonio was thinking out loud, his brain running a mile a minute. You will have to cut your hair short, of course…

What? Claudia shrieked. Never! And why do I have to go under deep cover – why does Francesco get off scot-free in the disguise department?

Why, sister, you flatter me to intimate that I might be able to dress in drag! her brother wiggled an eyebrow at her comically. But when he finished laughing and saw his father’s face, he knew something he was bound not to like too much was brewing in Antonio’s mind. His father crooked a finger at him, and removed a bottle from his pocket.

Francesco crossed to him reluctantly, wondering what sort of magic potion his father was extending to him. To his surprise, it was only a bottle of hair dye – light blond in color. Oh! Well, you know that old saying that blonds have more fun – I guess I’m about to find out if it’s true! he crowed, knowing he was getting off much easier than Claudia was. Once I’ve ‘lightened up,’ where do you wish me to go, at least at first, father?

Florence, Antonio said flatly. I’ve arranged safe passage for you, and there’s an old friend with a room there who’s waiting for your arrival. Cryptically, he added, For now, I feel it is better you and Claudia do not know where the other will be staying. Just safer, in case anyone tries to pry information from you. Once you’ve gone undetected for a month, I’ll get word to you both so you’ll know how to find the other. There will be a regular messenger I’ll dispatch to each of you, frequently, and through whom you can send me any messages, should you need anything. There will be $100,000 waiting for each of you at your destinations. Be frugal, don’t draw attention to yourselves. If you are clever, you should be able to live off of that for at least two years, if need be. It is my prayer this will be over much sooner than that, however. He felt exhausted, having masterminded this plan while on his way home, but allowed nothing else to interrupt his concentration. Saving his children was paramount to Antonio.

But, Daddy, Claudia pleaded. "Must I really