Saved Me: Mine Series, #3

By Samantha Lee

Yvette didn't think she was going to survive her kidnapping. She didn't think he would come for her, but he did. 

Antony Carbonaro, the reigning Kingpin of New York, crosses an ocean to save the woman he loves. Now, it's Yvette's turn to save him. With new and old enemies closing in on all sides can Yvette protect the man she loves one last time, or will they both die in this final epic battle? 

Experience Yvette and Antony's final chapter, in the gripping conclusion of the Mine Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samantha Lee
• Release date: Jan 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386293842

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Antony stared Daemon down. Don’t fucking touch her. I will carry her.

Then fucking get on with it; she needs to get off this damn plane and to a doctor.

Daemon stepped up to Antony. There wasn’t a lot of space on the plane, even less between the two of them. No, not if you carrying her means you will continue to be a thorn in her flesh. I will not allow you to keep hurting her. I have had enough, and trust me, Antony, I’m not afraid of you. I’m not opposed to being your enemy; I can make shit difficult for you.

Antony saw the resolve in Daemon’s eyes but didn’t back down. He didn’t care what it cost him; he wasn’t going to let go of Yvette. Not now, not ever again. Then let’s do that, he said holding Daemon’s stare. But thankfully and before they could commit to something they couldn’t take back; Antony heard Sal’s voice.

Daemon let Antony carry her off the plane. The longer we delay the worse it is for Yvette. We can work the other shit out later.

Antony grunted his approval and held Yvette firmly. He passed Daemon. He didn’t say a word to him, but if looks could kill, Antony would be dead. Antony knew then that wasn’t the end of the conversation. He wasn’t surprised when he heard Daemon’s low voice from behind.

We aren’t done here; not by a long shot, Antony.

Fine, Antony called over his shoulder. He didn’t want to war with Daemon. He was right, he could make life hard for him, but right now, there wasn’t a price higher than the woman in his arms.

Antony carefully went down the steps to the waiting car where Marcello held the door open for him.

Hey Boss, how is she?

I don’t know. We need to get her to a hospital, fast.

Antony knew Marcello wasn’t interested in stirring his ire over Yvette, but Antony hadn’t forgotten the very brief romance between the pair. He’d be damned if he gave him even a small chance of getting to Yvette again. Antony carefully ducked into the car. He cradled Yvette, careful not to hurt her.

Marcello slid into the front seat and Sal slid into the back with him. Yvette was nestled in Antony’s lap. He lifted his hand and moved her hair out of her face. She’d lost consciousness on the plane. He was worried. Antony felt like killing something. He never liked feeling helpless. Yvette was the last person in the world that could keep him from becoming a feral madman because she was all that he had left.

Antony looked out of the window. Fucking traffic, he said to no one in particular, but Sal answered.

We will get there Antony; she will be fine.

She damn well better be, Sal, she is everything to me. Everything.

I know, Antony. Trust me, I know, but you have to know, she isn’t going to be happy with you when she wakes up.

Antony looked down at the beautiful woman in his arms. Their separation hadn’t been easy on him either, but he was the reason they were separated and the source of her pain. Antony would bear whatever emotional storm they would go through because she deserved to be angry. She deserved to put him through his fair share of pain, but he would never leave her again, no matter what she did to him. Yvette was his future; he would do what he had to do to keep her.

Boss, we’re here. Do you need help getting her out of the car?

Involuntarily, Antony’s arms tightened around Yvette. No, just get the door.

Carefully, he slid out of the car and walked to the bay doors. Sal must have called ahead because doctors and nurses met them at the bay doors with a gurney. Antony laid Yvette down and watched as they rolled her away. Sal stood on his right side, and Marcello was on his left. Together they walked into the hospital. People moved out of their way; somehow, they understood the scarcely contained storms of violence that were walking into the hospital.

Two nurses walked up to them with ready and practiced smiles.

Mr. Carbonaro, please follow us to a private waiting room.

Antony heard Marcello whisper to Sal.

I wouldn’t mind if these two nurses wanted to play a game of doctor. I could give them a thorough pelvic exam.

Antony heard the thump of Sal’s hand hitting Marcello’s head.

Fuhgetaboutit, we are here to watch Antony’s back. Stay sharp asshole. Antony has enemies everywhere these days.

Antony snorted at their banter. He could take care of himself, but he wasn’t going to comment; Sal and Marcello had their roles and with that came the job of protecting him. He would participate as long as it suited him.

The group of five approached an ornate oak door. Sal hurried in front of Antony; his hand was inside of his jacket resting on the 9mm Antony knew he kept there. All the dramatics of protection was annoying, Antony barely stopped his eyes from rolling, but he knew what Sal wanted. He wanted him to wait outside of the room until he cleared it; Antony was still willing to participate, so he and Marcello waited. A few minutes later Sal came out. Antony assumed that meant he was safe to enter, so he did.

Antony walked into the private waiting room. A wrap around bookshelf housed books on every wall. There were three large coffee leather couches in the center of the room. A modern crystal chandelier hung in the center.

Antony let his eyes take in the room, he noticed the large window in front of the sitting area. If he sat there, he would leave himself open. He couldn’t do that. He found a corner bar nestled away from the windows. Antony knew Sal shared his thoughts because he began walking towards the bar, then Antony followed. The two nurses lingered behind.

Antony passed Marcello. Get rid of them.

Marcello moved. Thank you, ladies; please let the doctor know we will be impatiently waiting to hear news about Yvette. Also, there will be several men walking in at any moment. They will ask where they can find Antony Carbonaro. Please bring them back. Otherwise, we won’t need anything else.

Antony heard the shuffle of footsteps before the door opened and closed. He assumed the nurses were gone. Sal had a glass of scotch waiting for his arrival. Antony sat and picked up the tumbler; he played with it; he watched the liquid move from side to side while he thought about the events that occurred over the last few days.

Ana and Gino were on the run after causing the worst drug epidemic New York had seen since the eighties. Donato and Don Belmonte were dead. The triad was watching them, and Yvette had been stabbed and kidnapped. Shit, what else could go wrong? The only positive thing that came from the bloodbath that cleaned up the heroine Ana put on the streets was that his position as Kingpin of New York was firmly in place.

Antony let the chilled liquid move around in his mouth tingling his senses before he swallowed it. He prepared for the familiar burn; the first drink was always his worst.

Marcello took the seat next to him and Sal stood behind the bar, nursing his scotch.

Penny for your thoughts boss, Marcello asked.

Antony ran a hand through his hair. He wouldn’t tell them how worried he was about Yvette, or how he yearned to be next to her; to see and feel her, so he knew she was still alive, still with him. No, he couldn’t share those emotions with them. So in turn, he talked about the Family; that was safe and it would take his mind off Yvette.

Not much to think of, Marcello, except tying up loose ends. What of Sandra?

Marcello grabbed the offered scotch from Sal and took a long pull. She is recovering well. I have Men with her.

Antony nodded. Make sure she has everything she needs. As soon as we know where Ana and Gino disappeared to, dispatch her to take care of it. What is the status of your brother’s wedding?

Marcello pushed his glass toward Sal silently asking for a refill. Sal eyed him carefully.

Antony tsked. Really Sal, two drinks aren’t enough to put him on his ass and make him useless to me. Lighten up Sal; it’s been a long couple of days for everyone.

Sal refilled Marcello’s glass, and he took another long pull. Thanks, Sal, Marcello said mockingly before turning toward Antony. It’s moving according to plan, boss.

Make sure to let me know if your family needs anything. I will be happy to provide any support. Antony eyed Marcello before he said, What is Rafael planning to do in the Family?

Marcello shrugged. I don’t think he wants to be in the Life anymore.

Antony smiled. He knew it wasn’t a warm smile; he was on edge. He couldn’t afford the energy it would take to appease Marcello. Antony’s voice was hard and commanding. He needed to be clear with where he stood on this issue. That isn’t how it works. He was born into the Family, so he will live and die in it as well. He will participate. I may not ask him to do much. I may not ask him to do anything illegal, but in some way or form he will work for this Family.

Marcello sighed. I know, but I can do the work for the both of us.

Antony was losing his patience. "What did I say? There is no out. I will be mindful of his situation, but he will be asked to put in work for the Family, be it in one of the front businesses, or some community projects. But hear me on this; Rafael will work For. This. Family."

Antony could tell when Marcello finally heard what he hadn’t said. Antony was giving the Giovanni Family a way to save face, while decreasing the criminal activity for Rafael.

Marcello smiled wide. Antony caught Sal’s eye roll in his peripheral. Got it, boss, Marcello said and took another pull of his scotch.

The three of them fell silent, but Marcello couldn’t sit still. He stood and walked to the bookshelf. Marcello picked through a few books until he found one that piqued his curiosity. He settled with it on his stool. Sal was reading something on his phone, and texting like a demon possessed.

This gave Antony time to think, which was precisely what he didn’t need to do because his thoughts immediately turned to Yvette. Was she okay? Would there be any long-term issues he would need to take care of? He hadn’t known how long she was bleeding internally, nor did he know what that would mean for her prospects of a full recovery. He gripped the tumbler tighter and closed his eyes against his anger. If only he’d gotten there sooner, or didn’t let her leave the table that night. If only, he never left her to begin with.

Sal tapped the counter to get his attention. Daemon wants to know how she’s doing.

Antony exhaled and tried to calm himself. It was an innocent question and he was Yvette’s boss and friend. Tell him, we don’t know anything yet, but once we do, we will make sure to let him know. Antony hesitated before he spoke again, Also, tell him Yvette will be leaving that godforsaken place as soon as she is cleared to move around.

Sal’s brow shot up in question, and Marcello’s hand stopped as he was about to turn the page of his book.

Where is she going? Sal asked.

Antony shrugged. I don’t know; find somewhere a few doors down from mine. We will find a way to encourage her to move there.

Marcello laughed. Yvette isn’t going to move anywhere, especially if you tell her to do it.

Antony grinned. I’m not going to tell her, you are.

Sal laughed. See what happens when you get involved with Antony, Marcello. You shouldn’t have said anything.

Marcello flipped Sal his middle finger. Shut up cock sucker.

Sal laughed harder.

Why can’t Sal do it?

Sal stopped laughing and cleared his throat. Yvette and I had some…misunderstandings in the past.

Antony laughed. She kicked your ass for pulling a gun on her. That isn’t a misunderstanding.

"She misunderstood why I pulled a gun on her."

Marcello put his hands up. Wait, wait. Yvette kicked your ass? Your name is all but whispered in some circles as if saying it more than three times in a row will make you appear; but my sweet Yvette kicked your ass. She’s such a badass.

Antony kicked the chair from under Marcello. She is MY sweet Yvette, and yes, she throat punched him.

Marcello stood with his hands held up in the universal sign of defeat. I know. I know. I meant it in a purely platonic way. She wouldn’t have me when she could have, and she certainly doesn’t want me now.

Antony took another sip of his drink as Marcello righted his stool. Good, and its best you remember she’s no longer available.

Antony heard Marcello mumble. Was she ever?

Antony was going to respond No, when there was a knock at the door.

Sal eyed Marcello who nodded and stepped in front of Antony. Marcello reached inside his jacket and pulled out his 9mm.

Antony stay here with Marcello, Sal said as he approached the door. Antony never liked watching his friends walk into danger for him, but he didn’t have a gun. He was at a loss at the moment. He had to depend on Sal and Marcello, for now.

The door opened, and Antony could hear a male’s voice. Hello, I am Doctor Peterson, Yvette’s attending doctor. May I come in?

Sal turned around, and Antony nodded. Marcello moved to sit down next to Antony. Marcello appeared calm, but Antony knew he was alert and ready to move into action if needed.

The doctor put his hand out in greeting. Antony shook it. Antony didn’t like the doctor’s tight smile.

Mr. Carbonaro, it is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for choosing our hospital to care for your friend.

Antony shook his head. Family.

Pardon me, Mr. Carbonaro, what did you say?

She isn’t just a friend. Yvette is my family.

The doctor nodded, but Antony didn’t think he understood what she meant to him.

Meaning, doctor, you are holding my heart here. If something were to happen to her, Antony shook his head and reached up to pat the Doctor’s lapel down. it just wouldn’t be good.

The doctor swallowed hard. Antony was pleased that the Doctor now understood what would happen to him if something were to happen to Yvette, so Antony sat down. The power dynamics were clear.

So, tell me doc, what’s wrong with my woman.

The now nervous doctor stuttered as he tried hard to get through his first word. She’s fine, sir. There was some internal bleeding, but don’t worry; we were able to stop it. Antony watched the doctor reach up to loosen his tie; sweat beaded his forehead. She won’t need to be here long at all. As a matter of fact, she’s in no immediate danger. I suspect with proper physical therapy and rest, she will fully recover.

Relief flooded Antony, but he wouldn’t show it. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if something irreversible happened to her because of him.

When can I see her?

The doctor’s response was immediate. Now, if you want. She’s sleeping, but she will wake soon.

Antony fixed his jacket and pulled his cufflinks.

I would love to do that and plan on it as soon as you tell me what room she’s in.

CHAPTER TWO

TWO WEEKS LATER DAEMON SECURITIES

Nervously Yvette walked to Daemon’s office door and knocked.

Come in.

She opened the door and walked in. Daemon had his feet on the table legs crossed at the ankle. It was his thinking position. Briefly, she wondered what was on his mind. But this wasn’t a social call; it was her resignation.

Gingerly, she sat in one of his puke green, uncomfortable, and barely cushioned chairs.

What’s on your mind, Yvette? You look far too serious.

Yvette exhaled. This was it. She was going to change the course of her life one more time.

I want to quit. She prepared thoughtful answers to the questions she thought he would ask. She was ready for him to beg her to stay and was determined not to be swayed, so it was a complete shock when he said.

Good.

Pardon me?

Good, you are the only one of my employees that’s been hurt multiple times since I have started this company. He held up a hand because her mouth was open, to protest or defend herself she didn’t know.

I’m not saying you aren’t safe out there, Yvette, just that this job isn’t usually this dangerous. It seems you bring out the worst in people, Daemon smiled. Okay, that was a bad joke, but I’m worried about you. The kidnapping was too much. He took you to the triad in China for fuck’s sake.

Yvette nodded slowly, she agreed.

I was going to suggest taking some time away to make sure this life was really for you. I’m happy you came to me first. I didn’t know how I was going to bring it up.

Daemon nervously bit his bottom lip, and her heart melted. This large Viking of man cared deeply for her. She knew he would come for her no matter what was happening. She only hoped those days were behind her. Yvette felt her tears gather and threaten to spill down her cheek. She blinked rapidly trying to stop them. Yvette heard the thump of Daemon’s feet hitting the floor.

Wait, wait, wait. Don’t cry. My office is a tear-free zone. I’m a man damn it; I don’t know what to do when women cry.

I’m sorry. The last few weeks have been emotional. I don’t know what has gotten into me. I appreciate your understanding about me leaving.

Daemon pulled some tissues out of the holder on his desk and handed them to her. Of course, I want what is best for you. What are your plans?

Yvette smiled. I’m going to try to return to Corporate America.

Daemon laughed. I can see it now, someone pisses you off, and you pull out your 9mm and shoot them.

Yvette laughed. I don’t think I would shoot anyone. Well, not at work anyway.

Their eyes met and they burst into laughter, Yvette doubled over laughing holding her side and her stomach. This was a memory Yvette wouldn’t forget, but it would cost her. Laughing, yelling, sleeping wrong, or sitting for a long time still gave her pain in her side, but she powered through it to have this funny memory with Daemon.

Yvette sat cross legged on her bed, which was scattered with newspaper sections. Her laptop was precariously balanced on one leg as she scrolled through apartments and houses on Craigslist.

She remembered why she rarely moved; it was a terrible ordeal. Finding a place that wasn’t fake, expensive, or where the pictures weren’t giving the house a little too much credit. The owners took pictures that artfully overlooked the horrid condition of the basement or bathroom.

Yvette’s phone rang. She picked it up on the second ring.

Hey, I am busy. What’s up?

She was never prepared for the darkly seductive voice of Antony Carbonaro.

I am sending Sal to pick you up. Marcello found this nice little house that fits your price range.

She rolled her eyes. It was just like Antony to know more than he was told. She wouldn’t put it past him to have looked into her finances. He was smart; he would be able to do the same math she did.

I can find my own place, Antony. I don’t need help.

Sometimes, she wanted help, but that wasn’t the same as needing it. There had been times that day she wanted to pick up the phone and hand herself over to Antony’s keeping. She knew he could figure it all out. He presented an easy out, but Yvette Bradford didn’t believe in the easy button. If something needed to be done, then she would do it, and she would be stronger for it.

It’s fine to accept help sometimes; it doesn’t make you weak. It makes you smart. Get in the fucking car when it arrives. See the fucking house and then make a decision. At the end of the day, the decision is yours, and I’m only providing options, but understand that I won’t take no for an answer.

Yvette knew the line was dead before she looked down at her phone. He wasn’t going to argue the point. Here was one of those moments with Antony where you followed his instructions or later you would wish you had.

Yvette looked down at herself; she was wearing old black jogging pants with a white cami, and her hair was in a top knot. She closed her laptop and ran to her closet; pulling her hair out of the ponytail as she went.

Antony sat down the phone and shook his head. Yvette had him all twisted in knots. She alone could break his heart and make him want to kill someone all in the same conversation. He was still learning how to deal with the emotions she invoked. All his life, he’d loved three people. His parents, and Sal; now, Yvette had become the fourth. He wasn’t normal; he knew that. It wasn’t often he cared what others thought, or even if they lived.

He was fascinated with death but not ruled by it. His father taught him the difference. Antony believed himself to be fair with the manner and way he handled his people, but it was