Mad Max (Chicago Crew) Read online

  The men around me chuckle, even Cage’s broody arse. I’m being completely serious. I can’t believe I’m considering this, but when it boils down to it, it’s just a bit of business I suppose. Besides, I’ll still do what I want. No woman will have me asking for permission like Joker’s wife.

  “I’ll send you a photo of her, I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.” He pulls out his cell and immediately starts his search.

  “I better well be enamored if I’m offering up my name and the protection that’ll come along with it.” My phone vibrates with his text, but I ignore it at the moment. I’m not some desperate chap or anything, and I damn sure won’t allow anyone here today get a glimpse of my curiosity. I really am intrigued by this whole setup. Lord knows my mum would’ve planned my marriage had I stayed home like a good ol’ boy. Years away from my parents and yet here I am, faced with another setup, only under far different circumstances. Old times or not, this isn’t too much off from the Mafia’s meddling anyhow. I’ve witnessed many arranged marriages take place in T’s family over the time I’ve spent by his side.

  “I’ll call her father this evening and see about working out the details. This will come as a relief to him, I’m sure of it. The pressure on the table has been brutal. Until then, we need to catch up with Dante. The best way to get his attention will be to have valuable information. Discover where everyone’s hiding out, and then find Dante as well. I want him to realize we’re not going anywhere, that we’re a vital part of the Chicago Syndicate working behind the scenes. Capisce?”

  The other three nod their agreeance, while I sip from my proper cup of tea and side-eye them. I know where Dante is already. I’ve been keeping up with his whereabouts from the moment I was informed he stepped foot in the city. I’ll keep that gem to myself until it’s time to pull out all my cards. I’ll marry the little twat for my mate, give him Dante’s location, and hopefully be the one who kills Uncle for him as well. No matter how close our small group becomes, Thaddaeus needs to be reminded that I’m indispensable. I’m his right-hand man for a reason, and under no circumstances can I allow that to change now or in the future.

  Am I fixated on being the closest to T? Perhaps. I’ve never shared or played well with others. Why anyone would expect my friendships to be different is their problem, not mine. I haven’t killed the others who hang around, and that’s the furthest my courtesy extends. For a while I’d even planned on stealing Grace away. I’d hoped I could take her from him and then maybe get rid of her in some lonely alley similar to the one T had attacked her in, but I wasn’t so fortunate. The bloke fell hard for her and she became an extension of him, vetoing any plans I’d had for her demise. I’ve learned to live with her near-constant presence when it comes to T, but it’s a bit annoying at times.

  I tune the rest of the meeting out, concentrating on my tea and the snacks provided. I have a new plan in the works and I’ve got to nail it down perfectly. I must find a way to cross paths with Dante, and if he’s not the type of man I think he is, then we may end up at war regardless. I have a bad habit of killing wankers before gauging the repercussions, and I doubt he’ll be any different. No matter what happens in the coming months, one things is for certain: Thaddaeus Morelli will run Chicago, just as he’s always been meant to. My mate is finally ready to claim his title, and I’m thrilled being by his side. We’re the gangsters of Chicago, and it’s time more men know exactly what that means.

  “I’ve spoken to her father,” Joker shares when he and Dillion stop by the warehouse two days later. They’re here to pick up the latest cash drop. Dillion drives T around like he’s his personal chauffeur. We all give the bloke strife for it. This time around there weren’t any incidents when it came to the cash drops. The imbeciles managed to count correctly prior to showing up with their payments. Andre did his part as well, and remained on their arses, not wanting the blowback from my temper.

  “Brilliant. Did the tosser lose it?”

  He chuckles. “On the contrary, he was extremely pleased. So much so, he’s offered to pay for everything where the wedding is concerned and gift you one of his buildings.”

  Rolling my eyes, I scoff. “I don’t need some concrete bit of rubbish from the prick, and I’m not wasting one pound on his daughter, so of course he’s bloody well paying for everything.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, Max. It’s one of the restaurants close to downtown. It’s worth a lot, and frankly, I’m stunned he was so quick to offer it up in gratitude. It goes to show just how happy he is over this turn of events if he’s offering you one of his cash cows. This could be good—great, in fact, for our future if he’s so eager to hand over some of his holdings.”

  “It’s a proper headache, is what it is. I understand what you’re saying, but I’m not in the food business. Nor do I want to be. Customer complaints would come with a side of kidney puncture.”

  “Then use it to launder money,” Dillion suggests, and my eyes light up. I’m keen on the criminal aspect, that I’m certain of. I’ve always been good at being a crook, I won’t attempt to lie to myself and pretend otherwise. It’s why me and Morelli fit so well together; he’s just as dirty as I am. Him along with the rest of our lot have the brass bollocks it takes to make waves in the underground.

  “Now you’re talking, mate!”

  Thaddaeus smirks. “You’re really helping me out with this? I can’t believe this is in play.”

  I nod. “No need to mention it. Sappy isn’t your style. Don’t ruin it now. I’ll be off vomiting in the corner.”

  They snicker at my theatrics. “The venue is booked this week to announce the engagement. This will be a prime opportunity to draw out some important names from hiding. If not this week, then for your wedding. They may be too frightened to show their faces at the announcement, but they wouldn’t dare offend us by not attending your wedding.”

  “Right. I’ll have some of the guys keeping a close eye on any of them that do show up to the engagement announcement. We’ll figure out where they’re coming and going.”

  “Good. What’d you think of the photo I sent?”

  “I’d shag her,” I admit. She was fucking hot, took me by surprise.

  He belts out a low laugh, standing. “There’s hope for you yet, Maximillian.”

  “You in the business of marrying off your crew now? Your Mafia is showing.”

  He shakes his head and I stand to walk them out. “No way in hell would I ever want that responsibility or the sort of pressure involved with it. You’re each hard enough to deal with as it is. We’re a group of stubborn mutts.”

  “Speak for yourself, T. I happen to know I’m a proper Brit. Not all of us can be so lucky.”

  Dillion snickers at my reply. He shakes his head muttering, “There’s nothing proper about you, except maybe those pressed suits.”

  I grumble. They both know what I mean. We’ve been close long enough now for Thaddaeus to understand me. “All right now, blokes. You’ve collected the loot and offended me all in one sitting. Shouldn’t you be off to harass your wife or something?”

  “I’m on my way there now.”

  “Shocking,” I murmur, and his lips briefly tilt up before falling flat once more. Andre approaches us, and in the next instant, Thaddaeus’ easy laughter and mood are replaced with the harsh frown of the Joker. I don’t know how he can switch himself on and off like he does. I seem to only have one personality and it’s arsehole.

  “Lunch, tomorrow? At our usual?” he suggests, and I agree. I’ve grown fond of Moricio’s Italian Cuisine over the years. “Andre,” he briefly acknowledges, and then he’s out the door. Dillion throws me a nod on his way out, following the boss.

  “Get me the best group we have,” I order once we’re alone. “We’ve got a busy week ahead of us, it’s time to go hunting. We need Cage. Oh, and before I forget, it looks like I’ll be getting hitched as well. Add a woman to my calendar.”

  He sputters at the last bit but nods ac
cordingly. The bloke already believes me to be unhinged, so this’ll only further confirm the fact. I’m not denying it. If anything, I embrace the bit of crazy. It keeps these bloody idiots on their toes around here.

  She wears strength and darkness

  equally well, the girl has always

  been half goddess, half hell.

  – Nikita Gill

  The announcement’s effects are still ringing throughout the opulently decorated venue when I eventually find her. Ismerlda Castelano and I were briefly introduced at lunch today. She was stunning and polite, every bit I’d gathered she’d be from her photo alone. Her father was there as well, of course, ever the eager one to express his gratitude. I didn’t mind it, surprisingly. Perhaps it was the expensive bottle of crisp champagne we’d sipped while dining on the best filet mignon in the city. Regardless, it took a bit of the pressure off this evening when we had to play our parts in front of the guests.

  I’d dressed with business in mind tonight. That is what this is, after all. It’s not a real wedding; it’s a business move for Thaddaeus and me. My intended stood next to me quietly wearing a dazzling smile and gown that accented her assets perfectly. It was a bit of a stretch to keep my eyes off her. It wasn’t a hardship having her at my side, that I’ll admit. Anyhow, we’d toasted to our upcoming wedding, putting on a show for the prominent families before us. We announced the date, and that invitations would be sent shortly to everyone in attendance tonight, amongst others. Afterwards, we both eagerly went our separate ways.

  Why I never considered a marriage of convenience prior has me wondering what other opportunities I may’ve missed. Perhaps it’s the notion of having someone up my arse that plagues me. Ismerlda’s easy on the eyes and her plump tits have me seeing things a bit skewed. I’m sure that’s it. Probably why I’m on the hunt for her at the moment as well, though nothing good will come of it, that I’m certain of.

  After we’d split up, I decided I wasn’t quite ready to be done with her just yet, but lost her as I was pulled off to the side right after our announcements. I’ve had no opportunity to speak to her privately about any of this, and I want to confirm she’s on board with our plan willingly. If I wanted to force my hand, I’d go to the auctions. I could easily purchase whichever woman meets my fancy, as I’ve done in the past. In this case, it’ll be much more pleasant if she’s working with me and remaining out of my way. And besides, we need to be seen together for this to work, for chit-chat to spread, and tonight’s the perfect occasion to take advantage of.

  If she wants to throw in a quick shag after we speak, well, I won’t be opposed, to say the least. Maybe this union will be beneficial in more ways than I’ve considered. I’m feeling a bit more hopeful about all of this after thinking things over. I do tend to have the best ideas at times, even if some of them have gotten me strung up with the law on occasion.

  I come to a stop in the hallway. Ismerlda’s bulky guard is posted outside a storage room door. He’s not paying much attention to me personally, only my vicinity, as he should. His body tenses once I approach him, and I nearly grin but manage to refrain, well aware this’ll be a bit of fun at his expense. “Out of the way, bloke.”

  His dark, steely gaze meets mine, and after a blip, he realizes just who the fuck I am. Mad Max to anyone who doesn’t belong to my inside circle. He clears his throat and I can see it; the wanker doesn’t want to defy me. He’s a prick, this one. His mistress gave him orders, and so help me, he better take up for her side. I’ll kill him regardless, but it’ll be less painful if he abides by his orders. “I can’t do that, Mr. Macintosh. She doesn’t want to be disturbed, and I don’t want to be fired.”

  A rumble stirs in my chest. “Ah, a bit of respect. I can appreciate that, but it won’t save your sorry arse. Now, you’ll take me to my alluring fiancée or I’ll slit your throat in the very spot you stand in.” My threat weighs heavy in comparison to him being fired. Death or jobless, there isn’t much of a comparison, unless your life is meaningless without your work. I highly doubt that’s the case with this bloke—it typically isn’t.

  With a quick dip of his head, he relents, then turns and opens the door. It’s a small space, enough for him to manage to squeeze through and then stupidly attempt to slam the door closed in my face. His effort is fruitless as I’d anticipated it before the thought ever had a chance to occur to his pea-sized brain. You don’t get to where I am by being a stupid prick, and these intolerant arses never seem to realize as much. Probably why I end up a bit rage-y at the lot of them.

  “Bloody fucking idiot,” I mutter with a curse and kick the door before it’s shut all the way. It slams into the man, catching him off guard. It stuns him long enough for me to slide inside. “You mucked up, fella,” I state and slam my forehead into his.

  It dazes the dumb arse, and I use it to my advantage, spinning his back to me. Reaching around him, my blade slides out of my cuff and I swiftly slide it across his throat. Blood splashes over my fingers, while the remaining messily streams down his neck. It quickly coats his crisp, white shirt, turning it crimson. I release him to fall to the floor and step back to admire my handiwork. It truly takes skill to manage what I do, I mentally pat myself on the back for being a badass bloke.

  Ismerlda’s toffee irises widen as she’s just witnessed me murder her guard in front of her. A low moan escapes her, drawing my attention to the tosser on his knees in front of her. The fitted emerald evening gown her curves were encased in earlier is now pulled up around her waist. Her panties are missing… if she was ever wearing any in the first place. She fists the guy’s hair, keeping his face to her pussy, and breathily demands, “Don’t stop. He can wait.”

  Perhaps our marriage won’t be so boring after all. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one in need of a proper shag. However, this is not the way to go about it, especially not without irritating me. I do give her points for creativity. She’s shocked me and that’s not an easy feat. “Oh, he’ll stop, darling, that much is a promise.” I stalk towards her, ready to prove my point and kill him as well if necessary. This marriage will be anything but lackluster, I can see it now, and it only entices me further to wreak a bit of havoc on her world.

  She glares, the feminine glower only provoking me further. With a huff, she argues while grinding her pussy into the man’s face. “I may’ve agreed to marry you to help my famiglia out, but it doesn’t mean this will be a real marriage.” Her red fingernail flashes back and forth between the two of us, but it only has me picturing it scraping over my flesh. “I’ll do as I please when I please. My father gets security, while you and I each get more money out of this deal. You’re pretty enough. I’m sure you’ll have no problem finding your own lovers. Now go own, sweetie, be a good boy and let me finish here.”

  I was going to go about this without much anticipation in mind for our marriage, but she just upped the playing field. She’s fucked up by challenging me. My laugh is twisted and cruel as I take my last step toward her, pausing directly behind her other guard. The fool is obeying his master, devouring her wet cunt like an obedient mut. I won’t tolerate another bloody wanker touching a pussy that will soon be mine. I flash my tormenting grin her way. She hasn’t the slightest idea who she’s gotten herself wrapped up with, apparently. Let me introduce myself properly then.

  Without missing a beat, I slit his throat while his tongue is buried in her heat. His blood sprays across her thighs, and I must admit, I enjoy the sight of her flesh in the red liquid. I toss him off to the side, my bloody hand replacing his mouth between her legs. “That’s where you’re mistaken, darling. If you want this cunt licked, touched, or fucked, it’ll be by me alone.” I thrust two crimson coated fingers deep into her channel to drive my point across. She’s absolutely brilliant, full of sass, beauty, and a tight pussy.

  Ismerlda gasps, her caramel eyes rolling heavenward. “You’re more messed up in that mind of yours than I imagined. You get it through your head now, you won’t control me. No man
ever will. Not even you, Mad Max.”

  I taunt, “He wasn’t even pleasing you. None of them will be able to like I can. You’ll figure that out soon enough.” I continue to pump my fingers into her, grinding my palm against her clit. She whimpers as I hit the tiny spot of nerves and her thighs move to clench. She wants to hold my digits inside her so she can come, but I’m in control here. “Your cunt has to earn it.” I smirk and slide my hand free of her warm, welcoming center.

  Her cheeks are flushed, her scowl harsh as she fumes. She’s so fucking stunning my breath catches. Tugging a hanky free, I clean my hands of the blood and her pussy juices. I’m parched, provoked to have her on my tongue, but I won’t lower myself as to take another’s sloppy seconds. I need a distraction from that delightful pout she’s merely offered since denying her orgasm.

  “You may have your father wrapped around that dainty pinky of yours, but rest assured, I won’t be so stupid. You’ll learn soon enough, but it appears you could use a bit of madness in your life.”

  “Fuck you, Maximillian. You’ll be the one learning. I do whatever I please. I always have, and being married to you won’t change that. You don’t want me to come on your fingers? Fine. I have more than one willing man waiting for my call. You aren’t my only option. I have plenty,” she promises with an indignant flash of her eyes, the look inciting me further.

  “And you’ll discover, darling, that I have no qualms with killing those tossers. Any men, to clarify. I won’t share your cunt with the riffraff crawling through these streets. I highly suggest you take my words seriously, or you’ll find out why so many fear me. Why I am who I am.”

  I gesture to her dead guards. “Let this be a proper example of how I handle my irritation. Now, fix your dress and I’ll escort you back to your father’s side. You need someone at your flank who’s able to offer you a touch of protection from these wankers crawling the property. We need to get this over with and discuss our future.”