Throttled (2 page)

Suzy’s eyes almost bugged out of her head. “Just a little thing, Ma,” Suzy said and then laughed.

I nodded to Suzy, impressed with her quickness. I’d get her later for that comment. “Hey, Pops.” I couldn’t take the double meaning anymore. I needed to change direction of this conversation.

“The house looks amazing, son.” He wrapped his arms around me, giving me a giant bear hug. I loved that my father wasn’t afraid to show us how much he cared.

“We just finished everything last week. I don’t ever want to build another house again. What a pain in the ass!” I said as I smacked him on the back.

“The fireplace framed by the ceiling to floor windows is breathtaking,” Ma said, as she walked to look out at the windows. There was a large pool with a waterfall on the lanai.

“I always thought you’d go with more of a classic Florida style of architecture, but I must say, I love the log cabin look. Reminds me of when your ma and I would take trips to the mountains before we had you kids.” He walked next to Ma and placed his arm around her. He rubbed her shoulder, slowly stroking her skin while they rested their heads together.

Ma patted his hands and then turned. “Where’s the nursery?” she asked with a large smile on her face.

“It’s a spare bedroom, Ma,” I said, trying not to laugh. The woman was relentless.

“Someday there will be a baby in there,” she said, pointing at Suzy.

A change of subject was needed quickly. “Want a drink, Pop?” I asked, wrapping my arm around him, leading him into the kitchen.

“I’d love a stiff one,” he replied, looking around the finished living room.

“Yeah, Suzy had one before you got here.” I smiled, looking back at her over my shoulder.

“I’ll get it for you, Mr. G,” Suzy said as she walked by and elbowed me in the ribs. “Why don’t you show your parents all the hard work we’ve done?”

I hunched over, feeling the sting of her boney elbow as I pretended to catch my breath. “Sure.” I smiled at her.

Suzy was a vision. Skin slightly pink and pale, blonde hair flowing down her back with her knee length white sundress. She looked like an angel, but I knew the truth. The girl came off as sweet and innocent, but she was a tiger and had developed quite a liking for curse words. I rubbed off on her. To say I was proud to call her mine was a complete understatement.

“The house is beautiful,” Ma said as she grabbed my arm. “You trying to kill her?” she whispered as we walked into the great room.

“Ma, she gives as good as she gets.”

“I’m sure, baby,” she said as she patted my stomach. “Wow, the fireplace really turned out better than I thought.”

I looked at it with pride. It took me days to get it just right, laying each stone one at a time. “Thanks, it was worth all the hours.” The rounded river rock made it a challenge but I sure as fuck wasn’t going to let it beat me.

Ma touched the stones and ran her hand across the large wooden mantle. “I’m speechless. The entire place is…” She smiled, looking around.

“I know, Ma. It’s perfect. Turned out better than I could’ve dreamed.”

“Here’s your drink Mr. G,” Suzy said as she handed him a glass of whiskey on the rocks.

A loud pounding on the door made my mother jump. “I’ll get it.”

Suzy nodded. “I’ll show them around.”

The banging continued. “Jesus,” I yelled as I opened the door.

Mike’s fist stopped in mid-air, as he was about to land another blow. “Sorry, didn’t think you heard me.”

“I think the dead heard you, brother.” I opened the door, letting him inside. His overly sized body hid Mia. “Hey, Doc. How the hell are ya?” I asked Mia as Michael walked inside.

She smiled, holding out her hand to me. I shook my head, grabbing her and pulled her to my chest. “I want a hug. We’re beyond handshakes, Doc. You’ve seen me naked for shit’s sake.” I laughed, feeling her tense in my arms.

She blushed, her cheeks turning red as she pulled away. “Well, um...”

“It’s okay, Mia. I was dying and you saved me. I’m just harassing you.”

She swallowed, looking at Mike before turning back to me. “You know how your brother gets.” She chewed her lip as she looked around my body to Mike.

“Don’t worry. He doesn’t give a shit about me. He knows I have my girl. Come on in.” I stepped aside letting her pass. “How’s the clinic?” I asked as I followed her toward the sound of Mike’s voice.

“I promise I didn’t look, by the way.” She winked with a small smile on her face. “It’s so great, Joe. You’re family has done so much.” She smiled, stopping at the counter to watch everyone else in the great room.

“Mia,” Ma said, holding out her arms.

I smiled as Suzy wrapped her arms around me, placing her head on my chest. Life couldn’t get much better than this. Mike and Pop sat on the couch talking, Ma and Mia greeted each other, and Suzy was at my side.

The front door opened and I turned to see who it was. We were only missing Izzy and Anthony. “Smells damn good in here,” Izzy said as she walked into the kitchen.

“Hey, sis,” I said, walking over to hug her.

“I brought someone, I hope you don’t mind.” She smiled, looking up into my eyes. Izzy was never this sweet.

“Who?” I asked, looking up.

Anthony waved and stepped aside. Fuck. “Really?” I whispered in her ear, grabbing her by the shoulder.

“Come on, Joey. He didn’t have anywhere else to be. He was in town and I told him he could spend the day with us. I know you made enough food for an entire army.” She batted her eyelashes at me.

“He’s here now.” I shook my head, looking down at her. “Next time ask, Izzy.”

“Okay,” she whispered in my chest, squeezing me before ducking under my arms.

I held out my hand to Sam as Anthony walked by and grimaced. He felt the same way I did about this fucker. “Nice to see you again, Sam.”

He placed his hand in mine, gripping it roughly. “I go by Flash now.”

“Whatever,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Welcome to my home,” I said, pulling him close as I crushed his fingers in my grip. “If you hurt my sister, I’ll fucking bury you. Got me?”

“Easy now, City. I wouldn’t dream of it. We’re just friends.” He stood toe to toe to me, gripping my shoulder.

“I don’t care who the fuck you think you are or what MC you’re in. You’re still Sam to me and I can still whip your ass. Just so we’re clear.” I glared at him. Who the fuck did this punk think he was?

Suzy’s arms slid around me as her tits crushed against my back. “Everything okay, baby?” she asked.

“Just perfect, sugar. This is Sam, Izzy’s friend.”

She released me and held out her hand to him. “Hi, Sam, I’m Suzy. Nice to meet you,” she said smiling, unaffected by his inability to dress up. He had on his MC cut and jeans, classy for the holidays.

“It’s my pleasure, Suzy.” He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “You have a beautiful home.”

“Thank you, Sam.”

I growled, wanting to punch him in the face. His eyes flickered to me, his lips turning up in a half-smirk before he looked back to Suzy.

“Joe’s a very lucky man. I hope you don’t mind me crashing the party.” Sam’s eyes flickered to me with a shitty grin before looking at Suzy. I wanted to rip his head off, the fucking weasel.

“Not at all. Come on in and make yourself at home.” Suzy said with a smile.

As Sam walked past me, I glared at him but I knew I should be nice. Suzy stood on her tiptoes, rubbing my cheek and stared at me with her head tilted. “What’s wrong, City?”

I looked down at her, giving her a half-smile. Her kind eyes and big heart always did a number on me. “Nothing, sugar. I just don’t like him.”

“I’m sure he’s harmless. Let’s enjoy our first Thanksgiving in our new home.”

I kissed her hair, taking in the coconut sweetness on the silk strands. “Harmless isn’t a word I’d use to describe Sam, but you’re right, let’s enjoy it.”

“No more sex references either,” she said as she pinched my ass.

“Sugar, I make no promises when it comes to you and that sweet pussy,” I said as I crushed my lips to hers, stealing her breath.

Chapter 3 ~ The Dinner

“What still needs to be done, dear?” Mrs. G asked as I sipped my white wine. “We’re just over a week away.” She smiled, her eyes soft. I knew she was happy and excited. The wedding was all we talked about anymore.

“I think everything is ready. I have a couple to do lists, but it’s last minute stuff.” I set my fork down, unable to take another bite. “Maybe you can look over the seating chart with me one more time while the boys watch football after dinner.”

Her teeth sparkled, as her smile grew wide. “I’d love to help.”

“Me too,” Izzy said from across the table. “Maybe we can have the boys do the dishes for once.” She grinned looking around the table.

“Oh, hell no,” Anthony said. “That’s women’s work.” He shook his head, shoveling another forkful of stuffing in his mouth.

Clinking from all the ladies dropping their forks on the table made me laugh. That wasn’t the thing to say at this table.

“No shock why your ass is still single,” Michael said, slapping Anthony on the back of the head.

“When have we ever done dishes on Thanksgiving? I’m just saying. It’s our job to eat and watch football and the ladies cook and clean. It’s the Italian way.” He smirked and his body jerked. “What the hell was that for?” He looked at Izzy.

“Being a dumbass,” Izzy said as she rolled her eyes.

“Anthony, you boys can handle it this year. The ladies have wedding plans to finalize,” Mrs. G said.

“But Ma,” Anthony replied with wide eyes.

“No buts, mister. There are enough of you that you’ll get it done quickly. Joseph and Suzy’s wedding is more important than football this week.” Her mouth was set in a firm line. Mrs. G was sweet as apple pie, but no one, and I mean no one, challenged her.

“Fine, Ma.” He covered his mouth with his napkin and mumbled.

I bit my lips, stifling my giggle. “We never went around the room sharing what we’re most thankful for.”

“You’re right, Suzy. The boys were so hungry, I didn’t even think about it. Forks down,” Mrs. G said, placing her fork and knife next to her plate.

A collective groans filled the room. The boys didn’t like anyone getting between them and their food, or their women, for that matter. The two things were non-negotiable.

“I’ll start,” she said. “I’m thankful for my children and loving husband. I’m thankful for the new additions to the table and new members of the family, Suzy and Mia. I’m thankful that Thomas is safe even though he’s missed another holiday. I’ve been blessed with each and every one of you being a part of my life.” She smiled, wiping her eyes.

Mr. Gallo stood and cleared his throat. “I’m thankful to live another year to hopefully see the Cubs win the World Series.” He laughed. “I’m thankful that I can be proud of each of my children, Mia and Suzy included. When I met and married your mother, I never dreamed that she would give me such wonderful children and a life filled with such joy. I can honestly say I have no regrets and for that I thank my lucky stars each day.” He tipped his head and winked at Mrs. G before sitting.

She blushed and blew him a kiss. I wanted that life. I wanted that love. The life-enduring happiness that seemed out of reach for most.

“I’m thankful for my uncomplicated single life. No offense.” Anthony looked at his mother. “I’m thankful for this meal and having you all part of my life. That’s enough sappy shit for me to say in one day.” He blew out a breath and smiled.

“Aw, you’re so sweet, Anthony, you almost made my teeth hurt,” Izzy said sarcastically. “I’m thankful for having two wonderful parents. I’m thankful for having more women around the table. Being outnumbered sucks.” She looked at Flash and he shook his head before he turned to Michael.

Michael glared at him. “Fine, I’ll go, you pansy ass.” He cracked his knuckles and put his arm around Mia. “I’m thankful for all of you, but most of all for the woman at my side. I haven’t been the same since the day I knocked her on her ass. I love ya, Mia, baby.” He leaned forward, holding her chin, and kissed her gently.

All the love around the table made my eyes water. This family had become everything to me. City was the icing on the cake, but they were the silky smooth filling.

“Pussy whipped,” Anthony choked.

“Shut the fuck up.” Michael slapped Anthony on the head without looking, as his lips lingered over Mia’s mouth.

City stood, looking down at me with a smile that made my stomach flutter. “On that note, I’ll get the mushy shit out of the way. I’m thankful that Suzy has agreed to be my wife. I couldn’t ask for a better person to share the rest of my life with. We had a rough beginning, but I knew I had her the moment I kissed her. I’m thankful to Mia to helping save my life after the accident.” He smiled at Mia and she blushed. “I’m thankful for my family…well, maybe not Anthony, but everyone else.”

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me forward before he kissed me. His lips were warm and sweet from the wine. My nose tickled from the facial hair he’s become so fond of. As he pulled away, I moved with him, wanting more of his mouth. He winked, giving me the cocky grin that always set my body on fire.