Hustle Read online

  26

  Vinnie

  I can’t wipe the stupid smile off my face as Bianca strolls through the front doors of the training facility. The security guard gives her a quick chin nod as she flashes the pass I gave her.

  Her eyes are on me as her high heels click against the linoleum, picking up speed the closer she gets to me. “I’m here. I’m here. What happened?”

  I slide my arm around her back and haul her against me. “I got the job, baby.”

  She stares up at me with those perfect dark eyebrows drawn downward in the middle. “I thought you had the job.”

  I shake my head. “No. I got the starting QB position. It’s a lock unless I fuck up during the preseason games or get hurt.”

  Her hands cover my mouth. “Don’t say that out loud, Vinnie. You’re going to give yourself bad juju.”

  “Baby.” I tighten my arm around her back and grab her chin with my other. “I’m too fucking lucky to have bad juju. I was born lucky.”

  “Well,” she says with a smile, “you did find me.”

  “And got you too. Made you mine.”

  She nods. “That was pretty lucky.”

  I lean forward, holding her face up, and kiss her lips. The lips I now own. “See. I’m the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.”

  She slides her arm around my shoulder and digs her fingers into my hair. “Baby,” she says, just like I do when I’m talking to her. “Maybe if you’re good, we’ll celebrate tonight, and you’ll get lucky again.”

  My mind goes to all the dirty ways she can make this day even better. “Don’t write checks with those lips you’re not willing to cash.”

  The crease between her eyebrows is back and deeper. “Excuse me?”

  I run my finger across her lush bottom lip. “I want to role-play.”

  “Role-play?”

  I nod. “I want to act out a scene from your book. Live inside that pretty little head of yours for a while.”

  “You want to act out my book?”

  I smile and squeeze her ass. “Not just any book. The book.”

  “Which one?”

  “His.”

  She widens her eyes. “That one’s so…”

  “Dirty and hot as fuck?” My cock stirs in my shorts because that book was beyond anything my fucked-up and very perverted mind ever could’ve dreamed up.

  She pokes her tongue out and sweeps it across her bottom lip, grazing my fingertip. It takes everything in me not to haul her ass into some abandoned closet and have my way with her.

  “Well, it’s been a while since I wrote that book. I don’t know if I remember it well enough to role-play.”

  “Baby…” I smile and squeeze her ass roughly. “I have that shit memorized. We’re solid.”

  Bianca glances over my shoulder. “That fucking bitch,” she whispers and stiffens in my arms.

  I turn my head, still holding my girl, and follow her eyes. Tracie’s striding down the hallway and coming our way. “She’s heading to the airport. Don’t pay her any attention.”

  Bianca slides her hands down my arms before pushing against my chest and wiggling free from my hold. “I will cut the bitch.”

  I’ve never seen Bianca mad and never heard her ready to throw down. I like this side of her. I like it a lot.

  I grab her arm before she gets too far away. “Don’t, baby. She’s on her way out. She’s no one.”

  Bianca narrows her eyes, and her stare turns icy cold. “That bitch,” she snaps and glares at my hand, “wrecked my car and called me a whore. That shit doesn’t go down without me having a few words.”

  Where did this Bianca come from? The one I know, besides the minx who writes dirty-as-fuck words, is sometimes aggressive but never like this.

  “So, you’d better get your hand off me and let me say my piece.”

  “Just be careful.” I pull my hand away because this Bianca is a little scary.

  I know enough not to fuck with a pissed-off woman. Daphne taught me that much. Hell, so did my mother. There are no two scarier people on the planet than them when there’s hell to pay. Now I can add Bianca to that list.

  Tracie’s eyes are on Bianca as they march toward each other. I’m not far behind. If I have to, I’ll throw myself in the middle because there’s no way I’m letting my girl get hurt.

  “You better wipe that smile off your face,” Bianca says to Tracie when they’re only a few feet apart.

  Tracie laughs and comes to a stop in front of Bianca. “I may be leaving, but I’ll be back. We both know who he belongs to, whore.”

  The bitch is clearly very delusional. I don’t know if there’s enough time in my life for her to get her shit sorted, no matter how fancy the clinic in Europe is. Sometimes crazy can’t be fixed.

  Bianca’s entire posture changes, and I know what’s about to happen. I’ve seen it before. Been witness to so many girl-fights. This isn’t the first time women have fought over me, but this is the first time a girl I love is about to lay out another girl.

  I reach for Bianca. I’m not worried about Tracie or my job, but for my girl’s safety, because sometimes sheer madness overrules power and sanity. I’m too late, though.

  Tracie’s head snaps to the side as Bianca’s palm smashes into Tracie’s cheek. The crack echoes throughout the hallway.

  Bianca steps forward, getting right in Tracie’s face. “He’s fucking mine, bitch. You come near me or mine again, and I’ll end you.”

  I act fast, hauling Bianca backward and behind my back.

  “Is there a problem?” Coach Malik says as he sticks his head out of the doorway of his office. His eyes move from me and Bianca to Tracie.

  Tracie’s holding her face and staring at us like there’ll be hell to pay. “No problem at all, Malik,” Tracie says in an eerily calm voice. “I was just leaving.”

  “Fucking right, you were,” Bianca whispers behind me.

  “All good, sir.” I smile, but fuck, I’m so wound up right now, I’m liable to snap.

  Malik doesn’t leave, though; he keeps his eyes trained on us as Tracie walks by me. I turn my body, protecting Bianca from whatever Tracie’s cooking up in that nutty brain of hers.

  Tracie hums to herself as she saunters down the hallway like nothing happened. My eyes are on her, and so are Coach Malik’s and Bianca’s until Tracie pushes the door open and leaves the building.

  I pull Bianca in front of me and grab her by the shoulders. “Where did that come from?”

  She shrugs. “We all have a breaking point.”

  “I just never knew you had it in you.”

  “I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop myself.”

  I wrap my arms around her and press her face into my chest. “Don’t apologize. That was hot. You love me. You love me fierce, baby.” I tangle my fingers in her hair, and I gently pull her head back to tip her eyes to me. “Don’t do that shit again, though. I’ve never hit a woman, but if she would’ve hurt you, I would’ve had to deal with her.”

  “No, you wouldn’t.” There’s defiance in her voice and the way she points her chin upward a little.

  “You’re my girl. It’s what I do. No one hurts you.”

  Bianca laughs at me. “I’m not a delicate flower. I don’t need protecting. My brothers taught me how to fight and stick up for myself.”

  “Now, you have me, and you don’t need to handle your battles on your own. You’re too important.” I lift her fingers to my lips. “Your hands are too precious to be swinging them around.”

  She stares at me as I kiss her hand. Her lips are twisting like she wants to fight with me about this. I can see it in her eyes.

  “Trust me to take care of you,” I say before I crush my mouth to hers, stealing any fight left in her.

  She melts into me, kissing me so passionately, some of it from anger and some from need. When I pull back, her eyes are still closed.

  “Now, let’s get out of here. We have plans.”

  “Plans?” She raises an eye
brow.

  I press my hard cock into her stomach, holding her face in my hands. “Baby, don’t play games with me. We’ve got a big night ahead of us.”

  “Big,” she says and giggles.

  “You’re not going to be laughing later,” I tell her. “You’re going to be too busy sucking my cock while I play with that pretty, tight pussy of yours.”

  Her giggles fade away. “You really read that book?”

  I tap my temple. “I have the fucker memorized. Be ready, baby. It’s going to be a wild night.”

  Epilogue

  Vinnie

  One Month Later

  * * *

  “I think you’re totally insane.” Bianca fills a bowl with chips. “This is going to be a complete disaster.”

  “It’s the only thing that makes sense,” I tell her just as the front door opens.

  “Hello,” my mother calls out, her voice echoing through the mostly empty space because I haven’t had time to finish furnishing my new place.

  “In the kitchen!” I yell out.

  Bianca grumbles under her breath as she pushes the bowl of chips next to the dip on the center of the kitchen island. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  The rest of my family is on the patio, waiting for my parents to arrive, and Bianca’s family will get here in just a few minutes. We also invited her brothers, even though they still don’t like the fact that I am dating their sister.

  This is my one shot at turning the tide. Bianca told me what happened with her mother at lunch that day, and the last thing I want is for there to be anything standing in our way. I figured a party with both families was necessary for us to move forward. Either that, or the entire thing could blow up in my face and make the relationship even harder.

  My mother rushes to Bianca and embraces her tightly, peppering her cheeks with kisses. “You look lovely, dear.” Ma steps back, taking in the new sundress Bianca is wearing. “You two are going to make some amazing babies.”

  Bianca’s face drains of color.

  “Ma, lay off.” I pull my ma away and hug her tightly while I mouth an apology to Bianca over my mother’s shoulder.

  “Always stunning.” My father grabs Bianca’s hand and kisses the back.

  My mother doesn’t last long in my arms because she’s never one to stand still for more than a moment. “Where are my manners?” She tugs on the side of her dress and straightens the material, always trying to look so put-together. “What can I help with?”

  “We have it all done.” Bianca comes to stand next to me, but I snake my arm around her middle and haul her against me.

  “Just have to put the steaks on. Bianca’s family should be here any minute.”

  “I should’ve made coleslaw or something.” Ma shakes her head. “I don’t like coming empty-handed.”

  My mother’s coleslaw looks and tastes like salad mixed with wallpaper paste. It’s one of the simplest things to make, but somehow, she finds a way to make it inedible.

  “Sweetheart.” My father reaches for my mother’s hand. “I think Vinnie and Bianca have it covered. How about a drink?”

  “I could use a drink,” Ma says, thankfully forgetting about helping us prepare the food.

  “There’s a full bar set up outside.” I tick my head toward the patio and my brothers and sister who are outside drinking and laughing.

  “Where are your parents, dear?” Ma asks Bianca.

  “They’ll be here any minute now.” Bianca fidgets with a dish towel.

  I grab her hand and pull her attention away from the rag. “It’ll be fine, baby. Stop worrying so much.”

  “It’s always scary when the families meet, but I promise we’ll be on our best behavior.” Ma smiles and glances toward me. “I’ll make sure of it.”

  Bianca nods at my mother. “I know it will be fine.”

  “Give us a minute,” I say to my parents, needing to have a quiet moment with my girl.

  “We’ll be outside.” Pop pulls Ma toward the patio. “Take your time.”

  I grab Bianca by the shoulders and stare into her beautiful honey-brown eyes. “Take a deep breath.”

  She breathes in, listening to me for once.

  “Breathe out.”

  She does.

  “Relax, Bianca. Your family and my family will get along just fine.”

  “I don’t know, Vinnie. This is a big step.”

  “It’s a big step for both of us, but I have a secret weapon.”

  “You can’t use your magical cock on everyone.” She laughs.

  “While that thought is both disturbing and funny, that’s not what I’m talking about.”

  “How are you going to win them over?”

  She always doubts me. I don’t mind being underestimated. I have been my entire life. But the one thing I know is how to charm just about anyone. A trait I learned from watching my father.

  “I got everyone season tickets to the home games this season.”

  “Even my family?”

  I nod. “Everyone. I’ll have my very own cheering section.”

  “That’ll win the guys over, but my mom won’t be too impressed.”

  She’s right. I didn’t think of that. My mom will love it because she’s my mom, but Bianca’s mother is a tougher nut to crack.

  “I’ll figure something out.”

  “I’m sure you will.” She smirks. “You always seem to have your ways.”

  Bianca jumps as the doorbell chimes. “They’re here,” she says with dread in her voice.

  “Just stand here and concentrate on breathing. I’ll get the door.”

  I stalk toward the doorway, giving myself a little pep talk because I know this isn’t going to be a walk in the park.

  Her father’s face is the first I see when I open the door. He’s smiling and happy, but I’ve never seen another side of him. “Son,” he says, and I like the way that word sounds coming out of his mouth. “It’s nice to see you again.”

  “Mr. Hernandez.” I hold out my hand and shake his waiting hand.

  Mrs. Hernandez steps to the side, showing her beautiful face. “Vincent,” she says, but this lady is in no way sold on me.

  “Mrs. Hernandez, it’s lovely to see you again.” I take her hand and kiss the back, turning on the charm, but careful not to overdo it either.

  “Likewise,” she replies.

  “Stop being so uptight, Luciana,” Abuela says from the back. “Get the stick out of your ass and cut the man some slack.”

  I can’t hold in my laughter at Abuela’s words, but I glance downward so no one can see. Abuela pushes past her daughter and son-in-law and comes to stand in front of me.

  “Let me see that face,” she says, holding her hands in the air, waiting for me.

  I give her my face, because I’d never argue with Abuela. “More handsome in the light,” she says softly and brushes her thumbs over my cheeks. “There’s so much happiness in your future.”

  “Abuela.” Bianca grabs her grandmother and wraps her in a tight embrace. “I’m so happy you made it.”

  “I wouldn’t miss today for anything, dear.” Abuela smiles at her granddaughter like she’s the greatest gift on earth.

  I’m a little jealous of their relationship. I never knew my grandparents. All four of them had passed before I was born.

  I back away from the doorway, motioning toward my place. “Come in. Come in.”

  Bianca lets go of her grandmother but is quickly swept up in the arms of her father. Mrs. Hernandez steps inside and looks around, taking in the mostly empty space.

  “Gallo,” Luis says as he steps through the doorway and gives me a chin lift.

  “Luis, it’s great to see you, man.” I shake his hand, fully expecting him to squeeze my hand roughly to show his dominance, but he doesn’t.

  “I won’t hurt you. At least not yet.”

  “That’s nice of you.” I laugh.

  “Sup?” Javi says as he comes to stand next to his brother an
d me.

  “Javi.” I smile, but Luis’s still got my hand in his.

  “Listen, Gallo.” Javi cracks his knuckles. “We like you as our quarterback, but dating our sister is another thing. And if you step over the line and make her cry, we’re going to make you hurt.”

  I nod, knowing how it is between brothers and sisters. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

  I’m not worried anyway. I’m pretty sure I can not only outrun them, but I could take any punch they’d throw my way, returning it harder and faster.

  “Let’s get you two a drink,” I say when Luis finally releases his death grip on my fingers.

  “Your place is nice,” Mrs. Hernandez says as she plays with the pearls around her neck.

  “I love what you did with Bianca’s place. I was wondering…” I rub the back of my neck, hoping she’ll take the bait. I think this is the perfect way to win over Mrs. H. “I was wondering if you’d help me decorate.”

  She looks shocked at my words. “You want me to decorate your loft?”

  I nod. “I went to your website after Bianca told me you decorated her condo. I love your designs. I need some help getting this place in shape. Would you be willing to help me?”

  “Of course.” She smiles. “These lofts are a dream to design. All the light and open spaces.”

  “Smooth,” Bianca whispers as she passes by me.

  Right on cue, my father and mother come inside to greet Bianca’s family. My mother’s been excited for this day. My brothers’ and sister’s significant others didn’t have much family, so this is a new experience for all of us.

  “I’m Betty,” my mother says before grabbing Bianca’s mother and giving her a bear hug.

  I laugh as Bianca watches in horror, waiting for her mother to lose her shit.

  “God, you’re so damn beautiful,” Ma says.

  Mrs. Hernandez eats up the compliment. “I love your hair, Betty. I’m Luciana, but my friends call me Ana.”

  “Ana, I’m so happy to finally meet you. I absolutely love your daughter. She’s the best thing to ever happen to my son.”