Old Friends New Lovers (closed)

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Alex felt the taxi jolt and his eyes burst open, he felt his old marine training kick in and he reached for the pistol tucked against his side. Of course no sooner had his hands touched the warm cheery wood grip that he realized he wasn’t in Iraq. Instead he was in a simple taxicab rolling down the streets of his old hometown. Alex breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed running his hands through his buzzed black hair as he attempted to calm himself. He had been stateside for three months now but every time he went to sleep his body seemed to think he was transported back to Iraq. No matter how much sleeping medicine he took he always seemed to wake up reaching for his gun as if he still needed to defend himself from the insurgents that murdered his squad.

The memory was painful, to painful to think about so he tried his best to push it away. Not that it mattered most nights he was reliving it in his dreams trying to defend and save his squad over and over again. The memories had become his personal hell clawing at his dreams and reducing him to shreds every night. He tried his best to fight and defend himself from them but how could he? How could he defeat his own demons? The doctor said he was going through survivor’s guilt and eventually he would learn to live with it but he felt like that peace would never come.

“Was just about to wake you any ways” The Taxi cab grunted pulling to a stop “were here”

“Yeah we sure are” Alex murmured looking at the luxurious apartment complex in front of him “Keep the change” he murmured pushing his last few bills into the drivers waiting hands.

He popped the door and stepped out before he could say any thing. The harsh sunlight battered against his sunglasses but he ignored it instead walking as fast as he could into the comfort of the cool air conditioning. He was already sweating enough from his nerves. The family was no joke, they were the most powerful mafia family in the city and were known to be as ruthless as they were profitable.

It was hard to believe they had once been his family

His father was a top-level enforcer before he died, which meant Alex grew up in the life. He still remembered the big family bar-b-queue they had still remembered calling professional killers “uncle” or “cousin”. Even more so he remembered looking up to them wanting to be them even running around with a fake gun and imagining killing a man. It wasn’t until his father and mother died that he realized the reality of the life and he had fled it in an attempt to gain some sort of honor.

He had fled her to

He tried not to follow THAT particular thought, he needed to be an as professional as possible even though he didn’t want to. She was the boss now and ultimately it would be up to her if she could rejoin the family. He pushed away the memories of long nights talking to each other, pushed away the memories of training and boxing with her and instead walked up to the receptionist typing away.

“I’m here to see the boss” Alex said pulling out his gun and handing it to her “I have an appointment now”

“She is waiting for you” The receptionist said nodding and gesturing to the elevator “welcome back Mr. Stone”

“Its uh good to be back” Alex said smiling nervously, he turned on his heel and marched over to the elevator. It smoothly opened to greet him and he stepped in looking at himself in the mirror as the elevator began its journey up on its own accord. He was a handsome man with strong facial features and captivating electric green eyes, his hair was still buzzed short from his time in the military but he had a light stubble on his chin to show a little rebellion. He had on his marine uniform (it was the only “fancy” thing he had) and it showed off his powerful muscular form.

All in all he looked pretty good for a screwed up dude

“I’m sure she is angry at me” Alex said sighing softly “but just behave and say your sorry she deserves that much”

Before he could figure out what to say the elevator door opened bringing him directly into a nice office. He stepped out and eyed the chair behind the desk as memories of seeing her father sitting behind it filled his mind. He wasn’t behind it however instead was his best friend, the love of his life.

And the girl he left behind

"Hello Karli i'm back"

 

[zydrate]

Karli wasn't in the mood to hear any more business today. All morning it had been nothing but complaints and threats from other families. Of course, some things never changed. There would always be complaints...arguments and disagreements but today...something was off...

She had spent lunch by herself, as usual. And that gave her time to think about it all. How was she going to keep doing this day in and day out? Of course, she never voiced her concerns to anyone... how could she? It would show as a weakness...she had to be strong for the family's sake.

Her thoughts drifted back to 2 days prior. She had been out, invited by an associate... dinner was served but no sooner had they gotten done with prayers, they were attacked by someone. It all happened so fast... she had lost 2 men in the fight, the police were called in, Karli had managed to escape with her life...and a graze of a bullet on her left arm.

Karli's brothers had decided it was time to have someone watch her 24 hours a day. As much as she wanted to protest, she knew it was something that needed to be done. But not just anyone could do. She had to have someone she could trust. Someone who wouldn't be afraid to put their life on the line for her...the boss.

Of course her brothers couldn't do it. They were targets too. Karli wanted to have some say in it all. She wanted to choose someone.

And rumor was there was one man back in town and she had called for him.

A knock on the door dragged her out of her own thoughts and she looked up from her desk. She set her coffee cup down and stood up. Today she wore a cream colored dress. The skirt had a slit on one side that reached up high on her hip. Her jewelry consisted of a watch and a thin gold necklace with matching earrings. Her makeup was minimal but still, she didn't need it. Her complexion was flawless. She wore her long black hair hanging down her back in waves.

"Come in." she said, keeping her voice steady although her heart was beating wildly in her chest.

She hoped to keep her composure when he stepped in but God, he looked good as sin in that uniform. Just like she knew he would when he left her that night.

Their last night together.

That night that could have been more but nothing happened. Just good byes and a night of what seemed like endless tears she had cried when she got home.

How much she wanted to write him but couldn't. Nor did he write to her.

"Hello Karli i'm back"

"Alex!" she said. As much as she wanted to hate him, he was finally here! He was back!

Without helping herself, Karli moved from behind the desk and walked up to him and threw her arms around him, holding him, "Welcome back!" she whispered to him, holding him.

The need to hug him out weighted her need to punch him in the face!

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

She hugged him close and Alex tried to resist the feeling of falling….. It had been so long since they were last together, so long since he had last touched her. It was maddening at times (even though it wash is fault) to be so far apart from his best friend. Ever since they were kids they had been inseparable they hadn’t ever been apart for more than a day or two. Even as teenagers it was much of the same, they went to the same high school together, the same boxing school, and they lived close enough to one another that they were always in one of their apartments. She was his best friend and he loved her……

The problem was he was also IN love with her

“Thank you” Alex said pulling back a little and trying to resist his rapidly beating heart, her touch as simple as it had been had brought back a host of feelings for him. He could feel the love still there and even the attraction she had always been the most beautiful girl in high school but now that she was a woman those attributes had gotten even better. She was a woman now like he was a man and she was very very sexy and beautiful.

“It’s good to see you to” He said clearing his throat and smiling a little at her “it’s been far to long” he said looking at her warmly before growing serious “Thank you” he said softly “for helping me out and giving me a job I know I turned my back on the family and you and I know we need to sit and talk but you guys are the only family I have and it means a lot to be back here and to have a job” he said softly looking down.

He didn’t know how much she had heard about his….. “experience” in Iraq. Did she know what happened? Did she know about his PTSD? She was running a powerful family with powerful friends so in reality she could know every thing.

But did she was the question?

 

[zydrate]

Karli knew enough of Alex from the time he left her to the time she had contacted him for this job offer.

But all she knew was what was on record.

She did assume that there were psychological aspects but didn't take those into consideration...at least then... Now was a different situation. One look at Alex and something about his face...his eyes...seemed empty. No life. No spark.

What happened.

Pasting a smile on her face, she intertwined her arm into his and led him to a couch and sat him down before sitting down next to him.

Nothing was said for a minute...it was a silence, but not uncomfortable. Just two friends taking in each other and letting the absence of time heal between them.

"Can I get you something to drink?" She asked, standing back up and heading to the bar, pouring herself a drink and one for Alex.

"Alex..." she started and sighed. "Alex, it's good seeing you again and as much as I want to spend time getting back on track, things are crazy with the family." Karli sat back down next to him.

"I want to talk to you more about it all but I have another meeting in an hour...one that I need you to attend with me..." She reached over to the coffee table and grabbed a folder. Opening it up, she produced three things.. a credit card and two sets of keys.

"A five hundred thousand dollar limit," she handed him the card and then the keys, "This is to your apartment, the address is on the key chain... and of course, one to a car."

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Alex starred at the gifts his mouth open in shock a little. He had expected nothing more then a job when he got back He had turned his back on the family after all and her. Ever since he got back he had fantasized about what she would do when she saw him again. Would she scream and curse at him? Cry? Of course he had hoped she would forgive him but he had never expected her to. He couldn’t be that lucky after all.

But she had

He took the glass with a shocked hand trying to prevent his mouth from falling open in shock. He certainly hadn’t expected the meeting to go down like this! He took the gifts and sat them down before taking a long sip of the drink she handed to him. The liquid had a pleasant burn and he smiled realizing she had given him his favorite drink. It was nice to know she still remembered some thing so trivial, he still remembered things like that about her after all. Her favorite drink, favorite foods, her favorite boxing combinations.

“This is to much” He said bringing himself out of his memories “I don’t deserve all this” he said shaking his head “I was going to just be lucky if you gave me a job….. but a apartment and car? I don’t want to take charity from you” He said reaching over and gently touching her hand.

Her next words made him frown. Of course she would want to know what happened to him. The question was, was he ready to tell it? She was his best friend but even he couldn’t face the memories yet. It was better for him to just hide it right now and tell her when he felt he was ready.

“What’s going on with the family?” Alex asked ignoring it for now “who are we meeting with? How can I protect you?”

 

[zydrate]

"Trust me, it's not charity Alex, you will be working on repaying me.. just like when we were younger.." Karli said with a smirk as she sat down next to Alex once more, this time, perhaps a little too close but she didn't care.

All that had happened between them when they were younger seemed so petty..the fights..the way he left... the most important thing was that he was back and she needed someone she trusted to watch her back. And there was no one else around other than Alex, who she trusted with her life.

Yet, she wasn't going to admit that to him just yet.

"Well, the family..." she said, sighing as she looked down, not sure how to put it, "It's gotten rough Alex... really rough. Ever since my father's...death, seems things to be getting worse... long ago, there was the truce but now, seeing as how the families are started to be run by others, the truce has no more meaning, so, in essence, the wars are started all over again.... this time, not so much with drugs as it was in the past, but with new threats, new territory, new enemies, the fighting is getting worse and thus, there is more animosity between the families now..."

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“But that’s ridiculous!” Alex said shaking his head narrowing his eyes. His eyes grew dark and stormy as he regarded the news showing he was worried. Of course his eyes also grew dark from other things as well…. A fact she had found out more than a few times during their more…. “heated” teenage years.

“They knew and respected your father” Alex murmured shaking his head “they knew he was the one who saved them from them selves and made most of them rich if they go back to fighting amongst one another then every one loses”

He didn’t show it but he was also worried about her. If every one was fighting as badly as she said then some one was probably gunning for her. He had been nervous to come back to her but now he was glad only he could be trusted to completely protect her. They had each other’s backs all their lives ever since they first laid eyes on one another. Alex would take a bullet for her in a second or even some thing worse.

He loved her

“I won’t let any thing happen to you” Alex said taking her hand and locking his stormy electric green eyes with her.

 

[zydrate]

"I won't let anything happen to you."

She smiled at his response and gave his hand a gentle squeeze, "I should hope not, because..if you do, you'll have to answer to my brothers.." she said with a wink and stood.

"Well, I have a dinner date...meeting...what have you, so why don't you get acquainted with your new place..your car and such." She smoothed out her top, "We'll get started in the morning?"

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“Your brothers could never beat me” Alex said shaking his head and smiling. He remembered his long hours boxing with her in the gym each working to improve the other. She was the only one who could truly “beat” him so far and he doubted that would change any time soon. Of course her brothers had tried more than a few times to beat him up especially when they thought he was making a move on their baby sister.

“Shouldn’t I go with you” Alex asked his worry for her getting the better for him “I don’t need to get settled in you know that I mean if things are as bad as you say then I would be a piss poor body guard I should come” He said before trailing off as a sudden realization struck him.

“Unless of course your going on a date” Alex said trying to keep the hurt out of his voice at the thought “I mean then I guess I can give you your space” he said trailing off.

 

[zydrate]

"Well, I wanted you get settled in first but if you're willing to go, I wouldn't mind..."

In all truths, she was relieved that he had offered to go...walking away, she headed over to the window of the office and looked out, crossing her arms across her chest. She was quiet for a minute before glancing over at Alex, "I'm meeting with Rosilini."

She knew that name would ring a bell with him, the Rosilini boys, when they were all younger, they were the meanest and rudest out there. Crude and wild, they were the rednecks of the mafia families...

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“The Rosillini?” Alex asked his chiseled jaw falling open a little as he got up and walked over to her. His hand reached out almost as if to touch the small of her back before his hand quickly drew away. Instead he went over to the left of her and starred out at the city his face showing how clearly troubled he was with the news. His mouth began moving left and right a sure sign that he was deep in thought and worried as well.

Alex remembered them well the rednecks of the mafia world. The family was well known not only for its brashness but also for their disregard for authority and their plain meanness. Alex still remembered playing with the sons as a kid and how they would try and hurt animals for sport.

It made him sick

“What could the Rosilini possibly give you?” Alex hissed folding his arms and turning to look at her “There more likely to try and rape you” he stated not jokingly.

 

[zydrate]

"You sound like my brothers.." she said quietly.

"Truthfully Alex, the rumors are they might be teaming up with the Russians in bringing over more crap from overseas. Prostitutes...drugs, we're not sure but if I could just get them to talk to me, tell me about it then perhaps something can be done to keep the Russians out of our territory."

She was silent for a moment longer, "I'm well aware of what they're capable of but damnit, all this shit is going down hill so fast, I can barely keep up with it all...oh, and on top of all that, the police are probing into all our stuff more and more..trying to get in their own men to bust our operations..."

"Listen, it's only after 3, the meeting is set for 6..I still have some things to do here if you want to get changed.." she turned and looked at him, "I don't want you to scare them off with your uniform on..."

God, he looked so good in it though...

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“Oh yeah” Alex said looking down at his costume and shaking his head “I forgot I was wearing it” He said smiling and blushing a little. He idly wondered if she thought he looked good in it before he quickly pushed the thought away. There was no way she was still into him; no way she was still in love with him like he was. He had gone to war while she had been home finding another man…..

“I’ll go get changed” he said quickly grabbing his duffel bag and all but running to the bathroom. He figured he wouldn’t be able to wear his uniform to work so he brought his favorite suit. He knew being part of the family meant having good taste and if he was honest it was one of the things he had missed about being part of the family.

He pulled out the nice black and red Armani suit and smiled giving it one pat down before he began pulling it on. The suit was custom made for him fitted to his body almost like a glove. He pulled the red and black tie up against his throat and scowled unable to tie again.

“Damn tie” He murmured to himself stepping outside and trying to tie it again. He didn’t notice she was still there or staring at him as he tried to figure out how to tie his tie.

 

[zydrate]

With her arms crossed in front of her, Karli watched Alex fumble with his tie...she smiled and tried to keep from chuckling, "Need help?" She asked, walking over to him, her heels clicking on the marble floor.

She didn't bother waiting for his answer as she reached up and took the tie from him, "For someone who I heard was on the front lines and can teach me how to counterstrike like a cobra, you would be lost with out me.." she started to tie his tie, feeling him staring down at her.

"I remember Daddy teaching me how to tie these things...he would tease me that if I wanted to keep a man, I would need to know how to fix his tie."

She stepped back and smiled, "There...perfect."

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“I never learned” Alex admitted tightening the tie and looking away shyly “I never wanted to I liked having some thing you had to help me with you and I always took care of one another…….” he said trailing off as he looked away as if troubled. He gently cleared his throat and moved away pausing to give her hand a gentle squeeze.

He put his uniform away neatly and turned putting his pistol in his chest holster “are you?” Alex started to say before he noticed his voice was thick with emotions. He cleared his throat and smiled before continuing.

“Are you ready go Ma’am” He said smiling

 

[zydrate]

"Ma'am?" Karli said, laughing, "Oh wow, please..." she glared at Alex, "I better never hear you call me that again." She said, trying to sound serious.

"Seriously Alex...let's talk a little more..." she hopped up onto the bathroom counter and grabbed Alex by the arm, bringing him over to her, "I know a lot has happened in the past and you're just now getting back...getting used to things. Don't worry about anything else except your job, I'll handle the business end of everything. Remember, you told me a long time ago that if they sense your fear, then that's when they'll get you."

She straightened his tie and smiled up at him, "Despite you leaving all of sudden after your father passed, my feelings for you haven't changed and I hope.." she leaned forward and kissed his chin, "they haven't changed for me either.."

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Oh god

The minute she pulled him over his heart had stopped. It had been so long since he was this close to her not since that almost kiss by the lake. It was the night his father died and it was the day he was going to ask her to go to prom with him as an actual date. He had planned it so hard taking her to her favorite boxing match and restaurant after. It was basically a date in and out itself but he waited trying to make it special.

Of course before he could ask (and kiss her) he was alerted to the news. He remembered her hugging him outside his parents house and then seeing her one last time to tell her the news. They got into a big fight after wards and he shipped off in a week lonely and heart broken. Of course she would always be HIS girl but after the way he treated her he never expected it to become a reality.

She kissed his chin and his heart plummeted she couldn’t? Not after all he did? She said her feelings for him hadn’t changed but he had hurt her bad. He did not deserve her even though he wanted her more than any thing in the world.

But he wanted her so bad

“Of course they haven’t” he whispered looking down and trying to make sense of the emotions filling his head “but I hurt you bad and was a jerk I never expected to get a chance to uh be with you I didn’t mean to hurt you” he said taking her hand and gently rubbing it “but no my feelings for you haven’t changed since I have been gone” he said before leaning and gently kissing her cheek.

 

[zydrate]

With a hard sigh, Karli shook her head and pulled Alex closer, "You're being a jerk right now by not listening to me, Alex.." She rested her head against his chest and just stayed like that for a minute before clearing her throat and gently pushing him back so she could hop off the counter.

"We should probably get going...I want to get there early so there aren't any surprises..."

Walking out of the bathroom, Karli went to her desk and grabbed her purse, "Did you want to drive us there? It's at Shaele's, a new restaurant across town.. or did you want Mike to drive us both?" She asked as she put on a light coat.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

“I’ll drive us” Alex said watching as she jumped of the counter after he held her. So where did this leave them? Was she interested in being with him? Or was her job to hectic to entertain such an idea? He wanted to ask her but instead he sighed and pushed the questions away. They both had work to do which meant that it was best to ignore the questions for now and just focus on business.

Especially when this particular family was concerned

He tightened the buttons on his Armani suit and pushed ah and through his short black hair. He wasn’t too sure about this meeting and he couldn’t afford the emotional distractions. The family was counting on him to make sure Karli was safe and protected. He would kill himself if any thing happened to her on his watch.

He walked her out to the lobby and went to her car opening the door for her partly to be a gentleman and partly because he was her body guard.

 

[zydrate]

Nothing was said for a while between both Karli and Alex. She did manage to show him a few key places that changed, who had control of it, how long and other information that he would need to know for the future.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Karli took a deep breath and tried to exude an air of confidence. She waited as Alex opened her door for her and she stepped out, shoulders back, head held high. The look of a business woman and female mob boss.

Little did anyone know that she was terrified inside.

Yes, the Rossilini's were terrors in their own right, looking after their own territory, but they way they dealt with people, it was down right brutal.

Their table was in the back of restaurant, just as it always had been and something that always would be in sort of life. Out of the sight of others, but still, in public.

There they were. Arlo and Tomasso Rossilini, looking as smug as ever...

Taking a seat, Karli spoke up first, "Gentlemen, let's get these talks started with..."

Better down to business before dinner.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Alex stepped in with her closing the door behind them and locking it. The diners were all family members so they knew what a locked door meant. Most of them didn’t even bat an eye but continued to eat and chat amongst one another. Alex saw children continuing to eat and sighed stepping towards the table and trying his best to ignore it. The family was all about….. Well the family which was always a good thing because it usually prevented in fighting.

Of course there was a double side to that one Alex was seeing for himself. The family was some thing you were either in or you weren’t and most members had no qualms about talking business in front if people they shouldn’t. Their was a lot of innocent lives at risk during this and Alex never felt right with it.

He stood directly behind her making it clear he was the body guard

“I didn’t know the marine was back In town!” Arlo shouted chuckling and shaking his head as he looked at his brother.

“Back with his sweetie I see” Tom said snorting as he looked them both up and down “you two finally fucked yet? Or did Karli finally realize she was to good for your ass?”

 

[zydrate]

"Gentlemen...please.." Karli stated firmly, looking at the 2 brothers, who were smiling smugly at Alex. She couldn't see Alex but she was sure he was on his guard....though probably not showing it.

She wasn't about to stoop to their level and answer them or correct them on what they've already assumed. It wouldn't do any good...besides, it would probably come back at her later when the business deals were in talks.

"Alex works for me, which means he's under the family's protection... but I'm sure I don't have to explain to you both what that means..so, can we please get down to business.."

And with that, Karli waited for the two to take a seat, although she could tell nothing was finished between them and Alex, this all needed to be handled tonight.

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Both brothers looked at each and mouthed family protection before scoffing at the same time. They both looked back at the same time and opened their mouths as if to say some thing before they sat down instead. They smirked and leaned back in their chairs acting cocky and arrogant as they regarded Karli.

“So what exactly is it you want form us?” Arlo said giving a fake yawn and looking over at his brother

“Could it be some thing important?” Tom said chuckling and leaning in to regard her “Or do you just want a double brother fucking!”

Both brothers snorted and laughed at their joke slapping their knees and hollering so loudly several patrons looked at them in surprise. Alex knew he was trying to bate him so instead he kept his mouth shut standing directly behind her and resisting the urge to shot them both.

Repeatedly

“Maybe you want to tell Alex about what happened two nights after he left” Tom said suddenly smirking and leaning in “is that why you brought me here?” He purred.

Two nights after he left?

 

[zydrate]

God damn.

Karli kept her cool. She didn't bother to show any reaction even though she was seething inside.

She was also pretty ashamed of what Tom was talking about. And seeing Arlo's knowing smile, she knew that he knew what his brother was talking about.

Karli could feel the tension rise, both from Alex and Tom as they stared each other down. She needed to get a hold on the situation before the men got out of hand. She needed to assert her place for this meeting.

"Enough!" Karli said, banging a fist on the table and standing up to face the brothers, "Either we talk about business or else I will take what I want by force." She leaned in, her stare just as deadly as Tom's, "Do I make myself clear?"

 

[thepoeticmaster2121]

Tom and Arlo looked at each other for a few seconds before they turned their gaze back to her and slowly nodded. Neither one of their mischievous smirks left their faces but each one finally leaned in to listen to what she had to say.

“Go ahead boss” Tom said most of the sarcasm out of his voice

“Yeah boss” Arlo chimed in happily “what can we do for ya?”

They both watched her patiently curious as to what she wanted. Neither one really had any idea they knew their reputation with the family. They were almost never called on for actual business and their so called “Family” preferred to keep them in the dark as much as possible.