You are MINE (closed)

[susurrus]

To his delight and dread, Greg realized what he'd set himself up for, admitting his arousal. Whether he was feeling it now or not, Gabriella's catlike lap across his lips rather than a proper kiss, followed shortly by "pet," signaled he was in for a sexually frustrating time. If there was one thing Gabriella was good at - and there was a lot - it was teasing. And she didn't even have to touch him. He could hardly wait.

The tease began by her leading the way out to the car. Gabriella knew the effect her shape-hugging clothes had on men, and Greg in partcular. He loved it when she showed those curves off with seemingly innocent movements and poses. Just watching the pendulum tick in her hips as she sashayed out the door had Greg's cock hard and his heart pounding.

God, it was going to be a hard day...

When he got to the car, Gabriella was already there. She lounged nonchalantly against the fender, the pose obviously calculated, but seeming ever so unintentional. Greg didn't give a fuck. She was the hottest thing that'd ever come into his life. He was constantly amazed and honored she'd decided to accept his invitation for that first date.

Gallantly, he stepped up and opened the door for her, then marveled as she oozed into the seat.

 

[Asa]

Slinking into the seat she winked at him waiting for him to get in the car. She was barely able to contain her happiness about everyone that meant anything in her life meeting. She sat there in the car innocently playing with a stray lock of hair as they finally started their trip.

 

[susurrus]

Greg loved the sly smile Gabriella gave him when she got in the car. It made him want to see more of it, but they needed to get moving.

Quickly, he got in, started the engine, and pulled away from the curb. A glance at the passenger seat showed Gabriella just looking out the window with a delighted smile on her face, idly twisting and releasing a lock of her hair. It was a little thing, but Greg found it damn sexy. Of course, the mindset he was currently in, she could have done damn near anything and it'd have turned him on.

"You'll need to give me directions," he stated when they finally got out of the city. He wanted to, and yet, didn't want to look over at the passenger's seat. He wanted to look at Gabriella and whatever she might be doing, but as a cop, knew he really should keep his eyes on the road and concentrate on driving.

 

[Asa]

Get on the interstate Hun we do have about a four hour drive ahead of us.

She smiled moving her hand to rest on his knee.

 

[susurrus]

Greg made the turn that'd take them to the interstate, jumping a little when he felt Gabriella's hand rest lightly on his leg. That touch was electric. He looked down at her hand, resting so innocently on him, well away from his cock, but he felt her touch all the way back to it...

 

[Asa]

She watched him jump and smirked to herself. She was glad to be getting away from everything for a while and see her family.

 

[susurrus]

Greg knew Gabriella was enjoying tormenting him. To be truthful, he was enjoying it, too.

"Hey, babe," he said after they got on the interstate and had traveled about twenty minutes. "Can you tell me a little more about the people we're going to meet? You've told me bits and pieces, and I know how you feel about them, but the majority of what I know about them is from police reports, and those describe only part of the story. So, if you can arm me with more info than the official record, it'll give me a better handle on what I'm dealing with from your side of things."

 

[Asa]

Okay fair enough...

She smiled

Uncle Alexi may come off hard cold and cranky but if he calls you family which is just about everyone who calls him friend... Then there is nothing he won't do for you and no one he won't protect you from.

Bastien and Ramiro are biological brothers and in a way they didn't have much of a home life either. They came into the protection and love and care of Uncle Alexi when Ram was 12 and Bastien was 8. They are lethally loyal and loving to family and let's just put it this way which I am sure you saw in their files they make sure that no punk who abused his wife walks for very long even if the courts let the slime walk.

Braddock in the baby of the family but is the most intense. Uncle keeps him on a short leash so to speak due to medical reasons for his rage issues.

Caleb is blood related to Alexi and he takes it on himself to more protect the family when he is not jumping in on any barroom brawls.

Anything else you wanna know.

 

[susurrus]

There were obviously other questions Greg felt he should ask when Gabriella requested it, but he found himself completely blank at the moment, his police training and inquisitiveness failing him right at that point. Of course, he was also afraid he'd ask cop questions, and didn't want Gabriella to think he couldn't get out of that mode. The record stated the kinds of people the brothers generally preyed on, but in the minds of the police, a murderer was a murderer, regardless how big a piece of shit the person being killed was.

"Thanks, no," he finally said. "If I think of anything before we get there, I'll certainly say something. After that, I guess I'll find out for myself."

Greg wished they could get off the interstate and actually see some of the countryside along the way, but unfortunately, there wasn't time. Not that there was a ton of countryside where they were traveling. Things were pretty well built up.

He placed his hand on Gabriella's where it rested on his leg. While it felt strange for a cop to say this about a group of people the rest of his cop buddies would view as menaces to society, he told her, "I hope they like me. I'll do my best to push aside what the police know about them and try to see them like you do."

 

[Asa]

Okay.

She moved her fingers to twine with his as she smiled. She knew she would have to find a moment to talk to Uncle Alexi alone but that shouldn't be too hard and she desperately hoped that it wasn't Vince even though she didn't believe in coincidences.

 

[susurrus]

Greg knew Gabriella didn't like it when he brought up the police reports on her family, but it was what he had to go on, aside from what she told him His years with the department made him tend to put quite a bit of stock in those reports. Still, he was telling the truth when he said he intended to make every attempt to push what he knew from the reports aside and try to see them as just a bunch of guys that the woman he loved happened to feel very greatly for.

He did like that she accepted his statement about giving them a chance. It was the truth. He'd be a fool not to try to see a different side of them, for Gabriella more than anything else. If she was going to be a part of his life, and he liked that idea enough (he had said he'd loved her after all), he'd better get used to her family, no matter who they were.

When she interlocked her fingers with his, he looked down at their hands, then up at her face and smiled. It was a small gesture, but it meant something.

Neither was extremely talkative. Gabriella seemed to have something on her mind, and Greg spent most of the time convincing himself he was going to try not to be a cop when he finally met Gabriella's "family."

 

[Asa]

Once they arrived she pointed out where to park and smiled beyond ready to introduce them all.

See I told you I would bring him to meet you.

She laughed hugging them all in this moment of family reunion. Uncle Alexi was the first to walk over to Greg.

I will get this out of the way now. As far as I see... I am not looking at a cop I see my little girls happiness. That goes for all of us right boys?

Four very quick Yes sirs could be heard as they made their way over to Greg too. There was a little sizing up from her brothers but they seemed to also not see a cop just their sisters boyfriend.

 

[susurrus]

Eventually, they started getting close to their destination, and Gabriella came out of her own thoughts to give directions. When they pulled up and parked, Greg was struck by just how... normal it all looked. Even as a cop, he half expected the place to have sentries posted. He reasoned there probably were, and if the gorgeous woman he helped from the passenger side of the car hadn't been with him, chances were good he'd have been stopped before he reached the door.

Gabriella looked like a little girl who'd just stepped into Disneyland. The delight and excitement on her face couldn't be more evident. She scampered to the door and threw it open, leaving Greg in the dust.

When he finally got inside, she was hugging the man Greg knew from the files was Alexi. He recognized all the younger men who flanked him as well, from the police reports. However, the prime difference from the people he knew from the files: they were all smiling.

Gabriella finally let go of the man she called "uncle" and threw her arms around each of the others in what he generally considered a rather UN-Gabriella-like way. A couple of the "boys" gave Greg the once-over as Gabriella gave them their greetings, and Greg had to wonder...

Once she'd said hello to everyone in turn, Gabriella finally turned her attention to the man who stood dumbly just inside the closed door, feeling like every boyfriend who's ever met his girl's family for the first time.

"See, I told you I'd bring him to meet you," she bubbled to her uncle, grabbing Greg's arm and hugging it like some lovestruck schoolgirl.

Alexi stepped over with an outstretched hand. Greg looked down briefly into Gabriella's delight, then back up to Alexi and took it. For a man his age, Alexi had a tremendous grip.

"I will get this out of the way right now," Alexi said with his enigmatic accent. "As far as i see, I am not looking at a cop. I am looking at my little girl's happiness." Without releasing Greg's hand, he motioned to the other gentlemen in the room. "That goes for us all. Right, boys?"

The authority in that deep voice brooked no dissent. And it received none. All of Gabriella's brothers agreed heartily and respectfully to Alexi's order.

As the younger men stepped up to offer their own greetings to the man in their sister's life, Greg replied, "Thank you. I hope you find me worthy of her." There were other things he could have said, along the vein of Alexi's greeting, but felt they would come across as highly inappropriate and potentially insulting, so he didn't elaborate. Just like any boyfriend looking for approval from his girlfriend's family, he felt like he was walking on broken glass, and every little crunch might awaken the lion sleeping only inches away...

 

[Asa]

She was very different here. This had been one of the few safe places in her life. Carefree as you please she walked behind the bar and grabbed a couple of beers and walked back over to Greg.

Ram was the first to speak truly to Greg after the introductions and greetings.

So tell us about Gabby's latest bar. She says it's not as rough as some of the others she has tended in but then again hell would be tame in comparison to the one she tended in Philly.

Bastien sat back debating testing this guy somehow... He missed dancing with Gabriella. He cringed as Ram called her Gabby they all knew she hated that and like clockwork Ram got smacked to the side of his head by her.

Caleb while he would not go against his uncle be was the family protector and she was the only sister.

 

[susurrus]

Greg was astounded by the way these people acted. It was as if he was at a reunion of that Minnesota linoleum salesman's family he'd made up, rather than a group of people who were capable of fairly atrocious acts, including the woman who, only a few hours esrlier, he'd professed his love to. He found that odd normalcy made it a bit easier not to dwell quite so much on where he was, and with whom.

Gabriella, without asking, went behind the bar, opened the cooler and came back with a couple beers, one of which she handed to him. She then wrapped an arm around him, that Disneyland grin of delight still plastered to her face. She didn't say anything, but gave a happy glance up at Greg before directing her gaze back to the people she'd come to see, and come to show him off to.

Greg was still trying to put names to the faces. He thought he'd memorized all that, but their introductions a couple minutes earlier were a blur. The people in the pictures he'd seen in the files all looked like killers. These guys all looked and acted like the kind of people you'd hang with out at a bar with and lie about how far you got with the girl you managed to catch the night before.

One of the boys had originally only stepped up to Greg, shaken his hand with a nod, then stepped back and stood within an arm's length of Alexi. He was more easily identified from his file pictures, because his smile seemed less genuine than the others'. He also looked to be younger than the rest, which would put him as Braddock.

The one who remained a step back, just off Greg's left shoulder and verging on the edge of his peripheral vision, had to be Caleb because he bore a vague resemblance to Alexi. He also appeared to be constantly assessing the situation. He was the Sergeant-At-Arms, and Greg had little doubt he'd wade right in and start cracking skulls if any of the others got out of line.

The other two were more outgoing, though Greg knew they were no less lethal for their apparent friendliness. They weren't twins, but they definitely bore a strong resemblance to one another. One looked like he was assessing Greg's worthiness for the woman they considered their sister. It almost seemed a jealousy. It made him wonder if there hadn't been some manner of intimate liaison that had gone on at some point, maybe with all of them. It wasn't something Greg cared to think about too much, because it could lead to some tension where he was concerned, and confrontation over the person he'd come with didn't seem like a lot of fun.

Then one of them asked about Lance's place. Greg wasn't certain, but he thought it might be Ramiro. He hadn't had an official introduction to any but Alexi.

"Lance's place isn't really anything special, but he somehow manages to keep the peace. I'm probably one of the closest things to a friend Lance has. When your sister here walked through the door, she was all Shirley Temple and the first impression was that she was going get chewed up within the first five minutes. Then she went in to see Lance and we expected her to run bawling into the street. Lance has a reputation gained through both truth and lies, and he hasn't bothered to clarify which is which, but has managed not to have charges brought against him. In fact, I think most of the girls actually like it. Anyhow, Gabriella came out of Lance's office none the worse for wear, stepped behind the bar and went to town. She still kept that chipper exterior going, but I figured no girl like that would even have ventured into the neighborhood. I watched her a while and determined all was not as it seemed. A couple nights later, I asked her out. It wasn't until Lance had me do a background that I found out just how much of an act her first week was.

"Once I knew about her and - no disrespect intended - by association, all you gents, I of course had second thoughts, but not strongly enough to break things off. "

The origin of his and their sister's unusual relationship hadn't been requested, but Lance's place wasn't really worth a lot of description. Besides, somewhere along the line somebody was going to ask, "So how did my sister/daughter end up dating a cop?"

 

[Asa]

Alexi laughed a deep hearty rumbling laugh.

You went baby girl route... Bastien you win the bet on our Gabriella's game this time. Ram you should have suspected it just like you brother she always get it to work on you two.

Braddock just shook his head with a smirk.

I should have guessed. I thought you would have gone with that transplanted euro girl act.

Caleb shifted a little and that caused Gabriella to watch him.

You ran a fairly deep background to find us didn't you? Is that standard for bars out there or just this Lance's bar?

Gabriella looked at Caleb calm but ready to put him in his place if she had to.

 

[susurrus]

"Not so deep. Besides, Lance likes to be thorough where his girls are concerned. He doesn't like drugs or prostitution in his place, and he likes to know if there are ghosts in their closets that might cause him grief at some point." At the ghosts comment, Greg glanced down at Gabriella and found her delighted smile had left her. He immediately regretted having mentioned that, but it was out there.

"Sorry, Babe," he apologized.

 

[Asa]

Her eyes were on Caleb. Her tone when she spoke holding the same edge nearly as Alexi

Good enough answer Caleb?

Caleb just held his hands up to her and nodded.Alexi moved to calm the tension.

Ram fix up the pool table. Greg you play correct?

 

[susurrus]

Greg could tell Gabriella wasn't entirely happy about the comment about ghosts in the closet. He knew there was something going on, and more than likely, it was this Vince character she'd told him about. Still, he figured it wasn't up to him to bring up.

He could tell Caleb was suspicious. From everything he'd read and heard, it was kind of his job to be so. Greg also could tell his explanation still didn't make entire sense to the security man, regardless if what he said was the truth. It was also obvious that Gabriella could tell Caleb wasn't entirely convinced that Greg hadn't been investigating the lot of them, rather than this story about researching an employee for a bar owner.

Greg saw Caleb start to move, he hoped merely to interrogate further, but Gabriella stepped between them and said, in a tone that, like Alexi, left no room for dissent: "Good enough answer." She then turned squarely to the man she called brother and verified: "Caleb?"

Physically, Gabriella was no match for Caleb, who stood a head taller than she did, and outweighed her by probably at least forty pounds. If he'd really have wanted to push the issue, there'd have been little she could do to stop him. However, even Greg knew that Alexi would have none of it, and the rest would step in if Caleb tried anything, because of Alexi's decree.

Greg was done talking cop shit with these people, if he could at all help it. The previous conversation had simply made it unavoidable.

Rather than start something he'd regret, Caleb held up his hands to his sister and backed away with a small nod of acknowledgement.

The mood in the room had changed with Caleb's veiled accusation. Greg noticed Alexi observe the way Gabriella stood up for him, and saw the older man's mouth set in a firm line for a moment, then a smile. He then stepped into the center of the room with a laugh, breaking the tension that had developed.

"Ram will set up the pool table. You play, Greg, correct?"

Greg looked up at Alexi and smiled deprecatingly. "I'm sure any of you can probably kick my ass, but I've handled a cue on occasion. Oh, and I've already been warned: I am not playing anybody for money or anything else. No betting on anything."

 

[Asa]

Alexi laughed at the betting comment. Ram smirked and swatted Gabriella on the ass.

Taking all the fun out of messing with the new guy Gabriella?

It was for distraction but also to see what reaction her new man would have. Gabriella just swatted at his arm and moved to a table by the pool tables.

I've seen him play some at Lance's.

 

[susurrus]

It seemed the rest got a kick out of Greg's refusal to bet Ram. Still, it was a pretty damn good bet they were all better pool players than Greg was, even if he was no slouch.

When Ram slapped Gabriella's ass, he knew what the other man was doing. Greg said nothing, went over, grabbed a cue, leaned over without aiming and broke the balls. Two stripes fell in and left the others in strategically advantageous positions.

"The woman's mine, man. Hands off," Greg said as he straightened.

 

[Asa]

Even Alexi took a step away from Gabriella at someone so blatantly laying claim. Even Caleb's expression changed to an almost... Oh shit look.

Careful you two...

Gabriella spoke up.

Yes I have a past with Ramiro however I am with Greg now... Don't make me drop both of you on this floor...

A devious smirk traced her lips.

Like only I can. So play nice all of you I am going to go talk with uncle for a few.

Alexi nodded and they walked into his office.

Where is he Alexi?

She didn't even sit down once the door was shut.

His brother and partner both proved disappointing in the information area. He is not in town so I want to send Ram and Bastien back with you... He knows Braddock and Caleb. I know what you are going to say you have your cop now and that is all well and good be is not the only o e to do background check. Vince is not above killing a cop.

Ram and Bastien... Send the on again off again lovers to where the new love is... Alexi... Really.

But they know who they are looking for and let me guess my little hellcat daughter has told her cop it is nothing right... I know you my Gabriella and I will not lose my only daughter.

Let me handle this if it's him... He will not find the same scared young girl he knew before not after everything you and the boys have taught me okay.

For now fine. Let's make sure they are playing nice now.

With that they walked back out in time for an elderly woman who had walked in to hug Gabriella.

Mama Serena...

While Gabriella talked to the old woman Alexei took some beers over to the pool tables for everyone and watched the game. Speaking to Greg during Ramiro's turn.

We speak a moment Greg.

 

[susurrus]

Apparently Greg's pronouncement of his claim on Gabriella was a bit more possessive than maybe it should have been, because almost comically, everyone else in the room who stood anywhere near her, even Alexi, visibly moved away from her. He wasn't exactly sure what kind of impact such a claim really meant with these people. However, it got the point across to Ramiro, and Gabriella's statement verified that, yes there was some intimate history between them.

When she and Alexi retreated to what must have been an office and closed the door, Greg was left with the boys and the pool table. Braddock still seemed to be a coiled spring, and Caleb maintained an eagle eye on everything.

Greg wanted to ask about Gabriella to these men, get another's perspective on her, but from Ram, and even possibly his brother, he wasn't sure he'd get a straight answer, because while he now had confirmation on Ram and Gabriella's past together, he wasn't sure Bastien didn't also have some kind of previous connection to her. Still, there was Mr. Suspicious in the corner, analyzing everything and apparently deeming it a threat, so at least without Gabriella to act as referee, he felt it best to just shut up and play pool.

Just before the office door opened again, a woman somewhere in the realm of Alexi's age came in. The boys, including Ram, got up and greeted her. Greg saw a smile on even Braddock's face.

The way Alexi looked at her, Greg surmised it was none other than the woman Alexi was sweet on.

When the boys came back to the pool table, they played a bit longer, until Alexi brought them all drinks. He laid one of those big hands on Greg's shoulder and rumbled, "We speak a moment."

Greg certainly wasn't going to say no. While he was trying to remain relaxed, he was having a tough time doing so, especially under the watchful eye of Caleb, and with the barely reined-in Braddock practically straining at his leash.

"Of course, Alexi. Lead the way." The older man nodded and Greg followed him into the office.

 

[Asa]

Alexi nodded to Gabriella then to the others and it was clear an unspoken understanding passed between her and her uncle. Then closing the door the old man sat down.

Now let's cut to chase. You have seen Braddock on edge since you arrive yes? He have very good reason his sister of blood was killed by crooked cop she marry. Is not he not trust you or Gabriella choice in you but memory strong with him. He will warm up to this union. Our Gabriella is much stronger then his Lisa.

She and Caleb go through this song and dance he gets over vigilant when she pop up out of the blue when we know she "on personal assignment". You surprise him. You surprise all of us really.

Realizing that he had been rattling on he paused to let Grey catch up and ask any questions.

_________
Gabriella walked over to Braddock.

Him being a cop reminds you...

He didn't let her finish.

You aren't Lisa... He isn't Detective Sams. Just... Yeah it took me back there. I'm sorry.

She hugged her baby brother.

It's okay I should have thought about that more I'm sorry.

Caleb... This isn't a turf war negotiation can you dial it down? This is someone I care about and Braddock is okay and so am I.

 

[susurrus]

It felt strange being behind closed doors with a man such as Alexi. If Greg hadn't seen the police reports, he would have come across as just an older gentleman in a position of some power. As it was, he knew Alexi was much more than just an older man with power. However, Alexi had offered him no threat, there was no underlying sense that there was any problem. Greg tried to relax in his presence.

When he heard the story of why Braddock was so wary, almost hostile, it made sense.

There was a comment in his Gabriella/Caleb speech that jumped out at Greg, and fortunately, Alexi stopped to give Greg a chance to speak.

"Thank you, Alexi, that helps on the Braddock front. I've been afraid he was going to jump me at any time. Is there anything I can do to try to alleviate his fears, or should I just let time be the doctor?

"'On personal assignment?' What do you mean?"