Last week we announced that Undercover Secrets by Rita and Giovanni Gambino is our Romance of the Week and the sponsor of thousands of great bargains in the Romance category: over 200 free titles, over 600 quality 99-centers, and thousands more that you can read for free through the Kindle Lending Library if you have Amazon Prime!
Now we’re back to offer our weekly free Romance excerpt, and if you aren’t among those who have downloaded Undercover Secrets, you’re in for a real treat:
Undercover Secrets
by Rita Gambino, Giovanni Gambino
Nobody knows the “underground” AKA the Mafia better than Giovanni Gambino, as he teams up with Rita Gambino the mixing of Non-fiction with Fiction makes this book a super novel. The story starts with undercover agent Nikki Jacobs is assigned to notorious mafia boss, Luca Marchisio. She quickly becomes intrigued of his power, attractive looks and his magnetic character. With her continual contact with the organized crime and unable to resist Luca’s ability to control, Nikki finds sympathy with those being targeted. Little does she know that gaining the trust of Luca and living the double life will result in discovering dark secrets and a big Federal conspiracy!
And here, for your reading pleasure, is our free excerpt:
“DO I NEED TO SHOOT the door down or will you come out of the bathroom willingly?” Nikki was getting restless waiting for her husband to get out of the bathroom.
“Oh, take it easy there killer, what’s the big rush?” Brian came out of the bathroom with both hands up.
Nikki punched her husband in the stomach. “You know better than to fuck with a woman Fed.” Brian held his stomach from the blow his wife gave him. “I’ll tell you one thing; they got the right gal for the job, that’s for sure.”
She smiled and walked into the bathroom. ‘So, what’s the big rush?” Nikki was in the bathroom rushing because she didn’t want to be late; “I’m getting my new assignment today.”
“Oh yeah anyone good?”
“Oh come on, you know if I tell you I will have to kill you.”
“Come on honey it’s me, your husband.” She hesitated and before replying; “Luca Marchisio”. Brian stopped dead in his tracks, “WHAT?”
Nikki peeked her head out of the bathroom, repeating; “I said Luca Marchisio.”
“I heard what you said, Nikki are they nuts? This is the biggest gangster out there.” She rolled her eyes as she put on her shirt. “I know I’m so excited.”
“Nikki, I’m a little nervous about this.”
“Why? They are not asking you to do the job.”
“I know, but you are dealing with big gangsters here and the thought of something happening to you, scares the shit out of me.”
Nikki stopped, putting her hands on Brian’s face; “Brian you knew about my job before we got married and that it will be a big part of my life, so now you have to deal with it.”
Brian grabbed Nikki by the waist and pulled her close. “I love you honey and I want you around for a long time.”
“I love you too but I have to go to work, so suck it up and be a man. Don’t worry about me, I’m a big girl and no one fucks with Nikki Jacobs. Anyway, don’t be so worried. My job is to stay in the van and keep tabs on him. Remember I’m the brains of this operation. I say when, who and how.”
Brian smiled at Nikki; “and they picked the right person for it.”
“Honey, I love to sit here and chit chat, but I’m really excited about getting this started.”
Brian gave Nikki a big kiss “I love you, please be careful.”
“I always am.”
CHAPTER TWO
LUCA MARCHISIO WAS A gangster who was just being released from prison. He had done time for the family; took the rap and refused to turn anyone in. Luca took his job and oath very seriously. He hated anyone who tried fucking with the family. Luca’s thing was “FUCK THEM”, to anyone who crossed or betrayed the family. Mr. Buoncuore was the boss. He had raised Luca as his own son. Mr. B and Luca’s dad were best friends so when he was killed, Mr. B took care of Luca. So Luca was not going to betray his family after all they had done for him, and he did the four years with pride.
“Vin, I forgot how great the sun feels beating on my face and the wind blowing in my hair.”
“Luca, what the fuck, did you turn gay in prison?”
“Vin, you ever say gay and my name in the same sentence I will fucking kill you.”
“I’m kidding, jerk off, a few years in prison will do that to you. So Luca how was it?”
“What?”
“You know being locked up.”
“Oh Vin, it was a party every day, we had girls come and got fucking laid every night. Take out dinners, it was fucking amazing.”
“Really?”
“Vin, how the fuck do you think it was? It was fucking hell.”
“What did you do in there?”
“I read a lot; I got a lot of inspiration in there. I was actually thinking of writing about my experience.”
“Ok Luca, now you are a writer?”
“Why not?”
“I’ll tell you why, because word on the street is that they are thinking of making you the next top dog.”
“Really, who told you that?”
“Well, we were all out last night and the boss was saying how proud he was of you for not opening your mouth. You know you could’ve fucked us all.”
“Vin, I’m no fucking rat! I took an oath and I honor every word of that oath. I’m actually a little insulted that he would think that I would turn on my family.”
“Luca listen, nowadays it’s the big guys that are turning rats, not the little ones. Maybe that’s why he thought that.” Luca rolled his eyes and looked away, “well I’m no small guy.” Vinny all serious looked at his buddy with concern, “listen Luca, the boss wants to see you.”
“Now?”
“No, go home shower, relax a little. Maybe you want to call one of your bimbos and get laid; you know four years is four years. Then come tonight around seven at the usual spot.” Luca looked all annoyed; he didn’t feel like a meeting tonight. “Is Mickey’s still the usual spot?”
“Of course it is, where else would we go?”
“Who the fuck knows, I’ve been out of the loop for four years. I can’t meet him tonight I have a meeting with this huge producer.”
“Producer, what the fuck are you talking about?”
“I met this kid in prison, his uncle is a major producer and he thinks I’m perfect for his uncle’s new movie.”
Vinny was shocked and very confused, “Luca, you don’t say no to the boss. What the fuck did they do to you in there?”
“Vin, its better I don’t see them tonight, you know how many fucking eyes are on me right now? Anyway, what if we did things different, why can’t we make money this way, with the entertainment business, movies and books. Why the fuck does everything have to be illegal?” Vinny shook his head in disbelief, “what the fuck do you want me to tell the boss?”
“Just tell him that I just got out, it’s for both of our benefits to stay away today. Tell him I’m hooking up with some broads and getting fucking laid! What the fuck Vin, do I have to teach you everything! How many years have we been best friends?”
“Our whole lives.”
“Right so you know what you have to tell him. Tell him I’ll meet him tomorrow.”
“What if—”
Luca stopped him, “Vin, if nothing? I’m not meeting him tonight. I need my day, I just fucking got out.”
“Ok Luca, I’ll call you if anything—”
“Ok that will work.” Luca, got out of the car, shook Vinny’s hand, “thanks buddy for picking me up.”
“Are you fucking kidding, if I didn’t who would’ve?”
“What you saying, I have no friends?”
“No jerk off, I’m your best friend, I missed you man.” Vinny looked at Luca with a smirk, “ok now whose gay?”
“Goodbye Vin, don’t forget what I told you.” Vinny, pulled away and took off.
* * * * *
NIKKI WAS RUNNING LATE, she got out of the office and went straight to the van to see what was going on. She knocked three times on the door of the van. Larry and George were in there already listening to Luca. “What’s going on guys”, what do we have so far?”
“Nothing yet, Vinny just dropped him off and he just got to his apartment.”
“Ok good, did we bug everything like I told you?”
“Yes, we got the bedroom, kitchen, living room and bathroom.”
“Great, so now we know when he’s taking a shit. George laughed, “Really, did we have to do that? That’s kind of gross.”
“George, let me ask you something when you are talking to your girlfriend and you don’t want your wife to hear you where do you go?”
“In the bathroom.”
“Ok so shut up and sit down.” Larry interrupted the two of them, “he’s making a call.”
“Yeah, Mark it’s me, Luca.”
“Hey Luca how are you, you finally got out?”
“Yeah I just got out, just walked in to be exact. Listen I’m really glad you decided to meet me tonight. When your nephew told me you thought I was perfect for the part, I was a little excited.”
“Yeah I’m excited too; I think you will be perfect to play the part. So then the audition for the movie is at seven?”
“Yes meet me at my office, 325 Park Avenue. Ok, so thanks again for this opportunity to star in your movie, I’ll see you later.”
Nikki stopped, looking at Larry and George, “what the fuck was that,” who the fuck is Mark? George, I asked you to do one thing, your job was to bug his apartment.”
“I did”!
“Then what the fuck was that?” Larry looked at the both of them,
“Are you guys ever going to get along?”
They both responded at the same time, “NO”!
“Ok listen, apparently Luca had this inspiration in prison; he got into books and movies. One of the kids in prison set him up with an audition for this big movie.” Nikki was confused while Larry was making his prediction,
“Wait a minute, so you are telling me he’s an actor, what did they do to him in prison? What, did he turn gay? Here I am all excited about this big case and he’s a fucking actor? WHERE THE FUCK IS MY GANGSTER? Ok let me think. George, I need you to go to this office and plant a bug. Maybe this is just double talk and he figures he’s being bugged, being that he just got out. So go to the office as a tech and plant a bug, I want to hear this meeting tonight.”
George looked at Nikki, surprised, “Now?”
“Yeah now! Larry you stay here, keep listening and tell me if anything comes in. I have to go meet with the chief. I want to know what the fuck is going on. Luca Marchisio an actor? What is this, a joke? Don’t they know what they will do to him if they find out? Ok guys get to it. I’m sure he’s going to take a shower and just relax until his meeting. Larry, I’ll meet you at 325 Park, keep in touch with me.”
“Ok boss, will do.”
Nikki got into her car and took off. She was so pissed, how can they do this to me? My biggest case and the gangster turns soft on me? This is an insult; they know I’m better than this. She pulled into the station and left the car with a mission. As she was walking through the station everyone could see that she was pissed off.
“Hey Nikki, I heard your gangster turned actor overnight.”
“Mike, I see news travels fast around here.”
Mike and a few of the other guys started to laugh. This pissed Nikki off even more.
“Don’t worry boys; I will have the last laugh.”
She knocked on the chief’s door.
“Come in Nikki.”
“Chief what is this? Some kind of a joke?”
“What are you talking about Nikki?”
“Really? You don’t know?”
“Yes I heard, so what’s the problem?”
“It’s supposed to be my biggest case and you turn it into a three ring circus?”
“Nikki, how am I supposed to know that he would grow a conscience in prison? Listen, you don’t know what’s going on yet, go and listen to this meeting.”
“You have me following a dead beat here. How am I supposed to bust all of them if I am running around listening to this so called “gangster” audition for movies?”
“Nikki, word on the street is that he’s the next big man, so you need to follow him and see where he takes you. This could all be a cover for something big. Come on Nikki, what do you think they will do to him once they find out what he’s doing? You are my smartest and best officer here, that’s why I made you the brains of this operation. I know you can get them all, I have faith in you”
“Fine, I will put up with this, for now but know this; I will not be taken for a fool. I’m too good for this and you know it”
“Yes I do, and that’s why you are my TOP dog.”
Nikki smiled and walked out of the office. Everyone was listening, and when she walked out, they all turned and made believe that they were working.
“Nikki, so what is he auditioning for?” Mike was laughing at Nikki and poking fun at her. Nikki walked over to Mike, getting really close to him and she put her arms around his neck in a very sexy seductive tone she whispers in his ear; “my lover!” Mike just stood there with his mouth opened. She walked away and Mike couldn’t help but turn and watch her every move as she walked out of the office. Nikki was a very beautiful woman; not your typical Fed. She was very tall, slender and fit, she was all legs. She had long golden brown hair and the most beautiful piercing green eyes. So every man in the squad room would’ve loved to be with her. But Nikki was tough she was no typical girly girl. She didn’t take shit from anyone. She was there to prove a point; that a woman can take out the mob. Something that none of them were able to do. This was her mission, her goal. When she walked out, all eyes were on her.
Peter turned to Mike; “She told you Mike?”
“Yeah, she wants me.”
“In your dreams Mike.”
“And she’s in them every night.”
CHAPTER 3
LUCA WAS GETTING READY for his meeting with the producer when his phone rang.
“Talk to me”
“Hey Luca, its Vin”
“Vin, what’s the word?”
“I spoke to the boss; he’s fine with you taking the night off and was very impressed of how you thought of the family, knowing that they probably are on your tail. But he wants to meet with you early tomorrow for breakfast at his house”
“Ok, no problem, tell him I’ll be there.”
“Hey Luca, what if you get this part?”
“Then I will be a big star.”
“Yeah but Lu, what the fuck is the family going to think? They won’t have a big man like you doing movies; too many eyes will be around you. You can’t let them know you are doing this”
“Vin, listen to me, don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of everything. I have everything under control. You just keep your mouth shut and just be there when I need you.”
“You know I always am.”
“Hey Lu, good luck on your audition.”
“Thanks bro; I’ll call you after.”
* * * * *
NIKKI WAS JUST GETTING to the van when Larry called her.
“Nikki, I got news for you, where are you?”
“I’m right outside the van, open up. What’s up?”
“He’s got a meeting tomorrow with the boss at the house.”
“Oh good, at last some action.”
“Where is George?”
“He’s heading down now; he had some problems getting in.”
“Why?”
“He wasn’t on the list and he had to work around it and finally got in.”
“Do we have confirmation that it works?”
“Yes, I heard the assistant say to Mr. Borotolli that Luca was waiting for him.” Just as they were finishing up their conversation, George knocked on the van door.
“Boy, I’m good.”
Nikki looked at George and smacked him off the head; “Really? If you were that good you would know that you had to get on the list before you walked in the building.”
“Honey, why do you always have to knock me down?”
“Don’t honey me George.”
“I forgot I lost that right after we broke up.” George and Nikki used to date. They were together for a while but George never told her he was married. Nikki was very set against being the other woman, so when they broke up, it didn’t end well. She was still sour even though it was three years ago. She wasn’t that crazy about him being on her team but she had every intention to make this experience a living hell for him.
“George, sit down and shut the fuck up.”
“Oh baby are you pmsing today?”
“One more remark out of your mouth and I’ll put you on coffee duty.”
“Yeah, you’re pmsing.”
“That’s it, get out! Go out and get me a mocha, I need my fix.”
“Yes, and I know exactly how you like it. Larry, coffee?”
“No, I’m good, thanks”
George walked out; “I’m in the mood for coffee anyway.”
“Yeah take your time, don’t rush back.”
Nikki turned to Larry; “why does he have to be so annoying?”
“Nikki, come on, are you serious?”
“What?”
“He still has the hots for you.”
“Yeah, well he better go take a cold shower cause this train left the station a long time ago.”
Larry motioned to Nikki; “Shhhh, he’s in the office.” Nikki put the headphones on and started to listen.
“Luca, it’s so nice to see you again. Thanks Mark, same here. How was your day? Good, it was great to finally take a shower without all these guys staring at you.”
Mark chuckled, “I’m sure it is. You sure are one hot guy.”
“Mark, you are making me nervous.”
“No, I’m all good. So, tell me what do you think of the book? Did you read it?”
“Yes, I did. I loved it. It had me laughing the whole time. Yes, we came across this book about a year ago, Mulberry to Rome. My nephew spoke very highly of it. He said Uncle Mark you have to read this, it’s hysterical. So I did, and I thought it would make a great comedy. So now here we are turning it into a movie. It really is amazing how the author has the gangsters going back to Roman times and meeting Cesar. And who knew, that’s how we got Cesar salad.”
They both laughed.
“I want you to play the lead gangster; I think you have the looks, the wits and the smarts for it.” “Yeah sure Mark whatever you want; when do you want me to audition?”
“Really, I’m set on you and I know your character; I’m pretty much giving you the part.”
“Oh wow, that’s great so I already have the part?”
“Yeah, I had you in mind from our first meeting when I went to see my nephew. You had me laughing with all your gangster stories and I knew you were ‘it’.”
“Well, I’m flattered, thank you.”
Listen, we are just working on the other actors, we should be starting in a few weeks. I’m sure you want a little break before you start working again.”
“Yeah but I’m ready, I’ve been in a cell for four years. I need to do something.”
“Well, I’m sure you have a lot of catching up to do with your ‘family’.”
“Yes, I do. Just between you and me, right now let’s keep this on the down low. I have to work ‘The Family’ first. I have to find a way of making them see this as a good thing.”
“Oh, I hear you Luca. Just be careful, we are shooting in a few weeks and I mean the movie.”
Luca laughed at his horrible humour. “Yeah I’m always careful. Ok then so we have a deal and I will keep in touch and let you know when to come in.”
“No problem Mark; thanks again.”
“Oh no Luca, thank you, I think you are going to be a hit on the big screen.” They shook hands and Luca walked out.
Nikki just looked at Larry,
“What is he thinking? Did he really lose his mind? What is the family going to think about this? This will be too much attention to the family”
“I don’t know Nikki, maybe he wants out?” Nikki gave Larry a crazy look,
“Larry no one ever gets out unless they are six feet under. He’s going to get himself killed.” Nikki just looked at him as he was walking out of the building, “Luca what are you doing?” And it was like he knew they were there, because he looked right at the van and for the first time, she saw him and thought; he is a very good looking guy.
Luca was also very tall and built. He had this aura about him; he was fine and very handsome. He always dressed very well and had ways with his words. Nikki had read up on him when they first told her she would be working on his case once he got out. He always seemed to be one of the good guys, trying to keep peace between the families. He hated rats more than anything. He couldn’t stand people who turned on the family. His motto was; “You are a rat, you’re done, fuck him.” He hated violence. He felt if they can talk it out, less people would die. Nikki was very impressed by this so when she finally put the face with the subject, she found herself liking him. She shook that thought right out of her mind. “Larry, follow him home; don’t leave him unless I say so. I have my car so I’m going to the station to do some research. Listen, if you see that he’s not doing anything just call me; there’s no reason for you to stick around but I will see you in the morning at the boss’s house.” Just as she was walking out of the van, George was walking in with the coffee.
“Hey, where are you going?”
“Where did you go, to Colombia to pick the beans?”
“You are so funny Nikki.”
“Yeah didn’t you know; I work stand up part time. Thanks for the coffee, see you in the morning”
“So no dinner?”
“With you, I don’t think so.”
“Oh baby you hurt me so much.”
“Yeah you haven’t seen anything yet.”
She got in her car and left. When she got to the squad room and it was pretty empty, everyone had called it a night. However, she wanted to know about this book, this movie that they were making. Maybe there’s some hidden message in this book. She had to get her hands on it. As she was searching the web she saw these two goons walk in.
“Can I help you?”
“We are looking for Mike.”
“I don’t think he’s here, I believe everyone left for the night.”
“Oh no he’s here, he’s waiting for us.”
Nikki was a little taken back, who are these guys and why are they coming here at this hour of the night? Mike walked out and was a little surprised to see Nikki at her desk working.
“Mike these guys are here for you, you know them?”
“Yeah that’s Paul and Joe; they are working on something for me. Guys, go to the back, I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Yeah no problem Mike. Who’s the babe? You banging her?”
Mike laughed, “Yeah she wishes.”
“Excuse me?” Nikki got up and went right for Mike.
“Take it easy, I’m kidding.”
“She’s a feisty one Mike.”
“Yeah you have NO IDEA.”
Nikki looked at Mike; “What are you working on Mike?”
“It’s nothing major, just a small case on a drug bust. These guys just came in from Canada; I need them to do stuff for me.”
“They look like gangsters.”
“Yeah they are on the payroll, hey what’s with all the questions?”
“I’m a Fed, that’s my job.”
“What are you still doing here?”
“I’m looking for this book, Mulberry to Rome.”
“Oh yeah, that book was hysterical.”
“You read it?”
“Yeah I did, it was funny; it’s a fiction.”
“Where can I get a copy?”
“Anywhere, I got it at the Barnes and Nobles down the block.”
“You think they are still open?”
“Nikki, it’s 11:30 PM, no, I doubt they are opened. Why don’t you go home and get some rest? You had a long day.”
Nikki just looked at Mike with suspicion, why does he want me to leave so bad?
“Yeah, I think you’re right, I have a long day ahead of me and I want to go get this book.”
“Ok then, have a good night.”
“You too Mike.”
* * * * *
IT WAS A LITTLE PAST midnight when Nikki got home. Brian was already in bed but watching TV. He heard her walk in; “now there’s my big boss woman.” She just gave him a look of disgust; “please don’t even get me started.” Brian jumped out of bed and went to her,
“What happened honey? Was it not all you thought it would be?”
“Oh Brian, you know I can’t really discuss my case with you.”
“I know, but it’s me.”
“As much as I wish I could, I really can’t. I told you who I was watching and that was more than I need to tell you.”
“Nikki, I’m your husband and I worry. You are not dealing with every day little criminals, you are dealing with the mob!”
“Yeah thanks for the update, you don’t need to remind me.”
She sat on the couch and Brian started rubbing her shoulders.
“Oh I can get used to this.” She sighed.
“Honey you are so tense, let me help you release some of that stress.”
“That sounds like an amazing idea but I am so tired that I can’t even function.”
“You don’t have to do anything, just lay there.”
“OK well you know me too well, I can’t just lay there.”
“That’s right, I forgot who I was talking too, the one who is always in control; my boss woman.”
“Honey, don’t call me that, it sounds really corny.”
She turned around to look at him and he was standing there in his boxers and no shirt. Brian was a very attractive man, he was built. He was tall with light brown hair and hazel eyes. He was a fireman. They met 3 years ago at a government party; his engine was named the number one group for the year. She was actually George’s date at the time. Brian’s party was part of that engine. They just hit it off from the beginning. She was very attracted to him and the fact that she loved firemen helped a little. After she broke things off with George, he came around looking for her and they had been together ever since. They were married 2 years and Brian wanted children, but in her line of work that was a little hard. She was still young, and wasn’t ready.
“Baby, when are we going to make a baby? With my looks and your brains, this kid is going to be amazing.”
“What are you saying I’m not good looking?”
“Nikki, you are hot”!
“So then?”
“I’m just saying, OK, I see you are not in the mood for this.”
“No Brian I am not, I’m really tired but I will tell you this, I promise you after this case is over I will be ready to have a baby.”
“Really? You mean it?”
“Yes, I think I’m ready to be a mommy.”
“I love you baby.”
“I love you too.”
“Ok listen, go to bed and maybe we can start tomorrow.”
She laughed and agreed. She tried to sleep but couldn’t. She just kept seeing Luca. Why is this man in my head? I know he’s my subject right now but I’ve never lost sleep over a case before, not like this. She kept picturing him coming out of the building, walking to his car and looking so handsome.
“Oh my God, get out of my head!”
“Baby, are you ok?”
She didn’t realize how loud she said that, it woke Brian up.
“I’m sorry, I was having a nightmare. I’m ok, go back to sleep.”
She got up and started to look at his file again, this time she was just flipping through his pictures. He really is a good looking guy. Why didn’t I ever see that before? Ok I need to just snap out of it and go to bed. It’s like when he looked at me from the van, we connected somehow, but how is that even possible? He couldn’t have seen me. She was thinking she was losing her mind. She made herself some Chamomile tea and went to bed.