Omerta

Together

“Ahh!” Alex wailed as the blow landed. “Please!” He coughed, voice hoarse.

A fist answered.

A deep ache pulsed through every inch of him. His thighs, chest, sides – nothing was spared. His arms hung – wrists bound – above his head. Tight ropes bit into his skin. His feet barely brushed the floor, causing his shoulders to scream in agony. The weight of his own body threatened to tear them from the sockets.

Alex had tried to focus, listening for anything – any sound that could tell him where he was. He could tell there were at least three men. Maybe more nearby though. The air reeked of a strong cologne, cigarettes, and blood.

“Please…” Alex groaned, forcing the words through his split lips. He struggled to breath, each inhale sending fresh jolts of pain through his ribs. “I told you…I don’t know anything.”

A distant, amused, chuckle. “We know.” Then another hit. Alex gasped as the pain flared across his ribs, his body convulsed in response. He coughed, tasting fresh blood. “This is just for fun.”

Footsteps, the shuffle of movement, then light. Blazing through the blackness behind his swollen eyelids.

“Your little faggot boyfriend put my nephew in a wheelchair. Can’t even piss on his own.” The voice was close and thick with contempt. Bruno. Luca had told him about the Ricci family. The brother was a cruel man, vicious even by the standards of the mafia. “Call this payback.”

Spit landed on Alex’s face – he flinched but couldn’t wipe it away.

“I don’t know anything about that,” Alex rasped. “I don’t even know what this is about. Luca just owns a club -”

A sharp slap cut him off, fire erupted across his face. His ears rang. The taste of blood thickened on his tongue; drool slipped past his lips.

“Let’s not lie to each other.” Bruno’s voice oozed with amusement and Alex felt how close he was. Bruno gripped Alex’s chin, eliciting a whimper of pain. “We’ve been watching you two and we know you were with him the night of the shooting.” He turned Alex’s face in each direction before centering him again. “We know more than you think. We know your boyfriend has his daddy combing the streets with a fucking lice comb to find you.”

Alex breathed in ragged, desperate pants. “Please…let me go…I won’t – I won’t say anything.” Alex’s voice broke. “I swear.”

Bruno simply laughed and released Alex’s face. “We’ll let you go…eventually.” His footsteps receded.

Alex barely registered the shift before a familiar hand gripped his shoulder, holding him up.

“But first,” Bruno continued, his voice smooth and casual. “I want Luca to remember Rafael every time he looks at you.”

A beat of silence.

Then a knee slammed into Alex’s gut.

The world cracked apart and he couldn’t hold on anymore. He lost consciousness.

 

 

“Where the fuck is he!” Luca roared again. He’d roared and growled so much that he could feel his throat swelling and taste blood each time he spoke. He didn’t give a shit. His rage had built in him and had nowhere to go but out. It poured out of his chest in snarls and shouts.

The Riccis would burn for this. He knew they had Alex. They had to. No one else would be bold—or stupid—enough to make a move like this.

Adam, Matteo, and the rest of his men stood in tense silence, jaws clenched, fingers tight around their weapons. Others lingered outside in the club, pacing the streets, waiting for orders. Searching. But none of them had answers.

Luca raked a hand through his hair—damp with sweat, slick against his scalp. He couldn’t fucking breathe. Hours. It had been hours. Too fucking long. He squeezed his eyes shut, inhaled sharply, exhaled.

When I open them, this will all be a dream. I’ll be in bed with him.

But when he did, he was still here. And Alex was still gone.

The door swung open.

Giovanni stepped inside, his men flanking him. Immaculate, as always. Even now, when Luca felt like he was coming apart, his father was composed.

“Everyone out,” Gio commanded.

The room cleared except for Luca, Adam, Matteo, and Giovanni’s men.

“We may have a lead.” Gio’s voice was level.

Luca’s pulse spiked. “Where?” His fists clenched so tight his nails bit into his palms.

“Not so fast.” His father held up a hand. “It’s not certain. Just a possibility.” A beat of silence. “Some men think they saw something—movement—at a warehouse in the Redwater District.”

Luca stared at him. “That’s it?” His voice was eerily quiet. “That’s all you have?”

Gio’s gaze was measured. “That’s all we need to start.”

Luca scoffed, running a hand down his face. His skin burned with frustration. “And what, we sit on our asses waiting for confirmation?”

“We don’t know how many men they have,” Gio countered. “What condition Alex is in. For all we know, this could be an ambush. If we go in blind, we could lose him.”

Luca turned away, his entire body coiled tight, breath ragged. “Get out,” he gritted.

No one moved.

His voice sharpened. “Out.”

Adam and Matteo exchanged a look before stepping out. Gio’s men followed.

Now, it was just him and his father.

“He’s in danger, Pop,” Luca murmured, his voice cracking. “And it’s my fault.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is.” His voice turned hoarse, thick with fury and guilt. “I put a fucking target on his back. I wasn’t careful. I flaunted him. I—I promised him I’d keep him safe.” The words broke something inside him. His chest caved in. “And now—”

Gio moved around the desk, pulling Luca into a firm, steady embrace.

“This isn’t your fault,” he said quietly. “You’re in love. We do stupid things when we’re in love.”

Luca clenched his teeth, burying his face in his father’s shoulder for a moment. Just a moment. Then, he pulled back, swiping at his face.

“Give me an hour—two max,” Gio said. “We’ll storm that place. We’ll paint the fucking walls red.”

“Two hours?” Luca scoffed, stepping away. “He doesn’t have two hours. He needs me now.”

“I know,” Gio said. “But we have to do this smart. The Ricci’s will expect you to be reckless. If we give them that, we lose.”

Luca nodded. Pretended to listen.

Gio patted his shoulder. “Get some rest. I’ll get you when it’s time.”

Luca didn’t argue. He let his father believe he’d follow orders.

“Thanks, Pop,” he murmured, squeezing Gio’s knuckles before watching him leave.

He waited until the door clicked shut.

Then, he moved.

Calm. Calculated.

He grabbed his gun, a spare, and a silencer from his desk. Tucking them away, he crossed the room to the back door of his office.

There were only a handful of warehouses the Riccis would use.

He’d check them all if he had to.

Slipping out of the club without a word, he made his way to his car.

The engine rumbled to life.

“I’m coming, tesoro.” He whispered it to the wind, as if Alex could hear him.

Then, he put the car in drive.

 

 

This was it. Luca killed the engine. He was a block away. The first two warehouses were empty. Third time was the charm.

The night air was thick with the scent of oil and rust – dead fish. The hum of the city was distant, unaware of what was happening. Luca got out of the car and walked in the shadows. He could see the two men outside, smoking and laughing their asses off. They must be the ‘guards’.

Amateurs.

He took aim and downed one, no sound from his gun. Just a thud of the body hitting the dirt. Before the other could figure out what happened, Luca shot him. No thought, just a squeeze of the trigger.

He had to be careful from here on, if he died, so would Alex. Then his father would kill him.

He stalked silently, following the sound of voices. And cries.

Alex. Luca silently gasped. The sight before him, one of terror. The warehouse reeked of blood. Overhead lights flickered, casting long, jagged shadows across the concrete floor. Then there he was. Suspended from the ceiling. Arms straining against the chains. His shirt torn off his body. Bruised and bloodied. One of the Ricci’s men slammed a fist into Alex’s rib and a strangled wheeze escaped his lips.

Something in Luca snapped. He didn’t think – he just moved.

He fired at one of the men nearby and he folded like a cheap dollar store chair.

“Let him go or I put you all in the fucking ground!” Luca shouted, aiming at the man closest to Alex. The bastard reached for his gun, but Luca shot his leg before he could draw it. He crumpled.

“Well…I didn’t think you had it in you Moretti.” Bruno stood, pointing his own gun at Luca.

Alex’s heart erupted in hope. He could just make out Luca’s form. Tall. Strong. Broad. And fuming.  There was almost an aura of heat surrounding him.

“Get the fuck out of my way Bruno or you’ll be sipping mashed potatoes through a straw like your cuck of a fucking nephew.” Luca barked. Vitriol and venom gnashed between his teeth.

“Don’t think so Luca.” He responded cockily. “What do you think of your little boyfriends makeover?” He taunted.

“I’ll kill you.” Luca swore.

“You’ll try.” There was a flash and a deafening bang then pain. Erupting from Luca’s hip. He staggered but didn’t let that stop him. Fury fueled his aim as he fired back and the bullet tore through Bruno’s hand. His gun went skittering across the floor. Bruno cursed. Clutching his wound as he bolted for cover.

Luca didn’t care; he just went straight to Alex’s side. Kicking the bastard on the floor into unconsciousness as he did. Luca’s hands were steady as he pulled Alex down and untied the ropes. He cradled him.

“Oh Alex…my baby…” His voice broke at the sight. He was broken. Like a doll that had been thrown by a child. His lips cracked, eyes narrow slits. His hair matted and bloodied. “What did they do to you?” Luca cried; a tear fell from his cheek to Alex’s.

“Luca…” Alex choked out, raising a hand to stroke Luca’s face. It was still so soft and warm. Like always. Alex could see now. Luca was above him. His steely blue eyes were filled with tears. Alex could feel Luca’s heartbeat.

“Shh…” Luca cooed. “Don’t try to speak. I’m gonna get you fixed up. I’ve got you now.” He craned his neck down and rested his forehead against his lover’s. “I’ve got you baby. I swear.” He stood and raised Alex with him.

“Ah!” Alex winced. But he powered through.

“Can you walk?” Luca asked, giving a quick observance for Bruno. He was probably still hiding. Waiting. Luca had his gun clenched and raised, waiting himself. Alex didn’t respond, he just nodded.

The two started limping out. The pain in Luca’s hip screamed as the bullet moved around inside. He ignored it. He poured all his strength into carrying the love of his life.

Alex ignored his own body that screamed at him to stop and just lay down. Give in.

Luca kept his eyes open and ears sharp, but not enough. There was another loud pop and Luca collapsed; pain exploded in his flank. Alex tumbled with him, landing on top. They both cried out as they collided with the cement.

Luca quickly angled to shield Alex, but he’d dropped his gun. They were defenseless.

Bruno stepped out of the shadows; a sneer twisted his face. “Looks like I’m gonna kill you after all kid.”

Alex was over this. He was tired. He wanted this to end, he felt Luca’s gun by his hand and he slowly curled his finger around it. Luca looked for it, but Alex was faster.

He aimed it at Bruno. His hand steady.

“You don’t have it in you.” Bruno chuckled “You’re an EMT. You save lives, you -”Bruno didn’t finish his sentence.

Alex didn’t hesitate.

One shot.

Bruno dropped.

One bullet wound in the middle of the forehead.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Luca exhaled, pressing his lips to Alex’s forehead. Alex just closed his eyes, his fingers tightened around Luca’s shirt as he lifted them.

Alex should’ve felt something. He’d just ended a life. He shot someone.

Murdered a man.

A person was breathing, then he wasn’t.

But…Alex didn’t care. It was like a switch had flipped. There was no empathy for him. There was nothing.

The piece of Alex that should’ve cared had died. In that warehouse.

Luca got the two of them to his car, laying Alex carefully in the backseat. He took a quick surveillance. It looked empty.

“Fuck it.” He groaned, laying in the seat with Alex. He reached for his phone and sent his father his location with a message to come get him and quickly.

They needed to get out of there before anyone else showed up, but Luca didn’t have the strength to move. So, while he waited for his dad and the others, in this brief moment. He just held Alex.

Alex just held Luca.

Alive. Safe.

Together.

 

 

Luca woke up. He was in his old bedroom. Posters still on the wall. A few lacrosse trophies on his shelves. An action figure. Sunlight came in through the gaps in the curtains.

All of this almost seemed normal. Like an average Tuesday morning. Then…the pain set in.

“Fuck.” Luca winced, leaning up and holding his side. Last night’s memory grew back in his mind. The family doctor had given him some good drugs. He was almost numb.

Almost.

“Oh, good morning Sleeping Beauty.” Leah, an old friend and daughter of the family lawyer, said as she came in. “I was just coming to wake you.

“Leah?” Luca sat up all the way now, reaching over and grabbing a shirt to cover up. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, your dad called everyone in.” She laughed lightly, flopping down on the bed. “He was furious when he picked you up last night from what I hear.” She laughed thicker now. “The entire place is locked up like Fort Knox. Almost everyone is here. The cleaners had a hell of a time from what I hear too.” Leah commented.

“How’s Alex?” Luca ignored everything else.

“Oh, you mean the boyfriend you didn’t tell your best friend about.” She cocked her head to the side. “He’s alive.” Her tone softened, growing deep and serious. “Doc did what he could but Luca,” She stood and reached out to rub his arm, soothing him. “I don’t know if you want to see him like that.”

“I need to see him. I just went to hell and back for him.”

“Okay Orpheus, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She stepped to the side for Luca. “I think he’s in the guest room. West wing.”

“Thanks Leah.” He kissed her cheek. “And I promise to fill you in on everything later.”

“You better asshole.” She playfully punched his shoulder.

“Ouch, gunshot.” She gave him a look and shook her head.

Luca walked across the house. Leah was right. It was packed. Every room had people in it – they were in the halls.

Everyone was silent as Luca walked by. Barefoot, shirt loosely draped around him – unbuttoned – and bandages wrapped around his body.

Each step burned, but each one took him towards Alex.

He reached the hall with the guest bedroom Leah had mentioned. His brothers were there. Standing guard.

“Hey bros.” Luca tried to say casually.

“Uh-uh Luca.” Marco said.

“Come on, I just want to see him.” Luca pleaded.

“And you can.” Antonio promised. “When dad’s done with him.”

“Why is dad in there?” Luca asked, concerned.

“Don’t know. Just said he wanted to speak to him first thing and to guard the door. Make sure no one – no one – goes in.” Antonio lowered his head at his little brother.

“Fuck.” A stone fell into Luca’s stomach as he flopped into a chair against the wall. “Guess I’ll wait my turn to see my own boyfriend.” He groaned.

“He’s cute by the way.” Marco commented. “I think.” He winked at Luca. Luca just rolled his eyes.

On the other side of the heavy cedar door Giovanni sat in a chair by Alex’s bed.

He was patched up and wrapped up almost like a mummy. Most of the swelling had subsided. enough that you could tell he was a person again. There were sutures across his body and drugs pumping through his veins. Good ones from Mexico. Alex almost felt good.

“Are you comfortable?” Giovanni asked.

“As I can be.” Alex nodded. His voice still rough.

“I’ll have the doctor come tend to you after we’re done.” He promised. Alex nodded a thanks.

“Are you gonna kill me now?” Alex squeaked.

“No,” Giovanni had to bite his tongue not to laugh. “I wouldn’t have stitched you up if I was going to kill you.”

“That makes sense.” Alex commented.

“I actually wanted to thank you.” Gio took in a deep breath. “Luca mumbled that you killed Bruno last night. Saved his life.”

“Yeah.” Again, Alex felt nothing where he should.

“Thank you.” Luca’s father nodded slowly. “I’m in your debt now.”

“Don’t worry about it. I would do anything for Luca.”

“I see that.”

Something dawned on Alex.

“I know this isn’t a movie but…I killed your rivals brother. Won’t that be a problem for you?”

“Yes actually. Or – it would’ve.” Alex raised a brow, not understanding. “From what I am to understand. Bruno was told to let it be. Alessandro didn’t want to retaliate for Rafael. He didn’t want to risk war. He would’ve lost.” Giovanni explained. “Bruno acted alone when he kidnapped you.”

“Oh shit!” Another thought fought its way through the pain killers. “My parents – sister! Bruno said he’d been watching me!”

“They’re all fine. I have men watching them.”

“Thank you.” Alex couldn’t express enough how happy he was.

“Of course. Least I could do for the newest addition to the family.”

“Addition to the family?” Alex asked.

“I had to lie and tell the Ricci’s that we inducted you – that you took an Omerta. You know what that is?”

“Luca explained it once or twice.”

“Well you’ll have to take one for real now. You know what that means?”

“Yeah.” Alex nodded.

“Do you?” Giovanni insisted.

“I love Luca.”

“It’s not about love. Well, not only.” He continued. “It’s about loyalty. Fealty. You will be part of the family.” Giovanni explained. “It’s the only way I can ensure your safety and the safety of your family.”

“I can’t tell them about any of this.” Alex shook his head. Dread filling him.

“You won’t. At least not everything.” Giovanni stood and walked to the window, looking out over the world outside. “You’ll tell them there was a car accident. In a week or two, when you’re better, you’ll be sworn in. You’ll have to quit your job.”

“I love my job.”

“Sorry to tell you this, it doesn't matter now. You’re too close to the law.”

“Luca told me you had men on the inside.” Alex retorted.

“And we don’t need more.” Gio rebuttled. “You’ll have to move in with Luca, or him with you. I’ll let you two figure that out. We can give you work, or you can just work at the club with Luca.”

“Sounds like I don’t have much choice.”

“You’re an outsider. I’m already pulling as many strings as I can to keep you safe. You saved my boys life, and he loves you enough to risk his.” Giovanni faced Alex now and narrowed his gaze at him. “Although I hope you don’t make him do that again.”

“I won’t. Trust me.” Alex groaned as he chuckled. “You raised him right though.” Alex complimented.

“If I raised him right, he’d have listened to me when I told him to wait. But thank you.” Giovanni nodded. There was a heavy silence. “Get some rest. When Luca wakes, I’ll tell him where you are.”

“Thank you again.” Alex told him. He simply nodded, walked to the door and opened it.

“Ah.” Gio huffed. “Seems I won’t need to tell Luca anything.”

Luca stood up and just looked at his father. “Go on.” He stepped out of Alex’s room and pointed his chin.

“Thanks dad.” Luca patted his shoulder as he walked past him. Straight to Alex, straight to joining him on the bed. “Hey baby…” He grinned, taking Alex’s face into his. Their lips meeting. Alex didn’t feel an ounce of pain. Whether from the love or painkillers he didn’t know – or care.

All he knew is that he was safe with Luca right now.

“Come on boys,” Gio closed the door. “Let’s go have breakfast.”

 

 

It had been about a month and both men had healed up as much as they could in that time. They were both walking fine and had moved into a new home together in Westfall Hills. Luca had surprised Alex and Alex had fallen in love with the house the moment he saw it.

They had fucked in every room of the house by now. Twice. Four times a day in the bedroom.

They wished they could just stay here and continue that. But the real world called.

Alex had quit his job and Luca had left his sister in charge of the club while the two took time to heal. Sophia had done a surprisingly good job running the place from what Adam told Luca.

“You ready?” Luca asked. They laid naked next to each other. He traced the curves of Alex’s body carefully. His thick thighs, the slight bump of his hips. Luca ran a finger around Alex’s nipple, heading down then looping back up and around to cup his breast in his hand.

“For another round?” Alex joked.

“No,” Luca chuckled as Alex reached up and held Luca’s hand against his chest. “For tonight.” Tonight was the night. Giovanni had called everyone in. The whole family would be there for Alex’s Omerta. They had put it off long enough. It had to be done. Now or never.

“As I’ll ever be.” He answered flatly. “Alex Bennett, the mobster. Got a nice ring to it, huh?” He asked.

“Sounds threatening.” Luca nodded with a playful smirk. His lips pursed. “But not,” He took a beat, not knowing how to ask the question. He’d wanted to for so long, but couldn’t think a great way to do it. But he couldn’t wait any longer. “not as threatening as Alex Moretti…” Luca trailed off as he looked into Alex’s hazel eyes. Waiting for an answer.

“Alex Moretti?” Alex asked. He knew this was coming, Giovanni had said as much. Alex couldn’t be part of the family unless he was. He just didn’t know it would be like this. The two of them laying in their bed post coitus.

“Yeah.” Luca nodded, his mouth suddenly dry. No one had ever made him nervous before. No one had ever had that power before.

“How about Bennett-Moretti, or Moretti-Bennett.” He countered.

“Oh, no. You become my husband and you take my name. I know it’s almost toxically heteronormative, but I do like tradition. And I like the idea of railing into you while moaning…Alex Moretti…” Luca smiled as he shifted to be above Alex, using his knee to kick Alex’s legs open. Exposing the waiting gap to his hardening cock.

“Well, I do like the thought of moaning Luca Moretti with a ring on my finger.” Alex mused as he snaked a hand up Luca’s back, taking a fistful of hair, the other hand splayed against his chiseled, heaving chest. He wriggled them against his lovers skin.

“So is that a yes?” Luca leaned down and gave him a hard kiss. His penis reaching full mast. It throbbed, yearning for the tight, wet, warmth of Alex’s cunt.

“Where’s the ring?” Alex asked.

“In my underwear drawer actually.” He went in for another kiss, lining himself up with Alex. “I knew it was the one place you wouldn’t look because I never wear underwear.” He pressed against his boyfriends pucker and Alex responded with a whimper.

“Is gold or silver?”

“Gold, only the best for you baby.” He pressed harder, waiting for he go ahead.

“Oh please…”

“Please who?” Luca asked.

“Please Luca Moretti fuck me.” Alex locked his legs around Luca’s hip and pulled him in, the head pierced his entrance and they both moaned.

“You gonna take my name?” Luca asked, flexing his cock, making it dance and swell inside Alex.

“Make me cum hands free again, and I’ll sign the damn papers now.”

“Challenge accepted.” Luca pushed all the way in, sinking his eight solid inches to the hilt in one motion.

“Oh fuck LUCA!” Alex moaned as Luca hit his spot. Luca covered Alex’s mouth with his and tasted his moans as he started to pull out and push back in, in a steady and passionate rhythm. It almost made Luca cum right there. The simple feeling of Alex’s ever-tight hole gripping him.

The two moaned as their bodies pulsed together. Luca pumping into the man below him. His fiancé. Alex taking it, locking his legs around the man above him. Not letting him get too far.

Close could not be close enough for these two. They needed to be one body. One person.

Luca pumped faster as Alex squeezed tighter, not wanting to let him withdraw.

Their breaths rose as the heat inside Alex swelled. He could feel his prostate throb erratically as it grew closer and closer to orgasm. His own cock swelled, leaking precum.

“Fuck Luca! I’m close!” He wailed between kisses. His tongue instantly colliding back to Luca’s.

“I love you Alexander Jason Moretti…” Luca whispered into Alex’s ear.

Alex came. He erupted between them. His cum spurting from his pink cockhead like a kinked hose getting straightened out.

“Oh god! Luca Maurizio Moretti! I love you!” Alex moaned as his pearly juices covered their abdomens. He tensed up and tightened his hole, gripping Luca’s thick throb. Milking it, trying to pull another load into him.

Luca bucked once more into Alex and let loose.

“Argh!” He roared, his body shuddering, toes curling, face scrunching as he collapsed onto Alex.

“Mi Tesoro.” Alex moaned as he stroked Luca’s head, curling his fingers into his hair.