Leo didn’t so much as kiss my cheek when he placed the ring on my finger. No sweet words. I was caked with blood spatter and Leo looked like the knot was tightening on the hangman’s noose wrapped around his neck, and still I said yes, sealing both our fates.
As I let the warm water run over me in the shower, I remember the touch of his hand branding me. One touch, and I’ve committed myself to Leo Conte until the day I die. He’s both respected and feared. Loyal and determined. All the while as he held my hand, I wanted to run my finger down the faded scar from his hairline to his brow. It heightens his ruggedness, makes him more alluring, and enhances that bad-boy, dangerous quality.
Our engagement was like a contract. I want to work, and he wants a dutiful wife. Systematic, even easy, if you can imagine that. I turn off the water, wrapping myself in the soft ocean-green bath towel, streaking the steam off the mirror. Taking a good hard look at myself, I rest my ringed hand on my throat and watch the brilliant diamond dance in the light.
What have I done?
The Next Evening…
Thank goodness for a busy day. Dad and I went to check on Pietro today, and I took the opportunity to check out my handiwork and change the dressing. While Dad went over the events from the previous evening, I sat with Pietro’s mom in the kitchen and chatted.
Antonietta was good friends with my mother; they were in school together. Mom would tell me stories of their antics, and it seems that the both of them found trouble often. Even in those days, boys would come to the back of the schoolyard to gawk at the girls. One of those boys was Dad, and that was the beginning of their epic love story. Antonietta’s eyes filled with tears when she talked about Mom, saying it wasn’t fair what had happened.
There’s nothing fair about cancer. Or any illness, for that matter. But I’ve accepted her passing, and as much as I miss her, I need to concentrate on the parent who is still with me and shower Dad with love. He hasn’t been the same since Mom passed. I understand his grief. I’m grieving too. I need Dad to find hope again. A renewed purpose for living.
I choose a navy dress for dinner tonight. I haven’t had the occasion to wear it for so long, I almost forgot I had it. Such a simple cut, fitted but comfortable, it falls just above the knee. The only embellishment is the pleated hem. I add a drop pendant necklace to the rounded collar and matching earrings, and of course my new ring. I feel that high heels are necessary or else both Dad and Leo will tower over me all night, so I take out my favorite silver peep-toe shoes. I leave my hair loose and create soft waves, letting them drape over my shoulders and down my back. As I hear the front doorbell, I grab my handbag off the edge of my bed, toss in my phone, and head downstairs.
When I see Leo in his suit, I stop at the top of the stairs. He looks mouth-wateringly yummy. It never ceases to amaze me how incredibly handsome Leo is. Not that he cares what I think, or what anyone thinks, for that matter. He’s made it clear that he’s his own man. The only one who dares tell Leo what to do is Reno, and I think that’s out of respect for his position as don of Nostra Casa, because everyone knows that Leo is more his brother than his devoted soldier.
Dad and Leo must have noticed me looking their way, as they both turn their heads to me. I grip the banister tighter as I make my way down the steps.
“You look beautiful, Lucia.” Leo’s voice is always low and husky, but I swear it sounds even deeper than usual.
“Thank you, fiancé.” I grin, watching his lips quirk upward. “Lucky me, having dinner with two very handsome men.” I give Dad a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m afraid this evening has gone from a very quiet dinner to a much louder one. Reno and Anna, Sebastian and Olivia, and of course Dante have decided that they need to be part of the celebration. I hope you don’t mind,” Leo says, informing me of the change of plans.
“Of course not,” I say. Honestly, it’s not like you can be the main man of Nostra Casa if company isn’t welcome. Besides, a few weeks ago, I finally met Olivia at the casino reopening, and it would be good to see her again. Anna was the first to come see Dad and me after Mom passed and has been checking in periodically. She’s truly a good-hearted woman, and those twins she has are adorable.
The short drive over to the La Grilla restaurant is uneventful. Dad sits in front with Leo, and I get a full view of Leo’s chiseled jawline from the back seat. Peeking out from beneath the collar of his crisp blue tailored shirt is the hint of a colorful tattoo. My imagination runs amok, thinking of the art inked onto his body. Does it move across his back, his arms, his very defined abs? He catches me staring in the rearview mirror, arching a brow my way. I divert my gaze as my cheeks heat at having been caught.
After we park, Leo takes my hand as he leads me into the restaurant, his fingers entangled with mine, making me acutely aware of his strength and height. Even with my heels, he’s at least a head taller than me. Reno and family are already at our table. His hand is slung over the back of Anna’s chair as she caresses his cheek. Newlyweds, Sebastian and Olivia are so close that she should just be done with it and sit on his lap.
“Geez, Sebastian, get a room,” Dante declares. “If you want to paw your wife, you should have stayed home.”
“You’re just jealous,” Sebastian hits back with a snicker. Dante shakes his head.
“I see we arrived just in time to referee,” Leo says to Reno, who starts laughing.
“Just like old times,” Reno says. He stands, as do the other men. He shakes Leo’s hand, “Congratulations, my friend.” There’s a glimmer of light in his eyes. Then turns to me to do the same, and respectfully comes to greet my father. “I’m extremely pleased for our families. Blood or not, you know Leo is a brother to me. I consider us family.”
“Thank you, Capo. I’m relieved that Lucia will be cared for and that our men will have a powerful leader,” Dad tells him, taking the seat next to Reno, at the same time glancing over at Leo. “This was Natalina’s favorite restaurant. The owner used to have our table ready every year on our anniversary. I never even had to make a reservation after that first year.” He turned to me. “Do you remember, cara?”
“How can I forget the tower of pastries heaped in the middle of the table, and still you would only allow me to choose one,” I tease.
Dad breaks into a familiar grin. “You had one every day for a week.”
Dad’s right, I did. Mom brought them home, and each night for a week, we would have tea and dessert. I lean into my Dad and kiss his cheek. “Best week ever,” I tell him.
The restaurant is busy tonight, and as always, they have music playing in the background. Every so often, a couple drifts to the tiny dance floor. And when I hear Mom and Dad’s song, I feel Dad stiffen beside me. “Dance with me, Dad.” It was their song. No matter where they were, if this song started playing, they would stop whatever they were doing and dance together. I stand before Dad can object. “Come on,” I urge, tugging at his arm.
“It’s Too Late to Turn Back Now” by the Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose is playing, and Dad twirls me around like he would Mom, even though his eyes glisten with tears.
“You’re the spitting image of my Natalina, so beautiful, my child. So damn beautiful,” he says with deep emotion. “Leo is the luckiest man on earth to have heaven drop in his lap.” Dad says no more, just pulls me close, resting his cheek against mine for the rest of the song.
Leo
It’s obvious that there’s something special about that song. I’m so entranced by the sight of Lucia tucked in close to her father that I have to tear my gaze away when Reno speaks up.
“Lucia was not expected. Natalina was told after her first fight with breast cancer that she wouldn’t be able to conceive. Giuseppe’s family wanted him to leave Natalina and remarry, to secure his bloodline for the family. He vehemently refused. I was pretty young, but I do remember Giuseppe telling Dad of their miracle baby girl.”
“Like our father would give a shit,” Sebastian puts in with a snort of derision.
“He actually told Giuseppe it was too bad she wasn’t a boy.” Reno looks out onto the dance floor, watching father and daughter finish their dance. “That’s the only time I’ve ever seen Giuseppe ready to kill. Unfortunately, that would have ended his life and his time with his family, so he was able to resist the temptation.”
Lucia returns, and I stand to tuck in her chair. “Thank you, Leo,” she says quietly.
“Perhaps, you’ll save a dance for me later,” I murmur next to her ear, then take my seat once more.
Throughout the meal, the ladies chatter about the upcoming nuptials. Olivia and Anna offer their assistance in planning.
“I think a small wedding is more appropriate,” Lucia says.
“But why? We haven’t had a wedding in Nostra Casa for such a long time. It would be wonderful to have such a celebration.” Anna is thinking of the bigger picture. Reno and Sebastian both married outside Nostra Casa. Even though the women are well received and accepted, and for the most part loved by the family, the weddings were held in La Famiglia territory, making attendance difficult. Being invited to a prominent underboss’s wedding is an honor and one that many were denied because of its location as it would leave our territories vulnerable to attack from our enemies.
“Mom hasn’t been gone very long, and I don’t think it would be appropriate to have such a celebration so soon,” Lucia says. It makes total sense, and I see that having her mother missing from her wedding day would be heartbreaking. I personally would prefer to walk into city hall and call it a day, without any of the fanfare.
Giuseppe says, “Your mother planned your wedding from the time you were born. She even has a book she made for you. It sits in our bedroom on the shelf. Natalina made me promise to give you the wedding you deserve. I think we should honor her wish, cara.”
“We haven’t even had a chance to talk about it. Maybe Leo doesn’t want a big affair.” Lucia looks to me for my opinion.
I shift my gaze from her to her father and see the pleading look he gives me. “I believe that Natalina’s vision for her daughter should be made into a reality. Although I draw the line at a top hat. And I’m not riding in on a horse or anything like that.”
“You don’t like fuss,” Lucia says plainly, already reading my mind.
“True. But this is about more than what I want. This is about Nostra Casa and your mother, and those are reasons enough to make concessions,” I reply.
Then she does the unthinkable. In front of her father and the Viale clan, she presses her lips to mine in a brief, fleeting kiss. “Thank you,” she whispers. Jesus Christ, my mind’s completely blown. I want to pull her back in for more of that. I inhale a ragged breath. Every part of my body feels electrified from her touch.
Lucia pulls back just as quickly, placing her fingertips over her lips. “I’m sorry,” she whispers, eyes wide.
“Don’t be. Actually, I encourage more of that.” I smirk as her mouth curves into a smile and she bursts out laughing.
“Well, I want to see the book your mom made for you,” Olivia interjects. “What do I have to do to wrangle myself an invitation to see it?”
“Anna, are you free tomorrow?” Lucia asks.
“If I wasn’t, I’d make myself available.” She giggles.
“Come by for lunch tomorrow. Bring Samuele and Simona. I haven’t seen them in so long.”
The rest of the evening passes with easy, flowing conversation, and every so often, Lucia leans into my shoulder or lightly pats my arm. Reno and Giuseppe are engaged in a business discussion, whereas Sebastian and Dante banter back and forth. Is this what family is?
“Reno, would you mind dropping Giuseppe off at home? I’d like to take Lucia on a drive.” I nod to Lucia’s father. “With your permission, of course.”
“That would fine. It’ll give Reno and me a chance to discuss the warehouse issue from last night,” he replies. I’ve already made Reno aware, and so has Giuseppe, but he’s giving me alone time with my new fiancée.
I guide Lucia to my car, settling her in the passenger seat, and come around the hood before getting behind the wheel. Lucia peers around the car and says, “Where are your bodyguards?”
She must have noticed the men surrounding Reno and his brothers. Even her father’s men were placed strategically around the perimeter. Some were even in the restaurant to ensure our safety.
“I don’t have any. I’m the meanest motherfucker there is. I have a reputation, and most people think twice before they make a move on me,” I tell her as I turn on the engine.
“Does that mean I won’t need to have a shadow everywhere I go? That would be wonderful.”
“I’m afraid not. You’re going to go from one shadow to two unless you’re with me. Sorry to burst your bubble.”
She shrugs. “Oh well, that was short-lived.” A sigh escapes her. “Where are we going?”
“I thought you might want to see where I thought we might live.”
“You bought a house?” she exclaims. “When did you have time to do that?”
“I’ve been looking at property for a while. I have three investment properties. Two corporate office buildings and a condo I rent out. This is another place I was looking at a while back, and I finally got the owners to agree on a price. No pressure, though. You don’t like it, we don’t have to live there. I’ll rent it out.” I make it sound casual, but I want her to like this place. The location is perfect. The property is surrounded by trees for privacy. It’s far enough off the road that I can set up a three-tier security system, and by the time anyone can make an approach to the house, Lucia would be made safe. We learned the hard way after an incident at Sebastian and Olivia’s place. The day after they were married, the property was breached and they were attacked. I don’t want a repeat of that scenario.
As we approach the end of the road leading to the house, Lucia says, “This is just down the road from Dad’s house.”
“It is.”
Lucia
The cobblestone drive is extraordinary. Quaint and elegant, it leads to a two-story home with a well-crafted stone front, not at all what I was expecting. We park, and Leo leads me inside. This place is amazing. Dark wood beams line the ceilings, giving a rustic feel, but the walls are ivory. It’s a mix of warmth and modern.
“This place is gorgeous,” I breathe. I take in the rounded staircase with wrought iron pickets, and a dark wood banister that matches the beams. The main living area is open concept, making the space airy and light. “Leo, this is the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen.”
“Good. Let’s take a look upstairs, and hopefully, you still feel the same.” He ushers me in that direction. “It has four bedrooms. The master is the farthest to the right.” He opens the door and moves aside to let me pass. It’s massive, with a bathroom so large, a small family could live in it. There are his and hers closets and a reading nook next to the French doors leading out to the balcony.
“Wow. Just wow.” I take in the scenic view. The grass is silvery under the moon. There are flower beds throughout, with a gazebo in the center. The forest backing onto the property would be perfect for long walks in nature. “I can’t find the right words to depict the beauty of this view.”
“It has an extra room downstairs, in case your father wants to stay with us at some point. Or we can build a carriage house in the back, whatever he would prefer,” Leo says. He’s not only thinking of us but of Dad and giving him a place to live when he grows older.
I rest a hand on his arm. “Thank you for giving me this, for thinking of Dad.”
“I can do this, so I will.” Then his tone changes, and very slowly, as if he’s grasping for the right words to say, he says, “I can care for you, Lucia, and provide for you, for our children and your father. This isn’t a chore, but…” He struggles, his eyes conflicted. “I can’t love you. I’m incapable of loving.”
I blink. His lips say he can’t, but his eyes say he won’t. He won’t allow himself to feel more. “I’m not sure how to respond,” I say honestly.
“I want you to know that I will fulfill my role as a husband, but in the end, I cannot love you. If this is something you think will happen or if you hold out hope that it might, then we need to stop this now, before your feelings are hurt.” Leo’s back is braced straight, as if he’s ready for a punch in the gut.
“I see.” I lower my lids, still peering at him through my lashes. “Do you prefer that I not touch you or kiss you?”
“No,” he replies quickly. “I want you to do what comes naturally.”
“And we still hold the commitment for respect and fidelity. Or will you end up in another woman’s bed to have murmurs circulate through our community that I’ll have to live with?” I refuse to be one of those wives who turn a blind eye, pretending that everything is fine when it’s not.
“I won’t sleep with another woman as long as my wife gives me what I need,” he says carefully.
“Will you give me what I need?”
“All you need to do is ask, and if it’s within my power and doesn’t conflict with the needs of Nostra Casa, then yes,” he says. “Let it be understood that Nostra Casa and Reno are my first priority. However, as you will be mine, I will protect you with all that I have.”
I turn to face the moonlit garden. I want what Mom and Dad had. I want it with all my heart. But marriages, whether it be a Mafia marriage or otherwise, are not guaranteed happy endings. The difference is that this is for life. Divorce is not an option and it truly is until death do us part.
I whip around and hold out my hand. “Contentment it is, then. Let’s shake on it.” Leo takes my hand and jerks me forward to plaster me to his chest. I look up at him, bemused.
“I think I would rather have another taste of those lips, stellina.” His lips close over mine, and I’m swept away on a magical ride. His hand fists my hair, holding me still as he plunders my mouth with a kiss that I feel right down to my toes. When he finally lifts his head, I find I’m gripping the collar of his jacket, and my breath returns to normal.
“Little star?” I ask breathlessly.
“It suits you. Brilliant and full of fire. I’m looking forward to exploring your hidden flame.” His lips curl into a grin, his eyes dancing in amusement. Damn, I’m already falling in love with Leo.