“Fine. They didn’t seem to be too invested in the case if you ask me.”
“I got the same impression, but to them he’s just another dead member of organized crime. And, for all we know, the detectives have been threatened to not pursue the case.”
“You’re joking.”
“I don’t joke.”
“Obviously,” I say, adding emphasis to make it clear I speak my mind. I’m still adjusting to life without Papa, but I have a loyalty to my family and want to be there of them.
“How can we help Giovi?”
“I hope he can help himself.”
“How can you say that? And what of the contract with my father? He’s gone, the contract shouldn’t be good. Did he die before it was executed?”
“No, it was executed the night of the gala, but I like your enthusiasm to find a way out of marrying me. I don’t know if I should be impressed or insulted,” he says with a cocky smirk on his face.
I’d love to sayinsultedbut he’s obviously someone important and I’m afraid to be disrespectful. It might make my life uncomfortable.
“So how long do I stay here? What is in the contract? Do you have a list of obligations for me? If you ask me, the contract expired with Papa’s death.”
“One, it’s a contract, not a will. Two, no obligations are mentioned other than the fact you do need to be my wife and have my children.” He glares at me. “And the rest will unfold according to your behavior.”
“Oh, so a good girl gets rewarded with shopping. Do you think you can buy me?” I sit taller in my chair as I spit out the words.
“I already bought you, sweetheart,” he says, and I’d love to knock that smirk off his face.
“You went about it behind my back, it’s not the same as earning it.”
“And what would you know about earning anything?”
“I wanted to work. Papa wouldn’t allow it. I wanted to use my counseling degree, but he said it was too risky.”
“He’s right, but maybe I can come up with an alternative that would appease you.” He finishes the food on his plate, and wipes his mouth before laying the napkin on the table.
“Are you going to eat or talk all night?”
I take a bite. I’m nowhere near done.
“Have you heard from Giovi?” I ask.
“Yes, he seems fine, competent.”
I wish I was home for his sake, but I know I’d be one more person he’d have to worry about.
“How was your day?” I ask, deciding I can’t best him at a game where he holds all the cards.
“It was like all others.” His vague answer is not lost on me. The mafia life to the core.
“Men and your secrecy,” I scoff, taking my last bite of veal and risotto.
“It keeps our families safe,” he reminds me.
“I know, so you say,” I retort as I blot my mouth with the napkin.
“Shall we retire to the living room?” He stands and waits for me.
I walk behind him, eye-fucking his toned buttocks calms me down.