“Sienna!” Ugo drew my attention to him, and he was suddenly at my side and tugging on my arm. I looked at him, then when I went to turn back to The Finder, he was gone. “Who were you talking to?”
“No one.” I searched the few faces on the property, but it was as if he had evaporated into thin air. Ugo looked at me but didn’t push it.
“Come on. We should leave.”
I didn’t protest because I needed to be alone with my thoughts. Once again life had tossed a fork in the road and left me with a missing puzzle piece to try to solve.
By the time he dropped me off, my stomach was a ball of nerves. Why couldn’t I go one day where life was normal, light, and free? Ugo wanted me to return to the hotel to see my mother, but I couldn’t do it. I needed to think first. I could see her later. The fact The Finder went out of his way to hunt me down to warn me only made things much more confusing.
“Hey, Sienna,” Donte greeted me as I eased down on the bar stool. “You look like you’ve got something on your mind.” I laughed darkly. “Anything you wish to share?”
“You’re not the first person to ask me that today, and although I appreciate the offer, I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
“Fair enough. Just know the offer stands.” I smiled and dropped my head into my hands, feeling lost inside.
“There you are.” I lifted my heavy head to see Aunt Noemi coming into the kitchen with a warm smile. She placed a riding helmet on the island. “I hate to seem needy, but I could really use some girl time. Are you up for a ride at my place? I grabbed this from Andrea. I think it will fit you.”
Fresh air, speed, and a wide-open space sounded divine.
“That actually sounds perfect right now.”
“Great. Get changed out of those heels, and we can head out.”
Forty minutes later, I had my legs around the second strongest male in my life. I smirked at that thought as Elio’s face popped up in my head. I hated that at the same time a ping of confusion and hurt mingled with the joy of the ride.
“I love riding.” Noemi came up next to me as we followed a trail through the woods. The shade provided cool spots from the sun, and the sound of the birds helped soothe my aching head. “There’s something freeing about knowing you can disappear into the woods whenever you want for as long as you want. Especially when you can feel the strength and spirit of these animals along with it.”
“I agree, it’s wonderful. Does your husband Bosco ride with you at all?”
“No,” she laughed, “that would require him to stop working for five minutes. Now, if I was to suggest going to a football match, that would be different. Anything can be stopped for that sport.”
I knew I shouldn’t tug at the thread, but I couldn’t help myself. We were a few miles from the house, and I figured it was now or never. “What about Nonna Greta? Has she ever gone riding with you?”
“No,” she let out a long breath, “she doesn’t leave the house, and I’m pretty sure it’s God’s way of punishing me.” I let a chuckle go but tried to hide it. She smiled and gave me a worn-out expression. “I knew what I was getting into when I met Bosco, but Lord, no one could prepare me for that tough-as-nails old bat.” She laughed loudly. “Wow, that felt amazing to say out loud.” I laughed along with her and felt a little better that I wasn’t the only one who saw psycho Nonna for who she really was.
“I don’t think she’s too fond of me either.”
“She doesn’t like anyone who might come between her and her grandsons.” She rolled her eyes. “I love my sons more than anything, but she tries to control their lives to a point where she suffocates them. I’ve tried to step in a few times, but it only makes things worse.” She paused for a moment then looked over at me. “I take it by now you know about the family business.”
“Yeah,” I nodded, “thanks to Mariano.”
“You need to watch out for him. He’s nothing but trouble.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“If I can give you any advice about being a woman in the Capri family, it’s this.” She ducked as we rode under some weeping trees. “Stay off Greta’s radar. That woman is old school mafia and, though Piero is the boss, it’s Greta who holds much of the power and influence over him. She’s looked at as the most experienced in the family, and since her husband died, they all have her on a pedestal.”
“And if you’re already on her radar?” Panic washed over me.
“You might as well dig your own grave now.” She gave me a weary smile.
“Must be scary living with someone like that.” I tried to push back the haunting feeling in my bones.
“It was at first, but now I just dodge her at all costs. It’s the perk of living in such a big house, plus her stones on her rosary beads click together and give a warning when she’s nearby. My ear is trained to hear them a mile away.” She laughed as I shivered, remembering the sound of them. “All right, enough of this. Let’s have some fun.” She tapped her horse and shot off into an open field, and I happily let loose behind her and let the wind clear my mind for the next few hours.
When we returned to the barn, Noemi handed me a bottle of water from the barn fridge. “That was a long ride. Thanks for coming.” She walked her horse over to the side of the stall, and I followed, leading mine.
“I had a great time. Thanks for the invitation.”