“I want my daughter married into the family, to Frankie. No offense Dominic but I want her safe, and you’re….”
“I’m what…?”
“You’re known to be a dangerous man with many enemies,” Gustavo says evenly.
I stare at Gustavo. Marry Amelia? Me? I don’t want to be the one to break that news to her. She hates how her father controls her, and this will set her off like a rocket. Though I wouldn’t mind, I mean, it would strengthen our family ties, and I’m positive I could keep her in line, mostly.
“What are you offering for this?”
“Access to my businesses, and I’ll give a sizable dowry,” Gustavo says. “A donation to the family through a non-profit organization. Something that will keep the tax man out of the transaction.”
I run a hand over my chin. “She’s a wild card and difficult to control. It’ll be a lot of work for me. Work I don’t exactly have time for.”
Alessandro shoots me a look, and I nod. “It’s Alessandro’s decision, though. If this is what he wants, I’ll comply.”
Alessandro nods. “I’ll have the contract drawn up. You can tell your daughter she’ll be married soon.”
Gustavo stands, and I hold a hand up. “Perhaps I can tell her. She knows me. She doesn’t like you controlling her life, Gustavo. Perhaps hearing it from me will help a little.”
Gustavo nods, and I’m sure I see a flash of relief on his face. “Grazie, Frankie.”
He leaves, and I stand. “I have arrangements to make if I’m going to bring this up with her. Do you need me for anything else?”
“Is it that simple?” Romero asks me, my father’s eyes looking up at me. “You have no protest about this arrangement.”
“It is my order,” Alessandro says. “This is what’s best for the family.”
I button my suit jacket. “The family comes first. Don’t worry, Father, I will treat her as well as you treat Mama.”
Romero nods and turns back to his food. “You better, or I will step in, head of the family or not.”
I nod and leave, giving Dominic a curt nod.
I dial Amelia’s number once I’m in the car, and I’m surprised when she answers. “Frankie?”
“Amelia,” I say, business-like, “I’m glad to hear you’re out of the hospital.”
“Thank you. My father said it was you who brought me,” she says. “I appreciate your help.”
“Make it up to me. Let me come pick you up for a light early dinner,” I say. “Just tell me where you are.”
“I’ll meet you at Vinni’s,” she sighs. She knows I want something. “Let’s make it quick, though. I wanted to go out with some friends tonight.”
“Of course, this won’t take long,” I say. “I’ll see you in half an hour.”
I hang up and turn to Joel. “Vinni’s, pronto. I want to be there before her.”
“Yes, sir.” He taps the driver. ‘Vinni’s on Justice Avenue.”
I sit back, trying to work out the best way to break this news to Amelia. As we arrive, I decide that it doesn’t really matter whichever way I do it. She’s going to be one pissed-off woman. That’s one of my favorite things about her, her fiery spirit. It can be such a turn-on.
I get us a booth at the back and tip the hostess generously to keep the tables around us free. I order wine for both of us, an expensive bottle.
“Frankie,” Amelia says as she arrives at the table.
I stand up and kiss both her cheeks before I help her into her seat. “You’re looking well for someone who got clocked by a gun.”
“Thank you,” she seems awkward. There's a lingering aroma of perfume in the air, her perfume. I recognize it as one I introduced to her. Thierry Mugler’s ‘Angel’ perfume, the scent always suited her. She fidgets, and I feel a bit put out, noticing how she picks at her nails. I feel hyperfocused on her, and for a moment, I forget why we are meeting in the first place. My heart is thumping hard in my chest.