My nearly senile uncle’s the head of our mob, but not for long. We all know he’s prepared to abdicate his authority to me once I’m married, one of the reasons why getting married is a top priority for me.
“Who else is home?”
Cristiano gives me a litany of names. Most of my top-notch staff is on. That'll help.
I'm tired. She's exhausted. We have a big day ahead tomorrow, and the last thing I want to deal with is my goddamn mother. But I know if I don’t, tomorrow will be much worse.
Marialena doesn’t need to, though. Not tonight.
She hasn’t said a word. She’s still in my arms, and it looks as if she's going to fall asleep again at any moment. I slide her down and arrange her in front of me.
I suppose it’s time to start the formal introductions.
"Cristiano, meet Marialena. Marialena, Cristiano." He's ever the gentleman as he takes her hand and shakes it. I’m guessing she’s savvy enough to see straight through the act.
"Pleased to meet you," he lies. Cristiano despises women and considers them his to use then discard as he wishes.
"Pleased to meet you," she repeats back at him. Also a lie.
We enter the waiting car while my men gather up our luggage. Cristiano joins us and fills us in on what happened during my brief absence. I've been gone for four days, and a lot has occurred in that time. I had wondered if I’d feel rusty after getting out of jail, but it feels as natural to me as riding a bike.
During a lull in the conversation, Marialena speaks up. "I looked up your home on the plane," she says quietly.
"I know."
Her jaw clenches, but she doesn't say much else at first.
"It's huge. How many people live there?"
"It depends on the day. My sisters are all gone. My mother frequently visits, but also spends time in Italy. Sometimes it's just me and staff.”
"That sounds lovely."
An introvert, then, or does she just prefer a simpler life?
"It isn't."
I idly wonder if that's a lie. Or have I just never really given it much thought? Is it lonely? I like when I don't have a lot of people in my space. I like not having to entertain or put on an act.
"Do you have any pets?"
"Fish."
She takes this in and mulls it over. "Are there any beaches nearby? Are they public?"
"Some, yes, but you won’t be using public beaches. The house is on a private beach. You can walk from the master suite down the dock to the beach. Not alone, of course, but you know."
"I do. Do you like the beach?"
"Yeah, but it’s not like I ever take time to enjoy it.” I look out the window and don't see anything else. “I'm a busy man."
"I can see that.”
“You taking any time off for the honeymoon?” Cristiano asks. Marialena flushes madly. I wink at her, and her mouth drops open. I will fuck her, and often. And she’lllikeit.
“No.”
This is a business arrangement, not a joyride, and the sooner she realizes that the better.