King of Souls

by L A Cotton

  “You’re worried about her.”

  A beat passed and then my sister whispered, “Yeah, I am.”

  “Leave it with me.”

  I didn’t want to put Alessia at risk any more than I wanted to put Arianne at risk. But maybe she was right—maybe Arianne would feel better knowing someone close to me was there for her.

  “For real?”

  “For real,” I chuckled. “But no theatrics, Sia. I mean it. This is a delicate situation. The last thing I need is you causing more harm than good.”

  “I’ll behave, I swear. I just want to be there for her. And it isn’t like I have a ton of girlfriends to hang out with.”

  “You have Arabella.”

  “Yeah but Bella is family. It’s different.”

  I hated that Alessia found it hard to make friends. All I ever wanted was for her to flourish. But high school hadn’t been kind to my sister. Her circle was small, and she struggled to trust people.

  Not Arianne though.

  She’d welcomed her into the fold with open arms and a big smile. Not that I was surprised. My Bambolina had that effect on people. She’d done the impossible, and even managed to weave my father under her spell.

  “I’m going to give Arianne your cell phone number, okay?”

  Alessia’s muted shrieks of excitement told me all I needed to know. She saw Arianne as one of us now.

  And it meant everything to me.

  “I need to go. But stay safe and I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”

  “Okay, and thank you, Nicco.”

  “What for?” My brow knitted.

  “For trusting me with her. I know how much she means to you, so thank you.”

  “Shit, Sia, you’re my family. My blood. Of course I trust you.”

  “Well, it means a lot. It’s not always easy being your sister...”

  “I know.” I released a heavy sigh, the weight of her words like a noose around my neck. “I know. I love you.”

  “Love you, too. Bye, Nicco.” She hung up.

  Before I could talk myself out of it, I pulled up Arianne’s number and started typing.

  Alessia wants to know if you want to hang out. I thought it might be nice for my two favorite girls to get to know each other better. I’m going to forward you her number. I love you. Always.

  I hit sent and then forwarded my sister’s number. Arianne replied straightaway.

  I would love that. Do you think it would be okay though? I don’t want to get her into trouble.

  My lip curved. They were almost as bad as each other.

  Leave it with me. I’m sure Luis can think of something. I have to leave Boston for a little while. I don’t want you to worry but it’s important. I’ll call you when I can.

  This is one of those times... isn’t it?

  My brows furrowed as I read her text.

  What times?

  Your father warned me that you would have to do things, things you couldn’t tell me about... even if I asked.

  Are you asking?

  Blood roared between my ears. Everything had happened so fast, I hadn’t had time to explain things to Arianne. There was still so much she didn’t know, things she didn’t understand.

  No. All I’m asking is that you come back to me.

  I exhaled a long breath. I don’t know what I’d done to deserve Arianne, but I was so fucking lucky to have her in my corner.

  I will. Nothing will keep me away. Not even death.

  Chapter 8

  Arianne

  “Oh, sweetheart.” Mom gently grabbed my shoulders, letting her eyes run over my face. “You’re okay?”

  “I’m fine, Mamma. Is Father—”

  “He’s in the living room with Mike and Suzanna Fascini.”

  “They’re here?” I blanched.

  “I didn’t know, I swear, baby.” She gave me a sad smile. “He isn’t telling me anything.”

  “Is Scott here?” The quiver in my voice betrayed me.

  “He’s not. There was a team thing he needed to attend to.”

  Well that was something. Perhaps I would survive a meeting with my father, and the Fascini without fainting.

  “Luis, it’s nice to see you again.” Mom’s gaze went to my bodyguard.

  “Mrs. Capizola,” he replied with complete indifference, giving nothing away.

  “Please, call me Gabriella.” She laced her arm through mine. “Last night, Scott... he didn’t—”

  “No, Mamma.”

  “Thank God,” she breathed. “I was worried sick. Your father was quite clear that you are not to consummate the marriage until your wedding night, but I don’t trust them, Arianne. I don’t trust any of them anymore.”

  My brows pinched as I inhaled a deep breath.

  “What is it, mia cara?”

  I pulled her to one side, putting some space between us and Luis. The estate was well protected. If anything, there seemed to be extra security as we’d entered the estate. My father’s team were usually like ghosts. They made their presence known but you rarely saw them. Not tonight though.

  Tonight, I’d noticed the extra men posted outside the house and at the gate house.

  “I need you to stop, Mamma.”

  “St- stop? Whatever do you mean?”

  “You were happy to go along with all this until you learned the truth about Scott. You wanted me to date him.”

  “Arianne, that’s not—”

  “Don’t lie to me. You were on his side.” Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, but I would not cry.

  “You’re right.” Regret glittered in her gaze, her face pale with shame. “I was blinded by my loyalty to your father, to our family’s reputation. But know that it was born out of love, Arianne.”

  “How can you say that? I’m eighteen, Mamma. I’ve never dated, never experienced life outside these four walls, and you wanted to shackle me to that monster.”

  “Sweetheart, that’s not—”

  “We should join them. I wouldn’t want to anger Father.” I brushed past her and moved down the hall, fighting the urge to apologize to her.

  Luis moved behind me, letting me have some space. It was ironic that I felt more comforted by his presence these days than I did my own parents'.

  “There you are, mio tesoro.” My father stood the second I stepped foot in the room.

  “Father.” I didn’t move toward him. “Mr. and Mrs. Fascini.”

  “Please, Arianne.” Suzanna stepped forward. “We are going to be family soon enough.” She grabbed my shoulders and planted a kiss on each cheek.

  “Suzanna, let the girl breathe. Arianne,” Mr. Fascini addressed me. “It’s good to see you again. You too, Gabriella.”

  I hadn’t realized my mom had entered the room, but I didn’t acknowledge her. Instead, I pressed my lips together, forcing myself to nod. Mike Fascini was a real piece of work, to stand there and pretend everything was okay when he knew... he knew the kind of monster his son was. Yet he did nothing.

  Not a damn thing.

  “We have much to discuss; sit.” He motioned to the leather couch as if it was his home, as if he was the one in control.

  It occurred to me that maybe he was.

  I sat down like the dutiful, docile daughter I’d once been. Defiance burned inside me like a wildfire, simmering in my blood and making my breaths come in short, shallow bursts.

  Mike Fascini was like his son. Handsome. Charming. Sporting a smile that lured you in. But I wasn’t fooled. Expensive suits and good looks didn’t mean much in a world where money talked, and people were nothing but pawns.

  “I have reserved the Michelangelo Suite at the Gold Star Hotel for next Saturday.”

  “That soon?” I choked out.

  “We are keen to share the happy news,” Mr. Fascini said. “Isn’t that right, Roberto?”

  Something passed between the two men, something that had a shiver rolling up my spine.

  My father cleared his throat. “Indeed. Mike and Suzanna
are handling the entire thing. Isn’t that kind of them?”

  “I think it’s lovely,” Mom said, patting my knee. I didn’t miss the slight tremble of her hand.

  “The invitations have already been sent. One-hundred and twenty of Verona County’s most influential people will gather to witness the union of our two great families.”

  “I’m sure it will be quite the celebration.” My father smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. In fact, he looked utterly defeated.

  I wanted to see into his mind. To know why he was doing this.

  “I have arranged extra security.” Mr. Fascini’s cold gaze flicked to mine. “Just in case.”

  “I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” my father added. “Arianne knows what's at stake.”

  “Yes, well, we can’t be too careful. Nicco Marchetti is out there somewhere... I’m sure we’d all feel much safer knowing the party is well protected.”

  “Of course, Mike.” Mom smoothed the hair from her face. “Have you decided upon a color? A theme? Is there a certain style Arianne should wear?”

  “It will be a black-tie dinner,” Suzanna beamed. “So break out those cocktail dresses and diamonds.”

  “I have just the dress.” The two of them launched into a separate conversation about dresses and table centerpieces while I sat there, silent and suffocated, a storm brewing inside me.

  Luis stood by the door, rigid and poised. He caught my eye, offering me a small nod of encouragement.

  “Arianne?”

  “Hmm, sorry?” I blinked over at my father and Mr. Fascini.

  “Mike was just asking how your evening with Scott went last night?”

  “It was fine, thank you.” The lie wrapped around my heart, squeezing until it hurt.

  “You’ll have to excuse my son, Arianne. He can come on a little strong, but it’s only because he likes you so much. He has been waiting a long time for this.”

  A violent shudder ripped through me. “He was quite the gentleman.” The words almost choked me.

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Mr. Fascini picked up his glass and raised it slightly before knocking down the amber liquid.

  I slid my gaze to my father. Guilt and pain were etched into his expression. And I was glad. I was glad he had to sit here and pretend too. Because why should I be the only one paying the price?

  “We have arranged for you to arrive together,” Mr. Fascini said. “We think it will really make a statement. Then we’ll eat, and after the meal, I’ll make a toast to Capizola Holdings and Fascini and Associates becoming partners in more ways than one.” He sat back against the soft leather couch, pulling his ankle across his knee. He was the epitome of a man in control; a man holding all the chips.

  “We know this has all come as quite the shock, Arianne,” Suzanna said, her smile wide and honest. She was like the girls at college. Girls blinded by the Fascini name: the money, the status and power, and good genes. “But in our world, couplings like this are good business.”

  “Hmm.” I pursed my lips, smothering a groan.

  “It’s just a shame Scott couldn’t make it tonight,” she went on. “I’m sure he would have liked to be here to reassure you that everything will be fine.”

  Just then Mr. Fascini’s cell phone started ringing. He dug it out of his pocket and frowned. “I need to take this, excuse me.” He disappeared out of the room.

  “It’s a lovely evening. Perhaps a nightcap on the terrace?” Mom asked Suzanna.

  “That sounds like a wonderful idea.” The two of them left, leaving me and my father alone.

  “Figlia mia —”

  “Don’t,” I hissed.

  “Arianne, please understand...”

  “I will never understand. You lied to me, Father. You betrayed me.”

  “There are things... things you don’t know. Things you can’t yet know. But I’m begging you, please trust me.”

  Staring him dead in the eye, I didn’t flinch as I said, “My trust in you died the day you sold me off to the Fascini.”

  “Arianne, please. I only want to keep you safe.”

  “Safe?” I seethed through gritted teeth. “Scott raped me... he drugged me and he raped me.” My body trembled with anger. “So tell me, Father, how on earth is giving me to him, keeping me safe?”

  The blood drained from his face as he let out a pained sigh. “You have to trust me. I know I don’t deserve it... I know I have failed you, but I need for you to—”

  “Business, it never sleeps.” Mr. Fascini came back into the room. He stopped, glancing between the two of us. “Is everything okay?”

  “Perfectly fine.” My father’s lips thinned.

  “Arianne?” Mr. Fascini raised a brow.

  “Arianne is in agreement with all the plans, Mike.”

  “I’m glad we’re all on the same page.” His cold, hard gaze landed on my father again. Something was passing between them once more.

  A silent warning.

  An unspoken threat.

  “Let’s join the women out on the terrace,” my father suggested. He stood up, smoothing a hand over his jaw. He didn’t look at me.

  Maybe he couldn’t.

  But I saw him.

  I saw his mask of guilt.

  And I was almost certain I saw a single tear roll down his cheek.

  I WAS EATING MY LUNCH the next day, when my phone rang with an unknown number. “Ari?” Someone said down the line softly.

  “Matteo?” My eyes widened as I recognized his voice.

  “Tonight, six-thirty, be ready.”

  “What are you—”

  “Just be ready.” He ended the call. I quickly texted Alessia.

  Do you know anything about tonight?

  It pinged straight back.

  I just got a text from Matteo. They must have figured something out. See you later?

  Can’t wait.

  “What has you smiling?” Nora sat beside me.

  “I think we’re hanging with Alessia tonight.”

  “They managed to figure something out?”

  “I guess so.” I shrugged. When I’d texted Alessia to say I would love to hang out, she told me to sit tight and let the guys figure it out. It wasn’t like Niccolò Marchetti’s sister could just turn up at the apartment building and ask to see me. We had to be discreet. We had to make sure my father and the Fascini didn’t find out about it.

  “Do you think Enzo will be there?”

  “Do you want Enzo to be there?” I threw back at her.

  Nora chuckled, her lips curving into a smirk. “Well he hasn’t been around much, and he is quite pretty to look at.”

  “He isn’t pretty, Nor. He’s terrifying.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that.”

  “Nicco said—”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know what Nicco said. It’s not like I want to marry the guy. I just think he’d be a good time between the sheets... or up against the wall... or over the—”

  I clapped a hand over her mouth, drowning out the words. Words I did not need or want to hear. “Are you done?”

  “I’m done,” she murmured against my palm, and I pulled it away.

  “Anyway, I thought you and Dan were a thing?”

  “We’re casual. I don’t have time for anything serious.”

  “Are those your words, or his?”

  “We don’t all fall madly in love with the first guy we meet.” She laughed but I didn’t join her. “Shit, Ari, I’m joking. It’s a joke. I’m just saying most of us will never have what you and Nicco share.”

  “Do you think I’m fooling myself?”

  “What? No! Nicco loves you, babe. He’d go to war for you. Do you have any idea how lucky you are?”

  “Sometimes I don’t feel so lucky... I feel doomed.”

  She grabbed my hand and pulled it onto her lap. “You say you’re doomed, but the way I see it, what you and Nicco could have, it gives you something to fight for. Imagine if you’d never met him, imagine if he hadn
’t saved you that night... you would be miserable, alone, and still engaged to Scott.”

  “Why is this happening to me, Nora?” I tried so hard to fight the tears building, but it was impossible to ignore the emotion rising inside me.

  “I’m not a religious person, Ari, you know that. But I do believe in fate. I believe that everything we experience, everything we survive, shapes us into the person we’re supposed to be.

  “This is your battle to fight, babe. Own it.”

  “You’re getting good at this.” I sniffled, drying my eyes on my jacket sleeve.

  “Yeah, and what’s that?”

  “Always knowing the right thing to say.”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” she smiled, “I still have plenty of impropriety in me. Want to hear some more?”

  “I think I’ve heard enough for one day.”

  “Too bad. I had this dream the other night, about Enzo and his monster di—”

  My hand shot out, smothering her words. I was always grateful for one of Nora’s pep talks. But if I had to hear about Enzo’s monster dick again this century, it would be too soon.

  “GOOD JOB TODAY,” BRENT said as we tidied up the last of the chairs. The VCTI had hosted a drop in this afternoon.

  Being here, with people less fortunate than myself, put things into perspective. I’d gotten lost in their stories of hopelessness and loneliness, swept away in their candid experiences of life on the streets. The VCTI was a safe space for so many, a lifeline. And I was thankful to have a small part in that.

  “What are your plans for the rest of the evening?” he asked.

  “Oh, she’s with me.” Nora appeared from the back room. “I got your purse, all set?”

  “I think so.” I gave Brent a smile. “Are we okay to go?”

  “Absolutely. We’ll see you both again soon?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Enjoy your evening.” He called after us as we slipped out into the inky night.

  “Everything good?” Luis shot to attention, and I smothered a grin. He was always so uptight. I couldn’t help but wonder if he regretted taking my side in all of this.

  “Yep.”

  “Come on then.” He ushered us to the car. The driver nodded but I didn’t recognize him.