by Piper Stone
Now as I faced my father’s funeral, the larger than life man I’d once respected no longer seemed as powerful in my mind. Maybe I should have learned a hell of a long time ago that everyone had a weakness and that allowed them to become fragile over time. Sighing, I stared out the window of SUV, a soldier driving and Gio riding shotgun in case there were any issues. After all, a funeral was an excellent place to attempt an assassination if our enemies were so inclined.
I felt my lovely bride’s presence as she sat stoically in the seat beside me. She’d spoken very little since my ridiculous eruption in the vineyard, and my subsequent loss of control as I fucked her like some insane beast. I’d barely been able to coerce her to eat dinner. Her stilted actions were understandable but they’d still pissed me off.
As I shifted my head in her direction, she purposely turned away, pretending she was enjoying the passing scenery. I knew better. She loathed me. More important, she was disgusted with herself. We were like two moths floating high above a licking flame, destined to sizzle in the embers after a period of time.
“You look beautiful,” I said after a few minutes. I noticed we were approaching the cemetery and fisted my hand.
“For a funeral. That’s inappropriate,” she stated with no emotion.
“Maybe for someone who’s lived their entire life protected from the real world; however, that isn’t the same for the Benedetti family.”
Her laugh was unexpected. “Do you really think I lived a fabulous life sheltered from the real world, Matteo? My father was a cop long before he became police commissioner. The job nearly ate him alive. When I was a teenager, I burst into his office to find him with a pistol in his mouth ready to pull the trigger. Do you call that protected?”
Her words were unexpected, the delivery of them cold and without emotion. While her father’s actions didn’t surprise me, I also didn’t give a shit that he’d almost taken his own life. “I’m certain he received the help he needed.”
She shook her head. “Only after my mother took me away, both of us living with my aunt for almost a year.”
“I’m sorry you endured such pain.”
“Bullshit. You couldn’t care less.”
The awkward tension between us wasn’t unexpected; however, I was growing weary of the constant battle. “We live a different life here, Catherine.”
“You mean you and your family do. While you may have grown up with violence and death, that’s not the way most people live and thank God for that.” She muttered under her breath before shifting her body toward me, fighting with her seatbelt. “In fact, I don’t get your family at all. I’ve been told that your father made certain several of his employees were taken care of through the years, including providing fabulous houses on a gorgeous estate. My guess is that they are paid well, provided with excellent benefits. Right?”
I shifted my gaze toward Gio who tipped his head, a sheepish look on his face. “My father was a generous man to those who were loyal to the family.”
“That’s my point. How could he be so kind on one hand, then have no issues hunting and killing anyone who went against the great family? That just doesn’t make any sense to me but at least there was something redeemable about him. I’m not certain you can or even want to follow in his footsteps. From what I can tell, he raised a monster. Are your brothers as cold and uncaring as you are?”
Her accusations cut to the core, but I wasn’t in the mood to take the bait. “We can talk about this later.”
Snorting, she rolled her eyes. “No, we won’t because you won’t let me in. I keep thinking I see a glimpse of something special, light under the darkness and evil you portray. Then you not only punch one of your most loyal soldiers but I could tell you wanted to beat him to death and for what? Because he followed me like a lap dog to ensure I wouldn’t run or that some asshole didn’t jump out from behind the bushes. Yes, he allowed me to take a walk. How terrible of him.”
Her voice had risen, further angering me and both Gio and my soldier did everything they could to act as if they hadn’t heard her nasty words.
“That’s enough, Catherine.”
“Because you say it is. The great Matteo Benedetti. Why don’t you just call yourself a king?”
I clenched my jaw, taking several deep breaths in order to keep from lashing out. What I was forced to realize was that there wasn’t a single thing she’d said that wasn’t the truth. I’d made fun of my father on more than one occasion for his praise and treatment of so many of the employees. Why spend the money? Why care about the families? I’d never been generous to anyone about anything.
Maybe that would be my ultimate downfall. I closed my eyes, picturing my father at Christmas. He’d adored playing Santa Claus, visiting everyone on the estate, for Christ’s sake, doling out expensive gifts as if that was more important than keeping the families in line. But that single day had made him happier than any. Fuck it. The Benedetti Empire now belonged to me. I would handle business as well as employees and associates as deemed necessary.
No matter how harsh the punishment needed to be.
My soldier slowed down, finally stopping behind a row of vehicles. I’d purposely wanted to be late, eager to see who had decided to show their face at the graveside service. My father had never wanted the huge church gathering, preferring the quiet reverence of the outdoors. At least the afternoon was beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. I watched as my mother was led up the embankment, flanking on both sides by my brothers. She remained despondent but had finally come to accept that she’d lost him to the violence that she’d abhorred her entire life.
“How is your mother?” Catherine asked. I was fascinated that one minute she could have such disdain in her tone and the other a sad kind of reverence.
“As well as can be expected.”
“Have you spoken to her recently?”
I rubbed my jaw as Gio climbed out, prepared to open my door. “My mother and I don’t always see eye to eye on everything. I felt she needed her space, so I gave it to her.”
“Your mother needs your love and support. But I forget that’s not something you feel you need to give to anyone.” She didn’t wait to be escorted out, throwing open the door herself.
Sighing, I watched her walk away, purposely avoiding my soldier in her attempt to get some space. Maybe she was right. In fact, she’d said many of the same things that Stefano had spouted off. The truth was that I had no idea what to say to my mother. I felt guilty for not insisting I go with my father. While I knew why he’d forced me to take the trip to another part of the world, the reasons behind his decision continued to gnaw at my insides. I wouldn’t be able to rest until I discovered the truth.
And I would find out one way or the other.
“I heard from several of the other Capos. They’ve done a sweep of the area. We should be good to go,” Gio said quietly after closing the door.
“And the people attending?”
He grinned as he flanked my side. “A few of the family’s enemies, but they’re clean. No weapons.”
The requirement to worry about someone carrying a weapon to a funeral forced me to sneer. How fucking ridiculous. “That’s good to know. Let’s get this over with.”
I turned and stared at Catherine, giving her a commanding look. While she approached, she kept her distance as I’d expected her to. However, that wouldn’t bode well for all the others who would be watching me like a hawk. I pulled her closer, lowering my head so that she was the only one who could hear my agitated words.
“While you have yet to be trained in the art of appearing in public, you are to pretend that you give a damn about the family. I don’t expect you to shed a tear, but at least have the good graces to talk to my mother at some point. And you are to stay right by my side at all times.”
“I’m not a trained seal, Matteo, but you won’t have to worry. I’ll be happy to be the consummate actress. What you don’t seem to realize is that I care about your mother’s feeli
ngs. She was the only one at the wedding who actually seemed to give a damn that I might be under significant duress.”
Her words were biting as usual. They were also surprising. I hadn’t realized my mother had talked with her for more than a few seconds. “Understood.” I took her by the arm as we were led up the embankment. Once at the top, I scanned the area, doing my best not to bristle from the sight of several assholes that had no right to be here. I had no doubt if our backs were turned, they’d spit on our father’s grave. If that happened, they would endure the kind of pain that would keep them awake for weeks to come.
My mother was already seated, her face pinched and her eyes swollen. The number of flowers covering the casket was sickening, something my father wouldn’t have wanted. I kept my bride close as we inched toward the chairs, but I made certain to make eye contact with several of the uninvited guests.
As Enrique inched closer, he nodded toward a smaller group of guests. I shifted my gaze in that direction, noticing Riccardo Alario and two of his soldiers. Hissing, I was forced to resist making a scene.
“He was one of the first ones here,” Enrique said quietly. “Carlo Rossi is also in the back.”
The fact that two of the family’s enemies dared to make an appearance meant they were preparing to move in on our turf. I couldn’t allow that to happen. “I will handle them.”
“I don’t think it’s wise to make a scene in front of Mother.”
“Don’t worry, brother. At some points I do know how to handle the politics of this business. Would you make certain my lovely bride gets a seat?” I leaned over, kissing her on the cheek. While she stiffened, her breathing was almost instantly ragged from the flash of electricity we both felt.
“Of course. Just don’t do anything stupid, Matteo. There’s word from America that O’Sullivan is seeking revenge.”
I patted my younger brother on the back. “As I mentioned before, that’s to be expected. Stop worrying. Now, I’m going to handle this before we all take the time to remember our beloved father.”
Enrique shook his head. “You are so much like him.”
“Yeah, well, maybe not enough.” I squeezed Catherine’s arm before heading toward Riccardo. The man was one of the most arrogant bastards I’d ever met, his suave actions more disgusting than his brutal tactics. He had a harem of women, his wife looking the other way. As long as he provided her with the finest jewels and expensive houses, she couldn’t care less what kind of proclivities he enjoyed.
As I approached, Riccardo sent his men behind him, smiling as I walked closer. When he held out his hand, I hesitated before shaking it. While my father had always been a civilized man to the other mafia Dons, I had no such desires. However, I’d honor my father’s wishes on this day in particular.
“Matteo. I am so very sorry about your father. Such a tragedy. I do hope that the murderous bastards who took his life have been caught.” Riccardo took a deep breath then smoothed down his jacket. He was always impeccably dressed, his tailored suits barely able to hide his fat belly. He’d aged significantly since the last time I’d seen him, his hair thinning and his skin a grisly shade of yellow. Within the next few years, at least two of the aging mafia leaders would be gone, a new generation taking over.
Sadly, Riccardo had two girls left, his only son dying in a horrific crash. If I had to guess, I’d say he’d come not just to pay his respects, but to try to weasel his way into another arranged marriage with one of his daughters.
“I assure you, Riccardo, that I handled the situation myself and with great joy.”
He seemed surprised that I’d risk retaliating on another country’s soil. The bastard didn’t know me very well. Soon, he would learn exactly what I was capable of.
“That’s good to hear. Incidentally, I also wanted to say congratulations on your wedding. You have a beautiful bride. Hopefully, she is also good as surrendering to your sadistic needs.”
Of course the asshole was trying to goad me.
“Catherine is perfect in every way and she will be by my side as I continue to run the Benedetti Empire. As you might have heard, my father was working on expanding the business and I intend on continuing with his work. No matter the cost.”
He studied me intently, his dark eyes showing the same kind of anger that I’d seen the last time he’d had a meeting with my father. That had been the moment he realized just how powerful my family truly was.
“I’m going to give you a piece of advice that I hope you’ll accept,” he said in a brusque tone.
“Of course. I always enjoy listening to other ideas. As to whether I’ll take that advice to heart is something else entirely.” The game of politics had never been my strong suit. My father had been very good at controlling his emotions while either doling out penance or securing loyalty from an unlikely source such as members of law enforcement. As far as Riccardo, I could tell he truly believed that he was going to overthrow all that my father had accomplished, using his own flesh and blood as a bargaining chip.
As his eyes narrowed, sweeping another glance in Catherine’s direction, I had no doubt that his intent was anything but friendly. What he didn’t know was that my father had made certain all three of his sons had every scrap of information on our enemies. I could bury him in a single day. Maybe I would do that to ensure my place as the new Don.
“Be very careful, Matteo. There are many men who would enjoy destroying the rest of your family one by one.”
I kept my eyes locked on his as I took my time answering. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that was a threat. As you might imagine, I take all warnings seriously. If I find them credible, I have no issue handling them appropriately. I’m certain you’re the kind of man who can understand that. It’s just business.”
“Business. You have your father’s strength, Matteo. I will give you credit for that. What you don’t have is his instinct. He knew when to back down if necessary, riding a wave until he found the right moment to strike. Be leery of anyone attempting to be your friend. There are none in our… business. Trust is earned, not given.”
His words were interesting, the hidden meaning underneath them something I would remember. Someone in my organization was supplying information.
“You are right about trust, Riccardo. My father was a decent man, one who believed in his people and in doing so, gained not only their respect but also their loyalty. His only weakness was hesitating before handling his enemies. That is not something I abide by.” I inched closer, towering over him by several inches. “I’m an entirely different leader. I won’t allow anyone who fucks with our family a reprieve under any circumstances. I will crush them. Then I will destroy their families, their fortune, and their hold on their territory. And once I’ve done that, I’ll seek out all those who dared to help in that endeavor. That is a promise, my old friend, and one I would take to heart.”
As the wind softly blew through the trees, the scent of dozens of roses assaulting my senses, I could tell I’d put the fear of God into him. That was enough for now. Perhaps he would think twice about whatever decision he’d made prior to attending the funeral.
If not, the man would die.
And I would enjoy every second of ending his life.
“I will keep that in mind, Matteo. Again, I am very sorry about your father. Please give your mother my condolences.” Riccardo backed away slowly, his upper lip curling.
At least he’d been made aware of my intentions. That should prevent him from initiating any attack.
I waited until he rejoined his soldiers, still darting looks in my direction. Growling, I had the distinct feeling that things were going to get difficult. As I turned toward the others, I was surprised to see Catherine kneeling by my mother. She’d taken my mother’s hand in hers, their body language indicating that my bride’s presence was a comfort for her. I enjoyed watching them for a few seconds, a moment of sadness shifting into my heart.
I hadn’t grieved for my father, at least not
like the others. He’d been our rock, a man with two distinctive sides. I’d always wanted to be as formidable as he’d been, but as I watched the beautiful moment, I knew that for the first time I wanted more.
Craved more.
All because a feisty, opinionated woman had been forced into my life.
“The service is about ready to start,” Stefano said quietly as he walked closer, following my gaze. “I like Catherine. I wasn’t certain I would but hearing the way she talks to our mother surprised me.”
“She is a strong woman but also very caring.”
He cocked his head as he looked at me, a wry smile on his face. “Maybe that’s exactly what you need. Someone who can handle your moods, even controlling your anger.”
While I hated bristling, I couldn’t seem to stop from doing so. “Make no mistake, Stefano. This relationship isn’t about love, and it never will be. She is my wife and will bear my children.”
“I think she just might surprise you, brother. You’re already changing. You just don’t know it.”
As he walked away, I remained where I was. Whether I liked it or not, he was right. The fact was that I actually cared about her. What I feared the most was falling in love.
That could never happen again.
I stood in the living room staring out the window. The last rays of sun were already dipping below the horizon, the full moon halfway in the sky. I’d been nursing the same drink for the last thirty minutes, no longer tasting the smooth scotch. I stared into the glass as my grip on the cut crystal tightened. The funeral had taken more out of me than I wanted to admit.
Now my father’s death was final.
I’d insisted on having dinner with my bride away from the bedroom. I wasn’t certain at this point why it had seemed like a good idea. She’d remained silent during the ride home, the tension we’d shared worse than it had been before. I’d seen the tears on her cheeks, her sign of sadness not what I’d expected. She’d remained by my mother through the thirty minutes the priest had spent attempting to list all the things that could be considered admirable about my father.
