by Sienna Grant
“I’m sorry Mrs Giordano.” I take her by the shoulders gently and kiss both of her cheeks.
“Please. How long have you known me Stefano?”
“Most of my life.”
“Exactly. Call me Martina.” She smirks. “Now, what’s going on and I don’t want any lies or excuses.”
Taking a deep breath, I begin.
“There’s a few things you don’t know.” I swallow hard and carry on. “She wasn’t mugged, she was attacked by that ‘friend’ of hers.” I spit with utter contempt, “She was then kidnapped and held hostage by that same guy that attacked her, but they’ve been dealt with - believe me.”
Martina nods, then looks to her son.
“Can you give us a minute please, Angelo?”
“What. Why?” Angelo questions frowning.
“Because I asked. I want to speak with Stefano, alone.”
A woman who’s brought up five children and with no husband, doesn’t get through her life by being soft. Martina Giordano still has a little traditional Italian in her and is the matriarch of her family and they know it.
“I’ll go get us coffee, then shall I?” Angelo says with a hint of snark, in his voice. Martina rolls her eyes at Angelo’s sulking.
Angelo slinks away with his shoulders slumped like a young boy at his mum’s orders. Martina watches him, shaking her head until he reaches the end of the corridor and turns back to face me.
“Now, young man, would you like to tell me what’s going on with you and my daughter?”
“Hmm…” The words get stuck in my throat, I swear my heart forgets to beat. I’m head of a mafia organisation and still that tone of hers make me curl up.
“I’m waiting.” Her toe taps on the shiny tiled floor. “How long did you think you could keep it a secret from me?”
With a sigh, I sit in one of the chairs outside of Laura’s room, putting my elbows on my knees to hold my weight.
“I don’t know.” I shrug.
“Do you think I don’t see how you look at her. I was in love once too you know.” My head turns to look at her. “I’ve known for years how Laura felt about you, she doesn’t know that though.”
“Are you angry?”
Martina takes my hand in hers.
“Stefano. I’m not angry, maybe a little concerned that’s all. I know what your business is, I’m worried she’s going to get hurt more than she already has.”
“Martina. I promise you she’ll never get hurt again.”
“You can’t make that promise.”
“I can. I can make that promise to you, because it was sneaking around that got her hurt this time.”
“Why didn't you both come to me?”
“I guess, I thought you’d want to castrate me for wanting to be with your daughter, seeing as she’s still only eighteen.”
“Age is just a number, if you ask me…”
“I’m in love with her.” I state bluntly like she doesn’t get that.
“I know you are.” She sounds almost smug, as she answers me.
“What about Angelo?”
“You leave Angelo to me, but I’m sure you can get through this. You have to promise me one thing though first, Stefano?” I nod. “You have to promise to put her first in everything. Your heart, even your business. She has to be the most important thing in your life... Then, I’ll give you my blessing.”
“She already is.” I answer confidently.
She smiles wide. “I don’t need to welcome you to the family, Stefano, you’ve always been a part of it.”
Matching her smile, I put my arms around her, hugging her.
“Now go take your place by my daughters side.”
She stands just a mere few inches shorter than me, with her heels on, I lean down and place my lips at her cheek. Leaving a small peck, I stand back up straight, smiling at her as I pull away. Hearing footsteps, I look back over my shoulder to see Angelo coming back down the hallway.
“I’ll speak to Angelo.”
“Thank you, Martina.”
She nods as Angelo approaches, but I don’t waste any more time. Opening the door to Laura’s room I go inside, pulling out the chair at the side of the bed and sit down. Picking up her pale and dainty hand and placing it in mine, I wait as patiently as I can for her to wake up.
Chapter Thirty-One
Laura
The warmth of the hand holding mine has me feeling safe. There’s only one person other than my mum that has me feeling that way and that’s Stefano. I’d know Stefano’s touch from anywhere.
I lazily open my eyes and search the room I’m in. I have a strong sense of deja-vu, like I’ve already seen these walls. When I try to move my hand, I can’t. I remember the warmth I was feeling as I woke up and look down. The first thing I see is the black of Stefano’s hair, his warm cheek against the back of my hand on the bed. I feel the small smile as it sets on my lips followed by a thought of dread…
What if someone sees?
I try to move my hand, but the more movement I make, the tighter his hand gets.
“Don’t even think about it. “His voice is scratchy from sleep.
My throat and mouth feels like carpet, it’s that dry, I try to swallow but there’s no saliva. Turning my head to the right of me I notice a glass, with a jug of water next to it. I reach out, but with Stefano holding my hand hostage, I can’t quite make it. I try to tug my hand out of his, but it doesn’t work, instead Stef moves his head lifting it up. He squints as he looks at me, before it registers in his head that I’m awake.
Relief shows on Stef’s face as he looks at me
“Laura...” The shock in his voice makes me smile. “Shit, I’ll get the doc.” Putting his lips to my hand, he kisses my knuckles. “Jesus Christ. You fucking scared me.” He stands and hovers over me, kissing my forehead, one after another. Like he can’t get enough. My eyes naturally closing at the feel of his lips on me. I shake my head and try to speak.
“Ste...” My throat is dry and hoarse.
“Wait there.” Pressing the call button, he rushes to the door…
“Stef…” I finally push out and he turns back. I signal with my head for him to come back to my side. Walking back, he perches himself on the edge of the bed and I roll my eyes towards the jug of water on the side.
A knock on the door before it opens, has us both looking over. The doctor walks in with a small smile for me. I remember him from the last time.
“Hello Laura. How are we feeling?”
“Okay.” I whisper.
“I’m Doctor Beckett and I’ve been treating you here at The Plains. I’m not sure if you remember me.
I nod my answer to his question.
“Is it okay if she has a drink of water?”
Stefano helps me to sit up and pours me some water. He passes the glass to me and I take small sips as directed by the doctor. Placing the glass back down, he stands and takes a step back. Folding his arms across his chest so the Dr. can examine me. I can’t help, but watch him and think how masterful he looks like that.
The doctor gives me an overall examination. He takes my blood pressure, listens to my chest and back for my breathing, next he shines a light into my eyes.
“Everything seems to be in order. You may feel a little sleepy still, but it’s normal with concussion and trauma. So, if you feel like sleeping just go ahead and sleep. Then tomorrow we’ll get you out of bed and get those legs moving. We don’t want a fit and healthy young woman like you to seize up. Any questions for me?”
“How did I end up in here?”
“Ah, that’s a question for Mr Di Marco, I’m just the one who had the job of making you better.”
“Okay. What is this for?” Lifting my hand up, I show him the intruder that’s currently taped down and going into my vein.
“Just a cannula with IV fluids to keep you hydrated. Nothing serious.”
“Anything else?” He waits patiently for the next question to come, only it doesn’
t. I just lift my chin and give him a shake of my head.
“Right then I’ll be off, Laura if you need anything just press the button. Or Mr Di Marco has my direct number if I’m not around the hospital.”
Stefano shakes hands with Dr Beckett.
“Thanks doc.”
“Just doing my job.” He turns to me again, “See you tomorrow.”
Closing the door behind me, he leaves me in the room alone with Stefano.
“Can you pass me the water please?”
He steps forward and passes the glass, putting it into my hand. He watches me sipping the water, before taking it from me again.
Stefano sits on the edge of the bed again at the side of me, his hand reaching up to move the hair from back from my face.
“How do you feel?”
The pad of his thumb smooths over my cheekbone and down the side of my face. The pure intensity of his touch gives me comfort. It’s like there’s a magnet between us and it’s pulling me towards him, leaning my face into his hand. Cupping my cheek, he leans forward and kisses my head again. My eyes dart between him and the door, scared that someone may come in and see us. Holding his hand, I stop its journey and move it away.
“You can’t, someone might come in.”
“Let them. I’m done with hiding us. I can’t do it anymore Laur… I want everyone to know that you’re mine. I don’t care what anyone has to say. I’ve realised that me being a coward put you in danger and I won’t let anyone so much as lay a finger on you again.”
I smile, but it’s more of a frown.
“Hey?” He smooths the lines in my brow, “I thought this is what you wanted?”
“I do.” My voice is still no more than whisper, “But I don’t want Angelo to walk in here and see us like this, he’ll go mad.”
“Let him.” He sighs matching my frown, only his is more like a scowl. “Fine.” He sighs again, removing his hand and laying it in his lap, “But when you’re out of here, all bets are off.”
He lifts my hand to his lips again, pressing them against my knuckles in a tender kiss.
Two days later, Doctor Beckett discharged me. My concussion has gone, even though I was still getting the odd headache. He only kept me an extra day to keep me under observation and to make sure there were no side effects.
I never saw Angelo while I was in hospital - at least not while I was awake anyway. I do remember seeing him and Stefano talking. Well, arguing really, when I was in and out of consciousness, but I haven’t said anything to either of them.
After trying to rack my brain remembering their conversation, I realise that he already knows about us. Which is why Stefano said, no more hiding - I’ll look forward to that conversation with Angelo.
The door opens to Stefano’s bedroom. I’m currently lying in his huge bed, tangled in his sheets. He brings in a coffee and puts it on the bedside table.
“Morning princess.”
I smile at his name for me, it makes me feel special. I turn over towards the middle of the bed, as he lies at the side of me.
“Stefano? Did you mean what you said at the hospital?”
“Which part?” He shifts the hair from my face.
“The part where you said no more secrets, about us and you didn’t want us to hide anymore?”
“Every bit. I’m not hiding anymore, I assure you. Everyone knows.”
“What Angelo knows, our families?”
“Angelo, your mum. The guys here. Everyone knows - I haven’t seen my mum yet to tell her.”
“What if people have a problem with us?”
“Am I supposed to care?” He shrugs.
“Well yes. You cared enough before all this happened to keep me your dirty little secret.” His finger covers my lips shushing me.
“Hey. You were never a dirty little secret; do you hear me?” Nodding, he goes on… “I only wanted to keep us a secret because I didn’t want you in the middle of all the shit, that was going on with the O’Connor’s.”
I feel a frown on my forehead and I know I have to ask the obvious.
“Is he dead?” My voice sounds weak, even to me.
“Yes. He’s never going to hurt you again… having said that I don’t want you going anywhere on your own. There are cars to drive you around, there’s security too. You don’t go anywhere without security, okay?”
I nod. I don’t want to go against his wishes, that was a situation I don’t think I’ll ever get over in this lifetime.
“One last question?”
“Go on.”
I shuffle across the bed to be closer to him and take his hand, entwining our fingers.
“Is Angelo okay, with us being together?”
My heart begins to pound, as my stomach bottoms out at my unanswered question...
“Is that why he hasn’t been to see me?”
“Honestly princess, he’s not happy, but I know one thing - I’m going to kick his fucking arse again when I do see him.”
“Again?” Oh, shit that doesn’t sound good.
“Yeah again. After you were taken, he wanted to know why I was so upset. We got into a bit of an heated argument. I told him that I was in love with you.”
I feel my eyes widen at his truthfulness.
“He hit me, I hit him and Roberto had to part us.”
“I remember something at the hospital. I woke up for a few minutes, I heard voices and it was you two arguing. I can’t remember what I actually heard, but I saw you pointing at him, I knew you were annoyed.”
“I promise I’ll sort this shit out with Angelo.” His large hands frame my face and he gently pulls me towards him. Our lips touching softly, before he adds a little pressure and kisses me properly, deepening our kiss.
Licking his lips, he pulls away slightly.
“I don’t like you and Angelo arguing, you’ve always been so close. I don’t want to come between you.”
“You won’t, I promise; he’ll get over it soon enough.” He moves my hair to the side out of my eyes, “He saved my life you know?”
“He did? Why don’t I remember anything? It’s like a big black spot.”
“I don’t want it to come back to you if I’m honest, but I’m sure it will one day.” His eyes turn thoughtful as he stares at me… “I think there’s still a chance for Angelo and I.”
His answer fills me with relief.
“Stef?” I fidget with the sheet that’s covering me.
“Yeah princess?”
“I love you.” After hearing his declaration, he made to Angelo, it gives me the courage to voice my own. Still, my gaze darts away from his. I don’t want him to reject me. So maybe if I can’t see him, I can pretend I only said it under my breath and he didn’t really hear me.
Using his two fingers, he sets them beneath my chin, lifting it up to look at him.
“Look at me Laura and say it again…”
“What?”
“You know what,” Stef’s eye’s narrow as he dips his head towards mine, looking me in the eye, “Say it again.”
With a deep breath I know I have to be brave.
“I love you.”
Holding my face up, he smiles at me.
“I love you too princess.”
My heart soars and the butterflies that are a permanent resident in my tummy, begin to flutter, creating a wide smile, filling my face.
“Whatever obstacles we have to climb, from now on we do it together. I’m not being apart from you again.”
I nod frantically, as he wraps me up in his arms.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Stefano
One Week Later
“I’m not happy with this Laura.”
Standing at the doorway out of sight, I listen in on Angelo and Laura’s conversation. I probably shouldn’t, but this is my house. If they didn’t want me to know, they should go somewhere more private.
“Do I care?” shouts Laura. “You are my brother, not my bloody keeper.”
“You thin
k Stefano doesn’t want to keep you then?”
“Arrgh, you make me so angry. Why do you have to put words into my mouth?”
“I’m not. You’re just a child Laura… you have no idea of the life you’re making for yourself...”
A slap echoes off the walls, making me move from my spot, but I still make sure I stay out of sight.
“Stefano rescued me, remember. I would have been dead if it wasn’t for him... I watched him kill those men, including Rhys. So, don’t give me that bullshit Angelo that I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m not naive and I’m certainly not a child.”
Laura’s phone rings as I step from my hiding spot. Angelo looks up as I approach and Laura answers her phone. Pushing my hands into the pockets of my trousers, I stand firm. She steps away from us while she answers whoever has called her, leaving me and Angelo alone.
“How long have you been there?” Angelo sneers.
“Long enough.” My voice is flat as I answer my once, best friend. We can’t even seem to manage being civil these days though. It hurts, we’ve been best friends most of our lives and I know he’s only got a stick up his arse because of Laura.
“What’s your problem? No matter what you say, you’re not going to stop us being together. This goes further back than you think Ang.”
“What do you mean?” His hands balling into fists at his sides catches my eye.
“Answer me a question Ang? Is it the fact she’s your sister or it’s because it’s me she’s seeing?”
He glares at me. “Both. Yes, she’s my little sister, but I know what you’re involved in. She deserves better.”
Snidely, I snigger at his comment, shaking my head at is reasoning.
“I can and will give her everything, you know I will.”
“Why don’t you let me make that decision.” Laura gives Angelo his answer at the same time as me, as she steps back into the argument putting her phone back in her pocket.
“You have to trust me to make the right decision Angelo. I’m an adult now.”
I cup Laura’s shoulders as she stands in front of me, but she goes on the defensive.
