by Mynx, Sienna
“And?”
“And eventually we marry.”
Mira looked away.
“If you love me, we marry. As my wife you’ll have my bambinas and take care of our home. You will support me unconditionally.”
“I can’t do that… I’m not ready for marriage, kids. I don’t even know if I want kids.”
Giovanni laughed. “It doesn’t happen tomorrow, Bella.” He took her hands. “But it will be the future I want with you. I am a dangerous man, and I deal with dangerous men. My business remains secret because in that secrecy is your protection. Contrary to the movies and what you think, there is only one way I leave this role. That’s death.”
“Are you telling me that you won’t ever walk away from this lifestyle, no matter what the circumstance? Not even for our love?”
“Yes.”
He dropped his forehead on hers. “That’s my future and yours if you accept me. Tonight, all I want is you.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say nothing.” He captured her mouth with his. Her arms lifted to his neck to hold to him, and he carried her to the bed. Everything about him was gentle and caring, the way he laid her upon the sheets and stroked the side of her face. She stared up into his eyes and the blue dissolved into the sweetest shade of violet. She smiled and knew that was the color of his love. Beyond the heart-pounding pleasure she found when he made love to her, she also felt safe, and protected enough to trust her feelings for him. Was it love? She had no idea, but she knew she cared deeply for him. She knew she could never abandon what was happening between them. His mouth crashed upon hers. A kiss strong and demanding drained her resistance. She clung to him and fought to breathe through their shared passion. When he released her from his kiss, her mouth and heart ached for more. Giovanni untied her robe. His lustful gaze seemed to flame with excitement to find she wore nothing but a thong panty beneath.
It was unfair to confess his heart to her so soon, to claim her from her life and barricade her within his. But he was a selfish man, completely when it came to her. He’d never let another man take her from him. She’d be the mother of his children, the wife he didn’t know he needed, and if it took a year or more to convince her, so be it.
Giovanni stared down at her. Her kiss-bruised lips parted and her eyes gleamed with passion. Her body was flawless. Slowly he eased her thong from her hips and down her smooth brown legs. She lifted her ass from the mattress to aid him, and then sat up to shrug her arms out of the sleeves of the robe. When he made to move on her, she stopped him with a hand to his chest. “I do have feelings for you. I’m not ready for anything more than friendship now. I need time to know you. Okay?”
He stared into her eyes and lied. “Take all the time you need, Bella.”
She relaxed, lying back, and he smiled. The bastard in him didn’t care what she told herself to reason away their bond. He would remove any obstacle that kept her from him, and he already had. He shed his clothing in a hurried manner but took the time to run his tongue from her knee to her decadent center. He found her scent invigorating and buried his face between her thighs. Her hand stroked the top of his head as his tongue gave light swirling licks to her swollen bud. Before long she was bucking her ass off the mattress and pressing down on the back of his head to speed her orgasm along. But he wanted to be inside of her when she came. And again he’d do so without protection.
Giovanni positioned himself and slid his length into her while he held her hips steady.
“Ah!” she exclaimed.
His eyes blinked slowly several times and then closed as he sank into her velvet warmth. “Fuck!” he cried out shuddering and struggling to keep control. Faster and faster he thrust into her until his breath was reduced to ragged gasps for air. Her breasts shook and her bottom half pumped up at him, driving him to madness. He forced his eyes to open, to look upon her face as he moved with more control. Her expression was regal. Her well-shaped nostrils flared slightly and she drew in a deep breath and released it slowly as he gave her another measured thrust.
Caught between rapture and self-loathing hell, he dropped on her and clung to her desperately as he released his seed into her womb. He wanted this. Desperately. He needed this, her, like he needed air to breathe. Fuck her timetable. She was his.
Chapter Thirteen
“Giovanni?”
He opened his eyes. Mira laid close, her arms around him and her face tilted up to stare up at him. How long had he slept? The room was still dark, but the drapes were drawn. “Yes?”
“Catalina’s wedding is soon. She says today you’ll have your family here.”
“Mmhm.”
“I know you have traditions, family traditions that you believe in. I just…”
He sat up a bit and tugged her up into his arms. “What is it?”
“Catalina. Have you ever asked her if she understands marriage? The commitment she is making?”
Giovanni chuckled. “You’re worried about my sister and her wedding? I thought something was wrong.”
Mira drew away from his embrace. “She thinks it’s a big party. Her party. But I don’t think she understands what happens when the party is over. She’s about to be married, and she’s only eighteen. I remember when I left Virginia at seventeen, and how confused I was at eighteen. I think you should talk to her and be sure she knows what she is doing.”
“You talk to her.”
“What?”
“You’re a woman. She needs a mother. Talk to her.”
“That’s not what…”
“Come here.” He brought her down to his chest. He kissed her forehead. “My sister is young and spoiled but she is marrying a boy who will love and cherish her. I made sure of it. This is the life she wants. Trust me.”
“If you say so.”
****
“Fabiana? What’s wrong?” Mira walked into the sunroom. She had escaped there to be alone with her thoughts and the tears came expectantly. At the sound of Mira’s voice she turned from her and tried to wipe her tears away to keep the anguish from her friend. Regret squeezed her heart as she thought of the lies she’d told. How could she confide her worry now, without revealing her part in the scheme to keep them in this house of lies and secrets?
Last night was a disaster. After pacing the room waiting for Lorenzo’s return he was thrown inside, severely beaten. Panicked she fled the room and demanded they help him, call for medical assistance. The man she faced in the hall issued a chilling warning. Keep him out of the Don’s sight or we will return to finish him.
Fabiana spent the night nursing the bruises and wiping away the blood. She pleaded with him when he was conscious to leave with her, to go to a hospital. Instead he told her the entire story. His confession would haunt her for the rest of her life. Who he was, what he’d done, and the secrets he carried that would end his life if ever breathed them to another soul.
“Hey, talk to me? What is it? Something happen?” Mira forced her to face her. “I was looking for you and they said you were in here. Where’s Lorenzo?”
“Recovering.”
“Recovering?”
Fabiana sat. “He’s been hurt.”
“How?”
If she told her the truth, it would make her as guilty. She thought she was helping the man, but all she was doing was burying them deeper in this place. She had to get a grip. “I think he got into a fight. I don’t know.”
“Fight?” Mira drew away. “Is he okay?”
“He is now.”
“I’ll tell Giovanni and he—”
“No! Don’t say anything.”
Mira sighed. “Why do I get the feeling that you aren’t telling me everything?”
“Because I’m not. He’s in trouble and I can’t talk to you about it. These men, they’re impossible to understand. You know what I mean.”
She paced the floor. “I’ve heard enough. I don’t know what happened to Lorenzo, and I don’t want to know. I’m concerned ab
out you, us, the way we’ve pretty much lost control of our lives. I don’t think we should stay here much longer, Fabiana.”
“It’s barely been two weeks. We’re on vacation.” Fabiana said.
“Are you kidding me? This isn’t a vacation. Not for me anymore. It’s a seduction, and it’s working. You, Lorenzo, Giovanni, and I are caught up in this… I don’t know what to call it. The man says he loves me. You look terrified, and I know it’s connected to him. What am I to think?”
Fabiana’s head dropped and she shook it sadly. “It’s all my fault.”
“Nonsense. We agreed to come here.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I do. That’s why we need to step back and get some perspective.”
The anxiety she carried since Giovanni said he loved her left her struggling to find the words. She realized she too had fallen in love, and her judgment felt impaired. The violence and secrecy in this family wasn’t as appealing as her new lover’s touch. They needed to regain focus.
“Think about it. We have the fashion debut of my career, and I haven’t done any more press-ops or met with our investors. I know we said a vacation, but we’re here now. And my store doesn’t have anything to do with it. We’re here because we’ve become distracted with feelings for these men. It’s too much too soon. I can’t help but feel out of focus.”
Fabiana nodded. “I feel it too.”
“Good! Thank God! I thought I was losing it or something.”
“No.” Fabiana smiled, “We are out of synch. I’ve let things get out of hand.” Again Fabiana avoided looking her in the eye. “Let’s help Catalina with the wedding and then I will make some calls. We can fly out to New York next week.”
“Okay. Okay.” Mira nodded. “I’ll explain it to Giovanni. You do the same with Lorenzo.”
Fabiana embraced her, and Mira felt a bit at ease. “Is he okay? You said he was hurt?”
“He’s better. I just came down here to get my head clear.”
“C’mon let’s find Catalina.”
“That’s right!” Fabiana forced a smile. “I want to see this serenade.”
Together they walked in silent contemplation to Catalina’s room. Mira was curious about Fabiana’s news that Lorenzo had been in a fight. She kept the questions to herself. When they entered Catalina’s room, they found her at the window. She looked back with tears in her eyes smiling then signaled for them to move closer. Mira and Fabiana eased in behind her and became enchanted by the heartfelt song bellowing out of the young man who played the guitar himself. Beyond him were 12 other members of his family watching proudly. Mira found him relatively attractive. Maybe not as charismatic as Dominic but not the ogre that Catalina described him to be.
Signora Clara and three other ladies were present, one of which was Zia from the vineyard. The old woman wore a blue dress, her silver hair pinned neatly behind her head. She stared intensely and didn’t speak. When the song was done, the girls clapped and the family below cheered.
“Ciao!” A beautiful woman said, stepping to Mira’s left. She was almost Catalina’s twin. “I’m Aurora, Catalina’s cousin.”
“Ciao.” Mira said shaking her hand.
Signora Clara announced something in Italian and the women lit up with smiles and applause. Catalina spun in her dress, smiling brightly at them.
“She said it’s time to meet the guests. It’s Catalina’s day.” Aurora translated. “She’ll be more of a spoiled brat than usual.” Aurora chuckled, but Mira detected a hint of envy in the tone. “You’re that designer. Mira Ellison. I saw your fashion show on the TV. I speak English really well.”
“You do. And nice to meet you.” Mira said.
Catalina's eyes cut over to Mira and Aurora. They narrowed on her cousin, as if she had taken away her favorite toy. She marched over and tugged Mira away. “These are my aunts Zia Tadea and Zia Pagna. This is also my Zia Carlotta.” Mira nodded to the women and smiled at Zia who forced a smile in return. “Oh and that’s Aurora my cousin.” Catalina said dryly.
Signora Clara again spoke in Italian and the women nodded in agreement. Fabiana answered the woman and sneered. Whatever was said the tension in the room raised a notch.
Thankfully everyone began to walk out. Mira caught Catalina’s hand and delayed her. Fabiana closed the door, getting the message that they needed to be alone. “It was very lovely, the serenade. He’s a charming guy.”
“Franco is excited. He wrote me a letter.” She went to her dresser and got the letter. “My zia gave it to me this morning. Really sweet.”
“I want to talk to you honey.”
Catalina nodded.
“I spoke to your brother.”
Catalina’s smile faded from her lips. “Why?”
“Don’t worry. I didn’t tell him about Dominic.”
“Shhh!” Catalina gasped, her eyes switching to the door. She pulled the drawer open on the dresser. “There’s nothing to tell. We said we wouldn’t discuss this anymore!” Catalina slammed the dresser door shut.
“Yesterday when you helped me with your dress I saw how talented you are. Really talented. Maybe you could go to fashion school. Learn a bit about designing.”
“Me? Really?”
“Sure. There are schools in Milan and New York.”
“School?” Catalina frowned.
Mira nodded, “I will be between New York and Milan. My store might not open in Naples. You can do your apprenticeship with me. I think it would be a great way for you to come into your own.”
“Franco will not want his new wife going off to school.”
“That’s why I spoke to your brother…”
Catalina’s eyes stretched with alarm. “You didn’t tell Giovanni this?”
“No. I just suggested he talk to you. To hear what you want.”
“Why? Why won’t you listen? Stay out of it!” Catalina snapped.
Mira blinked at her, shocked. “I’m just trying to help.”
“Giovanni is not stupid. You keep meddling he will catch on. Stop interfering. It’s not your damn business. You aren’t my mother!!” Catalina shouted at her, her eyes glistening with tears.
“Catalina? I’m sorry.”
“I am marrying Franco and that’s it!” she stormed out of the room and slammed the door.
****
The place was beautiful. Mira found the lower level decorated in yellow and blue flowers and trimmed in ribbons. The floors shined. Light poured in from every angle, and no door was closed. So many people moved about she recognized no one. In the left corner of the foyer was a string quartet playing a romantic melody that welcomed the guests and family members as they poured through the door. Mira glanced up to the top of the stairs, wondering where Giovanni was.
She decided to go to the outside terrace and try to locate a friendly face. Then a touch came to her hand. Her head turned. “Morning beautiful,” he whispered in her ear. His voice was just one of the things she loved about him. Inhaling his scent and feeling his strong presence envelope her, she smiled to herself once again.
Giovanni ran his hand across her lower tummy slowly then to her hip, turning her in his arms. She opened her eyes to see him dressed, shaven, and looking strikingly handsome. She also sensed the open stares of people. Some stopped their conversations to watch them.
“I think we have an audience,” she said about to lower her arms. He drew her even tighter into his embrace and kissed her softly on the lips. Mira’s eyes stretched. She felt her cheeks flame with a blush, but she didn’t turn away.
“This is Catalina’s day. Let’s not be a distraction.” She lowered her arms and gently pushed free of his hold. He glanced up and those staring looked away or walked off.
“You’re right. But you are mine, and I don’t care who knows it.”
A woman approached. Mira noticed her first. Tall, with dark flowing hair that feathered away from her pretty face. She had clear grey eyes and the body of a model, with a pair of
perfect shaped breasts over a petite waist, curvy hips, and long slender legs. Her eyes locked with Mira’s. With dark hair, and olive skin, she wore a tightly fitted green skirt and matching silk blouse.
“Gio, ciao, bello,” she said in a seductively low voice. Mira waited for him to react, for him to give her the customary kiss on both of her cheeks as he did the others present. He didn’t. He glanced down at her and his face became a frozen mask of non-expression. The woman extended her hand to Mira. “Hello, I’m Gabriella.”
“I’m Mira, pleased to meet you.”
“Yes! Mira Ellison. I know who you are. I love your work.”
“Thank you.”
Gabriella glanced up at Giovanni who continued to stare at her. “You have a lovely home. After all these years, I finally get to see the great Battaglia place.”
The way he stared at the woman only made the awkwardness more unbearable.
“It was nice to meet you, Mira.” Gabriella said and moved on.
“Who was she?”
“No one. Andiamo.” They walked out toward the open terrace where most were gathered. Mira glanced back to see the woman glaring after them. The polite smile had completely drained from her face. Giovanni introduced her to family members. A barrage of uncles and aunts from Palermo, distant cousins that were considered family all smiled politely and most spoke to her in Italian. She struggled to communicate so he translated. The shock and curiosity in their eyes was hard to miss. Apparently Giovanni wasn’t one to parade any woman around them, let alone a black American woman. Giovanni either didn’t notice or simply didn’t care because he led her from one group to the next, making introductions. Mira was reminded of what he shared with her in regards to his mother and the way she was treated in Palermo while pregnant with him. Eve must have felt like she was all alone in the world.
She recovered in time to see Rocco and Zia Carlotta stepping up into view. The old man had abandoned his overalls for jeans and a pressed plaid shirt, his curly silver hair framing his wrinkled sun bleached skin.
“Ciao Bella.” Rocco kissed her left and right cheeks. Mira drew back in time to avoid a kiss to the lips. The conversation was brief. Mira didn’t feel the frost from Zia she had felt upstairs. She was sure the woman couldn’t decide on whether she liked Mira or not. And soon Giovanni was distracted from his little game of meet and greet. Men in his family constantly approached. Several kissed his ring. She tried not to stare, but she couldn’t help but see the mixture of fear and respect in several of their faces.
