SAVAGEBETRAYAL
ADARKMAFIAAGEGAPROMANCE
DARKREDEMPTION BOOK1
IVYTHORN
PNKPUBLISHING
“W
emustputanendtothis Moretti scourge,”DonValenciastates,slamminghis fistdownontothetable,his forkheld likeaswordhewouldliketospearthroughLeonardoMoretti’sheartrightaboutnow
His plateofpastajumps withtheforceofhis displeasure,thechinaclinkingas itfinds thesurfaceofthedinner tableoncemore Nexttohim,hisgrownson,Tony,remainsfocusedonhisfood,tearingoffalargechunkfromthegarlicroll servedwithhismeal.
Fatherdoesn’tevenseemtonoticeashestudiesourdinnerguestswithdignifiedunderstanding.“That’soneofthereasonsI invitedyouallheretonight,”heconfesses,scanningthetableofprominentfamiliesthathaven’tcollapsedundertheMorettis’ pressure.Yet.
The numbers are dwindlingfromjust a few months ago, whenmyfather last hosted a dinner to assess the potential of formingallianceswhilewestillcan andhowmarriageisthebestwaytodoso.
“MydaughterTiacomesofageinjustover amonth,andIthinkeachoftheeligiblemeninthisroomwouldmakeafine matchforher.”
Nexttomyfather,mymotherlooksonwithpatientresolve,herfaceneutral andaccepting.Theirmarriagewasarranged, she oftenreminds me So, whywouldn’tIbe as happyinmymarriage as she has beeninhers? Itmightnotbe a fairytale romance,butit’smorepragmatic.
“Joining the great Guerra household with another family that’s rooted in Piovosa’s rich history,” Don Fiore observes, placinghisutensilsonhisplateandleaningbackinhischair.
“Indeed,”myfathersays.
DonFiore’seyesscandownthelengthofthetabletolandonme.
My heart skips a beat at his scrutinizing gaze, the way he seems to consider me like he would a prized horse he’s consideringaddingtohisstable Nevermindthefactthatthewidoweriswellovertwicemyageandsupposedtostillbein mourning oratleasthewouldbeifhecaredatallforhiswifeoftwentyyears,whomhelostjustmonthsago.
“Withyourdaughters’reputationsofrefinementandmodesty,I’msureitwouldbeanhonortotakeTiaasawife,”hesays, hisvoicedrippingwithlecherouspleasure.
Beside me, mysister Maria makes a not-so-subtle gaggingnoise, and Ibite the inside ofmycheekto stop myselffrom smiling.OnlyafterDonFiorereturnshisattentiontotheheadofthetabledoIdareglanceMaria’sway.
Atagesixteen,she’sprobablytheonlyoneofmyfouryoungersisterswhocanfullycomprehendwhat’scomingforeachof useventually Andit’scomingtomefarsoonerthantherest Marriage likelytosomegrossoldmanlikeDonFiore Because that’stheonlythingahousefulofGuerradaughtersisgoodfor.Ourfamilyname.
SeeingasDonGuerrawascursedwithfivedaughtersandnotasingleson,analliancemadethroughmarriageistheonly waymyfather canprotecthislegacy.Especiallynow,withtheMoretti family’sseeminglyinsatiableappetitetoconquer and ruleourthrivingItaliansettlementsequesteredintheAlleghenyMountains. Weneedhelp Andmarriageistheperfectwaytoguaranteeit.
“ItwouldestablishanunbreakablebondbetweentwofamilieswhomightnotbecapableofstoppingtheMorettisontheir ownbut,whenjoinedtogether,couldsendthemrunningwiththeirtailsbetweentheirlegs,”Fathersays.
“Yes,Iwouldliketoseethatarrogantbastardbroughtdownafewpegs,”DonValenciastates
“I’mreadytowipethesmugsmileoffLeonardo’sface,”DonRussogrowls.“It’sasifhethinkshe’salreadywonthetown. Thewayhe’sthrowingpartiesnearlyeveryotherweek,pretendinglikewe’renotatwar.”
“Solowclass.”DonAmiciscoffs.
“I’veheardtheballshehostsareanewlevelofsophistication,”LorenzoValenciasays,ahintofaweinhisvoice.
Hisstatementtriggersinmeacuriosity,athirsttounderstand,that’sbeengrowinginsidefor weeksnow Iwanttoknow whatitisabouttheMorettisthatdrivespeopletosuchextremeemotions.Lovethemorhatethem,itseemseverybody’stalking abouttheMorettis,andIwantnothingmorethantoknowwhatallthefussisabout
Whichis whyI intend to sneakout. Tonight. After our dinner guests leave. I planto go to a partyhosted byLeonardo Moretti the leader of the Moretti family, in all but title, and the rabble-rouser that my father speaks of as if he were the Boogeyman himself. Fromthe way my father makes it sound, the Morettis are capable of unspeakable atrocities, and with Leonardoattheirhead,theyhavebecomeallbutanunstoppableforce.
But as muchas myfather hates Leonardo Moretti, mycousins don’t seemto thinkit’s too dangerous to crashhis house parties.Apparently,theguyrarelyevenmakesanappearanceatthem. So, why can’t I?
Justthisonce
MysistersandIlivesuchshelteredlives,beinghome-schooled,residingonthefamilyestate,andonlyenteringthetown withescorts It’sacomfortablelife,andonethat’ssoentirelydull Idon’tthinkIcanstandanothereveningofreadingbythe fire.IwanttoseesomeoftheworldbeforemyfathermarriesmeofftosomegrossoldpervlikeDonFiore.
I glance sideways at the three Valencia men in attendance just in time to catch Don Valencia giving his younger son a thunderousscowl ThisisnotthehouseholdtobehandingoutcomplimentstotheMorettis EvenaharmlessonelikeLorenzo’s ButtheolderValenciasonseemstoopreoccupiedwiththemealtohavenoticedthetensionintheroom.“Thistagliatelleis delicious,”TonyValenciasaysaroundhismouthfulofpasta
Itrynottocringeasthestraynoodleshangingfromhislipsaresuckedintohismaw withsuchforcethatsaucesplatters acrosshischinandthenapkintuckedintohisshirt.
“Ofcourse,I’mopentonegotiationsandwouldliketoensurethematchwithmydaughterwouldbe…agreeableonboth sides,”myfathersays.
Isincerelyhopethehintofdisgustinhistonemeanshe’slessinclinedtomarrymeofftoTony Thesloppyeating,Icould probablylearnto live with. But the gluttony of gambling debts the Valencia heir has accrued? He’s well onhis wayto spendingeverylastpennyofhisinheritancebeforehisfather’seveninhisgrave
No,Idon’tthinkIcouldstomachlivingwithamansowillinglyavictimtohisvices.AndwhilehisbrotherLorenzomight notbenearlysobad,he’snotmuchbetter.
“MysonValentinewouldmakeanexcellentmatchforyourdaughter,”DonRussostateswithasuregrin.
“Butisn’tValentinejusttwelve?”Iask,boldlymeetingthedon’seyes.“Hecan’tpossiblybereadyformarriage.”
“Ihardlythinkyoushouldconcernyourselfwithmattersyouclearlydon’tunderstand Obviously,hewouldgrow intohis role as your husband.AndIwouldthinkyoushouldconsider yourselfluckynottobe strappedwithsomeone…older,” Don Russostatesdismissively,givingDonFioreasidelongglancebeforeturninghiseyestomyfather
ThesilentlookstatesthatDonGuerrashouldgethisunrulydaughterundercontrolbeforeIembarrasshimfurther. “Tia.”
That’sall myfather needstosay Iknow thathintofwarningtoowell IfIdon’tholdmytongue,Iwill verymuchregret provokingthepunishmentthatwillfollowourguests’departure.
IbristleattheperfunctorywaytheydiscussmynuptialsasifIwerenothingmorethanapieceofdiningroomfurnitureto betradedaway.ButasI’mlittlemorethanapawntothese great men,noonecarestotiptoearoundmyfeelings.
Theendgame thevictoryovertheMorettis isallthatmatters
Still,I’ll countmygentlescoldingasasmall blessing.Becauseit’sgivenmeawindow ofopportunitytobow outofthe stiflingnegotiations.
“Pardonmyignorance,DonRusso Ofcourse,youwouldknowbetterabouttheworkingsofthesetypesofarrangements If Imightbeexcused,father?I’llleavetheconversationtothosewhounderstandsuchthings.”
“Takeyoursisterswithyou,”heagrees,sendingmeoffwithawaveofhishand Delicatelywipingmylips,Isetasidemynapkin,thentakeMariabythewristandpullheroutofherchairandtowardthe diningroomdoor Anna,Vienna,andlittleSofiafollowwithoutaword
“Blech,”Mariasaysassoonaswe’reoutofearshot.“I’mdreadingthedayfatherdecideswhotomarryyouoffto.” Icringeinternally.“Metoo.”
“Imean,don’tgetmewrong Ifeel terriblefor you Butjustthink,ifthat’swhattheoptionsare,andyouhavefirstpick, whomightIgetstuckwithastheleftovers?”Mariashuddersvisibly.
“Maybeyou’llbeluckyenoughtolandValentineRusso,”Itease Mariagivesmeaplayfulshovewithhershoulder.“I’mnotreallyinterestedinbabysitting.Thanks.” Ilaugh,appreciatingthatIhaveatleastonepersontocommiseratewith. Still,Ihaven’teventoldMariaaboutmyplansfortonight…
IT’S WELL PAST SUNSET,andthehouselightshavealreadystartedtodarkenasIeasemybedroomwindowopen.Notdaringto breathe,Iwatchandlistentoseeifanyofmyfamily’sguardsmadenoteofthesoftshufflingnoise,butifthey’reinthevicinity, noneseemtobedrawnmyway.
Slowly releasing my breath, I ease my shoulders through the window and look to my left The ivy-covered lattice that creepsupthesideofouroversizedhomelookedalotlessintimidatingtoclimbdowninthedaylight whenIwasconcocting myelaborateescape
Now, Ijusthope the wood hasn’tstarted rottingafter the century’s worthofplant growththat creeps up the side ofthe picturesqueNewEnglandmansion.ButI’mnotabouttochickenoutnow.
IhavebeenhearingabouttheextravagantMorettihousepartiesformonthsnow Andtonight,Iintendtoseewhatthefussis allabout.Afterhavingspentmyentirechildhoodfollowingtherules,Iamdeterminedtohaveatleastonegoodadventure.
Ashiver races down my spine at the wood’s agonized groan beneath my weight as I scale the siding But I press on, clingingtothevinesevenastheyscrapemypalmsandsnagtheskirtofmyflirtiestdress.I’mmorethanalittlegratefulwhen I’veclimbeddownfarenoughtodropthelastfewfeetontosolidground
Crouching,Iturnquicklytomakesurenoonesawme.
LookslikeI’mintheclear.
Keepinglowandmovingfast,Iheadforthetreesthatlineeithersideofourlongdrive
TheairiscrispforanightinlateApril,butIdon’tmind.Mydestinationisabitofawalk,whichwillkeepmewarm.As soonasI’msafefromview,Ihunkerintomyfleece-linedItalianleathercoat,crammyfingersintoitspockets,andpickupa nicepace.
Giddyexcitement bubbles inmyveins as Ihead toward the historic downtownofPiovosa. Imake it into townonrare occasionsandneverunsupervised likewe’resomefamilyoutoftheDarkAges.
ButIknowit’sbecause,inPiovosa,ourfamilynameisworthitsweightingold,andmyfatherisonlylookingoutforour safety Ijustwishheweren’tquitesooverprotective It’snotlikekidnappersarewaitingaroundeverycorner tosnatchupa Guerragirlandransomheroffforsomeexorbitantamountofmoney.
Againstallodds orsoitwouldseembasedonmyfather’sextensivewarningsnottoleavethehouseunaccompanied I arrivesafelyatmydestinationwithoutasingleabductionattempt.
It’s not hard to find the party. Not when fancy cars line the pavement all the way fromthe street to the far end of the Morettis’windingdrive.TheflashyCorvettesandsleekPorschesaccompanymeall thewayuptothebacklitfountainatthe centerofthecircularcourtyard.
FewhousesinPiovosacanrivalmine ButasIstareupatthestrikinggothicarchitectureofDonMoretti’shome,Ithinkwe mighthavemetourmatch.Thetoweringmonstrosityissomethingbetweenamansionandacastleinbothsizeandshape,with countlessspiresandhauntinggargoylesprotectingthecornersofeacheave
Musicspillsthroughthegranddoubledoorsatthetopofthefrontsteps,andlightsilluminatethewindowswithagolden glow thataccentuates the structure’s silentdignity. The elegantdisplayofwarmthsomehow makes mymissionall the more exciting
Here,thereappeartobenorulessayingImustwaitforaninvitation.Theatmospheresaysallarewelcome.Andthethrill ofmeetingnew people notpreapproved bymyfather’s stuffyexpectations fills me witha sense ofgiddyanticipation This promisestobeanightofadventure.
Takingadeep,steadyingbreath,Icombmyfingersthroughmythickmahoganylocks,checkingtomakesurethey’reinplace after myrather brisknightstroll.ThenIsquaremyshouldersandclimbupthesweepingfrontstepsandintothehomeofmy family’sswornenemy.
ThegrandentrystealsmybreathawayasItakeintheopenspacewithamarblestaircasecurvingdowneither side The back wall is made entirely of gilded mirrors that catch and reflect the sparkling lights bouncing off the decadent crystal chandelier
Like an ornate version of a disco ball, the fixture dripping with jewels occupies the very center of the vaulted room. Visually,it’sstunning,withsomanyrainbow refractionsglimmeringfromitscountlessanglesthatIcan’ttell wherethelight startsorends.
Butwhatreallycatchesmyattentionisthesheernumberofbodiesthatfillthespace,somedancing,somelaughing,some standingclosetogetherindeepconversation
Pulse quickeningwiththe livelyenergythatenvelops me, Istop to take itall in. Idon’tquite know where to begin. I’m partycrashing there’s no doubt about that But the distinct lackofbouncers or guards makes me thinkit doesn’t matter to anyonehere.
“Hashespokentoyou?”onegirlaskstomyleft,hertonealmostdreamyinitsbreathlessness.
“LeoMoretti?Iwish,”herfriendadds.
Iglanceintheirdirectiontoseethreegirlsclusteredtogether,theirhairperfectlycoiffed,dressesaboutasshortastheycan getwithoutbeingscandalous,eyesscanningtheroomhungrily.
“Idon’tneedhimtospeakwithme Ijustwanthimtolookmyway”
“Screwthat.Iwanthimtotakemetobed.Themanlookslikeagod,andI’veheardhefuckslikeonetoo.”
Mycheeksheatatthelewdtopicofconversationthegirlsareholdingrightthereinthemiddleofthecrowdedroom AndI can’t help the juvenile giggle that bubbles up mythroat. Myfather would never allow me to keep companywithgirls who wouldeventhink somethinglikethat,letalonesayit
AndthoughIhave noexperience whenitcomes tomenor the activities thatgoonbetweentwopeople ina bedroom,it exhilaratesmetothinkthatI’msteppingoutsideofmysafelittleworldtogetabetterunderstandingofthissideofsociety. EvenifIhavenocluewheretogofromhere
Stealingmyself,Itakeseveraltentativestepstowardthecenteroftheroom,hopingIdon’tlooktoooutofplace.ButIcan’t help keeping my head on a swivel as I take in the luxurious decor and the lavish partygoers it really does scream a sophisticationmyfatherhasneveroncementionedwhentalkingabouttheMorettiheir.
“Areyoulost?”someoneasksinasinfullysmooth,masculinevoice
Myheartskipsabeat,andIturntomeetapairofintelligenthazeleyes.Themanbeforemeistall,welloversixfeet,with asharpjawlinedarkenedbytheperfectamountoffive-o’clockshadow.
Possibly the bouncer I was looking for, who stops gate crashers before they get too far into the hall? Butthat’snotwhatwipesmyusuallyquickwordsfrommymind.It’sthefactthathemightjustbethemostgorgeousman I’veeverlaideyeson
Hisblackcurlsfall acrosshisforeheadinchaoticperfection.Hisbroadshouldersfill outthemint-greendressshirthe’s rolleduptohiselbowsinacasualdisplayofcomfort.Andhiscollarisunbuttonedjustenoughtoshowthehintofdarkchest hairthattellsmehe’sseveralyearsmysenior.
Dressedinonlythefinestbrandnames,hisItalianleathershoesandblackslackscrisp,clean,andtailoredtoperfection,he looks worthyofthe frontpage ofa magazine And all together, the package gives himanair ofsilentconfidence thatsays, withoutadoubt,hehastheauthoritytoendmynightoffunbeforeit’sevenbegun.
Helooksdownhisproudnose,andaslow,subtlegrintellsmeheknowsIshouldn’tbehere Onedarkeyebrow formsa sharpandartisticarchasIcontinuetostareathim,open-mouthed,atanutterlossforwords.
“Did youcome here withsomeone tonight?” His deep baritone makes mystomachquiver as his eyes shift to the door behindme.
“Oh,uh,no.Iwasinvited,”Isayquickly.
Myimmediateblushgivesmeaway,I’msure,andhiseyebrow creepshigher uphisforehead,indicatingheseesstraight throughme.
“Bywhom?”
Now what do I say? IhavenoideawhomighthavethepowertoinvitemeasidefromtheMorettisthemselves.AllIcando is hope thatgivinga name withauthoritywill minimize his questions. Tryingnotto panic, Iswallow hard and smile. “Don Moretti,ofcourse”
“Really?MarcoMorettiinvitedyoutothisparty?”Botheyebrowsrisenow.
Oh, dear god I am so busted “Yes?Well,Imean,no Justinamannerofspeaking Itwasmorelikehisson” “LeonardoMorettisentaninvitationtoyourhouse?”
It’sjustahintofchallengethatgivesawayhisskepticism,andIcanfeelmyselfbucklingunderthepressure “Mm-hmm,”Iagree,flashinghimmymostwinningsmile.
Laser intelligencecutsthroughme,askingahundredquestionsinthesilencethatfollows. I should not have come What was I thinking? HeknowsIdon’tbelong,andI’mdefinitelyabouttogetkickedout Orworse Thiswassuchabadidea.
Thenheunleashesadevilishlyhandsomegrin “Well,inthatcase,welcome” Relieffloodsmeastheinquisitionendsasquicklyasitbegan.
“Wouldyoulikeadrink ?”Heleavesthequestionhanging,waitingformetosupplyaname “Tia,”Iprovide.“JustTia.”IsuspectthrowingaroundthelastnameofGuerramightnotbethesmartestplanrightabout now.“Andyes,adrinksoundswonderful,”Iaddwithasmile.
“Well,Tia,letmeshowyouwheretheyare”
The man places a hand on the small of my back, bringing butterflies to life in my stomach as he gestures toward the mirroredwallatthefarendoftheentry Ifollowhislead,andthecrowdseemstopartaroundusaswemove
Thewaytheyshiftraisesgoosebumpsonmyarmsandatinglingsenseofforebodingticklesthebackofmymind.Thiscan’t be the manhimself, right? While still a man, he’s too youngto be the conqueror everyone fears. Besides, I’ve beentold on manyoccasionsthatheneverattendshisownparties.
Still,thisinquisitorofminemustmeritenoughrespectthathedoesn’thavetosayaword.
Weturnrightaroundacornerofthemirroredwallandintoaballroomthatdwarfsthesizeoftheoneinmyfamilyhome. TheentirebackwallismadeupofwindowsandFrenchdoors,eachopeningoutontoastunningterracethatrunstheexpanse oftheballroom
“Wow,”Ibreathe,astonishedbythegrandeurthatsomehowmanagestooutshinetheopulenceofmyownhome. “Youlikeit?”
“It’sincredible,”Iconfess.
Westopinfrontofthefullbar,stockedwitheveryvarietyofliquor,allinopulentbottlesthatmusthavecostafortune “Whatdoyouliketodrink,Tia?”myinquisitorasksasthebartenderturnshisattentiontous.
I don’t IhavenocluewhatImightliketodrink.Iquicklyscanthebottles,lookingforsomethingthatmightsoundremotely familiar “I’lltakeaMacallan”I’venevertasteditbefore,butmyfatheroffersittoguestsasanafter-dinnerdrink Myguide’s eyebrows rise inapparentsurprise mingled witha hintofamusement. “We’ll take two.” He raises two long fingerstowardthebartender “Neat?”Hiseyesshiftbacktomine,clearlyexpectingananswer “Neat,”Iagree,confusedbyhisquestion. Is he asking me if that’s cool for him to order the same thing? Ihavenoclue whyitwouldorwouldn’tbe Buthe’sbeenniceenoughtospeaktome,wheremostpeopledidn’tglancemyway
Thebartendertakesthebeautifulbottleofftheshelfandpoursuseachasmallamountofliquidintotwocut-crystalglasses. Iacceptmineandcupitbetweenmypalms,toonervoustotakeasiprightaway.
“Tellme,Tia,whatbringsyouheretonight?”mygorgeousguideasks,hishazelgazeprobing Mynerves come to life once againas Isense anundercurrent to his question. Evenso, Ican’t stop the thrill that races throughmeatthesoundofmynameonhislips “Oh,youknow,thesamereasonseveryonegoestopartieslikethese” “Whichis?”
“Forfun?”Isuggest,myanswerscomingoutasquestionsasmyconfidenceplummets. “Whatkindoffun?”heasks,hiseyesmesmerizingintheirintensity.
Ishrug,attemptingtoreleasesomeofthetensionfrommyshoulderswiththenonchalantgesture.“Tomeetnewpeopleand see new things AmIsupposedtobe searchingfor another kind?” Mystomachknots as Irecall the conversationthose three girlswerehavingnearthefrontdoor.AboutcapturingacertainMoretti’sattentionandmaybeevengettinghimtotakethemto bed
“ForgivemeifImightsoundsuspicious,butit’snoteverynightthatadaughterofDonGuerracomesstrollingthroughmy door.”
MyheartslamsagainstmyribcageasIrealizejusthowdeepImighthavesteppedinit.“Y-YouknowwhoIam?”
“It’smyjobtoknow everyonecomingandgoingfromthishouse,andyou,Tia,havepiquedmyinterest.Areyouhereto spyonme?Didyourfathersendyou?”
“No,I Ididn’t Imean,hedidn’t…”Iflounder,onceagainlostforwordsasmymindquicklytranslatesthefullmeaning ofhiswords Thenithitsme “Spyonyou?”
Shit. ThismustbeLeonardoMoretti.Iamsuchanidiot.
Butevenas the factstares me inthe face,Icanhardlybelieve thatthe maninfrontofme is the one who’s gottensofar undermyfather’sskin Hedoesn’tcomeacrossasthedangerousandbrutalcriminalmyparentshavemadehimouttobe He can’tbe…
“You’reLeonardoMoretti,”Ibreathe Hedoesn’trespond.Hedoesn’tneedto.
Myeyes drop as Irealize there’s no wayout ofthis but to tell the truthand prayIhaven’t made a massive mistake by disobeyingmyfather. Because, as ofrightnow, I’mentirelyatthe mercyofthe Moretti heir. Myonlychance ofsurvival is honestyandaprayerthathe’llbelieveme.
“Isnuckout,”Iconfess,heatradiatingfrommycheeksasIstudytheglassclaspedinmyhands “Myfatherwouldkillmeif heknewIwashere.ButIjust…Iwantto live mylife.”
Ipressmylipsclosedtostoptherushofwordsthatthreatentospillfrommeinaflood AndIglancetentativelyupthrough myeyelashes,feelingI’vesaidtoomuch.
ButLeo’sgazesoftens,growingsympatheticeven,thenahintofhumor glintsinhisstrikingeyes “So,you’renothereto killme,then?”hejokes,hisdisarmingsmilereturninginfullforce.
Heatraces throughmyveins as anelectric energycrackles betweenus. “And take thathonor frommyfather? He would neverforgiveme”ThesmartasscommentisoutofmymouthbeforeIhavetimetothinkthroughhowwiseitmightbe ButbeforeIhavetimetopanic,hereleasesalow,sexychuckle.
“MayIaskyousomething,Leonardo?” “Onlyifyou’llcallmeLeo.”
Heatcreepsintomycheeksathisrequest.“Leo.”Itestitoutandfindthenamesuitshimbetter somehow.“How oldare you?”
Itfeelslikeajuvenilequestion,buthe’snotwhatIwouldexpectofamancapableoftearingapartthetownofPiovosaand
dismantlinggenerationsoffamilywealthandpowerinfiveshortyears.
Thehumorinhiseyesintensifies,buthedoesn’tchallengemyquestion.“Twenty-five.”
“Nooo”TheuncouthwordslipsfrommymouthbeforeIcanstopit,andIclapmyhandovermylips
“Youdon’tbelieveme?”heasks,anotherchucklerumblingfromhischest.
“I mean I have no reason not to believe you It’s just ” Fromwhat I’ve heard about Leo’s conquests, I can hardly believe he’s thatyoung.Since he tookthe reins ofthe Moretti family,he’s expandedtheir power andterritorywithalarming efficiency “Ihadalwaysimaginedyou’dbeolder”
Silencestretchesbetweenus,andItakeadrinktostopmyselffromfidgeting.Poorchoice.Thealcoholburnsasittrickles downmythroat,bringingtearstomyeyes.Ichokeandcough,fightinghardnottospitouttheliquidfire.AndwhenIfinally regainasemblanceofcomposure,Leowordlesslyoffersmeanapkin
“Thanks,”Irasp,wipingmylipsandthenmywateringeyes.
“Howoldareyou,Tia?”heasks,hiseyesscrutinizingmeperceptively
It’safairquestionaftermine,butthatdoesn’tmakemeanylessmortifiedtotellhim.“E-Eighteen,”Ilie.Imean,Iwillbe soonenough,butIdon’twanttosoundanymorechildishthanI’vealreadymanagedinthisconversation
Leo’shazelgazeholdsminewithasteadysilencethatseemstoslicethroughmyuntruthwiththeeaseofahotknifethrough butter. Still, he doesn’t challenge me. “And you snuck out of your father’s house to come to this party looking for an adventure?”
Bitingmylipasmynervesgetthebetterofme,Inod.I’vemadesuchafoolofmyself.Imustlooklikeachildtohim.Iam achildtohim,withnotjustaseven-yearagegapbutaworldofexperiencethatstandsbetweenus Buthiscrookedsmilethat followswipesthethoughtaway.
“Well,then,theleastIcandoisshowyouaround,”heoffers,leaningclosetoplaceahandonthesmallofmybackonce more.
Hisproximitysendsmybodyintoanunexpectedfrenzyasmybreathcatchesinmythroat.Idetectthehintofsandalwood, vanilla,andambercologneintheairaroundhim Thescentquickensmyheartbeat,andIcan’thelpbuttakeinthesightofhim oncemoreasaheadydoseofattractionpoundsthroughmyveins.LeoMorettiisnothinglikethedemonIhadenvisioned.He’s just hot
“Wheredowestart?”Iaskbreathily,tryingtoregainmycomposure.
“Howaboutthelibrary?Peoplecomefromallovertoseeit.”
“That sounds… wonderful.” Intruth, that’s where I feel most at home. After so manyhours immersed inthe books that providemyonlysourceofescape,I’mconfidentalibrarywillputmeatease.
Once again, the partyguests move fluidlyoutofour way, like the Red Sea partingas Leo escorts me downthe elegant hallways.Hestopsbeforetwooversizeddoubledoorsandslowlyswingsoneopen,gesturingthatIshouldenterfirst.
I stop short as soonas I step inside the two-storylibraryfilled withrichcherry-wood shelves that hold leather-bound tomes.Thesightofallthatknowledgepackedintoonevastroomtakesmybreathaway.
“Youlikebooks,”Leoobservesaswelingerinthequietroomthatnooneelsehasventuredinto.
Inod “Itneverceasestoamazemethatsomethingsosmallcantakeyouallovertheworld eventoworldsyoucouldn’t findinamillionyears withjustafewslipsofparchmentandawellofink.What’snottolove?”
Whenhedoesn’trespondrightaway,IglanceupatLeoandfindhe’sstandingcloserthanIhadexpected Myheartskipsa beatashestudiesme,hisdevastatinglyhandsomefacecloseenoughtotouch,andIfindmyselftrappedinsidehisintelligent green-grayeyes
“What?”Ibreathe,unsureofwhyhe’slookingatmethatway.AllIknowisIlikeit.
“Iwouldn’thavefiguredyouforapoet,SignorinaGuerra.”
Heat pools in my cheeks at the flattering statement, and I glance around to distract myself before I say something embarrassing.“Doyouhave a favorite book?” Iask,followinga row ofhardcovers withcurlinggoldprintembossedalong theirspines
MyfingerstracelightlyacrossthemasInotetheirgeographicalcategorization.
“It’sbeensometimesinceI’vereadabookforpleasure,”Leoadmits,followingbesidemewithsmooth,longstrides “But Treasure Island wasalwaysmyfavoritegrowingup.”
Iglancesharplyupathim,studyinghisproudfeatures.“Really?”
ThehintofasmiletugsathislipsasLeostopsandturnstome “Again,youdoubtme?It’sawonderyoubravedmyhome atallifyou’resoconfidentIwouldlie.”
“No,it’snot sorry,I’mjustsurprisedbecauseRobertLouisStevensonismyfavoriteauthor I’veprobablyread Treasure Island fiftytimes.”
“Abrilliantbookaboutadventure.‘Hangthetreasure!It’sthegloryoftheseathathasturnedmyhead,’”hequotes,hiseyes dancing.“Somehow,itdoesn’tsurprisemethatyoulikeit.”
Is it entirely wrong that I find his ability to quote Stevenson on a whim entirely too appealing?
Theenergyshiftsbetweenus,thatelectrictensiontransformingintosomethingmorelikeamagneticpullasLeo’sposture softens. The conversationtakes a more personal turnas we stroll around the emptyroom, talkingabout the characters that inspireusandthebooksthatholdaspecialplaceonourhearts’shelves
As Leo’s tour carries us back out into the hall, our conversation continues. I find myself surprisingly relaxed, my composure reclaimed as our discussion shifts from literature to history, geography, and culture Things I’ve cultivated knowledgeaboutthroughmytop-tiereducationandthirstforinformation,whilehe’slearnedmuchfirsthand.
“I’veheardgreatthingsabouttheGuerradaughters It’sanhonortofinallymeetyouanddiscoverformyselfthattherumors aretrue.”
Mystomachflip-flopsdangerously.“Whatrumors?”
“Thatyou’reasintelligentandcharmingasyouarebeautiful,”Leosays
Thestatementiscasual,asthoughhe’scompletelyoblivioustowhathiswordsmightbedoingtomybody.Buthearinga gorgeous,oldermanlikeLeocallmebeautifuldoesstrangethingstomyinsides Ican’tquitetellifmyheartisinmythroator ifthat’sthebutterfliestryingtoescapemytummy.
“Leo!”amancalls,walkingtowardus HelooksjustafewyearsolderthanIam “I’vebeenlookingalloverforyou I who’syourfriend?”heasks,hismindseemingtojumptracksashiseyestakemeinforthefirsttime.
“MeetTia.Tia,thisismycousinVinnie.”
“It’sapleasure,”hesays,extendinghishand
And as I take it, Vinnie leans in to stage-whisper, “Don’t let himfool you. He might come across as intimidating and respectable,buthe’sasuckerforaprettysmile”Thenhegivesmeaconspiratorialwink
Astartled giggle escapes me, and Iglance atLeo fromthe corner ofmyeye to gauge his reaction. He merelyquirks an eyebrow at his cousin, who clears his throat and straightens. Once again, I’mstruckbythe authorityhe commands without liftingafinger.Notevenmyfatherputspeopleinlinewithsolittleeffort.
“Youneededsomething,Vinnie?”hesaysafteramoment’ssilence.
“Oh,yeah Butitcanwait”Leo’scousingivesaslightbowofhishead “Pleasuretomeetyou,Tia”
“Likewise.”
We don’t linger longbefore Leo whisks me toward a door leadingoff the hall Amoment later, we enter the billiards, where several pool tables have multiple games occurring at once. In here, the scent of cigars lingers in the air, and the throbbingmusicbleedsthroughthewallswithoutactuallyfillingtheroom.
Once again, Leo introduces me like a guest of honor. ThoughI know several of the partygoers as acquaintances of my family,itbecomesincreasinglyeasytospottheMorettifamilymembers becauseIrecognizesofew.
We travel through several more rooms, Leo showing me the study, the conservatory, the parlor Each is more finely decorated thanthe last. As we weave throughthe crowded house, Leo converses lightlywithhis guests, introducingme to whomeverhethinksImightfindinterestingalongtheway
AndthelongerIspendwithhim,themoreIstarttoquestionallthewarningsmyparentshavegivenaboutstayingfaraway fromtheMorettifamily.IsensenothingoftheanimositymyfatherhasspokenaboutreflectedinLeo’sactions.
Ifanything,hiseasycharmmakesitimpossibletoavoidwhatI’mquicklyrealizingismyfirstcrush Wefinishourtourbackintheballroom,wherethepartyisinfullswing,themusicfillingthespaceaspeoplemoveacross thedancefloorandmingle
“Would you… be interested ingoingsomewhere a little more private?” he asks after several more guests bombard him, demandinghisattention “Somewherewecantalkwithoutthisconstantinterruption?”
And though I don’t quite understand why Leo seems so willing to keep talking to me, I can’t deny I like it. My pulse quickens,andIswallowtoquellmynervesasInod.
TheseparatewingLeotakesmetoringswiththesilenceofleavingtheparty’smusicbehind,andI’msuddenlyintensely aware ofeachbreathpassingbetweenmylips This sectionofthe house is as ornatelydecorated as the last, withrich marblefloors,finedark-woodwallpaneling,andpedestalsholdingfreshbouquetsofflowersthatperfumetheair. Icanonlyimaginehowmanypeopleitmusttaketomaintaintheopulentarrangements
“Noonewillbotherushere,”Leoassuresme,stoppingtoopenathickwoodendoor.
NervousexcitementbubblesupinmychestasItakeinthemahoganyfour-posterbed,therichfurnishingsthataccompany it,andthedeepgreens,grays,andbrownsthatfillthespacewithwarmth Aclosed-glassgasfireplacewithsparklingobsidian atitsbaseoccupiesoneentirewalloftheroom.Andjustbeyonditistheensuitebathroom.
“Isthis ?”
“Myroom?Yes,Ihopeyoudon’tmind.It’s justtheoneplaceIknow Icanfindpeaceandquiet.Noonewill disturbus here”
Myheartflutters giddily, the excitementwarringwitha deeplyingrained apprehension. Iknow myparents would never approveofmebeingalonewithaboyinhisroom.EspeciallynotLeonardoMoretti.Andatthebackofmymind,analarmbell sendsoffasubtlewarningathiswords
Andyet,Idon’twanttosayno.For whatever reason,ItrustLeo.Anditflatters me tothinkhe wouldinvite me intohis personalspacewhenhehasmaintainedapolitedistancefromsomanyofhisothergueststonight Imightbecrashinghisparty, buthe’scertainlywelcomingmeintohisplaceofsolitude.
“It’sbeautiful,”Iadmit,takinginthespaciousroomthatfeelslikeanapartmentinandofitself.
Thedoorclickssoftlyshutbehindus,andwhenIglancebackatLeo,hegesturestotherichlyupholsteredseatingareathat fillsthespacenearhislargepicturewindow.Outside,thenightloomsinkyandabsolute,makingthewindowintoareflective surface
FireracesthroughmyveinsasLeo’seyesfindmineinthemirroredglass.Hislipscurveintoamischievousgrin,breaking thesuddentensionandfreezingmeinplace;Ireleaseabreathylaughasheseemstoreadmyindecisionandtakesthelead
“Haveyouenjoyedyourtasteoffreedomtonight?”heasks,hissmoothbaritonelowandwarmashesettlesontothecouch, hisarmrestinglightlyalongtheback.
Takingtheseatnexttohim,Inod,bitingmyliptomaintainmysilence.Idon’tdarespeakforfearthatImighttellhimthis hasbeenoneofthebestnightsofmylife.Isnuckoutlookingforasenseofadventure,andIfoundnotjustthatbutanenchanted castlewithaprincecharmingaswell
ButIdefinitelycan’tsaythat.
“Well,I’mgladIgottobeapartofit,then”Leo’seyesshiftdowntomytrappedlowerlip,afireignitinginhisgazethat makesmystomachtremble.“Tia,”hemurmurs,forcinghiseyesbackuptomineasheleanscloser.“Iwouldverymuchliketo kissyou.”
Apotentdoseofadrenalineseepsthroughmycoreathiswords I’veneverkissedaboybefore,andtheprospectoffeeling Leo’sdangerouslysexylipsagainstmine…itsendsheatcoursingthroughmyveins,fillingmewithaforeignexhilaration.
“IthinkI’dlikethattoo,”Ibreathe,mytonguedartingouttomoistenmysuddenlydrylips Aslowsmilecurlsonecornerofhismouth,andLeotakesmypracticallyuntouchedglassofscotch,settingitandhisown glassonthesidetablebehindhim Thenheshifts,drawingcloseruntilourkneesmeet Mybreathcatchesinmythroatashecradlesmychinwithlong,masculinefingers,tippingmyfaceclosertohis.Hiseyes droptomylipsonceagainasheleansinwithexcruciatingcare.Heartpoundinginmythroat,Idon’tdaremove.Idon’tdare
breatheastimestandsstill
Heclosesthedistanceslowly,asifgivingmetheopportunitytochangemymind.Andwhenourlipsfinallymeet,ajoltof electricheatcracklesthroughmybody,leavingmylipstingling Ican’thelpthegaspthatescapesme,andLeoreleasesalow humofamusementasIfeelhissoftsmileformagainstmymouth.
Thenhekissesmemoreardently,hislipscoveringminewithafieryneedashishandbrushesslowlyacrossmyjaw His fingerscombintomyhairashecradlesthebackofmyheadinapassionateembrace.
Ashiverofexcitementripplesupmyspineashistonguedancesouttotracetheseamofmylips Iopentheminstinctually, andaburningwarmthblossomsdeepinmycoreashestrokesbetweenmyteeth,tastingme.I’veneverfeltanythingquitelike it.AndIwantmore.
The smokyflavor ofthe scotchlingers onhis tongue And mydesire to explore this overwhelmingattractionmakes me bold.Reachingup,Imirrorhisgesture,combingmyfingersintohisthickcurls.They’resilkyastheytanglearoundmyfingers, andthelowgroanthatrushesfromhislipstominetellsmehelikesthewayI’mtouchinghim
Astrongarmsnakesaroundmywaist,pullingmeclose,andmyhearthammersagainstmyribsatthefeelofhishardchest pressingagainstmine Theworldaroundusseemstofadeashiskissintensifies,awakeninginmeanappetiteIneverknew I possessed.
After a lifetime of reading fairy tales and love stories, I can’t help but wonder if this isn’t what love is like, that weightlessnessthatmakesapersonfeelliketheycanfly I’mfallingforLeo,hard AndthoughIknowthat’snothingshortofa betrayalwhenhe’smyfamily’sswornenemy,Ican’tseemtostopmyself.
Myparentshavemistakenlypeggedhimasavillain,butIdon’tdoubtthattheywouldseethegoodinhimiftheytookthe opportunitytogettoknowhimpersonallylikeIhave.Leo’scharming,funny,intelligent.Hegetsmeinawaynooneeverhas. Anditshouldn’tmatterthathislastnameisMoretti.Notwhenthis isthekindoflovehehastogive.
Slowly,Leolowersmebackontothecouch,hisweightsettlinglightlyovermeashecontinuestokissmewithsmoldering passion. His body rests against mine, and the prominent bulge that presses like an iron rod into the side of my hip brings sinfullydangerousthoughtstomind FromwhatIunderstandofanatomy,thatwouldindicatehe’sasexcitedbykissingmeasI ambyhim.Atthepeakofmythighs,heatbuilds,makingmeravenousformore.
Mybreathcomesfastandshallow asIscarcelyrecognizemyself I’venever doneanythingsorash Asmall voiceatthe backofmymindquestionshowsmartitistobealonewithaman,anoldermanwhommyparentsdon’ttrust.ButIonlygetone lifetolive,andLeomakesmefeellikemywaitisover thisiswheretheadventurebegins.
Leo transitions his kisses, finding the corner of my mouth and then the tender flesh behind my ear. Air rushes sharply betweenmyteethashesucksthetenderfleshbetweenhislips,makingmybodythrob.It’slikeheknowsexactlyhowtobring metolife,lightingafiredeepinsideme
Andashecontinuestosuck,hishandslowlytravelsdownmybody.Hisfingerswhisperacrossmychest,histouchfeatherlightashefollowsthelineofmycleavagethatvanishesintomydress
As he shifts to cup one breast, the warmth of his palmradiates into my flesh, melting my insides. A low, feral groan rumblesfromhisthroatashekneadsmybreastthroughthelayersofmybraanddress.
“You’resoyoungandfirm,”heraspsappreciatively
MyheartskipsabeatasIwonderifhemightnotknowIliedaboutmyage. Could my body possibly give that away? But hedoesn’tdrawbackoraccuseme Instead,hisfingerscurlaroundthelownecklineofmydress,slidinginsidethelacyfabric ofmybrauntilhisfingersfindmynipple.
Liquidarousalwashesthroughmycoreashetakesthehardnubbetweenhisfingerandthumb,lightlyrollingit Igaspasa tinglingeuphoriafollows,leavingmealmostnumbwithpleasure.
“God,Iwanttoseeyourbeautifulbody,”hebreathes,kissingmeferventlyashefillsmewithoverwhelmingneed.“Ibet you’rethemostperfectcreatureI’lleversee”
“Okay,”Imurmur,mystomachdoingsomersaults.
Ishouldn’tlethim Myfatherwouldbefuriousifhefoundout Throwing away the modesty he’s ingrained in me since I was a little girl? Exposing myself to a man? Letalonemyfather’sswornenemy.ButsomethingaboutLeomakesmewantto know,tounderstandthatdeep,indescribableconnectionlovershave
Leo pauses, drawingbackfromme justenoughto meetmyeyes, and inthemis a silentquestionofwhether Imeanit, a hopethatIdid.Inod,themotionjerkywiththeintensityofmynerves.ThenLeoreclaimsmylipsfiercely,rewardingmewith hissinfullyinspiringenthusiasm
Strongarmspullmeupoffthecouchandbackontomyfeetamomentlater,andLeoholdsmywaistuntilI’msteady.Then he steps backto watchme Bitingthe pad of mylower lip, I shrugout of mycoat to reveal myflirtyblue bodycondress Reachingbehindme,Iunzipitwithshakinghands.
His warmfingers curl aroundthe straps ofmydress a momentlater,andhe guides themslowlydownmyarms.Thenhe pullsthestretchyfabricpastmybreastsandhips.
Ilethim,shiveringatthesuddenlyintenseexposureofbareflesh.Myhair ticklesasitfallsdownmyexposedbackina
thickwaterfall.Mynipplespucker,pressingadamantlyagainsttheirlacecage.
Leo’s smolderinggaze travels appreciativelydownmycurves. Heat blossoms inmycheeks as I realize I’mwearinga ratherchildishpairofcottonunderwearwithbluebowsspecklingthewhitefabric Theydon’tevenmatchmylacyblackbra
But Leo doesn’t seemto care. He issues a low whistle of approval as he steps backto admire mybody. Thena smile graceshisperfectlips “You’refuckinghot,Tia”
Withagroanthatsendsajoltofnervousanticipationthroughmycore,heclosesthedistancebetweenusonceagain.
Goosebumpsrippleacrossmyfleshashisstrongarmsenfoldme,pullingmeagainsthissolidchest,andhekissesmewith ahungerthatleavesmetrembling.Guidingmyarmsuparoundhisshoulders,Leoslowlywalksmebacktowardthebed.
Myheartpounds a mile a minute now as mythoughts starttorace. Are we about to have sex? Am I ready for that? My fatherwouldkillmeifhefoundout Allthoseyearsofcarefulsupervision,neverlettingmeoutofsighttoensurenotjustmy protectionbutmychastity,andthefirsttimeImanagetoevademyguards,Igiveawaymymostvaluableasset?
Ishouldn’t Iknowthat
Butgod,I’veneverwantedtoexperiencesomethingsobadlyinmylife.
“W-Whatareyoudoing?”Istammerashepressesmegentlyontothesoftsheets
“Ijustwanttomakeyoufeelgood,Tia.Willyouletmedothat?”heasks.“Iwanttoshowyouwhatitreallymeanstolive. Togiveyouthebestnightofyourlife.”
Skintinglingwithnervousanticipation,IlookdeepintoLeo’seyes Andinthem,allIcanfindissincerity,atruththatsets mysoulonfire.
“Yes,”Iagree,shiftingashesettlesontothebedbesideme
Hissmilebroadens,andhistouchissoftashemurmursasultry,“Good.”HefollowsmeasIliebackacrossthesheets, and thenhis fingers trail lightlydownmyskinuntil theyfind the top ofmypanties. “Youcantell me to stop whenever you want,”hepromises,hishandhesitatingforjustamoment.
Lickingmylipsnervously,Inod.ButIdon’tstophim.Iwanttoknowthepleasurehe’soffering.AndItrustthathecangive itto me I want himto Because Leo is everythingIcould ever have dreamed Imightwantina man He’s smart, engaging, handsome notlikeanyoftheidiots myfather has beenparadingmeinfrontoffor months.Andhe’s offeringmeafreedom I’vebeencravingforfartoolong
Ashishandslidesbeneaththefabricofmypanties,itblowsmyworldapart.Igaspashisfingersgrazethesensitivenubat thepeakofmythighs,releasingatinglingpleasurethroughmybodythatwipesmymindblank.
Hisfingersstrokeapartofmethatnoonehasevertouchedbefore,andtheforbiddenintimacymakesmetremble.Likethe softestsilk,histouchglidesacrossmyskinandslowlydelvesbetweenmyfolds.
“Holyshit,you’resowet,”herasps,touchingmegently
Igroanasthepleasurebuildstoaninferno,searingmyfleshasitconsumesmysoul.
“IthinksomeonelikeswhenIkissher,”hewhispersplayfully,hislipshoveringovermine
Inod.Rightnow,Iwouldconfesstojustaboutanythingaslongashekepttouchingmelikethis.Andhedoes,hisfingers strokingme,thencirclingmymostsensitivespotwithheavenlyprecision.Atthesametime,hislipsslantovermine,histongue pressingbetweenthemtotastemedeeply
Everynerveinmybodylightsonfire,consumedbysinful pleasure.Ishouldn’tbedoingthis.Iknow.Ishouldn’tlethim touchme ButIcan’thelpmyself Ican’tstoptheoverwhelmingneedthatfogsmybrainandleavesmepantingformore My arousalintensifies,myexcitementclimbingtoapinnacleofecstasyI’veneverknown.
Thenheslowlypressesonefingerdeepinsidemydepths Icryoutattheunexpectedeuphoriathataccompaniestheforeign penetration.Mycoretightensaroundhim,fillingmewithapowerfulnewdesire.
“Doesthatfeelgood?”hepurrs,nippingplayfullyatmyear.
Inod,mylips toonumbtoformwords,mybreaths gaspingfrommeinshort,hardbursts AndLeogives alow chuckle Thenhisfingersstrokemoreadamantlybetweenmyfolds,andheeasesasecondfingerinsideme.
“Ohgod!” Imoanas a tremblingdesire consumes me Myknees shake as mymuscles tighten Inpreparationfor what, I don’tknow.
ButLeoseemsto,andhisthumbfindsthesensitivepointatthepeakofmythighs,sendingajoltofpleasureupmyspine Ashisfingerspressinsidemeoncemore,Itoppleintooblivion.
Ecstasyblasts throughme like a bomb, sendingimmense, tinglingreliefout to the tips ofmyfingers and toes. Mycore throbs,spasmingaroundLeo’sfingersasmyclitpulsesagainsthisthumb,andmychestheavesasIridetheunexpectedwave ofall-consumingeuphoria.
Leohumsappreciatively,hislipssoftashebrushesakissacrossmythroat
“You’resexywhenyoucome,”hegrowls “Holyhell,”Igasp,absorbinghiswordsandrealizingI’vejustexperiencedmyfirstorgasm.“Dothatagain.” Adarkchucklerumblesinsidehischestashiseyessearchmine.“Ifyou’llletme,Icanblowyourmind.Whatdoyousay, Tia?Areyouupforknowingthebestkindofpleasureyou’lleverfind?”hesuggests.
Ifhemeanssex,I’mreadyforitnow.IwanttodiscoverallthatLeohastooffer.Iwanttoknowtheworldofpleasurehe
livesin. And would it be so bad to have one amazing night with a guy I actually like, who I genuinely find attractive? I’ll soon be facing a lifetime of misery with some old perve or a gross, idiotic slob, so don’t I deserve one special memory to call my own?
Inod.
Andthelightthatbrightenshiseyesispriceless HewantsthisasmuchasIdo Herisesfromthebed,leavingmeapuddleofblissashestripswithcasualconfidence.
It’simpossiblenottowatchashegripsthecollarofhisdressshirtandpullsitupoverhisbackandshoulderstorevealan impressively muscled chest. His broad shoulders look powerful. And the hard body I felt beneath his shirt is toned to perfection.Hisabsformanetchedsix-pack,andasheunbuckleshisbelt,lettinghisslacksfall tothefloor,Ifindhardlines thatformaVtaperingdownhishipstovanishsuggestivelyinsidehisboxerbriefs
Myheartstutters as his hard cockcomes into view for the firsttime. I’ve never seenone before beyond what’s inthe anatomybooks andthoughIdon’tquiteknowwhatIexpected,thisisn’tit ItlooksfarlargerthananyI’veseenimagesof
That’s supposed to fit inside me?
Leoreachesintothedrawerofhisbedsidetableandpullsoutasmallsquarefoil Rippingintoit,hetakesoutthecircular rubberandslowlyrollsitontohisimpressivelength.Mymouthgoesdryatthethoughtofwhatcomesnext.
Then,asheturnstome,I’msuddenlyawarethatI’moverdressed.
I sit up, reaching behind myself to unclasp my bra, drawing my feet protectively toward me at the same time It’s surprisinglyhardtofindthecouragetoexposemyselfcompletely.AndyetLeostandsbeforeme,nakedinallhisgodlikeglory, withouta hintoftrepidation He approaches slowly, his eyes patientas he takes me inlike I’mthe mostbeautiful thinghe’s everseen.
Andthatgives me the strengthtobe vulnerable,totake a chance.Slidingmybra straps downmyarms,Isetitcarefully aside.
Leoprowlsontothebed,hisgazepredatoryashestopsatmyfeet.
Desireignitesinmycoreonceagainashishandsslideslowlyupmythighs,feelingeveryinchofme Ilieback,watching ashetakessilentcontrol.Hisfingershookinsidethewaistofmypanties,andIliftmyhipstolethimstripme,thelastshredof mychildhoodslippingawayashedropsmyundiestothefloor
Hishandsaregentleastheyrestlightlyonmyknees,andwithoutbreakingeyecontact,heslowlyguidesthemopen.Heat blossomsinmybellyasheeasesbetweenmylegs,hishipsspreadingmythighsasmylegsquiverwithanticipation.
“Areyouready,Tia?”hemurmurs,hishazeleyesbrilliantashehoversontopofme.
“Yes,”Ibreathe.
His lips capture mine, stealingmybreathaway As he aligns our bodies, I’msure he mustbe able to hear myheart;it’s beatingsoloud.Hereachesbetweenus,guidinghiscockheadtomywetentrance.
I tense as he presses inside of me just a fraction, the sensationbothforeignand almost painful He feels far too large, alreadystretchingmetomylimit.
“Easy,Tia.Relax.Breathe,”hemurmurs,hislow voicebymyearsendingashiverdownmyspine.“Itmighthurtalittle rightatfirst,butI’lltakeitslow,andIpromiseyou’regoingtolikeit You’reingoodhands”
Tryingtoregaincontrolofmyerraticheart,Itakeashudderingbreathinandreleaseitslowly.Then,peeringdeepintohis rivetingeyes,Inod The padofhis thumbfinds myclita momentlater As he starts tocircle it,rollingover itintantalizing ways,Iachedesperatelytohavesomethinginsidemeoncemore.
Myneedissointenseit’shardtothinkstraight
AsnervousasIam,allIwantistofeelthateuphoriahedrewoutofmewithhisfingers.Andthethoughtofexperiencingit withhim,ofknowingwhatit’sliketocome with someone,thatchasesawaythefearthreateningtosuffocateme.
Leoeasesforward,hismovementgradualashestretchesmetoanalmostpainfuldegree It’sthemostintensefeeling,and yet,atthesametime,thepleasureofhisthumbcirclingmysensitivenubmakesmecravemore.
“Fuck,you’resotight,”hegroans,hisvoiceagonized
Andmywallsclamparoundhishardlengthattheeroticsound.Hepressesmoreadamantlyintomydepths,andfierypain mingleswithoverwhelmingrelief Icryoutashesinksinsidemetothehilt,fillingmeupuntilIfeelasthoughhemightripme intwo.Atthesametime,it’sheavenlyastinglingelectricitydancesthroughmybody,numbingmylimbs.
Then,heslowlystartstowithdraw.
MyfingerspressintotheripplingmusclesofhisbackasIholdonfordearlife
Leomovescarefullyinsideofme,hismotiongradualasheslidesinandout,inandout.Andeachtimehefillsmeup,my excitementmounts,slowlyoverridingthepain Icanfeelthetensionbuildingdeepinmycore,thatpleasurethatwillsendme topplingintoobliviononceagain.
Hegrunts,thesoundlowandcarnalashispacebeginstoquicken.Witheachthrustgrowingmorepassionatethanthelast,I feelmyownreleasedrawingclose.
“Youfeelso fucking good,”hegroans,hislipsleavingmineforonlyamoment.
I’msoconsumedbythenewandglorioussensationthatIcan’tformthewordstorespond.Instead,Iwhimper,mybreaths cominghardandfastasmypleasurebuildsrapidlyinsidemycore,threateningtoexplode,it’ssointense.
Leo’s hand slides frombetweenus and scoops beneathmyhips, raisingthemand shiftingthe angle so his pelvis grinds againstmewitheverypenetratingthrust.
“Ohgod!”Igasp,myhandsshiftingtothesheetsabovemyheadasIbracemyselffortheimpendingoblivion “Comewithme,Tia,”hecommands,fillingmeupuntilI’mreadytoscream.
And I can’t do anythingbut obey Unravelingaround his hard erection, I throb and pulse, grippinghimlike a vise as I orgasmsopowerfullythatstarsexplodebehindmyeyes.
Leosnarls,slamminginsideme.Amomentlater,Icanfeelhimswellingandtwitchingashematchesmygloriousspasms. Forafewbriefseconds,wereacheuphoriatogether,ourpantingbreathsinunisonasourlipsbrushinpassionatebliss
Leolingersontopofme,stayinginsideofmeuntilmythrobbingorgasmfinallysubsides.Thenhepressesalasttenderkiss tomylipsandeasesoutofmydepths
Ifeeldevastatinglyhollowwithouthimnow,andIbitebackthesuddenandunexpectedstingoftears.Ihavenocluewhy I’memotional thoughtheexperiencewasboththemostintenseandprofoundI’veeverknown ButIrefusetocryoveroneofthebestmomentsofmylife.
IwatchLeostandandstripthecondombeforetossingitintothetrash.Thenhebendstoscoopuphispantsandpullthem on Slippingoffthebed,Iquicklydothesame,snaggingmyundiesanddress “CanIdriveyouhome?”heoffersasheputshisshirtbackon.
Histhoughtfulconcernmovesme Thathewouldbewillingtogivemearideratherthanstayingtoenjoythepartymeans theworldtome,andmyheartswellswithfreshemotion.
“Thatwouldbewonderful.”
TheslightmusstoTia’sthickblacklocksandthefreshflushinhercheeks,combinedwiththeknowingshineinherdark chocolateeyes,couldleavenodoubtinanyone’smindthattonightwasherfirsttime NotthatIcouldn’thaveknownthat fromthehundredothersigns.
ButnoonedarestosayawordasIescortherthroughthehouseandoutthefrontdoortomycanary-yellow Ferrari The shysmilethatgracestheoldestGuerradaughter’slipscontainsasecretthatmakesmycockthrob.BecauseIknowwhatitis.
Shelosthervirginitytonight.AndIhavetoadmit,somethingaboutherpurity,therawtrustsheplacedinmyhands,madeit beyondfuckingenjoyable Notmanygirlscouldspendanentirenightwithmeandnotboremetodisgust TheGuerragirlmight beyoung,butshe’ssmart.
Ifnotentirelytoonaive
Still,IdidexactlyasIpromised.Itreatedhergently.Igaveherthebestkindofpleasureamancanprovide.Herfirsttime was withsomeone probablyfar better thanshe would have had to endure otherwise Because Iwanted her to feel good, to knowjusthowincrediblesexcanbe.
It’stheleastIcoulddo,really.Consideringwhatcomesnext.
Iopenthedoorforherandoffermyhandtomakeclimbinginsideabiteasier Thedazzlingsmilesheunleashesisfilled withsuchinnocenttrust,suchsilentgratitude.God,she’syoung.Sheltered.Naive.
Myconsciencehitsmelikeapunchtomygut Iquicklycrushthemomentofweakness,strengtheningmyresolvebecause there’snoturningbacknow.What’sdoneisdone.
Imakemywayaroundthefrontofthecarandslipbehindthewheel.
Tiakeepsherdelicatehandsrestinglightlyinherlap,herlongpianist’sfingerssoftandrelaxed.“Thankyouforgivingme aridehome,”shesaysasthemotorpurrstolife.
“Don’tthankmejustyet”IflashheraninsinceresmileasIfocusmyattentiononthefortuneofhavingoneoftheGuerra girlswaltzthroughmydoorthisevening.
Thepuzzlingturnofeventsstillhasmereelingslightly,butaftertonight,I’msureI’llhavetheoldmanbeneathmythumbin notime.Allthankstohisarchaicsenseofparentingandarebelliousteen.
The Guerra familyhas beena challenge to overcome. Their influence inthe communityhas made myfamily’s attemptto takeover their territoryfar lesssimple.Whilesomeofthesmaller crimefamiliesintheareacrumbledunder littlepressure, I’vefounditwouldtakefarmorethanthattocrushtheGuerras.
Buttheirfallisinevitable
AndTiaisgoingtoserveastheperfectmessagetosendtothem I’llfuckDonGuerraassurelyasIdidhisdaughter.And there’snothingtheycandotostopit
Wedrivethroughtowninsilence,myFararritakingthecurveswithsilenteaseasImakeittoherhouseinrecordtime.And Ivaguelynotethatitwasnoshortwalktoreachmypartyfromherparents’estate.
She’sadeterminedpieceofwork I’llgiveherthat Iglanceatherfromthecornerofmyeyetofindherobservingthedarknightoutsidethewindow,thestreetlampsthatdimly illuminatethenarrow sidewalks Her hands shift,pullingher appealingbluedress further downher slimthighs andcrossing herlegsinanattempttowardofftheunseasonalchill.WhenInoticethegoosebumpsbreakingoutacrossTia’slegs,Iturnup theheatinthecar,andshegivesmeanothergratefullook
Ashorttimelater,Iturndownthelongdrivewayofherfamily’sestate,athrillgoingthroughmychestasIdaretoenterthe enemyterritorywithblatantdisregard.
Eveninthedarkofnight,IcanseetheGuerrahouseisagrandone,withcreepingivyclimbinguponestonewallandthe classicalflavorofaNewEnglandmansiongracingitscornersandedges.OlderthanthestructuresontheMorettiestate,butno lessgrand
Tia worries her lip nervously, her face palingslightlyas she looks up atthe darkened window like a child aboutto get caughtwithherhandinthecookiejar
“Somethingwrong?”Iask,ahintofamusementslippingintomytone.
“Ishouldhavethoughttoaskyoutodropmeattheendofthedrive,”shemurmurs,castinganembarrassedglancemyway “Firsttimesneakingout?”Itease.Ican’thelpmyself.Ishouldn’tplaywithmyprey.Butaftertonight,she’sgoingtohate meregardlessofwhatIsaynow.
Tiareleasesasoft,nervouslaugh “Isitthatobvious?”
Ishrug,pullinguprightoutsideherfrontsteps.“Look,Tia.Iwantyoutoknowthattonight…well.You’reabeautifulgirl, andit’snothingpersonal ”
Her demure flush from my compliment fades as quickly as it came, her mind deciphering my words at a rapid pace. “Nothingpersonal?”
The blood drains fromher face, turningevenher lushlips a chalkywhite as Iblastmyhornrelentlessly, myeyes never leavinghers.
“Whatareyoudoing?”shescreams,hereyesshiftingtomyhandonthesteeringwheel asifshe’scontemplatingwhether shecanphysicallyremoveitandrectifythesituation.
Butit’stoolate
Lightsflickonthroughoutthehouse,castingagoldenglowacrossthelawnandpillaredfrontporch.HorrorconsumesTia’s faceassherealizesthefullgravityofhersituation,andhereyeslevelmewithapenetratinghatred.
“You’reamonster,”shestates.Thenshescrabblesforthedoorhandleandflingsthecardooropen.
Thearmedguardsthatpouroutofthefrontdooraimtheirguns,freezingTiainplace.ThenDonGuerraandhiswifestep outontothefrontporchofhishome Hisfaceislivid,anditfillsmysoulwithwickedsatisfaction
Daringtotemptfate,Iopenmydoortospeaktohimovertheroofofmycar.Intheabsenceofmyhorn,thenightisdeathly quiet
All thatIcanhear are Tia’s sobs as she stumbles toward the porch where her mother waits withopenarms, a lookof tormentonherface.Igrindmyteethtodrownoutthesound,doingmybesttoignorethepainfulscene. Instead,Iturnmyeyesonmymortalenemy.
“Whathaveyoudone?”DonGuerragrowls,hiseyesshiftingbetweenmeandTiauntilI’munsureofwhohe’sposingthe questionto
“Yourtimeisover,oldman,”Istate,myvoicecarryingacrossthespacebetweenuswiththeconfidenceofmysuccessto backme “TheGuerrafamily’sreignisover Youneedtofacethemusicandacceptyourfate”
“Youcangostraighttohellifthat’swhatyouthink,”thedonsnarls.
Iscoff.“Thanksforthefuck.Ihopeyoudidn’thaveanygrandplansforyourlittlegirl.ThoughIheardyou’vebeentrying tobarterheroffforanalliancethatmightbestrongenoughtostopme Goodluckwiththatnow Idoubtanyofherprospective husbandswillwanthernowthatI’vebeeninsideher.”
Tia’smomgaspsasherdaughterburiesherfaceinhermother’sshoulder,herentirebodytremblingwithhersobs “Shoothim,goddamnit!”DonGuerrabellowsathisstunnedguards.
Lookslikethat’smycue
Dippingbackinto mycar before theycangeta clear headshot, Ithrow mycar ingear and punchthe gas, peelingoutso quicklythatitclosesTia’sstill-opendoor.Bulletspingoffthesidesofmyyellowsportscar,andonanyotherday,Iwouldbe furiousaboutsomeonepunchingholesinsomethingthat’smine
Buttonightwasworthit.
FuckDonGuerra
SeeingthelookofapoplecticrageonhisfaceisworthmorethanaFerrari.
Thatwaspriceless
AhintofguiltburrowsinsidemychestasthesoundofTia’ssobechoesinmyears.Butit’snotlikeIhurtthegirl.Honestly, Iprobablydidherafavor.BecauseIknowthelistofmenshemighthavebeenobligatedtomarryifIhadn’ttakenhervirginity. Andnotoneofthemisevenclosetoworthyofher regardlessofwhoherfatheris Ichuckle darklyas the thoughtinstantlyrelieves mymisgivings. Because Imeantitwithall sinceritythatDonGuerra’s goingtohaveahell ofatimefindingsomeonewhowants toformanalliancewithhimnow Notwhentheverymanthey’re supposedtobeunitingagainstmanagedtofuckthevirginDonGuerrawassupposedtobeofferingupformarriage.
ThatleavesTiatoforgeherownpathinlife,maybefindsomeonewithoutsuchafancynamewho’swillingtolookpasther verybriefhistoryofrebellion.
Ifherfatherdoesn’tkillher,thatis.
“T
ia,comeoutsidewithusandplayinthegarden,”Annasaysfrommydoorway,makingmenearlyleapoutofmyskin.
Iquicklyminimizethescreenonmycomputerbeforeturningtoher ViennaandlittleSofiastandhopefullybehindher.Mytrioofyoungersisterswatchesmewithwide,innocent,dark eyes,lookingthepictureofhopeastheywaitformyanswer
“Maybelater,”Isuggestfrommyseatatmydesk,tryingtokeeptheimpatiencefrommyvoice.Somedays,IwishIcould findjusttenminutesalonewithouthavingtoworrysomeonemightwalkinonme.
Three pairs ofshoulders droop because theyknow whatthatmeans I’ll be hidingawayinmyroomfor the day and I intendtostayhereuntilIcanleavethistownandneverlookback.
“Okay,”theyagreeinchorusbeforetroopingoffwithapparentdisappointment Sighingheavily,Ileanbackinmychairandscrubmyface.
Being relegated to the house for the foreseeable future hasn’t nearly been the punishment my father might have hoped MortifiedbywhathappenedwithLeoandfullyawareoftheripplesit’scaused,Ihavenodesiretoshow myfaceinsociety anymore.
Ifindithardtoevenventureintothegarden
It’sbeenamonthnow,andstill,Icanhearthewhispers.Iknow thatI’mthereasonourgreatfamilyisgoingtocollapse. Because no manwill have me now that Leonardo Moretti has I’ve doomed our chance ofalliance, and Father won’t even speaktomenow.Hecanbarelylookatme.
MystomachknotsasIthinkabouthowhorriblyIscrewedup andhowmuchworseitcouldstillget.NotthatI’vedared tell anybodyyet.Glancingnervouslyatmycomputer screenasmysistersshuffleoutside,Itrynottoimaginewhatmyfather wouldsayasIpullupthewebpageonceagain…
He’sstillfurious Withmedefinitely,butmoreimportantlywiththeMorettiheirwhosocrudelysulliedmyhonor Which meanshe’sbeenholdingbusinessdinnerswiththefewfamiliesstillstanding.
Therefore,I’vegrownaccustomedtotakingmealsinmyroom
“Knock,knock,”Mariasays,steppingintotheroomandploppingontomybedamomentlater.
“Damnit,Maria.You’resupposedtowaituntilsomeoneinvitesyouin!”Iscold,quicklyminimizingtheicononceagain. “Isaid‘Knock,knock,’”shesaysdefensively.
And normally, that’s more thananadequate boundarybetweenme and mysisters. I know mystress is just wearingmy nerves thin Ijustreallydon’twantanyone to see whatI’mgoogling “Sorry Iknow It’s fine,” Isay, closingmyeyes and rubbingmytemples.
“Sooo areyoureadytogetgoing?”sheasksplayfully,hersmiletellingmeshe’salreadyforgottenmysharptone “I alreadytold the other three I might joinyououtside later,” I state, turninginmydeskchair to face the oldest of my youngersisters.
“Tia,you’restartingtotransformintoavampire Youneedsunlight Freshair Abitoflaughter andwemissyou”Maria pullsoneofmydecorativepillowsontoherlapandhugsitprotectively.“Imissyou.Won’tyouatleasttalktome?”
What is there to say? IhadthebestnightofmylifeonlytodiscoverthemanIthoughtIlikedwasusingme,lyingstraightto myface.Ican’tthankLeoMorettiformuch,butIcanthankhimfortheveryeffectiveeducationhegaveme.
Menarenottobetrusted,especiallymenwiththelastnameMoretti
AndwhatweighsonmymindthismorningisnotsomethingI’mreadytotalkabout definitelynotwithmyyoungersister. ChangingmyfocustodirecttheattentiontoMaria,IpropmychinonthebackofmychairasIfiddlewithalockofmyhair.
“Whatdoyouwanttotalkabout?”
“Yourbirthday?”Mariasuggests.
“Whataboutit?”
Iturnedeighteenthreedaysago,buttheusuallylavishpartiesour parentsthrow tocelebratetheoccasiondidn’thappen. NotthatIneedaparty I’manadultnow Butitdoes stingalittlethatFather forbidmymomandsistersfromanythingmore thantellingmeahappybirthday.Somehow,thatmadetheirbirthdaywishesseemallthemoreironic.
“Igotyousomething”Mariaglancestowardthedoor,checkingtomakesurethecoastisclearbeforeshepullsoutasmall box.
“Maria,”Iscold.“Fathertoldyounotto.”
Myyoungersisterlevelsmewithalookthatsays, Really?
Yeah,Ihavenoroomtospeak.
Thenshepassesmethebox
“Thankyou,”Isaymoregentlythistime,acceptingit.
“You’rewelcome”MariawatchesmewithanintentgazeasIuntietheribbonandliftthelid
Insideisabeautifulglassmillefiorinecklace,thetinyfloraldiscsformingaringofcolorfulcirclesthatspreadacrossthe beautifulpendant.It’sroughlythesizeofaquarterandhangsonadelicatesilverchain.
“Maria,it’sbeautiful,”Igasp,strokingthesmoothglasswithmyfingertip She musthave had itshipped all the wayfromMurano, the onlyplace inthe world that makes this traditional Venetian glass NowondershewantedtogiveittomedespiteFather’sorders Fightingbackthetears,Ilookuponcemoretomeetmylittlesister’seyes.“Thankyou.”
Mariasmiles,hoppingupoffthebed.“Nowyoucangobacktomopingaloneonyourcomputerifyouwant.Butreally,you shouldcomejoinus.”
“I’llbedowninabit,”Ipromise.
Mysisterplantsaquickkissonmycheekbeforeskippingfromtheroom Heartthawingafteroveramonthlockedinice,I takeamomenttosmileafterher.Then,onlyafterI’msureI’malonedoIdonthesweetpieceofjewelry.
Itscool,smoothsurfacerestingjustabovemyheartgivesmethestrengthtoturnmyattentionbacktomycomputerscreen ClickingtheicontoretrievethewebpageIminimized,Itakeafortifyingbreathandresumemyresearch.Nervestrembleinmy stomach,pushingmetothebrinkofnausea,andafreshwaveofpanicfillsme.
Is that an early sign of morning sickness? Idon’tevenknowwhenthatmightbegin.
Chewingtheinsideofmycheek,IscantheresultsforwhatI’mlookingfor anythingtodiscreditmysuspicion,really But sofar,itdoesn’tlooksogood.It’stooearlyformorningsickness,sothefactthatI’mnotthrowingup,unfortunately,tellsme nothing
I have been pretty stressed lately for good reason but I haven’t really lost weight, and pregnancy seems to be the primarycauseofadelayedmenstrualcycle.Myfingersshakeastheyhoverovermykeyboard,andIscanmyfranticallyracing mindforanotherquestionIcouldaskthatmighteasemyanxiety
Itryagain,thistimetypingHow late can a period be?
There, I find results that would indicate two weeks overdue isn’t unheard of The website suggests that a hormone imbalance is mostlikelyifmycycles are irregular.Buttheyaren’treally.This is the firsttime I’ve beenlate since Istarted menstruating
God,please,please,letthisbeahormoneimbalance.I’deventakeastress-inducedmentalbreakdownoverpregnancy. Thatwebsitesuggeststhattenderbreastscouldbeanindicationofimbalance.AndwhenIcupmine,theyfeelfairlytender. But didn’t the previous website say that sensitive breasts were a sign of pregnancy?
Tryingtocontainthewaveofpanicthatwashesthroughme,Ihovermyfingersoverthekeyboard,thinkingofwhatwords toputinnext How can you be certain you ’ re pregnant?
Ireallydon’twanttobringthisuptomyparentsuntilI’msure.Eventhen,Iwouldrathernot,butwhatelsecanIdo?
“You’relate?”
Thesoundofmymother’svoicebehindmefeelslikeabucketoficebeingdumpedovermyhead.Myheartskipsabeat, and Iwhirl inmyseatto find her staringatmycomputer screenover myshoulder. Ididn’tevenhear her come in. Did she knock?
“Mom,whatareyoudoinginhere?”Iaskbreathlessly.
“Ithinkyou’retheonewhoshouldbeansweringthatquestion Youtoldusheusedprotection”Hereyesflashwithfresh betrayal,herrefinedfeaturestwistingintoalookofangeranddespair.
“Hedid!”Iinsist,mycheeksflamingastheworstnightofmylifecomesroaringbacktomymind.
The pure bliss ofmyfreedom, the wild adventure Inever wanted to end, followed bythe worstkind ofhumiliationand rejection. How has my punishment not been enough?
Mymothergrabsmywrist,pullingmefrommychairastearsshimmerinhereyes.“We’regoingtoyourfather.You’lltake atestsowecanknowonceandforalljusthowthoroughlyyou’veruinedallofus.”
My stomach drops into my feet at her words, and I follow numbly as she drags me down the hall to the stairs Heart hammeringinmychest,IfightthefreshwavesofmortificationImustendureoveronestupidnight.
Thatnightchangedeverythingforme That wasthenightIstoppedbeingachild Thenightallmyjuvenilefantasieswere shattered.Itdestroyedmyrelationshipwithmyfamily.Leftmeruined,unlovable,aworthlessburdenmyparentswouldrather beridofthanhavetosupport Thatnightdestroyedmynaivete Itdestroyedme IonlywishIhadn’tneededLeonardoMoretti toeducateme.
“Giuseppe,”mymothersays,knockingonmyfather’sofficedoor.
“Comein”
Hisboomingvoicemakesmyheartstutter,andIballmyfingersintofiststohidethewaytheyshake.Hisdemeanorshiftsas soonasheseesourfaces
Utterdisappointmentdarkenshiseyeswhenhelooksatmenow,andhecanonlyseemtosparemeglancesbeforehehasto lookaway Asiftheverysightofmeoffendshim Everytimehedoes,itreopensthewoundsofthatnight,remindingmeofjust howterriblyIruinedthings.
“Getout,”hecommandsthemenhe’dbeenmeetingwith.
Bothsend startled glances inmydirection, thentheyrise fromtheir chairs and leave without a word, closingthe door behindthem.
“Yourdaughterhasbeenresearchingsignsofpregnancy”Mymother’stonecouldturnwatertoice,anditdoesn’tescape mynoticethatI’veofficiallybecome your daughter,asifshenolongerwishestobeassociatedwithme.
Atfirst,she’dbeengentle,concernedwhenIcamehomethatnight.ShethoughtImighthavebeenkidnapped,violated.It was muchharder for her towrapher mindaroundhow IcouldwillinglywalkmyselfintotheMoretti houseofmyownfree will.HowIcouldgivemyselftohimofmyownvolition.
The truth makes me less of a victimin her eyes because I was too ignorant and childish to see the foolishness of my behavior.Maybeshe’sright.Butthatdidn’tmakemeanylesshurt,anylessscared,anylessangry.IhateLeonardoasmuchas therestofthemnow,andIhatemyselfbecauseIruinedourbestchanceofdestroyinghimthatnight
Fatherlevelsmewithasilentlyfuriousgaze,thedisappointmentradiatingfromhiminwaves.Butstill,hedoesn’tspeakto me.Instead,hegivescurtorderstomymother.“Sendforthedoctor.Iwantconfirmation.Andmakesureit’sdiscrete.Thelast thingweneedisrumorsofapregnancyscaregettingouttofurthertarnishourgoodname.”
AsmuchasIwanttoscreamatmyfather,tellhimtosaysomething anything tome,evenifit’stoyell,Ibitemytongue. I’veneverfeltsoisolated,soutterlyalone Myhandinstinctivelyreachesforthemillefiorinecklacetuckedbeneathmyshirt, butIstopmyselfsoasnottoarousemyfather’ssuspicion.
Iturnwithoutawordandexithisofficewithmymother,leavingherbehindasIheadstraightuptomyroom Isupposeone good thingcame outofmyparents findingout. Atleastnow I’ll know. Thathas to be better thanall the worryingand then wonderingifmyworryingiscausingtheproblembutbeingunabletocontrolit.
Closingthedoorbehindme,Ifallbackonmybedtostareupatmyceiling He did use protection, right? Ihadassumedso thatnight.Itlookedlikeacondom.ButtheonethingIknowaboutLeonardoMorettiafterthatnightisIcan’ttrusthim.About anything Idon’tknowwhathismotivationswerethatnight asidefromusingmeasacrassstatement ButIwouldn’tputanythingpasthimnow.
Thebastardneedstobeputdown IjustwishI’dunderstoodthatbeforeIdestroyedourfamily’schancesofunitingtotakehimout.
DonValenciastaresmedownwiththinlyveiledhatredasIscanthedocketofhismostrecentprofits.Ican’thelpthesmirk thattugsatthecornerofmylipsashisfaceslowlyturnsadeepshadeofred,thenpurple It’stakingallhiswillpower nottosaysomething,andItakemytimescanningthenumberstogivehimeveryopportunitytolosehistemper. Andifhedoes,I’llcrushhim
“Thislookssufficient,”Iagree,handingbackthepapersafterI’vehadmyfun.
“Andyou’ll letmysonscontinuetorunproduction?”DonValenciaasks,histoneclippedashehandsmethedeedtohis company Istepclosetohim,loweringmyvoiceas Igivehimawarninglook.“They’ll dowhatever the fuck Iwantthemto.And right now, theyhave the opportunityto prove theycanbe good little minions who answer to me Iftheyget that right, then maybeI’llletthemkeeptheirpositions.”
Takingthedeedfromhishands,Ifolditandslipitinsidethebreastpocketofmycoat DonValenciaswallowsvisibly,his bodytremblingwithfury.
“Youshouldbe happy,Aldo,” Isaymore amicably,straighteningmysuitanddrawinguptomyfull heightas Ibringour meeting to a close “I’m letting you keep twenty-five percent of the profits in your company That makes me pretty magnanimous,don’tyouthink?”
Not many of the dons in Piovosa have received as generous of offers But the Valencia family is too prominent to exterminatecompletely,soIhavetomakeconcessionsifI’mgoingtomaintainmyhold.Thesmallerfamilieshavebeeneasyto trapundermythumb.ButI’llhavetobemorecleverifIwanttooverthrowthelastfewinmysights.
“Magnanimous.JustthewordIwaslookingfor,”DonValenciagrowls. Igiveacurtnod.“I’llbeintouch.”
ThenIturn,stridingfromhiswarehouseasmymenfallintosteparoundme Theworkersbusythemselvesaswepass,keepingtheireyesfocusedintentlyonthetasksathand.WhenIstepoutintothe brilliantlateafternoonsun,ItakeadeepbreathandlookoutacrossthetruckingyardInow own Thisisabigmovetoward runningthistown.
WithafewchoicelawenforcersinmypocketandtheGuerrafamilyoutofmyway,I’llbeunstoppable. Timetoheadhomeanddeliverthegoodnews.
THE HOUSE IS quietasIenter,ourbutlerLuigiholdingthedooropenasIstepinside. “Whereishe?”Iask,scanningtheopenspace. Idon’tneedtoclarifywho“he”is Luigiknows “Inhisstudy.”
Withacurtnodofthanks,Iturninthatdirection “SignorLeo,”Luigisays,makingmepause. Iturntofacetheloyalservant,oneeyebrowrisinginsilentquestion.
“Prepareyourself.”
It’s a subtle warning, one thattells me
mood
“Thankyou,Luigi,”isallIsaybeforeturningtowardthestudyoncemore.
Thedoorisopen,andmyfatherisstaringoutthepicturewindowtothewoodedmountainsthatserveasabackdroptoour estate.
“ValenciaTransportisours,”Istate,openingwiththegoodnews Myfatherturns,hisexpressiononeofpoiseddisdain.“Comeinandshutthedoor.”
Fightingtheirritationthatrisesinmeathiscommandingtone,Idoashesays,closingthedoorbehindmebeforecomingto astandinthecenteroftherichlyfurnishedroom.
“IjustfinishedameetingwithDonGuerra.”Hissteelytonehighlightshisfuryasmyfatherlevelsmewithacoldgaze.“It wouldappearyougottheiroldestdaughterpregnant”
I’d all butforgottenaboutTia and our nighttogether over a monthago. I’ve beenso busycrushingthe families theyhad oncehopedtobecomeallieswiththatIhaven’thadtimetoreflectonmyabuseofthegirlbeyondhowitnearlyhamstrungher family.
Isnort “Theycan’tpossiblyknowthatalready”
“Youidiot.Youthinkhewouldcometomeifitweren’tverifiable?Hewantsthetruthaboutherreputationsweptunderthe rug.Nowyou’vegoneandknockedupagirlfromtheveryfamilywe’retryingtotakedown!”
Bristlingattheinsult,Igrindmyteethandforcemytemperbackundercontrol “Youweren’tsoupsetaboutmesendingthe Guerrasamessageinthefirstplace,”Ipointout.
He’dlaughedwhenItoldhimthestory Averydifferenttunethanhe’ssingingnow
“Fuckingherweakenedtheirpositionandtookawaytheirbesttooltoformanallianceagainstus.Butgettingherpregnant justgavethempoweroverus.Howcouldyoubesocareless?”
“Iusedafuckingcondom.Whatmoredoyouwantfromme?”Isnapdefensively.
“Youneedtotakeresponsibility.”
“Hardly,”Iscoff “Besides,she’sprobablyjustpretendingtobepregnantbecauseher feelingsarehurt,andshewantsto getbackatme.”Butthenigglingguiltinmygutsoursmywords.
“Obviously,condoms don’talways work,Leo Andifyou’rethebigshotyouthinkyouare,Iwouldexpectyoutoknow that!”Hisvoiceriseswitheachwordinanuncharacteristicdisplayofuncontrolledfury.Myfather’slipspaleastheyforma thinlineoffrustration,andwhenhespeaksagain,histoneiscoolandcollectedoncemore.“TheGuerragirlshaveareputation for their virtue because their father guards them so obsessively; so that Don Guerra came to me willing to discuss his daughter’s loss of virginity would definitely mean the girl’s pregnant. You think he wouldn’t be absolutely certain before exposingthatinformationtoanyone?Leastofallourfamily”
“Andhowishesocertainit’sme?Ahundredguyscouldhaveknockedherupbynow.Shewasfartooeasytogetintobed tobethevirgintheyclaimedhertobe,”Isneer IknowIwasherfirst nomatterwhatIsay Butthatdoesn’tmeansheisn’t tryingtoentrapmeinsomeway.
“Iassureyou,therewillbeapaternitytestbeforeweannouncetheengagement.Butifyouare,infact,thefather,tomake thingsright,youwill marrythegirl”
“The hell I will.” I’mnot a pawn in this game. I’mthe one controlling the board. Our family was nothing before my ambitions earned us the territorywe now own And myfather will notbe dictatingthe terms ofmypersonal life over some girl’spregnancy.
“Ifthischildisyours,wewillformanalliancewiththefamilyratherthanabsolvethemoftheirpower,”hecommands,his gazeimperiousashelooksdownhisnoseatme.
“Iwon’tmarryjusttosatisfyyourwhim,”Istateflatly.“I’maconqueror.Wedon’tneedanalliancewiththeGuerrafamily. AndnowthatwehavetheValenciafamilyunderourcommand,theywon’tbeabletostandagainstusforlong So,itdoesn’t matterifthegirl’spregnant.IwillfinishwhatIstarted. My way.”
Sighingheavily,myfatherroundshisdesktostandbeforeme We’reroughlythesamesizenow,thoughIhaveafewinches onhimwhilehe’sseveralpoundsheavieraroundthemiddle.ButhehasthesameRomannoseandangularjaw.He’sapicture ofwhatIwilllikelybeintwenty-oddyears,thoughIhavenointentionofgrowingsoftwithage
Placingahandonmyshoulder,heholds myeyes,his gazeintense.“Bloodis thicker thanwater,Leo,andallowingyour bastardson ifthechildprovestobeaboy toberaisedbyourenemiescouldendupdestroyingeverythingwe’vebuiltif the child comes to claimhis inheritance The onlywayto ensure our family’s hold onPiovosa is to bringthatchild into the fold.”
Mystomachknotsatthegravetruthinhiswords
IfIhadlegitimatechildren,thenabastardmightnotbesuchathreat,butregardlessofthechild’slegitimacy,hewouldbe myeldestand,therefore,haveasolidclaimtoinheritingmyempireaccordingtoPiovosa’straditions.
Ifthebabyprovedtobeagirl,Iwouldhavefarlesstoworryabout.Womenrarelycameintoaninheritanceinfamilieslike ours,andanillegitimate girl wouldhave evenless ofa claim. But can I really take that chance? Myodds are fifty-fiftyat
best.
Andifthechilddidprovetobeaboy,theGuerraswouldberaisingthatchildwitheveryintentofvindicatingthemselves oneday
“Fuck,”Isnarl,jerkingawayfrommyfather’sgripasIscantheroomforsomethingtosmash.Thingsreallycouldn’tlook worse
JustwhenI’monthecuspoftakingitall,Ifallvictimtomyownschemes.
“Analliancemaynotbethevictorywehopedfor,butit’sbetterthanthealternative,”myfatherstates,hiswordsrational now,seemingtohavelosttheirheatnowthatmyownfuryisconsumingme.
“Ifsheisn’tpregnant ifI’mnotthefather I’mgoingtocrushthatfamilysobrutallytheirnamewillvanishfromhistory,” Istatecoldly
Myfatherobservesmesilently,hiseyesfollowingmypathasIpacethestudy.
“Whenarewedoingthetest?”
“Today.TheGuerrashavealreadycalledthedoctorwiththeunderstandingthatwebothwishtokeepthis…discrete.” I nod, mymind racingto thinkof the implications that might go into this unwanted pregnancy I need to blow off some steam.“Tellmewhenhegetshere.I’llbeinthegym.”
Stridingfromthe room,Isignal for myguards to follow, readyfor a proper sparringsession. Ineedto knocksomebody senseless orhavemybellproperlywrung Rightnow,I’mnotsureIcarewhichone
“S
ignorinaTia,thedonwouldliketospeakwithyoudownstairs,”mymaidsayswithanervoussmile.
“Thankyou,Linda,”Isaywearily,risingfrommybed I’vecometodreadthesesummonsoverthelastfewweeks, knowingthatifmyfatherwishestoseeme,itcan’tbeforanythinggood.
Finger-combingmyhair intoplace,Icheckmyimageinthemirror tomakesureIdon’tlooktooterrible Then,Ifollow Lindadownstairstothedrawingroom.Bothmyparentswaitformethere;mymotherhasbecomesomethingofatranslatorfor myfather,seeingashestillrefusestospeaktome.
“Thatwillbeall,Linda,”shesaysasthemaidushersmeintotheroom
Linda gives a slightcurtsybefore departing, closingme inthe roomalone withmyparents. Istand silently, waitingfor whateveritistheyhavetosaynow Iknowbetterthantospeak letaloneargueanymore I’veruinedeverything,andallIcan doishopethattheyknowhowtofixmychildishmistake.
“Sitdown,Tia,”myfathersays,andhearingmynameleavehislipsafterallthistimemakesmychesttighten Whateverhe needstotellmemustbebadifhe’stalkingtomeagain.
Idoashesays,settlingontothecouchacrossfrommyparentsandlacingmyfingersonmylap,mybackramrodstraight.
“I’vespokenwithDonMoretti,andwe’vecometoanarrangement,”hestates,histonemeasured,hissharpeyesintenton mine.
“Anarrangement?” Thatcan’tpossiblymeanwhatIthinkitdoes Notafter years ofhatred betweenthe two families, a growinganimositythathasonlyexplodedaftermyindiscretion.
My gaze flicks naturally to my mother for an explanation, and her expression puts me slightly at ease. But she doesn’t speak;instead,hereyesimploremetounderstand.
“Toavoidthehumiliationofhavingtheworldknow thatour enemygotour daughter pregnant,youandLeonardoMoretti willgetmarried quickly,beforethebabyisborn”
Myheartstops atmyfather’s declaration, the realityofhis words strikingme like a physical blow. Icanfeel the blood drainingfrommyfaceastheroomswimsdangerouslybeforeme AndIforceairintomylungstotryandregainmycomposure
“Youmustbejoking,”Idemand,shiftingtoclenchmyhandsintofists.Hecan’tpossiblyexpectmetomarrythatasshole. “I’mnot.”
“Do youreallyhate me thatmuchnow? Do Idisgustyouto the pointthatyou’ll getrid ofme atall costs?” Iknow my parentsaren’tthrilledabouthelpingraisethechildoftheirunweddaughter,butIcan’tbelievemyfatherwouldsellmeoffto theMorettiswhenIknowjusthowmuchhehatesthem
“Believeitor not,thisisn’taboutyou,Tia.ThismightbeourlastchancetosavetheGuerraname.BecausetheMorettis won’t want a bastard child to be raised outside their control That means they’ve actuallyagreed to analliance theynever wouldhavebefore.”
Myobjectionsdieonmylipsashethrowsmymistakebackinmyface.BecauseasmuchasIwanttodenyit,Iknowthat myactionsthatnightarewhatputourfamilyinsuchdirestraits Snappingmymouthshut,Iforcemyhandstorelax,lacingmy fingersoncemoreasIwaitforhimtogoon.
“But ”
IscarcelydaretobreatheasIwaitfortheothershoetodrop.BecausemarryingLeonardoMoretticouldn’tpossiblybebad enough Focusingonmyfather’sonyxgaze,Iwaitforthenoosetotighten “Tia,couldthisbabypossiblybeanyoneelse’s?”
Ican’ttellifthehintofemotionbehindhisquestionispainorhope,butitbringsaknottomythroat.Myfather,amanwho
once had pride inme as his daughter, canbarelylookme inthe eye anymore And as muchas Ihate thatmyvirginitycould matter somuchwhenitcomes todeservingmyfather’s love,Ihatemorethattheconsequences ofmyactions haveimpacted everyoneIcareaboutsocompletely Butmostofall,Ihatethemanwhotooksomuchfromme.
“Iwishitcouldbeanyoneelse’s,”Ibreathe,mygazedroppingasIpickatmycuticles “LeonardoMoretti isamonster, justlikeyousaid,andIwouldratherdiethanmarryhim.ButIknowthatyoucan’tmarrymetoanyoneelse especiallynow.” Now that I have a child growing in my belly NotthatIwanted to marryanyofmypotential suitors, butthe realityofmy situationfeelsfarworsethanitdidjustamonthago.
Asharp silence lingers between us, and I wonder if my father might be considering the benefits of my death over the alternativeofhavingtoaccepttheMorettisasallies
Buthepressesonward,histoneresolved.“They’reaskingforapaternitytestbeforeannouncingtheengagement.”
I scoff “They have the gall to accuse me of sleeping around after what he did?” I snap, my temper overcoming my composure. The bastard. He takes my virginity, and then he wants to question my chastity? I’veneverwantedtomurdersomeonesoviolently Ican’timaginespendingmylifewithhim Notafterhowhetreatedme Hemustbeapsychopathtobecapableofsuchcallousdisregardforanotherperson’swellbeing.
AndIwouldhavetobeinsanetoaccepthisproposal.Oracompletemasochist.
“Well,ifthosearehisconditions,hecangorighttohell”Icrossmyarms over mychestdefiantly,slouchingagainstthe backofthecouchasIturnmyfaceawayfrommyparents.
“Wouldyouletyoursistersdietospitehim?”Fatherasks,drawingmefrommycausticthoughts
Thequestioncutslikeaknife. Is that what it’s come down to? My sanity or my sisters’survival?
“We’rerunningoutofoptions,Tia,”hestatesasifhecouldhearmythoughts.Hiseyesaregraveastheyholdmine.“Either we use our leverage fromyour pregnancy to enforce this alliance, or we prepare to be annihilated because we are out of allies.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Ibreathe,mystomachknottinguncomfortably
I’vebeenentirelyoutoftheloopsincethenightLeonardodumpedmeonthefrontstepsofmyparents’home.Myfatherhas keptmefromsightbothaspunishmentandinthehopethatgossipaboutmypoorchoiceswoulddissipatebeforeitcausedtoo manyproblems.
Butitwouldseemhiseffortshavebeeninvain.
“TheValenciafamily,ourlasthopeoflegitimatesupportinthisbloodybattle,justbuckledundertheMorettis’pressure.” MyhandcoversmymouthinhorrorasIrealizewhatthatmeans.Idon’tknowwheretheFiores,theAmici,ortheRussos musthavefallen,butifthisiswhatit’scometo,theirfatescan’thavebeengood
Itwilltakefarlessefforttocrushusnow.BecausenoonehatedtheMorettisasadamantlyasDonValencia.Andasmuch asIwouldhaveloathedbeingmarriedtoTony,itcouldn’tpossiblyhavebeenworsethanalifetimesubjectedtoLeonardo’s mindgames.
“Idon’tseehow thisisevenachoice,”mymother says,her tonecoldandcondemning.“Butasyour father insists,Ican onlyhope you’ll do the rightthingfor your family your sisters this time So, what’ll itbe, Tia?” Her expressionis stern withunspokentension.
“I’lldoit,”Imurmur,thewordslikeacidonmytongue “I’llmarryhim”
“Good.”Myfather’sexpressionsoftensslightly.Heseemstohavefoundahintofforgivenessnow thatI’mwillingtodo whatittakestocorrectmymistakes asbestIcan
ButnothingIdocanturnbacktime.AndallIwantistogobackandsmackmyyoung,naiveselfupsidethehead.Because I’minsofarovermyhead,Idon’tknowwhattodo.Thefateofmyfamilyrestsonmyshoulders.
AndnowIhaveanotherinnocentlifeinmyhands
Onlymychildwillbegoingwithmeintothelion’sden.
“The doctor will be here shortlyto performthe paternitytest” Father rises fromhis chair, readyto departnow thatthe conversationisdone.
AloneteartricklesdownmycheekasIconsiderjustwhatthismeansformeandmyunbornchild Wewillbetrappedwith amanwhousedme,mademefallforhim,andthentossedmetothecurbwhenitwouldbemostcruel.
Brushingthemoisturequicklyfrommyskin,Isteelmyself,standingaswell.Andtomysurprise,myfatherstopsinfrontof metorestahandonmyshoulder
“Oursurvival dependsonyourabilitytomakethismarriagework,Tia,”hesaysgently.“Soyoucan’tdisappointmethis time”
Swallowinghard,Inod. No pressure or anything.
Mymother follows myfather, pausingto cup myface inher hands. It’s the firstounce ofaffectionshe’s shownme ina month.“I’mproudofyoufordoingtherightthingforyourfamily,”shemurmurs.“That’sthegirlIraised.”
Thewordsbringtearstomyeyes,andIclosethem,trappingthesaltymoistureinside.Pressingherlipstomyforehead,my
mothergivesmeasoftkiss.Thenshedepartswithmyfather,leavingmealoneinthedrawingroom. Foramoment,Istandaloneinmydespair,utterlylost.
Butthen,I’mnotaloneanymore
Restingmypalmonmystomach,IdosomethingI’veneverdonebefore. We’ll make it through this. I promise, Ithinkto the tinylife growinginside me AndthoughIknow it’s far tooearlytofeel the babymove, Ican’thelp imagininga warmth radiatingfrommycore anunconditionallovethatfillsmewithastonishingnewstrength.
Itstillfeelssostrange,sosurreal I’mtooyoungtohaveababy Hardlyoldenoughtobeamom Andyet,inallthecrazy chaosaroundme,havingthischildistheonethingI’mconfidentof.
Nomatterwhatittakes,Iwanttomakemybaby’sworldsafe,loving,andgood. Ineverwantmychildtobeforcedintoamarriagetheydisagreewith,tobeusedlikeapawninasickgameofpower I will givemychildaworldthatisfairandjust,andfree.Idon’tcareifIhavetoteardowntheentiretownofPiovosa, brickbybrick
“I
can’tbelieve we’re goingalongwiththis farce,” Istate, straighteningthe knotofmydouble Windsor and tighteningit aroundmythroataswewaitintheentryforourfirstgueststoarrive
MyfatherlevelsmewithalookthatwarnsmenottosaywhatheknowsI’mthinking.That,thoughDonGuerrasentus thelabsconfirmingI’mthefatherofTia’schild,Istillwonderiftheymightnothavefoundawaytomanipulatetheresults To makeherlookpregnantwhenshe’snot.Maybetheypaidoffthedoctor.Idon’tknow.
Idon’tsee how the odds could be stacked so highagainstme. Itwas one time, for Christ’s sake, and Iused protection. Besides,itwouldsuittheGuerrafamilytoforceusintoanallianceratherthanadmitdefeat Butmyfatherispasthearingmyobjections.
AndIknowifIsaythemnow,minutesbeforethestartofmyengagementparty,hemightjustclockme
“Youwillbehavetonight,Leo,”myfathercommands,hisgazelayeredwithice.
“Iknowhowtoworkafuckingdog-and-ponyshow,”Isnap,turningmyeyesbacktotheentrywaytocollectmyself
Justintime,too,asLuigi announcesthearrival oftheGuerrafamilyandopensthefrontdoor.DonGuerraleadstheway withhis rather stunningyounger wife, Francesca, onhis arm. Icansee where Tia gother looks, and as mybetrothed walks acrossthethreshold,I’mstruckbyherbeautyoncemore
Ihaven’tseenher since the party,andshe wouldcatchmyeye justas easilytonight,her longravenlocks drawnintoan intricate knotofcurls ontopofher head Several ringlets cascade downone shoulder,luxurious andshiny,remindingme of justhowsofttheyfelt.
Hermakeuphasbeendonetomakeherlookolder,moresophisticated,thedarkpointsofhereyelinerdrawingattentionto hernear-mercury-coloredeyes.Andherlipshavebeenpaintedadeeprosecolor,bothenticingandelegant.
Shelookslikeaprincessinhergoldsilkeveningdress.Thelinesaresimple,yetcutperfectlytoflatterhercurvesbefore taperinginto a flowingtrain And I would saywithout a shadow of a doubt that bythe looks of her, she can’t possiblybe pregnant.
She’sfuckingperfect,herpertbreastsfillingoutthesweetheartnecklinebeforeherwaisttapersdowntoherfullhips IfI didn’thavemoreimportantthingsonmymind likeatowntoconqueranduniteundermyfamily’sname Imightbetempted bysuchanenticingfigure.
But when her eyes flick up to meet mine, I see none of that innocent child who snuck into my party. Instead, a cold composuresettlesoverher,makingherlookyearsolderasshestudiesmewithaninscrutablegaze.
“DonGuerra,it’sapleasuretowelcomeyouandyourfamilytoourhumblehome,”myfathersays,stridingforwardwitha grandsweepofhisarms.
Bitingbackmysnortofderisionathisunnecessarytheatricalperformance,Ifollowasweclosethedistancebetweenour twofamilies.
“Youchosetokeepyourotherdaughtershomeforsuchaspecialoccasion?”hecontinues,glancingbehindDonGuerraand hiswifeforanyoftheotherfourGuerradaughters
IcanhardlysayIblamethem,consideringwhathappenedthelasttimeoneoftheirdaughterssteppedfootinsidethishouse. Butonceagain,Ibitemytongue Instead,Istepforward,donningmycharmasIextendmyhandtoDonGuerra
“It’sanhonortoknowI’llsooncallyoufather-in-law.”Ismileasheclaspsmyhandwithaconsiderableamountofforce notquiteenoughtobeastatement,butenoughtomakemethinkit’stakingagoodamountofself-control
“AndIlookforwardtowelcomingyouintothefamily,SignorinaTia,”myfatherstates,turninghisattentionfromSignora Guerra’shandtofacemybetrothed.
“I’m sure the pleasure will be mine,” she says, her words formal but her delivery as sweet as honey. Not at all the breathlesslyawestruckteenIencounteredamonthago.
Tiaistransformed Awomaninfull.
“And,ofcourse,youremembermyson,Leo,”myfathersays,invitingmetostepforward “Wonderfultoseeyouagain,Tia,”Isay,holdinghereyeswithmyown.
Because tonight is about mending fences as well as showing to the town of Piovosa that our union–and our families’ alliance isbothrealandpossible.
“Youlookwell,” she observes,her smile warm.Butthe charmdoesn’treachher eyes.Theyremainguardeddespite her besteffortstohidethepainbehindthem “Haveyoubeensuckingthesoulsoutofotheryoungladieslately?”
The barb is sharp and delivered with impeccable finesse, making it sound as casual as if she were asking about the weather I’mratherimpressed Imightjustlikethisnew,morecattysidetoher
Smirking, Iwatchas mywordless response lights a fire ofhatred behind her eyes. Itseems everyone is goingto lether impertinenceslide,andknowingthatitwillpissheroffmoretoignoretheslight,Ipretenditdidn’thappen Lethergetthrough anyslightsbeforethepartybegins.
Ofcourse,shehasn’tforgivenme.I’vedonenothingtoearnit.Andfrankly,Idon’tintendto.Imighthavetomarryherand makethisalliancework,butIdon’thavetimeforherhurtfeelings,nordoIhavetheinclinationtomakeamendswhenIstill suspectherfamilyisusingthistoavoidrelinquishingtheirterritory.
“Youlookmorethanwell,”Iobserve,mysmirkstretchingintoawolfishgrinasIdaretoletmyeyestakeinherstriking figure,andIgesturetohergown.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenadresswornsowell.”
“Charming,” her mother observes flatly, speaking for the first time. When I glance her way, she gives the slightest of eyebrowraisestoconfirmthesubtlesarcasm.
ThetensionispalpableasTia’scheekscolor,herarmswrappingprotectivelyaroundherstomach,asiftocoverherself, andherfather’seyesnarrowinmydirectionatthesametimeasmyfather’sdo
Butbeforeeither havethechancetoconfrontor chastiseme,thefirstofour guestsstarttoarrive.Weall turntowardthe door,posingaunitedfronttowelcomethem Itturnsintosomethingmoreofaparadeofpeople,withoverthreehundredguests ontheinvitationlistandmostseemingtomakeanappearancedespitetheverylast-minutenatureoftheparty.
Thewholegrandaffairwasputtogetherinlessthanaweek.InvitationsweresentoutthesamedaytheGuerrasprovided the proofofpaternity. Since then, the estate has beena madhouse ofpreparations. OfwhichI’ve givenno inputatall aside fromafewguestsImostdefinitelywanttoattend.
MayorRomneybeingfirstandforemostonthatlist Andasheandhiswifewalkthroughthefrontdoor,forthefirsttime tonight,I’mactuallygratefulforthismonstrosityofaparty.
Whenalltheguestshavefinallyarrived,weentertheballroomtomingle It’sabeautifulJunenight,andtheFrenchdoors areflungwidetoletinthefreshsummerair,allowingthedancefloortoexpandontotheterrace.
Peoplehavealreadystartedtoeat,grazingfromtheratherimpressivebuffettablesfulloffingerfoodsandbite-sizedtreats. Tiatakesitallinquietly,herdelicatefingersrestinglightlyinthecrookofmyelbowaswefollowourparentsintotheroom
“DonGuerra,Signora,wouldyoucaretojoinme?IwashopingtointroduceyoutomynephewfromNewYork,”myfather suggests, already taking advantage of the alliance my marriage will form “I think you might find him a rather interesting acquaintance.”
“Ofcourse,”Tia’sfatheragrees,hiseyesshiftingtohermomentarily Shegiveshimameasuredsmile,thenhereyesshifttome.
“Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrink?”Isuggest,gesturingtothebarasflashesfromthenightImetherunexpectedlyfillmy mind
“I’lltakeawater,thankyou,”Tiasays,hervoicesicklysweetassherestsherhandsubtlyacrossherabdomen. It’s slight,butthemessageis there Justahintofundercurrentthatsuggests myinsensitivitytoher condition onethatis supposedtobekeptsecretuntilafterthewedding.Iclenchmyteeth,thetendoninmyjawpoppingasInotethehiddenthreat thatshecouldrevealhersecretatanymoment,shouldshebesoinclined ButIcan’tcallitoutforwhatitis
“Ofcourse,”Iagreewithaforcedsmile.
We head to the bar and collectour drinks ice water for Tia and a stiffwhiskeyfor me. IsuspectI’mgoingto need it beforethisnightisover
Then,westarttomakeourwayaroundtheroom.Fulfillingmyobligationtospendtheeventatherside,IintroduceTiato myfamily’sacquaintances,severalshemetatthepartyshecrashed Onrareoccasion,sheintroducesmetosomeonefromher sideoftheaisle.Buteveryoneweengagewith,shecharmswithdemuresmilesandwittyconversation. She’sinherelementnow.
Iwonder if, atthe partythatnight, she was too nervous to maintainher composure. Or perhaps she was so nervous her parentswouldfindoutthatshecameacrossasshyandunprepared.Buttonight,she’scaptivating,hercharismawinningover
everyoneshesees.
“Wouldyouliketotakeabreakandhaveabitetoeat?”Isuggestafteroveranhourofentertainingourguests.
“I’mstarving,”Tiaconfesses,hereyeslightingatthesuggestion “Afterall,I’meatingfortwonow”
Despitethefactthatsheloweredhervoice,herwordshavetheirdesiredeffectasmystomachdropsandIcastasidelong glancetomakesurenooneisnearenoughtohaveheard
“You’llholdyourtongueifyouknowwhat’sgoodforyou,”Iwarn,myvoiceevenlowerasIbarelymovemylips.
“Ofcourse,”shesays,hervoicebreathywithdismay “Howcarelessofme”Buttheslightcurvetoherlipsisenoughto tellmeshe’senjoyinghersmallvictory.
Still,I’mdeterminednottolethergetundermyskin.Evenifshe’sgoodatit.Intruth,Iwasstartingtogetabitbaffledby herlackofspitefulcomments liketheonesheopenedwithatthestartofthenight Iexpectedhertobemorechallenging.Butseeingthatsmilenow,thesubtlestofcelebrationsaftergettingariseoutofme, sparksmysuspicion Icanalmostseethewheelsturninginherhead,andthoughIhavenoideawhatshe’sthinking,Isuspect she’snotwalkingintothisarrangementaswillingandacceptingasshepretendstobe.
Wegatherourplates,Tiacollectinganimpressivemountainoffoodonhers,beforeheadingtowardthetablessetupoffto thesideofthedancefloor.Andtomydelight,IspotMayorRomneyandhiswifeoccupyingone.
LightlygrippingTia’selbow,Isteerherintheirdirection.Shefollowswillingly,hereyescastuptostudymyfaceforthe briefestofmomentsbeforelandingonthetablewherewe’reheading
“Aretheseseatstaken?”Iask,adoptingmymostcharmingtoneasIsetmyfoodonthetabletopull outthechair nextto MayorRomneysoTiacansit
“No,byallmeans,”hesays,hisgesturewelcoming,thoughhistoneissomewhatstiff.
Thesharp-wittedmayorI’vebeentryingtoputinmybackpocketforoverayearnowhasprovenparticularlychallenging towinover.Andafter morefailedattempts thanIwouldliketoadmit,I’mstartingtowonder ifmytimemightnotbebetter spentonotherhigh-rankingofficials.
ButRomneyhastheposition andthereputation toopenmanymoredoorsforme So,thoughIcantellhisguardisup, I’mnotreadytothrowinthetoweljustyet.
“Thankyou”Tiasettlesgratefullyintoherchair,hersmilesincereassheturnsitonthecouplenexttoher,whobothlook tobeintheirforties.
MayorRomneyhasaconsiderablebelly,theeffectsofalifetimespentinmeetingsandsittingbehinddesks.Hiswife,on theotherhand,ispetitewithjustahintofgrayathertemples,herhairpulledupintoasimpleFrenchroll.
“Tia,IbelieveIhadthehonorofintroducingyoutoMayorRomneyandhiswifeatthebeginningofthenight,”Isayinan efforttoholdtheirattention
“Oh,yes.Thankyousomuchforcoming,”Tiasays,hereyeslightingasiftheirpresencemeanstheworldtoher.
“Ibelievecongratulationsareinorder,”SignoraRomneysays,smilingatTiaasIsinkintothechairnexttomybetrothed Hergazeshiftstomenext,herblueeyessoftbutsomehowlessopen.
Nodoubt,herhusbandhashadplentytosayaboutmeandmyfamily.It’snotlikeourprowesscomeswithoutacertain… reputationaroundtown
“Thankyou.”Tiabeams,hercheekswarmingtoabeautifulshadeofrose.“Imustadmit,itastoundsmehowmanypeople cancomeandshowtheirsupportfortwoyoungpeoplegettingmarried”
Herwordsareimpressivewithoutabitteredge,likealightswitchsheseemstoturnoffandon.
“It’sabeautifulthing,marriage Whenyoufindthepersonyou’remeanttobewithfortherestofyourlife,”MayorRomney says,hiseyesaffectionateashetakeshiswife’shandtogiveherfingersasqueeze. Shereturnshislovinggaze,hersmiledoting.
“Andfromthelooksofit,youtwoareaperfectexampleofthatkindofcommitment”Tia’svoicefloodswithadmiration “We’regoingonourthirtiethweddinganniversary,”SignoraRomneyadmits. Tiapauses,abitehalfwaytoherlipsashereyesgrowwide “That’samazing Justbeautiful”
“Iwishyouthesamehappiness,mydear,”MayorRomneysays,pattingTia’shandthatrestsuponthetable.Then,hiseyes castdoubtfullyinmydirection Hardlyawinningreview.
“Youknow,” Tia cuts in,settingher foodbackonher plate as she looks atme.Andinher gaze is anopendevotionthat wouldhaveknockedmeoffmyfeetifI’dbeenstanding “Ineverdreamedthatkindoflovewasrealbeforenow” Herdelicatepianist’sfingersrestlightlyontopofmine,andItakeherhand,myheartdrumminganunsteadybeat.Thenshe levelsmewithasmile Justasquickly,it’sgoneassheturnstofaceMayorRomneyoncemore AndhisexpressionrevealsasmuchastonishmentoverheropendevotionasIfeel.
“MyLeotookmecompletelybysurprise.AndthoughIknowhehasareputationtouphold,Idon’tthinkhe’llmindifItell youalittlesecret.”
Fuck. Thiscan’tbegood.
Tialeansclosertothecouple,castingawickedglancemywaybeforeshestage-whispersconspiratorially.“He’sactually quiteasweetheart.”
BeforeIcancomeupwithasinglethingtosay,MayorRomneyburstsoutlaughing,thesoundheartyandloudashishead tips back in uproarious mirth. Signora Romney laughs as well, her eyes dancing as she looks at me with newfound appreciation
Andsuddenly,Ifeelasthoughtherughasbeenpulledoutfromunderme.
“Iassureyou,mygirl,yoursecret’ssafewithme,”MayorRomneysayswhenhe’sfinallyregainedhiscomposure “And SignorMoretti,ifyoucanwinthischarminggirl’sheart,Iassureyou,it’sworthwhateverpriceyoumighthavetopaytokeep it.Evenifthatmakesyou…sweet.”
MygazeshiftstoTiawithnewfoundrespect ShemanagedtosoftenthecoupleI’vebeenworkingonforsolonginjusta matterofminutes.Assheslidesthebite-sizeportionofmozzarella,tomato,andbasiloffacocktailstickwithdeliberatesass,I can’thelpbutappreciateherinanewlight
“Iassureyou,MayorRomney,Ihavenointentionoflettingthisgirlgo.”
“Wellthen,Iwishyouboththeverybestofhappiness,”hesays,raisinghisglassalongwithhiswifeastheytoastus
Perhaps it’s afluke,butTiaseemedtowrapher mindaroundmyreasonfor choosingthis particular table,andsheknew exactlyhowtohelpmewithoutinstruction.
Thenightcarriesonuntilwellpastmidnight,andwhenthefinalguestsdepart,I’mastoundedbytheGuerragirl’sabilityto holdherowninacrowd.She’sjusteighteenandcouldcharmeventhehardestofmenwithoutasecondthought.
Perhaps it’s her inherent innocence Or maybe her sharp intelligence and quickwit Whatever it is, she keeps it for the guests.
Attheendofthenight,Iwalkhertothedoorasourparentsexchangepleasantpartingwords.
“Goodnight,Tia,”Imurmur,brushingmylipsoverherknucklesasthehighofourcelebrationmakesiteasytoplaynice.
“Goodnight,Leo.”Hertoneiscordial,herhandwillinglyacceptingmytouch.
But the devotion she unveiled earlier, the soft affection and demure charm, is now gone, replaced by an iron wall of protectionIcanjustmakeoutinher deepbrowneyes.As muchas Iwouldliketothinkthatthings couldbesoeasy,there’s clearlyachasmofdistancebetweenus
NotthatIcanblameherafterwhatI’vedone.
