Reign of commotion, p.2
Reign of Commotion, page 2
“Perhaps she can work in one of your houses?” Marco suggests. I ball my hands into tightly clenched fists. The houses Marco is referring to are Raffaele’s whorehouses. They would turn Milana into a prostitute.
Raffaele turns to look Milana up and down. I don’t like it. As a matter of fact, I want to punch Raffaele right in his smug face. Milana raises her face to meet my gaze, silently pleading for me to help her.
“It’s a possibility,” Raffaele says idly as he assesses the situation to see if she’s worth the trouble.
Alessio finally speaks. “I believe you’ve agreed to let Julian have his say.” He nods to me and gives me the go-ahead.
“Milana saved my life and risked her own in doing so. She could have walked away afterward, and no one would ever have known it was her. Then today, she came to the hospital to give me this.” I pull the envelope out of my pocket. “It’s the location of the Russians involved in turning Angelo against us and the prime reason why Aris and I were targeted. Milana isn’t her father. I think her actions have shown us just how much she’s her own person. What are we punishing her for? She didn’t have a say in who her parents were. She was a pawn in her father’s game for power. He’s dead, and she’s still paying the price for his deception.”
“Let me see that,” Marco commands, holding out his hand for the envelope. Nero takes it from my hand and gives it to Marco, who reads it quickly and hands it to Raffaele to look at. “Is this accurate?”
“It was, as of four hours ago,” Milana confirms.
Marco takes back the note and shows Nero. “Take as many men as you need and make them pay for what they’ve done,” he orders. Then he looks at Reno, Alessio, and Raffaele. “Do you want a piece of this?”
“I think I’d like a bit of action,” Reno says with a sinister grin.
“I’ll come along.” Raffaele stands and smirks. “I could use a little excitement.”
Alessio stands as if he’s ready to join the others when Marco pipes up. “Alessio, I’d like to have a word. Let’s let Reno, Raffaele, and Nero take the lead on this.”
“Certainly,” Alessio responds.
“Look how nicely we’re all playing together,” Raffaele says with a hearty laugh.
“Whoever would have thought it possible for all four of our families to work together?” Reno says.
TWO
The Decision
MILANA
Why do I have the feeling that what happens when Reno, Raffaele, and Nero reach their destination will impact their decision as to what to do with me? Although, my options are bleak at best. I’ll either end up dead, a prostitute, or a servant to some man they pawn me off on.
“Sit,” Alessio barks. I jump at his command, but make my way to the chair he’s pointing to. “You are no longer part of Il Destino,” Alessio announces. “Your father severed that tie.”
Damn. I feel the cell door begin to slam shut.
“Sir, if I may,” Julian says. “What if I take responsibility for her?” He looks directly into his capo’s eyes.
“Raffaele has first rights. It may be a conversation that Alessio can have with him.” Marco lifts his brow. “If you’ll excuse me. I’m going to check on Gloria and have her bring in some food. I’m not heartless. I feed my prisoners,” he mumbles. As Marco walks out of the room, I see him give Alessio a curious glance. I have no idea what it means. A spurt of hope beats in my heart.
As soon as Marco leaves, Alessio says, “Cute outfit.” I look down at my stolen nurse’s uniform, feeling very self-conscious as I flatten the skirt over my knees. He then looks at Julian. “What are you thinking? She’s no longer family. We don’t just take urchins off the streets. Il Destino doesn’t forgive easily. Her destiny now lies in Raffaele’s hands. Why would I risk upsetting him over a girl?”
He’s completely right. Any capo would come to the same conclusion. But I knew when I saw Julian that I couldn’t let him die. In Vegas, he was the only soldier who had a kind word for me. I’m sure he never knew I existed since he was so busy working to rise in the ranks, but even so, I knew he was kind and admired by all. I saw how they viciously attacked him. He fought back, and if it hadn’t been five on one, he would have stood a chance. I wanted to jump in and very nearly did, but when they threw him into the storage unit, I knew I had a better chance at getting him out if I could find a way to get them to move.
I waited for the bang, then the car alarms going off sent the enemy running toward their vehicles. I pulled open the doors and saw Julian on the ground. Even bloodied and dirty, he was still the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. His dark hair was matted to his scalp, caked with blood, and when he opened his dark brown eyes, they were hazy. “Angel,” he said. I’m anything but an angel.
Julian was badly hurt, and I needed to get him out quickly before those men returned.
“Put your arm around me,” I said, and practically had to drag his heavy body to safety. I was able to hide us behind a crate in the alley next to the storage yard. I called the police and told them a man was beaten and where to find him. I waited until I heard the sirens before hiding, but still watched as I saw Nero arrive with his men as soon as the police alerted him. I knew the cops would be on their payroll. I stayed put until they took Julian away. I’m used to being quiet. It’s the only way to survive on the streets. Barry taught me how to stay out of sight. He also told me to stay out of the line of fire and that the first rule on the street is to stay out of other people’s business. If you see a fight, stay the hell out of it. I’ve been doing that for years, but I couldn’t help myself with Julian. The first time I break Barry’s rule, and I’m caught.
“Raffaele owes us a favor. You can call it in,” Julian says, sounding hesitant and wary. I’ve heard a lot about Alessio Cassini. They say he’s merciless. I see Alessio’s sinister grin at Julian’s suggestion. Julian pauses for a moment, then says, “I’ve never asked for anything. I’ve served you loyally and always will.” Julian glances over at me, throwing out a hand. “She saved my life. My father would have two dead sons. My mother would be burying another child if it weren’t for Milana.”
Alessio jerks his head in my direction. “Do not think that your family’s tie to my consigliere is a means to get what you want. Even though Valentina is your sister, it doesn’t mean I’ll just give you what you want, nor with Niccolo,” he states. He takes a deep breath and continues, “The only way she could become part of us again, would be through marriage.” I suck in a breath. I dare not say a word. Marriage to Julian would be the only remotely redeemable option for me. Why would he do that? He has his whole life ahead of him. He’ll get to choose the bride he wants, and it seems that Alessio is very fond of Julian. I assume that Julian is being groomed for greater things. Being married to me would only cause him trouble.
“I would take full responsibility. I swear to you, she won’t cause problems,” Julian says without committing himself.
“Raffaele isn’t going to give her up without a good reason,” Alessio replies. “Raffaele owes me a marker. You know what that means. For me to call it in to spare the life of a traitor’s daughter, it’s got to be worth my while. What does Il Destino get out of it?”
“You already have my undying devotion to the family. What else can I give you?” Julian replies.
“I know I have yours. What I want is hers.” Alessio points to me. “Can you make me that promise?” he asks me outright. I watch him wide-eyed, my mouth as dry as sawdust.
“Yes,” I manage to croak out.
Alessio raises his brow, then turns back to Julian. “It’s marriage and the traditions of the past that go along with it. That’s my offer. Think it over. I’ll be back shortly.” Alessio looks at me. “There are guards everywhere. You try to escape, and I’ll have you shot on sight.” He walks out, leaving Julian and me alone.
Julian leans back in the chair and closes his eyes. He’s in pain and has been doing his best not to show weakness.
“Christ, this is a mess,” he spits out, his gaze glued to the ceiling.
“You don’t have to do this,” I whisper. I couldn’t ask him to give up his future. This is my problem. Well, my father’s fuckup, actually, but I knew there might be a day when this would all catch up with me, and I would have to pay the price of the sinners.
“Do you know what the traditions consist of?” he asks, his head coming up so he meets my gaze. I shake my head. “Years ago, the women of Il Destino were branded with our insignia and with their husband’s name. It was to show the rest of the families that they chose to be ours. They also have to bleed for us. I make a cut, then their blood is dripped into a chalice and mixed with their husband’s. It’s called the bond of blood.”
He pauses like he’s waiting for me to say something. “O-okay,” I murmur.
“Those are the easy ones.” He sits up straighter and asks, ”Are you a virgin?”
Did I hear him correctly? “P-pardon?”
“You heard me.”
“Why—”
“Because you need to be a virgin, and the night we marry, you will stain the sheets for all to see in the morning.”
I gasp loudly. “That’s barbaric.”
“So is death by torture. Or having to fuck countless men a day to earn your keep for Ultimo Morte,” he bites back, then softens his tone. “I’ll ask you only once more: are you a virgin?”
I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks, and I lower my eyes. “Yes.”
“Don’t lie to me. I’ll find out when I fuck you, and you won’t like what happens next. I’ll take my knife out and slit your throat right then and there. I’m the only ally you’ve got, so don’t lie to me.”
“I’m not lying,” I promise.
“You’ve been living on the streets—”
“Barry was always there to take care of me. He’s the father I wish I were born to.” He stares me down and seems to decide that I’m telling the truth. “Your parents will hate me. They won’t want this for you.”
“Would you rather be a whore?”
“No, of course not,” I quickly reply. “Why would you do this?”
“You saved my life,” he says. “My parents won’t be an issue. And Alessio is capo. If he gives his blessing, the others will follow suit.”
“What happens now?”
“First, I tell Alessio of my decision. Then we hope that Raffaele is in a generous mood,” Julian says. “Go open the door and call for Alessio.”
I do as he says and call out for Mr. Cassini. Calling him Alessio would be far too bold, and I’m not afraid to admit that he scares the bejesus out of me.
Alessio comes back in with Marco by his side.
“You’ve reached a decision?” Alessio asks.
“I request a marriage between Milana and myself,” Julian replies.
I hold my breath and wait for Alessio to speak.
“I’ll speak to Raffaele,” Alessio states.
Alessio faces me, his dark eyes as serious as the grave. “If he consents, you will not shame Il Destino or Julian. Am I understood?”
“Yes, sir. I promise to be all you need me to be.”
“I’m not sure what your word is worth, and I pray that you’re not your father.” Alessio takes another look at Julian and sees he’s growing pale. “Marco, may I request a room for Julian to rest.”
Marco calls for his wife and asks her to set up a room. Alessio then says, “Milana, go look after your fiancé.”
I carefully assist Julian to his feet, and we slowly make it up the steps and into a guest room, where I help Julian to lie back and rest. I take off his shoes and jacket, then drape a blanket over him. I pull a chair closer and sit by his side. He reaches for my hand and holds it lightly.
“We’ll make this work,” he says before he closes his eyes.
THREE
Belonging
JULIAN
I must have drifted off to sleep. Every muscle in my body aches, and my head hurts. I brace my hands to pull myself into a sitting position and feel the touch of someone holding my hand. I force my eyes open and see Milana asleep in a chair, her fingers entwined with mine. She must be uncomfortable, all twisted up as she is.
She looks haggard. I take a good look at my bride-to-be. Her long, dark hair partially covers her oval face. Milana has full, pouty lips and high cheekbones; even asleep, she’s a beauty. Her emerald eyes are mesmerizing, and I have seen for myself how they change with her mood, adding flecks of gold to the beautiful green. It has me imagining how her eyes would shine brilliantly when she comes. Milana is fit and her legs are toned, probably from standing on her feet and waitressing all day. She’s not tall, at least a head shorter than me. Her body has been blessed with tits and ass, a complete dream for a man like me.
The creak of the door opening diverts my attention. Gloria, Marco’s wife, comes in carrying a tray with several panini and what looks like soup.
“Stracciatella soup,” she says barely above a whisper. “You need to regain your strength.” She glances at Milana. “I knew her as a child. Her mother and I met several times after she was married. I never trusted her father, but Milana had always been a good girl. Her mother was just as beautiful before she married. That man destroyed them both. Milana was a sweet and dutiful young woman. For her sake, I hope that Raffaele agrees to give her to you. I know that men have a different way of looking at these things.” She let out a heavy breath before continuing. “I believe her, you know.”
“Believe her?”
“She didn’t know what her father was planning. She panicked and ran. Who’s to say I wouldn’t have done the same under those circumstances?” Gloria admits.
“Thank you for understanding,” I say. “Alessio is very persuasive.” I’m counting on Alessio to make the deal that will allow Milana to come back to Las Vegas with us.
Gloria places the tray on the empty side of the bed. I’m not willing to release Milana’s hand just yet and reach for the panino with my other hand, taking a bite. “Thank you.” Gloria sees our linked fingers and gives me a small smile.
“See if you can get her to eat. She needs to keep up her strength,” Gloria says before leaving.
I finish my sandwich before waking Milana. Her eyes flutter open, and she looks around in confusion, trying to figure out where she is.
“You need to eat,” I tell her. “Come sit next to me.” Milana moves and sits stiffly beside me with her back to the headboard with the tray between us. She reaches for the soup and takes a spoonful, then another. She finishes the soup, and I insist she eat half the sandwich Gloria made for her. “We don’t want to insult our hostess.”
“This might be my last meal,” she says sadly. She looks at the contents between the two slices of her ciabatta bun. “Prosciutto and bocconcini. My favorite. At least I’ll die full.”
“Alessio’s making the deal,” I remind her.
“Raffaele might not want to take the deal. I’ve heard stories about him. They say that of all the capos, he’s the most volatile.”
“Don’t let the other capos hear you say that. To be a capo is not only a position of power; it’s a position of leadership. Being kind doesn’t come into it if you know that thousands of men and their families are relying on you to keep the family intact and prosperous. Each one of those leaders has responsibilities that are incomparable to anything you may have had to deal with,” I tell her sternly.
“I’m not criticizing,” she replies quickly.
“You need to learn to think before you speak. Raffaele isn’t my capo, but from what I hear from his men, they’re loyal to him because he puts the well-being of Ultimo Morte before all else. Well, except for his wife, Evangeline.” She leans closer and listens. “Reno is a dangerous man, and he runs Nostra Casa through his own hands-on methods. He doesn’t expect his soldiers to go into a battle without him, and his brothers, Dante and Sebastian, would lay down their lives for their brother. Marco is wise, and he is grooming Nero to be a very smart and lethal leader. Alessio is his own man, but still has underbosses that are old school, and what your father did was the ultimate betrayal. Your mother and father paid the price, and he can’t let you back into the fold, with a good reason. It would be seen as weakness, and that would cause irreparable damage. You will have to prove yourself to him and the rest of the family that you are not your father.”
“Alessio won’t trust me, will he?” she asks.
“He’s a lethal man with a very bad temper and will not hesitate to kill if his family is attacked. He had an army of men looking for me, and I’m just a soldier. He’s firm but fair, and I couldn’t ask for a better capo. I am and will always be faithful to Alessio and Il Destino, and so will you.”
She nods slowly and swallows deeply. I feel I need to impress this upon her so that she understands the severity of the situation. “Alessio is giving up a marker for your life. A marker that could be used for a big business transaction or to barter for the life of a soldier, or anything that Alessio deems crucial for the family. I’ve requested he use his marker to relinquish Raffaele’s hold on you. If you embarrass me or Alessio, then you’ve just signed my death certificate and yours. He’d have the right, and I wouldn’t fight him on that. I would hand him my own blade for him to finish me off.” I pause and hold her gaze. “Are you understanding this?”
“Yes,” she whispers.
“Louder,” I command.
“Yes. I understand. Don’t make me regret this decision.”
Not long afterward, Niccolo, Alessio’s consigliere, my brother-in-law and someone I consider a good friend, comes up to get me. I leave Milana sitting on the bed and follow Niccolo downstairs.
“Jesus Christ, what are you thinking? Valentina is going to lose her mind when she finds out her brother is getting married. Are you sure about this?” he asks when we reach the last step. “Is she worth it?”
