The chosen son, p.9
The Chosen Son, page 9
“We. Do. Not. And never will traffic people. Understand?” Dante gritted his teeth.
Tony slowly nodded and Dante shoved him away. The man fell awkwardly on the tabletop and maneuvered himself back to his seat. His face flame red, he tucked his shirt back into his pants.
“Are there any further questions?” Dante rested his fingertips on the table. Slowly, he made eye contact with each man in the room. They either shook their heads or glanced away. “Good. Report back to me with any new developments.”
“Yes, sir.” Everyone paid their respects by nodding and shaking Dante’s hand before leaving the room. The last one closed the door behind him leaving Joseph and Dante alone in the room.
“You have a Judas on your team.” Joseph nodded to the seat Tony had vacated.
“Tell me about it. I just haven’t been able to prove it.” Dante reached for another cigarette.
“Still angry about being passed over?” The leather of Joseph’s chair creek as he leaned back.
“Most likely but so far, he’s done nothing wrong that we’re aware of.”
“I don’t get why he even thinks he should be boss. You’re his son, why wouldn’t you be their leader?” Yet, he was going through a similar situation. Being passed over for not being the blood son.
“Fuckers are going old school. Like we are cavemen or something. I’m sure he would like us to duel or some such shit.” Dante laughed.
“So, it’s really true what Roman was saying about the arranged marriages coming back? I half wondered if it was simply a trick to get me to stay here.” Not that Joseph cared, just as long as Angelina was promised to him.
“No, it’s true. The pressures are on me as well to pick a bride and start shelling out heirs. Right now, I have enough on my plate.”
“That’s why I don’t understand why you offered to help keep an eye on the girls.”
“You’re family, Joseph, Which makes them my priority as well. I may not be able to be there all the time but if I can’t, someone I trust will be in my place.”
“I appreciate that.” Dante was the only one he could count on to have his back.
“I can’t put my finger on it, but I also think there’s a connection somehow with the fashion houses and the missing models. If there is, they may be trying to smuggle something in and out of our region.”
“My thoughts lean toward the Vittores. Why would they all have the same envelopes in their possession? Do you have any other suspects?”
“Could be one of many?” Dante yawned and stretched.
“Do you want to narrow that down a bit?” Joseph had no clue where to start. They had numerous enemies and some they probably didn’t even know about.
“I’ll make you a list.” Dante rose and buttoned his jacket. “First, I have a date with a redhead.”
“Bella?” Joseph got up also.
“Yes.”
“Just remember that redhead has an army of men who will take great pleasure in torturing you if anything happens to her.”
“Not to worry. She’s in good hands.” He winked.
An alert sounded on Joseph’s phone.
What the fuck?
Angelina had left the building. Alone.
CHAPTER 10
Angelina
Who knew there’d be so much paperwork to be employed at a family business? Then again, she was in a different country. They needed copies of everything, plus her work visa had to be in order. After signing on all the dotted lines, Camilla gave her a tour of the building and where she’d be working. As an apprentice, she’d be under the direction of the designers. Hopefully, if they were impressed enough with her drawings and sewing skills, they might pick something of hers for a collection.
The job would be tough, but if she survived the year, a permanent position might be in her future. How it would work with Joseph was yet to be seen. She couldn’t imagine him wanting to remain here. Besides, what was all the talk about a real marriage? It was the last thing she wanted to think about. The man was as confusing as the abstract fabric sample laying on the floor of the cutting room. It was hideous. Too many contrasting colors and objects. Too busy to find a use for.
Camilla poked her head in the room.
“Angelina, I’m afraid Heidi is sick. She’s the one you were to be working with today. If you’d like to take an early lunch, you can. Then I can find some other things for you to do while you’re gone.”
“Sure, whatever you want me to do is fine.”
“Great, I know first days can be stressful. Take a break and get something to eat.”
“I’m afraid I forgot to pack a lunch.” If it weren’t for Joseph, she’d have missed breakfast as well.
“Take a right outside the front door. You’ll find several nice little cafes and restaurants.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that.”
Angelina grabbed her purse, left the building, and headed down the street. Yes, first days on the job were always awkward and a bit out of sorts. The person whom she was supposed to work with didn’t show up made it even more so.
Since it was midmorning, the coffee shops and cafes were already crowded. Several appeared promising by the size of the crowds. She made a mental note to return to those another day. Finally deciding on a small restaurant called La Luna, Angelina settled at a small table and studied the menu.
After ordering a small salad and pizza, she checked her phone for messages. A good luck one from her mother, and a warning to never go out alone from her father. Shaking her head, she placed it face down on the table.
“Is this seat taken?” A tall, handsome man stood by her table. His face was shadowed by the light behind him. “I was hoping to share. There’s nowhere to eat.”
A quick glance around the cafe confirmed his statement was true. People were lined up at the counter for takeout or waited for a place to sit.
Her father’s message flashed again before her eyes. She was in a room full of people, so what could happen?
“Ah, sure. Why not?” Maybe the stranger would help keep her mind off of work and a certain annoying flat mate.
“Thank you.” He squeezed his large size into the small, black iron ice cream shop-style chair. They certainly weren’t built for comfort. Only something to sit on while eating yet not comfy enough to make you want to stay awhile. “I’m Sean by the way.” The man offered his hand.
“Angelina.” She glanced down at her small hand engulfed in his larger one. The man had to be at least six foot five. His knees angled away from the table in an awkward position.
“And what’s a fine lass like yourself doing in Florence? Student of art perhaps?” He had a thick Irish brogue.
“I recently graduated from fashion school in Milan and started a new job here in Florence.”
“Congratulations.” A waiter delivered her food and took her tablemate’s order for a cup of coffee.
Years of Arlo lecturing her on warning signs had a red flag waving in the back of her mind. Sean didn’t need a table to have coffee. Maybe his feet were tired and needed a short break from sightseeing. She could make all the excuses she wanted, but the little hairs standing up on the back of her neck warned her otherwise.
Sean turned his attention back to her. “And what design house is it that you work for?”
“A local one.” The last thing she was going to do was tell someone she didn’t know where to find her.
“I assumed that.” He snickered.
Angelina stabbed at the salad. He had a lot of nerve to mock her after she’d let him sit at her table. What a jerk.
“I’m sorry. I don’t feel comfortable telling a stranger where I work.” The arugula salad with red wine vinegar dressing was wonderful. She regretted not getting it to go. This guy had ruined her appetite.
“Well, maybe I don’t want to be a stranger.” His teasing tone suggested he wanted more than dinner. “Do you mind?”
“I mind.” A deep voice she recognized sounded from behind her.
Angelina glanced up to see Joseph frowning down at her before turning a deadly glare at the man sitting beside her.
“Who the hell are you?” A little vein throbbed in his throat. It was slight but she knew it was there. A sign Joseph was about to go fifty shades of ballistic if this guy didn’t start talking or get the hell out of there.
“Sean McAlister.” He held up his card but then set it on the table when neither reached for it. “I had already reached out to Roman about marrying into his family. The lovely Angelina is my first choice.”
“She’s already taken. You need to leave. Now.” Joseph pushed up his sleeves.
Tempers boiled as Angelina glanced back and forth between the two men. Patrons at nearby tables grew silent as the temperature in the room rose.
Sean slowly rose. The man was at least two inches taller than Joseph but neither appeared willing to back down. “My mistake. I did not see a ring.”
Joseph stepped between her and Sean. “It’s being sized. You’ll have to find some other unfortunate woman to help your ambitions along.”
“My ambitions don’t need the help of a woman. When I see something I like, I go for it.” He dropped some bills on the table.
Joseph placed a proprietary hand on her shoulder. “Look somewhere else.”
“We’ll see about that. Best of luck with your new position, Angelina. As my wife you wouldn’t need to work.” Sean addressed her before glancing at Joseph. “Caponelli.”
Angelina didn’t stop shaking until the guy went out the door.
“Are you all right?” Joseph knelt by her side. He’d changed into his usual long-sleeved, black designer tee, black jeans, and leather jacket.
“Yeah. Who was that?”
“According to his bullshit card, Sean McAlister.” Joseph took Sean’s seat, a frown on his face as he ran his fingers through his hair making it a sexy mess.
“I heard what he said but who is he?” She sunk into her chair. The iron seat cut into her back.
Joseph took a picture of the business card and forwarded it to someone. Silence filled the void until an answer came back.
“Fuck.” He puffed out his cheeks.
“What is it?”
“He’s Irish mob. You’ve been marked.” He leaned across the table. The fierce expression on his face made her retreat. “Why the hell are you here when I told you not to leave by yourself?”
“I wasn’t thinking.” She pushed the rest of her uneaten salad aside as the waitress placed a pizza in front of her. Her appetite was gone. “I didn’t bring a lunch, my coworker was sick, and Camilla told me to go eat.” The last few days had been a lot, not to mention coming face first to the enemy. Fatigue hit hard. Her body drained of energy.
“If you need to go somewhere you call me.” He covered her hand with his. “If you need anything, you call me. That’s my job.”
His job. Was that all she was to him? The comment pierced her heart and opened it wide. As much as she tried to push him away and convince herself she didn’t care or need him, Angelina did. She’d never stopped loving him. The thought hit her out of nowhere. Too bad there were years of baggage piled up between them causing a towering wall. Could they eventually break through it and get back to where they once were?
“How did you know where to find me?” She eyed the wonderful smelling pizza.
“Tracker. Do you know how easy it would have been for him to take you out the back way? We might not have found you until it was too late.” He closed his eyes briefly as if saying a quick prayer.
“Are you done scaring me?” It was working.
“I don’t know. Are you going to do as told?” Joseph reached for a piece of her pizza and took a bite.
“Yes.” This was a wake-up call. She would be adhering to the rules from now on.
“Eat your damn food or let’s go.” He caressed her cheek.
She struggled to eat a few pieces, but her appetite was gone.
“Let’s go. I’ll take you back to work.”
Once outside, Joseph draped his left arm over her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. Her knees wobbled but he kept moving her along at a good pace.
“What was that for?” He smelled amazing. She leaned into him.
“We’re supposed to be in love or did you forget that as well?”
“I will never love you.” Angelina lied. She just wanted him to say it first.
“I think you already do.” He pulled her into a hug and dropped a passionate kiss to her lips.
“Here we are my love.” Joseph ushered her into the building so fast she hadn’t had time to process what he’d done. Her cheeks flushed from the kiss. It probably didn’t mean a damn thing to him but meant way too much to her. Her pulse raced.
“Do not leave until I return at five to get you. Understand?” He started to step away then stopped. “Do you hear me?”
“Yes. Where are you going?” She missed the warmth of his arms already.
“To buy you a ring.”
A ring? Her knees wobbled as Angelina flew back to her workstation. It was too much. A new job, a new city, an arranged engagement, and Irish mobsters popping up out of nowhere. What next? Was Godzilla going to climb the leaning tower of Pisa?
“How was lunch?” Camilla hopped up when Angelina walked by.
“Good. I went to La Luna.”
“Ah.” Camilla grinned. “They have the best food.”
“Yes, I’m glad I found the place. What do you want me to do next?”
“Meet me in the design room, and we’ll chat.”
“Okay. I’ll be right there.”
After visiting the restroom and dropping off her purse, Angelina entered the work room with a new coat of ruby red lipstick and a determination to ignore the drama surrounding her life.
“There you are. Angelina. This is Stephan. He’s headlining a new line of prom, special event, and formals for young women. It’s tentatively called Debutante. We’re hoping you might have some perspective on the target group and help with some of the foundation pieces.”
“Wow. I’d love to.” Finally, a welcomed bombshell dropped in her lap.
“I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Stephan then.” Camilla hurried off, her cell ringing as she did.
Stephan had a style all his own. His hair was buzzed short on the sides and dyed silver on top. He wore a colorfully patterned shirt, tight black pants, and more black eye liner than she.
“Take a seat. I’ve heard a lot about you.” His accent was British.
“Hopefully, it’s more than who my family is.” The whispers behind her back at school and mean texts were getting old.
“Most design houses are run by family. You, my friend, have already put in a lot of work. You graduated top of your class and won the spot honestly. I’m excited to work with you.”
“Thank you. I think you are my new best friend.” Her shoulders relaxed. At least there was one more friendly face here for her to hang out with.
“I thought I heard a familiar voice out here.” Bella strolled in wearing six-inch heels.
“Bella, how is it going?” She’d been hired as a fit model. It was long hours of standing still but it was a great steppingstone to becoming a model for all their shows and events.
“Good.”
As soon as Stephan turned his attention back to his drawings, Bella pointed to her feet and cringed. It was a good bet she’d be abandoning those shoes as soon as she clocked out.
“It didn’t know you two knew each other.” Stephan glanced up from the sketches.
Angelina smiled. “We’re pretty much family.”
“Two great new additions to the team.” Stephan nodded toward Bella. “Not only is she the right size but has a winning smile as well.”
Bella glowed with Stephan’s compliments.
“So, we need to start with one basic silhouette, theme, or color and go from there.” Stephan explained as he walked over to Bella and helped her up onto a platform. She was dressed in a corset and a long, slim skirt.
“I did a simple mockup with this. We need to throw out some ideas, get them to Madison, and then build from there.”
It was easy to see the dress had been made with Bella in mind but few people looked like her.
“What is the exact age group of our target group?” Angelina grabbed a pen to take notes.
“I would say fifteen to twentyish.”
“When we are young, we want to look older and vice versa, but do we really want this line to look like a toned-down version of her formal line? What about something more goth, or with an edge?” Something that she would want to wear.
Bella’s eyes widened and Stephan’s mouth dropped. Holding her breath, Angelina wrung her hands under the table. Had she over stepped?
CHAPTER 11
“I love it.” Stephan clapped his hands together. “Keep talking.”
“I like the shape of this but since it’s so simple, we need to up the fabric or color. If it’s green, make it metallic or make it black with top-of-the-line lace insets.” The ideas rolled easily off Angelina’s lips as she talked nonstop for at least ten minutes.
“Girl. I think we are going to get along just fine.” Between gathering materials from the stock room.
In a matter of hours, the table was piled high with fabric, accessories, and sketches. Inspiration flowed. Even Bella got into the action wrapping herself in material and jewelry.
“I have the perfect name for this collection.” Bella bounced on her now forgotten sore feet while she grabbed Stephan’s arm. “Well, that is if you decide not to use Debutante.”
“And what’s that, my beautiful muse?” Stephan obviously was captivated by their new redheaded model.
“Dark Angel.” She whispered.
“I love it.” He put his fingers to his mouth and gave her an air chef kiss.
“I do too.” Angelina’s mind spun with possibilities. “I can visualize so many things. A perfume line, purses, and jewelry.”
“Remember we have to keep it elegant, sophisticated, and one of a kind.” Stephan dotted the suggestions down.
