Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
“So, how’s Frankie doing?” Carmine asks again, sitting opposite me while we wait for my food.
“He’s in law school,” I report.
“Oh.” Carmine makes the sign of the cross. It’s a running joke in our business that lawyers are like the devil.
I laugh. “He found this tutor, who’s really a great woman.”
“Ah?” Carmine says, intrigued. “Do I hear wedding bells in the future?”
“For me,” I explain. “Not for him.”
“You’re marrying the tutor?” Carmine gasps, amused by the unexpected turn of events.
“It’s a little more complicated than that,” I admit.
A waiter shows up with a big plate of carbonara. I pause long enough to fill my stomach with the good stuff. It’s expertly cooked, just buttery and light enough to encourage me to continue long after I’m full. I finish the whole plate and reach for a wine glass to wash it down.
“More?” Carmine asks, raising his hand to signal for the waiter.
“No,” I say, motioning to my stomach. “I’ve got a young bride. I need to watch my figure.”
“If only I had that problem,” Carmine laughs.
“It actually is somewhat of a problem,” I admit, getting down to the specifics that I want to discuss. “She’s Vincent Rocca’s daughter.”
“Vincent?” Carmine asks, as if he doesn’t know.
“His name isn’t in the family archives, but I’m sure you’re aware. He’s the son of Manuel Rocca.”
“Ah,” Carmine says, leaning back in his seat.
I’ve said the name that no one in his family has been allowed to say for generations. I know Manuel was chased out of the country for his misdeeds, but I’m sure they’ve been keeping tabs on his family. In our business, information is power, and you can’t afford to completely ignore anyone, no matter what your grievances.
“You know what I’m talking about,” I insist.
Carmine thinks for a beat, tearing the corner off a paper napkin. “Alright, I do. Vincent Rocca. Freelance hitman.”
“That’s him,” I confirm.
“And you’re marrying his daughter?” Carmine connects the dots.
“That’s right,” I say. “I know we were going to unite our families through marriage way back when.”
“Viviana, God rest her soul,” Carmine agrees, making the sign of the cross again.
“God rest her soul,” I repeat.
“So you think we could reestablish our marriage bond through you and this woman?” Carmine asks.
“That’s the idea,” I confirm.
“Interesting,” Carmine replies. “Vincent Rocca wasn’t really a part of the family, but I suppose blood is still blood.”
“Indeed,” I say, raising my glass.
“Is your fiancée aware of who her father is? Does she know anything about the family business?” Carmine feels me out, wanting to know more before giving me his blessing.
“Yes and yes,” I respond. “She’s a good woman. She’s kept her nose clean, and she doesn’t want to be reined in any more than she has to.”
“I approve,” Carmine says. “Of the girl. What’s her name?”
“Marlena,” I say.
“I’d like to meet Marlena,” Carmine requests.
“Of course,” I agree.
“And I’ll need to talk to the rest of the family,” Carmine explains.
“Of course,” I repeat, understanding that this kind of request will take time to work its way through appropriate channels.
“But I’m cautiously optimistic,” Carmine replies. “You can tell her that her family is eager to meet her, and that we’ll roll out the red carpet.”
“Excellent,” I say, finally feeling like something is going my way.
I’m extraordinarily tired now that my stomach is full and I’ve had a glass full of wine. Putting the question of Marlena’s Italian family to bed, I now feel like I can clock out for a few hours. I say my goodbyes to Carmine and thank him for the grub. Climbing back into the limo, I can barely keep my eyes open on the trip home.
Luckily, Marlena is still asleep, and there has been no movement on the home front. I stumble through the villa and manage to make it to the guestroom before exhaustion overtakes me. The bed isn’t as comfortable as my own, but that doesn’t matter. The plan has been set in motion, and with any luck, I’ll have the full force of the Rocca family with me going forward.
CHAPTER 27
MARLENA
Iwake up surrounded by luxury. The pillow beneath my head is as soft as a feather. The blanket covering me is light and warm all at the same time. This definitely isn’t my apartment, and I’m not even sure it’s the suite of rooms Francisco has given me.
It hits me all of a sudden: I’m in Italy. The plane ride wasn’t a dream. Brandon is still missing, and I’m on the opposite side of the planet, held prisoner by my own fiancé. But as I open my eyes, it’s hard to stay mad.
This place is gorgeous. Even the suite of rooms in Francisco’s mansion can’t compare. From my vantage point on the bed, I can see an expanse of dark, antique furniture. There are two suitcases sitting by the door, and a floppy hat sitting on the dresser. It looks like someone brought me more goodies during the night, and I’m not sure whether to be impressed or angry.