by Ford, Brenda
I nod and step away to do my patrol but I keep casting glances across the casino to see where Raffaele ends up.
He’s lead by one of our guys into a private back room where he emerges shortly after with Rose’s father, Giacomo who leads Raffaele confidently across the casino floor towards where Rose is handing out drinks.
I step closer to keep a watchful eye over the situation.
“Rose,” Giacomo says, “I’d like you to meet Raffaele Alfonsi.”
I can see the horror on Rose’s face before her body stiffens and her jaw tightens. “Hello.”
Raffaele takes Rose’s hand and kisses it. “Bellissima, it is an honor to make your acquaintance at last.”
She pulls her hand away. “I didn’t know there would be an introduction today.”
“Raffaele would like to take you to lunch.” Giacomo fixes Rose with a stern stare. “He’s come here especially.”
“I see. Well, I’m on shift right now. I have work to do.”
“Nonsense.” Giacomo takes the tray she’s carrying from her hands. “Consider yourself off-duty. Go enjoy a meal with this man.”
Rose stares daggers at her father. “I’m not suitably dressed. I’m wearing a corset and stilettos.”
“I bought several outfits for you this morning. They’re in my office.”
“I guess you’ve thought of everything.” She glares at them both. “I suppose I don’t have a choice in this matter?”
Giacomo laughs jovially. “I’ve never known a woman so opposed to being spoiled!”
“A rare virtue.” Raffaele smiles. “But you should know, Rose, I always spoil my women.”
She looks like she wants to vomit. “You should know I always select my own men.”
He throws back his head and laughs. “Trust me—after a date with me, your choice will be made.”
Giacomo leans into Rose and I’m close enough to hear the words he whispers. “If you make a scene, I will not be pleased— and I would advise you to make sure I am pleased.” The threat in his words is thinly veiled.
She narrows her eyes. “I guess I’ll get changed.”
I’m worried for her and irritated. Last night was incredible. We had mind-blowing sex after years of keeping each other at arm’s length. Twenty-four hours later and she’s going out with another guy. Against her will.
I want to tell Giacomo he’s abusing his daughter, tell Silvio he’s an asshole, and smack this Raffaele guy square in the jaw. Instead, I grit my teeth and send Rose a text telling her to call me if she needs me.
I wonder if I’ll still see her tonight.
5
Rose
My father has bought me the most ridiculous dress to wear to lunch. It’s bright red, skin-tight, and low cut but designer—I suppose he thinks that makes me look less like a prostitute. He didn’t think about getting me a different pair of shoes, so I’m wearing the dress with my work stilettos.
I felt like the world’s biggest bitch when I walked out with Raffaele in front of Darren but I felt trapped. My father—as much as he dotes on me and I love him—definitely has a dark side that I’ve only seen once or twice. It’s terrifying when you see him switch into that mode; he doesn’t scream and shout, his voice becomes low and dangerous. He’s like a panther prowling through the tall grass, quiet but lethal. He’d had that gleam in his eye tonight that told me disobedience would be unwise.
Raffaele takes me to some bistro that’s so exclusive it doesn’t have a sign at the front of the building. We enter through a side door and are led down into a basement where suddenly a five-star restaurant appears, full of local celebrities, millionaires, models, and playboys. The amount of wealth in this one place is sickening.
They seem to recognize Raffaele. We are led straight to a table at the center of the restaurant; it’s like he wants to be seen.
Everything in this place is of the highest possible standard and expense. The place settings are reminiscent of some English aristocrat; the China is Royal Copenhagen, the silverware is actually platinum, and the wine glasses are genuine crystal.
“I hope you’re not under the impression I’m easily impressed by shiny things,” I tell Raffaele sharply. “I’m a human, not a magpie.”
He simply laughs and pulls out my chair for me, gesturing for me to take a seat. “I didn’t know you had so much fire, Cara, but I like it. It’s not often I’m faced with a challenge like Rose Russo.”
The way he refers to me as a challenge makes my skin crawl. I feel I’m nothing more than prey for a predator with nothing left to hunt but the big game.
I sit and he takes a seat opposite.
“What made me catch your eye, Raffaele?” I ask him. “We’ve never met. Is it me that attracts you or my father’s casinos?”
Raffaele leans forward on the white linen tablecloths resting his arms on the table and meeting my eyes with a steady, hungry stare. “I’ll be honest with you because I can tell you are not a foolish girl.”
“What a compliment.”
“I like to keep my eyes on the competition.” He sits back with a slick, smug smile. “I occasionally send my men in disguise to a number of casinos around Las Vegas to see what others are doing; how they’re conducting their business.”
“That’s kind of underhand.”
“Your father does the same. It is common practice.” He snaps his fingers at a waiter and makes a gesture that obviously means something to him even if it means nothing to me. “I kept hearing my men talking about the beautiful daughter of Giacomo Russo. When I had heard them speak about you several times, my interest was piqued. You’d held their attention for a long time and I wanted to see if you were as exquisite as they said.”
He met my eye with a smoldering gaze. “They were not mistaken. I set my eyes upon you and knew I was looking at the most bewitching woman in Nevada. You are intoxicating, Bellissima, and I am a man who is not easily impressed.”
It’s my turn to lea forward. “I’m afraid my father might have given you the impression that I am a woman who is easily bought. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
“If I wanted to buy a woman, I could call on any of the young, beautiful and eager escorts that are reserved for men like me or I could pick a pretty girl from the streets and shower her with gifts and blind her with glamour. But I am not looking to buy anything, Cara.”
“Then what? Why am I here?”
“Because you are the best; and I always get the best.”
His words leave a bitter taste in my mouth. I’m nothing but a status symbol to him; some prize to be won. I’m sickened by the way he seems to think he has a right to me. He speaks as though I’m already his—I just don’t know it yet.
“What makes you think I’d be interested in a man like you?” I lean back and fold my arms across my chest. “I have been raised with glitz and glamour. I’m bored with the casino lights. I’ve seen a thousand jackpot wins. You’ve got nothing that intrigues me.”
Raffaele laughs. “That’s only because you don’t know me yet, Rose.”
The waiter appears with some bottle of champagne that I know costs thousands per bottle; it’s the kind my father buys when he’s trying to impress someone or when he’s celebrating something big. Raffaele is obviously here often enough that the waiter recognizes what he wants simply by a gesture of Raffaele’s hand.
“I can offer you excitement. I sense you’re a woman who’s not averse to a little danger.” He runs a finger down my forearm. The hairs on my skin stand up at his touch as if it were a spider crawling across me. “Life with me can be very dangerous.”
I pull my arm away. “Did you get that line from a movie? You think I’ll be drawn in by the mystery? I could care less what you get up to.”
“I suppose not.” He chuckles. “I guess the daughter of Giacomo Russo has seen it all.”
“What do you mean?”
“Aha. Now I’ve got your attention.” He pushes a menu across to me. “Dine with me, Bellissima.
Then we can discuss whatever you like.”
I’m interested in what he has to say about my father. Reluctantly, I cast my gaze over the menu. I order the truffle ravioli. He orders the Kobe strip – a cut of steak that costs hundreds of dollars.
When our food arrives, I press Raffaele for more information.
“What is it you think I’ve seen as Giacomo’s daughter?”
Raffaele smirks. “I hesitate to use the word ‘mafia’ as it has such unpleasant connotations, but surely you know your father is well-connected and not afraid to use force when need be.”
“The mafia?” I raise an eyebrow. “Because every Italian who does well for himself must be a mob boss?”
“Only the ones with half the former navy on their payroll. The ones whose patrons occasionally disappear. The ones who aren’t afraid to get blood on their hands.”
“That’s ludicrous.”
Even though I’m denying it, my heart is pounding. Raffaele’s words have a ripple of truth to them that reverberates through me. I’ve been suspicious of my father and his activities for a long time. Silvio’s behavior has only made me more concerned. My brother is becoming a thug.
“You don’t have to hide anything from me, Preziosa.” He taps the side of his nose knowingly. “Your father and I are in the same business, after all.”
My head is spinning. If I didn’t feel in danger a moment ago, I do now.
“I don’t involve myself in my father’s affairs,” I say. I pick up my napkin and dab at my lips. My hands are shaking so I quickly put the cloth down.
Raffaele reaches across and lays his hand atop mine. “You don’t have to worry. I am a man with his own connections. Those who are close with me never come to harm.”
“And those who aren’t?”
He chuckles. “Why concern ourselves with hypotheticals, Rose? It’s the easiest way to drive yourself mad. Right now we are in an exclusive restaurant enjoying a sumptuous meal and you look ravishing. I would say we are becoming very good friends.”
“You’re not shy about your undertakings,” I say.
“When you’re as powerful as I am, there’s no need to be coy.” He leans forward with a smile. “I’ve got half the Las Vegas police department in my pocket, as well as several judges. You may not be for sale, Rose, but you’d be surprised how many are.”
“The casinos don’t generate enough profit for you?” I make sure my disdain is evident in my voice.
“Money is one thing, but respect, power…those are completely different vices.” He shrugs. “Besides, my father was in the business, so naturally I chose to walk the same path.”
He has to be talking garbage. I can’t fathom that anyone who was genuinely operating at a high-level within the criminal underworld would decide to talk about it over lunch as if discussing golf.
Raffaele raises his glass towards me before he drinks in an unspoken toast. He takes a long drink from his glass then continues. “It seems you’re walking in your father’s footsteps also. You’ve chosen to work in the casinos, after all.”
“It was the natural path.” I feel a stab of shame. I’ve never been led by my own ambition or desires. I suppose having everything handed to me on a plate my whole life has left me feeling satisfied with doing very little with my life.
“It sounds as if you wish for more.”
“I’m not sure I have more to give.” I swallow and look down at the tabletop. “I’ll confess I’ve had an easy upbringing. It’s left me with no sense of vocation.”
“A woman as beautiful as you does not need one.”
It was intended as a compliment but it feels like an insult. It’s as if I have nothing between my ears. I might as well be a broom handle in a dress and a wig for how little Raffaele believes I have to offer the world.
“I will find my calling eventually.”
“A woman like you could command nations. You are a Cleopatra of our time. What men won’t do for a glance or a touch from someone so beautiful.”
“You speak as if beauty is some kind of magic.”
“Isn’t it?” He smiles. “I don’t allow many women to tell me ‘no’. You have me under some kind of spell. The kind that only makes me want more the more you resist.”
My stomach twists with nerves. I get the feeling that one date will not be enough to be rid of Raffaele. I think of Darren and wish he was with me now. I always feel safe knowing he’s somewhere on the casino floor. He’s protected me countless times from handsy drunks and sore losers. It’s as if he’s only ever watching me; whenever I start to feel nervous, he appears. I’m nervous now.
“I won’t change my mind, Raffaele.” I swallow, finding the courage to lift my eyes to meet his. “I’m not looking for a man like my father.”
“Nonsense. Every girl wants a man like her daddy.”
He makes me feel sick. I’ve got pepper spray in my purse. I wonder if I’ll have to use it when this meal comes to an end.
I’ve finished eating so I stand up. I haven’t touched my champagne and I won’t be sticking around for dessert.
“It’s time I go. Thank you for dinner.”
Raffaele grabs me by the wrist and I gasp. I want to tear myself away from him but I’m aware of all the eyes upon us. There’s a fury in his eyes that scares me; a moment later it passes, he smiles, and he loosens his grip.
“I’ll see you again soon, Bellissima.” He smirks. “Be safe out there.”
6
Darren
I arrive at Rose’s apartment at 8.30pm as we planned, even though I have my doubts about whether she’ll be there.
To my surprise, she’s already sitting on the front step of her apartment building when I arrive. She jumps up when she sees me, runs to me and throws her arms around my neck.
“I’m so sorry, Darren. I didn’t want to go but I was scared about what would happen if I refused.”
I wrap her tightly in my arms. Relief washes over me to feel her body small and safe against mine. “Don’t apologize. I was worried about you. I’m just glad you’re here.”
“I hated every second of it,” she says.
She looks distressed. I think she might have been crying and her hair is ruffled from her running her hands through it so many times. She’s no longer in the red dress her father had brought her. Instead, she’s dressed simply in skinny jeans, a pretty black blouse, and black heeled boots.
I run my hand through her hair with affection. “Did he hurt you?”
Rose shakes her head. “No.”
“You’ve been crying. What did he do?”
She rests her head against my chest and holds onto me. “He made me feel like a target. I don’t think he’s going to give up.”
“You have every right to turn him down, Rose. Nobody gets to tell you who to be with.”
“I’m not so sure about that. My father can be pretty scary sometimes.”
“I bet he can.” I clench my jaw. “What can I do? I’m not the greatest handyman in the world but I could fit new locks for you and a basic intruder alarm. If it would make you feel safer to have lights on the building or—”
She cuts me off. Her sorrowful expression has lifted into a beautiful smile. “I thought we were having a date tonight?”
“I didn’t think you’d feel like it now.”
“I didn’t, but you’re just so sweet I’ve realized there’s nothing I want more than to spend the night with you. Let’s go out somewhere.”
“Where do you want to go?”
“I don’t care. Anywhere. I’ve just had the date from hell, so it will be impossible to disappoint me.”
* * *
We go to the Vegas strip and walk around like we’re tourists until Rose pulls me in after her into a crazy golf attraction. The course is inside a building on the strip where we enter into a neon, glow-in-the-dark adventure land filled creepy murals, sci-fi sculptures and a host of other fancies made to draw the eye.
“It’s dark in here,” I say.
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Rose laughs, pulling me towards her by my shirt. She kisses me. “I think that’s what I like about it the most.”
“Have you been here before?”
She twirls her putt in her hand as if she’s half Tiger Woods, half showgirl and wiggles her eyebrows teasingly. “When I was a kid, I used to come here once a week at least.”
“I see. So you’re going to walk all over me, then?”
“I just might.”
I like this side of her. It’s good to see her smiling and having a good time without being bothered by a host of men or looking over her shoulder to see whether Silvio or Giacomo are watching.
I place my hand on her waist and kiss behind her ear. “We should have done this years ago.”
She spins to face me and kisses me softly. “I’m glad we’re doing it now.”
“At least we know we’ll never run into Silvio at mini-golf.”
Rose shrieks with laughter. “Can you imagine? He’d probably shoot the pop-ups.”
“Or come after me with a putt-putt.”
We go to hole one which features a cyclops spaceman. I have to shoot the ball between its legs in a straight line.
I take hold of the putt in both hands and wiggle my butt to make Rose laugh. I line up my eye to the hole…and watch the ball travel in a completely different direction.
“Huh.”
Rose laughs. “See how it’s done.”
She lines up her ball, swings, and I watch the ball glide straight into place in the world’s most effortless hole-in-one.
We continue around the course. I’m smiling the whole time. It feels like we’re in some secret other world as if we’ve just gone through the wardrobe into Narnia. Everything is glowing and buzzing, people are laughing, but there’s not a shred of light from the world outside. It smells of sugar and human sweat.
After golf, we end up back on the strip. Rose has the biggest, smuggiest grin on her face and she keeps teasing me for my embarrassing failure on the course.