by Jade, Ella
The words stung. He was right. Once he said them, there was no going back. No changing history. No pretending my life was perfect.
“Why would he do this?” My thoughts were jumbled, my feelings raw, my heart heavy. I didn’t understand why my father would hurt Gianni.
“I once told you he wouldn’t be happy about the two of us. I knew that but I pursued you anyway.” When his eyes filled with tears, my heart shattered all over again. “You are special. I realized it that night of the party at my parents’ house. That night I picked you up for our first date, I saw the disapproval in your dad’s expression. I thought he would get over it. He would see how happy I could make you. How much I love you.”
“He asked you to break up with me and you did?” I shook my head, trying to understand what occurred between them. “Why didn’t you come to me? Tell me what he was doing? I would have set him straight. I would have cut him out of our lives until he understood. He wouldn’t have taken it that far if I knew what he was doing.”
“It wasn’t that simple.” He reached for my hand. “There were other factors at play.”
“Explain it to me,” I insisted. “Make me get it. Tell me why it was so easy for you to destroy me.”
“That was the hardest thing I ever had to do.”
“You did it anyway.”
“He came at my family. He threatened to expose my father for something he had done long ago. If I didn’t end things with you my dad would pay the price.”
“This is extreme. He’s been friends with your family my whole life. Why now?”
“It goes deeper than our relationship. I think a part of him does fear for you.”
“Because I’m with you?”
He nodded.
“I’m not afraid to be with you.” I gently touched his scraped cheek. “I’m safe with you. You would never let anything happen to me.”
“I’d protect you with my dying breath. Your father was also worried about his image. He can’t be governor if his daughter is dating me.”
“He has associated with your family for years.”
“He’s always dealt with my family behind closed doors. We’ve been supporting him a long time. I never understood why until he threatened my dad. Most of our dealings are beneficial but your dad always got more out of the bargain.”
“Why?”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me.” My stomach twisted in knots and I worried that I’d vomit all over Gianni’s hospital bed. “What could my father do to bring down such a powerful family?”
“It’s what my father did for your father that would bring us down.”
“I have to know.”
“They were young and my dad thought he was doing the right thing. My family has a warped sense of justice. Most people make us out to be the bad guys, and maybe we are, but not always. Not then.”
“What happened?” If I knew then I could go to my father and make him stop this. I had the ammunition. I needed to know how to use it.
“Do you remember your Aunt Rita?”
“My Aunt Rita? She died twenty years ago. I was too young to really know her. What does she have to do with any of this?”
“When she was in college she was attacked. Brutally assaulted. Raped and beaten.”
“I didn’t know that.” I’d heard stories about my aunt. She was off, maybe mentally ill. She’d been committed several times. She tried to turn her life around but it didn’t work and eventually she committed suicide. It was very tragic. I had pictures of her. She was beautiful and vibrant, or so I thought. “What happened?”
“She identified her attacker. She’d gone on a date with him but wasn’t interested. She told him but he didn’t get it.”
“Like Leo?”
“That’s probably why your father came to me. He worried Leo would do something to you. He wanted me to stop him before things escalated.”
“What happened to Rita’s attacker?”
“He was an up and coming lawyer who’d graduated from an Ivy League school. His father was a judge. His family was extremely connected. The charges didn’t stick.”
“That’s awful.”
“Your aunt was terrified. She couldn’t leave her apartment. She even dropped out of college because she was humiliated, broken, and afraid. He ruined her life.”
“It wasn’t her fault. She was brave enough to identify him. That was a big deal thirty years ago.”
“She didn’t get justice through the courts but my father made sure his crimes didn’t go unpunished. At your father’s request, her rapist didn’t live to repeat his actions.”
“My father asked him to kill someone?”
“And now, all these years later, he’s trying to blackmail my father for helping your aunt. He’s using me to do it. When I wouldn’t stay away from you, this is what he had done to me.”
“I don’t know... I mean...” The tears streamed down my face. My father could be ruthless but going to such extreme measures to keep Gianni away from me? What else was he capable of? “I don’t know what to say.”
“We got caught in the crossfire.” He squeezed my hand. “I did what I had to do to buy my family some time. Your father has nothing concrete on my dad. If he did, he wouldn’t have sent this message last night.”
“You’re sure?”
“It’s his word against my father’s. Of course, if he comes forward, it’ll be a nightmare for my dad. The authorities will have a field day with us. They will start digging into our dealings and eventually...” He raised his hand. “It doesn’t matter. My family knows I won’t give you up. I can’t.”
“If you don’t end things with me, your family pays the price.” Now I understood.
“We’ll find another way.”
“My father is in a position of power.”
“My family is too.”
I rubbed my temples, trying to process the past few days. I wanted to move in with him, spend the rest of my life with him. When he shattered my heart, I didn’t know what to think. Then he apologized and I thought it was over. I feared it was all just beginning. Our biggest enemy was the only other man I’d ever loved.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“This isn’t your fault.”
“I did so many things wrong. I was trying to make it work for everyone.”
“You were in the middle.”
“That will never happen again.”
“Did you mean what you said last night when you asked me to marry you?”
“I had every intention of making you my wife today but I got sidetracked.” He managed that seductive smirk of his. “Did you really mean it when you said yes?”
“I’ve always wanted you. More than anything else in this world.”
“Well, if anything good came out of today, I get a do over. I’ll do it right. I’ll get you the biggest ring you’ve ever seen.”
“I don’t need a ring.” I kissed his lips, trying not to hurt him. “I need you.”
“You’ve had me from the moment I saw you drinking pretend tea with that tiara on your head.”
“That stupid tiara.” I laughed through the tears. “I was really embarrassed.”
“I was mesmerized.” He ran his fingers through my hair. “I still am.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” He closed his eyes, dropping his head onto the pillow. “I’m tired.”
“The pain meds?”
“I guess.” He kissed the top of my head. “I’m sorry I didn’t come for you this morning.”
“We have the rest of our lives to plan our getaway.” I rested my head on his chest. “You get some rest. We’ll figure everything out.”
“It’s my job to take care of you.”
“It’s our job to take care of one another.”
“Whatever you want.”
When his breathing slowed and his arms slipped from around me, I gazed up at him. I allowed myself a few minutes to cry before getting it together. T
here was something I needed to do. I needed to take care of Gianni.
Chapter Twenty-two
ANGELIQUE
I Choose Him
I stepped out into the hallway to find Jennie and Dante waiting outside of Gianni’s room. Dante had his arm around his wife, comforting her. I wondered how many times she had endured this through the years. It was only a few months ago that Vincenzo had been shot. The worry in her eyes was a constant reminder of the life she had married into. Could I be as strong as she was? That was a struggle for another day.
“He’s asleep,” I said. “The pain medicine got the better of him.”
“Thank you for being by his side.” She held my hand before hugging me. “He loves you.”
“I love him.”
“Do you mind if we go in and see him?” Dante asked as he ushered his wife toward the room.
“I’m sure he’d like that.”
“You’re not leaving, are you?” Jennie turned and stared at me. “He’ll want to know where you are.”
“I’m going to get some air,” I told her. “Is Dominick still here?”
“He’s in the waiting area down the hall.” Dante said. “He was on the phone the last time I saw him.”
“Thank you.” I nodded. “I’ll be back in a little bit.”
“Take your time.” Jennie went into the room as her husband followed her.
Gianni would be in good hands while I was away for a few minutes. As I made my way down the hall, searching for Dominick, the stress and anxiety of what I was about to do got the better of me. I leaned against the wall, trying to regulate my breathing but my legs buckled. Before I could hit the floor, Dominick had my arm in his.
“Hey.” He supported me as he brought me over to the lounge area. “Sit down.”
He guided me down to a seated position. “Sal, go get her some water.”
“It’s okay.” My cheeks burned in embarrassment. “I’m fine.”
“I’ll get the water anyway.” Sal scurried away.
“It’ll make him feel useful.” Dominick sat next to me. “He needs to do something or he’ll have some kind of OCD attack.”
“Okay.”
“Vincenzo, Nadia, and Santino are getting something to eat. Do you want them to get you something from the cafeteria? I’m sure my mother will have food brought in after she visits with Gianni.”
“I’m good for now.” I couldn’t think about eating. My nerves would probably make me throw up anything I put in my stomach. “Thanks though.”
“Gianni is going to be okay. This is nothing.”
“He told me who did it.”
“I figured he would.” He turned to face me. “You must be confused. It’s a lot to process.”
“I’m angry. I didn’t think my father was capable of doing anything like this but I have a feeling this isn’t the first time.” I took out my phone and opened my pictures. “There’s something I need to show you.”
“What is it?”
“I’m not sure but I don’t think it’s something my dad would want you to see.” My hands trembled as I scrolled to the photos I wanted. “When Gianni and I were planning to leave today, I had to get my passport from my father’s study. I saw these papers on his desk but I didn’t think anything of it. They looked official but something didn’t sit well with me.”
“You want me to see his confidential papers?”
“Normally, I wouldn’t do anything like this. I’ve never interfered in my father’s business especially not government stuff.”
“You don’t have to do anything that would put you in a position you can’t get out of later.”
“When I came to your house today, I heard Vincenzo asked if your dad knew what the consequences for threatening a U.S. Senator were.”
“Things got a little heated when we couldn’t find Gianni.”
“I realized you were talking about my dad.”
“We were.”
“I asked Vincenzo to take me home before coming here so I could take these pictures.” I handed him my phone. “I would never have done that if he didn’t hurt Gianni.”
“You don’t have to justify your actions.”
When I looked into his reassuring eyes, I saw his resemblance to Gianni and I realized Dominick would never hurt Gia the way my dad hurt me. I had to come to terms with what he had done to me. To Gianni and his family. Right now, I had an obligation to help them. That was what I was going to do.
“This is pretty serious,” Dominick said. “Why are you showing it to me?”
“Gianni told me what my dad has on yours. I’m not going to lose Gianni because he has to stay away from me to keep your dad safe.”
“Gianni has already decided that’s not going to happen. That’s why he’s in the hospital.”
“Another reason why I’m giving you this information. I’m sure you’re not happy he didn’t stay away from me but I’m trying to help.”
“It isn’t that I didn’t want my brother with you.” He read over the documents on the phone. “I was trying to protect my family.”
“I want you to do that.” I pointed to my phone. “Will that help?”
“It could destroy your father’s career.” He handed me back my phone. “Maybe you should think about it.”
“Even after seeing what I have, you’d give me the opportunity to reconsider?” My father wouldn’t give him that benefit. “Why? That information could solve all your problems.”
“Nothing solves everything. It could create havoc in your life. Gianni wouldn’t want that.”
“My father has already done that.”
“I’m only doing what Gianni would want me to do.”
“Your code of honor is remarkable.”
“Not always.” He smirked. “Sometimes you have to think things through and when you’re done thinking them through, you have to do it again until you’re absolutely sure.”
“I’m sure.” I texted him the information that could ruin my father. “I’m doing what I have to do to keep Gianni safe. You use it anyway you have to.”
“I appreciate your loyalty to my brother.”
“I’m loyal to all of you.”
A FEW HOURS LATER, Michael drove me home from the hospital. I wanted to get the bags I had packed when I thought I was going away with Gianni.
“I won’t be long.” I opened the car door. “Are you sure you don’t mind waiting?”
“I’m at your disposal.” Michael smiled. “Gianni said not to let you out of my sight.”
“Even from his hospital bed he’s taking care of me.”
“I only wish I was with him this morning and then he wouldn’t be in the hospital.”
“It’s not your fault.” I patted his hand.
But I know whose fault it is.
“I should have tailed him.”
“He would have been furious.”
“He’d be safe.”
“You can make sure he’s safe next time.” We all knew there would be a next time. “I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Take your time.”
“Thank you.” When I got out of the SUV, I stared at the front of my house. An odd sensation came over me. As I walked up the porch steps, I realized this could be the last time I’d ever set foot in this place again. As crushing as that thought was, I could handle it. There was no place for me here. Not after what my father had done.
Opening the door, I made my way to the steps but my father intercepted me before I could go to my room to get my things.
“Angelique,” he said. “Who is that outside? Where’s your car?”
“Gianni’s driver brought me home.”
“Gianni?”
“Did you think we’d stay apart forever? You did your best to make him stay away from me but how long did you think he’d be able to do that?”
“I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.” How could he lie to my face? “I’ve been in Washington diffusing a serious situation. One that coul
d end my bid for governor.”
You have no idea how much trouble you’re in.
“I need you to stand with me and I certainly don’t need you associating with Gianni. Do you know how that will look?”
“Too late.” I put my hand on my hip. “I’m moving in with him. He’s asked me to marry him and I’ve accepted.”
“What? When?”
“Last night before you had him beaten.”
“He was beaten?” He shook his head. “He’s a thug with plenty of enemies. Do you see why I don’t want you anywhere near him?”
“Stop lying to me.”
“Why would you believe I had anything to do with that or trying to keep him away from you?”
“He told me what you did to keep him away from me. You blackmailed Dante and when you found out he was here last night you...” I balled my fist as my insides twisted. Reality began to set in. My own father. “You had someone attack him. How could you do that?”
“Angelique.” He reached for my hand but I pulled away, retreating to the stairs.
“I don’t want to hear any more of your lies! I should have gone with my instincts when Gianni broke things off with me. It was so out of character. You forced him to hurt me and when that didn’t work you went after him.”
He didn’t try to defend himself but I recognized the look in his eyes. He was formulating a plan and trying to decide how he would spin this.
“I have to go.”
“Wait.” He followed me up the steps. “You’re not moving in with him and you’re certainly not marrying him.”
“Why?” I turned and glared at him. “Because your precious career is more important than my happiness?”
“I’ve spent your entire life protecting you,” he yelled. “I’m not about to stop now and I won’t apologize for it.”
“Did you have Gianni beaten last night?”
“Yes.”
Hearing him say it without an ounce of remorse in his voice struck harder than I ever could have imagined.
“How could you do that?”
“I’ll do anything to keep you safe even if I have to stoop to their level. What I did to him is nothing compared to what he does to others on a daily basis.”
“This has nothing to do with keeping me safe.” I grabbed my bags from my room. “You’re trying to save your career. It doesn’t matter that you’ve been in bed with the Marchellis for years. They helped you get to where you are today and now you’ve decided they’re not worth it?”