by V. Domino
Taking the drink from the bartender I nodded over to my niece and the woman she was entertaining. “Who’s that?” The woman couldn’t be a party guest. I didn’t recognise her face and she wasn’t dressed to the nines like the rest of us. Instead, she wore a pair of jeans and a light blue sweater.
“Not sure,” Teo admitted. “But Nova took a shine to her.”
“Yeah, so have I.”
“Fuck’s sake,” he grumbled. “Do you ever take a day off?”
I downed the rest of my drink, put the glass on the bar top, and made my way over to the pair, adjusting my bow tie as I went.
Two things my little princesa was gifted at. The first was getting into trouble, but that appeared to be a family trait that had no intention of being diluted out of the gene pool, and the second was being the best wing man I’d ever had. From the moment she was born, Nova had become the best weapon in my arsenal against the female population.
“Nova,” I said, reaching them.
She whipped her head around and flashed me a grin. “Uncle Enzo!” Whatever conversation the pair had been having was no longer important as she held her arms out to me. Reaching down, I scooped Nova up from the floor and she delivered one of her vice like hugs, pressing her lips against my cheeks.
“Did you miss me, princesa?” I asked her.
“Mmhm.” Nova nodded her head enthusiastically.
“How much?”
“This much!” She leaned away from me, causing me to hold her tighter, and stretched her arms out as far as they could go.
“Well, that’s a lot. I was worried maybe you liked Mateo more than me.
Nova shook her head, ponytail swinging with the motion.
“Am I your favourite?” I pressed.
She looked a little nervous as she said, “Papa said I’m not allowed to have favourites.”
“I promise, I’ll take it to my grave.”
Nova glanced over my shoulder to Mateo at the bar and then back to me. She pressed her head against mine conspiratorially and whispered loud enough for anyone close enough to hear. “You’re my favourite.”
The woman on the floor straightened up and laughed. “I’ll leave you both to it.”
“Oh, don’t leave on my account,” I said, turning my head to her. We locked eyes and I felt my breath get caught. The caramel brown eyes staring back at me seemed so familiar that the hairs on my arms rose under the sleeves of my dinner jacket. “Enzo Diaz,” I said, thrusting a hand out to her.
She gripped my hand and I pressed my lips to the back of hers. “Charlotte Walker,” she introduced herself, flushing red and withdrawing her hand from mine to fiddle with her necklace.
“You’re not from around here,” I commented, picking up on her British accent.
“Guilty. I’m from across the pond.”
“Here for the holidays?”
“No. Well, kind off.” Charlotte’s free hand was waving around. “I’m moving here. Should be closing on the house before Christmas if all goes to plan.”
Nova had rested her head on my shoulder and was playing with my bow tie as I took in the information. Charlotte’s hand still fiddled with her necklace but there was no ring on her finger, and I felt compelled to spend more time with her than this. It had been a few weeks since I’d last spent the night with a beautiful woman and Charlotte had presented herself as a potential candidate.
“You’re going to have to let me show you around once you’ve moved in.”
Via would never forgive me if I skulked off this evening. Plus, I’d already made a silent commitment to Nova that I was bound to for the night.
“Won’t you be busy at fancy dinners?” she asked, letting go of her necklace to gesture at my attire.
My response died in my throat as a glint at her neck caught my eye. Blood turned to ice in my veins, seeing the all too familiar design. “Where did you get that?” I asked, eyes fixed at the chain that hung around her neck.
Her hand moved to the pendant again and she glanced down at it. “This? I’ve had it for as long as I can remember.”
That wasn’t possible. Mama and I had designed that necklace specifically for Valentina. It would have been buried with her. It should have been buried with her, along with all of my hopes for our future.
“Who gave it to you?” I demanded. I refused to believe that it was a coincidence. The word ‘tesoro’ stood out against the smooth surface and I felt the emotional dam I had built over the years crack and Valentina’s loss hit me hard all over again. It would have brought me to my knees if I didn’t have Nova in my arms.
“I’m not...”
“Uncle Enzo,” Nova cut across us. “I want to go back to the party.”
“Charlotte, are you ready to‒ Diaz.”
My head was spinning but the use of my last name made me look up to see a man approaching us.
“What the hell is he doing here?” Mateo’s voice was at my ear.
“Who are you?” Nova asked curiously.
Christopher Campbell, better known as Agent Campbell in our circle, had been sniffing around for the better part of the last decade in an attempt to find something to bring the state back into order. But he was yet to find something concrete that would stand in court, or watch us get locked up behind bars.
“Hello, sweetheart,” he said, leaning in to touch Nova’s cheek. The smile on his face was meant to be kind but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
She drew back with such force that if she had been an inch to the right, I’d have been sporting a broken nose. “Don’t touch me. I don’t know you.” Nova was Via’s daughter through and through. Occasionally she would say or do something that would transport me back to my childhood, standing with Via at get togethers.
“Chris,” Charlotte said. “You know Enzo?” My name was a question on her lips, but it shouldn’t be. My brain raced to try and make sense of it all. What if…? It would be complete madness to entertain the thought, but the necklace and those eyes could only belong to my Valentina.
Agent Campbell let out a disapproving hum. “Through work.”
“Oh!” She sounded surprised. “You work in the field with Chris?”
“On the other side of it,” he told her bluntly.
“I’m sorry. What proof do you have?” Teo asked him. He wasn’t about to let anyone tarnish our name, even if we’d done a good enough job of that ourselves.
Campbell narrowed his eyes. “We’ll find it.”
“Nothing to find.”
“Mateo! Enzo!” Via’s voice was loud through the bar.
“Mama!” Nova sounded overjoyed at the sight of her mother. Two beautiful peas in the Diaz pod that were rarely apart.
“Alvia.” Campbell greeted my sister in law as she joined us and took Nova out of my arms. He drank in her form. “You look breathtaking.” He was lucky that Santi hadn’t followed Via into the bar, or Campbell’s eyeballs, and most likely a few other body parts, would have no longer been attached to him. Not that Via had ever needed Santi’s back up. His psychotic nature was only matched by her own.
“Didn’t I specifically tell you not to step foot into any of my family’s businesses without a warrant?” she hissed at him.
Campbell held up his hands. “Off duty, Alvia. I’m here as a patron with my girlfriend.” As he snaked an arm around Charlotte, I bit the insides of my cheeks. I didn’t want anyone near her until I had confirmation of who she was and how she had gotten a hold of the most important piece of jewellery that I’d given to someone.
Via’s attention turned to Charlotte and I wondered, hoped, that she would see what I saw. Our very own ghost of Christmas past stood in front of us. “You need to raise your standards,” Via told her bluntly.
Charlotte looked like she wanted the world to swallow her whole. Her small frame turned in towards Campbell as she stuttered, “Actually, I… I…”
“Honestly, I couldn’t care less,” Via said sharply, holding up a hand. “I want the both of you ou
t now.”
It was like we were ten years old again. Valentina had never been able to get a word in edgeways when Via’s temper came out to play. I couldn’t recall just how many times I’d been there to wipe away Valentina’s tears caused by Via’s sharp tongue. I watched Charlotte’s eyes well and there was a sense of urgency to comfort her.
“You’re going to kick out paying customers?” Campbell asked.
“We don’t need your money.”
“Where is your delightful husband? Or have you decided to leave Santiago for good this time?”
Mateo took the cue before I did. He pulled Nova out of Via’s arms and my sister in law, in all the glory of her evening gown, took two menacing steps towards Campbell. He had enough sense to push Charlotte behind him.
“I’m not going to ask again. I suggest you leave before I ask my husband to escort you out of the building.”
“Via.” I’m not sure when I decided to speak. My brain was still locked in past memories of how I used to defuse situations between us all. She turned her head to look at me, fire raging in her eyes. Via had become a Diaz reluctantly, but after the time she had been married to Santi, Diaz ran through her veins just like any of us. She would tear the world apart in order to keep our family running and there wasn’t a single person that didn't know that fact.
“Don’t worry your pretty little head,” Campbell told her, drawing her attention back to him. “We’re leaving. Come on, Charlotte.” He brushed past Via in an attempt to intimidate her, but she stood there, chin tipped up in defiance. It would take more than some muscle to make Via bend.
“I… I’m so sorry,” Charlotte muttered, still rooted to the spot. “He’s never usually so rude. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”
“Take my advice,” Via told her. “Find yourself a man with some honour because that one has none.”
Charlotte’s cheeks went pink and she mumbled another apology before walking past us. Her eyes met mine again and I wanted to say something, anything, just to ensure that I could see her again. Something inside me had broken and perhaps it was my segue into completely losing my mind, but that woman had some link to Valentina, and I was desperate to hold onto it. But just like that she walked out of the room.
“Am I going to have to do everything for this family?” Via asked viciously as she took Nova into her arms again.
“What exactly did you expect us to do, V?” Teo asked her as we followed her out of the room. “Throw him out on sight? We’re already on the list. It’s better for us not to aggravate him.”
“I’m thrilled you’re worried about his feelings, Teo. Next time he comes knocking on the door, I’ll direct him to you and Isa first, shall I?”
Teo pulled a face but didn’t say another word. He knew if the roles were reversed, he’d have laid it all on the line for Isa.
Via then turned on me, pointing a finger in my direction. “And you! Don’t even think about it. You keep your di…” She stopped, realising her daughter was with us. “You keep yourself to yourself.”
“Don’t worry about me, Via,” I lied. “I have no intention of chasing after Campbell’s girl.” At least, not until I had all the information I needed. The proof that she wasn’t his at all. As Via walked ahead with the comfort of my empty promise, I looked at my brother. “I need your help.”
“With what?”
Via had re-joined her husband. Santi’s face broke out into a grin on seeing both of his girls. It was a look of pure joy that made my insides ache with desire. Santi, Javi, Teo: they had all found their peace in this life with thanks to the women they kept by their sides. I remained a restless soul, unable to commit after losing Valentina.
But what I wouldn’t give to have a chance at the life we should have known together. Including crossing Via.
“I want to know everything you can find on Miss Charlotte Walker.”
Thanks to Sheri for editing the piece and always being enthusiastic to work with me. Rachel, Sarah, Lizzy and Katie – thank you so much for reading the early drafts and catching all the mistakes and straightening out the timeline. The biggest thanks go to each and every single one of the authors in this anthology. I’m grateful to have worked with such a talented group of authors – keep shining bright!
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Groaning as I reach out my hand to hit my alarm clock only to realize the noise waking me wasn't my alarm. It was someone at my door. Before I could get out of bed I heard my door burst open and a man barking orders.
My father.
He would only visit if it was an emergency or important. Sitting on the side of the bed I realized it was only seven in the morning.
"Jesus papa," I mumbled as my door opened.
I was only wearing a short pair of grey shorts and an orange sweatshirt covered in holes that belonged to my fiancé.
"I haven't the time nor have I the patience, Valentina." my father announced.
"Yes papa," I stated studying his face. He was giving nothing away.
My father had just turned fifty and he looked amazing. His grey eyes were studying me.
"Get up, come on. Meet me in the living room."
With that my father turned and left. I didn't bother to change. I slipped on my house shoes and walked out of my room.
My bedroom was connected to the living room. My apartment was small but it was my apartment. My living room was decorated in greys and blues. I noticed Donnie, my cousin, leaning against the wall. He gave me a nod. Another man who works for my father was standing by my front door. But there was also a man I didn't quite recognize, although he did seem familiar.
"What is this nonsense I hear about you getting engaged to that boy?" my father demanded.
How the hell did he know? Robert and I had just gotten engaged a couple of nights ago and we hadn't told a soul. Only because I knew I had to break the news to my father before anyone. Guess I waited too long.
"How did you find out?" Espasarted I placed my hand on my hips demanding to know.
My father just glared at me as if saying really Valentina I’m your father, I know everything.
"It just happened," I murmur feeling like a six-year-old getting caught eating sweets before dinner.
"You will have to call it off. He's not suitable for you or our family rosa." My father stated using a term of endearment he hadn't used since my mother passed away last summer.
"Father," I took a step closer to him. "I know you love me and want the best for me. I love him and I’m a grown woman-"
"Enough!" The man I didn't know cut me off. Turning towards him about to demand who he thought he was stepping in between an argument between my father and myself. But his angry stance took me off guard.
He had been standing on the opposite side of the room. He was gorgeous with a strong jawline that looked clenched, but from what? Anger? Why would he be angry? I wondered titling my head to study his clench fists at his sides, his face was set in a hard expression. I could feel his eyes demanding me to look at him.
Then I looked into his eyes, his grey eyes and gasped. "Alessandro?" Whispering as I step away from him.
"Yes, little dove, it’s me." He had an amused smirk on his face.
The last time I had seen him I had been fourteen and he had been twenty-four. I was so in love with him, so infatuated with him. I heard my mama and father speaking about him, his family, and his connections. I remember they had said I was promised to him, like an arranged marriage. At the time that had sounded magical. I even fantasized about being his wife. But then I grew up and realized exactly what he was capable of.
Crossing my arms in defense as he took a step closer to me.
"Did you miss me?" He wanted to know with a pleased smirk on his face. Clearly he was enjoying my shock.
Did I? I could feel my pulse quickening at the thought of him standing in my apartment, coming to claim what was rightfully his.
"What are you doing here? What is going on?"
I swung my arms out looking at my father.
"The time has come," my father announced.
"What time?" I demanded. But I already had a sick feeling in my stomach. I had hoped that after all of these years with no contact from Alessandro that the deal had been nullified.
"For our wedding," Alessandro announced with a slight grin.
"I am engaged to someone else." I loved Robert and wanted to be with him. Alessandro had his chance to claim me years ago but he never took it. Why does he think now he can come back into my life and demand I stop my life to honor a contract that was made before I was born.
"No, little dove, you are engaged to me. Have been since you were born." Alessandro stalked closer to me, backing me up until I was mere inches from the wall.
"Stop calling me that!" I demanded like a spoiled brat.
I watched in anger as he threw his head back in laughter. Little dove is a nickname he gave me when I was a teenager.
"Robert was a decoy," Alessandro laughed.
"What?" I didn't believe him. Robert loved me. What is he talking about? Feeling confused, my head spinning with so many thoughts and emotions, my breath hitches slightly. Didn't he love me? Could Robert really have been nothing more than a decoy?
"Robert works for me." He went on to explain, "I had to ensure my future bride would remain a virgin."
Robert and I had been dating for two years now.
"How do you know I’m still a virgin? "
I watched his eyes turn to a dark grey. "I know for a fact you are. Every guy you have dated since sixteen has been a decoy. Someone to babysit you basically."
I felt sick to my stomach. How could someone do that?
"I must go," my father announces casually.
"Wait. You are going to leave me alone with him?" Rushing to you father I grabbed his arm to hold in still.