Deadly Vows

by Haley Stuart

  He groans very loudly and falls back in the soft blanket of snow.

  I have gone back to what I am doing when I hear a soft giggle. I look down, and Elise is standing in the snow below, bundled up, with a mug of steaming liquid in her hands. Luciano already has his in his hands, taking big sips. She is looking at me with a smile on her face.

  I can’t help but admire her beauty. She is so graceful and gentle. She is wearing a light-pink coat and brown boots and a hat and scarf. I frown a little, though, when I notice how pale she looks. I make my way down off the branch of the tree, walking over to her and gently taking the mug out of her hand, placing a long kiss on her lips.

  “Thank you.” I smile. She gives me a weak smile back. “What are you doing out here in the cold? You look like you’re about to pass out. Have you been eating lately?” I ask.

  She nods slightly, swatting at my hand when I try to feel her forehead. “I’m fine, Luca. Just a little tired,” she says.

  I look at Luciano. “See? That’s your fault,” I say.

  His gray eyes grow wide, and he looks at Elise in shock. “I’m so sorry, Mommy! I’m so sorry!” he begins apologizing frantically, and I am about to laugh when Elise gives me a scolding look.

  “Don’t tease him!” she growls.

  If there is one thing I love about her, it is her overprotective nature to her son. I can rarely shout at Luciano without her running in out of nowhere to scold me. That is in everyday life, though. She knows that when it is time for him to train, she isn’t to be around.

  Elise is kneeling, trying to reassure Luciano, and I begin to study her form. She really is sick. Her skin is pale, she is always tired, and she is getting smaller. I’ve tried taking her to the doctor, but she insists that it is just a small cold and she should be fine. That has been last week.

  “Come on, let’s go inside,” I say, trying to get her out of this freezing weather.

  She stands and sways a little on her feet, and I immediately wrap my arms around her, trying to steady her. She opens her mouth to say something smart, I am sure, but before she can, I pick her feet out from under her, carrying her into the house, all the way hearing Luciano behind me screaming at me to wait for him.

  * * * * *

  “I told you I was not to be bothered today,” I growl into the phone.

  I look up from my place in the hallway, and Elise is at the piano with Luciano, trying to teach him the chords. She looks in my direction worriedly, and I give her a reassuring smile that everything is fine. She turns back to what she is doing at the piano.

  “I need to take care of Elise. I can’t be dealing with this right now. Can’t it wait a day?” I growl in frustration.

  “I’m sorry, Capo. This is the only time he will be in town. And relations with them are dwindling. We really need this,” one of my men says back to me on the phone. I have given Romelo and Nicolai vacation time as well, so there is no calling them. I will have to go to this meeting on my own. When I don’t even want to.

  I let out an irritated sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Fine. Tell him we can meet at ten. I’ll be there by then.”

  “Yes, Capo.” The phone hangs up.

  Damn. I guess when you’re the boss, there never really is an off day.

  Since Christmas is coming up soon, there are opportunities to be made in the underground. Everyone is lax during this time, which means it is the perfect time for me not to be. To stay one step ahead of everyone.

  “Daddy, listen!”

  I look up from my brooding. Luciano is beaming at me in excitement. I push off the wall, walking toward them, and take notice of Elise. She has a small frown on her face. She opens her mouth to ask me about it, but I hold my hand up to stop her. Not in front of Luciano. He is too young to learn the trade yet. Right now is all about building his strength and training him for this position.

  I turn my head at Luciano, and he grins back at me and begins playing the piano. He isn’t amazing. Yet. He is still learning. So standing through about five minutes of him messing up and playing wrong notes is really testing my patience as a father. It is moments like this that I practice being patient. It is something Elise is so good at. I watch her through all the wrong notes, and she keeps a smile on her face, her eyes lighting up when he plays the right phrase.

  Luciano finally finishes, and we both clap for him, showering him in praises. You can’t hold a candle to his smile as he listens to us.

  “Go upstairs and get ready for bed,” I say sternly.

  He crosses his arms, about to pout when I narrow my eyes at him. He immediately takes notice and nods, turning and running out of the room up the stairs.

  I take a seat on the plush couch, pulling Elise atop my lap.

  “Alone at last,” I mumble.

  She giggles at me, the sound sending blood straight to my dick. I pull her in closer to me, and she lays her head against my chest. I sit still for her because I know what she is doing. She is listening for my heartbeat. It is something she has done every day since she has thought I’ve died. And now it has become a habit for her.

  “Who was on the phone?” Her voice comes out soft. She is hesitant to ask.

  “Just business,” I say. I begin playing with her hair, and she lifts her head, looking me sternly in the eye.

  “Luca, you don’t have to hide anything from me. I’m not that fragile little girl anymore.”

  I raise a brow at her, sitting up straighter and meeting her gaze. “Oh, really, now?” I say. I hold her gaze, saying nothing else. She tries to stare me down but immediately fails, looking down. I place my finger under her chin, raising it to meet my eyes.

  “It’s not that I think you’re fragile, Elise. There are just some things I need to handle alone,” I say, trying to reassure her.

  A smile slowly breaks out across her face, and it brings me joy. It has taken me a while to get to this point. The point that I can interact with Elise like a loving husband should. It is hard as hell too, but I am almost there.

  I pull her face into mine, giving her a soft kiss.

  As much as I want to fuck her right now, that will have to wait. I have to get going. I slowly rise from my seat in the chair, and concern is written on her face. She hates it when I leave.

  “Are you going to tell Luciano good night?” she asks.

  I shake my head. “Not tonight. I’ve got to get going. Give him a kiss for me,” I say.

  I hate that sometimes I can’t be there for my son. Like now. But duty calls, and I can’t neglect it.

  * * * * *

  “I apologize to have to call you out here so close to Christmas, but this couldn’t wait.”

  I stare at Don Reno.

  “All the mess with the FBI and police has had everyone on the edge, and I think it’s time we come together and show the world that we are united as one. That we are untouchable.”

  I narrow my eyes, slightly confused as to why he wants a face-to-face meeting for this.

  “I agree. But what exactly is it you’re trying to propose here? I’m pretty sure a phone call would have sufficed if you were just interested in us joining together.”

  He laughs aloud, and it pisses me off. He thinks this is funny?

  “I am no fool, Capo. We both know that joining together will put me under your thumb. And I do not wish to be controlled by the North’s capo, especially with you being as young as you are in this position. You lack experience that only age can bring.”

  Now it is my turn to laugh. It starts out as a light chuckle, but then it gets louder, until I am actually laughing at how fucking funny this guy sounds.

  “I guess you haven’t read my record, Reno. I think I’ve done more than a man even in your ‘age’ can only dream of,” I say in irritation.

  I notice his smile immediately drop, and I know he is angry. I don’t give a fuck, though. Who the fuck does he think he is? Telling me I am not qualified!

  I stand to leave.

  “Thanks for t
he chat, but this was a complete waste of fucking time.” I head toward the door, but his men continue standing in front of it.

  “You misunderstand, Capo. I don’t want to take your job. I want to help you.”

  I slowly turn, facing the fat bastard that has dared to piss me off. I want to slice his fucking throat. But I don’t have time for more war when things have just settled. Especially with me trying to raise my son. So I listen to his proposition.

  He motions to the men behind me, and they nod, opening the door. A minute later, a small girl emerges. A child around Luciano’s age. I immediately know where this conversation is going.

  “This is my daughter Victoria.” She walks in with her head down. She has bright-blue eyes.

  I cross my arms. I don’t know how to feel about this.

  “Everyone knows the story of you and your wife. The marriage that made you the most powerful man in the United States. Maybe even the world. You gained power over the North and the South. We would like to be a part of that power. Of the family. Standing alongside you as equals.”

  He wants an arranged marriage. He wants my son to marry his daughter. Like Elise and me. This is the last thing I’ve expected to hear. Do I want that for my son? Do I want to force him into a marriage with someone he doesn’t even know? Like me? And at least work? I recall the feelings I’ve had for my father when he has told me the news. I’ve despised him in that moment. But I still love my father, even after the fact. I know it is my duty. And I know it will make us stronger. I know my father has had to do it with good cause. And I know that just because I am married to her doesn’t mean I have to stay faithful to her. And there is no telling what Luciano will feel.

  This will be a big opportunity for us. More power, more security. It is perfect. I realize I am thinking about the good of the family instead of the good of my son. And Elise. How will she feel about this?

  “I’m guessing you want this when she’s eighteen,” I say.

  He nods, and I turn my gaze to Victoria.

  “Victoria,” I say. She looks up at me. “Do you know who I am?”

  She nods timidly. “You’re Luca Pasquino.”

  I sit back in my chair. “That’s correct. You know my son?” I ask.

  She shakes her head. So this man claims he wants a power move, yet he hasn’t told his daughter why she is here.

  “Are you planning on telling her?” I ask.

  He nods. “I will, when she’s ready,” he says.

  I nod in understanding. “Well, I want her to meet my son. I don’t want them to think they’re going to marry a stranger.”

  His eyes widen.

  “You are going to tell him?” he asks.

  I shake my head. “Not until he’s ready.”

  * * * * *

  I step into the house, about to head up to our bedroom when I hear music coming from the living room. Christmas music. I round the corner, and Elise is sitting in front of the fireplace, wrapping a small box. I smile at her small form. Her hair is falling over her shoulders in large waves. I walk up to her, taking a seat next to her.

  “Oh, Luca, you scared me. I didn’t even hear you come in.” She giggles as she looks at me with those large almond-colored eyes. She frowns when she notices my mood.

  “Is everything okay?” she asks, giving me a small smile.

  I am about to shatter her happiness with eight words. I grab her hand in mine, looking at her ring finger and slowly rubbing my thumb over the soft skin.

  “I’ve agreed to an arranged marriage for Luciano.”

  Her smile drops immediately. The room is silent. She shakes her head, slowly, not wanting to believe me. She jerks her hand out of my grasp.

  “No … no, Luca … you wouldn’t …”

  “Elise, you know that there are some things that can’t be helped,” I say, trying to calm her down.

  But she is not having it. “No! Luca, no! You are not forcing him into some marriage just for your illustrious obsession with power!” she screams.

  “Elise—”

  “No!” she screams. She is getting hysterical. “You aren’t forcing my baby to marry someone he doesn’t even know. You’re not tying him down for the sake of your own gain!” she shouts. “I won’t let you!”

  “Elise!” I yell.

  Her eyes widen, and she immediately shuts up. She drops her gaze. I expect her to start crying, but she does the exact opposite. She jumps up from her spot on the floor and takes off toward the shelf that holds our family pictures. She takes every single one of them, one by one, and begins throwing them down, the glass shattering everywhere. I am shocked, to say the least.

  “Elise, what the hell—”

  “No! We don’t need these. You don’t give a fuck about any of us! You only care about you!” she screams.

  She goes on a rampage, grabbing expensive vases, portraits, decorations—throwing everything that she can and breaking it.

  I jump up, moving quickly, and snatch the vase out of her hand, restraining her.

  “Elise, stop it!” I shout. I have no idea where this sudden burst of energy comes from.

  She jerks away from me, and her hand comes out to slap me. I catch her hand and stare at her in a mixture of shock and anger. And for once, she is staring at me with anger. She doesn’t look away. She meets my gaze. I tighten my grip on her wrist, not liking her newfound courage. She flinches from the pain.

  “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but I’m going to warn you once. Stop it,” I growl. I can feel my rage boiling up inside of me. I try my hardest to keep myself calm, but at this rate, I am losing miserably.

  Elise’s angry gaze slowly melts, and she begins crying. Fat tears rolling down her cheeks. And her bottom lip begins to tremble. She jerks her wrist out of my grasp and stares at me in disappointment before taking off out of the room.

  I haven’t expected that at all. Not from Elise. I haven’t seen that side of her in a long time. I let out a frustrated growl and flop on the couch. I wonder if my father has gone through this with my mother. Probably not. She has never expressed her feelings for me to him. She is too afraid.

  It takes me a while to clean up. I need to do something to calm myself down. That is when I notice Elise’s gift lying in the corner. I pick it up, about to set it under the tree when I notice the label.

  To Luca ♡

  Damn. I bet the last thing she wants now is to give me this. I set it down under the tree and head up to our bedroom. I push open the door, expecting Elise to be in bed, but she isn’t.

  I turn around and head to Luciano’s room, and sure enough, she is in his bed, with her arms wrapped around his body. I gaze at them. Luciano and Elise look so much alike. If there is something I admire about her, it is her strong spirit. Her need to protect her son. She loves him so much, and now I can see why she is so angry about my decision. I kneel in front of them, pushing Luciano’s hair out of his face and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. My eyes move to Elise’s sleeping form. There are tear streaks on her cheeks. I’ve caused that.

  “I’m sorry, Elise,” I whisper.

  I stand to leave the room. If either of them catches me in here, there will be hell to pay. Luciano is just as protective of his mother as she is of him. Once, he even tried to fight me for the sake of his mother’s honor because I didn’t like the cookies she made. I chuckle at the memory. She had burned them, for Pete’s sake. They were inedible, but Luciano forced himself to eat them and told his mother that he loved them. And when I dared utter the words “They’re burned,” I was rushed out of that kitchen faster than you could say cookie. By my son.

  I stand in the doorway, taking in their sleeping form once more. It looks like I will be sleeping alone for a little while. I look at Luciano and feel a small smile tug at my lips.

  “Traitor,” I murmur before stepping out of the room and going to mine. Alone.

  * * * * *

  “Shouldn’t we be with Mom today?” Luciano complains next to me
.

  It is Christmas Day, and we should be with Elise. But it is the only time Don Reno can meet with us while his daughter is with him.

  “We should, but we’re going to meet some friends today.”

  I look down at Luciano, and he is frowning. Elise has been ignoring me all week. She is really angry about my decision. Even more so when she realizes we are meeting them. I have asked her to come with me today, but she has refused.

  “I don’t want any part in that,” she snaps at me.

  I would have done something to her for her attitude, but her physique has been getting much, much worse, especially after the news. After the holiday, I am going to take her to the hospital, whether she wants to or not.

  She won’t even look at me this morning. She has hugged and kissed Luciano, but she has refused to see me off.

  We reach the front door, and I give a knock. I turn to look at Luciano. He is still so innocent. And the day that innocence is to be taken away is rapidly approaching.

  “Remember, Luciano, be nice,” I say.

  He doesn’t respond either. I think he is mad at me as well, but for the fact that he has picked up on Elise’s mood change toward me. And he knows it is because of me she is feeling that way.

  The door opens, and a servant leads us into the house. “Right this way,” he says. He reaches for the gift in Luciano’s hands, but Luciano jerks away from him.

  “No. I’m supposed to give this to Victoria,” he snaps.

  The butler gives an apologetic smile. “My apologies.”

  We walk into the large living room, and the don and his wife are sitting in their chairs as Victoria plays with her gifts. Reno looks my way and gives me a big smile.

  “Glad you could make it, Capo!” he shouts, standing to greet me. A small frown appears on his face as he looks around me.

  “Where is your wife?” he asks.

  “She’s feeling under the weather. I didn’t want her to have to travel in this weather,” I say.

  He nods in understanding. “Well, I hope she feels better.”

  “Thank you,” I say.

  His eyes roam to Luciano. “Ah! This must be Luciano. It’s nice to meet you, son.” He smiles.