by Sam Crescent
He smiled fondly at the memory of their one and only time grocery shopping. He’d been in his usual suit while she’d been in a large shirt that was three sizes too big, easily, and sweatpants. Her hair had been bound up on her head.
To a lot of men, she’d looked like a slob, but he’d found her so charming, so real. She hadn’t put on a show for him, or for anyone else. Ellie had saved herself all for him. The women at the store had looked at her with disgust. The men had been more curious. He’d been by her side, so it had likely made the men wonder what she had that kept him there.
Personally, he just enjoyed Ellie, who wasn’t fake. She didn’t try to hide her bed hair in the morning. Even this morning, she hadn’t. She’d woken up with bed hair, yawning, covering her mouth because of morning breath.
All of it was entirely refreshing.
Of course, Raphael had to go ahead and spoil it with a little text, warning him that if he didn’t come by the mansion, his father was going to be paying him a visit, which was why he was back in his car after getting Ellie changed into appropriate clothing, and about to meet his boss.
“You do know it’s sexist, don’t you?”
“What is?”
“Forcing me to wear a summer dress that enhances and highlights my feminine side,” she said, air-quoting the saleswoman who’d sold them the outfit.
“You don’t like it?”
“That’s beside the point. You know it’s a beautiful outfit.”
“Expensive too.”
“Again, you’re making me uncomfortable.”
“I want to buy you pretty things.”
“I don’t know. All of this to go and meet the boss. Most people are supposed to hate the guys they work for. I don’t even know what to say. Hello, mafia bossman. I don’t want to be here but I’ve got to be. Do you have any water?”
“Maybe stick to sir, or Mr. Giavanni. That would work, and he wouldn’t take offense.”
“Ugh, I’m going to suck at this. This isn’t fair. I’m pointing it out to you now that I’m not the kind of woman you take home to meet your parents or your boss. Do you have any parents?” she asked.
“No.”
“Are they dead?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Wow, great move, Ellie. I didn’t mean to sound like a bitch.”
“You would have sounded like a bitch if I missed them and if they even meant anything to me, which they don’t. The only family I want or need is right here, in this mansion.”
He pulled up to one of the few available parking spots. Just because there were a shitload of cars didn’t mean there were many people home. There were a lot of men monitoring the perimeter. If cops wanted to do a standard visit, they would have to go through their entire team, and that was a lot of men to get through.
“Still, you don’t need me rubbing it in your face or anything, do you? Damn it, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. You didn’t know.”
“Were they bad guys?”
“No. They were a couple who tried to come to some agreement with Giavanni. They tried to renege on that agreement and as punishment, they were killed.”
“What was their agreement?” she asked.
“To hand over their firstborn son.”
“But wait, that’s you. Isn’t that like overkill and crazy?” she asked. “Doesn’t it make you angry?”
“No. They had no intention of having kids. It was what Giavanni asked of them. In truth, I think he expected them to turn him down. They got pregnant within a month of approaching Giavanni.”
“Wait, hold on. Did they renege because they wanted to keep you?” she asked.
“You’d think that, wouldn’t you? Why else would you refuse to hand over your son, even if it’s one you didn’t want in the first place?”
“It makes no sense.”
“Babies can go for a lot more money on the black market. They wanted more money.”
“Oh, wow.”
“Giavanni took care of my parents, took me in. I trained my ass off. Worked as a soldier, became the best, and then I became this. Their enforcer. I’m the one that evil fears.” He smiled at her.
“That’s not comforting.”
“It’s how I know you will always be safe.” He stroked her hair back. “Now, try to be yourself.”
“Yeah, be myself around a man who kills easily. Real good advice.”
“You’re natural around me all the time,” he said.
Her gaze went to his. “That’s not funny.”
“I’m not laughing, Ellie. I can’t keep my life from you. You need to know my hands are covered in blood.”
She swallowed.
After slamming the car door closed, he rounded the vehicle and took her hand. He expected her to fight him, but she followed him. The butler was already there, serving lunch when they arrived. Raphael, along with a couple of the other capos, was present.
“Ah, it’s about time you showed up,” Romeo said, getting to his feet. “I was starting to think I was going to have to have my men collect you.”
“It was my fault. I didn’t have anything appropriate or ladylike to wear,” Ellie said. “Shit, am I supposed to talk?” She winced.
Antonio couldn’t help smile and he looked at Romeo to see his boss was also charmed. Romeo was a cold, heartless son of a bitch. The old man could have killed him several times over the years. He hadn’t been the perfect soldier or slave. He had his own mind, own free will, but his loyalty was and would forever be bound to Romeo Giavanni.
“Raphael told me you weren’t aware of Antonio’s associations until recently.”
“Last night. Serving dinner.” She pressed her lips together. “Sorry.”
“No, it’s fine. I don’t expect you to act any other way. Please sit.”
Antonio pulled out her chair and she looked at him with gratitude. Her face was bright red. Her hands shook as she tried to smooth out her dress.
Silence fell around the table.
Antonio was comfortable. His boss hadn’t shot her on sight, so that was progress. She leaned in close. “Can I take a sip of water?” she asked.
“Yes, you don’t need to ask permission.”
“Oh, right, of course. I should know all of these things.”
He was smitten with her. No doubt about it.
“So, Ellie, tell me about yourself,” Romeo said.
“Er, what would you like to know?”
“What it is you do?”
“Oh, I’m a waitress, a dog walker, and a librarian. You know, many different jobs.” She stopped talking as the waitress brought them some food. This woman was dressed in a loose dress, her hair bound to her head. On her neck was a clear marking of the Giavanni symbol. A slave. One of their own. Glancing at Raphael, Antonio knew. This was the woman Raphael wanted.
“You enjoy working?”
“Yes, I like to keep on working,” she said. “I don’t know what you know about me, but I grew up in the foster system. I’ve spent a lot of my life going without. I know hard work is the key to keeping your head above water, and I am just randomly talking here.”
Antonio rubbed the back of her neck. “It’s fine.”
“That’s how Antonio and I met. I had lost a couple of jobs as they didn’t need me anymore, and so I was drowning my sorrows.” She smiled, glancing at Antonio. “I had no idea what was to come.”
He leaned forward and kissed her head. To Ellie, she would have believed it was a kiss. Some tender affection, but to Romeo and the men at the table, it was a clear indication of what he was going to do.
Ellie was his.
He didn’t have to wait for a marriage to be forced on him. He wasn’t blood to the Giavanni.
The woman he chose was Ellie, and she would belong to him.
He intended to put a ring on her finger and a baby in her stomach. He didn’t care which order it was, just so long as he got his wish.
Chapter Nine
“Do
not even think to send me away!” Ellie said, stepping into her friend’s apartment. After the dinner with Romeo Giavanni, there’d been no choice but for her notice to be handed in. Antonio had explained the situation to her. Now that she was claimed as his, it made her vulnerable, and anyone who had been spying may decide to take her to use her as leverage. It was why she now had a guard on her at all times. There was no way she could leave his apartment without his permission.
Within a matter of days, her life had become archaic.
Okay, strong words, and it wasn’t that bad. She wasn’t used to having to ask permission to do simple things like visit her friend.
Casey closed the door behind her with Ellie’s new little guard on the same side as them. He stood by the door, arms at his sides, staring straight ahead. She didn’t even know his name, but he was there all the time, only being changed at night if Antonio wasn’t around.
They no longer shared their apartment, she now lived in his.
“What’s going on, Ellie?” Casey asked, moving to the sofa. She had some nail polish out and was working on her nails.
“What’s going on? Let’s start with the basics. You knew who Antonio was, didn’t you?” Ellie asked, taking the bottle of polish and resting Casey’s foot on her leg. She was in designer jeans.
All of her wardrobe had been changed. None of her stuff was her own anymore. Most of it having been tossed out to replace it with what Antonio felt was acceptable. She couldn’t even dress herself anymore. Just thinking about it made her mad, but again, she had to keep her thoughts to herself.
Casey sighed. “You found out the truth, and I’d say you couldn’t run away, could you?”
“No, I’m in too deep now for me to even think of running.” She didn’t know if she really wanted to. “You didn’t warn me. You didn’t tell me anything.”
“What could I have said? How could I have even said it? Come on, Ellie, you’ve got to give me some credit here. There’s not a lot I could’ve said without getting into trouble. Antonio came to me, you know. He liked that you didn’t know who he was, and he wanted to keep it that way. They’re dangerous people, Ellie, I wasn’t going to get in his way. My family owes the Giavannis a lot of favors. I’ve got to do as I’m told when they ask. It’s what I’m ordered.” Casey shrugged. “I didn’t know it was him at the bar, Ellie. If I had, I would have told you to run far from him.”
“I can’t run anymore. My time for leaving and skipping town has passed.” She finished painting Casey’s toenails. “All I can do now is hope Antonio won’t get bored with me.”
“He won’t.”
“You don’t know that.”
“You’ve been dating for a couple of months now. Antonio isn’t known for keeping a woman around. You’re safe.”
“Only for as long as I keep him entertained.” She moved from the coffee table to sit beside Casey. “I can’t leave him.”
“Here is a question though: do you even want to?”
“What do you mean?”
“I know this is all new for you. I get it. It’s not an easy world to be part of, but are you happy? Does Antonio make you feel happy?”
“He does.”
“Then does it even matter who he is?” she asked.
Ellie looked at her best friend, and in her mind, she saw Antonio. The way he held her. The kisses to her forehead. The roses she’d wake up to on the pillow, or even in the kitchen. The way he’d smile at her when she dressed like a slob or ate ice cream straight from the tub because she felt miserable or was in pain. Not once had he tried to change her.
Then she thought about losing him. Not seeing him every single day or watching him.
“It doesn’t. I don’t hate him, Casey.”
“I know what you’re trying to say to me without using the right words. I get it. I really do. I bet he feels the same way. You love him.”
“You really shouldn’t say those words aloud.”
“They’re not dangerous. No one is going to hold it against you or try to take your man from you. Don’t get me wrong, Antonio has a huge reputation with the ladies, but if he’s picked you, I think it puts you in the plus column. Love isn’t a horrible thing.”
“I’ve never been loved, Casey. I’m … scared. What if he only wants me for some fun? I don’t think I could stand it.” She covered her face and groaned. “This is why I shouldn’t get involved with anyone. I suck at all of this.”
Casey laughed. “It’s really kind of cute. I’ve seen you with boyfriends and I’ve never seen you react like this.”
“It’s not funny.”
“No, it’s not, but if you have feelings for him, then you’ve got to tell him. I’m glad you know the truth,” Casey said.
“Does this mean you will stop avoiding me? Don’t even pretend you’ve been busy. I know you, Casey, and busy for you is shopping.”
“I will start to answer your calls. It was hard, you know. I knew who he was and what he did, and I had to be careful.”
“I know. I get it. I’m not angry with you.” She hugged her friend tightly just as there was a knock at the door.
“I’m popular this evening.”
Her guard looked out the door and nodded, opening it.
Antonio walked inside. His jacket was buttoned up. His presence filled every single part of the room as if he owned the place. She had to wonder if he did own the place.
“It’s time to leave.”
“What if I want to stay with Casey?”
“Casey is free to come to our apartment. Call me when you want to arrange it. We’ve got to go, Ellie.”
Blowing out a breath, she offered her friend a smile. “I’ve been ordered away.”
Antonio had warned her that when he issued an instruction in front of his men, she had to follow it, regardless. She hated it, especially as he liked to order her around in front of his men. One day, he would push too far, and when he did, he’d regret it.
They walked out of Casey’s apartment. Antonio put a hand to her back. “We’ve got another Giavanni event to attend. It’s an engagement party for Raphael.”
“Yay, what fun,” she said. “I didn’t know I had to go to any events. Don’t I usually get notice of these things?”
“You would have if you’d read my note.”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t have to read every single instruction you leave for me.”
“It’s for your own good.”
A limousine was waiting for them. The guard opened the door and Ellie slid inside. The moment Antonio was there, she turned to glare at him. “I don’t like it when you do this, you know. It’s not cute.”
“I know. The dress is right there. As my date, you have to do as you’re told. You know the rules.”
“Fuck the rules,” she said, grumbling the words.
Antonio seemed colder than usual. He rarely was like this in her company.
She had to wriggle out of her jeans and a shirt, pulling on the dress which was a perfect fit. Her hair cascaded around her body, and she turned to look at him as he secured the catch at her nape. The dress highlighted her large tits and hips. She sat back as Antonio presented her with a couple of boxes. One was a diamond necklace, which he helped her to put on, the other, a small ring, which he took her left hand and slid it on that finger.
“Er, Antonio, I don’t think any ring should be on this hand. You know, it has to be the engagement ring and the wedding ring,” she said.
“It’s on the right finger.”
“I … Antonio, are you proposing?”
He didn’t confirm or deny it.
“Antonio, what is going on?”
He turned to look at her. No words were spoken and she opened and closed her mouth, shocked.
Was she engaged? This was life-changing.
Antonio grabbed her hand, locked their fingers together, and kissed the ring right over her finger.
It was a marriage proposal. She didn’t know if she should be happy about thi
s. He’d proposed by putting a ring on her finger. This was as far from romantic as she expected.
The time for talking about it ended, not that he was talking. Nope. He was silent, and they were back at the mansion for another party. Only this time, it was more than a lunch. It was an engagement party, one she would find was for her and Raphael’s woman.
****
“Are you shocked she said yes?” Raphael asked.
“I didn’t ask her.” Antonio sipped at his water, watching his woman who was on the arm of Romeo. Some of Isabella’s family were clearly pissed. Raphael’s fiancée wasn’t getting a single thought as Ellie was walked from capo to wife, and back again.
Romeo liked her.
It was strange for his boss to really like his woman, and he certainly wouldn’t complain about it. If Romeo liked Ellie, it meant she would be forever protected so long as she remained loyal to the Giavanni name.
She didn’t even know what it all meant yet. There was so much he had to teach her. She wasn’t graceful like the other women who were present at the party. She hadn’t spent her entire life being trained on how to treat a man or speak to him. Even now, looking around the large ballroom, she stood out like a beautiful siren. She leaned in close to Romeo, laughed at whatever joke he told her, and then they were dancing.
Any other man, he’d be jealous. Ellie was his woman, but he knew Romeo was happy with his choice. His boss was giving him his seal of approval in the choice of woman he had made.
He loved Ellie. Putting his ring on her finger felt good. She wasn’t going to get away. He wouldn’t allow her to leave. She would belong to him. His wedding wouldn’t be as big of an affair as Raphael’s and it would happen sooner than his friend’s.
“Wow, you didn’t even ask for her hand? Damn, you’re going to get your balls kicked later,” Raphael said, laughing. “I would hate to be you right now.”
“Why? My woman can hold her head high and stare each man in the eye without being afraid. She knows this life is dangerous but she hasn’t had fear installed in her like a part of her soul. She’s stronger than most of these women, and this life, it needs a strong woman willing to fight at my side.”