Page 33 of Veil of Vengeance

“Were you hoping to go to college?” she asks. I look down at my hands before looking back at them.

“Yes. I did, but I was only allowed to enroll in online classes.”

Alessia asks me, “And did you enroll in the course you wanted?” My eyes sting as a feeling of helplessness bleeds into my veins.

“Uh…no, not really. I wanted to learn more about coding since I liked it in high school and was good at it, but I was only able to get into a psychology course,” I explain. Their eyes fill with pity, and I hate it. I don’t want their pity. I don’t need their pity, because one day, I’ll be able to leave all of this behind and do whatever I want. One day.

“God. I don’t know what I would do if my dad didn’t let me study. Sorry, Valentina, but your dad is kind of an asshole.”

I laugh softly at Alessia’s irritation.

“I got used to it. You know, in our world, we don’t really have much choice.” Our world, the mafia world. Where killing, stealing, maiming, oppressing, and bribing is the norm and anything else is abnormal.

“The world used to be like that. Valentina, it’s changing, and with it, everyone else will change.” Mariana’s conviction almost convinces me. Almost.

“Not the Outfit. We’re bound by the traditions and honor of our predecessors,” I say.

“Of course, we’re the ones to be tied by some traditions made up by some weird old dudes.” Alessia scoffs and moves a piece of hair that falls in front of her eye.

“Alessia! You know better to respect our ancestors after what they’d gone through,” Mariana admonishes after stifling a small laugh. Alessia shrugs her shoulders and continues.

“Come on, Aunt Mari, not even the most traditional person I know is like that.”

“Anyways, I have a plan for tomorrow evening. My sister and I want to have a picnic in the garden. Alessia, are you free to join us?” Mariana asks.

Alessia’s shoulders slump as she answers Mariana, “Unfortunately not. I have another round of rotations that don’t finish till the early morning hours. But have fun.”

“Valentina, would you like to come? Honestly, the more the merrier. I don’t want it to just be Mara, Clarissa, and me again,” Mariana asks me, sounding hopeful. I feel awful for saying no. Since she’s been nothing but nice to me.

“I don’t want to intrude and, besides, your son might not want me roaming around your house or anywhere near with the rest of you.” It’s probably true, but I don’t really like the idea of mingling with the enemy either.

She waves her hand. “Nonsense, we’d love to have more girls. Don’t worry, I’ll handle Eli. Now that’s settled. I’ll make sure to have a cute dress for the picnic set out in your room.” She’s just as stubborn as my Mom. It makes me smile and my eyes sting from thinking about her. She must be hysterical. My cheeks suddenly feel wet, and something drops on my palm. I reach my hand up and try to wipe the tears away.

“Valentina, sweetie. I might not understand how it feels to be taken from your family at such a fragile age, but it’ll get better. I’m hoping you’ll be able to go back soon,” Mariana says as she makes her way to me and grabs my hands in hers.

“Oh God, this is mortifying. I’m sorry.” I sound strange even to my ears. Lips quivering, I try to breathe in to help stop me from crying more.

“Can’t you speak with him? Please,” I plead with her, my voice taking a desperate edge to it.

“No.” A sharp voice cuts Mariana off before she can answer. Emiliano stalks toward us and stands behind the couch, looking down like an angry devil.

“No, she will not talk to me. You need to understand that your family’s name has consequences. And whether you think that you don’t or do deserve this is irrelevant. You’re nothing more than a pawn in a game bigger than you.” He pauses, making sure that his last words seep in before continuing. “Whether it be your dad or your future husband or me who gives out orders, it doesn’t change the fact that you are a piece on a chess board.” He leans over the couch, his face close to mine. I can make out a faint scar on his left eyebrow. “So no, Miss Valentina Moretti, my Mom will not speak to me about letting you go back to your family. You will not manipulate my Mom into doing your bidding. Do not try to take advantage of her kindness.”

I steel my expression. “You think that just because you are Capo, that makes you some sort of God, but all you are is an animal who would step over anyone just to get his way.” I clench my jaw, my teeth grinding together. “I hope fate fucks you over just how you fucked up my life for whatever sick mind game you’re playing.”

He gives me a twisted smile. “Fate. You believe in something as fickle as fate.”

I narrow my eyes at his mocking tone and his face becomes an unreadable mask.

“That’s enough, the both of you.” Mariana’s demand is final. But neither of us break eye contact. A slow smile forms on his face and amusement dances in his eyes. I break eye contact and look back at Mariana, who gives me a small smile.

“Come on, you’re going to your room.” Emiliano speaks up as he makes his way out of the living room.

I get up after Mariana and Alessia hug me. Both of them wish me luck. I have to stifle a giggle. I know I’m in enemy territory, but I’m not going to war. We walk in silence as we head to one of the stairs near the entrance. It leads into a long hallway, and I can see that at the end of it is another set of stairs.

“You can go to the picnic.” Emiliano breaks the silence as we make our way to the second set of stairs.

“What?” I breathe out in disbelief. He looks at me, then back straight ahead.

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