Page 240 of Vita Mia

MiaBella smiled. “After we met I went to Cuba as punishment. I explained to my brothers and Papa why I did what I did. That I didn’t want to be married or protected. I wanted to be me. They were very angry at first. Especially Papa. He talks a good game but he does have his beliefs. And he never wanted his baby girl to be found half naked with an American,” she chuckled as if her father’s murderous anger was something to laugh out. “It’s how the men in the family are. Protectors no matter what. But Eve calmed them. She spoke up for me. And it was Papa who agreed to let me go back to America. He’s a slow learner sometimes but he learns. I have to thank you for that. What we did that night changed my life. You freed me,” she smiled.

“You’re welcome.”

MiaBella grinned.

“The risk is high, all of this exposes your family. They will never have privacy again.”

“Papa doesn’t care what his enemies or the authorities do. He wants to be out in the open with his children because my brother is going to one day be the Prime Minster of Italy. He says it’s all for each of us, especially for Eve. But we know he wants to legitimize this family. To make our name clean again.”

“This is amazing. It’s big. I—I—I—“

“Don’t be too excitable around my father.” MiaBella warned with a half-smile. “He doesn’t like men that are hyper or animated. He doesn’t trust enthusiasm. Be cool. Be Ryder.”

He approached her. He wanted to hug her, kiss her, make love to her he was so happy. However, she stepped back.

“Everything you do is recorded. Don’t touch me,” she whispered. “It’s disrespectful in my father’s house.”

He glanced to the camera’s pointed at him. He nodded and stepped back.

“Papa doesn’t know how far things went on Jekyll Island. Neither do my brothers. They think I’m still a virgin. Let’s keep it that way,” she whispered.

“Is he here? Of course, he’s here. Your mother went to greet him. Shit, shit, I need to change, or something. Right?”

“Nope. Just come with me. And bring your camera.”

Ryder grabbed the camera and was on her heels as she led him from the door. He again resisted the urge to touch her hand or have a deeper conversation. When he entered the room she left. When he tried to speak with her about what didn’t happen between them she changed the subject. He had little option or opportunity now, so he focused on the bigger task. His meeting Don Giovanni Battaglia. Was this a hoax? Could it really be him? How did he manage to exist for decades and no one know?

Ryder heard the sound of voices. There were several others speaking at once. MiaBella paused. “Wait here, okay. My brother will come and bring you.”

“What? Why?”

She smiled. “It’s how it’s done. You haven’t been introduced to my father. I’m his youngest unmarried daughter. You and I shouldn’t greet him together. It’ll be seen as disrespectful.”

“But you said he doesn’t disapprove,” Ryder touched her arm.

She shook her head. “He’s been watching you, us since you arrived. He knows enough. Don’t worry. It’s fine. Just wait a second. And remember. Be Ryder.”

Before Ryder could ask for more of an explanation she walked off. Left alone in the hall with his camera in his hand he felt vulnerable. Was it a trick? The story he was told after Eve left felt condensed and edited. He could sense that there was a need to rush through the ending. But if the story really was about Giovanni’s faked death why tell it this way? Why not do it the way the Battaglias had done it before, with a surprise press release and reveal?

His nervous anxiousness turned to excitement again. Something MiaBella warned him against. This was the chance of his lifetime. A kid like him. Someone no one knew or respected would reveal the biggest story of the decade. He’d be famous. His life would be forever changed.

Ryder heard footsteps and glanced to the left. Gino Battaglia approached. He wore a dark tailored business suit that fit him as perfectly as a tux. Ryder couldn’t help but notice the young Don’s rock star looks. Those blue eyes against mocha brown skin were a dangerous mix. Of course, he could run for political office and win. Who wouldn’t vote for a guy like him?

“Did my sister explain this meeting to you?” Gino asked.

Ryder nodded.

“Good. You’ll sit down with me and my father. He’ll tell his story and how he wants it shared. Then you are on the next flight out of Sicily. Gianni’s people will bring you to Los Angeles to his recording studio first. To help you edit and prepare—“

“I can edit it fine,” Ryder interjected. “It’s my exclusive. I have the final say.”

Gino’s left brow arched. “My brother’s production company is one of the best. He will help you edit and plan the release. And only then will you send out the communication to the blogs and gossip sites with a small clip of my mother’s revised story to validate your claims. Most of the story will be retold by you.”

“Wait... Wait...” Ryder put up his hand. “Small clip? Me? I have hours of footage. Of an interview with your mother.”

Gino smirked.

“And it was very therapeutic for her. Papa is pleased that she got it off her chest. Confession is good for the soul. But Papa and I will decide what is shared by mum. Not you.”

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