Page 11 of Reign of Fate

For a moment, it looks like he’s going to say something more, but he decides against it. Instead, he lifts the glass to his lips, and we drink in silence. A short time later, Elisa and Evangeline come back down. That’s my cue to go upstairs and tuck my daughter into bed and give her a good-night kiss. I rarely miss that part of our night.

Once I return, I see Elisa at the door. “It’s getting rather late. Perhaps I could get a lift home? If you can spare one of your men.” Elisa asks.

“I’ll take you,” I say.

She gives me a small smile. “Thank you.”

On the way back to her place, Elisa talks about her time with Adriana. “She’s a sweet little girl. I had to tuck in her stuffed rabbit too.” Elisa giggles. I let her talk, and I find that I like hearing her voice. Normally, a woman droning on would annoy the fuck out of me, but not when it’s Elisa.

I walk her to her door, taking the key and opening it for her. “I’ll be back on Monday. I’ll sort through Guido’s office myself.”

“Oh, all right.”

She’s nervous as she peers up at me through lowered lashes. She’s blushing, and it’s adorable. I find myself bending and brushing my lips over her reddened cheek. Her lips part slightly in surprise. I love that I can make her body react to mine. It will make bedding my new wife much easier.

“Good night, regina mia. In you go, and lock the door behind you,” I tell her. I stay until I hear the latch, then go back to my car and make a call. It’s time to up the security for Elisa. Being my bride means she’s more of a target than before.

It took great restraint on my part to wait until Monday to show up at Elisa’s home. I’m a busy man, but in the little time I did have, I found myself thinking about the dark-haired beauty who is soon to be my wife. I knew Elisa when she was engaged to Guido and thought she was a nice girl, conservative and well-mannered. This is what our expectations are for all our daughters; it’s part of their grooming to be obedient wives. I don’t want that for Adriana. I want her to be strong in mind and body. As soon as she’s old enough, I’m going to teach her self-defense. Being consigliere has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest problem is the enemy using your family to get back at you.

Elisa needs to have an extra guard on her at all times. She’s been safe up to now because she rarely left the house and spent her time looking after her husband. As my wife, she’ll be expected to attend functions with me, along with Evangeline. Raffaele is meticulous in organizing Evangeline’s protection, and I’ll do the same for my family.

I think back on Elisa’s flushed cheeks and the way her eyes avoided mine when I kissed her cheek. She was married four years, and she still has the capacity to blush. Extraordinary! Perhaps it’s because she’s been tucked away in her home for so long. I’m not sure if she realizes that her body betrays her when I am near. But I see it. I held her hand and felt her pulse race as we spoke. It could have been the shock from declaring marriage, but I think it’s more.

I see my man’s car at the end of her driveway and give him a two-finger salute to let him know I’m here and stop to let him know he can take a break. He’s been keeping watch all night, and his replacement doesn’t arrive for another hour. I’m sure he could use the extra sleep, so I send him on his way.

Elisa opens the door looking totally fuckable in tight, faded blue jeans and a well-worn red sweatshirt two sizes too big for her. So big, in fact, that it hangs off one shoulder, showing me a glimpse of her creamy white skin. Her hair is pulled back from her face in a messy knot on the top of her head, and when I look her over from top to toe, I see that she’s standing in bare feet.

“Good morning,” she says, her voice husky and soft. When I don’t reply, she quickly adds, “I was cleaning. You know, vacuuming and such.” Her voice tapers off, and she bites her lower lip.

I step into the hallway and see that she does have the vacuum pulled out and a bucket with all kinds of cleaning products in it.

“Don’t you have a housekeeper?” I ask.

“Well, I, um…did, but Guido’s father said that he couldn’t afford to keep paying for the luxury. I thought it was coming from our money, but I guess it wasn’t.” She gives a shrug. “I don’t mind cleaning. It keeps me busy and gives me something to do. Besides, I don’t make much of a mess.” She chuckles.

She’s laughing, and I’m fuming. How fucking dare Guido’s father cut down her allowance. We entrusted him to look after the major finances of the home after Guido’s death as a courtesy and because he practically begged Raffaele to allow him to look after Elisa while she was getting used to life without her husband. What else is she doing without?

I look around the home and note that some of the paintings are missing from the walls. “Have there been many changes?” I ask nonchalantly.

“Just a few, but I don’t mind,” she says hurriedly.

“I’d like to know what they are, as I have to account for the money that’s being spent.” I take her hand and lead her down the corridor and through to Guido’s office. Someone’s been at his desk. The top of the desk was meticulous when I came by last week. Now, there are papers scattered about. “Who’s been in this room?” I bark a little too harshly, as Elisa jumps at the tone of my voice.

“Bru…Bruto was by yesterday. He said he needed something that Guido was keeping for him. I don’t think he found it, though, because he kept asking me where else Guido kept his documents.” Her voice is shaky and uncertain. I can see she’s hesitant to talk to me about the visit with Bruto. Guido’s father has always been a good man and a loyal member ofUltimo Morte. In his younger years, he was a force to be reckoned with, I hear. Age has not been kind to him. The once virile and energetic man is now overweight and balding, but he always seems to have his finger on the pulse of his crew, and there’s never been any problem with his work.

“You’re not in trouble, Elisa, but I need you to tell me everything you remember about his visit yesterday.” I lead her to the leather chair near the window and take the seat across from her after she sits. “Start at the beginning.”

“There’s not much to tell, really. Bruto came by and said that there were some paintings he wanted to take home because they had sentimental value and had been in the family for years. I said he could take what he wanted. Then he asked to see Guido’s personal possessions, and I told him I had them in a safety deposit box at the bank. I wanted to keep them safe. He wasn’t happy about that and told me he would come sometime this week, and we could go to the bank together.”

I interrupt and ask, “What kind of personal items is he talking about?”

“Jewelry, mainly. Guido had quite a few nice watches and rings.” She smiles warmly. “I used to buy them for our anniversary. He loved his bling,” she teases. “I explained to Bruto that these were gifts I gave Guido, but he was adamant about going.” She shrugs. “I have nothing to hide. He can check if he wishes.”

“And this room?” I persist.

“Oh, yes. Bruto left something in here after the funeral, and he was looking for it. I didn’t think it was a big deal. After all, it belonged to him.”

“Bruto got rid of the housekeeper. What other changes has he made?”

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