Page 2 of Mafia Heiress
“This I cannot argue with,” my mother says, coming into the room with my aunt and grandmother.
“Mrs. Gambino. So nice to see you,” Nikki says, walking over and giving my mother a kiss. My mother hugs her back and pats her cheek.
“You’re too beautiful. You need to find someone nice. My boys are fresh. They need one of those stupid girls who play on their phone all day. Not a working girl.”
I snort under my breath at my mother’s comment. The women in this family rule, regardless of what the outside thinks.
“You’re too nice to me, Mrs. G. Have a seat by Lora. She’s going to do your hair.” My mother walks away, a smile on her face.
Having a seat in the chair, I pull out the next folder and give it a look. Marcello De Luca. Thirty-two. Crooked FBI agent, his family is from Calabria. Educated and a little preppy. He’s in a much more expensive suit than he can afford with his government job.
“He’s cute. Is he a contender for tonight?” Nikki asks, pulling my hair out of its ponytail.
I shift in my seat and stare at his face. He’s kind of hot, in a polo-playing kind of way, not that I know what the fuck polo is about.
“Yeah, I’m just worried he’ll have moral conflicts. Or he could be a narc. I don’t need extra family drama.”
“He’s been vetted, no?”
“Yeah, but my father’s men aren’t perfect. If I like him, I’ll have my guy double check to make sure he’s reliable.”
As much as I’m a pretty face, I’m also my father’s daughter. If I wasn’t a girl, he’d be priming me for his position when he retires, but having a vagina is a big problem for the family.
I let the file drop to the floor as I pick up number four. Ciro Moretti. Born in Sicily, a small town outside of Palermo. Worked for the mafia out there until he got into a bit of trouble and they had to send him away. He’s been here for about five years. Speaks English but has no cover. His heart and soul are in the family.
It could be a problem. We’d have to get him working somewhere, so he pays taxes. There’s no way I’m working to keep the government quiet.
“Holy shit, he’s hot,” Nikki’s exclamation has the rest of the room turning to me. I hold up his picture and the rest of the women agree.
“You’re not kidding. He’s a looker,” my mother says.
His curly dark hair lays across his head, waiting to be touched, green eyes shine through, making me think of the first signs of spring... and the muscle. Corded and beautiful, but not in a too-much-time-at-the-gym way. I already know he’s trouble.
“He may not be compliant. I need someone who isn’t going to question my power. I’m not going to be some meek housewife.”
“That’s right. Mygioiadoesn’t take shit from anyone.” My mother’s proud voice makes a pang hit in my chest.
The last file is a no, from the beginning. Vegas was already a red flag, but by the look of him, he’s only here to make the other’s stand out. Either that or my father owes his father some kind of favor. There’s no way Vito Romano is going to be my husband.
Chapter Two
Three hours later the bell rings and our maid opens the door. I hear her before I can even see her.
“Where is the soon to be bride?” Her voice echoes through the house. I throw open my bedroom door and stand at the top of the stairs.
“Up here,putana.” Ana and I have been calling each other names since we were little. They are terms of endearment instead of degradation. It’s our way.
“Oh. My. God. Nikki really fucking knocked it out of the park with that hair. You look freaking amazing.”
“Thanks, I like how she braided the side. It’s something I wouldn’t have thought to do.”
“Now for the dress. Did you pull them both out?”
“Yeah, they’re hanging in my closet. I think I’m leaning toward the red. It’s sexier. I still need to make these guys drool, even if they have committed to this.”
My walk-in closet is big enough to fit a loveseat. When Daddy did the renovations, I made him add it. I couldn’t stand cramming my stuff into a little space. It doubles as my reading room. Something about the way it’s so quiet in here makes me feel like I’m in a bubble.
Ana takes her shoes off at the door and puts her coat on the chair. She’s wearing a beautiful emerald green dress. Off the shoulder and a beaded bodice lead to a mermaid style skirt.
