Page 31 of Reign Of Triumph
A few days after we were married, Eros sat down with me and handed me a new credit card, a bank card, a new cell phone, and a wad of cash for emergency purposes. What kind of emergency would require that much money is beyond me. I still have it tucked away in a box hidden in the closet. I still don’t understand why I need a new phone, but since I don’t have much in the old phone and it’s no great loss to me, it’s not a big deal.
The drive home from picking up the girls from school is far more pleasant than it has been. I’m not saying that all is right with Anita, but she had a hint of a smile on her face when we picked her up. It seems that some of her friends sat with her at lunch, and her best friend, Cassie, who was told to stay away from Anita, is allowed to play with her again. Cassie’s a sweet girl. None of this is her fault, and that’s the worst part of this whole ordeal. Children don’t hate or carry grudges or make judgments; parents do.
Poor Cassie was just as devastated to be apart from Anita. And from what Anita says, many kids who never noticed her before are stopping to greet her in the schoolyard. Anita is wary, and I would be too in her position. Still, it’s nice to see her in a better place.
Alia goes on and on about some moms who came to pick up their kids and stopped to ask if Alia would like to make plans for a playdate with their children. Alia is thrilled to have a full social calendar. When we arrived, several moms approached Bianca to make arrangements.
Things are looking up for Bianca and the girls, and it’s all because of Eros. He says that this was all Nero and Luciano’s idea, but it was Eros who initiated the conversation. This also tells me that his words are meaningful. Eros said he would take care of my family, and he keeps his promises. He cares about my nieces. He quickly corrected me when I called them “my nieces” and insisted they are “our nieces.”
My concerns about Bianca didn’t go unnoticed, and although I’m sure a spa day wasn’t his idea, his relationship with Nero and Luciano prompted Felicia and Grazia to take note of Bianca and her situation and do something about it.
I was worried about Mom being alone for so long, but when I called to check in on her, Monica was over with a few of her friends and they were having an afternoon espresso in the garden.
I haven’t felt this carefree in years. Eros did this for me. Do I dare hope that this could mean he loves me as I do him? I really do love him. He’s a monster outside our home, this I know. I’m not a fool. Then again, the Mafia world is about survival. The enemies swarm around us, lying in wait to make their next move, and they don’t care who is included in their collateral damage. I’ve seen entire families devastated by the Russians and the Triads, and then there are the gang members who encroach on our businesses, wanting a piece of the action.
The world is a terrifying place, and yet, I’ve never felt safer.
Eros has texted me twice today. Once to remind me that we’re going out for dinner, then once again to respond to my message thanking him for the beautiful dress that was waiting for me when I got home. The box came from an exclusive boutique in the city. I’ve been there once or twice myself. They deal with wonderful designers with unique styles. The prices are ridiculous, and yet getting an appointment for their personalized shopping experience would normally be a three-month wait.
I lift the lid and carefully unwrap the tissue paper to find a blood-red silk dress lying there. I hold it up to my body and look in the full-length mirror. It’s stunning. The dress itself is a satin strappy knee-length dress with a slit on one side. It’s super sexy, and I hope I do it justice, as this is not what I’m used to wearing.
I check the clock and see that it’s much later than I thought. Eros will be home soon, and I’m nowhere near ready. I should get a move on, but I decide that sending a text to him is more important.
Thank you, honey. You’re my hero. I hit Send and hurry to get ready.
Sixteen
Old Friends
Eros
Unexpected business makes me later than I like, and I end up having to shower and change at the warehouse. When I took over, I had a private office with a bathroom and a shower installed. I keep several suits and clothes in the closet because I refuse to go home to my wife carrying blood from the day. It may not happen often, but Serafina doesn’t need to see the ugliness that occurs. She’s been through enough already. Her text was the first bright spot of my day and kept me sane through the worst of it.
Alessandro is waiting for me inside the house with Danilo. They’re coming along with Serafina and me on our evening out, as are Vincenzo and Cassio. Young Cassio has been working with Alessandro and is progressing nicely. It still irks me to think that Giusto brought in such a young soldier without providing him with adequate training. I’m convinced that Cassio would have been an errand boy, and expendable in situations where he wouldn’t be equipped to defend himself.
“Hey, boss,” Alessandro greets me, and Danilo nods.
“Serafina?”
“Upstairs,” Danilo answers. I glance at my watch. It’s not quite seven. I consider making a few calls while I’m waiting, but at the top of the stairs, a vision of loveliness appears, and my eyes lock on her as she makes her way down the staircase. The dress fits her like a glove. The deep red is perfect for her complexion. Her hair looks fuller, with large curls swaying as she comes toward us. Her strappy heels bring attention to her toned, slender legs, and the slit in the skirt opens slightly when she walks, giving a glimpse of her creamy thigh.
Both soldiers are smart enough to turn their heads and take a few steps away. Serafina comes right to me so I get to see her up close. I note that even her face is made up for an evening out. Ruby lipstick, smoky eye makeup; she’s an alluring siren and my greatest temptation.
My gaze sweeps over her from head to toe twice. In a soft, sultry voice, she says, “Do I look all right?” She unconsciously smooths a hand over her dress.
I wrap my arm around her waist to bring her flush against my chest, and whisper in her ear, “More than all right, baby. I’d show you how much, but that will make us late for our reservation.” I brush my lips over hers in a chaste kiss. I’d like to ravage that sweet mouth, but I’m aware of my men standing close, and Serafina looks so beautiful that when I unwrap her from that dress, I want to take my time doing it. I glance over my shoulder. “I’m driving. You two are in the car behind us, and tell Vincenzo and Cassio I want them up front.”
My men quickly go to find Cassio and Vincenzo. This team of four is becoming my most trusted crew. I’m doing background checks on every single one of the others. Many of the soldiers who once reported to Giusto seem to be happier with the change. The laziness of others has come to a halt. I have given warnings that my tolerance is nonexistent for any man who doesn’t do his part in the family, and I’ve also made sure to reward the men who are making strides to improve themselves. Yet, there’s a pang in my gut that warns me of danger, and this is not something I can ignore. It’s served me well in the past and keeps me aware of my surroundings and who’s around me.
So why am I investigating all the men? It’s simple. Those closest to Giusto had it too easy. They rode his coattails and collected money for doing next to nothing. They had a taste of the easy life and want to keep things as they were. I’m a threat, and now that their king is gone, one of them might put it in his mind that he wants the title for himself.
It’s not far-fetched. In fact, it’s done far too often. Company takeovers are just another way of becoming king. A guerrilla leader killing villagers and taking their property or a world leader fighting for political power—it’s all the same.
So far, the soldiers under my command have come up clean. But there are three in particular who give off a vibe that I don’t like. They give the right answers and profess their allegiance to me and La Famiglia, yet the words feel as if they are wrapped in venom.
Serafina takes my hand, and I walk her to my car, helping her inside. Another glimpse of skin appears as she takes her seat. She modestly smooths her dress and sets her clutch in her lap. She simply doesn’t see her own beauty, which only makes her more alluring.
I command my cock to behave because, as much as I want to forgo the evening and carry her upstairs, Serafina deserves a night out of fun. I climb into the driver’s seat and give the signal for the men that we’re good to go.
