Page 8 of Reign Of Triumph
“My pleasure,” Eros states, assisting my mother into her chair. I rise and move to do my mother’s bidding. Eros is right beside me, his hand on my back, guiding me out to the kitchen.
I wait under we’re out of earshot, then tell him, “I really can manage.” I turn to face him after I switch on the espresso coffeemaker. Mom loves the traditional handheld one that’s been around for as long as I can remember. She insists that it still makes the best espresso, better than anything else on the market. “The trick is knowing how much coffee to add,” she always says.
“This is your mother’s way of giving us time alone. Time I asked for,” Eros says. I swallow hard, and he takes a step closer. I step back, hitting the counter.
“Why would you need to speak with me?” I ask barely above a whisper.
He tilts his head to the side, watching me as a lion does its prey. It’s very unsettling. He continues to come toward me until he’s right in front of me, looking down at me. He’s frightening and exciting at the same time. And never have I seen a more beautiful man. He’s confident, determined, and yet his eyes hold secrets. I should be terrified, yet I feel safe with Eros. “What do you know about me, Serafina?”
“What do you mean?”
“People talk. Some have me labeled a recluse. Others call me a dangerous man. What have you heard?”
“Not very much. I know that your family suffered a tragic loss, and you vowed to get justice for your sister’s death. Then you disappeared.” I drop my gaze to the floor. “You believe Giusto’s responsible for what happened to your sister.” I might as well be honest with him, since that’s what he’s asking for.
“Do you think Giusto is innocent?” His voice is hard, and I glance up to see his pained expression. He loved his sister; I can see that in his eyes. He carries the burden of wanting to right the wrong done to his beloved Miranda.
“If you had asked me this five years ago, I would have put you in your place for even suggesting Giusto was involved,” I begin.
“And now?”
“My brother is always angry. He treats Bianca and the girls horribly. My father taught him better. My mother was the love of Dad’s life, and I never doubted my father’s love for me. Giusto’s nothing like him. I’m not sure who he is anymore. He was always defiant and getting into trouble. Dad would smooth it over, and Giusto would vow never to do it again, until something else came along, and Dad would fix it again. But, to…rape”—I shudder at the thought—“a young woman, then lie… I can’t imagine Giusto being so cruel. Dad would never condone that. He couldn’t.”
“I’m trying to put it behind me, and so is my family,” he says. “I’ve come here for a very special reason, Serafina. There’s a huge change that’s going to happen, and it will affect you and our families. Our capo has wanted me to return to La Famiglia and take my place, following in my father’s footsteps. I was less than willing after the loss of my sister, and for many years, I blamed Marco for not having the man responsible pay for his sin. For years, I traveled the globe and learned from the best how to be a lethal opponent. I trained with men who scared the shit out of me, but I learned how to defend myself and get the job done.”
“That sounds very…dangerous,” I respond quietly.
“What we do is dangerous. It lurks around us every day. Anyone in La Famiglia is a target. I gave our capo a choice. I would come home if I could advance in the family.”
“And avenge your sister’s death,” I add.
His lips form a sly grin. “Mr. Moretti had his own conditions. He wants peace between our families. This is where you come into the picture,” Eros states. I draw in a breath; I know where this is going. “First, I had to prove my worth and remove an enemy that was threatening the new alliance of Mafia families. That’s been completed. Marco also wants me to take over a territory and become an underboss. Unfortunately, the territory is your brother’s, and he is less than happy with the situation. It seems that Giusto’s been losing money hand over fist. This does not make our capo happy. Giusto will work for me, but I can guarantee that his pride is going to cause trouble for both of us. And finally, I am to marry, with the hope to put the past in the past, Marco has chosen you for my bride.” Eros puts his hands on the counter on either side of my hips, boxing me in.
I look into his eyes, wanting, no, needing to know the truth. “Was this our capo’s decision, or yours?”
“Which part?”
“All of it.”
“I wanted your brother dead. This was not an option,” he says bluntly, not even batting an eye. “Marco appealed to me, especially about your mother, Bianca and her children, then you. He wants the feud to end. He said that the women would suffer if they had to bury a father, a brother, and son. At the same time, Marco is aware that your brother is making some major mistakes. If he investigates further and finds that Giusto is lining his own pockets, Marco will end him. He won’t have a choice. Having me take over as underboss is our capo’s way of appeasing my need for revenge. I get Giusto’s title. Binding us together in marriage means keeping a promise to protect my wife and her family.” Eros pauses. “This is the best option, and I’m taking it. Of course, you can say no.”
“I’m a pawn. A lowly chess piece. I’m a bone thrown to the wolves. How long will it be before you chew me up and spit me out?” I reply angrily. “You know I can’t refuse!”
Eros
My God! She’s extraordinary! Even filled with fury, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Her brown eyes turn almost black, her face is flushed, her body trembles, and her passion pushes me for answers.
“I’m not your enemy, gioia. We are both in a less-than-perfect situation. However, we can make the most of it. I need to marry, and so do you. Consider the possibility of who your brother would choose for your husband,” I say, and see a frown forming on her pink lips. Serafina knows her brother would never take her feelings into account. His decision would be made purely for his own selfish purposes. “I have spoken to your mother and have assured her that both you and she will be well taken care of. Neither of you will suffer unless I am betrayed. My family and all those who work for me will show respect. My parents, especially my mother, will welcome you with open arms. This can work for both of us.”
“Giusto won’t like this,” she says, her lips trembling. “He’ll keep Bianca and the girls from me.”
“He’ll be too busy working, and as his boss, I can make visitation happen as I please. If you want your nieces to visit, they will.”
“He’ll make trouble.” She lowers her eyes.
“Look at me.” I wait for her gaze to find mine. “I’m expecting trouble. Nero and Luciano will be watching closely and supporting me, on Marco’s orders. I can’t control what your brother does or does not do, but I will vow to keep you safe.”
“We don’t even know each other,” she counters.
