Page 49 of Christmas with the Mafia
“Nico!”
Her shocked gasp echoes around the car. “This place is amazing.”
I am immune to its charms because what’s inside dulls the beauty of the place, and yet I can see why she is impressed. The house is painted white and gleams in thesunshine. It consists of several wings, and there are many outbuildings and cottages set in the vast grounds. It’s not a home; it’s an experience, and I doubt it will be a good one.
“Look at the trees.”
She laughs with excitement as she regards the lit trees lining the driveway and the huge Christmas trees set on either side of the huge portico. The double front door holds the largest wreath, and it resembles a Christmas cozy movie.
My family demands the best, and this house is no exception. As the cars roll to a stop outside the door, it immediately swings open, and several guards spill out.
Trent is the first to reach them, and as they approach, I grip Regina’s hand in mine as she whispers nervously, “Wow, more security. Your family is really serious about their safety.”
“They are.”
I smile reassuringly, knowing that nothing will dull the shock she is about to experience when she gets up close and personal with a family like mine.
I help her out of the car, and Giuseppe, one of my father’s most loyal soldiers, smiles. “Good evening, Nico.”
“Giuseppe.” I nod, clasping Regina’s hand tightly as I pull her after me, her heels clattering on the marble floor as we head inside the overlarge hallway.
Regina is speechless as we enter a space that resembles the most luxurious hotel. The staircase is covered in a red carpet leading up to a galleried landing that circles the hallway. The biggest chandelier dominates the ceiling, glittering like a fallen star above us.
There is a huge, low glass table set on a Persian rug in the center, around which an elegant couch and two stylishchairs reside. A huge floral arrangement takes front and center, and as entrances go, this one is stunning.
“Look at the tree.” Her eyes widen at the majestic Christmas tree that is probably twenty feet tall, resplendent in fairy lights and gold, shimmering in pride of place. Its top graces the upper levels, and as statements go, this one could win awards.
She glances around. “Are we the only ones here?”
“No.” I add under my breath. “Unfortunately,” but she doesn’t hear me as she gazes around with fascination.
“My parents will be waiting to greet us in the living room. We may as well get this over with before we head to our room.”
She falters. “Our room?”
I take great satisfaction in fixing her with a firm glare. “Yes, Regina, our room. It is expected when two people love one another as much as we do.”
I fix her with a pointed glare, and she nods, swallowing hard. “Of course, um, well, our room.”
I give her no time to dwell on that and, grasping her hand, head to the living room to get this shit over with.
As we enter, the familiar sight of a room straight from the designer’s hall of fame greets us.
Like the entrance, this one is home to the biggest chandelier they could get away with, commanding the room from its great height, sparkling down on pure luxury. The lighting is warm, illuminating the ivory paneling, cream couches dominating the room set around another huge neutral Persian rug. The atmosphere is almost intimate, and yet staring at us with interest are the two people we must impress the most.
“Mother.” I approach her first and, dropping Regina’s hand, I respect my mother by kissing her on both cheeks, allowing her rather hesitant embrace as if she’s afraid I may break.
I do the same to my father and experience another violent slap on the back, and with a smile I reach for Regina’s hand.
“Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Regina Stone.”
She steps forward and smiles nervously and then surprises me by pulling my mother in for a hug, much the same as she did me, and kisses her several times on the cheeks, gushing, “I am so pleased to meet you. I must say you have a stunning home and well, I love what you did with that Christmas tree out in the hallway, stunning actually and if you don’t mind, I’d love to film it for my vlog.”
“Regina.” My voice is low and controlling, and she steps back and giggles nervously as she registers the astonishment on my mother’s face.
“Please excuse me; I’m just so freaking nervous.”
She slaps her hand over her mouth. “Did I say that out loud? I’m so–”
