Meet the Characters:
I peruse her face and see her nod cordially; however, I know she doesn’t have any intention of visiting Felicia.
“Bella, this is Dante from Nostra Casa.” An immediate look of surprise appears on her face and is schooled away almost as quickly as she covers this with a nod and shy “Hello.” “And this is Moreno Viale, capoof Nostra Casa.” Her eyes meet mine, and a sudden jolt of electricity shoots through me as those cool blue eyes hit mine. Her perfect cupid’s bow lips form a quiet “Hello.” I would stake my life on her creamy porcelain skin being soft to the touch. Poised and delicate are the first words that enter my mind to describe the future Mrs. Viale.
This is my first opportunity to see her up close. At first glance, yes, there seems to be nothing special about this girl. Her dress is simple navy blue and does nothing to accentuate her figure. Still I can see the slight pull of the fabric across her chest, acknowledging her breasts. Her fingers are delicate as she hands me a white china cup filled with espresso. I purposely graze my fingers over hers, and her hand trembles from my touch and her lids lower to veil her disquiet.
“Thank you, Anna.”
Without even looking up at me, she murmurs, “You’re welcome, Mr. Viale.”
“Reno. My name is Reno.”.
This elicits a furrow of her brow; however, she does not answer. Then she continues to distribute the coffees. I believe she’s trying to busy her hands and hasten the process as she offers the plate of biscotti.
“These are your favorite, Mr. Moretti.”
Marco takes two. “That they are, and I appreciate you sending a batch over every Christmas for me. Unfortunately, although my wife has many talents, she has tried this recipe endlessly and cannot replicate their perfection.”He chuckles.
“I’ll pack a tin for you and place it at the front door. I wouldn’t want to deprive you of your sweet treat.” She smiles. Anna doesn’t rush through the process, but I can sense that her goal is to get out of here as soon as she can. “Can I get you anything else, Dad?”
“Not right now, my girl.” Her father gives her the reprieve she’s desperately wanting, and she makes her way to the door.
“Have a good afternoon,” she says, then she’s gone, leaving behind the light scent of vanilla.
Franco waits for the door to shut firmly and the footsteps to move away before he speaks. “That is my Anna.”No, that is my Anna.
Feel the Passion:
The plane taxis on the runway and lifts off. By this point, I’m exhausted. In order to be bridal perfection, Mom had me up at five thirty this morning for hair, makeup, and pictures. I lean my head against the window and shut my eyes. A few moments later, Reno is unclipping my belt.
“Let’s see if we can make you more comfortable,” he says and leads me to the back of the plane. This plane has a small bedroom with its own bathroom. It dawns on me that my husband isn’t just powerful and wealthy, he’s mega-powerful and mega-wealthy. I’m sure my mouth is wide open! “I brought your bag as well. Why don’t you have a rest in here? I’ll come and get you when we need to land, and if you want, you can change into something more comfortable for the drive home.” His fingers run through the loose tendrils that have escaped the chic updo created earlier this morning. It’s going to feel so good when I let out all the pins and can shake out my hair and massage my scalp. Reno runs a hand over my cheek, brushing his thumb across my lower lip. I look up at him, willing him to kiss me. Instead, he says, “Rest, farfalla mia,” and makes his exit.
Even though he’s left the room, the faint scent of his cologne lingers in the air. I wanted him to kiss me. I couldn’t say the words, but that’s what I wanted. It’s good to have an attraction to him, I think. He’s my husband. I need to build a life with this man, have children together, so wanting him to kiss me is a good thing, I conclude.
I rummage through my overnight bag and grab a pair of fitted black ankle slacks and a cream sweater. I remove the pins from my hair, letting it flow free. I emerge from the bathroom and throw myself down on the bed. I fall asleep almost immediately, listening to the humming of the plane’s engines.
A heavy arm is lying about my waist, warm breath is on my neck, and a husky voice in my ear awakens me. “We need to get you back to the seat out front, farfalla.” Lips nip at my ear, and a small gasp emerges from deep within me. He turns me so I’m now on my back. “I haven’t had a sweeter temptation, but I’ll be damned if our first night together is in a cramped bed with my brothers just outside the door.”
I lick my lips and blink at the intensity of his words, feeling his fingers grip me tighter on my waist. “Fuck it. I’ll just have a taste.” His sexy rough voice has my body humming. He licks the seam of my lips, then kisses me. “Open for me, baby.” A shudder runs through me. I allow him entry, feeling shy and dropping my gaze, but Reno’s mouth doesn’t allow for me to think. The warm and firm yet soft lips move over mine, then he tangles his tongue with mine. I, unknowingly, press closer to him, feeling his hardness. He wrenches his lips from mine and places his brow against mine. “I refuse to take you in a hurry. The next time I have my wife in bed, it will be a slow, soft simmer until we’re both satisfied.” He kisses me once more before releasing me and helping me up off the bed.
My hair cascades down over my shoulder. I smooth it out instinctively as it seems to have a mind of its own. Reno is eyeing me as I brush my hands over my pants and slip on the ankle boots. I drape my wedding dress on the bed, not wanting to forget it.
He takes my hand and tugs me along after him. There’s not another word from him until he has me safely latched in by his side. “Not what I had planned for our first night,” he whispers in my ear. He then takes a tress of my hair and curls it around my ear.
Leaves you wanting more:
Reno releases my hand and moves to the fireplace. “You have ten minutes to convince me to let you go.” Shit! What is he, a mind reader? He crosses his arms. “I would save you the trouble, but I suspect you need to get this off your chest.”
I’m getting more than a little annoyed by his arrogance and attitude. I’m not some petulant child having a tantrum. My entire life is shifting, for Pete’s sake.
I subconsciously take the stance I would when dealing with an unruly child in class, hands on hips, leaning slightly forward. “Okay, well, let me use my time wisely. I’m not what you need for a wife. Look at me. I haven’t been raised to be a capo’s wife. You want someone who is more refined and can charm your underbosses and their wives. That’s not me. I would be completely useless to you. I’m not some young girl who has her sights set on being the perfect little Mafia wife. I want to teach. I want to see the kids’ eyes light up every day when they finally find a solution to a problem.” He continues to smirk as I get more and more heated and peeved.
“Don’t just look at me. You know I’m right. I’m from La Famiglia, and I’m aware of the duties of a daughter, but Dad has raised us to be more than that. How can I possible gain the respect of your Nostra Casa? I’ve been the enemy for so long, they won’t accept me as your wife. They’ll make it difficult for you and for me. You can’t possibly want that. Don’t do this, please. If not for me, than for yourself.” I didn’t realize I’d begun pacing back and forth while rattling off all the reasons we need to call off this craziness.
Reno pushes himself away from the mantel and makes his way toward me. “Are you done?”
“For now!” I’m heaving, and my fists are curled in tight balls at my sides. I want to slap that smirk off his face. He then softens his eyes before he says his piece.
“Anna, there’s no choice. I asked for a woman to be my wife to create peace between the two families. It had to be me as a sign of good faith. My men will do as I say and will behave as I say. They have been told to support this union, as they see the mutual benefits for both parties.”
“But—” I sputter out.
He reaches out to cup my chin. “As for you and me, we will find a way to coexist. I need a wife, and I need heirs. You have the education and knowledge and, from what I can see, the passion for children, and will be an exceptional mother to ours. What you don’t know, you will learn. This union is a must. If I sever it at this point, there will be a war. If you choose to breach this peace, your father and brother will suffer. Don’t look too deeply into my dark soul. It will taint your pretty butterfly wings. However, we can accept this with grace and dignity, or we can face the negative consequences that will follow. Our fate is sealed, Anna.”
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