Born To Kill: Getting Along

When I opened my eyes, I found Primo’s sleeping face close to mine. He was still asleep but I knew he’d wake up soon. We still kept our position from last night. I took my time admiring his face. I traced the outline of his face with feather-light touches. I tried to stroke his hair but he grabbed my wrist. His grip was tight but when he opened his eyes and he saw me, he let go of my hand. I was about to sit up but he tightened his hold on my waist bringing us closer together. I placed my hand on his bare chest and he looked at me.

“How’s your hand?” I completely forgot about it. I looked at it and it seemed fine. I showed it to him. “It’s okay. It doesn’t hurt anymore than it should.” He didn’t move. I looked at him and his eyes were close. “I’m surprised you haven’t left yet.” I tried to sound like I was joking but it came out lonesome. “Niccolo can handle it by himself. I want us to spend time together.” My face lit up. I looked at him. “Really?” He nodded. “You seem happy.” I shook my head. “It gets tiring being alone most of the time.” I sounded so weak and helpless, I wanted to punch myself but it was the truth. Isla has to do housework and Dino doesn’t seem to be interested in small talk. 

“So, what are your plans for today?” I sat up and thought about it. “I wasn’t really planning on anything. I just do whatever I think about.” He sat up. “Let’s just have breakfast.” He held my hand and helped me out of bed. He put on a shirt and we went down to the dining room. Isla served us breakfast but instead of our normal seating arrangement, I took my plate and placed it next to his. He raised an eyebrow. “The next time we eat, I want us to sit closer together. It’s hard to talk when we’re so far apart.” His lips curled into a smile. It was the first time I ever saw him smile. He noticed how excited I look. “Why do you look so happy?” I smiled and shook my head. “It’s nothing. I just… This is the first time I saw you smile and it makes me happy.” He looked away. I knew he felt a bit flustered but he didn't want me to see it. I took the coffee cup from the table and I took a small sip. 

“Primo, how old were you when you became a made-man?” He put down his coffee cup before he answered. “I was 10.” I didn’t expect a backstory but I was surprised when he continued. “I killed my first man during a party. It was supposed to be a celebration but it turned into a bloodbath. Our uncles wanted to kill my father. One of them came up to my father and pointed a gun at his head. I pulled out a gun and shot him first. The night ended when all of them were dead.” I covered my mouth. “That’s horrible. Did you get hurt?” He nodded. “I was shot.” I was alarmed. “Did your father bring you to a hospital or something?” He raised an eyebrow. I knew the answer to my own question. They have their own doctor so they don’t have to go to a hospital. 

“I can’t believe you had to go through all that.” I hated this life. Being born into this you had no choice but to live this life. He held my hand. “So, have you decided on what to do today?” He changed the subject but I didn’t mind. I didn’t want to hear anymore of the terrible things he had to experience when he was a child. “It’ll be a surprise.” I drank my coffee and stood up. “I’ll go take a shower first.” I stood in the doorway waiting for him. He drank his coffee and we went upstairs. I showered first. I dressed in a black shirt and skinny jeans. I wore my running shoes. When Primo got out of the bathroom, he eyed my attire. He didn’t say anything but when he changed, he was also wearing a black shirt and jeans. 

“Where are we going?” I didn’t answer. I grabbed his hand and we went outside. I saw Boomer on the far side of the yard. I walked closer, Primo was following behind me. When Boomer saw me, he ran to me with lightning speed. Primo held my hand but I gave him an assuring look. Boomer stopped in front of me, wagging his tail. I rubbed his chin and he was happily enjoying it. Primo looked at me with disbelief. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked. “You managed to tame Boomer?” I nodded. I took the stick that was next to me and I threw it as far as I could. Boomer ran to it. “He’s a sweetheart. He didn’t even try to bite me when I first petted him.” Boomer got back and gave me the stick. “Look at this.” I pulled out a few dog biscuits from my pocket. I bought these a few days ago; I was trying to teach him a few tricks. “Boomer, sit.” And he sat down. I gave him a treat. “Lay down.” And he did. I gave him another treat. I looked at Primo and he was staring at me. 

“Have you ever tried to pet him?” He shook his head. “Boomer obeys my commands. He guards this place.” I could tell Boomer feared Primo because whenever Primo looks at him, he hides his tail in between his legs. “Try to hurt me.” He raised his eyebrow. “What?” I faced him. “I said, try to hurt me.” He still didn’t do anything. “Why?” “Just do it.” He was still confused but he did try to hurt me. He grabbed my arm and he raised his in an attempt to slap me. He didn’t get a chance, Boomer growled at him and he was ready to attack. Primo let me go and I petted Boomer.

“See? He protects me. Even from you.” I smiled. Boomer calmed down when I put my hand on his head. Primo shook his head. “You managed to tame a beast.” I rubbed Boomer’s belly. He’s not the only monster I’m trying to tame. After that, I stood up and asked Boomer to go back to roaming the grounds. He did what I told him and Primo and I were left in the middle of the yard. “Boomer must respect you.” I shook my head. “No, he respects you. He cares for me.” He raised an eyebrow but he didn’t answer. I took his hand. “Let’s go inside. I want to make you lunch.” It was near noon. I dragged him to the kitchen.

“What’s your favorite dish?” I tied my hair back, washed my hands, took an apron from the cupboards and wore it. “Anything with pesto.” I looked at him with an amused smile. “That’s so Italian.” He smirked and shook his head. I went to the pantry to look for the ingredients I needed. There was a jar of ready-made pesto but I didn’t take it. I didn’t like the taste of the processed kind. I like making it myself. I took some of the ingredients back to the kitchen. Primo was on the counter watching me intently. I took the chopping board and put it in front of him and I gave him a knife. He looked at me, a bit confused. 

“You’re good with a knife. I want you to mince these. Make sure to chop them as fine as you can.” I turned around to work on the chicken breast. I was planning to make bacon-wrapped pesto chicken along with baked potatoes and brownies for dessert. I prepped the chicken and the bacon. I took out the food processor to make the pesto. I went back to Primo and noticed that he did a great job. “You’re so good with a knife that it’s scary.” I grinned. He placed the knife down and smiled at me. “You should do that more often.” He raised an eyebrow. “Do what?” I placed the vegetables in the food processor. “Smiling.” I didn’t face him. I made the pesto and transferred it into a bowl. 

“You want me to smile more often?” I nodded but I still didn’t look at him. I placed a small amount of pesto inside the chicken breast and covered it with bacon. I felt a pair of arms wrapping around my waist. I didn’t protest. I just kept my focus on making lunch. He lowered his head and whispered, “I’ll only smile when I’m with you.” My heart started to beat faster and I felt my face getting hot. He rested his head on my shoulder. “You’re making this pretty hard for me.” I was done wrapping the chicken and I wanted to put them in the oven but Primo wouldn’t let me. “Well, you’re making me pretty hard.” I covered my face with my hands and laughed. I was expecting him to say it. I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Could you please sit down and let me cook. I promise you after lunch, we’ll do what you want.” He suddenly had a wide smile on his face. “Not those kinds of want, Primo.” His smile disappeared and his grip on me became loose. I stood on my tiptoes to bring our faces closer together. Our lips were just inches away but I didn’t bring my face any closer. I looked at his lips and I could tell he wanted us to kiss. I thought otherwise. When he was about to kiss me, I stepped back. He let go of me and I grabbed the tray and walked towards the oven. He was really confused. I was teasing him and he clearly didn’t like it. 

“What the fuck was that for?” His tone sounded more confused than angry. “What are you talking about?” I put the chicken in the oven to bake along with the potatoes. I grabbed a mixing bowl and started to make the brownie batter. “I… You… never mind.” He sat back down on the counter and he looked really disappointed. I fought back the urge to laugh because he might get angry. After making the batter, I put it in a baking tray and put it in the second oven. I washed my hands before I went over to Primo. He was just sitting there completely ignoring me. He was acting so childish that it made me happy to see him this way. He’s showing me his true self. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer to me until our lips met. I closed my eyes and before I knew it, Primo had his arms around me. I broke the kiss and I looked at him. 

“I’m sorry about earlier. I was just teasing you.” I said with a huge smile on my face. His expression softened and his lips curled into a smile. “You’re not going to make things easy for me, are you?” I giggled. “That depends.” He smiled and kissed my forehead. I was surprised by the sudden romantic gesture. I could feel my heart beat faster. I wrapped my arms around his neck and I hugged him. We stayed like this for a while until I remembered that I had something in the oven. I loosened my grip and stole a quick kiss from him. I went over to the oven to check if the chicken and the potatoes were done. They were and I took the mittens and pulled them out. I placed them on the counter near the oven and I grabbed 2 plates to put them in. 

“You are one sneaky girl Luna.” I blushed. He helped me put the food on the table. I went back to the kitchen to take out the brownies and to cut them into squares. I accidentally held the knife a little too close to my finger. I cut myself and I immediately washed it over the tap. It wasn’t a big wound and I didn’t want Primo to know but it seemed he had psychic powers because he was by my side after I cleaned the wound. “How did you…?” He grabbed my hand and put a band-aid around it. He smiled at me and continued to bring the food to the dining room. I was confused. I went to the dining room and he was already on his seat. Our plates were next to each other which gave me relief. I sat next to him and he held my hand. 

“Does it hurt?” I shook my head. “No, I’ve had worse wounds than that. It’s going to be fine. Let’s eat.” I took one of the baked potatoes and put it on his plate. I took the chicken and I put it on his plate. He gave me a look that seemed to tell me ‘thank you’. I smiled at him and I took a piece for myself. I waited for him to take his first bite. He tore off a piece and he put it in his mouth. “This is delicious.” I grinned. I love it when people enjoy my food. It gives me a sense of achievement. I tore off a piece and ate it. “When did you start to cook?” I looked at him and smiled. “I was 12 when I asked Marcella, our cook to teach me. I wanted to learn so when I grew up, I could cook food for people. I used to make Salva’s and Marina’s cake during their birthdays.” He held my hand and he gave me a small smile. I held his hand and we continued to eat. 

“That reminds me, when is your birthday Primo?” He swallowed his food before he answered. “The 25th of December.” My eyes widened. “Really?” He nodded. I smiled and squeezed his hand. “We’ll be celebrating two occasions in one day.” He raised his eyebrow. “You’re so excited, might I remind you that we’ll be celebrating the anniversary of our engagement and wedding the same day as your birthday.” I giggled. After we ate, Primo helped me put the dishes in the dishwasher. He helped me clean the table and after we sat on the couch in the living room.

“So, what do you want to do?” I asked him. He looked at the ceiling. “I want… you.” He looked at me and had this goofy grin on his face. I giggled and I lightly slapped his arm. “Don’t you have plans?” He shook his head. I laid my head on his lap and he seemed surprised. He looked at me and I cupped his face with my hands. “What’re you doing?” I smiled. “I’m just admiring your face.” His lips curled into a wry smile. I let go of his face. “What was your first impression of me?” I asked. He looked into my eyes. “I thought you were a very sophisticated young lady.” I sat up and laughed. “And? Did I meet your expectations?” He chuckled and shook his head. 

“When I first saw you, you were blindfolded in the middle of an empty hallway. Not very sophisticated.” I blushed. That was the first time I saw him and not a very good one to say the least. “Oh, yeah I bumped into you and I almost fell but luckily you caught me.” He nodded. “What about you? What was your first impression of me?” I bit my lips. “The truth? You scared me. When we first met, I didn’t even know it was you.” He chuckled.

“When you found out that you were going to marry me, how did you feel?” I avoided his gaze. “I was horrified. People around me told me that you were the most feared man in New York and you’ve killed hundreds of men. I was scared; I thought that maybe I’ll end up like my mother.” Primo held my hand. I looked at him and our gaze met. “I promise to never hurt you, Luna. You’re mine and I protect what’s mine.” I squeezed his hand and I placed my head on his shoulder. 

“What about you? How did you feel when you found out?” He kept his hold on my hand. “I was expecting it. My father wanted me to marry you to end the feud between the Genovese and the Castelvetrano.” My mind made me think that he doesn’t care about me. That he only cares for the Cosa Nostra. I tried to think otherwise but the thought kept popping up in my head. 

“Primo, can you promise me something?” He looked at me with an eyebrow raised. “What is it?” I held his hand tight. “Can you promise me that you’ll never leave my side?” He knew what I meant. He looked outside the window and he slowly nodded. “I promise.” I looked up at him and he was looking at me. I bridged the remaining gap and we shared a tender kiss. He didn’t try to push me this time. After the kiss, we stayed on the sofa until I noticed something outside. 

“Primo look, it’s snowing.” I went to the glass doors near the living room and I opened them. Snow was starting to pile up. Primo was behind me. I grabbed his hand and pulled him outside. I didn’t let go of his hand and he seemed to do the same. “You’re adorable whenever you fuss over simple things.” I pouted. He chuckled and stole a quick kiss. I put my hand over my mouth. He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a tight hug. “Primo, I can’t breathe.” I was laughing at the same time. He let me go and I stopped to catch my breath. I looked up at him and he had a goofy grin on his face. The snow was piling up really fast. I bent down to grab a handful and I threw it at him. His face was hilarious. He bent down to grab a handful of snow but I quickly ran away from him.

“Come back here Luna.” He was chasing me and I tried to run as fast as I could but he was faster. He came up behind me and grabbed my waist. He carried me but I squirmed around ending in us losing our balance. I was on top of him and we were both laughing. “Having fun?” I asked. He raised an eyebrow and before I knew it his hands were full of snow. He poured all the snow on me. “Now I’m having fun.” We stood up but I immediately threw a snowball at him and it hit him squarely on his face. I couldn’t stop laughing. 

He came up to me and he was about to throw a snowball at me when I sneezed. He immediately let go of the snowball and he placed his hand on my forehead. “That’s enough for today. Let’s go inside.” I nodded and he led me inside. We went upstairs and I took a hot bath. I changed into a comfy pair of pajamas. I sat on the bed and I waited for Primo to step out of the bathroom. I turned the TV on and I was flipping through the channels. I ended up watching cartoons. Primo stepped out a little later. He was only wearing the bottom pajamas. He sat next to me. 

“Did you have fun?” I nodded. He placed his hand on my forehead. “Are you okay? I don’t want you to get a cold.” I shook my head. “I’m fine. Do you remember during our engagement, when you found me on the balcony?” He nodded. “I even caught you when you fell off.” I giggled. “When I woke up the next morning, I had a fever.”  He looked worried. He placed his hand on my forehead again, making sure that my temperature was still normal. “Don’t worry. We didn’t stay long outside.” He put his arm around my shoulder and I rested my head on his. 

“Tomorrow, I’ll be leaving early.” I looked at him and smiled. I’m glad he’s telling me. “Do you want me to wake up early and make you breakfast?” He raised an eyebrow. “Would you like to?” I nodded. “Do you like Japanese food?” He nodded. “It’s one of the few things I enjoy.” I grinned. “Good. I’ll make you Japanese-style breakfast.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer towards him. “You are the perfect wife.” He caressed my hair making my heart beat fast. “No, I’m not. I’m far from a perfect wife.” We were lying on the bed and my body was on top of him. I rested my head on his chest and I could hear his heartbeat.

“Why do you say that?” I raised my head up to meet his gaze. “Because I can’t give you what you need. I can’t provide you with pleasure.” I avoided his gaze and I rested my head back on his chest. “I don’t want to force you Luna. But, would you mind telling me why?” I reached out for his right hand and I held it. “It’s because I’m scared. And I’m inexperienced. I don’t know what to do.” He held my chin and made me look up to his face. “I won’t force you to do things you don’t want. But it’ll hurt the first time. There’s no way around that. And I don’t mind if you’re inexperienced. I’ll try to control myself whenever I’m around you.” He sounded so sincere that it made me feel warm inside. 

“You promise?” He smiled and raised his hand. “Promise. But I won’t lie to you Luna. I can’t wait for too long.”  I gave him an assuring smile. “You won’t have to.” He smiled and I kissed him. We spent the rest of the day watching TV. I took one of Primo’s jackets from the closet and I went out to the balcony. The snow piled up really fast, the balcony was covered in it. It was almost 7 pm and Primo was downstairs making sure everything was fine. A few moments later, a pair of arms made their way around my waist.

“What’re you doing out here?” He whispered. It tickled my ear and I giggled. “Just admiring the view.” He rested his head on my shoulder and we stood there for a few minutes. “Let’s go inside. Isla made dinner.” I nodded and he led me back inside. We ate dinner in silence but when we came back to our room, our usual conversation came up. “What time will you be leaving tomorrow?” He was standing just outside the closet, loading his guns. “Around 8 am.” I walked up to him and held one of his guns. He looked at me but didn’t protest. He must think I don’t know how to shoot a gun.

“Can I have a gun?” He raised his eyebrow at me. “What?” I put the gun back on the table. “Can I have my own gun in case someone tries to kill me?” He stared at me with disbelief. “You know how to use a gun?” I wasn’t sure if I was to tell him the truth or if it’s better that he doesn’t find out. I shrugged. “Maybe.” He stopped loading his guns and he looked at me. “Luna, tell me the truth. Do you know how to use a gun?” I nodded. Well, great job Luna. “Yes, I do. Why do you look surprised all of a sudden?” He came up to me and looked into my eyes. 

“The day after tomorrow, I want you to show me how you handle a gun. If you can show me that you really know how, I’ll consider giving you one.” I felt excited all of a sudden. “What do you mean you’ll consider it?” He chuckled. “I don’t want you to get hurt. As long as I’m here, I’ll protect you.” I hugged him and he went back to loading his guns. I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and after that, I threw myself on the bed. A few minutes later, Primo slipped in beside me. He wrapped his arms around me and he kissed my forehead. “Goodnight la mia metà.” I was surprised. He called me his other half. My heart was beating so fast I feel it’s going to jump out my chest at any time. I snuggled up against him and whispered, “Goodnight mia principe.” I closed my eyes and dozed off.

I woke up the next morning bright and early. It was still 6:30 am but I want to make Primo breakfast and lunch. His arms were around my waist. I slowly sat up but Primo opened his eyes. I caressed his face, “Ssshh... Go back to sleep. It’s still early.” He looked at me and sighed. He closed his eyes and I stood up. I placed a light kiss on his cheek and I went downstairs. Isla was already out and about. She was cleaning the kitchen when I walked in. “Good morning Isla.” She looked at me and smiled. “Good morning Luna. Are you going to make breakfast?” I nodded. “If you need any help, don’t hesitate to call me.” I gave her a smile and I went on my way to the pantry. 

“Isla, does Primo have any lunch boxes here?” She went into the pantry and told me Primo doesn’t have any. I suddenly remembered the one I brought with me. I brought my bento box with me when I packed my things. I went upstairs and quietly took the bento box from my bag. I was making sure I didn’t make any unnecessary noises. I went back down to the kitchen and washed the box. I prepped everything before I started cooking. I was planning to make omurice for Primo’s breakfast along with tea or coffee and a special bento box for his lunch. Luckily, the pantry was almost like a supermarket; it had everything, even seaweed. I made the rice first. I took out small hotdogs and chopped the tips so they’ll look like octopuses when cooked. 

After the rice was cooked, I took half of it to make the omurice. I made the omurice and I put it on a plate and Isla helped me put it on the table. I started to make the bento box. I made rice balls and I made the design look like Primo’s face. I giggled at my own creation. I closed the bento box and wrapped it with a cloth. I placed it in a bag along with the utensils. It was almost 7:45 when I was done. I walked out of the kitchen and I saw Primo already seated on the table. 

“Good morning.” He greeted me first. I sat next to him and he was already in his suit. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?” I grabbed my cup and took a sip of my tea. He nodded. “Surprisingly well.” I smiled. “This is omurice, right?” I grinned. “Yes, it is.” He took a bite and his face lit up. “Everything you cook is perfection.” I blushed. We continued to eat until he was done. He stood up and grabbed his plate. “What’re you doing? Let me do it.” He shook his head. “You’ve done enough.” He placed the plates inside the dishwasher. 

“I’m leaving. Dino will keep you guard. Take care.” He was about to walk out the front door when I stopped him. “Wait, you forgot something.” I ran up to him and gave him the bag. “What’s this?” I smiled at him. “It’s your lunch.” He smiled and took the bag from my hand. He opened the front door but I stopped him once again. “Primo, you forgot one more thing.” He looked at me with an amused smile. “What did I forget now?” I walked up to him and gave him a kiss. “Take care.” He chuckled and stole a quick kiss before entering his car. He started the engine and I waved him goodbye as he drove off. 

I went back to our room and I noticed something on the nightstand. It was a brand new phone and it had a sticky note attached to it. ‘Here’s your new phone. Don’t throw this away. Primo’. I giggled. I turned it on and I checked the numbers on the phonebook. Marina’s number was already registered so I gave her a call. 

“Hello?” I sighed in relief. “Hey baby sister.” She gasped. “Luna? Is this you? Thank God you’re safe.” I had a huge grin on my face. “I’m sorry it took me this long to call. Primo and I spent the day together yesterday.” She sighed. “Oh now he’s treating you right because you caught him with someone else. What a dick.” I giggled. “You seem happy Luna. I’m glad.” I told her everything. It was no use to hide it from her. “So, why haven’t you two had sex yet.” I immediately shushed her. I don’t want Father to know that Primo hasn’t touched me. I don’t want them to look at Primo and think that he’s weak because he couldn’t have sex with me. 

“Sorry, but seriously Luna, why haven’t you?” I sighed. “I’m scared Marina.” She laughed. “It’s okay to be scared. My friends say that it’ll only hurt the first time. Just take it slow Luna. Don’t make him wait too long. Just remember, guys like it when you swallow the---.” I stopped her. Why does she have to be so perverted? “I get it Marina. No need to tell me the details.” She laughed. I asked about Salva and she told me that he was always with Father. She told me that she didn’t say anything to Salva about Primo’s cheating which I was glad to hear. After a few minutes of talking, I told her I’d call again and we said our goodbyes. I went to the bathroom and took a hot bath. It was still snowing and the breeze was cold. I wore a thick sweater and a pair of thick pajamas. I wasn’t planning on leaving the mansion so I decided to just wear pajamas.