CHAPTER EIGHT

MEL POV

The walls of the mansion seemed to go on forever and our footsteps echoed as Mama Agness led me down the passage. She was going on about the history of the estate but my mind was stuck on thoughts of the man I had just met.

Dante. The mysterious Capo of the Rafe Familia. I had thought Rio was beautiful, I mean, he is, but there is something dangerously wonderful about his brother. I have never met a man on the first day and instinctively thought of what his hands can do to a woman’s body.

F***, I couldn’t possibly be attracted to Dante. Am I? I wondered. No, I’m not, I can’t be. This is all Rio’s fault, I decided. Since our little car adventure, my hormones have been off the charts. Yes, I blame him.

 I turn my attention to the walls as we walk. Beautiful artworks and family portraits line them. A picture of a younger looking Rio draped in a full army uniform catch my eye. “Rio was in the army?”

“What?” Mama Agness asked, stunned. She turned to the direction I was pointing. “Oh, my goodness. No. Rio is too bougie for that life. They are a carbon copy of each other, though? That’s Reign Rafe.”

“Rio’s Father?”

“Yes. He was in the army before he dropped out to run his father’s empire. You know, fun fact, he met the boys mum when he was stationed in the army.” She held her hand to her heart, eyes shining. “The soldier turned mafia and the poor church girl. Ahh, Beautiful love story. Am I right?”

“Yeah, sounds like a movie.” I replied, feeling distant.

The Army, I thought. The mafia were well respected around here than most government officials and I would bet he had connections there and in even higher places too.

We stopped at a door and she pressed a button that opened up an elevator.

“Fancy” I teased. “We are still going up?”

“Just to the third floor.” The elevator moved really fast. “And…. We are here.” She opened the door and I gasped. “Welcome to your room.” She announced, obviously pleased with my reaction.

Room, my foot. It was the size of my former apartment and more. Light shined through the windows and hit the top of the glass frame of the queen-sized bed making the room glow. I look out the window and the view is just breathtaking. This had to be heaven.

“It’s beautiful, Nonna.” I pause. “Sorry, I mean Mrs. Agnes.” I corrected, half-expecting her to scold me.

Her laughter filled the room. “Oh, my darling. In my 67 years on this earth, I have never walked down the aisle to marry anybody. And yes, you can call me Nonna.” She said softly. “You are family now.”

Family. That was one thing I have never felt I had, well except for Angie. I always saw the Parks as people who provided me with a roof over my head and nothing else, not to be ungrateful, but I never felt love there. I was touched by her kind words. With watery eyes, I hug her.

“Oh, my dear child. It’s alright now.” She ran her hands down my hair, comforting me.

“I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to cry” I said, pulling back from her

“Nonsense. Never hold your emotions back. Cry if you need to. Do you understand?” She asked.

  Speechless, I nod in response.

“So, you approve of the room then?”

“More than approve. I’m in awe of it. Thank you.”

“You are welcome. Also, before I forget.” She walked towards the phone on the table. “Just ring this if you need anything. Lunch will be ready soon. And I can’t wait to hear all about how you and Rio met and fell in love.” She squealed in delight. "I will leave you to get settled in.” She walked out, leaving me alone in the room.

I sank down on the bed. How we fell in love? Love? I really didn’t want to lie to her, but I couldn’t possibly tell her this was all a ruse. Wow, this is actually happening. I would have to lie to Mama Agness, Dante and even Reign Rafe. Panicking now, I pace the room. I didn’t think this through, I was blinded by the idea of dealing with Jack that I forgot I would have to pretend. I am bad at lying, horrible in fact. They would figure me out and heaven knows what will happen next.

Feeling faint, I stop and stare at my reflection in the huge mirror. 'Relax Mel, you can do this.' I would just have to meet with Rio before lunch and plan how we intend to explain our so called ‘love story’ to his family. This affected him too.

Satisfied with my decision, I explore the room. The walk-in closet was filled with designer bags, clothes, shoes and jewelries I could only dream off. Amazed, I skimmed through the clothes, they were all in my size. How did Rio know? He must have a really good eye. The bathroom was just as beautiful, fully packed with extensive skincare and had a freaking hot tub. Before I’m discovered, I might as well enjoy the luxury before me, I thought.

Just then, my stomach rumbled. I had totally forgotten I had not eaten all morning. I leave the bathroom, walk to the fruit platter that was arranged on a table and take a bite of an apple. Hmm, never knew an apple could taste so good. I go to lay on the bed when I’m startled by a loud sound.

Bang.

Am I hearing things due to the hunger or was that a gun?

Bang.

I ran to take cover under the table. Of course it was a gun. I was in a freaking mafia home. This had to be normal for them. Shaking, I crawl to the window to see what could be happening.

All the color drained from my face.

“Get out now, or the next time I pull this trigger. I won’t miss.” Rio said, pointing a gun at Jack’s head.

I ran out the room.