FrancescaEVEN THOUGH I didn't want to admit it, I was excited to go out tonight. I told myself it was because I wanted to see Siderno, look for possible escape routes. This was definitely it, but it was also the chance to get out of the castle. I hated being stuck up there, and a night in a nice outfit, in a fancy restaurant, felt like heaven.That was how far I had come in just a few days.Giulio was chatty during the ride into town, pointing out places and things, telling funny stories about his childhood. The closer I was to him, the less he seemed like a hardened gangster like his father. Giulio was thoughtful and intelligent, playful and fun – basically everything Fausto wasn't. If they didn't look so similar, I wouldn't say they were related.In the restaurant, everyone fawned over us as if we were KateMiddleton and Prince William. I thought we were some kind ofroyalty, considering Giulio's surname. We were sitting in a private room, the table covered in silver and crystal. T
WE drove to the main entrance of the club. Marco, our driver for the night, wasn't too pleased with this stop, but we promised to only stay for an hour. No doubt he had already texted the capo to tell on us, but I didn't care. The bass hit my chest as soon as I got out of the car. Yes, I needed that distraction.Ignoring the long line out front, Giulio shook hands with the man at the door and then we entered. The sound here was louder, with bright lights flashing above a wide dance floor. Bodies were everywhere, young, beautiful Italians who weren't being forced into a marriage they didn't want. I longed to lose myself in them, even if it was just for an hour.- Would you like a drink? — Giulio asked over the loud music.— No, I prefer to dance.— Come, then.Taking my hand, he led me to the dance floor. I had only been to one other club, a secret outing with a high school boyfriend. Except I spent the entire night looking over my shoulder, worried that my father's men would appear at
FaustDROPS OF SWEAT cascaded down my body, dripping onto my treadmill belt. I ran every morning at my gym, but today I couldn't stop, punishing myself for no reason.Although I had forced Giulio and Francesca to have dinner the night before, I didn't expect them to stay out so late. When they returned, I studied the footage and watched my son take her to his room. They remained there for some time, and then Francesca emerged, barefoot, with her shoes in her hands, with her hair disheveled. Had Giulio fucked her?I scoffed. Boys. If my son had fucked her, he would have done a terrible job. If I had her in my bed, I would keep her there all night, giving her more orgasms than her body could handle. I would have her in every position – against a wall, from behind, under me and under me. And I wouldn't stop, doing every depraved thing my mind could conjure, until she was screaming, unable to take it anymore.Cazzo, why couldn't I stop fantasizing about her?I increased my speed, running
LATER THAT DAY I heard screams from my office.I immediately knew who was causing problems. Cazzo, this girl.Gritting my teeth, I stood up from my chair and pulled on my blazer. I avoided her all day, knowing I would have to deal with her after she picked out a dress. But I couldn't let her upset Celestina, who was an old friend.A steady stream of Italian swear words echoed throughout the hallway. Celestina had a foul mouth and a short fuse. Probably because I liked her.I entered the ballroom. The two women were facing each other near a row of dresses and Celestina was cursing Francesca's ancestors. I didn't allow myself to look at my son's fiancée. “Ciao, Tina,” I called. - Stay where you are?The petite dark-haired designer turned around. — Dai ! This girl, beautiful. I can not stand. She has no fashion sense. She's turning her nose up at every dress. My dresses!I kissed her cheeks. —But that's why I brought you. Because you're the best and we should teach you what it means to b
FrancescaI STAYED away from the castle for the rest of the day.Instead, I spent the hours with Vincenzo, learning about grapes and wine. I asked about the property lines, but he said it wasn't walkable, that I would need a car to reach them. Apparently Ravazzani owned a lot of land, damn him.I told myself I stayed outside to find a way to escape, but that was a lie. My encounter with the elder Ravazzani in the ballroom left me shaken... and excited. He was so angry but so incredibly hot as he cornered me, his big body trapping me as he tried to intimidate me. Except his touch had been gentle, while his gaze burned with an intensity that flipped a switch inside me, making me ache and soaking my panties. There was a moment when I could have sworn the attraction was mutual, but this was insane. Was not?It had to be. I was here to marry his son. And I wasn't sweet at all around Fausto. He hated me.But I was woman enough to admit I was attracted to him. It was the way he moved, the wa
FaustSOMETHING TOLD ME she was going to run away.I knew that the wedding dress, combined with what Francesca saw in the dungeon, would overwhelm her and force her hand. I was looking forward to the challenge, actually. She had no chance of escaping, but it would be fun to see how she tried.I continued working until late at night. As usual, guards patrolled outside and two men monitored the security feeds. There was a complex system of tunnels that connected the castle to hideouts in the surrounding mountains, and if he found them he could penetrate deep into the forest. Although she couldn't run away, it would take us some time to find her.She was unaware of this option, fortunately, and I wanted it to stay that way.Giulio had returned an hour ago. Francesca would wait until she assumed everyone was asleep before making her attempt. Which meant any minute now…I was checking out a contract we had secured for a government building when I heard the floor above me creak. Oh yes. The
FrancescaTHIS WAS INSANE . It was as if he was seducing me to kill him.His voice, rough and low, filled the car and my head, drawing me deeper into his web. I was mesmerized, not scared, which worried me.You're definitely not a good girl, Francesca.Was that why I didn't fight when Ravazzani's soldier pushed me back into the car? Or why my stomach dropped when Ravazzani himself showed up to rescue me from the police?Was that why my panties were soaked now?No, I couldn't let it be true. I had to stay strong and remember that I wanted a normal life. The life my mother wanted for her daughters. I wasn't turned on by this man or the violence he represented.I pushed his shoulder, which I couldn't help but notice was hard and strong, and gave him the gun back. —Stop fucking with my head.Smiling, he put some distance between us and pocketed the gun. I hated that smug look on his face. — Don't think for a second that this proves anything. I'm not stupid enough to shoot you when I know
My entire body sagged with relief, so happy that tears welled up in my eyes. - I am fine. I'm in Italy.— Dad told us what happened. We are worried. Are you really marrying that man's son?— No. It's complicated. — I didn't want to say anything more than that, just in case. -How are you doing? How is Gia?- We are fine. I'm trying to make progress in my AP chemistry class this summer, so I'm a mess.I smiled. Emma took school very seriously. She was the smartest person I knew. — That's good, but don't forget to enjoy your break too.— I will, but this is more important. I want to get into a good... — She bit off the word, but it stayed there between us, unspoken.I swallowed hard. Once I also wanted to get into a good school. — You will, Em. You will. Is Gia around?“Yes.” I could hear her moving around, probably walking to Gia's room. —But before I let you go, tell me. Are you hurt? Are they mistreating you? Because I'm going to tell Dad and he's going to come get you.I pressed my f
FaustFour and a half years laterThe door handle rattled, followed by a thud. More rattling.When Marco started to rise from his chair, I raised my hand. “Wait,” I muttered and hid my smile.A few seconds later, my office door opened and the beautiful face of my two-year-old daughter, Noemi, appeared. She walked in like she was in charge. — Papa! Zio Marco! Mom says it's time to come.I pushed away from the table and patted my lap. — Polpetta! I've been waiting for you. Come, give me hugs and kisses.— Oh, me first! — Marco took my daughter before she couldreached the table and turned it around. She screamed in pleasure, her short blonde curls flying.When he pulled her to her feet, she smiled and staggered. - I am dizzy.I gave him a second to get his bearings. — Now can I have my hugs and kisses?She ran over and jumped on top of me, squirming in my lap. Naomi was aggressive and energetic, just like her brother. And your mother, now that I think about it.Noemi stayed on my thighs
FrancescaI was worried the whole time he was gone.When Fausto was ready to return, I walked back and forth in the entrance while Nestor leaned against the wall, watching me. He didn't leave my side during my husband's absence, except when I used the bathroom. I knew this was to keep me safe, but I preferred to have Faust's gaze on me.After scolding me for scratching the entrance tile, Zia dragged me into the kitchen to order chicken in lemon sauce and a portion of roasted eggplant. She had a tartufo for dessert, which reminded me of Giulio and our dinner when I was first in Siderno. I started to tear myself apart.Zia shook her head at me. - He is better. He's a good boy, but he never liked this life, not like he should to lead. Your child will take over when the time is right.That was a conversation for another day. There was no way I was deciding my son's fate like that. I didn't care what Fausto said—our children would make their own decisions.“It's the hormones,” I told her.
In fact, I couldn't wait to sit down again. But instead I took a walk around the large hall where the round table was set up. I shook hands, kissed cheeks, slapped backs, and acted like I hadn't almost been murdered three weeks ago. Someone gave me a Campari and soda, and I saw it was Marco. I sent him a grateful look and drank half the cocktail in one go.Inside the room were members of La Provincia , the control council. The only person missing was Enzo D'Agostino. It was smart of him not to show up, because I would have strangled him right away.Finally all the leaders sat down, with our men behind us. I was sandwiched between the dons of Reggio Calabria and Platì, both men I knew well.Pasquale Borghese was the capo crimine, also the diplomat and mediator of the group, which is why he initiated the meeting. — Signori, let's begin, as we are all anxious to return home. Some more than others.— Yes, the ones with girlfriends! — Someone shouted, making everyone laugh.Borghese raised
FrancescaI couldn't stop crying.Five of us were gathered in the lobby, surrounded by three suitcases. Fausto was standing, leaning on a cane, with Zia and Marco nearby. Giulio and I stood to the side, near the luggage, and his arms were around me as I sobbed into his probably very expensive shirt. There was nothing more to be said. I had pushed for this result, I hoped it would happen, but it hurt.Giulio was the most composed of all of us, which was understandable. After all, it was his decision to leave. Fausto gave him a choice and Giulio eagerly seized the opportunity. Now he would begin a new chapter in his life as an entirely different person. When he walked out this door, he was no longer the Ravazzani heir. Not a Ravazzani, actually.And I would never see him again.I hated it, but I understood the reasons why he couldn't live happily here. And really, that was better for Giulio, that was all that mattered.When he broke the news to me, I heard the excitement in his voice abo
I looked at my wife's beautiful face, letting the tranquility she instilled in me settle into my bones. Then I pointed to the phone. When it started ringing, Marco put it on speaker and placed it under the table.“There,” said a voice, weaker than usual, but stronger than it should have been.— Enzo, come stai ? How are you feeling?— I've never been better, Fausto. But enough about me. I heard you're not well.- I am fine. Stronger than a bull. It's a shame you can't stay longer.- Yes well. Thank you for your generous hospitality. I'll have to see how I can reciprocate.“There's no need for that,” I said. — It was truly my pleasure.— Maybe you can come visit me next time. His wife seemed to like the beach house.I closed my eyes and took a deep breath through my nostrils. My wife's delicate fingers touched my hand, telling me to stay calm, so I said, “Last I heard your beach house was destroyed.Everything can be rebuilt, don't worry. Congratulations on your wedding, by the way.—
FaustI was too weak for the dungeon steps, so I instructed Marco to bring Vic to my new hospital room upstairs. In the middle of the night, they dragged him and threw him onto a plastic sheet spread out on the floor next to my bed. He groaned and winced, his broken and bloody body shaking in pain.Go well. That pleased me.— Can you hear me, pezzo di shit ?When Vic didn't respond, Giulio kicked him in the ribs. Vic gasped a few times, and after he calmed down, I replied: — Answer me.— Yes... Don... Ravazzani.—Know this, Vic Benedetti. I will make an example of you. They will whisper about the horrors of his death for years to come. You will suffer, coglione . You will suffer for spitting in the face of my trust and for what happened to my wife. The wife and sisters you were trying to protect from D'Agostino? They receive nothing from me after their death, noreven my protection.“No, please,” he panted. - Please.— He put a gun in my wife's mouth. A weapon. In my wife's mouth! — I
FaustI didn't sleep much that night.Lost in thought, I watched Francesca on the bed in the corner, the even rise and fall of her chest as she slept. A son. I hadn't lied when I said I preferred a daughter. Children brought a lot of headaches, a lot of worry. I did everything I could to mold Giulio into the man who would lead my family, but I failed. He did not want.You have to let Giulio choose.Two weeks ago, before I was shot, I wouldn't have cared about your feelings. He was the Ravazzani heir with a duty to me, to the family, and his wishes didn't matter.But I could no longer say that this was still the case.As I bled on the sidewalk, I thought about those I was leaving behind, including Giulio. My good boy, who only argued with me once, and it was because of his lover, Paulo. He would do whatever I asked, even at the expense of his own happiness. But did I want that life for him?I hated my own father, who never showed any consideration for my thoughts or feelings. We weren'
FrancescaThe nurse was in Fausto's room, reading his vital signs, when I entered. His heart machine started beeping like crazy when he saw me.— Ma che cazzo ? — Faust murmured.— Hello, husband. — I walked to the bed, ignoring the dark look he sent me. — How is he today, Angela?—Much better, signora. No sign of infection and he is regaining his energy.- Oh good. — I smiled at him and leaned over to kiss his cheek, which was now covered in whiskers. —Ciao, baby.Fausto was absurdly attractive when he was clean-shaven, but that was nothing compared to how hot he looked with a beard. There were even some gray hairs in his beard, which gave him a dad vibe that I definitely liked. I would beg him to keep some facial hair when he felt willing to play with me again.You shouldn't be here,” he said when the nurse left.—And yet here I am.— I should call Marco and have him lock you in the dungeon.— But you won't because they are busy with other things that are more important than me.—No
FaustI almost got killed. Again.This time, however, it was different. The other attempts on my life were botched, easily avoided. Except for the car bomb, I saw them coming.The shooter took me by surprise. I didn't expect a coordinated attack to facilitate Enzo's escape. I suppose I should have—he knew it was me or him, that one of us would end up dead—but I was shot in the street like an infantryman. In front of my wife.What was I thinking?I had been careless, which was unforgivable. She was carrying my son. Nothing mattered more than the two of them, along with Giulio. I should have stood my ground and made Francesca cancel the appointment. Instead, I let her manipulate me to get what she wanted.I wouldn't make that mistake again.Conscience once again tugged at me and forced me to wake up. My brain swam toward the sounds until my eyelids fluttered. I expected to see the beautiful face of my wife, who spent the night here with me, but Marco was there. It was the first time he