Francesca“ I THINK MY ASS IS SUNBURNED ,” I said as we walked back to the stables.He smiled, looking very pleased with himself. And why wouldn't he? I had just fucked him stupidly in a pasture under some olive trees. Between my legs was a sticky mess, but it was worth it.— Or maybe you're red from the spanking I gave you last night.Right. Of course, he would remember that.I smiled and tilted my face toward the sun. It was hot, but there was a pleasant breeze, which Fausto said was coming from the sea.Today was one of the best days in a long time. I loved getting back on horseback, and Fausto explained the different terrains and the animals they raised while we rode. Your knowledge of the property never failed to impress me. It was clear he loved the land, and from the stories he told, he obviously spent a lot of time here.We had stopped to eat something, which Fausto took from a bag tied to the horse. There were olives and figs, sausages and cheeses. And one of Zia's sweets, be
FrancescaI WAS WALKING IN MY ROOM , on the verge of hysteria, when Giulio came back from the pharmacy.“Here,” he said, handing me the bag. — I bought five, exactly as you asked.- Thanks. I'm sure it's nothing. It has to be stress.Giulio raised his palms. — I don't know anything about a woman's cycle, but I think you should check it out. Just to keep you calm, right?I swallowed. - I know. You will be?- It is clear. Go. Let's check together.I went into the bathroom and opened the first box. The instructions seemed simple enough. Hold the stick in the pee, let it sit, and read the results. Maybe I should do two tests, just to be sure.With shaking hands, I unwrapped another box and opened the paper on the stick. Holding them both, I sat down and peed, making sure to get each stick thoroughly wet. So I put them on the counter, cleaned them up and called Giulio.He entered carefully, as if he were afraid of scaring me.- Ready?— Set your phone's timer for five minutes. Then we will
FaustI WOKE UP FIRST .Francesca slept next to me, her delicious body pressed to my side. Even though she was angry, she wanted to be close to me.I hadn't lied—I wasn't unhappy with this child. I always wanted to have more children, but Lucia and I never had the time before she was killed. So I never found the right maintainer to trust with raising a child. But I trusted Francesca. As furious as she was now, I had seen her with Lamborghini and the other animals. She had a kind heart. She would be an excellent mother.My dick thickened just thinking about her round belly and swollen breasts. My son's stretch marks growing inside her. I couldn't wait to worship her in her hand and foot. Zia would also be thrilled. My aunt loved babies.Clearly, my stubborn piccola monella wasn't going to get into that situation easily. She would fight it, keep demanding to go back to Toronto. I had to convince her to stay – for her sake and the baby's sake. I would not make my unborn child upset by di
FrancescaWHEN I WENT DOWN FOR BREAKFAST , I found Zia in the kitchen. Fausto had retired to his office an hour ago, and Giulio was probably still sleeping.“Buongiorno, la nipote,” she said, giving me a mischievous halftime smile.What did that word mean? Pregnant lover? Stupid woman who forgot her birth control and let a mob king get her pregnant?With Zia, it was hard to tell. The cunning old woman.I went and kissed her cheek. — Buongiorno, Zia.When I tried to make a cup of espresso, she slapped my hand away. — La caffeina does male al bambino.— There, Zia. I need coffee. — I pointed to the espresso machine. - Please? — I put my hands together as if I was praying and squeezed them, begging. I could die if she didn't let me have coffee.— No. Faust's baby. — She pointed to my belly, as if I needed a reminder.Pouting, I fell onto a stool. - How did you know? — When she frowned, I thought about the Italian I learned. — Come... sapere... bambino? — Sapere, — was the verb, — to know
FaustI SPENT the next few days packing things for Francesca.She presented me with a list of things she needed immediately, like an obstetrician. The doctor, who was said to be the best in Calabria, would see her from next week. Meanwhile, they recommended prenatal vitamins, which I asked Marco to pick up at the pharmacy.Francesca's list also included healthy foods, pasteurized cheese and decaffeinated espresso. Comfortable clothes and belly lotion. Pregnancy and morning sickness relief books.I bought everything and rushed delivery. Whatever my piccolina needed, she would have it.She seemed to accept having the baby. I knew she was working on her list of conditions for our legal agreement, which I would have drawn up and signed. There was nothing I would refuse her as long as it kept her happy.I really looked forward to the cravings and back rubs. Feeling my son move inside her womb. Watching her breasts grow as they prepared to produce milk.I was the luckiest man in Italy.Of c
FrancescaI WAS GOING to my old room when Giulio ran down the hall, head down. “Hey, G,” I called as I closed the door. -You wanted?He looked up and I saw tears streaming down his face. — Not now, Frankie.When he tried to dodge me to get into his room, I held out my hand to stop the door from closing. I slipped inside as he fell onto the bed, face first. - What is wrong?— You will stay by his side. You're practically his wife.He had a fight with Fausto, obviously. — Except I'm not and never will be. So what happened?Giulio whispered: —He found out, Frankie.I knew immediately what he was talking about. I threw myself onto the mattress. - Oh shit. As?- I don't know. I was always very careful.- What did he say?— That I have to break up with Paulo. If I don't do this, he said he would kill Paulo.What the fuck? I took a deep breath, my hands reaching out to steady myself on the bed. —Was he serious?— My father doesn't joke, not about murder. He was very serious.And this man was
FaustEVERYONE in my house hated me.It had been two weeks and Giulio still hadn't spoken to me, his eyes filled with sadness and disgust. Zia was furious that I had sent Francesca away. I couldn't tell her why, except to say that Francesca had cheated on me. Zia replied that it was nonsense, that Francesca was in love with me and I had ruined everything with my temper.I didn't have the courage to correct her.Even Marco seemed to tiptoe around me, acting as if I were a volcano that could erupt at any moment.Maybe I was a little on edge, but it wasn't allowed? I was the most important man in Calabria, perhaps in all of Italy, and I had a secretly gay son and a cheating gold digger pregnant with my child. I increased the speed on my treadmill and my legs started to burn. I had already logged an hour running and wasn't sure how much longer I could continue.But I couldn't stop until I was exhausted. It was the only way I could sleep.I had removed all traces of her from the house. I f
FrancescaTHE TERM—MORNING SICKNESS —was a lie, no doubt invented by a man to give the impression that it wasn't so bad. New news for women everywhere: it was horrible.I rolled over and grabbed another ginger candy. While these little golden ovals didn't eliminate the nausea, they definitely reduced it. And pregnant beggars didn't have a choice.After sucking on the candy for a few moments, I felt ready to get up.Do not wait. Not so fast.I fell back down and closed my eyes. I hated it. I hated being in Italy. I hated being a woman. I hated being pregnant.And I really hated this baby's father.I no longer referred to him by name. He was -my baby's father- or -il Diavolo- whenever I had to mention him in conversation. Which didn't happen often, considering Giulio and my sisters were the only people I spoke to.At least the beach was beautiful. The house was predictably beautiful, right on the water, with large, airy rooms and expensive furniture. If I had to be a prisoner, at least
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