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Chapter 25
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The Life The Beginning Chapter 26
DRACO Right! So that's how it is. "Thanks, I don't have to tell you that this conversation goes no further than here. Keep me posted." "Sure unc, see you in a little bit." I hung up the phone and sat in contemplation. My son keeps me on my damn toes. The boy, for all that he's not of my blood, thinks and acts like me. Still, it's hell trying to stay one step ahead of him because there's also another side of him that I'm not privy to. For that, I go to his best friend, the person I know he trusts most after me. I don't do it to hinder or hamper him in any way but to protect. It's the only way I know to keep him safe. As a man, I respect my son's privacy, but as a father, I can't afford to be that magnanimous; the stakes are too high. I've been feeling like the clock is running out since his eighteenth birthday, but now this new wrinkle just might change the playing field. Lance didn't know much, but what little he shared is enough for me to go on for now. Gabe does not do things
The Life The Beginning Chapter 27
GABRIEL "Her name is Gia. So how come you call her Gianna?" "Because…just drop it. And that's a poor imitation of me if that's what you were going for." At least he'd waited until we were alone before starting his shit. The girls were walking ahead of us back to the house, and I guess he'd held it in for as long as he could. "Where's Uncle Marvin?" "He went ahead inside, probably lecturing unc about something or another." No doubt! Either that or they're debating something that they won't ever see eye to eye on. That's usually the way when those two get together: the Anglican priest and the catholic scholar. "Hey, what's for dinner?" His freaking mind flits around more than a two-year-old on meds. "How the hell should I know? Do I look like the cook?" "Hmm, let me guess since I'm Aunt Sophie's favorite nephew…" "You're her only nephew." "Semantics, don't interrupt. Now let me see since she invited us, and she knows my favorite food, I'm thinking chicken
The Life The Beginning Chapter 28
VICTORIA Gianna, why does he keep calling her that? I hate the sound of it; it's too flowery, too pretty. I thought mom had gotten rid of it a long time ago; even dad had stopped using it after a while. Now hearing Gabriel Russo say it makes me feel like my head will explode. I bit my tongue to keep the scream that I've been holding in since he walked through the door with her inside. I've spent the last few hours in torment, wondering what they were doing and trying to make sense of what was going on. Now he's holding her hand and talking about her like she's something special. My heart is pounding hard with anger, but all I can do is clench my fists as I watch him saying something quietly to her at the door before leaving. I didn't feel butterflies of excitement in my chest this time when he looked at me over her head. There was no mistaking that look this time, no need to second guess his message this time around. If there weren't a wall behind me, I would've fallen to the flo
The Life The Beginning Chapter 29
GABRIEL "Are you meditating? We don't have time for that; we need to leave earlier than usual today, no?" I finished my breathing exercise before opening my eyes. My gaze fell on the vast expanse of manicured lawn and the garden in the distance before turning to look at them in the doorway. "Sorry, were you done?" Anna was hopping from one leg to the next, which meant she was chomping at the bit about something or the other. "Good morning. What brings you two here?" My voice was in direct contrast to her overly excited one. "And why are you two dressed so early?" From the position of the sun, I knew they were at least an hour ahead of schedule. Every other morning they'd still be figuring out what to wear or how to do their hair at this time. "Aren't we picking Gia up for school?" "I wasn't planning on it." Yeah, I was but heck if I'm owning up to that. "Well, change of plans, brother. By the way, we've already spoken to dad about this weekend; he promised to take care of i
The Life The Beginning Chapter 30
GABRIEL I always forget how beautiful she is, and I'm never ready for that jolt to the heart I feel when I see her. She came out of the door between my sisters, and the sunlight bathed her hair in that way it did the first time I saw her. What is it about that sight that makes me feel so shaken? Nothing in my life has ever moved my heart one way or the other, not since I learned the truth about my conception, but this girl... Why? I snapped out of it by the time they reached the truck, and once again, the twins who'd fight to the death for the front seat gladly gave it up without pause. She's nervous, hiding it well, but her shaking hands that she clasped in her lap gave it away. She almost fell out when I reached around her and pulled her seatbelt to snap it in place. "Good morning, Gianna!" She must be wondering why I was looking at her head so strangely. I took the chance while I was that close to check for signs of trauma from her hair being pulled but, finding none sat back
The Life The Beginning Chapter 31
DRACO "Fontane, you made it. I hope I haven't made things difficult for you, calling you here on such short notice." Average! Not bad looking, but the eyes look worn, and there's a slight sloop to the shoulders. His smile, though, is sincere. "Not at all, forgive me for saying it, but I've always wanted to see the inside of this place. From the outside, it looks like something from the movies but inside is even better." He looked down at the smooth shine of the white Statuario marble with the painting of a family at play in a garden with something approaching awe. The pope has the Sistine chapel, Sophia Russo has Van Helten. "I'll tell my wife you like what she's done with the place." I walked him to the downstairs study since I didn't know him well enough to take him deeper into my home. "Have a seat." I gestured to one of the two chairs across from my desk. Nervous! Even when I cloak what I truly am, it's still hard for some men not to sense or feel. I've been told it's like
The Life The Beginning Chapter 32
GABRIEL That evening when we got home from school, I made my excuses and went to take care of my business. "Where're you going? Aren't you going to hang out with us?" Anna stepped in my way to block me. "You two have Tai Chi in half an hour; take Gianna to the training room with you." I didn't look at Gianna before heading for the stairs. She must think I'm a real asshole right about now since I haven't said two words to her since picking her up from her class and all the way on the ride home. I know the twins picked up on my cold indifference and overcompensated by talking even more than usual; that's why they're both giving me death glares now. Whatever! I don't see what the big deal is; it's not like she talks any damn way. I stomped into my room and slammed the door behind me, locking it to keep out unwanted guests—namely, two Italian spitfires who hate when shit isn't going their way. By the time I reached the walk-in closet, I realized I was pissed at her. The ang
The Life The Beginning Chapter 33
GABRIEL Dinner that night was more boisterous than the one before, with Sheila in the mix. The conversation centered around either the upcoming weekend trip or what Sheila had planned, the non-X-rated version for which I was grateful. I'd walked in on her regaling Ma with her exploits maybe once or twice before learning my lesson. She toned it down to partying with her friends in the city and doing some shopping instead of debauchery and mayhem. There was lots of laughter and familial ribaldry; no one was left out. I realized something that I'd taken for granted for years, the ease with which both Sheila and Lance fit in with the rest of us. There is no real difference in the way Pop treats Sheila compared to Ma and the twins or any other female in the family. At the dinner table, she's not an employee, not that she is at any other time. She wasn't even a friend, she's family, and the reason I was paying attention to all this is because of Gianna's reaction to the scene. She lo
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The Life The Beginning Chapter 43
GABRIEL "How do you know where I went? You keeping tabs on me?" "Lance." He rolled his eyes and looked around the room, stalling for time, no doubt. "How'd you know that clown was at the door?" "Okay-okay, the girls forgot to tell him not to show up here after your talk with them last night. They only remembered when the doorbell rang and signaled me to follow you." That was enough of an explanation for me since I never doubt his word. Doubt not the man you choose to be your friend. I didn't ask him anything more because if there was something important, he would've told me. Instead, we left to go join the others. I was a bit torn after that little dustup about leaving her, but there was something I needed to do. Only Pop was downstairs waiting when we made it back. "Where's everyone?" "Women, they're still getting dressed. I think they're making a fuss over Gia." "A fuss over Gianna, what do you mean?" "Calm down; they're just getting her dressed." I didn't know if I
The Life The Beginning Chapter 42
GABRIEL Lance hounded me the whole night until I was ready to kick him out of my room. But then he let slip that the twins had already gabbed, so what was the point? I couldn't even be mad or seek retribution; after all, I'm the one who taught them when they were about six or seven that he was to be trusted. In the end, he came to his own conclusions, which apparently all led to him being right, and I was just steps away from getting hitched. I finally told him I was tired and took back one of my pillows to cover my head to escape him. I think he was still lecturing me when I finally drifted off. In the morning, we went downstairs to a madhouse. There were boxes of food covering the kitchen counter, the girls were talking a mile a minute with excitement, and even Gianna looked like there was some life in her. I was still too unsure of myself to face her, so I focused on the extravagance of food and the culprit responsible. "Pop, what did you do now again?" He looked over from h
The Life The Beginning Chapter 41
GABRIEL As expected, the twins were still up rehashing the night's events when I walked into their room after leaving Pop. "Hey, big brother, what's up?" Nice try! "What's with the uninvited guests?" "It was Sheila's idea, ask her. You know how impatient she is." Anna was quick to explain. "Impatient about what?" "Nothing, look, they're going to be at the party in a few weeks; everyone just thought it would be a nice icebreaker for Gia to meet them tonight, so by the night of the party, they'd be like old friends." Who the fuck is everyone? I keep forgetting that I've taught my sisters everything I know, but I get the feeling they're using that shit on me. "Are you two running game on me?" "Never, who would dare? You'd just beat us at it anyway." Uh-huh. "Do me a favor, don't do anything where she's concerned without running it by me first." They both rushed to agree, but that wasn't good enough. If it were, we wouldn't be here. "Eh, look at me, both of you." I waited
The Life The Beginning Chapter 40
GABRIEL The ride home was a testament to my patience and the love I bear my family. As soon as everyone climbed into the limo, the twins went on some kind of campaign. "Ooh, Gia, you were a hit. The guys couldn't stop asking about you. I got you their num…bers. Give them to you later." Anna changed her tune after I gave her a death glare. Thank heavens the conversation changed to something less annoying, and I was able to keep my cool until we reached the mansion. "For heaven's sake, Gabe unhand the girl." Rosa tried to get in between us once inside, but I thwarted her. "I'll see you and your sister after I get Gianna settled." "Uh, okay." So damn obvious. Now I think it's those two who forgot that I taught them everything they know. I walked Gianna upstairs to the guestroom, and she was dragging. Not used to late nights, I guess. "You tired?" "No, I'm too excited to sleep. You?" "I'm fine. Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll stay until you fall asleep." Yeah, beca
The Life The Beginning Chapter 39
GABRIEL "Let's go, people. We can't always be the last ones walking in everywhere we go." Lance grabbed the twins leaving me to take Gianna's arm to follow. "You don't know why they like to be late?" He gave me a look like I was stupid over his shoulder. Of course, he knows; he knows them as well as I do. "How else are we going to show off this?" Anna did a flourishing wave of her hand up and down her body clad in a black and gold evening gown that came to her knees. Of course, Rosa was dressed the same, the two of them a perfect accompaniment, to the more grownup style of Gianna's gown. Jewelry, I forgot to get her some. She wore a pair of diamond and sapphire studs that I was sure belonged to one of my sisters and a choker to match that went well with her eyes. I would've gone with D-Grade ice diamonds; flower petal-shaped maybe. Her eyes are the only colored gems she needs as far as I'm concerned. Besides, are we at the jewelry buying stage? The ass walking ahead of me wou
The Life The Beginning Chapter 38
GIANNA "Breathe, Gia, breathe; he's gone." The twins surrounded me as if they thought I really was going to pass out, which may not be far from the truth. I'm not sure what's making my heart race faster, the way he looked at me, or the way he looks in a tux. "Come, sit." My legs were still rubbery from that kiss on the forehead. I could still feel the light pressure of his lips against my skin. They led me to the bed, and I plopped down since my knees were barely holding me up at this point. They've been like that ever since I walked into my borrowed room to find the mountain of shopping bags waiting for me there. Since Gabriel was the only one to leave the house, there was little doubt that he was responsible, and the realization had filled me with a warmth so intense it took my breath away. I'd been both embarrassed and pleased that he'd done it, and when I finally opened the bags and saw what he'd bought, I could've cried. Beautiful dresses and skirts, blouses made of the fine
The Life The Beginning Chapter 37
GABRIEL My family should change their name from Russo to Obvious. Everyone did their best to ensure that Gianna and I ended up next to each other, which turned out to be a good thing. "You're afraid of flying." She had a death grip on the seat arm, and we hadn't even left the ground yet. She turned wide uncertain eyes my way. "I've never flown before. Mom and I used to take the train to the city, or sometimes dad would drive us." I reached into my bag for my iPod and wireless headphones and placed them over her ears. "Close your eyes, just listen to the music, don't think about anything else." I covered her clenched fingers with mine and rested my head back against the seat. "Close them!" I felt more than saw her open her eyes to look out the window. It was the tension in her fingers that gave her away. "Ready?" I felt her nod and pressed play on the iPod where I'd left it earlier. I wasn't surprised to feel her start to relax, but then there was a different kind of tension comin
The Life The Beginning Chapter 36
GABRIEL I don't expect them to listen; more importantly, I don't want them to. I want them to fight me on this so I can destroy them at will and get this shit over and done. They can have no way of knowing that whether they listen or not this time, they're still going to pay for the tears she shed today and every tear she shed before we met on account of them. The best course of action was to give them over to my sisters for now, until my anger cools enough that I can think of something other than putting a bullet in each of them. I've had years to channel the anger against Ricci and tame it into some semblance of order. But her shit was just sprung on me out of nowhere, and there's no time to plan the way I'd like to. That doesn't mean that I'm going to let it end there, though. I'm just going to let the twins start shit off, give myself time to be rational again. Maybe they'll wish for death by the time I get through with them, who knows, but I know there's no way I'm letting t
The Life The Beginning Chapter 35
GABRIEL After my little talk with Pop, I was still nowhere near close to being calm, but I was able to speak without grinding my teeth. "You can call him, let him know she's fine, but it's going to be a while before I can get to him. I've gotta get back to her; she should be finished with her bath by now." I started to leave to go back to her. I've been nervous the whole time away from her, something else that's new. I don't do nervous energy. "By the way, I've got the guys working on fixing the door." It took me a second to figure out what he was talking about. "It might be a wasted effort." "What do you mean?" "There's no need for a door if the house is no longer standing." He muttered the word ‘fuck' under his breath, but I heard him all the same. I wasn't interested in hiding my anger this time, wasn't in the mood to wear the mask of tranquility that usually shields my inner thoughts. In fact, I haven't handled any of this with my usual practical calm. Even as
