La Sposa Page 10

  “You already are. Besides, I haven’t had you to myself for days. The dress has kept us separated. My patience is short.”

  She chuckled.

  “I have to go into Napoli for a few hours and I will be back. We will celebrate together.”

  “A few hours? You sure?” she yawned.

  He brushed his lips over her neck and she giggled at the tickle of his unshaven skin. His hands went to the tie of her robe. She tried to stop him but with one tug, it loosened, and her robe fell open. God help her, but she couldn’t have sex. Her body couldn’t handle his aggressive manner now. Giovanni lifted his head and his gaze lowered to the unveiling.

  “Do you know that we haven’t made love since my trip to Bologna? Why is that, Bella?”

  She closed her robe. “Our schedules, and that wonderful massage you gave me. I guess we haven’t found the time.”

  “I’ll be home tonight.” His gaze lifted and connected with hers. “We will make time.”

  And then his lips met hers and the love in her heart for him set her body aflame. He spoke naughty words of desire in Italian, which smothered into mumbles through the passionate kiss his tongue swept hers up into. He eased a hand inside her robe and ran it over her neatly trimmed mound. And when he tugged on her pubic hair, as if testing the length, a jolt of pleasure stabbed her clitoris and warmed her channel. She breathed through his kiss, her lids fluttering as his middle finger then began to stroke between the folds of her sex. She rose on her toes to meet his kiss, refusing to let him go. It dawned on her that tomorrow, she would be his wife. Everything would change for her. And she intended to rest up for her wedding night.

  Mira stopped his hand before he slipped his finger inside of her. She turned her mouth from his. “Don’t you have to go?”

  “I can stay a little longer.” He breathed against her ear, and then kissed the top of her head. “I miss you. Whatever it is they have oiled your skin with is making me crazy.”

  “The ladies are out there. I have to get my hair done and… I’m tired.”

  He lifted her chin. “We’ll celebrate tonight.”

  She nodded.

  She saw his reluctance as he drew away. He tasted his finger that had been naughtily exploring her below and she blushed. Giovanni winked and walked out. Mira closed her robe, steadying her breathing. She felt as if she was on the verge of an adventure. A wave of nausea made her sway, and she found a seat in time. She sat with her face in her hands for several minutes waiting, for her body to stabilize.

  “Mira!” Catalina walked in. “My brother forced his way in didn’t he? He won’t listen to any of them. I’m the only one besides you that can tell him no,” she smiled.

  “He just wanted to say bye. He has business in Naples. He’ll be back soon.”

  “I just spoke to Dominic. Is it true? Are you sending me to America?” Catalina walked toward her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  With all the back and forth between her and Giovanni regarding her company and control over it, she forgot to even talk with Catalina about her plans. She patted the seat next to her for Catalina to sit. “You have talent. These past few days I could have never gotten through making my dress without you.”

  “But I didn’t do much. I just modeled, cut fabric, and sewed beads.”

  Mira shook her head. “No. You found the lace I needed without being asked. You made suggestions on the bodice that I wouldn’t have considered without your insight. And you took care of getting my sewing material returned. It was a relief to have you managing tasks in ways that kept me focused. You sell yourself short because it all comes to you naturally.” Mira relaxed into the sofa. Catalina sat upright with eyes bright and alert. “It’s proof that you have potential to do much more. I’m going to marry your brother tomorrow, and things are going to change for you and me. No longer will Melanzana be your responsibility. And when you marry Domi, you’ll have a home and life of your own. Now is the time to become more if you wish to. To accomplish something all on your own.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Catalina put a hand to her heart and tears brimmed in her eyes.

  Mira patted Catalina’s knee. “With your help, I plan to take my company back. How does that sound?”

  “Wonderful!” Catalina said, with a clap of her hands together. “Thank you for trusting me, believing in me. I can’t imagine how wonderful our lives will be together.”

  Mira laughed. She found her second wind and felt vibrant again. “Me either. I truly had abandoned my passion after Fabiana died. But not anymore.”

  “Wait? Giovanni is going to allow this? Mira this doesn’t sound like him. He’s really spoiled and sometimes selfish. Look at his behavior today. We have to travel, meet with celebrities, you will be so busy.”

  Mira bristled a bit, but covered it in her smile. “It’s not that glamorous. A lot of the work can be done right here. And don’t worry, your brother and I have an understanding. Let me worry about keeping him spoiled and happy.”

  “Sometimes I can’t believe he found someone like you. I prayed that he’d have someone to love. Now he does. It would make my mother so happy to know he has you.”

  Mira smiled. “Grazie, Catalina. I’m so fond of you, and we’ll show them how strong we both are. Right?”

  “Right.” She nodded.

  “What’s even more important is Giovanni and I agree on this path for you. We both want to see you blossom into your own woman. I have a friend in America. We call him Teddy. He’s going to meet with you and Domi. He’ll go over all the inner workings of my company and let you train on projects already underway. I want you to study the project plans, ask questions, and learn as much as you can. When you come back, we’ll talk. Okay?”

  “Grazie!”

  Rosetta walked in. She stopped at the scene of Mira and Catalina embracing. “I tried to keep Giovanni out but he insisted. Everything okay?” she asked.

  Catalina let Mira go. She dropped her hands to her hips. On her face she wore a sly smile that made Mira frown with worry. “I’m going to America,” she announced. “To manage Mirabella’s. I intend to become a fashion designer.”

  Mira blinked, shocked. That wasn’t exactly what she told Catalina. Rosetta paled. She truly looked dejected. And Mira supposed that was the reason for Catalina’s performance.

  “Catalina, can you see where Eve is? Bring her to me.”

  “But you have to get your facial and pedicure.” Catalina objected.

  “Time for a break. Bring her to me. I need to see her.”

  Catalina nodded, tossed her cousin another glare and walked out. Mira stood. “Rosetta, what is it between you and Catalina? This constant bickering?”

  “Is she really going to work for you? In America? Are you going to let her design clothes?”

  “I—”

  “Can I work for you too? I had intended to ask Giovanni if I could stay here. But now that you’re going to marry him, Zia said it was your decision to make. I can cook, I’m good with math. I can help you, like I did with the dress.”

  “I’ll consider it if you help me understand why you and Catalina are constantly fighting?”

  Conflict deepened the worried state of Rosetta. She began to pace. Zia said they needed to bond. But it was strange to Mira since they have known each other since they were children. The bonding should have happened years ago. “It’s not my fault. How she was treated in the family. Not my fault. When we were little, the cousins and I teased her. We did things that were mean. But that’s what children do. Catalina has never forgiven us. The other cousins aren’t allowed to come here. I only think Catalina lets me come so she can rub in my face how nice her life is.”

  Mira heaved a deep sigh. “Go on.”

  “You do know that Catalina’s mother never married her father. He has a wife and she lives in Palermo to this day. Catalina and Giovanni aren’t legitimate heirs but they have all this. They aren’t even true Sicilian. For some people this makes them… unwort
hy.”

  Mira went to the door and shut it. She turned and faced Rosetta. “Let’s get something straight. I don’t want to ever hear you make that reference to them again. It’s an insult to my family. If you have these views then why would you want to come work here?”

  “I… ah?”

  “Exactly. You have no reason except this petty jealousy between you two. Do you not realize that my children will be less Sicilian than their father and I’m not Sicilian at all? You’re asking to be part of a family you have contempt for.”

  “No! That’s not my intent. I am sorry. I wasn’t trying to offend.”

  “But you have.”

  Rosetta lowered her head in shame. “It’s hard. Trying to understand so much when you haven’t seen or done much. All I know is my life at home. The things I was taught. Here, Catalina can do whatever she wants to do without any question. I thought that here I can change too. I can grow.”

  Mira looked her over with suspicion. “If you want to stay here, then you need to put all of your prejudices behind you.”

  “I have!” Rosetta perked up.

  “Prove it.” Mira said.

  “How?”

  “Make up with Catalina. Find a way to coexist.”

  “She hates me.” Rosetta protested.

  “Find a way to get over it. Catalina will make the final decision if you can move in. So I suggest you work on your relationship with her now. If you two work together well in this family, then I will consider allowing you to work in my company.”

  Rosetta chewed on her bottom lip. “Va bene. I will do it.”

  Chapter Four

  Festeggiamo – Celebration!

  Only one person in all of Italy supported her cause. And even she rationed her understanding. The truth of Marietta’s family secrets remained beyond her reach. When pressed too hard about the history of her mother and father, Gemma Deluca shut down all communication. Today, she hoped it would be different.

  “Buona sera,” Marietta said, smiling from ear to ear.

  The old man looked up from the counter with a sunbaked face cracked with wrinkles and a balding head with thinning grey hair. His smile stretched from ear to ear.

  “Benvenuta!” he replied.

  He came from around the counter with his arms open for her. He was barely five foot tall. Marietta leaned in so he could kiss her on both cheeks and she could do the same as they embraced. His name was Benito. He was Gemma’s father and many whispered that his age was close to ninety, but he looked no older than seventy. Marietta shrugged off her coat and he helped her with fingers crooked from arthritis. The pastry and candy store didn’t open for another hour. The place was empty, a perfect time for a visit.

  “Is she here?”

  “In the back. Does she expect you today?”

  Marietta winked. Gemma insisted that she not visit her store during the day. She didn’t need the trouble if the Capriccios ever learned they were meeting. But today was an emergency. With her purse pushed up on her shoulder, Marietta walked around the counter and through the swinging double doors, bracing for a tense welcome. She found Gemma covering tarts with lemon yellow frosting. The woman with cinnamon brownish-red hair and sparkling hazel brown eyes, glanced up from her work. Her gaze froze on Marietta.

  “Don’t be upset. I won’t stay long. I just have to talk to you.”

  “I told you not to come here. The Capriccios don’t know that I’ve been helping you. What if someone sees you?”

  “No one did. The store isn’t open. Please, Gemma. Just a few more questions.”

  Gemma swiped her hand in an absentminded gesture across her brow. She was the same age as Mira’s adoptive mother Teresa. But Gemma had discovered the fountain of youth. Many in Chicago called her Sophia because she looked like Sophia Lauren. In her mid-fifties, she had a trim hourglass figure and polished tanned skin with naturally curly brown hair she often straightened and wore pinned from her nape. Gemma threw up her hands and began to shake her fist at the ceiling. Marietta smiled. She remembered Gemma’s temper when she was a child. The woman had spirit, and was always extra nurturing of her when she visited them in Chicago. Months ago, when she discovered the truth of her identity after her original birth certificate was delivered to her home, she called Gemma who confirmed her adoption and gave her a name. Caruso Capriccio. Nothing had been the same since.

  Gemma wiped her hand on her apron. “What is it now?”

  “A man. I met him today. His name is Lorenzo Battaglia.”

  In a flash, the playful smile faded from Gemma’s lips. She went pale. So sudden was her reaction, Marietta hurried over and caught her by the arm to make sure she remained steady on her feet. And thankfully she did. She had to help Gemma take a seat. “Are you okay? Do you need some water?”

  “Where… where did you meet him?”

  “He caught me breaking into Silvio Negali’s office. We only exchanged a few words.”

  “Basta! Listen to me, Marietta. This ends now. The Battaglias are people you don’t want to mess with. Do you understand me? Stay far away from Lorenzo Battaglia.”

  “Wow. That bad? He was kind of smooth.”

  The old woman scoffed. “Smooth? Are you thick in the head, girl? He belongs to the Camorra. Two years and they have murdered and slaughtered innocent people because of the Calderone war. His family is the most powerful in the Campania. His cousin is what some now call Capo di tutti Capi.”

  “The boss of all bosses?” Marietta translated.

  Gemma nodded. “The evilest of all mafia bosses to whom all others defer. He proved himself worthy of this title when he slaughtered everyone under the name Calderone. And do you know why he did this?”

  Marietta was riveted. She shook her head no.

  Gemma sighed. “Some say because he’s a half-breed, only part Sicilian, the other half pure devil. And others think it was a smart power move to take over the triangle which makes up Milan, Turin, and Genoa. Extend the Camorra north. But the ones that know better, say it’s because of that famous black American woman he’s kidnapped. He keeps her locked up in Sorrento. And I hear she had a baby for him too. He’s a psychopath, and next to Lorenzo, a choirboy. Do you understand?”

  “I guess.”

  “Don’t guess girl!” Gemma shouted. “These men have caused so much pain and havoc on friends of mine. Lorenzo is trouble. And so is that bastard Don he serves.”

  “Bastard like me,” Marietta said through her teeth, not taking kindly to the reference of ‘half-breed’. She’d been called that all her life.

  “Not like you. You, Cara, are the best of two flawed people. He is a demon. And the men that follow him are the personification of evil. I can’t explain it any clearer than that. Say you understand!”

  “No. I don’t understand. I don’t understand who my mother was, how my adoptive parents could feed me bullshit for years, that Octavio was my real father when he wasn’t.” Marietta said. “I don’t understand why nothing scares you, but the mention of Lorenzo Battaglia makes you pale with fear. Lorenzo said he has business with David. He said the name, Giuseppe Calderone.”

  “Wait! Lorenzo would never discuss this with you. No one mentions the name Calderone in front of the Battaglias. Where did you get this information? I want the truth!” Gemma narrowed her eyes on Marietta.

  “I overheard it.”

  Gemma closed her eyes and shook her head. “I’m calling your father.”

  “Octavio Leone is not my father!” Marietta shouted. “Caruso Capriccio is. Don’t you dare call him!”

  “You are in over your head. Go home. Leave here.”

  “I can’t. It’s not about the money. You know what I endured with the Leones. How they treated me. My life has been full of holes for too long. I belong anywhere but there.”

  “Caruso is dead. His family owes you nothing, silly girl. The Capriccios didn’t even know you existed. Caruso was as secretive as he was cruel. I of all people should know. You think Octavio was ba
d, you have no idea. You are blessed to be raised outside of his reach. Now that Lorenzo Battaglia has returned, I am warning you to drop whatever you’re thinking. Before it can get much worse. Go home. Forget about all of this, Marietta. Marry a nice man and have babies. Move on with your life.”

  Marietta wiped at her tears. She fingered the tiny gold nameplate she wore as a necklace. “No. I’m not done. Not yet. David, my sisters and brothers, will acknowledge me. It’s all I want. They can have the money if I can have my identity. It’s not just about Caruso. I have a mother out there; a real mother and I want to find her. David and that family might know something. I need this.”

  “Marietta!”

  She didn’t look back. She stormed out. If Gemma wouldn’t help her, then she’d do it on her own. And Lorenzo Battaglia may be the way to get what she needed out of David. She snatched her coat and walked out the door.

  As soon as Marietta was gone, Gemma dashed to her phone. She dialed quickly with shaky fingers. When the woman on the other line answered, she closed her eyes and spoke softly. “It’s out of hand. She is asking about the Battaglias. What? No. I didn’t send her to them. She said she met Lorenzo. What do you want me to do? It’s dangerous. I made a promise to her dead mother, I can’t see her hurt. Yes. Yes. I understand. I pray you know what you are doing. Fine. I’ll wait for your call.”

  Gemma hung up. She remembered the tearful plea Marietta’s mother made the night she helped her escape with just one baby. Now they had come to this day. And she prayed the road she’d put Marietta on, didn’t send her to the same hell her mother wanted to save her from.

  Lorenzo sat in a plastic green chair outside of a rosticceria, a sit down shop that specialized in roasted meats. The traffic was light. The frosty day had thawed under the afternoon sun. Shop owners closed their doors for lunch and most left to eat at home or take a rest with their families. They were slowly opening up for business again. He fired up his half - smoked cigar with his gaze fixed on Gemma Dolce’s. He hadn’t tasted the sweets out of Gemma’s ovens in quite some time. For her age, she remained a strikingly beautiful and passionate woman. He’d fucked her a few times in the past. In fact, Gemma had spent time in the bed of most of the notorious men in the Mafioso, Camorra, and Ndrangheta, old and young.