“It’s settled then,” he says.“Now let’s us go clear our souls.”
We follow him to the confessionals.And I’m no longer dreading confession.Because afterwards, when the priest tells me how many Hail Mary prayers I must say to atone for my sins, I’ll have the chance to address the Virgin again.
As for what happened last night… that’s between me, Matteo, and God.And that’s where it will stay.No one else needs to know, because it concerns no one else.
Chapter46
MATTEO
After leavingGianna on the beach, I raced to Ferro’s mansion, breaking the speed limit to the point that would probably land me in jail if a cop had stopped me.None did.
I wasn’t just racing to tell Angelo that old man Codelli would be in the Hamptons house all day.I was also racing to get as far away from the pleasant memories of last night on the beach with Goldie as fast as possible.Best forgotten.Because the idea of betraying her after the gift she had given me was making me physically sick.
But that’s just my weakness talking.Or maybe it’s the curse, finding yet another possible way to ruin me before my plans could come to fruition.This one would involve betraying Angelo for Goldie and probably ending up getting killed by her father for taking her virginity in the end.Or something like that.
No.
Angelo Ferro and his daring plan of taking over the New York mob as thecapo di tutti cappi, a Mafia King to rule over them all, is my best bet.
And by the time I reach the tall gates surrounding his estate, I’m calm again.And Goldie’s soft lips and song-like moans are starting to turn into fuzzy memories, just like all my other memories of better, happier times.
Those times are in the past.They’ll never return.I don’t need them to.What I need is revenge.What I need is justice for my family.And Goldie.By sticking with Angelo, I’m getting all of that.
Chapter47
GIANNA
We spentanother perfect family day together.Even the boat ride wasn’t so bad, although Dad had let Chiara drive and I literally feared for my life—for all our lives—more than once.But we returned safe and sound and are watching the sunset on the big terrace, Mom and Dad sitting together in one of the love seats, my sisters and I bunched up on another.
Mom is leaning against Dad’s shoulder and they’re holding hands, something I hadn’t seen in so long, I’d forgotten they used to hold hands and be affectionate to one another all the time.
Will Matteo and I ever sit like this?
Of course we will.
But will it be anytime soon?
That is more doubtful.
He’s been on my mind all day, despite all the fun we’ve been having with the family.I’d planned out our lives all the way to the time—far, far in the future—when we’re grey and old, watching our grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren splashing around in the sea where we first made love.We wouldn’t tell them that, of course, but we’d know, and we’d smile at each other and relive that magical night in our minds.
Maybe I should just tell my parents that he’d taken my virginity last night.They’d have no choice but to let me marry him then… or at least they’d have a hard time finding a different husband for me, if everyone knew I’d already given myself to another.
But my curse… I’m still not willing to risk him dying as all men who intend to marry me have so far.Even though I can’t even imagine that as a possibility, not with how happy I am now.
I’m almost certain love broke the curse.My love for him and his for me.But I’m not completely certain.And I’d have to be to risk it.
But of course, I won’t tell my father about last night.
That would mean Matteo’s death even more certainly than my curse.
We’ll have to find some other way to be together forever.And I’ve had some ideas about that too…
“Why don’t you stay the night?”Mom asks Dad.
He smiles at her sadly.“You know I would… “
“I just don’t want this day to end,” she says.“It was just like old times.I’d forgotten how much fun we could all have.”
