I watch as he holds onto Charlie’s arm, helping her guide the pistol into the air, aiming it at the target in front of them. “Take a deep breath, Charlie,” Mattia says, and she obeys, her shoulders rising with every deep breath she takes. “When you’re ready, pull the trigger.”
I watch her closely as her finger slides over the trigger, half squeezing it, but she instantly backs off. She quickly puts the gun down, shaking her head as she moves further away from the table. “I can’t… I’m not ready… I can’t do it.”
Mattia grabs her by the shoulders, steadying her. “Look at me. Your first shot will be hard, but once you’ve done it, it’ll get easier. I promise, Red.”
She nods at him, belief shining in her eyes. She never looks at me like that. Instead, her nervous gaze snaps to me. “Stop looking at me like that!”
“Take the fucking shot then,” I fire back at her.
Her hands move to her hips in irritation. “Why are you being an ass?”
“Why are you being a pussy?"
She rears back like I’ve slapped her in the face. “Am not!” She stomps her foot in defiance, her face starting to turn red. Good.
“Prove it. Take the shot,” I urge her, pushing off the car and walking closer to them. Mattia stays silent while I taunt Charlie—a tactic we’ve used many times to achieve what we want.
Charlie glares daggers at me, spinning around to look back at the target. I stop just behind her, close enough that she can feel my presence. I whisper into her ear, “Hit the target and I’ll reward you tonight. If you miss, I’ll punish you.”
She clears her throat as I take a slight step back. “You can do it, Red,” Mattia assures her. She lifts the pistol and aims it at the target. Taking a deep breath, she rests her finger on the trigger. She takes another deep breath and pulls.Bang. She jumps up in fright as the pistol recoils in her hand. She quickly places it back on the table. I look out to the target to see she’s clipped the edge of the paper. She’s nowhere near the silhouette, but it’s a start.
“Good, make sure she hits the silhouette before you finish today,” I say, turning around and marching back to the car. I speed off back to the house, leaving her to practice with Mattia while Rocco stands on guard. I need to escape before I do or say something I’ll regret.
15
Charlie
After the whirlwind of the last couple of days, I’m in desperate need of retail therapy. I need to get out of the house and away from everything Cosa Nostra-related for a couple of hours. Luciano’s rule is that I not only take Rocco but also have Stefano and Carlo as my chaperones, much to my dismay. But if it means I can have some retail therapy, then I’ll obey.
So far, I’ve visited a dozen designer shops and the boot of our car is overflowing with bags, thanks to the credit card my mother left me. The first week I arrived, I bought some little things online, like my Louis Vuitton pumps and some new outfits, too scared to spend too much money. But today I’m addicted.
Clothes, shoes, and handbags I only dreamt of being able to wear, now I own. Normally having three large men behind you would scare people away, but instead the shop assistants jump on us. My guess, they assume we had money. I’m basking in the attention; it feels great having these women who would previously look down at me now at my beck and call.
I make sure I have time to visit the Armani store and pick out a couple of new items for Luciano. I stop in at the music shop and pickup some new guitar picks and accessories for Mattia. I go to the tech shop and buy some new gear for Gabriele. Carlo, Stefano and Rocco keep telling me they don’t want anything, but I’ve secretly bought them stuff as well. A new watch for Stefano and Rocco, and new knives for Carlo to torture with.
I make one last stop at one of my old favorite clothing shops for a bit of nostalgia. It feels like a lifetime ago that I could only afford to shop here.
Browsing through racks of dresses, a familiar face nearly walks right past me.
“Charlie?” Mel calls out.
I halt in my tracks. For a moment, I hesitate, unsure how to respond. “Hey Mel…"
Her eyes study me carefully. “Why have you been ignoring me?”
That hits me unexpectedly. I haven’t received anything from her. “What are you talking about? You’ve been ignoring me.” I’ve sent her multiple messages and tried calling, but no response.
“Bullshit, Charlie! I’ve tried calling and texting you so many times. I was starting to get worried, but I didn’t know how to reach out to you.”
Instantly, I feel on edge, and my stomach starts churning inside me. I have a feeling Luciano may be involved in this. I glare daggers towards Stefano, knowing he can hear my conversation and is probably reporting it back to Luciano as we speak.
Forcing a smile, I reassure her, “Sorry, we don’t get a lot of phone reception at the estate. But I’m good, Mel. It’s just been a lot to take in. You know, learning about my mother’s side of the family.”
She looks me up and down. “You’re different.” Of course I’m different; I now dress in head-to-toe designer clothes and there are three huge men following me. She looks over at said men. Carlo tries to giveher a friendly smile, but it comes across more creepy, murderous-looking than I think he expects. Mel steps back slightly.
“Why don’t you come to the estate this afternoon for a barbecue? Meet everyone properly and I can show you that I’m okay,” I say, grabbing her hands and pulling her into a hug.
“Sure…”
