“What’s this favor?” I normally try to avoid asking other families for favors, but she’s the only other person outside my brothers who I can trust.
“Charlie.” Saying her name feels heavier than normal.
“Oh. I heard about her. Caterina’s daughter.”
“Italians love to fucking gossip,” I spit, pouring her a glass of whiskey.
“Messy day, huh?” She takes her glass first and skulls it, followed by mine.
“Hey, that’s mine,” I growl, reaching out for it.
She catches my chin, forcing me to meet her eyes. “How deep are you in with her?”
“Too deep.” I pull away from her grip as she lets out a chuckle.
“So, what do you want me to do?” She uncrosses her legs, showing me aglimpse of her lacy panties. A grunt escapes me momentarily before I remember who we’re talking about.
“Teach her how to be the Queen of the Cosa Nostra.” I gesture at her. “Get her to be more like you.”
She pours another drink. “And what makes you think she’ll listen to me? Most girls see me as a threat.”
“Take her to one of your businesses. Lock her up. Make her jealous. Be her friend. I don’t care how you do it, just help her. She accidentally got kidnapped by our own men, I have the Andrettis wanting to take over our turf, and the stunt she pulled today won’t help this war the Andrettis want with us.” I lean forward, touching her leg, pleading for some help.
“Since you said please…” She stands, slapping my cheek lightly, and sashays out. “Usual room or yours?” she calls back, a devilish grin on her face.
The mafia used to be a male’s world—the females were only ever eye candy on their arms—but since Caterina became a Donna for the Cosa Nostra, more and more females have been wanting to step up and run their families’ legacies.
But Isabella isn’t like any of the others. She’s outspoken, wild and sexy as hell. Good luck to the man who tries to tame her, and I have just invited her to step into the lion’s dens. Charlie won’t know what to do, but hopefully she’ll learn one way or another.
25
Charlie
Ilock myself away in my room the rest of the night, avoiding everyone like the plague. Mattia, my self-declared bestie, slipped me some food. He knew I was drowning in my own mess and didn’t want to face anyone. I asked him how furious everyone was, hoping for some reassurance. But his answer?“They’ll get over it.”Yeah, real comforting, Mattia.
I toss and turn, my mind racing all night.Should I confront Luciano?Instead, I wait for him to come into my bed like he does every night, but he never comes and the withdrawal hurts.
Morning comes, and I decide to dress to catch Luciano’s eye and hopefully he’ll forgive me. Denim mini skirt riding high, barely covering my ass, and a purple crop top that doesn’t leave much to the imagination. I give myself a nod of approval in the mirror, a little fire igniting inside me. Time to face the wolves.
I strut into the dining hall, confidence in every step, until a laugh stops me cold. A woman’s laugh. Not one I’ve heard before.
There she is, petite with impossibly long black hair, lounging in my chair like she owns the place. She leans close to Luciano, rubbinghis arm while chatting up the brothers. I narrow my eyes, my jealousy bubbling out before I can stop it. “Who the fuck are you?”
“Charlie,” Luciano snaps at me. I can tell instantly that he’s still angry with me.
“What, Luciano?” I shoot back.
“Be nice to our guest.”
“Since when do we have guests?” I stare at this mystery woman. She seems too comfortable with the brothers.
Mattia pipes up, his mouth half full of food. “Since last night. I picked her up myself.”
“Hello, I’m Isabella.” The woman waves casually at me. Her personality is a bit too perky for me this morning.
“As you heard, I’m Charlie,” I say, circling the table. “And this is my house.”
“Not yet,” Mattia adds, his eyes never leaving his food.
