“I’m confused. The Morellis are mice?”
“It’s a metaphor,” I snapped. “Bigger picture, arsehat.”
“Lets feed ‘em those green-colored nuggets and have done with it,” Connor insisted.
I shook my head. “Not if it kills them all. I want you to spy on my father-in-law.”
Connor let out a nod.
“And when I get married, my wife.”
The joke was on the mice. We were more powerful than the Morelli. But after they ended our rivals, they wanted an alliance, and I was the sacrifice to bind our ranks. They thought they would have power and wealth and the protection of a large, thriving organization? They would pay dearly for that mistake with one of their daughters bound eternally to a monster.
Chapter 4 – Gabriella
Don Morelli’s home was a classic Victorian. It was stately and old, with an actual yard. The porch lights were bright against the night, the wraparound porch full of Made Men. I tried not to fidget as my sister and I followed our parents up the concrete walk. Signora Morelli had a tasteful landscape, and I remembered that she kept a vibrant garden in the back, which was where we would gather.
It must be nice to have the luxury of gardening.
Since their marriage had failed to produce any children, that was something the signora had time to devote herself to, I supposed. My mother had barely kept her figure after so many pregnancies. We’d each created and continued to deepen the lines in her face that she paid with her allowance to fill.
But Mama cut a beautiful, classic picture as she ascended the porch steps to greet the hostess. A smile flickered on my lips to see her. Mama would have been a classic film star in her early days. Something that no doubt pleased my father when he was paired with her. Now, his loathing was ill-concealed as hestepped around her to shake the don’s hand. Unable to produce a male Deluca heir, my mother had failed him.
Something I was destined to do with my own husband, good lord willing.
“Come, have a drink before our guests arrive,” Don Morelli said pleasantly, guiding us through the soldiers already assembled on the porch.
Signor Messina was in the backyard, sipping a beverage out of a copper mug. His sons were nowhere to be seen. Probably too busy with their brides. Their absence only fueled the rumors that their hearts weren’t in the criminal enterprises. We might not be a flashy organization, but when the famiglia gathered for such occasions as this, we were expected to show up. Both Cristiano and Vincenzo avoided gatherings like the plague.
“Gabriella, that dress is divine,” Signora Morelli gushed as she reached for a mug and handed it to me.
My mother frowned.
But it was my father who hissed as he moved past me to greet the other capo. “Only one.”
I took the drink from our hostess, not wanting to be rude. I didn’t plan on drinking much, but not because it would upset my parents. I didn’t want my brain fuzzy for the next few hours. I needed to stay alert.
“Your roses look lovely,” my sister breathed, stepping toward the plants.
I watched her fingers brush over the thorns.
“That variety has proved to be hardy,” the signora said with a smile. “The perfect rose to withstand the harsh winters. If you’d like, I’ll split one of the bushes for you, Carmela?”
That made my sister giddy.
I wanted to warn her. Tell her that since I was about to be off the market, it would be her turn next. She wouldn’t have the chance to experiment with a green thumb.
“And you too, Gabriella. It might look nice planted at your new home?” The signora’s voice was filled with hope.
The delusional fool.
“Thanks, but I don’t know what kind of residence McDonagh keeps,” I said before taking a long sip of the drink. The vodka was masked by summer berries, a dangerous combination.
“Well, you ask him and let me know.” The signora turned to the porch, where the men had gone quiet. “And look at that! They’re here.”
I braced myself.
A chill trickled down my spine. Sweat pooled beneath the silky cream material. The sluggish feeling invaded my body, and it felt like I was trapped in a bog, unable to move fluidly. Fighting back the cloying feeling, I turned.
