Page 8 of Love & Power

“Tonight we are going to the oldest property owned by the Raffa line, the La Prosperità Estate. It’s in wine country and was once a monastery, but the monks abandoned it during a war about a century ago. It is a vast estate with a main house created from the living quarters of the monastery, barns for livestock, and with various outbuildings for supplies and tools to farm the land and tend to the vineyard. Some people rent part of the land and the houses built on those plots.”

“Smart way to keep eyes on the property without making it obvious,” Luca commented approvingly.

Frediano smirked. “I thought so, which is why I keep up the tradition. We keep a vast amount of the family history at this estate in the old catacombs under the main house. They wind and weave all over the property, allowing us to move goods in and out with none the wiser.”

“This sounds like a perfect place for a mafia family to own,” I mentioned wistfully. “Seems to me the biggest advantage is the history of Nepreea. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything older than five hundred years.”

“Astin, have you already forgotten this estate is yours?” Grandfather chided. “Everything ever owned by a Raffa is now yours as the sole heir to the line. This is what makes you so dangerous.”

He was right. I had no idea what it meant for me to be the heir of the Raffa line. My father willed everything to me with the exception of the house Casimira and Jamison lived in. Daddy had also ensured that Jamison had a trust to pay for college as well as leaving an account in Casimira’s name, leaving her set for life. Even with that removed from what I was given, I’d never have to worry about my future. Caprioni Enterprises was a billion-dollar company in its own right without all the illegal work done through the channels it provided. Now here was my grandfather telling me that on top of all that I had over a century’s worth of money, land, and history just sitting here waiting for me.

The rest of the ride was silent as I tried to digest the reality that I’d mentally known about, but knowing and understanding are two different things.

My whole life had been in preparation for me to take over the Caprioni Family, but why had he been so against anything to do with Mother’s side of the family? Thinking back on the video of Daddy marrying Mother and Casimira, I knew there was a time when Grandfather was furious with them. Yet that changed once I was born. They’d even allowed Frediano to train me like all Raffas were, so why ignore the rest of it? When I thought I’d figured it all out, more questions seemed to appear. Maybe being here where it all started will give me more understanding.

Lights in the distance drew my attention as we approached an ornate-looking metal gate. A guard stepped up to speak with the driver in the car ahead of us before the gate was opened. Soon the gate rolled back, allowing us to enter a narrow gravel road. We traveled slowly down for what seemed like an eternity before the main house came into view.

My jaw dropped at the sight of the beautifully preserved stone monastery. It still had its bell tower as if to pay homage to its origins. Stepping out of the vehicle, I took a moment to gaze at the masterpiece that had been built hundreds of years ago. Oh, how the monks buried on this land must be rolling in their graves to know what kind of work is done here now.

I felt someone step up behind me, resting their hands on my hips. “Tin-Tin, is that what I think it is?”

Ryker had been in the car behind us, so our destination was a complete surprise. “Yup, only the mafia would take over an abandoned house of God and use the catacombs to smuggle shit through.”

He laughed under his breath. “We’re all going to hell, aren’t we?”

Leaning against him, I tilted my head back. “As long as we all go together, I don’t really care where we end up.”

Ryker’s eyes softened as he kissed my forehead. “You have no idea how much it means to hear you say things like that. Damn near thought I fucked it up for good the way you were so mad at me.”

“Yeah, well, don’t fuck up again. Then there’s nothing to worry about,” I reasoned. “Come on, let’s see what this place looks like inside.”

Frediano was waiting for us at the massive arched wooden door that looked like it could withstand just about anything. Standing on either side of the door were men with guns, not at all trying to be subtle about their purpose being there. They bowed their heads in greeting as I passed through the archway into the home’s main room. The intricate mosaic tile on the floor was not what I’d expected, but I had to remember this hadn’t been a monastery for a long time. I assumed this used to be the main worship area with the vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows at the top where the sun was sure to illuminate them. Now it appeared to be a formal sitting room with a giant fireplace and a cheerful flame burning in it to greet us.

“Benvenuto.” Two women greeted in unison with a slight bow.

“Piacere di conoscerLa,” I responded with a warm smile, then turned to my grandfather and spoke in a low voice, “I forgot to ask if your staff only speaks Nepreeian… some of my lieutenants don’t.”

“It is common for Nepreeians to speak more than one language. However, I ensured all my staff and members of the Raffa Family could speak English since it is one of the most spoken languages in the world,” Frediano assured me. “Your men will be able to navigate this country just fine, but it wouldn’t hurt to get them started learning. They say immersion is the best teacher.”

Resting a hand on my back, he directed me forward until we stood before the women. “Beatrice, Gemma, this is my granddaughter, Astin Caprioni.”

The women gasped and curtsied as if I were royalty, keeping their eyes downcast. Frowning, I looked at my grandfather, but he seemed pleased with the response, so I let the matter drop—for now.

“These two ladies will help you with anything you need, Astin. Their families have been loyal to the Raffa name for generations, and I picked them personally to assist you while in Nepreea. I know you have a loyal man in Boykov who will be joining us tomorrow, but I felt it might be best to have two more bodyguards who won’t be quite so obvious,” he explained, smirking at my startled expression. “Don’t let the uniform fool you. These two ladies are deadly with a blade and near-perfect aim with a gun. They will keep you safe if you let them do their jobs.”

As surprised as I was, grandfather made a valid point. I was used to having a home full of people who were loyal to me and security measures in place should things go sideways. Here in Nepreea, I was at the mercy of my grandfather who I was forced to trust if I wanted to take down two of the strongest families. Boykov was one man, a fact I was facing even at home with the addition of Thad to my personal security team. Beatrice and Gemma would help relieve some of the stress from my main man, Ralph, allowing him the chance to stay on top of his game.

I extended my hand to Gemma, a sweet-looking woman about my age with hazel eyes, freckles, and red hair. “It’s nice to meet you, Gemma.”

She took my hand hesitantly as if she was sure I was going to play some trick on her. “Signora Astin.”

“I prefer to be called Lady Astin or Mistress,” I shared.

“Apologies, Lady Astin,” Gemma corrected, releasing my hand.

“Nothing to apologize for… you didn’t know. Besides, I think signora translates close enough. However, it helps if we have an established name for you to use so I know if something’s wrong. Otherwise, people could be calling me all kinds of respectful things, and I’d never know if you’re trying to signal me to a problem,” I explained, causing both women’s eyes to widen in surprise. “I just didn’t want you to think I was fussy for no reason. You’ll learn fast that I always have a purpose behind my requests whether you realize it or not.”

“Che figata,” Beatrice said in awe, shaking my hand with hers. “The rumors are true then… you do have a mischievous mind, always thinking and plotting.”