Ti Amo (Battaglia Mafia Series) Page 13

  “Take care of?” he smiled.

  “As your wife I take that role seriously.”

  “Are you saying yes?”

  Mira grinned and slowly nodded. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I didn’t come back to Italy to be just your comare.”

  He kissed her, moving over her, and she ran her hands up his back parting her thighs. He buried his face in her neck and inhaled deeply. He kept the tears of relief hidden from her. He lay there and believed in their love.

  Morning came and Giovanni left his woman in bed. In the night he carried her there. She fit so nicely in his arms he hesitated before he laid her upon the sheets. And she made love to him, stopping a few times to stare at her engagement ring while he was buried deep inside of her. He could not get enough of her.

  Giovanni flipped on the light switch. He gazed at the man in the mirror staring back at him. He had done many things since he’d lost her and few of them made him proud. His beard, mustache, all of it was a bad attempt of his to disguise how badly he hurt over the loss of her. He didn’t want to be the man he’d become. Now he had a reason for change. He reached down in his bag and removed his shaving cream. The lather coated his jaws and chin. Giovanni picked up his razor and ran clean lines across his cheek. He dropped suds and hair in the sink. The shave left him with a thin mustache goatee, and was almost as good as his barber.

  He rinsed and washed his face. Once done he stepped back and studied his reflection. They would start again. He’d have what his father and Flavio never did. A real family.

  Chapter Seven

  When they arrived home Catalina was on the front steps waiting for them. Apparently little Eve had been more than she bargained for. Mira could read the curious stare in Eve’s blue eyes as the car came to a stop. Her baby was just as anxious for mama.

  The sun highlighted her curly hair and sparkled off the tiny diamond studs she’d had her ears pierced with. Mira sometimes marveled at how blessed she was to create such a special little girl. The cherry red pacifier that had caused the ruckus the night before hung from a ribbon pinned to Eve’s shirt. Her daughter blinked at the car, clapped and grinned when Mira got out. It was such a joy seeing her. Though she had a nice time with Giovanni, she vowed not to be separated from her little girl again. It was too heavy a burden for her heart.

  “Ciao!” Catalina started down the stone steps that led up to the abbey doors. She met Mira half way. “I love her, but she woke twice crying in the middle of the night. She asked for her ma-ma.”

  “Aww, hi baby-girl. Ma-ma sorry.” Mira took Eve into her arms. She was overwhelmed by the fresh beautiful smell of her skin and the warm loving hug her daughter gave. “Did she eat?”

  “Yes. I gave her a bath too. She’s such a bimba. I really do love her, Mira. But I might not be quite ready for motherhood yet.” Catalina chuckled. “I hope it’s okay Gio. I spoke to Zia. She and Rocco will be here in two days, and they’re going to stay through the holiday. Our first Christmas with a baby, Giovanni. It’s going to be so wonderful.”

  Giovanni stepped up and kissed Eve’s cheek. Catalina blinked at her brother. “You shaved. It’s, great. Wow.”

  The transformation of her lover shocked Mira this morning when she woke. The man looked even more handsome to her, if that were possible. Mira understood Catalina’s reaction. Hell when she woke this morning and found him shaved and smelling good she dragged him back to their bed and made love to him until her back gave out. “Thank you for being such a good aunt.” Mira smiled, drawing Catalina’s attention back down to her. “Hear that Eve? Your grand-aunt is coming to see you.”

  Eve grinned then ducked her head shyly down to her mother’s shoulder. They laughed together and went inside. Giovanni trailed behind them. She glanced back, and he winked. She winked.

  “I have a surprise upstairs. Can’t wait for you to see. Come with me.”

  Carmine stepped in front of him. “Boss, the others are waiting.”

  He watched the girls climb the stairs. Oddly his heart raced over the separation. Having Mira and Eve here made him long for family like he did as a boy. Christmas would be unforgettable this year. Catalina and Mira chatted excitedly. Especially when Mira spoke Italian to his sister. Neither of them bothered to look back to see if he followed. Eve however stared at her father over her mother’s shoulders and smiled at him. This evening he’d announce to the family and his men the big news. Mirabella Ellison had agreed to do him the honor and become his wife. It was time to conclude any business that would prevent her from walking down the aisle. He gave Carmine a nod. The young capu followed behind him as they headed for his meeting.

  Villa Rosso was a brick-red cube shaped cottage at the end of his estate. It’s where business was conducted and concluded. Mira once slept in his arms there on a night he needed her desperately. Not even the women in his family were permitted beyond its doors. Mira had broken all the rules since the day he met her. He imagined when she became his wife many things would change. To be honest Giovanni couldn’t wait.

  The men spoke in unison when he passed through the opened door. A hush fell over them soon after. Dominic was in his office. He could see him pacing while speaking into the phone with a long cord. Everyone looked to be accounted for. Lorenzo smoked a cigar in a chair where others stood and lounged. Their eyes met. Lorenzo nodded his way as a show of respect. Giovanni still burned in his gut over Lorenzo sharing Flavio’s fate with Mira.

  Dominic stopped at the sight of Giovanni who walked past him and went into his office. He stepped around his desk to take a seat.

  “Didn’t know you were back,” Dominic said. Nico and Lorenzo entered. The others began to drift into his office as well. Some of them learned only recently that Mira was alive. Others whispered over the news that she’d returned with a brown baby who had his eyes. Several of these men had pushed their sisters on him for marrying. Many didn’t believe his bachelorhood made him a fearless leader, but a dangerous one instead. That could be true. At this moment his thirst for revenge and retribution was tempered by his improved taste for love. When his gaze lifted he scanned the hard faces of murderers and thieves staring back. At one time he wanted to legitimize his family, take them all forward into a new legacy. Giovanni needed to find a way to channel that man and start again.

  He picked up his mail and began to shuffle through what was delivered. The villa was wall to wall stacked with his top enforcers and earners. Each man would be granted a ten-minute sit down with him. He wasn’t looking forward to any bad news. He had a wedding on his mind and heart now. “Where are we with Angelo Calderone?” Giovanni asked. His gaze swung left to zero in on Lorenzo.

  “Bonaduce has refused our requests for a meeting. We still believe he has Angelo.” Lorenzo answered.

  Giovanni reclined back in his chair tossing the unopened mail to the top of his desk. “Then we must give him something he wants more than his desire to challenge me.”

  “Precisely why I’m preparing to offer him a few liberties in the Campania.” Dominic answered. It would be considered a generous offer, since the Battaglia’s now had a hold on trafficking their weapons through the cruise liners that docked in and out of Napoli. No one in the Cammora had such a profitable deal. Bonaduce would be a fool not to seize on the opportunity.

  Lorenzo shook his head. “Forgive me, Gio. I must be heard on this.”

  “Speak your mind.” Giovanni said.

  “We need to strike hard.” Lorenzo slammed his fist down into his palm. “Angelo’s life is owed to you. To negotiate only makes you weak.”

  “I thought you wanted to end the war?” Dominic frowned at Lorenzo.

  “We end it with Calderone’s life, Gio.” Lorenzo answered speaking with his hands. “Then we make peace. It’s the only way the families know you won’t tolerate the disrespect in the future. Calderone is not part of the Cammora. They are owed nothing from Bonaduce nor us. This is a matter that should be settled the old fashion way.”

  Giovanni rub
bed his brow. A tension headache began from the bridge of his nose and spread up into his skull. He could feel his good mood shifting. As a little boy Giovanni was shown how to deal with traitors or those that dared to defy him. His father warned him to show any leniency would indeed cripple his image. He sucked down a breath and focused on his cousin. “Lorenzo, It’s you that owes me Angelo’s life. Would you not agree?”

  All eyes went to his cousin. Lorenzo nodded that he did. Sadly killing another man didn’t repulse any of them. And the idea of killing a coward who had managed to evade them for two years would indeed be a pleasure.

  “Very well. You and Carlo have unfinished business. I want it done, in a week. Do not disturb Bonaduce’s territory or bring any shame to him. Do it clean.”

  “Clean? How the hell can we get in there and out without…”

  Giovanni’s brow lifted and Lorenzo swallowed his words. He nodded his obedience.

  “I’m a father now.” Giovanni said with pride. He swept his gaze over the men. “Soon I will be a husband. This blessing is because of Lorenzo returning my belladonna to me.” He settled his gaze back on Lorenzo. “For your loyalty I’ve decided you can have the triangle, as sotto capu.”

  Several of the gathered men grumbled. Dominic’s eyes stretched. Even Lorenzo blinked at the generosity. Giovanni sat forward. “That is what you want? An empire of your own. The leash removed from your neck?”

  “Sì. More importantly I want your respect. The respect of my brothers that I had lost. I just never…”

  “Thought you’d earn it? You haven’t.” Giovanni reclined. “We need Angelo Calderone dead, and I want it done by your hand. Do it and all other past transgressions will be forgiven.”

  “Consider it done.” Lorenzo nodded.

  “One more thing.”

  Lorenzo waited. Giovanni rocked back in his seat. “If you ever speak to Mira out of turn again, I will cut out your tongue after I make you remove your own balls.”

  Lorenzo gave a nod as if it were a reasonable request and consequence. “Carlo had to leave for Sicily. He sends his regrets for missing the meeting. I will summon him, and we will handle it cousin. On my honor.” Lorenzo stuck the cigar back in his mouth and left. Giovanni’s gaze switched to Dominic. His consigliere dropped his head shaking it in disapproval. He didn’t give a fuck. Every man deserved a second chance. He wanted Lorenzo to have a fair shot at one. It was due to the compassion Mira had brought back into his heart. Giovanni smiled. He could have the future he wanted. It was within his grasp. After Angelo Calderone was dead the family would begin again. A new era of prosperity would resume. They didn’t need Flavio’s counsel to legitimize the family. Giovanni was more than capable to lead these men to a better future, free of blood and guns. He exhaled a deep sigh.

  “Who wants to go first?”

  ****

  “Okay. Close your eyes.”

  Mira really wanted to put her baby girl down. Eve, however, clung to her neck for dear life. She heaved her heavy child in her arms while squeezing her eyes shut.

  “Ready?”

  “I’m ready.”

  The door opened.

  “Sorpresa!” Catalina exclaimed. Mira was stunned. She wasn’t gone a full twenty-four hours. So how was this even possible? “Before you say anything let me explain. Domi called and told me the news shortly after they found you in Switzerland. He said you were alive and we had a baby girl. A little bambina in the family! I went to work on this room right away.”

  Eve lifted her head from Mira’s shoulder sucking on her pacifier. She blinked at the bright lemon yellow and black striped bumblebees and colorful butterflies hanging from the ceiling. Mira lowered her daughter and Eve immediately ran into the room. Her baby stopped, turning in a circle, her head back as she stared in wonder at the vibrant display hanging from the ceiling. She then turned and bolted for the little play table. The chairs had teddy bears and dolls tucked in with a tea set arranged on top. In the corner was a marionette stage. The puppets hung from their wires, staged in an act of theatrical play.

  “It’s beautiful.” Mira said.

  Eve grabbed a bear and walked over to the marionettes not sure of what she was seeing. Her daughter then spotted an open toy chest, which she approached curiously. Mira entered the room. The crib drew her. There was such a cheery bright feeling to everything. She’d never focused much on surrounding Eve with such an expressive place to grow. She spent so much time mothering her and being selfish with her daughter’s love. Eve kept her company throughout their lonely isolation. Why hadn’t she decorated and made their cottage home? Maybe part of her knew this day would come. This felt like home.

  “Are you okay? Mira? Are you crying?” Catalina came closer.

  Mira smiled through her tears. “Thank you so much. For this. It’s wonderful.”

  Catalina hugged her. “Don’t cry. I have something better to show you.” Catalina walked over to a door Mira believed was the closet. When it opened she found it was not. Catalina had made the room a connecting one to hers and Giovanni’s. She put her hand to her mouth. “Oh my, this is perfect!”

  Catalina gasped. She stepped back with eyes stretched. At first Mira thought it was Eve. So she looked down for her daughter who was busy pulling one toy then the next from the chest. Then she realized what had made Catalina’s smile fade and her face go pale. It was the diamond sparkling on her ring finger.

  “Gio proposed to you? My brother pr-pr-proposed?” Catalina stammered.

  “He did.”

  Stunned, Catalina continued to stare at her in disbelief. Mira held out her hand. “I feel honored that he gave me your mother’s ring.” She stepped toward her. “It happened so fast I had no idea he would. We were going to tell you and the family together.” Before she could finish Catalina pulled her into a sweet embrace, one so snug and loving that Mira had to suppress tears of joy.

  “I’m shocked. My brother, he’s been so distant since you left. I’ve been so worried about him. Now you’re back and I feel like we will change too. He never said… he’s never wanted to marry. And we’ve all tried to convince him to take a wife, trust me! To see him and you together makes me so happy. It’s how it should be.”

  Mira felt the cinch of small arms around her legs. She let go of Catalina to look down. Eve had come over to hug them both. “Look at you baby! You want some of this?” she picked Eve up. Both Mira’s and Catalina’s cheeks glistened with tears. They kissed and hugged on Eve, and her daughter giggled as if their kisses tickled her.

  “What do you think of the crib?” Catalina pointed it out. Eve and Mira glanced over at a cherry wood antique crib pushed up against the wall. The bedding was all done in yellow and lavender. Mira placed Eve inside. Her daughter sprang to her feet with her arms reaching. When Mira didn’t lift her, she spit out her pacifier and called her name. “Ma-ma!”

  “You think she’ll sleep in it? She slept with me and Franco last night.”

  “We might need to move the crib into our room for the time being. If she sleeps in it, it’ll have to be with us near her.” Mira chuckled.

  “Done.”

  “It’s gorgeous.” Mira ran her hand over the top rail. “It looks old, handmade?”

  Eve plopped down on her bottom, sucking hard on her pacifier watching them. Her daughter couldn’t decide on anger or curiosity over being placed in a crib. Mira preferred they sleep together. After Kei finally put the crib she’d ordered together, Mira never had the heart to place Eve in it.

  “That’s my surprise. It’s Giovanni’s crib from when he was a baby. I had them drop the mattress so she couldn’t get out and hurt herself. Yes, I believe it was handmade.”

  “Thank you for doing this. I don’t know what to say.”

  “No need to do or say anything. We have a wedding to plan. After all you did for me and my wedding I can’t wait to help you plan yours.”

  Mira’s smile dimmed. She wasn’t sure of how fast she could move with plans while the
world thought she was dead. Catalina reached in the crib and picked up Eve. She put her on her hip.

  “How is married life treating you?” Mira asked desperate to change the subject.

  “Oh, it’s great. Just great.” Catalina said. She put Eve down and began to run in circles. Eve ran around the room chasing Catalina, laughing. Mira watched them with happiness in her heart. With each day she began to realize she had again found a family.

  ****

  Catalina entered her bedroom and paused. Franco was dressed for the evening. He looked over at her with a familiar cold congested look of tolerance. “Ciao bella.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m needed in Piano di Sorrento. I will be late this evening.”

  “No. No Franco. I was thinking we’d all have dinner tonight as a family. Giovanni and Mira have an announcement. You won’t believe it Franco. They’re getting married. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “Bene. I’m happy to hear it. I’ll try to return early. It’s the best I can promise.”

  He walked over and kissed her cheek. Catalina caught a whiff of his cologne and frowned. She took a long hard look at his attire. He wasn’t dressed for work. Franco opened a bottling factory with Giovanni’s backing and brought some of his friends from Sicily with their families to run it. None of them would put on an expensive suit for drinks at a pub. Three nights out of the week he spent out with the ‘men’ and each time she knew it was a lie. He never touched her and on the rare occasions they did make love it was as if neither were in the room. She knew the truth in her heart. He didn’t love her.

  “Franco?”

  Slipping on his leather ankle boots while sitting on the edge of the bed he looked up at her smiling “Yes?”

  “You’re going to her aren’t you?”

  Franco secured his boot, never taking his eyes off Catalina. Slowly he rose. Catalina gathered her courage to have the conversation she’d been avoiding for over a year. “Who is she? I know she exists so don’t deny it.”