Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
T rovati Family
Michael
Uri wasn’t going to take me along to drop Symphony off. However, she broke out into an episode when he tried to leave me behind. She has been through enough.
We both agreed it would be better if I helped him get her to her grandfather since she seemed to have bonded with me. I wrapped her in the blanket I brought along after doing some research before we left for the mission.
I hadn’t known all of Symphony’s behaviors or symptoms, but I wanted to try to be prepared to help get her back safely. The blanket seemed to work wonders for her. Once I had her wrapped in it after Uri agreed I should accompany them, I was able to climb into the back seat with her.
Symphony nearly crawled into my side and remained there the entire ride to Don Trovati’s London residence. Uri still hasn’t told me what placed him in such a rush to leave California, where we went to collect the girl.
“Nonno,” Symphony squeals as she releases her hold around my waist and takes off into her grandfather’s embrace.
His eyes fill with tears as he holds her tightly. I can only imagine what must be going through his head as he takes in her appearance. I thought we would have more time to bring her back to him looking a little more presentable.
The huge honey-brown ponytail on top of her head has become fuzzy around the edges. She’s still wearing nothing but my dress shirt and her panties beneath. Her legs are mostly covered by the long fabric, but the bottoms of her brown limbs peek out, revealing her pigeon toes.
The flats on her feet scream that this is a child. The black shoes have flowers embroidered across the front and a strap across the center. I’m once again relieved we got to her before something horrible happened.
Although the beating she took was horrific, it’s the bruising and swelling I wish we could’ve done more about. I guess I should be happy we have gotten her here in one piece.
“I don’t think there is anything I can do to repay you both,” Don Trovati chokes out.
“You can start by telling me the truth,” Uri says tightly.
“Yes, now that she is here, there is more we should discuss.”
Symphony releases her grandfather and rushes back to my side, taking my hand. I look down at her curiously. I had assumed she would cling to her grandfather once reunited with him.
However, once she begins to squeeze my hand in hers, I go along with it. I apply a little pressure in return. She seems to relax completely.
“Come with me. There is much to speak of. I have another request,” Don Trovati says as he turns and begins to amble forward as he gestures for us to follow.
Uri looks at me and nods for me to follow. However, I can see the storm brewing in his eyes. He’s been pissed about something since we left America.
We enter a study with a welcoming gentlemen’s feel. The don takes a seat behind the desk. Uri and I take the seats in front of it as Symphony moves to the bookshelves flanking the fireplace.
She picks a book and takes a seat on the floor in front of the fireplace. Don Trovati hasn’t taken his eyes off her as his lips hold a wobbly smile.
“Tell me the one who did that to her face is dead,” the don says coldly.
“He is, but I wasn’t the one who took his life,” Uri replies bitterly.
“What do you mean?”
“Michael took Symphony to a safe place. I took the dodgy sod to a warehouse to make him suffer. However, before I could finish the bloke off, someone shot him through one of the windows.
“He was just about to tell me who paid him to …” Uri looks over at Symphony, then back at the don.
“He was going to tell me who was responsible for your loss and who told him to do as he pleased with the girl. Then, out of nowhere, there was a bullet through his skull, and it wasn’t one of mine,” Uri bites out.
“No doubt he would have told you what I already know. Don Locatelli wasn’t at my restaurant for a friendly visit.”
“I have already figured that out,” Uri says.
“Yes, well. I was trying to get permission to sanction a hit on my brother. He is the one behind all of this. He has been plotting to take me out and become the head of the family.
“No one wants this. At least no one who hasn’t already lost their mind. Leonardo only wants power. Give him a little; he will always clamor for more.
“However, he has taken my grief as a moment to strike. He has made friends with the heads of some of the other families. If I move against him, it will start a war Don Locatelli doesn’t believe any of us are ready for,” he explains.
“You were denied?” Uri says incredulously.
“For now. Leonardo knows I have no son to pass the family to. I had arranged a marriage for my Emma, but with her death, that plan died with her.
“Carmelita wasn’t of Italian blood or even my blood at all, but I had planned to leave her everything regardless. All I needed was to find her a suitable husband of full Italian blood. Don Locatelli had planned to back me.
“I had planned to call Carmelita home to set up the arrangement. I believe this is what set Leonardo off. My Symphony is my last hope to continue my bloodline’s name and keep the Trovati family alive.
“I will now leave my family to her. She will need an Italian husband to run the family with when I am gone. However, this places a target on her back.
“I need to keep her safe from my brother and hidden until the time comes for her and her husband to take my place. Leonardo will challenge them for the title, but he mustn’t be allowed to take this from her,” he says firmly.
Uri releases an amused snort. “I have known you since I was sixteen. You saved me from a life far worse than the one I live now. I have respect for you and see you as family, but I know you’re not asking me for what I think you are.”
“Yes, I am. You are ruthless. My brother will think twice about crossing you or the Donati family. Think of the power you will have once you become the don of the Trovati family.
“I will feel like I’ve left my family to a son. You are right; I have watched you grow into a man. At sixteen, I saw something in you and I know you will do right by my granddaughter and my family,” Don Trovati says.
“Have you lost your bloody mind? She’s fourteen. I am twenty-four.
“Will she even understand what you are asking of her? Do you think we haven’t noticed? Did you think we wouldn’t find out?”
“I was well aware you would do your research before going to collect her. I knew you would find out. I had hoped that would help sway you.
“You have a heart for those who need someone to protect them. You try to ignore that you do, but it’s there. She is vulnerable.
“Leonardo will find her as an easy target. You are one of the best. She will be safe with you.”
“So I’m to take a child bride because of our friendship? I don’t even think she likes me.”
I look at Uri and can see he’s conflicted. Don Trovati means a lot to him. However, this is a colossal ask.
My brother has enough on his plate. He is still trying to keep me and my siblings safe from enemies who have no name or face. Only a past of violence toward our family.
“Think of all you have to gain from this. You will be Don Trovati. Your own family to run.
“All of my investments and connections will be yours. All you have to do is marry my granddaughter and keep her hidden away. You can still live your life as you please.
“Please, Uri. This is my only option. If my brother takes over this family, he will run it into the ground and he will probably start a war among the families in the process.
“You will be doing us all a favor. Don Locatelli will be in full support if you do this. Your name alone will cause my brother to think twice,” he pleads.
“What if I do it?” I say before I can stop the words.
Uri whips his head in my direction and glares at me. I know I’m to be silent, but something protective rises within. I don’t like the idea of leaving Symphony vulnerable to this bastard who wants power that isn’t his.
She’s a sweet kid. I know I can hide her away and keep her safe. I’ve learned so much from Uri in the last year. I have so much more to learn, but I can keep Symphony safe in the meantime.
I hold my hands up. “Hear me out. I am a Donati too.
“Word will get out that she’s married to a Donati and everyone will think it’s you. No one knows about me. If they see me with her by some chance, they will think I am you.
“If the goal is to hide her away, eventually, everyone will forget about her. You can continue to live your life; she will be safe, and the burden of being her husband will fall on me,” I say quickly before Uri can shut me down.
“The burden of being a don will fall on your shoulders as well,” Don Trovati says, drawing my attention back to him.
He looks at me as if looking through me. Searching for something beyond the surface. I keep my face expressionless.
I am the son of a don. It is in my blood. While that’s not my motive here, I won’t shy away from the responsibility when the time comes. My main goal is to make sure the girl goes unharmed.
“Better your brother challenge me than her. He won’t find it easy to make me cower.”
“Spoken like a true Donati,” Don Trovati says proudly. “Uri, do you object?”
My brother pulls a hand down his face. I can feel his anger with me, but I’m decided. I will not allow Symphony to be hurt over things she doesn’t know anything about.
“I need some time to speak with my brother,” Uri says tightly.
“Yes, yes, take all the time you need. Symphony, come, cara . Let’s go to the kitchen and find something for you to eat.”
She looks up from the book she’s reading as if just remembering we’re in the room with her. Making a little face, she then places the book down beside her and gets to her feet. I wrinkle my brows as she walks by with a lock of honey-brown hair in her grasp.
I look at the back of her head and see where the lock of hair has been snatched from. I’m left to wonder if she should have been in the room during this conversation. How much of what was said did she understand?
Curiosity gets the best of me, and I stand to see what book she was reading. I go and pick it up, careful not to lose her page. When I turn it to read the cover, my brows shoot into my hairline.
It’s The Art Of War . A grin comes to my lips. There is so much more to that kid. I think she’ll be able to handle herself when she’s old enough.
We just need to make sure she makes it to be old enough. I wish we could take the don’s brother out and be done with it. However, I know if we do, we will face the wrath of Don Locatelli and the others who are in support of Leonardo Trovati.
“Why would you open your bloody mouth to make such a stupid promise? Do you understand what’s being asked here?” Uri seethes once the don and Symphony are out of earshot.
“Yes, I understand. He’s asking us to protect family. Isn’t that what we do? We protect family.”
Uri tugs at his hair and curses under his breath. I know what I’m doing. At nineteen, I train so much I don’t have time for girls.
Being married isn’t going to be the end of the world for me. It’s not like they’re asking me to produce an heir with her. Although I’m sure that will come into question years from now.
We’ll come to that when the time comes. Besides, five years is not as big a gap as ten. Uri doesn’t have to give up the women he entertains, and I’m focused on other things in my life.
“You don’t just make promises in this world, Michael. Once you give your word, you have to stand by it. It would’ve been better if you said nothing,” Uri groans.
“I’ve made my decision. I’m going to stand by it. I will take her as my wife, keep her safe, and help her. That is now my job,” I say with my head held high.
Uri laughs at me. Then winces. “You don’t see it now, but a day will come when you will regret this. Most likely, it will be because of another woman.”
“You are the one who told me relationships will get me killed in this business. This marriage will be my insurance to keep me from making that mistake.”
Uri laughs harder and shakes his head. “Your emotions will be your downfall, Michael. Not every situation should involve your heart.”
I go to answer him, but Symphony rushes back into the room, holding a plate with a sandwich resting on it. She stops in front of me, but she won’t look up at me. I smile and place a hand gently on her shoulder.
“Is this for me?”
“Yes, I will take a bite first if you like.”
I give her a wink. “ Mi fido di te. Grazie .”
She looks up and makes full eye contact this time. Her right eye has started to open again. Something passes between us, and I know for a fact I will protect her with my life if necessary.
As the youngest and the sibling of twins, I know what it’s like to feel alone. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to find Uri. I wanted to have a bond like Nico and Annabella have.
At least I had my siblings. Symphony has no one on top of having challenges she will face throughout her life. Not just a crazy man who’s trying to wipe her and her family out, but challenges because of her condition.
I haven’t even begun to think about the fact that she will be a Black woman in an Italian underworld. Being from a black sheep family, I believe I have found a kindred spirit within this kid.
“You are welcome, Michael. Thank you for taking care of me and getting me away from the bad man.”
“Anytime, mia cara .”
I take the plate and bite into the sandwich. Her nose wrinkles as she breaks our eye contact. Her lips turn into a mix of a smile and a pucker.
Almost as if she is trying to make a silly face. However, it’s more than that. It’s tied to an emotion I haven’t figured out yet.
When I turn my attention to Uri, he’s keeping a close eye on the both of us. I sigh because I can tell he still doesn’t think this is a good idea. I, on the other hand, believe this is the right thing to do.
“Don Trovati, let’s talk details. My brother will do this for you,” Uri says as the don enters the room.
The look of relief that comes across the old man’s face is palpable. It’s like I watch years come off his face. Symphony has returned to her book on the floor in front of the fireplace.