Chapter 12 Anna
ANNA
Addie’s phone rings and rings and at the exact moment I’m about ready to hang up, she finally answers. “Hey Anna, sorry, I was with a client. You, okay?”
“I am, but that invitation for Friday. It’s all that’s on my mind.
” My heart contracts, and I find it difficult to swallow past the emotion bubbling inside.
“Addie. I want to go. No, I need to go. I already told Mr. D that I am going to going to be there. For a million reasons that I can’t explain to you right now.
It’s like my soul is just trying to break free from this stifling cage I’ve been inside. ”
“Hey, you don’t need to justify yourself to me, not after what you’ve been through.
I’ll be here working all week and plan to leave for Atlantic City early Friday.
I’m hoping to be out of court by two p.m., drive home to get ready and leave by five.
Just come when you can. You have the key.
If you get any push back from your family, let me know. I know people, who know people.”
I laugh. “Oh, my god, you did not just use our line!”
She laughs. “Sure as shit did. Now go get your nails done, take a swim in that big pool the Rosellis have, or do something that’s at least a little bit relaxing so I can get back to work.”
“I can barely breathe much less relax. For the first time ever, Addie, my mind’s so excited that it just won’t shut down.”
“I bet your mind’s not all that’s excited.”
“OMG! Go back to work.”
Addie doesn’t say anything for a moment. “One thing though, Anna. This guy, you have to run it by Valentina. I’ll send you her phone number. I want you to promise to text her. If she has even the slightest qualms about him seeing you again then I’m not taking you, understand?”
“Yes mother,” I say, but while all of my family and friends’ concern is completely overwhelming at times, I also know it’s because they want me protected.
“Just trying to keep you safe.”
I sigh. “I know but it’s time for me to take my own reins now.
I’m stronger, Addie. I’m just lucky that Massimo didn’t force me into the mafia’s own form of witness protection after the whole Barcelo incident.
” It’s not like he and his brother Leandro didn’t try.
Sophia though, she wanted it left up to me.
Said it was my life. I was raised and trained as a Cassone.
As the eldest daughter who had been through so much, it was my life to choose. I love her for that.
And right now, I choose this. Freeing myself from the past, finding pleasure in ways I’ve never even thought of exploring with a man. This is inner peace and I’m not going to regret it.
Addie doesn’t argue. We’ve been friends for a lot of years, and she knows when to back off.
“You enjoy the week pampering yourself. Some of us have to hit the transcripts tonight. There’s still something that I’m missing.
I swear on everything holy I’m going to find it and nail those dirty prosecutors to the wall in court, but I need to get back to those documents. ”
“You will, there’s no doubt in my mind. Talk later.
” I disconnect, settling back onto the double- sized bed and leaning against the decorative solid whitewashed oak headboard.
It’s hard to think the estate in Jersey City my sister and I live in with Massimo now, just a year ago we thought of as the enemy’s camp, the Roselli estate.
Owned by the now boss of the Roselli crime family who was at war with the Cassones for centuries until Massimo and Sophia said no fucking more.
Rival crime family children seldom get that chance, or that happily ever after, but for my sister’s sake, I’m glad it worked out for her and Massimo.
I may not have supported it at first but I’m glad I was able to see Sophia Cassone become Sophia Maria Cassone Roselli.
I’m sure it’s not something any of our ancestors would ever have wished for, or contemplated, but the way things worked out for them couldn’t have been more perfect, given the circumstances.
As much as I’m happy for them though, the need to find my own way scratches at my soul.
The eldest daughter of a Cassone, maybe a bartering chip for some, but in my heart, I know that I am more.
I’m stronger now and I dare anyone to try and take the legacy I’ve not yet had the chance to build away from me.
But a promise is a promise and when Addie’s text comes in with Mistress Valentina’s phone number, I send her a message.
Message: This is Addie’s friend Anna. She said I should message you to ask about the man who showed me around the club. To make sure he’s safe.
Reply: Hi Anna. If you’re looking for confirmation that he is a great friend, a wonderfully competent dominant and strong teacher, then you have my word that he is. Don’t look for anything more than that though, it’s simply not in his DNA.
I sit on the bed quietly for a moment. She didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already suspect or deep down know. Why else would he be coming to the club? It’s not exactly the place to pick up marrying material, more the place to play with a variety of women, right?
And settling for one person, that’s the last thing I’m looking for anyway. I’m just getting back on my feet. I want to find myself, not saddle myself with a man who wants me to conform to what his vision of a perfect girlfriend or future wife should be. But I do want him to teach me so very much.
The thought is liberating in the best possible way. Like being given permission to do what I want without any commitment to the future. It feels like exactly what I need. No questions, no permission, just pure uninhibited pleasure of the most exciting kind.
My phone buzzes.
Message: Change of plans. I’m coming to you on Friday night. That highway is dangerous.
My mind spins with questions. Valentina’s probably told him about Addie, where she lives or something. And he’s not wrong. Bad things can happen on that highway, but he needn’t worry about us. The service Addie’s procured is very secure. They know how to handle any situation.
This is one thing I’m not going to obey. I want to go. My fingers clasp around my cell, tapping out a message, so fast I have to go back and correct the spelling to ensure it’s exactly as intended.
Message: I’m definitely coming to Atlantic City on Friday Night. I can’t explain but I have to get away from here. I need this.”
I watch the message send, cuddled in my blankets, waiting for a very long time until I see the read receipt. My heart almost jumps out of my skin when I read his reply.
Reply I’ll be waiting for you. Mr. D.
Butterflies dance in my stomach. He still wants me to come, to be with him. I wasn’t imagining the magnetism between us. No matter that Massimo Roselli wants to keep me safe, but I need to be free from a prisoner in his estate and Mr. D makes me feel freer than I ever have.
Message: I’ll text when I arrive Friday.
I wait patiently. Mr. D will tell me where he wants me to meet him, of that, I am sure. But, minute after minute, nothing gives me any notice, or location. All I see is silence as I watch my phone.
Message: Sleep well, princessa. I’m looking forward to seeing you again.