Chapter 10
Yuki
Yutaro slams a rubber shaft that resembles a man’s private part down in front of me, and another little piece of my soul dies.
“Today you will use this dildo to learn how to please a man,” my father’s vile guard dog barks. “With the wedding happening sooner, you have a lot to learn in five days.”
I don’t know what’s worse. Staying here, where I’m subjected to a grueling routine of learning how to cook and please a man, or marrying Mr. Vitale.
Maybe there won’t be any difference, and this is just how my life is now.
Yutaro slaps the side of my head. “I said pick it up!”
I do as I’m told, the rubbery feel of the dildo making me cringe with disgust.
“To please a man, you have to be patient. You need to watch his face to see if you have to suck harder or ease up.”
Shame thickens around me as Yutaro wraps his hand around mine, forcing me to rub the shaft. “You move like this.” With every stroke, he goes quicker, and I begin to feel sick.
“You’ll perform the act until your husband orgasms,” Yutaro says. “Now suck the shaft into your mouth.”
“What?” I gasp.
My question earns me another slap. “Do as you’re told!”
Tears sting my eyes as I take the weird-smelling rubber head into my mouth.
“Suck it as deep and hard as you can,” the clinical order comes.
When a tear escapes my eye, Yutaro nods. “Some men like it if you cry. If you see it’s a turn-on for Mr. Vitale, then you can fight, but if it angers him, you have to be submissive and hold back the tears. You have to please him. You will not bring shame to the Yakuza.”
I pull the dildo from my mouth, but when Yutaro glares at me, I quickly begin to suck the thing again.
“Take it deep until you gag,” he demands.
Another piece of me shrivels and turns to ash while I learn how to perform a blow job, and by the time Yutaro is satisfied with the progress I’ve made, I feel violated.
“Time for your cooking lesson,” he says, and when I follow him to where a chef is waiting, my stomach growls. “Practice with the dildo every day until it becomes second nature.”
I nod as we enter the kitchen. The instant my eyes lock on the pieces of steak, potatoes, apples, and other ingredients, my stomach lets out another loud grumble.
Learning to make food while I’m being starved has been downright unbearable. I never thought I’d miss the days when I had to pretend to be Ryo. At least, back then, I was able to eat and drink whatever I wanted.
“Today you’re learning how to make hamburgers and fries, and apple pie.”
For the next hour, I’m taught how to turn a steak into a burger patty and make perfect fries. I’m even shown how to make fresh rolls before we move on to the apple pie.
The instant Yutaro and the chef have their backs turned to me, I grab one of the botched burger patties and shove it into my pocket.
By the time I’ve successfully recreated the meals, I’m being tortured by the mouthwatering aromas hanging in the air.
“I need to use the restroom,” I say before hurrying toward the doorway.
“Meet me in the laundry room when you’re done,” Yutaro orders.
I nod, and after darting into the restroom, I shut the door behind me. I dig the burger patty from my pocket and pick the fluff off it with trembling hands. Even though I know I’m going to be sick from eating the greasy meat, I take a bite and almost moan, but swallow the sound down.
I hope I don’t vomit later and manage to keep the meat down.
There’s no time to savor my stolen meal, and after I’m done, I wash my hands and make sure my mouth and teeth are clean.
My eyes lock on my reflection, and once again, I’m shocked by the face staring back at me.
It’s going to take a long while before I get used to what I look like.
Leaving the restroom, I go to the laundry room for another lesson in washing clothes and ironing.
As night creeps closer, I have a pounding headache from all the slaps Yutaro’s given me throughout the day.
An hour before midnight, Yutaro finally says, “Go eat and sleep. Be up at five. Tomorrow, you have to learn about Western culture.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him I probably know more than he can ever teach me, but I swallow the words back.
I return to the kitchen where the bowl of steamed rice is waiting, and as I eat my single meal for the day, I try not to think about what life will be like in New York.
Augusto
Once we’re all seated out on the veranda at my place, Mom reaches for my arm and gives it a loving pat. She keeps touching me as if to make sure I’m here after being away from home for three months.
I smile at her before I glance at Dad and my siblings. “I have important news.” When I have everyone’s attention, I say, “I’m getting married on Wednesday.”
“What?” Mom gasps while Sienna and Bianca’s jaws drop open.
Riccardo and Dad’s expressions remain unchanged.
“To bring peace between the Yakuza and us, I’ve agreed to marry Tanaka’s daughter.”
“The one who pretended to be a man?” Mom asks. “I can’t believe she agreed after what she’s been through.”
“She doesn’t have a choice,” I say.
“No, Augusto!” Mom snaps, instantly angry as she climbs to her feet. “You will not force that poor woman to marry you. Over my dead body.”
“Samantha,” Dad says as he gets up as well. “This is Cosa Nostra business.”
“Don’t give me that bullshit.” Mom shoots a glare at Dad before leveling me with a disappointed look that guts me. “No son of mine will force a woman to marry him.”
“Mom. Hear Augusto out.” Riccardo’s tone is soft, and usually he can get her to calm down in seconds, but not tonight.
I’ve already told Riccardo everything, seeing as he’s now my underboss.
Rising to my feet, I place my hand on Mom’s shoulder, and not beating around the bush, I say, “Yuki is living in hell right now. She is constantly abused and humiliated. I have a chance to repent for what I’ve done to her by giving her a life where she’ll be safe and cared for.”
“Rosie told me what happened at the meeting,” Gianna’s soft voice comes from where she’s seated beside Riccardo. “It’s horrible how they degraded her. I think Augusto is doing the right thing.”
“Me too,” Riccardo adds his vote.
“It will bring peace between the Yakuza and Cosa Nostra,” Dad says. “We’ve lost enough men in this war.”
Mom’s chin quivers as she looks at me again. “And what about you and your future? Are you willing to tie yourself to a woman who might never forgive you?”
Since the agreement has been made, I have refused to think about what I’ll do if Yuki never warms up to me.
“I’m willing to take the chance. The truce is important for the five families, and Yuki will be better off with us than the Yakuza.”
“Jesus,” Mom whispers while wiping her palm over her forehead. “I can’t believe you’re doing this.”
Dad comes to wrap his arm around Mom’s lower back and gives her a pleading look. “It’s for the best, Samantha.”
My sisters are still too dumbstruck to respond, but I’m sure they’ll give me a piece of their mind later.
Mom meets my eyes again. “You’ll treat Yuki with respect. The way I raised you.”
“Of course.”
Mom takes my hand and pulls me back into the house. Once we reach the kitchen and it’s just the two of us, she says, “You will not consummate the marriage until Yuki is ready. Promise me, Augusto.”
My head snaps back as if she’s slapped me. “Seriously? You really felt the need to tell me that?” I take a step backward as pain blossoms in my chest.
Mom darts forward, closing the distance between us to throw her arms around my neck.
I’m hauled into a tight embrace as she lets out a sob.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t mean it that way.
I know you won’t force yourself on Yuki, but she might try to initiate sex even though it’s something she doesn’t want.
” Mom pulls back to frame my jaw with her cool palms. “God, this is insane. I wanted so much more for you than an arranged marriage.”
I place my hand on the back of her head and draw her against my chest. Letting out a sigh, I say, “I promise I will do what’s best for Yuki.”
“And for you.” Mom begins to cry harder, and it breaks my heart. “I wanted a happy life for you.”
“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” I brush my hand over the length of her back in an attempt to comfort her. “I’ll always be happy as long as I have my family.”
When Mom finally calms down, I wait for her to wipe the tears from her face and blow her nose before I catch her eyes. “I’m going to be fine. Out of all your children, I’m the last one you should worry about.”
She shakes her head, her chin trembling again. “You’re the one I worry most about. You have so much responsibility resting on your shoulders, and you’re constantly in dangerous situations.” Her tears begin to flow again. “Damn this menopause. I can’t stop crying.”
“Mamma,” I murmur lovingly while pulling her back into my arms. “Dad trained me well, and I’m not easy to kill. The responsibility of being the head of the family is an honor, and I’m happy. Okay?”
She nods, her cheek rubbing against my chest. “No matter how badass you are, you’ll always be one of my babies.”
“I know.” I press a kiss to her soft blonde hair that’s turning white in places. “I love you.”
“I love you so much.”
I hold Mom, offering her the comfort she needs until her emotions settle.
“Will you help me make Yuki feel at home once she’s here?” I ask, my tone hopeful.
“Of course. I’ll clear my calendar.”
Letting out a chuckle, I say, “Just don’t smother her.”
Mom shoots me a playful glare before she asks, “Do you have a wedding ring? What about the arrangements?” Her eyes widen. “Oh my God! You’re getting married in four days.”
“Don’t panic. It’s going to be a small ceremony. I don’t want any family there. Things are still too volatile with the Yakuza, and I don’t want to put any of you in danger.”
Mom’s eyebrows draw together, a flash of sadness tightening her features. “So, we don’t get to celebrate with you?”
Yeah, it was stupid of me to think I’d get away with it.
Letting out a sigh, I say, “Will you arrange–”
“Yes!” Mom cuts me off. “I’ll get all the women together tomorrow. We can have the reception at our house.”
Shit. It’s going to overwhelm the hell out of her meeting the entire family all at once. Not being able to deny Mom this one thing, I keep my worry to myself.
We head back to the veranda, and the instant I sit down, Bianca asks, “What can we do to make things easier for you?”
I give her a grateful smile. “Once Yuki’s had time to settle, maybe spend some time with her and make her feel welcome.”
Sienna’s head bobs up and down. “We can do that. We’ll include her in lunch dates and shopping trips.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mom giving Dad a hug.
“With the bomb dropped and all of us surviving the aftermath, Gianna and I are heading home,” Riccardo says as he gets up. “I’ll see you first thing tomorrow at the office.”
I nod and smile at them as they leave.
“We’re going to head home as well. I have a lot to plan for the reception.” Mom comes to press a kiss to my forehead.
I give Mom a loving look. “Thanks for understanding.”
She pats my cheek like I’m a five-year-old. “Sorry for overreacting and all the crying.”
Dad shakes my hand, and after they head into the house to leave via the front door, it’s just my sisters and me.
Sienna’s eyes drift over my face. “How are you holding up?”
I shrug and rub my fingertips over the scruff on my jaw. “I’m just tired. It’s been a crazy few months.”
“Are you going to take some time off to get some rest?”
I shake my head. “I have to train Riccardo.”
“How will you get to know Yuki if you’re busy at work?” Bianca asks.
“I’m going to give her some space for the first month or so.”
Worry lines form on both my sisters' faces, but it’s Sienna who says, “I think you’re making a mistake. I don’t believe an arranged marriage can work.”
“It’s worked just fine for Uncle Angelo and Aunt Torri, as well as Uncle Damiano and Aunt Gabrielle.”
“Yeah, but they’re old school,” she argues.
When it looks like she has more to say on the matter, I give her a stern look. “Stop, Sienna. This matter is not open for discussion.”
She instantly backs down, and getting up, she comes to sit beside me, wrapping her arms around me. “I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you.”
Bianca pulls another chair closer to my left side, and soon I’m getting the shit hugged out of me by my sisters.
Silence falls between us, and as I stare out over the backyard, I let out a sigh.
Jesus, I hope I’m doing the right thing for the Cosa Nostra, and this doesn’t explode in my face.