Chapter 17
Yuki
Tonight turned out completely different from what I expected.
From Augusto enjoying the dinner I prepared, to the beautiful garden that feels like a little slice of home, as well as everything he’s said to me, it’s all very overwhelming.
My emotions are all over the place and I keep alternating between feeling apprehensive and hopeful.
It’s starting to sink in that Augusto feels bad for what he did to me and that he might not hurt me again.
“Let’s take turns asking questions so we can get to know each other,” he says with the same gentle tone he’s been using the whole night. “You can go first.”
What do I want to know?
My mind races from one question to the next, and I feel a little nervous as I decide to ask, “Do you like your work?”
When he was beating me, there were times it looked like he enjoyed it.
His jaw clenches, making a muscle jump in his cheek, and I begin to regret my question.
“That’s a trick question,” he replies, his tone tense and all the gentleness gone.
My lips part, but before I can apologize, he says, “As the eldest son of the Vitale family, I was raised to take over from my father. It’s my duty to protect my family and to exact revenge when a loved one is hurt.
If someone attacked you tomorrow, I would go after them and make them pay, and yes, I’d enjoy making them bleed for what they did to you. ”
I already regret my next question, but I can’t stop it from spilling over my lips. “What if I didn’t look like a man, and I was the one who shot Riccardo?”
“I would’ve killed you with a single shot to the head. The Cosa Nostra doesn’t torture women.”
It’s better than what the Yakuza would do. A quick death is an honorable way to die.
“My turn,” Augusto says as he takes off his suit jacket, setting it down beside him on the couch. “What do you like to do in your spare time?”
“Whenever I didn’t have to pretend to be Ryo, I would play games on my phone or make clay pots.”
I look at his hands as he rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt, and it’s the first time since I laid eyes on him in the street that I notice the tattoos again.
The ink follows an intricate pattern of feathers and flowers with three clocks hidden between them.
Augusto sees what I’m staring at and says, “My sisters and I are triplets. Each clock shows the different times we were born.”
I like the tattoos covering the back of his hands and arms, but I don’t dare tell him that.
“You probably didn’t bring any of your pottery with you?” he asks.
I shake my head.
Augusto pulls his phone out of his pocket as he gets up, and when he comes to take a seat beside me, my body tenses.
“Let’s order everything you need so you can continue with your hobby.”
My eyes flit to his face as he surprises me once again. He keeps doing nice things for me.
Things no one has ever done for me.
My heart clenches in my chest, and as I stare at him, I try to see him in a new light. One where he isn’t a monster, but a man who’s actually caring and kind.
He turns his head, and catching me staring at him, the corner of his mouth lifts. “What kind of equipment do you need?”
I clear my throat before I reply, “A kiln. It’s an oven. And I’ll need a wheel and carving tools.”
Augusto pushes his phone into my hands. “I’m going to get the wrong stuff. Order whatever you want.”
As I search for places where I can order from, Augusto actually looks interested. Every now and then, he stops me from scrolling to ask a question about an item.
Slowly, I find myself relaxing, and by the time he’s helped me purchase everything I’ll need to continue with my hobby, I feel excited.
A smile forms around my mouth as I hand his phone back to him. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, Yuki.”
Our eyes meet for a moment, and I instantly feel nervous again.
Earlier, when our reflections appeared in the sliding doors, I was stunned speechless to find a beautiful woman standing beside a handsome man. His stance was protective next to her, and there was a gentle expression on his face.
It felt like I was witnessing a private moment between Augusto and someone else before I realized it was me.
When I was watching Riccardo and Gianna in the club, I was mesmerized by the loving way he looked at her. I remember wondering what it would feel like.
Now that Augusto is looking at me with gentleness, I don’t know how to handle it.
It feels good, but also very nerve-racking.
Excitement buzzes in my stomach as Samantha and I walk into the store.
“Get whatever you want, sweetie,” she says as her eyes drift over my face.
I’ve never been able to choose my own clothes before, and knowing exactly what I want to wear, I search through all the racks and shelves for pants and long skirts. I don’t feel comfortable showing my legs to the whole world.
“Don’t you think this top will look nice with the light blue pants?” Samantha asks, holding up a silk blouse with a low cleavage.
I quickly shake my head. “I want to keep my chest covered.”
“Okay.” She looks through all the other options, then pulls out a top that has a high collar with a little bow tie. “Oh my God, this is so cute.”
A grin spreads over my face as I nod. “I love it.”
She keeps glancing through the tops, then excitedly says, “There are more in different colors!”
We pick them all out, and by the time our arms are loaded with clothes, we make our way to the counter to pay.
I use the credit card Augusto gave me yesterday, and when I see the name Mrs. Y. Vitale printed on it, it sends a weird sensation through my chest.
It’s been a month since I married Augusto, and he’s been nothing but kind and patient with me. The marriage is not as bad as I thought it would be, and actually a blessing in disguise.
The sight of Augusto doesn’t fill me with fear anymore, but instead, I’m always nervous around him. I think it’s because he’s so attractive, and deep down, I know we’ll have to consummate the marriage at some point.
As soon as the thought pops into my mind, my cheeks go on fire, and I force myself to focus on the shopping trip.
Samantha said we’re meeting Bianca and Sienna for lunch, but we stop at a couple of more stores to get everything from pretty accessories to underwear and shoes.
The guards keep taking the bags from us, which is something my old guards never would’ve done.
By the time we walk into a restaurant, I’ve worked up a sweat. But I’m so satisfied with everything I got that I want to wear it all at once.
A wide smile spreads over Samantha’s face as she waves at her daughters, where they’re already sitting at a table.
Augusto mentioned they’re triplets, but the only thing they have in common is the green eyes they must’ve gotten from Samantha.
“We’ve had such a busy morning,” Samantha says as she slumps down in a chair. “I need something to drink.”
I sit down beside her and offer my sisters-in-law a polite smile.
“Wow.” Bianca looks me up and down, her eyebrows lifting. “You look so much better than when we saw you at the reception.”
Samantha rubs my shoulder. “She’s reached her goal weight, so we have something to celebrate today.”
“I’m so happy you’re better, Yuki.” Sienna gives me a soft smile.
“Are you growing your hair out?” Bianca asks.
Feeling a little overwhelmed, I focus on keeping my expression friendly as I nod. “I want to grow my hair as long as possible.”
“I know of a couple of treatments that will help. When I used it, my hair shot past my ass.” Bianca smiles at the server who comes to our table. “My mother will have a Coca-Cola with lots of ice and a slice of lemon.” She looks at me. “What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll have the same, please.”
“Should we get some champagne?” Samantha asks while looking at me.
Giving her an apologetic look, I shake my head. “The last time I had it, I got sick.”
“Oh, right. We’ll stick to sodas.”
Bianca does a drum roll with her hands on the table. “I have news.” She waits until all our attention is on her before she says, “Lorenzo asked me out to dinner!”
Sienna smiles at her sister. “I’m happy for you, B.”
I get the impression Sienna is very introverted. She has a quiet aura whereas Bianca’s is loud and bright like fireworks.
“I didn’t know you were interested in him,” Samantha mentions, a surprised expression on her face.
Bianca shrugs. “I’ve always thought he’s hot, but I didn’t read too much into my feelings, because I’m not sure how Augusto will feel about me dating his head of security.”
“I’m sure your brother will be fine with it.” The server brings our drinks, and once he leaves, she adds, “For Lorenzo’s sake, I hope he has asked Augusto’s permission.”
Bianca picks up her phone from where it’s lying on the table and types something on it. “I just asked Lorenzo.”
While she waits for him to respond, she looks at me again. “Tell us what clothes you bought.”
“A bunch of pretty tops, shoes, long pants, and skirts.”
“I like the style she’s going with. It’s effortless and timeless,” Samantha gives her opinion.
“Please tell me you didn’t make her buy old people's clothes,” Bianca mutters.
“You’re never too old for a spanking,” Samantha threatens her daughter with a playful tone.
Bianca lets out a chuckle. “Next time you go shopping, Sienna and I want to go with you.”
“No, thanks.” Sienna shakes her head, shooting a scowl at her sister. “You know I hate shopping.”
“Yeah-yeah.”
Bianca’s phone beeps, drawing her attention, and when she reads the message, she grins happily. “Lorenzo got Augusto’s permission, so we’re good to go.”
“When is the date happening?” Samantha asks.
“Friday. When we get home, I need to go through my whole closet and see if I have anything to wear.”
“You have so many clothes, it will take more than a week,” Sienna teases her.
“Maybe it’s time you clean that closet of yours and donate some of the stuff you don’t wear anymore to a charity,” Samantha says.
“Ugh. I don’t have energy for that right now.”
Sienna rolls her eyes. “Fine. I’ll do it for you.”
Bianca throws her arms around her sister's neck and gives her a quick hug. “You’re the best.”
Samantha taps the menu in front of me with her pointer finger. “Look at what you’d like to eat.”
We take a moment to decide what to order, and once Bianca’s given it to the server, she looks at me and asks, “Do you like being married to my brother?”
Caught off guard, my eyes widen. “Ahh…”
“They’re still getting to know each other,” Samatha answers on my behalf.
Bianca shoots another loaded question my way. “Do you even like Augusto?”
“Stop it, Bianca,” Samantha mutters.
“What? They’ve been married a month. I just want to know how things are going.”
Trying to stop the conversation from derailing, I answer, “Augusto’s been kind to me since the wedding, and I appreciate everything he does for me.”
She leans her elbows on the table, giving me a curious look. “Yeah, but do you like him? Do you find him attractive? Do you think you’ll fall in love at some point?”
I take a huge gulp of my soda while my cheeks begin to grow warm.
Samantha shoots her daughter another look of warning. “Jesus, Bianca. You just don’t know when to stop, do you?”
“What? This is what lunches are for. We get to gossip and share all our juicy news.”
Suddenly, a smile spreads over my face as I realize I’m having a girls' day out, and even though Bianca is very straightforward, I find that I love it.
I fidget as I wipe the condensation from my glass, then admit, “I like the side of Augusto I’ve gotten to know the past week.”
“Ooooh…” Bianca wags her eyebrows at me. “And which side would that be?”
“He’s been very gentle and attentive.”
He treats me like I’m a woman he finds interesting and beautiful.
The corner of my mouth lifts. “I think he’s very attractive, and maybe with time it will be okay if I develop feelings for him.”
“Aww…” Bianca presses her hand to her heart. “There’s nothing as amazing as falling in love. I hope my brother sweeps you off your feet.”
Luckily, the server brings our food, and I get a moment to process my emotions, because the thought of Augusto sweeping me off my feet is both daunting and exciting.