5. Massimo
Chapter five
Massimo
I was a bit vexed when I learned that Alessia would not be present at last night’s discussion.
I’m not sure what her family’s intentions were for leaving her out, but to me, it made her seem more like a transaction than an equal part of the arrangement. By the time I succeed the De Luca empire, she will know she is a queen. Not a mafia princess nor a mobster’s wife.
When the discussion over the sex trade had begun, I stole a glance over at her. And when I did, she was unruffled. Looking just as regal as she had when she entered the room, and it deadened.
It has always been in our best interest to solidify her family with mine since our territories are so close, and we’re two of the original families, even before the notorious original five. Not to mention our influence in Italy.
Tullio and Sarita would have been a conciliatory match, but they would only empower us by name. Although I lost much respect for Tullio, I was content with the marriage not going through.
There were plenty of suitable options for me out there. Ones that made more sense; age-wise, money-wise, and connection-wise. But I was thinking more strategically. I wanted someone who could make us a power couple and best suit my ambition.
My father was against my decision from the start and still is. He has some nonsensical vendetta towards the Bonettis that started way before the first failed arrangement. Eventually, I was able to convince him that this would be most beneficial.
I last spoke to Alessia three years ago, but that was not the last time I saw her. She unknowingly demanded my attention and became a permanent fixture inside my head.
But my decision became absolute when she so gruesomely killed one of Gallo’s men. The other families labeled her as unstable and untamable, but all I saw was her tyrannous potential.
Alessia is perfect, and it was her I wanted.
Us two together, we will build an untouchable empire.
Since then, I’ve stood back, giving her as much time as I could spare. But it’s time to execute my plan and secure this alliance.
And as soon as I can get this wedding planned, the better.
Pulling up to the Bonetti estate for the third day in a row, I head inside to pick Alessia up for our dinner date. I’m keen on getting her alone and to be able to give all of my focus to her.
After being checked at the door for weapons, I’m led in through the house and towards the voices. Over the years, I’ve noticed how different our two families are. They’re close to one another and still live here at the estate. I care for my siblings, and some could say we are close, but we don’t spend much time together, and I am the only one who lives full-time at the estate, considering it will be mine someday.
When I enter the kitchen, my eyes land on Alessia right away. Her toned legs are on display, and a red velvet dress hugs every curve of her petite body. Her ass plump, and the curve of her back accentuated. Her long, dark hair is worn down in big soft curls down her back. And with the heels she’s wearing, her calf muscles are more defined. All I can think about is how delicious it would be to bite into them and how many times I can wrap her hair around my fist.
They urgently take notice of my presence, and the atmosphere becomes restless. Everyone except for Marino, Tullio, and Gemma seems to be here. All together as a family, not at all looking like the mobsters they are known for. If you weren’t aware of the concealed weapons they wear as an essential, you wouldn’t take any of them as a threat.
“ Buonasera .” Good evening . I dip my chin and place my hands casually in my pockets. They all say hello to me and begin talking amongst themselves again.
Alessia heads my way with a pretty smile. “Hello, Massimo.” I lean down for us to greet. She rests both hands on my shoulders and mine automatically go to her hips, causing her to tense under my touch. Soon my touch will make her quiver. It will take some time to ease her into me. A woman any less than her I would have to break and reconstruct into a woman fitting for a life at my side. Not Alessia. She may need some softening, but she’s ready.
I’m reluctant to let her go, but I manage to. “Are you ready?”
“I am.” She turns to shout, “ Buona notte !” Good night ! They respond with their goodbyes, and all eyes remain on us as we turn to leave the room. I’m sure her brothers abhor the thought of their sister being alone with me.
“Was there a special occasion tonight?” I ask as we head for the door.
“No.” She shakes her head, and then she smiles up at me. “Just a typical night at the Bonetti’s. You come from an Italian family, Massimo. Don’t you all spend too much time together?”
“I can’t say that we do. Not like that, at least.” I hold the car door open for her, let her slip inside first, and then join her in the backseat.
“Do you have family dinners?”
“No.”
“Hm.” She glances out the window. “I guess that’s good for me then.”
“Why is that?”
She turns her smile over to me again. Even in the dark, you can see the golden slivers in her eyes. “Because I won’t have to split them between our families once married. It’ll be hard not living there anymore.” She sighs. “I couldn’t imagine not going to family dinners often.”
The car is hushed as I try to think of the last time we all sat down as a family to eat. I can’t even remember our last Christmas when everyone was there. My father has always been nothing but a boss to us growing up, and our mother hasn’t been herself for years. They had an arranged marriage, and my father used her for power, money, and heirs. After he got those from her, he completely neglected her. Multiple affairs and verbal abuse when she sought any attention from him. So, she resorted to anti-depressants she now depends on. Numbing herself into a docile and meek woman.
Any time Marino Bonetti is seen out of the estate for any reason involving an audience, he usually has his wife on his arm, and she seems earnestly content. It could be for show. Whether it’s authentic or a ruse, I respect Marino for it. Whether Alessia and I learn to love each other or not, I will do my best to appease her, and I hope she will give me respect in return.
I bring her to one of our family restaurants in the city for our first date. It’s fine dining and the best Italian food the city has to offer. She might beg to differ since her family owns one in the city as well, but I personally put a lot of passion into this place as a tribute to my late grandmother.
We indeed turn heads walking in. I’m bringing a Bonetti onto De Luca territory, and not just any Bonetti. The beautiful and fierce Alessia Bonetti. Her hips swaying, chin up, back straight. Brimming with confidence and wearing an invisible crown showing off the royalty she naturally projects.
Word of our appearance and engagement will spread quickly. No one would be foolish enough to voice their objections, and everyone would know that she is under my protection now.
Pulling out her chair for her, I take my own on the other side so I can see every muscle twitching on her beautiful face, which glows underneath the warm lighting. I study her while she settles in and takes a look around. Her full lips are a rich natural color, her nose is small and straight, and those bold copper eyes complement her olive skin and dark hair.
I tear my eyes away from her when a bottle of our finest wine is brought to us, and two glasses are poured.
Once we’re alone, she turns her attention to me. “So, now that we have the business side of things squared away, shall we discuss the terms of our marriage? What do you expect out of me as a wife, and what do I expect out of you as a husband?”
One corner of my mouth hitches up, and I use a sip of wine to cover it. I do admire her brazenness. “Ladies first.” I recline back in my chair casually.
She smirks. “How about I tell you what I want, then you tell me what you want, then we can negotiate?” I nod once. “Leading up to the wedding you may have your freedom to do as you please, with whomever you please, as long as you are discreet. Preferably outside of the city. And I will make sure to be discreet as well.” Not happening . “After we are married, I expect you to be faithful to me, and I promise to be faithful to you. I will fulfill my wifely duties to you, of course, starting the night of our wedding.” She pauses. “Oh, and I require us to have separate bedrooms. No need to encroach on each other’s space.”
“Wifely duties…” I muse.
“Yes, as in sex. And I require the same. A woman has needs as well. I refuse to have a sexless marriage. It’s a must.”
No problem there, bella. Beautiful. “Anything else?”
“Yes.” She sits up straighter. “I am not some debutant where I’m there just to smile and look pretty with my head in the sand. I refuse to be oblivious, and I want responsibilities. I’m not talking about how to perfect some family recipe. I’m valuable. Not only am I a great shot, I’m also great with numbers and very—”
“Yes.” I stop her.
“Yes, what?”
“I think you’ve made your point, and it’s now my turn.” She narrows her eyes at me but doesn’t argue. Smart woman . “I require fidelity from this moment forward. I won’t expect you in my bed until the night of our wedding, but I will certainly welcome you if your womanly needs are too hard to ignore.” I let myself smirk a little as she mirrors one back. “We most definitely will not have a sexless marriage and I do know how valuable you are, Alessia. It may have been your womanly physique and angelic face that made me look, but your intellect and ferocity have kept me captivated.” Her face softens. “For years, I have waited to find someone who could be my queen, and that’s you, Alessia. You will be my regina .” I sip my wine as I watch her gape at me, speechless. “Oh, and yes to the separate bedrooms, but only until we are married. Once we’re married, I will not have a separate bedroom from my wife.” I want her within arms reach.
She blinks several times trying to process everything, then she mentally shakes herself. “Wait…Until we’re married? I’m not living with you until we are.”
“That will be a problem for me, cara mia .” My darling . “I’d like you close by so we can get to know each other before the wedding arrives.”
“I’m sorry, Massimo. That is not going to happen,” she says firmly. “I will stay at my family’s estate until we are married, and that’s final.”
“I will give you one more month at home.”
“Is that when we will be married? One month?” she challenges with one eyebrow raised.
“That depends. Could you throw together a royal wedding that quickly?”
“Doubtful. It’ll take months to plan.”
“Shame.” We’re quiet for a long moment, neither willing to back down. “How about this? One month, you move into my estate, in your own bedroom, but you may see your family as much as you’d like.”
She leans back with both eyebrows arched. “As much as I’d like? Oh, how generous of you, Massimo. Why don’t you tell me what other kinds of privileges you will bless me with?” she sasses. “Will I be allowed free-range of the estate or permitted to certain parts? Will I be allowed to come and go as I please, or will I need to ask for permission first before stepping foot out the door?”
“Now, you’re just being childish.” She scowls, and I find even that attractive on her. “Of course, you can come and go as you please, and as far as the estate goes, I have my separate wing. Private from my mother and father, so it would be best if you stick to our side.” She doesn’t say anything as she’s clearly unsatisfied. “I know it will be difficult to leave your home and your family, but you will eventually have to. If you want to try to make this work and have an amicable marriage, I would like it if you and I spent time together leading up to our nuptials, preferably in the evening. If you prefer to have dinner with your family, then so be it, but I would like you to come home afterward. I work long hours, so that’s all I could spare for you unless it’s a special occasion.” I take a breath. “And you said you would like responsibilities, no? How am I supposed to start giving them to you if you are not there?”
That obviously piques her interest. “You’d start giving me responsibilities before we’re married?”
“I could. Not much until we’re official, but I would love to see what you’re capable of. I could also teach you some things if you would like to learn.” She nods her head. “Then one month, Alessia.”
Her chest rises and falls as she takes a deep breath in and then out. “And you won’t try and control me, Massimo?” Her voice is abnormally raw.
“I will never try to control you, Alessia. I enjoy your ferocity and will not try and tame you. If anything, I’d like to give you wings, not clip them.”
Her nostrils flare as she stares at me. My eyes meander around her face and down the slender column of her neck, anxious to sink my teeth into it. “Okay.”
“Then we agree to everything we’ve discussed?”
“Fidelity from this moment on, frequent sex starting the night of the wedding—”
“Or whenever you want.”
Her copper eyes dance in delight as she shakes her head with a smirk. “I move into a separate room at the estate in one month, and we will share a bedroom once we are officially married. Did I cover everything?”
“I would also like you to always have one of my men with you whenever you leave the estate. Starting now, that is. If you are not inside your estate or mine, I want you protected.” She opens that sassy mouth of hers, and I hold a hand up to stop her. “I know very well how capable you are in protecting yourself, but I would like you as safe as possible, Alessia. Being a Bonetti already gives you enemies, when everyone discovers we are to be married, they will double in numbers.”
With a heavy sigh, she holds her gaze with mine. Thinking, plotting, deciding, analyzing. “Seems like I’m not getting anything I want.”
“Aren’t you? I see that your father knows you aren’t some debutant, only good for marrying off for his benefit, but he’s still stuck in his ways and very old school. You’re still a woman and will never get the respect you deserve.” Her face hardens, but she must understand that I’m only giving it to her straight since she doesn’t comment. “I promise to make you feel useful and use you to your utmost potential. Isn’t that something you want?”
“It is.”
“And sex, of course. You require sex, and I am willing to uphold that end of the deal.” My antics to lighten the mood seem to work as her face softens again, and she cracks a smile.
“Starting the night of the wedding.”
“I’ll leave that entirely up to you, cara mia .” She tries to hide her smile with her drink. “Are we in complete agreement now?”
“I’d say so.”
“Then, in that case.” I reach into my pocket and pull out the jewelry box. Her eyes bore into it as if it were a snake ready to bite, cautious but unafraid. Splitting the box open, I present her with an engagement ring. Those brown eyes of hers widen as she gawks at the large diamond ring. It wasn’t easy to find a ring fit for my queen.
“ Cazzo .” Fuck , she says on an exhale, and her eyes dart up to mine.
“May I?” She clears her throat, and it looks like she’s wiping her hands in her lap before giving me her left one. I cradle it as gently as it is delicate and slip the ring into place. It fits her perfectly in size and character. She certainly wears the ring well, as diamonds do not get much more regal than this.
“It’s beautiful,” she says, looking down at it. “Thank you, Massimo.”
“You’re welcome, Alessia.”