THREE
Laying it Out
ELISA
The days go by quickly, especially when I’m packing up Guido’s belongings and deciding what to do with them. I’ve set aside boxes for donation and several boxes for his parents, mementos that I’m sure they would appreciate having. The last box is filled with photos of our time together and other treasures that I hold dear.
I laughed and cried through the entire process. It was cathartic to let it all out. Guido was a private man, and not many were allowed into his inner circle. That circle got smaller and smaller as time progressed. The last few months, it was really just him and me. He wanted fancy dinners and to get all dressed up like we were going to a gala. We would sit out on the patio and watch the sunset while drinking wine and holding hands.
We were a married couple in every sense of the word, except sexually. That particular loss was a horrible blow for Guido, and it was he who bought my first vibrator. In his own way, he was seeing to my needs. I was so shy at first, I nearly fainted when he took it out of the box and told me what it was. He made me promise to use it as I needed.
My husband wanted me to have a full life, and I did with him. I just hope he knew how loved he was.
It’s coming up to six o’clock, and I still haven’t picked out what to wear to dinner with Raffaele and Evangeline Di Morte. I met Evangeline a couple of times, but never had the opportunity to chat with her until the funeral. During the gathering after the funeral, Evangeline came over and sat with me, holding my cold hand. It was soothing. I’m not sure I even said thank you, but it meant so very much to me.
Guido never went to any of the family events, but insisted that I go in his place. I hated it, and after a few of them, I told him I was done. All night, I was asked about Guido, but the final straw was when I overheard gossip that just wrecked me. Some of the women didn’t know I was standing around the corner and were insinuating that I’d come to find a lover, leaving my poor, feeble husband alone at home. I tore out of there and refused to attend another function unless Guido came with me.
I chose a sedate, knee-length, black dress with long sleeves. It’s appropriate for a widow, and since fall is approaching, it’s perfect for the chill in the air. My hair is up in a neat chignon, lifting it off my face, saving me the trouble of trying to tame the mass of dark curls. I’m so out of practice putting on makeup that I keep it simple with a touch of mascara and gloss.
A glance in the mirror shows a very conservative woman, exactly right for dinner with Raffaele and Evangeline. I hear the bell downstairs. Taking a deep breath, I grab my clutch and head down. Ivo is right on time; I hurry to the bottom of the stairs to open the door. He’s looking even more attractive, if that’s possible, than he did the other day. His dark blue suit is tailored to his frame, showing off his muscular body. His hair is the right kind of messy: sexy, but groomed. I’ll bet men pay a fortune to get that look, yet Ivo does this naturally.
“Good evening, Ivo.” I swear my voice doesn’t even sound like my own. It’s low and husky.
“Elisa.” He scans me from top to toe. I wish I could read his expressions. One moment, I think we could be friends, the next, I think he hates me. I’m not sure what to make of Ivo. “We should be going. They’re waiting for us,” he says curtly.
Ivo holds the door open for me, and as we walk toward his car, I feel his hand on my lower back guiding me. I almost stumble when I feel his heated touch. I recover quickly and sit quietly beside him as he drives. The silence is too much to bear.
“Did you have a good day?” I ask.
He glances in my direction, lifting the corner of his mouth in a half smile. “I’d say it was fair. What did you do today?”
No way am I going to tell him about packing Guido’s belongings. “This and that. I wanted to mention that Guido’s study hasn’t been touched, and he was always very adamant that I didn’t touch his desk. It might be best if one of your men comes by and takes whatever you need. I’m not sure if there’s anything confidential left in his study, but I would rather you take a look.”
“You haven’t been curious? Not even a peek?” he asks, lifting a brow.
“I wouldn’t do that.” I shake my head. “If Guido had wanted me to know about something, he would have told me himself. I’m not naive, Ivo. I’m fully aware of the type of business Ultimo Morte runs. I also know that Guido wanted me as far removed from it as possible for my own protection. Even after death, I won’t go against his will,” I reply sharply. “I’m not a snoop, nor do I have a death wish.”
Once the words come out of my mouth, I instantly regret it. This man could crush me with one hand, and I’m practically shouting at him. But instead of reacting with anger, he does the most unexpected thing and laughs. Not just a chuckle, but a wholehearted, loud laugh. I watch him, mesmerized.
Then he lightly caresses my cheek. It’s barely a touch, and yet a jolt of electricity runs through me, causing my heart to race wildly. I stare at him wide-eyed.
“It’s good you speak your mind. I’d like to know what you’re thinking right now.” He’s teasing me. Or could he be flirting with me? No way. That isn’t possible. His finger glides down under my chin, tapping it gently. “You’d better close your mouth, regina mia. You’re looking a little stunned.” Ivo focuses on the road. I clamp my mouth shut, turning my head away to look out the car window.
There’s not a chance I would tell Ivo what I’m thinking right now. I don’t want to be thinking what I’m thinking right now. I wanted him to kiss me. What does that say about me? I’m a horrible person. My husband is hardly in his grave, and I’m lusting over Ivo Avante. I shut my eyes tight and take a deep breath. It’s not far to Raffaele’s place, and then I’ll be able to put some distance between us.
We ride in silence the rest of the way, and I make sure not to make eye contact.
IVO
Elisa’s not immune to me. I see it in her eyes, and I felt it when I touched her cheek. Her perfectly pink bow lips trembled and her face flushed red. Her deep indigo eyes grew wide, her mouth opened slightly, and I could see her pulse throbbing in her neck. I know the difference between fear and desire. This was desire.
Her skin is soft as silk, and her expression is so adorable that I want to pull the car over and kiss her. It’s the first time since my wife passed that I’ve wanted to kiss another woman. I’m not a saint, and I’ve had women since Maria’s death. It was sex. Mostly angry sex, to satisfy a need. I’m not into pain. Unlike some I know that get off on that sort of thing, I don’t hurt women. I’ve always thought it repulsive. If there’s mutual consent, if that’s your thing, then go for it, but to exert your physical strength over a woman to prove you’re a man is unnecessary.
That doesn’t mean I haven’t killed women. If the enemy comes, man or woman, I take them out. Several women have tried to get close to Raffaele in the past. They were sent by the enemy to get close enough to kill him. One tried to poison him. I made her drink her own poison to end her life. Another attempted to lure Raffaele into her suite, where a Russian hitman was waiting for him. I’m afraid her end was not as clean as a simple poison.
Each time I’ve seen Elisa, she comes across as demure. It was a nice surprise to see her speaking up and defending herself when I teased her about snooping. She has a few kitten claws, and I find that alluring as well. I can see that she’s trying to understand what’s happening between us. I’m giving her time to think as we drive the rest of the way without talking.
After Guido’s death, Raffaele and I spoke of how we would proceed with Elisa. It was his decision to have me deliver her monthly money. The first time I showed up at her door, I could tell she was concerned and afraid of me. When I explained the reason for my visit, she began to relax. Since then, she’s offered me coffee, and we’ve exchanged pleasantries.
Adriana coming with me the last time was a great idea on my part. Elisa was so focused on my daughter that she let down her guard, and I got to see her caring nature firsthand. I know that she cared for her husband, but to the rest of the family, she’s been elusive, some might even say cold. I don’t believe that for a second. If she’s been avoiding the other women and wives in Ultimo Morte, she must have a reason.
The gates open to Raffaele’s estate as soon as the guard recognizes me. The place is a fortress. It would take an army to break into this place, and even if they did, there are more men surrounding the house to head them off. Raffaele takes Evangeline’s safety seriously, especially after what happened not that long ago. Fuego Demonios, a gang that was founded in Mexico, created a chapter in New York. The fight was between La Famiglia and this gang, but Evangeline was sucked into it because of the past. I’m glad Raffaele is cautious, because Adriana lives on this property, and we both want to protect our families.
As soon as I park the car, Elisa starts to open her door.
“Wait for me,” I command. She looks over, but I’m already getting out and coming around the front of the vehicle. Her eyes follow my movements. I open the door and stretch out my hand for her to take. She does her best to hide her nervousness, but I feel her hand trembling in mine.
“Thank you,” she murmurs politely. Always polite and serious. I wonder what she would be like in the throes of passion, with her hair spread wildly on my pillow as she pants and whispers my name. Yes, I’d like to know if Elisa is how I imagine her in my bed.
I don’t bother knocking, knowing that Raffaele and Evangeline are expecting us. I’m sure the front guard at the gate has already informed them that we’ve arrived. In the distance, I can hear my daughter and Evangeline laughing. The sound is coming from the dining room. When we reach the doorway, the two of them are setting the table, while Adriana tells silly knock-knock jokes.
“That’s a good one.” Evangeline plays along. “Where did you hear that?”
“Mrs. Withers bought me a book of jokes, and we read them together,” Adriana tells her. At four, Adriana’s not reading yet, and it’s hard for her to sit still for any length of time, but I appreciate that Mrs. Withers does her best to find activities to keep my little girl occupied.
Adriana is the first to see me and Elisa standing in the doorway. She drops the napkins on the table and comes rushing toward us, latching onto my legs and peering up at me with the most amazing grin on her face.
“Hi, Daddy.” Since the day Adriana was born, her hugs and snuggles have made the ugliness of the world we live in disappear. For a short time, I’m just a normal guy coming home from work and spending time with my child.
I reach down and pick her up in my arms. “Hi, snuggles. Did you have a good day?”
She nods her head wildly. “We played princess today.”
“Sounds like fun.” Adriana looks at Elisa, then lunges into her arms. Elisa catches her quickly, the two of them nose to nose.
“Well, hello,” Elisa says. “It’s good to see you again.”
Adriana lowers her voice, placing her small hand on Elisa’s cheek. “Are you sad today?” My daughter remembers everything and is recalling what I told her the other day.
Elisa doesn’t lie. “A little. But today is better than yesterday. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better than today.” She even manages a smile.
“Maybe after dinner, we can play,” Adriana says. She’s sneaky, I’ll give her that.
“You’re already staying up later than you should to have dinner with us,” I respond.
“A story?” She pouts.
“Bath and one story.”
“Can Elisa read it to me?”
“I’d be glad to, if it’s all right with your dad,” Elisa answers.
By this time, Evangeline has come over to join us. “Elisa, I’m so glad you could come tonight.” Evangeline greets her with open arms, embracing Elisa with Adriana. “An Adriana sandwich,” she teases, and the three giggle. “Raffaele is in his office. Dinner will be on the table in ten minutes. Can you call him for me?” Evangeline asks of me.
“Of course. We’ll be right in,” I say and head down the hall to meet with Raffaele.
I knock once before entering to find Raffaele behind his heavy wooden desk. He’s engrossed in the papers he’s poring over.
“Must be important,” I say, interrupting his thoughts.
He exhales deeply, tossing his hand out to the papers before him. “Guido’s affairs were in a sorry state. His father was supposed to be taking care of the bills, yet I discover there’s a mound of debt, I don’t understand it. We made sure Guido had all the money he needed. Where did it go?” he grumbles.
“What does Bruto say about this?” I ask. Bruto is Guido’s father. From the time I’ve known Bruto, he’s been a solid soldier and has a good head on his shoulders. Guido was the first of three children. His sister, Danilla, is married with a couple of kids. Her husband works as an assistant manager in one of the casinos. He’s the type to lie low and is quite happy with his position. Guido’s younger brother wanted to go to college. He’s currently in his third year, studying to be an accountant. Once he’s done, we’ll find a place for him in Ultimo Morte.
“I haven’t met with him yet. Although, he’s asked how long Elisa is expected to stay in her home. Bruto says it should be sold and the money returned to his family,” Raffaele says snidely.
“What the fuck!” I growl, stepping farther into the room. “It’s never been done. All the widows have been able to stay in their homes, and if they decided to sell, the proceeds of the sale went to them.”
He pushes his chair back and gets to his feet. “I’m well aware.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“I’m going through all the bills and want to have a full account of what’s owed and to whom. The creditors will be paid. Ultimo Morte does not shirk its responsibilities. I’m collecting the deed on the house and will uncover in whose name it’s registered. But I feel that there’s more to this than I would like.”
I nod, then tell him, “Dinner’s ready. The women are waiting for us.”
Raffaele comes over to me and puts his hand on my shoulder. “I’m going to speak with her tonight. Her father is pushing to have her home and wants to have her taken care of. I’ve already explained Guido’s request that Elisa is to have time to grieve.” He sighs. “He’s old, and he says he’s worried about his daughter, which I very much doubt. He implies he wants to make sure she’s settled.”
“I want to be present.”
“If you like, but it may be overwhelming to have us both present.”
“Regardless, I believe it better that she understands this is going to happen.”
“Fine.” He shrugs. “Your choice.”
“By the way, Guido’s office hasn’t been touched since his death. Elisa mentioned on our way here that someone should go in and take what they need,” I say. “There could be some indication as to why Guido owed so much money.”
“You do it,” he orders. “Put anything you think is important aside and shred everything else. Bruto is behaving oddly, and I want answers.”
“I’ll get on it tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow’s Saturday. Spend the weekend with Adriana. This can wait until Monday,” he says. “We’d better get in there before they send out a search party.”
Raffaele and I join the women in the dining room. Raffaele greets Elisa warmly, and we all take our seats for dinner. Adriana’s constant chatter keeps us all entertained through the meal, but near the end, I can see she’s exhausted, but she’s fighting sleep, as all kids do.
“I’m not tired,” Adriana insists with a yawn.
“Is that right?” I tease, tapping her nose.
“Come on. You’re having a sleepover at our house tonight,” Evangeline tells her. “Tomorrow morning, we’ll make French toast together. It’s your favorite.” Bribing Adriana with food is always the way to go.
Adriana turns to Elisa. “Will you read me my story?”
“As soon as you’re ready for bed, just call my name, and I’ll come find you,” Elisa says with a grin. Reluctantly, Adriana takes Evangeline’s hand, and they leave the room.
Raffaele catches Elisa’s gaze and, in a serious tone, says, “We have to talk, Elisa. It’s time to lay it out for you. I hope you understand that what I’m about to say is for your benefit.”
Elisa hitches a breath and clasps her hands together tightly on the table. She lifts her chin, but the fear in her eyes gives her away. She knows her life is about to change.