22. Luna
22
LUNA
Things were back to quiet. The household manager, Luigi, was like a ghost in this house, moving in and out to get things done quickly and quietly. I had only seen the man less than a handful of times. I nearly forgot he was here until I ran into him earlier this morning, when he told me Massimo had requested that I start looking for new cooks.
Only, I had never had to do anything like this. What did I know about hiring someone to work for us?
And with what Massimo did, it would have to be someone trustworthy.
Did I even have the eye to distinguish between someone trustworthy or not?
Massimo had only been gone for two days and one night, and already I missed him.
I looked down at the yellow dress he’d instructed me to wear this morning. Even when he was gone, he still found a way to pick out my outfits for the day, reminding me in little ways that he was in charge.
And I might be even more fucked up than I thought because I loved it.
He wasn’t home that often, but he was almost always consistent in coming back to me at night, even if the hours that he came home weren’t.
But now, he wasn’t even here at night, and there was just something about it that made me feel… unsteady.
I looked down at my cup of coffee. The liquid had long turned cold, but it was barely ten in the morning.
What was I supposed to do with my day?
I knew I had told Massimo I didn’t really leave the house, so there was no need for self-defense lessons, but that might have been a mistake because I could feel myself getting bored out of my mind.
Since that day with his brothers, I had lessons with Massimo—only Massimo—a few times. I still wasn’t confident in my ability to fend for myself or, at the very least, find a way to run away and wait for help to arrive. Massimo didn’t think I would ever get to the point where I would be able to take on a man trying to harm me, and I agreed with him.
But would I get to the point where I could stop my attacker enough to escape?
I shook my head just as movement flashed in the corner of my eye. I let out a startled scream and turned to see Matteo standing there, his usual charming smile in place.
“Sorry,” he said, holding out his hand as if to show me he wasn’t carrying any weapons as I tried to get my heart rate to slow down. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. I could say he didn’t scare me, but I was sure he would be able to tell I was lying. And I could ask him what he was doing here, but I didn’t know how to ask that without sounding rude.
“What are you doing, little sister?”
I looked around the empty house, suddenly aware I was alone with him. Not that I thought Matteo would do something to harm me, but there was just something so unnerving about him that brought out all my survival instincts. I wasn’t a fool. I knew the easygoing smile he put on was nothing more than a show, and beneath that was a man who had done things—terrible things—in the name of the De Luca empire and for his brothers.
“You’re probably wondering what I’m doing here,” Matteo said when I took too long to answer him. I blinked. His smile widened. “I am here to entertain.”
I frowned. “Entertain?”
“Yeah. I’m sure you’re bored out of your mind since Massimo left for New York.”
I bit my lip, not wanting to agree with him. There wasn’t really much of a difference between when Massimo was here and when he wasn’t to how I spent my days, which was just pathetic, now that I thought about it.
Mom used to go shopping when she was bored. She usually took Lina with her. But I hadn’t ventured out on my own and wasn’t sure what protocol Massimo had put in place for me, and there was still a part of me that was uncomfortable spending Massimo’s money.
“Come on,” he said, not giving me a choice when he came up close to me and pulled me out of my seat. I flinched from the contact, and Matteo looked closely at me. “I know we don’t know each other very well,” he said carefully. “But you’re married to Massimo, which means you’re my family now. And I don’t ever hurt my family. So you have nothing to be scared of, okay?”
“Right.”
He tapped my chin gently. “You probably don’t believe me, but I plan on showing you that with time. Now, Massimo has left your protection to me while he’s… occupied. And I take this very seriously. I am to keep you safe and make sure you don’t die from boredom.”
“Don’t die from boredom?” I repeated. “Did Massimo really say that?”
He smiled, putting me at ease. Matteo definitely wore his mask better than his brothers. “Not in so many words, but Massimo and me, we’re like this.” He crossed two fingers to show me how close they were. I smiled, and he seemed to relax a little. “I can almost read his mind.”
“Almost?”
He nodded and grabbed my hand. I didn’t flinch from him that time. “Yup. Now come on, let’s go shopping and spend a good chunk of Massimo’s money.”
I let him pull me out of the house and straight to the sleek black Aston Martin parked in front of the property. He opened the passenger door for me before moving over to the driver’s side.
“Seat belt, little sister. You’re in for a wild ride.”
Matteo was… interesting.
I had never met a made man who talked as much as he did.
He didn’t seem to like the silence all that much. Or perhaps he was trying to put me at ease by talking to me about nonsensical things as much as possible.
Whatever it was, it did put me at ease.
I found myself relaxing in the seat as he rambled on about De Luca’s history with Las Vegas. How his grandad had settled down here when he ran from the Sicilian mob after being caught in bed with the daughter of one of the underbosses.
How the family started out in the gambling scene when it was just taking off in Nevada and how soon that expanded to more serious stuff like the gun trade overseas, opening brothels, and running the drug ring that spans all the way to the East before the Bratva took control of New York, and they had to cut back. It would explain why the De Luca was warring with the Bratva, which didn’t help ease my anxiety to know Massimo and Elio were in their territory now, about to crash Lina’s wedding.
“Do you think they’ll be okay?” I asked Matteo when he pulled to a stop in front of the strip. It wasn’t even noon, and the desert sun was already drumming down on us. Despite that, there were people out and about, trying to take in as much of Las Vegas as possible.
Matteo cut the engine and turned to me. “Don’t let Massimo hear you doubt him. He wouldn’t like it.”
I frowned. “He wouldn’t like me worrying about him? I am worried though.”
“Nothing to worry about, Luna. Massimo and Elio can take care of themselves, and they have each other’s back.”
“They’re not God. They can get hurt.” Or, heaven forbid, worse. I didn’t want to even think about that.
He shook his head. “Massimo wouldn’t have gone into the Bratva’s territory if he didn’t think he could get out of it.”
Before I could say anything else, Matteo exited the car and walked over to my side. He opened the door for me before I could get my belt off. I squinted my eyes from the sunlight as Matteo led me away.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“I am taking you shopping. Giulia’s birthday is coming up, you know.”
I shook my head. “I didn’t know that.”
“Right, of course. And knowing my little sister, she would want to throw an extravagant party. You will need a dress that will make Massimo feel murderous.”
“Murderous?” I asked, not sure if I heard him right.
Matteo smiled as if the idea of his brother feeling that way made him happy. “Yup. Murderous that other men get to see you like that.”
It took me a moment to understand what he was saying. I laughed a little. “That’s not Massimo. He’s pretty… levelheaded.”
“Levelheaded, you say? Want to put your money where your mouth is, little sister?”
“I don’t have any money,” I muttered.
Matteo looked at me strangely. “You do know you’re worth billions, don’t you? Massimo has a trust in place for his wife—not that he ever thought he would get married, but it’s there. You’ll have access to it once you hit the five-year mark in your marriage, but that is beside the point. Massimo isn’t stingy with his money. I’m sure whatever is his is yours as well.”
I didn’t say anything, still trying to process the trust. I did not know that. Massimo never said anything about it.
Matteo pulled me into a cute little boutique before I could ask him more about it.
Two women greeted us right away, almost as if they were expecting us. And when I looked around and saw no other customers, I was almost convinced that was the case.
I tuned them out, letting Matteo do most of the talking as I took in the place, wondering if this was a familiar sight for Mom and Lina. I had never gone shopping. Most of my clothes were acquired by a personal shopper, and the taste was all in deference to Andre and how he thought I should dress.
I never had to think about what style I liked, what to pick out… what to do.
I was nervous.
I could feel the emotion beating its way up my throat, afraid I might do something to embarrass Matteo and ruin this easy and new friendship we were building.
Something warm touched my arm, and I turned to see Matteo. He frowned slightly. “Are you okay?”
I shook my head. “Do we have to be here?” I asked softly.
His frown deepened. “Do you not like it? We can go somewhere else if you want. Although this place is known for bringing in some of the best materials from Europe. It’s supposed to be in trend, whatever that means when Giulia says it.”
Matteo made a face, coaxing out a small smile from me. I shook my head. “It’s not that. It’s just…” I leaned closer to him so the ladies around wouldn’t hear. “I don’t know what to do here.”
I could feel my cheeks getting hot just admitting to it.
He looked at me like he didn’t believe me. “Never done this before? Surely you’ve done something like this in Chicago.”
I shrugged. I hadn’t done anything like this in Chicago.
His jaw clenched. “What did they do? Keep you locked up in the house until they needed you to make an appearance?”
“I was allowed to go to school,” I said. I even have my college degree. In History. A pretty useless degree, but I had enjoyed my time there.
He shook his head. “That doesn’t count. And you’re no longer in Chicago. You’re no longer a Lombardi. You’re a De Luca, and as a De Luca in Las Vegas, you can get whatever the hell you want, got me?”
He sounded so passionate in his little speech I couldn’t help but smile. “Got you.”
“Good. And you have nothing to worry about. You just pick what you like, and I’ll have one of these lovely ladies ring it up for you. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it soon.”
I didn’t think that would be the case, but I didn’t want to contradict him, so I said nothing.
He playfully tapped my chin. “You got this.”
He seemed almost proud—as if he were getting me ready for something much more complicated than shopping for myself.
And the thing was, I didn’t want to disappoint him.
Shopping was exhausting and thrilling all at once.
Shopping with Matteo was in a different league of its own.
Anything I touched was bought, no questions asked. And I had to try on some of the clothes we purchased and come out for Matteo’s opinion. I was sure he had better things to do than to sit around and watch me try on clothes, but he was a good sport about it. I was getting more and more comfortable with the youngest De Luca brother.
No, more than that. I was fond of him.
Three long hours later, we finally called it good, and Matteo had them deliver the purchases to my home.
I squinted my eyes at the sunlight when we got out, feeling like I hadn’t seen daylight in ages. Matteo grabbed my shoulders as I made my way to his car and veered us off in a different direction.
“Aren’t we going home?” I asked.
“No. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”
Eating meant I spent more time with Matteo. I didn’t think I was so socially awkward that I didn’t know what to say or do around other people, but I felt it with Matteo.
I certainly didn’t have this problem when Andre had taken Lina and me out to meet some of the men and their families that he associated himself with.
But that had been a social event, and I had Lina as a buffer.
I didn’t have any buffers now.
I stayed silent as Matteo led me into a small bistro restaurant. The place was quaint and airy. It wasn’t as crowded as I thought it would be, and I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until we walked in and I saw the waitress carrying a tray of sandwiches.
My stomach grumbled, and Matteo looked back at me with amusement in his eyes.
I looked away from him, and he chuckled, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me in close to him.
I let him talk to the hostess.
We were quickly led to a table, and a small menu was placed in front of us.
Matteo looked around the place, his eyes scanning. It didn’t seem like he thought there were any threats around because his shoulders relaxed.
“Order me a brisket sandwich, yeah? And a side of fries. I’ll be right outside. I have to make a call real quick,” he said.
“Okay.”
He looked at me. It didn’t seem like he wanted to leave me alone.
“I think I’ll be safe here. Don’t worry.”
“Get your phone out and pull up my contact.”
I did as he asked.
“If you sense anything is wrong at all, even if you’re not sure, you call me, okay?”
I smiled. “I will. Don’t worry.”
He nodded and walked away. I watched him through the small window as he made the call, wondering if this was what my life would be like from now on.
It wasn’t like I wasn’t used to it. I grew up with guards watching my every move, but for the first time, it felt like I had people here, not to watch me but to protect me.
A warm, fuzzy feeling took hold. I tried to keep it from overwhelming me. Since when was I so emotional?
I took a sip of my water, waiting for the waitress to stop by, when a shadow fell over me.
I looked up and up, coming to the familiar face of a man.
“Hey,” the man said, smiling at me. I didn’t trust his smile one bit. Too… oily .
I blinked, trying to think where I had seen him.
He must have realized I didn’t recognize him because he said, “I’m Marco. Massimo’s cousin. We met at your wedding.”
He let out a light laugh.
I shot him a cautious smile. “Hi, it’s nice to see you again.”
He grabbed the empty seat Matteo had just occupied moments before. I looked back to the window. Matteo was still talking on the phone.
“It is nice. Tell me, what are you doing here all alone?”
I shook my head. “I’m not alone. I’m here with Matteo.”
He narrowed his eyes as if thinking hard about something. “Not Massimo?”
I shook my head. “Massimo is traveling.”
He stilled. That was the only way I could describe his reaction. I didn’t know what to make of it.
“And where exactly is he traveling to?”
“New York,” I answered before I thought better of it. Marco might be Massimo’s cousin, but I didn’t think they trusted each other all that much. Maybe I shouldn’t have said where Massimo had gone.
It didn’t matter because it looked as if all the color had drained from his face.
“Are you okay?” I asked, afraid he might pass out on me.
“Did they say why they were going to New York?” he croaked out.
I shrugged. I knew Massimo was going to attend Lina’s wedding, but I felt like I had already said too much. “Massimo doesn’t discuss his plans with me.”
“So? You’re his wife. I’m sure you have some inkling,” he said, his voice on edge.
Before I could answer him, a cold voice came out. “You’re in my seat.”
I let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Matteo. Marco stuttered something incomprehensible as he quickly got out of his seat. “Matteo.”
“Marco,” Matteo said. I was right. Massimo and his brothers didn’t trust Marco, and I would do well to remember that.
“I was just leaving,” Marco said.
He walked quickly out of the restaurant before Matteo could respond.
I watched as Matteo glared at the other man’s retreating back.
“You don’t like him much.”
“I don’t trust him. What did he want with you?”
I shook my head. “Nothing much. I think he was just saying hi.”
“The fucker doesn’t just say hi,” Matteo said, shaking his head.
“I told him Massimo was in New York,” I confessed. “Do you think it’s okay?”
Matteo looked at me for a beat. “It’ll be fine, Luna. Massimo and Elio are wrapping up everything. I’m sure they will be set to fly home soon.”
“I hope so,” I said before I could stop myself.
Matteo didn’t say anything for a beat. Then, “Me too, little sister. Me too.”
I smiled at him before looking down at the menu.