The Chosen Son (Next Generation Genoa Mob)

Prologue

PROLOGUE

Chicago, eight years earlier

Angelina Brunetti

“There’s the birthday girl.” Joseph Caponelli hurried to her side, a glass of punch in each hand. He’d grown so tall, even in high heels she had to tilt her head to see him.

“Why’d you disappear?” His forehead wrinkled.

“I needed a moment.” Angelina took the drink he offered. Like her dress, the liquid was fruity and pink.

“You look great by the way. Well, except for the pink.” He bumped his shoulder against hers then leaned against the stone balcony beside her.

“I hate it. At first, I wanted red like my mom always wears but she said no. I wanted black but it wasn’t an option.”

“Someday we’ll both get to do and wear what we want.”

“If only I knew what that was.” Already at sixteen, people were pressuring her about college and careers. Both their families had numerous businesses to choose from.

“You will. Someday it will hit you out of nowhere, and you’ll know it’s your passion.”

“Just like you?” She turned to study his face, hopefully memorizing every feature for the years they’d be apart. At eighteen years old, he’d matured into a very handsome young man.

“I don’t have a choice. I’m the oldest son. My fate is set.” Joseph puffed out his chest so proud to be the future head of the family. “Your dad was really choked up. It was a nice thing you did picking him for your first dance.” He gazed off the stone balcony of the Rinaldi mansion at the gardens below.

Her sweet sixteen was supposed to be a special night. Her dad, Alro, had always been her number one fan and letting him have the first dance instead of a boy her age was her way of showing him how much. Yet, the young man next to her was number one in her heart.

“Did you hear I’ll be working with him? Once I’m out of school, of course.” There was excitement in his voice but his eyes said otherwise. “It’s just another step closer to the final goal. I need to learn every aspect of our businesses.”

“I can’t believe you’ll be leaving so soon.” It was a shadow over her bright day.

“Yeah, I’ll tell you a secret. I’m not looking forward to it.” He stared at his shoes.

“Aren’t you excited about going?” She’d give anything to be able to study aboard.

“Yes, but Italy is a long way away. I’m going to miss everyone, especially you.” He took her hands in his. The scent of the leather and amber fragrance cologne she’d made and given him enticed her closer.

Her heart raced. Somewhere over the years, their relationship had turned into a crush. At least for her. Did Joseph feel the same way? They’d never crossed the line to being a couple despite how they were inseparable. Having turned eighteen, he was two years older and probably thought of her as jailbait or immature

“You’re an adult. I’m still wearing pink party dresses and dancing with my dad.” Her heart broke at saying the words. She flicked the side of her skirt for emphasis. “You’ll forget me as soon as you’re on the plane.”

“No, I won’t.” He lifted her chin with his finger and dropped a kiss on her lips.

Her first kiss! “Joseph?” She stood on tip toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. This time when his mouth touched hers it was filled with passion, fever, and love. It was all her girlish fantasies come true.

“I’ve waited forever to do that. I know you’re sixteen and I’m eighteen, but I couldn’t go without the touch of your lips any longer. Like I do now, I will dream of you every night we’re apart.”

“I dream about you, also. Why did we wait so long to tell each other how we feel?”

“Because it was always meant to be even if we never spoke the words. Our childhood, our friendship, our families. I was stupid to wait. I told myself you were too young but I’m only two years older, the same as we’ve always been. When I return, I will ask Arlo for your hand. Then I will ask you to marry me.”

“What?” She grabbed for his arm as the world spun.

“That’s right Angel. I’ll marry you in a pink dress, a red dress, or any color you want.” He grinned and took her hands in his.

“I don’t believe it. How can we go from friends to getting married so fast?”

“It won’t happen tomorrow, but it will someday. But don’t think about it too much now. I simply wanted you to know. You’re my Angel. Please wait for me.” He tightened his hold on her.

“You know I will.” Angelina hugged him close. It was a battle over whose heart beat the loudest. Her cheeks were flushed as he kissed her again, his tongue dipping for a taste. A surprising flutter in her lower belly made her knees weak. So many new sensations awakening and screaming for more.

“Angelina, your father would kill me if we took this any further. Just know I will wait for you. I will come back for you. I will make you mine.”

“I want a black dress and an October wedding.”

Joseph laughed and lifted her in the air. “Figures you would want a Halloween wedding. You always loved that holiday.”

“It’s the only time of the year we can be someone else. Someone normal and carefree.” Being in a mafia family was anything but.

“You will never be normal, sweetheart. It’s why I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Tears threatened. The confession was bittersweet since they would soon be apart for a long time. Voices echoed behind them and they stepped a safe distance away from each other. Thankfully, the cool evening air chilled her flaming face and chest.

“There you two are.” It was her parents. Her mother, Layla smiled, while Arlo glared at Joseph. “It’s time to open your presents. Everyone’s waiting.” She grabbed her arm and drew Angelina away.

Joseph remained with her dad.

Angelina glanced back to witness Joseph being led in the other direction.

It was the last time she’d see or hear from him for years.