Chapter 21
Mina
As our driver takes us to the Romano home, tension coils tight inside my chest.
I force my expression into indifference to not alert the twins of my misgiving. Still, beneath the surface, I’m a total wreck.
Why did I ever agree to this dinner?
Was I so eager to impress the Capo dei Capi that I willingly accepted an invite into the lion’s den?
What was I thinking?
You were thinking of Jude and how you would use any excuse to see him again.
Argh.
I hate that my choices, even subconsciously, are made irrationally with him in mind.
Accepting Vincent’s invitation to dinner wasn’t just about Jude. His siblings played a part in my decision, too. I spent so many years listening to him talk about them that I’d inevitably want to meet them in person.
Marcello, Stella, Luciano and Enzo—the twins—and sweet Annamaria.
I’ve imagined meeting them countless times, but now that the moment is here, I feel completely out of my depth.
It shouldn’t matter whether they like me or not, yet I crave their acceptance more than their fathers’ respect. And when I say fathers, I mean all three of them.
Vincent said this dinner would be family only. Still, I’m not naive enough to believe that Giovanni and Dominic won’t be there. Of course they will. As will the Red Queen, Selene Romano.
My anxiety spikes through the roof just thinking about meeting Jude’s mom. I lean forward to grab a water bottle, twisting the cap hurriedly in desperation to quench the sudden dryness in my throat.
“You okay there, cousin?” Rolo asks, eyeing me attentively.
“I’m fine,” I reply curtly.
“Bollocks. You’re shitting bricks again, aren’t you?” Remus laughs outright.
With one hand strangling the bottle, I use the other to smack him across the head.
“Forgot what a temper you have,” he mutters, rubbing the sore spot.
“Best not to forget in the future,” I warn, leveling him with a look. “And while we’re at it, you wankers best try not to embarrass me tonight. Just this once, act like respectable gentlemen.”
They exchange a glance before grinning.
“Yes, my lady ,” Rolo teases with a mock bow.
“Tosser.” I flip him off.
“Well, here we are. Chez Romano ,” Remus announces as the car slows to a stop.
I glance up at the sprawling mansion before me, my forehead creasing as the realization sinks in.
Jude once told me the Romanos lived in a large cabin in the middle of the woods, hidden away for none to find.
This isn’t their home. This must be the old Salvatore Romano estate, Vincent’s predecessor.
Vincent doesn’t trust us enough to bring us anywhere near his family’s real sanctuary.
Smart man.
I wouldn’t either.
“I have half a mind to break down those double doors,” Remus says beside me, staring at the mansion’s entrance. “It would serve the cunt right for the little stunt he pulled yesterday.”
“How about instead of beating the doors down, we burn the whole fucking thing instead?” Rolo piles on with a wiggle of his brows. “It just so happens I’ve got some lighter fluid in the car’s boot for emergencies like this.”
“God, give me strength,” I whisper to the heavens. “What did I just explicitly say not two seconds ago? Best behavior, you twats!”
“Geez, you’re touchy today. You on your period or something?” Rolo mumbles, to which my fingers curl into claws, ready to strangle him.
“Shouldn’t have gone there. Now she’s going to cut your balls and feed them to you for sure,” Remus tsks with a shake of the head.
As much as I would love nothing more than to reprimand them both, I know Rolo is right. I have been a little on edge since our arrival. And to my shame, I’ve been taking it out on the twins because I know they can take it. Still, it’s not fair to them.
“I’m sorry for slapping you, Rolo.” I let out an exhale. “You’re right. I have been a little cranky lately. It’s just that this is the first time our family has been welcomed by the Outfit with open arms since our little… shall I say… tiff? I’m under a lot of pressure to ensure we leave Chicago with our alliance fully intact. Or would you prefer to sever it completely and continue to get our weapons from the Irish?”
“Fuck no. I’m tired of going to Dublin to deal with those twats. They don’t negotiate fair. Though, I’m sure Remus wouldn’t mind visiting Ireland more often. Isn’t that right, Lord Crane? ”
My forehead creases at the cryptic remark while watching Rolo nudge Remus in the ribs, only for his twin to slap his elbow away.
“Are we supposed to have dinner delivered to this bloody car, or will we be getting on with our night?” Remus rebukes, swinging the door open and rushing to get out.
I’ve never seen Remus so exasperated, which leaves me to question.
I immediately grab Rolo’s arm before he has time to follow his brother, and ask, “What was that all about?”
“Let’s just say that you’re not the only one who likes sleeping with the enemy,” he cackles with a wink.
My cheeks flush crimson red at the salacious remark.
How was I supposed to know that I’d jump into bed with Jude the first chance I got?
“ Allies. The Romanos are allies, as are the Irish,” I quickly correct.
“Whatever you say, cousin. All I heard was that you didn’t deny it. Not sure Felix is going to take too kindly to finding out that his fiancée is fucking his protege.”
“You know bloody well it’s not going to be a real marriage,” I try to defend, even though I feel like grasping at straws. “A marriage of convenience does not a marriage make. We won’t even be living together after the wedding, for Christ’s sake. It’s all for show since a boss cannot lead the Firm if they are unwed. Felix was the obvious solution to solve a simple bureaucratic problem. Nothing more.”
“ You know that. I know that. Even Felix knows that. But only a fool would think that Felix doesn’t have plans to wear you down once you say ‘I do’ and make you his real wife then. And you may be great at many things, dear cousin, but playing the part of a fool isn’t one of them,” he retorts poignantly, making me unsure if he’s still talking about Felix or Jude at this point.
“You know what? I take back my apology. You’re really testing my patience today,” I groan, pushing him out the door, unwilling to listen to any more of his nonsense.
My cousin finds the whole cluster-fuck of an ordeal terribly amusing, of course, cackling away as if he knew the punchline to a joke that none of us are privy to. But one thing Rolo did manage to accomplish—settling my nerves. I’m too angry now to be nervous.
A butler greets us at the door and leads us into a grand living area, already bustling with most of the members of the Romano clan. Unfortunately for me, the undeniable pull is just too strong, and before I can stop myself, my eyes go straight to the last person they should—Jude.
He’s leaning casually against a wall, unreadable as ever, just watching from afar.
Maybe I’ll get lucky tonight, and he’ll keep his distance.
Or maybe you’ll get really lucky, and he won’t.
“Welcome,” Giovanni greets, all smiles, pulling me away from my pensive thoughts. “Vincent and Selene will be down shortly to welcome you to their home. But in the meantime, why don’t I introduce you to the next vicious generation?”
“Vicious is right,” a dark-haired boy smirks as he walks toward us with his twin at his heel.
“This rascal here is Luciano,” Gio says, pride swimming in his eyes.
“Lucky, to my friends,” Luciano corrects, grabbing my hand and pressing a tender kiss to my knuckles.
His twin steps forward with the same easy grin, taking my other hand in his. “And I’m Enzo. At your service, Lady Crane.”
I take them both in, instantly recognizing their resemblance with the Outfit’s consigliere.
The boys must be fifteen if they are a day, yet they have all the swagger and rizz of their biological father, Giovanni. How no one openly acknowledges that these two boys are his sons is beyond me.
“Pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Lucky. Enzo. It just so happens that I brought twins of my own to the occasion.” I smile at them. “This is Remus.” I tilt my head to the right. “And this is Romulus, Rolo for short.”
The two pairs of twins stare at each other and give a curt what’s-up tilt of the head.
“You look nice and dangerous,” Enzo tilts his chin at Rolo. “I think I’ll sit next to you at dinner.”
“I’ll sit next to dead-eyes over here,” Lucky points at Remus. “You need to teach me how to do that. Chicks love that shit.”
“I was born like this,” Remus replies, eyeing Lucky up and down, trying to figure him out.
“Dang it.” Lucky pouts.
“Apologies,” Giovanni groans. “Sometimes m… the boys talk first and think second.”
“I like it. They don’t bullshit around. Come, little man. Let me show you a few tricks that will blow your mind when it comes to the ladies.”
“Rolo,” I start to protest, but it’s no use. The Crane and Romano twins are already off to God knows where to be taught God knows what.
“How come I have the tiniest feeling that that will eventually bite me in the ass,” Giovanni points at the twins, now huddled together like they are about to play some kind of sport.
“Before the evening starts, maybe I should be the one apologizing to you. My cousins aren’t known for playing well with others.”
“Could have fooled me. They look quite taken with Lucky and Enzo.” Giovanni laughs.
Before I can respond, a red-haired girl, who looks about seventeen or eighteen, steps forward, eyeing her brothers laughing hysterically at something Rolo said.
“Sorry about them,” she sighs. “They left their manners at home. Hi, I’m Stella.” She extends her hand for me to shake.
“Pleasure,” I reply smoothly, taking her hand in mine.
Up close, Stella is even more beautiful than the pictures Jude had displayed in his room. With big green eyes, long wavy red hair, and pouty lips, she’ll be giving her future suitors a run for their money.
But it’s the open defiance in her demeanor that I appreciate.
I’ve heard many stories about the Outfit’s and Cosa Nostra’s principessas.
That they should be seen but not heard.
That they should be the epitome of silent grace, obedient and submissive.
Stella Romano is neither of those things.
“I’ve heard many things about you,” I say with a sincere smile.
“All good things, I hope.”
“Very good things,” I assure her.
“Good.” She grins. “Though he’s never spoken about you. Any reason why that is?”
“You’ll have to ask him.”
The smile she throws at me says that she will do just that.
“Anna! Come here and meet Lady Crane!” Stella bellows over her shoulder, causing Giovanni to chuckle under his breath in amusement.
“And this is Annamaria,” Stella says with a wide, adoring smile as she nudges the blonde girl forward.
I pause.
Even at her young age, Annamaria is exquisite. She holds the kind of beauty painters and other artists can only ever dream about having as their muse. With timid, clear blue eyes and golden locks framing her face perfectly, the young teen looks almost angelic in nature, the complete opposite of her rebellious older sister.
However, it’s the way she offers me a shy, hesitant smile that sets her apart from her siblings. She’s not like them. She doesn’t seek the limelight. Somehow, that makes her all the more striking to me.
“Hello, Annamaria. How lovely to meet you.” I curtsy just to widen the timid smile on her face.
“The pleasure is all mine, Lady Crane.” She mimics my curtsy.
“Please, call me Mina, sweet girl.”
I don’t miss how Giovanni and Stella share a knowing look with each other.
I bet this happens all the time, a person being so easily disarmed by the youngest of their clan.
I’m about to ask her if she prefers to be called Anna instead when another blond catches my eye as he walks toward us with Dominic at his side. But this young man gives me pause for a whole other reason.
My back stiffens as Dominic is the first to greet me.
“Lady Crane.” He nods, and I’ve come to understand that he’s a man of few words.
“Mr. Mancini. How do you do? And who have you brought with you?” I ask, though I already know the answer.
Luciano must throw a fit every time he looks into his older brother’s eyes.
Talk about dead eyes.
It’s like staring at a younger, blond-haired, blue-eyed version of Evan Peters’ doppelg?nger.
“This is Marcello,” Dominic introduces, pride laced in his voice.
Marcello makes no effort to extend his hand for me to shake or even use his voice to say a simple hello. All he does is stand there, gazing at me with a vacant stare that sends shivers up my spine, like spiders creeping along my skin.
Jude has been watching from afar this whole time, but the moment I step in front of his brother, he swiftly appears, draping an arm over the young man’s shoulders.
“So, have you met everyone?” Jude asks, knowing fully well I have.
However, I don’t miss how Marcello’s tense muscles instantly relax under his brother’s arm or how his eyes flicker with life now that he feels safe enough to show it.
“I have. Mr. DeLuca and Mr. Mancini have been kind enough to make the introductions.”
“Enough of that.” Gio waves off with his trademark chuckle. “Please call me Gio. And you can call the big guy Dom. Can’t she, buddy?”
“As long as I get to call her Mina,” Dom counters with an arched brow, demonstrating he’s not a fan of calling anyone Lady or Lord anything.
“I don’t see why not. This is an informal affair, is it not?” I throw Dominic a genuine smile.
Jude smiles at that, and I see Marcello’s hard exterior start to thaw, too. And that’s when it hits me like a slap across the face—Marcello doesn’t trust strangers. Or maybe he doesn’t trust strangers in the house and amongst his family. It seems Marcello only manages to relax after someone he implicitly trusts gives their stamp of approval.
Still, that vacant stare… It felt like he wanted to stare into my soul and rip it out of me. It’s terrifying to see such distrust in someone so young.
He’ll make a great asset to the Outfit.
“Ah, there you two are. Lourdes has already prepared the table for us,” Gio says to someone behind me.
I turn around and see Vincent walking down the winding staircase arm-in-arm with his wife.
“Holy shit,” I hear Rolo blurt out to the side.
But I’m too speechless to find the words to reprimand him.
Holy shit is right.
Now I understand where Stella and Annamaria get their stellar looks from. Selene Romano is a damn vision, which says a lot considering she’s well into her late forties. But you’d never guess by looking at her. With effortless grace, she walks down the stairs, arm linked with her husband’s, head held high, and her glorious red hair cascading behind her. She could put women my age to shame.
She might have been groomed to be an Outfit princess, but there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m in the presence of a queen. The Red Queen.
I’m still a bit of a loss for words when her eyes meet mine as she takes the last step. She unlatches her arm from her husband’s and makes a beeline straight for me.
And then I remember. She thinks my father tried to steal her firstborn away, induct him to the Firm, risking him never to return to Chicago again.
Bugger. Bugger. Bugger.
I brace myself for impact, ready to be slapped, cursed out, or all of the above. But I could never have anticipated Selene opening her arms and enveloping me in a hug.
“Mina,” she whispers in my ear. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
My heart is still in my throat when she pulls away and gives me one lingering look, smiling when her eyes lock with mine again.
“You are lovely. Just like I knew you would be,” she says, causing me to swallow dryly.
My gaze flickers over to Jude beside me, his expression looking as confused as I feel.
In fact, almost everyone around us is, except for Vincent. He doesn’t look confused at all.
But then again, he’s a boss.
They train us to look like we always knew what was coming, even when we had no idea.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you at last. Jude has told me great things about you, Mrs. Romano.”
“Did he now?” Her gaze flashes to her eldest son. “I’m surprised he even mentioned my name while he stayed with you and your family all those years ago. Especially since he was still holding a grudge when he left us.”
“Mom,” Jude lets out a frustrated exhale. “Mina doesn’t need to hear all that.”
“No, of course not. I’m sure she’s heard that and much worse before.”
“Mamma!” Stella chastises. “You’re embarrassing Jude.”
“Ah, figlia mia , if I wanted to embarrass your brother, I would have said something else.” Selene retorts, her eyes still on mine. “ Come ha potuto lasciarsi alle spalle un diamante così raro?”
I have no idea what she just said. Only that Jude looks even more confused than before. Whatever left his mother’s lips, he clearly didn’t appreciate it.
Selene surprises me yet again by grabbing my hands and cupping them in hers.
“I’ve heard the news about your father,” she says sullenly. “Let him know I light a candle every day, praying for his speedy recovery.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Romano,” I say softly, genuinely believing her every word.
Selene is the kind of woman who doesn’t waste her breath on lies. She’ll say how she feels when she feels it. I admire that.
“Please call me Selene.” Her emerald eyes sparkle at me.
“ Tesoro ,” Vincent calls out, placing a protective hand on the small of his wife’s back. “How about we take our guests to the dining room and have dinner? You and Mina can continue your conversation there. I promise.”
Selene gives him a conceding nod with love and adoration in her gaze.
Vincent offers her his arm once more, and she swiftly links hers with his as they make their way to the dining room.
Jude clears his throat beside me, offering his arm for me to take.
Since I don’t want to be rude in front of his family, I hook my arm to his and let him lead the way. Everyone follows suit, and before I know it, we are all sitting at a long table, which can seat at least twenty people.
Everyone is speaking loudly all at once, and it takes me a minute to get my bearings.
Now I get why he was so homesick.
There’s so much love under one roof. It’s a bit overwhelming.
A part of me starts to empathize with Jude’s decision to leave England.
This is his home.
His family.
A family that dotes on one another.
He would have to turn his back on ten people who mean the world to him in favor of just one.
My math skills may be a bit rusty, but even I can see the imbalance in such a choice.
If the tables had been reversed, would I have left everything near and dear to me for the sake of keeping him?
Yes. Yes, I would have.
My father would have understood, and even the twins—after making a fuss—would agree with my decision. All they ever wanted was to see me happy.
I’m not sure how the Romanos would react. Based on this night alone, I think they would have supported the decision, too, if they had all the information at their disposal.
But alas, Jude only gave them a fraction of it.
Instead of Jude blackmailing his father into inducting him into the Outfit by using my father’s offer as leverage, what if he had told Vincent the truth?
What if Jude told everyone in his family that the real reason for the offer was because my father saw we were in love and wanted to ensure his daughter’s happiness.
I wonder how the Romano clan would have reacted then.
I guess neither Jude nor I will ever know.
“Mina, is it true you’re here in Chicago on Firm business,” Stella asks, her gaze inquisitive as well as excited.
“How about we don’t discuss family business at the table?” Vincent interjects before I have time to answer.
“Since when is it a crime to talk shop at the dinner table?” Stella is quick to protest.
“Since now.”
Stella narrows her eyes at her father but is smart enough not to push him.
Aside from that one little awkward moment, the rest of the meal goes swimmingly. Even Remus and Rolo look like they’re having fun.
After dessert has been served, Vincent asks if I’d like to play a game of chess after dinner.
“Your father says you are quite proficient at it. It would be nice to dust off the board and play with someone who knows their way around it.”
“Of course. Though you already have a proficient player here,” I reply.
“I do?” Vincent asks, looking confused about which of his children could have hidden such an ability.
It dawns on me that Jude has never played chess with his father before, maybe even giving up the game entirely once he was back stateside.
“My mistake,” I respond. “I must have mistaken one of your children with someone else.”
Yeah, like someone who gave a damn.
An hour later, Vincent and I are deep into our game in his study, with Jude, Giovanni, and Selene watching intently from the sidelines while Dominic entertains the rest of the kids in the living room. However, I’m unsure if that was the real reason or if he just didn’t trust Remus and Rolo being unsupervised with them.
A ghost of a smile crests my lips when I see Vincent make a rookie move.
“Checkmate.” I smile.
He studies the board and then picks up his whiskey tumbler to wash down his defeat.
“Victor was right. You do have a killer instinct.”
“He said that?” I ask, amazed my father would feel so comfortable with Vincent to be so free with his words.
“Are you surprised that he used such a description or that he used it with me?”
“Both, if I’m honest.”
Vincent smiles.
That’s another thing I picked up on—Vincent is more prone to smile when surrounded by his family.
“You forget that your father and I were close friends once.”
“ I didn’t forget,” I reply steadfastly.
Vincent takes another sip of his drink before placing it back on the coaster.
“Is that your subtle way of saying that I did?”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be subtle.”
I hear Giovanni chuckle at that.
Vincent looks equally amused.
“Friends fight. That doesn’t mean they stop being friends,” he states with a smile.
“Friends also apologize when they’ve acted poorly.”
“I’ve already forgiven Victor. There is no need for him to apologize.”
“I wasn’t talking about my father. I was talking about you.”
“Me?” he laughs. “What do I have to apologize for?”
I dart my gaze to a reticent Jude before focusing it on his father.
“Maybe you should ask your son.”
“I’m asking you,” Vicent orders sternly.
“Vincent… don’t,” Selene interrupts.
But Vincent only has to lift his open hand for her not to insist further.
“Tell me, Mina, what do I have to apologize for?”
My spine goes ramrod straight, my head held high as I tell him the only truth I’m comfortable with sharing.
“My father would have never insulted you by making your heir apparent an offer of induction without talking to you first. His words were very clear. He would never risk turning a friend into a foe. Jude was in charge of conveying that message to you, with the understanding that he’d have your blessing if he decided to take my father up on his offer.”
“Victor should have never made such an offer in the first place.” Vincent scoffs.
“You’d be surprised what a father would do to aid in their child’s happiness,” I say softly, too softly for anyone to hear, save for Vincent.
Vincent’s eyes suddenly widen as if everything became crystal clear.
He glances at Jude, then back to me, and leans back into his chair with the realization that he’s been played.
I’m about to confirm just that when Stella comes barging in, looking like a banshee ready to turn the world ablaze.
“Is it true, Papà? Is it?!”
“What is it, figlia? What has you so upset, Stella?” Selene rushes to her daughter’s side.
“Ask your husband, Mammà! Ask him!” Stella shouts, her eyes red from trying not to cry in anger.
“What is she talking about, Vincent?” Selene accuses, and this time, a hand in the air won’t shut her up.
“By my count, it could be all but two things,” Giovanni chimes in, holding two digits up.
“Gio—”
“They were both going to find out eventually, Vince. I say rip the band-aid off already.”
“ Stronzo ,” Vincent grumbles, getting up from his chair and facing the two women staring daggers in his direction.
“I overheard Rolo say that Mina is going to be the new boss of the Firm. She’s going to be boss , Papà . And you didn’t tell me!”
“And for good reason. I knew how you’d react, principessa ,” Vincent explains, frustrated. “I didn’t want to see you suffering.”
“But you’re the one who is making me suffer. I’ve told you how much I want to be part of the famiglia, and you always say that your hands are tied. That a syndicate, even one as progressive as ours, would never accept a woman in their ranks. But Mina is proof that they can, Papà !”
“Stella, sweetheart, maybe this isn’t the best time to have this conversation,” Selene begins to backpedal after she realizes why her daughter is pissed.
“If not now, when, Mammà? ” her daughter yells. “I already know where you stand on the matter. But I refuse to be overlooked when Marcello is barely eighteen and is already going to take the omertà this month!”
“That’s absurd.” Selene laughs. “Tell her, Vincent, that you are not going to do such a thing?” But when neither Vincent, Giovanni, nor Jude deny the claim, Selene’s smiling face falls to the floor.
“No. Not again. Not Marcello. You’ve taken too much out of the boy as it is. I will not have it!” she shouts, looking just as pissed as her daughter.
“ Tesoro —”
“Do not tesouro me, Vincent Amato! Just don’t!” Selene storms off in one direction, and Stella goes the opposite way.
“I’ll talk to Stella. You talk with Selene,” Giovanni says, quickly rushing after Stella.
“I apologize for the chaos, but as you can see, my family needs me.” Vincent rushes out of his study in search of his wife, leaving me alone with Jude.
“Wow. Is it always this eventful?” I ask, realizing the downside of having such a big family.
Instead of answering, Jude charges at me and grabs my forearms, giving me a little shake.
“The fuck was that all about?”
“I have no idea what you mean,” I feign ignorance.
“Yes, you fucking do,” he growls.
“Is that guilt gnawing at you, Jude? Afraid your father will hate you even more when he discovers you played him?”
“I did what I thought was right at the time.”
“Are you really using the twenty-twenty-hindsight excuse to explain your poor behavior?” I scoff.
“Damn it, Mina! You told me not to come back, remember! You said that if I left, we were as good as done. The fuck was I supposed to do?”
Fight!
You were supposed to fight for me!
Fight for what we had!
But I don’t tell him that.
Instead, I turn my emotions off and tilt my head to the chess board.
“Is that why you gave up playing? Or did you just forget how?” I taunt.
Jude takes one look at the chess board, acknowledging the fatal mistake his father made, and releases his grip on me. He then shows me the moves he would have made to guarantee his win by sacrificing his queen. The move hurts me more than he could possibly imagine.
“There! Satisfied? I didn’t forget. How could I when I dream of chess moves?” he confesses, his eyes searching mine, desperate for any sign that I understand what he’s trying to tell me.
But I don’t.
Not when my gaze remains locked on the queen chess piece, pushed aside, sacrificed for his own gain.
Just like he did to me.
Just like he did with my heart.
“You might not have forgotten how to play the game, Jude Romano, but it’s painfully clear you still have a lot to learn.”
And with that, I turn my back on him as easily as he turned his back on our love.