7. Luna
CHAPTER SEVEN
LUNA
Nicolai fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow last night, and I was grateful for so many reasons than I care to admit.
It gave me a chance to admire the man at peace.
Something I’ve never had the privilege of witnessing before.
My fingers itched to reach out and touch him, but it was too damn risky. Not after what he said.
“Mocking me in my own home? That earns punishment.”
I didn’t respond then, and I won’t now. But I heard him. Loud and clear.
So, I stayed still, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest, feeling safe: not because he’s harmless, but because I know exactly how dangerous he is. If Nicolai were serious about punishing me, he would’ve done it last night. The Caputo men don’t threaten without following through.
I’m not that na?ve. I know they are cold-blooded killers, but I also know that protecting their own takes top priority.
Nicolai confirmed that he’s doing whatever it takes to make this transition as easy as possible.
Which is something Gio never had the decency to do.
As far as he was concerned, I wasn’t his wife; I was his damn possession, and he made it perfectly clear every damn night.
I’ve no idea what to expect from Nicolai, but after last night, I have an idea.
After everything that happened yesterday, the atmosphere throughout the house today is somber at best. My heart breaks for Thomas’s family, and I didn’t know the other soldiers, but I mourn for their families as well.
It would be so much easier to cope if everyone just left me alone, but for now, I’m forced to mingle with the guests.
Thankfully, Nicolai informed me early this morning that they’ll be leaving later today.
“If you don’t mind me asking, how do you spend your day?
Are you involved in any charities or fundraisers to keep you occupied?
” I’m sure Mrs. Caputo means well, but obviously, she doesn’t have a clue I’m a damn prisoner in this house.
We’ve only spoken a few times, and that was at dinnertime while Gio was glued to my side.
I genuinely believe he feared I’d tell his mother all of his dark, dirty secrets.
I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that the Caputos don’t trust me.
I don’t usually talk ill of the dead, but as far as Gio is concerned, I owe him nothing anymore.
“Giovanni kept me a prisoner in this house, and after what happened yesterday. Nicolai and I haven’t had time to discuss my wifely duties.
” Yeah, that might have come across as cold and bitchy.
After all, Gio was her son, and I just called him out for the evil man he was.
But, son or no son, she needs to realize that he was a monster.
I’m guarded when Bria leans forward, and at first, I think she’s going to slap me.
But when she pulls me in for a hug, I freeze.
“Gio was my brother, but he was an asshole, and I’m sorry he treated you like that.
” Immediately, the room goes silent. Everyone heard her, and since I don’t want her to get in trouble, I cover for her.
“In all honesty, Bria, I was his wife and a disgruntled one at that. He had his reasons for keeping me locked away, but I was too childish to realize it was for my own safety.” I squeeze her hand and hope that she lets it go.
She does, but what she comes back with brings me to my knees. “Did Nicolai ever tell you that you were supposed to be his?”
“Bria, we have guests!” Nicolai snaps. “Why don’t you go see if you can help Laurent in the kitchen?
” Nicolai wasn’t scheduled to be home until later tonight, and by his response, I’d say he couldn’t have timed that more perfectly.
I feel horrible when her eyes fill with tears as she runs off.
Her big brother scolded her in front of everyone, and that isn’t very comfortable since Nicolai is her hero.
Walking over, he sets his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. Perhaps he heard me cover for her, and he’s silently thanking me. “You’re home early,” I say.
He pulls up the chair that Bria vacated just moments ago. “Yes, I postponed the meeting out of respect for everyone who was gunned down yesterday. Their arrangements take precedence right now. Business will pick up as usual once they’re laid to rest.”
How can two brothers who share the same blood be so different?
I never knew Nicolai and Gio’s father, but I was certainly aware of him.
He was killed when Gio was only nineteen years old.
I’m sure that might be one reason the man was so sadistic and cunning.
He learned by example, and from what I heard, his father was ruthless and brutal, killing innocent families just to prove a point.
Some would say that’s what organized crime is all about. “Shoot first and ask questions later.”
When Nicolai rises, the conversation resumes.
“If you’ll excuse me, mother, I’d like to steal my bride.” He bends down, kisses her cheek, and slides his hand through mine. I’m so used to doing and not questioning, I leave with him. Hand in hand.
I follow his lead to the basement, through several halls and passageways, but Bria’s words echo louder than our footsteps.
The air is dense down here, and the lighting overhead is dull and dirty.
I’m so disoriented by all the twists and turns that I’d never find my way back if my life depended on it.
The deeper we go, the colder it gets. My anxiety is off the charts, and just when I’m ready to make a run for it, he pulls out a key and unlocks a door.
Nothing could have prepared me for what I see next.
We’re inside a log cabin with a picturesque view of the lake.
It’s the main focal point in the room, and it leads out onto a deck with gorgeous glass doors.
Off to my right is a small kitchen with rustic cabinets and stainless-steel appliances, while the parlor just ahead is fitted with plush leather furniture and ornate paintings.
I’m shocked that something this beautiful could be hidden in the bowels of this estate.