Prologue #2
“Jesus Christ, Papa. The plan was the only one we have.” Marco was clearly frustrated. “What if the Camorra regain power? They will crush us.”
“Enough, Marco! I am the Don of this family. You are not. I can handle the Camorra.”
The silence was terrifying. The Camorra. I’d heard about them growing up. They were true monsters according to my papa, a brutal crime family who’d once controlled all of Italy.
“Don Scavullo. May I speak freely?”
It was Luciano, my father’s Consigliere and best friend. What was he doing here? I hadn’t seen him arrive.
“Yes, of course.”
“To ignore the alliance could prove detrimental. Accepting the offer could mean additional power and control over the other families as well as continued success in business. Plus, the Camorra wouldn’t dare challenge you again.
Given everything you’ve been through, Marco is correct.
It’s the only logical choice. Imagine the future and the position you’ve always wanted. ”
“The position means nothing if I betray my family, Luciano. I am many things including a family man. Everyone knows that. I refuse to allow an arranged marriage. The alliance with the other families stands as is. Any betrayal to them will not be tolerated.”
My brother? Who was he supposed to marry? I didn’t even know he was in love. Wait. Arranged? I shook my head. I knew what the arrangement meant. My mother’s words burned into the back of my mind.
“Just remember you’re only good for this family for one thing. When you’re old enough to spread your legs.”
Unwanted tears burned my eyes.
“You are not seen as a strong leader, Father. The others could challenge you for the throne. They could ruin my future as head of the Five Families.”
“I told you to leave it alone, Marco. I know what I’m doing! My decision is final.”
Luciano sighed. “I hope you know what you’re doing. The Pakhan is known to be a brutal man.”
“Quest’uomo non è altro che un selvaggio.”
When my father was furious, he resorted to our native language. I almost laughed at hearing his answer.
The man is nothing but a savage.
“I know, Francesco. I do understand, but additional protection will be needed. The Russian does not take no for an answer.” Luciano’s voice was also strained. “As the head of all the families, your power will be unequaled.”
“The Pakhan can go fuck himself,” my father gritted out. “Italians do not need anyone.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll let the others know.” Luciano sighed. “Don’t forget your father is unwell. There are those who wish to put a bullet in his brain.”
“Shut up, Luciano. I am aware of the recent threats. One thing has nothing to do with the other.”
“With all due respect, Don Scavullo, that’s where you’re wrong.”
“She is my daughter and only sixteen. I do not want her to marry a monster.”
They were words my father blurted out that hadn’t been meant for me to hear.
“That’s what she’s been groomed for,” Marco insisted. “All she’s good for.”
A horrible noise followed my brother’s exclamation.
“Get out of my office, Marco. Now,” my father commanded.
I pressed my hand across my mouth, stumbling into the bathroom once again. After my brother rushed from my father’s office, the door was immediately closed behind him. Marco stopped only a few feet away, slowly turning his head toward me. The dim lighting captured his expression.
And his terrifying smirk just before he walked away, rubbing his jaw where my father had obviously struck him. I slumped against the counter, fighting the wretched tears. It was time I grew up. I couldn’t be Daddy’s little princess any longer.
After taking several deep breaths, I ventured back into the hallway, shaking from anger as much as fear.
“You may not have a choice, Don Scavullo. There is talk of a coup. You could be overthrown. This might be your only chance to save your empire.”
His sudden footsteps caught me off guard. To save face, I knocked quickly and opened the door, stunned to the point I couldn’t think clearly.
What? What did he say? My father was all powerful. No one would ever challenge him. Not after the war he’d won several years ago.
Luciano noticed me first, obviously worried about what I’d overheard. “Anastasia. Happy birthday.”
Nodding, I used the time to try to collect myself. “Thank you, Luciano. Papa. May I talk to you for a moment?” I tried to pretend I was perfectly fine even as a single tear slipped past my lashes.
The two men looked at each other. “I’ll leave you alone, Don Scavullo. But this time, I agree with Marco.” Luciano nodded before leaving us alone and my father was careful not to say anything else until he’d left. His sigh was visible, full of exhaustion.
My father had jerked up from his chair the moment I’d walked in, searching my eyes for any sign I’d overheard the horrible news. Panting, I couldn’t think straight. Was it possible my father would consider the arranged marriage?
“Anastasia. I was just about to come find you.” He walked around the desk, narrowing his eyes. “We have dinner reservations tonight.” He was furious with me that I’d interrupted, but as always, his anger faded.
“Am I to be married?”
“No, child. Not against your will. You are my daughter and I refuse to allow it. Now, what’s the interruption?”
I hadn’t realized until he’d bent over that I’d accidently dropped the letter from the ballet company. He retrieved it, his brow furrowing as he read the words I’d been so excited about before. Now, I was nothing but numb inside.
He would never allow me to go. I would never have my dream.
Never. Not now. Tears formed in my eyes and I looked away, trying to be the very big girl I knew I was supposed to be.
I’d been groomed for this all my life. A life of servitude.
I was nothing but a commodity, worth more in transactions between powerful men than anything else.
“Anastasia,” Papa said, his tone softer than before. “Is this what you really want?”
Shifting my gaze toward him, I nodded. “Yes, Papa. It’s the only thing in the world I want. Just to dance.” Just to be free.
As he glanced away, I willed away the tears. I’d need to learn to be an adult.
Several minutes passed and when I looked again, he’d returned to his desk, sitting down on the leather chair he’d had since I was a baby.
His office had always been one of my favorite places in the house.
I’d felt safe inside the walls. Every smell reminded me of him.
Cigar smoke and whiskey, the richness of his aftershave.
Now I wasn’t certain I could ever walk into the room again.
Tick tock. Tick tock.
“Very well, Anastasia. I will allow it.”
What?
I turned to go as if accepting my fate until I realized what he’d said. “What? Really? I can go?” How was this possible?
He appeared much older than he had the day before, the usual brightness in his eyes vanished.
Yet the smile that I would always remember was there.
“Yes, my beloved daughter. Anything for you. However, there will be several rules that will need to be followed. I need you to be very… protected. Do you understand?”
I knew my father. He was making this up as he went along.
“Yes, Papa. I’ll do anything. Anything you want.” I rushed around his desk, jumping into his lap just like I’d done when I was little.
“Then this is my gift to you. It’s between us. Okay? Our little secret.”
“Papa?” I was very confused.
“Just say it for me.” He took my hand into his and when he did, he crumpled the paper. His hand was shaking. “Say it, Anastasia.”
“Yes, Papa. Our little secret.”
He seemed relieved, nodding several times.
“Good girl. Just remember, there could be a time I need to bring you back home. I hope that will not be necessary, but if I do, you will come.”
“Of course, Papa.” A lump had already formed in my throat. Something was terribly wrong.
“Until then, this is my gift to you. I will always love you. Never forget that you are very special. A beautiful lost angel.”
Lost. I wasn’t lost. “Papa?”
Why did it feel as if he’d made a deal with the devil and at some point, the demon would come to claim his prize?