Chapter 15 Charlie
Charlie
After the whirlwind of the last couple of days, I’m in desperate need of retail therapy.
I need to get out of the house and away from everything Cosa Nostra-related for a couple of hours.
Luciano’s rule is that I not only take Rocco but also have Stefano and Carlo as my chaperones, much to my dismay.
But if it means I can have some retail therapy, then I’ll obey.
So far, I’ve visited a dozen designer shops and the boot of our car is overflowing with bags, thanks to the credit card my mother left me.
The first week I arrived, I bought some little things online, like my Louis Vuitton pumps and some new outfits, too scared to spend too much money. But today I’m addicted.
Clothes, shoes, and handbags I only dreamt of being able to wear, now I own.
Normally having three large men behind you would scare people away, but instead the shop assistants jump on us.
My guess, they assume we had money. I’m basking in the attention; it feels great having these women who would previously look down at me now at my beck and call.
I make sure I have time to visit the Armani store and pick out a couple of new items for Luciano.
I stop in at the music shop and pick up some new guitar picks and accessories for Mattia.
I go to the tech shop and buy some new gear for Gabriele.
Carlo, Stefano and Rocco keep telling me they don’t want anything, but I’ve secretly bought them stuff as well.
A new watch for Stefano and Rocco, and new knives for Carlo to torture with.
I make one last stop at one of my old favorite clothing shops for a bit of nostalgia. It feels like a lifetime ago that I could only afford to shop here.
Browsing through racks of dresses, a familiar face nearly walks right past me.
“Charlie?” Mel calls out.
I halt in my tracks. For a moment, I hesitate, unsure how to respond. “Hey Mel…"
Her eyes study me carefully. “Why have you been ignoring me?”
That hits me unexpectedly. I haven’t received anything from her. “What are you talking about? You’ve been ignoring me.” I’ve sent her multiple messages and tried calling, but no response.
“Bullshit, Charlie! I’ve tried calling and texting you so many times. I was starting to get worried, but I didn’t know how to reach out to you.”
Instantly, I feel on edge, and my stomach starts churning inside me. I have a feeling Luciano may be involved in this. I glare daggers towards Stefano, knowing he can hear my conversation and is probably reporting it back to Luciano as we speak.
Forcing a smile, I reassure her, “Sorry, we don’t get a lot of phone reception at the estate. But I’m good, Mel. It’s just been a lot to take in. You know, learning about my mother’s side of the family.”
She looks me up and down. “You’re different.
” Of course I’m different; I now dress in head-to-toe designer clothes and there are three huge men following me.
She looks over at said men. Carlo tries to give her a friendly smile, but it comes across more creepy, murderous-looking than I think he expects. Mel steps back slightly.
“Why don’t you come to the estate this afternoon for a barbecue? Meet everyone properly and I can show you that I’m okay,” I say, grabbing her hands and pulling her into a hug.
“Sure…”
“Pass me your phone and I’ll give you my new number. This one definitely works at the estate.” I enter my details into her phone and text her the address so she knows the number is working. “Come around 3:00 p.m.,” I say before waving goodbye.
Heading straight to the car, I climb into the back, ignoring Rocco and Carlo. I turn to Stefano as he starts the engine because out of everyone, he probably knows about it. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about my phone?”
Playing dumb, Stefano keeps his eyes focused on the road. “Not sure what you’re talking about, Charlie.” But I call bullshit. I swear I see a faint smile cross his lips when he thinks I’m not looking.
I pull out my phone and bring up Luciano’s name and send him off rapid texts, which probably makes me look like a psycho.
I’m going to chop off your dick and shove it up your ass.
You controlling piece of shit. Did you fuck around with my phone?
I can’t wait to get my hands around your neck. I’m going to fucking strangle you.
She is my only friend, and you made me think she was ignoring me.
You’re lucky. If I knew how to shoot, I would gladly aim a bullet right between your eyes.
STOP IGNORING ME!!!
I don’t wait for Stefano to turn off the car. As he slows down in front of the mansion, I’m already opening my door and storming inside, letting the front door slam against the wall.
“Where the fuck are you, Luciano?!” I scream. The staff nearby retreat into the closest rooms, not wanting to feel my wrath. I search each room on the ground floor, slamming doors as I go along the hall. “Luciano! Do not hide from me.”
“Charlie,” Luciano says casually, walking through the front door. I march up and punch him right in the cheek, sending his head sideways.
“Charlie,” Carlo grumbles, walking into the foyer.
“What?” I round on him, ready to throw hands with anyone who comes at me right now.
“You’re punching wrong,” he says, readjusting my hand. “I can’t have you breaking your hand.” I swing another punch at Luciano’s face again. “That’s better.” He smirks at his brother, arms folded.
“Are you fucking done?” Luciano growls, looking between the two of us.
I throw my old phone against his chest. “What did you do to my phone?”
He stares at me, not saying a word. I notice Gabriele and Mattia are now standing alongside Stefano in the foyer. Great, of course they would want to witness me being psycho. I move around Luciano and point straight to Gabriele. “You! What did you do for him?”
Gabriele adjusts his tablet under his arm, pushing his glasses further up his nose. “I hacked into your phone and restricted communication with your friend’s number,” he says plainly. No bullshit, no excuses.
“Why?”
“Because the Don asked me to.”
I shriek with frustration. Throwing my hands in the air, I start pacing the foyer. “Here I’ve been thinking my best friend has been ignoring me, but in reality, you guys have been fucking with me AGAIN!”
“I’m innocent on this one, Red,” Mattia says, holding his hands up in defense.
Luciano takes a step forward. “Calm down, Charlie.”
“You do not get to tell me to calm down. In case you have forgotten, I’m a Carlisi, not you!” I shove his chest, causing him to growl at me.
I look over at them all standing in the foyer staring at me and announce, “Mel is coming over this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. for a barbecue. You better all be on your best behavior.”
“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” Mattia fends innocently.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Stefano asks. Why is he always against me?
“Because of you lot, my friend thinks I’m in danger, so unless you want her calling the cops for a welfare check, I suggest you go ahead with my plan.
” I look at the time on my watch. “Fuck, two hours before she gets here. There’s so much to do!
” I yell at no one in particular. First thing, I need to let the chef, Pietro, and Rosa know to prep for a barbecue.
Storming out of the foyer, I flip the bird to the boys.
After a quick chat with Pietro, I dash upstairs to my wardrobe, nerves swirling inside me, rethinking if this is a good idea or not.
I rifle through my collection of bikinis, the soft fabric brushing against my fingertips as I debate silently which one will best suit the afternoon.
Finally, my fingers settle on the deep, rich burgundy set; a color that makes me feel both bold and elegant.
I slip it on and drape a sheer black sundress over it.
Standing before the mirror, I tilt my head, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. Perfect.
I descend the stairs with a light, confident step, my heart quickening as I catch sight of the brothers lounging on the back patio.
The moment I step outside, their eyes lock onto me, a sudden hush falling over the space.
“What?” I challenge, hands firmly planted on my hips, refusing to be intimidated.
“You’re smoking, Red!” Mattia teases, pretending to spot out a fire, his grin wide and mischievous. Carlo and Stefano exchange knowing glances, shaking their heads at Mattia’s antics.
“Principessa.” Luciano steps forward to stand directly in front of me. “Do you really think this is the best outfit to be wearing in front of my brothers?”
I meet his gaze evenly, a spark of defiance in my eyes. “It’s either this or nothing,” I shoot back, a dangerous edge in my tone.
His glare deepens, but before he can say more, I slip my hands beneath my dress, pretending to undo my bikini. “Stop it,” he mutters, grabbing my hands and stopping me from actually untying them.
Taking my small victory, I weave around him and saunter to the bar, ordering a margarita just as the front doorbell rings. “Behave,” I warn the boys, rising to greet my friend. “Hey, Mel.” I wave as Laura, our other maid, lets her in.
She hesitates in the doorway, eyes wide as she looks behind me at the guys. “Umm, Charlie,” she whispers, “you didn’t tell me they were all fucking hot. I would have dressed up a bit more if I’d known.”
I wave my hand dismissively at her. “You can raid my closet.” I guide her over to meet the brothers first. “This is Mattia and Gabriele, and you saw Carlo earlier today,” I introduce, watching her wave nervous hellos. “And over at the bar is Stefano and Luciano.”
She grabs my arm, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Isn’t that the guy from the club?” she whispers to me at the same time Luciano looks over.
“Yep.” I bite my lip, reliving the memory in my head.
“And you’ve been shacking up here with him?” she says, practically bouncing on the spot for more information.
“We have separate rooms,” I clarify.