Chapter 30
FRANCISCO
Now that Marlena and I have smoothed things over, I’m looking forward to introducing her to Carmine. She’s never met this side of her family, and I feel lucky to be the one to make it happen.
We’re like newlyweds now. We can’t keep our hands off each other. I help her up from the pool deck and watch her closely as she ties up the lower half of her bikini. The top half is still in the pool, and she looks at it longingly, as if she doesn’t want to get wet again.
“I’m not going in there,” I say. I’ve already got my pants on and I’m reaching for my shirt.
“You threw it in,” she says.
“Yeah, but you’re the one in the bathing suit,” I counter.
She pouts, but walks back into the water to fetch it. I get an eyeful of her beautiful body surrounded by gentle, sparkling waves. I’m a lucky man.
She walks back out, dripping wet and stunning to see. I nearly beg her not to put her top back on, but of course we have to go back into the house. I don’t want to spend all day sunbathing, although that sounds relaxing. We’ve got work to do, and no time like the present to do it.
“I’d like to take you to meet your family,” I announce.
She looks at me with the kind of pleasure I thought was reserved for sexual encounters.
My heart leaps at the ability to make her smile.
All this stress over her brother must have overshadowed the fact that she’s got connections in Italy.
I’ve just reminded her that there is more to life than her missing sibling, and she’s grateful.
“When?” she asks.
“Now,” I say.
“Let me get dressed,” she says, hurrying toward the door.
I follow her down the hall like a lost puppy, taking in an eyeful of her gorgeous ass. A large part of me wants to follow her into the bedroom and make love to her again, but she closes the door without a second thought, so I guess that’s a no.
My suit is wrinkled again. Glancing down, I realize I need to change. It takes me almost no time, and I arrive in the living room before she does. There’s a little bit of downtime as I wait for her to get ready. I almost pour myself a drink, but it’s early in the day.
Marlena is worth the wait. She comes out wearing one of the dresses I bought for her. It hugs her curves and yet gives her a kind of innocent, girl-next-door appearance. I stand up, reach for her hand, and kiss her knuckles. She smiles, and I thank my lucky stars that our conflict is over.
“Shall we?” I ask.
“We shall,” she replies, walking with me to the carport where the limousine is waiting.
Climbing inside, we’re barely out of the gate before she’s in my lap.
I kiss her hungrily, wondering if there’s time to make love again before meeting Carmine.
But I don’t want to disrespect him, or Marlena for that matter.
It would be better if we arrived composed, so despite my deep feelings to the contrary, I end the kiss.
She takes her cues from me, inching back onto the seat beside me.
She straightens her dress and gives me a coy smile.
Good Lord, what this woman could do to me if I let her.
I don’t even look at my phone during the entire trip, I’m so enthralled by her presence.
She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and I feel a twinge of guilt at the thought.
Of course, Alessia will always have a special place in my heart, but Marlena is so vibrant and alive.
We pull up to Bella’s restaurant, where we’re meeting with Carmine.
I help Marlena out of the backseat, and hold her hand as we enter the establishment.
She looks around as if she’s never seen such a place before.
It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic. The kitchen in the back is loud and hot, and the booths are clustered together so that you feel like you’re eating in a family setting.
Carmine is waiting for us at the counter. He’s got a bottle of scotch and a cigar in his mouth. Catching sight of Marlena, he grins, setting his cigar down in an ashtray by the register.
“Is this Marlena?” he asks, opening his arms wide for a hug.
“Are you my uncle?” Marlena asks, folding herself into the embrace with enthusiasm.
Carmine squints, considering the family tree in his head. “I think we’re cousins. Maybe twice removed.”
Marlena laughs. “Cousins then.”
“Welcome back to the family,” Carmine says. “Tell me all about America.”
“I can tell you about America,” I offer, picking up a menu.
“Nonsense,” Carmine objects, taking the menu from my hand before I have a chance to read it. “You have to try the Ricotta.”
“America is big and dirty,” Marlena says, sliding into a booth by the window. “And people are arguing all the time.”
“Sounds horrible,” Carmine grunts, taking a seat opposite her.
I sit down beside my fiancée, pleased that this introduction is going so well.
“You should move to Italy permanently,” Carmine suggests.
“I have a brother at home,” Marlena says.
“Another cousin?” Carmine asks, intrigued.
“He’s missing,” Marlena replies sadly.
Carmine looks to me for clarification. “Andretti,” I respond. “I think he kidnapped Marlena’s brother to get back at their father.”
“But their father is dead,” Carmine says, glancing over at Marlena to make sure he’s got his facts straight.
“Yes,” Marlena whispers uncomfortably.
“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “Andretti will stop at nothing for revenge. That’s why our marriage needs to happen. With both of our families behind her, Andretti wouldn’t dare attack Marlena.”
“And maybe you can get her brother back unharmed?” Carmine guesses.
“That’s right,” I confirm. “That’s what we’re hoping.”
“Well, then,” Carmine declares. “I think the wedding should happen sooner rather than later.”
“Agreed,” I say.
Marlena glances at me, a hint of panic in her eyes. “How soon?”
“By the end of the week,” Carmine suggests.
I reach down to take Marlena’s hand, comforting her. I can tell that she’s not ready to make such a big commitment yet. Or rather, she’s ready but didn’t know it would be happening so soon.
“It’s really better to get married now,” I explain. “The sooner we can tie the knot, the sooner I can extend my protection to you.”
“But Carmine can protect me,” Marlena says.
“Carmine doesn’t have the same reputation back home,” I reply. “We’ll be in a much better position if we make this official.”
Marlena nods her understanding. She’s putting on a brave front but I can tell she’s worried.
I hope to put her mind at ease by making each day better than the last. I will stop at nothing to make sure she’s safe and happy, and I hope she knows that.
She sneaks me a small, reassuring look that puts my fears to rest. She knows I care and that all of this is for her benefit.
“Okay,” she gives her verbal agreement.
“Excellent!” Carmine exclaims. “I can officiate.”
“Great,” I say.
“We will have plenty of witnesses, and you can meet the rest of the family,” Carmine tells Marlena. “But I think you should bring at least one member of your family,” he says to me.
I think about Frankie back home, and wonder if I can convince him to fly over to witness our ceremony.
The way we left things, I know that he’s concerned about Marlena’s well-being, but I’m not sure if he could put that all aside.
He’s still hurt that she ended up with me instead of with him.
And the age difference between me and my intended bride doesn’t help.
Giovanni is busy looking for Brandon and running the organization while I’m out of the country. I can’t ask him to attend. So, I do the next best thing. I reach out to one of my own distant cousins, who is happy to participate.
The wheels are in motion. Marlena and I are finally going to get married. After all that we’ve been through, I can’t wait to start the rest of our lives together. I’ve fallen for her with my whole heart, as difficult as that is to admit.