Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
Joseph
“Marry her? What the fuck?” It was only a few hours ago he’d tossed around the idea of volunteering to stay in Italy and baby sit Angelina. She was hot, tempting, and too much on his mind. It was a bad idea, yet he couldn’t trust her in anyone else’s hands. Now his father was suggesting he marry her?
“You could do a lot worse, young man.” Arlo gave him a death stare, and from the size of the vein pulsing on his forehead, the guy was seconds away from knocking some sense into him. “It will be a fake engagement, not a marriage so don’t get any ideas. As long as she is determined to stay here, we have to keep her safe and off the market. We’ve been fielding too many offers for her hand. Don’t worry, Angelina never sticks to anything for too long, so it wouldn’t surprise me if she returned home soon.”
“I meant no disrespect. You know she’s always been special to me, but it was you two who forced me to back off when we were younger.” Joseph grit his teeth. It didn’t set well with him the way they didn’t expect her to complete her internship.
“Because you were too young. You had training, school, and a lot to learn. Angelina had to find her way as well. Now,” Arlo glanced at Roman before turning back to Joseph. “Let’s just say things have changed.”
Joseph turned toward where Dante sat. He shrugged, got up, and took another drink. It was not up to him to intrude into Caponelli business but it was a good bet they would later be trying to decipher what was really up.
After a long night in the study with Arlo, Roman, and Dante, it was decided Joseph would remain here with Angelina as her future husband. It was rushed, unnatural, and felt totally wrong. Something had changed but what was it? Although extreme, in the back of his mind, he’d warmed to the idea.
“It makes good sense. A leader needs the right woman beside him. Her mother is my rock.” Arlo paced the room.
“Arlo, Dante. I’d like talk to Joseph alone.”
Roman waited until they’d left the room and closed the door. “I’m doing this for you. It might not seem like it now, but someday you’ll understand. You were born to rule, but I’m sorry, it won’t be the Caponelli family.” Roman placed his hand on Joseph’s shoulder.
“Wait? What did you say?” It was as if a trap door had opened at his feet and his whole future was flushed into the depths below. The rumors were true. He’d been passed over? Was Angel his consolation prize? Would Arlo have agreed to that? What the fuck was going on?
“You heard me. I can’t tell you more because it is up to you to figure it out. Trust me in this. You will always have a place at our table. You will always be my son but . . .” Roman puffed out his cheeks and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “There is another path out there for you to find and follow. Again, trust me in this. Go with your heart. I know you gave up Angelina because you thought it was what we wanted, what she wanted. It’s not. Sometimes things happen we don’t plan on. Your destiny, and hers, are in your hands now.”
“Can you be even more cryptic?” Joseph’s head spun with unanswered questions. “I don’t get any of this shit. Sorry, Joseph, you’re out. Take Angelina and go.”
“I can’t go into any more details right now and please don’t share what we’ve talked about with anyone else. Not even Dante.” Roman rubbed his eyes. “Just know one thing. I’m proud of you and the man you’ve become. I trust you so please trust me as well. You may be playing a role right now but if you want the girl, marry Angelina and make her yours. Remember your training and know that I love you.” Roman placed his hands on Joseph’s shoulders and stared into his eyes. It was the most sincere and emotional he’d remembered his father being.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless.” Loneliness overcame him.
“Say you’ll do this. Protect her with your life and do me proud.” Roman framed his son’s face in his hands then pulled him into a tight hug.
A new purpose? Leading somewhere else? And what about Angelina? He’d fully intended to stay with her. But marriage? Marriage was forever. Did you trust anyone else to protect her? No. Did he want to be with anyone else? No. Did he want to see her with anyone else? No. Surprisingly it didn’t take long for him to decide. “I’ll do it.”
Arlo and Dante returned. They spent another hour going over the details. Not only would he keep an eye on her, but also their holdings in the area. There were concerns about a variety of things but Roman did not elaborate. He wouldn’t be head of the family, but Roman wanted him to oversee things for the family here? Again, it didn’t make sense. Maybe he’d planned to have Joseph stay in Europe all along?
Joseph had executed his breathing exercises several times during the evening. Now he was in bed with his forearm resting against his too warm forehead. Yesterday’s tensions, as well as the alcohol he’d consumed, were working their way through his system. He needed a massage. A head to toe one given by the little monster next door. Correction, his precious fiancée next door. Angelina would have a shit fit when she found out she was about to become a bride. At least he would enjoy that turn of events.
First things first. The main thing was to stay focused.
If he had to guess, his father was being vague on purpose. It was typical of Roman to give only enough info to keep his eldest interested and on his toes. It might be a test. To see if he still held his loyalty to the family even if he were told he’d come in second place to his younger brother.
Not only was he hired to keep Angelina safe, but Carabella would be staying here, too. It was suggested as a peace offering to keep Angelina complacent. Dante volunteered to help protect the girl. From the way his friend followed her around with his eyes, it was a good bet the guy had other things on his mind than watching her.
Groaning, he rolled to his side. Joseph paused to let the room stop spinning. Great. A fucking hangover. He rarely, if ever, drank but had downed his fair share after last night. He dragged himself out of bed and staggered to the bathroom. The lukewarm shower did little to ease the pain stress, and lack of sleep from the previous day.
To top it off, he was running late. While throwing his few clothes and toiletries in his bag, it hit him. He wasn’t going home for a while. Maybe not for a long, long time. It was sobering, yet exciting. A new chapter in his life was beginning.
Joseph packed quickly and took one last moment to enjoy the scenery from the balcony. They’d gone over more of the details last night. Angelina and he would live close to her work. Madison’s Designs was right in the center of Florence. He could work out of their home and keep an eye on their warehouses and businesses in the area. First chance Joseph had, he’d find a place along the coast so they could get away whenever they felt the urge.
As he opened his door, floral scents flicked by. He twisted to the source. It was her. His new obsession. His future bride. Angelina was dressed for the day in a loose sweater hanging off one shoulder and a pair of jeans showcasing her curvy figure. Her feet were bare, so she wasn’t as put together as it first appeared. Confusion, thoughtfulness, and a bunch of other unnamed expressions battled it out on her lovely face as she focused off in the distance.
Not wanting to interrupt, he quietly backed into his room, shut the door, and gathered his remaining belongings. For the rest of his life, Joseph would have plenty of time to gaze at the beautiful figure and face on the other side of his door.
Downstairs in the dining room, his father, Arlo, and Dante pounded down espresso and fresh croissants. The cooks they employed while here were some of the best in the area. Joseph always needed to hit the gym a bit longer after being there. He grabbed a coffee, rubbed his forehead, and settled into a nearby chair.
“Morning. How’s the head?” Her father smirked.
“Don’t ask.”
Arlo narrowed his eyes in his direction.
“And don’t worry, it’s a one-time thing. Yesterday was . . . intense.”
“I’m not doubting you. You’ve worked for me a long time. I wouldn’t be trusting you with my daughter if I didn’t think you could do the job.”
Dante wiped his mouth with a white, cloth napkin. “Is there anything we need to be on the lookout for beside all the other shit we discovered yesterday?”
“You mean trafficking in the area, possible drug smuggling, and a missing model?” Arlo huffed out his cheeks before reaching for another pastry.
“Missing?” Dante frowned.
“Yes, Megan was in the show but later disappeared.” Roman put an extra spoonful of sugar in his coffee.
Joseph finally gave into the tempting pain du chocolate. He’d need the energy to deal with all the shit going on.
“Vittori?” Dante tapped a pack of cigarettes on the table. He’d been trying to kick the habit, but still smoked when stressed.
“What the fuck do they want and why now?” Arlo shook his head. Dark circles and lines were under his eyes.
Roman joined Arlo on the couch. “We don’t know yet. Sounds like they’ve been going back and forth with the Nicoli family. It might be their way of making a grab for their territory.”
“Do you think they are behind the trafficking?” Joseph grit his teeth. He hated those who’d hurt women with a passion.
“That’s the word going around.” Roman rested his elbows on his knees. Do you think they murdered Greta?”
Joseph had a sneaky suspicion they had.
“God, I hope not.” Arlo pulled on his collar. “Joseph, the only reason I’m allowing Angelina to stay here is because of you. You’ve proven yourself. I know you’ll protect my girl with your life, but these animals deal in people. There is nothing worse than that. They’re not human. Never, ever forget that.”
“Believe me, I won’t.” Joseph rubbed the back of his neck. At least the caffeine had started to clear his head. “What’s my angle here? Are we announcing the engagement right away?”
“Soon.” Roman sighed. “We need to update the others first.” It was obvious no one was comfortable with leaving their precious angel behind or any member of the family with the volatile situation going on.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Dante asked.
“No.” Arlo spoke up. “If it were up to me, she’d never leave the house. When you have children, you’ll feel the same. Unfortunately, you have to let them live their lives.”
Forcing them to marry someone wasn’t exactly letting them live their lives but Joseph kept the thought to himself. Not to mention how up in the air his life currently was.
“I know how it feels. I’m leaving one of mine here also.” Roman nodded toward his son. “We’re going to miss you. Bring her home anytime you want. The jet is always fueled up and ready to go.”
“I will. Let’s get back to the angle.”
“Dante can explain the logistics.” Arlo gave the floor to Dante.
“As soon as I heard Angela got the position, we searched our various real estate holdings downtown. We have a penthouse in a secure building only a block from the store. It has a doorman, and the elevator to the penthouse is by card only. This is where Angelina and you will live. Carabella will have a flat on the next floor down. I also have a flat across from Carabella on that floor.”
Arlo nodded. “We don’t feel Carabella is as high a profile. No one has seen her connected with us. She has a different last name, and she was hired as a fit model.” Hers was the job of being a live and moving model enabling designers to fit the clothes to body and see how they moved and looked on a real person.
The fact they dodged the question had Joseph’s radar up. “Again, what is my profile?”
Roman glanced at Arlo. “You’re her fiancé and overseeing Caponelli businesses in the area.”
“Oh, hell no.” Angelina stomped her foot and approached the men.
“I know you’ve spent the last years here on your own, but things have changed. The situation is too dangerous right now. You either abide by the rules or you go home.” Her father’s voice rose as he tried to reason with her.
“I’m an adult. Why can’t I be like normal people?” Tears threatened to fall but she kept them in check.
“Because you’re not. You’re a gorgeous young woman the Vittori family would love to take, torture, and use to their advantage. Do you want to add anything Roman?” Arlo motioned to Roman.
“I understand your frustration, Angel. You’re like a daughter to me. Not only do we have these other situations to worry about, but I’m also getting pressure to marry a high-ranking female in our family to one of our European allies. I’ve never wanted an arranged marriage for any of my family, but it’s getting harder to say no without heavy consequences. To have you already spoken for would relieve that pressure.”
It was the same story Roman had told Joseph, but it didn’t seem fair. He’d had every possible advantage and so did Angelina, but there were limits as to how far he could go.
“I won’t do it.” Her fists were clenched so tightly, her knuckles were white.
Even though he wasn’t sure about the whole marriage thing happening this fast, he was more determined to make Angelina his own. “Can I speak to Angelina in private?”
Roman stood, as did the others who quickly excused themselves. Dante mouthed the words ‘good luck’ before closing the door behind him.
“Maybe I should simply go home. I’m so over this crap.” Angelina’s shoulders slumped and defeat was stamped on her face as she fell onto the nearby couch.
Joseph knew she’d worked hard to win her spot in the company. It had to be discouraging to be this close to the finish line only to have obstacles pop up out of nowhere.
“I know I’m not your favorite person, but I do care about you. Don’t let anyone, even me, stop you from your dreams.” He sat beside her.
“I don’t trust you.” She glared at him. “I don’t believe in dreams anymore.”
“What the hell did I ever do to deserve your hatred?” After he’d left, she’d never returned a single letter, text, or email.
“If you don’t know, I’m not going to tell you.” She pouted her pretty lips.
He shook his head. “You’re acting like a child.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Takes one to know one.”
“Stop it.”
“The whole situation is bullshit. I had a goal and because of my family, I’ll never get to live it.”
“You don’t mean that.” And yet he did. Hadn’t his whole life goal just been turned upside down?
“I do.”
“Then you’re wrong. It’s both. Your family had the money and influence to get you into that fancy school but it was your talent keeping you there and got you this job.” Was it something which would make her happy? Only time would tell. As children, he’d witnessed her go all out with new ideas and then not follow through at the last minute.
“Still, I don’t feel good about any of this, especially the situation with us. I don’t want to get married. Did you agree to this?”
“Yes.” He settled back in the easy chair and admired her beauty. Even though she had to be as exhausted as he was, Angelina still lit up the room.
“Why?” Her lower lip quivered.
“Trust me. I will fight, and die, for you, but don’t think for a minute I don’t have other motives besides family for doing so.” It was time to be totally honest with her.
“What does that mean?”
“It means I want you for myself. I always have. I should have fought for you before, but I’m fighting for you now. I don’t know what I did to make you hate me. I will spend as many years as it takes to make you love me. When you give yourself to me it will be of your own free will.”
“What? You’re crazy.” She shook her head and stared at the floor.
“For you. While we are pretending to be a couple, I will expect you to act like one in public.”
“Even if I agree, what does it mean?” Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink.
“You know exactly what it means. Holding hands, kissing, going on dates. Things a couple in love and engaged would do.”
“I will never want you for anything else but a protector.” Angelina’s tone meant she wasn’t going to change her mind.
“I’ll always be your protector. It’s a given we will be watched. Now, are you going to be a Caponelli and act the part, or will you go back home like a coward and never know what could have been? Professionally and personally?” The ball was in her court now.
She rose. He immediately felt the loss. How was he going to keep his hands to himself when they were living in private after freely acting like lovers out in the open?
Her face covered by her dark curtain of hair; Angelina paced. His gut was in knots. He wanted her to say no to the fucked-up situation, so she’d be forced to go home and be safe. Yet he prayed she’d agree to be his wife. Her vulnerability drew him like no other. The urge to prey, conquer, and protect all in one twisted, desirable package. She was, and always would be, his precious angel.
Angelina stopped in front of him. Her eyes watered but there was mischief in those hazel beauties. “I get to pick the ring.”