The Mafia’s Seamstress (The Mafia Heiress #1)

1. Family Secrets

NEVER TRUST A GOOD LOOKING FACE IN AN EXPENSIVE SUIT IF THEY’RE CLOTHES COST MORE THAN YOUR RENT THEN THEY’RE A WALKING RED FLAG

D ead leaves and cold breezes were wrapped around me like a scarf. The sun had fully risen and was humorously shining down on our poor freezing souls. People strolled by with quick steps as they clutched their coffee on the way to work. The sweet smell of cinnamon hung around loosely as I walked into Maria’s Padaria .

“ Bom dia querida !” Senhora Maria said from behind the counter. Senhora Maria was like a grandmother, an avó to me. Short with gray curly hair and warm brown eyes, she made the best pastei de natas in Loba Vista.

“ Bom dia Senhora Maria ,” I said, smiling back. My eyes wandered over the sweet treats and breads I grew up on.

“ Sehnor Silva is on a work trip, no?” she asked, already preparing my coffee.

“ Sim. I get to be in charge,” I said, eyeing the rissios . I smiled inwardly.

My av? was on a business trip. He was currently in London creating an evening wardrobe for a very special family; a family I wasn’t allowed to say. He would be staying some time there since the special client was getting married. His clientele has always ranged from the elite to blue collar workers.

For him, everyone should have that feeling of being wrapped in luxury no matter their bank account. I always admire his ability to charm everyone and make them feel special.

Senhora Maria raised an eyebrow in surprise as she handed me a steaming cup of coffee. I took a sip, eyes closing. Light and sweet. Perfection.

“Will you be okay?” she asked, concerned. I fought the urge to roll my eyes because if I did it would spread like wildfire about me having a non-existing attitude.

“ Claro. Vai se bem. I’ve done this before,” I pointed out. Senhora Maria pursed her lips. She leaned to grab me some rissois de galinha and started making me my ham and cheese sandwich.

She was quiet. I watched her carefully. I had been left alone with the shop before. Sure it was for weekends only but still. What difference did it make if my av? was going to be gone for a few weeks versus two to three days. Her eyes skirted to the window where people were walking by.

“I’ll be okay,” I said, leaning forward. I gave her a smile to reassure her. She sighed and nodded her head. I reached for my food.

“Yes, yes. But if anyone gives you problems I send my boys,” she said with a frown. I couldn’t stop the giggle that tumbled out of my mouth. Senhora Maria’s grandsons were Rafael and Mateus. They were just a few years older than me and owned the local boxing gym.

“ Senhora Maria,” I began to say. She waved her hand, cutting me off.

“I’m serious,” she said, her eyes hardening. I swallowed. Growing up Senhora Maria was sweet and flirty. But this look? This was the look of a woman who was desperately worried. As if something horrible would happen to me.

Which was ridiculous considering the fact I knew everyone in this city. From who ran the laundromat to the grocery store. I knew my city and its people. I squared my shoulders.

“I promise. And your dress is almost done,” I said. She nodded and began setting up some sweet treats. I quickly slipped what I owed in her tip jar before heading to the door.

“Ah Lucia! I told you to stop that!” she called out from behind the corner.

“And I told you to stop giving me things for free,” I said with a smile. “ Tchau !”

Walking to work an unsettling feeling began weighing me down. My av? almost didn’t leave for his trip because he didn’t want to leave me alone with the shop. Despite the fact I had dreamt of a day like this happening. He also reminded me to go to Rafael and Mateus if anything were to happen. I snorted, taking a bite of my sandwich. I bit back a moan. Butter, bread, gooey cheese and ham. Just what I needed.

Two men in suits were crossing the street. They were black tailored suits. The corner of my lips tilted up. The lapel of their suit jacket was a dark paisley pattern. Their eyes met mine and they tilted their heads. I fought back a shiver and nodded politely.

They had come to my av? shop last month for suits. My av? sent me on an errand when they came in but I still remembered them. Both tall, dark hair and eyes. The air around them felt cold and their eyes? Eerily watchful. Like they were anticipating someone or something was going to pop out from the corners. Maybe there would be a reason to contact Rafael and Mateus.

A burgundy awning caught my eye. I smiled and excitement coursed through my body. My av?’s shop was a dark gray building, nestled between a Portuguese restaurant and a doctor’s office. It had a big window, looking into the shop and in gold vinyl it read: Silva’s Seamstress Shop.

I stepped into the shop and a chill wrapped around me. Autumn was in full swing and the concrete building felt cooler inside. Switching on the lights the room was filled with racks of clothes, shoes and accessories on display .

Towards the back by the dressing room, my favorite sewing machine was waiting for me. It was begging to be threaded; to run stitches across fabrics of silk and satin. My fingers itched to feel all the different fabrics we had in stock and see what I could create.

Shrugging off my coat I made my way towards the cash register. I couldn't begin to touch my sewing machine until I double checked the calendar and turned on the register. We had a few pickups and appointments today. Nothing too hectic which meant I had time to work on orders. I needed to finish Senhora Maria’s dress for her great nephew’s baptism this weekend.

Once everything was ready I sat at my sewing machine and called my av? . His heavy accent croaked through the phone and a wave of warmth washed over me.

"Bom dia querida," he said. I smiled at the endearment.

" Bom dia! Did you land okay?" I asked. I had been nervous about my av? flying over six hours on a plane. Naturally he grunted.

" Sim but I no sleep." I could hear him pacing around his hotel room.

" Senhora Maria's evening dress is the blue sparkle one right?" I asked despite knowing the answer. I could practically hear his eyes roll. I was a woman who liked validation, I couldn’t help it.

" Sim . It just needs a few tucks here and there. Ah...Lucia?" I tiled my head at the sound of his hesitation.

" Av? ?" I questioned, looking away from my to do list. It was never good when he used my actual name. He sounded unsure and my av? was not that kind of man. He was confident and stubborn.

"There will be a few customers coming while I'm away," he said. I chuckled.

" Claro ," I said, matter of factly. He let out a small cough before continuing.

"Some of them might...remember, você é uma Silva ," he said. I furrowed my brow. I wasn't blind to rude or aggressive customers. I used to work in retail. I remembered my days of working holidays at Always 21. He had seen my battles with impolite customers. But this felt like something else. My skin prickled and for some reason my mind went back to the two men I saw on the street .

"Of course," I responded firmly.

"I go nap, okay? The plane had me hurting. Beijinhos ," he said, sighing in relief.

" Beijinhos ." I stared at my phone for a moment. That was strange. But I was a Silva and therefore could handle anything. Cracking my fingers and ignoring the weird feeling running through me I got started with my day.

It was a busy day with customers picking up orders, requesting pieces and measurements. I spent my entire life inside this shop. I knew where everything was like the back of my hand. It was because of my av? that I had a love for creating clothes.

I had an internship with a local designer after graduating but then he called needing help with his shop and I couldn't resist. I always dreamt of working side by side with him but he insisted that I get my degree first. So I did get one but in fashion design.

And now while he was away I had the shop all to myself. I breathed in deeply. This is what I’ve waited for. I’ve been waiting for him to trust me with his precious treasure that he worked so hard to get off the ground.

Silva’s Seamstress Shop was the only seamstress shop in this particular area of Raven Hill County. Raven Hill County was nestled in the northeast with six cities. Loba Vista, Hare Ridge, Tiger Bay, Eagle Pointe, Wolf Grove and Hummingbird Heights.

I grew up in Loba Vista. It was a quiet town with a big Portuguese community. That was something I was heavily grateful for. I grew up on the food, music, festas and people. My parents and avó passed away when I was young and the people in the community are who helped raise me.

With the holiday season approaching I was excited to be stabbing myself accidentally with pins and yelling at my beloved sewing machine. A part of me was nervous though. Holidays were usually a busy time of year where people needed clothes fixed and a few custom pieces for parties. We typically had two other seamstresses working with me but one was getting married and the other was recovering from surgery.

Although I felt a tad overwhelmed it felt nice to have a quiet shop. And the fact my av? left me alone knowing all of that spoke volumes. I had his trust and the last thing I wanted to do was fuck that up. I ran a tight schedule and while this season would probably be hectic I was ready for it.

Lost in my head I faintly heard the chime of the front door.

"Excuse me?" A deep voice called out. My hands paused. The voice scraped across my skin and I felt goosebumps rise. My heart thumped in my chest. Never had a voice elicit such a reaction from me. I moved my foot off the pedal, pausing the pants I was working on. My head popped over my machine to find the face of the voice that made my body buzz.

"Hi there!" I said, nearly tripping over the leg of my work desk as I stood up. What a great first impression.

Stormy gray eyes collided with mine with annoyance. He was tall. Very tall. And I knew it because I myself nearly reached him in height. His dark hair was gelled back, perfectly, not a strand out of place. His gaze traveled up my body slowly, like a predator. I fought back a shiver at his intense and blatant stare. His eyes hardened once they reached my face.

My av?’s words echoed in my head. He was probably the type my av? warned me about. His broad shoulders tensed as he took a step forward.

"I have an appointment," he said briskly. My nose twitched at his short tone. Oh, I knew his type. He wore slim fitted black slacks with a matching suit jacket and a white button shirt. He seemed clean, very stoic. Even his charcoal pocket square was pressed and most likely made from silk that was worth sixty dollars a yard. I bit the inside of my cheek. He oozed money and power, the dangerous kind. And he was terribly handsome.

But instead of feeling nervous around him I felt quite the opposite. Something about the dark gleam in his eyes compelled me towards him.

"Ah I see- "

"With Diogo," he said, cutting me off.

"My grandfather is currently away on business," I said, calmly. He scoffed and I held on to my fake smile. I had met men like him before. He was probably a man that was used to everything being handed to him when and where he wanted it. Great. The last thing I wanted was a rich arrogant man disturbing my peace. Sadly for him I knew how to deal with men who acted like boys.

"Well I had a fucking appointment with him and this was the only time I could come in," he bit out.

My eyes widened. Really? Cursing? Was that even necessary when we’ve only spoken a few sentences? Annoyance sparked across my face. My customer service mask was cracking.

I crossed my arms, making my way towards the register. I was used to rude customers and it didn’t matter how much his slacks cost, he wasn’t going to get away with treating me that way. I didn’t care if he was having a shitty day. My shop, my rules. Well my av?’s shop. But I was in charge, so my rules.

"One, watch your tone. Two, I understand that you having an appointment with him and him not being here is an inconvenience. However, I am here and I can help you with what you need," I said, standing behind the register. Before he could speak I held up my hand, glancing at the calendar on the counter. "You need to have your measurements taken for a suit you ordered. Pants and a jacket. Dress shirt you'll provide. Correct?"

I met his eyes. His lips thinned. I bit back a smirk. I always enjoyed putting people in their place and this man looked like he needed a kick.

"Yes," he hissed. I offered a sweet smile.

"Then I can take your measurements," I said, my customer service voice intact again.

"Are you even qualified?" he mocked, looking me up and down. He crossed his arms and my eyes snagged on how his jacket stretched across his shoulders. The suit must have been custom made with the way it molded and shifted with his body.

"The degree on the wall behind me begs to differ." I flicked a hand behind me. His eyes glanced from the wall to me. His lips twitched .

"You'll do…and sorry for the cursing that was uncalled for. It’s been an unsatisfactory day and it was wrong of me to take it out on you," he said, breezing by to the back of the store where the dressing rooms were. I rolled my eyes and dug behind the counter for my measuring tape. Well at least he had the decency to apologize.

He stood on the platform in the center and I couldn't help but marvel at him despite his attitude. As an artist I couldn’t deny his body made me want to grab my needle and thread. I felt the urge to wrap him in my designs. His tan skin glowed against his white crisp shirt. He would look amazing in royal blues, deep purples and rich reds.

I shook my head and started the routine. The sooner I got this done, the sooner he could leave and I could be alone again.

Shoulder to wrist. Chest to waist. Waistline-

“Are you sure that's how it's done because usually Diogo starts-" he began. I was measuring from his hip to foot when my eyes shot up to him.

"Excuse me but are you the one with the degree or the experience?" I didn't mean to sound snappy but he irritated me. It had barely been ten minutes and I was already over him.

"Well my bad Cinderella," he teased. I rolled my eyes and wrote down his next measurement. I placed the tape near his groin, about to take his inseam.

"That is a delicate area. You might want to leave a little room," he said. Our eyes connected again. He smirked and I glanced back at the measuring tape.

"Don't think you'll need much room with the measurement I just took," I muttered standing up. He dipped his head towards me and my heart flipped abnormally. His cologne engulfed me. Was this how all rich men smelled? Sandalwood and sage. It was clouding my thoughts.

I met his steady gaze bravely. He cocked his head slowly. I felt like a fly caught in a Venus fly trap. I couldn’t look away from him. He had flecks of blue and flares of green around his pupils. His fingers drummed on his side nearly mimicking my heart rate.

"What did you say?" His voice was deep, making my body tighten. My stomach twisted. What was wrong with me? I needed to stop antagonizing him. But he made it so easy with every word that came from his mouth and for some reason I found it enjoyable.

"Nothing," I said, moving away. Sitting in the chair in the corner to acquire space from this man. I copied the measurements I wrote down into my laptop. "Just a few questions," I said, hoping to keep the conversation under my control. I didn’t want to say anything more that could lead to a bad review. He nodded, unrolling his sleeves.

"Color?" I asked.

"Black," he said with an obvious tone.

"Like your soul?" I muttered. There goes a good review. He chuckled, shaking his head. Okay maybe a decent review.

"Do all of your customers get this kind of attitude?" he said, arching his brow. I smiled sweetly.

"I only give back what I receive," I said without thinking. Definitely a bad review.

Something about the way his steel eyes scrutinized me just made me want to poke the wolf beneath. My av? did always say my attitude was going to get me in trouble one day. Was today that day? He began walking towards me and I was beginning to regret my words.

"I can’t say it is not undeserving but tell me,” he started, standing in front of me. “Are you not aware of who I am,” he asked in slight disbelief.

"Nope and I really don't care. Do you want the inside of the jacket to be plain black?" I continued. He thought about it for a moment.

"I'm okay with a pattern as long as it's dark."

I nodded. I began mumbling about cost and materials under my breath. Three long callous fingers disrupted my view of my laptop. I looked up, glaring.

"I need it in three days," he stated plainly. My eyes widened. I stood up rapidly, my chest nearly colliding with his.

"Excuse me but my av? won't be back for a few weeks if you want him to be the one to make your suit," I explained. He tilted his head with a smile.

"Well don't you have a degree and experience?"

Fuck. I took a deep breath. Three days for pants and jacket? I moved towards the register, his footsteps light behind me. I could possibly do it even though I had other orders I needed to get done. It was going to eat up my time for sure. I was going to have to order dinner tonight so I could finish other orders.

He arched an eyebrow, waiting. I eyed him up and down again. I could probably charge him more for the rushed order. He could definitely afford it with the watch that was on his wrist. I reached for our order forms and a pen.

“Fine,” I said, agreeing to his outrageous deadline. “D.C?" I asked, remembering the initials from the calendar. I leaned against the register, my pen poised and ready.

"Yes. It stands for Dante Costa." His voice slipped around me and I froze. My heart sank to my stomach. I stared at the blank form. No. He couldn't be from that Costa family?

He chuckled darkly and it twisted my stomach. I bit down on the inside of my cheek. I needed to concentrate on the pain to keep my hand from trembling.

His chuckle proved that it was exactly what I was thinking. Shit . I was so fucking screwed. Why did I give him an attitude? Why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut? I mean he technically started it first so my responses were valid.

His fingers slipped a strand of hair behind my ear and he lifted my chin. I looked into his eyes. They weren’t cold anymore. Instead they looked interested. The last thing I wanted was to seem interesting to a member of the Costa family.

"I think you owe me something, Cinderella." He glanced at my lips and my stomach coiled in a way I hadn’t felt in a while.

A thought rushed through me. While I knew some of the familiar faces that would come in growing up I also remembered the moments where I wasn't allowed to be in the room when certain people came to the shop. My brain filtered through the hazy memories rapidly and then it clicked.

Taking a deep breath I filled out the ordered form. I offered the sweetest of smiles once again.

"Yes. Your order form," I said, ripping the paper. I placed it on his chest, pushing back slightly, hoping he would back away. But he didn’t. His face stayed near mine and he kept my hand on his chest. His heart pulsed in a steady rhythm beneath my fingers unlike my own. My heart was rattling in my chest as I fought to keep my composure. I didn’t want to appear weak to anyone, especially to a member of the Costa family.

"You have three days. I'll be back tomorrow for a fitting,” he said.

"Well I'll make you an appointment," I said calmly. He offered a small grin and I hated how it made my stomach twist in something that should have been fear. Dante Costa knew my av? . He called my av? by his first name. Which only meant one thing.

My av? worked for the mafia.