Chapter 4
Nico
The limo driver pulls through the large iron gate of the Rinaldi compound. Although the sun is setting, the expansive mansion looks magnificent sitting high on a hill. Don Rinaldi has his family well protected within the walls of this compound and Carlo can only dream of having a home of this capacity. While we do have a large compound of our own, it’s nothing compared to what Paolo has built. It’s one of the reasons my father harbors so much hate for the Rinaldi family. They’ve never exhibited behavior that would suggest they’re better than any of us, yet Carlo behaves as if he has a personal vendetta against Paolo, even going so far as to try and turn the other family’s loyalties and try to take over the Northwest territory.
Carlo controls the Southwest territory however, his greedy ambitions have driven him to want more. Although we vowed never to discuss our family’s business, I’ve shared a few things with Lili that I’ve overheard to put Paolo one step ahead of Carlo. Yes, my loyalty is to serve as a Beneventi, but that loyalty ends when my Lili is put at risk. Anything that negatively impacts her father trickles down to her and I draw the line there.
Pulling into the circle driveway, I don’t wait for my driver to open my door. I’ve waited too long to see Lili and I can’t wait any longer. The door opens before I ring the doorbell which tells me that one of Paolo’s men alerted them of my presence. Greta’s cheerful smile greets me and I go right into her arms when she spreads them wide. Her short stature is a challenge to embrace, but her hugs are always comforting as if she’s taking on some of whatever burden you’re carrying. Holding me away, her hand goes to her mouth as she observes the angry greenish blue bruising decorating the left side of my face.
“Oddio (oh my God),” she murmurs softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears that pull at my heartstrings.
“It looks worse than it feels, Greta,” I reassure her, flashing a smile to put her mind at ease. She”s well aware of the source of my bruises, and she”s been very vocal about what she”d do to Carlos if given the chance.
“The way that man has treated you all your life is a sin and he should be punished!”
“It’s not so bad now that I’m able to fight back. I’ve put him on the ground a few times,” I chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood which brings a smile to her face.
“Good for you, Nico,” she encourages. “I pray for the day when you and Liliana can escape this life and pursue your own dreams,” she adds, her words sinking in. If only she knew, that’s exactly our plan. The small box in my breast pocket presses into my chest as I give Greta another hug before she excuses herself to inform Lili that I’m here. As I turn away from the stairs, a surge of anxiety hits me. What if she says no when I propose? The possibility hadn”t crossed my mind until now and I’m not sure how I would respond to her rejection. The sound of my name breaks through the anxious thoughts, pulling me back to the present.
I turn to find my Lili at the top of the stairs. Words fail me as I gaze up at her. Her strapless hot pink dress accentuates every curve, stopping just above her knees. She”s breathtaking as she descends, and I briefly close my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Her perfume wafts around me, intoxicating my senses as I meet her at the landing, gently tilting her face towards mine for a kiss. Her eyebrows draw together as she takes in the bruising on my face but I don’t allow it to deter me. The desire to taste her is overwhelming, and despite knowing I should have at least spoken to her first, I can’t resist. It”ll take immense self-control not to rush through dinner just to savor more than her lips. I deepen the kiss, telling her without words how much I’ve missed her over the last two months. Molding her body to mine, her warmth envelopes me as we explore each other’s mouths.
Just as my hands roam to her waist, the sound of someone clearing their throat abruptly pulls us apart and the spell is broken. Taking Lili by the hand, we pivot to find Lili’s parents standing near the entrance to the sitting room, her mother’s face tinged with a rosy hue, smiles warmly. Paolo’s face has a very different look, one that speaks of his disapproval but it doesn’t faze me. While I hold him in high regard, the days of me backing down from any man are gone, especially when it concerns my Lili.
“Don Rinaldi, always a pleasure. Mrs. Rinaldi, you look stunning as ever,” I offer, stepping forward to shake Paolo’s hand. His grip is firm, his gaze intense, but I stand tall, unnerved.
“Likewise, Domenico,” he responds, his words tinged with insincerity. Had it not been for Lili”s presence, I’m certain Don Rinaldi would voice his reservations about his daughter”s relationship with a Beneventi. Though I’ve yet to have a private conversation with Paolo, once I marry Lili, my loyalty will shift to his family. I would be under his protection and there’s nothing Carlo can do about that. Until then, I’ll remain committed to my word. Traditionally, I should ask him for his daughter’s hand in marriage, however, our history of rivalry makes that impossible. He would deny my request and forbid me to see Lili. It’s slightly unorthodox but if Lili says yes, he can’t stop us from getting married.
“That’s quite a bruise you have, Domenico. Should I be concerned about entrusting my daughter”s safety to you?” he probes.
“Must we delve into this now, Padre?” Liliana interjects, her irritation evident as she tightens her grip on my hand. Before Paolo can respond, I reply,
“Just a minor misunderstanding that got out of hand. I would lay down my life for Lili, so there’s no cause for worry, Don Rinaldi. Now if you’ll excuse us, we must be on our way.”
Extending my hand, Paolo reluctantly accepts, his grip is a bit firmer this time, hinting at consequences should anything happen to his daughter. It’s admirable how much he loves his children but Liliana will soon be my wife, under my protection and the sooner he learns that the better. Turning to Mrs. Rinaldi, I press a kiss to the back of her hand and bid them both a good night. Greta approaches with Lili’s overnight bag, putting me in a better mood. As I make my way to the door, Greta leans in, whispering,
“Nico, she needs this break. Ensure she enjoys herself.”
“I promise this will be a weekend she’ll never forget,” I assure her, discreetly tapping my breast pocket. Greta’s eyes widen and I quickly put my finger to my lips to shush her, sharing a chuckle. With a nod, she retreats, her smile radiant, leaving Lili a few moments with her parents as I retrieve the bag.
Standing by the door, I observe Don Rinaldi holding both his wife and daughter in a wide embrace. They mean the world to him, stirring a twinge of jealousy within me for the bond I never shared with my own father. As much as I want to leave this life, I have to say that Lili’s father has been exceptional as a leader. The way he leads his family is something to be admired. Lili of course hates his constant hands-on approach but I’ve often seen hints of his demeanor in my girl. If she were to assume her father’s position, I would gladly submit to her leadership. Had Carlo shown me even a fraction of the love I’m witnessing, my life may have taken a different course. He would’ve earned not only my allegiance but also my loyalty.
It was never meant to be and I’m okay with that. My family was thrust upon me by my birth mother without knowledge of his abusive nature and his fists served as a reminder of my place in his family. A pang of longing hits me unexpectedly, the weight of what might have been settling heavily in my chest. In all of my twenty-five years, I’ve never yearned for my father’s love, yet now, it feels like a missing piece.
Closing my eyes, I dispel the ghosts of my fractured childhood. Despite the pain, I find solace in the realization that without this life, I would never have crossed paths with Lili. That alone is my saving grace. Opening the door, my self-loathing dissipates as I behold my future walking toward me, a true reflection of the man I’m becoming. Her love sustains me through the trials of my life and as long as she’ll have me, I’ll provide Lili with a life we can both cherish and be proud of.