Page 96 of Mafia Star

“I love you, too. You know I feel the same. It’s not that I ever underestimated you. Not your depth of feeling or your commitment to us. But not everyone can do what you did. We teach women born into this world how to take care of themselves from as early an age as the boys. They’re supposed to be untouchable, but not everyone plays by those rules. We pray situations don’t come about like what you and your sister have faced, but they do. Unfortunately, way too often for my generation. You’re as dedicated to family as I am. I think that’s why we’ve known we’re soulmates since the beginning. Honor, loyalty, and duty to family. I’ll always protect you as best I can. I know my family will always protect me. But to know there’s a woman in this world who loves me like you do, one who will stop at nothing to protect me— that’s priceless.”

“May God have mercy on anyone’s soul who comes near you or our children because I won’t. Family has always been important to me. That’s how I grew up. But losing Sam made me understand just how integral family is to me. Falling in love with you and being welcomed into your family amplifies that because there are more people to love, but there’s also danger I never expected. I hate that what’s happened has happened. I don’t enjoy thinking I kill without remorse. But it’s given me the strength to stand by you.”

“No. It’s shown you that you have the strength.”

She smiles at me as she nods. She gives me a peck before we both look at the shower door. We know we have to go. Neither of us wants to. But both our stomachs were rumbling when we came up here. Yet another day with missed meals. I know my uncle will want to hear Carmine’s and my version after having talked to Pauly. I want to check on Steve and Beth’s parents, who arrived just before Beth and I came upstairs.

I help her to her feet before turning off the water. She hands me a towel. Once I’m dry, I wrap it around my waist. She turns toward the door, but I don’t follow her. She watches me retrieve bleach from beneath the sink. I’m efficient as I scrub down the entire shower, not splashing anything on my mother’s towels. I didn’t survive today for my mother to kill me over nine-hundred thread count towels. Beth observes me disinfecting the shower to kill any DNA we might not have rinsed away.

Chelle already left clothes on the bed for Beth. Enzo probably told her Beth would need them. Or maybe it was Mama. I’m certain Chelle and Maria are eager to see their husbands even if they know they were safe the entire time. Enzo and Matteo should be back soon. Then it’ll be time for the meeting. Once we’re dressed, we head back downstairs. I hear people in the kitchen and the dining room. Thank God. It’s only a moment later that Beth and I have heaping plates.

“Liz?”

Papa hands over her purse. Mikey or someone else must have brought it over. She thanks him and checks the contents. She looks up at me and nods. Everything is there with nothing extra. She checks her phone and winces. She’s expressionless as she listens to voicemails. When she hangs up, she looks at Carmine.

“Can I have a corner office?”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Beth

I didn’t lose my job, but I’m about a hair’s breadth from being fired. I had five livid messages from my boss, reaming me out for not returning to work after lunch. I get why she’s so pissed. I missed three client meetings and a walk through. I was also going to try to swing by the retail space in the building Matteo designed. Obviously, none of that happened. I’ve been a model employee since the day I started. I work from home rather than take sick days. I take the most persnickety clients. And I have the highest billable hours.

I know that being seen at the press conference and having my name linked to the Mancinellis pissed them off. They must know Marco came to my office today, and that I left with him. Disappearing with my boyfriend looks super bad. She warned I’m on probation.

“You can have a corner office and pick your salary. Redecorate the entire place in zebra print. Like I said, I’ve seen your work. The firm will be in even better hands than it has been. I’m a silent owner, and I prefer it that way. It allows me to focus on the projects I have with Matteo for Mancinelli Developers. That’s more than enough to keep me busy.”

I assumed they didn’t work together much because he said he likes to keep his design firm separate from the family business. I thought that was partly because of the rift I heard about. But it makes sense now. Both are legit businesses, but it shelters his more to make it look like it’s unaffiliated with the entire family, not just Carmine. I know he’s a structural engineer and oversees most of their construction sites. I just didn’t think he and Matteo would look at it as working together so much as Matteo handing off blueprints. Well, you know what happens when you assume. But apparently I’m the only ass.

“Thank you. I’ll leave the zebra prints to night clubs. We can negotiate salary later.”

I grin, but Carmine shakes his head. My smile falls.

“Seriously, Liz. You’re worth whatever price you ask. The business is thriving. We can afford it, especially considering the clients I know you can bring in. Take whatever you think you deserve and add a zero.”

Carmine thrusts out his hand, and I’m back to grinning. I accept and shake.

“My W-4 and direct deposit form will be on your desk in the morning.”

“Welcome aboard. When can you start?”

I can’t believe I’m having this conversation over a plate of tortellini arrabbiata— which is seriously the most delicious dish I’ve ever tasted.

“I’ll put in my two weeks in the morning.”

“Car, she can’t start for at least two months.”

I turn toward Marco, my brow furrowed.

“You’re going to have to wait until we’re back from our honeymoon.”

My face feels like it’s radiating heat. I’m not upset that he announced it. It’s what he’s going to say when people assume he proposed. My mom beams at me, but his mother looks confused. Nicoletta tilts her head as she narrows her eyes at her son. Fucking hell. She knows we got engaged while we were just upstairs. I’m pretty fucking sure she knows it happened while we were having shower sex in Marco’s childhood bathroom in her home. I want to cringe.

Instead, I accept Marco’s kiss which verges on indecent in front of our parents. He grins unrepentantly at his mom. I take a sip of water, but I nearly choke when he speaks.

“Beth asked, and I said yes. It was very sweet.”

Fortunately for me, we’re sitting, or I might have fallen over. His hand squeezes my thigh. I snap my legs shut. I’ll get him back for this later, and he knows it. I’m not sure how. But I will. Maybe we will have a power switch tonight, and I’ll tie him up.

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