Page 34 of Unspoken Ties

The playful urge to tease her overcame me. I leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in my eye. “Maybe next time I should come inside you, then? So we don’t make a big mess.”

Her eyes widened at the suggestion, her cheeks darkening with a deeper blush.

“Get ready for bed, angel,” I said softly, my hand brushing back the damp strands of hair clinging to her flushed face. Her cheeks were still warm under my touch. I watched as she turned off the stream of the shower water, the leftover beads still sticking to her skin.

Liria would have no idea how often I would be thinking about next time. I prayed it came sooner rather than later.

Chapter seventeen

Liria

Ever since our encounter in the shower, Ettore had been treating me more like a wife, and less like a roommate that slept in his bed. He would hold my hand, take me on dates, and publicly show me affection. It was a wild switch that I hadn’t been expecting, but I definitely enjoyed it.

But I had barely had time to think about it. The remaining four families were having a party, and for once, I was invited. When my father was still alive, he had forbidden me from attending. Saying things like “It’s far too dangerous having all five families in one place. I can’t have my heir there.”

I always thought he was lying until I finally got to go to a political event and there was a shooting. Good thing Luciana was there to save me, or I would have met the same fate as my mother.

This party would be at the Coscia’s estate. Now that my family name was defunct, their mansion was the grandest out of all the four families, perched upon a cliff with vast gardens rolling down to the sea below. As our car approached the estate, myheart pounded in my chest like a wild drum. Ettore squeezed my hand, his warm touch reassuring.

I glanced at myself in the rearview mirror one last time. Dressed in a navy silk gown, my hair done up and decorated with pearls, I could hardly recognize myself.

Ettore looked at me with such tenderness that it made my heart flutter. “You look beautiful,” he said, making my cheeks flush a warm shade of rose.

We stepped out of the car and gave the valet our keys. The grand mansion loomed before us, bathed in the golden glow of hundreds of twinkling lights. A string quartet played a lovely waltz by the main entrance and elegantly dressed guests milled around, chattering animatedly. Ettore led me towards the grand entrance, our steps in sync, his hand warm against my back.

Once inside, we were ushered into a ballroom adorned with gold leaf and marble. The chandeliers hung low, casting a warm and inviting light on the guests already milling about. Ettore guided me through, introducing me to various members of the other three families and business associates. Their welcoming smiles barely concealed their sharp scrutiny, as they laid eyes upon “Leone’s daughter” for the first time. However, none would dare mention a thing.

Almost no one. It wasn’t long until Tomaso Coscia himself found his way to Ettore and I.

“Mr. and Mrs.Moretti,” he said, putting far too much emphasis on our last name.

“Tomaso,” Ettore responded, his voice even. “Thank you for inviting us. It is a beautiful party.”

“Of course. I couldn’t wait to meet your wife.” He turned to look at me. “Leone hid you away for years.”

“He did. However, I am no longer bound by my father’s rules.” I was surprised how confident I spoke as the words left my mouth.

Tomaso’s eyes flickered at my bold statement. “Indeed, it’s a shame we hadn’t had the pleasure sooner,” he replied, his voice as smooth as well-aged wine. His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before turning back to Ettore. “Do enjoy the evening.”

As Tomaso sauntered away, Ettore let out a quiet sigh of relief. He knew, as did I, that our interaction with Tomaso was only the first of many tests we would face that night. However, he offered me an encouraging smile. “You handled yourself remarkably well.”

“I wasn’t expecting to,” I admitted, looking away from him sheepishly. “Let’s see if I can keep it up the rest of the night.”

As I introduced myself to others, underneath the glamour and pleasantries, I could sense the undercurrent of tension. Every conversation held a double meaning, every gesture pointed to an unseen struggle for dominance. The Coscias, Morettis, Salvaggios, and Tomasinos - all of them were playing a game of stealth and tactic where appearances mattered more than reality.

It was an unseen battlefield, the weapons being words and subtle gestures. As Ettore and I navigated through it, I could see him in a completely new light. He wasn’t just Ettore, my husband, but Ettore Moretti - a cunning strategist with a charismatic charm that could disarm anyone. His calm demeanor and persuasive speech made it clear that he was as much a part of this dangerous game as any of them.

When he introduced me to some of the older members of the other families, they looked at me with curiosity and surprise. They most likely hadn’t expected Leone’s daughter to show such charm in the presence of other people. There had been rumors I was a mute, because I wasn’t able to talk to the few people I did meet.

“I’m going to use the restroom,” I said to Ettore as we broke away from a group of people.

“Ok,” he responded. “Text me if you need anything.”

On the way towards the bathroom, I bumped into a server. Fortunately, he had just finished passing out his last champagne flute, so there wasn’t a commotion with glass falling to the floor. I had been doing so well with socializing - I felt like an idiot for running into him.

“I’m sorry!” I said, apologizing profusely. I was so flustered I was waving my arms around as I spoke and repeating my apologies over and over.

“No problems, miss,” he said. The server started walking away, but as he passed me, he whispered, “Make sure to read it.”

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