Page 74 of Diavolo

She wanted names. Who were the ones coming for her throat? "Does Mr. Vitale have a complicated history with women?"

"Well,Signor Vitalehas always been popular among females if that is what you are asking. Despite his colorful, ah, past, however, I have never seen him initiate a relationship with anyone—willingly—until he met you."

Elyse's brow shot up. "I find that hard to believe."

Malina coughed. "Signor Vitaleunderstands how to please people. That is why women flock to him. But he resents the attention, actually."

An incredulous snort escaped Elyse.

The housekeeper quickly chided, "Once again, I remind you.Do not judge Signor Vitale too harshly.If you wish to blame anyone for what he has become, blame his father."

"What do you mean?"

A somber expression settled over Malina's aged face. "Vincenzo was furious when Alessandro left Oxford. The moment Alessandro returned to Palermo, his father ripped him to pieces. Blood was spilled. Bones were broken. Alessandro became known as the prodigal son who contributed nothing tofamilglia. To appease Vincenzo's rage, Alessandro started using his looks and charm to pursue women from enemy and alliedcoscasalike. In exchange for favors. Or intel. It was the only way he could maintain a shred of peace with his father."

Mierda.Elyse's chest tightened as she realized that Alessandro had never been free, either. Much like her, he had often been left with no choice but to bend to his father's will. "That's so incredibly fucked up."

The housekeeper smiled tightly. "That is the way Vincenzo raised him. But enough aboutSignor Vitale. For now. We need to discuss the women from his past."

"Should I be worried about any of them?"

"Most are harmless and pose no threat," Malina answered, "but..."

Elyse tilted her head like a wary bird. "But?"

"As I have told you before," the older woman cautioned, "Signorina Rizzois not your friend. And there are two others you should be aware of. ASignorina Mariposa De Leónand aSignoraCara Berlusconi. Both ladies are daughters born from strong, powerfulcoscas. Almost as strong and powerful as your Graviano name."

"I understand," Elyse hummed. "Have Ms. De León and Ms. Berlusconi ever been acquainted with Mr. Vitale intimately?"

Malina blushed a little. "Yes, I would say that they once shared averyintimate friendship withSignor Vitale."

Jealousy simmered despite her better judgment. Elyse wanted to hate these faceless women for laying hands on her man. But she was careful not to let spite gain the upper hand. "Thank you, Malina. As always, you're a godsend."

As the jet touched down the runway in Palermo, a stunning view of a glimmering turquoise-emerald bay and coastal, cliffside mountains flashed by the small aircraft window. Elyse took a second to admire its beauty. She then took another second to remind herself that the Ms. Rizzos and Ms. De Leóns and Ms.Berlusconis of the world weren't her enemies. They were merely obstacles. Nuisances to be addressed.

The true enemy was the lopsided system in place that pitheragainstthemover aman. Granted, he was a beautiful man. A desirable man. A broken man whom she cared for more than any other. But, at the end of the day, Alessandro Vitale wasonlya fucking man, and she wasn't about to let him dictate how she treated other women. Right then, resolve hardened in her. Elyse refused to cower before these bitches. Yet, she didn't wish to trample over them, either. If they respected her, she'd return the same courtesy.

It felt deeply important to strive for peace—and not war—as she readied herself for battle.

Not long after they left the airport, Elyse arrived with Malina and Monte in theLibertàdistrict of Palermo. They drove up to a gorgeous, seaside palazzo that overlooked the white sands and pristine cyan-blue waters of Mondello Beach. A large, private garden with lush, idyllic arrangements of palm trees, citrus trees, olive trees, cacti, and various species of aloe plants welcomed them to the property.

The moment Elyse stepped out of the car, a line of household staff descended upon her. Malina introduced the first handful of middle-aged ladies as the maids. Then, there was the elderly cook,Signora Bianchi, and the twenty-something groundskeeper, Marco. The final six were all men. Rocco, Georgio, Giosue, Salvatore, Duran, and Aldo were dressed in flashy suits, and their skin was tatted up like Monte and Luca. Malina gave very vague answers as to what their jobs actually entailed. Elyse made a mental note to ask about them later. AfterElyse shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with everyone, Malina guided her toward the house.

"I will take you to your room now," said the older woman, "so that you can settle in."

Elyse nodded. "Thank you. That sounds wonderful."

The beautiful, aristocratic-looking palazzo was as breathtaking inside as it had been outside. The interiors appeared as though they had been designed to house royalty. Mafia royalty. Murano glass chandeliers hung from ornate vaulted and coffered ceilings in each room. Faded frescoed walls, hand-painted in viridian greens and cerulean blues, and bright saffron-hued sofas offered pops of color and whimsy throughout the house while patterned terracottas and marble mosaics stretched across the floors.

Elyse tried not to let the lavishness of it all intimidate her as Malina led her down corridor after corridor of the expansive home.

They eventually came to a huge master suite with its own chandelier. A gold-plated Rococo-style bed sat directly below the chandelier. The style of the room appeared to be a bit flamboyant even though the textiles and decor were mostly colored in restrained tones like blacks, grays, and creams. As Elyse's gaze flitted here and there to inspect her new surroundings, she quickly noticed little details and clues of Alessandro's presence scattered all around.

Expensive designer men's shoes, belts, and clothes hung from a large walk-in closet. Alessandro's favorite cologne sat upon one of the heavy wooden dressers. Beside it, there was a framed photograph of Alessandro when he was only a teen, smiling, with his arms looped around two other classmates. They were all dressed in the same uniform, standing in front of a posh-looking boarding school with cast bronze signage that read—St. Francis School.

Remnants of her fiancé were everywhere. Yet,hewasn't here. Elyse's heart tightened inside her chest. She missed him. She worried about him. As though on cue, her phone started to ring. Her eyes widened when she saw the name pop up on her caller ID. It wasas though he read her mind.

Elyse answered much too eagerly, "Hello?"

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