Page 2 of His to Honor

“You are terrible!” Marissa giggles. “What do you think, Matteo?”

“Giulia,” Ava hisses under her breath. She tries to drag me away, but I refuse to move. Matteo will defend me. I know he will.

“I think Sandro’s being unfair.” Matteo grins wickedly and my heart sinks. “It’s not Giulia’s fault her legs clamp shut every time a man looks at her. Frigid bitch.”

As the group laughs at my expense, my stomach roils. How could Matteo be so cruel? I can put up with mockery from strangers,but it’s unbearable to have someone I love joining in. I mean, he called me the b-word. That hurt.

Patting my arm sympathetically, Ava clears her throat. Finally, Matteo and the others notice us.

“Oh, Gia, darlin’. I didn’t see you there.” If that’s Marissa’s idea of an apology, it’s lacking, especially since she misnamed me. I don’t correct her.

“Giulia!” There’s a pained expression on Matteo’s face. I suspect he’s about to apologize, but I hold up a hand to silence him.

“Don’t say a word, Matteo. I thought we were friends. It seems I was wrong.”

Despite Ava protesting that I shouldn’t leave, I turn and march back into the restaurant. I cut across the room, ignoring my stepmother as she calls out to me. I can’t face her right now, not on top of everything else. The one good thing that was going to come from my marriage to Johnny was freedom from my stepmother. I’m sick of her endless scheming to use me to rise within the ranks of the Volante organization. She’s always wanted my dad to be more than a mere soldier, even if he is valued in that role. My husband’s body is barely in the ground and she’s probably already plotting her next move.

Thoroughly disgusted by the people in my life, I march to the elevator and push the call button. Luck is on my side as the doors open immediately. I need to get out of here before the tears burning my eyes fall. I press the button for the lobby. The doors are just closing when Matteo pushes through. In such a confined space, my body is all too aware of his presence. My body thrums with a desire I wish I didn’t feel.

As the doors shut and the elevator begins its descent, Matteo puts his hand on my shoulder and turns me to face him.

“Giulia, I’m sorry.”

“Are you sorry for making jokes about me, or that I overheard?”

He hesitates for a moment too long. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

That’s not the apology I hoped for. He’s only sorry I know what he said, not that he made fun of me when I was at my lowest ebb. If Ava hadn’t made our presence known, he’d probably have carried on laughing behind my back.

“You know what, Matteo? If this is your idea of friendship, I want no part of it.” A tear rolls down my cheek and I swipe it away. “Go back to Marissa. I don’t want to spend another minute in your company.”

As the elevator doors open, I step out into the hotel lobby.

“Giulia.” His tone suggests I’m being unreasonable. He follows me to the exit. “Giulia.”

I whirl around to face him. “Go away, Matteo. We’re done. Don’t call me, don’t text me, don’t show up on my doorstep when you need to vent about some girl getting too clingy. Pretend we never met.”

Holding my head high, I walk away. Matteo Volante let me down today. I won’t ever give him the chance to do it again.

CHAPTER 1

Six months later

Giulia

Some people find the smell of fresh paint unpleasant, but not me. I love it because it signifies progress, renewal. This building was run down when I bought it. There was black mold on the walls. The floorboards were rotting to where it wasn’t safe to enter some rooms. The city was ready to condemn the place. But, thanks to the considerable bequest my husband unexpectedly made me in his will, I could buy the single-story building and restore it to its former glory.

Most of the work is being done by contractors, but I wanted to put the finishing touches on this room myself. I painted the upper walls and ceiling a pretty blue to mimic a summer sky. For the lower parts and floor, I chose a grassy green. I painted a few animals on one wall. I’m particularly proud of the family of rabbits I just completed. They’re super cute. The younger kids are going to love spending time in here. At least, I hope they will. I have a lot pinned on this place being a success.

When I found out I was going to be financially independent for the first time in my life, I knew immediately I wanted to do something to help my community. The mafia isn’t hot on emotional support or equal opportunities. Some wives and children of the Volante organization’s soldiers have a tough life. This center will be a place where they can come and spend time together socially, and also get advice and counseling if they need it. A lot of mafia women need help to cope with the shit the men in their families heap on them.

As I hear the door closing, I set down my paintbrush and lean out into the corridor to see who’s there. The only person I’m expecting is the carpenter who’s going to make shelves for the office and he’s not due until later.

My heart leaps into my throat as a man who’s very definitely not the carpenter strides into view. Tall and broad-shouldered, he wears an impeccably tailored suit and shoes that cost more than the average person earns in a month. Antonio Volante. There’s only one reason I can think of for the mafia boss to show up here, and it isn’t good. He’s going to shut my project down.

“Mr. Volante.” I step out into the hallway to greet him.

“Antonio.” He doesn’t smile, twisting his lips in a disapproving scowl as his eyes scan over me. I guess he doesn’t like my new hairstyle. “No need to be so formal, Giulia. We’ve known each other a long time. You and my wife are friends.” His frown deepens. “Or is that no longer the case? As I understand it, my wife has tried to call you several times and received no reply.”

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