Page 182 of A Beautiful Crime

Ikiss the petals before I throw the final red rose over the casket.

Papa now lies peacefully next to mamma. I may not believe in god but I do hope their souls reunite so that they can both rest.

The soft tapping of the drops of rain hitting the umbrella make their melody to fit the somber mood.

As the men of The Donati Famiglia and the men of The Triads begin to depart from the burial service I remain where I stand.

Each member of The Donati Famiglia pays their respects to my papa and I before they leave. They bow before me, placing a kiss to my gloved hand and then bow before my papa.

Tao’s men all give me a curt nod before doing the same for my papa.

But it’s Tao, the leader, who offers his respects and condolences differently. He takes both of my hands and brings them to his forehead. He then kisses each hand before bowing before me.

“Donna Donati-”

“I think of you as a friend not an ally. After everything you have done please, call me Carina,” I insist. Constantine’s arm bound around my waist tightens. I sense from his tense frame he doesn’t agree. But it is an argument waiting to be had on another day.

“As much as I would love to address you as such,” he begins, eyes glancing at my husband with apprehension before returning to mine, “I believe it would be disrespectful not to.” I feel the muscles on Constantine ease. His posture relaxes, but his hold on me stays true and strong. “You’ve earned the respect of my men and me. If you ever need us again we will be more than happy to assist.”

“Securing your sister’s safety, Tao?” Constantine asks.

Tao’s eyes are cutting as they return to my husband. “No,” he answers tightly. “My words are genuine. You and your wife have my greatest respect.”

“Thank you, Tao. I hope to be seeing you soon,” I say honestly. Constantine’s fingers bury themselves in my hip. His green eyed monster will have to be tamed.

“Yes,” he agrees. “May I offer you a piece of advice?” I nod my head. “Tonight, when you fall into bed with your husband, allow yourself to break. Allow him to comfort you. To piece you back together. Loss can be a lonely experience. But it doesn’t have to be.”

“Thank you.” He nods his head once more, a sorrowful smile straining his lips. In his eyes resides a deep pain. He leaves with his head held high, the rain not making a difference to him.

“He’s not our enemy, mi cuore,” I tell him softly.

“No, but when it comes to his sister’s safety he’ll align himself with anyone to protect her.”

My eyes find Constantine’s already staring down at me. Those intoxicated whiskies are soft and vulnerable only for me.

“So, you’re saying he can’t be trusted. Even after what he’s done for us?”

“Si,” he agrees. “This world is full of venomous snakes. A friend can easily become a foe. And anyone can easily fold. I am where I am because I have leverage on each and every person I do business with. As long as his sister remains his Achilles heel he can be persuaded to turn on anyone.”

“Even you?”

“Even us,” he corrects, reminding me I’m the leader of the famiglia as well. “My father told me when you are at the top everyone will pray for your downfall.”

“That will never happen,” I assure him.

He pulls me closer, molding me to him. “You rule by my side, Carina. No one will be able to dethrone us. We will experience losses along the way. We may lose the small battles. But we will do them together. Lose together. Win together. Live together-”

“Die together,” I finish the vow.

“Die together,” he echoes. “This is your empire as much as it is mine. So, tell me, Donna Carina Donati, how will you rule?”

CHAPTER 44

Carina

2Months Later . . .

“I like you,” Alvaro grins around his cigar. The plume of smoke billows his dining area. The scent lays heavy in the air, over masking the delicious feast he has spread before us.

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