Page 40 of Married to the Mafia

I refuse to jerk myself off. That’s her role now, not mine. It might be the first thing I make her do before she gets to have breakfast. Depends on how well she behaved last night and how well she behaves this morning.

I dry myself off. No gym this morning. She will be my workout later on. Food first. Then her. I get dressed. It doesn’t take long. Most of my wardrobe comprises identical suits.

Each time I’m in Rome, I get measured for another couple. Gino near the Forum is the best tailor in the world. He handles all my clothes. I never need to shop anywhere else. Maybe I’ll take another trip there soon, make it ahoneymoon for us while I’m at it. She’ll probably like Rome.

I run a hand through my hair. Will she like it?

How much do I actually know about her?

I realize it isn’t very much. I’ll fix that at breakfast too. Time to get to know her properly. I make a couple of calls. I need to know where Ricardo is if I’m going to deal with him.

When I get to my study, Corrado is waiting for me, notepad in his hand. “Morning,” he says. “How’s married life treating you?”

“Slept alone,” I reply.

“That’s marriage.” He laughs and I manage a smile in return.

“Going to check on her in a minute,” I say, taking my seat. “I want you to find whatever rock Ricardo is hiding under and toss it over.”

“You want him whacked?”

“I won’t ask you to take out a made man. It’s for me to resolve this.”

“Don Belucci won’t be happy.”

“I don’t doubt it but by the time he gets moving I should have heard from Rose’s father.”

“You’re sure he’ll get in touch?”

“I’m sure. Tell the kitchen to prepare for two this morning and let me know as soon as you have something.”

“Will do.”

I get to my feet, but Corrado coughs as I’m putting my hands on the bookcase. “Something else?” I ask him.

“Attempted break in last night.”

I turn to face him, raising my eyebrows. “Oh, really?”

“Security team took him out.”

“And?”

“Looks like Don Belucci hired him to get the chip.”

“What makes you say that?”

“He had blueprints for the place, safe marked on it.”

“He actually had the blueprints on him? What is it, amateur hour?”

Corrado shakes his head. “I think it’s the Don’s way of sending you a warning.”

“Warning? Warning me about what?”

“That he knows you’ve got the chip, and he will not stop until he gets it.”

“He knows the rules. It’s no use on its own. He’d need Rose as well.”

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