Page 103 of Vita Mia

Fassino’s dark gaze shifted to her. He gave her a sly smile. “Unfortunately, no. I’ve yet to meet a woman as fertile as you. I hear you have four now?”

Mirabella was aghast at the barb. She stared into his dark eyes. She kept her calm but the way he said ‘fertile’ grated her patience.

“Yes. Two girls and two boys. I’m a mother. That’s why I’m here.”

“Please, have a seat, and explain to me again what a prison can do for a mother.”

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THE GUARDS DIDN’T TOUCHhim. There were no shoves or insults. He was walked out of the shower after cleaning himself the best he could and marched barefoot back into the halls. The inside of the prison was a long maze of halls. He walked a bit taller, though his limp was profound. He felt a bit stronger, though bile kept rising in his throat from the rotten food he was served. He’d only met with his attorney once. To have him visit so soon may be a good sign on his case.

The door was held open for Giovanni. He entered a dark room. The only light came from the two-way glass mirror on the wall. But before he approached it he heard his wife’s voice through the intercom.

Giovanni continued closer. He hadn’t approved for any of the family to visit. He hadn’t even approved for Dominic to have the permission. That was on purpose. It was critical that he kept them away from all of this until he was certain that he had established the right relationships to enact his plan.

Mirabella knew this.

Why had she defied him so soon?

Giovanni stepped to the mirror. Fassino paced in a slow walk around the table and Mirabella held Leeza in her arms.

What the fuck was this?

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“YOUR HUSBAND HAS NOTauthorized visits,” Fassino said.

“I know. That’s why I came to see you. I need to visit him. A short visit, any time you can grant me would be appreciated.”

“That’s not protocol,” Fassino said. “We have procedure here. Your husband has been charged with some very serious crimes. He’s already attacked one of my men. Fractured his jaw. He’ll be feeding through a straw for months.”

“Giovanni would not hurt anyone,” Mirabella said.

“Really?” Fassino paused.

Mirabella glanced to the warden then smiled. “I’m not from here. I don’t know your laws and—.”

“But you’re an Italian citizen? You had to learn our laws and customs for your citizenship. No?”

“I am a citizen, I’m just saying—”

The warden put his hand to her shoulder.

“It’s a confusing time. I understand. Women tend to feel the stresses of their husband’s crimes more profoundly when they are in my care. It’s in your nature to be afraid.”

Mirabella cringed. The warden was taunting her. And he was enjoying it.

“May I see him?” Mirabella asked.

The warden’s hand slowly left her shoulder. He moved her hair gently to reveal more of the side of her face and neck. The touch was brief but far too intimate. She didn’t react.

“Again, he has refused to see anyone. I would be violating his rights. I take that seriously.”

“Signore Fassino. I know you run a very disciplined prison. And I know what I ask is breaking protocol. But I’d be extremely grateful to you if for this one time you would help me.”

The warden chuckled. He sat on the table. “What would gratitude from an American Donna Nera mean to me?”

“I don’t know warden. I don’t know the things you appreciate. I like your suit,” she said.

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