Page 60 of Mafia King: Matteo
I thought I’d be married off to a capo. Instead, I’m the new queen of the Borrelli family. No wonder he wants me to make a good impression. Men can lose their lives over things I say and do. A shudder overcomes me. I’m not ready for the responsibility of the title.
“Are you cold?” Matteo asks, ready to hand me his coat, which is draped on the chair beside me.
“No, just wondering what my new life will be like. But first, I have a question.”
“I’ll answer if I can,” he replies with a hint of curiosity in his words.
“Do you think my father has ill intentions, or was this a one-time occurrence where he’s attempted to strike a deal of his own?”
“It’s hard to tell. I haven’t been in the city long. Why? Do you have doubts as to his integrity?”
“Possibly. I’ve never been involved in his work. I might be out of line. But I won’t let anything bad happen to Dmitry or Izzy. We’ve been through too much. She’s the sister I’ve always wanted.”
“I’ll watch him if that is what you want.”
I pause to consider what he’s offering. I’m sure he won’t mind collecting information that will benefit him. Who do I trust more, my dad or Matteo? Matteo is direct, but my dad isn’t.
“Yes,” I state firmly. I’m resolved to protect those I love. It’s the only way I can live with myself knowing what happens in the underworld where I was born.
As long as I have to keep my father’s secret, I’m keeping tabs on him. I’m not as trusting as I was three weeks ago. I will no longer accept the status quo. The fact I trusted my parents blindly leads me to wonder how something else didn’t happen that could have had a terrible ending.
I wonder how many chances I’ve taken with my life over the years. I can’t believe Matteo cloned my phone, and I had no idea that technology existed outside of the movies. However, our phones always receive funky updates, and I wonder what they entail. Is it really safe, or are we being spied on?
Perhaps this was Dad’s first side deal to try to get ahead, and maybe he’s learned his lesson. I’m not sure he’s equipped to deal with the actual sharks in the water. Some more powerful individuals have more resources and are more savvy. Dad’s deal would have been uncovered in time. The city has many networks, and loose lips sink ships. For now, I’ll keep my thoughts about my father’s potential motives to myself.
Trust no one, Matteo said. It’s not a warning. It’s my reality. I’m beginning to see the bigger picture of this seedy world. I’m better off under Matteo’s protection. It’s intimidating and exciting at the same time.
“Stop thinking so much,” Matteo interrupts my thoughts. “This is supposed to be a happy occasion. The champagne is getting warm.” He refills our glasses.
Anna returns and appears to be more comfortable with us now that she has witnessed Matteo smile at me. Matteo asked if he could order our food, and I agreed. Anna murmurs she’ll return with the appetizers.
I sip more champagne.
“I’m amazed you’ve not run into trouble, but I’m glad I happened to come along when I did.”
Anna returns, quietly slipping fried calamari and fresh shrimp before us along with the appetizer plates.
I let Matteo taste the food first. I’m starving, and the warm calamari melts in my mouth when it passes my lips. I wonder who they get their fresh seafood from. I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t fly in from Sicily daily. Matteo has an eclectic taste. He’s a perfectionist. He thinks things through. It’s a quality I admire about him. He’s a man who knows his mind. He has an eye for detail, and it shows in everything he does, particularly my ring.
“I also have staff. You’ve met Gio, but I have a chef at the house. His name is Federico. I’m sure you’ll like him. He cooks for us and oversees the house. He acts as a butler on occasion. If you have any questions on what to wear or where to obtain something, he’s very knowledgeable.”
“Good to know. Is Federico from here?”
“Sicily. He’s been here before. He knows me and my routine. I trust him, and so can you. However, if a situation occurs that you don’t trust, always go with your gut instinct. It’s there to protect you.”
“I can’t wait to meet him.” I slip more calamari into my mouth. It’s not easy to eat with my hands in front of Matteo. I’m self-conscious and wipe my fingertips on my napkin.
I’m curious to know more, but I’m more concerned with my future.
“What am I to tell people at work?”
“Oh, well, you can leave it a mystery until the announcement comes out. Then the city will know.”
“You mean, even you can’t finagle an early release date?” I tease.
“I save my energy for bigger battles.”
“Of course,” I reply, suddenly feeling like I’m not a priority. How can I compete for his time? I’m just me.
