Page 62 of Mafia King: Matteo
How did I become entrapped in this clandestine operation?
Oh, my fucking father.
The man I trusted. The father, I thought, was so generous. Now, I realize he was only generous enough to hold it over my head and guilt me into complying with his demands. Matteo may want to take care of me, but I will keep my job. I don’t want to be dependent on a man again. This week has taught me that there is a price to be paid for others’ generosity. The worst part is that it’s not the stranger beside me who used me, but my family. The realization was hard to accept, as I was so angry at Matteo for playing games with me.
However, my parents told me my college and condo were paid for. I suppose I should find out if the condo is mine. It’s probably another lie.
“I’m curious about something.” Why not ask the man with all the answers?
“What, Angel?”
I notice this has become a term of endearment if I’m reading him —and not his other personality, which is dark and unforgiving.
“Is my condo paid off?”
“Yes, it was bought with cash. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious. Is it in my name?”
“Yes. Are you planning on running away to it when you are pissed off at me like last night?”
“Just curious. I’ve learned the value of checking the validity of things people tell me.”
“You mean your father?”
“Especially him.” I raise my eyebrows at the irony of Matteo being my confidant and my father being out in the cold. We have something in common.
Matteo’s eyes linger on my face for a long minute as if trying to figure out what I’m thinking.
I hope I’m not an open book. I can’t show feelings for him. I can’t love him. I can’t afford to trust the wrong person again. It’s easier if I don’t trust or love anyone but Izzy.
I will rely on myself. I will fit in with Matteo’s world and make him proud of me. That’s the role I have to play.
I observe Matteo as his eyes move around the room. Men in suits walk past the table and nod to him. He does likewise. I wonder if this is the meeting place for the Italians, but somehow, I pictured a small, out-of-the-way place like in The Sopranos. Granted, Tony Soprano was smaller, and it was a fictional story, but most of the big deals in the city are cultivated in tiny bowling alleys, pizza shops, and dive bars. I realize that many places around the city are fronts for shady business deals.
I find it funny that they talk openly in Italian in front of people who are eating. Who knows what they are talking about? How many places around the city are under the Borelli shell corporations?
Matteo tosses a significant tip on the table before we leave. He helps me put on my coat before we leave. The staff opens the restaurant door, wishing us well, and Gio escorts us to the vehicle, opening the door for us. It’s as if a movie crew has cued everyone.
I’m overwhelmed by how attentive Matteo was at dinner. He gave me his undivided attention, and I felt like a Queen being fawned over. I’m walking on a cloud between the attention and the humongous ring on my finger.
CHAPTER 21
MATTEO
We shared a tiramisu. Sharing dinner with Alena helped me accomplish a few items on my agenda. We established a rapport, and she understands the danger we’re in and hasn’t bolted yet.
Her father’s bumbling with the building was like a red carpet for me to walk on. The truth of her being in my life is not important. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to open up. I have enough on my plate. I can’t be the adoring husband she is worthy of, even if I can’t stop thinking about her.
“Come home with me,” I whisper along her neck as we sit beside each other in the car. She smells sweeter than the dessert we ate.
“I’d love to. However, I have to work tomorrow, and I’m sure it’s a long commute from your place.”
“I will let you off this time, but Vito will bring you to my home tomorrow, and then you’ll live with me.”
“Are you being possessive?” She challenges me as she turns her head to face me.
I’m sure she’s wondering if my obsession is for her or her safety. Perhaps she feels that I’m aligning myself with her family for more men in the event of a war. I can’t say I haven’t thought about how convenient it was to meet. The pieces fell into place faster than I could have anticipated. I wish I had thought that far in advance. However, I was lucky.
