Page 90 of Mafia King: Matteo
“He’s expecting trouble, I presume. One never knows. The world we live in—it’s more of a mental game than a physical one at times.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that.”
“Quiet time makes one wonder, is the enemy waiting to make you think you are out of danger before striking? Or do they poke at you constantly and drive one insane? Sitting around brooding isn’t good. But jumping into action without understanding the situation is worse. Time is the devil’s workshop. Too much time on one’s hands to sit and contemplate all that can be taken from us is cruel but good psychological warfare. What is real and what isn’t? One often doesn’t know the answer until it’s too late to change the outcome.”
“You’re very wise. You are a great friend, Federico.” I hug him. He’s surprised by the overture.
“Matteo will not like this,” he says as he gives me a quick hug before he pulls away and quickly walks to where he puts my dinner on the counter. “It’s only soup and a panini. I hope you don’t mind. Since Matteo went out to dinner, I assumed you were together, and you both ate.”
“It’s fine. He had dinner with my boss, Sophia.”
“Ah. The woman who is a siren. She lures lovers to her as if they are shipwrecked sailors with no intention of committing to any of them. But she is always vindictive when they move on.”
“What do you know about her and Matteo?”
“She’s always wanted Matteo’s money and power. Now that he’s the don, she thought she’d be his wife. He’s back in New York, and she was probably waiting for him and wanted to strike up an affair. How did you end up working for her?”
I sit at the counter as Federico cleans the coffee machine.
“It’s strange. I think Matteo orchestrated all of it. He learned who I was after we met anonymously, and it stuck with me as odd that I was hired so quickly when I had no work experience.”
“He is a man who likes control and is very good at thinking ahead.”
“It will serve him well. It seems my father doesn’t think ahead or about consequences,” I mumble as I lift the spoon filled with soup to my lips.
Federico listens without asking questions, which relieves me. However, I’m upset that Matteo ignored me, and I do not know what happened tonight. As his wife, I suppose this is my first of what may be many bad days ahead.
I eat quietly, contemplating what Sophia might have done. She wants him. I’m sure she used their shared history to lure him back to her and probably hit on him. Did Matteo entertain the idea?
I trust him. He’s the first person I would run to if I were in trouble. He is a logical thinker and savvy with his skills regarding people from all walks of life.
I don’t have to know much to know that men in the mafia know the streets, the addicts, the players, and the gang members. Only a few can seamlessly move between them all and high society. Matteo fits in anywhere, and that’s an attribute that will make him a good leader.
“Oh, your attire for the gala arrived. I put the outfits in your closet. If there is an issue with the fit, let me know. I have a number of well-known makeup artists, or you can do your face yourself. I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer, so I booked her and a stylist.”
“Thank you. I forgot all about it. It’s this weekend already?”
Federico saved my ass by booking the glam squad I need to look my best at the event. All eyes will be on my husband as the new don, and now he’ll be linked to the Russians. It will be quite the event. It’s more a show of wealth and power. I want my husband to be proud of me. I don’t want to disappoint him because I’m not yet prepared for my new role.
“Yes, it’s this weekend. You are sitting with Izzy and Dmitry. That’s quite the statement. It should be fun. Do you dance?”
“I doubt I can waltz.”
“Matteo is a great dancer. You are in good hands.”
“Will he be in the mood for the gala after tonight?”
“He will drink tonight, and tomorrow, he will do what must be done. I’m sure your presence will put him in a better mood.”
“I’m not so sure of that.”
“You are too hard on yourself. He loves you. He tries to hide it, but I know.”
I texted Dima before going to bed. I asked him if Sophia had left for London. He replied that she had had a man at her side.
Dima: Apparently, he doesn’t date.
Thank you for your service, Dima. There’s no need to dig up details on him anymore. I’m good.
