Page 20 of Prideful Union
“What’s it like?” I ask once we’re on the airplane. “Rome?”
“It’s one of the best cities in the world. Culture. Great food. Rome has everything.”
“I doubt it’s better than New York.”
He snorts. “It is. Rome is a much better city than New York.”
“But New York is where dreams are made of. What does Rome do for its people?”
“It’s known as the Eternal City because it’s lasted so long. Impressive, don’t you think?”
I shake my head. “Not really.”
“That’s because you have nothing to compare New York to. Once we’re in Rome, you’ll see.”
Santino is so confident that I want to prove him wrong.
Once we arrive in Rome, Santino drives us to his house. Along the way, I see the crowds of people, the beautiful architecture, the iconic sights like the Colosseum.
But I also see people haggling others for money, pickpockets, and litter.
“It’s all right,” I say, settling back in my seat. “I still think New York is better. New York just has that feeling, you know?”
“What feeling is that?”
“Like being alive.”
He grips the steering wheel tight. “I think Rome has that same feeling.”
“If you say so.”
“I do say so.”
I simply smile as I look out the window. I love annoying Santino. He makes it so easy.
We arrive at his house—well, mansion would be more accurate.
It’s a large Italian villa with yellow-orange walls. The front garden and driveway are large, circular, and utterly gorgeous. I try not to stare at it in awe. My house in New York is fancy, but this place … It’s pure perfection.
I just can’t let Santino know that.
“Welcome home,” he says. I can hear the smugness in his voice, which only makes me want to slap him again.
We go inside, and it’s even more beautiful than the outside. The large foyer has a grand circular staircase. The large windows bring in a soft light that warms everything. The marble floors make the space feel utterly elegant.
“So, what are we going to do today?” I ask.
“Nothing.” He checks his watch. “Some of my men are coming by to discuss business. I ask that you stay out of the way.” And with that, he leaves me standing in the foyer.
Seriously? He just took me from my home and family, and now. he doesn’t even want to spend time with me?
Well, fuck that.
After spending time going through the house and discovering beautiful room after beautiful room, I wait for Santino’s men to arrive.
Once I hear them congregating in the dining room, I decide to entertain myself.
By crashing Santino’s meeting.
