Page 32 of The Hitman's Rose

“Will you form an alliance with the Berlusconi Family?” I ask, ignoring the fact of being super jealous of my sister.

“No. Not the alliance they are forming. They want Adrianna to be La Madrina.”The Godmother.

“What! Are they stupid?” I blurt. Giovanni shrugs and laughs. “She’s too young to be The Godmother. Sure, she’s crazy enough for the title but… Why doesn’t she tell me anything? She didn’t mention this to me and Ijustgot off the damn phone with her!” I stomp my foot angrily.

“Did you tell her about your feelings towards Ademaro?”

“I did! And that bitch didn’t tell me about trying to be a damn godmother.Thegodmother!”

Giovanni’s head falls back and he laughs. He laughs for what seems like forever and at my expense.

“Signore Tacchelli, please. This is awful,” I whine and he finally stops laughing.

“I’m sorry, Rosaline,” he offers me an apologetic smile. “You’re upset because she kept it from you?”

“Yes,” I nod. “They always keep things from me. Her and Sofia.”

“Do you think it’s because they play more of a role in the lifestyle?”

“Perhaps,” I shrug. “I’ve always been sheltered from it. They made sure of that. It isn’t fair. I didn’t ask to be sheltered from it. I refuse. From now on, I will not be sheltered. I’m not a baby. Right, Signore Tacchelli? You don’t see me as some schmuck do you?”

“What?” he gasps with his eyes wide. “Who called you a schmuck? Your sisters? I’ll give them a piece of my mind.” He waves his finger.

“No. They never have. It’s just… Well, it’s just how I feel people see me as.”

“You are no schmuck and anyone who calls you that will answer to me. Okay?”

His words feel so warm and genuine.

“Okay,” I smile. “Thank you, Signore Tacchelli.”

“You don’t need to thank me, Rosaline. We’re family.” He pats my hand. “If you want a position, I’ll give you one and you can sit at my table.”

“What? Really? Even though I have hardly any experience,” It’s hard to contain my excitement. He chuckles and nods his head. “Wouldn’t your guys have a problem with me having a title since I’m a woman?”

“They have a problem they can deal with me…” He points at himself, “or Ademaro can take care of them. No one who sits at my table will speak up or speak ill against you. Ever.”

I thoughtlessly wrap my arms around him and hug him. I kiss his cheek.

“Thank you, Signore Tacchelli.”

He hugs me back and I sit down once more.

“It will all work out, Rosaline. I promise,” he assures me.

“I trust you.”

“Sei una così brava ragazza con me.”You’re such a good girl to me.

“Grazie.”

---