Page 22 of Luciano (Belles & Mobsters 1)

“Yes, in a minute.” The lie was bitter on my tongue. “Go with Ella, and then we’ll do that.”

He reluctantly let go, and I nodded to Ella. She started walking away from us, in the opposite direction of the ice cream shop, and I hoped my son wouldn’t decide today, of all days, to throw a tantrum.

I watched them go and then turned back to Luciano.My husband,I thought bitterly. There wasn’t a bigger regret in my life than him. My eyes traveled to Massimo. I couldn’t stand either one of them. If I never saw a single member of Luciano’s family, it would be too soon. Well, except Luciano’s father. He was always good to me and caring.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I told him, folding my arms over my chest.

My eyes studied my estranged husband. He was just as handsome as I remembered, the arrogance and ruthlessness written all over his features. His thick dark hair looked soft, just as I knew it was, and those smoldering hazel eyes could once upon a time make me weak in my knees. You’d think those eyes would clash against his tanned skin, but they draw you in even more.

There was a hint of ink above his crisp shirt collar, and I knew it snaked down his tanned chest, down his arms and over his hands. Those tattoos were equally beautiful and intimidating. For all intents and purposes, my husband was a gorgeous man. If only he wasn’t such an asshole.

He gave me one of those arrogant smiles, I hated so much. What I wouldn't give to slap that arrogant expression off his face and knee him in the family jewels and watch those lips curve into a painful grimace. Those lips were made for sinning, and he knew exactly how to use them. For good and evil.

“Oh, but I think you will come with me.” He sounded so damn sure of himself. I hated his guts.

“No, I won’t,” I replied. My voice sounded sure, but truthfully, I was anything but sure. “We have nothing to say to each other.”

He watched me pensively. “We have some business to finish up.”

I didn’t have a damn clue what he was talking about. I wanted nothing to do with him.

“You can come along to my place,” I answered him calmly, “and we can debate what it is that you think I’ll be doing. I assure you though, there is no business between you and I.

“But there is,” he had spoken calmly, the hint of threat in his voice. “Besides, you are my wife. Until that status is changed, you’ll do as I say.”

“You can hope, and while you are at it, please hold your breath,” I hissed. “I suggest you pay your driver, and we can debate how to end this at my place, one street over.”

We stared at each other, animosity in both of us. I hoped I hid it better than him, but I was pretty sure I was an open book. It was interesting how that battle of wills that started on the first day we met continued as if no years passed by.

We stood there, neither willing to budge, for what seemed like hours although it was mere seconds, maybe a minute tops. Finally, he nodded and turned to go to his car. Massimo glanced my way then went after Luciano, whispering something under his breath. I didn’t give a shit what they were saying, I watched, waited till they were far enough to give me some headway. I thanked God and all the saints that I decided to wear my white chucks instead of sandals.

I turned on my heel and started running.

“Son of a bitch,” I heard my husband yell behind me. “Grace!”

I continued running, not bothering to glance back. I couldn’t afford to lose a single second. I heard them in the distance, but I was at an advantage. I turned left that would take me to my house but knowing those two, they probably already knew where we lived. Right after taking the left, I took the first alley and a shortcut to get to the street parallel to this one.

Once I was there, I kept running, looking for a cab. I flagged a driver and jumped in.

“Ferry. Veloce.”Fast.

He nodded and rushed through the streets. My phone beeped, and I glanced at it.

*Made it.*

Relief washed over me, giving me extra hope.

I kept glancing over the familiar streets for the two unwelcome figures, but I never saw them. I hoped we wouldn’t see them again.

Ten minutes later we were at the ferry, and I gave the driver a fifty dollar euro then jumped out of the cab and ran towards the ferry. My eyes scouted for the two familiar faces, and the moment I spotted them, I rushed towards them.

“You made it,” Ella murmured relieved. Her face was pale, her lip trembling. I took my son, Matteo, into my arms, placing gentle kisses on his forehead.

“Yes, we need to catch the first flight out of this country.” I hated leaving and starting all over but we had no choice. It made me resent my husband even more. Why couldn’t he have just stayed in his stupid world and ruled his cursed empire? Instead, he had to destroy everything in his path.

“Mamma,” Matteo called out to me.

I took his small hand into mine, and I placed a kiss on the palm of his little hand. I would never allow Matteo to be touched by that world.

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