Page 58 of Sicilian Sunset

“Well, that explains it,” I say more to myself than him. How silly to think he had me investigated.

“Are you having more security with you today because we’re in a packed place?” I ask. “Are you in more danger here?”

For some reason, I care for his safety. And to be honest, I can’t really picture Gualtiero De Marco frequenting crowded pubs like this one. It just doesn’t seem like his scene.

He nods in reply and adds, “It’s just a precaution. Better safe than sorry, right?”

He takes my hand again and leads me through the crowd of people to the bar. “Guinness?” he asks.

“No, Kilkenny please,” I reply, smiling at him.

We sit down on bar stools at a barrel table. Tiero’s security must have moved people, because when we first entered, there was not a single free table in sight. I guess they do come in handy.

“What would you like to eat?” Tiero asks, and I scan the menu and settle on a nice juicy burger. I haven’t had one in a long time and as soon as I spotted it on the menu, my mouth watered. He raises his hand and a guard approaches. He takes our order and disappears to place it.

“What’s your bodyguard’s name? The one who's always with you. It would be nice to put a name to the face.”

“That’s Santino. He’s the head of my security,” Tiero explains.

“Santino? Really?” I laugh in disbelief. “That means little saint, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does. Lucky for me, there’s nothing saintly about him,” he laughs with me while I study the burly mountain of a man who’s standing by the door a few feet away. Yep, there’s definitely nothing pious about him. His shaven head, well-groomed beard hugging his jawline, and permanent scowl match the scar on his cheek.

“I guess you don’t get anywhere in his profession looking friendly and approachable,” I say, giggling.

“He’s very good at his job, especially if I listen to him and don’t wander off,” Tiero winks.

The subject of security gives me the opening I need to probe a little more about why he’s so at risk. Last night he changed the subject when I tried to find out more, but I want to know who I’m dealing with.

“So... what exactly is it you do?” I ask, trying to keep my voice light and conversational since he was so evasive the last time. “You said you’re a businessman, but that can encompass pretty much anything.”

He regards me for a moment, clearly thinking about what to tell me. A heaviness that wasn’t there before settles in my stomach as I wait for him to respond.

“My family’s business stretches over many areas, but we mainly deal in real estate. We own several hotels and clubs throughout Italy and Europe. We also run a shipping company and invest a little in venture capitalism. Our latest interest is in cyber security.”

“Wow, that’s a lot,” I say, somewhat impressed. “Do you enjoy being the head of your family business?”

“I had no say in the matter. As the first-born son, I was groomed to take over from my father. My family has run this business for generations and will continue to do so. My sons will take over from me one day.”

“Wow,” I say again, a little lost for words.

I have no experience with such traditions. Having said that though, my ex-boyfriend Marco worked in the business his grandfather had built. He, too, is expected to take over the reins in a few years. Though they have a board to report to, and Marco’s rise to CEO isn’t guaranteed unless he performs well.

“What about Mateo and his future children?” I wonder if there is a hierarchy similar to that of the nobility. The firstborn son inherits everything, and subsequent children are merely a backup.

“When you’re born into this family, you’ll always work for it in one capacity or another,” Tiero answers a little cryptically.

“Whether or not you want to?” I question. “What about your own dreams and ambitions?”

“They come second to your responsibility to the family. Ella, in my culture family is everything, and you owe your loyalty and heart to them. Any desires or dreams you have... you try to make them work the best you can within those confines.”

“So you never questioned taking over the reins?”

“Never. Why would I? It’s what I’ve been raised to do. It’s our way of life.”

“Hmm, I don’t know what to say.” I’m really dumbfounded by this. It seems so outdated, and I feel sorry for Gualtiero’s and Mateo’s future children.

“It’s such a foreign concept to me to have your life planned out like that. My family just wanted me to find something that made me happy regardless of what it was. My dad never expected me to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer,” I explain my situation. “What did you have to study to take over? Do you have an MBA?”

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