Page 30 of Captured Innocence

The why as to her sudden appearance was still lingering in the forefront of my mind. Why did I have the distinct feeling that her father had said or done something to set her off?

I’d taken her virginity, something that continued to surprise me. Perhaps because she’d offered it up like a commodity. No, it had been a gift, but I’d taken advantage of it. Granted, I’d held back from being the savage brute I normally was, but I had a feeling I’d left a bad taste in her mouth afterwards.

Or maybe I was unused to dealing with innocence. My blood boiled just thinking about it.

“You have me curious. What kind of event is this?” I asked, realizing that the coincidence was too dangerous. I didn’t believe in them.

“A fucking birthday party for one of his daughters. Can you believe the son of a bitch? If you ask me, he’s parading her in front of the Dons in hopes of finding her a husband.” He glanced at me quizzically.

I bristled from the thought. No one could touch what belonged to me.

Of course the fucker would do that. I was surprised her older sister hadn’t been married off yet. While Lucia Lazarro might be enjoying the time of her life in the United States, that didn’t mean she was immune to the concept of arranged marriage. Still, I’d sensed the night before that Sophia had agreed to return home for a single reason and it had very little to do with the party.

“Quite frankly, it sounds like something you’d do as well.” If I had a sister. Sometimes I thanked whatever God might be above I didn’t. I couldn’t imagine the shit my father would have done to her in order to keep her in line.

While the regular quarterly meetings were held in various locations, it seemed as of late most were done at family events. Perhaps the change was based on the ridiculous belief that the members wouldn’t be targeted and attacked. I knew it was only a matter of time before the tradition was shattered. There’d been rumors of a takeover attempt, a new enemy taking shape.

I was one of the few players who believed the Russians were an issue. The brutal soldiers were close to being animals, Neanderthals with weaponry skills and nothing more. Although, they were getting smarter in their use of technology, learning to hack computer systems. Maybe I needed to hire a hacker of my own to discover their plans before they made a formal strike. I had no doubt they were behind the skirmishes and hijackings, something my father had laughed at me for suggesting.

Up until this point, the Russians hadn’t been an issue, the strength of Italian numbers enough of a control factor. Maybe that had allowed the Five Families to become too soft, wallowing in wealth and power while rats and cockroaches trained for battle.

“Fuck you, boy. I’m giving you a taste of everything I know you’re pining away for. I have other business to handle but refuse not to be represented at this glorious affair. You can be my eyes and ears. If you don’t fuck it up.” His laugh was bitter, condescending. “You fucking do and you can all but kiss me allowing you to ascend to the throne. D’Artagnan is more of a traditionalist anyway.”

The fucker was always pitting the two of us against each other. This time I refused to take the bait, even as he burst into laughter.

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning,” he said as he walked closer, “you refuse to accept that often the old methods of doing business have validity.”

“What do you want?”

“For you to find a wife and produce an heir. That will strengthen our position inside Italy and beyond.”

I stared at him, surprised we were on the same page for once. “You think marrying one of Roberto’s daughters would be an excellent idea.”

He chuckled and rubbed his jaw. “Whether you believe so or not, Mattia, I am a pragmatic man. The greatest kings embraced their enemies.”

For the first time in as long as I could remember, I’d amused my father. However, as usual, he’d disgusted me. It wouldn’t matter who I chose as my wife, she would never be anything but a possession to use for our family’s benefit. Up until now, I would have considered his idea acceptable. Or at least understandable. Now? Fuck. I wasn’t certain.

I held my tongue for one simple reason. It was possible I should test the waters regarding a family alliance. But I would do it my way, not my old man’s. Yet I knew that the sadistic, obsessive man inside of me had full intentions of keeping the promise I’d made to my beautiful Sophia regarding our impending marriage. It would happen one day. I would see to it.

And once we were married, she would become my greatest weapon.

I smirked in response, allowing my eyes to reflect how repulsive he’d become.

He headed toward his private bar, pouring two glasses of scotch, a man’s drink or so I’d heard more than once.

At thirteen, I’d been taught how to shoot. At fourteen, I’d killed my first enemy. And at fifteen, a glass of Macallan scotch had been shoved into my hand. Then a second. I’d learned how to handle drinking in a public situation, but only after being beaten for getting intoxicated.

Weaknesses weren’t allowed inside the DeLuca household.

Then at sixteen, he’d taken me to a brothel.

Maybe now that I was twenty-six, he was finally attempting to hand over a portion of his empire. Non essere sciocco. Of course, if I followed his rules. Reminding myself not to be a fool increased my sense of self-worth. I was many things, but a fool wasn’t one of them. It would take his death for me to acquire additional power.

“Is there a specific point to the meeting other than pushing me into taking a bride?” I asked as he handed me a glass. I stared at the amber liquid, chuckling under my breath. The man’s actions and reactions were easily calculated, which would make targeting him that much easier.

He took his time savoring several sips before bothering to answer. “Unfortunately, yes. There’s talk of an enemy who has an inside view on more than one regime.”

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