Page 30 of Mafia Virgin (The Kings of Italy)

“You have something that belongs to her. I’ve come to get it.”

He blew out a long plume of white smoke. “Oh? And what is that?”

As if he didn’t know, the stronzo. “Her bag. The one she packed in Toronto.”

He glanced over at his man. “Is this true? Are we still holding Signora Buscetta’s bag?”

“It’s down below,” the man answered.

“Dai, then bring it up for Don Buscetta.” He waved the man away, then turned toward me. “Perdonami, Giacomo. I have no idea how this could have happened.”

I didn’t believe him for a second.

“While we wait,” he said, “have a seat. Enjoy the fantastic tits down there.”

It wasn’t a request, so I lowered my bulk into the lounger next to Virga, while Zani took off his sunglasses and leaned against the railing.

“Don’t you miss it?” Virga asked. “The boxing and the pussy, I mean. Women must have thrown themselves at you after those bouts, no?”

They had, but only a fool let that go to his head. I started fighting because I was young and full of anger, not because I wanted girls. My father first dropped me off at a gym when I was ten, and I remember overhearing the owner saying to Don Gero,“Giacomo, he has the malocchio.”The evil eye.

This told me what I’d always known. I was cursed.

I said tightly, “I don’t miss the injuries or the concussions.”

“Madre di dio, your generation. So soft.” He puffed on his cigar. “Would you like a drink? Or a cigar?”

This wasn’t social. I needed him to say whatever was on his mind so that I could get the fuck out of here. “No.”

“The Serbians are asking for more weapons. Can I trust you to take care of it?”

“Sì, certo. No problem.”

“Good, good. Tell me, how are you getting on with your new wife?”

“Fine.”

“Va bene. I’m happy to hear it. She’s a smart girl, your wife. The smartest of the three sisters, that’s for certain. Still can’t believe Ravazzani married the oldest instead of keeping her as amantenuta.” Virga chuckled. “Casual pussy always tastes better, no?”

“Yet you forced me to marry yesterday.”

“I did. I expect you to do your duty and bring peace for our families.” He paused and blew another stream of cigar smoke. “So explain to me why you were out with your whore last night instead of your wife. Is that doing your duty, Giacomo?”

My fingers strangled the metal armrests of the chair. “I took her virginity. Her body needs time to recover.”

“Recover?” Virga dropped his voice. “I don’t want you worrying over a bruised pussy or her goddamn feelings. I want you fucking her day and night until you put a baby in her belly. The sooner, the better. Am I clear?”

I said nothing. Fury had a stranglehold on my tongue.

Virga exhaled heavily. “I can see you are still resisting me. Three months, Giacomo.”

“Three months for what?”

“To get her pregnant.”

“You said six,” I said slowly.

“I changed my mind.” He rolled the cigar between his thick fingers. “I expect to have my own doctor verify that your wife is pregnant in three months’ time. Otherwise I will kill your sister.”

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