Contract Marriage: Taming My Mafia Heir Husband

By Luigi Salvatore After that awkward moment, no other woman muttered anything about me in a way that I could hear, and Guido never spoke of it again. The truth was that everyone knew that marriage was something I ran away from like the devil from the cross. It wasn't always like this, after all, I did once truly love, but my heart was broken when Nina, one of the daughters of a member of the famiglia¸ left me on the night of our engagement. Everything was already completely settled for our wedding, we had our engagement party thrown for about 100 guests, everyone was drinking and rejoicing at the news of the marriage of the heir to the northern territory. That night when I showed her my engagement present, Nina was lost in my arms a few minutes before the engagement ring was offered to her, but when the time came to receive it, my fiancée who had said she needed to go to the bathroom, never returned, instead she sent a measly letter through one of the waiters at our party. As I opened the letter and read everything that had been written in Nina's perfect handwriting, I was only certain of one thing... I was a jilted fiancé with a ring on my hand and a heart in pieces. It seemed that Nina had run away with one of the guests who was there only to take her away without my even suspecting the whole betrayal. Her father even wanted to go after her by promising to bring her back to me dragged by her hair so that she would honor our commitment, but I didn't allow it. As difficult and painful as it was, in that instant I no longer wanted her in my life, even though my heart screamed to the contrary. Since then, no one has ever heard of Nina's whereabouts, not even her family has heard from her. And me? well, I concluded that love is for fools and so I would never again give myself to any woman for more than one night of pleasure and satisfaction. Hours later “Have I told you how much I hate these nosy people here?” Giovanna said affected, as she approached us together with my brothers and uncle. “I would bet a kidney that most of them don't even feel for my aunt and uncle's death. They're actually a bunch of snakes trying to attract your attention, Luigi.” My cousin, who was always a suspicious woman, didn't hide the dislike she felt for the members of the famiglia. Just like me, Giovanna was not the type of woman who was easy to deal with. To win her trust I had to face a war at the very least. I just couldn't understand why, even if she proved to be capable of giving her blood for a Salvatore, Guido had never won her over, considering that the two lived on a war footing. “You can't let yourself be shaken now, Luigi.” Uncle Dario called my attention to him, completely ignoring the grumblings of his adopted daughter. “You can tell from miles away that you're vulnerable, but that can't happen. Who can assure you that we're not being watched by the murderer?” Despite his harsh manner, I knew I couldn't ignore my uncle's advice. “We don't know who did this, but if there is one thing I have learned from my brother, it is to understand the signs.” “What does this mean, Dad?” My cousin Giovanna asked her father. Her expression made it clear that she was already looking for an answer to her war plans. If there was one thing Giovanna was good at, it was manipulation. “It means, my child. That the Salvatore family must be ready for a new war.” “With a shadow? How can we fight against someone we don't know?” Edward couldn't hide the impatience and anger he felt. “Remember what our father used to say, Eduardo. In a puzzle, all the pieces fit together, even if one of them is hidden. We have to start looking for the least likely place.” When the subject was missions, Paolo put aside his mocking characteristic and always became the more restrained twin. Which I was grateful for, because Eduardo's impulsive side always put us on the alert to deal with possible problems. “Mr. Salvatore...” We all turned to face the owner of that hoarse and visibly tired voice. “Guiseppe Santinelle!” I greeted back the old man Santinelle who was standing next to his wife, Dante, his eldest son, and a blond woman as beautiful as she was visibly unpalatable. “Despite our differences, I could not fail to honor his parents. Your father was a great man, gave me a lot of trouble, it is true, but still a great man.” The older man's voice made me break eye contact with the woman next to Dante. I shook the man's hand even though I could see the tension in my brothers and Guido, as if they were ready to draw weapons at any moment. Despite the truce established by my father and Giuseppe, trust was something I don't know if it would ever be able to be shared between the Salvatore and Santinelle. The command of the Italian Mafia a few years ago, after direct conflicts between the ancestors of our families, ended after many agreements until they finally reached a solution; dividing themselves into a single organization (la famiglia), but with commands in two territories, the north and the south, that is, the north being a territory belonging to my family, and the south belonging to the Santinelle family. This way the Italian Mafia would remain one of the most feared in the world, without there being a war between us. “Thank you, Guiseppe. My father is gone, but I remain here to continue his legacy.” I looked him in the face without fear. “I have no doubt of that.” The man tapped his son, who was taller than he was, on the shoulder. “This is what we raise our children for. As you know, this is my son Dante.” I greeted the younger man, who seemed cordial, yet attentive to my brothers. “And this is Antonella, my youngest daughter.” Personally I had never seen the Santinelle daughter before, but from the woman's fame, I could have sworn she was there under obligation. However, breaking my own rule of never being nice to any woman, I took her hand and kissed it gently in a greeting like a true knight my father taught me to be. The woman in turn rolled her eyes, visibly bored. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Santinelle. Although these are the circumstances.” The soft skin of the blonde's hand somehow made me shiver. Her perfume was like a real disturbance to my judgment, so I quickly tried to fasten myself to the woman who had the most luminous truthful eyes that ever crossed mine. “I am sorry for your loss.” The husky, velvety voice was far from delicate. Then the woman looked at her mother. “Mamma, I'll wait for you in the car. Excuse me!” The blonde left without even waiting for an answer, and when she passed me she seemed to make a point of bumping into my shoulder, making it clear that she didn't sympathize with me at all, which caused Giovanna and my idiot brothers to curl their lips in arrested laughter. Ignoring the young Santinelle's unexpected defiance, I turned to the older one “I appreciate your solidarity for coming.” I said putting it without letting any reaction show. “Now if you will allow me, I must leave you now. I have a hunt to do.” I turned my back on the Santinelle family expecting to be followed by my own, but before I could take another step forward, Guiseppe's voice again made me stop, but this time I didn't face him. “You no longer have any allies. Out of wounded pride and too much ego, although he was an active member of the famiglia, your father was wrong when he decided to conduct the family business alone. But you? You are young, intelligent. You know better than to underestimate an enemy, don't you? I advise you not to face your enemies alone, Luigi. You are the heir to your father's place in our organization. Whoever this insolent man is who dares to try against the life of an Italian, he is one step ahead of you, and you need help.” “Well, then I have to surprise him, don't I? A game is not won before the final move, Mr. Giuseppe.” “Certainly! But I'm afraid we are all worried about the fate of our business. Now that the mourning is over, we would like you to accept the invitation to join us tonight at a meeting. The whole board will be present, and not only do we need to understand a few things, but we also need to make your entry as Enzo's heir effective.” I knew that the family council would not let many more days go by than that. No matter what, it was time for me to effectively become Enzo's heir. Those were the rules, and I had to follow them. “All right! You can count on my presence.” I finally said coolly. I left without looking back, and as much as I hated to accept it, old Guiseppe was right... I was on my own fighting against the dark, but it didn't matter, whoever was behind this, I would find out and I would take his head off with the best of my blades. That would be it, or my name wasn't Luigi Salvatore.

By Luigi Salvatore "It was written... Lines of past and present, one day would cross. Just as in the past they silenced my blood, I will personally volunteer to not let a single Salvatore live to tell the tale, but first we will play." I looked at the paper that, on the day of my parents' funeral, had been sent in a black envelope accompanied by a wreath of red flowers. The note was too embarrassing for my mind to comprehend its meaning. “Are you ready?” My uncle asked for the thousandth time before we got out of the car. “I said I am.” I answer coolly. “Luigi, you are not exactly the easiest person to deal with. Our fear is that at any moment you will pull out your gun and point it at the forehead of one of these wretches.” Guido could not hide his concern for my impulsiveness. “There will be three of us against about ten of them.” “Now, don't be lazy and let's get on with it. I've been in front of them before, and if you must know, they didn't impress me. They are nothing but old men playing at running the Wild West, when in fact they send their sons to do all the heavy lifting. Besides, what can they do against me?” Hours later “This family has been causing us problems for years.” One of the old men spoke with authority. “It is clear that this boy is not ready to continue the family business. For him to take the position of northern capo is an insult to our organization.” “He is the heir.” rebutted Giuseppe. “But he's not ready. He is in a personal conflict that could lead to death.” rebutted the other, leaving me bored. I knew that the anger that man felt for me was burning in his soul, but I didn't care about that, for me he was just a father with a bruised ego for having seen his daughter dismissed by me years ago. Yes, I remembered well the day I said no to his proposal when he offered me the hand of one of his daughters in marriage. Among those present, only the Santinelle and Fredo, Nina's father, were in fact known to me. The others I knew were bankers, businessmen and politicians who hid from society who they really were and what they did in the dead of night. “The Salvatore problems haven't reached us yet. We have rules, and he is a legitimate heir to take his father's place among us. I see no reason why we can't stick to our rules.” It was the youngest Santinelle's turn to give his opinion. “If it's about rules, then we have a problem.” The remark of one of the counselors caught my attention, making me curious to hear it. “He is past the age of marriage, and one of our rules says that the capo must guarantee the organization an heir to take his place. How can a man assume such a position without at least being committed to a family?” For the first time in front of them I shuddered. Mentioning marriage was the least I expected them to do, but I knew that it was a legitimate rule, after all that was the reason my father had accepted the arranged marriage to my mother. It was part of an agreement with the Russian mafia, and of course, by marrying he could take over the business without meeting any resistance since by then my grandfather was dying of an incurable disease. Trying to gain time to think and escape the problem, I let out a debauched laugh, which drew all eyes in my direction. Everyone seemed indignant at my posture. “What's so funny, young man?” questioned the same woman who had mentioned the wedding. “Do you think the Salvatores need you for anything?” I don't know if you remember, but those who owe us something are many of the ladies and gentlemen here present. I know every favor my father did for you. Favors that until today have not been repaid. I saw some of them exchanging apprehensive glances. “Are you threatening us?” A man I recognized as the head of the city's public security spoke as if he had any autonomy to point at me. “You see, gentlemen? This boy thinks he is superior to the famiglia. It's not enough that he's causing us problems, he clearly doesn't respect our rules.” “What amazes me the most, Mr. Alessandro? That you talk about respect. With the position you hold in this organization I suppose you shouldn't be pointed out as a scoundrel who mistreats his own wife.” I challenged the man without blinking. “You are an insolent brat.” The man flattened the table. “AND YOU'RE AN OLD MAN WHO THINKS HE CAN MAKE ME AFRAID.” I imitated his gesture and also spread the table so that I was completely facing him. “I AM A SALVATORE, I AM NOT AFRAID OF YOU, OR RATHER, OF ANY OF YOU.” “Well, you should be, my dear boy. Your father was as insolent as you are, and look what happened to him. He became barbecue for ants.” Feeling the blood boiling in my veins, I drew my gun pointing directly at the man's forehead, who by the way did the same as me with the same agility. Irony of fate or not, exactly what my uncle and Guido had predicted happened, the three of us were under the crosshairs of at least eight heavily armed men. However, in the middle of all that tension it was the initiative of one person that caught my attention... “Put down your gun Alessandro, you wouldn't be crazy to hit one of mine.” Dante, who was now beside me, pointed his gun at the same man as me. With the attitude of the younger Santinelle, some of the other members didn't hesitate to lower their weapons, but Alessandro remained facing us. “I WON'T SEND YOU AGAIN, YOU BASTARD.” I heard the sound of Dante's gun going off. “Put the gun down or I'll blow your brains all over this room.” I didn't understand what the crazy man was doing, but being a Santinelle, I knew it would get me into trouble in the future. Giuseppe had also risen from his chair at the head of the table, but unlike his son he didn't draw his gun, he was just studying everyone attentively. “Don't be a fool, boy. Do you really want to buy this fight?” Alessandro asked Dante, but his eyes were locked on mine. “Why would I do that?” “As I said... Luigi is one of mine.” “What do you mean, Dante boy?” Fredo wanted to know what I was also curious about. “Luigi will soon marry my sister Antonella. We were just letting this mourning period pass to expose the event to everyone.” What the hell was that brat doing? For a moment I looked away from Alessandro, not even caring if I would be shot. Fuck me! Now I wanted to kill Dante. What was that boy doing? A buzz had settled in the room, and I saw when Giuseppe sat back in his chair looking puzzled by what his son had said. “You have to be lying.” Alessandro's cold voice was again present, drawing all attention to himself. “We have never seen or heard of any such approach. Commendable of you, Dante, in fact, I don't know why you are doing this, but I must remind you that lying to members of the organization is considered an act of treason. And we all know what happens to traitors, don't we?” I saw Dante practically silently begging me to confirm his story, which I certainly did not wish to do. “He's not lying, you worm. Soon I'll be engaged to Antonella.” I said with conviction without leaving myself time to think about the shit I was doing, but I couldn't let anything happen to that idiot because somehow he tried to defend me. This time it was my uncle and Guido who were surprised. “And why didn't we know about this?” One of the counselors present couldn't hide her curiosity on the subject. “Don't be insensitive, gentlemen. With everything that's been happening in the family, do you really think we'd have a head for celebration right now? Sit down and put away your weapons, there's no reason to get worked up here.” “Since when, Capo Giuseppe?” The woman asked again. “The rivalry between you is...” “It's no secret to anyone here that years ago, Enzo and I had established a truce between our families, after all, whether you like it or not, we are the most powerful in this place. Our parents' rivalry is in the past, we have no reason to live at war.” “But you didn't tell me anything about it when I went to tell you about your daughter's hand to my boy.” Alessandro seemed to control his anger, but the truth is that he was truly offended. “My sister didn't like your son, period. She is in love with Luigi and he is the one she is going to marry.” So that was it. Dante used me to get his sister out of a marriage with that wretch's son. Damn him! Although I was enjoying the idea of seeing Alessandro humiliated in front of everyone. Thinking about it made me smile broadly as I stared into the eyes of the wretch.

By Antonella Santinelle “Ouch... Ouch... Stop it Antonella.” My brother grumbled through tears, like a broody chicken, but I enjoyed every hair I pulled out of his chest using only tweezers. Who did that bastard think he was, to hang me like that? “Aren't you clever? Then find a way to get out of my hands, because if it's up to me you're not leaving this room until I pull the last hair out of even your..." “WHAT?” He didn't even let me finish my sentence. “HELP ME...” I was amused to see Dante's cold sweat dripping down his face, after all, he and I knew he would never get out of there, his hands and legs were tied to the bed, I had tied him up myself while he slept. “Why the hell did you get me into such trouble, Dante Santinelle?” “What's going on here?” My mother opened the bedroom door in terror, but when she saw the scene, I wasn't sure whether she was holding back her laughter or trying hard to look shocked. “By God, mamma. Antonella wants to kill me with this thing she calls a female accessory.” Mamma sighed, but before she could intervene in the situation, daddy came up behind his wife. “What the hell is going on?” “Your daughter has learned foolproof techniques for torturing a thirty-three year old grown man.” Daddy shifted his gaze from my hands to Dante's face. “By God... I can't believe you're crying like a little woman over this, Dante. Shame on you!” “Why don't you try being in my shoes, then?” You have to be really terrified for Dante to defy our father like that. “Con questa cosa hurts more than a blade cutting into his flesh, Papa.” Papa rolled his eyes, visibly displeased with the desperation of the man son he was so proud of. “Antonella, put down that highly dangerous weapon, and untie your brother. You have half an hour to meet us downstairs. We need to talk before our guests arrive.” I knew who these guests were and remembering this only fueled my anger toward Dante even more, but I also knew that it wouldn't be smart to question my father, at least not at that moment. “Si, daddy.” Shortly after “I told you I'm not marrying any unhappy man.” I shouted as I paced back and forth. “Now, don't be spoiled. I did this not only to save your future, but also to avoid losing you. Besides, I knew that Luigi could come out of that place hurt if someone didn't help him. I just put the good and the bad together.” Dante's explanation made me shudder even more with anger. “Fuck me! And what Cazzo are you talking about? My future has never been threatened, dammit.” Dantes took a deep breath, and soon I saw his expression turn sad. Just like me, our parents were also waiting for an answer from my brother. “After Alessandro became obsessed with the idea of asking Babbo for his son's permission to court you, I overheard you talking on the phone with cousin Rita. I know that you were prepared to run away if our father allowed the boy's visits.” This time it was my turn to be scared. “Oh, holy God.” Mom covered her mouth with her hands, unable to hide her horror. “I also know why. You have too free a soul to allow yourself to follow mafia traditions or impositions.” “Did you intend to run away?” Of all the things Dante had said, that part seemed to be the only one that had remained engraved in the memory of my father, who by now seemed enraged, but fuck it! I did intend to run away, in case he decided that it would be a great idea to imprison me to a man in exchange for business. Please, who in the 21st century accepts to be a bargaining chip? By the way, who nowadays marries without love? That completely outdated tradition was one of the many things that annoyed me about the mafia world I was born into. “Yes, I did! In fact, it's not a completely out of the question idea if you take this marriage thing further.” I told my father without fearing his reaction. “We don't live in Grandpa's time and I won't allow myself to be treated as a bargaining chip, Dad.” I stared him in the face as he stared at me. His hard expression gave me chills, but I didn't let him see it. If there was one thing I had learned in that criminal world, it was that our adversary took advantage of our weaknesses, so we needed to be impassive at all times to gain time to study the possibilities of the situation around us. Hours later “Forgive me sister, but at the time I just thought how much I didn't want to lose you.” I could feel the sincerity in Dante's words. “It may sound selfish, but in that instant I saw a solution to continue having your presence in our lives.” “You men tend to think with your heads down, so only shit comes out as thoughts.” “Antonella, mind your manners.” My mother scolded, but I shrugged, but at that moment a female voice sounded in the room. “Wow, we've come at a great time. I must say that I already love her. Marriage approved!” Cazzo, another crazy woman to annoy me. “Giovanna Salvatore, your future sister-in-law, after all, I am like Luigi's legitimate sister.” I looked at the blue-eyed girl who was visibly excited. Beside her were two twins just as excited, but it was the dark-haired man with black hair and an unreadable face who caught my attention. Just like on the day of the mass, at this moment he showed no emotion, but seemed to study me thoroughly, which bothered me immediately. Who does he think he is? “Antonella Santinelle.” I shook the hand that Giovanna had extended to me. “But I am sorry to disappoint you by saying that I have no fiancé, so I have no sister-in-law or brothers-in-law either.” I saw the man next to Giovanna narrow his eyes. ÔThe petulant cur... Handsome, I admit, but what he had of beauty he also had of petulance. “Don't worry, Miss Santinelle.” The man's hoarse voice surprised me. He took a step forward, standing a few inches away from where I was standing. “As you can see, I am as excited to take you as my wife as you are. By the way...” Without letting me think, just as he did in the church, the man took my hand and boldly brought it to his thick lips. “It's a pleasure to see you again.” It was my turn to narrow my eyes; I knew he was teasing me. Probably Luigi was one of those who thought he was the indispensable hunk, but guess what, I cared little for the title of capo do Norte that now belonged to him. We stood there staring at each other, he with that look of superiority that irritated me so much, and I probably couldn't hide the murderous look I had. The atmosphere was heavy between the two of us, but some were clearly enjoying the situation. While an excited Giovanna clapped her hands, one of the twins next to her looked as euphoric as if he were facing a soccer match of his favorite team. “This should be interesting.” The mustachioed twin said with an evil laugh at the corner of his mouth. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll retire.” I watched Antonella walk away like a whimsical child. Being followed by his mother and Giovanna, I did not know well what they talked about, but by the euphoria, I had no doubt that it would be about the preparations for the wedding, which obviously was not leaving my bride any little happy, but still I was finding it very funny your way as a troublemaker girl. “Well, now let’s talk about something that interests me.” Capo Giuseppe settled back into his brown leather armchair. “And what would it be?” I wanted to know curious. “Apparently for a considerable time we will be seen as a family, that is, we cannot behave like rivals in search of territories and goods.” “I thought that had been settled for years.” “But the agreement I made with his father was that each one should command his own side.” “Which will not change.” Matteo stepped up. “Need to change, kid. Or at least that’s what we need to make them believe has changed. In our world, which family isolates itself from each other?” I understood exactly what he said, after all, distancing in business would cause strangeness to other members. “I’m not proposing to run each other’s businesses, Luigi. In the meantime, why act alone if together we can be stronger? My father and his grandfather hated each other, but me and Enzo...” Giuseppe seemed nostalgic. “You and my father?” I encouraged the elder to continue “Well, what I mean is that now the times are different and apparently Santinelle and Salvatore are now one. There will be no south or north side, we will be just Italy.” “My father is right.” Dante was serious as few times I saw him so. “If we are targets, to hit us you will also be targets, or vice versa. Which also means that we want to help you stop the attacks you’ve been suffering.” “If you as children allow us, of course, we will investigate the death of your parents.” “In exchange for what?” Paolo seemed annoyed. “Who assures us that we can trust you?” It was Matteo’s turn to confront the two Santinelle. “My daughter will be living with you. Become a Salvatore! Fighting to ensure her life intact seems little?” The elder responded by facing the twins. “I don’t want anything from you, but my son took us to take this fight to us when he offered Antonella’s hand to the heir, so I can’t back down now. Not when she’ll say yes to her sister.” “Trusting us seems to be the only way out for you, who over the past few months seem to be collecting enemies like you’ve never collected before.” Dante confronted Matteo about it. When my grandfather died, Dad decided to undo all the alliances that the Salvatore had, it was his decision to choose what he did from that moment when power was in his hands and he did it taking into account what he thought the moment required. Now it was my turn to do the same, and given the circumstances that we were going through, one thing I had no doubt... Fighting alone against someone I didn’t even know was suicide. “We will be one.” I reached out to Giuseppe who let a satisfied smile appear on his lips. “Like a real family, Luigi.” The man firmly shook my hand. “Finally the Italian mafia will be truly unified as it should have always been.” When in life could I imagine that by choice of mine, my family would be united the family of my grandfathers' worst enemy? Probably their bones would be turning in the grave right now, but what could I do? Yes, I could turn to my Aunt Kenya, who now ran what was left of the Russian mafia, but if when she lived, not even my mother trusted her family, why would I? Something in my heart said that it was with the Santinelles that I should be.

By Luigi Salvatore “Luigi, that was the last one.” Guido said as he went through the list with the names of the men who were on duty the day the farm was set on fire. I decided to follow the advice of my future father-in-law and as hard as it was to consider the idea, we had come to the conclusion that we would start looking for answers at home, after all, some pieces were not fitting right in everything that was happening. “Well, at least of those who appeared.” He said again almost in a whisper. “Of those who appeared?” I answered coldly. “Apart from those who died in the attack, we noticed the absence of two more security guards, brother.” Matteo said cautiously as he exchanged glances with Guido. I hated it when the men around me seemed to fear saying things to me, so they decided it was a great idea to tell me the shredded details. “Dead?” “Alive!” Matteo answered bluntly. “Really, Matteo? And why the hell am I only knowing about it now?” “Well, we... you were just too tired.” “We thought it might be better to rest, Luigi.” Guido interfered. “Since the death of your parents, you do not do this. Maybe that’s the explanation why so much is happening and you can’t handle it. Your mind is overloaded, Luigi.” I knew that was true, but I hated that people made decisions about my life when it was up to me. However, what bothered me most was feeling the weight of Guido’s words. Was my own family holding me accountable for everything that was happening? Maybe so, since I as the new boss had a responsibility to make things work. For a moment, letting anger take over me, I found myself holding Guido by the collar of the black leather jacket that covered his body. Her suddenly frightened look wasn’t enough to bring me back to my senses, not when a world collapsed on my ceiling. “Are you blaming me for the misfortunes that have happened, Guido?” “That’s not what I meant. Just that with a clear mind you could think better about it.” Although I spoke calmly, I realized he was nervous. “Luigi...” Before Tony even approached, I had already removed my dagger from the waistband. “Do not dare to interfere.” I turned my gaze to Guido. “Do you want to know what I think? Well... If your fucking amateurism hadn’t been so strangely hot lately, we wouldn’t be going through this shit. Tell me Guido, you as my trusted man, my advisor, my friend... Where were you when you entered the farm? And you Matteo? Aren’t you and Paolo in charge of the security team? Well, why don’t you explain to me what the hell is going on with your team?” Giovanna arrived accompanied by my other brother. “Oops, we arrived at show time.” My cousin said sarcastically, but she was clearly tense, as Guido and I dueled in a cold, silent gaze. “Luigi, release him.” Paolo risked asking patiently. “He is your best friend. Your trusted man, and certainly you do not want to hurt him.” Still pondering what to do and confused by my sudden reaction against the one I trusted most, I did what Paolo asked... I pushed Guido who fell under the leather armchair and kept my dagger. “What’s going on here?” Giovanna ran her eyes around the place hoping one of us would answer. “It is happening that by the mistakes you make the weight falls only on my back, but this party will end.” I punched the table leaving them scared. “Now I am in charge, the orders are mine, I told them and you obey. As much as I love them with all my being, I will not tolerate any more mistakes here. Just as I will not allow you to make decisions for me.” “That means what exactly?” Paolo wanted to know. “We are going to have changes. Uncle Dario is traveling to take care of the vineyard’s finances and for now, it will be up to him only that. Tony and Paolo, from now on you will be responsible only for the goods. If any of them are intercepted, I swear I will make them pay without remembering that they are my brothers.” My brothers exchanged frightened looks, after all I had never been so rude to both. “Guido...” The same looked at me calmly. I liked it in him, he did not let himself be shaken easily. “His team is infected. We can not continue to trust these men. Let’s reformulate it!” “They’re my best men, Luigi. Besides, how am I supposed to command a new troop if we don’t have a place to get them? Since your father broke the alliances, our terms have become limited.” “Don’t worry about it. I know where to get them, and you’re coming with me.” “Where?” He smiles at the memory of Antonella, who with only one meeting, had already made it clear that she was a sneaky pest. You’d give me a job when you were my wife. For now I had fun with all her rebelliousness, and if my plan went as expected, in a few minutes I would see her again, and of course, I would not miss the chance to annoy her a little more. “Well, as my worthy bride says, if we have lemons, we’ll make lemonade. For something this marriage has to serve me, so let’s go to my future father-in-law’s house for help.” “So cute, he is already learning new things with the bride.” Paolo mocked, but my look soon made him stop. “Sorry!” “And me?” Giovanna seemed anxious. “You?” He laughs. “He will do what he knows best.” “Kill?” Like me, Giovanna also smiled with mockery. “Find the traitors and have fun, but bring them to me.” “You can leave it to me.” If there was one person I trusted with the search tasks, it was Giovanna. My cousin was smart, knew how to plan her ambushes well and never failed.

By Luigi Salvatore Some time later I particularly did not have the patience to deal with that kind of work. The choices for security were always damned by intense demonstrations of skills, in other words, all needed to demonstrate being able to fight body, as well as psychological. After talking to my future father-in-law about the need to completely change the security of my team, and receiving his permission to choose the best men from his own team to come to serve me, I went personally with Guido and my future brother-in-law, the academy of the Santinelles. I don’t know how long we’ve been there, but from the sweat that was running down the body of that gang of men fighting each other at the Santinelles' private academy, I could tell we’d been gone for hours. Unlike Dante and Guido who seemed excited about the choices, I felt bored. I decided to leave a little out of the environment in search of fresh air, but when I arrived at the outdoor area I felt something collide with me without having the slightest effort to get me to the ground. The blow made my spine hurt like hell, which only got worse with the weight on my body. “Don’t look where you’re going?” Antonella would remove the hot blonde strands from her face, while already demonstrating how angry she was. “As far as I know, you’re the one who bumped into me.” I noticed that her green eyes, showed surprise when she heard my voice. “But what the hell are you doing in my house, you devil’s groom?” “You know the bride is you, don’t you? Soon...” “Are you calling me a devil?” She narrowed her eyes and I for a moment endeavored not to laugh at her temper. “Me? But who said that was you.” I only realized that until that moment the blonde was still over my body, when she got up snorting irritated. “I hate you!” “Believe me, the reciprocal is true. I personally never had the vocation to put up with spoiled and untamed patricinha.” I dusted my pants not caring about helping her up. “This is simple to solve, baby. Give up the marriage and die. Believe me... You’ll be doing us both a favor.” Antonella spit the words with contempt stamped on her voice, which in fact did not surprise me, since I knew she was hating the fact of marrying me. She was gonna walk right past me, but I didn’t allow... I held firm the arms of the blonde without the slightest worry of being or not hurting her, but by the expression of hatred reflected in her face, I was sure she could feel everything at that time, less pain. “If you hate the idea of this marriage so much, then why don’t you just give up?” “LET ME FUCKING.” Antonella raved without worrying about answering my question. “Rebel... I confess that it would be interesting our coexistence, if you were not such an annoying woman.” I provoked a little more his fury. “Unlike you, who is just an idiot who does not arouse the slightest interest in me.” I smiled at the debauchery of the other, because in spite of everything, I could have sworn that for a moment I saw Antonella with shivering arms when I pressed her body a little more against mine. “Do you think it awakens something in me? Girl, you ain’t nothing but my life insurance, but you bet your ass when all this shit blows over, I’ll personally give you back to your father.” “YOUR ASS FROM HELL, I AM NOT A DEFECTIVE COMMODITY TO BE RETURNED.” At that point, Antonella was already punching my shoulders. “I didn’t ask to marry you. It was your brother’s idea.” “Then marry him, you bastard.” “Why are you so angry, huh? Weren’t you the one who said you didn’t want this wedding?” I pressed Antonella’s arm even tighter, standing inches away from his face. “And I really don’t want to! I will leave this marriage at the first opportunity I have, but it will happen when I want, baby. I’m not gonna let people think I got kicked.” “But you want them to think you kicked me out?” Antonella’s will to choke. “I don’t care about you, Luigi Salvatore. You’re kind of cute, but you’re just an unscrupulous mobster who thinks he’s the king of the universe.” It wasn’t just Antonella’s cheekiness that annoyed me, but her wretched mania to leave me speechless. What the hell kind of woman was that? I got a little closer to Antonella without looking away from her. For a moment I could have sworn that the cheeky woman gave way to a frightened little girl, probably because my eyes were frozen, but little did she know that inside my heart burned like fire. Antonella’s boldness was annoying, that’s true, but it also aroused things I didn’t know how to describe. “So that’s what you think of me, Antonella?” With my thumb I caressed the face of rigid features. Antonella was scared, she did not wait for that reaction of mine. “I’m just a cute man?” I whispered in his ear and it was impossible not to smell his hair invade my senses. I smiled when I realized that Antonella’s skin was goosebumps, the crest was no longer the same and I was certainly finding its weak point. Score one for me! “But you know what?” I slid my lips gently down the curve of your jaw. “I don’t know if I believe you. Maybe you’re just really curious to find out who the real man is who will take you in his arms as his wife right after our marriage.” I touched my hand and my fingers began to slide gently down the arm of a paralyzed Antonella. “You... you wouldn’t dare.” For the first time I saw Antonella’s voice fail. “We have a deal. You can’t touch me.” “You don’t think so? I’m not cruel?” I whispered in your ear again. “Unscrupulous? I wouldn’t worry about anything, would I? You will be my wife and you must behave like one.” “Dare and I swear I’ll shoot you in the forehead.” Despite the threat, Antonella remained goosebumps, so I brought my lips closer to hers, but did not touch them. “Although your body makes it clear to me that I would not find the slightest resistance if I claimed you, you can be sure that I will not touch you.” I saw the green eyes darken. “You awaken me nothing but fun.” I moved away from Antonella with the intention of going back to the academy, but it was not possible, because without at least leaving me time to reason, she had already trapped me against the wall of the place. His leg climbed up the side of my thigh to reach my waist. Unexpected attitude, I confess. “What do you think you’re doing?” Antonella’s hands held my wrists at the height of my head and her lips were not shy to reach my ear. Cazzo! Her breathing close to my neck was enough to make my body shiver. “What’s the matter, Luigi? Feeling uncomfortable?” She whispered and I could swear that I felt the tip of Antonella’s tongue, in the lobe of my ear. “Tsc, Tsc... So tough, but now nothing looks like a sneaky wound.” “You wretch...” I hissed, but my voice was cut off. Frustrated, better said. “I am! Actually, I’m no good to Luigi, and believe me, you don’t want to play this game, because if you want, know that I can play as much as you can.” I shuddered when Antonella left a kiss in the corner of my mouth and left without even looking back. Devil of a woman!

By Luigi Salvatore Hours later “Do you really trust this family?” Guido asked after we left the Santinelle mansion. “Trust is a very strong word. My father taught me that it takes a long time to trust someone, Guido. Only right now I have no choice but to ally myself.” “I know! Don’t think I’m questioning your decisions, Luigi. It’s just...” “Just, what is it?” “Well, they were always your family’s greatest enemies. If I may say, they have always wanted to rob you, so much so that although you have control of northern territory, they have managed to become more powerful than the Salvatore in the commercial milieu.” “Everyone knows that this happened in the time of my grandfather, Guido. But under my father’s command, the rivalry between our families became just a story to be contacted.” “You know that until today I have a curiosity about how it all began.” “Which?” “Why at the time your grandfather allied with the Russians? We know that Russia and Italy never really got along. From what you have always told me, your mother was not regarded by the members of the Italian organization as a woman of trust. So why?” “Well, I can’t say much with property when it comes to the Russians, after all, as you know not even my mother kept in touch with the family after she married Dad, What was really never really clear was why she made the choice to cut all ties, but what I do know is that it was a difficult time in business. My Italian grandfather lost morale in the region after the Santinelles took part of what he had, and my mother’s father lost control of the Russian mafia. They had no credibility, no prestige, no trust... they only had each other. Things actually only changed when my father took over and revolutionized business.” “He was a cunning man, the great Enzo Salvatore. I never tire of thanking him for having known him. With him I learned how to attack my enemies.” Hearing Guido speak of my father with great enthusiasm made me feel remorse for the way I treated him earlier. That man was one of the only people I trusted, he was also the man I adopted as a brother and I knew that all he wanted for me and my family was good. “I’m sorry...” From the corner of my eye I saw Guido staring at me in amazement. “I lived to see it. The mighty Luigi Salvatore apologizing... I think the engagement has already begun to do you good.” He joked. “Do not make me feel sorry for having said these words.” He laughed. “This has nothing to do with the crazy woman I will have as a wife. Just... Damn, I shouldn’t have lost my mind with you.” “Luigi, Luigi... always so impulsive, so exalted. You know that as a new capo, you can’t keep acting like this, don’t you? One day your thoughtless actions can give you serious problems and that’s what I really care about.” “I will try to control it, but I promise you nothing.” He laughed and shook his head in a disapproving sign, but from the years of friendship we had, he knew it was really hard to control my instincts. “And Antonella?” Asked Guido. “What about that devil?” “I saw that you met. Incidentally, that I find warm, no? I bet you’re dying to see her enter the church and say yes.” I raised my eyebrow before the other one who laughed mockingly. “Then he does not complain when he has my pistol pointed at his forehead.” He laughed, probably disregarding the idea that I would do that. “You didn’t tell me if you thought she was pretty.” “What does it matter, Guido?” “I bet you think she’s pretty. Come on, tell me... do you think she’s pretty or not?” “Guido...” Rosnei. “Ah Luigi, what’s the big deal? That way I’ll think you’re in love.” “You are provoking me.” I replied impatiently. That subject indeed bothered me, after all Antonella clearly managed to make me lose control, and this was something new when in fact no woman could achieve such a feat. “So that’s it, you’re actually charmed by the younger Santinelle. I knew!” “But what the hell... It is Guido, she is beautiful, but she is also a devilish, who apparently has an unnecessary ability to get me serious. One date and it was enough to hate her.” The fool laughed and made me not understand his behavior. “I saw you two just now... She may not be the firstborn of the Santinelles, but you have to admit that the girl has strong personality and genius.” “I confess that I am eager to watch the unfolding of this coexistence. It seems to be able to destroy any wall, my friend.” “Yeah, she’s a very abused woman, that’s right. But it’s not like I’m going to surrender to her whims.” I could have sworn I saw my friend get stuck so I wouldn’t laugh out loud. “What was it?” I asked raising my eyebrow. “You can even be a mafioso capo, without scruples and piety. But you’re still a man.” “What the hell does that mean?” “Antonella is a woman who easily makes any man crawl at her feet if she so wishes, my dear. I don’t give her six months to have her heart if she so desires.” “What talk without place, Guido. Need I remind you that we are not marrying for love?” “Love can happen over time, Luigi. I’m sorry about your marriage anyway.” I looked at him feeling curious about that revelation. “Sorry? Does it scare you that I’m getting married?” “Of course I do. I don’t know what it’s going to be like from now on. I mean... how are the nights at the brothels going to be without you around? On second thought, there’ll be more girls left for me.” I rolled my eyes with boredom. Of course Guido would think something like that. Aliá, not only him, but my brothers as well. After all, if there was one thing men like us didn’t want to lose so soon, it was single life. Even if we were married we could go to brothels and have nights showered with drinks and women? Of course! But it would not be honored, and in our family one of the rules that was most precious, was the respect that we took as a wife. Who dishonors the family, how can they honor an organization? “Now, don’t be an idiot. Let’s get to work!” I answered by running away. After we got home, I got out of the car completely ignoring Guido’s jokes regarding my marriage to Giuseppe’s daughter. However, inside I could only think that in a few days I would be married to the green-eyed blonde who entered my life like a hurricane.

By Antonella Santinelle Days latter “You should smile a little more. Those who see you from afar will certainly not think that you are happy with your engagement. By the way, shouldn’t you be with your fiancé? Have you seen the preparations that I helped your mother and Giovanna choose? Speaking of him, what a beautiful man, my God. Incidentally, not only him, but his brothers as well. What differentiated genetics. Can’t I marry one of them, too?” My cousin who had arrived in Italy a few days ago, just to participate in the event that she herself classified as "the event of the year", was already making me dizzy, because she did not stop talking for a second. The truth is that Rita had plenty of excitement that I lacked at that engagement party. “You talk too much, Rita. Can’t you stop for a while?” I took at once the drink I had in the cup I was holding, while continuing to hear my cousin talking uncontrollably next to me. “It doesn’t matter!” Rita shrugged. “When will I formally meet the man who dominated you like that? Antonella Santinelle getting married is something I didn’t imagine even in my best dreams.” “Right now!” I jumped up when Luigi’s thick voice sounded at that moment, making it clear that she was behind me. For a moment I think I staggered back, and I’m sure I would fall if it wasn’t for Luigi’s agile hands to support my waist with boldness. That pervert was still gonna kill me one day. If I wasn’t scared, I’d be full of hate. “You’re not drinking too fast, are you?” Without waiting for any answer, so little authorization, Luigi removed the cup from my hand leaving it on the tray of one of the waiters who passed by us. Suddenly I felt his lips close to my ear and in a whisper disguised as affection he said: “By the way, your cousin is right. You should smile more and stay by my side. I don’t know if you remember, but we need to convince everyone that we’re radiating happiness with all of this here. Isn’t that what couples in love do?” Son of a bitch! He knew how to irritate me, and worse, he also knew that there at that moment, I could not do anything about it, since it would be strange if someone saw me with a gun pointed at his forehead. What normal bride would do that to the man she claimed to be in love with? “Ah, that’s cute.” I squeezed Luigi’s cheek, faking a silly smile. “I didn’t know I used to listen to other people’s conversations, my dear fiancé.” I approached your ear and whispered back: “Should I remind you that I am not in love with you, and that we are far from being a conventional couple?” “Yet you are my bride. Get used to it.” Ignoring my sarcasm, the bastard stepped on me and then faced my cousin with that gallant way that so irritated me. She who watched us with excitement, almost melted all when he smiled. And all I could think of was a thousand and one ways to pluck his blue eyes out. “Won’t you introduce me to your cousin, dear?” I rolled my eyes when I noticed Rita’s excitement, almost overflowing with excitement. It had been days since my cousin hid the desire to formally meet the man who became my fiancé. Of course, the weight of Luigi’s surname made him well known, but not everyone had a chance to get close to one of the Salvatore. Against my will, I did what should be done. “Rita is my cousin on her mother’s side, and also the oldest among us of the new generation.” I noticed the surprise on Luigi’s face, but how could it be different? We knew nothing about each other. “Rita, this is Luigi Salvatore.” Maybe Luigi realized that I mentioned his name against taste. That’s why he made one of his jokes. “Soon, husband of that nice thing here. Look how wonderful, right?” Of course I knew Luigi was mocking, but I didn’t mind, I tried to focus on his kinky side that he didn’t make a point of hiding. I watched Luigi gently hold Rita’s hand and lead to her lips, leaving a delicate kiss there. Of course my cousin almost fainted at the same moment, after all, unlike me, Rita was the kind of dreamy and romantic woman, so only that gesture would be enough to paint Luigi as the best of parties I could find. “Glad to finally meet you, sir. I never thought it would be possible for anyone to break the ice heart of this brown cousin of mine, but just imagine how I looked when I was informed about your marriage.” It was at times like this that I wished to put a boiled and extremely hot egg in the mouth of the gossip I had as a cousin. “Antonella used to be an extremely independent woman. She showed no emotion when it came to relationships. To be more specific, my cousin will never dream of marrying, and suddenly comes to me with a groom. It was too much emotion for this poor heart of mine.” Of course at that time, Luigi was clearly interested in the subject. Which only made me want to jump off the first bridge I could find in Italy. “Oh, I can imagine. She’s hard, isn’t she? But that’s because she hadn’t met me yet. Isn’t that right, love?” It was today that I would become a murderer, my God. In response I shot Luigi with my gaze, but he just shrugged and turned his gaze to an enchanted Rita. “We know when love surprises us. I think that’s exactly what happened between us.” Luigi caressed my hand with his thumb. “I’m sure Antonella didn’t have the strength to refuse what her heart felt so strongly.” Wretched son of a bitch. God rest her! I thought to myself as I struggled to hold on to the will to choke Luigi Salvatore. “Ah, but you must be magical.” “Not so much.” Irritated me the air of conviction of Luigi. “Nothing that some declarations of love do not solve, is not it?” I even wanted to punch Luigi at that very moment, but unfortunately that would be for later. As my bastard fiancé squeezed my waist, Rita sighed like a fool. “When I find my date, I want him to be as delicate as you are.” Hell, little did Rita know that there was nothing delicate, on the contrary, looked like a horse ready to kick at all times. “All right, you guys have met, but now we need to go greet the other guests, right, baby?” “Of course, my love.” Luigi answered me with that damn smug smile. I hate that man! Without asking permission, I felt Luigi holding my hand as we walked among the guests who greeted us with a clear falsehood. “I was curious about something.” I mumbled softly just for Luigi to hear. “Tell me what.” “Is this your vocation to be Synodic something that came from the cradle, or did you acquire over time?” At first Luigi looked at me illegible, but soon he was laughing like a convict without limits. Of course he was attracting some people’s attention to us, and certainly those who watched us from afar believed that we were a happy couple who at that time shared some inner joke or vows of love. “You really amuse me, Antonella.” Your arm went around my waist making me frown. “If you must know, it is one of my many vocations. Do you believe that I do not make the slightest effort?” “Really?” Laughs mockingly. “If you didn’t say I wouldn’t notice, but let me just tell you something sweet... I forbid you to pass me off as a fool in love.” “Or what is it?” I hated feeling challenged by Luigi. Few people could easily irritate me while they were able to destabilize my emotional, but he achieved all this masterfully, and that was definitely not a good sign. “Beware, my dear. Who laughs last laughs best, in the end it may be you who become a fool in love.” “Me?” Luigi was amazed, but soon became serious. “Not even in his dreams. If you have something for which I was not born, it was for feelings, my dear.” “Great! So we won’t have any future problems on either side.” “So be it.” We turned our attention to some ladies who approached us with the excuse of greeting the bride and groom, but I knew they were just curious to understand how Salvatore and Santinelle could be together living that moment. You gossipy old ladies! “Boredom! I’m lazy, fake.” I grumbled next to Luigi’s ear. Well, at least I’d appreciate her not leaving my side. “You don’t know these people who are here, do you?” “Hardly any. Well, actually, just a few of those spoiled brats who flaunt Mafia Daddy’s money.” I made Face and for the first time saw Luigi laugh relaxed for something I said. “What was it? Do you think I’m lying?” “No! Actually, I think exactly the same.” I was surprised. “But I bet you behaved like that when you were younger.” “Me? What makes you think such a bad thing about me?” He displayed false indignation. “Well, today you are like the king among the uninteresting pawns on a chessboard, that is, you have always been directly involved with that world.” “The mafia doesn’t define me, Antonella.” “That means what?” It was impossible to control my curiosity. “You’ll find out. Now pay attention to everything I’m going to say. I’ll make you know the mafia world.” “Why? I’m just another woman born into a renowned family. I’m not even a firstborn.” I questioned with curiosity. Luigi’s blue eyes connected with my greens in a way that impacted me for a few minutes. “You are no longer just a woman. If I am a king on this board, you will be my queen.”