The Italian

Anger surges throughout my body and I turn to my men.

“Kill him.” I squeeze the phone in my hand so hard, I’m certain it will break. “Kill anyone who stands in your way. I want him dead. I want them all fucking dead!” I growl, I turn and storm to the cars. I jump into the driver’s seat, and the men scramble behind me to keep up.

Getting home to Olivia just became my only priority.

He threatened her. He’s already killed an innocent woman.

He knows where she works.

I start the car as men are still jumping in. I don’t have time for their delays. “Hurry up!” I yell as they scramble around me. I dial Lorenzo’s number on hands free. My stress levels are at an all-time high.

“Hello.”

“Where’s Olivia?” I snap.

“Asleep in bed.”

“You stand outside her door all night, and you double the security outside the house.”

“W-what’s wrong?” he stammers, sensing the urgency in my voice.

“Lucky Lombardi just demanded I hand over all the brothels or he’ll kill her.”

He pauses for a moment. “He brought your family into this?” This is unheard of, this isn’t how we operate. Women and children have always been safe on both sides in every Ferrara war. This time, we’re dealing with a new level of low life. “You have my word, Enrico. I’ll guard her with my life.”

“We’re headed to the airport now. See you soon.”

Olivia

It’s late and I’m at Bianca’s house, staring at the ceiling from my bed, in complete shock. There’s no chance of me going to sleep anytime soon.

I’m on the pill. How can I be pregnant? Maybe it’s all a big mistake. I should be mortified. I should be freaking out. What I am, is trying to contain my excitement.

A baby.

A part of Rici and a part of me, together in the form of a child.

The most precious gift.

I slowly slide my hand down and rest it over my stomach. A slow burning excitement begins to chase away the initial shock. This is so unexpected. The timing could be a lot better, but we’re getting married already so it’s not like it wouldn’t have happened at some stage in the future.

I wonder what Enrico is going to say. I imagine myself telling him, and him losing his temper… but I already know that’s not going to happen. He wants children.

He talks about having children often. I smile to myself as excitement begins to bubble from deep inside. I pick up my phone and scroll through to his number.

It’s 4:00 a.m.

I wonder if he’s in bed or at work handling the situation. A nagging little voice from deep inside taunts me.

He’s in a brothel… surrounded by beautiful women who all want to sleep with him. I close my eyes as I try to chase away the destructive thoughts. It’s not good for me to let my mind go there. It’s toxic and will only bring jealousy and hurt between us.

When I said yes to marrying him, I said yes to trusting him, too. I have to stand by that decision, no matter how much insecurity his line of work brings.

Should I text him to make sure he’s okay and say goodnight?

No, I’ll probably wake him. I’ll have to wait now.

I put my hand over my stomach again and smile into the darkness as I imagine his face when he finds out.

I can’t wait to tell him.

I wake to my phone dancing on the side table, and I pick it up.

Rici

“Good morning.” I smile sleepily.

“Good morning, my bella. How did you sleep?” he purrs, his voice deep.

I rub my eyes as I try to focus. He has the sexiest fucking voice on earth. “I missed you. I don’t like sleeping alone.”

“I’m just about to get on a plane to come home to you.”

“Good.” I smile.

“Don’t go to work today.”

“What?”

“I want to see you when I get home. Call in sick.”

“I can’t do that.”

“You can.” His voice is commanding. “In fact, why don’t you just resign. You don’t need to work for someone else. You can start your own company now.”

Ugh, not this again.

“I’m not doing that, we already discussed this. And besides, I have meetings all day.” What does he think this is? I can’t just have a day off or resign every time he snaps his fingers.

“I don’t want you going to work until I get home.” “That’s ridiculous. I’ll see you tonight.” “Olivia,” he warns.

He’s beginning to annoy me now. “I have to go, Enrico. I’m going to be late. Have a safe flight. I love you.” I hang up.

The phone rings immediately again and his name lights up the screen.

I exhale heavily. “Yes?”

“Don’t hang up on me.” The phone goes dead as he returns the favor.

I roll my eyes at his dramatics. God, somebody got out of the wrong side of the bed. What’s up his ass? I drag myself out of bed and make my way into the bathroom to pick up the pregnancy test stick that sits on the counter. I stare at it again.

Two lines.

Two perfect lines—the ones that will perhaps change our lives.

I need to book into see a doctor this afternoon. I don’t want to get all excited for nothing. It may be a false alarm. After all, I am on the pill. I think back to the last few months and how regular I’ve been taking them. I missed a few, but I took them the very next day. I’ve accidently done this every once and a while, and never fallen pregnant before.

Excitement bubbles in my stomach and Enrico’s request to have a day off doesn’t seem so ridiculous. How am I supposed to concentrate on fabric when I am possibly making a baby?

I walk back into the bathroom and text Lorenzo.

Good Morning.

Are you awake?

A text bounces straight back.

Outside your door.

I frown. That’s odd. I text back.

Can we go back to the apartment so I can get ready for work?

He replies.

Yes, of course.

See you soon.

I stare at my phone and bite my bottom lip as I contemplate asking the next question. Oh, stuff it, I want to know. I text back.

Is Bianca Awake?

A reply comes in.

Yes, she’s in the kitchen.

I’ll meet you there.

I cringe. Fuck.

I was hoping not to see her. She seems nice but she’s very vague with me. I know she is only being polite. I can feel an underlying edginess coming from her. She didn’t mention our engagement at all last night, and I know she knows. Enrico told me that he called her on Sunday. He said she was happy, but now that she didn’t say anything to me, I’m not so sure. It was late when arrived last night, though. Maybe we’ll get a chance to chat now.

Damn Enrico for putting me into this position. Bianca and I have said like five words to each other and now he makes me sleep here without him. What was he thinking? Hopefully Francesca is awake. She’s lovely and may help me break the ice.

I puff air into my cheeks as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I do have to get to know them better at some stage, I suppose.

Here goes nothing.

I quickly dress and make my bed. I throw on my clothes, and with one last look around the beautiful room, I open the bedroom door.

I’m greeted by the sight of three men, each sitting on chairs in the hall. There’s Marly, Pedro, and Alexander.

What the hell?

“Hi.” I look between them. “What are you guys doing?”

Marly stands. “Just a nightshift. Are you okay? Ready to leave?”

“Have you been out here all night?”

Marly takes my overnight bag from me and holds his hand out to lead me downstairs. “Just doing our job.”

“Oh.” I walk down the grand staircase and can hear people talking in the kitchen. Francesca’s laugh echoes, and relief fills me. Thank God she’s awake.

I twist my fingers nervously in front of me and walk into the kitchen. I find Bianca and Lorenzo sitting at the kitchen counter drinking coffee. Francesca is at the table eating her breakfast in her school uniform. Her face lights up when she sees me, and she jumps to her feet.

“Olivia.” She smiles happily as she hugs me.

“Hi.” I smile back. “It’s so lovely to see you again.” I look up to Bianca who forces a smile and sips her coffee.

“Hello,” she says.

“Hello.” Oh God, she hates me. I can tell. “Thank you for having me last night.”

“That’s okay, dear.” Her eyes hold mine, and I just want the earth to swallow me up.

“Mamma, don’t forget I’m going to the library this afternoon after school,” Francesca says.

“What is this sudden interest in going to the library every day lately? Can’t your friends come here to study?’

“No, Mamma, it’s easier for my study group to meet there. It’s central for all of us.”

“Antonio has to wait around there for you every day,” Bianca replies.

“It’s okay, that’s what he gets paid for,” Lorenzo interrupts. He looks over at Francesca and gives her a warm smile with a wink, and she smiles back. It’s obvious these two get along well.

I’m assuming that Antonio is Francesca’s bodyguard.

“Would you like a cup of coffee?” Bianca asks me.

My eyes flick to Lorenzo. “Do we have time?”

“Yes, of course.” He stands. “Come, Francesca, I’ll walk you out.”

Don’t leave me alone with her.

“It was great seeing you again.” Francesca kisses me on the cheek and skips out of the room. I watch her and Lorenzo as they walk side by side.

Hmm… still no mention of the engagement. Does she even know? My eyes come back to Bianca, and hers are fixed firmly on me. “How do you like your coffee?”

Damn, Enrico is getting an earful when I see him. Why would he put me in this position?

I slide onto the stool beside her. “Just with milk, please.”

I watch her as she makes my coffee. My heart is beating fast. I don’t know what to say to her. She makes me nervous as fuck.

She puts the coffee back down in front of me, and I look down at it. “Thank you.”

It’s so strong, it could start a car.

I smile as I take a sip, and I clench my jaw to stop myself from gagging. It wouldn’t just start a car, it could fuel a fucking rocket ship.

She sips her coffee as her eyes assess me, and we sit in uncomfortable silence for a while. I feel like she has something to say but is holding her tongue.

I look around nervously. “It’s a beautiful home you have.”

“Thank you.”

She’s still wearing her cream silk robe with a matching nightdress. Her long, dark hair is styled like she’s in Hollywood. She looks beautiful. There’s not a hair out of place.

Who looks this good when they wake up?

I nervously drag my hand through my knotted ponytail. God, what must I look like?

I take another sip of my rocket fuel. Jesus Christ. Who drinks this shit for fun?

“I might just put some sugar in it, if that’s okay?” I say nervously.

“Too strong for you?”

“Yes.” I force a smile. “A little.” Too strong for human consumption, actually. This stuff would kill a dog.

Her eyes drop to my engagement ring.

I wait for her to say something. Please say something.

“So, you’re engaged?”

Oh shit. Not what I was hoping to hear. “Yes.”

Her eyes rise and hold mine for an extended time.

I twist my fingers in my lap as I wait for her to elaborate, which she doesn’t.

“You’re unhappy about it?” I ask.

She rolls her lips and looks away from me.

I swallow the nervous lump in my throat.

“As long as Enrico is happy, I am happy.” She eventually sighs.

“But you would rather he was marrying someone else…” Her eyes drop to the kitchen counter. “You want him to marry an Italian?”

“Yes,” she replies with no emotion.

“Me, too.”

She frowns up at me.

“I wish we didn’t fall in love,” I reply sadly. “Because then I wouldn’t have to choose between my family, my country, and the man that I love.”

Her eyes search mine.

“It’s not ideal.” I sip the caffeinated poison. “I know that I have to give everything up to live here if I want to be with Enrico. He’s made it very clear that he will never leave Italy.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

I shrug. “I don’t have a choice.”

We sit in silence for a while before she eventually speaks. “I just wanted my grandchildren to be …”

“Italian?” I answer for her.

She nods sadly.

“Bianca, I know I’m not Italian, and I know I’m not your choice of a daughter-in-law, but, I need you.”

Her eyes hold mine.

“You and Francesca will be the only family I will have. I have to leave mine to become a Ferrara.” Emotion suddenly overwhelms me at the prospect of leaving my family forever, and my eyes fill with tears. “Believe me, I would not choose to leave my country for love, but love chose me, and I have to make the most of it. We can’t live without each other. We tried, and it didn’t work.”

Her shoulders slump. “It’s nothing personal, Olivia.”

“I know. I wouldn’t want my Italian son to marry an Australian who can’t cook either.”

Her mouth falls open in surprise. “You can’t even cook?”

The look of sheer horror on her face makes me smile. “Nope. Not really.”

She pinches the bridge of her nose, and I bite my bottom lip to stop myself from laughing out loud.

“Dear God, Olivia, you will be the very death of me.” She huffs.

“It’s not all bad. I’m willing to learn. I’m learning your language and doing all I can…” I search for the right words. “I’ll do anything to make Enrico happy. I’m trying really hard, but you need to try too. This isn’t ideal, I know that, but we have to make it work between us… for him.”

Her eyes hold mine. “You’re going to be late for work.”

She’s dismissing me. “Oh.” I drag myself off the chair and go to the sink to wash my cup. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“You’re welcome.”

“See you later then.” I sigh sadly.

She stays silent.

I turn and slowly walk toward the door.

“Olivia,” she calls.

I turn back to her.

“Food is the Italian language of love. You will be cooking well for Enrico. My son deserves the best.”

I frown. What’s that supposed to mean?

“Your first cooking lesson is on Sunday with Enrico’s grandmother.”

Hope blooms in my chest, and I smile softly.

“She does not mince her words. Prepare yourself.” She lifts her chin defiantly, her eyes are hard, but I see a glimmer of softness behind them. Something tells me Grandma is going to be a hard cookie to crack, though.

“Thank you, I’ll look forward to it.” I turn and walk out of the kitchen feeling very proud of myself. I feel like jumping and punching the air.

I think I actually did okay.

It’s 4:45 p.m. when my phone rings and I see Rici’s name on the screen.

“Well, hello there,” I answer playfully.

“Hello, Olivia.” His commanding voice echoes down the line.

“I smile broadly, I missed him last night and I can’t wait to see him. “And to what do I owe this pleasure, Mr. Ferrara?” He never calls me this close to home time.

“I’m picking you up today. Catch the lift straight down to the basement parking lot. I’m parked just outside the elevator.”

“How come?” I frown.

“Just do it.”

“All right.” I sigh. “Still in your bad mood, I see” “Olivia,” he warns. “Do not give me your attitude today. You are right, I am not in the mood.”

I smile. I love stirring him up. I think back to not so long ago when that tone in his voice would have had me running scared. How times have changed.

“I’ll be down in ten.”

“See you soon.”

“Goodbye.”

Fifteen minutes later, I bounce out of the elevator and see the procession of cars waiting for me. Not only is Enrico here, but there are an extra three cars today. Every day it seems like more and more guards are added to the procession. I give the cars behind a wave, and I make my way to the front car. Enrico gets out and opens the door for me.

“Olivia,” he says as I approach him.

“Mr. Ferrara.” I smirk as I get into the car. He shuts the door and makes his way around to the driver’s seat. He gets in and starts the car, leaving me to smile over at him.

I don’t even try to kiss him in public anymore. I know better. He keeps that part of himself locked up safely for when we’re in private. At first it used to bother me that we couldn’t be affectionate around other people, but now I get it. He has twenty sets of eyes on him at all times. He’s much more comfortable with his cold persona. It’s easier this way. He keeps his feelings insanely private, and I like that I get a part of him that nobody else does.

The car pulls out of the parking lot, and I reach over to put my hand on his thigh. He takes it in his hand.

“How was your day?” I smile.

“Fine.” He keeps his eyes on the road.

“You know, I had the best day.”

“Why?”

“Well, I had a talk with your mother this morning.”

“About what?”

“How I’m not Italian and how I’m not her choice for you.”

“She said that?” he barks.

“Not in a mean way,” I add. “In a being honest way.” I pick up his hand and kiss it to try and calm him “And it’s not like I wasn’t expecting it, you know? I mean, at least she was honest, and she wasn’t being nasty.” I frown as I think back to what she said. “She talked to me at least. Last time I met her she didn’t address me once.”

He clenches his jaw and glares through the windscreen.

“What’s that look for?” I ask.

“She had better want to fucking talk to you,” he snaps.

I roll my eyes. “I’m not saying we’re besties or anything.” I shrug. “But it’s a starting point.”

His eyes rise to the rearview mirror.

“I start cooking lessons with your grandmother on Sunday.”

“Olivia, my grandmother will eat you alive. This woman makes grown men cry. Stay away from my grandmother.”

“That’s okay. I can hack it.”

He frowns and mouths the words hack it as he tries to process its meaning. “What is hack it?”

“It means I can take it. I’m willing to put up with it until she comes around to liking me.”

He rolls his eyes.

I reach over and run my fingers through his hair, pushing it behind his ear. “I’ll do anything for you.”

“We are moving back to Lake Como tonight. Your things are already there.”

“What? Why?” I frown.

“Because I said so.”

“Well, I don’t want to.”

“You will do as you are told. And when I tell you to stay home from work, you will fucking stay home from work.”

I screw up my face. “What the hell? What’s wrong with you today?”

He clenches his jaw as he glares out at the road.

“Don’t give me your attitude, Enrico. I’m not putting up with your bossy bullshit.”

“I have a lot on my plate at the moment and I don’t want to be dealing with your disobedience.”

“Disobedience?” I snap. “I’m not a dog, you know?”

He rolls his eyes as we take the turn off to Lake Como.

“I said I want to stay in Milan at the apartment.” He is really beginning to piss me off now.

He punches the steering wheel hard, causing me to jump. “And I said we are staying at Lake Como. I can’t keep you safe in the apartment in Milan. Do not push for a fight with me tonight, Olivia. I am not in the fucking mood.”

I sit back in my seat, affronted.

Safe.

He thinks I’m not safe. Why would he think that?

What happened in Sicily? I’ve been so preoccupied with all of my news that I didn’t even bother asking what the emergency was last night. His eyes flick to the rearview mirror again. That’s like the tenth time he has done that. I turn in my seat and look through the back window. There are two cars behind us and one in front. It’s more security than ever.

Something’s going on.

I watch him as he drives. He’s deep in thought—miles away. Anger is radiating out of his every pore.

Jeez.

I exhale heavily. He doesn’t need me adding to his stress levels and to be fighting about crap. I snuggle back into my seat and close my eyes. I’m going to ignore him. We can’t fight if I’m not awake. I let happy thoughts fill my mind. I dream of our baby… and I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl.

Francesca

Antonio opens the door, his smile broad. “You’re really trying this term, Francesca. No doubt your marks will represent all your hard work this year. Your father would be so proud of you.”

I smile at my trusty bodyguard. If only he knew.

Every day for the last fortnight, I have come to the library for one reason only.

Giuliano Linden.

He’s like a drug I can’t quit, and we meet here in secret. I’m not allowed to date, and even if I were, I wouldn’t be allowed to date him. He’s nineteen. My mother would see him as too old for me. He’s not too old for me. He’s just right—perfect in every way.

I walk into the library with Antonio behind me. I’m holding my breath as I take a seat at the communal table next to a group of girls.

“Hi.” I smile as I pretend to know them.

“Hi,” they all reply politely.

I open my book as Antonio does his usual walk around of the library, checking to see that everything and everyone is in order. Once satisfied, he gives me a nod and goes to wait outside near the front doors. I breath out a sigh of relief.

Every afternoon, I live in fear that he’s going to spot Giuliano in the corner, pretending to study. I can’t imagine what would happen if he did.

Giuliano wears a cap to shield his face. From a distance he looks a lot younger than he is. Antonio hasn’t noticed him yet. Giuliano blends in with the young crowd. I’m hoping Antonio never will discover what’s going on.

My mother would hit the roof if she knew I’d been lying to her.

Right on cue, Giuliano lifts his head, and our eyes meet across the library. He gives me a broad smile. My heart somersaults in my chest and I feel myself light up. I never knew that a smile could make me feel ten feet tall.

But his does.

When I’m with him, I feel invincible.

I make my way over to where he sits. “Hello.”

His eyes search mine as I take a seat beside him. “Hi.”

We stare at each other for a moment. There’s this swirling chemistry in the air between us, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. A palpable energy.

I know he feels the same as me because he tells me often.

We meet every afternoon and talk for two hours. Then we go home and talk to each other all night long on Snapchat. We never run out of things to say. We discuss our hopes and our dreams and everything in between.

He’s sweet and funny—so different to anyone I’ve ever met. He makes me feel like I’m the only girl in the world, and to him… I am.

From our first kiss, we have been inseparable. Our chance meeting at my brother’s house was meant to be. We were meant to be.

It’s serendipity in its finest form.

I just wish we could be alone, but for now, stolen time in the library is all we have.

He takes my hand under the table. “You look beautiful,” he whispers.

I tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear, and I feel myself blush under his gaze. “You say that every day.”

His eyes twinkle as he watches me. “That’s because it’s true.”

I squeeze his hand and he squeezes it back. It’s like we have a secret language only the two of us can understand. “How was your day?” I whisper.

He looks out over all the people in the library. “It’s better now.”

I smile softly.

His eyes drop to my lips. “I just want to kiss you.”

I squeeze his hand again. Me too.

My heart beats faster in my chest.

Giuliano Linden is everything and more.

Olivia

“Olivia, we are home.”

Enrico’s deep voice wakes me from my slumber. I’m tired. I must have gotten all of two hours sleep last night. He leans into the car and helps me out. The first person I see is Sergio. His hungry eyes drop down my body, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.

Enrico stops still and glares at him.

My heart stops. Fuck, he saw it.

“What was that look?” He frowns.

Sergio swallows the lump in his throat.

Enrico walks up to him and leans in only an inch from his face. “I asked you… what was that fucking look?”

Shit.

Sergio shakes his head. “I-I didn’t… I wasn’t… I mean.”

Enrico reaches up and grabs him around the throat, and he squeezes hard. The men and I all take a collective gasp as our eyes widen.

“If I see you look at Olivia like that again,” he sneers in a whisper. “I’m going to hang you by your feet.” He tightens his grip around his neck. “I’m going to cut your fucking throat and watch you bleed out. Do you understand?”