I am Emily Rose

Chapter 9: Family introductions

Riccardo's P.O.V

I wake as the sun starts to rise. The time on my phone tells me it's 04:30am. I look at the sleeping beauty beside me. She looks so peaceful and innocent with her raven black hair spread out on the pillow, those plump pink lips and the soft sound of her breathing. I'm careful not to wake her as I slowly get out of bed. I make sure she's covered, and I close her door as I leave. I make my way to my room to take a shower. Today's going to be a long day. I have a meeting with the Board and I need to interrogate a few assholes that may have information about our delayed shipment at customs in Cuba. I'll call Aldo as soon as I'm done here. I hope that he has more information about the fire at the apartment.

I am wearing a charcoal Armani suit with a light gray button-down shirt. I always leave the first two buttons undone. I feel claustrophobic in these suits sometimes. I prefer my black jeans, white t-shirt and black leather jacket. But hey, I suppose I have to look the part when meeting with the big boys.

Aldo meets me downstairs in my office. It's early for him to be up and ready to go. I know that he likes to sleep in. "Morning. You're bright and early this morning." He gives me the side eye.... asshole.

"Did they have to meet so early?"

"Yes, Aldo. Besides, we need to go through all of our ammo if we want to get our point across to the board."

"The Board" is a kind of mafia ruling party. These old geysers are responsible for handling tension among clans and to keep the income flowing into the Syndicate. We currently have issues with the Cosa Nostra. I have a feeling that they're responsible for last week's shipment that was delayed. If not, then I need to pay a visit to my old friend at customs, Louis Pesci.

Emily's P.O.V

I've just taken a long shower. I needed to wash away the bad memories of my dreams. Riccardo told Martha that he'd be home round 7 to pick me up. We're having dinner tonight with my mother..... I pray that all goes well. I stand in front of the closet, not knowing what I should wear. Martha unpacked some things for me, seeing as my whole life literally went up in flames. I pull out a cool pale blue summer dress with a white cardigan, I'll pair that with cute white sandals. I think I'll leave my hair loose and just curl the ends a bit. I apply light make-up and spray some perfume.... Oh, it smells heavenly! I need to ask Martha what it's called.

I think I'll go wait in the living room for Riccardo. Just as I was walking down the stairs, I could hear him talking to someone, "I f*****g told you to get it done! I don't like repeating myself, Silvio!" He sounds furious about something. I know that I shouldn't eavesdrop, but I wonder what has him so riled up? I stand still at the top of the stairs and try to hear what's going on...

"What do you mean you tried? Try f*****g harder you imbecile! I want it taken care of! Do. You. Understand. Me?"

Riccardo storms out of his office but doesn't see me at the top of the stairs. He walks straight to the living room. I quickly make my way to meet him there.

"Oh, hello. How was your day?"

"Hey signora, all good. My God, look at you...."

He takes long strides coming my way. He looks very attractive right now in his suit. He takes my hands in his and starts to kiss my knuckles. His lips are so inviting and warm on my skin, I can feel my legs start to go weak.

"Oh, my! What happened to your hands?" His knuckles are bruised, and the skin is grazed open. He obviously patched them up but it still looks painful.

"Oh, that.... umm...I hit a guy that ran a red light. The fucker almost hit me"

"You really hit someone? Are you alright? Is he alright"

"Yeah, of course, nothing that I can't handle."

He moves away and goes upstairs. I think he's going to take a shower. I'm surprised that he could actually hit someone.

He's not gone long, when I hear him descending the stairs again. I can smell him from here. That manly scent that only he has. He looks edible in a pair of black jeans, a white t-shirt and a black leather jacket. His dark hair is sleeked back, and he's ready to leave.

"Shall we?"

"We shall... You look nice."

"Sweetheart, the way you look right now makes me wanna go back upstairs with you."

After a 40-minute drive, we arrived at my mother's house. Oh, please let this go well. Riccardo parks the car in the driveway and comes round to open my door. I take his hand, and we walk up to the front door, but before I can ring the doorbell, my mother pulls the door open and stares at Riccardo with a look that could kill.... Oh God, this is it.

"What the f**k are you doing with my daughter?"

"Mom, please don't be rude. This is my friend, Riccardo Bernardi.... The one I spoke to you about over the phone."

"Don't! Emily, get inside, I need to talk to your... friend."

"But, mom..."

"Now!"

"It's OK, you go inside, and we'll be back in a bit. I need to put your mom's mind at ease."

Riccardo is taking this well. My mother is fuming, and the poor guy hasn't even come into the house yet. What could they possibly talk about outside? I've never seen my mother so ruthless.

"Why are you involved with my daughter? Can't you people leave us alone?"

"Amanda.."

"Elanor, my name is now Elanor."

"OK, I apologize... Elanor. Look, I have the same goal as you do. To keep Rosa safe."

"Emily..... Her. Name. Is. Emily Rose."