Loving DeMarco

chapter 3 DeMarco pov

POV DeMarco:

“Hey, are you going to do it, or should I? I got things to do later, and you have that party at papa’s.” My brother Emetri was sounding impatient, as he tossed his bloody shirt on the car and swapped it out for a clean one. I took off my suit jacket and gold watch, handed them to my body guards, Fiore, and Brio, who was also my cousin. “Don’t rush me. I like to take my time. Besides, shouldn’t you be going too?” I replied as I rolled up my sleeves and grabbed my gun from my belt. “You’re his favorite son, he won’t even notice whether I’m there or not,” Emetri laughed. “Besides, those women are too stuffy for my taste.” “Ha, that’s true, they are. And I’m not his favorite son.”

I pointed my gun. The man was already bloodied and beaten, that was Emetri’s favorite part. When were kids, he was always getting into fights, but he never lost even if he was the smallest. The man was on his knees, hands tied behind his back, choking on blood while whimpering for mercy. Why do they always expect mercy from a killer? I pulled the trigger without remorse. It was the same as I had done countless times before. I didn’t need to know his name or anything personal, none of that mattered to me. If you steal from, disrespect, or double-cross the DeLuca family, you pay. It’s always been that simple. The first time I killed a man, I was 10. My father put his gun in my hand and told me it was time to be a man. My childhood ended that day and I never looked back.

I motioned to a few of my men to clean up the mess, while Emetri and I got into separate cars. As I headed to the party, I wasn’t sure why I never told Emetri about what papa had mentioned to me earlier this morning, about me getting married and giving me the Estate. I think I was still trying to process the whole thing, and I guess I didn’t want to add to his idea of me being papa’s favorite. I love my brother and I didn’t want to say anything that could make him feel worse; he was already having a hard time with papa as it was.

I had only just arrived to what would possibly be my new home, and I already wasn’t enjoying myself at this little social affair that my father had organized. All I could hear in my head all day was my father’s voice. I think the old man has truly gone insane. I mean, he’d have to be if he thinks I’m just going to marry a complete stranger. I am only here out of respect for my father, I didn’t want to embarrass him by not showing up. I knew that he had already told everyone I would be here. He was always so proud to brag on me, even though I never quite felt worthy of his praise.

Of course, I was grateful that my father had purchased such a beautiful estate for me, but it was the stipulation that came with it that triggered me. Marriage. I figured I had more time to discuss it further with my father later, if I could find him in the sea of guests. Afterall, it’s not as if I was getting married tonight. In the meantime, I might as well try to enjoy myself, if that’s even possible.

There were swarms of beautiful women here, all very familiar with my father’s name, money, and status. All hoping to be the next Mrs. DeLuca. All of them hoping to be La Doña. Even if I did ever plan to marry, I know it wouldn’t be to anyone like that. These women are vipers willing to do anything they have to for a position of power. But none of them understand the risks of being a mafia wife. It’s a dangerous and merciless lifestyle.

I kept looking for my father, but he was nowhere in sight. I figured I’d circle the room and find him that way, but as I was walking I felt someone crash into me. I had spilled some of my champagne, and thankfully a server was passing by just in time for me to swap the glass for a napkin. When I looked down to see who had collided with me, I saw her.

She was unlike anything I had ever seen. Young and tender, yet with a fire in her eyes that matched her hair. Very beautiful, no doubt, but there was something vaguely familiar about her, but I couldn't quite figure out what exactly. Had I seen her somewhere before? Where? When? Doesn’t matter, I suppose. I had more pressing issues to deal with tonight. I had to find my father so I could talk him out of his ridiculous notion that I was going to marry his consigliere’s daughter. I apologized to the young lady for having collided into her brother, then I was on my way.

While swimming through a sea of people, I spotted Sante, our family accountant and a close friend of mine. “Ah! Sante, mio fratello, come stai?” I greeted him. “La vita e molto bella!” he cheered. “Are you enjoying yourself,” I asked. “How can I not! So many beautiful women here tonight. I’ve had my eye on one in particular across the room. I’m about to go make my move now before it’s too late, you know how it is,” Sante replied as he laughed and patted me on the back. “Happy hunting, brother!” I shouted as he walked away with two champagne glasses.

From the side of my eye, I noticed someone walking upstairs. I turned to see it was my father. Finally, I thought to myself. This was the perfect time to discuss with him what’s on my mind. Immediately I follow behind him and open the door of the room he entered. “Papa, I’ve been looking for you. What are you doing up here?” “I needed to make a phone call, it’s quieter up here. I’m glad you’re here though. We need to further discuss tonight’s announcement, about your engagement.” I rubbed my head in frustration. “Papa, I’m not getting engaged tonight…or ever. I’m NEVER getting married. I’ve already told you it’s not what I want for my life.” My father threw his hands in the air and began to shout, “Do you think it’s all about what you want! Do you think I did all of this my whole life just for you to throw it away when I’m dead! I am trying to leave a legacy and I refuse to allow my sons to ruin that! If you don’t marry this girl, if you don’t handle your responsibilities, I’ll have no choice but to put you on the shelf. Is that what you want?! To be put on the shelf and ruin the DeLuca name!”

Those words felt like knives in my stomach. In the mafia, to be put “on the shelf” means, in more or less words, banned from the mafia. That means you can’t show your face in any clubs, restaurants, churches, or any gathering affiliated with mob members. No help or favors, no financial support, no protection for you or your family, niente. Literally an outcast. Would my father really do this to his own son? He loved this life more than anything, possibly even more than his sons. I stood there with my mind racing, numbed by his words, but refusing to show it. Just then, his phone rang. It was a brief call because all he said was, “We’re on our way,” then he hung up. He looked at me with furious and disappointing eyes and said, “Let’s go.”

Not really knowing why, I followed my father back downstairs, through the crowd of tipsy people, and down the hall where we entered his office. The very same office where I had first received the news of this arrangement earlier that day. As he opened the door, I saw papa’s consigliere, Valentino, standing by his wife, Zaharina. As I closed the door behind me, there in a corner I saw her standing quietly, almost fearfully in a way. What was she doing here? She couldn’t possibly be the consigliere’s daughter…

My father greeted the CostaDellamarinas as he had many times over the decades. It seems everyone in the room knew each other, except she and I. My father gestured me closer to the mystery girl and says, “Gaia, this is my eldest son, DeMarco DeLuca. You may not remember him so well; you and your sisters were quite young the last time you met.” Gaia. Finally, I had a name for her. Gaia, it fits her. I understand now why I felt as if I recognized her. I did know her, a long time ago when she was just a child, I was in my 20’s then. I never spent much time with Valentino’s family. I always liked to keep business and family separate as much as possible. Strangely enough the only thing that was vaguely familiar about her was her the color of hair. I gently and politely kissed her hand and said the only thing I could think to say at the time, “We met earlier at the party. I didn’t realize who you were.”

Papa sat down in his chair behind his desk and began to explain why we were all here. I could tell by her reaction that this was the first time she was hearing of it. How unfortunate, at least I had a heads up. She was totally blindsided. I could see that she wasn’t taking it well and it was getting very intense, so I offered to take her outside for air, and have a moment alone with her. I must admit, it was a relief to know that she was against this as much as I was. Other superficial women would have jumped at the opportunity to marry me, not realizing there was nothing about me worth marrying.

We stood separately on the terrace in silence. Perhaps this was a glimpse of what our marriage would look like if I were to go through with it. I watched the waves crashing over and over. It was always calming for me to watch. After we finally began to speak, I could see how innocent she was in a lot of ways. I won’t be responsible for corrupting her. I kept stealing glimpses of her from the corner of my eye. She was even more beautiful in out here. The moonlight landing on her mahogany skin at just the right angle, coinciding with the breeze blowing strands of red hair across her face. The wind blew her scent straight to me to taunt me. I used this as an opportunity to get close. I lightly brushed the strands behind her ear, slowly and purposely touching her smooth cheek with each fingertip. I didn’t want her to fall in love with me, but I couldn’t deny the definite attraction was there.

We decided to reenter the party so that I could return her back to her parents. As soon as we stepped back inside, I saw everyone gathered around my father as he held up his champagne glass, the way one does right before a toast. Still holding onto Gaia and not thinking much of it, that’s when I heard my father announce our engagement. There were no words to describe what was boiling inside of me. I didn’t want to hurt Gaia, because I knew I wasn’t the kind of man she needed. My lifestyle was not what she needed. She had no idea what would happen. I had to get out of there fast. Without even thinking, without even saying a single word, I left Gaia, hopefully for good…