ON HOLD A Dangerous Mafia Love Story

Marco! Polo!

“Please I just want to get home so I can sleep.” I took my apron off and stuffed it in my bag. “Not until you tell me what you want for your birthday. Come on, you know I’ve been saving up.” Marcus pleaded. “I never agreed to a gift in the first place. You know I don’t celebrate my birthday.” I shot back as I wrapped my hair up with a hair tie. “Babe you’re turning 21. That’s like the only major life milestone next to getting married and dying. And plus, we already have one foot in the first door.” He wouldn’t let up. “Fine. For my birthday I want a white cream strawberry cake along with a first class ticket to the Bahamas.” I jokingly gave my same far fetched annual request to his dismay. “You drive a hard bargain, but I definitely can get you a cake with strawberries.” He reasoned with me and I didn’t complain. “Just make sure it has those giant ones from Kelly’s bakery.” I agreed further.

“Why don’t you celebrate your birthday anyway? Is it cause of your dad?” He inquired as we neared our apartment building. I hadn’t seen my dad since I was a kid, but that never stopped him from asking about my family. “Even as a kid I hated my birthday. My parents would throw these over the top parties and yet kids never played with me, just my toys and gifts.” I explained no longer affected by the memory. “Every time you talk about your dad he seems like an asshole.” He seemed almost sympathetic. “Trust me, if I had the chance, I’d run him dry for being such a d**k to my mom.” I laughed pulling out my house keys as we approached our apartment. Marcus knew to never ask about my mom, she was off limits. Before I could unlock the door, a man approached us abruptly. “Are you Nicole Santini?” He was slightly skiddish as he fixed his glasses. “Excuse me?” I distanced myself behind Marcus scared of the unknown person. “It’s okay babe.” He comforted me, “What is this about?” He pressed the man who looked more nervous than threatening. He focused his attention on me, “Are you Ms. Santini?” He asked again. “I don’t go by that last name. It’s Thompson. Can I help you?” He somehow knew my real name which frightened me. “Yes ma’am, I worked with your father.” He blurted his words as he took an envelope out of his briefcase. “My dad?” I immediately took the sealed paper opening it. “You should probably get a law-” he tried stopping me before I read it but I couldn’t resist. I scanned over the page stopping on a specific passage.

“…Due to the untimely and tragic death of our beloved client, the entire fortune of Ennio Binchelo will be forfeit to his only offspring ‘Nicole Chrystal Santini’. This includes: liquid assets, property and real estate, stocks, as well as an immediate cash deposit. This estimated fortune of 5.3 billion dollars will be transferred immediately upon request…”

“I need to sit down.” I found myself growing lighting headed as I plopped on the porch steps. “Ask and you shall receive.” Marcus inappropriately joked but I did feel exactly the same way. “You’re also required in Italy as to claim the deed of your father’s property as well as to complete all necessary paperwork.” He added. “Italy?” Marcus turned to me confused. “You told me you were from Canada?” He took the letter noticing the Italian insignias. “Yeah, I told you a lot of things.” I turned back to the man. “How did he die?” I hesitantly asked not wanting to feel grief over him. “Hiking accident. Terrible fall..” he responded but part of me felt that wasn’t the whole truth. It was probably best I didn’t know. “Well if there’s anything you need, here’s my card as well as his accountants number.” He handed me his card with a sharpie’d number on the back. “Thank you.” Marcus pulled a couple of dollars out to give the guy and I cringed knowing he wouldn’t be so chivalrous if I wasn’t now a billionaire. “Who knows how much he’s getting paid.” He shrugs as the guy walks down the street to catch a taxi. “You’re so embarrassing sometimes.” I rolled my eyes as we entered the building.

—

“Can we just think about this first?” Marcus paced back and forth. “What is there to talk about? We’re rich!” I threw my hands up. He was upset that I was going through with all of this on a whim but I didn’t care. “You don’t think this isn’t a little too good to be true?” He grew anxious thinking we were somehow scammed. “My father, who was a very sketchy, left me a multibillion dollar Italian fortune. Yeah he was an asshole that didn’t raise me, but f**k Marcus.” I stood to my feet, “We don’t have to worry about bills, making rent, losing our car, or buying a damn cake. We’re set for life. No more ramen and red-box. Plus, if we decide to have a little s**t we can send them to college.” I grabbed his face excitingly but he was still unconvinced. I calmed myself down still trying to reason with him. “Why did you lie to me?” I could see hurt in his eyes and I groaned biting my lip. “Before I came to America, my father made me promise not to tell anyone about who I or he was. Or more so, I couldn’t have any ties to him once I came here. Why? I kinda I have an idea, but there was never a clear answer.” I sat on our 3 foot wide loveseat. “And you fine to owning his house? What if there’s bodies and s**t hidden or something?” His continued protested almost angered me. “How about this. We take a simple trip, check out the property, maybe even shop a little and THEN we decide what to do.” I took his hand and kissed it trying every stop to convince him. “Plus, we can finally take that trip to the Bahamas now.” I ran my hand under his shirt caressing his abs. He eventually came around I jumped for joy rushing to the back room to pack my things. That move always works.

—

“Thank you so much Benny.” I got off the phone with my dad’s accountant. “Oh so you’re on first name bases?” Marcus scoffed as we sat on the tarmac waiting for the plane. “He’s in the middle of transferring over 5 billion dollars into my bank account. Of course I’m gonna butter up the guy.” I defended myself. “Just don’t forget who put the ring on your finger.” He playfully pushed my shoulder. “Do you think the private plane tickets were excessive? I don’t wanna us to be that couple that blows all there money in a year and then get arrested for tax evasion.” I shield my eyes from the sun as the whole plane rolls up. “Even then. It’ll be the best year of our lives.” He was becoming more and more relaxed the more real things became. I was the exact opposite. We gathered our luggage as a courtesy-cart driver pulled up to take our things. “Careful, I have her birthday gift in here.” He winked towards me and I wanted to kick him for still buying me a gift but blushed anyway.

—

“You’re laughing again.” Marcus’ face was still red from our failed mile high club attempt. “Who knew private planes had ‘higher air pressure’ which causes d***s to not work.” I joked to his further embarrassment. “Don’t worry, there’s a jacuzzi that’ll soothe d**k enough for a good fucking.” I kissed his neck placing my hand on his leg, “At least, I hope it’s still there.” The cab driver cleared his throat and I snapped out of my sluttiness. I found myself now growing anxious as the driver neared the house. Even though I was adult, I immediately turned into the same scared little girl from years ago. Marcus took my hand back which helped calm my nerves. “You mean to tell me ‘this’ is where you grew up as a kid?” He rolled down his window looking in awe and the brick and stone architecture. “He still never changed those ugly bricks?” I scrunched my nose as I always hated the moss and bush infected brick exterior. We exited the car as a van with our luggage pulled up next to us. We were greeted by; Tito, the consultant that delivered me the news, and a middle aged woman holding a welcome basket. “We’re so glad you made it.” Tito shook our hands introducing us. “I’m Jón. I’ll be your housekeeper for as long as you wish to have me. I start two weeks after you sign the deed.” Her accent was heavy yet her English was perfect. “Glad to have you.” I tried being kind but my nerves were at a 10. “Shall we look inside?” Tito motioned as he waved Jón away taking the basket himself.

—

“The house interior has been perfectly preserved over the years. It’s practically new.” He eagerly let us into the front door. I took my sunglasses off admiring the large marbled foyer and gloss painted mezzanine. “It’s definitely..different on the inside.” I felt like I was in some vampiric mansion; this isn’t the family hike I remember. I went from beyond happy to feeling complete dread as I stood here. “There are 8 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms. The master bedroom takes up the entire top floor, there being 4 in total not including the basement and attic.” He carried on. “Your room also..Nicole?” He raised his voice to get my occupied attention. I looked to him and he could tell I was worried, “Per your father’s request. Your room has never been touched outside of weekly cleaning by Jón, previously done by Martine. What you choose to do with it is solely up to you. It’s quite pristine.” He bragged and I didn’t know how to feel about that. I went back into my trance. We then heard tussling from one of the second floor rooms which caused concern. “I thought you sent the maid home?” Marcus instinctively grabbed my arm. “There..shouldn’t be anyone up there.” as Tito went to investigate a man rushed to the top of the steps. “Whoa. Didn’t mean to alarm anyone-” he was a pretty tall fellow with greasy hair. “Sir this is private property.” Tito warned pulling out his phone. He put his hand up cautiously giving a warm smile. “I’m Mr. Binchelo’s private accountant. I was cleaning out my office. I didn’t there know would be guests” He pointed to the storage box full of ‘his’ stuff. “Private accountant? Well, I’m gonna need to see some identification.” Tito insisted not wanting to believe him. He reached into his pocket and handed him his wallet and license. Tito read his information and seemingly shuttered at what he saw. “OH. Of..of course sir. My apologies.” He cleared his throat before handing the information back. “Are these buyers? I didn’t think we were selling the house.” He questioned looking over at us but mainly me. “Oh no, their the previous owners inheritors. Nicole here is Mr. Benchelo’s daughter.” He presented us and I awkwardly waved to him. He looked fixated on me almost like he’d recognize me from somewhere. “I’m Marcus.” Marcus stepped in between us holding out his hand. He still stared at me intensely as he shook it. He then held his hand out to me, “I’m Mercutio Perchino. You can call me..Marco.” He gently took my hand in a more intimate manner. “Wow Marco and Marcus. How could I forget that.” I joked as I waited for him to let my hand go. He didn’t and we continued staring at each other until Marcus cleared his throat. “Well, uh, I guess you should be going. We have a lot of ground to cover as I’m sure you can see.” I moved back towards Marcus. “Well in that case I’ll be going.” He quickly took the box and exited the house. “That was awkward.” I said under my breath as we continued the tour or shall I say re-tour.

—

“Here are the rest of the keys. If there’s any problems you can call me or Benny.” He handed me my keys before leaving off in a cab. I let out a deep sigh before turning back and headed into the house. Now that I was actually here I wasn’t as confident as I thought I was about all of this. I rushed back into the house not wanting Marcus to go through stuff without me. “Everything in here is locked. What’s the point of re locking everything.” Marcus placed his hand on his shoulders as I met him at the top of the steps. “So you can’t go snooping without me.” I dangled the keys in his face. “You actually can check the master bedroom. Go wild.” I gave him the key knowing I didn’t want to be up there alone. He took them quickly rushing up the stairs to investigate. I padded down the second floor hallway. I eventually came to a door, the door.

“Sleeping Beauty” a flip board hung and I turned it over, “Rise and Shine Princess.” I scoffed at the cheesy thing snatching it off. I found the corresponding key staring at it. Only time I saw this key was when I was on punishment and when I was off punishment. At least parents locked me away when I was difficult instead of hitting me. Just as much as it gave me anxiety then, I had it even now. I placed my hand on the doorknob, yet could not bring myself to insert the key. This was too real for me. I let go wiping my hand off.

—

“This definitely beats a spring mattress in a box.” He pressed on the ostrich feather California king sized bed before sitting in my dad’s chair. Seeing my parents room and all of his belongings conflicted me. I was never allowed up here as a kid so I felt completely out of place. “You look like this is your first time being in here.” He laughed slapping my hip. “Cause it kinda is.” I stood near the neighboring vanity running my hands over the desk. “This is where she sat?” I asked myself filled with memories of my mother. I almost teared up but fought myself refusing to mourn. “Your parents had taste.” He pulled a mint box of vintage cigars out the night stand. “Please don’t.” I quickly shot him down causing him to put them back and stuff one in his shirt pocket. I looked over to see the closet. Something about this made my heart drop. “Can we get a hotel for the night. I don’t think I’m ready to sleep here yet.” I instinctively begged too overcome with unfamiliar emotion to stay here. “You spent all this time convincing me to come all the way here and now you’re chickening out?” He scolded me but simultaneously came to my comfort once he saw I was actually upset. “Look. It’s gonna be okay.” He held me and I felt like there was a lump in my throat. What’s wrong with me? “How about this? What if I take one of your old man’s fancy cars and drive down to a local bakery and get you that birthday cake. We celebrate, and then we’ll find a hotel if you’re still not sure.” He caressed my face cheering me up instantly. I nodded as he kissed my forehead. “I should be back before nightfall.” He shouted rushing out the room. “How dare you enjoy thing more than me.” I said to myself as I let out a hefty sigh.

—

I sat in the first-floor office daybed. I would get homeschooled here by a 60 year old woman who always smelled like tobacco and pound cake. Ironically, I cracked the window as I lit my cigarette. I felt like I was fulfilling some rebellious fantasy as she always told me never to smoke like my father. That’s one thing he left with me, nicotine dependency. The window faced the front of the house as a car pulled up. I knew it wasn’t Marcus because he took the most obnoxious car in the garage. The driver door opened and it was the private accountant. “Oh you’re back.” I hit my cigarette jumping over the window as he exited his car. “My father must have been paying you well.” I took note of his apparent luxury. “I’m very lucky for what I have.” He removed his sunglasses. He was wearing a nicer suit than what I last saw him wearing and his hair was more well kept. “Nice suit. Special occasion?” I asked as I sized him up. “No, I’m actually here to show you the safe. It’s pretty hidden, and there may be documents that need to be processed.” He explained holding out a key. “Wow, more and more surprises.” I put the cigarette out before taking the key from him. We walked back into the house and he checked around foyer. “Is your husband home?” He asked unbuttoning his suit jacket for comfort. “He’s actually my fiancé of 3 years and we’ve been together 5.” I leaned against a bookshelf. He turned to me and sized me up as well, “3 years seems like a long time to wait for marriage.” He didn’t take his eyes off of me just like before. “We were pretty poor as of a few days ago. It was never a rush.” I crossed my arms almost insulted by his remark. He came up to me slowly and took my hand examining the ring. “In my family, anything under 10 carats is an insult to the bride.” He stared at the small ring closely. I snatched my hand away, “Aren’t we looking for the safe?” I shot back feeling completely disrespected by him. “I’m sorry. I just can’t help but defend a beautiful woman.” He turned away heading upstairs. I slightly blushed at the compliment but was still pissed.

—

“Let’s see.” He stared intensely at a bookshelf rubbing his chin. “Don’t you know how to open it?” I asked still not sure if I trust him. “Ah well, the password is ‘Precious’. Yet there isn’t a book on here with that name.” He explained pulling out random books. I stepped up to the bookshelf examining it. My eyes then locked onto a specific anthology. ‘Chateau’s Untold Fairytales’ I scoffed once more this time with a grin. “Precious is a princess from a story my mom use to tell me.” I pulled the book causing the shelf the click and slide open. We were met with a modern tech safe that stretched ceiling to floor. “It’s a bio-activated lock. Only your father can open it. So logically, you can too.” He pointed to a fancy looking lock set up. “Seems a little excessive don’t you think?” I nervously asked wondering what he wanted to keep hidden. He stood there waiting for me to open it. I hovered my hand over it and then got the same feeling from me trying to get into my bedroom. “I think I’ll wait until Benny is here to open it.” I pulled my hand away not wanting to unlock it in front of him. He seemed upset I didn’t do it but changed his demeanor. “Well, whenever you do decide. Make sure you have a really good lawyer.” He gathered himself getting ready to leave. “Why would I need a—” “You know, you really shouldn’t smoke. It’s not attractive for a woman like you.” He began walking off. I swallowed my words caught off guard by the remark. “Excuse me?” I felt compelled to follow after him. “No one will marry you if your teeth are falling out and your skin wrinkled.” He put his sunglasses on not breaking his stride. “Rude..” I said lowly. “So what? You’re his private accountant. Just tell me what’s in there.” I offered in a way not wanting him to leave so soon. He stopped and at this point we were back on the mezzanine. He took his sunglasses back off looking like he wanted to say something but repeated himself, “You should get a good lawyer.” He continued back into his stride. I didn’t chase after him as he wouldn’t budge. “Asshole..” I cursed under my breath pulling out another cigarette.

—

“God..even..*slap*.. the water..feels luxurious.” Marcus breathed heavy as he pumped into me repeatedly. I hated when he talked about random things during s*x but his d**k was a good distraction. “..yeah..” I respond in my currently raunchy voice. I made sure we faced the unkept grape and olive fields. I refused to look at the shitty brick while being f****d. Eventually, we both finished. As good as it felt, s*x with Marcus was so routine it was like showering for us. Amazing, yes, but I’d be lying if I said the s****l spark was fresh.

—

“Sorry all the hotels were booked.” Marcus held my face in his palm kissing me. His hand trailed down my t**s and stomach as I stared at the bed canopy. “I’m still pretty jet lagged.” I shooed him away as he tried taking my panties off. He looked disappointed moving back to his side of the bed. “Yeah, you’re right. I wouldn’t want sloppy seconds in my dads bed either.” He turned over turning off the light. I rolled myself over with my back to him as I finally started mentally taking everything in. I spent 14 years of my life trying to forget about my family, just to be back where I was all these years later. Who knew what I’d be in store for. I reached for my neck then shot up, “s**t! I left it in the bathroom.” I quickly got up and Marcus didn’t react as usual. I rushed into the bathroom paranoid even though I knew it was in there. I grabbed it off the counter holding it up. It was my diamond necklace I got when I was born. It fit more like a choker now and I can’t only wore it to bed, no other time. Before I left the bathroom, I noticed my phone on the charger. I picked it up remembering the sharpie’d Italian phone number.

“Miss Thompson?” His clearly groggy voice spoke. “Sorry, to bother you Benny. I was calling cause..” I trailed not sure if I wanted to know the truth. I reassured myself. “Do you know if my father had any other accountants.” I asked him curiously. “Your father was a very private man. He rarely let others near his money. I’m practically the only one that can still touch it besides you.” He explained confirming my suspicions. “Did he have anyone close to him named Mercutio Perchino?” I pressed further wanting answers. “No, I don’t recall such a person.” He sounded confused, “Who is this person you’re referring to?” He then grew suspicious of me. “He said he goes by the name Marco. He showed me the safe.” I added. He seemingly almost choked on nothing before speaking it. “Marco you say?” He grew increasingly unsettled. “Do you know him?” I grew eager but I could hear him moving around over the phone. “You didn’t open it did you?” He sounded like he was preparing to yell. “No! No, I wanted to call you first before I-” “I must regret to inform you, Mrs. Santini, that I quit.” He now sounded panicked which frightened me. “What you can’t just..you can’t just quit! Who is he?” I tried to calm him but he hung up. “What the f**k?” I looked at my phone screen as if it would give me the answers.

~~~~~