For The Famiglia: Arranged Devotion (Complete)

Welcome to New York

The weather in New York was much cooler, with a chill in the air, unlike home. It was the same sort of weather when I had visited as a child my mother decked out in her fur coat it was a nice memory just my mother, my sister and I while father and Don had ‘business’ but I was already missing my New Orleans the festive, lively streets of my home it wasn't as though New York was quiet if anything it was so loud it was almost deafening and frankly I couldn't wait to go home but I knew she just had to get through the weekend. The streets were crowded with people and at first glance, we probably looked like just a regular family not that I would even know what a normal family looked like however, I knew that wasn't the case. We spent our day as most women in our world did coffee, lunching, shopping and a spa that was basically how most women was very few worked if any or maybe a hobby thrown in but otherwise it was like living the lives on a day in real housewives. It had never been my favourite thing though my sister and aunt loved it probably because they were used to it but it had never been in my taste probably because papa always instilled some hope in me about wanting more in life after all I was the youngest I held no social obligations aside from being polite at parties and social gatherings.

“What do you think of this, Catarina?” Aunt Patrizia’s words finally broke through tearing me from my deep thoughts. I simply smiled it was the fifth shop we had gone to and the black heels were starting to hurt my feet.

“I've missed shopping in New York. I haven't been since Torre took me here four years ago” there was a strained smile of obviously fond memories but mixed with dark ones. Torre wasn't the worst husband considering the men of our world he was nice, took care of my sister and was even a good father always helping her with the children which again was never a given but he had his flaws one that was common amongst our world infidelity. That trip to New York four years ago was an apology for Belanci finding out about his mistress it wasn't the first time and wouldn't be the last but that was her cross to bear marrying a man like that. A cross I certainly never wanted to carry.

“It's beautiful this time of year too. Just before it gets too cold” Patrizia smoothly changed subjects at the obvious sudden tenseness in Belanci “you think Fia would want to walk down the aisle in a big coat” Patrizia giggled to herself

“Coat or not Fia will look beautiful. It wasn't surprising they wanted her for New York... I'm surprised Enzio Damiani didn't scoop her up for one of his sons” Belanci commented her dark eyes still flitting from dress to dress in front of her.

“Marco is engaged. An agreement with Las Vegas that would only leave...” Patrizia visibly shuddered at the thought “Santos, I would pity the poor girl who is put with that beast” it was obvious from the look on her face of what she thought on the matter after all she was once in a similar position “you better keep your head down tonight Catarina” Patrizia grew weary at the thought.

“Yes, let me just pull out my trench coat and fedora hmm?” I couldn't help myself but tease and my aunt couldn't look more unimpressed.

“She is being serious, Cat” Belanci insisted. Between the three of us, we would speak freely about the world we lived in when it came to our parties and gatherings however the mask would be in place with smiles and a false sense of friendliness but in our little bubble we could be free to speak.

“It isn't my first social event” I couldn't help but scoff however this seemed to happen every time reminding me to be a good girl on my best behaviour as though I was stupid. I could admit I was mouthy but I wasn't suicidal “I know how to conduct myself.”

“It's very important, Catarina. New York isn't like home remember that” the way Patrizia spoke it sounded like a threat. It was just a warning, a warning to how they weren't in their territory anymore. On enemy lands and to step carefully because there are many more landmines on the battlefield.

:::

I kept to my word a smile on my face with an arm looped with my older brothers, he cleaned up nicely dark wavy hair slicked back wearing a navy blue suit it was obvious really why so many women had a tendency to fawn over him “remember the rules, Cat” he muttered into my ear once again it made me question if I was such a petulant child, however, I kept quiet a smile still in place as we entered the large hotel lobby the ceremony had finished and we had to make our way to the banquet hall for the reception. It was grand with its beautiful marble tiling and gold linings but it went unnoticed by most of the people who entered growing up surrounded by such grand luxuries it was easy to overlook them.

“I know, Donny” I grumbled after his worrisome gaze seemed to be glued to my face I held her head high however as we walked through the entrance. I didn't say anything else and Doneti couldn't hide the glint of concern in his eye not until we were actually in the room surrounded by Familia he had to quickly save face after all my brother would always be mixed up in the mafia world unlike me, I was still young and was looking at a different future though that could all change in a blink of an eye especially when there were social events.

“Just make sure you remember” it was infuriating sometimes at their bothersome nagging I had to keep my smile on since the room was already full of guests mostly family, New Orleans or New York. It was tense between a lot of the men but they grit their teeth put on their best smiles and were formal it was how it worked in these situations business came above all even at a wedding it was another business transaction, I didn't care though I just wanted to find Fia congratulate her then disappear till the party was over. Doneti had already disappeared from my side and off no doubt hitting on someone or discussing business it seemed to be the only thing the men I knew did though unfortunately without my brother and the rest of my family socialising about I was left alone and just hoping the time flew by and I could return to my beloved New Orleans.