The Mafia Heir I Shouldn’t Love

Chapter 3

Vittoria drops me off at home, and I go up to my room to try to rest and make sense of what is happening in the city. It seems to me that Alessandro was genuinely worried about seeing me alone in the square. I didn't dare ask Vittoria for an explanation because I don't think she knows how to explain things in the serious manner the situation deserves; she’s far too excited about me meeting this Julius fellow.

That night, I have dinner alone with Nonna. She prepares her famous carpaccio, and after several plates, I feel quite satisfied.

“Has my father still not returned?” I ask, noting how empty and silent the house feels.

“I believe there were issues with the storage in one of the warehouses,” she mentions in her husky voice. Hearing that, I feel the urge to ask if by "product" she means drugs or weapons; it’s been a long time since I’ve known exactly what my father does for a living. All I know is that he makes enough money to bribe the police and the government—something the Carusso family also disputes.

“I suppose he won’t be coming for dinner then,” I deduce, letting out a sigh. I stand up from my seat, and Nonna looks at me with a touch of sorrow. “I’m going to bed now; I’m quite tired.”

“Buona notte, bambina mia,” she bids me farewell. I approach her and give her a kiss on the forehead; then I remember the incident with her grandson. I’m not sure if I should tell her what happened, but I don’t want to worry her at her age.

Nonna clears my plate and takes it back to the kitchen while I try to return to my room, but upon reaching the foyer, I catch sight of Alessandro.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, somewhat surprised. It’s past eleven at night; he should be resting.

“I think I was quite discourteous to you earlier; I left so quickly without even asking when you arrived,” he explains apologetically.

“I think you’re exaggerating,” I mention, approaching him to link my arm with his, guiding him toward the living room. He walks beside me without resistance, and we both take a seat.

This time he is wearing black trousers and a black shirt, along with a gray coat; only the clerical collar is missing and, though I shouldn't admit this, he looks quite attractive.

“When did you arrive?” he begins with a smile; he seems happy to see me.

“This morning,” I admit.

“Have you finished university yet?” he asks. His words sadden me a little; it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other, and I suppose it’s normal that he knows nothing about my life.

“I’m now a graduate in Commerce,” I say proudly; they were four difficult years.

“Congratulations,” he says, touching my hand. “Time flies, don’t you think?”

“Yes. And, as it turns out, you traded agro-industrial engineering for...” I’m not sure how to say it without sounding rude, “...the priesthood.”

He shrugs.

“It isn’t something you choose; it’s something that calls you,” he explains with a certain passion; then he pulls his hand away from mine.

“Who would have thought the biggest womanizer I ever knew would become a priest?” I mention with a hint of mockery. It truly is something I never would have expected.

“Life takes many turns,” he justifies. “Why did you come back, Romy?”

The expression on his face turns serious, and in the silence of the room, I feel somewhat uncomfortable.

“For my father and for Vittoria. You know I’m a sentimental girl, and the truth is, I missed them quite a bit.”

“I know how you are; you don’t have to explain it to me.” He rests his elbows on his knees and leans forward, interlacing his hands; that posture unsets me. “But it seems to me you shouldn’t have come back.”

“Why not?” I insist, glad that it’s him bringing up the subject. “Is something wrong in Verona?”

“I think you already know the answer after what you saw in the square.”

“I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding. Both you and I know that the Monttecis and the Carussos aren’t supposed to cause conflicts in the tourist zones; there are established boundaries.”

“Romy, even if the agreement isn't officially broken, things have happened that have put that pact at risk. Almost no one respects it anymore; the families themselves have stayed on the sidelines, but those who serve them have been causing trouble all over the city,” he explains. “It’s only a matter of time before that changes and a turf war begins.”

“How do you know? What has happened for you to deduce something so grave?”

Alessandro falls silent, weighing his response.

“They’ve been finding dead people—from both the Carussos and the Monttecis,” he declares flatly, with a bluntness that shocks me.

I swallow hard. I don’t know what to say, but in that moment, I remember what Vittoria mentioned about an agreement. If deaths have already occurred between the most dangerous families in Verona, I understand why Julius is trying to reach out to me.

“I... I didn’t know,” I stammer.

“I came here to ask you to go back to Rome,” he suggests, looking serious. Though I understand he’s worried, now that I know the truth, I can’t just leave and abandon my father; I should do something too. “I appreciate your concern, but I think you’re forgetting who my family is. I think I know how to take care of myself.”

“But, Romy...”

“Forgive me, but if something were to happen to my family, I wouldn’t forgive myself for not being here when they need me,” I state firmly.

“Mia bambina?” I hear Nonna’s voice behind me. She’s already wrapped up to head back to her own home. “Do you have visitors at this time of night?”

Instinctively I stand up; Alessandro mimics me, and we look at each other like two teenagers caught in the act.

“Alessandro was just leaving, Nonna,” I inform her. “He just stopped by to say hello.”

“Yes,” he plays along. “I heard she was back and wanted to greet her, but the seminary consumes my hours and I couldn't get away until now.”

“Well, of course; if you like, I can bring you some coffee,” she says.

“That won’t be necessary,” Alessandro interjects. He walks toward Nonna and persuades her not to go back to the kitchen. “I’m leaving now. If you like, I can drop you off at your house.”

Nonna nods. I accompany them to the door and watch until they disappear. That night I can’t sleep, thinking about Alessandro’s words; I search for news on my phone and am alarmed to discover reports of looting, robberies, and murders. Everything indicates the agreement has been broken.

When the sun begins to light up the room, I look around. The large windows lead to a balcony with an enchanting view. My bedroom is elegant, decorated with wallpaper of a rose garden that makes me feel like I’m in a fairy tale. I get out of bed, making my way through the fine fabric canopy. I put on a blue sweater and my slippers.

I open the balcony door, and a fresh breeze scented with roses fills the air. The Montteci garden has belonged to my family for generations. Once satisfied with the morning sun, I head back inside; my phone screen shows a message from Vittoria:

“I ordered some accessories at 'La Roma' jewelry shop. Could you go pick them up?”

I furrow my brow. Vittoria doesn't seem to understand the gravity of what is happening. She lives her life far removed from the problems and, while I envy her, she shouldn't be so careless.

“We shouldn't go into the city,” I reply. She writes back immediately: “We need them for the costumes. I would go, but I’m at work until eight. If you want me to go downtown alone later, I will.”

I clench my fist, realizing she’s manipulating me into going. “Give me the address,” I write.

I go to my luggage and take out a blue dress with puffed sleeves and matching heels. After getting ready, I head down to the first floor; there is a lot of movement. I see people carrying boxes and tables toward the garden; it looks like there will be a meeting.

In the dining room, I find my father having breakfast. The aroma of his coffee is pleasant. I give him a kiss on the cheek and sit beside him.

“Buongiorno,” he greets with a smile. He tries to hide his exhaustion, but the bags under his eyes give him away. “How was your first night?”

“Quite peaceful,” I lie. Nonna appears with a tray of pastries.

“Buongiorno, bambina mia,” she greets me. “What can I get you for breakfast?”

“I’m actually not hungry. I’m going out; I have to pick up an errand for Vittoria.”

Suddenly, Nonna shoots a glance at my father. Both seem to share a certain complicity; she furrows her brow with worry.

“Alone?” Nonna asks.

“Yes,” I say as I take a pastry.

“Where are you going?” my father asks, taking a sip of coffee.

“To a jewelry shop. Vittoria can't go because of work.”

“Wouldn’t you prefer someone from the staff to do it for you?” he proposes. “You can stay here and rest.”

“No, I’d rather do it myself,” I affirm.

Now that Alessandro has told me everything, I want to see with my own eyes what is happening in the city. From the expressions on my father’s and Nonna’s faces, I deduce that something serious is going on, but I don’t understand why they are trying so hard to hide it from me.