Page 6 of Arranged & Unhinged
Serena practically turned tail and ran, and I figured this was the best time to move in. Dom seemed to pick up the same clue and we both moved towards our wives. As we approached, Lorenzo had a gleam in his eye, and raised an eyebrow at me. I was still undecided what to make of him. He seemed not to be a threat, but I had thought the same thing about Aria. My wife had proven deadly. Literally.
In a stern tone, “Aria. Could you try to refrain from making a scene?” She turned to me with that sickly sweet smile in place.
“But Maximo, whatever do you mean? I simply let her know my position, and that I would prefer her not to talk to my new friend here.” She held a hand in Sophie’s direction. I glanced over at Sophie, whose face was now flushed, as she dipped her head down and away. When we had approached, Lorenzo had moved to the other side of Sophie, looking awfully protective of her. That was unusual. He had a glint in his eyes. Dom stood on her other side, but he also was standing awfully close to her.
I didn’t like it, but I would not be bothered with this now.
“Let’s try to keep thingstranquillofor the evening, yes?” It was more of a command than a request.
“But of course, Maximo,” she drawled out, making me tense. Dom met my gaze, and their was a slight twitch to his eyes as he proceeded to lead Sophie away.
“I will call you later, Maximo, about our business.”
“Of course, Dom. Enjoy the evening. Sophie.” She nodded ever so slightly to me. Very respectful. She wasn’t my type per se, but she actually was a pretty woman. She looked even prettier this evening dressed in that blue dress. I could see why Dom was having problems though, because the woman had curves.
I was about to speak with Aria on the side when I noticed her family approaching. Her mother was dressed in a silver dressthat did little for the imagination, especially at her age, not to mention the makeup caked on her face. That was something I did appreciate about Aria. She did wear makeup, but it was so subtle you almost couldn’t tell she was wearing any. She was trailing like a desperate puppy behind her husband, their two sons striding forward. Nino and Rico were respectable men. They had occasionally spoken to me in private about the shit they experienced at home. I knew Aria had to watch as her father paraded women around the home. That was not my intention. Bianca was not supposed to confront Aria on our wedding night, and I would make sure no woman would ever come to the home, or anywhere near Aria. Even if we were an arrangement, and even if she did slit Bianca’s throat, my goal was not to disrespect my wife like her father had his wife.
I had not had time to confront Nino about his sister, but I knew he had heard about our wedding night. Somehow, the word spread very quickly, which meant I had a word with my men who had been present. When I found out who spread the rumor, I had his heart, literally, in a jar by the next day. I had it set out in my office as a reminder for any of my men who came in to meet with me.
Giuseppe, his hand coming out for a shake, nodded at me, but ignored Aria and Lorenzo. That pissed me off. I had no problem with Lorenzo’s lifestyle, and the fact that the older generation would ignorefamigliawas disgusting behavior. We were not of the old times anymore. We all needed to keep up with the times. And Aria? Bullshit!
Nino and Rico both verbally acknowledged their sister though.
“Aria. Lorenzo.” Nino was formal.
“Sis. Cuz, looking good.” Rico was more casual.
Lorenzo was standing beside Aria, tense. But he nodded at his cousins.
“Giuseppe, I would appreciate it if you would greet my fucking wife.”
Giuseppe seemed taken aback. “Umm, sorry Maximo.” With a tight smile he said, “Good to see you, Aria.”
Usually my men referred to me asEl Capo, but honestly I hated the title in public.
I heard Aria’s sweet tone return with, “Papa.” Frankly, I wasn’t sure if he deserved that much.
Hesitating for a moment, Giuseppe turned to Lorenzo. “Lorenzo,” voice tight. “Good to see you, son.”
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Rico roll his eyes.
“Uncle.” It came out terse. Well, apparently, uncle treated nephew the same way father treated son. Disgusting!
I nodded to Mrs. Sanchez. “Good evening, Giorgia. Hope you are enjoying the evening.”
She stepped up slightly, with an anxious smile. “Good evening, Maximo. It is a fine evening for dancing.” Her eyes darted to her husband, who tensed and looked away. Didn’t seem like that was happening tonight.
“Aria darling, you look beautiful as always.”
Aria was brief in her response. “Mama, thank you.”
Giuseppe turned back to me, and said, “I just wanted to come say hello. I will leave you to it, Maximo.”
I simply nodded at him, as he turned away. Giorgia nodded slightly, then rushed after her husband, following in his wake. What a pompous asshole!
I turned to Nino and Rico who were still standing here. “Mind if I have a word with you, Nino?”
He looked at me for a moment, assessing, then nodded.
