Page 77 of The Capo's Nymph
“Nico’s Christmas gift.”
“What did you get him?”
“A surprise. I have no idea if he will like it. I ordered it yesterday. Mad?”
Amadeo joins his sister in Maddalena's lap, and she cuddles them both. My heart nearly melts, seeing my family growing closer, but I still want answers. “Nico asked me more questions about living at Mrs. Esposito’s apartment and then we went there.” I push the presents I was wrapping out of the way, scooting closer.
Nico trusted the widow of a soldier to care for my sister after our mother’s murder, but her husband had been in Antonio’s crew. Apparently, she held no love for the Morelli family after her husband’s death, some old grudge with Arturo that Nico wasn't aware of. She squandered the money Nico had given her for Maddalena’scare, treating herself to an expensive lifestyle and a second, much nicer apartment she spent more time in than she did with my sister.
“Che canaglia!”
“Yes, but Nico was so scary when he confronted her, Mat. Like some hideous monster. I would’ve had a heart attack if he’d been threatening me like that, but he was doing itforme. And because of you. I know I haven’t been his biggest fan, especially since he forced you to marry him, but I think he must love you.”
“He doesn’t love me,” I protest. I may secretly hope for love, but I know better than to expect it.
“I understand if you don’t find him attractive with that ugly scar, but I think-”
“That is not… We made an agreement. I care for his children. He protects us. It’s a good arrangement for us, Maddalena. We’re safe. We want for nothing.”
“Everything except freedom.”
I sigh, understanding Maddalena’s frustration. “We have a home. Together. That can be enough, yes?”
The floor creaks, and I startle when I realize Nico is standing in the doorway. I’d assumed Primo had brought my sister back alone, and my husband wasn’t here. “I see you are busy and have helpers with your present wrapping.” He nods at the children.
“Yes. Would you like to join us?”
“No, I have to go back out.”
His expression reveals nothing, but my heart is in my throat, wondering what he heard.
34
Nico
Spice closed early for the holiday, so there’s no one to intercept us upstairs except Bobo. “Your father put me in Antonio’s crew. I just mind the door and do what I’m told,” the huge man says.
“We swear our oath to our capo, not to a captain," I remind him.
"I am your loyal man, Nico. Your word is my law." He swears it on his tattoo.
"Good. You’ll do what I tell you from now on or else. Is Antonio down there?”
“No, Capo.”
I turn to one of my trusted captains. “Take three of your men to his house. Capture Antonio, his wife and daughter-in-law. Do not harm the women, but I want them locked up.”
The man goes, and I turn to Primo.
“Join Enio and Ugo at my house.”
“I’m a good shot,” he protests.
“I know you are, but I’m trusting you with my family right now which matters more to me. Do as I say.”
Swelling with pride, the young soldier hurries off. As much as the extra protection for my family is warranted, I didn’t want to visit his mother and sisters again with bad news either.
Once they’re gone, we descend the narrow stairs. Loud music is playing in the VIP room which aids in the element of surprise. In the hallway, there’s a passed-out Russian with his eight-pointed star and skull tattoo slumped against the wall.
