Page 74 of Urgent Vows
"Not the first one," Giulia says. "From what I can tell. If your father weren't dead, I'd be tempted to shoot him myself."
I probably should have asked to borrow makeup from her. I'm sure the bruise on my cheek isn't helping anyone's appetite. And I hate seeing Severu's sweet sister so upset.
"Amore mio!"Raffaele sounds scandalized.
Giulia gives her husband a challenging stare. "Tell me you don't feel the same. She was kept a practical prisoner for years in that awful man's home while he beat her so badly she had to be treated at the hospital nearly a dozen times. All the while we welcomed him into our home and at our table. Papà and Sev trusted his advice. I hate it."
My heart cracks right down the center. My own family spent years ignoring how my father treated me. And this woman I barely know is genuinely upset. On my behalf.
"The only place he'll be welcomed now is hell," Severu says, his voice chilling.
"You told your family everything," I say to him.
"I did," Miceli says. And he doesn't sound like he regrets it. "We don't keep secrets in this house."
Can that be true? Do they really tell each other everything? They are a mafia family. Even outsiders have secrets in their families. Don't they?
Does this mean they talk mafia business in front of the women? They certainly don't seem to mind discussing the recent attacks. However, last night, Severu had been careful to avoid admitting he had killed my father.
Navigating this new life of mine will be even more challenging than I expected.
"I'm glad he did. You're one of us now," Giulia says.
Aria looks at me with sadness. "I wish I had known, Catalina."
I can only shake my head. How could I have said anything? Until yesterday morning, I had no inklingIwould ever become part of this amazing family.
"Your clothes will be brought over from your old home this afternoon," Severu says calmly as he feeds me another bite of food.
"Thank you," I say after I swallow my asparagus. "You can let me up now. My meltdown is over." I try to shift off his thighs.
But his arm comes around my hips like a steel band. "You are fine where you are."
"But…" I indicate the others at the table.
"We all understand," Giulia says.
They do? Because I don't. I never fall apart like this. And allowing my husband to feed me like a child should be awkward at the very least, not make me feel comforted and cared for.
Giulia gives Severu a cheeky grin. "Though I have to say this more tender side of my brother is something of a surprise."
I'm not sure tender is the right word. Possessive more like.
When the maid comes in to take away the plates, I force down my embarrassment at being found on my husband's lap and shoot for a look of equanimity.
"Wow, you've got the aura of mafia queen down," the irrepressible Giulia says. "I don't know how you manage to look regal sitting on my brother's knees, but you've done it."
Thatmakes me blush which earns me a wink from Raffaele and that only makes me blush harder.
The growl that sounds from my husband sends a shiver of arousal through me and garners a laugh from both of his siblings. Why?
"I meant no offense," Raffaele says. "She is my sister now, though, is she not?"
And I realize the growl was in response to the other man's wink.
I look up at my husband. "Possessive, much?"
"You like me that way," he says.
