Page 12 of Reign of Fate
“Since I live here and Raffaele gives me an allowance, Bruto says that I’m responsible for paying the bills on the house. It makes sense,” she says innocently.
“That money was meant for your personal use,” I say, doing my best to keep my anger in check.
“Personal use?” She looks confused.
“You know, stuff like doing your hair or getting your nails done and shit.”
“Oh well, I don’t need all that, and I do live here. It should be my responsibility to pay the bills.” Elisa can see that I’m getting agitated and is trying to pacify me, which only pisses me off more. Bruto’s been taking from his daughter-in-law, a vulnerable woman, during a difficult period.
“You’re not to go to the bank with Bruto, do you understand?” I tell her firmly.
“But I promised.”
“I am unpromising on your behalf. I’ll call Bruto myself. As for the paintings, he had no right to take anything out of this house. This house and all things in it belong to you. I’ll get them back for you.”
“He can have them. They’re just things.” Elisa reaches out to take my hand. “It’s fine. There are a few pieces I’d like to keep that belonged to Guido because they hold fond memories, but the rest of this,” she waves her hand around the room, “is stuff. And what happens when we get married? It will need to be sold or given away, right? Let Bruto have what he wants.”
“First, you will choose what you want to keep for yourself. Put them aside, and once we’re married, we’ll find a place to store them. The house is yours. If you want to sell it, then go ahead. But you can rent it out and make an income, if you choose. That money is yours either way,” I explain. “Bruto will do as he’s told to do. He’s being disrespectful to you. He knows this is not our way. We take care of our own and all widows are looked after for the rest of their days. He knows this and yet has decided to shirk his duty and take money out of your pocket.”
“You’re getting very upset,” she says. “I won’t go with Bruto.” She makes the sign of the cross over her heart, says, “Cross my heart,” and gives me a shy grin. How is it possible that I want to laugh and scream at the same time? Elisa is too naive. She sees the good in everyone. It’s a wonder she hasn’t been taken advantage of before now.
I can’t help but smile. “No one else comes into this room except me or Raffaele.”
“Aye-aye, Captain,” she teases. “Shall I get the captain some coffee before he starts in on that mess?” She points to the desk.
“That would be great,” I reply, and she takes her hand back and gets up to leave. I don’t like it. I want to keep her with me. Hell, I want to haul her into my arms and kiss her. I haven’t felt this compulsion to want a woman since Maria.
I’ve had other women, but never did I kiss them. Kissing is more intimate than fucking. Fucking is instant sexual gratification, whereas kissing requires you to look into a woman’s eyes and straight to her soul. The connection between two people starts with a kiss. At least it does for me. That’s why I haven’t kissed another woman since my wife’s death.
There’s something special about Elisa. She’s nothing like Maria, and yet my attraction to her is uncompromising. I want her. She’s mine, and I vow to protect her. I wait until she leaves the room, then take out my phone.
It rings only once before Raffaele answers. “You good?” he asks.
“Something’s off. Bruto is behaving oddly. It doesn’t feel right.”
“For instance?”
“He took art off the walls and wanted to go through Guido’s personal belongings. And he’s been in Guido’s office. Elisa questioned him about it, but he said it was on Raffaele’s orders. I didn’t think it was my place to question him on this.”
“What for?”
“No clue, man. Elisa said he didn’t look happy when he left. She doesn’t think he found what he was looking for.” I pause, then add, “And get this, Bruto’s making Elisa pay for the expenses on the house from the money we give her monthly.”
“What the fuck!” Raffaele’s roar is loud enough to make me move the phone from my ear. “That’s not what the money was meant for.”
“He’s cutting corners and taking from his daughter-in-law. Shit’s not right.”
Raffaele lets out a heavy breath. “I’ll put a man to watch him. See if you can find what Bruto was looking for.”
“On it.” I hang up and get to work. The only time I take a break is when Elisa brings me my coffee, then later brings in lunch for me. Each time, she knocks and waits for me to reply before entering. She’s a dutiful woman and, as she’s already said, knowing too much can get you killed. Unfortunately, being married to a Mafia man can get you killed, regardless of what you do or do not know.
I ask her to keep me company while I eat, and she sits, perched on the edge of her chair, while we talk. Once Elisa relaxes, the conversation flows easily.
“I have a fairly boring life,” she responds when I ask her about what she likes to do.
“No hobbies?” I inquire.
She bites her lower lip. “You’ll think I’m silly.”
