“You are evil!” We laugh as the dress finally gives way for me to peel it off.
“Christ, what a waste. That corset set is fucking gorgeous.” I sigh, knowing she’s right, but I get satisfaction when I walk over to my fireplace and rip it off, throwing it into the fire.
“ARE YOU CRAZY! THAT WAS LAPERLA!” I shrug.
“And a gift from my husband not to be.” She wipes the look of outrage off her face and points at my crotch.
“In that case, burn the panties too.”
Amen sister.
I pull them off and throw them into the flames, then walk into my bathroom to wash off the day. Valentina sits on the edge of my tub while I shower in the walk-in, talking about how her sorority runs this massive party every year and donates the door fee to local charities.
“Sounds like an excuse to party and get bargaining rights for your resumes.” She snorts and nods.
“Yup, but it’s a blast and they’re the best way to socialize. Come on! It’ll be fun.” I turn off the water and grab my robe.
The moment I see myself in the mirror, I relax.
I look like myself again, not some uptown wannabe mobster wife from the Upper East Side. I sit at my vanity and start combing out my curls.
“I’ll ask, but don’t get your hopes up.” She bounces up and down like a child on Christmas morning.
“He’ll say yes. You’ll see!” I look away cause after the embarrassment I caused today, I’m lucky to be breathing.
Asking if I can have a sleepover on a college campus without my security detail after agreeing to marry his closest mafia friend may come off as a way for me to try to run.
I’ll need to find a compromise.
A knock on my door stops whatever Val was saying as she stands and answers it for me. Around here, doors don’t lock, and a knock never goes unanswered.
It’s a curiosity that you’d never get back.
“Chikita, I have wonderful news.” He’s been at me, and my eyebrows go up, hiding behind my bangs.
“Yes?” I ask worriedly.
“Do not look so glum. Carmine has accepted the proposal and has granted you leave to finish your studies before marrying.” My heart skips.
I glance at Valentine, and her face mirrors my own shock.
“Truthfully?” That would mean six more months of freedom since I’m set to graduate in the spring.
“Yes. He believes in proper education, and since you will not be expected to sire him an heir, he wants his wife to be college-educated.” Wait, what was that last part?
“No heir?” He shakes his head.
“Carmine is very progressive. He will leave his side of the family to his nephew, and you, my dear, will be able to live life how you see fit.” He grins at me and cups my cheeks in his palms.
“I don’t know what to say.” It was the truth.
“He only asks that you stay loyal until his passing. However, he felt it best that you sow your oats before the wedding.” Alfie winks at me and then turns away, leaving me sitting with my mouth open in shock.
The door clicks closed, and ten seconds later, Val shrieks.
“DID YOUR NEW FINANCE GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO GET LAID?” I wave my arms at her.
“Will you hush! Fuck, why are you so loud!” I throw my pillow at her, and I regret the error instantly.
