Page 22

22

Allegra

W e found each other again after falling asleep. It was slow, and lazy, and perfect. I honestly thought Bonnie would wake up and freak out, but she didn’t. She rolled over, and the dance began again.

Once we’d finished, we didn’t go back to sleep. Instead, we spent a few hours talking about everything and nothing. It was refreshing to have a normal conversation that wasn’t laced with familial worries or complicated business deals. No matter how hard I try to distance the family from the underworld around us, there is always something lingering in the background, ready to pull me back in.

But last night and the early hours of this morning were different. I didn’t have the prickle at the back of my neck as we talked about favourite movies or Bonnie’s wool obsession. I had to know where it came from. She took my jibes as they were intended: light-heartedly. I managed to get her to admit she enjoys fine Italian clothing better than a cardigan, so I call that a win.

I found out her favourite colour—orange—which surprised me due to her love of beige wool. Her favourite food? Cheese and onion sausage rolls, and her favourite animal is the Giant Panda. Solid choice; the creatures are cute. Most importantly, I now know her favourite books, which then led me to download Mob’s Seduction . We read some parts together until we reached the spot Bonnie had reached the day I took her. She refused to read any more and banned me also, which I found funny. She lasted ten minutes until her curiosity got the best of her and we continued the story.

The conversation then took a more serious turn. Bonnie wanted to know more about the other Mafiosi families and our pact. I shouldn’t have told her anything, but if anyone deserves some clarity, it’s her. She asked about the Arellos and if I really thought she was in as much danger as we originally believed. I understood her confusion, considering Giani hasn’t made a move at all. He’s quiet—too quiet—and I know that means he’s scheming, but I didn’t want to freak Bonnie out, so I told her we just needed to be cautious a little while longer until I was sure she could go home.

We both grew quiet when I said “home” because it burst our bubble. As wonderful as our time together has been, it will end. She will go home and resume her life, as I will. Instead of ending things on a down note, I rolled her over and peppered her with kisses. We fell asleep an hour later, after a few more rounds.

The sun kissing the top of my head woke me. I often sleep with the drapes open because I love the smell of the ocean and the breeze, which smells of vines and sea salt. Now I wish I’d shut them so the light hadn’t woken me. Because as soon as Bonnie wakes up, it’s over.

Maybe one night was all we were ever meant to be. Let’s be realistic; we’re completely incompatible. Our lives are too different, Bonnie is too innocent, and I hate that she’s been dragged into this life through no fault of her own.

She stirs beneath me. I’m wrapped around her with my face against her shoulder. I think it might be my new favourite place. I hardly recognise myself. Days ago, the feelings I had towards Bonnie bordered on contempt, but now I think I got it wrong. I think my heart knew she was dangerous for me and acted accordingly. The anger and frustration were a protective shroud my heart cast around me to prevent this.

One night with Bonnie Moorside and I’m wrecked.

“Mornin’,” she mumbles as she turns into me. Her head tucks under my chin as she wiggles her body, burrowing into me. I can’t help the smile that forms on my face.

“Good morning,” I reply, kissing the top of her head.

“I love your accent,” she says sleepily.

“I know. You told me several times last night,” I chuckle.

“Well, it’s sexy.”

“Mmm.” I don’t want this to end, but a look at my clock tells me it’s going to, and fast. I have a lot on my plate and can’t shirk off. Bonnie told me she plans to talk to Lorenzo today, and I don’t want her to back out of that because she’s with me. It’s important they get the chance to connect, or at least get some closure.

“Would you like some breakfast?”

“I don’t want to move,” she mumbles.

“You don’t have to,” I laugh. Reaching over, I take the phone and dial 1. It’s a direct line to the kitchen. With breakfast ordered, I snuggle back down and hold Bonnie for a little while longer. Only when I hear the knock on my bedroom door do I pull myself out of her embrace.

We sit and eat, sipping coffee that makes Bonnie wince. She’s never had a proper espresso before, which is a tragedy. I have to explain why Starbucks and Costa Coffee are not the bar to which one compares a good cup of coffee.

“I have to go to the office,” I say once the food is finished and coffee is drunk. I can’t put it off any longer. She nods, but doesn’t look at me. “Bonnie?”

Sucking in a breath, she lifts her eyes. “Is this it?”

What can I say? I don’t want it to be a one-night stand, but in what universe could we ever be more? There is already a ticking clock counting down to the day she leaves Italy.

“I think it has to be,” I say softly. “I think a friendship with you is all I can ask. If you want that, too.”

She smiles gently and cups my cheek. “It’s not what I want, but I don’t think we have any other choice.”

I close my eyes because looking into her face is causing me actual pain. She’s so beautiful, and I’m angry at myself for allowing this to happen. As wonderful as it has been, I’ve well and truly set myself up for pain, just like I did with Petra. Only this will be worse, because I know Bonnie is a good person. She’s nothing like Petra, and in another life where I’m not on the cusp of becoming Donna Malgeri, I would have held on to Bonnie and never let her go, because she is the real deal.

We dress and Bonnie leaves with a sweet kiss on the cheek. I’m sure, like me, she will take a bit of time to fully digest what happened between us. But I’ll have to do my processing later. I’ve got work to do.

“So, you fucked her then,” Rosa says from my office door. I clench my jaw and pretend her casual use of the word “fuck” is anything but an insult to what Bonnie and I did last night.

“Careful, Rosa,” I caution.

I don’t have to see the eyeroll to know she’s doing it. Pushing off the frame, Rosa settles in the chair opposite me. “No need to get sensitive. I’m just a bit surprised.”

“As was I.”

“Good, though?”

“Fantastic,” I murmur.

“And this morning?”

I shrug. “It didn’t end in tears, if that’s what you mean.”

“Okay. Good talk. Now, on to business. Giani is way too quiet. His absence isn’t sitting right with me, Allegra.”

Putting my pen down, I lean back and look up, closing my eyes. Just one day of peace is all I ask.

“I agree, but until he does something, my hands are tied. The other families are aware of the situation. I can’t undermine the pact, otherwise Giani wins. I need him to fuck up first.”

Rosa rubs her chin. “Shall I double the surveillance, then?”

“Yes. I want to know where he is at all times.”

“Done. Are you personally receiving this week’s shipment?”

Nodding, I stretch my neck. “Yes, I’ll head to the docks tomorrow night. Changing up the schedule was a good idea. It stops the Arellos from fucking with any more of our cargo. I don’t know if I can talk Lorenzo down if it happens again.”

Rosa bites her lip. “Are you going to tell him you want out?” she says. I freeze at the prospect.

Is that what I want? To be fully out and free of the mob? The thought would have been unthinkable a few months ago. So much has changed.

“Meaning?” I ask.

She shrugs. “I’m not stupid, Allegra. For all your blustering about becoming Donna Malgeri, you’re miserable. And don’t think I haven’t noticed the decrease in shipments recently. You’re slowly pulling the family away from that side of things. You have been since taking the lead.”

I smile at her because Rosa always impresses me. She’s smart and on the ball. Putting aside her mistake the other night, Rosa is the ultimate professional and is keen to learn.

“Is that a problem for you?” There are people in this life who love it. I’m talking about the criminal aspect; they love the rush and some enjoy the cruelty. Giani Arello is a prime example.

“No, why would it be? As long as we’re making money, I don’t give a shit either way. I’m just worried.”

“About?”

“Lorenzo. As much as he’s tried to steer the family in the right direction, he’s still his father’s son. The Ferrante family is at the top of the food chain, and I’m worried he won’t be as happy to leave that part of things behind. It’s in his blood, Allegra.”

“It’s in mine too. Trust me, I understand. The money we make through that line of revenue is staggering. It’s easy money and it keeps us in power. But is that a good reason to risk our freedom? I’m not being dramatic when I say our lives are in constant danger. We’re not untouchable, as much as the other families like to believe. The Ferrante family has more money than God! We don’t need any more. But we do need to be smart and make sure we’re still around to spend our billions. Every time we secure a shipment, I’m aware it could be our last. For all I know, the feds will be waiting for me tomorrow and I’m tired of living like that when it isn’t necessary.”

“Hey, I get it. I think the rest of the family will too, as long as they get to keep their lifestyles. But Lorenzo?”

“He will see sense. He has to. Maybe Bonnie’s appearance is the key.”

“Maybe. Just tread carefully, Allegra. You’re not the named Donna of this house just yet.”

“I understand. And thank you, Rosa. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

Our impromptu conversation has a pit of vipers curling around my stomach. I feel like I’m battling on all sides right now. Surely Lorenzo won’t fight me on this? Not when he’s already so tired and ready to retire. He has to see there is no future for the family if we stay on this road. One day the Mafiosi will be taken out, and I don’t want us anywhere near it when it happens.

I need some air. The Arellos, Lorenzo, and the shipment tomorrow, follow me like a black cloud. I’d like to tick one thing off my list so it isn’t weighing me down. The shipment tomorrow is the only thing I can really control right now. I’ll reach out to our guy inside the feds to make sure we’re not on anyone’s radar. It’s not a surefire way to make sure we’re not under surveillance. The law knows we have people in their ranks and are usually extremely guarded about any plans they have against us. Our guy is solid, though. No one would suspect him, so I have faith I can trust him if he tells us everything is quiet.

The sea air fills my lungs and I feel the darkness clear. I may not like doing this job very much, but I’m damn good at it. I’ll work out a way to convince Lorenzo we need to permanently step away from the Mafiosi. I’ll deal with the Arellos. I’ll do it all, because I’m heiress Allegra Malgeri, soon to be named Donna Malgeri of the Ferrante family.

I’ll do it, because it’s the only way I could possibly have a real chance with Bonnie Moorside.