Chapter Two
Genesis
“ I said I’d marry someone you approved, but that didn’t mean now! I’m still in college. I’d like to at least work in my field before you saddle me with an arranged loveless marriage so that I can start popping out babies.” I cross my arms and stare at my feet.
I know better than to talk back to my father, but if I don’t stand up for myself now, I’ll end up with some sixty-year-old man who doesn’t speak English.
“Your father needs a male heir.” My bio dad says through his teeth.
“Alfonso Torelli is not my father, you are!” His hand flies out too quickly for me to brace for the hit.
My head smacks into the wall, stunning me badly enough that my knees wobble in my heels, and I stumble to the ground.
“Have you any clue how hard it’s been for me to watch you grow up under that man’s care? I did it for you! Be grateful and do as you’re told.” Marco storms off, leaving me staring at his back while I cup my stinging cheek.
“Chikita, I’ve told you not to upset him. He has never had the temperament to nurture. Come, let us put some ice on that before it bruises more than necessary.” Alfonso offers me his wrinkled old hand to help me stand.
“Is being my daughter really such a chore? You live in luxury and want for nothing. All I ask is for some bambinos.” He spreads his hands as I imagine he wants me to spread my legs to give him just that.
“I love you like a real father Alfie, but it would be nice if he gave a shit about me. Just once, I want him to choose me first.” My old man chuckles at me.
“You want a bear to learn new tricks? That is not how our lives work. He either follows orders or he dies. Let us talk of happier things. You know I detest business at the table.” He pulls out my chair at the dining room table, and I sit like I was taught.
“You’re right, as always.” I smile at him as he puts some ice from the wine bucket into a napkin before bringing it up to my cheek.
“He made you bleed.” He sucks his teeth and it’s like he let the ice on my face slither down my spine.
“Please, don’t.” I whimper, knowing better men have died for much less.
“Your heart is too big, Chikita. It will not do you well in the Cosa Nostra. However, it is your birthday, so I will give you this boon.” I relax and take hold of the ice myself.
“Thank you, Papa.” He kisses my temple like a real father would.
I’ve never once doubted that this cruel old man loves me like the daughter I’m supposed to be and enough, though I know he would never hurt me himself, I know he’s capable of ordering someone else to if he thought for one moment I was no longer valuable to him.
In the Cosa Nostra, if you are a woman, the only value you have is your womb, and if I don’t start using mine soon with whoever he chooses, I may end up in the fancy ovens our meals are cooked in.
“How is school?” Such a normal topic with a mafia boss that looks like and smells like Santa Claus, but will gut you faster than any grim reaper.
“Very well. I’m maintaining my GPA, and I’ve earned an internship at a local law firm that I believe was on your approved list. The Benowitz group?” I nod at the maid who brings in our salads.
“That’s wonderful! Yes, that firm is acceptable. They’ve been helping our family for decades.” Great, just what any law student wants to hear.
“So graduation is set?” He takes a forkful of the leafy greens in his mouth and chews as he watches me fumble with my words.
I’ve never been able to lie to him.
“Yes, I’m on track to graduate this spring.” All the warmth in his eyes couldn’t hide the sinister grin that spread across his face.
“Wonderful, a spring wedding.” I swallow the bile that fills my mouth and nod.
It’s not like I ever had a choice in the matter anyway.
“Just run away,” I stare at my ceiling lying in bed with my phone pinned to my ear.
“Really? How? I can’t outrun the dogs, and last I checked, bullets hurt. And, yes, I do believe all those cute guards would shoot me in the ass if I run.” Val chuckles at my pain.
“I can distract Johnie, but Bruno scares me.” I sigh and flip myself over, reaching for my nail polish.
“I’ll be back at the sorority house tomorrow. I wasn’t allowed to call a taxi tonight, and no drivers were available.” I roll my eyes, but my best friend gets super quiet.
“What?” I sit up and stop painting my nails.
“Just wondering what the top headlines will be tomorrow.” Oh fuck.
“Change the subject, please.” She clears her throat, and for once, my life has rendered her speechless.
Valentina Torelli is the closest thing to a normal relationship I have.
My cousin legally, but we’ve both known the truth since I was twelve. Leukemia almost killed me until my father’s assassin walked in with a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Papa told me the truth when I recovered.
Marco never forgave him, and they barely talk now unless it’s about business, which is never about me.
“What are you wearing to the Halloween party?” Christ, I’d rather talk about my daddy issues.
“Why are you forcing this on me?” Her laughter is by far my favorite sound in the world.
“Because you, princess, need to get laid before you’re sold off to the highest bidder.” I cap the nail polish and give up trying to be normal.
“Thanks for the reminder.” I can hear her rummaging in her closet.
“Nurse or Catwoman?” Ugh no.
“Neither. Nothing so fucking cliché.” I blow on my nails as she rattles off a few more suggestions.
“I got it! Just bring your cowboy boots.” I roll my eyes but can handle a cowgirl look more than a slutty schoolgirl.
“Fine, but I will not play any of the games, drink, smoke or participate in any orgies.” She goes quiet again, but this time I wait her out.
“On second thought, I’ll dress you like a nun.”
Bitch.