Page 41 of The Crowned Garza

Since Iseppa is not a commodity that Papa can marry off and control anymore, he treats her with the same contempt he used to treat me. Barely acknowledges her existence. Iseppa is tough and stoic, but she hasn’t been handling his treatment well. Papa doted on her growing up. They had a tight father-daughter bond. She was his precious princess. Now he considers her a disappointment and won’t even let her see him.

Her voice cracks when she asks, “How long do you think he has left?”

“A few months, maybe.”

“What will you do then? How do you plan on working it all out?”

“You.”

She’s taken aback. “What?”

“You will stand in as donna in the interim. Think you’re up for it?”

“Merda.” She tugs at her shirt collar. “You know I’m up for it. But not everyone will be on board.”

“Do you give a fuck?”

“Never have,” she responds with a challenging grin.

“Where the money lives, the power hovers,” I say. “Why do you think I worked so hard to take us aboveboard? To ensure that rebellious coup situations wouldn’t even be an option. As with any legitimate empire, whoever doesn’t like what’s coming down from the top, can ship out.”

“Understood.”

“Still, take some time to think it over.”

“Will do,” she agrees with a nod. “How much longer will you continue this double life thing you’re doing?”

“Unsure. Just trust that it will be worth it in the end.”

“I trust you, Santo. I know I wasn’t there for you when we were younger, didn’t protect you from Papa. I have a lot to make up for. But rest assured that my loyalty is wholeheartedly to you. I have your back, and I’m hoping in time I’ll earn your trust, too.”

If only I really could trust her, I would have far more faith in this—experimental—decision. But Iseppa Luciani is her father’s daughter. I know how her mind works, what she hungers for and will do anything to get.Power.

No, I don’t trust even breathing the same air as her.

~

Regalità:I’m stranded and need help. Come get me.

A smile prods at me.

Almost an hour after leaving her house. That’s a record. Usually takes her thirty minutes at most.

Me:Tried a car service?

Regalità:I’ve tried. No one is near. I’ve been here almost two hours. Come get me!

Me:Hang tight.

With a light chuckle, I slip my phone into my pocket and enter the empty restaurant through the private entrance.

Dulce Luciani, my most trusted aunt, stands up from where she’s been sitting at one of the tables as I approach. She kisses me on each cheek in greeting. “You just like to keep people waiting, don’t you?”

“Apologies. Got caught up.”

“So…” She spreads her arms, turning slowly. “What do you think?”

I toss a cursory glance around the newly renovated restaurant. Design and decor aren’t my area of expertise, nor does it interest me. That’s why I placed Dulce in charge of it all. She was once Mamma’s protégé and close friend, but in the wake of Mamma and Papa’s divorce, their friendship became a debris in the ruins.