Capo Dei Capi (Secrets of the Famiglia Part 1) novel Chapter 16

I turn to look at the man, jumping out of a black Maserati parked directly behind mine.

Deno Catelli is our underboss, today he fits the title well. His black suit has silver linings on the edges. His shoes glimmer under the nights sky. I tilt my head as the soldiers surround him, yet still keep their distance. Yes, he fits it quite well.

All the people around him stop and stare in awe as his presence surrounds everyone on the street. Deno Catelli is a man born to be Capo of the entire Famiglia. Maybe he could even be the Capo Dei Capi? I know my desire to know who is the man my father answers to and advises is not the smartest thing to know. Knowing such a secret in the 5th State is like getting infected with a fatal virus.

Deno’s strong jaw loosens as his gaze is drawn to me. He grins. I smile, aware it has been months since we have seen each other.

Not for his lack of trying, but the guys and I have been quite busy with our things these last few months. The last time I was in our future, Capo’s presence was an amusing memory. It involved me, a bottle of tequila and his bar counter. The thought makes my skin fluster.

Everyone knows Deno is next in line to be Capo. What I want to know is why Marco isn't.

Deno gets ushered away as the soldiers walk him inside.

“I don’t remember him being so heavily guarded before.”

“I heard Marco and Marcello flew in with a jet.”

I frown just thinking about him, Marco Catelli. He stole that touch from me, and now I hear his name wherever I go, why?

He isn’t a man I knew before today. Yet, he has crept his way like a thief into my thoughts. His black eyes, a haunting promise in my mind. I’ve only met him once, but it feels like I have seen him before today. An unwanted thought crosses my mind and I do well to push it back.

One time in that man's presence is more than enough to know seeing him again in one day will be too much.

I don't question why my eyes do a quick sweep of the men around. I am too scared of the answer.

My Papa says that sometimes ignorance is the most significant defense we have in this world if we want to stay a bit longer. Ignorance is bliss.

"Aliyana, let’s go." My stepmother holds my elbow, not giving me much of an option but to follow.

Gabriel walks behind us, not saying a word. He is aware of my she-demon stepmother. She is his father’s sister, so like I do, he puts up with her shit. But Gabriel DeMarco is a man who I know won’t think twice of zapping his father’s sister if she pisses him off.

“How are you going to find a husband if you are always hugging different men?” She scolds me.

"Guardando." By looking

She drops my elbow as we step inside.

I spot the twins and my sister talking to Aunt Fay. The old lady is close to 70, but she doesn’t look a day older than 55.

My stepmother dislikes the woman. Talking to Aunt Fay always gives Guilia a lot of satisfaction when my stepmother shoots her daggers.

"Looking isn't going to get you married."