Capo Dei Capi (Secrets of the Famiglia Part 1) novel Chapter 71

His rich scent, wraps around me as a breeze blows by, and my throat clogs knowing that this moment, is fleeting. Knowing he is not mine. “Do you think Ren is in heaven?” I ask him. My gaze focused on his harsh face as the flesh under his left eye twitches. He remains next to me, looking into the garden as if it could talk.

“When he looked at you, he could see a glimpse of heaven.” His head turns to me, my face lifted to his, as his stares down at me.

I wish I knew what was going through his head.

“He must’ve been drunk.”

Marco chuckles, “He was pissed. We all were.” His voice is a melody to a sad song, as his eyes, a picture to a lost one.

I remain staring as he looks away, his attention on the rose bushes. We stand in silence, both lost to our own thoughts.

The air is thick, a lot left unsaid. Feelings still linger between us, not fully formed to give it a name, but intense enough that neither of us choose to leave this, here, now.

“Is my sister going to be okay living with your brother?” It is a natural question, and the only thing I can think of to ask at this moment, when the light burns my flesh as the man standing next to me burns me from the inside.

He sighs.

“Is that a no?”

“Your sister could have done worse.”

“That isn't an answer.”

“It's the only you’re getting.”

My sister’s marriage to Leonardo will placate his father. Put a lot of our people at ease.

“Papa will never allow another marriage between a Catelli and Capello.” Of that I am certain.

“It is what it is,” He whispers.

A tear slides down my eye. This is happening.

My sister and Camilla are true Italians and I am a half-blood, not worthy of marrying a Catelli. I can’t give him an heir.

Is it a coincidence that the wind blows, freezing my tear as my heart beat mirrors the exact same chill?

“He won't remain faithful, but he will never hurt your sister physically.”

“Thank you,” I say to him nodding, because what else can I say. I was born into this life. The day my parents gave me life, this life and the struggles I would face became set in stone.

The path I choose from here on, would still lead me to the same ending, Death.

“A woman as beautiful as you never need thank a man. I'll see you around Mezzosangue.” He turns away from me, but it feels like more. Final.

“Why her?” I blurt the words, watching his back stiffen, I can’t take the words back, and I don’t want to. I want him to tell me.

“I need to know Marco, why her? You owe me that.”

“It is what it is Aliyana.”

“Am I not Italian enough?”

“I have never lied to you, Aliyana, don’t make me start now.”