Chapter Ten: The Morning After

Morning arrived with sunlight streaming through unfamiliar curtains.

The disorienting sensation of waking in a strange place.

For a few seconds, she couldn’t remember where she was.

Then everything flooded back.

The singing. Vincenzo’s revelations. The hasty escape. Matteo being brought here.

She sat up.

Finding herself in silk pajamas she didn’t remember putting on.

The bedroom was spacious and elegant. Decorated in shades of cream and blue.

A soft knock at the door made her pull the covers higher.

“Come in,” she called cautiously.

Sophia entered carrying a breakfast tray.

“Good morning, child. I’ve brought you something to eat. Your brother is already awake and having breakfast in the garden. He seems much calmer today.”

Relief washed over her.

“Thank you. I’ll get dressed and join him.”

“There’s no rush. Mr. Russo had to leave early this morning on urgent business. He asked that you make yourself comfortable. Said he would return by afternoon with information you’ll want to see.”

Sophia set the tray across her lap.

“The bathroom has everything you’ll need. Clothes in your size are in the closet.”

After she left, Lucia examined the breakfast.

Fresh berries. Yogurt. Delicate pastries. Coffee in a silver pot.

Food for a guest. Not a prisoner.

The clothes in the closet were similarly considerate.

Simple but high-quality items in exactly her size. From casual wear to more formal options.

Someone had done their research thoroughly.

After showering and dressing in jeans and a soft cashmere sweater, she went in search of Matteo.

The house was larger than it had appeared last night.

A maze of corridors and rooms that spoke of old money and refined taste. Nothing flashy or ostentatious like she’d imagined a mafia boss would prefer.

She found her way to a sun-drenched garden.

Matteo sat at a wrought iron table.

Looking remarkably at ease for someone who’d been essentially kidnapped the night before.

“Lucia!”

He waved.

His face lighting up.

At seventeen, he still had the enthusiasm of a much younger child. His chronic illness never dampening his spirit.

“This place is amazing. Have you seen the library or the game room? They have a full-size pool table and like three different gaming systems.”

She sat beside him.

Searching his face.

“Are you okay? Really?”

His smile dimmed slightly.

“I was scared at first when those men showed up. But then Mr. Russo’s security guy explained that you were in danger and we needed to move somewhere safe.”

He shrugged.

“Once I got here and saw how they’d set up all my medical stuff exactly right, I figured they weren’t planning to murder us or whatever.”

“Matteo, this situation is serious. These people are connected.”

“Yeah, I figured that out.”

He held her gaze.

“But the way I see it, if someone’s after us because of some old family thing, I’d rather have the scary guys with guns on our side than against us.”

His pragmatism surprised her.

“When did you get so mature?”

“Probably around the third time I almost died.”

He grinned to take the sting from his words.

“Besides, Sophia makes amazing pancakes. And she knew Nona.”

Her head snapped up.

“She told you that?”

“Yeah. She said they were friends as girls in Sicily. That Nona was the prettiest girl in the village and everyone was in love with her.”

He tilted his head.

Studying her.

“Did you know any of this mafia stuff about our family?”

“No. I’m still not sure I believe it.”

She lowered her voice despite the garden appearing empty.

“We need to be careful, Matt. We don’t know these people or what they really want.”

“Mr. Russo seemed pretty straightforward when he came by this morning.”

“You spoke to Vincenzo?”

She couldn’t hide her surprise.

“What did he say?”

Matteo leaned back.

Enjoying his role as information bearer.

“He apologized for the abrupt relocation. Asked if I was comfortable. If my medical needs were being met. Then he said something about confirming our family connection and making arrangements for our long-term security.”

“Long-term?”

Her stomach twisted.

“We can’t stay here indefinitely.”

“Why not?”

Matteo gestured around at the beautiful garden.

“Our apartment is a dump, Lucia. You work yourself to death cleaning other people’s houses while I sit around being useless.”

“You’re not useless.”

“My point is, if these people want to protect us and give us a better life because of some old family obligation, maybe we should let them.”

Before she could argue further, a tall, thin man in a suit approached from the house.

“Miss Marino. Mr. Russo has returned and requests your presence in his study. Your brother is welcome to continue exploring the grounds with Carlos.”

He gestured toward a younger man standing a respectful distance away.

Matteo grinned.

“Carlos already promised to show me the garage. Apparently there’s a collection of vintage cars.”

She squeezed his hand.

“Be careful.”

“Always am.”

He replied easily.

“Go find out about our mysterious family history. I want all the details.”

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