Page 63 of Vicious Impulses (The Capo and Ballerina)
I’m Caelian Ziccardi’s wife… and I’m at peace with my new life.
NINETEEN
Caelian
“C,we’ve gotta do something sooner than later,” Matteo says. He’s dropped by my office in the underground compound of my estate. He’s a spitting image of his deceased twin brother, conjuring up residual violent urges out of me.
Most people would be disturbed their boss murdered their brother. Their twin brother no less. Matteo Bandini is cut from a different cloth. Born and raised to be part of this ruthless lifestyle since the time he was a boy, much like myself.
I drag my attention away from the reports that have been left on my desk. “Are you going to tell me what you’re whining about, Matteo? Don’t let me think you’re mourning your trash bag of a brother. You can always join him.”
“Never, C. Enrico got what Enrico deserved. This is about what’s going on with Nero. Don’t you think we need to plan our next move after the sharpshooter and the guys at your estate?”
I grunt in answer, offering no further thoughts.
It’s true that I haven’t properly addressed the brewing situation between Nero and myself. Tensions continue to rise between our families. He’s given no indication his demands have changed, meaning he still expects Pa to agree to his new business terms. He still expects Nevaeh to be returned.
Over the past week I’ve been distracted. Nevaeh and I have found a way to not just coexist, but slowly thrive together. Every night’s been full of mind-blowing passion while our days have been no less pleasing.
We started off on such disastrous footing that it’s been astounding the progress we’ve made in such a short time.
Our marriage is coming up on a month, and I’m tempted to seek Ms. Poitier’s input regarding what I should do. If the occasion would warrant some type of celebration. If that would be what she and other women considerromantic.
“I’ll handle the situation,” I say vaguely, after fighting through my wandering thoughts. “You do what you’ve been instructed to do. Keep order around the estate and be my mouthpiece with the rest of the crew.”
“Yes, C.”
Matteo steps out of the way and reveals we’re not alone. Ms. Poitier, being the eyes and ears of the house, has wandered into the room while we were talking. As Matteo walks out, she steps up toward my desk with a know-it-all sort of expression on her mature face.
“Spit it out, P. What are you here to bitch me out about now?”
She lets out a short laugh. “You know me as well as I know you. You’ve got the right idea—I was coming down here to chew you out something good. It’s the only way you ever listen.”
“Such a motherly tone. I must be in extra big trouble.”
“This is no laughing matter, C. Matteo’s right. What are you planning on doing about this Nero problem?”
“What am I planning on doing about this Nero problem,” I repeat slowly, dragging out each syllable, leaning back in my chair. “I plan on making him regret the day he ever attempted to assassinate me in a horse-drawn carriage with my wife.”
“We’ve got to be careful with this one. Nero is more powerful than your family. You don’t want to hear that, but—”
“I don’t care,” I interrupt. “Disrespect won’t be tolerated, P. He’s purposely inserted me into his drama with my father.”
“He wants Nevaeh. But you don’t want to return her.”
“I bought her. Fair and square.”
Ms. Poitier quirks a silvery brow, her expression sassy. “You speak of her like she’s a pair of shoes you picked up at a department store.”
“I lost the receipt. No returns allowed.”
“You and that smart ass mouth. It should’ve gotten you knocked upside the head when you were little.”
“My mother would’ve needed to be around for that to happen.”
She sighs. “All I’m saying, C, is you need to tread lightly. Nevaeh’s precious, but this isallour lives at stake.”
“First you tell me to romance her, then you tell me to give her up. Make up your mind.”