“I’m sure you’ve raised her well,” he gritted out.
Like me, the obedience and submissiveness of the majority of mafia women were qualities Rafe loathed in women. Maybe it was because we’d grown up with a strong-willed mother. Despite his affairs, our father seemed to appreciate her fiery spirit.
The last thing I wanted in marriage was a woman cowering in my presence or saying yes to my every whim. That was anotherreason why my brothers and I liked dating women outside our world. They said what was truly on their mind and challenged us if they didn’t like something.
“On her last visit, the doctor who examined her assured us she is medically sound to bear children. I’m sure she will give you many sons.”
Jesus, what abastardo!I didn’t even know Andrea, but I hated Caruso’s describing his daughter like one would a broodmare. I’m sure my father had said the same bullshit to Carmine Lucero about Caterina. Although it was the way things were done in our world, I sure as fuck didn’t like it, and from Rafe’s posture, I knew he didn’t either.
At Edoardo’s expectant look, Rafe reluctantly replied, “Yes, that is very good news.”
“Let me call her.” After reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone. He dialed someone, but they didn’t answer. He immediately redialed, but once again, no one picked up. Rafe and I exchanged a look.
Edoardo’s jaw clenched as he once again used his phone. This time, however, someone picked up. “Come to my study. Now.”
When he turned back to us, he appeared flustered. “She’ll be here in just a moment.”
“No rush. I’m sure she had things to do today before our visit was announced,” Rafe replied diplomatically.
“Oh no. Whatever plans Andrea had now involveyouand onlyyou.”
Rafe paled slightly at Edoardo’s declaration. I could imagine he was feeling the symbolic noose tightening. Hell, I wasn’t even the one getting married, and I still felt it.
At the knock at the door, Edoardo called, “Come in.”
To ease the tension on Rafe’s face, I leaned over to teasingly whisper, “Here comes Quasimodo.”
Rafe elbowed me in the ribs as the door opened. Instead of his future bride, a middle-aged woman with salt and pepper hair rushed forward. “Yes, sir?” she asked as the breath I’d been holding wheezed out of me.
Furrowing his brows, Edoardo looked past the woman, “Where is Andrea?”
“She’s in the garden, sir.”
Edoardo’s jaw clenched. “And what the fuck is she doing there, Vittoria?”
“She’s playing with the twins.”
From his posture, Edoardo was fighting a losing battle not to absolutely lose his shit. In that respect, he was also like my father. Although we’d never been physically assaulted by our father, he could cut us to the quick with his verbal venom.
Vittoria shifted on her feet. “Should I get her for you, sir?”
“I’ll handle it,” he replied tersely.
She nodded before quickly disappearing from the doorway. With a tight smile, Edoardo turned to face us. “My wife is very busy with her charity work, so Andrea is like a mother to her siblings. She’s always indulging them.”
“I’m glad to hear she enjoys taking care of children,” Rafe remarked.
While he was trying to diffuse the potentially explosive situation, he wasn’t just blowing smoke up Edoardo’s ass. After growing up with an emotionally distant mother, I knew he wanted a future wife who actually possessed a maternal side. My siblings and I owed our upbringing to our nanny, Talia. If there was anything good and decent within us, it was because of her.
Relief flashed on Edoardo’s face. “Yes, she has the patience of Job when it comes to children. She is studying art in college to become a teacher. Of course, she is aware that she’ll give it up if you prefer she leaves school to keep house.”
“I don’t foresee it being a problem for her to finish her education.”
Edoardo peered curiously at Rafe. “Your father didn’t tell me how progressive you are.”
While I clenched my jaw, Rafe merely cocked his brows at Caruso. “Is that a problem?”
“No, no. Not at all.” He continued staring at him. “It’s just surprising. I suppose it’s inevitable that the next generation is a little more lax with traditions. Of course, my sons remain pretty in step with me.”
