Page 35 of Mafia’s Dirty Secret

“Alright. I have no idea what we’re doing, but it’s obviously something special. I’ll go get my dress on.”

Marie hurried into her bedroom, put on her new panties, pink to match the slip, slid the dress over the new slip, and pushed her feet into the heels. She turned to look at herself in the mirror and forgot how to breathe.

That couldn’t be her. That woman was grown, she was beautiful. It wasn’t her at all, was it? Marie stepped closer, looked at her face and body in the dress, but couldn’t believe it was really her. She was really… pretty.

She’d never been conceited and didn’t want to think the word gorgeous, but when she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she saw a woman that could be in magazines. How had that happened?

“It was all Amy’s work,” she said to herself and stepped back. “I don’t really look like that.”

But she did, and she couldn’t help the smile that spread over her face. She dabbed the small sample of lipstick over her lips and went out to greet Regina. “I’m off now.”

“Baby girl, whoa…” Regina was speechless after that.

“It’s good?”

“It’s more than good, Marie. It’s exactly what you deserve, honey. I’m just…” She stopped, her eyes full of happy tears again. “I’m so pleased for you. This is what you deserve. A man that does this for you.”

“He’s done well,” Marie had to agree and picked up her bag. “I’ll see you in the morning, I guess. Have the coffee on, and I’ll tell you how the night goes.”

“I’ll be waiting patiently. I hope it’s as lovely as you are, Marie, your night that is. Have fun, sweety.” Regina stepped up to Marie, kissed her cheek softly, and pulled away. “Have fun!”

“I will. Thank you.” Marie clasped Regina’s hand and then left the house.

She drove over to Matteo’s and met him at the door.

“You ready to go?” he asked and then stepped out to get a better look at her.

His jaw dropped open and he stared at her.

“Is it too much?” She’d been terrified on the way over, worried if he’d hate it, or love this new look of hers. It wasn’t like it would happen often, but she wanted him to like it anyway. He’d paid to have it all done, after all.

“It’s, fucking hell, Marie. She’s done magic. Don’t get me wrong, honey, you’re always gorgeous, with or without makeup and the hair, but you are stunning.”

Marie could feel the way her face glowed with pride and could but feel a light of happiness beaming out of her head. Matteo approved and that was what mattered the most.

Matteo continued to stare at her and she laughed.

“Well, are we just staying out here in the dark all night?”

“What?” he asked and blinked. “Oh, no, let’s get in the car. I’m taking you to New Orleans.”

“Alright.” She was happy to hear they wouldn’t be going somewhere in town; she was a little overdressed. She noticed, at last, that he had on a tailored black suit, made of a fine, lightweight material. Moonlight glinted off the silky darkness of his hair as he sat forward and started the car.

The engine roared to life and Marie’s eyes opened a little more. She could feel the engine through her seat and the vibration made her giggle.

“Like it?” he asked, a grin on his face.

“I do.” She nodded and looked at the car. The sound system had been updated, and he’d had a navigation system installed, but everything else was original to the car and full of the promise of luxury. She’d never been in a car so sexy before, and when he put the gear shift in first gear and pulled out, her heart raced with excitement.

It was a sports car and every inch of it was made for speed. They raced down the road, on their way to the glittering lights of New Orleans that beckoned in the distance.

She was quiet as they drove, happy to enjoy the ride, and looked out as they crossed over the Bonnet Carre Spillway. It was always romantic in the dark, and she couldn’t help the smile that spread over her face.

Everything about Matteo made her smile. Just being with him made her smile; the things he did, the way he adored her, everything made her smile. He hadn’t done any of this to impress her, she knew that without him saying a word. He’d done this because he wanted to make her happy, and he’d succeeded so far.

It hadn’t occurred to her to refuse his gifts, she hadn’t even protested, she thought as they left the spillway behind and drove on. He wanted to give her the things she didn’t have, to give her the things he thought she deserved. Not to show off, or impress on her that he was rich, but because he thought she should have whatever she needed or wanted.

How had she gotten so lucky, after a lifetime of misery?