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“Coming home to you is how I know there has to be someone higher out there watching over us,” I whispered, feeling my stomach coil with need.
Once I was wet with my desire, I slid inside her. Then I slowed and just lay there a moment. I let myself totally relax, buried my face in her neck, closed my eyes, and let sleep take over.
Syndicate Tour
Rome
“How much farther?” I glanced at my phone as my breaths shortened. To say I was nervous about going back to Rome was an understatement. I could practically smell the gasoline and burning embers from my bedroom. My memories threatened to overpower me, and my fear of how we would be received this first time entering Coppola territory now under Capri rule made things even worse.
“About ten minutes.” Elio continued to stare at the laptop that rested on his lap. I knew he had a lot going on, but I desperately needed his attention to settle my nerves. He’d been a bit off since his night out with his friends. He did say they’d run into some trouble, but he’d been distracted ever since, and when I questioned him, he deflected and never went into any detail. I let it go, as I knew he’d tell me when he was ready.
“Remind me again where we’re staying?”
“Ah,” he squinted as he read something, “a villa.”
I smiled and shook my head, then I side-eyed him again.
“A villa, okay. Are we meeting up with some of your family?”
“Mhm.”
“I’ll have to watch for Anna.”
“Good idea,” he answered, a million miles away.
“Yes, well, I’m going to strip down naked so you can have your way with me.”
His gaze shot over to mine, and I could see him trying to rewind what I had just said.
“All right,” he laughed as he set his computer on the seat beside him and turned to look at me, “you have my attention,bella.”
“Do I?” I teased.
“Yes, my undivided attention.” He wiggled his eyebrows then dragged his gaze down the front of my dress.
“I’m feeling uneasy about this stop,” I confessed. “What if there’s more hate here than understanding. Rome is not the same as Florence or Grosseto. People here aren’t as familiar with the Capris, and they aren’t as kind.”
“Bella,” his voice warmed, “I think your memories of this place are affecting how you perceive everyone.” He squeezed my knee in reassurance. “We must inspire confidence here. When you’re at the top, you have to act as though you belong there. People will be cautious, yes, and there will always be those who will want to see the bad in your success. Granted, this situation is a little different than most,” he smiled, “but the truth is the Coppolas never took care of their people properly.”
“And we have to show them that we’re different?”
“Yes,il mio tesoro.” He loved that I was quick to grasp what needed to be done here. “That is of utmost importance. The Coppolas drained their people’s businesses while providing less than adequate protection, and the money they took from them wasn’t going back into their own towns. We now know it was being funneled into accounts under Mikey’s name. Rosa Coppola has a lot to answer for.” I nodded. He placed his hand on the back of my neck and gave it a light massage. “They might not be able to see it yet, but we’re going to improve their lives and give them more freedom to make their own choices. So, when you step out of this car, straighten your back, raise your chin, and prove to them that you are the right person to do this job.”
“And if that doesn’t happen?” I challenged.
“Then we kill anyone who doesn’t agree.” He smiled, but I knew he meant it.
“All right.” I shook off my nerves and listened to what he said. He was right. This was my time to prove to the people that I had what it took to be their leader. I had just as much right as anyone else, and I carried the blood of Theo Coppola. It still seemed strange to me to know that.
Elio waited for Vinni to open the door, and he slid out and offered me a hand. I watched as a few soldiers stepped out from the front door and each took a place on a step. Then, to my surprise, a young couple came out with happy smiles. The young woman held a baby, and they both looked very excited to see Elio.
“You must be Sienna!” The woman stepped forward after she thrust her baby into Elio’s arms and wrapped me up in a huge hug. “We’ve been so excited to meet you.”
“Oh!” I laughed, completely taken back by her friendliness. “You must be Tab—”
“Just call me Tabby.” She smiled and took my hand. “This is my husband Andy, and the little squirt your man is holding is Andy Jr.” I looked at Elio, who was holding the little guy in the air like an airplane. “Be careful, Elio. You’ll be sorry if he spits up on that fancy suit you’re wearing.”
“How do you know Elio?” Why hadn’t Elio told me how friendly these people would be? All my nerves would have vanished.
