AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, I do. I’m not under your thumb any longer. I have a life of my own.”
“You are my daughter, and you will do as I say. The contract has already been written.”
I laughed, incensed my family was still living in the dark ages. “And why should I cater to your needs?” My sister had told me only two days before that I was more American than Italian. Maybe she’d been right. Sophia continued to believe the best in our father, never accepting that one day she too would be forced into a marriage she couldn’t tolerate. I’d wanted to erase that from her fears, begging her to come live with me, but as usual our father had forbidden it.
“Because if you don’t, your entire family will be destroyed. Is that what you want on your conscience?”
Exhaling, I pressed my flexed fingers against the thick pane of glass. I had a spectacular view of Manhattan from my high in the sky vantage point. I loved the city, the vibrance it offered, although I missed the lush green vineyards and the sequestered coast areas taken to often as a child.
“Or would you prefer Sophia be handed over?” Now there was a lilt in his voice.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“I will do what’s necessary to keep my family protected.”
His terse words were another inclination he’d fallen into some dark abyss, only marriage preventing him from losing everything. When I said nothing, he laughed.
“You will return to Italy in three weeks. You have no choice.”
My father ended the call the same way he usually started one. There were no words of love or that he missed me. He’d never been a caring father, although he’d reminded me dozens of times that he’d provided everything I had in my life, including my job. I should have followed through with the promise I’d made to myself many years before. Run far away. Change my name. Forge a new path.
I’d had plans years before, already squirreling away money. Then tragedy had struck and I’d been sent away to boarding school, college quickly thereafter and my dreams had fallen to the wayside. I glanced at my watch, thankful it was already after six. Thank God, I had plans with my two best girlfriends. If not, I’d likely rip apart my apartment, the rage becoming uncontrollable.
After yanking out the pins holding my long hair in place, I grabbed my purse and coat, flying past my assistant. She knew better than to bother me when I got into one of these moods. The elevator wasn’t quick enough, my temper increasing. When it finally reached the lobby, I launched myself toward the front doors.
I quickly hailed a cab, settling into the back and continuing to seethe. I’d grown up being taught a sense of duty, but I refused to stand by and allow my world to be derailed because of a barbaric practice.
“Where to?” the cabbie asked.
“Death and Company.” With the mood I was in, the trendy bar my bestie Joy had chosen was perfect for an evening of cocktails. While I’d like to say dreams would go along with the pricy libations, it would seem my fantasies had been dashed with a single phone call.
As usual, the traffic was horrific, the drive taking longer than I’d hoped, but it allowed an opportunity to reflect on what few choices I might have in getting out of the ridiculous demand.
I could follow through with my initial plan, changing my name and disappearing. Sadly, my father had an army of soldiers who’d somehow manage to track me down. I could marry Antonio then kill him in his sleep. Then a war would ensue, leaving a trail of blood throughout Italy.
As the cabbie pulled to the curb near my destination, I’d concluded my chance of winning the Powerball lottery were significantly higher.
After paying the fare, I stepped into the crisp air, taking a deep breath. I’d fallen in love with the city the first time I’d laid eyes on it, although a small part of me was truly a country girl at heart. I missed being with my horses, riding for hours to release anger and frustration. Why was I thinking about the past on such a gorgeous evening?
I headed inside, marveling at the mixture of people. The city was nothing if not eclectic. Luckily, it was still early in the New York City world of nightlife, allowing me to find my besties quickly. They’d taken a perch near the massive marble bar close to the window. The dozens of glass shelves were backlit, colorful LED lights shimmering through every high dollar bottle like a burst of sunshine. The bar itself was a work of art, crafted from dense, rich bloodwood, every bullnose corner ornate in detail.
The bar was reminiscent of the nineteen-twenties, with high ceilings and massive windows, black and white checkerboard tile, and polished brass elements accentuated alcoves and shadowed spaces. Even the plush red velvet benches adorning dozens of booths provided a high-class gothic atmosphere.
It was the perfect location to indulge in sin, my besties up to the task without a question. One of our combined passions was hunk watching, which had been the closest thing the three of us had gotten to passion in a long time.
“There she is,” Joy said in her usual jovial tone. Nothing ever bothered her despite living paycheck to paycheck. “Wow. You’re dressed up today.” She gave me her usual onceover, playfully scrutinizing with her wry smile.
“I had a meeting with an uptight client but I’m sorry for being late. And for kicks and giggles, I also had a last-minute disturbing call from my father.” I sat down on the stool, praying the waiter would come quickly. The location had quickly become one of my favorites, especially considering the male bartenders and waiters were all delicious eye candy.
“Everything okay?” Marla asked, wrinkling her nose from concern. The woman was far too sweet and innocent to live in such a tough town. At least her adorable Southern accent got her noticed often.
“Honestly? I’m not certain.” I was already antsy, drumming my fingers on the table.
“I took the liberty of ordering you a dirty martini,” Joy threw in.
“You’re a godsend.”
“I know,” she said, laughing before leaning over. “Is your mom okay? Didn’t she have the flu?”
