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For as long as I can remember, I have done everything required of me, mostly because my father was so upset about Rya running away, and I never wanted to disappoint him. I’m not saying she was, but her choosing to live with her mother in the States instead of staying here and marrying put the responsibility squarely on me.
And now, for the first time in my life, I feel like I can explore who I am or who I want to be rather than who Iwas told Ihadto be. A Ricci woman, daughter to one of Italy’s most powerful and dangerous men. Now, even if for a short time in the States, I can try to be Honey, whatever that entails.
And it’s not like I’ll be completely free of my family’s influence. My father is forcing my personal bodyguard, Marco, to accompany me. He’s practically an uncle to me and has been Rya’s and my bodyguard for as far back as I can remember. The good part is he’s honored to follow me. Or so he says. It was a burden at first when Rya left, so I started to rebel. I dabbled with men, the few who were brave enough to even let me touch their cock, but it never went past that. They all feared my father’s wrath because he’d no doubt kill them if he disapproved. But now, I am free of that obligation, and to be honest, if I choose to, I can fuck whoever I want.Maybe.
“I’ll be back. And I will bring Rya for more visits,” I assure him. At least he cracks a smile at those words. Rya is one thing I can never compete with, even with his disappointment in her. She is his firstborn and headstrong, exactly as our father is. It’s one of the reasons my sister is a top criminal attorney. Rya has never lost a case and always seems to get what she wants. So I want some of the life she has created. I don’t want to live under my father’s roof any longer. I’ll turn thirty in a few years, so I’m sure it’s not healthy living with your parents at that age. Even if my father and mother try to convince me, I have everything I need here with them.
“Good. Your mother is still probably in her room,crying. Be sure to say goodbye again.” He wraps his arms around me in a tight hug. For someone with a reputation for being fearless and ruthless in the mafia world, he sure has a soft spot for his girls, and it’s why I love him so much. I doubt any man can truly live up to my expectations as I watched how my father treated my mother. But there’s one thing I am certain—no one will meet his expectations of what’s good enough for me.
The flight is long,arduous, and grueling but also exciting.
My sister is waiting for me upon arrival, and she isn’t alone. Crue stands next to her, his arm possessively around her waist. It would never have worked between us, and I knew from the minute Crue and I got engaged he wasn’t in it with me. Even though it was an arranged marriage, there was a greater distance than there should have been, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.
It turns out that distance was my sister.
He was in love with her.
Granted, she is worth every bit of his love. And by the looks of it, Crue doesn’t plan to ever let her go. The ring on her finger is a testament to that fact. And I’m certain if anyone looked at her twice, he’d probably shoot them dead.
“Father let you escape,” Rya says, bringing me in for acuddle.
Marco remains quietly standing behind me.
“He did. Although, I did bargain with him to bring you with me when I decide to go back.” I smile at Rya.
She raises a brow. “You’re planning your return already?”
“Not yet. But I don’t know how long I’ll be staying. I’ll figure it out as I go.” I politely smile. Because as exhilarating as it is to land in New York, I don’t know if it will fit me like it does my sister. She’s been here for fourteen years. Maybe I won’t like it. Or at least not permanently. But I won’t know until I try.
“Hi, Honey,” Crue says, reaching for my bag but keeping his hand on his wife.
“Hi.” I nod to him and look back at my sister. It seems strange to see this mafia boss so domesticated. People still step cautiously around him. The atmosphere surrounding him makes it incredibly obvious he’s dangerous. Or maybe it’s the two guards he has not so discreetly flanking them.
I take in the intimacy between Rya and Crue. They have a life here, and I instantly think,Maybe she feels sorry for me.So I say, “Should I look for somewhere else to stay?”
“Yes,” Crue says at the same time Rya says, “No.”
She glares at him and shakes her head, then turns back to me with an eye roll. “We have a spare room in our home. In fact, we have multiple spare rooms,” she makes a point of adding. I know it was originally Crue’s home, and she moved in as soon as they returned from Italy.Though she told me she still has her apartment for safekeeping for the times when Crue pisses her off. And she has no doubt his controlling nature will piss her off frequently.
Crue says nothing, though I know he wants to. But he must have learned my sister can win any argument. But the truth is—for at least the first few days—I want to spend time with my sister to get to know her again and see where and how she lives. After fourteen years, I want to know what’s so great about America and why she never returned home.
“Okay, well, I’m excited to be here,” is all I can think to say. “Cheers to new beginnings and all.”
CHAPTER 4
Dawson
“Why are you here?” I ask Crue as he reaches for a bottle of whiskey.
“My house has been invaded. All week, any time I fuck my wife, I’m told to be quiet,” he complains.
I sigh. I don’t know how the fuck that’smy problem. But also, I know when Crue imposes himself, the only way to get rid of him is to wait it out until he leaves of his own accord.
We sit in my office, paperwork on potential client-escort matches piled in front of me as Crue sits on the other side of my desk.
“Okay, why?”
“Her little sister currently lives with us.”
