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‘Dr De Luca… It’s good to have you home. We are very proud of you.’
‘Nonno.’ Salvatore’s voice sounded out behind me and hearing the squeak of leather I knew he’d sat down.
The hands that released their hold on my face had been colder than expected.
‘Salvatore, I’m happy for you. A man contented with his home life is an even stronger adversary, and I know how hard you’ve fought to bring her home.’ Nonno took hold of my hand in his, before bringing it up to his lips
I made to re-join my husband, but Nonno’s icy fingers held tightly on to mine.
‘Serafina, I know you’ve only just got back, but the family business needs Salvatore today, can an old man keep you company instead?’
‘Yes.’ I smiled at him reassuringly, before he turned his gaze back to his grandson.
‘Salvatore, Enzo has been having trouble at the factory. I thought that maybe you should pay them a visit.’ He backed up his words with a nod of his head in his grandson’s direction.
I looked between them. It wasn’t often I was subjected to hearing anything about the operations, but I had known since childhood that one of the family’s legal businesses was in olive oil. They had two factories if I remembered correctly, both near Cantanzaro.
‘Enzo.’ Salvatore spoke his name with aversion, like it caused a bitter taste in his mouth. ‘Why does that not surprise me?’
‘It is what it is… we do what we do to maintain the equilibrium around here. Gianni felt that as consigliere, Enzo needed to be given a position that he felt was worthy… The Ferraros can still conjure up a lot of support.’
‘Even after Vincenzo’s weak leadership.’ Salvatore didn’t ask a question; he stated a fact.
‘Even then… Give a man a rope.’ Nonno moved his head from side to side as he mulled over his own words.
‘Mmmm.’ Salvatore smiled. ‘And hopefully he’ll have enough to hang himself with.’ I heard Salvatore crack his knuckles as he spoke.
‘That’s a possibility. And I’m sure that you paying them a visit today, will regain the workers’ trust.’
Salvatore stood up to leave.
‘I’ll change and go now,’ he directed to his grandfather and then looked at me. ‘Serafina, I’ll be back later. If you want to go home earlier…’
He was interrupted by his grandfather. ‘I’ll take good care of her.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ I smiled.
Salvatore stepped forwards and after placing his hand to the back of my neck, he brushed his lips over my forehead.
‘I’m sure you will,’ he agreed as he released me, before he took a step towards his grandfather and placed his lips to the family ring on the Don’s proffered hand.
Once again, the door sealed shut, leaving just the two of us in the room. I sat on the edge of Salvatore Snr’s desk, crossed my arms over my chest and looked at him in complete seriousness.
‘What’s wrong?’ I questioned.
CHAPTER TEN
SERAFINA
‘Take a seat, Serafina… A proper one.’
The older, but still very powerful man I had mistakenly taken an authoritative tone with, reminded me of my place.
I grimaced at his words and stood immediately.
‘Of course, Nonno,’ I agreed. ‘Sorry.’
I sat down on the seat Salvatore had recently vacated, needing to feel the warmth his body had left behind and looked back up and over the desk.
