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“I’ll come back for the rest later,” I inform him.
He shrugs, grabbing it and placing it in the trunk. I turn back to look at the house I’ve lived in since I was born. A sense of melancholy fills me. I already said my goodbyes earlier at breakfast. The mood was dour a little depressing. Elena was pissed. My brother and the guys tried to be more upbeat, encouraging, but I could tell they aren’t too excited that I’ll be gone. My mother didn’t show up. I talked to her last night, and while she agrees with the wedding, she’s not happy that I’ll be living with him so soon.
I got so angry at her. Of all the things to be mad about. She didn’t care that I was entering a marriage with a man I didn’t know—all she was worried was how it would look to everyone. I hate that I’m leaving while we’re in a fight, but it’s not like I’m going far. If my mom wants to talk to me and maybe apologize, she can pick up the phone and do so. Or ask someone to bring her to me.
“Need a few more minutes?” Jason asks from behind me. His tone is slightly teasing.
I roll my eyes. “No, let’s go.”
The drive is mostly quiet. Jason strikes me as a guy that doesn’t talk much but notices plenty. I guess he can tell I’m dreading this. Leaving my home, moving into a new one. I’m terrified by the uncertainty. I have no idea what I’m walking into.
Thirty minutes later, thanks to New York traffic, we’re pulling into a fancy neighborhood. I’m surprised the Russos live in a place like this. There are a lot of people on the sidewalks; I notice a grill out and a small party on someone’s lawn. Compared to my quieter, much more private neighborhood, thisplace seems so much more outlandish. Right in the heart of things, populated.
For a mafia family, I’m not so sure that’s advisable.
“We own most of the houses on the street,” Jason says, interrupting my thoughts.
I jerk slightly, turning to him. “What?”
“The reason the neighborhood’s so crowded. I know you were wondering,” he says with a small smile. “We own the houses. Apparently, Enzo’s dad liked to dabble in real estate, so he bought every house on this street to ensure his family had privacy. But after what happened last year, Enzo decided that might not be the best idea.”
I arch an eyebrow. “What happened last year?”
“Well, your brother barged in and practically kidnapped a Don, then killed him. The men were taken off guard. Most of them were spread out across the city. The Don decided that had to change. Since he took over, loyalty to the Russos has meant getting a roof over your head.”
“That’s… ostentatious,” I mutter.
“Go big or go home.” Jason shrugs.
He pulls up in front of a huge, shiny black gate, and after a few seconds, they swing open automatically. He drives up the driveway until we’re parked in front of a large mansion. Not that different from my home, except it feels colder somehow.
“Come on, I’ll show you around,” Jason says, pulling out my suitcase and moving to stand beside me.
“Where’s Enzo?” I ask, my voice coming out sharp.
Because, really, he’s the only person I kind of know. And he should be here right now.
“No idea. He’s probably inside,” Jason replies.
I let him lead me into the mansion. He’s showing me to the living room when someone appears in front of us. Icy blue eyes eerily similar to Enzo’s narrow onto me.
“And you are?” she asks, tone bored.
Beside me, Jason smiles, amused. “You know who she is, Isa.”
Isabella Russo. Enzo’s cousin. I’m glad Roman didn’t let me come here blind. He coached me on what to expect from Enzo’s family. He has three cousins, and Isabella’s the oldest. Then there’s the twins. Two kids who are about seven years old. The last family member in the house is Enzo’s aunt, the wife of the former Don. The one my brother killed. He warned me to stay away from her if I could.
“Even if you don’t, it’s nice to meet you, Isabella. I’m Rosa,” I say, trying for a warm smile.
Isabella glares at me in response. She reminds me of the bitchy girls in high school who liked to think they were above everyone and everything.
“Just stay out of my way and we won’t have a problem,” she says with a snarl before promptly walking away.
“Well, that was nice.”
“She’ll come around eventually,” Jason offers. “I promise she’s not always so bad.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it,” I mutter. “Could you please take me to Enzo? I need to talk to him.”
