Chapter 9
Belinda spent the next two days locked in her room, refusing to talk to her father or to Louis. Her life as she knew it was over. She was part of the mafia now, and organized crime was going to be a part of her future. She supposed she was always a part of it, just ignorant of her role. She was surprised that no-one came to put a tracking bracelet on her ankle to track her every move, since she should be considered a flight risk. If she had it her way, she would be sneaking out in the dead of night to flee this god forsaken fortress.
She took her out her laptop and rested it on her lap, and while she waited for it to start up, she couldn’t help but wonder if they were screening her calls and internet activity. If they were, then tuff luck, she thought as she logged into her E-mail account. She had nothing to hide, and she sure as hell would not let anyone intimidate her.
The first email that loaded was from Natalie. She clicked on it hoping that hearing from her friend would improve her mood somewhat.
Hey Bee
When did we get a new accountant? Some guy rocked up at the restaurant saying that some Louis Angelino sent him. I don’t know what’s happening.
Cheers Nat
She took a few steady breaths to calm herself; Louis didn’t lie when he said that the mafia owns everything. She tucked her bottom lip under her teeth and hit reply.
Hey Nat
Long story, I’ll update you as soon as I can.
My stay here in Italy has been extended, but I’ll keep you posted.
Love Bee
She couldn’t really admit on e-mail that she was now a member of the mafia, forced to marry the Consigliere of the Angelino family and was being held hostage. What an utter mess, she thought as she shut her laptop. She really had no say in the matter, she had nowhere to run and knowing how the mafia operated, she had two choices. She could fight them, or accept her fate. But inevitably the mafia will win.
Louis stood in the study looking out the window, by now he was sure that Belinda had come to terms with her fate, much like he had to when he was only eighteen. Being forced to marry someone against her will, and the fact that his father omitted to tell him about the promise made when he was only six years old infuriated him. Needless to say, there was no denying the fact that he was attracted to Belinda, something he hardly expected to happen.
During the time he spent with her before the house of cards came tumbling down, he got to know a confident woman, one who challenged him like none of the others ever did. And albeit he had prior notions to transform her into a supermodel to his liking, he ended up liking her just the way she was. The fact remained, they will be married and they will have to learn to live with each other, there was simply no other choice. He could only hope that she would learn to accept it, and maybe by some miracle, she might learn to love him despite his role in betraying her.
The driveway was starting to fill up with cars, family and friends from surrounding towns were all gathering to meet his fiancée thanks to his father and Gino. He rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes. He was going to have to talk to Belinda before they faced they music.
When he got to her door, he knocked but knowing that she would not answer, he pushed the door open slightly. She was standing in front of the full length mirror trying to put on her necklace.
“I suppose I have to play the role of the dutiful fiancée now,” she said blankly.
He didn’t reply, simply walked over to her and took the necklace from her, fastening the clasp.
“It doesn’t have to be all that unpleasant,” he said as he watched her in the reflection of the mirror, “we had real chemistry before all this happened, all is not lost.”
“Unfortunately betrayal is the only truth between us. I can play the role Louis, but I cannot forget or forgive the betrayal,” she stated and turned to face him.
The truth was like a bitter wine that dried his throat and turned his stomach. But here she stood before him and he couldn’t ignore the way his body responded to her closeness. The steeliness in her hazel eyes spoke volumes of confidence fueled by anger, she was a determined and strong woman who will not only fit into his life, but become his life. The realization struck him like a lightning bolt and he cupped her face.
“Tesoro, this is not easy, but I will promise you this. I will be devoted to you always, I am a man of my word, and if it takes a lifetime to get you to forgive my betrayal, it’s a lifetime worth living,”
Belinda was stunned into silence at his words and even though she was opposed to this arrangement she could not deny the attraction she felt towards him. What if this turned out better than she expected? She thought searching his eyes. She licked her lips and saw his eyes drop to her mouth. Her body and heart was at war with her mind.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” she said softly and stood on her toes to place a kiss on his cheek, then whispered; “liars make the best promises.”