Billionaire Blood

chapter 10 - the meeting

KATERINA MORALES NÉE SOLDANO

The rest of the honeymoon was pretty uneventful. I got a nice tan, went scuba diving and explored the wildlife. Dante and I only ever saw each other at mealtimes. We actively tried to limit out interactions.

I couldn't wait to be back home with my dogs and a beautiful piano.

My house is my pride and joy. It's a vintage brownstone on the outside and a literal pop of colour on the inside. I designed it from top to bottom. I love the colour scheme and the eclectic furniture. My favourite room is the large library with a variety of books. I spend hours curled up with a book in there.

I feel as though people presume because I'm the Scorpion and a mafia boss, I'm heartless and dull. I really am not. I put colour and joy into my surroundings because I don't radiate it myself.

As we got out of the car, Dante looked unimpressed with the building in front of him.

"Are all of your buildings brownstones?" he inquired.

"My family and I think brownstones hold a air of superiority against... say I don't know, a house like yours, which looks like a big, empty box," I replied with a smirk.

As I opened the doors, I was met with barks and jumps, as Athena and Ares welcomed me. I heard a chuckle as Alexia came up to me and gave me a hug.

"I don't think you guys have met properly yet. Dante, this is Alexia Vautour my consigliere and best friend. She's been with our family for generations and I consider her my sister."

"You're a Vautour? I've heard a lot about your family. Never left the Laurent family's side, huh."

AUTHORS NOTE:
Remember Laurent is the last name of Katerina's mum. Colette Soldano née Laurent was part of the French Mafia and married into the Italian.

"Yes, my family has been loyal to the French Mafia for 4 generations and I don't plan on breaking the lineage," Alexia replied coldly.

Only 11 people knew the truth about our marriage. My parents, Stefan, Celeste, Alexia, Dante's parents, Leon, Mateo, Aria and Helena.

"Kat, I gotta go and prep for tomorrow. Your babies have been an absolute treat to take care of," she said as she smiled warmly at them.

"Oh of course. Just email me the plan for the new shipment and tomorrow's game plan. Thank you so much for looking after them," I said as I gave her a hug.

She left and then it was back to me and Dante.

I gave him a quick tour, watching his face admire my home.

"And finally this is your room. My room is just across, don't bother me unless you're dying. Even then keep it down. Unfortunately, I don't have a maid to take care of me, so if you want food either make it yourself or buy it," I quickly said wanting to wrap this up.

He just grunted and closed the door behind him without saying a word.

It was 9PM so I decided to just call it an early night and headed off to sleep. There is nothing better than spending a month away from home and finally lying back on your own bed. I thought I would have the best sleep but I was gravely mistaken.

Memories from 9 years ago overwhelmed me. I got up quickly and started panting heavily. Now that I was finally home I could do the one thing that always helped in situations like this. Playing the piano. Especially now that the Steinway arrived.

I quietly made my way down careful not to awake Dante. There it was in all its might sitting in the moonlight, like it was inviting me to play. It was black with gold detailing. The seat was soft velvet and the keys were glimmering in the light.