Bella Mafia

Chapter 73

(Continuation of chapter 72)

I felt so stiff when I tried to move but the sooner I could get up, the sooner everything would loosen and hopefully not feel so awkward.

Looking in the mirror I was appalled to see my face looking pale and drawn and dark circles lived where clear skin had been earlier and my eyes looked dull and somewhat lifeless.

After my teeth were taken care of, I washed my face and went in search of something easy to get off and on.  I had still been resigned to going home today, so I got my suitcase out and packed everything, just in case.

Someone, I'm guessing Vincent's doctor, had put in stitches and bandaged my arm and now I was sporting a very attractive blue sling.  Not!

It just infuriated me more to think that Dante and my father had something to do with trying to ruin my honeymoon and almost succeeded.  Damn him and damn my father!

Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself, both mentally and emotionally.  I hated like anything fighting with Vincent and the more I thought about it, I wouldn't doubt that Dante and/or my father were deliberately trying to drive a wedge between Vincent and I, trying to bringing the empire down from the inside.

Well, I wasn't going to let that happen.  I became more determined that no one was going to come between me and my husband.  Ever.  They'd have to go through me first.

Trudging down the stairs, I fully expected to see Vincent but instead he was no where to be found.  Franco, on the other hand was in the kitchen.

"Good morning, Calli" Franco said, a small smile spreading across to his face.  "Hey Franco.  Do you want some breakfast?" I asked.  He shook his head and said "Boss said that you'd try and feed me, so as not to get into trouble with him, I went and picked up some pastries and I've already made coffee."

I smiled wanly, realizing that I was married to a control freak but that was okay, I'd deal because he was my control freak.

"Thanks Franco.  That was really sweet" I told him.  He nodded and then added "How are you feeling?"  I shrugged and answered with "I've been better."  He looked at me, his eyes filled with sympathy.

"Where is my husband, by the way?" I questioned.  And that's when I saw it.  The thin, red line.  Code of silence.  And Franco was not going to tell me either.

"Franco, please.  Remember I grew up in this life.  I know there was a man pulled from the wreckage and I'm sure that he is being questioned.  I simply wanted to know if he was still here in Rome."

I didn't give him a chance to respond, instead I just got up and walked outside and decided to explore and see what I could get into.

As long as Vincent was in work mode, I wouldn't be seeing him anyway and that pissed me off.  This was my honeymoon damn it.  I was supposed to be frolicking naked in bed with him right now, not waiting on him to break someone's kneecaps.

I rolled my eyes at my totally cliche analogy, but I just wasn't feeling it right now.  Personally I hoped my husband made him suffer but above all, I hoped he at least got some information for his efforts.

I took in the beautiful garden area, with all its varieties of flowers, the small pond that contained little goldfish, the different trees and shrubs just made for a gorgeous landscape.

I happened to notice a swing attached to one of the larger, older looking trees, and decided to sit my butt down there and just enjoy the scenery of Rome, from my backyard.

The swinging sensation, along with the perfumed fragrance of the flowers floating on the air and the sound of the sea roaring below us, lapping against the side of the mountains, was making me tired, so I shut my eyes just for a moment.

I was jolted from a peaceful sleep by several loud, male voices calling out my name and sounding a little frantic at that.  Sighing, I pulled myself from the swing and walked towards to voices.

Just as I rounded the corner, I came face-to-face with Luca.  "I found her!"  His voice carried all around the backyard.  As I started to look up, I saw a very anxious looking Vincent running towards me, his hair flying everywhere and bags under his eyes.

It was my guess as soon as I went to sleep last night, he left and began his interrogation of the man they pulled from the wreckage.

"Jesus Calli!" He shouted at me.  "Where the hell were you?"  To say his voice was slightly elevated and agitated would be laughable.  I just stared at him for a moment and then shook my head.

"I've been here, in the backyard.  There's a beautiful garden with a swing around the side of the house.  I was there the whole time."  I know the tone of my voice was a little less than pleasant but at the moment I couldn't help how I felt.

"I'm going upstairs to take a bath.  Excuse me" I mumbled and like the good little robot I am, I headed back inside without asking any questions.

Yeah, that would come later.  I didn't make any eye contact with the guys as I quietly went back inside and padded up the stairs.  Once in our room, I slammed the door and headed to the bathroom.

Getting the water started, I tenderly removed the sling and laid it on the counter.  Next came my dress and then panties.  I didn't bother with a bra because I couldn't get it on much less off without help.

Sliding into the water, I laid my head back against the back of the tub, closed my eyes and started to cry.  It actually felt cathartic, letting it all out and maybe I would see more clearly after I got my head on straight.

Vaguely aware that Vincent had entered the room, I splashed water into my face and continued to lay there, motionless.

I heard the water moving around me, indicating that Vincent had gotten into the tub with me, which was okay by me, because no matter how pissed I was, I'd rather have him near than be alone all day.

I sat up so he could sit down behind me and as soon as he pulled me back against his chest, I started crying.  To his credit he didn't say anything, he just rested his chin on my shoulder, whispering that it would be okay and to just let it out.

"It's going to be okay baby.  Really."  His soft voice soothed me.  "I know" I said sniffing.  "It's just a lot to take in is all and plus I missed you."

"I know and I'm sorry.  I'm yours the rest of the day and evening and for five more days" he answered.

"We really are going to stay?" I asked.  "Do you want to?" Vincent asked.  Craning my head back, so I could see his face, I nodded yes.

Wrapping his hand around my throat, he pulled my mouth closer to his and kissed me, giving me my answer, so I relaxed against him and fell into how good it felt having him this close.