FIVE

SANTINO POV

My head turned immediately, the bathroom door creaked open and I felt my body rise.

As much as I hate to tell myself the truth, I was always eager to see what she looked like during my teenage years. She was basically my crush.

I felt disgusted with my thoughts. I know I'm not too old to be her father, but she's already betrothed to my son. I have to focus on delivering her.

Everyone strained their necks to get a look at her as she walked to an empty chair. Her soft breast moved in a rhythm with her body, she had long legs that suited her curvy body and her whole figure with bright golden hair flowing down her back.

She had a face so calm and beautiful it could make angels weep.

Damn! She was a goddess.

When I finally brought myself to look away, I caught Luca giving me a cunning smile.

Had he read my mind?

When my father died and I took over as capobastone ten years ago, I’d made my cousin my right hand. No one was more loyal or trustworthy. We’d grown up side by side, spilled blood together, and climbed the ‘ndrina ranks as brothers.

But that didn’t give him the right to smirk.

“You got something to say to your capo?” I asked.

He looked completely unfazed.

“You gonna shoot me if I do?”

“Probably. Once we land.”

Luca raised his hands in surrender and fell silent. I turned back to my phone, scrolling through emails and notes.

These were for the legal fronts, my family’s public face. My cousin, Toni, managed most of the Ravazzani empire, but I stayed involved. Had to be ready in case the Guardia di Finanza came knocking.

Earlier, I’d texted Nico, telling him to stay home tonight. I wanted him to meet Anastasia the moment we arrived. The sooner they met, the sooner she’d accept the marriage. Meanwhile, Nico could look after her, help her get used to life in Siderno.

Though my son was only eighteen, it was time to settle him down and start the next generation. Nico had to step up as my heir and produce heirs of his own.

I was an only child, as was Nico. Until I had grandsons, the future of the Ravazzani ‘ndrina was on shaky ground. My thoughts drifted back to Anastasia, staring out at the dark sky beyond the window.

Was she on the pill?

I’d have to warn Nico about her ex and the chance she might be carrying another man’s child. Best to wait until she got her period before tying the knot.

Her eyes caught mine in the reflection on the glass. She didn’t flinch. I liked that. Most women either feared me or at least my reputation.

Anastasia didn’t seem to care.

In fact, she had more fire in her than anyone who’d dared defy me in the last decade. Would that same fire show behind closed doors?

I waved my head to remove the thoughts.

It was useless fantasizing and I hate distractions. I told myself she was too young. Even if she's not getting married to my son. I wasn't a maniac and I have my mistress too.

A woman who brought me peace and she's going to be around for a long time.

I was bored and thoughts of Aña kept coming so I got busy. I went back to my work, making calls and reviewing business forums. Even going through what didn't need my attention. This I did to get rid of those thoughts about her.

The crimine in San Luca was scheduled in two months, where all the leaders gathered annually to discuss our operations.

Even the capos from Toronto, like Mancini, were expected to be there. That meant profits had to be high and all debts collected. We’d have to pull some men off other jobs to clean up the ’ndrina’s books.

I got tired and rubbed my neck to help ease the pain. Closing my eyes but I hardly relaxed on planes or even hotels.

That’s why I rarely left the castello in Siderno—there at least I was safe.

“You should sleep in the back,” Luca suggested.

“Now that she’s awake.”

“We’re almost there. I’ll wait until I’m home.”

“Too bad. I bet the sheets still smell like her.”

“F*ck you.”

Luca laughed. “Do you think Nico can handle her?”

I cracked one eye open. “Are you saying he’s soft?”

“No, but he’s not like you. He doesn’t have women eating out of his hand. I’ve never seen a meaner b*st*rd get more p*ssy than you.”

I had a temper, that was true. Nico was calmer, like his mother. “She’ll come around,” I said about Anastasia.

The pilot announced we were landing. Anastasia silently buckled her seatbelt while I did the same. Her quietness unsettled me.

Shouldn’t she be screaming or panicking?

Throwing something at me?

Trying to take control of the pilot?

The instinct that had kept me alive for nearly forty years screamed at me to stay alert. She was planning something. I fought back a grin. Whatever she had in mind, I’d be ready. She didn’t stand a chance.

Minutes later, we touched down. As I stepped off the plane, I made sure Anastasia followed closely, with Luca right behind her. My car was waiting, so I grabbed her arm to pull her toward it—and felt a sharp jab in my hand.

“Cazzo!” I hissed. She’d stabbed me with a pen, the tip stuck in my skin. I snarled, yanked it out, and threw it to the ground.

That little b*tch.

Anastasia dashed away as soon as she could, but Luca was too fast, thanks to his daily runs. I hadn’t even finished wiping the blood from my hand before she was dragged back to the car.

“Help!” she shouted to the crew at the private airstrip.

“Help! I’m being kidnapped.”

My men laughed. Nobody in a fifty-mile radius would risk helping someone claiming kidnapping here. They all knew better. I yanked the rear door open. “Get the f*ck inside, Anastasia.”

Walking to the other side of the building until I got satisfied. She made a fool of me by humiliating me like that. In front of my men. She made me look weak.

She would pay for this once we got home.

She struggled against Luca, but it was useless.

She was thrown into the car beside me as we drove off in full speed. “I won’t apologize,” she said, like a spoiled child.

This time, I didn’t bother hiding my dark side. I wanted her to see the part of me I usually kept under wraps.

“Good. I’m ready to make you pay.” She swallowed nervously and looked away.

We pulled into Castello di Ravazzani in less than fifteen minutes. The estate was lovely. The one thing that makes me proud. What was there not to love? The olive trees, the vineyards and green lands but I was too angry to look around.

My anger only grew stronger. When the car stopped at the stone gate, I stayed put. “Send them away,” I ordered Luca and the driver.

The doors shut behind them and Anastasia jumped like a frightened animal. I leaned in slightly. “You know what I love about owning a castle?”

“No,” she whispered, voice shaking.

“Not even a guess?”

“The turrets?”

I smirked as I climbed out and moved to her side. I grabbed her and leaned close. “My favorite part is the dungeon.”

She gasped sharply. I had neither the time nor the patience to wait for her to play her stupid games again. I grabbed her, placed her on my shoulders and I started walking towards the back entrance leading to thw underground.

She immediately struggled, kicking wildly.

“Put me down! Stop it, please.”

I ignored her protests and kept moving.

“No, please. I can’t go into a dungeon. Don’t take me there. Please, Signore Ravazzani.”

Signore? That was a new one.

But I was beyond reason. The dungeon was for business, though I preferred not to kill anyone on my land.

Too messy. She could sit in one of those cold cells for a few hours, and maybe she’d learn to appreciate my ‘hospitality.’ By the time I threw open the heavy door, she was crying. Good. Maybe this would remind her of her place.

“Please, signore. I don't… please don't lock me down here.”

My shoes peeled against the stones as I made my way down. Echoes of screams for help were heard, and there was the scent of blood in the air. Something I always loved.

I’d done terrible things here. My son would do worse. The Ravazzani ’ndrina legacy would live on through fear, pain, and control.

I took the ring of keys by the table and walked to the first cell. These cells had a very strong iron bars, they were unbreakable and many have tried to escape it.

Chains were attached to the walls, but she didn’t need those. Not yet. I set her down. Trails of tears streamed down her face, her eyes wild as she held my jacket firmly. “Please… No.. Don't do this… I have a phobia.”

This generation—so dramatic.

I yanked her hands off my jacket and took steps back. I never go back on my orders

I shrugged off her grip and took a step back, making my intentions clear. A capo never backed down or reversed an order once given.

It was well known that weakness was something never shown. I was going to make this woman break and bend her to my rules.

I moved out of the cell and slammed the heavy metal door before she could slip out. The moment it shut, she shook her head, panic overtaking her. She grabbed the iron bars.

“Please, signore. Don’t do this. I’ll do whatever you say. I’ll behave.”

Her words sent a shiver through me as I pictured her on her knees, obeying perfectly.

Minchia! There had to be some twisted hell reserved for a man who thought such things about his son’s fiancée.

I twisted my wrist sharply and locked the door with the old key. We might have fancy technology upstairs, but down here, the old ways still ruled.

“Maybe this will remind you who’s in charge here, piccola monella.”

She banged the bars, crying out in pain, and for a flicker of a moment, I hesitated—something I rarely ever did.

A capo must never show weakness.

My father made sure I heard that sentence almost everyday from when I was a baby. It was in our blood, our legacy.

The word 'ndrina' came from Greek, meaning “man who does not bend.” No mercy. Not even for her.

I turned and walked towards the exit.

“Goditi il soggiorno."

(enjoy your stay)