Chapter 4

Alessia's Pov

The Costello estate sprawled across five acres of pristine Connecticut landscape— it was a modern fortress disguised as a luxury mansion. As the car pulled through wrought iron gates bearing the family crest, my stomach twisted into knots.

"We're here, Ms. Costello," the driver announced and this is the last time anyone would call me by that name.

Leo waited on the steps and changed into casual clothes that somehow made him look more dangerous—dark jeans and a black button-down with sleeves rolled to reveal muscular forearms. His smile when he saw me held genuine pleasure, as if I was arriving for a date rather than my own imprisonment.

"Welcome home," he said, opening my door and offering his hand.

I ignored it and climbed out on my own. "This isn't my home."

"Not yet." He took my elbow anyway, guiding me inside. "But it will be."

The interior was a study in old money and power—vaulted ceilings, marble floors, priceless art. A team of staff appeared, taking my bags and offered refreshments.

"My father has called a family meeting for this evening," Leo murmured as he led me through the house. "To introduce you."

"I've already met your father," I reminded him, feeling extremely displeased at my calm demeanor, our last meeting was at the enclosed wall of the interrogation room at the station but Leo's jaw tightened. "This is different. You're about to become a Costello."

"Whether I want to or not, stop rubbing it on my face!” I seethed under my breath and his fingers tightened on my arm. "I know but remember our agreement. You're the perfect wife, Alessia. Starting tonight."

He showed me to a suite larger than my first apartment, it was decorated in creams and blues. "Get settled. Wear something impressive for dinner. I'll send someone for you at seven."

After he left, I systematically searched the room for cameras or listening devices, finding three and cursed, Son of a bitch must think I'm stupid. There's one in the light fixture, one near the television, and one by the window. I left them untouched. Better to know where they were watching from.

At precisely seven, a maid knocked. "Mr. Costello requests your presence, ma'am."

I'd chosen a fitted black dress that hit just above the knee—moderate enough for a family dinner but still showing I wouldn't be intimidated. My mother's pearl earrings, the only jewelry I wore, had been my silent rebellion.

The dining room fell silent as I entered the mansion. Six people sat around a massive table, with Leo's father, Don Antonio Costello at its head. Leo stood when he saw me, appreciation evident in his gaze as it traveled from my face down the length of my body and lingered on my semi exposed cleavage which made my toes twitch in discomfort.

"You look beautiful," he said, coming to take my hand. There was something possessive in the way he tucked my arm through his, something that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine and skin.

"Everyone," Leo announced, "most of you have met Alessia Ricci. Soon to be Alessia Costello."

The stunned silence that followed spoke volumes. Don Antonio recovered first. "What is the meaning of this, Leonardo? Is this why you called us over?"

Leo guided me to the empty chair beside his. "Exactly what it sounds like, Father. I'm getting married."

A striking woman across the table laughed sharply. "To Matteo Ricci's wife? Are you insane?"

"Careful, Valentina," Leo warned.

I studied the woman—Leo's sister, I assumed. She was beautiful in a sharp way, all angles and intensity, with the same dark eyes as her brother.

"This is a joke," said another man, whom I recognized as Gino Costello, Leo's cousin and right-hand man. "The feds are crawling all over the Ricci operation, and you're bringing his wife into our house?"

"Former wife," Leo corrected. "Her divorce papers were filed this afternoon."

This was news to me. I never signed anything but I didn't ask any questions and my expression was neutral, though my heart raced.

Don Antonio's voice cut through the chatter. "Everyone out. Except Leo and his... fiancée."

The room emptied quickly, though Valentina lingered at the door, her eyes met mine with unmistakable warning before she disappeared.

When we were alone, Don Antonio stood slowly. Though in his sixties, he carried himself with the power of a much younger man. "Explain yourself now, this is bullshit. You're not about to destroy this family because your dick can't fill a simple hole."

Leo remained casual, pouring wine for me.

“What I do is none of your business father, you fucked my Ex girlfriend and married her making her my step mommy and I chewed it hard and swallowed.”

“So you decided to get back at me by fucking a detective who's on this family line for years?” I swallowed Leo's father's words, it was almost as if I was non-existent as they argued with vulgar words that made me wonder if these two were even related.

Leo interrupted. "That's enough, Father. My personal matters are my own."

"Not when they affect this family," the Don growled. "You weaken my image, bringing in this liability without consulting me."

"I'm not consulting you," Leo's voice was deadly quiet. "I'm informing you."

The tension between them crackled with years of unspoken conflict. I sensed this wasn't really about me at all.

"You should focus more on Bianca, father " Leo added, stroking the side of my neck softly , an act that made me shiver without knowing. "Your new wife seems to be spending a lot of time with her tennis instructor while you're working."

The Don's face darkened. "You dare—"

"We're getting married in three days," Leo stated flatly. "It would mean a great deal to Alessia if you would give us your blessings." He added sarcastically and I just huffed at Leo's boldness.

Don Antonio studied us both, his eyes cold. "If this blows back on the family, the consequences will be on your head. Both of you." He stood, throwing his napkin on the table. "Don't expect me at this farce of a wedding."

After he left, Leo released my hand. "Sorry about that."

"You're not on good terms with your father, I'm impressed." I observed but he didn't respond, the door opened and the others returned, the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Dinner was served, a lavish affair that I barely tasted as conversation flowed around me. Valentina watched me throughout, barely touching her food. When dessert was served, she finally addressed me directly.

"So, Alessia, how does it feel to trade one Cosa Nostra prince for another? Keeping it in the family, so to speak." Was she referring to my Husband, a Cosa Nostra what?

"Valentina," Leo warned.

"What? I'm making conversation with my new sister-in-law." Her smile was razor-sharp. "I'm just curious if she knows what she's getting into and what kind of cock she's going to ride."

I set down my fork and tried not to glare. "I'm sure I'll learn as I go."

"Some lessons come too late." Valentina's eyes flashed. "Ask Leo what happened to our mother then ask yourself if you really want to end up like her by getting married to him."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop, my heart beat accelerated ten times before and Leo's hand, which was resting on his wine glass tightened until we all heard a crack in the room and everyone gasped aside from Valentina who pushed the meat in her mouth and stared at Leo with…hatred.

"Say one more word again Valentina, just fucking try it." he said, his voice deadly quiet.

"Should I?" Valentina stood, her chair scraping across the floor. "Someone should warn the poor girl what happens to Costello wives who ask too many questions, my bad, I meant my Mother!."

She stormed out, leaving a heavy silence in her wake.