Chapter 2: A pawn

My eyes cut to my Father, despite the chaos brewing inside me I remain calm and poised. I tap my class with crossed fingers to let him know today's mission was a success.

“Sasha?” My mother snorts, “You don't want her. I know they're identical but Sasha is where you draw the line, she isn't fit to be Capo's wife, she-”

“Everything will proceed as planned, she looks like the initial bride so nobody will suspect any foul play. You get to keep your facade of a virtuous family and I get my bride.”

“Take Luna.” My Father offers, and when I turn to find her, she's gone wide-eyed with fear.

“I want your other daughter, and in five days you will hand her to me and pray my anger simmers down enough to not break your bones.”

“You can't have Sasha, I'm sorry.”

“You don't tell me what I can't have Don Romano, much less after you screwed me over. I'll hang your daughter's head on my door as payment for disloyalty on your end.”

And with that, he exits, with his family following behind him. “Five days,” Alessio tells Father, but his eyes are on me.

“Mom!” Sofia screeches. “Do something.” she turns to me, a silent plea in her eyes.

I look away, if I don't I will give in for her sake and I sure as hell don't want to spend my life gifted to Capo dei Capi as reimbursement. I'm fine in my current hell.

“I'm taken.” I muse, shocking everyone but Father. He knows I'm bluffing, but in a way it's true. I'm death's favorite mistress and he doesn't share.

Enzo Valenti is said to be worse than the devil himself which means I should panic but I can't.

My calm is supported by the fact that I know Father won't give me up, I'm an asset to him. He won't give up his greatest creation to save his precious little—

Shit.

I'm fucked.

“I will reason with him, he's angry now. He will calm down, he will take Luna or Sofia again, he can't have Alessandra. She belongs here, with her Father.”

His words reassure me a little, and I blow him a kiss. “Always, Father.”

****TWO DAYS LATER****

ENZO

Playing nice with Dante Romano has his perception of who I am mixed up. Despite my clear insistence of not wanting any of the girls in his home who are not Alessandra, he still believes he can change my mind.

I want her, if he hadn't tried so hard to talk me out of marrying her then maybe I would have spared the girl, but no, I must marry her. My choice isn't merely for my benefit but to punish Dante Romano for letting his daughter play fast and loose knowing damn well she was betrothed to me.

When he came begging for the second time today, I wanted to put a bullet between his eyes and end things but Alessio talked me out of it. Nobody but his family would bat an eyelash if I killed Don Romano, the events surrounding his death would be justifiable. If anything, killing him for such a betrayal is expected of me as the next capo.

“Enzo, we have a guest.” Alessio groans. “Put on a better show, will you?”

My head whips over my shoulder and I smile at the way Don Romano sweats in his seat. Alessio had the brilliant idea of letting Don Romano see what would happen to him if he went against me. We've been in my dungeon for thirty minutes now, and my hands are covered in blood.

“Enzo please,” David squirms in his seat. I love how powerless they get when I'm in the room, and how small they become when they realize they have nowhere to run to.

“You know, if I were you,” Alessio drawls, his voice laced with Mockery. “I’d be scared, Don Romano.”

I move onto my table of torture items and Alessio hums in approval when I grab a limited edition blade crafted specially for this kind of occasion. “Use that one, it'll make him learn his lesson.”

My gaze cuts to Don Romano and I smirk. “Maybe I should try this on the Don.” I trail off, my gaze finding his. He's shaking, just the way I want him to., “Tell me Don Romano, aren't curious to feel my wrath.”

Don Romano swallows, his leg jittering. Alessio laughs, patting him on the shoulder. “Don’t look so serious, Don. It's a joke, isn't it Enzo?”

“A joke?” I frown, flickering the knife between my fingers. “There is nothing funny about screwing me over.”

“Enzo, please. There's no need to resort to violence.”

No need? No, there's plenty of need here. I wasn't remotely attached to Don Romano's daughter, for a good three or so years I couldn't even remember her name but now that opportunity has presented itself, I'm more than eager to take the daughter that haunts my dreams.

“There is always a need for violence, if not? Then I create it.” Alessio grins.

Don Romano falls to his knees, hands rubbing together as he looks up at me. “Please, Enzo the wedding is in two days, let's organize something.”

“You know, when I speak, things get done and yet you are still challenging me?”

“No,” he vigorously shakes his head. “I'm simply asking you to reconsider, please choose between Luna and Reina.”

He's asking me to choose between his other daughter and niece raises alarm. Why does he not want me to marry Sasha? If he didn't want me marrying he he should have hidden her better.

“Don Romano, when Enzo doesn't get what he wants he resorts to uneventful means.” Alessio sighs, “Look at that man do you know what his sin is? Don't wreck your brain, I will tell you for free. David there didn't deliver on time and when did deliver, something was amiss that made Enzo very angry.”

“Enough, chit-chat.” I groan. “As you can see, David and I are preoccupied. You'll go home, prepare your darling daughter for the wedding and if you value your life then you'll ensure the right twin walks down the aisle.”

“Enzo, please. My Alessandra has done no wrong, I can't force-”

“You're right. Get up.”

At my command he rises, taking a bow. “Thank you, Enzo. Who shall I prepare.”

“Alessandra,” I tell him, watching all colour drain from his face. “You were right when you said she did nothing wrong but you did,” I smirk. “So if you any deliver me the docile virgin wife you promised? I'll have to kill you. As a matter of fact, choose your death weapon now.”

“N-no, no.” he stutters. “she will marry you.”

“Excellent,” I smile. The bastard could never put anyone's life above his. “I would have hated to soil my clothes when I tear you inside out.”

“Leave while you can still walk out of here, Don Romano.” Alessio hisses, “And don't think of fooling us with the other one.” he warns.

I don't think Don Romano is bold enough to swap Sofia for Alessandra.

No, he wouldn't dare and even if he did? I would catch on to his lies, the two act ever so differently. Sofia likes to be the centre of attention while my chosen darling bride wouldn't be caught dead in the public eye.