Aurora’s POV
Giselle and Sofia exchanged confused looks, but I wanted her to live with us. There was every tendency of Sofia losing her standing with Danilo if she lived with him and it could cause a huge dent to the Outfit’s image.
“We’ll stay in the Capo’s house for the main time until Sofia gets married.” Giselle decided and my heart leaped for joy.
I couldn’t explain the joy and peace I usually felt any time I was with Giselle. It was like we had a bond from the past which made me feel very safe and comfortable with her even though she murdered her husband.
“That’s a good decision. So pick up some of your things and come downstairs,” Matteo instructed with his Capo tone while I beamed at him.
How could I adore my enemy this much? I thought.
“Can I visit her?” Danilo asked and Matteo squinted his eyes, pondering over his question. “Just to know how she’s doing,” He added.
“You can, but you won’t be allowed to stay alone with her.” Matteo ordered and he inclined his head.
I followed Matteo out of the room, waiting for both mother and daughter to pick up their stuff. He was quiet but I knew that he had a lot in his mind.
“You can tell me all about it,” I offered with a shrug as we sat beside each other on the chair.
“Tell you about what?”
“The unsettling thoughts in your mind. I know that we aren’t so close, but somehow I can read you.” I stated and his lips twitched as he glanced at me.
“I’m fine, Aurora, if that is what you are worried about. Everything is just overwhelming and several things are happening at the same time. I’m bringing not just one person but two people to the house and my brother isn’t even aware.” He said and rested on the headrest.
My hands itched to touch him but I didn’t want to give him ideas.
“You are the owner of the house, I don’t think he’ll mind.”
He shook his head in disagreement. “His opinion matters to me.”
“Your brother will understand. Now let’s wait and see what will happen when we get home.” I said as Giselle and Sofia came down from the stairs.
**********
I’d finished taking my bath and was getting ready for bed. I’d applied my toning lotion and a mild chocolate scented body spray which I liked very much when my phone vibrated on the bed stand.
It was my uncle and I raked through my damp hair, wondering why he’d be calling me so late at night. I went ahead and picked the call, anticipating an angry scolding from him.
“Aurora Mancini, you really forgot that you have an uncle, right?” He asked with a disapproving tone.
“I didn’t, uncle. I’ve just been overwhelmed with a lot of things that have been going on in the house.” I tried to defend myself, but he laughed drily at the background which informed me that he wasn’t happy with me.
“You know, Aurora, I’m beginning to think that you aren’t following the plan anymore. You barely give me any update and you don’t call at all.” He lashed out at me.
I palmed my face, thinking of an explanation but my mind remained blank.
“I’m sorry, uncle.” I apologised.
“We’ll be attacking the Outfit with or without your help,”
My heart palpitated at the information. “Isn’t it so soon?”
“It isn’t, my dear. We want the Camorra to show strength and my son is ready to become the Capo.” He informed me and I gasped in disbelief.
“Erizo? Your irresponsible son?”
“Don’t call him that Aurora. He’s a changed person now and we need all the loyal people we can get to fight against the Outfit. After all, he’s more determined to see the Camorra stand again.” His voice was taunting but I ignored it because it was all my fault.
“When are you going to attack?” I asked.
“All I can say is soon, so be careful because Matteo might get hit.”
I couldn’t allow him to touch Matteo at all, not the man I was beginning to fall for.
“Alright. I’m going to bed now.” I said so that he wouldn’t notice how affected I was.
“Sleep well, Principessa.” He said and ended the call while I sank onto the bed, tears flowing freely out of my eyes.
The door pushed open and Giselle came in with a grim smile on her face.
“Stop coming into my room without my permission. How many times do I have to tell you that?”
She snorted and folded her arms, scrutinising me with a scowl.
“I was passing quietly as I usually do when I overheard a strange conversation. Tell me, Chef Aurora, who are you planning to attack?” She questioned.
Damn this bitch!
“It’s none of your business, Ginevra. I want to rest so I can get up on time tomorrow.”
“Don’t try to get me off your room so quickly except you have some skeletons in your cupboard. I know your type, Aurora, and I’m very sure that you are hiding something from all of us. I’ll find out and expose you,” She threatened.
“You can try, Ginevra, but the only thing you’ll find out is that I have nothing to hide and the fact that Matteo will never love you back.” I spat and she flinched, her face filled with fury.
“I’ll make you pay, Aurora.” She snarled and left my room angrily.
I didn’t undermine her determination to dig out my secret, so I had to be more careful.
*****
Morning came quicker than I expected and after freshening up, I dashed to the kitchen twenty minutes later. I hadn’t spoken to Giselle and her daughter yet but I knew that they had a nice rest.
I took some flour to prepare some ricotta pancakes. I wanted to make something light but healthy that everyone could start their day with.
“Good morning,” Ilaria greeted and helped me with some ingredients.
“Good morning, Ilaria. Did you sleep well?” I asked and she nodded.
Ginevra walked in, still wearing the same disapproving look from last night. I greeted her and she replied curtly but I didn’t care as she wasn’t my problem.
Ilaria and I served breakfast later with the family seated around the table. Matteo was seated in his usual spot, discussing with Angelo who was all dressed up for work.
Ginevra used the opportunity to serve him his morning coffee which was unusual.
“Thank you, Ginevra.” He appreciated her and took a sip from the coffee.
He dropped the cup angrily with his face scrunched up with silent disapproval. He didn’t say anything to her probably because he didn’t want to reprimand her in public.
“Breakfast is served,” I announced with a sing-song tone and sat beside Sofia.
I watched them eat the pancakes then the eggs with smiles on their faces. Angelo, who had always been a fan of my cooking, didn’t stop singing my praises.
“I’ve never tasted any pancake as good as this,” Sofia said with her mouth full.
“Thank you very much.”
“Aurora,” She called after taking a sip from her iced tea.
“Yes..”
“There’ll be a big cooking competition in Texas next week and I’d like you to be a part of the contestants. Both popular chefs and newbies are allowed to participate.” She informed me.
I smiled, pondering on what she said. Cooking wasn’t just a job for me, it was my passion and if it wasn’t for my vendetta, I’d have been enrolled in a culinary school.
“I don’t think Matteo will allow me since there’ll be no one to continue cooking for the house,” I said, avoiding his gaze.
“Nonsense!” Matteo chimed, “She will participate in the competition and I’ll take her there myself.” He declared, inciting loud gasps from everyone.