JADE
When we arrived at Luciano’s step mother’s quarter, it felt like we had been walking for a millennium. I never realised this estate was this huge and also confusing. Every house seemed to look alike.
A huge banquet had been arrayed before us and to my surprise, I saw that Luciano step brothers and their wives coupled with some men who looked like they were of Luciano’s age and their own wives were in attendance. Probably they were his cousins. He did say his cousins resided here too.
Mrs Gabriela welcomed us all as we greeted her in return before taking our seat. I watched as Luciano’s brothers, cousins and wives exchanged pleasantries among themselves but Luciano did not move an inch after sitting down.
And not much of his cousins came to welcome us either. Just two were bold enough to offer us a kind smile and to talk with Luciano.
The disunity among the Greco brothers was alarming. Oh heavens please help me.
Soon enough, everyone sat down in their assigned places; each man with his wife and Mrs Gabriela finally gave a welcoming speech to us all.
“I am so happy to see you all seated here together like the united family that we are….”
I passed side glances at everyone as she spoke before my eyes landed on Raffaele. He had his amorous stares on me and it gave me a sudden feeling of dread before I quickly darted my eyes from his and listened to the speech going on.
“Honestly if Armani were to be alive today, he would shed tears of joy seeing this. It has always been his dream to see you all married with families of your own. His brothers Giovanni, Luca and Tommasso can attest to that fact. We hope and pray that your generation carries on this great family name.
Giovanni will speak to the men concerning the family’s business. But for now, enjoy your dinner and make our new bride feel at home” Gabriela concluded before leaving the huge dinning hall.
The chatterings began, each person having lively and animated discussions apart from I and Luciano.
I felt so left out. Like a fish out of water. And one glance at Luciano showed that he did not want to be here either.
We both ate our food in silence until Luciano decided to finally speak to me. “Hope you are enjoying your meal wife?” He asked.
“I am. And what about you?”
He gave off a breathy sigh. “I love the meal but I can not wait to leave here. You also do not seem like you want to stay either”
I nodded and was about replying when the voice of Raffaele interrupted me.
“You all please can we have some respect for our capo who is seated amongst us? He has not even had the chance to speak since he came here because of our loud chatterings” Raffaele sarcastically said.
Oh for the love of God!
“Exactly. That is disrespectful honestly on our part. This dinner was maid specifically to welcome the new bride. Mrs Jade Greco, wife of our dearest brother, Luciano Greco” Arturo completed after his brother, both of them chuckling.
Luciano did not seem happy at all. His body went stiff and I could see he was trying so hard not to loose his temper.
“Can we have a toast to her then? To our lovely Jade, the wife of our capo?” Another man stood up with a wine glass placed loosely in between his fingers.
This word ‘capo’! What the hell is a capo?
I always forget to research on it! Hopefully I can take a mental note about it and do more research on the word.
“Matteo, Raffaele and Arturo, you all sit down. There is no need for all these” another brother spoke.
“Oh but there is. I mean, this was father’s dream for Luciano to be wedded but unfortunately he did not live long enough to see it. May his gentle soul rest in peace. The least we can do is to make her feel very at peace with us. And see us as her brothers too” Arturo spoke with mischief in his eyes.
“We hope you see each one of us here as your brothers and sisters and feel free with everyone” Raffaele smiled maniacally.
I glared at him with anger burning in my eyes.
“Is Luciano perhaps treating you well? I mean hope he himself is making you feel at home here?” Matteo asked.
“Because he has a knack for discarding women away. You know big brother” They all laughed.
Luciano clenched and unclenched his fists whilst shifting uncomfortably beside me. The rest of the brothers did not seem please with what the mischievous trio were doing.
The three of them took it as a joke but I could tell that it was more than a joke to Luciano. It had a hidden mocking aura underneath it and their laugh sounded wicked and farcade.
“Well is an understatement to how my husband treats me” I encircled my hands around Luciano’s hardened fist and gave him a smile of approval.
Luciano’s features softened and he smiled back at me.
“Are you sure?” Raffaele quizzically asked.
“It seems you are more interested in watching my marraige crumble with the way you speak Raffaele. I do not want to believe that is the truth and you are a liar with your fake eulogies” I challenged him, my tone laced with mock and also innocence.
“Nonsense. I am just being concerned. It is my greatest delight to see my older brother happy with his wife”
I simpered, “Then it is settled. You will quit talking about my marraige and focus on yours. It needs this reassurance and concern that you are throwing at me”
The smile on both Raffaele’s and Aurora’s face vanished and menacing glares replaced it.
Serves them both right.
Luciano softly caressed my hands and I craned my neck to look at him with a triumphant smile playing on my lips.
The brothers stopped throwing mocking comments at my marraige and focused on talking within themselves.
As they did this, an elderly man walked in on us accompanied by five guards.
“Uncle Giovanni, we have been waiting for you” A male voice spoke.
The man nodded his head and just signalled to the men to follow him.
Luciano stood up to leave but not before placing a tender peck on my temples, “I will be back ok. And if you do not feel the need to stay here anymore, you can go back home”
I nodded and watched him leave with the rest.
I truly do not want to be here anymore. I do not know anyone too.
As I stood up myself, Aurora and Mariposa accosted me.
Good Lord please restrain me from not killing these women.
“And where do you think you are going to bitch?” Aurora snarled.
“I am going far away from you and your badluck before it taints my life” I chuckled.
A gasp left her lips. “Are you mad!? You this shameless whore!” Her outburst was attracting the stares of the other wives.
“What is going on here?” A woman ambled in our direction. She was very pretty though. The prettiest of all here with her hazel eyes and curly brown hair.
“Stay out of this Elisa!” Mariposa shot at her.
“How dare you speak to me in that manner?” Elisa retorted back. “You both do not have anything better to do than to cause problem and create strife everywhere you go”
I am loving this Elisa.
“You better mind your business Elisa. This is between us and the new whore Luciano brought as a wife”
“You will address her with respect. Lei e la moglie del tuo capo. Do not tempt my fury Aurora” Elisa gritted her words out.
Aurora smirked and faced Mariposa,”Let us go. Let us leave our respected moglie for now. Let her enjoy the peace whilst it last because a storm is coming”
I shook my head at their retreating profiles disperse.
“I am sorry for their behaviour” Elisa softly said to me.
“Do not apologise sweetheart. I am already used to it” I waved off her apology.
“I am actually about going home now. Thank you for standing up for me. None of the other wives would have done what you did for me today” I added.
“They are just intimated by Aurora and her sidekick with the way they both parade themseles here. But do not worry. I got you. Let me walk you home since you want to leave” she offered me her company.
Who was I say to no?
“Sure you are free” I smiled heartily. We both began walking out of the building.
“Jade tell me about yourself will you? We all never got the opportunity to actually meet with you before the marraige. I can only imagine how stressed and anxiety ridden you must have been at the sudden marraige” Elisa said to me as we strolled towards my home.
I think I actually love this woman.
* * * * * *
LUCIANO
I listened to my uncle’s endless talk concerning the running of the mafia and our various trade partners around the coast and beyond.
But the only thoughts that filled my head was the way Jade acted today. She was able to silence my brothers taunts at our marraige.
All the ladies I have been with in the past have been so chicken hearted. Whenever my brothers would try to downplay on them, they would not even have the guts to speak back. But today Jade totally out did herself.
I did not make the wrong choice in getting married to that bold and outspoken lady after all.
“Luciano I received word from Dario that you cut down on his profit shares in the sales of opium” my uncle snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Yes I did so. Dario has been behaving rather sneaky these days. I also ordered that he presents me with all the financial records of the sales from the previous months up until now. If my suspicious are correct then Dario has been cheating on us and presenting false sales and profits” I articulated with an air of authority.
“Hmm. I did not think it was this serious. Very well then. I will also instruct the…” a guard suddenly walked up to my uncle and whispered something to him.
“I will be right back. Excuse me” he stood up at once and left with his entourage of men.
It was at that moment Raffaele stood up and walked over to me.
“You cut Dario’s shares without informing me?”
“I did. Who are you that I should consult on my every action?” I raised a brow at him.
“Dario is one of my underbosses and he works under my jurisdiction. You should have first informed me before taking any irrational decision!” He yelled.
“I am the capo dei capi. I am your don and his too. You wanted me to inform you so you could send word to Dario and you both try to cover up your dirty tracks right?!” My balled fists hit the table that seperated us all as I bolted up with the speed of light and faced Raffaele.
I was sick and tired of his fucking attitude.
He needs to be put in his place and be reminded who was the real boss around here.
“You are so full of yourself Luciano. You think so highly of yourself all because you are the capo and you got the spirited woman but I promise you, one day you shall go down and then this entire mafia will be mine. I will have control over your properties and including….”
He leaned his lips closer to my ear, “Your darling wife. She will be mine..” Raffaele said with a crooked smile.
That was all it took to tip me over the edge.
“How dare you!?” I yelled in an uncontrollable fury as I immediately yanked Raffaele by the collar and delivered multiple and deliberate punches to his face which he tried to block.
Chaos ensued in the room as I kicked Raffaele to the ground so violently. I zoned out of everything else apart from the murderous thought which filled my head.
I just want to kill this bloody ass hole!