Arranged Mafia Marriage

Chapter 29Felicity

29

Felicity

A couple of evenings later, the doorbell chimes, and I smooth down my dress, taking a deep breath. Kiril places his hand on the small of my back in a gesture of support that calms my nerves.

“Ready?” he asks softly.

I nod, and he opens the door. Damiano stands there, looking uncomfortable but composed. He looks between us before his gaze settles on me. “Felicity,” he says, his voice gruff. “Thank you for the invitation.”

“Come in,” I say, stepping aside. “We’re glad you could make it.”

As Damiano enters, I catch a whiff of expensive cologne. He’s dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his dark hair styled perfectly. It’s clear he’s made an effort for this dinner. Now that he’s not wearing sunglasses, I realize he and I have the same eyes, just like Santino’s.

Kiril leads us to the living room, where Isabella and Tony are waiting. The moment Damiano sees them, his entire demeanor changes. His face softens, and a genuine smile spreads across his lips.

“Papa?” Tony is clearly surprised as he races toward Damiano.

Damiano scoops him up, hugging him tightly. “Hey, little man. I’ve missed you.”

Isabella approaches more cautiously, but her body language radiates welcome. “Damiano,” she says softly.

He sets down Tony and pulls Isabella into an embrace. “You look beautiful,” he whispers just loudly enough for me to hear.

The tension in the room dissipates slightly, replaced by an awkward silence. Kiril clears his throat.

“Shall we move to the dining room? Dinner is ready.”

We file into the elegant dining room, where the table is set with fine china and crystal glasses. Kiril takes his place at the head of the table, with me to his right. Damiano sits across from me, with Isabella beside him and Tony beside me.

As we begin to eat, the conversation is stilted and formal. We discuss neutral topics like the weather, and Tony’s latest adventures in preschool. Gradually, the atmosphere starts to thaw.

“So, Felicity,” says Damiano, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth. “How are you finding life in New York?”

I take a sip of water before answering. “It’s been an adjustment, but I’m getting used to it. The city has its own rhythm, you know?”

He nods. “It does, and how about everything else ?” His looks at Kiril, then back at me.

I understand what he’s really asking. “How am I handling life in the mafia world? It’s challenging, but I’m learning. Kiril has been a great teacher.”

Damiano’s eyebrows raise slightly. “I’m sure he has.” He sounds only slightly doubtful.

The undercurrent of tension returns, but Kiril smoothly intervenes. “Felicity has shown remarkable adaptability. She’s a quick study.”

“I bet she is,” Damiano mutters, but there’s less hostility in his tone than I expected. “You seem a lot like Papa,” he says, and it’s hard to tell if he means that as an insult or a compliment.

I’m uncomfortable with the thought, so I don’t expound on it. I’ve accepted in an intellectual way that Santino is my biological father, and Damiano is my half-brother, but the emotional connections that make it feel real are more tenuous and take a long time to build.

The conversation shifts to business matters, and I observe the dynamics between Kiril and Damiano. There’s still an edge of rivalry, but also a grudging respect. They discuss territory and operations with the ease of long-time adversaries, who know each other’s moves.

As the main course is cleared away and dessert is served, Tony asks, “Papa, are you coming to live with us?”

The table falls silent. Damiano looks pained as he glances at Isabella across the table. “Not right now, buddy,” he says gently, “But I promise I’ll visit more often.”

Tony’s lower lip trembles. “But why can’t you stay? We got lots of room in our soot.”

Isabella intervenes. “Suite, not soot. Remember what we talked about? Papa has his own house, but he loves us very much.”

Damiano reaches out, ruffling Tony’s hair. “That’s right, and no matter where I am, I’m always thinking about you.”

The moment is tender, and I blink back unexpected tears. Despite everything, it’s clear Damiano adores his son and Isabella.

As we finish dessert, Kiril stands. “Damiano, would you care to join me for a drink in the study?”

Damiano nods, rising as well. “Lead the way.”

As the men leave, Isabella turns to me. “Felicity, could we talk privately for a moment?”

“Of course,” I say, curious.

She looks at her son. “Tony, why don’t you go play in your room for a bit?” Once Tony is out of earshot, Isabella sways closer, her voice low and excited. “Damiano is planning to buy us an apartment here in the city.”

I let out a small sound of excitement for her. “Really? That’s... wow. How do you feel about that?”

Her expression answers for her as she beams. “I’m thrilled. It means we can finally be a real family. No more hiding, and no more secrets.”

I nod, processing this information. It’s a significant step that could change the dynamics between all of us. It must indicate Damiano has seen the wisdom in accepting a truce that makes us all safer.

She frowns. “Do you think it’s the right choice?”

I hesitate before nodding. “If it’s what you want, I’ll support you.”

Isabella flashes me a grin. “Thank you, Felicity. You’ve been so kind to us, even though you had no reason to be.”

“You’re my brother’s,” My tongue trips over the word, “Partner and the mother of my nephew. Of course I had reason to be.”

She gives me a knowing look. “He tried to kill you. When Kiril took us, I was sure he meant to use us against Damiano either in retribution for threatening you, or to control Damiano to back off from trying to hurt you. I suspect I have you to think for the change of plans.”

I clear my throat. “Kiril is quite fond of Tony.” I take her hand, feeling a surge of affection and not wanting to acknowledge the truth of the original plan. “We’re family now, all of us. It’s what families do.”

As we sit there, hand in hand, I realize how much has changed in such a short time. From being alone in the world after Mom’s death to meeting my husband as a stranger thrust into an arranged marriage, to allies, and full circle back to family. It’s not the life I ever imagined for myself, but it’s a life that makes me happy.

The sound of footsteps alerts us to Kiril and Damiano’s return. They enter the room, both looking more relaxed than when they left. Whatever they discussed over drinks seems to have eased some of the tension between them.

Damiano immediately seeks out Isabella, and I see the love there, clear as day. It’s a total difference from the cold, ruthless man I first met. Perhaps there’s hope for all of us after all.

As Kiril and I retire to our bedroom, the events of the evening replay in my mind. The dinner with Damiano, Isabella, and Tony went better than expected, but there’s still an undercurrent of tension that I can’t ignore. I slip into a silk nightgown and sit on the edge of the bed, watching Kiril undress.

I fidget with the hem of my gown, “Did you know Damiano is planning to buy an apartment for Isabella and Tony?”

He pauses, his shirt half-unbuttoned, and turns to face me. “What?”

“Damiano wants to buy them a place here in the city. It seems like a good idea, don’t you think? They could be closer, and it would make things easier for everyone.”

His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. He finishes removing his shirt before speaking. “It’s not that simple, Felicity.”

“Why not?” I press, leaning forward. “They deserve a chance at a normal life, don’t they?” He’s not still clinging to the idea of using them as leverage, is he?

He grunts as he sits down beside me. “It’s not about what they deserve. It’s about what’s safe.”

I frown. “What do you mean? I thought things were settling down between you and Damiano.”

The warmth of his bare skin radiates against my arm when he moves closer. “There’s more at play here than just Damiano. I’ve been investigating a potential threat from the Irish mafia.”

I blink. “The Irish? I didn’t know they were involved in all this.”

“They usually keep to themselves, but lately, with all the upheaval, there have been whispers of them trying to expand their territory since Santino’s health failed. If they catch wind of Isabella and Tony being publicly claimed by Damiano, things could get ugly.”

“They could become targets,” I say with a hollow ache in my chest on their behalf.

Kiril nods. “Exactly. It’s not safe for them to be out in the open just yet. We need more time to assess the situation and neutralize any threats.”

I chew on my lower lip, processing this new information. “Have you told Damiano about this?”

“Not yet,” Kiril admits. “I wanted to be certain before bringing it to his attention. The last thing we need is for him to act rashly and put everyone in more danger.”

I reach out and take Kiril’s hand, intertwining our fingers. “I trust you, Kiril. If you say it’s not safe, then I believe you, but we can’t keep Isabella and Tony hidden away forever. They deserve a chance at happiness too.”

Kiril squeezes my hand gently. “I know, my love, and we’ll give them that chance, but for now, we need to be cautious. I’ll do everything in my power to guard them, just like you and our child.”

His words reassure me. Despite the circumstances that brought us together, Kiril truly cares for me and our growing family, and that care extends to the rest of my family as well. I rest my head on his shoulder. “I know you will. You’ve already done so much for us. For me.”

He pulls me snugly against him. “You’ve done just as much for me, Felicity. You’ve given me a family, a future to fight for, and you saved my life in Atlantic City.”

I tilt my head up to look at him. “I guess we’re stuck together, aren’t we?”

A rare smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “Always.”

He captures my lips in a kiss that starts soft but quickly deepens. I melt into him, sliding my hands up his chest to his shoulders. When we finally part, both slightly breathless, desire burns in his eyes. “Let’s forget about the Irish and Damiano for tonight. I have other plans for us.”

I grin, allowing him to push me back onto the bed. As his lips find mine again, I push away thoughts of danger and threats. For now, it’s just us, Kiril and Felicity, husband and wife, soon-to-be parents, ardent lovers, and that’s enough.