Diavolo (Devil’s Playground #1)

10. Chapter 10

10

Elyse barely placed one foot in the bedroom when a muscled arm wrapped around her waist. She gasped as her feet left the ground. Alessandro picked her up as though she weighed little more than a bag of feathers, hooking one arm under her legs and the other behind her back. He promptly deposited her on the bed. The mattress bounced under her weight. He towered over her with a furious expression on his face, demanding, "Listen to what I have to say."

Her glare cut him like a blade. "I'm not interested in more lies. You always say one thing while plotting something else. Who knows what's really going on in that fucked up head of yours?"

Alessandro chuckled darkly. "If only you knew."

"Knew what?"

" The filth . That I keep to myself. My dreams of you, Dr. Romero, would make the devil blush."

Elyse scoffed. "You're disgusting."

He shrugged. "I am a man."

She glared up at him. "No, you're not. A real man would never propose marriage and promise divorce in the same breath."

Alessandro glared back down at her. "You have made your point loud and clear,but you are wrong about one thing."

"What might that be?"

His eyes darkened with emotion. "I have no desire to divorce you."

"Already going back on your word?"

" No ," he corrected, "I will let you go once our marriage has run its course. If that is what you desire. But when that day comes. I hope you will change your mind and— stay ."

The malice in Elyse's eyes faded a little. As though sensing her lowered guard, Alessandro rushed to make further amends, "I understand why you are unhappy. It was my fault for presenting marriage in such an abrupt manner. I expect it will take time for you to accept me in full, but, I swear to you, I will be a good husband."

He appeared to be so earnest. It was confusing. Elyse refused to let him break down her defenses. Self-preservation was key. To strengthen her resolve, Elyse conjured up images of the blonde hair and the red bra she had stumbled upon not too long ago. The strategy worked. Indignation flared within her, and Elyse managed to stand her ground. "But I don't want to be anyone's wife. Can't you find someone else to marry?"

He hesitated. "Certainly, it would not be impossible, but then she would not possess your mind, body, or heart. If I cannot have you, I would rather die."

Good God, this man had lines for his lines. She muttered, "You only want me because I'm a Graviano."

"That, too," he admitted, "but I wanted to make you mine even before knowing you were a Graviano. From the moment we met, you have embodied everything I want in a woman."

"I'm flattered," Elyse drawled. "But, sadly, you don't possess a single quality I want in a man."

"I may not be your first choice," Alessandro disputed, "but I am not a bad choice. Give me a chance to win you over. To show you what it would be like to be my queen."

"I don't need to be your queen," Elyse sniffed elegantly. "I'm already a goddamn surgeon."

The corner of his mouth quipped up. "Your resume is, indeed, impressive, but..."

She frowned and prompted, "What?"

A shrewd gleam glinted in Alessandro's eyes. "You have overlooked one important detail. Cosa Nostra . They will never let you go. However, by marrying me, you might have a chance to escape."

Elyse's eyebrows rose. Had Alessandro actually been listening to her earlier? Hesitantly, she challenged, "If I wanted to distance myself from Cosa Nostra , why would I marry into the very organization that put my father in a coma?"

"Because I am Cosa Nostra. Who better to free you from wicked men than another wicked man?"

He was beginning to sound more and more like a devil on her shoulder. Elyse protested, "Mr. Vitale..."

"I know their ways because they are my ways. I wield power over them. Influence . You will never fight alone again. Let me be your sword and shield."

"You mean," she muttered darkly, "my ax and hammer?"

Poor, handless Mikey flashed across her mind.

"Everything you need, I will give you," he promised. "Anyone who hurts you— dies ."

Another stirring declaration. Pity that she didn't quite agree. "If ever I fall for a man, Mr. Vitale, I'd want us to rely on each other. As equals . Anyone who's willing to go to hell and back for me deserves the same kind of love in return."

"Is that what you believe?"

"Yes."

Alessandro sat down beside her on the edge of the mattress. He reached over to brush a strand of hair from Elyse's face. His touch was gentle, and, in a way, it felt more intimate than anything that had transpired between them. Elyse felt her heart skip a beat. In a hoarse voice, he whispered, "I would very much like to share life's burdens with you, angelo , along with its blessings."

"Then don't force me to marry you," she begged. "Give me a choice, and let me decide."

Remorse shone in his eyes. "I wish I could give you more time,but we must marry. The sooner, the better."

Elyse frowned. "Why?"

"Do not ask questions I cannot answer."

"You're starting to piss me off all over again."

He sighed. "I do not wish to upset you. I am trying to protect you."

"I thought we were going to share life's burdens and blessings with each other? As equals ."

He smiled and let her jab slide right over him. "Are you warming up to the idea of becoming my wife?"

She wrinkled her nose at him. "Don't get your hopes up."

"I think I will start calling you— Signora Vitale . It carries a nice ring to it, no?"

Annoyed, Elyse tried to dismiss him, "I've heard enough of what you want to say."

A slow, sobering lull dragged between them. His gaze darkened with an intensity that struck Elyse to the core. It brimmed with surety and discernment. When Alessandro finally spoke again, his voice commanded her full attention, "You can try to run from me, angelo , but you cannot outrun yourself. You are a Graviano. Your mother is Gianna Graviano. Your grandfather is Benedetto Graviano. You belong in our world whether or not you wish it to be true. Benedetto knows about you now, and I know your grandfather all too well. You will be forced to marry for your family's honor— no matter what —so you might as well marry me."

Green eyes dimmed with a sense of defeat. Forced marriages and family honor sounded positively medieval. But Elyse recognized the truth in Alessandro's claims. The mafia was built on rigid traditions and archaic practices. It wouldn't be surprising if the men were still using their women as bargaining chips to settle disputes and hash out negotiations.

Alessandro forged on, "If you do not choose me, some other fucker will force your hand in marriage. You are a piece on your grandfather's chessboard. He will not hesitate to sacrifice you for the greater good."

Agitation churned in Elyse's chest. Alessandro's depiction of her grandfather didn't sound very grandfatherly at all. It seemed as though her Graviano blood sealed her fate. Helplessness now threatened to overwhelm Elyse. Her chest ached painfully. So much for looking forward to meeting a long-lost family member. This bone-deep disappointment triggered Elyse to lash out at the very man who'd shoved her down this rabbit hole. Her features sharpened with accusation. "My grandfather wouldn't even know about me if it wasn't for you!"

"Benedetto would have found you eventually," Alessandro replied smoothly. "If he did not find you, Stefano and Mikey would still be hassling you. Either way, I would have intervened."

"Go to hell."

"Only if you come with me."

"Fuck you."

Unfazed, he rose from the bed, away from her, and stalked across the bedroom. At the door, Alessandro paused for a moment to drive home one final point, "You are a smart woman. If you think, carefully , about everything I have told you, you know the logic is sound. I am your best option. We leave for Paris tomorrow morning."

The following morning, Elyse boarded a private jet bound for Paris. Elyse had never flown above economy class before, and, as much as she resented her current predicament, admittedly, it was nice to travel in style. The interior of the aircraft was elegant and posh. Wide, cream-colored leather seats with ample leg, head, and shoulder room were configured in a twin club arrangement around two square mahogany tables.

Elyse sat across from Malina and Nils beside the first table while Alessandro was huddled around the second table with three burly, scary-looking men in tattoos and suits. They conversed in Italian the entire time. Elyse wanted to listen in, but she'd barely started brushing up on her language lessons. In her novice state of Italian, Elyse struggled to keep up with the speed of the men's speech and the scope of their vocabulary.

Curiosity prompted Elyse to ask Malina about the other three passengers. As usual, the older woman smiled politely and told Elyse that Luca, Marcello, and Monte were business associates of Alessandro's. As usual, she didn't believe Malina. To Elyse, the intimidating trio looked and acted more like Alessandro's bodyguards. Or his henchmen.

As they took to the skies, Elyse focused on ignoring Alessandro. It wasn't easy. Brown and blue-gray eyes never strayed far from her direction. Elyse could feel his gaze piercing her throughout the flight. Their conversation from the day before had left its mark. Reluctantly, little by little, Elyse found herself agreeing with Alessandro's argument. If everything he told her about Benedetto Graviano was true, marriage would be inevitable, which meant Alessandro was, very likely , her best option for a husband. Better the devil she knew, right?

Still, such a strange new reality felt too freakish to process. It felt as though she'd stepped into the Twilight Zone. This was supposed to be the twenty-first century. Not the Middle Ages where women were married off for cattle. She was an independent, educated woman. A professionally-trained surgeon for fuck's sake. How could this be happening to her? It was mind-boggling. Unthinkable . Elyse didn't want to go back to the Mancinis in New York. Nor did she want to face her grandfather alone. Somehow, in this fucked up twist of fate, Alessandro had become her only ally. But pride and fear continued to rule her heart. She was too stubborn and paranoid to surrender to him.

Elyse spent the rest of the flight in a state of unease. An hour later, they neared Charles de Gaulle Airport. Elyse peered out the cabin window as the plane circled down to make its descent. The airport was a ways off from the city center, so the scenery consisted mostly of small French towns and villages surrounded by a sprawling patchwork of squarish green fields. In a different life, under happier circumstances, Elyse would've been thrilled to visit France.

Once the jet touched the ground and came to a full stop, the crew lowered a small flight of stairs to the runway. Two identical black Rolls-Royce's awaited them outside. Elyse exited the aircraft alongside Alessandro's entourage.

Malina, Marcello, and Luca drove away in the first vehicle. The rest of them got into the second car with Nils at the wheel and Monte in the front passenger's seat. Alessandro opened the door for Elyse before taking her hand. He helped her into the backseat. Then, Alessandro slid in beside her. His proximity set her nerves on edge. Tension radiated in the air. Elyse couldn't ignore him anymore. Not like she had on the plane. His tall, imposing frame swallowed up much of their shared space even though there was an empty seat between them.

Physically, Elyse recognized that she was far from his equal. He could overpower her without breaking a sweat. Escape seemed futile. In fact, ditching Alessandro and their pending nuptials no longer ranked at the top of her to-do list. The discovery of her Graviano blood had all but killed this prospect.

Yet, Elyse didn't want to abandon the possibility of escape altogether. Unlike Zurich and Crans-Montana, Paris was a larger, more populated metropolis. Public transit seemed readily available at every turn and, thus, friendlier to navigate for a foreigner. How much free rein would Alessandro be willing to give her? A lone woman could easily wander down a busy street and disappear into a crowd of tourists and locals. Elyse's mind broadened with possibilities.

Recklessly, she decided to test the parameters. Elyse cleared her throat. "Sir?"

Intentionally, Elyse had addressed Alessandro as such to butter him up and to remind herself, specifically, to withhold herself from him. Fuck emotion . Feelings were a trap. She needed to stay sharp.

Brown and blue-gray eyes danced toward her. "What can I do for you?"

"May I ask, where are we headed right now?"

"Our flat in the 16th arrondissement."

Our? Elyse chose not to pursue it. "I see."

His mouth quirked. "You seem to have a lot on your mind, Dr. Romero. Please do not keep me in suspense. I would love to hear your thoughts."

"Other than today's physical," she paused, "will you need me for anything else?"

Alessandro smiled. "Funny you should ask. I was going to tell you once we got to the flat, but..."

Elyse eyed him warily. "But?"

"Malina is currently finalizing the arrangements for your dress appointment."

Elyse's expression soured. The bastard must be talking about an appointment for her wedding dress.

"She will have a team bring in a few options for you to consider from between 3 to 5 pm." Alessandro relayed this information very casually as though he'd given a proper proposal, she'd happily accepted, and they were a normal couple in love.

"I see," she replied in clipped tones.

"You do not seem pleased," he observed. "It appears our talk from yesterday has not softened your resolve."

"No," fibbed Elyse, "it's not that..."

He looked doubtful. "No?"

She settled on telling him a half-truth, "It's just that— this is my first time in Paris . I'd love to do some sightseeing before we leave for Sicily."

Alessandro's brow lifted. "I can take you around the city once my schedule clears up."

"I wouldn't want to trouble you," she mumbled.

His smile widened. "It is no trouble at all. Accompanying you would bring me great pleasure."

Elyse tried to mask her panic. He was fucking up plans already. Quickly, she reworked her angle, releasing a deliberate sigh, "You don't have to rearrange your schedule for me. I don't mind exploring on my own. I prefer it, actually."

"Nothing is more important than your happiness," he countered right away. "I apologize for neglecting you. I will do better and make more time for us."

Elyse cringed inwardly. Their conversation kept swerving in the wrong direction. She tried to wrangle it back on course. "That won't be necessary."

He didn't seem happy with her response. "You sure?"

Elyse explained, "You need to understand. I'm used to working my ass off at the hospital. Boredom doesn't suit me. The two-month vacation in Crans-Montana nearly did me in. I don't want to get paid for sitting at home all day. Doing nothing. Another vacation in Paris will make me stir-crazy. If you let me out once in a while, it'll be a win-win. I can find something useful and productive to do with my time. And you'll waste less money on me."

This coaxed a laugh from Alessandro. "Very well. I will not keep you caged in boredom. You may go out and see the city."

Green eyes grew round with shock. Elyse hadn't expected him to be so reasonable. "Really?"

"Of course, Monte and Luca will escort you around," he added quietly. "I have assigned them as your bodyguards. You are not to leave their side during any of your outings, capisci?"

Elyse's eyes narrowed slightly. There was the rub . Monte and Luca were to be her jailers. This was the kind of obstacle she had hoped to clarify for future reference. Now, Elyse knew, if ever she needed to get away, she'd need to get past Monte and Luca first.

"I understand," Elyse replied with a smile. "Thank you for being so considerate about my safety."

A suspicious gleam entered his eyes. "Angelo?"

"Yes?"

His handsome face turned grave and solemn. In a quiet voice, he said, "Never forget who I am and who you are to me. I am a man with many enemies. Enemies who would love nothing more than to stumble upon my future bride and take her from me. Do not give anyone the opportunity to hurt the woman I treasure most. I can only keep you safe— if you let me ."

Alessandro then reached for Elyse's hand and brought it to his lips. He brushed a light kiss across her knuckles before turning over her hand to place another kiss directly in the center of her palm. Heat seared Elyse's skin where his lips had kissed her. Yet, a chill coursed through her veins. She snatched her hand back. "Your enemies seem… ruthless. But, sometimes, you frighten me more."

"Then I will wait," he murmured, "for you to fear me less."

"Easy for you to say," she retorted. "You hold all the cards while I have none."

"Once you become my wife," Alessandro stressed, "what is mine will be yours. A true king does not rule over his queen. He rules alongside her."

Beautiful lies from a beautiful devil. Sighing, Elyse stewed in silence for the rest of their drive. They arrived in the 16th arrondissement of Paris about twenty minutes later. Art nouveau grandeur coupled with classic Parisian architectural elegance was omnipresent down every street and intersection. Alessandro's flat was located in a multi-story light stone building lined with rows of balconied windows and topped with a lovely grayish mansard-style roof.

After Elyse stepped out of the car, Monte followed her, but Alessandro stayed in the backseat. She asked, "You're not coming with us?"

Alessandro muttered something quick and snappy in Italian to Monte before answering Elyse's question, "I am afraid not, but Monte will take good care of you."

Elyse side-eyed Monte with an uneasy look. The curly-haired man was built like a tank. He was inked with more tattoos than Alessandro. Monte was also a total stranger. There was an ugly scar that ran from his left eyebrow, through his eye, down to his cheek. The original injury had likely resulted from a traumatic stab wound. Needless to say, everything about Monte set Elyse on edge. Elyse didn't want to be left alone with Monte. "Will Malina and Luca be back soon?"

"I believe so."

"What about you? How long will you be away?"

Alessandro glanced away. His mouth flattened into a grim line. For a moment, Elyse thought he might not answer her. Her nerves tensed up. She prompted, "Sir?"

Again, she said it. To let him know she cared. And steel herself from caring too much. He turned back and gave her a long, lingering look. Smiling faintly, he answered a few seconds later, "If all goes well, I hope to return later tonight."

Elyse's pulse fluttered as she picked up on what he left unsaid. "What happens if things don't go well?"

"Would you miss me? "

Her eyes went wide. Why was he acting as though they might never see each other again? The sense of finality in his voice was deeply concerning. She couldn't help but worry. Her anxiety kicked into overdrive. What was Alessandro planning to do? Not knowing anything about his life was maddening, and Elyse's growing fear for the bastard's safety soon slipped out by accident. Her response sounded sharper than she intended, "Only if you die."

With a strained chuckle, he admitted, "Well, I would certainly miss you. Cazzo . Mi manchi già. "

Elyse's heart faltered, clenching with emotion. "Just come back alive, okay?"

The plea in her voice seemed to trigger something in him. Alessandro fell silent for a moment, brown and blue-gray eyes burning with intensity, before stating, "There is something you must know before I go."

"What is it?"

In a slow, steady motion, Alessandro turned his hand to expose his wrist. Elyse caught a glimpse of black feathered wings embracing a deadly sword when he confessed, "This… was also a lie."

"What do you mean?"

"I was sober as fuck when I got it."

His tattoo wasn't a drunken whim? She dared to ask, "Then why did you get it?"

A shadow of a smile emerged as his gaze held hers. "I… was supposed to die in New York. After returning to Europe, enemies have tried to finish what they started a few more times, and I keep disappointing them. By being one impossible motherfucker to kill. But it has not been easy. Staring death in the face, day after day, can fuck with a man's head. I felt a need to keep you with me in some way. I became fixated with the idea that— as long as you were near —no harm could come to me. You kept me alive when I was meant for death, after all. That is why I chose to brand myself. With you. L'angelo che salvò il diavolo. "

His Italian mirrored Spanish.

El ángel que salvó al diablo .

The angel who saved the devil.

It was then Elyse noticed the particular positioning of the winged blade. The devil-black ink wasn't centered on Alessandro's wrist. Instead, the tattoo was etched over his pulse point. As though it'd been placed there to shield and safeguard every beat that mirrored his heart. Her breath caught at the realization.

Alessandro stared down at his tattoo. Then, he glanced back at her. "Perhaps, this memento will be enough to bring me back tonight. Alive and well . So that you may continue to hate me as my wife. Instead of my widow."

Before Elyse could reply, Alessandro turned away. He gave Nils a signal to drive away, leaving her alone with Monte. An uncomfortable tightness seized her chest as she watched the car disappear around the corner. Elyse didn't hate the bastard at all, damn it.

Far more than her heart wished to admit.