Diavolo (Devil’s Playground #1)

17. Chapter 17

17

For the rest of the night, try as she might, Elyse couldn't convince Alessandro to change his mind about sending her away. Around 3 pm the following day, she boarded Alessandro's private jet with Malina and Monte. The flight from Paris to Palermo lasted two hours. For two long, unsettling hours, Elyse suffered through a cesspool of anxiety about her future husband's safety. She clung to her old mantra. Hope for the best. Was there anything she could do to help Alessandro? Plan for the worst.

More importantly, Elyse needed a backup plan for herself. In case the stupid man's death wish came true. Elyse meant every word of what she said to Alessandro the night before. If he was no longer alive to protect her, she'd have no choice but to sell her ring and use the funds to go into hiding. Even then, escape wouldn't be easy. Once fate was entangled with the mafia, the only way to leave was often in a casket.

Her Graviano blood would become the most difficult and dangerous entanglement to sever. If everything Alessandro said about her grandfather was true, outrunning a powerful mob boss—like Benedetto Graviano—seemed impossible, but she'd certainly disappear for as long as possible. At least, long enough to relocate her father to another medical facility. Away from the Mancinis' eyes and ears. But who knew what the future might bring? If Stefano and his men found them again, Elyse might need to seek out her grandfather for protection. Beggars couldn't be choosers.

She prayed that Alessandro wouldn't die.

As the plane began its descent into Falcone Borsellino Airport, Malina observed, "You seem troubled, Dr. Romero."

Elyse glanced over to the older woman. "I'm fine. Just feeling... tired."

Malina grunted sympathetically. She seemed to see through Elyse's bullshit. "Do not worry. Signor Vitale has survived far more dangerous crises than the one he faces in Paris."

Like the time he showed up at her doorstep with a gaping bullet wound? Elyse laughed uneasily. "I don't know if that makes me feel any better, but thank you for trying to comfort me."

"Perhaps, you should set aside your concerns about Signor Vitale , for now, since there will be pressing matters that require attention once we land in Palermo."

This seized Elyse's full attention. "What do you mean?"

Malina flashed her a fixed smile. "There are rumors."

"Oh, fuck."

"Some people have been questioning whether or not you may be the right match for Signor Vitale . He is the heir to the Vitale clan, after all."

Irritation pricked her pride. Just how impressive did these people expect Alessandro's wife to be? She was a surgeon for fuck's sake. She was a Graviano as well. Elyse's jaw ticked. "People— like Valentina?"

Her annoyance wasn't directed at Valentina, though. Elyse was upset at something bigger than either of them. Something that made her feel as though she was being yanked back in time. Back to an era where her worth was tied solely to the size of her husband's shadow.

"She is only one of many."

"I see."

In order for others to question her suitability as Alessandro's future wife, they needed to have other more suitable candidates in mind. Right? Elyse cleared her throat. "Malina?"

"Yes, Dr. Romero?"

She wanted names. Who were the ones coming for her throat? "Does Mr. Vitale have a complicated history with women?"

"Well, Signor Vitale has always been popular among females if that is what you are asking. Despite his colorful, ah, past, however, I have never seen him initiate a relationship with anyone— willingly— until he met you."

Elyse's brow shot up. "I find that hard to believe."

Malina coughed. " Signor Vitale understands how to please people. That is why women flock to him. But he resents the attention, actually."

An incredulous snort escaped Elyse.

The housekeeper quickly chided, "Once again, I remind you. Do not judge Signor Vitale too harshly. If you wish to blame anyone for what he has become, blame his father."

"What do you mean?"

A somber expression settled over Malina's aged face. "Vincenzo was furious when Alessandro left Oxford. The moment Alessandro returned to Palermo, his father ripped him to pieces. Blood was spilled. Bones were broken. Alessandro became known as the prodigal son who contributed nothing to familglia . To appease Vincenzo's rage, Alessandro started using his looks and charm to pursue women from enemy and allied coscas alike. In exchange for favors. Or intel. It was the only way he could maintain a shred of peace with his father."

Mierda. Elyse's chest tightened as she realized that Alessandro had never been free, either. Much like her, he had often been left with no choice but to bend to his father's will. "That's so incredibly fucked up."

The housekeeper smiled tightly. "That is the way Vincenzo raised him. But enough about Signor Vitale . For now. We need to discuss the women from his past."

"Should I be worried about any of them?"

"Most are harmless and pose no threat," Malina answered, "but..."

Elyse tilted her head like a wary bird. "But?"

"As I have told you before," the older woman cautioned, " Signorina Rizzo is not your friend. And there are two others you should be aware of. A Signorina Mariposa De León and a Signora Cara Berlusconi . Both ladies are daughters born from strong, powerful coscas . Almost as strong and powerful as your Graviano name."

"I understand," Elyse hummed. "Have Ms. De León and Ms. Berlusconi ever been acquainted with Mr. Vitale intimately?"

Malina blushed a little. "Yes, I would say that they once shared a very intimate friendship with Signor Vitale ."

Jealousy simmered despite her better judgment. Elyse wanted to hate these faceless women for laying hands on her man. But she was careful not to let spite gain the upper hand. "Thank you, Malina. As always, you're a godsend."

As the jet touched down the runway in Palermo, a stunning view of a glimmering turquoise-emerald bay and coastal, cliffside mountains flashed by the small aircraft window. Elyse took a second to admire its beauty. She then took another second to remind herself that the Ms. Rizzos and Ms. De Leóns and Ms. Berlusconis of the world weren't her enemies. They were merely obstacles. Nuisances to be addressed.

The true enemy was the lopsided system in place that pit her against them over a man . Granted, he was a beautiful man. A desirable man. A broken man whom she cared for more than any other. But, at the end of the day, Alessandro Vitale was only a fucking man, and she wasn't about to let him dictate how she treated other women. Right then, resolve hardened in her. Elyse refused to cower before these bitches. Yet, she didn't wish to trample over them, either. If they respected her, she'd return the same courtesy.

It felt deeply important to strive for peace— and not war —as she readied herself for battle.

Not long after they left the airport, Elyse arrived with Malina and Monte in the Libertà district of Palermo. They drove up to a gorgeous, seaside palazzo that overlooked the white sands and pristine cyan-blue waters of Mondello Beach. A large, private garden with lush, idyllic arrangements of palm trees, citrus trees, olive trees, cacti, and various species of aloe plants welcomed them to the property.

The moment Elyse stepped out of the car, a line of household staff descended upon her. Malina introduced the first handful of middle-aged ladies as the maids. Then, there was the elderly cook, Signora Bianchi , and the twenty-something groundskeeper, Marco. The final six were all men. Rocco, Georgio, Giosue, Salvatore, Duran, and Aldo were dressed in flashy suits, and their skin was tatted up like Monte and Luca. Malina gave very vague answers as to what their jobs actually entailed. Elyse made a mental note to ask about them later. After Elyse shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with everyone, Malina guided her toward the house.

"I will take you to your room now," said the older woman, "so that you can settle in."

Elyse nodded. "Thank you. That sounds wonderful."

The beautiful, aristocratic-looking palazzo was as breathtaking inside as it had been outside. The interiors appeared as though they had been designed to house royalty. Mafia royalty. Murano glass chandeliers hung from ornate vaulted and coffered ceilings in each room. Faded frescoed walls, hand-painted in viridian greens and cerulean blues, and bright saffron-hued sofas offered pops of color and whimsy throughout the house while patterned terracottas and marble mosaics stretched across the floors.

Elyse tried not to let the lavishness of it all intimidate her as Malina led her down corridor after corridor of the expansive home.

They eventually came to a huge master suite with its own chandelier. A gold-plated Rococo-style bed sat directly below the chandelier. The style of the room appeared to be a bit flamboyant even though the textiles and decor were mostly colored in restrained tones like blacks, grays, and creams. As Elyse's gaze flitted here and there to inspect her new surroundings, she quickly noticed little details and clues of Alessandro's presence scattered all around.

Expensive designer men's shoes, belts, and clothes hung from a large walk-in closet. Alessandro's favorite cologne sat upon one of the heavy wooden dressers. Beside it, there was a framed photograph of Alessandro when he was only a teen, smiling, with his arms looped around two other classmates. They were all dressed in the same uniform, standing in front of a posh-looking boarding school with cast bronze signage that read— St. Francis School .

Remnants of her fiancé were everywhere. Yet, he wasn't here. Elyse's heart tightened inside her chest. She missed him. She worried about him. As though on cue, her phone started to ring. Her eyes widened when she saw the name pop up on her caller ID. It wasas though he read her mind.

Elyse answered much too eagerly, "Hello?"

Alessandro's deep, accented voice traveled swiftly through the phone, "You did not call when you landed."

He said this somewhat accusingly.

"I didn't want to bother you," she replied. "I thought you might be busy dealing with, um, more important matters."

Like illegal shipments of cocaine and rival members of the mafia.

"I will always want to know if my wife is safe and well," Alessandro scolded gently, "above all else."

My wife.

Elyse grimaced. "I'm not your wife yet."

How bold of him to tempt fate. The bastard put a ring on her finger, but he might still die on her. Nothing was set in stone. She'd probably continue obsessing over Alessandro's near-death activities until her dying day.

"I already see you as my wife," he insisted, "in every way that matters."

Unconvinced, Elyse stayed silent for a beat. Alessandro seemed to pick up on her skepticism. "Do you doubt my words?"

"A little, yes."

Grumbling, he started, "You know..."

"What?"

He continued, "I once heard that, when we meet our soulmates, hearts do not pound. Nor do knees go weak. Instead, we will feel calm. No anxiety. Or agitation."

Elyse listened closely. "Really?"

"That was how I felt when I first met you. Calm . I was about to meet my maker, but, somehow, something inside me knew that you would not let me die. You were my angelo."

Her heart melted.

"You and your words," Elyse teased in an attempt to mask her weakness for him.

He chuckled sheepishly. " Sì, sì . Me and my words."

Elyse could hear the smile in his reply. It made her smile, too.

"Where are you now?" Alessandro inquired.

She sat down on the edge of his mattress. "I'm sitting on your bed, actually, in your room."

"Our bed," he corrected, "in our room."

Elyse laughed. "You're right. Sorry."

There was a short pause on his end. Then, quietly, he prodded, "Do you miss me?"

She hesitated before answering, "I... do."

"Say it. Per favore . I wish to hear it."

Another pause lulled between them. Elyse's emotions felt raw and naked when she admitted, "I miss you."

Alessandro seemed to be pleased with her response. "Good girl."

"You should've let me stay in Paris. With you."

He reminded her, "You are safer in Palermo."

"I'm worried about you," she whispered.

"I will be back soon," he promised, "for our wedding day. And our wedding… night."

Elyse flushed as a slew of naughty images emerged in her head. Him on their bed. Her on their bed. Her legs wrapped around his hips as he—

His husky voice broke through her fantasies in the same moment, "What are you wearing?"

Alessandro had clearly fallen into a similar frame of mind. Elyse glanced down at her gray hoodie and black yoga pants. She had chosen to dress comfortably for the flight. Her nose wrinkled. "Nothing that would interest you."

He laughed wickedly. "You are right. I am much more interested in what lies underneath."

Elyse's heart skipped a beat. " Behave , sir."

"Never, wife. "

Wife .

Her heart skipped again. Alessandro's flirtations were fast becoming impossible to resist. Elyse wanted to get a grip on her foolish, fluttering emotions before they spun out of control. Then, she heard Luca's voice in the background of their call. Luca was speaking in Italian. Elyse struggled to understand him, but his tone sounded urgent. Alessandro sighed into the phone, "I must go now."

"Go then," she prompted despite the fear in her heart.

"We will be together soon," he promised again. "I... miss you. So much."

Alessandro hung up before Elyse could utter another word, and her heart began to pound for an entirely different reason. What the hell was he about to do with Luca? With an agitated sigh of her own, Elyse dragged herself into the shower and tried not to fixate on the likelihood that Alessandro might be in danger. After washing up, she passed the time by sorting through her luggage. The temptation to call Alessandro was strong. Elyse wanted to check up on him, but she was also afraid of distracting him when he needed to focus on staying alive.

Around this time, Malina reappeared at Elyse's doorway with a slightly pinched, worried expression. "Dr. Romero?"

Elyse turned toward her. "Yes, Malina?"

"You have been invited by Signora Carmen Vitale to attend a small gathering at her villa this evening."

Her eyebrows rose. "Who is she?"

The housekeeper grimaced. " Signora Vitale is Signorina Rizzo's mother. She is also Signore Vitale's stepmother."

"I see."

"I did not think that she would come calling so soon. Would you like me to decline her invitation?"

Judging from the strained tone in Malina's voice, it felt safe to conclude that Carmen Vitale would be as troublesome as her daughter, and, unfortunately, Alessandro was in Paris at the moment. She'd have to deal with this shit alone. Elyse frowned. What kind of person was Carmen Vitale? Did the woman care for Alessandro's father? Or was she working against the elder Mr. Vitale, biding her time, and waiting for him to wither away from cancer? Elyse intended to find out.

"Please tell Mrs. Vitale that I look forward to joining her this evening," she responded calmly.

Hesitation flickered across Malina's rounded face. "Are you certain that you feel up to it?"

Elyse sensed there was probably a reason for the older woman's reluctance. Malina confessed, "Mariposa De León and Cara Berlusconi received invitations as well."

Elyse cursed silently. "That's fine. Will Valentina be there?"

Malina shook her head. "No, she is still in Paris."

Elyse's mood darkened slightly. "I see."

Was Valentina with Alessandro? A petty, disgruntled part of Elyse wonderedwhyher husband-to-be allowed his stepsister to stay in Paris but not her .

Malina eyed her anxiously. "Dr. Romero? Are you alright?"

With some difficulty, Elyse wrenched herself from her pity party. She could feel sorry for herself later. For now, she needed to focus on preventing the vipers from eating her alive at tonight's gathering.

"I'm not okay, actually," she grunted, "I feel very unprepared. Please help me, Malina. What do I need to know?"

Wise blue eyes gleamed astutely. "I thought you would never ask, Dr. Romero."

As the housekeeper proceeded to prep Elyse for the pitfalls that lay ahead at her future mother-in-law's villa, she endeavored to remember all of the nitty-gritty details regarding Ms. De León, Ms. Berlusconi, and, of course, Mrs. Vitale. All in all, it appeared as though Ms. De León wanted Alessandro for power, Ms. Berlusconi wanted him for love, and Mrs. Vitale was determined for him not to marry any of them at all.

Was Mrs. Vitale lobbying for her daughter to marry Alessandro? The possibility made Elyse sick in the stomach. Misgivings about Alessandro kept creeping around her consciousness. Elyse wanted to defend her rightful place at his side, her queen to his king, and protect their kingdom until his return, but the man's dubious ties to his beautiful blonde stepsister continued to fuck with her head. Malina claimed that Alessandro was sincere about her. Only her. But what if he was playing her in the same way he played other women? Again, Elyse didn't know whether or not to trust him fully.

As Malina assisted Elyse with her hair and makeup for the evening, she hoped that her efforts tonight wouldn't be in vain. That Alessandro wouldn't make a fool of her. When push came to shove, the bastard wielded power to walk away from her far more easily than she could leave him. He could afford to fuck up. But she could not.

Failure wasn't an option tonight.