Fix You (The Irish Rogues #3)

Chapter Two Raphael

D espite wanting to be thousands of miles away and searching for Caterina, I found myself in a chartered jet touching down in Philadelphia. The private jet belonging to our family had carried Father and Gianni to Sicily during the night. The Carusos had an SUV waiting for us on the tarmac. While Milos and Guilio handled our luggage, Leandro and I got into the back. I felt like I’d been run over by an eighteen wheeler. I’d only managed a few hours of sleep after Leo left.

Every time I closed my eyes, Caterina’s terrified face appeared before me. Once I’d actually fallen asleep, I’d been plagued by nightmares of her screaming my name to save her from physical torture or rape. After the second time of waking up in a sweat, I didn’t try going back to sleep for fear of what else I might dream.

I hated feeling so helpless. Of course, Father hadn’t bothered to text me that he'd arrived in Sicily, but Gianni had. In our text group, he was constantly keeping us in the loop.

As I peered out the window, Leo brought me out of my thoughts. “Did you do any research on your bride last night?”

“Nope.”

“So, you’re still going into this blind?”

I turned to gaze at him. “Yeah. Why?”

He shook his head. “I hope you’re a better actor than me. I wouldn’t be able to contain my shit if some Quasimodo-looking chick came lumbering up to me as my future wife.”

A laugh burst from my lips. “Fucking Quasimodo?”

He shuddered. “A truly hideous female version.”

“As vain as he is, do you actually think Father would broker me an unattractive bride?”

After appearing contemplative, Leo replied, “True.”

“Not to mention if he actually went rogue and negotiated someone hideous for me, Mother would never allow it,” I mused.

Any vanity my father possessed was trumped by my mother. While she’d always been stunning, she’d started getting Botox and plastic surgery since her twenties. She never left the house without a full face of makeup, hair done, and outfitted in designer wear.

Leo swept his hand to his chest dramatically. “The absolute horror of you breeding with someone who wasn’t a perfect ten in looks.”

I snorted. “Exactly. If I was a betting man, I’d wager that Andrea Caruso is as beautiful as she is rich and connected.”

He waggled his brows. “Lucky you.”

With a roll of my eyes, I countered, “Yeah, lucky me.”

“Stop acting like this is a death sentence.”

“Isn’t it?”

In my mind, it sure as hell was. The thought of being tied to one woman for the rest of my life was akin to torture. I’d never been one for relationships. The longest I’d ever been with a woman was a couple of months. I loved the chase as much I loved the spontaneity of not knowing who you might wake up next to in the morning.

Yeah, I was a bastard when it came to women.

My lips quirked at the thought of one of the few times I’d ever heard Caterina remotely curse. It was shortly before she’d entered the convent. After she witnessed a hysterical woman who I’d broken things off with, she’d shaken her head with disgust and called me a puttaniere .

Although I hated to be tainted in her eyes, not even my baby sister calling me a manwhore would change my ways. Marriage sure as hell wouldn’t change me. Despite not wanting to be anything like my father, we’d be alike in our disregard for our vows. He’d had numerous mistresses over the years. My mother had turned a blind eye.

The SUV came to a halt outside the gates of a sprawling mansion. It was evident that this wasn’t an advantageous marriage on the Caruso’s end--they appeared on equal financial ground with us. I could see why out of all the potential brides, Father had chosen Andrea.

After we were buzzed inside, the gates opened, and the SUV rolled through. I knew only the basics about my future father-in-law. Edoardo Caruso was in his early fifties. As with most Sicilian capo’s, he’d been married to the same wife for twenty years, and they had five children. Andrea was their oldest followed by three sons and another daughter.

Like my father, he had a legitimate business front with a string of car dealerships throughout Pennsylvania. By aligning with the Caruso’s, we’d be gaining port access in Philly along with other smaller ports on the coast.

The SUV came to a stop in front of the massive main house. Guilio quickly hopped out to open the door for us. As we started up the marble steps to the porch, Edoardo walked to the landing.

With a serpentine smile, he extended his hand. Although I didn’t have a single reason not to trust him, my guard was immediately raised. “Raphael, I’m so glad you could make it.”

I extended my hand. “Thank you. I appreciate you making time for us on such short notice.”

“While I’m sure the news seemed rather unexpected to you, it is something both your father and myself have discussed in great detail.”

There was nothing quite like being twenty-eight and left out of major decisions that affected your life. “I’m sure you have.”

“I feel like I already know you from what all your father has told me.”

Inwardly, I rolled my eyes as I imagined what bullshit my father had been spewing about me. “I’m honored that you’ve decided to join your family with ours.”

Leandro cut his eyes over to me, and I could tell he was biting his tongue not to laugh at how pretentious I was being. Motioning to him, I said, “May I introduce my younger brother, Leandro.”

Shaking Leo’s hand, Eduardo said, “Welcome to my home.”

“Thank you.”

Edoardo turned his attention back to me. “I’m very anxious for you to meet my daughter.”

Forcing a smile to my face, I lied, “As am I.”

“I don’t know how much your father has told you about her.”

“Unfortunately, not much.”

“Andrea is my oldest child. Since her birth, she’s been raised to be a fine mafia wife. I can assure you will find her obedient and submissive.”

“I’m sure you’ve raised her well,” I gritted out.

Obedience and submissiveness were two qualities I loathed in women. Maybe it was because I’d grown up with a strong-willed mother. Despite his affairs, my father seemed to appreciate her fiery spirit. I didn’t want a woman cowering in my presence or saying yes to my every whim. That was another reason why I liked dating outsiders. They said what was truly on their mind and challenged me if they didn’t like something.

“On her last visit, the doctor who examined her assured us she is medically sound to bear children. I’m sure she will give you many sons.”

Disgust rolled through me as he described his daughter like one would a broodmare. I’m sure my father had said the same bullshit to Carmine Lucero about Caterina. Although it was the way things were done in our world, I sure as fuck didn’t like it. If I had daughters, I would never treat them in such a disrespectful and demeaning way.

At Edoardo’s expectant look, I reluctantly said, “Yes, that is very good news.”

“Let me call her.” After reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone. He dialed someone, but they didn’t answer. He immediately redialed, but once again, no one picked up. Leandro and I exchanged a look.

Edoardo’s jaw clenched as he once again used his phone. This time, however, someone picked up. “Come to my study. Now.”

When he turned back to us, he appeared flustered. “She’ll be here in just a moment.”

“No rush. I’m sure she had things to do today before our visit was announced.”

“Oh no. Whatever plans Andrea has now involve you and only you.”

I swallowed hard as I felt the marital noose tightening around me. It was one thing to be bound to someone by name. It was quite another to have my entire life bound to them.

At the knock at the door, Edoardo called, “Come in.”

Sucking in a breath, I waited for my future wife to step through the door. Leandro didn’t help my nerves when he leaned over to teasingly whisper, “Here comes Quasimodo.”

I elbowed him in the ribs as the door opened. A middle-aged woman with salt and pepper hair rushed forward. “Yes, sir?” she asked as the breath I’d been holding wheezed out of me.

Furrowing his brows, Edoardo looked past the woman, “Where is Andrea?”

“She’s in the garden, sir.”

Edoardo’s jaw clenched. “And what the fuck is she doing there?”

“She’s playing with the children.”

From his tense posture, I could tell Edoardo was fighting not to lose his temper. If he was anything like my father, he was moments from going nuclear and blowing his top. While my father never physically assaulted us, he liked to verbally berate us. Loudly.

The woman shifted on her feet. “Should I get her for you, sir?”

“I’ll handle it,” he replied tersely.

She nodded before quickly disappearing from the doorway. With a tight smile, Edoardo turned to face us. “My wife is very busy with her charity work, so Andrea is like a mother to her siblings. She’s always indulging them.”

“I’m glad to hear she enjoys taking care of children,” I said.

It wasn’t a lie to try to diffuse the growing tension. Since children were expected of me, I wanted them to have what I didn’t have growing up, and that was a mother who actually possessed a maternal instinct. While I wasn’t opposed to a nanny, I wanted my wife to do the raising, not the help. Of course, I wouldn’t take anything in the world for the raising that Talia, our nanny, had given my siblings and me.

Relief flashed on Edoardo’s face. “Yes, she has the patience of Job when it comes to children. She is studying art in college to become a teacher. Of course, she is aware that you might prefer she leaves school to keep house.”

Once again, I fought the urge to pinch myself to make sure I hadn’t time-traveled into the 50’s. “I don’t foresee it being a problem for her to finish her education.”

Edoardo peered curiously at me. “Your father didn’t tell me how progressive you are.”

I cocked my brows at him. “Is that a problem?”

“No, no. Not at all.” He continued staring at me. “It’s just surprising. I suppose it’s inevitable that the next generation is a little more lax with traditions. Of course, my sons remain pretty instep with me.”

“To each their own,” I replied diplomatically.

Disapproval emanated in Edoardo’s eyes. “Yes. I suppose.”

“We may have different ideals, Mr. Caruso, but we still come from the same world. Coretto ?”

A hesitant smile quirked at the corners of his lips. “ Si, corretto .” Motioning to Leo and me, he said, “Shall we have a stroll in the gardens, so you and Andrea can become acquainted?”

“I would like that.”

“Then come.”

While I fell in step beside Edoardo, Leo walked ahead of us to give ussome privacy. As our shoes echoed off the marble floors, Edoardo asked, “Have there been any developments in your sister’s kidnapping?”

“Not yet. My father arrived in Sicily early this morning.”

Edoardo nodded. “As I told Alessio, any resources we can provide to aid in the search for your sister are at your disposal.”

“That is very kind of you. We are in your debt.”

We’d just started out the back door when a bodyguard stopped Edoardo. “Sir, you have a secure call waiting.”

Edoardo glanced between me and the bodyguard. “Didn’t you tell them I was busy?”

“Yes, sir, but they informed me it wouldn’t wait.”

With an apologetic smile, Edoardo said, “Please excuse me for just a moment.”

I nodded before continuing on to where Leo stood. Out on the lush green lawn, two of Edoardo’s teenage sons were playing football while a younger girl and boy chased them.

Just as Leandro stepped onto the grass to join them, a figure slammed into him, knocking the two to the ground. Instantly my hand went to my coat pocket for my gun, but then I realized it wasn’t an assailant who had taken Leo out.

Instead, it was a young woman.

A very voluptuous young woman outfitted in skin-tight black yoga pants and a red sports bra. She was splayed out across Leo who was staring up at the offending angel in a complete stupor. I didn’t know if his behavior stemmed from being hit in the head or being enamored by the sexy creature on top of him.

“Way to fuck up my touchdown,” she stated.

Leo slanted his dark brows at her. “Excuse me?”

She grinned down at him. “I was just about to score.”

His signature smirk curved across his lips. “My sincere apologies.”

“Andrea! What are you doing?” Edoardo shouted from behind me.

Andrea? “What the hell?” I murmured under my breath. As I surveyed the woman again, I realized my future wife was currently on top of my brother.

As if he realized the same thing, Leo muttered, “Oh shit.”

Andrea paled before she quickly scrambled off Leo and shot to her feet. “I’m sorry, Papa. We were just playing football.”

Edoardo’s face turned into an unattractive eggplant. “You were supposed to be making yourself presentable for your future husband, not screwing around with your brothers and sister! You’ve already kept Raphael waiting!”

She dropped her gaze to the ground. “I thought he was arriving this afternoon.”

Edoardo blew past me to grab Drea forcefully by the shoulders. She whimpered at his harsh shake. “You’ve always got your head in the clouds. You never listen!” he hissed.

“Leave her alone,” Leo growled.

While my eyes shot wide at his remark, Edoardo’s neck snapped around to glare at him. Although I agreed with Leo’s sentiment, I shook my head. “Leandro, this isn’t our business.”

His eyes darkened. “Not our business? That’s your future wife he’s manhandling.”

“He’s still her father,” I argued.

Edoardo sneered at Leandro. “Are the Nerettis so soft that they do not believe in teaching a woman her place?”

“Only cowards hit women,” Leandro replied.

At the venomous look in Edoardo’s eyes, I grabbed Leo’s arm. “Take a walk and cool off,” I growled

Leo slung out of my grasp. He gave a tight smile to Drea before he stalked away. “I’m very sorry for my brother’s behavior. He’s taking my sister’s disappearance very hard. However, there is no excuse for his disrespect.”

While my words seemed to be the balm to Edoardo’s fiery anger, Drea’s expression saddened. After Leo’s remarks, I’m sure she was hoping to find another kindred spirit. But she was young and didn’t know how you had to play the game.

With a shake of his head, Edoardo replied, “I should be the one apologizing. It was my daughter’s insolence that started it all.”

“With all due respect, I find her behavior refreshing.”

While Drea jerked her head up to stare wide-eyed at me, Edoardo stared suspiciously. “You do?”

I nodded. “I want a wife with a strong maternal instinct. It’s evident that Drea cares very much for her siblings. I also like seeing that she's active and takes an interest in sports. I want a useful sort of wife. I loathe women who do nothing but spend their husband's money or drink all day with their friends.”

At Edoardo’s slight wince, I realized my words hit a little close to home. I could imagine his wife’s “charity projects” he’d mentioned earlier were just excuses to lunch and drink, much like my mother’s were. She didn’t give two shits about helping the less fortunate.

“Andrea is always active. She likes to think she can do what her brothers do,” Edoardo remarked.

“Can you shoot?” I asked Drea directly.

“Yes, sir.”

“Do you know self-defense?”

A shy smile curved on her lips. “I can take a small man down.”

“Good for you. I don’t care for damsels in distress.”

Edoardo’s gaze pinged between me and Drea. “Why don’t I give you two a moment alone to talk?” he suggested.

“Thank you.”

He then motioned us forward to where we could walk a good distance in front of him. Of course, he wasn’t too far away in case I became ungentlemanly and tried to get handsy with my future bride.

After we walked in silence for a few moments, I reached into my coat pocket to pull out a small Tiffany box. It had been an unwanted gift on my last birthday. A symbol from my father that my single days were numbered. It had been collecting dust in my safe until this morning when I’d reluctantly taken it out.

At the sight of it in my hands, Drea’s upper lip curled in disgust. When she caught me looking at her, she quickly feigned a smile. I was starting to get whiplash from her flickering emotions.

As I stared down at her, my expression grew serious. “The most important thing I ask of you as my future wife is that you never lie to me.”

“Yes, sir,” she dutifully replied.

“And don’t ever call me sir.”

“Okay,” she replied cautiously.

“I know you don’t want to marry me, Drea.”

She shook her head wildly back and forth. “No, no, you are mistaken. It is my honor and my duty.”

“Bullshit.”

Her blue eyes shot wide. “Excuse me?”

“Stop parroting the bullshit your father and mother spew at you. I know it for what it is. Absolute bullshit.”

Drea’s tense posture relaxed slightly. “I like your honesty.”

“I would like to have yours and no more lies.”

She drew her shoulders back. “Fine then. I don’t want to marry you.”

With a grin, I replied, “Good. That makes two of us.”

Drea nervously licked her lips. “Absolute honesty, right?”

“Yes.”

“I want to continue studying art. Someday I want to own my own gallery.”

Furrowing my brows at her, I replied, “Your father said you wanted to be a teacher.” At the panicked look in Drea’s dark eyes, I said, “Let me guess. You only told him you wanted to be a teacher because a woman owning her own business would be frowned upon.”

Her mouth dropped open at my comment. “How could you possibly know that?”

“Lucky guess.”

After nibbling on her bottom lip, Drea said, “I adore art. I always have. But for the last couple of years, I’ve really focused on galleries.”

I nodded. “While I have no interest in art, it’s wonderful you have something you’re so passionate about.”

“You’re really going to let me finish school and have a gallery?”

“I don’t see why not. But your most important job will be as a good mother to my children.”

“What my father told you about me loving kids isn’t a lie. I really have helped raise my siblings.”

“I imagined as much.” In many ways, I could say the same. While there wasn’t much difference in age between me and my brothers, the seven years between me and Caterina made me very much a father figure. At the thought of her, an ache rippled through my chest.

Drea eyed me with concern. “Are you all right?”

Exhaling a ragged breath, I said, “I suppose you’ve heard the news about my sister.”

“Father only tells Antonio and Aurelio things.”

“My sister was kidnapped yesterday. My father and brother are in Sicily trying to find her.”

Drea gasped. “I’m so very sorry.”

“I appreciate that.”

“I’ll light a candle for her safe return today at mass.”

“That’s very kind.”

“It must be hard being here today with me instead of looking for her.”

My future wife was very clever. Something I’m sure Caruso didn’t appreciate or approve of. “I’m ensuring my sister’s return by joining our families.”

Drea gave me a tight smile. “It would be worth all this nonsense if something good came out of it.”

I nodded. “You seem to be a smart and capable young woman. I see no reason why you can’t do motherhood and a career.”

She ducked her head to keep me from seeing the happiness that lit up her face. We walked in silence again until she tilted her head at me. “While I might grow to like you, I’ll never love you.”

“Once again, that makes two of us.” Eyeing her curiously, I said, “If I had to wager, I’d say you’re in love with someone else.”

At my declaration, her hand flew to her mouth. “But how could you possibly know?”

“Just a guess.”

Fear swirled in her eyes. “Will you tell my father you no longer want to marry me?”

“I don’t give a shit about what you were feeling before you were promised to me. All I care about is that you remain true to me until we’re through having children.” I closed the gap between us. “I won’t raise another man’s bastard. It won’t end well for you if there’s ever a question.”

She sucked in a harsh breath. “I see.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she countered, “And will you remain true to me until I’m done giving you heirs?”

With a cynical chuckle, I replied, “I’ll never be true to only you, Drea.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Hypocrite,” she muttered under her breath.

“What can I say? It’s the way things are done.” With a knowing look, I added, “Most men in my position don’t give their wives any leeway when it comes to seeking affection outside of the marital bed.”

“Don’t expect me to thank you!” she snapped.

A laugh bellowed from me at her outburst. “Where’s the submissive, obedient girl your father promised?” When she refused to look at me, I brought my finger to her chin to force her to look at me. “You have him snowed, don’t you?”

With a gleam in her eyes, she replied, “No, he knows exactly what I am. I wear the bruises to prove it. He’s just trying to snow you.”

My fists clenched at my side. “Once the contract is signed, he will never raise a hand to you again. You have my word.”

Drea nodded appreciatively. “Let’s sign the contract now then.”

Turning around, we began walking to meet Edoardo. When we reached him, he glanced between Drea and me. “May we proceed to sign the contract now?”

Reaching over, I took Drea’s hand in mine. I slipped the enormous diamond on her finger. “Yes, we may proceed,” I replied.

Once the contract was signed, Edoardo gratefully didn’t request my presence any longer. He said his wife needed longer to plan our official engagement party. Not to mention he didn’t want anyone to think it was in poor taste to be celebrating while Caterina was missing.

As much as I hated to admit it, I appreciated his thoughtfulness. Father sure as hell hadn’t cared what it would look like to be celebrating my engagement while Caterina remained lost to her kidnappers.

At the same time, I couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. I didn’t like how he had lied to me about who Andrea really was. It made me wonder what else he would say or do to deceive me.

After I rejoined Leandro outside, we got in the SUV. He cocked his brows at me. “It’s a done deal, huh?”

“Yes. We just signed the contracts.”

He smacked my back with a wide grin. “Congratulations.”

“If you say so.”

“Despite the complete asshole of a future father-in-law, you’re a lucky bastard. Your bride felt like fucking heaven on me. And her fire?” He growled. “Mmm. Fuck me!”

When I didn’t respond, he cocked his head at me. “Did you hear what I said?”

Rolling my eyes, I replied, “How could I not?”

His brows rose in surprise. “You're not going to give me shit about fantasizing about your future wife’s epic tata’s?”

I snorted. “Why should I care?”

“Maybe because you punched me that time I kissed Kiara Delmonico under the mistletoe.”

“I was fucking her. Drea is nothing to me but an alliance.”

“Damn. You’re cold,” Leo mused.

With a sigh, I replied, “It’s just now that I’ve met her and Caruso, something doesn’t feel right.”

“You didn’t get to cop a feel. Trust me, buddy, everything felt fine .”

Glaring at him, I demanded, “Would you stop?”

“Fine. What doesn’t feel right?”

“Caruso blatantly lied to me about Drea’s obedience and submission.”

“Is that all? Seriously, Rafe, he was trying to sell you on her. You better believe Father did the same thing when he was luring Carmine in even though we both know Caterina doesn’t have an obedient or submissive bone in her body.”

“My worry is if he would lie about that, what else would he lie about?”

Leo’s dark brows furrowed. “Do you think his family isn’t as strong as he’s potentially professing to Father?”

Easing back in my seat, I shook my head. “No. The family is secure. Carusos’s oldest son, Antonio, is under contract to marry one of the Bianchi girls on his twenty-fifth birthday. If they weren’t who they say they were, there’s no way Dino would give away one of his daughters.”

When Father had come to me the other night about my marriage, I imagined it was with one of Dino’s daughters. The Bianchi’s were the most powerful family in Jersey, and it would’ve made sense to align ourselves with them.

Leo patted my shoulder. “It’s probably just cold feet you’re experiencing.”

I hoped rather than believed he was right.