Chapter 242: Unexpected Visitor
- LUCIANO -
The calls were from my father, so I know he’s going to be upset that I didn’t answer. And that I failed to call him back right away.
I walk out on the deck to call him back, teeth clenched in preparation for the anger that I’m about to receive.
"We’re here," he says gruffly, not bothering with a greeting.
"You’re... what?" I frown, staring out into the trees.
"Here," he growls this time. "By the pool with Dex. We already checked in."
My stomach drops. If Pa came himself, that means he’s particularly unhappy with this situation—so much so that he doesn’t trust me to handle it myself. This isn’t exactly ideal for introducing him to Rory—not when he’s going to be a bear to begin with.
If he were to arrive Saturday, I figured the wedding would be a joyous occasion. Ma would be there to buffer any potential anger. Everyone would be celebrating, and the fact that all of us survived until then would prove that this danger had passed for the time being.
"I didn’t know you were coming early."
"My nephew is here, Luciano. I don’t want any more surprises. Hopefully they can be more easily avoided if I’m here myself."
My father’s presence brings a certain kind of energy with it, so I understand what he means. The boss himself is usually enough to deter what can become bigger problems otherwise. No one wants to draw his attention or his ire.
"Are Ma and Vanessa with you?"
"Why would I bring your mother and sister into a potentially dangerous situation? Does that seem smart to you?"
I bite back any sarcastic replies, because this time he’s within walking distance instead of an entire continent away. It seems much less wise to give him something to be pissed about now—not that he isn’t already upset enough.
"Alright, we’ll be right there," I tell him, glancing back through the glass to where Rory is getting dressed in the bedroom. I can’t see her, but I know she’s there.
"I would very much like to speak to you alone, son."
"We’ll manage that at some point, I’m sure."
"Now," he says, and I hear a hint of the terrifying father from childhood.
I can tell he’s trying to behave himself since Dex and Raya and probably a few resort guests are nearby. If they weren’t, there would be that seething, quiet fury that speaks to the reason for his reputation. Saul Ricca is a dangerous man. When he gets like that, it’s unmistakable.
"Pa, I’m with Lorelei, and I’m not leaving her. So we’ll be right there."
When I end the call, I lean over the railing, trying to figure out how this is going to go. It’s Wednesday, which means there is the rest of today and then tomorrow until Ma and Vanessa arrive. That’s a long time to be with my father when he’s angry. I’m not particularly good at calming him down like they are.
"Fuck," I mutter under my breath.
"Everything okay?" Rory asks from behind me, and I turn to see that she’s stopped short from approaching me.
She’s back in the halter dress from earlier. I suppose if there is any chance she’ll be swimming, I’ll have to make good on getting her a new suit sooner rather than later.
"Yeah," I smile reassuringly, drawing her into my arms. "My father is just here. I wasn’t expecting him to come with the others. He’s not exactly happy with me."
Rory’s eyes flick down to my scars, eyebrows drawing together. And then I remember her reaction when I told her I got one thanks to him. That’s probably too much honesty too soon, but at the time I was inviting her to give me another one, so it didn’t seem like such a bad idea.
"What does he do when he’s unhappy with you?" She asks, watching me carefully.
"He’s just a pain in the ass." But she doesn’t look convinced. "There’s nothing to worry about, dolcezza."
I smile and tug her against me, kissing her beautiful lips in the hopes that she’ll forget about it. But that’s not exactly going to be easy when we’re about to walk out and see the big man in the flesh.
"Luci, he’s not going to hurt you, is he?"
"No, he doesn’t do that kind of thing anymore—not since I’ve gotten strong enough to fight back," I smirk. "He doesn’t want to risk an early retirement."
Rory nods, quietly accepting this—taking in the information about this world and this life that she has very little knowledge about. I wish I could ease her into the business side of things more slowly or avoid it all together. Again, these are not ideal circumstances by any means.
Many girlfriends and spouses are able to steer entirely clear of the criminal part of their partner’s lives. But not everyone in our profession has the high rank that Pop and I do.
Our higher profile makes it more necessary to have our women at least educated in the life—in what to avoid and what to expect. That way they are better able to protect themselves and the rest of the family. The personal relationship becomes somewhat of a business partnership as well—at least it does in our family.
"You should just tell your dad that all of this is probably because of Raya and I," Rory suggests. "Obviously we attract danger wherever we go."
Her lips twitch toward a smile, and I take that as a good sign. I don’t want her glaring at Pa like he’s a childhood abuser when they meet. That probably won’t go over terribly well. It’s better if she at least acts like she buys the charm that he lays on.
"He’s definitely not going to believe that," I chuckle. Especially not when the Bratva has had it out for me for awhile.
"I’m going to put a shirt on, and then we’ll go see him and find out what’s going on. Okay?"
"Where is he?" She looks around like he’s going to pop out of the trees.
"He’s with your sister and Dex by the pool."
She grimaces. "Will everyone think it’s weird that I’m not coming back in a bathing suit?"
"No." I laugh and pull her in for another kiss. "I’m sorry I ruined it, dolcezza. I’m sure they sell suits around here somewhere."
