Capo Dei Capi (Secrets of the Famiglia Part 1)

Papa has kept Guilia on a very tight leash. She has responsibilities I would never have.

I wonder if my other sister, who was taken by my mother’s people, the Bratva would be like Guillia, trapped.

Or as a half-blood like me, have the freedom I do, one of choice even if that choice is limited.

Guilia hardly got to talk to men. She came across as naïve when she did. Especially with ones as handsome as Ren.

I am not surprised that she dotes on every word Ren says. Nor am I shocked when her longing gaze stares at him without blinking either.

These moments, I am glad I am not a full-blooded Italian woman born into a powerful family. I am the half-breed.

Sometimes I question myself, if my father’s decision to send me away was based solely on my stepmother’s dislike toward me, or was it also the blood running through my veins.

Growing up, I hardly ever saw my family. I was in Chicago, attending school, trying to stay alive. When I was home during break, my Papa allowed me freedom my sisters never got. I always ended up spending it with Ren, Gabriel, Michel, and Mero. That list extended in the last few years to a few others.

Even now, Guilia and my younger sister, Serena spend most of their time with my stepmother taking up the house or attending Gala's and functions in New York. I hardly ever get to see them.

I feel sorry for my two sisters. They will never know the joys of walking with friends on Campus or attending Parties with football players. Small things which make life a bit better when you think back on it while living as a prisoner in your own home.

A bit of happiness to store for those days you turn a blind eye to your husband's infidelity.

other sister more, the sacrificial lamb given to my mother’s

even in the 5th State. They trained some of their women to be killers and do unspeakable

you remember our first night in Chicago?” Ren asks me.

got drunk on cheap

Chicago after he witnessed my stepmother’s deep hate for me. I was the

made Papa look weak, so Chicago was his solution.

and I didn’t like it then or

are times when I secretly wish I could slice her throat

still begrudge her for all those years ago, when she pushed me down the stairs. It was a Friday evening, I was watching reruns of Friends and painting

at the bottom of

called for our house maker, Katherine, to pack my bags. It was the next morning when I found out I was leaving for Chicago. The day my entire outlook on life changed.

him.” Ren smiles as I

day. Papa explained to me the morning before I left, about the group of kids selected to go to Chicago as a peace offering between two Italian syndicates,

my father called me into his office for something besides a hug. He

that I was the only girl amongst four boys.

gossip Papa had to deal

from his decision followed his shadow for years. The implications it caused in our family was no small thing. But I

Well, that is what he told me the morning I left. Didn’t mean it felt right

of age to take care of

pawned off,” Ren admits as his smile dims, reminiscing the memories the five of us will never talk about. Sometimes silence is voice enough when it’s painted