Bound by the Past (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles 7)

Serafina avoided my eyes. “I don’t think I know anything that will help you.”

“Every small detail helps. Habits. The dynamic between the brothers. Remo’s weaknesses. The layout of the mansion.”

“Remo doesn’t trust anyone but his brothers and Fabiano. He would die for them,” she whispered.

I’d suspected this. Remo wasn’t as invincible as he thought. If he cared about his brothers in whatever twisted way he was capable of, that meant he was open for attack.

Serafina continued, still not looking my way. “Apart from the family, only Fabiano and Leona are allowed inside the mansion, and occasionally cleaners. Remo keeps a knife and a gun close at all times. He’s a light sleeper…”

She cringed at what she’d revealed. I’d suspected Remo had taken her into his bed. Captors often played with their victims by alternating between treating them like dirt and then showing them hints of kindness to gain their trust. Stockholm Syndrome based on this tactic. The victims ultimately blamed themselves for their rape and even tried to tell themselves they wanted it or gave their captor signals that indicated consent, when neither was the case.

Serafina began to shake, her face torn with guilt and shame.

I moved closer and gently touched her shoulder. “Serafina.”

She surprised me when she leaned against me. I cupped her head, trying to console her.

“What am I going to do? How will I belong again? Everyone will look at me with disgust.”

Blaming the victim was always easy. “If anyone does, you’ll let me know, and I’ll deal with them.”

Serafina nodded against me.

“And you never stopped belonging. You are part of the Outfit, part of this family, nothing changed.”

And yet everything had. We all had. Our family had. Serafina had. None of us had remained untouched by the horrors brought upon us by Remo Falcone.Danilo asked for a meeting. Naturally, I’d expected it.

We all settled in Pietro’s office. By now, Pietro had at least removed some of the rubble Danilo had left during his rage after the sheets but the place was still a mess. Pietro sank down behind his desk and Samuel stood close to the window, his hands shoved into the pockets of his slacks.

Danilo and I sat down in armchairs across from each other. It was past ten in the evening, but neither of us was eager for sleep.

Danilo let out a deep sigh, twisting the engagement ring in his fingers. “My father insists I’ll marry someone from your family,” he said. “A bond between our families is necessary, especially at this time.”

He was right. We needed to demonstrate solidarity to quiet the dissenting voices. I’d rather not have to silence them with violence. We needed every man in our ranks to fight the Camorra and Famiglia.

Pietro sighed, slumping in his chair. Samuel shook his head with a glare. “Serafina won’t marry. She needs time to heal.”

“There are other options,” I said.

Danilo’s eyes flashed. “What options? I won’t accept the daughter of any other Underboss. My city is important. I won’t settle for less than was promised!”

I narrowed my eyes. “Watch your tone, Danilo. I realize this is a difficult situation but I expect respect nonetheless.”

Danilo glared down at his fist, which held the ring. “I’m not going to settle for less than a bond with your family.”

“You can’t have Fina!” Samuel repeated, taking a step forward, anger twisting his face.

I motioned for him to stay back.

“You can’t have Anna either,” I said sharply. I wasn’t sure if that was what he’d been hinting at. But I wouldn’t promise my daughter to Danilo, not looking into his haunted, angry eyes, not when I knew he wanted Serafina.

Danilo stood. “You need my support in this war. You need a strong family at your back.”

“Is that a threat?” I snarled.

Danilo smiled bitterly. “That’s a fact, Dante. I think you’re a good Capo but I insist I get what my family deserves. I won’t settle for less.”

“I won’t force Fina into a marriage, not after what she went through,” Pietro said.

I nodded. “I agree.”

Danilo shoved his hands into his pockets. “We’re at an impasse then.”

I exchanged a glance with Pietro who briefly closed his eyes. He shoved to his feet and turned his back on us. “Is that what you ask of me, Dante?”

I was being selfish but I couldn’t promise Anna. I just couldn’t. Not now. “Pietro, if we follow the rules, Danilo could demand to marry Serafina. They were engaged.”

Samuel glanced between us, his brows pulling together.

Danilo waited calmly.

Pietro turned around. His eyes were hard and full of warning as he leveled them on Danilo. “I will give you Sofia.”

Danilo scoffed. “She’s what, eleven?”

“Twelve in April,” Samuel corrected, scowling at his father. His hands were curled to fists.

“I’m ten years older than her. I was promised a wife now.”

“You’ll be busy with this war and establishing your reign over Indianapolis. A later wedding should be of advantage for you,” I said. I could tell that Danilo would agree eventually, but he wanted something else.