She’s the only woman I’ve seen in this house beside the maids, and I can’t help but think she belongs to Diego in some way. He’s made it clear that he owns everything and everyone beneath this roof, including me. So, who is Marcella to him—a wife, a girlfriend?
Marcella ignores my silent staring and starts pouring champagne and orange juice into the glasses. “Do you like mimosas? If not, I can send for something else.”
I want to refuse, but the offer of a drink is too tempting to resist. “I love mimosas.”
“A girl after my own heart.” She thrusts one of the glasses into my hands, then takes half of hers in one swallow.
I take it slow with mine, savoring the taste of an undoubtedly expensive champagne.
Marcella plops onto the edge of my bed like this is a slumber party. “I wanted to check on you sooner, but Diego’s been up my ass since I let you escape.”
I’m not sure I want to talk to this woman—whoever she is—but then I think it could help. Gaining any insight into Diego and his operation might give me an edge.
I sit on the other side of the bed. “I hope he didn’t blame you.”
Marcella shrugs and rolls her eyes. “He didn’t, but I still got an earful. Diego doesn’t like to be outsmarted or made to look stupid.”
She starts laughing and the sound is infectious; I can’t help but join in. “I guess I did kind of make him look bad in front of his guys, huh?”
Marcella hunches over, shoulders shaking. “They’ve been giving him shit about it for days! It’s wildly entertaining.”
“Then I guess it wasn’t for nothing.”
Marcella grows serious. “I want you to know I was rooting for you. What Diego did wasn’t fair. His business is with your father. You’re innocent.”
“Thanks. It makes me feel better to know someone in this house is on my side.”
Marcella sighs, and stares down into her glass. “It doesn’t matter if anyone thinks he’s wrong. He’s the boss … has been since he was old enough to know what being the head of La Familia means. No one would dare to go against him.”
“Except you.”
She smirks. “I’m a special case.”
How? I want to ask. What makes you so special?
Probably that rockin’ body in red lingerie.
The thought, along with the memory of that picture showing up on his phone, annoys the shit out of me.
“Are you the only one?” I blurt without thinking. “I mean … you live here so you must be special to him, but … I imagine women throw themselves at him all the time.”
Marcella gives me a puzzled look, then erupts into giggles again. “You think I’m Diego’s girlfriend? Oh my God, that’s hilarious! I can’t wait to tell Jovan!”
Now I’m even more irritated, thinking of that prick Jovan having a laugh at my expense. “That was you who sent him that lingerie pic the other night, wasn’t it?”
She shakes her head, still laughing. “God, no. No telling which of his … lady friends sent him that. And he’s never had a girlfriend, not really, and definitely never moved anyone into this house. He’s my brother.”
My face flushes with embarrassment. “Oh. I’m sorry, I … I shouldn’t have assumed. Your picture was the lockscreen on his phone, and I thought …”
Marcella gets up for a refill. “Don’t worry about it. I can see where you might have gotten the idea.”
“Well, there are no other women in this house.”
“That’s the way it’s been since our mother died,” she says, a note of sadness creeping into her voice. “You’re the first woman to step foot in this house since then.”
I frown, staring into my empty glass. “You mean he doesn’t do this kidnapping thing regularly?”
“Not with women, and never here at home.” She turns to face me, looking thoughtful. “You’re not from this world, are you? Mafia-world?”
“No,” I reply shaking my head. “My father is a real-estate developer. Before my mother passed away a few years ago, she was a curator for the Lowe Art Museum.”
Marcella offers me the champagne and I fill my glass, foregoing the orange juice.
“In this world,” she says, “the men handle their business away from their women. That applies to all the gangs, not just ours. We’re thought of as fragile and in need of protection. I might know most of what goes on here, but that’s only because the guys gossip like a bunch of high school chicks. I don’t have any say or control.”