Becoming the Street Boss - Hayley Faiman Page 0,30

were unable to enjoy one another. This one is not under an audience. This is just us. Sure, there are people around, but it’s nothing like it was earlier tonight.

“What are you scared of?” I chance asking her.

“What do you mean?”

My lips twitch into a small grin and my eyes search hers. “In general, tonight, whatever. I want to get to know you better. I only have had one conversation with you in three years,” I say.

She nods her head once. She clears her throat, her eyes search mine as we sway from side to side. “Anything?” she asks on a whisper.

Lowering my head, I press my cheek against her temple. “Anything, la mia sposa.”

“I’m terrified to be a typical mafia wife. Turning a blind eye to a man who fucks other women behind her back because she wants his money.”

The words she says makes me feel sick. She’s describing my father, my father and my mother. She doesn’t stop there though.

“I don’t want to be an accessory to him. Seen, but never heard. Something that he just tolerates until he leaves my bed for another. Happy to have money to buy my happiness.”

“Pippa,” I begin.

She pulls back slightly, shaking her head. “Just make me one promise,” she demands.

Though her voice is so soft and sweet, it doesn’t feel like a demand. I drop my chin, letting out a small grunt, urging her to continue.

“If my sister ever needs anywhere to go. If she’s ever kicked out by my aunt, or just needs to get away from her. Please tell me that she can come to us.”

I’m a bit surprised by her demand. Surprised, but fucking happy that it is what it is. Love. Pippa loves her sister. She wants to protect her, care for her, and she thinks that I can help with that. She wants me to help.

“Absolutely, dolcezza. Our doors are always open for Rosana. Whatever she needs from me, from us, she has it.”

Pippa’s eyes water, and I watch as a few wet tears roll down her cheeks. Lifting one of my hands, I use the back of my fingers to wipe the wetness away.

“Thank you,” she rasps.

Dropping my forehead to hers, I close my eyes as I continue dancing with my new bride. “Whatever you need from me, Pippa, you have. As long as I can give it to you, you have it, dolcezza.”

“Thank you, Massimo. You have everything from me,” she breathes.

I almost tell her that I know, but I don’t. Pulling her a bit closer, I hold her against me, shifting my head so that my cheek is against her temple again. I let out a breath as I spin her around the dance floor slowly, enjoying every minute of this moment with her.

“Everything will be okay, Pippa.”

I want the words to be the truth, but this is one thing that I’m saying without certainty. I honestly don’t know if everything will be okay, but fuck me, I want it to be. For her, and selfishly for me.

PIPPA

Honestly, I wasn’t sure that this night would get here or that it would ever end. But it has. The limo pulls up to a hotel and I’m surprised, assuming that we would go straight to Massimo’s home after the reception. The driver stops, then opens the door for us. Massimo climbs out first, then helps me.

“We’re staying here for the weekend. I know that we aren’t having a honeymoon yet, and I’m sorry about that, but I thought one weekend before real life set in would be better than nothing?”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

I’ve never stayed in a hotel before, never had the need. I’ve only lived with my parents, then with Irene. I spent the night at friends’ houses here and there over the years, but I’ve never been outside of the state of New York, and never gone far enough to stay in a hotel.

Massimo takes my hand in his, he leads the way as we walk through the hotel doors. Looking around, I see the name, The William Vale, plastered everywhere and I assume that’s where we are.

Kind of a weird name for a hotel, but I just shrug it off and keep walking until we reach the front desk.

“Checking in,” Massimo says before he clears his throat.

The man behind the desk nods his head once. “Name please,” he calls out.

“Massimo Ferrucci.”

The man behind the desk lifts his gaze, his eyes wide as he gulps. “Sir, thank you for checking into The William