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

to be killers

our first night in Chicago?” Ren asks me.

drunk

I was younger, Papa sent me to school in Chicago after he witnessed my stepmother’s deep hate for me. I was the reminder of my mother’s existence and

Papa look weak, so Chicago was

Papa hit her, and I didn’t like it then or

are times when I secretly wish I could slice her throat

It

was making popcorn when it happened. She found me at the bottom of the staircase. It was the

in a bad mood. He carried me to my bed and called for our house maker, Katherine, to pack my bags. It was the next morning when I found out I was leaving for Chicago.

joining him.” Ren smiles as

kids selected to go to Chicago as a peace offering between two Italian syndicates, the Russo and the Catelli family.

was the first time my father called me into his office for something besides

that I was the only girl

that was the gossip

our family was no small thing. But I knew why he did it, the alternative was worse.

wanted was to protect me. Well, that is what he told me the morning I left. Didn’t mean

Barely of age to take

felt like we were pawned off,” Ren admits as his smile dims, reminiscing the memories the five of us will never talk about. Sometimes silence