King’s Demands by Piper Stone

Chapter 8

Julieta

Food is the nurturing aspect of gods. When shared with family and friends, the moment becomes the most precious in our lives, priceless in every way.

I sighed as I remembered my mother’s words. She had always been reserved, allowing my father to remain the dominant person in the household. However, the kitchen had always been her domain. She’d learned to cook from her mother and grandmother, her Portuguese upbringing adding a rich heritage. Everything she’d cooked over the years had been delicious. She’d also managed to provide the glue that my brothers and I had so desperately needed.

I’d learned to share in her love of food and wine, my time spent by her side in the kitchen some of the happiest in my childhood. Even my father had been entirely different when sharing in a special family celebration. The words she’d shared on more than one occasion seemed appropriate for the moment, ones I hadn’t thought about in a long time.

The amazing scents always present in her kitchen would be something I missed more than anything. But this was my life now. A new country. A new way of life. An almost husband. Shivering, I knew the fact Dante was holding my hand was more for show for his family than anything, but his touch had the same effect as always, filling me with tingles and butterflies.

The call with my father had been exactly as I’d suspected. He couldn’t care less about what happened to me. He’d been clear enough about that. So be it. The hatred that I’d felt over the years had grown exponentially, allowing me to accept the deal I’d made.

To a point.

I couldn’t trust Dante, but as the five of us walked down the lively street, I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful city.

I’d come to realize that everything around Dante’s life was not what I’d expected. Just being able to watch him interact with his niece and nephew had allowed me to see an entirely different side of the man. He suddenly didn’t seem so dark and oppressive, as if the chip firmly planted on his shoulders would eventually destroy what was left of his humanity.

“The Crazy Italian Pizzeria,” Dante said as we stood in front of the building. “I haven’t been here in years.”

“The kids’ favorite place in the whole wide world,” Michael said as he laughed. “We don’t come here often enough. I hope you like pizza, Julieta.”

I thought about his question, finally laughing. “I haven’t had a slice of pizza in years.”

“Then you are in for a treat. Come on.” Michael grinned, the man more boyish than Dante appeared with his number of tattoos and short-cropped hair. While there was a close resemblance, the two possibly passing for twins, Michael seemed happy where Dante was all dark and dangerous.

As we walked inside, the realization the small space was family friendly made me smile. There were no tablecloths or linen napkins, only the paper kind with basic silverware positioned on top. Even the condiments were in a basket. There was no bar or fancy decorations, just a lovely location to share Italian food with children. I instantly felt more comfortable. The aroma was spectacular; garlic, tomato, and other spices wafting in the entire restaurant.

My stomach instantly rumbled. I hadn’t eaten more than a few bites in over two days.

“Nothing fancy, but the pizza is perfection,” Michael said in passing.

“I’d hungry, Daddy,” Isabella said in a dramatic voice as she tugged on her father’s hand.

“I know you are, baby. It won’t be long.” Michael grinned as he looked down on her, making a funny face.

I don’t know why it struck me in a strange way to share a moment like this with two powerful members of the King family. Maybe because I’d been to very few restaurants in my life, the few times revolving around a religious holiday. No birthdays. No other special occasions. My father didn’t deem it necessary to waste time or money on such frivolous things.

As we were led to a table, I realized that for the first time since I could remember, I almost felt normal. The children were jabbering on about certain events they’d experienced in the day and I couldn’t be happier.

I knew it would be short lived, but at least for tonight, I could allow myself to pretend.

Michael’s actions were all about the kids; making certain they were seated, reminding them to use their napkins, and giving them a brief reminder to be good, especially if they wanted ice cream. All the while, I studied Dante’s reactions. He’d been so tense, but every smile he gave one of the twins was genuine, even laughing at some of their jokes.

“Let’s see. What shall we order?” Michael asked in a booming voice after soft drinks were served. “I wonder if they have steak on the menu.”

Alessandro huffed. “Dad, you know better. This is a pizza place. You’re not funny any longer.” The boy issued the words in such a grownup fashion that both Michael and Dante burst into laughter. I gathered such a sense of camaraderie between them that I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off either one of them.

“And what would the lady enjoy having?” Dante asked as he tipped his head in my direction. I’d never noticed the dimple in his chin before. Perhaps it was because he was smiling so broadly.

I took the plastic-covered menu into my hands, studying the writing then sighing in the same kind of dramatic way as Isabella had, even tossing my hair over my shoulder. “Seafood. How about a seafood pizza?”

As I held my breath, finally locking my eyes on Isabella’s, her laugh was a sweet reward.

“Yucky! Mommy says seafood doesn’t belong on a pizza,” she said as her reply.

“As always, Isabella is correct,” Michael said, a twinkle in his eyes. “Can the lady handle a more traditional couple of pies?”

Frowning, I reached out, tousling Isabella’s hair. “I think the little lady should choose our selection.”

“Yay!” Isabella clapped. “Just like I told you, Daddy. I’m the pizza specialist.”

“No, you’re not!” Alessandro piped in.

Dante shook his head. “You have your hands full, brother.”

“That I do. At least Daniella has made a tremendous difference in their lives.” Michael seemed to sense I was studying him. “I was recently remarried. Daniella is the second love of my life, well, along with my incredible but often misbehaving children.” He leaned toward Alessandro who merely rolled his eyes.

I could tell he was selecting his words carefully, even as he was attempting to be playful.

“You have a beautiful family,” I offered, now uncomfortable with being allowed even briefly into their… empire.

There was a sadness in Michael’s eyes before he nodded, only half smiling. “Yes, I do.”

Silence would have settled around the table had it not been for Isabella and Alessandro continuing their earlier conversation between each other. I’d heard how twins often ended each other’s sentences, could even tell what the other was thinking. That seemed to be the case for the two of them, their actions indicating just how close they were.

I envied them more than they could ever understand.

Even watching the way Michael ordered for all of us brought a series of stabbing sensations to my heart. My entire world had changed in only a matter of days. The fact I’d almost been killed was something I’d never forget.

“Can I be your bridesmaid?” The question from Isabella was so out of the blue that the sip of Diet Coke I’d just taken flew out of my mouth.

I could hear Dante’s deep chuckle beside me before he was gentlemanly enough to take the glass from my hand. “What?”

“I think that’s putting a bit of pressure on Julieta. Don’t you?” Michael asked his daughter.

Isabella shrugged. “I know how weddings are, Dad. You have to choose the right people in order to make the day special. I know all the best places in town. It’s not like I’m asking her to let me be the maid of honor or anything. Geez, Daddy.”

“You know all the best places, huh?” Dante asked, trying to keep from laughing.

“Of course. Mommy taught me. She said it would be important one day.”

Groaning, Alessandro rolled his eyes. “Girls.”

I wiped my mouth, feeling more lighthearted than I would have ever thought possible. “Your daughter is absolutely correct and I don’t know a thing about this amazing city. I would absolutely love if you’d be one of my bridesmaids.”

“See?” Isabella huffed.

“Dad, is it all right if Izzi and I play a video game before dinner?” Alessandro asked. “I promise I’ll let her win.”

Michael shook his head. “It’s not about letting her win, son. It’s about the fact your sister is a shark and that will put you in a bad mood.”

“What does that mean?” Isabella asked in the same adult voice she’d just shared.

“It means you break all the rules in order to win, Izzi,” Alessandro answered.

Michael exhaled as he dug into his pocket, pulling out his wallet.

Alessandro held up his smaller hand, shaking his head. “No need, Dad. I got this. Only I’m going to be the victor. Come on, Izzi. Let me show you how it’s done.”

We all managed to wait until they’d scampered off before laughing.

“You have to stop them from growing up,” Dante said after a few seconds.

“Yeah, well, when you figure out how to do that, let me know.” Michael turned his head, another moment of sadness crossing his face. “It adds to the sorrow about Cristiano’s babies.”

“If I’m not interfering, what happened to them?” I dared to ask, expecting admonishment from Dante.

“Our brother’s wife had a difficult pregnancy with the twins. We almost lost all of them. One of the babies, the little girl, needs heart surgery. It’s delicate and complicated,” Michael answered without hesitation. “Anyway, our family is strong. She’ll get through it. We all will. Just like we have with every other tragedy.”

The quiet reverence between the two brothers was haunting.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” I whispered, hiding behind my drink.

“You weren’t prying, Julieta. Given you’re going to be a part of this family, you’ll learn all the dark and ugly secrets that hide in every one of our closets, Dante included.”

Dante huffed, giving his brother a hard look. “And for the most part, those secrets don’t need any further discussion.”

“Fine, Dante. Live your life in the past,” Michael retorted. “That’s not going to make for a happy marriage or for the rest of your life.”

“I’m not living in the past.”

“You’re not?” His brother darted a look in my direction before leaning over the table. “You forget who you talked to first after arriving back home.”

“Leave it alone, Michael. This is my life.”

Michael took an exaggerated breath. “Always the martyr.”

There was no reason for me to interfere but for some reason, I slid my hand to Dante’s arm, caressing his wrist.

He took a deep breath before pulling his arm away. “This is neither the time nor the place to discuss my decisions. We have business to attend to. I don’t criticize the choices you’ve made. I suggest you remember that.”

“And I think you two need to remember that you’re enjoying dinner together with two beautiful children. Maybe shelving your animosity toward one another would be a good idea.” I tossed my napkin, ready to jerk to my feet when I felt Dante’s hand wrapping around my wrist.

“Don’t. You’re right, Julieta. However, you need to keep in mind that certain issues and tragedies don’t have a need to be discussed. That will do absolutely no good in helping the situation or to… bring anyone back.” His admittance seemed heartfelt, but the man was a dichotomy of ranging emotions. He had tremendous anger inside of him. One day he was going to erupt and anyone standing in his way would take the brunt of his rage.

It was doubtful they’d survive.

Including me.