Ruthless Prince by Piper Stone
Chapter 8
Alexandra
Death.
I’d feared it my entire life, but right now it seemed like the only option that made any sense. Seeing the announcement on the internet had been horrible. I’d been forced to face in a few seconds exactly the kind of man my father had become. I’d known for far too long what he was capable of, but nothing could have prepared me for the realization of just how far he’d go in order to keep his growing empire intact.
And the fact it had taken a ruthless man like Stefano to open my eyes continued to churn in my stomach. At least the fucking Italian brute had been considerate enough to leave me alone for the last full day since arriving in Tuscany. I’d been driven to a house that I’d barely been able to see, the long flight arriving in the darkness. I’d seen nothing but the outline of a huge structure as well as an aggregate driveway leading up to the near fortress-like building.
The gate and surrounding walls reminded me of the house in Miami, although I couldn’t shake the fact that nothing was entirely secure. I would never forget the sound of gunfire popping all around me or the sight of Donato slumped over the wheel of the SUV. He’d given his life without question in order to protect us and I still wasn’t entirely certain that Stefano gave a damn.
No matter what he said or the anguished inflection in his tone.
The bastard had simply moved onto the next order of business, destroying what was left of my previous life.
At least now I knew that I was completely alone. My father had managed to find a way to rid himself of the last anchor around his neck. “I’m sorry, Mama.” If only I’d been able to protect her.
“Damn it! Damn it!” I yelled, although I doubted anyone could hear me. Even if they did, they would do nothing more than share my bad behavior with Stefano. Perfect.
I stood staring out the window at the early morning light, reflecting on the last few days. Nothing seemed real any longer. While there’d been flurry of activity, including people who never introduced themselves bringing in countless bags of clothing, shoes, and makeup, I’d also noticed the parade of dark vehicles coming at various times. I’d heard nothing from downstairs. Not a raised voice or the sound of music. The place reminded me of a prison, although beautifully decorated.
As I slumped against the glass, I gazed down at the dress that I’d selected, still surprised I’d been able to do it myself. My first event was attending Donato’s funeral, a man who’d said no more than a few words to me. I wasn’t certain of my feelings, other than my boosted hatred for Stefano. The man didn’t deserve anything but my increasing anger.
While I’d been provided with bountiful food and drink, nothing had tasted good. I doubted anything would for a very long time if ever. While the little girl remaining inside of me wanted nothing more than to go home, I realized that wasn’t an option. I’d simply been given away. A laugh bubbled to the surface but in allowing the sound to slip past my lips, my stomach ached even more. What kind of life could I expect now?
The pain churning in my system had only increased, my mind continually fuzzy. I’d slept only a couple of hours, waking to fight to keep from screaming because of the nightmare. Sadly, my horrible visions had nothing to do with Stefano, only the same image that occasionally filtered into my mind when I was stressed.
My mother’s dead body.
The sound of the door opening made me cringe, but I refused to turn around. I knew he was standing in the doorway like some looming monster.
“It’s time,” Stefano said after a few seconds.
I didn’t mutter a word, simply turned around and grabbed my brand new purse, which held nothing but a brush and a tube of lipstick. My entire identity was gone. There was no phone, no photo ID, and no pictures from the past. Still, I felt better carrying it, the attempt at clutching onto my former life real as opposed to what I was facing comforting.
“You look lovely,” he said as I walked closer, still shaky from what had occurred.
“It’s a funeral, Stefano. Who cares?”
“I care. You will be shown for the first time as my fiancée.”
“Shown,” I said, half laughing. “Like a prized horse after finishing a race. How romantic of you.”
He gripped my elbow, dragging me close. “I will allow your insolence to last for a short time longer, my love, but you will not make a scene today. Do you understand?”
His face was too close to mine, his hot breath trickling across my skin creating a warm flush. I keep my eyes straight ahead, barely able to keep from shaking violently. “I’ll be the perfect doll. Don’t worry. I know my place.”
His hesitation was electrified like every time we touched, but I sensed something I’d never experienced before. Confusion. He had no idea what to say to me any longer. Maybe the horrible event had ended what little closeness we’d developed forever. The thought suited me. I had nothing to say to him.
As I was led down the stairs, I was taken by the beautiful surroundings. Every aspect from the color of the walls to the flooring had obviously been meticulously determined. Even the massive work of art on the stairway wall was incredible. However, this would never feel like home, no matter how many times he fucked me or how many years went by.
This was my prison.
The sunlight seemed too bright, forcing me to squint as I was led to a similar SUV as the one in the States.
“What happened to you driving yourself?” I asked before another unknown soldier opened the door.
“This is a formal event.”
“Ah. Meaning another set of requirements. You must look regal at all times.” Which he did. Dressed in a black suit with a crisp white shirt and a red tie, I knew he was making a statement regarding his power and influence. I had to admit that he looked even sexier than I’d ever seen him, the impeccable attire likely tailored for him. My attraction for him remained repulsive.
“Actually, you are correct,” Stefano said under his breath. As he pulled me closer once again, the heat of his body forced me to tingle all over. When he pressed his lips against my cheek, I closed my eyes, images of the time spent in the pool flashing across my mind.
How could I think of a moment of passion when a man died in order to keep the two of us together? Maybe I was just as disgusting of a person as Stefano was. I was able to pull away from him, climbing into the backseat. I shifted as far away as possible, but the memories of being shoved into a similar vehicle, fearing for my life wasn’t far from my mind. How in the hell was I going to get through this without breaking down?
Another soldier was at the wheel, Cassis taking position in the passenger seat. No one said a word as the driver headed off the property. At least I was able to see more of the stunning countryside. I’d never been to Europe and the breathtaking view was one of the most beautiful sites I’d seen in my life. From the lush greenery stretched to the mountains in the background, the bright blue sky and glorious sun complemented the scene.
Tuscany. A place where some of the finest wineries were located. I’d been served one of the family wines at my lonely dinner the night before, the cabernet one of the best I’d ever tasted. I’d dared to ask a few questions of the server and at least the individual had known passable English. She’d told me enough about the Benedetti estate to know that thousands of bottles of wine were produced every year, olive oil and olives a close second. The realization that the estate owned by his father was a legitimate business prompted more questions than answers in my mind.
Why would they resort to a life of crime when they likely made a fortune? I doubted I’d ever receive the answer even if I asked.
I sat back in my seat, fiddling with the expensive purse that had been purchased for me. Everything that had been brought into the room, hung up for me without me asking was luxurious and obviously very expensive. And every size had been correct from the dresses and casual wear to the shoes. Nothing had been forgotten from lingerie to toiletry and bath items. Maybe I should compliment his choices.
Only a few minutes later, a cemetery came into view. The gorgeous and very ornate iron fence surrounding the property was adorned with growing vines and colorful shrubs. Still, the sight of the tombstones brought back another horrible reminder of my mother’s death.
When the vehicle was stopped, I took a deep breath, surprised when Stefano took my hand into his.
“It’s going to be all right,” he said in such a quiet voice that I had to strain in order to hear him.
“I know you mean well, but right now I don’t want any conversation. I just want this over with.”
“Maybe someday you’ll trust me enough to tell me what happened years ago.”
I kept my face turned toward the window, doing everything I could to blink away the tears but failing miserably. “It’s not about trust. I can’t face anything regarding my past at this point. But you’re right in that I’ve endured significant pain my life, but nothing as great at being uncertain of what the future holds or if I’ll ever be happy again.”
He wrapped his fingers around my jaw, forcing my head toward him. “I’ll make certain you’re happy, Alexandra. You’ve become far too important to me.”
There was a level of sincerity in his eyes that I hadn’t expected, but I refused to succumb to his excellent acting skills. I didn’t react or answer in any way, just stared at him blankly. I had nothing else to say.
He finally let me go, but I could see pain shifting into his eyes before he turned away. He remained a man of mystery and while I knew I could never break through his barriers, a part of me hoped I’d be able to do so.
As he took my hand into his, I didn’t fight him even though I was stiff, trying to keep from hyperventilating. He squeezed my fingers as we walked through the gate, walking up a small knoll toward a massive group of others. I was surprised at the number of people, at least two hundred in attendance. Several people were standing together in small groups, two rows of chairs placed in front of the burial site. Just the sight of the casket alone was enough to make me queasy.
“Are you alright?” Stefano asked.
“I’ll be fine. You will never have to worry about me.”
“While I understand you will likely never care, I will worry about you.”
The way he issued the words were as chilling as his usual demands.
When we came in close proximity to those attending, several of the people glanced in our direction, many of them whispering amongst themselves. I instantly bristled, uncertain if I would be able to pretend like I gave a damn.
As two men approached, one with his hand firmly wrapped around another woman’s fingers, I gritted my teeth. It was obvious they were family, the appearance of the two men almost identical to Stefano’s. And both were scrutinizing me with condemnation in their eyes.
“Brother. About time we’re able to meet your future bride.”
Stefano chuckled. “I thought it would be at a different event, Matteo.”
“At least you made it out of the States alive,” the second man said, still eyeing me with disdain.
“Yes, but as I mentioned yesterday, we need to send a warning of our own.” Stefano sighed. “Matteo, Enrique, this is Alexandra Starling. These are my two brothers. This is Catherine, Matteo’s wife.”
As if providing some attempt at chivalry, Matteo took my hand away from Stefano, pulling my fingers to his lips. “Charmed. I’ve already heard a lot about you.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve heard nothing about either one of you except that you forced another marriage. I’d be curious as to what Catherine has to say.” I knew my words would be met with some form of punishment later, but at this moment I didn’t care.
“I will allow Catherine to speak for herself when the time is appropriate,” Matteo answered, a look of amusement crossing his face. “I think you’ve chosen wisely, my brother.”
Stefano glanced down into my eyes, lifting a single eyebrow. “She is formidable.”
“We should continue our discussion,” Matteo said after a few seconds. “We have a few minutes. I have some new information.” He turned toward Catherine, winking. “Do I dare leave the two of you alone?”
To my surprise, Catherine rose onto her tiptoes, whispering something into his ear. Matteo laughed gregariously, looking sheepish only seconds later as if realizing that laughter at a funeral was likely frowned upon.
Stefano squeezed my arm. “I’ll be right back.”
“I assure you that I won’t be going anywhere.” I continued to have spite in my tone, although the sober event was taking a toll on my mood in an entirely different way. I also hated the fact we continued to be stared at by several of the people. It was a reminder that I was nothing but an object.
Catherine inched closer, offering a sly smile. “I’m certain you’re trying to figure if and when you can escape.”
Huffing, I rolled my eyes. “I will at some point. It’s just a matter of time.”
“Which is exactly what I said after being brought here.”
“Why do you stay? Does Matteo have you locked in your house?”
“Quite the contrary. However, it wasn’t that way in the beginning.”
“You make the horrible arrangement sound like it doesn’t bother you at all. I will never get used to or tolerate the fact I was taken from my home.”
Catherine sighed as she moved closer, turning to face the crowd. “Do you see all those people?”
“You mean the ones who are staring at us?”
“They are staring at you because they’ve never seen Stefano with anyone. There isn’t a single person in that crowd who doesn’t love and respect the Benedetti family and before you ask why, let me tell you. They are the most generous group of people I have ever met. Yes, they are harsh and brutal, savage in their methods of business, which I still don’t ask about frequently, but they are also helpful to the families who live on the property.”
“You mean they like one or two people.”
“No, Alexandra. There are dozens of beautiful cottages filled with happy families and all because of their father, Roberto.”
“I’m sorry, Catherine. Obviously, I don’t know you at all, but I can’t understand how you can condone the behavior of this… family. They are reprehensible in almost any language, except maybe their own. Arranged marriages under threat of destruction or murder aren’t what I call a fairytale in the making.”
Catherine inhaled, lowering her eyes for a few seconds. When she lifted her gaze once again, I could see tears. “I will never condone violence of any kind, but you will learn this is a way of life that exists in every country. There have always been leaders and followers whether in democratic countries or those who practice communism. However, if you honestly think that the most influential politicians and business moguls didn’t reach their level of power without some involvement with what I call irregular activities, then you are fooling yourself. My father continues to act as if upholding the laws of the United States is the righteous thing to do. Meanwhile, I knew from my childhood that he received campaign money from mafia organizations and was involved with certain criminal activities. That’s what made him powerful. Can you honestly say that your father didn’t follow in the same path?”
I bristled at first, wanting nothing more than to defend my father, but red flags had been raised for far too many years to lie to her.
Or to myself.
“That doesn’t make it right.”
Laughing softly, she inched closer. “No, of course it doesn’t. I hated Matteo for a long time. I refused to care about him to any degree, but I learned in a short duration that all powerful men have a weakness and those who are great leaders have a softness inside. Whether it’s generosity or compassion, they don’t demand respect, they earn it. I knew Donato and I’ve spent time with his family. When Stefano’s name was mentioned, it was always with reverence and respect. These people are here for Donato’s funeral because they care. They are all considered Benedetti family. What Roberto Benedetti provided initially—and his three sons who are following in the man’s footsteps—has been significant to their lives. They are happy, healthy, and able to do things that they never would have been able to accomplish themselves. Don’t judge what you don’t know, Alexandra.”
I took a few seconds scanning the crowd. “Do you love him?”
As I heard Catherine’s deep sigh, I studied her expression once again. Her entire face was lit up, her eyes shimmering. “With all my heart. While it’s only been a few months, I couldn’t imagine my life without him. And soon,” she half whispered as she placed both her hands on her stomach, “there will be three of us. Don’t tell Stefano. I just found out and I didn’t think it was the appropriate time to tell him.”
“Congratulations.” I still found it hard to believe that in a short period of time she’d been able to forget the circumstances of how and why she was brought here, but she was right about one thing. Who was I to judge what I had no intention of understanding?
She squeezed my arm. “Give yourself time. Observe and try and enjoy. Stefano is a hard man to get to know but I have a feeling it’s worth it.”
I shifted my gaze toward the handsome man, realizing that every few seconds he searched for me. There was an intensity about the look on his face, but it wasn’t just about making certain I maintained good behavior. There was the same burning hunger that I’d seen from the beginning as well. “I’ll try and remember that.”
As Matteo and Stefano headed in our direction, I could tell that everyone else in attendance was moving closer to the casket. I was just as stiff as before, apprehensive of going through such a somber experience. How many funerals would I be required to attend? When would it hit close to home?
Home.
Another word I doubted I would be able to say without crying or laughing.
Stefano took a deep breath before entangling his fingers in mine. “Did Catherine share horrible secrets?” His tone of amusement caught me off guard.
“Actually, she tried to explain why I shouldn’t put a bullet in your head one day.”
While both Matteo and Stefano laughed, Catherine gave me a knowing smile. I could tell just how happy she was and that disturbed me almost as much as anything else. Still, I had a feeling she and I might become good friends.
“Come with me,” Stefano said as he led me closer to everyone else.
As I stood with the man who was my captor, I was able to see so many faces. There didn’t seem to be a dry eye. As the priest began, his words said in Italian, I didn’t need to understand what he was saying to realize their importance or the effect they had on everyone. There was so much power in the moment that the entire area vibrated, sending a wash of sensations throughout every inch of my body.
I realized I’d tightened my grip on Stefano’s hand. When he pulled my fingers to his mouth, I tipped my head, studying his expression. What I witnessed was something that I never thought would happen.
Tears.
He blinked several times, two lone salty beads slipping past his dark eyelashes. As he closed his eyes, pressing kisses against my knuckles, the tender moment became surreal, time ceasing to exist.
His hold on my hand remained tight through the rest of the ceremony and when the priest closed his Bible, lowering his head, there wasn’t a single person in the crowd who didn’t recite a prayer. The sound of their voices would haunt me for days if not weeks to come.
Within seconds, several people started to move away, clearing a direct passage toward Donato’s immediate family. And as I would have expected, no one approached them before the Benedettis had an opportunity to do so. Stefano walked us closer, both he and Enrique flanking Matteo and Catherine’s side.
Matteo approached first, lowering down to the ground and taking the older woman’s hand into his. I was unable to hear any of the whispered words, but whatever the powerful Don had said to her obviously had a significant effect. She clung to him as if he could bring back her son. As Matteo shifted to Donato’s father, Catherine approached, also kneeling, making the sign of the cross before speaking to the mother.
“I will speak in English, so you understand what is said,” Stefano whispered in my ear before moving closer. He repeated the same actions as Matteo, crouching down and squeezing the woman’s hand. I stood beside him, an overwhelming sense of sadness crowding into my heart. I never expected to feel this way for a man I didn’t know, but I couldn’t ignore the fact Donato had saved our lives by surrendering his own.
“Maria. I am so very sorry for your loss. Donato was a very special man and I know how much you and Franco loved him.” Stefano spoke slowly, giving Franco a nod of respect.
Maria clung to his hand as she sobbed even more than when Matteo had spoken to her, also making the sign of the cross. “He loved you like he loved your father and he respected no one the way he did with you. You changed his world, my sweet boy. He was very happy. While I will always miss him, I am grateful for everything you and Roberto offered to him and to our family.” Her English was broken, her words intermixed with anguished sobs, but I understood every one of them.
Stefano kissed her hand, murmuring what I knew had to be an Italian prayer before motioning for me. “Maria, this is my fiancée, Alexandra. Donato died in order that both she and I could live.”
I was almost too shaky to follow the obvious protocol, my mind a blur at what I could say that would offer any level of comfort. Maria and Franco had sacrificed so much. But as I knelt, lowering my head, words I’d heard my mother say more than once came to mind. “Maria, please accept my condolences. While I didn’t know your son very well, there was no doubt how strong and brave he was. May the light of the heavens above shine on your son for all the days of this beautiful earth. He will always be by your side, looking over you and your husband and when you see a bright shining star in the sky, you will know Donato is smiling.”
Shaking, I managed to lift my head after a few seconds, uncertain of what to expect. Maria darted her tear-filled eyes back and forth then wrapped her arm around my neck, hugging me tightly.
“You are a wonderful woman, Alexandra. Stefano is very lucky to have found you. Love him with all your heart because you never know when the good Lord will take him away.”
Her words were poignant, burning in the back of my mind. When she finally let me go, she cupped my face as a mother would do.
Gently.
Lovingly.
Then she managed to smile.
I’d been to several funerals in my life before this one, my mother’s still holding a horrible memory that had nearly shattered me, but this one was just as haunting. As I shifted to Franco, he gave me a single nod as he gripped my hand.
“My child,” he said quietly. “God wanted you here for a purpose. I believe Stefano is that reason. May love fill your heart, children fill your home, and tragedy be kept away. That is my wish for you.”
I couldn’t stop tears from falling, hot and burning as they trickled down my cheeks. All I could do was smile and squeeze his hand. Anything else and I would have fallen apart. Why did this affect me so significantly?
Stefano helped ease me to my feet, pulling us beside Matteo and Catherine. All four of us watched as Enrique made his condolences, but at that moment everything had become a huge blur. I’d been forced into a life that I didn’t want and couldn’t fathom, but there were so many special things about such a horrible celebration that I couldn’t wrap my mind around the moment. However, I realized something profound and unexpected.
There would always be darkness surrounding the Benedetti family, but there was also a bright light, which was the reason Catherine had allowed herself to fall in love.
Was that possible with Stefano?
I knew the answer wouldn’t come easily or without turmoil and sadness. Did I have the strength? I wasn’t certain, but I refused to lose my soul, even if I dared to fall in love.
