Andrew spoke up first. “Thomas, thank you for inviting us. Has the Rizzo family arrived yet?”
“Dominic and Isabella showed up about ten minutes before you did. Let’s head to the sitting room. I think I saw them walk that way,” in a lower voice I heard Thomas whisper, “and Andrew, show nothing but respect and gratitude to Dominic since he had the cops make our little problem disappear. Open, shut, and no questions. Keep him happy.”
Good God, I didn’t want to know what they had done. The maids grabbed our coats and I followed dutifully along behind Andrew and Thomas. Being seen but not heard. God, I missed the Andrew I first met years ago.
We entered the sitting room and my eyes roamed over the groups of people gathered. Some smiled, most scoffed. Andrew plastered on his business smile as we approached a couple standing with his brother, Devin. His smarmy smile made a chill skitter up and down my arms. Devin was worse than his brother and one you shouldn’t ever cross. I’d heard tales of him making alliances with an Italian mob in town, so the fact that he was now standing with Dominic and Isabella Rizzo made my skin crawl.
“Dominic, glad you could join us tonight? How are things?” He reached out and shook the hand of the dark haired tall man across from us. The man smiled back at us, but there was a hint of distrust in his eyes.
He moved past Andrew to me, “And pray tell, who is this lovely creature?”
“Hi, I’m Cassidy, Andrew’s wife… It’s nice to meet you.” I felt the need to curtsy under his stare, but I refrained.
“Cassidy, what did I tell you?” Andrew almost unnoticeably pinched my arm in admonishment and I tried not to roll my eyes at his haughty tone. I hated it when he talked down to me like I was worthless.
Dominic smiled softly at me and returned his glare to Andrew. “Chi incontra buona moglie ha gran fortuna.”
“I’m sorry Mr. Rizzo, I don’t speak Italian,” Andrew stammered out.
“It roughly translates to behind every great man there is a great woman. I see a great woman before me, signora, but I have not decided on the man. Business is an extension of family. I only wonder how well you treat yours?”
A look of shock covered Andrew’s face. “My family is well taken care of, I can assure you. My parents live in the city and we can have dinner at any time.”
“Very well. I am thirsty. Might you get us some champagne?”
“Cassidy, you heard the man. Two champagnes.”
“You misunderstood. I want you to get the refreshments while I stay and chat with your wife? Do you object?”
“Of course not. I’ll be right back,” Andrew gave me a look that said so many nasty things. I would pay for this later, and I hadn’t said a thing. Getting him drunk was my best chance. After he walked off Mr. Rizzo turned to me.
“You remind me greatly of my mama. My father was a cold man who believed women, like children, should be seen and not heard. Because of his prejudice he did not see more than her beautiful face, and he definitely did not see the knife behind her back when she could no longer stand the sight or touch of him. I think all men should keep that in mind, don’t you?”
I only nodded in reply, and he smiled.
Andrew returned with no knowledge of the strange conversation that just took place. Without a word, Mr. Rizzo took his champagne, bowed his head to me, and walked off.
“What the Hell did he want with you?” Andrew yanked my arm and pulled me into a nearby office.
“Nothing, he just asked if you would be good for his company,” I quickly lied.
“And …”
“I said you would be the best! Honest, that’s all. He said I had an honest face and would tell him the truth.”
“Good. Maybe your simpleton smile just worked in my favor. Stay here while I go and try to smooth things out.” I stayed in the office as instructed. I prefered it. I hated being around these people and I know whatever ass kissing tactic Andrew took would make me cringe. I’d been looking at the books lined up in order on the bookshelf when I felt the air in the room shift.
“Well, if it isn’t my dear sister in law, Cassidy Mae. Here all alone…Forgive me Cassidy. I forget Andrew hates the Mae.” His voice had an edge today and I wondered if it was from the alcohol they’d been pouring by the glass.
“What do you want, Devin?” The agitation was rich in my voice. He always acted this way.
He stepped up behind me, lifted the hair from my neck inhaling the perfume I’d sprayed there earlier tonight, and whispered. “I have a proposition for you.”
I scoffed. “I’m not interested.”
“But you haven’t even heard my idea yet.” He ran a cold finger down my arm and I tried not to flinch. “I think you should let Andrew and I share- you. I’d love to know what my brother sees in you. It’s certainly not the accent or your looks, so it must be a magical pussy. I would love to have just a taste of it.” I was uncomfortable and the urge to scream and tell him to get the hell away from me ran through every crevice of my body, but I couldn’t. I was the good and perfect wife, you didn’t yell. You didn’t tell anyone that there was something wrong. You lied when people were mean.
“Go away, Devin.”
“Aww, Cassidy, I’d at least try and make it good for you. I do enjoy being the better man. Can’t say the same for my brother. If
