Lilac and Honey: An Italian Mafia Series Read online

  An Italian Mafia Series

  Lilac and Honey

  Ada Taylor

  .

  Copyright © 2022 Author Ada Taylor

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 9798840778227

  To Mallory, for always pretending to care about my ideas for this book. Even when I called in the middle of the night.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  Eliana

  I had to break every traffic law in the state, and I was still going to be late to dinner. Mom was going to kill me. I drifted into the driveway and ran out of my car almost forgetting to turn the engine off.

  "Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit." I mumbled as I ran up the front steps. Frankie was waiting for me at the front door already smiling.

  "You're late." He smiled, as he followed behind me.

  I ignored his teasing and headed to the kitchen. I found Mom getting the dinner plates ready. Nora was in the kitchen looking for the wine glasses. Isabella and Thomas ran around the kitchen fighting with each other. From a stranger's perspective, all that could be seen was one big happy family, getting ready to enjoy each other's company. But to those that knew us, they saw the Mariani’s all gathering for their obligatory Sunday supper.

  Standing in the doorway of the kitchen I considered letting Frankie shoot me in the arm like he always offers every time I show up to something late. I run the risk of Mom being upset about blood on her carpets, but then at least she wouldn't be complaining about my tardiness. I'd always declined his kind offer, but I'd missed the last two-family dinners and I knew Mom was mad. Ask anyone, there's nothing more terrifying than pissing off Milena Mariani. The only reason I survived her constant disapproval is because she is a woman of God. My mother was many things, but a Catholic first and foremost. Lucky for me the bible has my mother convinced her children are a gift, and are always deserving of forgiveness.

  "Isabella and Thomas, I swear to god if you break a dish because you were running around in here you'll be grounded for the rest of your life. Go find Uncle Raff and tell him dinner is ready." Nora yelled as her kids ran down the hallway.

  As soon as Mom and Nora saw me they gave me the same disappointed glance. I hated how similar they were. The older Nora got and the more kids she had the more she turned into Mom.

  "I know, I'm sorry. Traffic was bad." I lied.

  "Sure." They both sighed at the same time.

  "Take this to the table and find your father." Mom said, handing me a salad.

  I set the bowl down and walked to Dad's office. On my way, I found Frankie.

  "Be careful he's in a bad mood today."

  "Why? What happened?"

  "He lost a lot of money last weekend because of one of his clients down south, and now he has distributors trying to back out of contracts. Raff says he hasn't stopped working since Monday." He explained.

  "Great." I complained, knocking on Dad's door.

  "Come in."

  I slowly opened his office door and walked closer to his desk.

  "It's time for dinner. Mom asked me to come get you."

  He nodded his head not even bothering to look up at me. He waved his hand signaling me to leave. He didn't have to ask twice. Just when I thought I made it out of the office unscathed he called my name.

  "Eliana, I need to talk with you after dinner. It's important. Do not leave without seeing me first."

  He took my silence as a yes, and went back to work. The last time Dad asked to see me in his office after dinner I threw a bottle of 1937 Cognac at his head. Neither of us said a word to each other after that fight until we were forced to make amends at Thomas' birthday party. Mom told us we could apologize to each other before presents, or she was taking the two of us to church so we could apologize in front of God. We both accepted her first offer, and never mentioned the fight again in front of her.

  I took my time walking back to the table. I knew once I sat down I was trapped for the next hour. There was no escaping Mom. As soon as Mom said grace hands went flying across the table. Bowls were passed, drinks were poured. It was madness for the next ten minutes. It didn't quiet down until everyone was too busy eating to shout and yell. This was the only part of Sunday dinner that I liked. The part where no one was forcing me to play twenty questions. I knew today would be one of those days because of the last two dinners I missed while traveling for work.

  "El, Isabella has a dance recital coming up. She'd love it if you could make it. If you're not too busy with work of course." Nora said.

  "Please Auntie El? I'm in the Ballet performance, and I have a solo at the end of the show!" Isabella shared, with a wide toothless smile.

  "Of course I'll be there Isabella. I wouldn't miss it for the world. When is it?"

  "It's in a couple of months at the end of December. It's at that old theater you used to practice at." Nora said.

  "Make sure to get that day off from work dear." Mom added.

  Here we go.

  "I can't keep up with that schedule of yours Eliana. I don't know how you do it. One minute you're here in the city and then next thing I know you're in Texas. I had no idea this job had you traveling so much. Is that safe?" She asked.

  "I don't travel that much Mom. I was only traveling with one of our clients and her family. We were trying to get them out of their house, and to Texas to stay with relatives. They have a court hearing coming up, and we thought it would be safer to create some distance with her ex-husband." I tried to explain.

  They didn't understand. They thought I was wasting my time working for the Women’s Work. They hear the words "non-profit" and suddenly it’s not a real job. They don't see the families I help. I might as well be like Frankie running around and wasting my twenties.

  "That doesn't sound safe at all Eliana." Mom said.

  "It's not as bad as it sounds. It was a one-time situation. A few case workers were out sick, and I stepped in for a week, no big deal."

  "When you said you wanted to become a lawyer, your father and I thought you would work for Uncle Joseph after you graduated. He says he has a spot for you at his firm, and all you need to do is call and set up an interview." Mom said eagerly.

  "I'm not going to work for the family firm Mom. I told you I have a strict 'no defending drug lords, and mob bosses' policy."

  The room went quiet. Everyone looked up from their plate and stared at me.

  "Oh, I'm sorry. Are we still pretending Dad and Raff run a shipping company? I always get that confused."

  "Eliana, that's enough." My dad shouted, slamming his fork on his table. "You will not come into my home and sit at my table, and disrespect your family like that. The same family that raised you, and supported you your whole life. The family that always made sure you were taken care of. I'm sick of your constant disrespect. It ends today."

  The room went quiet. Everyone looked down at their plate while my dad and
I stared at each other. He gave me a tired, irritated look that told me to quit it with the attitude. Lucky for him I was tired of arguing. After a few minutes of silence, Mom did her best to change the subject.

  "I ran into Mrs. Carson this morning at Pilates Frankie. She says Madison just graduated and moved back from California. I know you two were close in high school. Maybe you want to reach out."

  "Yeah, maybe." He mumbled, still focused on eating.

  "Nora, where's Mikey tonight?" Raffael asked.

  "He had to work late." She said shortly.

  Yeah, right... working late. I'm sure that's where he was.

  The rest of dinner was forced. Raffael did his best to mediate the tension, like always, and Nora continued to interrogate me about work. Usually, I love when Sunday dinners are short and quick, but tonight I was hoping it lasted forever. I wanted to avoid my conversation with Dad for as long as possible. I had already pissed him off, and I knew whatever he had to tell me I wasn't going to like.

  After stalling by helping to clear the table and wash the dishes I went to look for Dad in his office. I found him looking over the same papers he was looking at before dinner.

  "Have a seat." He said when he heard me open his office doors.

  I sat in front of his desk as he stood up and walked closer to me.

  "Do you remember when you left for college and I asked you to come to work for me?"

  No, please no.

  "Dad, please. I still have more time."

  "I'm afraid it's me that's running out of time. I've done my best to protect this family, but I'm struggling. I reached out to Cristiano a few weeks ago. We both agree it's now or never. He's feeling pressure from some smaller families in Italy, and I can't keep things running smoothly here without his support." He said avoiding my stares.

  "Dad, don't do this." I begged.

  "I let you leave to get your degree, and I didn't argue when you asked to go to law school. You knew what the deal was when you left for school. For four years I said nothing, and let you avoid your family responsibilities. You promised me that you would come back to support this family Eliana and now I'm cashing in my favor. It's time you live up to your end of the deal. You knew this was always how it was going to end Eliana. I wish I could give you more time, but I can't."

  I was going to be sick.

  "I met with Cristiano last week. His son, Apollo, has agreed to the arrangement as well. He says under the circumstances this is the best way to unite the families. He knows that we're stronger together than apart."

  If I wasn't already sitting I think I would have passed out.

  "Cristiano thinks it'd be best if we had the wedding before the spring and I agree. I can't keep this family safe without Cristiano's resources and support."

  "Jesus Christ, Dad." I scoffed, "You can't be serious. Have you lost your mind?"

  "If you care about your siblings or your mother at all, you'll agree to marry Apollo. Without Cristiano, this family won't survive another year. Your mother and I have sacrificed so much in this lifetime to give you a good life, and we asked for little in return. The business I built from nothing will crumble without this deal."

  "I'm not marrying Apollo Dad. I'll do anything else I can to support this family, but I won't spend the rest of my life married to Apollo Costa!"

  "This isn't negotiable Eliana. I'm not asking for your opinion. I'm giving you an order."

  I couldn't breathe. My lungs felt heavy, and my head felt like exploding. I had to get out of Dad's office before I had a breakdown. Without saying another word, I stormed out into the living room, and looked for my keys. I could hear Raff yelling my name, and trying to run after me as I ran out the front door, but I didn't look back.

  When I finally got back to my car I let out a deep breath and tried to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. I started my engine, but I had no idea where I was heading. My mind was blank. All I could think about was my conversation with Dad. Shifting my car into drive I drove off down the street. This family was completely mental if they thought I would ever agree to this. I expected this from Dad, but there was no way Raff would agree to this. He was in line to take over for Dad, and Dad trusted him with all the big decisions. How could Raff give away his little sister to a Costa? He knew how much I hated being a part of this family. What would possess him to think I would survive becoming a Costa?

  Just when I thought I was finally free, Dad does something like this and pulls me back into a world I want nothing to do with. As I drove back to my apartment only one thought bounced around in my mind.

  There's no way in hell I'm marrying Apollo fucking Costa.

  I called in sick on Monday and haven't left my apartment since. I was too afraid of leaving and one of Dad's men coming to find me, or worse Dad stopping by at work to talk. I was safe in my apartment at least for a little while. I was sending everyone that called me to voicemail, even Raff. I knew he just wanted to talk, but I was too mad at the whole family to pick up the phone.

  I thought back to the last time I saw Apollo. We always ran into each other at different family events and parties over the years. When we were younger Dad made the whole family travel to Italy for the summer. He would spend the summer working and taking care of business in Europe. I was heading into my senior year and Apollo was working as his dad's right-hand man. The only thing I knew about Apollo was that he wasn't much of a talker. A man as intimidating as Apollo didn't need to use words to get what he wanted. I was afraid of the teenage version of Apollo, so I can't even imagine him all grown up. He was an absolute sadist. His father made him the family's enforcer. Everyone says that if you make him mad you should pray the Devil takes you before Apollo gets to you.

  The last I heard anything about him he was in a really bad car accident. No one knew exactly what happened, but there were rumors it was a hit on Apollo. No one had seen or heard from Apollo in months. His dad had him hiding out in Italy until he was healed. I guess him agreeing to marry me meant he was out of hiding, and working for the family again.

  I was lucky to go a whole week before being bothered by anyone. Friday morning, I heard a knock on my door.

  "Eliana, I know you're in there. Your car is in the garage. If you don't open the door I'll let myself in." I heard Raff say.

  Damn it. I forgot I gave him a key. I attempted to tidy up the place as I walked to the door before letting him in. That was useless however because my place was a mess. I opened the door and waved him in. He followed me to the kitchen.

  "Why haven't you been picking up your phone?"

  "My phone died. I didn't notice."

  "Bullshit Eliana. We're all worried about you. It wouldn't kill you to call back." He argued.

  "I have nothing to say to any of you."

  "And what's that supposed to mean?"

  "Don't act like you don't know what's going on. How hard did you pretend to fight this before agreeing with Dad? I bet you two can't wait to marry me off. Then you'd have one less person to worry about." I spat.

  "Don't do that Eliana. You have no idea the pressure I'm under right now. You don't care about the family, so don't be mad at me for trying to do what's best for all of us. If I thought there was any other way we could get out of this alive and safe I would have suggested it."

  Before I threw a plate at his head I stormed out of the kitchen into the living room. I sat down on the couch and wrapped myself in a blanket.

  Raff sat down next to me, and sat in silence.

  "Please don't make me do this." I said, trying not to cry. I had to clench my jaw to keep it from shaking.

  "He told me you two had a deal. What did you do Eliana?"

  "You know how bad I wanted to leave here after high school, so I made a deal with him. He gave me freedom to go to school, and in return I had to eventually come home. Then I wanted to go to law school and we got into a big fight. He told me I was stalling, and after law school I would find something else to do to avoid coming home. He s
aid I couldn't keep running forever, so as an idiot I promised I would do anything he wanted if he let me have a few more years."

  "Why would you do that?"

  "I don't know. After graduating I was in a really bad place. I needed to do something to give me more time. I think Dad knew how vulnerable and desperate I was and that's why he made that deal. I was sick and he took advantage of that. I just thought he would never bring it up again. Years went by and he said nothing to me. A part of me thought he forgot."

  "He didn't forget. This was his plan all along, from the very beginning." Raff said. "That son of a bitch."

  "I trust you Raff, and I always will, so if you tell me this is the only way to keep everyone safe I'll do it."

  Raff dropped his head and shook his head, "If you don't do this I don't know how I'm going to keep this family running. We have a target on our backs. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you. Don't do this for Dad. Do this for me and everyone else."

  I stood up from the couch and walked to the front door. Raff took it as his cue to leave. I appreciated him stopping by, but I wanted to be alone. There was nothing he could say that would make this any better. Grabbing his keys from his pocket and walking to the door he stopped to give me a hug.

  "If you make your decision there's a dinner tonight at the house." He said, finally moving to the door. "I hope I see you there."

  He walked out of my apartment and into the hallway.

  "Raff wait." I shouted after him. He turned back to face me.

  "Do you remember when I graduated high school? I snuck out to go to a house party, and you had to come pick me up?" I asked.

  "Yeah."

  "Do you remember what you said to me on the drive back?"

  "No." He said walking back towards me.

  "You told me to run and never look back. You said if I stayed that I would get stuck like you did."

  Raff nodded his head remembering that night.

  "I should have run.”

  Apollo