Hush 2: Slow Burn Read online

I lift a brow at her, but I say nothing. I turn back to the men standing before me. We all wait for my mum to have a seat and then we each take our own. I don’t say a word as I take in each face before me.

  Luca is looking on with curiosity as well. I notice the uncertainty that crosses his face for a moment, but he quickly wipes it away. My mum is doing her best to compose her expression as well. Too bad her eyes are giving her away.

  “Whatever shit storm the four of you plan to rain on me, I would appreciate if you would get on with it already. I would like to get back home to my wife and daughter,” I say flatly.

  “Hear us out, Uri, before you shut down,” My Uncle sighs.

  “Nicholas is right, Uri. You may change your mind about how you feel once you know everything there is to know,” Vincent says.

  I incline my head. “Then speak,” I say shortly.

  “You have so much hidden anger, Uri, but you have to understand things have been in play for so much longer than you realize,” Uncle Nicholas says.

  “It has always been in the cards for you to marry one of my daughters and take over the Caprisi family. Before you were walking and talking. Before Luca had even been born,” Don Vincent starts. He lifts a hand when I narrow my eyes at him. His face softens and becomes somber. “Just listen, Uri. Back then your father and I had big plans, plans that obviously were leaked to others. At that time, we had agreed that you would marry Lissette, my oldest daughter.

  “You two were still in diapers then. Your father and I thought it would be the best way to strengthen our bond and family. You would marry Lissette and one of your brothers would take over the Donati Empire. I had no plans to have more children. Valentina was an unexpected surprise twelve years later.

  “By then we had lost your father and your Uncle took over the family. Your mother had every intention to honor what your father wanted,” Vincent says before looking over to my mum and nodding.

  “That is the real reason your grandfather, my father, wanted to get his hands on you,” my mum says with a wealth of emotions. “He never liked the Donati family. The Manzos had become very close friends with the Zuko family. My father, your grandpa Manzo, had planned for me to marry into the Zuko family.

  “His best friend had been the brother of Carmelita Zuko. Carmelita had seduced your Grandpa Donati at his bachelor party. Rumor has it she slipped something in his drink. She turned up on his doorstep a year later to tell his pregnant wife that she had his illegitimate son.

  “Your grandfather had been livid. Your Nana was so distraught she went into labor a month early and gave birth to your father. Angelo Sr. sent Carmelita and her son away and when her brother went in search for them, he was murdered. My father blamed everything on your grandfather.

  “He brought Carmelita and her son Roberto back to live with our family. From the time I was a little girl, they pushed a relationship with Roberto on me. He was my friend, but I never fell for him romantically. Then I ran into your father one day in the village when I was visiting with my Nana. Just one smile and I fell head over heels in love with him.

  “We dated the entire summer that I spent in the village. When I returned home, my father was livid. He had heard of my relationship with Angelo Jr. and lost it on me. Angelo had promised to come and ask my father for my hand in marriage, he was settling things with his father before he came for me. I didn’t know it then, but I was already expectant with you.

  “When your father and Grandfather arrived at my home it was like a mini war was started. The Donatis had come in piece, but my father would hear none of it. The only way I could bring piece was to blurt that I was pregnant. I had just confirmed it that morning.

  “I think Roberto loathed your father from that very moment. In his mind, I was to be his wife as my father had wanted. He was also looking into the face of the brother that gotten to keep the father that never wanted him.

  “When Angelo Sr. realized who Roberto was, he did open his arms to him. He had taken him back with him to get to know the young man he had turned away all those years ago when his mother arrived on his doorstep,” my mum pauses to wipe at her tears.

  “My father tried to make up for his mistakes concerning your uncle,” Uncle Nicholas says. I am too blown away to say a word. I have always thought that Roberto Zuko was nothing more than my mother’s hateful husband that didn’t want me around. “Dad didn’t see how much Rob hated us all. He blamed Roberto’s mother for her deceit and said he spent too much time not getting to know his son because of her.”

  My mother touches Uncle Nicholas’s hand then she continues her tale. “Roberto was good at hiding the truth. I believed him for years when he said he just wanted to know his family and that he forgave me for falling in love with your father. He was there for your birth as well as the birth of your brothers and sister.

  “It’s the reason I thought I could trust him after your father was murdered. I went to him for help. He said he would help me and take care of everything. I told you and Valentina this part once before, but what I left out was that some years ago, I overheard Rob talking to my father.

  “He pretty much admitted to being a part of having your father murdered. They both did. They were supposed to get you and your father out of the way so that Rob could step up. Your grandpa Donati was devastated after your father was killed,” My mum’s voice cracks with emotion.

  “It was then that I had to step up to cover for the mess dad had become. He took you and hid away from everything else. I had no intention of taking over the family I was just stepping up to cover for dad,” Uncle Nicholas shakes his head at the memory. “It didn’t take long for dad to name me his successor.

  “Roberto went ballistic. He came to me making all kinds of threats. Then he just disappeared. The next thing I knew Pop died, your grandfather came for you and Roberto turned up saying he married your mother.”

  “Your grandpa Donati had always believed your father was on to something with joining a particular set of families. He had agreed it was the right thing to do before your father was killed,” My mum starts again. “Your father was going to take over the family just before he was murdered in the street like an animal. Rob saw to that.

  “He also made it so I didn’t know he was a part of any of it. My father sought out to destroy you when he started you out as a killer so early on. He never thought you would actually do it and survive, least of all become any good at it. Roberto knew what my father was doing the whole time.

  “It was Roberto’s idea to change your brothers’ and sister’s last name to Zuko. He said it was best to keep them safe. He made me think that you all were in great danger. That the people that kidnapped you could come back for them,” my mum explains.

  “That’s the bullshit you fed me my whole life when I asked to come to see them. When I wanted them to come see me,” I snarl.

  “I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn’t know. I thought by having you deny who you all were to each other I was keeping you safe, but the people I needed to keep you safe from already knew exactly who you all were,” Mum says with trembling lips.

  “You have always thought that I sent you away because I didn’t want you or because I thought that you would taint Luca. I love you like my very own son. I am proud of you, Uri,” my Uncle says while looking me right in the eyes. “I sent you away because I saw something in you. I saw your father and your grandfather. I saw a true Donati.

  “I knew on your own, you would become the man your father wanted you to be. I also knew it would keep your Uncle and Grandfather at bay for a while longer. You think I would ever condone the behavior Luca displays over and over again,” Uncle Nicholas looks between Luca and I and lifts a brow.

  “What is that supposed to mean,” Luca snaps.

  “It means that I have had plans for the both of you for a very long time. When you were born, I knew you would be the next Donati to run the family. My brother was gone and I didn’t see it in Nico or Michael to take over the fami
ly. It has always been the two of you.

  “I let you act a fool in public. No one would believe that I would hand the family over to you. As far as Uri goes, he was never a threat because he doesn’t listen to a damn thing I say. He has been a bull in a china shop for years. No one expects me to hand a thing over to him either and Don Vincent never once showed interest in joining the families after my brother’s death.

  “But I have groomed you both without you even realizing it. Luca, you are more than capable of leading this family. I know that where you are weak, your cousin will always advise you, but you are no simpleton. This act you put on, I have allowed it to keep eyes off of you, but your spoiled act stops today.

  “I will retire and you will take my place. Uri, I can see the wheels turning in your head. You want revenge. That too shall be yours. You have always had a long reach because there isn’t one person that knows who your siblings are and what they do for you.

  “Roberto and your grandfather have done us a favor. Not even Zuko knows of your current relationship with the twins and Michael. You have done well not sharing with others that you have siblings,” Uncle Nicholas nods.

  “For years, I have watched Zuko mistreat your mother, but I am a man of certain beliefs. I knew when the time was right his blood belonged to you,” Don Vincent speaks up. “When your mother came to us with her discovery of the truth, she only confirmed what we have known for years. At one point, I had even thought Zuko was behind my wife and daughter’s death.”

  My uncle shakes his head. “Roberto is sick in his own right, but I wasn’t sure he would go that far. Stripping your sibling of their name and you of your family is more his style. Having someone else’s hands dirty with a murder sure, but rape and savage murders,” he sighs. “I hoped not.”

  “Yes, it took me a while to see reason and to be patient for the truth,” Don Vincent frowns at his own thoughts. “We are the ones that told your mother to stick close to you. However, we had no idea that the twins and Michael would follow. They have been just as angry with your mother as you have, but I guess there is no separating a child from their mother. You have all found your way back to Donatella whether with her help or not,” Vincent chuckles.

  Valentine chooses this moment to sit forward. “Roberto’s cowardice has gone on long enough. Angelo was one of my best friends. Roberto will never destroy the Donati name as he has hoped and he nor Manzo will keep our families from uniting and becoming stronger. You want revenge, Uri. We have it here on a platter,” Valentine says and sitting back in his seat.

  If I had to fear a man Valentine would be worthy of it. My little Tina did not become as vicious as she is on her own. This man trained her and what he could not teach her, he found the best to fill in the gaps. Right now the look in his eyes tells a tale a mile long. As family hitters, we are protectors. The slight of losing his best friend and the other events that have happened under his watch must weigh heavy on his shoulders.

  “Seeing you take over either family is the last thing either of them wants to see. Having you and Luca take over the families now will be a devastating blow to them both. It would be what your father wanted,” my mum finishes with her head held proudly.

  “I am handing you my family, Uri. It is time. I am an old man and I have lost too much to keep pretending I am not bleeding from the heart. This is what your father and I had always planned. He believed in you as a boy and I believe in you now, as a man,” Vincent says.

  “Done,” I say and stand to leave.

  I have to get some fresh air as I process every word that has just been spoken. I never thought I would get the opportunity I gave to Valentina. I thought that I would forever want revenge that I could never have. This changes everything.

  chapter Two

  Who am I?

  Three Weeks Later ….

  Shannon

  New York

  “I love you guys,” I laugh into my wine glass.

  I really do love these women. I never really had too many friends growing up. Valentina was a great big sister, but she had her own things going on that I never understood. Now I get it. I used to think she resented me or something at times and I tried so hard to gain her love and approval.

  Now I know I always had it. Her issues were never with me. Well, try telling that to my ten-year-old brain, when all I wanted was my fifteen-year-old sister to play with me. I always thought something was wrong with me. That I did something wrong to make Valentina pull away.

  It always made me feel special that when she did smile it was for me. I was the one person that could make her laugh and show any sign of happiness. Now that is Uri and Vita’s job. Valentina’s smiles for me don’t seem as special because now she is always happy.

  It is like we have switched roles. Don’t get me wrong I am not jealous. No, what I am is ….lost? I think that is it. I am lost and these women before me have been trying their best to help me find myself.

  Even now, they think I haven’t noticed, but neither of them has touched a drink. I, on the other hand, have to be on my second bottle of wine right now. They are just sitting and making me laugh, trying to get me to forget all about my world that has imploded in the last seven months.

  “You know I really hate seeing you like this,” Marie pouts. “If Luca can’t pull his head out of his ass, screw him.”

  “I second that,” Rita says lifting her brow and her glass of juice.

  My smile falls. Just when I thought they were going to let me forget about my troubles. I should have known better. Everyone has been trying to get to the bottom of what is going on with me. Honestly, if I weren't so confused, I would fix myself.

  “This is not about Luca,” I grumble into my wineglass.

  “Than what is it about,” Rita asks bluntly. “Your sister is worried about you. From what I hear, she is driving Uri crazy about it. So what is really going on with you.”

  I sigh swirling my drink around in my glass. I wish I could pull the answers from the liquid inside. Instead, I drain the drink and place it on Marie’s coffee table. She and Jasper have a beautiful home. They make such a beautiful couple. Heck, there are nothing but beautiful couples around me.

  Ha! Even the single people around here are gorgeous. I have not missed the fact that both of my brothers-in-law are panty melting hot. Honestly, Nico has even hit on me more than once, but it only broke my heart a little more because he looks so much like the man I wish would show me that he wants me.

  Yeah, I miss Luca. I miss waking up in his arms. I miss his spicy, clean scent. I miss when he would show me that sweet side of him that no one else seems to know about. I miss a lot about Luca, but he is not the reason I feel the way I do.

  I open my mouth and for the first time I let it all spill out. The things that I don’t even want to admit to myself, least of all anyone else. “I don’t know who I am,” I start sadly and clasp my hands in my lap. I stare at my light brown fingers that no longer look like the fingers of a white girl, but more like a light skin black woman. I rack my brain to put these thoughts into words.

  “I remember when that woman used to make me dye my hair blonde. You know I have been getting dye jobs since I was like ten, probably younger,” I snort.

  “I should have known something was up then,” I shrug. “My dad is part Italian, part Sicilian, so I never thought much of my darker complexion. I may not be as dark as Valentina, but I noticed I was darker than the woman I thought was my mother and my father as well.

  “I never told anyone how out of place I felt. She … that woman would always make these comments that didn’t make sense. You know, like,” I sigh and take a deep breath. “‘You could be pretty if you didn’t take so much after them.’ Or ‘you have to watch what you eat, it is in your genes to turn out like your sister.’ And my favorite, ‘I don’t think you should have those black girls come over here anymore. Valentina is enough of an influence. Trust me you don’t need any more help in that department.’

  “I
t all make so much sense now. I would look in the mirror all the time and think. I look so much like Valentina. I’m not so much lighter than she is. Why does my mother hate her? When I started to dye my hair back its natural color to impress Luca, that woman almost had a heart attack.

  “My dad has never treated Valentina differently because of the way she looks. If anything, I always thought he was proud to have such a beautiful black daughter and I was just the little white one that would never measure up. I mean he never stopped the bitch from dying my hair blonde and I never noticed that her mean words were never said around my dad. I just assumed he felt the same way.

  “Then there were times at school when I was asked if I was sure that that witch was my mother. You know how cruel kids can be. Everyone knew who my big sister was, so they would poke at me whenever my so called mother came around. Or whenever they felt like it.

  “Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against being mixed. I just feel… cheated. I feel like there is a part of me that woman tried to make me hide, a part that she tried to erase. I feel like for most of my life, my heritage was stolen or like I wasn’t good enough for so long.

  “I would have stood up to those kids proudly and told them so what I have mixed blood and brown skin. I swear I think that woman has been putting bleaching cream in my moisturizer for years. I’m thinking about taking the last few bottles she gave me to the lab,” I snort and shake my head. “Instead of standing up for myself, there was always a part of me that felt something wasn’t right. That their teasing had truth to it and I think it hurt more because I felt so unsure.

  “I don’t know,” I wipe at a tear and shrug my shoulders. “Now with Luca hiding from me, I just feel everything even more. I know I said this is not about him, and it isn’t, but him not wanting me doesn’t help.”

  “Oh wow,” Marie whispers.

  Rita sits silently for a moment just staring at me. When she finally speaks, I can hear the emotions in her voice. Her eyes fill with tears and I know right away she understands.