Question of the day:

Judging by the title of this chapter, what do you think will never happen? (Hint: it's Millie saying it 🥹)

30 Minutes Earlier

"And you're sure, Millie?"

"I am." I smiled, clicking through the financial spreadsheet. "We'll have enough to cover an advance and the marketing for his book next year."

"This is great! Oh, I'm so proud of you. It's only been a few days and you're already on the way to getting things under control."

It had only been five days since we landed in New York and four days since Costa gave me permission to spend more time here. My plans had already helped me prepare well in advance for the rest of the year so we could adjust our budgeting. "Thank you, Lucy. I just-"

"Costa!"

Who in the fuck?

"Costa!" The same feminine voice screeched from downstairs causing me to frown.

"Uh...can I call you back later, Lucy? I think someone's at the-"

"Costa!"

"-door." Whoever this bitch is, she's dying today.

"Yeah. Of course." With that I quickly ended the Zoom call, rushing out of my room and down the stairs.

I choose to take some meetings at home for one fucking evening and this is what happens.

My approaching footsteps had the tall, slender blonde woman turning around to face me.

She was stunning.

Her long blonde hair fell in silky waves. Her body was proportioned perfectly with an hourglass figure to die for. And her face...apart from the glare, she was beautiful.

"Who are you?" Her strong New York accent came through as she stepped forward, watching me descend the stairs.

"Don't you think I should be asking you that? You just stormed in here screaming down the-"

"I was told to come here. Where is Costa?" She pulled out her phone as if she never really wanted an answer from me.

"I don't know. Why don't you call him again?" I suggested, leaning against the couch in the middle of the open plan area. Bitterness seeped into my tone at the fact he'd call over one of his whores so openly.

So we're not talking for two days and he does this? For what? To prove a point?

"Hm." She hit dial, bringing the phone to her ear. Apparently no one answered the phone because a few seconds later she decided to give me her attention again.

"So, who are you?" She was looking at me like I was the trash that someone forgot to take out.

"We just had this conversation." I snapped but all she did was frown. I guess I'll go first. "Costa's my hu-"

I didn't get the chance to finish my sentence before the elevator doors opened.

And I definitely didn't expect the sight.

Aidan was the first to rush in, coming straight over to the couch to throw all the cushions on the floor. Rocco and Costa pretty much dragged Gio inside since he was half passed out.

And covered in blood.

Lots and lots of blood.

"Get him on the couch." The blonde woman all but demanded.

So she's a doctor.

Right.

Well, that makes sense.

She took some time to evaluate the situation, also thinking it was a good idea to order me around. The only reason I got that bitch's bag for her was Giovanni.

It wasn't the right time to kill the doctor.

But she's definitely meeting my knife. If she survives at least she can put those skills to the test and patch herself up.

"Aidan? What happened?" I knelt down on the floor next to Aidan, my heart breaking at the sight of his crestfallen expression.

"Gio and Costa were shot at." He had a vacant expression, almost like he'd seen his life flash before his eyes.

I didn't even have time to dwell on the fact that my husband was also in the line of fire. My sole concern was Aidan and Giovanni.

"It's okay. He'll be okay." I placed a hand on his arm and he rested his his head on my shoulder.

"Gio? How are you doing?" I gently touched his cheek causing his eyes to flutter open.

"I can't feel my arm, Millie." He was scared - so scared. He was usually so confident and cocky.

"I know." I continued to stroke his cheek in hopes of giving him some kind of comfort. "But this nice bitch is going to stitch you up and you'll be all better."

Was I trying to be funny? No.

But twins laughed anyway so I guess it was a bonus.

I never thought a time would come when I'd have the power to put a smile on their faces, let alone in such a dire situation.

For the next half an hour, the doctor bitch tended to Gio's wound. Costa was sat close by, sipping on his whiskey while Rocco handled business over in the kitchen area.

"Well?" A short time later, Rocco came over to Costa to give him an update.

"You know who it was. It was retaliation."

"Quello stupido figlio di puttana." (That stupid motherfucker) I heard Costa growl out those words behind me. The venom in his voice had both Aidan and I turning to watch his exchange with Rocco.

"Dichiarare guerra alla mafia serba. Fai sapere a tutto il mondo che sto venendo per loro, per lui." (Declare war on the Serbian Mafia. Let the fucking world know I'm coming for them - for him.)

Whatever the hell he said had the room plunging into a cold silence. Rocco froze but only for a moment before obediently nodding his head, rushing off to make another call.

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Costa?" Aidan spoke tentatively which was a wise move. My husband looked like he was about to combust any second. "What if they try to hurt us aga-"

"It won't happen again. Don't worry about it, Aidan." Costa muttered, refilling his glass of whiskey.

That's three glasses already.

"Am I missing something?" I frowned, looking between the two of them. Costa was ready to kill someone and Aidan looked like he'd seen a ghost.

"You don't speak Italian?" The bitch doctor quipped, cutting the thread on Giovanni's stitches.

The poor kid was pretty much out cold at this point.

"I don't pay you to ask questions, Sabrina." Costa was the one who addressed her question, his tone leaving no room for arguments.

Or it shouldn't have, anyway.

"Well, you need to let me check you over so I'm going to need to ask you a few more." Sabrina the Teenage Bitch, quipped back indignantly.

"No." He shook his head, refusing to meet her gaze. Actually, he had barely looked anyone in the eye since he came home. He'd been watching Giovanni or staring into his glass full of amber liquid.

"Costa, your arm is bleeding." So they're on first name basis. "Just let me-"

"I said no, Sabrina." He finally lifted his eyes, snapping at her hard enough to have her flinching. The two of them shared a short stare down with so much tension and history stored in just that one look.

Costa did once say to me that he was into blondes with more going on in the chest area.

I guess this is what he meant - or who.

Sabrina was stubborn enough to hold his stare until Costa finally broke it. The fact she could even do that was enough of a sign she was close with him - at least, at some point.

That was the first time I really looked at his arm that was covered in blood. I assumed it was just Giovanni's blood staining his dress shirt. But it wasn't.

Costa stood to his feet, putting his empty glass down on the table. "Finish with Gio, give Millie the medication and then leave."

I watched his retreating figure as he stormed towards the stairs heading towards his bedroom. She finished in silence after that, only speaking to tell me how Giovanni should take his pain relief and antibiotics.

"Are you going to stay here? He might be asleep for another hour or so." I spoke, eyeing Aidan. He hadn't moved from his brother's side since they arrived. It's moments like this that show just how deep their bond ran.

He wasn't whole without his twin causing chaos right by his side.

"Yeah." He nodded, moving some hair out of Gio's face. His skin was paler than usual, coated with a light layer of sweat.

"Maybe you should go and freshen up, Aidan. You'll want to be helping him when he's awake, not worrying about taking care of yourself."

"But..." He really didn't want to leave him alone and it broke my heart.

"I'll watch him." Rocco spoke up from across the open plan area. "Go and take a shower. It will help you."

"Okay. But, where are you going to be?" Aidan then frowned at me.

"Someone has to check on your cousin." I sighed, forcing myself to my feet. "If I die, Aidan, I want my funeral to take place in Greece."

"White flowers?" Rocco chimed in, kindly putting his hand on his gun that was holstered to his hip.

I didn't grace him with a response.

Well, I did, but not a verbal one.

I flipped him off as I went up the stairs in search of my husband.

I was definitely nervous heading off to find Costa. The last time we saw each other, he told me I'd never be anything more than a business deal to him. But something was nagging me in the back of my head not to leave him alone right now - not after what happened to Giovanni.

So, I hesitantly knocked on his bedroom door - the one I stormed out of two days ago.

After knocking again a second time, I cracked the door open a little, tentatively calling out his name.

"Costa?" I received no answer so I pushed open the door, stepping into the lion's den.

I've always said he commanded all the attention in the room and this moment was no different. My focus gravitated straight over to where he stood by the window, staring out at the view.

He didn't bother to reply, but he didn't tell me to get out either. He just stood there, extremely still. He wasn't wearing his blood-drenched shirt anymore which allowed me to see the gash running up his forearm.

"Are you...are you okay?" I swallowed nervously, noticing how rigid his body was. His hands were clenched into fists by his sides, his back muscles taut.

"The doctor has gone. Rocco is going to watch Gio while Aidan takes a shower." He still didn't respond which left me looking around the room, racking my brain for something else to say.

His room was messier than usual.

The bed was unmade which was definitely unlike Costa. In the three months that we'd been married, he always made sure the room was left immaculate if he was the last one in there.

His bloody shirt was tossed carelessly on the floor along with the usual weapons he carried. He must have stripped them off as soon as he got in here.

The tense silence that lingered had me awkwardly stumbling over another sentence. "How did you hurt your arm?"

Another few seconds passed before he released a heavy sigh, as if he had the weight of the world on his chest. He turned to face me, his expression void of any emotion.

"What do you want, Millie?" He didn't say it argumentatively. He just seemed so...tired?

"I just came to check on you." I frowned, stepping closer to him.

"Well, I'm fine. You can go."

"You're not fine." I rolled my eyes, somehow finding the courage to head right over to him.

I could feel his heated gaze burning into me as I gently took his hand, studying the wound on his arm.

"It doesn't look deep but you'll need to clean it with antiseptic and bandage it up. Why didn't you let that doctor help you?" He didn't respond, he just continued to stare down at me with that stupid blank expression.

"Come on." I sighed, tugging on his hand to drag him into the bathroom. I didn't need to pull too hard, thankfully he followed without putting up a fight.

I left him to lean against the counter while I hunted through the cabinets for a first aid kit.

I got everything I needed, laying it all out on the counter while he silently watched me like the psycho he is.

His exposed upper body was already making me nervous without him staring me down like he was trying to read my deepest darkest secrets.

I tried not to let his eyes distract me as I tore open an antiseptic wipe.

"This might sting." I murmured, gripping his tattooed forearm with my left hand. I gently dabbed the wipe on his wound, glancing at him to see his reaction.

He didn't even flinch.

He really is a fucking psycho.

I took my time to make sure the wound was clean, especially since his shirt had been in contact with it for so long.

"You want this sticky bandage or the wrappy thing?" I showed him the large rectangle bandage and the wrap I had no idea how to use. My question sparked the first sign of emotion when his green eyes lit up with amusement.

"Bandage."

"What?"

"It's a bandage." He took the bandage roll from me, putting it down on the counter.

I guess he's made his choice.

"Then what's this one?" I frowned, lifting up what I thought was a bandage.

"A bandaid? I don't know." He shrugged, nodding towards his arm to hurry me along.

Aren't bandaids the cute little pink things my mother used to put on my grazed knees?

Getting on with the job, I peeled off the sticky side and then gently laid it down to cover his wound.

"All done." I tidied up the trash and then washed my hands while he stayed rooted in the same spot. His eyes were trained on the ground ahead of him, his brows furrowed.

"Take a shower and then you should come downstairs to eat something. Don't get your dressing wet thou-" I went to take a step away towards the door when he grabbed my hand.

"I'm sorry."

He cut me off with those two words that had the power to render me completely speechless - only because they came from him.

My lips parted but nothing came out so he continued.

"I...what I said to you was...you're not...cazzo." (Fuck)

He was struggling to find the right words which made me want to smile so badly.

"I didn't mean it. I was just...angry. Arrabbiato? Va bene?" (Angry? Is that okay?) He muttered the Italian part to himself, his frown deepening.

To make this more painful for him, I wordlessly rose an eyebrow at him. And he just stared at me like he had no clue what to do or say next.

"Millie? Did you hear me?"

I tried for as long as I could but in the end the laugh tumbled out of my lips. His awkwardness morphed into confusion when I burst out laughing.

"Yes, I heard you." I giggled, covering my mouth with my free hand when that confused expression quickly became a glare.

I learned something about Costa in that moment - something I never thought I'd get the opportunity to learn.

He doesn't like apologising because it makes him uncomfortable. He doesn't like being uncomfortable - probably because he lacks control and power. So it makes him angry which is why he was glaring at me.

"So we're good?" He snapped, having had enough of this conversation.

"Sì." I smiled with a nod. "We're good."

My Italian is improving every day.

"Just like that? Why?" He frowned, still keeping a hold of my hand.

"You apologised. I know how hard that must have been for you which makes it mean so much more to me." I didn't think Costa was capable of apologising - especially not to me.

"What made you say sorry?" I took advantage of the fact that he didn't seem to have his guard secured in place. Maybe it was everything that happened that made him feel so vulnerable.

"Giovanni..." He sighed, leaning back against the bathroom counter. "We were arguing in the car before all of this happened. I snapped at him because I was in a bad mood. He told me I can never admit when I'm wrong and he's right. That's why I apologised to you."

"You know, those boys are a lot wiser than you give them credit for." I gave him a soft smile, tracing my thumb over a tattoo on the back of his hand.

He still hadn't let go of my hand all that time.

"I know." He whispered, his eyes cast down towards our joined hands. Our wedding rings glinted in the dim light, a reminder of our very strange relationship.

"What happened? Aidan said you were both shot at." I might hate Costa most of the time, if not all the time. But the thought of him being hurt...I didn't like it. At all.

"We were arguing when we pulled up to a warehouse for a meeting. He stormed out of the car and I chased after him knowing something like this could have happened. I saw the laser on his head, Millie. It would have killed him if I didn't push him out of the way in time."

His voice didn't break and he didn't become emotional. But I could feel it even if he physically remained in control of his emotions.

I could hear the pain in his voice. I could see it in his murky green eyes. I could feel it in the way he dropped his head forward, resting his forehead on my shoulder.

We stayed in that position for as long as he needed - his head on my shoulder and my thumb still tracing over the back of his hand. His body was still so rigid so I tentatively put my hand on the back of his head, running the tips of my fingers through his hair.

It always calmed Damian down. He loves people playing with his hair.

It seemed to do the trick because Costa soon released a breath, his body becoming lighter as the seconds passed.

When he eventually lifted his head, I gave him a shy smile lowering my hand.

"I'll go and sort some dinner." This time he didn't stop me when I let go of his hand and took a step away, ending whatever moment we just shared.

With one last look into those lighter green eyes, I left him to take a shower.

<<<<<<< >>>>>> <<<<<<<

In the end we ordered burgers.

Giovanni was already awake when I got back and he definitely wasn't as knocked out as I would have expected.

Apparently, Costa promised him a burger for dinner so we got one of his men to pick up a huge Shake Shack order.

The twins stayed on the couch while Rocco and I ate in an awkward silence at the dining table.

But I would have preferred the silence over the conversation we had when Costa arrived.

"Don't eat too much, Millie. We're going for dinner soon."

"But it's already 6:30pm." I frowned, slurping loudly on my milkshake just to irritate him. The look he flashed me told me I was victorious.

"We need to be there at 7:30pm." He sighed, dropping down next to me on a chair.

"Which restaurant?" If it's Italian I'm going to kick his ass. I'm sick of him taking me to Italian restaurants.

"It's not a restaurant. We're going to your father's house."

"No." My response was instant, much to his confusion.

"No? But I thought you would have been happy." He wore the same expression I had every time I opened a math text book during my school years.

Hopelessly lost.

"Women are never happy, bro. Especially this bitch." Rocco muttered, eyeing me from across the table.

"Don't you have a bus to jump in front of?" I snapped, stuffing a handful of fries into my mouth.

"I own a lot of things but I don't own a bus. Maybe you can go and find me one and then test it out first."

"You-"

"Enough." Costa muttered, stealing some of my fries. "Rocco, leave or be quiet."

"We both know that's not possible with her around." The youngest Accardi brother huffed, standing to his feet. He scrunched up the burger wrap, tossing it in my direction - but I ducked just in time.

I gave him a sarcastic smile as he trudged off, heading towards the stairs. Once we were alone, I gave Costa my full attention to put him down nice and gently.

"I'm not going."

"It's important, Millie."

"I don't care. I'm not going back there." I stood my ground, taking a bite of my heavenly cheese burger.

"What happened?"

"I told you already. My father told me I'm no longer his responsibility. He told me I wasn't welcome there unless I had an invitation. So, I'm not going now that he's invited me."

"I'll buy you another milkshake?" He smiled, nudging my half drank milkshake towards me.

"Really?" I smiled, picking up the cup of dairy goodness.

"Yeah."

"Aw. Well, in that case, no." I snapped, slurping on my milkshake again. This time he snatched the cup from my hand while I was still drinking. I was left with the straw hanging out of my mouth, sucking nothing but air. "Hey!"

"You're coming with me."

"No. Give me back my milkshake." I shook my head, sounding more like a petulant child than the wife of a mafioso.

"I'll give it to you if you stop being so fucking stubborn."

"That will never happen." I scoffed and I'm sure he almost smiled but he controlled it.

"Millie."

"Costa." I mimicked his tone causing him release a frustrated sigh, leaning back in his chair.

He kept my milkshake away from me but I managed to keep myself under control. I don't think it was becoming of a boss bitch to launch herself across the table to snatch a milkshake back.

"I'm not going."

"Are you sure about that?" He quipped back.

Pftt. I wasn't going to let him assert his authority over me, not in this situation. "I'm positive."

"Don't you want to see your brother and your cousin? I'm sure they'll-"

"Fuck no." I cut him off, taking another bite of my burger.

Fries, burger, milkshake, repeat.

"No?" He frowned as I chewed my food.

"We had a fight."

"When? You never said." He questioned, handing me back my milkshake when I held my hand out for it.

I didn't even get the chance to dwell on how weak his resolve was when it came to my milkshake. It was kind of sweet.

"It was that day I got my...you know...the blood." I whispered, slurping on my milkshake again.

"Ah. You were PMSing and you got into a fight with them?" He spoke way too fucking loud with that smirk, finding joy in my irritation.

"No, it wasn't because I was PMSing, idiota." I shook my head, thoughtlessly handing him back my milkshake when he took it from me.

It just happened.

He put his hand out and I gave it to him.

"What was the fight about? It's been a few days, right? Surely you can get the fuck over it so we can just go for fucking dinner in peace."

"It was serious. I don't think Damian and Julius are in a good place but I tried to get them to tell me what was wrong and it all blew up in my face."

"See? This is why people should mind their own business." Costa shrugged, stirring my milkshake with my straw.

"They're my family, I don't need to mind my own business. I hate the thought of them being in a fight while I'm not there. I used to always be the peace maker between them."

"So what did you do to get yourself dragged into it?" He murmured, stealing some of my fries, again.

"Stop that." I tried to slap his hand but he was too quick for me.

"Just answer the question." He muttered, dipping them in my ketchup.

"Julius broke up with his girlfriend and he made it seem like Damian slept with her. I might have taken his word for it before giving Damian the chance to explain."

"And he didn't?" He was giving me that 'How could you be so stupid' look.

"No." I sighed. "He said Irena hit on him but he rejected her and nothing happened. Then he got mad at me for believing Julius. He said I'd been away for so long I forgot who he was."

He was right, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions and believed so bad of him. But I was also pissed at him for being so cruel with his words.

Damian and I hardly fought like that so when we did, harsh words always hurt that much more.

Maybe I'm also a little stubborn. I refuse to be the one to go grovelling to him after he told me to go back to my husband.

That was a dick move and he knew it.

I finished explaining the situation to Costa who listened quietly, now slurping away on my milkshake as if it belonged to him.

"Sounds like you're all stupid." That was his grand conclusion.

"Thanks." I scoffed, snatching my milkshake off him. "Now you can go to your dinner alone."

"Millie-"

"I'm not going. I'm trying to throw a tantrum by ignoring them all. How can I go to that house if I'm throwing a tantrum?" It just doesn't make any sense.

"Trust me, they probably haven't noticed. Whenever Riviera is throwing a tantrum in Portugal, no one in our family has a fucking clue." Costa laughed, probably thinking back to the countless times his younger sister was hoping someone would realise she was upset.

I may hate her, but I felt that.

"That's true." Aidan suddenly jumped in from his place on the couch. "Then she throws another tantrum because no one gave her the attention she wanted in the first place."

"Hey! Stop eavesdropping." I snapped, flashing him a glare.

"I'm not eavesdropping. I'm listening to your conversation." He muttered, taking a bite of his huge-ass burger. That thing was a monster.

"That's what it means." Giovanni nudged him, speaking a lot softer than usual after the ordeal he'd been through.

"Oh." Aidan smiled through a mouthful of his burger.

I rolled my eyes, turning my attention back to my amused husband. He looked so much more relieved and relaxed now that the twins were safe on the couch stuffing their faces with junk food.

"Just ignore them at the dinner. Then they'll know you're throwing a a tantrum." Costa shrugged, taking my milkshake back again.

If he ever complains about my love for milkshakes again, I'll be reminding him of this.

"But that's so immature. I'm 25 years old, Costa. I'm hardly going to ignore everyone at the dinner table." Seriously, did he think I was that much of a child?

"Then just talk to them. I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important. Do you really think I want to go and spend a fucking evening with your family after what happened today?"

Costa hated my family, he'd never made that a secret. I also knew he'd much prefer to be here where he could keep an eye on the twins.

"What's so important?" Costa seemed to hesitate for a moment, an air of seriousness overtaking his previous lightheartedness.

"Earlier, Rocco confirmed it was the Serbian Mafia behind the attack today. I told him to declare war on them."

He's referring to the conversation he had in Italian with Rocco while Giovanni was getting treated by the doctor. Then she commented on my inability to understand Italian.

"Your father has already found out and he wants to discuss how the marriage alliance can help him in his war with the Serbs."

"So it's all for power?" I scoffed, bitterness seeping into my tone. Of course he would never invite his daughter and his son in-law over for dinner just to be nice. It has to have some kind of benefit.

"Yeah. While we can handle the Serbs ourselves, your father has been at war with them for a long time. He'll have a lot of intel I can use to make this quick and easy."

"And now he'll have the Sicilian Mafia helping him?"

"I suppose." Costa also didn't seem happy that my family would benefit from this.

I understood why.

Giovanni had been shot which is why Costa declared war on the Serbs. Someone he hated capitalising on the shooting wouldn't be an easy pill to swallow.

"Fine. I'll come with you." I muttered in defeat, snatching my milkshake back. "But you owe me a fresh milkshake."

"Affare." (Deal)

"That better mean yes." I mumbled, taking a solemn bite of my burger.

"Sì. But you should probably stop eating now."

"No. Let me drown my sorrows in my junk food." My prideful self couldn't handle the fact I'd be attending dinner at the very place I internally vowed never to step foot in again.

80 minutes and one argument later, we were finally pulling up to my family's house.

I wanted to attend this dinner in jeans and a sweater, but Costa told me to 'stop being stupid'. Idiota.

So we ended up arguing while he picked out a stupid dress for me from my closet.

Then he shut me in there until I got changed. He even threatened to turn the lights off from the outside and leave me in the dark closet all alone.

I hadn't said a word to him since.

He was enjoying the silent treatment way too much.

"If you behave, we'll stop and get your milkshake on the way home."

"Don't talk to me like I'm a child." I snapped.

"Ah. So you're still alive. Your silence was worrying me." He laughed, pulling into the gates with his security team.

"Perhaps you can just kill me now and I won't need to go inside?" I smiled, nodding towards the gun I knew was hidden by his suit jacket.

"I would love to. But, only after you've had your dinner, principessa." He smirked, turning off his engine.

"Fuck you." I scoffed, unclipping my seat belt.

"Shall I just push my chair back or you want to go to the back seat?" He laughed even with the daggers I was glaring at him.

"Please, that will never happen."

"Car sex? You don't like the thrill?" He was goading me into another argument. I knew his game.

"No, sex in general. It will never happen."

"Sure?" He cocked an eyebrow.

"I'm fucking positive." I flashed him a sickly sweet smile, opening my car door.

"Didn't you say that earlier when you refused to come to this dinner?" His question had my body freezing as I got out of the car. I could just picture that annoying grin when he spoke again. "You were wrong about that too."

"Well, I'm not wrong about this." I snapped, fully getting out of the car. I slammed the door to cut off the sound of his velvety smooth laughter.

I headed around to his side of the car, full of rage and annoyance all directed at this infuriating man.

Meanwhile, he was completely at ease. He got out of the car, buttoning up suit jacket and fixing his cufflinks. All the while, he had this stupid smirk lingering on his lips.

"Are you done?" I snapped when he started fiddling with his Rolex as if it wasn't already perfectly fine.

"Mhm." He nodded, gesturing for me to lead the way.

It felt weird coming back here with Costa by my side. The last time I came, my mother greeted me on the driveway. But this time we walked all the way to the door and rang the bell, waiting outside as if I hadn't lived there my entire life.

I swallowed nervously at the sound of approaching footsteps, unintentionally stepping backwards into Costa. His hand went to my hip to steady me just as the door opened.

The butler was the one who opened the door, flashing me a smile as we stepped inside. Seeing a familiar face definitely helped ease my nerves.

"Miss Darmos, it's lovely to see you again. This house hasn't been the same without you."

"Gregory. I missed you." I smiled, pulling him in for a hug. I stepped out of his fatherly embrace, turning to point to Costa. "This is my husband, Costa."

"It's nice to meet you, sir." Gregory nodded respectfully which Costa returned. "I apologise sincerely for the firecracker you married. I hope you've managed to tame her."

"I'm still working on that." Costa smirked, the two of them now laughing at my expense. I nudged Costa in the ribs while flashing Gregory an unimpressed look.

Gregory was always the type to throw shady comments around.

"How are you, Miss Darmos?"

"I'm good." I smiled at the older man who'd been a constant figure in my life. "How are you? How's your wife?"

"We're both good. We celebrated our 30th anniversary last week."

"30 years? Really?" Not only did he look too young to have been married for 30 years, but he was beaming with happiness.

I didn't know of many married couples who could still be so in love after so long.

He nodded, his bright smile never fading.

"Congratulations. I'll remember to send her a gift." I smiled, making a mental note to think of a cute anniversary gift. "So, what did you-"

"Costantino. Thank you for coming." My question was cut off by my father's deep baritone voice. I turned to look at him while Gregory quickly excused himself.

I frowned at the fact I never got to finish my conversation with him. But my biggest concern was facing my family.

"Nicholas." Costa nodded, his tone more stoic than it was when we were just outside.

They shook hands before my father finally acknowledged my presence.

"Millicent."

"Dad."

It didn't feel like I was talking to my father - at least, not the man I remembered. The power and the chance to ally with the Sicilian Mafia changed him.

But now that Costa was prepared to declare war on his long time foe, my father was getting everything he ever wanted.

"Come. Everyone's already at the table." He definitely gave me the side eye when he said that.

We were only 20 minutes late and at least five of them were Costa's fault.

I rolled my eyes, trudging behind the two of them into the less formal dining room we usually used for family dinners.

Like he said, my family were already seated around the table. The starter was all laid out, they had just been waiting for us to begin.

Only my mother got up to greet us. My idiot brother and cousin chose to stay seated.

I gave her a quick hug while Costa nodded politely.

My father took his seat at the head, right across from Julius who sat at the other end. My mother was on my father's right with Damian next to her.

That left space for Costa and I to sit across from them.

Unfortunately, I was across from Damian and I had Julius on my left.

"Millicent." Julius's voice had a cold edge with a mocking tone. He'd waited until we finally sat down to greet me.

So, I know I said I wasn't going to ignore them. But my stupid pride got in the way.

I may have blanked him completely. As in, I completely pretended he wasn't even sitting next to me.

At that same moment Costa coughed which I'm sure was him just trying to make a point. He's a little bitch like that.

"Help yourself, Millie." My mother smiled, nodding towards the bowl of soup in the middle of the table.

No one ever talks about the little things that change for a girl when she gets married. Now I was the guest. My mother was letting me fill my plate first before anyone else could.

While I was busy ladling in some soup for Costa and then myself, my mother broke the awkward silence.
It arose after it became obvious Julius, Damian and I weren't speaking.

"Costa, this is the first time you've come over since you got married."

"Yes. Thank you for inviting me." Costa didn't mean it, at all. I knew that. But thankfully, he didn't make this any more awkward than it already was.

"How have you two been since the wedding? I hope Millie hasn't been too much trouble."

"Mama." I gave her a look, sliding the soup towards her but she shrugged innocently.

"Millie? Trouble?" He glanced at me with that antagonising smirk, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Never."

"I do apologise for whatever she may have said or done." My father jumped in while my mother filled his bowl. "She's always been so outspoken."

"You don't need to apologise for me. I'm not a kid." I snapped, coming across a little harsher than intended. First it's Gregory apologising and then my parents.

"Your behaviour reflects badly on all of us, Millicent. You should hope your husband and his family are happy with you."

There was so much I wanted to say, but I bit my tongue for the sake of my mother who looked extremely uncomfortable.

Instead, I averted my gaze from my father. As I looked away, I accidentally met Damian's eye for the first time since I entered the room.

His brown eyes held so much emotion and yet, I couldn't tell what he was thinking. I couldn't tell if he was still mad or if he was upset or regretful over how things went down.

I shifted uncomfortably under his intense stare, wishing I could be anywhere else.

"I believe you invited me here to discuss business, Nicholas." Costa spoke, pouring me a glass of water and then some for himself. I'm absolutely sure the gesture didn't go unnoticed by the rest of my family. And it definitely had me questioning my reality for a long moment.

"Yes." My father cleared his throat getting ready to begin.

"You don't want to at least wait until the main course before you start discussing business?" My mother frowned.

"Sorry, Mrs Darmos. We've had quite a day and this dinner was very last minute. I'd much prefer to move this along."

"Yes, I heard about your cousin. How is he?" I doubt my father cared about Gio but he was being polite, at least.

I couldn't say Costa felt the same way. He clenched his jaw at the mention of his cousin, choosing to eat instead of responding.

"He's at home resting." I spoke up for him. "He's okay though. He's back to eating his junk food already."

Giovanni wasn't Giovanni without his junk food.

"It's a bit irresponsible taking those kids everywhere with you, isn't it, Costa?" Julius really decided that was the first thing he wanted to say to Costa. "First a poker game and then a narcotics warehouse."

"I don't think it's any of your business." Costa's response was immediate. His eyes narrowed dangerously towards my brother, daring him to continue.

"I'm just saying." Julius shrugged, covering his smirk by taking a spoonful of his soup.

"Well, don't." Costa snapped. "I'm here as a favour to you, remember that."

"I don't need shit from you, Accardi."

"Julius." My mother's warning tone went completely ignored by my brother.

"We've handled the Serbs fine all this time. I don't trust you and I sure as hell don't need you." Julius continued.

"Okay." Costa put his spoon down. "So, shall we leave?"

"Be my fucking guest." Julius gestured towards the door with his hand.

"That's enough. Julius, I'm in charge here. Stop." My father was glaring down the table at Julius who was close to boiling point.

"This is a mistake, Dad."

"We're already allied and now we share a common enemy. This will only strengthen our organisations and our bond going forward. It's a good thing."

It's a good thing for you. I so badly wanted to say it out loud, but I didn't.

From that point on, Julius didn't say a word. Damian had also remained entirely silent. The only ones who spoke were my father and Costa.

My father spent most of the starter course explaining what he could offer the Sicilian Mafia if they worked together. He was talking about bringing the Serbian Mafia down entirely, taking everything that belonged to them.

He never said what he planned to do with their assets afterwards but I doubt he'd be happy to split it all equally with the Accardi family.

Costa nodded along quietly, probably wishing he never came here. But it's worth noting, as an observer, all I could see was how my father was desperate for Costa's help. While we were sitting in his house, Costa still held all the power. He just naturally oozed power, like he was levels above everyone else at the table.

We moved on to the main course which was...you fucking guessed it, Italian.

I wanted to cry.

Once my father was done talking, Costa pretty much ripped his plan to shreds with one sentence.

"I have no interest in killing the entire Petrovic family. Only Aco." And just like that, this whole evening became a complete waste.

"I'm sorry?" My father blinked, putting his fork down. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, my goal isn't to take over the Serbian Mafia. It's a ridiculous idea." Only Costantino Salvatore Accardi would have the balls to walk into the leader of the Greek Mafia's house and tell him his extravagant plan was ridiculous.

"Ridiculous?" My father clenched his jaw, either at Costa's blunt remark or at the thought of all that power slipping away from him.

"Aco Petrovic is the problem." Costa explained. "You're already aware his cousins are trying to bring him down. I want to help them do it and then work with them."

"You really want to work with that family of filthy-"

"Yes. Like I said, it's ridiculous to think you can take over their organisation and everything they hold. The list of problems you will face is endless. Allying with them is the best way to get something out of it." The early signs of frustration were beginning to show in my husband. His voice got a little louder, his tone a little harsher. He was frowning at my father as if he was explaining basic concepts of war to a child.

"I've been at war with them for a long time, Costa. I don't plan on working with them and I don't need you to tell me how to handle this."

"With all due respect, Nicholas, but you're the one who invited me here to discuss this. You heard what happened to my cousin and you jumped at the opportunity to use it as a power grab."

"I saw an opportunity for both of us." My father insisted, his own temper also beginning to rise.

"Giovanni was shot because of a meeting I had with Aco a couple of nights ago. Aco is my problem. He's the one who has allied with Viktor Kozlov. I get rid of Aco then Kozlov loses his ally, it's that simple."

The real enemy for the Sicilian Mafia was always the Russian Bratva. They had a very long history. The Serbian Mafia was just an inconvenience.

"Viktor Kozlov." My father chuckled dryly, his eyes snapping over to me. "He was never a problem until you sought him out."

"Please don't drag me into this." I sighed, putting my fork down on my still full plate. I'd barely touched my pasta thanks to the Shake Shack I demolished before we came here.

Maybe my husband was right - I probably should have stopped eating.

"You created this mess, Millicent."

"I did what you asked me to do. You were the one who was so desperate for me to get married. You promised me you would never force me into it and you did, so don't cry now that it backfired."

"Millie, darling. You had a responsibility to fulfill. You knew the time was coming. Don't take it out on your father." My mother added, surprising me by defending him.

"If you're not happy in your marriage it is your own fault." My father spoke. "I told you as much when you threw away your alliance to Viktor. You destroyed our relationship with the Bratva-"

"It wasn't her fault." Damian spoke for the first time that night. "Don't blame her. Blame him."

His hardened gaze shifted towards my husband who wore a blank expression.

"So you're still wishing you had an alliance with Kozlov instead of us?" Costa laughed, leaning back in his seat. "Do you even know what he said to your daughter?"

"Costa, please don't." I jumped in, shooting him a pleading look.

"What did he say?" Julius asked, looking between the two of us.

"Nothing. He didn't say anything."

"You're lying." My brother responded, narrowing his eyes at me. "I have a right to know."

"No, you don't. I don't belong to you anymore." I snapped, glaring at my brother.

"I know about the poker game you took her to." Julius decided to bypass me completely, aiming his words at my husband. "You slimy bastard, you used my sister to bait Aco into giving you what you wanted."

I could tell Costa was coming to the end of his patience. He was really fucking close to losing it. He sat up from his relaxed position, clearly getting ready to unleash his pent up fury on my brother.

"Mama, can you get the dessert ready, please?" I quickly jumped in before he could speak. "I'm going to uh...show Costa my room."

"Your room?" She frowned, perplexed by my random thought.

"Yeah. He's never seen my room." I replied with more confidence, pushing my chair back.

"Sit down, Millicent. He doesn't want to see your room." My father was looking at me like I was inviting him to come with us.

"It's okay. I need to make a phone call anyway." Costa, pushed his own chair back, standing to his feet.

Then he took my fucking soul away when he took my hand, guiding me out of the room.

I love the part in the bathroom 🥺 and the part where she's eating her burger 🥺

And the part where her father tells her Costa doesn't want to see her room 🥲

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