* * * * *
1) This story contains non-consensual sex. It is a work of sheer fantasy in all respects, and is intended for the purposes of erotic entertainment only. In real life it is incumbent on all of us to ensure consent in any situation, and to show respect and empathy to those around us--not just with regard to sex, but in every aspect of life.
2) This story engages with themes of impregnation and involuntary cuckolding. If these are not to your taste, please try a different story more to your liking.
3) All characters are over the age of 18.
4) I appreciate positive comments and constructive feedback. I hope you enjoy it.
* * * * *
I pushed back from the table and slapped my gut. Looking around at my guests, I beamed. "Nothing like the old-style cooking, eh? Like
nonna
used to make in the village, with her cast-iron stove."
They all nodded agreeably and mumbled their assent. They couldn't really have done otherwise; but, the fat, happy expressions on their faces seemed genuine enough.
"Giulia," I boomed out, causing a young, raven-haired beauty halfway down the table to jump, "I hope you're not one of these modern women who want to spend all their time at the disco. Do you cook like this at home for Brunello?"
"Yes, Don Serafina," she stammered, startled at being singled out for attention. "Mamma taught me all the old recipes."
"Good girl. And tell me, are you a proper wife and God-fearing Catholic? After all, Brunello runs a number of people for me. I can't have any dramas going on at home that might distract him."
She glanced demurely down at her hands, clasped in her lap. "Of course, Don Serafina." Her tone was deliberate, cautious. She had a lot of self-control, that one.
Her husband was a different story. Landing such a charming woman seemed to have gone to Brunello's head in the months since their wedding. Puffed up his ego. He was pleased she'd earned a place in the spotlight tonight, but couldn't resist trying to snatch a piece of it for himself. "Yes, I'm a lucky man, uncle," he boasted. "Giulia is a diamond--an angel. God has showered me with blessings."
"Fortunate indeed," I said evenly. Then I rose and spread my hands to take in the entire group, smiling broadly once more. "But now, I think it's time we retire to the drawing-room for a few games of bridge. And," I added with a genial wink, "perhaps a drop of the good brandy for those who are so inclined."
With a rattle of chairs and shuffle of feet, my guests began drifting out through the double doors. As if in afterthought, I called "Oh, Brunello, stay a minute. You too, Giulia. I have a little surprise for the young couple."
Brunello's weak eyes and pasty bulldog face perked up. He was a greedy mug, always angling for more. If the
capo
took an interest in his wife, he calculated, then surely that spoke well for his chances at advancement. Neither of the pair noticed that my consigliere Pasquale remained in the dining room with us, shutting the doors and locking them discretely from the inside.
* * * * *
"Don, you don't need to give us anything. It's gift enough just to work for you. To be part of the family." The phony self-denial that oozed from Brunello's mouth seemed to fit, somehow, with the oily pomade that saturated his thinning black hair. He was a simple soul, who lacked the contradictions that make most people interesting. An empty vessel, always seeking to be filled.
His wife, on the other hand, was more intriguing. Deep currents ran beneath those still waters, I felt sure. A hint of wariness flashed in her dark eyes, and she held her delicate features blank, motionless, as if waiting to see what would happen. The woman must have intuited some hazard or threat, despite my best efforts to put the two of them at ease. It did her credit.
"Nephew, it is my intention to give you something," I said coolly. "But I'm still deciding what it will be."
Brunello bobbed his head in a little bow, mind racing to see how he might turn this opportunity to best advantage. "You honor us, boss. We would treasure anything you gave us. But perhaps... you might consider raising me up in the organization? I know Giulia would appreciate the income. Now that Di Silvo is off the table, I could-"
I broke in to interrupt his idle dreams. "I had in mind the overseas partnerships."
His face lit up. "Yes, I've been thinking the same thing--expansion! Maybe Baltimore..."
"One step at a time. Let's start with something simple: why have my shipments to Philadelphia come up short these last three months?"
It took several seconds for the man's brain to change gears. A frightened-deer look flitted across his face, which he tried to cover with bluster. "What are you telling me, boss? Are you saying those
stronzi
in the States have been skimming?! I'll murder them!"
My reply had an edge of quiet menace. "Toscano's men have been looking into it. We killed two on that side. But I am convinced the ringleader is over here."
Brunello lacked the good sense to shut up. He was sweating now, and his voice had a wheedling tone I found distasteful. "M-maybe you're right boss. Maybe one of my lieutenants is dirty. Let me get to the bot-"
I brought my fist crashing down on the table, putting an end to his drivel amidst a clatter of silverware and china. A wineglass overturned, causing the dregs of a hearty, blood-red Perricone to run down the tablecloth and drip onto the rug. "
ENOUGH!!
" I shouted. "You steal my money, you shit on my reputation, you sit here enjoying my hospitality--and then you have the nerve to
lie to my face
?!"
The idiot was shocked into silence at last, eyes wide and unblinking, skin pale and clammy. After a moment, his hand began to wander upward toward his chest, seemingly of its own accord. As if to nervously adjust his necktie, perhaps.