- 7 hours ago
Divorced, I married the godfather. - Full EP
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00:00The night I signed the divorce paper and walked away with nothing, I wandered the rainy streets alone with a
00:06single duffel bag and only $36.
00:09That was when I spotted a flyer taped to a roadside pole.
00:12Stepmom wanted for child. Room and board, that's what got me.
00:16That same night, I showed up at the address.
00:18I walked straight into the mansion of Luca Castellano, the Don of New York's oldest mafia family.
00:24Later, my ex-husband looked down at me with that same arrogance.
00:27Nora, do you finally realize you were wrong?
00:30Before I could answer, the four-year-old little tyrant exploded.
00:34Wrong about what? My mom is the best.
00:37The Don slipped an arm around my shoulders, kicking him aside.
00:40My wife could never be wrong, and even if she was, she'd still be right.
00:44I never expected the people posting flyers on poles to be New York's most powerful mafia family.
00:50Now I stood outside their mansion. Beside me, the butler carried himself with quiet arrogance.
00:55The Don is looking for a mother for his child.
00:57Not a wife for himself. I need you to be very clear on that.
01:00Don is a very desirable man. Do not get any ideas you shouldn't.
01:04I kept my eyes lowered. Honestly, this job was perfect for me.
01:08To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny.
01:11Eight hours ago, I'd signed the divorce papers and been kicked out of my ex's house.
01:15The last thing I wanted was another husband. But a roof? Three meals? A place to disappear? That was a
01:21miracle.
01:21I understand. I won't get any ideas.
01:24The butler led me down a dim, vaulted corridor. Then I heard something that sounded like a gunshot.
01:30I stumbled, slammed straight into a hot, hard chest. The smell hit me first. Blood. Gunpowder.
01:36Then the barrel of a pistol tipped my chin up. A man in a suit with his hair slicked back.
01:41Blood streaked across his jaw. A snake tattoo coiling out of his collar onto his throat.
01:45My chest rose and fell rapidly with fear. His gun slid down from my chin and stopped between my
01:51soaked breasts. He studied me for a long beat. Finally, walked off without a word. I'd seen that
01:57face before. Page six. New York Times. The Castellano Don. Sebastian had once spent a month
02:03studying his photos, trying to get in with the old mafia family behind him. The butler finally spoke.
02:09The Don is handling some business. Please don't mind.
02:12I nodded quietly. Then he took me to change into something dry and led me into the dining room.
02:17A long wooden table sat beneath a crystal chandelier. And at one end, a father and son
02:22were locked in a standoff. The man with murder in his eyes was gone. In his place, at the table,
02:27sat a man in a white dress shirt holding a spoon. His face was tired. The boy pressed his lips
02:33shut
02:33and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier holding the line. Neither moved. Finally, the man
02:38exhaled and set the spoon down. Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. His voice dropped,
02:44low and rough. One bite. One small bite. Is that really too much?
02:49The butler stepped forward. Don. The applicant is here.
02:52The man turned. His shirt was unbuttoned low. I could see most of the snake tattoo now. The lines
02:58of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen. The most feared man in New York inherited
03:03the family glory at 16. Built it bigger, darker, quieter than his father had. Money, power,
03:09blood on his hands. So this wasn't some dream. Or scam. A man like Luca Castellano had no reason
03:16to scam a broke divorcee off the street. His eyes moved over me, distant and tired.
03:21Name?
03:21I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business. Handling traitors, torturing some enemies,
03:26and now got defeated by a toddler. Feeding the kid was probably harder than running his empire.
03:31Nora Bennett, I said. A barely there nod. He held out the plate. Try.
03:36So, this was my interview. If I didn't pass, I was sleeping on the F train. I smiled my warmest,
03:42gentlest smile and walked toward the boy. I didn't make it two steps. Whoosh.
03:46He bolted under the table. Only his eyes peeked out. Dark, round, furious.
03:51I don't want her! Send her away! She's a bad lady! They're all bad ladies!
03:56So, before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
04:00Fine. I needed to do my best. I scanned the room and clocked it instantly. Action figures
04:06everywhere. Batman, Spider-Man, a whole shelf of Avengers. I grabbed two figures off the coffee
04:12table and crouched down by the table leg. I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the
04:16kid. Then I picked up the spoon.
04:18Don't worry. I'm not feeding you. I'm feeding Batman.
04:21I mimed a spoonful into Batman's face. Open up, Bats. Heroes who skip dinner? Skinny arms,
04:27skinny legs. Can't protect anyone like that. Oh, Batman wants vegetables? Good call. Spinach
04:33makes you strong. The boy watched, half-hidden, lips parting, smacking his mouth a little. I
04:39pretended not to see. His nose started turning pink, like he was about to cry. Right on cue,
04:44I gasped. Wait, is that a baby Batman over there? Bats, can you share with him? He has to eat
04:50too if he's gonna grow up strong. I tilted Batman. Bats says yes. I turned to the boy.
04:56Batman improved, kiddo. You get a little, but just a little. We don't want you outgrowing him.
05:01He'd be sad. The boy nodded furiously. I didn't even get the spoon to his mouth before he grabbed
05:06it with his lips. A big bite. Why won't you give me vegetables? You scared I'll get stronger than
05:12Batman? Bad lady! I glanced at the couch. Luca Castellano's mouth curved. A small, real smile.
05:19Approving. I moved into the castle that night. There were three floors. I got the second floor
05:24with Leo. Luca had the entire third floor to himself. The butler walked me to my room and
05:28gave me one last warning. You do not go up to the third floor. Ever. His voice dropped. The last
05:34woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got thrown out of his window. Two-story drive.
05:39I thought of the gun from an hour ago. I nodded so hard I almost gave myself whiplash.
05:43Won't happen. You have my word. Castellano men breed serious. Leo was only four and slept in his
05:49own bed without a fuss. And that made my job easier. I'd just changed into the silk pajamas
05:54from the closet. The knock made me jump. Don Luca's voice was low behind the door. Come down.
05:59Let's talk. Luca was on the couch in the great room. Long legs crossed. Whiskey in his hand. I sat
06:05across from him on the opposite couch. Hands in my lap. Knees together. Like a job interview. You're good
06:10with kids. You have one of your own? No. I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years. Back the...
06:16The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit. Called it generosity. Then,
06:20after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do. So they fired the nanny and dumped
06:25the kid on me. More free maid than wife. File says you're divorced. Yes. Reason? Some small town girl
06:31cannot stain a noble family name. I guess. Only a coward would say that. You saw the ad. I'm hiring
06:37a
06:37mother for Leo. Not a date for me. My rival's family terrified him when he was little. He's
06:42always been insecure. Hates leaving the house and has never had a single friend. I work long hours.
06:47I need someone with patience. Someone who'll stay. There will be a prenum. Everything stays separate.
06:53Especially in bed. My heart shuddered as I looked deep into his eyes. Marriage in rich people's world
06:59was a contract before it was anything else. My marriage with Sebastian was for love. But because
07:04the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too. When the love ran out, I'd walked away
07:10with nothing. Not even my wedding ring. Let alone a powerful mafia family like the Castellanos.
07:16They would only be more careful. I understand. Honestly, if you just need someone in the house,
07:21we don't have to make it legal. I'm fine without the paperwork. Luca shook his head. He leaned forward,
07:27tapping his fingers on the table. Marriage is for Leo. He needs the most stable mother I can give him.
07:32And marriage is the strongest contract there is. All right. We'll do it your way.
07:40Don't worry. You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses. This was the part I cared about.
07:45I've been burned before. Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've
07:50given me? Of course. It's yours. All right then. As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that
07:58area. You stay on the second floor. Right. The sex. That's fine. Neither do I.
08:05So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again. No ceremony, no guests. Same
08:12as my first wedding. The butler added an extra dish to dinner. I thought that was the celebration.
08:17But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table. A Castellano family ring.
08:28Sebastian never even gave me his family ring. For Leo's sake. Then I got it. The child needed a
08:34family illusion. I fell into silence and finally took it. I'll keep it safe. That night, I'd just
08:40gotten into bed when the door creaked open. Leo stood in the doorway, bare feet, hair sticking up,
08:46fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas. What's up, kiddo? Nora, can you read me a bedtime story?
08:54What? You want me to read you a bedtime story? I'll get my dad to pay you extra. If you
08:59don't want to,
09:00forget it. Come here. I held the covers open. He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for that
09:05all day. Halfway through the story, he was out cold against my shoulder. Next morning at breakfast,
09:12Luca's eyes widened when the butler told him Leo had slept in my bed. Nora.
09:16That was above and beyond. I'll add another $50,000 a month. Mr. Castellano, that's way too much.
09:23It was. By a lot. I'd given far more than this in my last marriage and walked away with literally
09:30nothing. During the day, I babysat his nephew. At night, I cooked for my husband. After satisfying
09:36his needs in bed, I still had to get up at five to clean the house and make breakfast. His
09:41mother judged.
09:42We could hire someone, but Nora's just sitting around all day. Wouldn't be fair.
09:47Despite all these, the day of the divorce, his sister told the lawyer I'd been living off them
09:52for three years. Mr. Castellano, it's really too much. I like Leo. He's a sweet kid. Reading him a
09:58book is nothing. As I said it, Leo came over and grabbed my fingers with his small, warm hand.
10:04He was looking up at me with those big, dark grape eyes. He was actually moved.
10:08You don't know. The women before you only cared about impressing me. They ignored him.
10:16$50,000. That's the new number. Not negotiable.
10:21I gave up and thanked him. From that day on, Leo was my shadow. Luca was busy with all the
10:26transactions, the guns, and the bloods. The huge mansion was usually just the two of us. I tried
10:32my best to play with him and made him happy every day. Until the day I had a hospital appointment
10:37for a follow-up, the butler had warned me. Leo couldn't leave the house. Outside triggered
10:42panic attacks. I crouched down.
10:45Hey, babe. Wait for me at home. I'll be back in an hour.
10:49He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. Didn't say anything. Just looked at me with those dark,
10:55sad eyes.
10:58He's scared you're not coming back. His mother left him exactly like that.
11:02I'm coming back. I'll see the doctor and come right home. You play here, okay?
11:06I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the backseat of the car. The butler tried not
11:11to hope.
11:12Master Leo, you're going to the hospital with Miss Bennett?
11:15Leo nodded.
11:16Thank God. He's finally willing to leave the house.
11:20Your depression's getting better. Just keep it slow. Relax.
11:23I took the script and the meds and left. Leo was waiting in the lobby with his small Batman.
11:29Nora, are you sick?
11:34A little, kiddo. I used to skip meals a lot, so I got sick. Promise me you'll never let
11:39yourself get like that.
11:41Does it hurt? If it hurts, I can give you candy. Daddy told me candy makes you forget.
11:48My tears fell without warning. In the crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic.
11:54Small town girl. Can't handle the lifestyle.
11:59I had depression.
12:02Stop faking it to get attention.
12:04The nephew I'd raised for two years stood next to his mother on divorce day and called
12:09me ugly. And here was this four-year-old mafia heir handing me his last piece of candy.
12:14Nora, I'm going to eat every meal so I can grow up and protect you.
12:25You better grow fast, babe.
12:27When we walked out of the hospital, there was a black Maybach idling at the curb. Luca was
12:31leaning against it.
12:32Mr. Castellano, why are you here?
12:35He scooped his son into his arms. Seeing how calm and composed the boy was, his eyes suddenly
12:40reddened.
12:40The butler called, said Leo went out with you. I had to see it.
12:44Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can stop worrying.
12:48I know.
12:50That night, he tried to raise my pay again. This time, a black card. I refused so hard
12:56he laughed.
12:59Noia, there must be something you want.
13:01Could you help me find a used car? 5,000 or below, so I can take Leo out without depending
13:07on the driver.
13:10Pick anything from the garage.
13:12The cheapest car in your garage is a quarter million. I wouldn't dare drive it.
13:17Fine.
13:19Next morning, an old, beat-up sedan was parked next to his black Bentley.
13:24He also flew in a psychiatrist. Same diagnosis as the hospital. But this time, my meds were
13:30upgraded to the brand I'd never been able to afford.
13:33Your wife needs company. Family. Don't push her too hard. I'll remember that.
13:39The next day, I drove Leo out with me. He'd always been insecure, had barely seen the outside
13:44world. Now, I wanted to show it to him.
13:46First, the amusement park. He grabbed my hand and dragged me over to take pictures. Then I
13:51took him to the farmer's market. He'd never been to a family.
13:53Farmer's Market in his life.
13:54Nora! I don't want to hold this!
13:57My hands are full, Leo. Just a few steps.
14:00Fine! One time only! And no more lobster! No!
14:04Nora?
14:05It was Sebastian, my ex-husband.
14:09He was in a crisp gray suit, hair perfect, looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine
14:14cover. It had been five weeks since the divorce. My stomach nodded on contact. Sebastian and
14:19I had met in college. He came from one of those Wall Street elite families. The golden
14:24boy of high finance. He'd ignored every objection from his family to put a ring on me. At our
14:29wedding, he'd promised to protect me for life. Then he took over Crane Capital and he started
14:33finding fault with everything. He wanted me to quit my job, take care of his parents, take
14:38care of his sister's kid. Cook, laundry, cleaning. I did all of it because I loved him. Because
14:45I'd never been loved by my own family and didn't know any better. Until one day, I caught him
14:50in a private club with a girl in his lap. My whole world shattered. I cried. I screamed.
14:56I begged him to swear it would stop. The whole Crane family said I was overreacting. What successful
15:02man doesn't have side action? Sebastian said I'd been spoiled rotten. He blocked my number.
15:09Stopped coming home. My depression cratered. I filed for divorce. He thought it was a bluff.
15:15His family told him, don't let her win. He had his lawyer draft papers. I walked out with nothing.
15:20Signed them in seven seconds. Four years of dating. Three years of marriage. Done.
15:25Noah, Ivy League degree. And here you are playing nanny? What were you thinking?
15:33Not your business. Nora, try to understand. The day you married into the Crane family,
15:39you represent the Crane name. Sebastian, we're divorced. I have nothing to do with your family
15:46anymore. Even divorced, you're my ex-wife. People still bring me up when they talk about you.
15:52Stop embarrassing me. Use your head for once. Stop being emotional all the time.
15:58Nora, a few weeks out here. Bet you miss being Mrs. Crane, don't you? Admit you were wrong.
16:02I'll think about taking you back. The girls outside the marriage, those were nothing. I haven't
16:06replaced you. The position's still open. Just swallow your pride. Apologize to my mother and
16:10my sister. Don't bother holding it. Give the seat to someone else, Sebastian. I'm not interested.
16:15On the drive home, a new number called. Connor, the nephew I'd raised for two years. I'd block the
16:21rest of the Cranes. Not him. Kids didn't pick their parents. Hey, Khan. Nora, you divorced loser. My mom
16:29wants to talk to you. My throat closed up. Then Cassandra Crane took the phone. Nora, Sebastian
16:35tells me you're working as a nanny. Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself? You're slapping
16:39Sebastian's face. You're slapping the Crane name. What does that look like to people? Nora, I always said
16:45it. You'll never rise above your roots. Trash dressed in silk. I hung up, blocked her, pulled
16:51over. I crashed onto the steering wheel and bawled. I cried until I couldn't breathe. I cried until I
16:56was so empty I felt nothing. Then I sat up, wiped my face, felt the exhaustion settle bone deep. Nora,
17:03here, tissue. I'd forgotten Leo was in the back seat. He was holding a tissue out from his car seat.
17:07Big, sad eyes glued to me. I'm sorry, sweetheart. Did I scare you? Nora, I'm not scared. You can cry
17:14as long
17:15as you want. I'll wait. Adults crying isn't shameful. I won't laugh. Thanks, my little gentleman.
17:22Auntie's done. No more crying from now on. Let's go home. I went to bed early that night. Didn't feel
17:26up to dinner. Then a knock. Nora, can I come in? Luca. I was fresh out of the shower. Hair
17:33wet,
17:34robe tied carefully. I made sure nothing was showing. Come in. He was in a tight white tank top,
17:40making the snake tattoo stand out even more. Dark hair falling loose over his forehead,
17:44whiskey in his hand, looser than I'd ever seen him. He sat in the chair by my bed. His gaze
17:50flicked
17:50to my wet collarbone, then immediately to the wall, like he'd been caught. The clothes in your closet,
17:55you never wear any of them. They're too nice. I'm not used to it. I'd learned one thing from the
18:01crane marriage. Don't force yourself into a world that isn't yours. The fall is uglier when they shove
18:06you out. Are they not your style? I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones. No,
18:11no, Mr. Castellano. I'm in the house all day with Leo. There's nowhere to wear that kind of thing,
18:15truly. I heard you saw your ex today. His name's Crane? The stupid Crane Capital?
18:22I froze. Leo had snitched. Yes, that crane. Old news.
18:27Nora, since you came, Leo's been a different child. Thank you.
18:31His eyes were dark and serious on mine. I shifted, uncomfortable.
18:35You pay me very well. It's what I'm here for.
18:38Nora, ask me for anything. I can probably make it happen.
18:43Mr. Castellano, I don't need anything.
18:45He was quiet a long moment. His fingers tightened on his knee, then released. He stood up.
18:51I'll say this again. I'm the Don of the Castello family. If you want, I can make sure he never
18:58speaks again more by tomorrow. I took a step back, still not used to him being this close.
19:02Without warning, he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Did I scare you?
19:07I said nothing. His hand slid down from my cheek. He gave a faint smile, then walked out.
19:13For the next two weeks, Luca started coming home early. Dinner with Leo and me. Sometimes board games
19:19after. Sometimes a movie. A man who ran half of New York's underworld didn't change his schedule
19:24for no reason. I was starting to worry. Was the family in trouble? Not that I cared about him.
19:29I just really cared about my 150 grand a month. Mr. Castellano, you don't have to keep coming home
19:35this early. Leo has me. If you've got business, take it. Luca picked up a red Lego brick. Voice
19:41perfectly neutral. The psychiatrist said you need family. Leo and I are your family now. We have
19:46responsibilities. Since when are we family, I wanted to say. I didn't. Honestly, Leo's
19:52enough. The doctor said my improvement is mostly thanks to him. He stroked his chin, avoiding
19:58eye contact. I grabbed Leo's hand and stood. Come on, buddy. Story time. Daddy still has work.
20:04Leo and I walked out. Nora. Luca's voice, stopping me at the doorway. Yes? His ears were
20:11faintly pink. He cleared his throat. Tomorrow night, there's an event. Plus sun's required.
20:17Would you come with me? Me?
20:27You. I don't have time to find someone else. I'll pay you an appearance fee.
20:31A man with his face couldn't find a date in 24 hours? I didn't think too much. There was money
20:36on the table. Sure. I don't know the social rules in your world, though. I don't want
20:42to embarrass you. The Cranes were a moneyed family, too. But Sebastian had never taken
20:47me to anything because his mother said she doesn't know how to act in public. Don't let
20:51her embarrass us. Stand next to me. That's all. Luca's brow eased. If you want, I can make
20:57the gossipers shut up for good. The butler chimed in, beaming. Miss Bennett, you don't
21:03need to know the rules. The dawn is the rules. Hard to argue with that. The next afternoon,
21:09a design team showed up at the mansion. Five people. Most of them flown in from Paris. Hair,
21:15makeup, dress, jewelry. They huddled and debated each detail for 20 minutes at a stretch. By the
21:22time Luca came home, I was starting to feel sick about how much was on me. He walked in.
21:27Saw me. His eyes did something. A brief flash, almost stunned, before he caught himself.
21:34Daddy, look how pretty Nora is. Call her mom. Leo turned his head and harumphed. Wouldn't say it.
21:42I patted his hair. It's okay. I like Nora. Makes me feel young. The event was a charity gala at
21:50the
21:50plaza. Every major name in New York was there. Old money, bigger money, political faces. A few faces
21:57I recognized from the papers, and a few I knew not to recognize at all. They orbited Luca
22:02immediately. Conversations started landing on me. Mr. Castellino. Who's the beautiful lady?
22:08I jumped in to save him. I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's. My wife, Nora. The room shifted.
22:18A chorus of polite gasps. Compliments raining down. My face went hot to my collarbone. Luca squeezed my
22:26hand. Leaned in. Nora. Is being my wife really that embarrassing? You couldn't say it?
22:32Bourbon and cedar on his breath. No. No. I just... I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:39His eyes darkened. He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
22:43Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife. I had to look away. I'll grab a drink.
22:47I bolted. I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...
22:53Nora?
22:57There was no date. Just him. Had it Luca said plus ones required? Sebastian's face was pure stunned.
23:04It is you. I almost didn't recognize you.
23:13I've never seen you look like this.
23:16I stepped back. Stay away from me.
23:18Nora. About my sister's call. That wasn't me. I'd never authorized that. Truth is, I only
23:24agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson. Bratty wife. Needed reminding. I never actually
23:29planned to let you go.
23:30No. Apologize. To my mom and my sister. We'll remarry. I'll forget the rest.
23:41Crane? Capital is bleeding right now. I'm slammed. Stop making things hard for me.
23:46He reached for my hand. The Sebastian special. One slap, one kiss. He'd run me on that loop
23:52for three years. I'm not the Nora he married anymore. I yanked back.
23:57Look, Sebastian. Divorced means divorced. I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn pleerage
24:02than wear your last name again. Find someone else for that throne.
24:05Still stubborn. You haven't suffered enough. Crawl find me when you've actually been broken.
24:12That's when Luca started walking toward us. Sebastian's whole posture changed.
24:18Nora. We'll talk later. There's a heavyweight I need to corner. Don't get in the way.
24:23Plastered on his best smile and intercepted Luca with a business card already out.
24:28My Don. I'm Sebastian Crane. Crane Capital. I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
24:36Five years. Crane at Capital ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.
24:41Then you cut us out overnight. If we fell short, tell me where. Whatever you need, I'll make it right.
24:49Sebastian, half bowed. Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.
24:54Nora. What do you think? Should I give him a second chance?
24:59Sebastian's smile froze.
25:01Nora? What does she have to do with-
25:03Mr. Castelloni. You should know. Nora is my ex-wife. I don't know how she got in here tonight.
25:09Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation. She's just a housewife. Pay her no mind.
25:14Luca didn't even glance at him.
25:16Nora. Your call. I'll follow your lead.
25:23I kept my voice flat.
25:25Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation. I'd hate to interfere.
25:30Sebastian flared.
25:32A man's business is none of your concern. Of course, small town instincts.
25:36Luca's voice came in cold and final.
25:38Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital. Mr. Crane, we'll have to pass.
25:44His arm slid around my shoulders. He turned us toward the bar.
25:48Sebastian was still standing there, brain catching up.
25:51Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
25:54Crane, you insulted Don's wife. You stepped on a live mine.
25:59That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.
26:03Castellano's wife? Impossible.
26:05The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.
26:08Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market, driving the cheap car, carrying a lobster for
26:14the brat. He knew what he saw. A fancy dress didn't make a duchess. The man shook his head
26:19and walked off.
26:20Some idiots won't listen. Let them die.
26:24That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study and three pieces of war-era jewelry, 180 million
26:31in collectibles, donated to the Children's Hospital under my name. After that, the gala
26:36turned into a receiving line.
26:38Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week. Would you grace us?
26:43Mrs. Castellano, my husband is bidding on a Castellano project. Just a quiet word to the Don.
26:49I'd never been on this side of a room. I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
26:53Luca intercepted on the fourth.
26:55Apologies, everyone. My wife isn't a drinker. I'll take hers.
26:59He drank. Then he drank for me three more times. By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce,
27:05we were both lit. I glanced out the window. Sebastian was on the curb, watching us. Mouth
27:11curled in that ugly little smirk, like I was the punchline. I closed the curtain, turned
27:17to Luca.
27:17Mr. Castellano, thank you. For tonight. For... what you did with Sebastian.
27:24His voice came out low, soft around the edges.
27:29Nora, we're husband and wife. Stop thanking me.
27:33We're a paper husband and wife. You didn't have to.
27:38His arm lifted. Long fingers tilted my chin up. His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.
27:43Nora, what if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?
27:47He was too close. His face was carved out of something dangerous. Eyes blown black.
27:53Heat from his breath landed on my throat. He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne,
27:58and something underneath that was just him. The most controlled man in New York was looking
28:04at my mouth like he wanted it.
28:07Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
28:14You're right, I'm sorry. I had too much.
28:17The rest of the ride was silence. A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
28:27Leo saved me. He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.
28:32I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.
28:38I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards.
28:43Sebastian was right about one thing.
28:45My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion playing house.
28:49I'd done that marriage already. Stayed home. Made myself small.
28:53The minute he didn't need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing.
28:57I'd be damned if I let that happen twice. While Leo needed me, I had a place here.
29:02The day he didn't, what was I? Though I'm not ready to go back to work yet,
29:07physically or mentally. But knowing the market, updating a resume, that couldn't hurt.
29:12Then my phone lit up. A text from Luca.
29:18The butler did the coffee. Always. And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.
29:24I ground a fresh espresso anyway. Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase.
29:29Hesitated. Was this a test? Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being
29:34summoned upstairs? Was this revenge for the car? I called him.
29:40Mr. Castellana. Coffee's here. Come down for it.
29:44Bring it up.
29:45I hit the record button on my phone. Caught it.
29:48If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof.
29:52I climbed the stairs. Knocked.
29:55Come in.
29:57I pushed the door open and forgot how to breathe.
30:02He'd just gotten out of the shower. Black silk robe, loosely tied at the waist.
30:07A drop slid from his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe.
30:11Bathhouse art. Renaissance painting. Holy hell.
30:16He took the coffee. His fingertips dragged across mine, on purpose.
30:21That scared of me? Nora, am I a monster?
30:26Nora.
30:30From now on, you can come into my room whenever you want.
30:33My face still burned. The rules of this house and the rules of my heart were both breaking.
30:40I woke up the next morning with a sore throat. Sneezing.
30:43Of course. Wet hair. Late night. Fancy dress. Too much champagne.
30:48I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.
30:52Lupa was on the couch. Black turtleneck. Wire frame glasses.
30:56The combination should be illegal.
30:58Morning.
30:59Morning.
31:00He set the paper down.
31:01You're sick.
31:03A little.
31:04The back of his hand landed on my forehead. Calm. Practiced.
31:08Like he did it every morning. I went stiff as a board.
31:11Not bad. I'll grab some Therafex. You'll be fine.
31:15He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass. Walked to the kitchen.
31:19A six-foot-something Mafia Don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug.
31:24Usually, a Don would poison the drink instead.
31:27I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been, to deserve a man like this.
31:41I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed.
31:44I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.
31:52Nora. It's me.
31:54Sebastian. I started to hang up.
31:56Don't. I'm parked outside the Castellani gate. Come out or I'll be at the front door. Up to you.
32:02I did not want him at the door. I did not want my past laid out on Luca's marble entryway
32:06like roadkill.
32:08Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.
32:11Nora. How long is this stunt going on for? Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?
32:16You don't feel humiliated, but I do.
32:19I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.
32:22Stop the act! You dressed up last night to make me jealous.
32:26Fine. I'll admit it. After you left, I missed you a little.
32:30Here's the deal. Apologize to my mom and my sister. We remarry. You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
32:39Sebastian. I didn't do anything wrong. What am I apologizing for?
32:44You still don't see the problem? You haven't been beaten down enough.
32:50I was about to fire back when a small, round cannonball blew past me.
32:54Leo. When he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate.
32:57My mom didn't do anything wrong. My mom is the best mom in the whole world.
33:03He glared up at him like a furious cherub, protecting me. Something cracked open in my chest. I pulled him
33:09in tight.
33:10Kid, what did you just call her? Isn't she your nanny?
33:14You're a nanny. Your whole family is a nanny. Nora is my mom. My best mom.
33:21He pulled back, anxious. I nodded. My eyes were wet again.
33:26Nora. You'll be my mom, right? I'll be so good. I promise.
33:33Leo. I am your mom, sweetheart.
33:36He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.
33:39Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.
33:42Oh. Oh, I see it now. Nora. You're putting a child up to it. You're playing the long game on
33:51Castelloni.
33:52He grabbed my arm.
33:54Listen. Castorano isn't a man you scam. He's known for ice in his veins. He finds out you're using his
34:01son to angle for him. He'll bury you in the East River.
34:04A warm hand landed on my waist. I hadn't heard him come outside. Luca. He pulled me in to him.
34:12Mr. Crane. The last time we spoke, you insulted my wife. That's why I pulled the mandate.
34:18I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal. They could keep doing business
34:23with Crane of Papadal.
34:25After today, I don't think I need to.
34:27Castellano. Castellano. What, you wife? Who's your wife?
34:31Mr. Crane. Are you really still confused? Or are you only capable of believing what you want to believe?
34:39Nora is my wife. The mother of my son. Send him off.
34:45Luca turned to the butler at the door.
34:47If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellini again, have my men throw him out.
34:51He took Leo with one arm, wrapped the other around me, walked us inside.
34:56The second the door closed, I peeled out of Luca's arm.
35:00Awkward as hell. I took Leo upstairs to my room.
35:05Leo, where were you all morning? I didn't see you all day.
35:10Don't even ask. Dad sent me to preschool.
35:13What? You preschool?
35:16He said he didn't want you working too hard.
35:21He said he needed alone time with you.
35:25Why does he need alone time with me?
35:28Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him. Otherwise, you might leave us.
35:34Leo was four sentences into his report when Luca appeared in the doorway.
35:38Leo, downstairs. Dinner. Stop bothering your mother.
35:42My whole face hot.
35:44Mom, I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
35:48He scampered out. Luca didn't leave. He walked in.
35:53Feeling better?
35:54I looked sideways.
35:56Mr. Castellini, thank you for what you did.
36:00Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
36:03I'm really not worth it.
36:06Not worth what?
36:09What you did out there.
36:11Nora, I told you.
36:13You're my wife.
36:15Protecting you is my job.
36:18But-
36:19Stop calling this a paper marriage.
36:21Nora.
36:23I want a real one.
36:24I had not expected him to swing this hard, this fast.
36:28My face went up in flames.
36:30I'll give you time.
36:32Take whatever you need.
36:33But right now, I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
36:37Before I could form a coherent thought, he leaned in.
36:40A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
36:43Can I?
36:44I didn't say a word.
36:46I'll take this as consent.
36:48Then his lips crashed against mine, hard and ruthless.
36:51His tongue swept into my mouth, stealing the air from my lungs.
36:55Right.
36:56This was how a mafia boss kissed.
36:58Cold.
36:59Merciless.
37:00Taking whatever he wanted.
37:02The kiss lasted so long my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
37:06He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
37:09My little princess, that's enough for today.
37:16Next time, I won't let you off so easily.
37:20Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning, under protest.
37:24My cold was almost gone.
37:26Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
37:28After everything that had happened, I thought about it.
37:30We were married on paper.
37:32However, if something real was going to grow there, that wasn't the worst outcome.
37:36He had a private media room on the third floor.
37:39It was my first time entering other room in third floor.
37:42Before that, he showed me his collection room.
37:45One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
37:48Daggers, knives, blades of every kind.
37:51Honestly, it was breathtaking.
37:52I was still standing there staring at the wall when he stepped up behind me and fastened a necklace around
37:58my neck.
37:59Another snake.
38:00Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
38:02A little gift.
38:05Don't reject it.
38:06Then he took my hand and led me into the media room.
38:09He put on a French romance film.
38:11Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.
38:13Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background.
38:16Luca leaned closer, his voice brushing against my ear.
38:23I closed my eyes, my fingers tightening around the snake pendant, like a girl being offered up as a sacrifice.
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