I ran along the corridors, looking over my shoulder for a thunderous looking storm aka Mr. Salvatore all the while laughing with giddiness.
I can't believe I just did that to the Capo of the Famiglia. I snickered as I pictured his awestruck expression- more like pain-filled one.
My feet took me to one room after another until I stumbled into one of the rooms in the ground floor where people are gathered.
From the looks of it, it looks like a dining area for the staff. Adjoining to it, I can see the counter of the kitchen filled with usual cooking utensils.
"Umm... sorry. I... I was just looking at the rooms."
I waved my hand behind my back as if that explains everything. At the dumbstruck expression that echoed on all of their faces, a line formed on my forehead.
Mentally slapping my forehead for being silly, I introduced myself with, "hello. I'm Sameera Kri- I mean, Sameera Salvatore." Gosh, I need to get used to the name. "Mr. Salvatore and I got married today."
"Hmpfh," came a sigh loud enough to convey its displeasure from the corner of the room, close to the kitchen.
My head lifted automatically to the sound and clashed with a robust looking old woman who must be the cook of the household. From her expression, I can guess that she is not impressed with her mistress aka me.
My lips stretched into a thin smile.
"I..."
"Do you like something to eat?" A woman who is not much older than me stepped forward, her body language screaming formal even though, her eyes are aloof as if she is asking an unimportant guest.
"No, thank you. I just had my lunch in the bedroom."
She nodded as if the matter is settled. For some reason, that didn't settle well with me.
Squaring my shoulders I advanced into the room as if I have full right to do so and said in a firm voice, "you must be the staff Mr. Salvatore told me about. Since, I will be staying here as the mistress of this house," I stressed the word mistress just to needle the stern woman who was giving airs and continued, "why don't you introduce yourself along with your duties?"
A look of approval passed between the men who wore suits. No doubt, security team Gaby informed me about.
"Yes, of course. Of course." The woman coloured who introduced herself as Ally, one of the maids.
Then came- Sarah and Kate, both maids who helped in cleaning and small kitchen chores.
"And this Mrs. Brenna Palmer, our cook. She also maintains the house sometimes," Ally who took the duty of chaperoning me through the staff said with a flourish.
Brenna is going to be trouble. I could feel it from the glint in her eye.
And then came men- Nick Licata (security) who looked like he just came out of GQ magazine in his suit, Enzo (security) who may be 50 around but looks like grey model from the same magazine.
And lastly Donald Palmer, husband of Brenna Palmer and the gardener of the mansion who lives on the estate grounds in a small cottage.
My head was still reeling from the word 'estate grounds' when Mr. Salvatore caught up to me, his eyes brewing a storm that may or may not be caused by me.
Looking at his thunderous expression, the staff stood straight, everyone getting busy at the same time as if windup doll set free.
Mr. Salvatore glared at the men pointedly who ducked their heads and ran out of the room as if their coat tails are set on fire, none looking in my direction.
He grabbed my hand firmly and steered me towards the nearby room, closing the door before I could voice out 'what happened?'
"Didn't I say not to parade in this clothes before my men?" He grabbed my chin harshly and lifted my head, making my neck stretch to meet his eyes.
His other hand slammed hard on the door as if he needs to emit his frustration somehow.
"Ye...but..."
"Damn it Sameera!!!" His slam echoed in the silent room making me flinch.
His fingers dig into my skin as he pinched my chin. His thumb rubbing my lower lip in possession as he watched its progress in fascination.
"Mr. Sal... Mr. Salvatore..." I said meekly as an ember of fear ignited within me. Till now, I didn't think of him hurting me. Not even once. Even now, when his hands are close to hurting me, something inside me rejected the idea of him laying a hand on me temper.
Call me stupid, but I didn't think Mr. Salvatore needs to lift a hand to a woman to etch his place. He don't have to. His voice alone intimidates the hell out of everyone.
And those who refuse to heed his warning (like me) will face the consequences.
My knees knocked together. Did I cross the line with him? Have I somehow challenged his authority without knowing? I read it on Google where it is said, Mafia follows strict code of conduct. Especially regarding women. They are meant to be docile and must know where they stand- at the mercy of men.
Which... I'm not.
Is he going to show me his authority now? My lips parted but nothing came out.
"I see that some sense has finally been knocked into your brain. Too bad Mrs. Salvatore, you didn't heed me before walking half-naked in front of my men," he said through clenched teeth.
"I... I didn't mean to. I was just..."
"Running away from me." He finished for me.
"No... I..."
"You have so much to learn, my firecracker," his hand shifted from my chin to my cheek, his thumb rubbing over it.
I looked at him with confusion, my brows drawing together. What does he mean?
Suddenly, he stepped back as if he couldn't take another second of my closeness. Mixed signals much?
"I'm going outside. Don't wait for me," he said flippantly as he checked his watch.
"Out? But..."
"Don't tell me you want me to stay here?"
His remark of tonight being our wedding night swirled through my mind. My mouth went dry.
"N-no. You can go where ever you want to," I shrugged my shoulders for emphasis.
"Really? I wonder what you will say when you find out about my destination"
"Why would it concern me? You are free to do whatever you want to," I didn't look at him as I said it.
"Hmm. Remember those words Mrs. Salvatore. Until then, goodnight."
It is only the next day when a sultry voice said through the phone that "Vitali left his tie at my place," did I regret my words very much.