Chapter 108: The Billionaire’s Prodigal Wife

“Well don’t you look like the cat who found the canary,” Savannah quipped as she came out of her bedroom just after noon.

Mackenna was lying on the sofa, a throw rug over her legs, Romeo curled up in her lap and a book in her hand. She had a plate of snacks on a small side table Nuncio had put near her and one of his exquisite cups of coffee within reach.

“I feel like it,” she grinned at her friend, “except for the headache, the sore hand.”

“What are you reading?” Savannah’s eyes widened as she tilted her head to take in the title of the book her friend was holding.

“It was in your collection of books.” Mackenna held up the cover with a grin. “I’m trying to be more adventurous.”

“Did Nuncio see you with that?” she yelped and leaped onto the sofa at Mackenna’s feet. “He can’t know I have it.”

“Why?”

“Because he will want me to do the things in it and I’m really happy doing things the way he’s been doing them. He does this one thing,” Savannah’s blue eyes danced excitedly

Mackenna covered her ears and closed her eyes, “nah, nah, nah, I’m not hearing this. I don’t need to hear this.” She opened one eye to see Savannah grinning widely at her. “You done?”

“Yes, I was just going to say he does this one thing I really like and if he knows I can do anything in this book, he’s going to make me trade off.”

“I did not need to know,” Mackenna grumbled but at the sound of Nuncio entering the apartment she quickly tucked the book between her legs and the blanket.

“Ah, you’re up,” he kissed Savannah’s upturned face and touched her cheek, staring into her eyes.

“Oh my god you two are so cute,” Mackenna gritted through teeth and a wide grin. “It makes my heart feel all fuzzy and warm.”

Nuncio laughed at her and swiped a piece of the cheese off her plate. “Get used to it Mac. I’m not going anywhere.” He dropped into the chair opposite the sofa and smiled. “What were you two discussing before I came in?”

“Sex,” Mackenna watched as he choked on the mouthful of cheese and his cheeks reddened considerably.

“You asked,” Savannah giggled at his reaction.

“She was telling me about this thing you do,” Mackenna tried to keep a straight face but burst into a fit of giggles as he jumped up from the chair.

“Enough of this talk,” he pointed at Savannah, “you and I will have words later.”

“I’ll be having more than words,” she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and he moved to the kitchen and poured himself a large glass of water, mumbling something about needing to cool off.

“Nuncio, any word on Salvatore?” Mackenna asked him as he leaned against the island and watched them.

“Nothing. He’s disappeared.”

“How is it possible?” Savannah asked seriously, “he’s one of the most recognizable men in the world. The tabloids have had his face splashed all over the newspapers for weeks. It’s not like he’s been able to change his face.”

“It’s why we feel strongly he’s still somewhere in Milan. He couldn’t have gotten far with no transportation, and no help. Anyone who was an acquaintance have cut ties and his lawyers keep quitting before they get hired.” Nuncio shrugged, “we will find him. Do not worry.”

“Nuncio,” Mackenna asked quietly, “Alessandro is really angry with him.”

“Alessandro is showing significantly more restraint than my family would,” Nuncio said seriously. “My grandfather is Sicilian, and I promise you, Salvatore wouldn’t have made it to the courthouse for a hearing let alone be allowed to leave his jail cell to go home.”

“Isn’t it a tad barbaric,” Savannah questioned him.

“No, the old man is a disgrace, and he killed his own great-grandchild and family.” Nuncio’s face was hard set and his eyes cold. “He should be dead, buried in a shallow unmarked grave or tossed into the sea for the fish to eat.”

“Jesus,” Savannah blinked rapidly. “No mercy?”

“Mercy is given to those who are sorry Savannah,” he quipped furiously.

Mackenna spoke quietly. “I’m only concerned Alessandro’s hands get dirty. I’m worried about how angry he is. His father called him again just before he left, and he was on a tear.”

“Mackenna,” Nuncio held her gaze seriously, “You let Alessandro take care of his family. It is not for you to worry about or to question. Is this understood?”

Savannah bristled at his tone. “You can’t expect Mackenna to not worry.”

“I can and I do,” Nuncio argued with her. “There are things it is better to never ask about. This is one of them. If Alessandro makes a decision as the current head of his family, then it is his decision to make. It is our way.”

“This is insane,” Savannah griped as she folded her arms over her chest defiantly.

Mackenna watched the interplay between her two friends and took a deep breath realizing she needed to change the topic. “Hey Savannah, did you know Samuel is Alessandro’s design assistant?”

Her head snapped back to Mackenna quickly. “Our Samuel, as in Samantha Pantha?”

She giggled, “the one and only. I almost had a fit when I found him there. I guess he’s been working for Alessandro for a couple of months now. He looks good.”

“I’m so happy for him,” she clapped her hands together happily. “He deserves a break like this. His creations are divine. The way he puts his costumes together is amazing.”

“Alessandro agreed to go to a show. Also, he was not happy we dressed in drag, or specifically I dressed in drag.”

“You dressed in drag?” Nuncio marched back into the living room. “When?”

“About a year ago,” Savannah shrugged. “I have photos on my phone.”

“I want to see,” he wriggled his fingers at her impatiently as she scowled. “Where is your phone?”

“On my nightstand,” she shook her head as he turned on his foot and made his way to her bedroom. In seconds he was back demanding she unlock the phone. She grabbed it from him with a grumble about annoying Italian men and found the photos she’d put into a folder on her phone and passed the phone to him.

He perched on the edge of the chair and went through them, he lifted his eyes at Mackenna, “you look good.” He grinned, “though I get why Alessandro was a bit irritated, you don’t have a shirt on.”

“Her nips were covered,” Savannah said and then grinned broadly when he choked as he obviously came across the photos of her. “My nips were covered too!”

He turned the phone sideways and used his fingers to zoom in. “I want to be mad but its hot. Did you walk the runway?”

“We did,” Savannah smirked as he rubbed his finger around his collar as if overheated. “Does it bother you?”

“No,” he shook his head, evidently lying. “No, but if you ever do this again, I want front row seats.” He looked at her seriously, “and a lap dance.”

Savannah threw her head back and laughed at his comment and Mackenna roared. They laughed so hard, Mackenna’s sides ached as Nuncio grinned at them both and stood up, putting Savannah’s phone on the sofa next to her. He made his way to the kitchen to make tea.

As their laughter wound down, Mackenna was wheezing for air. “God, I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard.”

“It felt good,” Savannah agreed with a grin. “I love hearing you laugh Mac and I’m glad you’re laughing again.”

“Me too. I think we’re finally ahead of the curve,” she smiled at her friend.

“How was dinner last night?”

“Well, I almost ruined everything when I yelled at the model’s mom. She basically called Alessandro an asshole and told me I should leave him.”

“Seriously?” Savannah’s eyebrows were high in her forehead. “No way.”