Lust and Unholy Love

Erika's P.O.V.

"Here's my stop, sister. I'll see you soon." I bade farewell to Sister Agatha, breaking our embrace before picking up my luggage and then boarding the bus. As the bus drove down the streets of Venice, my heart felt heavier, knowing I was a step closer to my destination. Home. It was nearing summer, so the weather had become rather warm lately, hence adding to my agitation. Believe me, I had tried every possible excuse to convince my family back at home that I wouldn't be able to come home, but they hadn't budged, insisting that I return home as I had spent too long away from home. I understood my Nana's incessant need for me to return home, as it had been only her and my parents; my twin sister, Avery, had long left home before I had. She was the wilder one, more carefree and more stubborn, while I had been the meek one, the dove. I had been fine with that; my Nana always told me I didn't have a single bad bone in me, but I hated the fact that my parents always tried to control my life, even at the age of twenty-six. I was a country girl, bred and brought up in the countryside; however, I was a devout Catholic, just like my Nana, which heavily influenced my choice to become a sister in the convent. Safe to say, my parents weren't pleased.

That was two years ago, and now I was returning home, a bit excited to see family but also feeling exhausted. After five hours, the never-ending journey finally ended as our bus came to a stop at the bus terminal. Stepping out of the bus with my luggage, my eyes shut briefly as I breathed deeply, already feeling the familiarity of the atmosphere.

Hailing a cab, I slipped into it as our journey began after giving him my address. I watched as the buildings blurred past while we drove, a few familiar buildings, shops, and the bakery that I'd always frequent when I had lived here. Soon, I reached my destination as I paid the cab driver his fare, who wasted no time in driving off without a word, picked up my luggage as I walked up the stairs of my parents house, and knocked.

A minute later, I heard footsteps before the door swung open as I came face to face with my Nana, who squealed and pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Mio nipotina. You're back; I missed you." She sobbed in my arms.

"I missed you too, Nana. Now stop with the crying; I'm here now."

"And you're not leaving me? Never?" She pouted as she looked up at me, causing me to giggle.

"Not anytime soon, Nana. Now, can I-" I was cut off when my mother spoke.

"Erika, darling, you're home. It's about time." Her Spanish accent came out slightly as she walked down the stairs. She was wearing a cream-coloured skirt with a white woollen sweater, her blonde hair packed up in a ponytail. She looked slightly different, a bit aged, but still had that domineering aura about her.

Stepping fully into the house, I shut the door behind me, turning around only to come face to face with my mother, who pulled me into a hug. Tensing up slightly, I relaxed into her, returning her embrace whilst inhaling her scent, cherry as usual.

"Mother, it's good to see you." I smiled tautly at her, breaking away from her embrace, and she hummed, looking me over. "You look beautiful."

I could practically read her through, and I knew that whatever words were going to fall out from her mouth, I would highly detest: "Mmm, I know, darling. And you look...well, nice. I do wish you could improve with your taste in clothing, dear; it's not very flattering. As a beau- Just when I had had enough, my Nana intervened, luckily for me.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Adele, let the poor girl be; she just arrived." Nana cut in disapprovingly while my mother huffed.

"Come, Nipotina, come tell me all you've been up to these past months." Nana chirped, taking my hand as she led me up the stairs while I carried my luggage. I could feel my mother's stares boring holes into the back of my head, making me wish I was anywhere but here. My mother was a special being, always wanting things done her way. She loved looking prepped and polished like the upper-class women. While Avery and I were much younger, she'd take us to gatherings with her 'friends,' who were much like her-showoffs. We were by no means poor; in fact, we were above average, but my mother always wanted more...craved it. At first, Avery had followed in my mother's footsteps, loving the attention, but then somewhere along the line she'd changed. Mixed with the wrong crowd and just went off.

I smiled as I stepped into my old room, which looked just as it had been when I had left, except it looked neater, which meant someone had cleaned it. Setting my luggage down, I allowed my Nana to pull me towards my bed.

"So tell me, how have you been, ragazza mia?" She asked as we settled down.

"Honestly, Nana? I've been good. I love my life back at the convent; I fit in. I have friends who actually like me, and it gives me time for me." I confess sincerely.

"I'm glad, Riri. I'm happy that you're happy." She smiled fondly at me, placing a palm on my cheek.

"What about Father?"

"Your father had some business to take care of in town, but he'll be back soon." And so we carried on talking till dinnertime. Nana told me that Avery had come home once while I was at the convent, but she had left on a rather bad note. She and my mum had gotten into a huge disagreement concerning something Avery had gotten herself into. I hadn't thought much of it given Avery's habit of constantly making wrong decisions.

Soon, it was dinner time. My father had arrived, and we had done a bit of catching up. While my relationship with my mother was a bit estranged, I had a better relationship with my father.

"So," Mother cleared her throat while she wiped the corners of her mouth, "there's something you need to know, Erika." My mother spoke up.

Cutlery clanged as my father looked at my mother; even Nana looked uncomfortable. "Adele, this can wait." Father said in a warning tone, which Mother disregarded.

"No, it cannot, Peter, and you know it." She bit back.

"What's going on, Mother?"

"We've gone into debt, Erika, and a shitload of it."

"Debt?" That was impossible; there was no way. Judging by the look on my mother's face, there was every way.

"Yes, debt."

"W-w-what happened?"

"Long story, which we'll come to later. But we need your help." I didn't like the sound of that. What could I possibly do? If my parents hadn't found a solution, how then could I help?

"How? What can I do?" My heart thumped in my chest, fearing her response.

"Sweetie, we can talk about this later." My father spoke softly at the same time my mother spoke.

"You need to get married."

ERIKA'S P.O.V.

And just like that, the evening was disrupted. Everyone fell silent.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" I enunciated slowly and quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear me as my gaze fell on each and every one.

"Look, honey," My mum began with that tone, a tone that implied that she wanted to manipulate me into doing her bidding. "We're in a tight spot. Our house...our life is on the line. Do you really want us to become homeless?" Her voice cracked, signifying that she was about to cry. Knowing my mother, she wouldn't stand for such embarrassment, which meant I had no choice but to oblige her request. But...

"What about Avery? Why isn't she here for this discussion? Perhaps she'd want to get married instead." I didn't want to seem selfish or shift the obligation to my sister, but I couldn't get married. I wasn't sure I even wanted to...yet, at least.

The tension became extremely palpable as my Nana grumbled incoherent words, my father's fists tightened on the table, and my mother clenched her jaw in anger as she hissed through her teeth.

"If you must know, darling, this is all because of your sister and her reckless behaviour. Her incessant need to put this family to shame as she continues to soil our name through the mud." I recoiled at the sheer venom in her voice; my mother had always been strict with us, but she had never spoken with such distaste. I knew whatever Avery had done must have been severe to warrant her anger.

"If I may ask, who do you have in mind for me to get married to, Mother? I suppose you have someone?" I raised an inquisitive brow at her; her mood flipped within an instant as a smile stretched across her lips, her fingers interlacing as she sat up.

"Nipotina, you don't have to. We'll find another way." Nana spoke up softly, casting me a worrisome look, to which I just sent her a tight-lipped smile.

"It's fine, Nana."

"Erika, darling, I knew I-we could depend on you, darling. My precious baby girl." In the background, my father let out an annoyed grunt paired with an eye-roll, which earned him a scowl from Mother. "And yes, as a matter of fact, I do have someone in mind for you to marry. You remember my friend Miranda? Miranda Chapwood, her son Liam is searching for a bride, and I know you'll make the perfect fit." She rambled excitedly.

Nana gasped, "Adele? For Christ's sake, that boy is a known gambler and man-child. He's certainly not fit to be her husband." I couldn't agree more with Nana; I had known Liam when I was much younger. He was a fine-looking man, but he was the last person I'd ever consider as a husband. He had tried to hit on me a few times; luckily for me, Avery had always come to my aid and warned him to back off. Sandy ginger hair and a freckled face-there was no way I'd ever accept marrying him.

Mother scoffed, "Please, Mother, you know nothing about him. His family is rich enough to settle our debts and cater to us-for Erika, I mean. It's a perfect match." I nearly snickered under my breath, perfect match indeed.

"Adele, Mother's right. We can't allow our daughter to marry Liam. I'm sure there's another way out." Father pitched unsurely.

"Oh yeah? And in what way would that be? What way haven't we tried, Peter? You know there's no other way, so please, let me handle this." Mother snapped at him, instantly shutting him up. I watched the scenario unfold with conflicted thoughts. I was torn on what to do. On one hand, I absolutely detested having to marry for money, but on the other hand, my family had a lot to lose. They depended on me.

"Excuse me, I need a moment to myself." Politely excusing myself, I navigated my way back to my room, sitting on the bed as I simply looked out the window. I didn't know for how long I had been seated there as thoughts continued to fill my head until I heard the sound of my door opening and closing. I perceived her scent before I even saw her as I felt the bed dip next to me.

"Want to talk, Nipotina?" Nana asked softly as she took my hand in hers, rubbing circles on my skin.

Taking in a sharp inhale while I shook my head, I spoke, "I don't know what to do, Nana. What should I do?"

I heard her sigh next to me: "Your mother and I barely ever see eye to eye; we barely agree on anything. But I see her, underneath all that faux prepped and polished woman. I know she's scared. Scared to lose everything. But I do not agree on what she requests of you. Which is why I must allow you to decide." My gaze fell on her, the forlorn look on her face breaking me. "What do you want to do?"

*****

Much later at night, my family and I were gathered at the dining table as we discussed.

"What's the amount owed?" I asked, and my parents glanced at each other before my father spoke up.

"$500,000." He muttered lowly, his hands clasped forward while his head hung low. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at his response. Five freaking hundred thousand? What the heck did they buy? Or use the money for? I believed if it wasn't for my Nana's treatment, we would have always found a way to manage ourselves and also cater to her treatment simultaneously.

"F-f-f-i-ve h-hundred thousand? What? How?" I blurted out, flabbergasted.

"Sweetie, Your sister messed with some really dangerous people, got into a shitload of people, and somehow disappeared. We've been trying to pay back, but it's been hard." Father explained.

"Who?"

"The Vitales." Mother spoke up; I gaped at her response. Avery was either stupid, Lord forgive my words, or she had a death wish. The Vitale's were the royalty of the city, the owners. They owned Rome, Sicily, Venice...hell, they owned the whole of Italy. Lord, have mercy on me.

ERIKA'S P.O.V.

I lay in bed, my head filled with roaming thoughts. I had barely been able to sleep a wink throughout the night. The mere thought of being married to Liam Chapwood didn't sit well with me. Apart from the fact that he was a manwhore-Lord forgive my words-he also had no respect for women. Back in the day, I'd seen girls cry over how he had used and dumped them without a care in the world. That most certainly was not the kind of man I wanted for myself, nor was he the kind of father I wanted for my children. Children... I'd never thought I'd see the day when I would think about having children. Choosing to become a nun meant giving up being a wife and having children, and I was perfectly fine with it. If it meant not having a life like my mother's, I'd choose being a nun a thousand times and more. Although that was only a part of my reason for wanting to be a nun.

Soon enough, it was time for breakfast as I trudged down the stairs to see my family already gathered around the table, talking in hushed whispers as they ate. They all fell silent as soon as they sensed me.

"Please, don't stop on my account."

"Good morning, Mother and Father." I greeted my parents, giving them a tight-lipped smile while I made my way over to my Nana, leaning down and placing a kiss on her head while she rubbed my arm affectionately. "Good morning, Nana. Sleep well?"

"I did, Nipolita. How did you sleep?"

"Well, I slept well, Nana." I responded, scooping some food onto my plate. Lord, forgive me my lies. "So, would someone like to tell me what the whispering was all about?" Taking a bite of my eggs, I scanned the faces around me.

Clearing her throat, Mother gently placed her cutlery down, wiping the corners of her mouth. "I-we were hoping you'd come to a decision, darling. Concerning the issue of your marriage to Liam Chapwood. Perhaps you'd be interested in meeting him soon. Familiarize yourself with him; get to know each other. And just maybe, you would see that you're a perfect fit, dearest." She smiled eagerly.

Breathing deeply, I responded, "Mother, I...I was thinking, perhaps we could negotiate...I mean, speak to the Vitales? To give us more time to repay the loan?" I asked softly, disregarding Mother's earlier words. Speaking to the Vitales seemed to be the much better option than allowing Liam Chapwood to try to court me. The things he'd try, I internally cringed. Lord have mercy. Mother didn't seem to appreciate my disrespect as she scowled at me.

"Speaking to the Vitales is as good as asking for a death wish; the thought itself is as preposterous as it sounds. So I'm afraid, love, but that is out of the question." She retorted in a clipped tone, leaving no room for discussion.

Noticing my downcast look, Nana spoke up, "Adele, why don't we leave this conversation for another time?" We're at the table; we eat at the table. Not discussed. And besides, forcing Nipotina to meet with this loose lad, who, by the way, chases everything that wears a skirt and is a little weak upstairs, is nothing she'd look forward to. Spare the poor child, please." I giggled quietly, thankful for Nana's interference. It seemed Father shared the same opinion with me as he let out a chuckle, covered by a cough, when Mother cast a glare at him and then me.

"That is the thing, Mother; we do not have the luxury of time. We are at our wits end, so please, Mother." She snapped, turning her attention to me. "Now, you, my dear, will have to come up with another possible solution within the week on how we can tackle the matter at hand, or you will have no other choice than to court Liam, and that's final." She ended in a huff, returning to her meal. No one dared to counter her words; Mother could be very headstrong when she wanted to be, much like Nana. Silently, I glanced at Father, who remained silent, catching my eyes briefly before casting my gaze at Nana, whose face held a frown.

Sighing in defeat, my shoulders slumped as I picked at my meal until dinner was over.

Back in the safe confines of my room, I sat in the hanging hammock, which faced the window, giving me a beautiful view of the day and the streets, when I heard my door open and close. I could smell her scent before she even came into view.

Stretching her hands, I slipped my hands in hers while she pulled me up. "Oh, my poor darling." She cooed softly as she hugged me. Without wasting a second, I wrapped my arms around her, sniffing. Oh, how I needed this. She held me in her arms for a while and then broke the embrace, settling down on the bed while I sat back in the hammock.

"Talk to me." She placed a palm on my cheek comfortingly.

"I don't want to marry him, Nana; I don't want to marry anyone." I sobbed.

"I know, Nipotina, I know. I don't want you to marry him either. But sadly, your mother is right. The Chapwoods are the only ones who can save us from our debt, but not without getting something in return. Their son, however, has been a thorn in their flesh. Word has spread that he's been having children out of wedlock and bringing shame to the family. Getting married to you would be a way to redeem the family's name. Truthfully, I see no other way to save us from this impending doom."

Silence reigned between us as I let her words sink in, "But Nana, what if there's another solution? What if I... I speak to the Vitales?" She shook her head, waving her hand before me.

"No...no, Nipotina, you do not know what you're saying. If you're to talk to the Vitale's, then you'd have to talk to their leader. The Don Nipotina. He isn't a man to be messed with; he could hurt you or worse." She said shakily.

"Nana, if it's what needs to be, then I'd do it. I'd do it for the family."

"Do you even know who it is?" I shook my head. She took a deep breath before speaking, "The Don, the boss, is none other than Don Stefano Vitale."