Free Associates by S. W. Frank

you?”
    “Immense satisfaction.”
    “Seriously fratello, help a sister out.”
    He leaned on the door, smiling. “I am now your brother?”
    “Sí, Geo. You are family and I sincerely love you big brother.” It is the evocation of Semitra spoken to her betrothed on their wedding day in Tigrinya which shattered a stubborn Don’s will and brought a powerful lion undone. “I shall lay upon pillars of fire beside my love in protection of our children, burn I shall for the greater good of family. Set me to flame; for I shall gladly die Giacanti, my love’s name.”
    Ah, now Selange had him in her clutches with the declaration. Famiglia. The women’s oath of allegiance, taken by every Giacanti mother. Yes, famiglia was the center of his heart. It is his father who shared Semira’s pledge in confidence to an inquisitive son. Not any of the Giacanti women spoke the oath aloud, to do so to a Giacanti man served as a reminder of his duties to protect the woman who bore his son. He could not resist further. The charmer of men’s sugar was too sweet; her appeal too strong and Giuseppe relented. “What is this favor, my sister ?”
    “Do not toss Shanda out, it’s cruel. She’s my friend, true, but I haven’t disclosed our history, that’s your place. If you haven’t done it Geo she will never understand you or our family’s ways, capisce?”
    Giuseppe frowned. He pushed away from the door and walked the corridor with Gee at his heels. His pensive expression reflected how carefully he considered her words. Yes, his brother chose well. He considered it remarkable she spoke on the subject of family and safety when it is exactly why he sought to be rid of a potential problem. The interval stretched as Giuseppe paced. Time crept unnoticed to dawn. He had not spoken with Shanda about his family. These confidences he never shared with bedmates. The old Sicilians were familiar with the heritage of his famiglia, but many outsiders weren’t privy to the rumored tale. Perhaps, his mistake was seeing Shanda as a foreigner and not a member of the family. Wisdom comes in many ways. The least likely donna had relayed an indisputable truth.
    Giuseppe halted. The door to the nursery slowly opened and Shanda peeked out. He saw her humility and a mother’s concern. He would grant this favor and give the taxing woman sending sparks through his body one more chance. “Sí, cognata. I will talk with the other ‘S’ donna about family and allow her to remain with Carlo, but if she cannot accept our way and the necessity of the guards, then she must leave, alone, ” he said loud enough for Shanda to hear.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER EIGHT
     
     
    Saturday night, oh yeah. Party time!
    He had his four hundred dollars from helping out the seniors and aching as a result, but the pain would ease the moment he had some pussy. Oh yes it would!
    Sergio dressed in his finest, and when done he examined his reflection in the bedroom mirror attached to the door. He turned from side to side and winked at himself, because damn he looked good. “Yeah, tonight I’m in there, for real.”
    He collected his wallet and keys and stepped out the door. The corridor was filled with teens, mainly, Ms. Gail’s children and their friends. Sergio didn’t like to say bad stuff about minors, but this was the exception. The three girls and one boy ranging from the ages of twelve to seventeen had vulgar mouths and horrible names. Their biggest obstacles in life, besides their terrible disposition were those goddamn names ! 
    “Hi Sergio,” the girl Finesha waved.
    “Yeah, what’s up?” Sergio didn’t smile when he responded. The girl’s sixteen and fast for her age. Being too friendly might give a wrong impression and it’s the last thing a brother needed. Hell no, he didn’t want any drama from Finesha’s mean ass mama. The woman was notorious for having beef with everybody on the floor. He managed to avoid it by staying