Page 1 of Reckless Desires

Prologue

Lily

The sun dips low in the sky, casting golden hues over the sprawling garden of the newest Costello estate where Providence’s most elite gather for a celebration. Fairy lights twinkle like stars above, and the delicate aroma of jasmine wafts through the air, mingling with the laughter and clinking glasses of the early evening's festivities. I stand at the entrance, my heart a whirlwind of emotions, watching as Clarissa, the mother-to-be, greets guests with the kind of radiant smile that could light up the darkest of rooms.

“Lily!” Clarissa calls, her voice bright and effervescent. “This looks amazing! Thank you for putting this together. You should really get into event planning.” She loops her arm around mine.

“When Alessio said there was no budget, how could I resist?” Forcing a smile, I continue, “Not everyone will be able to afford something like this. I’m not sure I could work with people on a budget.”

Clarissa laughs, holding her belly with one hand. “Maybe Alessio will finally pop the question tonight.”

“I’m sure when the time is right,” I assure her. “You’re having his baby, so I don’t think you’re going anywhere.”

What more could she ask for? Carrying the heir to the Costello family is the peak of a woman’s existence here in Providence. It doesn’t matter if they are criminals, not when they have the money and power to do what they please.

“It would be nice if my little boy had someone to play with,” Clarissa arches her brow with a smile. “Or possibly a girl we could arrange his marriage to.”

I laugh although my stomach cringes. “If you’re insisting on me fulfilling that wish, I’d need a husband... or at least a man to help with that.”

“Lily, your sisters I’m sure can secure that without an issue. With Stasia married to Darius, Alessio’s underboss, and Selene married to Cameron, one of Alessio’s advisors, you can have your pick at a pool of men with status!” She places a hand on her heart. “So happy Selene found happiness after Sal’s tragic passing.”

Nodding my head, I say, “Stasia and Selene were very lucky in the love department.”

“How’s your mother? Is she back from her trip in Europe?”

“She should be back any day now. Her new boyfriend extended their trip.”

“Champagne?” Clarissa offers as she waves down a waitress holding a tray filled with crystal flutes. “You go have fun while I greet the rest of the guests.”

Clarissa walks off before I open my mouth. As the guests, dressed in designer gowns and tailored suits, mingle, I can’t help but feel the weight of my own reflection in the surroundings. I’m wearing a stunning navy blue dress that hugs my curves, the fabric shimmering like the ocean at twilight. Compliments fly around me like confetti, and yet, for every “You look amazing, Lily!” I receive, a pang of something deeper tugs at my heart.

The Costello estate is alive with the laughter of Providence’s elite, a world where success and wealth drape around their necks like pearls. The names being thrown around are those of powerful families, influential figures in the community, and the kind of people whose children are often destined for great things. I was once part of that same destiny before falling from grace after my father passed almost two years ago. Tomasso Andretti, a high-ranking capo, was killed and taken too soon from us—me, really. No one knew he left us with nothing other than my mother and sisters. Darius had taken the responsibility of handling our finances for a short time until Selene had married Sal, the head of the Costello family, who had taken on the burden. After Sal passed, there was no one to carry that weight. Stasia always warned Mother and me about our spending habits, but I didn’t realize how bad things were until it was too late.

Spotting my sisters huddled together laughing, I walk over to join them.

“Lily!” Selene’s face lights up seeing me. “This dress is just stunning on you.”

I force a smile. “Thanks. Picked it up from a boutique in Paris.”

“How are you feeling?” Stasia asks. “Is the new medication working?”

“So far the pain is manageable.” My reply is quick, as I wanted to avoid this topic altogether. “Surprised you’re here and that you have something other than those tacky scrubs in your closet.”

Rolling her eyes with a smirk, she responds, “I’m here to show face. The underboss can’t show up to something like this without his wife, so here I am. But trust me, I’d be having more fun at the hospital. Huge surgery happening and I’m missing it for this.” Her arm gestures to the space around us. “I told Darius he owes me BIG TIME.”

“You really outdid yourself, Lily,” Selene smiles. “This looks amazing. Although I’m a little offended I didn’t get an ice sculpture at the baby shower you threw me,” she teases.

“Only the best for the head of the family,” I reply in a bored tone. “And that’s not your husband.”

“Hey,” Selene playfully nudges me. “Cameron is one of the top advisors.”

I shrug. “Maybe if you make me Godmother to your next child, I’ll make sure there are live unicorns.”

“If I knew you wanted to be one so badly…” Selene replies, laughing.

Stasia places her hand on her belly. “Don’t worry, Lily. I’ll keep you a top contender.”

“Omg,” Serafina gasps as tears swell her eyes. “Stasia, are you really?”