PART ONE
It was a fairly warm day for London, I was sure, but being a Vegas girl and all, it still felt fuckin' freezing to me. I was used to the desert, and at least 70 degrees everyday...even on fuckin' Christmas. I even packed two different bikinis for the pool...like that was gonna happen. I got up from the leather couch in the "living room" section of my suite and foraged through my suitcase for one of the wool pullovers I had brought with me. I pushed my head and arms through it's soft (and yet somehow itchy) folds then walked over to the floor to ceiling window. With no Mother to correct me, I leaned my arm against the cool glass and took in the view of the new city I had just been brought to.
Four floors down, my father Angelo and the rest of Mayor Lanskey's thugs were meeting with the Kray twins. Apparently they were London's most notorious gangsters...I had never heard of them. The meeting had gone on for an hour or so now, and I was starting to get impatient. Angelo had promised me we'd go see the sites. Not that I was holding my breath, but if he didn't come through those double doors in the next half hour, I was breaking outta this joint and hitting London myself.
I plopped back down on the sofa and flipped through the TIME magazine that was sitting on the coffee table. They were all pages of American actors and singers boozing together and having a good time. Frank and the Rat Pack, Peggy Lee, and other such jokers. I had just left that world in Vegas...why the hell was it following me?
It was then I heard male voices coming from down the hall outside my door- sounded like the meeting had gone well. I dropped the magazine back onto the table, checked my hair and teeth and walked over to the drinks cart just as my father and the thugs walked into the room.
"Where's my Giuliana?" My father asked, looking around the room.
"I'm right here, Pops," I announced, then asked him what he would like to drink. He brushed off my question with an "eh" and told me to sit down. I obliged, sitting in an arm chair and flopping one leg over the other.
"Giuliana! You gotta wear pants?! We're in London for Christ sake!"
"What? They don't wear pants in London?" I held up my drink coolly. "Stop talkin' about me and start talkin' about the Kray twins!"
"Oy, boss…" Gino interrupted with a sigh before my father could respond. "You got your hands full with that one!"
Angelo leaned over and smacked Gino upside the head. "You talkin' 'bout my daughter that way? Shame on you! Talk a walk...the both of yu's!"
Gino stood up reluctantly and walked out, Vinny in tow. Angelo waited for them to close the door, they turned back to me.
"He's right you know, Giuliana...this ain't the States where you can do whatever you want."
I ignored his scoldings and took a sip of whiskey. No man would be the boss of me. My father took my silence as a sign of my understanding and continued.
"Okay, so...the DAMN are they cold, Giuliana!"
"Oh yeah…?"
"Oh yeah. Especially the big one...Ronnie. That boy's got some big costana's on him, I tell you that!"
"Why, what he say?"
"Well, since you's my darling daughter I won't dirty your ears with the subject of the conversation…"
"Yeah, darling is the word people think of when they see me…." I snorted, switching my legs to cross the opposite way. "Go on…"
"Anyways he turns to me and says 'I prefer boys'!" My father threw his hands in the air, flat out amazed. I myself nearly spat my whiskey back into the glass...but it was damn good so I kept it in.
"He said that, Pops?!" I laughed loudly after swallowing. "What did you say back?!"
"The only thing I could: Good for you!" My father exclaimed. "What else was I gonna say?"
I let my head roll back with wide mouthed laughter.
"Alright, alright, it weren't that funny…" My father stated blankly. I brought my gaze back to match his. It was that funny, he just didn't know why.
"And the other one? What's he like?"
"Reggie? Complete opposite." He got up to fix himself a drink. After a swig of whiskey, and he stood with one hand in his pocket, looking between myself, the drink and the view. "You know Giuliana...I'd let you marry Reginald Kray right on the spot."
"Excuse me?" I sat up slowly and set my glass down. My father had very rarely treated me like an equal. I was hoping that this trip would make that come to fruition, but so far it wasn't looking so good. Didn't he know I was my own person and not his property? I opened my mouth to say something.
"Now Giuliana before you go all crazy on me, let me explain." He poured himself another whiskey and sat back down. "No one's gettin' married, okay? But if he asked for you, he'd get you. No questions asked."
"Good to feel respected," I sneered standing up to pour myself another glass, but cooled my approach quickly. I decided not to fight him on this issue and let him win this round...I wanted to actually leave this hotel room today. "He was that great?"
"Oh, Giuliana, he was gorgeous! Well dressed, smart, didn't talk too much…"
"Hmm sounds like you should marry him…" I teased and sat beside my father, hoping to warm him up to my objective of seeing London...today. He "hmphed" in response, finding my tease slightly amusing. "So do I get to meet these big costana-ed, gorgeous men or just hear about them?"
My father drained his glass slowly. I could tell he was thinking about my question...he always used the "slow drink" to decide how he felt about something.
"I tell you what, Giules," He set his glass down on the table and cleared his throat. "You can come with the boys and me tomorra evening. The Krays got a club they want us to see. You can meet them then. Sound good?"
"Sounds good!" I smiled and kissed his pockmarked cheek. "You're my favorite father, you know that, right?"
"Yeah, yeah...sure." He stood up, not at all fooled. "Come on chicky, I promised you London."
xoxoxoxoxo
The jet lag and tired legs should have thrust me into a deep sleep that night after walking around London, but it didn't. I couldn't stop thinking about these English gangsters that seemed so bold and secure in themselves. I knew a lot of men, okay? I had five brothers, 10 uncles, and countless male cousins. All in the mafia if they knew what was good for them. I was no stranger to violence, corruption and dishonesty. But lying to yourself? That's a whole other can of worms. My sister Cynthia, God rest her soul, couldn't handle it. She killed herself at 17 years old. My mother did the same shortly after, leaving me to be the only woman in the house...which I never wanted to be in the first place.
I'll be honest with you...I missed my girlfriend, Sheila. Yeah, that's right...now you're getting it. Girlfriend. I had always liked girls. I liked boys too, don't get me wrong, but girls were special. Ever since before I could remember! It wasn't something I chose for myself, alright? I didn't wake up one day and say "You know what? Fuck you, world. I'm gonna be a bisexual from now on!" I think I was just born this way... honest to God, I was.
I wanted to meet Ron and talk about it, if he'd let me that is. I needed more homosexual friends. I was too cowardly to admit my sexuality to anyone except the girl I was in a relationship with...and I only had her due to luck. She called me on it (it was very uncomfortable). I seen her walk into the room and immediately couldn't stop staring. But she didn't mind, God bless her. No, she actually pulled down her top so I could see more of her breasts.
God I missed those breasts of hers...so full and round and soft. She wore the pants in the relationship, that was for sure, and God help me, I didn't care. For once, I honestly didn't.
Meeting Ron Kray was important. I needed it. I didn't know why exactly, but I did. Tomorrow night couldn't come fast enough, honest to God.
xoxoxoxoxo
I woke up to Vinny incessantly knocking on my door. I slowly opened my eyes, groaning in response that I was up. I checked the clock: 5pm. I sat up with a start. "God damn you, jet lag!"I groaned into my pillow.
Vinny continued knocking, his fat knuckles no doubt getting redder and redder.
"Giuliana? You up?" He inquired through the door.
"Fuck! Yes! I'm up!" I got out of bed and flung open the door. "Whadya want?!"
Vinny and Gino (who had remained quiet during this whole period) stepped back in surprise. Vinny's fist was still in mid-knock.
"Well?" I asked, fists on my hips. "What do you want?"
Gino cleared his throat suggestively. I looked down and realized I had slept in only my bra and panties.
"What? Never seen a girl in her undergarments before?" I cringed internally. God, I was embarrassed.
"Get dressed." Vinny commanded shakily. "We leave for the club in an hour."
"Hmph." I closed the door in their faces, mortified. I think I pulled it off though.
xoxoxoxoxo
We pulled up to Esmeralda's Barn at six sharp. There was already a line to get in the door, and it didn't open for another hour.
"Impressive," Angelo commented, his lips pouted and pulled up to his nose in surprised satisfaction. His sentiments matched my own, but I stayed quiet.
"You look very beautiful, Giuliana," he smiled, every syllable dripping with his thick Bronxian drawl of an accent.
"Thanks."
"Ready?"
I nodded my "yes" just as a very large, bald man opened the door of our car and stepped aside so my father could step out. As soon as he did, my father was greeted by a devilishly handsome blonde with a sharp nose and full lips. They exchanged a handshake and my father expressed his pleasure with the waiting line. They chatted for a moment while I remained in the car.
"You don't mind that I brought my daughter, Giuliana? She was very excited to see the club and London in general…"
"Wot? Nah, not at all!" The bald man opened the door again for the blond.
"You must be 'er then, eh?" A boyish smile flashed its way into the car. "Giuliana?How ya doin' love? Reggie Kray."
I took his hand and he pulled me up to my feet, all the while leading me with his dazzling eyes. I suddenly found myself resenting the fact I had worn pumps on an empty stomach. His hand was not much larger than my own, but it was strong enough that it left warmth in my fingers when he released its hold. I drew the collar of my overcoat closer together. "Nice to meet you, Reggie." I smiled as sweetly as possible in the cold wind. We all entered the club hurriedly, wanting to get out of the cold.
Our coats were checked in and our drinks order taken. I watched Reggie explain different aspects of the architecture of the club to my father. As we got to our table, Reggie offered me a seat. Which I of course took with a glittering smile.
Damn, I thought to myself. Angelo was right! He is gorgeous!
The men all seated themselves and got to talking about business and what a great deal they had struck. I tried not to think about him, but I couldn't help but wonder where the other one was...Ronnie. Would I know him when I saw him? I knew it was stupid to obsess over someone I'd never met, but I needed to meet him.
"Ah, there you are Ron!" Reggie announced, breaking my train of thought. I turned my gaze in the direction of Reggie's voice in the hopes of seeing his twin, and my God did I see him. A heavy, thick brow protruded over his eyes in a constant frown, and his eyes were shielded by horn-rimmed glasses. His glasses sat somewhat crooked on his formerly broken nose, and his lower jaw jutted out and seemed to be somewhat suspended and open...like a fish.
Ronald Kray was nowhere near as dashing as his brother, which was difficult to understand since they were practically identical. Besides the obviously larger build (he had a paunch and much thicker shoulders), I realized it was the eyes that were the main difference between them.
Reggie's sparkled and were present...playful. Ronnie's were glazed over, dark and still.
My father stood to shake Ron's hand, and introduced me. I stood and shook his hand, heart all aflutter. Ron mumbled his apologies and sat down beside his brother to eat with us. Conversation ensued, and I listened closely, hoping to learn all I could about the seedy business that allowed me to walk the streets with almost unchallenged power.
Halfway through the evening's conversations, a well groomed, heart shape faced young man came to call Ron away.
"Is it important, Teddy?" Ronnie grumbled slowly and thoughtfully...like a child trying to sound smarter than he actually was. "As you can see, I am entertaining."
"'Fraid so Ronnie, very important." Teddy confirmed with a solemn nod.
"Right," Ron set down his cutlery and took down the last of his champagne before wiping the corners of his mouth with surprising delicacy.
"Somefin' I should be aware of?" Reggie inquired with a casual eyebrow raised.
"You stay wiv our guests, Reg…" Ron rose slowly and clapped his brother on the shoulder. "We'll fetch you if we need yuh."
They walked away to tend to their business, leaving Reggie with a somewhat uncomfortable look on his face. He knows something. I brushed the thought aside and continue listening. It did not take long however until I had to excuse myself to the restroom. I obtained directions from the more handsome Kray and went to take care of personal matters of my own.
As I approached the restroom door, Teddy exited the men's room with Ronnie close behind. The timing was less than ideal as I caught Ron's large bejeweled hand caress and then smack Teddy's right ass cheek, drawing a childish giggle from Teddy.
"Miss Bruno," Ron drawled in greeting, glaring at me as he pushed Teddy away.
"Your cuff link has popped," I blushed before pushing my way into the women's bathroom. I immediately ran some cold water and splashed it on my face before using the toilet. These men were wild. Sex in the men's room? On a Saturday, the busiest day of the week?! They had guts, I'd give 'em that!
And could I have been more obvious about my embarrassment? I think not.
I sat there for a moment, gathering my nerves. I was gonna have to go back out there eventually. Angelo would send a goon in sooner or later otherwise. I pulled the chain and let my dress length drop to back to the tiled floor. I checked my appearance in the mirror, took a deep breath, and headed back out to the table, trying to convince myself that it was all in my head and that I was just tired.
As I approached the table, Ron immediately rose and held out a chair for me, which I cautiously descended upon as I reached for my water. As I sipped Ron shoved me into place, causing my body to jolt the whole table, and as a result drinks slopped over rims onto the table cloth.
"Watch it, Ron!" Reggie scolded as I coughed gracelessly into my glass. A waiter hurriedly brought over a few towels to mop up any major spills. I glared at the horn-rimmed eyes as he sat down across the table from me. His actions were completely intentional and had been performed completely without shame.
"You must excuse my bruva," Reggie apologized. "He's 'ad a hard week wiv the trial and all, innit Ronnie?"
All eyes fell upon the thick-bodied man, wondering exactly how he intended to save face after such a blatantly obvious attack. Ron cleared his throat.
"Urrr…. yes. Miss Giuliana, I am very sowwy for this incident…" He stood up from his seat and walked over to my side. I watched him nervously, ready to ward off an attack. Instead he offered me his hand. "May I have this dance?"
I looked at him in surprise, completely gobsmacked. Staring into the large hand in front of me, my mind raced through my options.
"Don't leave the man standing there, child!" My father called through the fog of thoughts. "Go dance!" He encouraged.
I reluctantly took Ron's hand, refusing to break eye contact as I rose. I refused to show fear. He lead me to the dance floor and proceeded to foxtrot.
"You're not very good at this, are you?" He jabbed. I didn't respond, not wanting to shed an approving light on his rudeness.
"Oh, tough girl are we?" He jeered as he took me into a dip. The dip was so low my curls started to pool on the ground and my breath got caught in my throat. Leaning in closer, he whispered intimately. "If you make light of my choices again you Yank cunt, I will personally slice you limb from limb and have you disposed of in the Thames."
My body was starting to shake from holding the deep pose. I met his fierce glare once more, resolve clearer than ever.
"I'm not afraid of you, Ronald Kray."
His brow furrowed deeply as he brought me back up. Everyone else on the floor was looking at us...frozen.
"Bravo, Mr. Kray! Bravo!" My father clapped, approaching us to cut in...he was clearly worried about me.
"Big fuckin' mistake, Miss Bruno…" Ron forced through his teeth, seething.
"Just know you're not the only one with certain...tastes." I smiled fakely as my father reached us.
"You're quite a dancer, Mr. Kray…" Angelo chuckled tersely. "Mind if I cut in?"
"Mmmm." Ron grunted and dropped my hands, allowing my father to take them and lead me into a waltz.
"You alright, kid?" He whispered.
I watched Ron and Teddy leave the club, my father's question echoing in my ears.
"Yeah, yeah!" I smiled tiredly up at him. "Just fine."
And so my strange relationship between myself and Ronald Kray had officially begun.
