Married to the Devil-Closed

[Perplexia]

Catalina Russo age 19 was adopted from the St. Marys orphanage at the age of five by the esteemed Russo family. She had been at the orphanage for as long as she knew, left on their doorstep as an infant in a wicker basket, and all she had that wasn’t seized by her new family was a rattle and a wooden horse. With an odd engraving on the bottom of it.

Her new family, pretended to want a playmate for their daughter Olivia. Instead what they were looking for was free labor. She was left in her orphan dress and given a list of chores to complete daily, every year that she got older, the more was added to her list. Because of the laws of education, and she was technically listed as their daughter, she was allowed to go to school, which she took great reprieve in, and found great solace in books. Her math was actually quite good.

Reading was her escape from the beatings, the humiliation and the constant abusive life she had been placed in. Her room was a small pantry with a mat and a flat pillow. When she finished primary school they added more chores to her list.

The Mafia Don Vargo was thought to be disfigured, and a monster. The rumor was that he had murdered his first wife. The reason why seemed to vary. He was rarely seen in public and feared by all who heard his name. He was Evil incarnated so the rumor said, some swore he had a pact with the devil. Others believed he was the devil.

Catalina knew very little about the Mafia or who ruled what. When the order came that the Russo’s had give him their daughter to marriage, they knew they couldn’t object. But the order hadn’t said which. So they decided their precious little Olivia couldn’t be subjected to such a monster. They decided it would be Catalina, though that would mean they'd need to get a new maid and cook.

The day arrived and they didn’t even tell her until they were at the church. She had been cleaned , dressed up into a white fancy dress, her copper locks placed in a tight bun, and a thick veil placed on her head. It was then she was told she would marry Vargo. “But I don't know him” she pleaded. For that she got a smack across the face , another red mark to go with her many bruises and scars covered by the long sleeve dress.

“You will do as you're told, if you don’t you will be beaten then thrown on the street.” She nodded as a tear ran down her face. They wiped it away and gave her modest makeup that highlighted her bright green eyes. The veil was placed down and her ‘father’ walked her down the aisle. "remember you will agree" she hissed in here ear with a hard squeeze on her upper arm which would leave a mark as well.

With the veil covering her face she stood next to her groom, with her eyes focused on the floor.

 

[Kevinjkson]

[Don Vargo, 43, 6' 2", a very fit 210 lbs. Hair streaked prematurely with grey, and a tightly cropped goatee.]

He rarely put up with annoyance. Since destroying his competitors in a literal burst of fire; he had been the unquestioned Don of the mafia in this region. His cruelty was unmatched, his strength unparalleled - he made sure that everyone knew it was so. But this latest thing - that he had to take a wife - it was almost too much to bear.

It was his mother of course. She was the only one who had power over him. The only one who could question him. And she was determined to attend a wedding, a proper wedding, in a real church, before she passed into the next life. She made that clear, very very clear, to her only son. Repeatedly. Until finally Vargo conceded, and assigned his consigliere the task of finding a suitable bride and bringing her to the church - no questions asked.

Vargo was a self-made man. And a self-reliant one. He did not need a wife, and he did not want one. But he would not disappoint his mama - that was clear in his own mind, and perfectly so in hers. And so here he was. In his best black tie and jacket, standing at the alter, ready to marry god only knew who.

He most certainly did not.

 

[Perplexia]

The priest went on then he got to the turn to face each other, say the I do's, put the rings on, and he could lift the veil and kiss his bride.

Catalina was looking for any exit that she could run through. But there weren't any that didn't have what she assumed were his men, not covering.

The only reason she was here was because they refused to let Olivia marry him. So the adopted daughter it was. She wondered how much they had gotten for her. Or was it to repay a debt from the fathers gambling? Anything was possible. Perhaps he'd commit her to a convent, so he could marry whatever woman would work for him.

Now to the reception, but first she had to change into a different gown. She went in the room alone and changed out of her wedding dress. She heard her 'mother' on the other side of the door trying to get in.

One of the guards asked if she wanted her to be allowed in. That was the first time that she had ever been asked what she wanted. "No" she said flatly. She put the long sleeved gown on, it wasn't the prettiest. But it wasn't rags, It was just a simple light blue dress without much frills.

She looked at the make up and wasn't sure quite what to do with it. so she simply re applied her lipstick, and blotted. The wedding ring seemed heavy on her tiny fingers. When she was ready, she opened the doors and they walked her out to the car where the Don was already in.

Catalina didn't say anything, she just looked out the window. It was like discovering a new world. Other then being allowed to go to school, today was the first time she'd actually been out in public.

 

[Kevinjkson]

All was as it should be. The church lit brightly with the summer sun. Mama in the front row, beaming. The flowers that pale yellow that was almost, but not quite, cream. These things he noticed in passing - more a question of quality control than aesthetics. He was a man with his own mind, not easily moved by the needs of others. But once he had decided to give mama what she wanted; he did it, like everything else in his life, with attention to every detail.

Once the ceremony was over, it was back to work. He sat in the leather seat of the black Suburban - the armored vehicle of choice for leaders around the world - and browsed through his Signal messages to make sure nothing transpired in his realm that required his personal attention. Little did at this point, his subordinates had been fired in the kiln of his piercing gaze over many years, and they were all excellent, or dead. But still he checked, just to be sure, as he always did.

His mind registered the other door opening, the girl's trepidacious pause, his guard's gruff admonition, her cautious entry. But his focus was elsewhere, she did not matter. Just another detail to be dealt with at the proper time, in the proper way.

 

[Perplexia]

"If you would be so kind Don Vargo to provide me with a list of my chores, and point me to where I'm to stay when we get to your home, I'll get started right away" Why should she assume one prison was any different than another.

Catalina continued to stare out the window at the body of water. 'so pretty' she said partially under her breath. Of course she'd seen lakes and such in books. But had never been afforded the luxury.

They arrived at the gates to his estate. The mansion was a mile down the road, and the estate was vas. With the amount of guards posted around that she observed as the car drove in. It was very clear that escaping, was not only going to be almost impossible, but that it would take her months of watching and learning to figure out the best way to do it.

That was of course if she lived that long. With her luck something would upset him, and he'd just kill her. Honestly, that might be the preferred thing. Having to endure more of what she'd just came from, it just wasn't something she had the stomach to do.

When he moved his hand she flinched, and her body went tense.

 

[Kevinjkson]

Vargo had made a living, made a fortune, made an empire; by reading people better than anyone else. He was merciless at the poker table, the embodiment of the statement that you don't play the game, you play the players.

He had barely noticed her until she spoke, distracting him from his phone, and forcing him to glance at her.

And what he saw, he did not like. Not at all.

There were marks. Those on her skin poorly covered with makeup. Those on her soul more visibly displayed, at least to him. She saw her future as a prison - likely a continuation of her previous life - that much was clear from her 'question.'

He scowled as he moved to put his phone away in his pocket, her body language screaming a tale of abuse and torment.

He had not wanted this. Not asked for it. But now she was his wife, in name if nothing else, and this simply would not do. It would not do at all.

"A suite has been set aside for your use girl. I have assigned you a single maid for now - if you require more help you will make that clear to Katherine, and she will see to it. A car and driver are at your disposal. Don't worry about money, anyone within driving distance will know who you are and where to send the bill."

"Your only 'chore' is to live your life. Enjoy yourself. From time to time, I will require your presence by my side at dinners and such, especially those attended by my loving mother. My staff is fully capable of taking care of the house and grounds, as well as any needs that I might have personally."

There was a certain tone is his voice as he said that last part - and as a girl who had learned from a young age to read the mood of her keepers, she could not miss it. His 'needs' were not something to be discussed - most certainly not with her...

"Go now and get yourself settled. I had assumed that your baggage would have been delivered, but now I guess that you arrive with little to call your own. Katherine will see to the basics, and then you will shop for an appropriate wardrobe. You may dress as you prefer most of the time, but for those events that I mentioned, you will need suitable clothes."

 

[Perplexia]

She couldn't quite grasp what he was offering her. It could be a trick, she was tricked often by her 'family'. The moment she had gained hope they actually cared, they would smash it to pieces while laughing at her pathetic-ness. for believing she was worth it.

"Please don't trouble yourself, i don't require a maid, I can clean an such on my own. Should just be one small case with a few of the same garments, and a couple items. I require nothing else." she had noticed he mentioned his needs. She knew that her 'father' had his selection of 'toys' which often left her 'mother' in a foul mood.

She wasn't swayed by that at all. It just told her she was not to be used like that. Not that she knew very much about it. "I um" she stopped watching his face for the first time to anticipate if she needed to duck or not. "I would only cause you embarrassment at those functions. I don't know anything about the proper attire etcetera."

With that her door opened. She looked at the staff lining the outer stairs to congratulate their nuptials. Even her 'maid outfit', wasn't that fancy. She walked inside and Katherine introduced herself and took her to her own 'suite'.

When the door shut behind them, she went and wiggled the handle finding it unlocked. Katherine just gave her and odd look. She went to her little child size suitcase and unpacked the rattle and the horse, placing them by her bedside.

Katherine looked at the rags in the bag, and decided to take one to the Don to see. "If you could just unzip this?" she asked regarding her after wedding outfit. Katherine nodded and came behind her. As she unzipped it, she saw the lashing scars upon her back, the bruises and other scars that Catalina kept hidden. She made a note of how many and would included that in the report to the Don

Your private bath is through there Katherine said opening the bathroom door. Catalina's eyes got wide as her jaw dropped. Her bathroom was an actual bathroom. Not a bucket she would have to empty. It was also larger than the pantry where she had spent years sleeping.

With all the excitement, and that she hadn't eaten she started to get lightheaded. She told Katherine she could go. Taking a pillow from the bed she laid down in the corner where her back could be against a wall. It was place she felt she could disappear, and she went to sleep.

 

[Kevinjkson]

Katherine, well, she was not pleased. Don Vargo had expectations. Katherine was in charge of making sure, certain, that those expectations were met. In every possible detail.

She also attended to, how shall we say, to the Don's other 'preferences.' She had a PhD in Microbiology, a mind that had been underestimated more times than she could count, and a body that led directly to the underestimation - but she had chosen to dedicate her life to him, rather than to her work. Their relationship went far beyond thay which society could easily accept, and as a result was cloaked in a veil of secrecy that only the Don could assure, the details hidden from all but his most trusted capo's.

Mama would never have approved, or Vargo would have married Katherine instead of this 'girl' - but she was not from a suitable heritage. And so here we were, another layer added to the curtains that hid his real love from what the outside world saw.

When she saw Catalina's body, saw the marks and scars the told the tale of her life; it was all that she could do to remain calm. But the Don had taught her to play the long game, never to react in the moment, and so she kept her counsel until she could brief him in person.

She admonished the maid that had been assigned to Catalina, Carolina, to take good care of her; and then had retreated to the other wing of the house - the wing that only she, Vargo, and a very select few other men and women were permitted to see. And there they spoke long into the night.

 

[Perplexia]

Catalina awoke in her corner, the light streaming in through the balconies light. Katherine came in with her cheerful disposition. She didn't react to seeing the girl in the corner. She simply placed a tray of food on a small table.

"The Don has ordered some new outfits for you. Once you've eaten, and bathed. We'll get you dressed. Then we'll go shopping if you're up to it."

Catalina looked at her suspiciously. "This is not a trick or a trap, you won't be hurt here." Katherine said softly. "you are the Donna, you have a role to play, and that ensures your safety and importance." she added lightly.

"Come sit and eat" she said softly Cat slowly rose and took a seat at the table slowly raising the silver covers that kept her food warm. Before her was a feast of food she'd never had the luxury to consume. She slowly placed syrup over her french toast. Katherine went about slowly as to not scare the girl placing her pillow back on the bed.

Cat ate until she couldn't. Nothing happened. The food wasn't taken away, she didn't have anything thrown at her. "There's everything you need in the bathroom. If you don't like the scent of the shampoo or soap they will be changed. I'm here to ensure your comfort Donna" she said softly giving a slight bow.

"If you would like a bath, I'll run it for you." Cat looked at her "I will take a shower" she said softly. "very well Donna, I'll bring you in a few outfits for you to choose from." Katherine replied backing slowly from the room and softly shutting the bedroom door.

Catalina rose and went into the bathroom. It was spotless, there was a pile of fresh towels, it smelled of a gentle lavender smell. She took the shell of her old dress off and got into the shower. The hot water felt good on her skin as she used the soap and shampoo. The scents of them was an overwhelming calmness. It wasn't something she was used to. But definitely something she could become used to.

She came from the shower and put on a robe It was the softest most comfortable thing that had ever touched her skin. Katherine gave a slight knock on the door before entering and brought in a rack with clothes for her. They were all stylish high priced dresses. "These are all yours, pick whatever you'd like to wear Donna" Katherine said softly.

"All mine?" Catalina questions. "yes Maam" she answered. "I think the green would be particularly stunning with your hair and eyes. Madame" she added. "ok" she said picking the green dress off of the rack. Katherine gave her a store box that contained bras and underwear as well.

"You may get dressed behind the privacy screen or in the restroom if you'd like. I'll be right here if you need any assistance." Katherine told her gripping her hands and lowering her head in a submissive manner.

Cat got dressed never having seen undergarments of such softness and quality, she placed the bra and underwear on behind the privacy screen. Then she placed on the dress. It fit her well, not too tight, not too loose. It reminded her of some of the outfits her 'mother' wore. She stepped out and sat down at her vanity table to brush her hair. Katherine came to her and gently took the brush from her. When Katherine raised her hand , Cat flinched and crouched.

She slowly lowered her hand. "I'm simply brushing your hair madame. No one will hurt you here" she repeated firmly. She began slowly brushing her hair and styled it up for her. Then she opened a box that contained a sparkling necklace that worked with the outfit and placed it on her. Here ears hadn't held earrings since she was in the orphanage. So Katherine placed some small ones in her ears carefully.

 

[Kevinjkson]

The maid Carolina had been briefed early that morning. The Don and Katherine, who ran his home and was his partner in all things, had reached decisions.

First, the Donna must be made comfortable. It would be Carolina's task to ensure that, to make certain that as she bathed and dressed and ate she would feel safe. Clothes were purchased, alterations hastily but properly made as necessary. Toiletries had already been placed in the bathroom - every decision was revisited with the Donna's apparent history in mind. Anything that might trigger a negative response or remind her of her past was replaced or removed while she slept. Carolina was well trained, as were all of the servants in the home, able to move silently as needed.

The rattle and the horse were inspected while she bathed - they were clearly significant, and nothing of signifcance would go unstudied. The mark on the bottom of the horse was noted, photographed, determining its provenence added to the list of mysteries.

Meanwhile, Vargo assigned a trusted lieutenant, Samuel, to unearth the secrets of the girl's past, and to bring back a dossier that he and Katherine could review. Everything that the household learned about the new Donna was reported to to Samuel, so that he would have every bit of context that they could gather to support his research.

At Katherine's insistence, Vargo agreed not to see or speak to Cat on this first day. He would be the root of her concern, her insecurity, Katherine insisted - the girl must be allowed to settle before he could question her. But question her he would, when the time was right. Someone had made a grave mistake, offering a girl to the Don who had been so mistreated. That someone would pay, there was no need to discuss that - it was a given.

 

[Perplexia]

Katherine introduced Carolina as her maid going forward. Advising that she would be responsible for her day to day needs. Katherine led her from the safety of her room to the stair case she'd been led up from just the day before.

At the bottom of the stairs there were six rather tall intimidating looking men with their heads bowed, and hands grasped in front of them. "These are your personal security team" 'Donna', they all said at once.

"The Don requires that his wife is protected at all times" Katherine explained. "They will ensure your safety and follow your directives, as long as they do not contradict that of the Dons."

"This is Georgios, he is your first. That means he will take care of paying for you, opening doors for you, and being your shield if need be." Georgios placed his hand over his heart with a light rap, a salute of sort. "This is Matteo, he will be your driver, and yours alone." Matteo repeated the same hand over heart response. She introduced the other four as well front car, and rear car. The rear car was just for her purchase, the front was for additional.

"Remember they are here for your safety. The Don is a very important and your empire, his and yours, is sought after by many. You are an extension to him. If they get to you, they get to him. That's not meant to scare you Donna, just to help you understand."

Catalina was beginning to understand the role she was in. She took a deep breath exhaling slowly. "The Donna will be going to this list of boutiques" she handed it to Matteo. "I'll be going with you today, the Don has a specific list of events you will need to dress for."

 

[Kevinjkson]

As the day passed, Vargo's anger grew.

He was not a man to be fucked with. What were they thinking, to have offered him such a broken girl as wife? How did they expect him to react? He was known for being fair, treating with his people honestly. He could be cruel, yes. Vicious if needed. But with his own he was always reasonable, as long as they treated him with respect.

Mama may have forced him into this. But now he was here. This girl was his wife. In name only perhaps, but still, Don Vargo's wife.

Those who had done this to her would suffer, of that he was certain. And the girl would be healed, no matter what it took, no matter how long.

When the next day dawned, and Katherine's injunction against seeing her expired, then he would have the story from the girl's own mouth...

That was the thought that kept him awake for an hour, staring at the ceiling, hands making fists over and over again.

 

[Perplexia]

"This way Donna" Georgios said opening the door. The rest of the security team moved when he did positioning themselves at each end of the three black SUV's out front. Georgios held out his hand for her to assist her down the stairs.

She looked at Katherine who nodded and followed behind. Georgios sat up front with Matteo. The first boutique they went to Katherine had her measured and watched her like a hawk. It was imperative to her that no triggers be set off.

To Catalina this wasn't exactly fun. But it wasn't terrible either. She had to try on several ball gowns, and all the bells and whistles that went with them. Due to being malnourished, she was rather short. So the dresses would have to be altered, and would be delivered.

The next store was a jewelry shop, and Katherine had taken photos of the ball room dress' to compare. She picked a few and let Catalina pick her favorites of the group. The prices on them seemed to be outrageous.

But she knew little of those things. They stopped by a lingerie' store for some sleeping attire, with a couple of spicier things. Catalina didn't have one thought or another behind them. That would have required her having an actual understanding of men or their preferences.

Obviously she knew how babies were made. But didn't think much about it. After all to her knowledge her 'father' never had sex with her 'mother'.

Once the shopping was done they returned back to the Mansion. The gentlemen followed her up the stairs and placed the bags on her dresser for the maid to put away. When everyone had left she went out to the balcony where she got a beautiful view of the garden.