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The news of the engagement had come as a great shock to Francesca Puttanesca. All the other sisters had been able to find themselves someone and Franny was the last sister left. The fact that her father even knew she still existed at all amazed her. He spent so much of his time ignoring them over their brother. While Nico resented their father in kind. Franny kind of resented them both to be honest. But how much confidence did that show he had for her to be able to make a match for herself? Or at least a good match. She had always dated meat heads, those that worked for her father. Great big muscle bound guys who thougutbleave me alone meant take me I’m yours. And she had found herself time and again having ended up in a relationship that was not quite what she had had in mind. Oh, she knew there was no changing them but to say Francesca had a type was an understatement. They just kept drawing her in.

So when the news had broke to her she had been in shock for an entire week. Slowly processing the fact that in a brief flicker of time she would be a mated woman and no longer living in her family’s mansion. Married to Schlomo Rothstein. A man she knew little about except for his reputation. He was certainly nothing like Eloisa’s Machiavelli she had managed to snag herself. Who her sister talked about constantly while they worked at the salon. In fact, Romeo was all she talked about most days. No, he wasn’t quite that refined. If he was refined at all.

But she was used to that type of man. She was surrounded by them.

Francesca had spent all day doing her hair, nails and make up in preparation for his arrival. She had only seen Schlomo from afar, they had never really interacted before this day so they were some nerves but she swallowed them down the best she could. She was a Puttanesca. A strong and proud woman. If he wanted soft and timid, Schlomo would be sorely disappointed. She would put on her best smile and try her best not to offend him. She could be loud and maybe just the littlest bit ditzy at times. Eloisa called her naive. Franny called herself fun. She liked to shop and have a good time. Gossiping with Eloisa and Adelaide at their salon. Her life had been uneventful but she enjoyed it.

All things eventually changed. At least, certain aspects of one’s unlife anyhow.

Dark wavy hair framed an elegantly pale face. A red flower tucked behind her ear. Lips just as red as that flower as he donned one of her more nicer dresses that wasn’t part of a work outfit. A solid purple glittery dress, her favorite color. It cut off about mid thigh and she wore a pair of black stiletto heels that were at least three inches. Her and Eloisa’s favorite type of shoe to wear. They were practical, at least they thought so, plus that just made you look good. It wasn’t long before she was being escorted to one of the sitting rooms and told to head inside. She ducked in a small breath as she stepped into the room. Light blue eyes landing on the man that stood there slouched as he turned to regard her. A bright smile on her painted lips appeared as he greeted her but it slipped only slightly at his question.

A look of confusion came to her face as she blinked. “How do I want to do this?” What did that mean exactly? It was rare that the men in her family ever asked her what she wanted. Normally it was do this because you were told to do it.

If she had been upset by the fact that he hadn’t been in a suit it didn’t show. In all honesty she was kind of glad he wasn’t. Being around men in suits always made her nervous. Like you had to be on your best behavior because there was manly business going on. And usually when that happened Franny was meant to be seen, not heard. But that could also be said about any time spent around her father and he rarely ever wore suits. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she had seen him in one. And certainly any previous beau were not suit-wearers either. She would be lucky if they didn’t have blood on their clothes when they took her out. What she wore was meant more for him anyhow. Be presentable, make him want to look at you. Francesca was by no means a slob but after a day on her feet at the salon the last thing she looked like was presentable. Luckily Eloisa and Addy were covering her clients for her to be here.

Her gaze swept over him, noting his attire. The mussed brightly colored hair. He was charming in his own way and certainly not bad to look at. It wasn’t the first time she had seen him and perhaps those past few times she might have taken a longer look than necessary but could she really be blamed? The way his shirt hung open just so….

When he looked away briefly a soft sigh passed through her lips. An unnecessary breath held in anticipation.

If her father thought little of Schlomo he thought even less of Franny. No, she supposed her father didn’t really think anything of her at all.

“Oh. Oh!” She laughed. Perhaps a little louder than she meant to. He just wanted to talk about the arrangement and wanted her to pick the setting of their conversation. “Well, a walk would be nice.” Prying ears of course. Certainly her sisters were listening through the vents as they often did when they wanted to spy a little. The reasons behind the arrangement were of no concern for her. Someone was getting something out of it and that was as far as interest in that went for her.

Again with what she wanted to do. It was still a big strange to her but she wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. In all honesty it was refreshing being allowed to choose. Shlomo could have just come up here and steamrolled her like most of the men in her family did but he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable.

That last little bit had her bright blue eyes narrow just the tiniest bit. Would he really hold her hostage here if she had refused to talk to him? Franny turned now, closing her eyes as a mild look of indignation crossed her beautiful face and her nose wrinkled just a touch. “Then I suppose luckily for you I’m willing to have a chat, Shlomo. Otherwise you may have been trapped here for a long time.” An eye cracked open to glance at him, gauging his reaction.

Franny knew a little about the Rothstein family. A small, minor family with few members currently in their ranks. The gossip pools of the salon didn’t speak much about them but Shlomo was not exempt from them and she had heard a little talk about him. An up and coming young head of a new age house looking to carve out a niche in the famiglia for his own. He was methodical if not a bit hot headed when it came to those who really crossed him. But Francesca was used to those types of men. Her father often came home bloody himself, it was just common place in their world. He was rather good looking and she said a silent prayer to Grendel for that.

But gossip pools couldn’t tell you about a person deep down inside. And Franny knew it would be a challenge to even scratch at that wall he used to keep others are arms length. He could be stubborn? Well so could she. And she was determined to make this work no matter what she had to do. If this marriage was a failure what would that say about her? Well. Nope, she was now more determined than ever.

As he moved to leave the room she quickly followed after him. His gate was quick and his strides long so she had to almost double step to keep up. Her heels clicking against tile floor of the hallway. Nodding her head to him in thanks as he opened the doors for her. At least he could be a gentleman in that aspect. When they reached the outside she took in a deep breath of fresh air. Highly unnecessary but she enjoyed the smells of the grounds of her home. While they weren’t quite as elegant as the main family’s grounds they had their own little pockets of places that were nice to visit or lounge in. She was quiet for a time until they finally reached one of the small bridges that stretched out over a pond. Stopping to lean a hip against the wooden railing. A warm smile came to her lips at his words. Her head tilted ever so slightly, the pair of dangling earrings swaying with the motion before she turned to lean her backside against the bridge. “You act as if you expect us to not get along, Shlomo. Is that because you believe I’m like my father? Let me assure you we couldn’t be more different.” She reached out confidently to pat his arm lightly before a grin spread her lips.

Ah, so he wanted to know her expectations. Well Franny was curious about his as well. She had an idea about what some of them might be. Keep her nose out of trouble, be attentive eye candy, kids. Well, that was a little too early for that last one. “Then tell me. What are your expectations of me? I am curious to know.” She could only imagine. The gambling nods amused her just a little bit but her expression didn’t change. It was still pleasant as ever. Francesca did notice that he kept glancing down every now and again. Ah, a true man at heart. Obviously her outfit choice had been a good one. The Puttanesca knew what she had and could put it to good use when she wanted. He wasn’t the only one who could be methodical.

She was pretty sure that he wasn’t at all very convinced of her words. Shlomo seemed more like a show me than a tell me kind of man which she could appreciate. Talk could be cheap and really he had no reason to trust what she had said. Well, she would just have to change that for him. Franny didn’t want a mate who didn’t or couldn’t trust her. They were supposed to be partners after all. At least that was how she imagined it. Her own father and mother had been amicable at best. There was no great love there but she assumed the Elder Puttanesca confided in her from time to time at the very least though she could not say they were partners in all things. Not when it came to the running of the household. Like Franny, he always seemed so disappointed in her mother.

Francesca didn’t want that from Shlomo.

She listened to his expectations and they seemed reasonable enough. The Puttanesca daughter could agree with them just the same. While her sisters liked to gossip, she was smart enough to know when to keep her mouth shut. At least most of the time. She had not revealed any great family secrets because well….she just East privileged enough to know them. That lay with her brother Nico. The Ancilla had a hand in her rearing as well. Each sister he had taken and taught them how to handle themselves. So she was no damsel in distress when it came down to it. Franny could put a nail file to good use if she needed to. But that was only done on rare occasions. When he particular set of skills were needed in the back rooms of the salon for VIP guests.

But even so, even in Eloisa and Addy pried her for details she would never betray her mate’s trust like that. Whatever she learned once they were officially together would remain between them alone. While the prospect of having an in to the inner workings of the Rothstein family might have seemed like a good avenue for her father she suspected he thought so little of her to use her in that way. But then it wouldn’t have been the first time her father had surprised her. Whatever he was scheming she was also not privileged to.

“Those seem reasonable enough. Then you must understand that, even if I did know my family’s weaknesses, I have enough respect for my family not to reveal them to you, either. So that would start off the list of my own expectations. Do not ask because O will not tell.” It wasn’t to protect her father. No, not in the least. While she didn’t love the man she did love her sisters and a threat to Riccardo Puttanesca put them all in danger and Franny would never be able to live with herself if that ever happened. Directly or indirectly. It would be a hard line for her as well. And hopefully one that would at least prove to him that she would be loyal to him in the end. She would still love her family, but she would be a Rothstein soon enough. And her energy would be better put to use for this small budding family. The female vampire laughed lightly at the mention of children. It was a charming and melodic laugh. She had expected that part. Having so many siblings as she did to be honest she expected the same for herself. “Well, perhaps more than a couple.” She said matter of factly. If she could have it her way they might have their own little brood but that was for discussion later. “It seems our expectations are quite aligned. I have no issue with anything you have laid out on the table so far.”

As they continued to walk she gazed upon the grounds which would likely be one of the last times she’d be able to. She would be too busy running the salon and helping build up the Rothstein family to spend much time at the mansion. “I do have a question if you might humor me?” Turning towards him she smiled again. “It’s…it’s kind of silly I’m sure but what’s your favorite color?” She could at least start the process in getting to know him better at the very least. Of course, there would be plenty of time for that. But why not start now? She wanted to know more about him, to learn what he would allow her to know. And maybe he would like to get to know her on a more personal level to. He did say he wanted to get along after all. And maybe, just maybe, if something more developed well….she’d be open to that happening too.

Franny, in fact, knew very little about much of the workings, deals, weaknesses or anything of the like when it came to the Puttanesca family. Her father thought all his daughters were useless and he invested very little time into any of them. Women were definitely looked down upon and disregarded all the time in this place. Franny had honestly been the only one of her sisters to follow her fsther’s plans for her. All the other girls had found their own significant others. But this was just fine by Franny. Maybe her father would look a bit more favorable upon her for doing as he had told her. Not that she wanted him proud of her or anything. In all honest her father was just…..that. A man with a title that he rarely fulfilled. Too busy with his deals and schemes to be a family man.

Gold. Good to know, though Francesca could see how it would be. She knew little of his casinos but from what she knew of casinos they were very glitzy, flashy, meant to exude decadence and money. Power. Influence. She could definitely see herself fitting in with that kind of environment. The perfect gangster wife.

As he offered his arm she took it. Skidding delicate fingers into the crook of the term and letting them grasp onto it. She could feel the strength in that arm. It was quite attractive. She would tuck away this little rid bit of information for recall later. Franny wanted to know more about this man who was to be her mate. What he liked, disliked, all of it. If they were going to be together why not know these things? At least then she could do things that might possibly please him. Make him smile.

Making a sweeping gesture along her body, indicating her dress she smiled as they continued to walk along. Moving close by his side. “Purple. It’s the color of royalty, you know.” But they wasn’t the only reason she liked that color. Francesca looked damn good in it. But she was glad he seemed receptive enough to ask her about her favorite things. The t meant he at least wanted to get to know her a little bit. Whether or not it might lead to more intimate knowledge later down the road would remain to be seen. “Gold is a good color, it goes with just about everything.” She flashed him a charming smile.”Shoes. I love a good red bottom peep toe stiletto.” Between her and Eloisa they had an extensive collection. One of the few things they both really indulged in. Oh. They could shop till they dropped but spend hours trying on shoes. What else? This was one of those questions that you knew the answers to any other time but when someone asked you you drew a blank.

“Autumn. It’s my favorite season. The leaves turn such lovely shades of reds, yellows and golds.” He r gaze swept across the grounds and all the trees. Trees she has known who entire unlife. Trees that she was likely never to see again or at least not every day once she moved in with Shlomo. Her mind wondered briefly at what kind of estate he had. Was is similar to her family’s? Smaller? Larger? Would she be able to add her own touch to the decor? All these things would come in due time. Perhaps it could use a woman’s touch. “Of course, my favorite thing to do is shopping.” She laughed. It was such a typical answer for a woman. Francesca could spend all night at the stores if they mortal ones didn’t close so early. Luckily Hemlock spotted a rather hefty selection of vampire run stores.

“We’ll we’ve established your favorite color is gold. What else? What do you enjoy?” She truly wanted to know. It would make it a lot easier for her to be able to do things for him. She wouldn’t want to do or get him anything that he might not like.

Franny wanted this to work. It had to work.

She could be, and was, a romantic at heart. The female vampire had always dreamt of being swept off her feet and whisked away from this place. But it didn’t seem to be in her cards and that was fine. It was simply the wishes of a young, starry eyed girl. She was a woman now and had to realize that life wasn’t all white knights and horses. But so far she was enjoying Shlomo’s company, so that was a good start right?

There were, of course, many other things that Franny enjoyed as well besides shopping, shoes and seasons. But one couldn’t always think of them off the top of your head, at least not all of them. No. Overtime Shlomo would learn more about her and he would learn more about her. It was only natural given the fact they would be entwining their unlives with one another’s. She fully expected to learn as much about her future mate as he allowed. But she wouldn’t push or pry if he drew a line.

If he would have told her that he enjoyed the more violent side of existence she wouldn’t be surprised. Not even bat an eyelash at that very fact. Many of the men in her family or that worked for her family were violent men. It was not uncommon to watch her cousins throw hands right there on the law. She was used to it, it was just the fact about the Puttanesca. They were an unruly bunch with hot tempers and short fuses. It was a common characteristic she witnessed just about every day.

But when he began to speak of what he enjoyed her face lit up as she listened. Making her own mental notes. Shlomo must have been a busy man, but of course he was. But at least they had a common interest in shopping. Francesca could spend all night at the shops if they would allow. More shops lately had become owned by kindred so that were many she liked Jed to frequent that kept late hours. Gambling. Fighting matches. She had only been to the fighting rings a handful of times on dates. It wouldn’t be her ideal place to spend time but they were enjoyable none the less.

Now, the thought of going to a casino seemed exciting to her. “No, I’ve never been to one. But I would not object to the idea.” She had never been a gambler but the idea of the glitz and glam of a casino was appealing. And she suspected that mthe ch of her time in Shlomo’s arm would be spent in such places. “Perhaps you could take me? Show me around a little?” What she knew about casinos mainly came from movies. They were loud, vibrant, busy at all hours. Especially if they were popular. But she also knew there were more to casinos than just gambling. Some had dance halls, she liked dancing. Some put on shows. They were a veritable smorgasbord of entertainment.