Chapter 21
Mena
“You’ve been waiting for me?” I asked. Looking at the woman. I had no choice but to admire her beauty. It might’ve been the way she presented herself, or the sundress which hugged her body–but there was just something about her.
I could tell she had never had a worry in her life, other than which designer bag would match her outfit for the day.
What struck me the most was not her beauty, but the way she had been involving Naty. It was both heart warming and worrying because I couldn’t understand why.
Giulia pulled me into a welcoming hug. “I hope I didn’t interrupt your sleep, sweetheart
“Not at all, ma’am,” I replied, trying to match her big smile..
“Giulia, please,” she corrected me.
“‘”Giulia”
“Now sit. You have to help me ear all this food. She guided me to a chair. I sat down and looked at the plate in front of me, filled with eggs, toast, fruits, and much more I wasn’t going to try and pronounce
My mouth watered at the sight, and I mentally kicked myself for having gone to the mall for food when I could’ve been eating this all along.
Liule Melody suddenly stood up, and grabbed Naty’s hand. “Come on, I want to show you some new paint Gian bought me
“I want to seel” Nary followed her new friend, leaving me alone with Giulia
“Careful, Melody!” Giulia called after her. “Don’t let that poor girl trip!”
Then she looked back at me with a grin. “Now we have some time to talk.”
Talk?
Talk about what I felt my palms turning sweaty Talking was never a good sign.
“Am 1 in trouble?” I asked, hesitantly.
“No” Giulia spoke. “I was wondering if I was in trouble since you haven’t come to visit me at all.”
“Oh, my bad,” I apologized. I just didn’t want to bother you. That’s all.”
Ever since my arrival, I had been trying to play it safe. For now, Giulia seemed kind, but I didn’t know whether it was sincere or just an act. Why would someone of her status be so cool about her son, the heir to the family business, planning to marry some maid.
“It’s okay,” Giulia beamed. “I heard you visited my favorite boutique? Some of the women who think they are my friends told me,” she giggled, covering her mouth. “They’re all very curious about you.”
“I did go there. There was this dress I wanted to buy for Naty,” I responded, purposely ignoring the part about the nosy people. As long as I ignored it, I could pretend like those stares didn’t happen.
“I really like Naty,” Giulia brushed her long dark waves to the side. “I hope you don’t mind her calling me grandma.”
“Not at all,” I reassured her. To be honest, I was worried, I worried about Naty becoming too attached, and I didn’t know for how long Alessio had been planning on keeping us here. It would only be a matter of time before we would had to return to our old lives.
my
“Also, I wouldn’t mind more grandchildren!” she continued. It has always been my dream to become a grandma, and by the way these sons of have been moving, I had expected about ten by now” she opened her arms, disappointed. “All these women walking these stairs, yet nothing, can you believe that
“No Ma’am–1 mean, Giulia,” I corrected myself, awkwardly playing with the fork and the food in front of me. “I can’t believe it.”
She had a point
Giulia leaned her chin in her hand as she quietly observed me. “You’re so soft–spoken, timid, humble, different from the brat my husband forced upon Alessio, or the women he usually goes for. But I like it.”
“Thank you, Ma Giulia”
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Chapter 21
“I do have to ask, what are your intentions with my son?” Our conversation turned into an investigation.
I pushed some food in my mouth, giving myself some time to think. I could either gush like my life depended on it, or give her a simple answer. “‘1 want to make him happy. That’s all.”
“Sure. I mean, I’m sure you can see past his grumpy personality, but it must also help that he is loaded, for you and your family, right?”
“M–My family?” I cackled, pointing a finger to myself. “I grew up without a dad, my mom never cared that much, neither do my siblings. I’ve been working for as long as I can remember, a–and I don’t mind working!” I ranted, right before apologizing. Tm sorry, I didn’t mean to
My apology was cut short by Giulia’s loud laughter. She popped a strawberry in her mouth and threw back her head. “Oh god, I love you!” She exclaimed, laughing even louder. “I c–can’t believe you’re a real person. It’s so fascinating, like I’m watching a movie or reading a book or something!”
I couldn’t figure out whether that was a compliment or an insult, but judging by her love confession from earlier, it couldn’t be the latter.
The information I just fed this woman about my family, was more than I had ever told Alessio
In other words, not a good idea.
“As you may know, my boy is like a tyrant, always trying to boss everyone around. A trait he got blessed with from Domenico”
“I can imagine,” the words left my mouth too easily
“Whatever happens, don’t let him walk over you–because if you do, he’ll do it for the rest of his life,” she warned me. “Alessio is the kind of person to treat others how he thinks they want to be treated.”
Giulia smiled proudly, “I showed Domenico what I was about from day one, and he has never raised his at me, tried to boss me around, and has never disrespected me, because I won’t allow him”
I nodded, taking in her words. I had already given Alessio too much power, he thought I was weak, he had already walked over me a few times too
many.
“It’s never too late to
o show a man his place, Giulia read my mind, tapping my hand. Unfortunately, it was too late for me
“Thank you for the advice.
“Anytime,” she winked. “By the way, I’m not going to push further on the subject of your parents, but I do hope you’ll come to me one day. I’m a nosy person, can’t help it”
Hopefully not dar nosy it could bring me into some serious trouble with Alessio. I appreciated her what appeared to be good hear, and gave her a
nod
She was too warm, too kind, nothing like I had expected, and certainly not the kind of person I would’ve thought to be Alessio’s mother.
As I was lost in my thoughts about Giulia, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder from behind. I turned around, seeing Dante smiling at me. “Are you trying to save her from my charming brother, advising her to run while she still can?” he joked, closing his eyes a bit
I hadn’t seen him since the announcement of the engagement. He had left with Alessio to handle whatever business, and because I was in no hurry to face him, I couldn’t have been more happy
He had been openly flirting with me, and I didn’t do much to stop him.
Just thinking about how that made me look when I was supposedly dating his brother made me want to smack myself.
I used to think he was annoying, but now, as I was looking up at him, I felt an instant sense of calmness in his presence. Unlike Alessio, Dante’s touch didn’t make me flinch, no—it was comforting. I wanted to believe that he wouldn’t do me any harm.
“Matter of fact, I’m trying to make her stay, because I like this one,” Giulia stood up with a chuckle. “I’m afraid I have to go. I have a manicure appointment, you should join me some time sweetheart.” she looked down at my hands.
As she walked away. I glanced down at my short, plain nails, wondering if her invitation was genuine or if she was hinting at something.
“Don’t even think about it” Dante spoke, smiling “How will you
u even wipe your with those 10–inch nails!”
“Same as you wipe yours, don’t worry about me,” I shot back, laughing.
“Ouch,” Dance clutched his heart dramatically, making me laugh even harder. If the criminal thing didn’t work out, he could always switch to acting
He sat down on Giulia’s seat, making himself comfortable. “Since you didn’t invite me to join you, I’ll invite myself.
Chapter 22
Mena
“Whatever suits you,” I replied, chuckling. I had been observing his personality from the second we had met, and it was mostly because he was interesting. He was mischievous, loud, stubborn, yet kind–and somewhere in between respectful and disrespectful.
Dante piled some food onto his plate, not noticing I was staring at him. Then he snapped his finger, and raised his glass, making a maid rush over to fill his glass wish some orange juice,
“Thanks, babe,” he smiled at the blushing maid, openly watching her as she walked away. Mind you, I found him to be the most normal of the three brothers
Dante pushed some food inside his mouth. “Man, those waffles are tasting good today!” he spoke with his mouth full, but I wasn’t disgusted. It was actually kind of cute.
I can tell your
you were starving,” I commented, watching him devour his breakfast.
“Hmm,” Dante nodded. “When there’s food on the table, I’m going to with his mouth full, making me burst into laughter again.
eat
LW
What else do y
you expect me to do with it? Put it in my ass?” he replied
“You talk a lot about asses”
“And well, you’re engaged to the biggest one,” he pointed out as if he had been waiting to tell me that one all along
While he went back to eating, I went back to just looking at him, this time taking in his handsome features. Dante’s hair was slightly brighter than Alessio’s and so were his eyes, his most beautiful feature. They were framed by long lashes which many of my friends back in the day would’ve died
for.
He looked soft, shy, innocent–and with his mouth closed, you would’ve never expect the kind of words that often escaped his lips.
“Is that your natural hair or permed?” I referred to his soft curls. It was one of those things I just had to know, otherwise it would bother me for the rest of my life.
Dante ran a hand through his hair. “Natural. I’m the only sibling with these curls. Alessio and Glan like to joke that I’m adopted”
“What?” I asked, surprised by his words.
“At one point, dad made me do a DNA test to shut up about it. Turns out he’s really my dad, and I’m still related to Alessio and the bunch, unfortunately,” he explained with a hint of sarcasm.
“Unfortunately?” I repeated, intrigued by his tone.
Dante shrugged. “Yes, unfortunately. You’ll find out soon enough why I say that.”
I nodded, smiling slightly. There was not much left to find out. It was easy. He was born into this family, and he wished he hadn’t. Hearing him opening up, gave me the perfect opportunity to ask about Alessio.
Tell me something more about your past. What was Alessio like as a child?“
Dante took a moment before answering. “Alessio Growing up, he was either in a good mood or he was like a worse version of our dad. No in- between.
“And how about now!”
Dante pulled a disgusted face before covering it with a smirk. “You would know. He’s very straightforward. Doesn’t hide anything, doesn’t beat around the bush. If he hates you, he’ll tell you, if he loves you.. well that’s debatable, but if you smell —*
“He’ll tell you,” we said in unison. “Yeah, I get it. But what do you think? How do you feel about him as a brother?
Dante paused, and his expression softened. “I think he has his good days and his bad days,” he said. “He likes to boss us around, bullies me most of
the time–but he makes sure others know only he gets to bully me. He’s a good brother. One that would take a bullet for me.”
In any other family. I wouldn’t have taken it so literally, but considering the Fanuccis!
Their bond was as complex as the family itself.
He loved him, yet he hated him.
12.03 PM
Chapter 22
“Anyway, I’m glad I finally got your alone.” Dante suldenly said
Í gave him a questioning look, wondering what he meant by that. Hopefully it wasn’t a sign with me.
sign that he still didn’t get the memo, and was trying to flirt
“I want to say I’m sorry.” Dante began. “The way I’ve been forcing myself onto you was low and disrespectful. III had known you were Alessio’s, I never would’ve done it,” he apologized. “That last part iloesn’t even matter. It was just wrong, and I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, let’s just drop it,” I replied, wanting to put the awkwardness behind us.
“Thank you,” he smiled. “So how are you holding up, living with the Fanuccis?” Dante asked, his expression shifting as if he was preparing himself for a rant
“Good,” I answered simply. Anything was briter than being with Anson, including being around the Fanuccis
“Hmm, interesting,” Dante commented with a slight frown. “Some of the guys told me you’re like a ghost around here. It’s like you’re not even
there”
“In order for me to be a ghost, it must mean that I’m dead, so I hope that’s not the case,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“You like being funny, don’t you?” Dante pointed at me with his fork with a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
I smiled back, then he Lughed while I joined him, trying to match his vibe. However, soon after the mood changed. Dante’s laughter died down, and so did mine as I heard footsteps apprisiching from behind. The irritated look on his face, made me suspect it to be Alessio, and when he revealed himself like a dark shadow, those suspicions were confirmed.
So it turned out I wasn’t the only one feeling the mood change by his presence.
Alessio’s hands were in his pockets. He cleared his throat, looking back and forth between us with an annoyed expression. I knew it wasn’t out of jealousy, it was probably just Alessio being Alessio.
He told me not to show my face too much, and here I was, eating breakfast and laughing with his brother
“We were just-” I started to explain, but Alessio cut me off.
“Dante,” he addressed him in a cold tone, “Have you finished making the calls I told you to make?”
“I was going to get to that, Dante replied, swallowing his throat. I could tell he didn’t fear his brother, he just didn’t feel like listening to his bullshit
“Get to it then,” Alessio commanded, showing him a weak smile that lasted less than a second.
Dante sighed, but obeyed. He got up and gave me a small smile before leaving
Once he was out of sight, I looked at Alessio.
Thick yours and Naty’s suitcases. We’ll be leaving tomorrow at
six, he instructed me.
Both his gaze and his tone were sharp and intimidating
“Where to?” I asked, curious.
“Where to?” he furrowed his brow, and tilted his head a little as if no one had ever dared asking him a question. “I need to seal a deal, and I don’t want to leave you alone, everything up more than you’ve already did.” he spoke irritated. “Pack your stuff, you’re coming with me”
I wanted to ask how long we’d be gone and whether Naty would miss school, but the fear of his reaction kept me silent
“Have I done something wrong?” I wondered, trying to find out the reason behind his attitude. He wasn’t the kindest, I was aware–but this was something else.
“Where’s the ring I gave you?” Alessio i ignored my question.
“In my pocket-”
“If I wanted to buy you a pocket ring, I would’ve bought you a pocket ring!” he raised the volume of his voice.
“What
Was that what all of this was about?
Because I didn’t want to wear that big ridiculous thing in public!
“Look listen,” Alessio huffed, calming himself down. “When I tell you to do something. I expect you to do it. I gave you that ring, and when I see you
12:04 PM 3 B
Chapter 22
again–you better be wearing that ring” he spoke angrily, then he stormed off.
I pulled the disgusted face I wouldn’t dare doing in front of him. “I gave you that ring, and when I see you again–you better be wearing that ning.” the childishness deep inside of me, had to mimic him. “Asshole,” I muttered under my breath.
I knew it would be for the best not to question his orders and just start packing. Whatever his reasons were for taking us along, it was pretty clear to me that questioning him was not up for debate.
Chapter 23
an and Lex, my mind was something. Taking care of the Jimena situation, unching that guy from the picture, was
Cimonths ago, Levi became my dover Our basi encounter was when I was ommpletely. He was kind enough so drive me home from the club, and when Loffered to pay him, he requested a joli
o the Fannots were and the risks involved, but he was desperate, and I admired his courage
nga everything on the man from the picture. His name was Anson, and he was Jimena’s es, and Naty’s dad. 100bal player from Trus, but now turned to construction work, probably to provide for his family. According to Donni,
presive, violent, and physically abusive towards Jimena. Oll neighbors confimed he would
few days.
khat leave the
and made regular stops at a particula
fee shops However, today, would be his L
Last visit. There was no place
timid as her ended up with an animal like Anson. It wasn’t surprising, given she was THATC,
1 that long? It was something I just couldn’t understand
her past, the more I understood her quiet behavior. She probably had a lot to say to me, but kept her mouth
the situation from yesterday, when I ordered her to pack her bags and threatened her to follow the rules, which would‘) have been
Had I known about her past with Anson, I wouldn’t have gone that far.
Hell. I wouldn’t have kept her this close to me at all. I didn’t like broken people, didn’t want to be around them, interact with them—because I knew
I’t have the bean for it.
to take her and Nan
To make matters
new buyer Donni found misted on meeting Jimena after hearing about the fallout with the Baldinis, That’s why I had
Whir Donni and Levi chaned. I stared out the window, waiting for Anson to make his exit from the coffee shop. Hopefully soon because I had a
was just thinking.” Donni began, and I knew some rubbish was about to leave his mouth. “You and that mash! 10x a match that might actually work.
I shook my head, unimpressed. Then you better get yourself some glasses”
Levi chuckled bumping Donnie’s shoulder. “She’s not bad to look at, quiet, polite, minds her business,” he added. “Just saying”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at their words. “You guys are crazy. I’m not interested in her at all? I gave them the truth. “I’ve heard none of you
is the biggest har to ever walk the universe. Lied about her man, her daughter-
“Damn. I don’t think I want to hear what you have to say about the kid,” Donni snickered.
“The kid” I thought for a moment. That little girl was something with her sharp comebacks, and seemed wise beyond her age. “I like the kid,” 1-
Levi nodded in agreement. “Me too. She’s precious, reminds me of my own daughter.
Donni raised an eyebrow: “And when’s the last time you saw her?”
What you think I don’t want to see my daughter!” Levi snapped back.
Levi was a father to a four–year–old daughter. His ex–wife had been giving him a hard time, trying everything in her power to keep him away from her. He told us not to interfere, so we didn’t.
However, despite all the crap be dealt with, even Levi agreed with the fact that, that Anson guy could not be a good fit in a child’s life.
Just the thought of Anson laying a hand on that little girl nude my blood boil, and my fist clenched before I knew it
12:04 PM D
Chapter 21
At first wasn’t that invested. I just didn’t want him to get in between whatever deal I had with Jime help my reactio
Knowing he was a shitty person made it less difficult to kill him.
but bearing something like that, I couldn’t
“Do you want me to find out more about her background, where she came from, and her family?” Donni
Lasked.
ny focus was on Anson, and making sure
I shook head. “Tin fine for now,” I replied, not ready to delve deeper into Jimena’s past Hight now, my
my today would be his last day walking around.
“There he is,” I spoke, seeing Anson exit the coffee shop. I shared a look with Donni, and he understood the plan without saying a word. We got out of the car, just the two of us, and silently made our way behind Anson so we could follow him from a distance.
In my head, Thad already painted a picture of Anson–and seeing him, I could tell it was conect. He had the typical look of a washed–up athlete, and a defeated walk, looking like he himself didn’t know his purpose on this earth.
“Need it done in one shot? Donni whispered as we closed in on him.
“No,” I responded, “First, he should feel how it’s like being on the receiving end. I’ll take care of it after”
“Can’t disagree with that Donni caught up to Anson and grabbed him by the throat, shoving him into a nearby alley
Chapter 24
Alessio
“What the hell man!” Anson managed to get out, his expression full of shock and fear.
I wasted no time, and delivered a well–deserved punch to his nose. He groaned in pain, and 1 grabbed his collar, lifting him slightly before landing another blow.
“I heard you were tough!” 1 punched him again, unable to contain my anger.
“1-1 don’t know what you’re talking about, man,” Anson stammered as if I had the wrong person. Judging by his eyes, he didn’t know what the problem was
“Come on, do something,” I dared him, giving him a kick.
“I don’t want to fight, I don’t want any trouble, I’m sorry okay! I’m sorry, just let me go,” Anson pleaded. His tough personality had already crumbled before he got the chance to show it. I couldn’t believe this moron was the man Jimena had been running from,
Anson protected his face with his hands, preparing himself for another blow.
You want to hit women, but you don’t want to fight me?” I gave him another kick, sending him to the ground. Kneeling down, I tightened my hand around his throat. “Get up, be a man, and pick on someone your own size, let’s go
“Is this about Mena!” Anson blurted out, finally connecting the dots
I glanced back at Donni. “So instead of denying it, he admits to being a woman beater“”
Anson laughed in pain as blood fell down his lips. “You must be her new man, the reason she’s here?” he said. “Be careful with that one. It’ll only be a matter of time before that bitch will empty your pockets and play with you mentally, like she did with me.”
I knitted my brows, tightening my grip around him.
“Bitch!” I whispered in disbelief as my frustration grow. “Should I just kill him now?” I muttered to myself
“Yeah, have your fun–I’m sure you’ll have more fun when I report you to the police, Anson spat out
Toch!”
Confused, I looked at Donnie, who also seemed puzzled. Then we both burst out laughing
“Donnie, are you hearing this? 1 cackled. That had to be the funniest joke of the year. My laughter only grew at his words to the point my stomach began huning
“Where do you think you are? Who do you think I am!” I leaned in closer, making sure he heard every word. “My family owns the police. We own this city. You’re the one trespassing.”
Anson widened his eyes, realizing the situation at hand.
Tve entertained this scum for too long,” I stated, pulling out my gun.
Anson yelped in fear. “Please, don’t do this he begged dramatically. The weather was cold, but sweat was dripping from his forehead. “Please, please, please!”
I tapped the gun on his cheek. His body trembled as he met my eyes. “You laying your hands on Jimena feels like you’re laying hands on me, and I’m not liking it.”
The alley was silent except for Anson’s whimpering. He knew he up, and he knew these were his final moments. He couldn’t take back what had already happened.
“You go to hell for this,” Anson gasped, his eyes squeezed shut, awaiting his execution
“That I will, but I not be going before you, I chuckled under my breath. Since you seem to care so much, how about I’ll send you down first, and while you’re down there, you can tell them to save a spot for Alessio Fanucci.
I moved the gun from his cheek to his head, then I pulled the trigger–but nothing happened. I tried again, still nothing.
“Huh?” I looked at Donni, who’d once again matched my confusion. “Would you look at that?”
12:04 PM O
Chapter 24
Quite the humiliating experience. We were looking like a bunch of amateurs
Tll take him,” Donn hifted his gun. Anson was still breathing heavily, with eyes shut
“No,” I raised my hand, stopping him. “Open your eyes,” Londered Anson..
Anson listened, slowly opening his eyes with fear written all over his fare. “Don’t do this to my daughter. If you know Naty, please don’t do
“This might be a sign from the lord, granting you a chance to redeem yourself,” I told him. If death wasn’t knocking on his aloor, there was no need. to open it. Today was not his day.
It could be that, or maybe I couldn’t help but turn into a big softie the second I heard the name of that little girl, Naty
The ‘I have a
child, tactic. A lot of enemies had tried that before, I never fell for it so why now!
child.
Donn snickered, “Dude, be serious”
“I am” 1 put away the gum and patted Anson’s chest. His eyes changed from fear to relief. “Since I’m feeling generous today, I’ll let you take the first. plane back to Texas. I’ll take care of your girls and play step–daddy for a while longer”
“Unbelievable.” Donni snorted.
he had no choice but to receive, and defeated because he knew not to push me.
Anson clenched his teeth. I bet he was angry at the disrespect he
I grabbed some bills from my pocket, and counted out $2,000 before throwing it in front of him. “We both know all of this was just a way to get back at Jimena,” I spoke. “You don’t care about her or your daughter because if you did, you would’ve accepted that she doesn’t want you around
anymore.
Anson stayed silent, his expression turning into a disappointed frown. For his sake, I hoped I finally got through to him
“Leave, and if I ever see your face in my city again, you know what will happen 1 warned him.
“Let’s go, I walked off with Donni, leaving a heavily injured Anson behind.
“Why the hell did you let him live? Donni questioned. “It’s too much of a risk”
“He’s just some failed athlete from Texas. What can he do?” I shrugged off his concerns. “Now let’s go have a flight to catch