I pinched my nose tightly to stop myself from laughing, but Lorenzo had already stopped. Now he smiled ever so slightly that you wouldn't even know he's smiling if you didn't look closely."I'm... sorry about that. I always get carried away by the littlest things that aren't funny," I said when I got my breath back.He nodded. "I was wondering too. Although I must admit I find your childishness quite amusing.""Me childish!?" I asked, the frown returning to my face. "Lorenzo, I am not the one who just leaves a friend without a note, or comes in to apologize for his mother's intolerable attitude in the worst way possible!"He ran a hand across his face and rubbed his closed eyes."You done?" he asked."Huh?""Emily, why can't you just let go of the past? You want to be hooked with it forever?"I suddenly remembered Lilian and her husband, and the maltreatment..."No," I answered in a whisper and cuddled myself tight.I'll never get used to the pains that came with each stinging whip or
EmilyIf I were to stay in this house like this all day, I'd die of boredom, I reasoned as I looked out through my window at the vast green fields and the vines. I knew that like Spain, Italy was another home of wines. I just didn't imagine living right next to one.With a sigh, I left the window and began to pace. I didn't want to run into either Portia, Cosima, or Sergio. But I wasn't going to stay in here forever. I squared my shoulders and put on my toughest face, then walked out with my earphones in my ears. That way I wouldn't have to mind them.Sure enough, I saw them in the sitting room, the two women, deep in whatever they were talking about. I eyed them for a brief moment as Portia sent me a 'Have a fucking morning on your way out' look. For someone as young as herself, she really took extra effort to be mean. Maybe. Whatever. I shook my head.Cosima"But Aunt, I have to go. Dad wants me. And besides, Lorenzo has already gotten a wife. What'll I be here for?" I asked Portia
Lorenzo Vittorio and Fillipe crowded directly behind me, while the other men were seated behind as I opened the box and looked inside. It was filled with different weapons, mostly illegal. That's what made the business fun."This would be worth a thousand," said Fillipe as I closed it."Sì, and it'll be delivered to the 'Market' tonight," I said and walked to the table."Great work, guys," I said to the inside guys who nodded.As we walked outside together, Vittorio, Fillipe, and I, Vittorio said, "Son, about the marriage?""He's already found a bride," Fillipe said, "We're just waiting for the introduction."Vittorio raised an eyebrow at me. "So, what's keeping you?""Nothing, I—Nothing.""Look Lorenzo, I hope you aren't forgetting about the enemies out there?""I haven't," I replied and drove home.When I got home that evening, I dragged my tired self up the stairs to my bedroom and dumped my briefcase on the bed. Then I ran a hot shower and took a very refreshing bath, and dressed
Emily As soon as I lay on my bed, I dozed off due to the countless hours spent under the sun, which was totally different from ours in New York. When I awoke, I felt hungry, but Prudence told me that it was past dinner time and that there was food for me somewhere in the kitchen. However, the sight of pieces of chicken floating in a bowl of wine just made my appetite vanish instantly, and I made an excuse to Prudence.Once I was sure the coast was clear, I went back into the kitchen to have some tea and something light. Then I felt arms around my waist, and I stiffened. First off, I wasn't used to all this 'touchy-touchy' stuff, so it came as a surprise. Second, I thought it might be Sergio, because honestly, the way the guy keeps staring at me, even though I'm aware, gives me the creeps. But then I felt his soft breath behind my ear and a tingle where his finger brushed my skin to take out the earphone. I knew it was Lorenzo even before he spoke. I don't know where that connection c
10:05 PM.Staggering a little less than normally, I made my way home, no, to the house, and knocked on the door.Gently.Though slightly drunk, I wasn't stupid to go about banging the door. That alone will earn me punishment from my foster parents, Lilian and Joseph Bush. Not that it mattered. They always found the littlest thing to use against me.Taking in a deep breath, I waited for them to open the door. I turned the knob after hearing a 'click' and stepped into the house. For wicked and heartless people, Lilian and Joseph were quite neat. Cross that, they made sure I kept the house neat. They were average classed people, living in the suburb part of the city. Affording complete and rich meals each day, with a good dose of alcohol on the side.I waited a minute or two, and when I saw no sign of them, I proceeded to run to my room. "And where do you think you're going?" the menacing voice stopped me in my tracks. Joseph."And in such a hurry?" Lilian added, a sneer evident in her
Emily's POV.For the rest of the day, I tried to focus more in class, despite my sleepy eyes. I also ignored the annoying sniggers from the people behind me. Especially Guinevere. That girl was a witch in humans skin.The algebra teacher was rounding up his lesson, and we had about five minutes before lunch break. I packed up my books into my bags and sat still on my seat, tapping my feet and fingers nervously on the floor and desk.I was thinking of ways to thank Lorenzo for his help yesterday. Even if it was a kind of a proud act on his part, he rescued me from dying of hunger.I've never spoken to him before, because I didn't talk to anyone. That was how I was, but ever since I moved in with the Bushs, they made it a law. Mind your business, no friends. They didn't want me having somebody to whom I could spill their secret to.OK, I could say, 'Hi, I want to thank you for lunch yesterday...' No, I'll just go straight to the point by saying th--"Stop that.""Huh?""The tapping thi
Emily's POVDamn...I must have been so awed by the beautiful surrounding that I forgot to adjust my hair.Lorenzo looked like he wasn't ready to let me go without an answer."I uh...nothing. It's nothing," I replied and turned away, pretending to look at the building in front of me.He cupped my chin in his hand and turned me to face him, so that he could get a clearer view of my cheeks."This isn't nothing, Emily. Tell me what happened."OK, I really didn't like the fuss he was making over the issue. It's not like I owe him an explanation, neither does he have any business in my life.I pulled his hand down from my face."Excuse me, but what does this have to do with you? It's not like my life is something you can ask about at will. And beside, because you're rich doesn't mean you can barge into somebody's affair and boss around. I value my privacy, Lorenzo, and so should you."I stormed off, forgetting that we were planning to have lunch."Oh, and thanks for the mockery in the form
Lorenzo's POVI tucked my hand in my pockets as I watched her go after her pointless tirade.Emily...The girl always fascinated me.And that was something, considering that I didn't let any girl get under my skin.Padrè (Father) always said, 'Women are distractions when taken seriously. But great pleasure when taken lightly. Use your head'.And I've always done so.My father wasn't your average father. He wasn't caring, or loving, although he tried to show me that he loved me in his own way. His major concern was the Mafia, where he was the Don. Always busy. Recording kills. Collecting debts. And it was inevitable; papà made it clear that he expected me to follow in his footsteps. And personally, I looked forward to that day.My mother, on the other hand was the opposite of loving. All she cared for was money and titles and fashion. And over the years, I merely see her as a presence in the house, and she seems to like it that way. My mother figure was my nanny back at home, Prudence.
Emily As soon as I lay on my bed, I dozed off due to the countless hours spent under the sun, which was totally different from ours in New York. When I awoke, I felt hungry, but Prudence told me that it was past dinner time and that there was food for me somewhere in the kitchen. However, the sight of pieces of chicken floating in a bowl of wine just made my appetite vanish instantly, and I made an excuse to Prudence.Once I was sure the coast was clear, I went back into the kitchen to have some tea and something light. Then I felt arms around my waist, and I stiffened. First off, I wasn't used to all this 'touchy-touchy' stuff, so it came as a surprise. Second, I thought it might be Sergio, because honestly, the way the guy keeps staring at me, even though I'm aware, gives me the creeps. But then I felt his soft breath behind my ear and a tingle where his finger brushed my skin to take out the earphone. I knew it was Lorenzo even before he spoke. I don't know where that connection c
Lorenzo Vittorio and Fillipe crowded directly behind me, while the other men were seated behind as I opened the box and looked inside. It was filled with different weapons, mostly illegal. That's what made the business fun."This would be worth a thousand," said Fillipe as I closed it."Sì, and it'll be delivered to the 'Market' tonight," I said and walked to the table."Great work, guys," I said to the inside guys who nodded.As we walked outside together, Vittorio, Fillipe, and I, Vittorio said, "Son, about the marriage?""He's already found a bride," Fillipe said, "We're just waiting for the introduction."Vittorio raised an eyebrow at me. "So, what's keeping you?""Nothing, I—Nothing.""Look Lorenzo, I hope you aren't forgetting about the enemies out there?""I haven't," I replied and drove home.When I got home that evening, I dragged my tired self up the stairs to my bedroom and dumped my briefcase on the bed. Then I ran a hot shower and took a very refreshing bath, and dressed
EmilyIf I were to stay in this house like this all day, I'd die of boredom, I reasoned as I looked out through my window at the vast green fields and the vines. I knew that like Spain, Italy was another home of wines. I just didn't imagine living right next to one.With a sigh, I left the window and began to pace. I didn't want to run into either Portia, Cosima, or Sergio. But I wasn't going to stay in here forever. I squared my shoulders and put on my toughest face, then walked out with my earphones in my ears. That way I wouldn't have to mind them.Sure enough, I saw them in the sitting room, the two women, deep in whatever they were talking about. I eyed them for a brief moment as Portia sent me a 'Have a fucking morning on your way out' look. For someone as young as herself, she really took extra effort to be mean. Maybe. Whatever. I shook my head.Cosima"But Aunt, I have to go. Dad wants me. And besides, Lorenzo has already gotten a wife. What'll I be here for?" I asked Portia
I pinched my nose tightly to stop myself from laughing, but Lorenzo had already stopped. Now he smiled ever so slightly that you wouldn't even know he's smiling if you didn't look closely."I'm... sorry about that. I always get carried away by the littlest things that aren't funny," I said when I got my breath back.He nodded. "I was wondering too. Although I must admit I find your childishness quite amusing.""Me childish!?" I asked, the frown returning to my face. "Lorenzo, I am not the one who just leaves a friend without a note, or comes in to apologize for his mother's intolerable attitude in the worst way possible!"He ran a hand across his face and rubbed his closed eyes."You done?" he asked."Huh?""Emily, why can't you just let go of the past? You want to be hooked with it forever?"I suddenly remembered Lilian and her husband, and the maltreatment..."No," I answered in a whisper and cuddled myself tight.I'll never get used to the pains that came with each stinging whip or
EmilyWith a loud yawn, I sluggishly opened my eyes to see that dawn had just descended. This waking up early stuff has really been ingrained in my system, and I think I'm beginning to tire of it. Knowing that I won't be able to get back to sleep, I threw my legs over the bed and went to the bathroom, after glancing at the digital clock that read 05:48 AM.In the bathroom, I splashed water on my face and brushed my teeth. I saw some fancy lotion on the plate which said, "Spotless Face." I rolled my eyes. My face was kind of rough, yeah, but I wasn't used to using synthetic get-beautiful-quick stuff. I'm a natural. Yeah, that's because Lilian never let me have any girly-girl things. I shook my head. She's in the past... in the past...I spun on my heels to run a shower, and that's when the events of the previous evening came back to me, like the water I splashed on my face earlier. Those people will never accept me. Portia... Sergio... Cosima... I wasn't one of them in terms of class, r
I narrated the dinner to her."And yeah. I'm still hungry.""Aw Emily. So sorry. But don't you think you're being hard on the guy?"Truthfully... was I? I shunned the thought."Gotta go, Wen. Talk to you later.""OK, bye."I hung up and resumed listening to my music. I was so engrossed in it that I didn't hear the knock on my door, or its opening, until I felt a hand on my shoulder."Aaahh!" I screamed a little and jumped in fright, only to pull the earphones from my ears and turn to see Lorenzo standing behind me, hands folded, and a neutral expression on his handsome face.I cleared my throat, realizing that I'd practically acted like an easily frightened kid."Oh, it's you.""Scared you, didn't I?" he asked in a low tone."No. What are you doing in here? Couldn't you knock?"He raised an amused eyebrow at me, and that's when I realized that the additional drumbeat in the music background was actually his knocking. I facepalmed myself."I wanted to... look, you shouldn't pay heed to
I knew I would be tired. Running the wine business and the Mafia at the same time was exhausting. But there had to be a reason why papà left both legacies in my name and none in Sergio's. And I was going to find out that reason before I thought of splitting the shares.I got into the back of the car with a smiling Festus at the wheel."So, signore, she's here?" he asked.I sensed the need for gossip, so I said, "Just drive."Truth be told, Emily was on my mind. The way she reacted when she saw me and when she found out we were getting married was still on my mind. Did I hurt her so bad that she was filled with such... hatred for me? I didn't want to think about that now. I was late to dinner; who knew what Portia had up her sleeves."Festus, step on it."I watched as Emily sat rigidly at the table, and Portia had a look of satisfaction on her face. I knew that something had gone wrong. Just then, Emily got up from the table. She bumped into me as I was about to enter, but she didn't s
Um...I'm...""She's your brother's bride," Portia announced dully and waved a hand in my direction. I saw Sergio's handsome face screw up in a frown."Where did he get her from?""My thought exactly," Camelia chirped in. "I'm thinking that maybe there was a favor somewhere.""Excuse me," I said more loudly this time. "Didn't any of you know about this?" I asked as I glanced at them all."Now, first of all, you have no right to speak unless spoken to," Portia said. "Do you understand? Here, we have rules. We do not live life on reckless impulse as you do back in the U.S. and A.""What do you—""And we do not talk back," she cut me off with a cold stare, resting her chin on her linked manicured fingers which glittered from the number of rings on them.It was pointless saying anything. The food hadn't even arrived, and I was already uncomfortable. I nodded, but then my eyes caught Sergio's, and he was still staring at me... like he was sizing me up or something."So, tell us your name. F
I bounced twice on my bed in my room, whose main theme was blue. The bedclothes were different shades of blue, from the lightest, which was kinda light blue, to the upper one, which was a deeper shade. The curtains and window blinds were drawn, allowing the midday sun to seep in and bathe the room in a cool blue glow."How'd you know that my favorite color is blue?" I asked Prudence, who was helping me add finishing touches to the room, like where to keep my box."I didn't, he did.""Oh."She came to sit beside me. "I can remember when Lorenzo came back from the U.S. and A., he and Festus—""Festus?" I cut her off, not wanting to hear anything about him. "Where's he? I'd like to see him.""He's on duty now.""Alright. Please tell him I said hi.""Sì. So, back to dinner. The whole family will be there: his mother—""You mean his mother?"I slipped my arms into the sleeves of my turtleneck and put on jeans that stopped at my ankles. I ran my fingers through my hair (I'm so used to doing