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MAFIA RULES 26
Done for the day, I power off my computer, anything else can wait. I head downstairs to see what's going on. Making sure to steal some snacks from the kitchen downstairs before Tommy comes back and clears the entire thing, I go check on my children, It is the first time Niko is watching the by himself for so long and so far he's doing so well, my little girl can be a little terrorist sometimes, I should go and help him out. Angelo is napping away in his crib, and Caela is lying on her father's chest, eyes wide open. “It’s nap time,” I say entering the room and shutting the door behind me. “She refuses to sleep” The both of them are lying on the couch, Niko has one leg bent at the knee, the other stretched out, one hand cupping the back of her head, it is obvious he hasn't been able to keep her still long enough to fall asleep. I scoffed. And she’ll probably be cranky the rest of the day. No thanks. I’ve already had my fill of crying infants to last me an entire week. “Let me try
MAFIA RULES 27
NIKO Past… “What is this I hear you are making my daughter work?” “Who the fuck is this?” I growled into the phone at the mere audacity. There’s a beat of silence, “Niko, it is your father in-law” The voice is authoritative, I’m sure it’s the one he uses when speaking with my wife or one of his underlings. He should know better than to use it with me by the way. Blanco may not read the tone of my voice because he continues, “One would think you would recognize my voice, but that is beyond the point. I demand to know why you are-“ “Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” once again I wonder if this man has a death wish. I had refused to look more into the issue but you cannot tell me he never noticed how fixated Alonzo was on his daughter, especially growing up, Christ. I try not to think of that. It fills me with a kind of rage I never thought possible. Blanco clears his throat and I can imagine him gearing up “You are being utterly unreasonable Niko, allowing a woman to
MAFIA RULES 28
It is early evening on Sunday when the men start to arrive, Vincent and Danilo coming from their various rooms, Chase is alone when he arrives, Vanessa, true to her word has not been seen for some time now, I’m beginning to get suspicious. Eva joins us in the living room where I have the kids so everyone can say “Hi” Matteo is the last to arrive. He carries Caela from Tommy immediately, kissing her cheeks and whispering “Princepessa” Eva has Angelo at her hip, his fingers wrapped around the index finger of her other hand blinking up at her with wide blue eyes. Matteo sways from side to side, causing Caela to giggle her little palms on his cheeks “When will you make me a proud grandpa?” he asks his son “I’m getting older by the day” I pat his arm “What do you mean old? You’re still very dashing Matteo” Laughing blue eyes turn to me and he shoots me a wink, I almost swoon. The man is handsome and he knows it. Eva is very lucky in this regard. I shoot her a secret smile but her att
MAFIA RULES 29
Tablet on my lap, I look at my phone vibrating on the table, I’ve just put Caela down for a nap and fed Angel so he is happily playing by himself on the floor. Having finished with my work before noon today, I was feeling very good and was hoping to catch up on some soap operas I’ve missed. My eyes fall back to my phone. Father barely calls me, The last time he contacted me was the card he sent along with gifts to the children, before that was to scold me for not having better control over my husband's actions, not sure in what universe he thought that’d be possible. Pursing my lips, I debate letting it ring but with a roll of my eyes, I exchange the tablet for my phone, taking a sip of sweet tea as I’m sure I’ll be needing it for the bitter conversation I’m about to engage in. I swipe answer and bring my phone to my ear for what is likely to be another scolding. “Delores” as always his voice lacks warmth. “Hello Father” “When do you plan to have another child?” he asks
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Still pacing, I start the moment the call connects, “Why would father think to ask that if I happen to have another baby, a boy, I should think of sending him to Chicago? I mean no offense, I’m not against them coming for a visit, Chicago was my home, I was raised there, I want them to know where I grew up, and my family, you, and my other cousins, but for them to stay there indefinitely? I don’t think so.” “I didn’t think he’d actually suggest it” Mama sighed and I knew she was probably doing the sign of the cross. More like demanded, but that is his default setting. “You might not know this but your father has been trying to get another child, for years” I nod, That doesn’t come as a surprise to me while he is pleased that I was able to snag a powerful husband, Father isn’t one to be content, he always wanted a son. “He does this even knowing the risk to your health? Your life? Maybe it's time you consider moving to New York permanently?” After I was born, the midwife unlucky en
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I try not to think more about Father and his demands for the rest of the day. As I fed Angel, the both of us curled on the couch, and my tablet popped to stand on the table to watch the next episodes of Triumph del Amor. When Caela wakes up, I put him in his chair, changing the movie to a cartoon on YouTube while I bathe his sister. Taking them to the living room, I place her in her chair as well as I prepare their food. When I’m done, I leave it to cool for a bit while I turn off the TV. And get some napkins from the kitchen I return with their food. Today, the kids are determined to be good because the feeding goes off without a hitch and I didn’t have to go change afterward. I kiss their heads loudly for their good behavior and turn the TV back on to keep their attention while I clean up and eat my dinner. I’m tired by the time I finish washing and drying the used utensils. “Want to go and watch movies with Mama?” I ask the twins out loud as I pop Calea on one hip, then le
MAFIA RULES 32
The kids are awake by the time I drag myself out of bed, Maria is feeding them in the kitchen. “Why didn’t you wake me? Good morning” I greet her. I don’t know how I overslept and the babies are up and about before me. I yawn walking closer, Maria spoons some mashed carrots and feeds Caela. “Niko said to let you sleep and I’m happy to take care of these little munchkins” She pats the side of Caela’s lips with a napkin before feeding her some more. I look up “Is he still here?” He’s usually gone by this time, looking around though there’s clearly no one else around. “In the gym downstairs I believe” Now she holds another spoon to Angel who leans forward little mouth parted in an O. “Alright thank you, I’ll go shower quickly and be right back” I lean down, dropping kisses on the children's heads before hurrying back. It’s afternoon, Niko having left after kissing the children goodbye. His eyes lingered on mine as he leaned down to brush a kiss on my cheeks before leaving. Father
MAFIA RULES 33
I lay on the exam table after having done the usual check-up on the twins, it’s my turn next, I’m wearing a loose dress, in the clinic downstairs that had been converted to a full blown hospital at the time I had the kids. Every other week, Dr. Andrea comes by for check ups. It’s safe to say I’ve forgiven her for the last time, when she delivered my babies, placing them in my arms safely. I would have let bygones be even with the devil himself. I am indebted to her. She goes on asking me questions as she just does at the end of our visits. “How are you feeling?” “Better, not as tired as I used to be” Thank God for that. Taking off her gloves, she tosses them in the trash before rolling her chair back with a push. “Anything you’d like to tell me?” My eyebrow goes up as I sit up straightening my dress “Such as…?” I trailed off as I was lost. “How you’re feeling any pain during sex?” My heart jumps to my throat, trying to keep a straight face I shake my head negative. There’
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MAFIA RULES Epilogue I
My uncle was right, everything will change from now on, the Grecos, Mendoza, and the Oriente arms of the New York Families are no more. Though we weren't particularly friendly with the other two, it wasn't required for the business. The Greco’s however have always been closely allied with the Salvatores, it wasn’t because of that friendship that Julio was my father's right hand and his father before him, as capo it was my decision to choose my right hand, but for decades, that honor belonged to the Greco’s, until Julio fucked it up. With them gone, there is a gap, in the prominent families, and someone needs to take over for the business to run smoothly. As things settled, I just wanted some peace to be with my family, my children, I already missed so much. It was something I would never retreat, I kept them safe. I did what had to be done, even though it hadn't been my Knife in their throat or my orders. My actions lead to their deaths. And their deaths created a power vacuum, one
MAFIA RULES 116
**“We have to leave here, get to another safe house we don’t know who else- this place has been compromised” Arms wrapped under my arms trying to pull me away. I was staring blankly at the Man I'd grown so close with. I didn't know what to do.“We can’t leave him here” Tears spilled down my cheeks. “You think I want to leave him? He was like a father to me, but I have to protect you, he would want you to get to safety”“Miguel…”“Now Lola, Now." he shook me "We have to-“ a phone ringing cuts off the rest of his words. Miguel bends down and searches through Matteo’s jacket to retrieve his phone. I crawl back to him lifting his head into my lap, spatches of blood stained my jeans as I run my fingers through his hair. “Please Matteo open your eyes,” I begged softly.He couldn’t be gone. He felt warm despite the blood pooled on the ground beneath him, he couldn’t be gone. He couldn’t...“It’s Matteo…” I hear Miguel say to the other person on the phone “He’s gone” is all Miguel says
MAFIA RULES 115
I straightened at the sound of a car pulling closer. I know it isn’t Miguel as he’s in the next room, slowly tiptoeing to one of the windows and pushing back the curtains, “Lola don’t do that-“ “It’s Matteo” I gasped in recognition at the dark hair and family face of the man that exists the drive's seat. “It’s Matteo” I repeated “He’s here!” I announced as my heart began to race in my chest. “Stay here, stay down” Miguel ordered, as he headed to the door a gun in hand. I remained at the window, clutching my rounded belly with a shaky hand, the other fisted around the thick curtains as I tried to listen to their exchange. It went on for about half a minute but it was too long and then Miguel crossed back to the porch, he disappeared from my line of sight, and I moved to the door. The bottom of my oversized jeans dragged on the floor over my bare feet as I had left the zipper undone to accommodate my large bump. I’m standing behind the door when it opens and Miguel says “It’
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“That puta was whoring around dirtying the family line-“ she gurgles, choking as red spills from a thin line across her throat. A hand flew to her neck eyes wide in shock. No one was allowed to speak of that, I took pains in ensuring it remained that way. The consequences would be devastating. I look at the blade in my hand then swipe the napkin beside her tea set to wipe the little blood at the end. I turned around and came to a stop at the dark figure at the entrance. Fuck. “Is it true what she said?” I observe his stance, the pistol hanging loosely at his side, my brows furrowed as I tried to figure out how long he’s been standing there, how much he heard, I let out a sigh, “Tommy…” He sucked in a deep breath, his empty hand clenching into a shaky fist. “Did you know?” Tommy asked calmly. I grit my teeth and wipe the blade once more, then I return it to the sheath strapped to my wrist, soothing down my sleeves to keep it hidden. I turned to my brother fully and asked “Wh
MAFIA RULES 113
Bang! Bang! Bang!!! Gunshots sound as I make my way down the hall of an Italian-styled penthouse. The enemy tries to return fire, but they are quickly overwhelmed by my men. Martino Greco led me to Valentina's hideout like a mouse to the cheese. Pained grunts and shocked yells followed by the thuds of bodies heating the ground, and then quiet. Hmm. I walk in smooth strides past pools of blood, bodies littering the polished wooden floors noting the soldiers Valentina called from her mansion in Italy, I frown at the sight of a falcon tatted on one of the fallen men’s forearms, seems she hired some mercenaries also. Splendid. Last night Valentina sent her men to Mendoza and Orinete households while they slept and took them out in one swell move. It is why I can break in with little to no resistance, half of her man power is gone. Danilo inclined his chin at me then motioned up silently a gun in hand, corked and still at the ready. Chase and Emilio stand beside him each o
MAFIA RULES 112
I stared out the window on the ride back. Like the two times we’ve gone out, I remain in the car while he checks the property, when he signals all clear I open my door and move to the back to get the kids. Miguel goes around the other side and gets started on Angelo’s seat, he undoes the strap holding the child to the seat and then unhooks the chair fully so he can take it inside. “Want to tell me what happened at the clinic?” he questions as we walk. I shook my head nothing. “You don’t really expect me to believe that do you?” “What makes you think I did anything." “Excluding the fact that you looked guilty as hell when we got back, there’s a tear glued to your lashes" he pointed one end of his bottled water at me, "Why were you crying” We entered the cabin and I unstrapped the kids to let them run free. “I just needed to use the bathroom quickly” I paused helping Angelo to his feet. “I called him” I admitted. His expression remains unchanged. “You don’t seem surprised
MAFIA RULES 111
NIKO That evening I left using one of the hidden exist. There's a car parked under the bridge, I pull up behind it, leaving the engine still running as I look out the window, moments later a male form, wearing a black oversized coat blowing the wind takes long steps in my direction as far as his short legs can carry him, the side door opens and he drops down beside me, the smell of tobacco that follows him where ever he goes fills the car. I make no effort to his my frown. Excluding the fact that it was a shitty habit that kills the liver, I imagine it would make stealth impossible if they can smell you from a mile away. And I preferred to leave no traces, unless it was a warning that is. I have half the mind to ask him to exit my vehicle before he saturates it with his unpleasant smell but I need him tonight so I decided to play nice. “How did it go?” Martino Greco smacks his lips once, “Just as you expected boss, Maxim sent another offer, I did as you said while showing some
MAFIA RULES 110
LOLA I’ve been teaching my twins simple words and pointing out items around the house for them. I once read that kids need contact with other people and other kids to stimulate growth, and I’ve been doing what I can to fill that role. "Nana" Angel mumbled pointing at the banana when Miguel walked past eating a banana last night.It is also his favorite fruit. Micaela liked peaches.I also roped Miguel into watching some soap operas airing every evening with me so I’d have something to look forward to and someone to discuss with. Soap operas were always better when you had someone to discuss them with. He acts like he hates them but I swear he secretly enjoys them. He finds it hard to understand the motives of the main antagonists and often wonders why the ‘good guys’ give so many chances.No one is that inherently good. Miguel had said when the main female character got played for the fourth time in twenty episodes. It's plain stupidity. he added his two cents, I shook my head with
MAFIA RULES 109
NIKO -Months later... “Who can we count on?” Tommy asked his chin on his jaw. In front of me at the other side of the desk Matteo cleared his throat and the other turned to him, “Brenadi, Orisi, Ajello, the Sances are a given" he tips his head. With Chase one of my trusted enforcers the head of the Sances family, it was a given, I trusted him to keep his house in check, the others however, "The others will need more convincing" Matteo added voicing my exact thoughts. “That’s four out of twelve” Vincent grunted unable to hide his displeasure. “How can Valentina have eight over us, the bitch has been in Italy for almost three decades," Tommy growls. “Exactly, lots of families owe her favors, she ran this family before us with an iron fist and she never fully removed her claws while my brother was capo, that’s nearly four decades of loyalty from the New York families. "Enough time to amass a fortune's worth of secrets and debts to call in, moreover, a number of the men are too sca
