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MAFIA RULES 76
I push out of the water breathing hard, I wipe water from my eyes with a hand, climbing out of the pool ungracefully. My arms shaking, lungs burning. I had hoped I would feel better after the workout. I don’t. I go to bed angry and I wake up frustrated, I’ve been to the shooting range every day for the past three days, shooting a few rounds, I’ve gotten more familiar with my weapon and my hands don’t shake anymore. The recoil and loud bangs don’t make me jump. My aim has also gotten better. My life is falling apart, the mansion is as tensed and quiet as a graveyard I don’t know how things are with Eva and Matteo as I haven’t been able to reach either of them, Tommy has been MIA, Niko isn’t speaking to me, I know he felt bad about pushing me away the other night but not enough to make peace, it’s all that witch’s fault. Everything changed the moment she arrived. Everyone has asked me to steer clear of VValentina. Matteo, Eva, Tommy, Maria, now, even Niko. He assures me that
MAFIA RULES 77
My lips stretch into a smile. “I have to disarm your men” his voice is low, challenging. I hummed, waving my hand for him to have at it, I moved to step forward but Ivan held out his arm in front of me. I clear my throat, my polite smile dropping flat, the look I shoot him has him putting his arm down quickly. Valentina’s man, Maxim, steps to the side, letting me walk through, Ivan and Rico coming in behind me. Tilting my chin up, I follow where the sound of the voice came from, my heels clicking on the marble floors. Valentine is sitting on her patio at the side of her house, overlooking a small garden. I step through the wide double doors, smoothing a hand over my hair, pulled back into a low ponytail, the ends of my hair sweeping over my spine as I walk. I wonder where her other men are, seeing none of them around, this will be easier than I thought. She is dressed in a soft blue sweater and a long cream coloured skirt, pearls at her throat and ears, and her ever pre
MAFIA RULES 78
The entire family is waiting for me when I get back. “Are we having a family gathering? Why didn’t anyone invite me?” I suppose they heard about my unplanned visit to Valentina and called a meeting. Tommy jumps from the couch, hands outstretched and I think he wants to come in for a hug, his hands clasped on my shoulders instead turns me to the right and then to the left, he draws back with a frown, “You’re fine” I watch his retreating back as he heads back to the couch, “Should I not be?” “I heard you threatened my mother, please tell me that is true?!” Matteo responds and then bursts into laughter. Niko glared at his uncle and then his eyes shifted to me. I read the annoyance in his gaze. “Don’t encourage her,” Eva chastises him. “That was beyond, foolish, I don’t know what to say to you right now” she scolded with a shake of her head. Still laughing he leans forward, “What I would I given to see it happen, Ivan did you at least sneak a picture of Mother’s face?” Ivan sha
MAFIA RULES 79
The second I was out of sight, I braced a palm flat against the nearest wall, my heart beating so fast behind my ribs, I felt like I was on the verge of fainting. I try to get my bearings. My hands tremble I have to bring my right to my chest. My knees knocked together and sweat beaded on my forehead. I licked my dry lips and focused on my breathing exhaling through my mouth. I’d put on a brave face in front out there, that I wasn’t scared of Valentina. Truth be told, I am terrified of the woman. I’d given the performance of a lifetime and the anger boiling in my chest gave me an edge. It had to be done and I don’t regret it. Valentina Salvatore is a bully. Plain and simple. I've known a few in my life, My aunt Sara and daughter Katherina to mention, and a few from my time at the academy. The only way to get them to back off is to stand up to them. She treats everyone as less than and expects us to fall at her feet. She was very harsh with Eva, the thought of it gave me shiv
MAFIA RULES 80
“What? When” I was already sitting upright but my spine went ridge at her words, I was not expecting her to say that. “To who? I didn’t tell him, he found out” I felt the need to get that out of the way. Her brows come together in a frown, before smoothing over, she really thought I outed her. I promised her I wouldn't. “He informed Valentina and me of his decision just yesterday, I believe his exact words were; Eva was married to a capo for more than a decade, she knows too much we shouldn’t let her run free as we have lest she forget her place, someone should keep an eye on her” she recounts, though her features remain uncaring, the words come out gritted. My jaw was literally hanging. He said what!?“You can imagine Valentina was thrilled about it.” I smack my palms on my lap. “Why would he do such a thing?!” And to involve Valentina? She hates Eva with a passion. “As punishment and a warning,” she said with a light shrug of her shoulders.Damn it. I knew he was mad but not t
MAFIA RULES 81
I push the double stroller with Maria walking beside me, it is still early in the day and the sun isn’t out fully so I thought both the babies and I could use some air, then we find a good spot on the floor in the gardens to spread out a fluffy blanket unstrapping the children Angelo is already swinging his legs and fist with excitement form being let out, Maria drops the basket of toys so they can play. I make a mental note to take them out on walks more often. For the next half hour, I lay on my side, my head popped up on my hand as I watched my children. My little loves. Angelo and Micaela have a grand time mumbling gibberish to each other giggling and fighting over toys, yelling loudly. I feel an unfathomable joy as I watch their interaction, Caela tosses something to the side the yells “Ma?” Pointing at the toy. I shake my head, trying to be stern “You threw it there you get it” She attempts a cry to get her way and I laugh under my breath, “Bring it to Mama baby” I h
MAFIA RULES 82
** I nod. He was right, this wasn’t the time for a mental breakdown or to get overwhelmed by my thoughts. His hands leave my shoulders, “I saw Maria putting a cake in the oven on my way here, it’s been about an hour already, perfect timing if you ask me” he is smiling once more. I shoved what I’ve learned to the back of my mind. “Sure” I agreed. Some cake sounded nice. Nice one Lola, eat your feelings away. Gia texts to inform me the twins are still sleeping so I remain downstairs and gorge myself on chocolate goodness. Tommy leaves after an extra slice he doesn't mention our conversation in the gym, in fact, he acts like it never happened. For a moment I wondered if he let slipped on purposes, One might think Tommy was a blabbermouth because he was always joking and laughing, but he was no fool. He knows I know nothing of the nature of the family business, for him to let it slip like that? Nope. Especially knowing Niko prefers me to stay out of it. And after Eva
MAFIA RULES 83
I went upstairs after that, was there anything more for me to learn, lost in my thoughts, Did I want to call Maria and question her within an inch of her life and finally find out what was going on in my own house? Yes, I did. Why was I the last to find out anything of substance around here? It was the same as when Valentina came around and dropped the union in our laps. It was as though everyone was expecting it but me. What was I doing wrong? It had to be something, to be so excluded in my family. I wanted nothing more than to line them up and get to the bottom of it all. They made it their job to inform me of the happenings of the family, most of the information they got in the form of gossip from the maids of other households. Apparently, all I was entitled to was petty gossip like who was sleeping with the servant and who fathered a bastard behind his wife, never anything truly meaningful. Gianna who hasn’t been to visit in a while Sebastian, her husband insisted it’s
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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’
MAFIA RULES 114
“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
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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
