I hate to see a look of defeat on Selena’s face. She must see me as her captor at this point after everything that just happened. If she only knew the real truth. Her father did not deserve the protection I was giving him. I was only sparing his life because of his daughter.
There was something that I could not figure out that was drawing me towards Selena, giving me this strong desire to protect her. To protect her even with my own life if necessary. It did not make any sense to me as to why I was having these feelings. I have had my share of women over the years, but I have never had any strong feelings for them. Never had I felt the need to protect any of them. Looking into her eyes I saw a fight in her that I think rivaled my own. I never want to see that fight in her eyes disappear. I needed a woman like her by my side that would stand up to anyone. So far, she seems to have come to terms with her fate, but I have a feeling deep in my soul that she truly has not come to terms with it and will probably try to run the first chance that she gets. I cannot say that I blame her, because there is no way that I would allow someone to hold me against my will. I want her to submit to me, but that will be in the bedroom. I offered my hand to Selena to help her out of the car. She at first just looked at my hand and then reluctantly took it. Her skin on mine was like an electric shock. I really could not tell if she felt it too, because she would not look up at me. She was keeping her head down like she was afraid of me. As Don of the Rossi family, I needed people to fear me, but not Selena. I was going to show her that there was so much more to me that just being head of a mafia family. We were going to be so much more together. I could not let go of Selena’s hand. It was so small inside of my large hand. I was thankful that she was not trying to pull away from me. I am still not sure how I am going t handle things with her yet. Most likely for a very short period of time, I would have to have her as a maid. I had been thinking about the deal her father was making with the Columbians. It was probably going to be the best approach to have in confined to the house, until I could straighten out this huge fuck up that George had made. I was going to have to call a meeting of all of the Capos and determine what the best course of action was going to be. The family cannot afford to go to war with the Columbians, but they will never get their hands on Selena. I would have to put extra security on her if she did try to get out of the house and make a run for it. There was no way she was going out in the world alone. She has been alone for far too long in her short life all by herself. Walking up to the steps, I could feel a slight hesitation from Selena. I could have played the bad guy at this point and just pulled her along, but I do not want to cause her to endure anymore stress. “Little bird, no one is going to hurt you here, that is my word and my word is law.” She finally looked up at me with those beautiful big brown eyes and I knew right at that moment, that she was exactly where she was supposed to be – with me. I barely heard her when she simply said, “Yes sir.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. She had to be exhausted and there was still a lot to do tonight. When we walked into the door, that was the first time that Selena lifted her head up. Her eyes were wide with amazement as she looked around the front room of the house. It made me seething mad to see the conditions that she was living in, when her father was constantly gambling, going out to dinner, and spending money on prostitutes. She was living in a run-down apartment and working hard at the bodega to just afford to eat. I had seen her going into the thrift store from time to time buying her clothes. I have done my best to not look at what she is wearing because I know that regardless of her situation, she is a proud person. I had texted my “Aunt” Marta on the way home so she could have clothes and a room ready for Selena. The room would be temporary. At some point, she would move into the main part of the house, but that was a discussion for another time. “Joseph you are finally home. I have everything ready for you.” Marta was always good at showing up at exactly the right time. She took one look at Selena, and I could see sadness in her eyes. Marta had lost her daughter years ago in a car accident and she had not been the same since. Maybe Selena could be healed in this house and heal those inside these walls. “Come on sweetie, let’s get you cleaned up and ready for bed, you must be tired.” Selena looked back at me like she was unsure of what the right decision was. I simply nodded my head, and she turned and followed behind Marta. I watched her until she was out of sight. I know she is in good hands with Marta. The next order of business was to get all the Capos together and decide our next course of action with the Columbians. “Antonio, get all of the men together. We need to have a meeting immediately. Have security increased around the gates until I decide other wise.” “Yes, Don, I am on it.” Antonio immediately started dialing his phone, because he understood the immediate threat. If we did not deal with the Columbians delicately, it could turn into an all our war and that is something neither side could afford. While Antonio was busy, I took the time to grab a drink. The whiskey burned going down, but it was a comforting warmth. I had to think fast and think smart. The house was already bustling with men preparing for the meeting. I knew Selena was in the bathroom upstairs taking a shower and getting ready for bed. I could not help but wonder what she was thinking. Was she planning to escape? Was she afraid of me? Would she ever be able to trust me? The meeting room was set up with a large oak table and chairs around it. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with books that had not been read in years. This was my grandfather’s room, and it had not been touched since he passed. The smell of old leather and cigars lingered in the air, reminding me of the stories he would tell me about the old days when he was in charge. The men filed in one by one, each with a serious look on their face. They knew the gravity of the situation. "Gentlemen," I began, "We have a serious problem on our hands. George has made a deal with the Columbians that could cost us dearly. They believe Selena is a part of this deal." I slammed my fist on the table, making the glasses rattle. "This will not stand. The Rossi family does not give up its own." The Capos murmured among themselves, their faces a mix of anger and concern. They knew George had been a loose cannon for years, but this was a new low, even for him. "We need to send a message," said Capo Vincent, his eyes dark and deadly. "Let them know that touching a hair on Selena's head means war." I nodded in agreement. "But we can't be hasty. We need to know their terms, understand their intentions. We don't want to jump the gun and end up with a full-scale conflict that we can't control." The room grew quiet as the weight of my words sank in. "Capo Vincent, reach out to our contact within the Columbian cartel. Find out what they want from us, and if they're willing to negotiate. Keep it subtle. We don't want them to think we're scared. Plus, I don't want them to know that Selena is with us." The men nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. As they discussed strategies, I couldn't help but let my mind drift back to Selena. I had never felt this protective over anyone before, especially not a girl that had just been handed to me as part of a deal. Yet, there was something about her that made me want to keep her safe, to cherish her, even if she didn't know it yet.Capo Vincent walked in and he did not look happy. "Don, I have spoken to our contact, Rafael. The Columbians are not backing down. They believe Selena is part of the deal. They're demanding she be handed over to them, or else they will consider it a breach of contract." His words sent a cold shiver down my spine. "What do they want in exchange?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. “Do they not understand this was not a deal brokered by the Rossi family?” Vincent took a deep breath. "They want what George promised them. They want Selena." My fists clenched under the table, the wood groaning under the pressure. The audacity of the Columbians was unbelievable. To think they could just come into my city and demand Selena like she was a commodity to be traded... it was infuriating. I had to keep a cool head, though. The family's future was at stake, and I couldn't let my personal feelings cloud my judgment. "Tell them they're wasting their time," I said, my voice a low growl. "Sele
Once we were upstairs, Marta showed me to the guest bathroom. The bathroom was bigger than my bedroom. I could have never even dreamed about anything like this. The warm water from the shower washed away the grime and fear of the day. I felt the tension in my muscles begin to ease. I had never smelled something as nice as the shampoo and body wash that was in the shower. My mind was racing with thoughts of escape, but she knew it was futile. The house was too secure, too many eyes watching my every move. Plus, I was so tired, tired all the way to my bones. As I stepped out of the shower, Marta handed me a soft towel. She was kind, her eyes filled with a motherly concern that was foreign to me. "Here, let me help you," she said, her voice gentle as she wrapped the towel around my body. She led me to a room that had been prepared for me, the bed freshly made with clean, crisp sheets that smelled of lavender. The room was the polar opposite to the cold, unfeeling apartment I was use
As I took a seat at the table, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the family on my shoulders. The Rossi name was synonymous with power and responsibility, and now Selena was part of that burden. Yet, every time I looked at her, I felt something different. It was a warmth, a feeling that was alien to the cold, calculating world of the mafia. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her resilience that truly captivated me. Despite the hand she'd been dealt, she remained strong. The urge to protect her, to claim her as mine was growing stronger by the second. It was confusing, to say the least. As Don of the Rossi family, my life had always been about power, loyalty, and control. Emotions were a weakness, something to be kept in check. Yet, Selena had waltzed into my world and thrown it into chaos. I couldn’t ignore the way my heart raced whenever she was near, the way my body reacted to her presence. It was like nothing I had ever felt before. I sat at the head of the table, my t
Confused doesn’t really fit what I am feeling right now. I don’t understand how Don Rossi can consider me family. I only met him yesterday and it wasn’t under the best circumstances. I am very thankful for him giving me a place to stay and food to eat. It’s more than my father has ever given me. But I have had to learn the hard way that no one does anything for you without strings attached. The first few days at the mansion were a blur. I was treated like a guest, not a servant. I had my own bedroom with a bathroom that was cleaner than any place I had ever been in. Don Rossi was a very busy man. I rarely saw him, but when I did, he was always polite, but there was something about his gaze that made me feel like he saw through me. Like he knew every little thing that had ever happened to me. It was a little unnerving, but I tried to ignore it. The mansion was a whole new world. It was beautiful and terrifying all at the same time. There was so much space and so much wealth. It
I hate myself for raising my voice with Selena. It hurts to think that she thinks so little of herself. This is another reason that I would love to end George Mariani. But that’s for later. I called a meeting with my Capos about the Columbians. We need to handle this situation delicately. I knew that I had to go myself to negotiate with them, to ensure that Selena would not be given to them, not under any circumstances. I walked into the conference room, the heavy oak door closing with a thud that echoed the finality of my thoughts. My Capos were already there, waiting for me, their faces etched with concern. "Gentlemen," I said, my voice a calm contrast to the tumult in my chest, "We have a situation." The room grew tense as I laid out the details of George Mariani's treachery. I could feel their anger, their loyalty to the family, and the protectiveness I have towards Selena, who had so quickly become a symbol of innocence in our corrupt world. "We need to handle this with p
I chose Antonio to accompany me, not just for his loyalty, but because he was the only one who knew Selena's true value to me. "Remember, Antonio," I said, as we drove through the darkened streets of the city, "You are my right hand. Stay alert and do not react unless absolutely necessary." The warehouse was a grim place, which had long been abandoned. Torres was a snake, a man who got off on the misery of others, and I knew that this meeting would be a tug of war of words and power. Antonio and I arrived in a plain black sedan, the engine running quietly as we stepped out. We were met by a sea of armed men, their eyes cold and their intentions clear. We were searched thoroughly before being led into a dimly lit room where Torres sat, surrounded by his own men. The tension was like a coiled spring waiting to snap. As we approached, Torres's gaze swept over us. The corner of his mouth twitched upwards in a predatory smile. "Rossi," he greeted, his voice full of insincerity . "To
I was sitting on sofa in the library when Joseph walked in. He had been gone a while. I had stayed here in case I could see him again. We still haven't had an opportunity to have a talk about my whole situation here. I took one look at his face and knew something was wrong. "What is it, Joseph?" she asked, closing her book with a soft thud. He took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for words that could convey the gravity of what had just transpired. "Selena," he began, his voice tight with tension, "I need you to trust me." Maybe Joseph has changed his mind about me taking my classes and I am going to be a maid after all. He sat down beside me, his posture stiff. "There's something I need to discuss with you, Selena," he said, his eyes avoiding mine. "It's about your future here." My heart began to race. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep the fear from my voice. "Have you changed your mind about me being a maid?" He took my hand, his grip f
As Don of this family, I should not care about a young girl's tears, but I do. Seeing Selena cry and know that I am the cause of it, tears at my very soul. There is a knock at my office door, and it has to be Antonio. "Enter." I wasn't really in the mood for a conversation, but it has been coming since we left the meeting with Torres. Antonio walked in, his expression a mix of concern and loyalty. He knew me well enough to gauge my moods, and he knew better than to say anything that wasn't necessary. "Don Joseph," he began, his voice formal despite our friendship. "The preparations for Selena's protection are in place. We have men watching the perimeter and the house at all times." "Good," I said, my eyes never leaving Selena's retreating figure. "I want her guarded 24/7, understand? No one, not even George, gets near her without my permission." Antonio nodded; his expression grim. "Of course, Don Joseph." He knew better than to question my orders regarding Selena. "May I spea
As the sun rose, we made our escape, Lorenzo bound and gagged in the trunk of the car. The city was waking up, oblivious to the war that had ravaged its underbelly through the night. The ride to the airport was tense, each of us lost in our thoughts. For Selena, it was grief and anger. For me, it was the need to end this nightmare and bring peace to our family.The aircraft was a stark contrast to the chaos we left behind—sleek, white, and gleaming. We boarded, Lorenzo still bound, surrounded by my most trusted men. The flight to Sicily was long and silent, the weight of our mission hanging over us like a dark cloud.The DeAngelo were waiting for us as the jet's engines roared to a halt. Their eyes fell on Lorenzo, and I could see the fury boiling beneath their calm exteriors. They knew the gravity of his treachery, the depth of the wound he had inflicted on our alliance. "Welcome home," Don De Angelos said, his voice cold as ice. "We have been waiting for this day."We escorted Loren
As dawn broke, the house was alive with the sound of preparations. The Capos had arrived, each one a grim reminder of the battle ahead. They whispered in hushed tones, their eyes filled with a silent vow to avenge my attempted murder. Antonio approached, his expression a mix of determination and sorrow. "It's time," he said simply, handing me a gun.The journey to Lorenzo's compound was a blur of adrenaline and rage. The streets of New York were a canvas of shadows and neon, the city's heartbeat pulsating through the car's windows. We were a convoy of darkness, a formidable force closing in on our prey. The compound loomed ahead, a fortress of concrete and steel, surrounded by a wall that seemed to taunt us with its impenetrability. But we had a plan, and we had the element of surprise.As we approached, the quiet was shattered by the roar of engines and the squeal of tires. The gates of the compound exploded in a shower of sparks and metal as we crashed through, guns blazing. The air
When the plan finally landed in Chicago, I was completely numb. How was I supposed to the raise the children without him? How was I going to survive without Joseph? When I saw him pushed into that water, a part of me drowned with him. But as the plane touched down, the reality of my situation slapped me across the face. I had to be strong for Isabella and Michael. They were my world now, and I had to keep them safe, just as Joseph had wanted. The airport was a blur of faces and noises, but all I could hear was the pounding of my heart and the echo of his final words. I found Dante waiting for me, his expression a mix of relief and sorrow. "I can't believe it," he said, his voice thick with emotion as he enveloped me in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Rossi." I nodded, my eyes glassy with unshed tears. "Thank you for watching over the babies," I murmured, my voice barely audible. Dante led me to a black SUV, the tinted windows ensuring our privacy. Inside, the twins were
As we pulled up to the safe house, the headlights cut through the night, illuminating the tension etched into the faces of my men waiting outside. They had heard the news and knew the gravity of our situation. I could see the question in their eyes—what now? "Spread the word," I instructed Antonio as I stepped out of the car, my teeth chattering from the cold. "All Capos need to be here by dawn. We're ending this." Antonio nodded, his gaze serious. "I'll handle it," he said before disappearing into the night. The warmth of the shower did little to thaw the ice that had formed around my heart. The water pounded against my skin, but it was the images of Selena's distraught face and the twins' innocent eyes that haunted me. I had to be strong for them, had to keep the promise I had made. I had to end Lorenzo's reign of terror. As I stepped out, a towel wrapped around my waist, the cold air in the bathroom was a stark reminder of the icy waters that had almost claimed my life.
Now that Selena was heading out of town, I had to figure out what had happened to Joseph. I believe she saw him getting pushed into the water, but I will not accept that Joseph Rossi is dead until I see a body. I called my most trusted men, the ones that had been with me through thick and thin. We had to move fast. The docks were going to be a war zone if we didn't get to Lorenzo before he had a chance to regroup. As we approached the river's edge, my heart raced, thinking of my friend and his family. The thought of Selena and those babies alone in the world without him was unbearable. We had to find him. The water was a dark, ominous presence, reflecting the moon's glow in a macabre dance of light and shadow. My men fanned out, searching the banks with flashlights, their faces grim with the gravity of the task at hand. We had to find Joseph before it was too late. A splash, faint but unmistakable, broke the silence. My head snapped towards the sound, and I saw a figure strugglin
The water's icy embrace was a stark reminder of the promise I had made to Joseph. If something like this ever happened, if our world came crumbling down around us, I was to leave and protect our twins. The weight of his words from our last conversation bore into me, a promise that felt like a noose tightening around my neck. As I watched the dark river swallow him whole, the air left my lungs. The world around me grew hazy, the sounds of the city muffled by the roaring in my ears. I knew what I had to do, but the thought of leaving him, leaving this fight, was unbearable. Tears streamed down my face, mixing with the salty breeze. I took a step back, my body screaming to run to him, to save him. But the promise I had made to Joseph weighed heavily on my heart. He had made me swear to protect our children, no matter what happened. And now, as I stood there, my feet rooted to the spot, I knew that I had to honor that promise. With a final, desperate look at the churning river, I turn
Joseph should have been back by now. It has been two hours since we talked. I feel so helpless. I can't sit still in this house any longer, not knowing what's happening out there. I can't ignore the fear gnawing at my stomach, the cold sweat on my palms. I have to do something. Grabbing my phone, I dial Marco's number, praying for an answer. It rings once, twice, three times—then, finally, a crackling sound, followed by his labored breath. "Marco? Where are you?" "Selena...I'm...hurt," he gasps. "We need...help." My heart skips a beat. "Where are you?" I demand, fear lacing every word. Marco's voice is weak, but determined. "The warehouse...Lorenzo...got Joseph." My world spins as the words hit me like a sledgehammer. "No," I whisper, the reality of the situation crashing down on me. "Where are you?" "Alley," he manages to say, before the line goes dead. The weight of the silence is suffocating, my thoughts racing with fear. I can't lose Joseph. I won't. With t
Marco's footsteps grew heavier, his breathing more labored. "Boss," he grunted, "I can't go much farther." I knew we had to find a way out—for him, for Selena, for our twins. I scanned the room, searching for an exit, a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. Then, I spotted it: a faint light seeping through a cracked door at the far end of the warehouse. "Marco, hold on," I whispered, my eyes never leaving the light. "We're going to get out of here." We stumbled towards the light, bullets whizzing by like angry bees. The pain in my side grew more intense with every step, but I pushed through it, adrenaline coursing through my veins. We reached the door, and I kicked it open, revealing a dimly lit alleyway. The cold air hit us like a slap in the face, but it was the sweetest relief. Marco leaned against the wall, his face pale and sweaty. "We did it," he panted, his voice tinged with disbelief. But our victory was short-lived. The alley was a dead end, and the sound of footst
The world around us stilled, the echo of gunfire fading into the distance. His men had ceased their pursuit, their eyes locked on their leader's prize. I could feel the weight of his gun pressing into my back, the cold steel a reminder of the power he held over me. "Drop the gun, Joseph," Lorenzo ordered, his voice low and dangerous. "Or I'll make sure Selena watches you bleed out." My heart skipped a beat at the thought of Selena in danger. I knew I couldn't risk it. With a heavy sigh, I released my grip on the weapon, letting it clatter to the ground. The sound seemed to resonate through the alleyway, a symbol of my defeat. Or so Lorenzo thought. "Good boy," he said, his grip loosening slightly. "Now, let's go for a little walk." He dragged me through the alley, the cold steel of his pistol digging into my side. I had to find a way out of this. "Lorenzo," I said, keeping my voice calm, "You don't have to do this. We can end this now." He sneered in response, pullin