Violetta

Against my better judgment I let Nico take me out to dinner instead of getting the food to go. I realized that would mean going home sooner with Nico, and I prevented that for as long as I could. However, now we are home, well, Nico’s home. Nico has four homes. One, a condo in the best part of the city. It’s his private place and that is where he has has taken me thankfully. The Second home, is also in the city, but it’s the Ronka home where his parents reside. Nico is an only child which is partly why I think he liked having me around when we were kids. I'm an only child as well, so I guess in some way we bonded over having no siblings . The third, is the Ronka’s family manor in the country. It’s beautiful. The fourth is the Ronka family villa in Italy. 

Nico takes my backpack and begins making his way to his bedroom. I know the lay out of this condo well. Part of me thinks Nico intends this to be our place. When he bought it he made sure I liked it. He has brought me here every chance he gets. He’s even called this a great starter condo for a family. 

“Uh, I’m not sleeping in your bed, Nico!” I yell after him before I move my ass to follow him to continue 

“Little Dove, the fact that you think you would sleep anywhere else that isn’t my bed is ridiculous. You should certainly know better.” Nico scolds as I storm in the bedroom after him. A smug grin crosses his features before he opens a zipper of my backpack. 

“What are you doing?” I question, trying to snatch my backpack back from him, but he holds it up where I can’t get it. Damn Italian short genes that I get from my beloved Nonna. 

“I didn’t think you’d hand it over willingly, so I figured I’d search for it myself.” Nico answers as he turns his back to me to riffle through the bag. 

“Nico!” I screech as I see my clothes and various items being tossed on the floor. After a few moments Nico drops the backpack before turning back around with a trumpet grin as he wiggles the burn phone. “How the hell did you know?” I ask as my lower jaw drops a bit. I knew Nico had spies on me but to this level is a bit creepy. Then again, apparently Anthony has been stocking from afar himself, so why am I surprised by anything at this point?

“I know everything, Little Dove. Every fucking move you have made since you went out on your own to spread your wings.” Nico answers. 

“You’ve been controlling my life even though I was supposed to be out on my own?” I accuse, pointing my finger at him while popping out my hip. 

Nico chuckles. “Of course I have and of course I did. You are mine, Little Dove. I have to protect you from the enemies that knock on our door. You are a target. Do you not understand that? You think the daughter of Mario Calla could just disappear from the criminal underworld and live a regular life? Wake up, Violetta! You don’t think the Russians or the Mexicians might not be interested in you. Your father promised you to me and Anthony. What makes you think he didn’t promise you to other less unsavory leaders of the underworld. You think I’m the monster, maybe I am, but I’m the monster keeping you safe.” 

“You really think he promised me to other underworld leaders?” I ask in a panic tone as my right hand goes to my chest. Nico has a point I never even considered. 

“I don’t know, but it’s possible. I wasn’t even sure about Anthony until he showed up at the hospital. Your father was backstabbing a lot of people. Just because Mario is dead doesn’t mean that his enemies won’t come for you out revenge. I don’t control you to be an asshole, Little Dove, I do it to keep you safe because you aren’t even aware of the real nightmare the underworld is.” Nico states, taking the burner phone inside his inner suit pocket. 

“Why do you bother keeping me safe? You don’t have to. My father clearly didn’t promise me to just you, so why fight for me when it would be easier to let my father’s enemies hunt me down?” I question, looking right into Nico's dangerous eyes. 

“You haven’t figured why yet? All these years, Little Dove, and you truly haven’t figured out why?” Nico questions bridging the gap between us. His one arm snakes around my waist pulling me to him as his other hand grabs my chin forcing me to look at him. 

“Because you love me.” I answer breathlessly. Shit he takes my breath away.

“Exactly, Little Dove.” Nico replies before his lips capture mine in a brutally, passionate kiss that heats the fire in my core. “Tell me you love me too, Little Dove.” Nico demands breaking our kiss. 

“It’s not that simple, Nico. I do love you, but I hate feeling like I’m just a pawn.” I reply leaning my forehead against his chest. 

“You are not a pawn, and you never have been. You are my friend who I fell in love with long before your father promised you to me.” Nico says, holding me close to him. It’s too soon for such strong emotions, but how can I ignore how I feel when I’m in his arms. Even with Anthony tugging at the back of mind, Nico currently pulls my focus. 

“It feels like forever ago since we were just kids sneaking cannolis behind the adults back.” I reply, looking back up at Nico. We both chuckle at the memory.

“That is forever ago it seems. You should unwind with a nice bath while I make sure Jullian is having success procuring you some things. Get rest, Little Dove, we have a packed agenda for the next couple of weeks.” Nico says, pulling away from me and I hate that I feel cold without him. 

“What about my job?” 

“They will be informed that you have taken a new position at the Angel Clinic.” Nico informs me. 

“The Angel Clinic?” I ask in confusion. 

“In time, Little Dove. Relax, rest, and I’ll join you later in bed.” Nico pecks my on the lips before he strides out the bedroom. 

I’m not sure what I’m supposed to make of anything right now, so I head to take a bath because right now that’s an order I wouldn't mind following. I take advantage of the soaking tub and fill it with some natural epsom salts that are lavender scented. I haven’t enjoyed a nice bath in awhile. I need to figure out my plan. Being back with Nico is proving difficult already. His charm is hard to resist. What’s even harder to resist is his sincerity. I want to doubt Nico’s love and intentions, but my heart is secretly leaping for joy. 

Anthony pops into my mind. I lost the damn burner phone. That didn’t take long, however, I’m not surprised. I should be thrilled I have two handsome men fighting over me, but I’m not because either way I have no control. Yes, Anthony offers the illusion of control, yet I’m not sure I buy that. Anthony is a powerful man there is no way he would just let his wife do whatever she wants. He said within reason, but what is within reason when it comes to the rules of the underworld?

Then let’s not forget the perfectly terrifying thought that Nico brought up, and that’s what if my father promised me to other leaders of the underworld. My father was a greedy, foolish man. My nonna always said so. It’s bad enough he was stupid enough to promise me to Nico and Anthony, but the man is insane if he promised me to other leaders. If he did promise to other leaders, why haven’t they come to collect me? Why is Anthony waiting until now to make his move? There are far too many questions and I’m not sure I can trust any of the answers I’m given. I’m surrounded by snakes, traitors, and corruption. How the hell am I supposed to sort out the truth from the lies? I want to trust Nico, but I don’t trust his hidden intentions. I don’t trust Anthony’s hidden intentions either. I don't trust anyone right now. I’m not even sure I trust myself right now because my life has officially been flipped upside down, again.