Violetta

After my bath I change into the silky black nightgown that has been laid out for me. There’s no panties or thong so I guess that means Nico wants easy access to his goods. Although, he did say that he wouldn’t have sex with me until our wedding, however, that doesn’t mean he can’t touch me in sexual ways. Not that I would be mad about the sex part with either Anthony or Nico. Both of them, though, that appeals to me, but there is no way that will ever happen. They hate each other.  

It’s only eight o’clock. I’m not tired. Usually I would clean my apartment, do my food shopping to have it delivered to me because it’s what’s easiest for me, and probably doing laundry. Adult things that I currently find myself no longer needing to worry about as my warden will make sure I’m taken care of. Nico is definitely my warden, but he’s more. I hate that he's more, but I can’t help my heart from wanting him. I love him even if I try to deny it, which is why I find it so strange that I’m equally drawn to Anthony. 

 Anthony is surely a distinct memory now. Nico has the burner phone now, so I have no way of contacting Anthony. Nico will plan my every move and those moves involve us getting married. Nico is on a mission to make me his wife and I doubt that involves Anthony. I can’t pretend there isn’t a part of me that is thrilled about marrying Nico. There was a time it was all I wanted, but then I opened my eyes when my father was killed. I don’t care that he was killed. My father was a man with big ambitions, but was absolutely terrible at executing plans. My father’s plans only made sense to him. I surely never understood it and neither did my mother or Nonna when they were alive. It would seem I’m left to clean up my father’s messes and make good on his promise to Nico and even Anthony if possible. I rather them than some of the other leaders of the underworld. I’m still a woman and this is very much a man's world. 

I decide to climb into Nico’s ridiculous comfortable bed. The sheets are soft and the bed itself feels like a cloud. I don’t even want to know how much this mattress cost, let alone the rest of everything in this place. Money is never a problem when it comes to the mafia. I’m used to the luxury the mafia life can provide. Part of being on my own was about experiencing things like a regular person would, well the closest I could get to it from the hidden puppet master pulling strings with my life. 

Grabbing the TV remote on the one bedside table, I turn the TV on and find some trashy reality TV to binge. I love reality TV because it’s the only thing that is entertaining when you live in fucking TV or movie mafia script to enjoy regular entertainment. I get why mundane people would be fascinated with shows and movies about mafias, gangs, violence, and the whole illegal underground. It’s a world that doesn’t exist in reality to many people because they live among civilized society. However, when you know the harsh reality of the underworld and live in it, those movies and shows are hard to get into. 

Around one in the morning Nico comes striding into what I assume is now our bedroom. “Still awake, Little Dove?” Nico questions as he begins to strip out of his clothes. 

“Of course I’m still awake. You decided to give me a job that required nightshift.” I counter, trying to not enjoy the sight of his toned body. 

Nico chuckles. “I wasn’t going to make it easy on you. However, I do admire you for going to college and obtaining your nursing degree. I’m proud that you achieved a goal you set for yourself.” 

“Thank you for letting me do it and giving me the means to do so. I guess I should give you some credit there. You could have told me no like my dad would have, but you didn’t.” I reply as Nico is left in black boxers. I have stop myself from licking my lips. 

“I do want you to have a life that you enjoy, Little Dove. I hate that you feel hindered by my control because my control is meant to help you live the best, safe life that you can. I know you think you know this world, but I promise there are parts that you do not. This underground world we live in is dangerous, and you only know half of the dangers.” Nico replies approaching the bed. 

“Maybe we can find a way to make things work between us.” I say with a hopeful smile as Nico climbs into bed next to me. Maybe I shouldn’t push so hard against him. 

“We will find our balance, Little Dove, but you have to be willing.” Nico confidently states before he pulls me into his arms. I snuggle into his arms and lay my head on his shoulders. 

“I’ll try to keep an open mind. That’s the best I can give you for right now.” I offer. 

“I’ll take it. You’ll find I’m a patient man, Little Dove, especially when it comes to you. You should get some rest, you have a big day tomorrow.” Nico informs me 

“Oh, and what exactly is my big day tomorrow?” I inquire. 

“You need to go shopping for some real clothes. Not those rags you have in your apartment. Time to stop dressing like a peasant and the damn princess soon to be queen you are. I also have you book at one of the top day spa places in the city. I have you booked for hair, nails, massage, wax, and a facial. You will also need to go shopping for beauty products. You’re a fucking mafia princess who is about to become a mafia queen, time to act the part, Little Dove.” Nice advises. I know he’s not wrong. Being a mafia princess as Nico so lovely called it, I know its a role that requires a level of sophistication. Nico forgets I was groomed to be a mafia wife because that’s the only purpose my father gave me. It’s why I was determined to have a meaningful career as a nurse. 

“Is that all for tomorrow’s schedule?” I inquire, trying to not let Nico’s little scolding that I need to now play my part bother me. I asked who the fuck he thought he was, but I already know Nico looks at himself as my protector and owner. 

“First, we will go out to dinner to get some pizza, garlic knots, and cannoli cake before we head to a surprise.” Nico informs me. 

“I hate surprises, you know that” I remind him, stuffing my irritation down and trying to enjoy my cuddles. 

“I know, but this one is one I believe you will enjoy. Trust me, even if it's just for this one thing.” 

“Fine.” I reluctantly agree. 

Besides, why argue with my warden? I’ll do what he says whether I like it or not. I have this need to rebel against men pulling the puppet strings of my life. It started with my father. He smothered me with his intentions. I hate that his intentions for me to be a mafia wife align with Nico’s intentions. I’m tired of feeling like I’m a pawn being manipulated. Even the years that I was away living my so called own life away from the mafia, Nico was still moving me along his chess bored. He still had control over my life. He was simply controlling me from afar. 

That’s why I have a hard time buying Anthony’s promise to let me live my own life. He still has rules I have to follow. He will expect me to be the painted mafia princess turned mafia queen put on display when he needs me. I’m not naive or stupid. I know how the men are in the underworld, especially leaders. They literally ooze alpha male pheromones. They are dominant, controlling, and despicable even when they are being reasonable. Anthony is just giving me the same illusion that Nico did for the last four years. Men rule the world, and they reign supreme in the underworld. Women don’t have as much power in the underworld as they do in the legal world. The underground world has an old world style of thinking. Women are property to be sold, bartered, and owned. I guess it’s time to face the fact that the only way I’m escaping this underworld life is death. I’m not ready to die, so I guess I better find a way to navigate the inevitable path that has been chosen for me.