o n e

ROSA

Like any ordinary day of the week, I was working at my family's restaurant. A restaurant that's actually the front of our Mafia family business, whose boss is my own father.

The restaurant had brown floor boards, the table which were made from mahogany wood were a light brown colour, and a cream linen was draped over all of them and a small lantern at the center. We had bright yellow bulbs encased in glass dangling from the wooden ceiling.

"Here you go, Dad, your order." I smiled at him. He was wearing a black suit, with white undershirt that had the first button open. His black hair was now mixed with grey ones, his grey moustache and beard, very neatly trimmed.

"Grazie, Rosa. I'm starved." I placed my dad's plate in front of him and watched as he took the rings off his fingers one by one, as was his custom when having a meal.

"Why don't you sit for a moment?"

I wanted to say yes, but at that moment, my eye caught the very handsome guy pushing the front door open and taking a booth seat. He caught my eyes, smiled, then threw his chin at me.

"I'm sorry, dad, but the restaurant is packed right now. And a new customer just came in-" And I won't mind being flirted with for once...

My dad, Enzo Castillo, was as canny as ever, his hawk eyes glued to me. "Sit down, Rosa." He commanded, glaring at me with his dark grey eyes. I know that look. "I thought we were clear about boys. You know my wishes, Rosa."

"I just wanted to take his order. Nothing too scandalous," I murmured loud enough for him to hear.

"Enough!" He barked, "you don't want to get me angry, do you?"

His temper always flared when this subject came up. Heaven forbid I talk to a guy...

I have nothing to do with my dad's dangerous business yet he always chased men out of my life. Even the ones he trusts!

My dad never lets me go anywhere with guys- it's suffocating! If he keeps isolating me from every breathing man he sees, I'll be alone for the rest of my life! I used to like his protective nature... But now that I'm grown up, it's just suffocating.

It's not like this is the first time he's told me to stay away from men. Still, I wish he were more open about guys, but I guess I'm used to it by now.

I took a last look at the gorgeous guy, before sitting in the chair next to my father.

He didn't say anything, only wiped his mouth and placed the napkin on the table with a loud sigh.

I could feel the air around us getting thicker as he searched for the right words to convey whatever was on his mind.

Giving his dangerous demeanor right now, I guessed he was about to drop something big on me.

His hesitance worried me as he's usually up front and in your face.

"I have something to tell you about Angelo," he paused, a frown on his face, "he is... He is retiring."

"Angelo's leaving? Why?!" I queried, wide eyed at the news.

"He has not been feeling well lately. And since he is not getting better, he made the decision to leave," my father explained. "As unhappy as I am about it, I've decided to accept his early retirement."

"But what will you do?" I adjusted myself on the seat.

"It's not like I have any other choice," he commented with a small shrug.

"But still... Angelo is the only person you've ever trusted. Your only advisor, and he's like an uncle to me!" I lamented, saddened by his decision to retire. "It won't be the same without him."

"I understand why it's upsetting news for you. I didn't see it coming either."

"Well, what's wrong with him?" I asked, hesitantly.

"You don't need to know," dad patted my hand in a comforting manner. "I don't want you to get more upset."

"And the doctors can't cure it?"

"No. There's nothing to be done. And as for the business..." He trailed off.

"What's going to happen to it?"

"That's exactly what I want to talk to you about. Since Angelo is stepping down... more than ever, I need people around me whom I can trust. People I'd trust with my life," he raised his head to meet my gaze. "I know you've never taken part in what we do. That's how I've kept it all your life. But I want you to step up."

"You want me to work for you?" I asked, completely bewildered and somewhat pleasantly surprised that my dad thought I could handle the job.

"Working for you has always been something I wanted to do," I beamed.

"I'm glad," he smiled at me.

My cheerful countenance dropped. "But... What if I make a mess of things instead of helping? I mean, I have no experience," I stated, my eyes filled with worry.

"Of course." My dad took another mouthful of food. "My intention had been to keep you away from this business for as long as I had to. But now, I need you. You can't fail me, Rosa."

I bit my lips as I thought about what dad just said. "Listen, I want to help you, dad, but I need a little time to think about it."

He frowned. "You can think about it, but I can't wait forever. We're having a get together for Angelo tonight," he announced. "I want your answer by tomorrow." He stood up without finishing the food on his plate, grazed my cheek with his palm, and disappeared into the back of the restaurant.

An answer by tomorrow?!

***

Later in the evening, I joined the small gathering at my house in celebration of Angelo's faithful, long-standing service for our family.

"Chin up, Rosa," Angelo uttered, with a soft smile.

I looked at the man standing in my face. I took in his short brow hair and grey eyes. He was putting on an ash sweatshirt with black pants.

"I can't imagine not having you around. I've known you all my life," I voiced out, eyes darting down, as sadness and worry were adamant in my voice.

"And look at you now," he lifted my chin with a finger. "You've grown to be a beautiful young woman." He looked over my shoulder and dropped his hand. "Excuse me, I have to speak to your father."

"Of course," I nodded and he walked away.

"Hey!" I heard and turned around to see my cousin, Tony, walking excitedly towards me. I reminded myself that I had to be patient with him.

Not regarding that we have been living under the same roof for years, we didn't get along. I have always had the impression that he's jealous of the attention my father gave me.

"What's the smile for?" I asked when he neared me.

"Smiling is good for the health, don't you know?" His light blue eyes beamed. He was wearing a dark purple shirt, a grey vest and black pants, underneath his shirt, around his neck was a pendant.

"Don't tell me you're happy Angelo's sick!" I gasped.

He immediately frowned. "I'm not happy he's sick," he argued firmly, "I'm just glad he's leaving." He said, revealing a wide smile.

"He's not even gone yet... and you're already think of taking his position," I spat with disgust.

"That's the circle of life, cousin," he stated with a roll of his eyes.

"It doesn't mean you have to be cruel," I lashed out. "Sometimes, I wonder if we're really related.

"Good for you," he sneered, "we're only second cousins."

At that moment Angelo's voice commanded silence from the room as he spoke. "Mia familia. I have another announcement."

I turned to be able to see Angelo, but as I did, a man walking into the room captured my attention. I swallowed hard as he came closer to us.

I took in his smooth, pointed nose and sharp, chiseled jawline, his well trimmed sideburns, as well as the tattoos of ink that ran from his neck to his hands- ripped, bulgy, muscle filled hands. He wore a blue undershirt, a dark coloured suit, black jeans and a silver watch.

Who is that guy? He's irresistible.

Angelo wrapped an arm over his shoulder, drawing him nearer. "I'd like to introduce you all to Marco Rossi," Angelo continued, answering my question.

"Evening. I'm happy to be here," Marcos baritone voice said.

Tony leaned into my ear. "Do you know him?" He questioned.

"Nope," I responded. I can't wait to though.

"Angelo, why don't you let everyone know who this is," my dad's voice boomed.

Angelo nodded, pointing his chin at Marco. "This is someone I trust my life with, and I'm hoping you all will as well. With your blessings, I want to recommend Marco to take my place as the family's new consigliere." He pronounced.

"What?!" Tony roared.

"I've already spoken with Angelo about this," my dad confirmed. "He vouches for Marco's abilities to perform as well as he has for me."

"That's right," Angelo nodded. "Marco has been under my wing for the past few months. From the moment I began feeling sick, I knew I had to pass my skills and knowledge to someone worthy of filling my shoes," he supplied.

My dad's business has suddenly become more interesting.

"And you're sure Marco lives up to your standards?" My dad asked, throwing an unconvincing look at said, Marco.

"I wouldn't have brought him here tonight If I wasn't sure about my choice," Angelo voiced.

"Hm. Well, I still have to make my final decision. For now, I just want Marco to get the feel for the dynamic here," my father stated.

"This is ridiculous!" Tony's eyes blazed with fury. "Why would you trust some random stranger with our family business?"

"Because I'm made for this job," Marco answered. "Angelo prepared me with everything he knows."

"What about me, Enzo?" Tony turned to my dad. "I should have been considered for the position!"

"I have to trust Angelo's instinct on this one," dad replied.

"You rely on him far too much. You need to keep this in the family!" Tony hissed.

My dad raised his hand to silence Tony, who immediately clamped his mouth shut, though I could see him seething with anger.

"That's not always the best course," dad pointed out. Especially not if his only option is Tony. He turned to Angelo, "Let's discuss some details in private, Angelo. Shall we?"

As my dad took Angelo aside to talk the finer details of Marcos succession, Tony stormed out of the living room.