Voglio chiedere che le tue figlie siano in matrimonio." I say, trying not to show the nervousness I am feeling.
The older man looks at me for a minute before finally speaking. “Cosa hai da offrire mia figlia?"
I think his question over for a minute. What have I to offer Tarianna? What can I give her that she does not already have?
Translate- I want to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage.Translate-What have you to offer my daughter?"Posso offrire la sua ricchezza, non avrebbe mai voluto per niente." I say what I hope her father wants to hear.
Her father frowns. “Ha già ricchezza e vuole per niente.”
I can feel something squeeze at my chest. What am I doing? What could I possibly offer her?
"Ci sono due cose che puoi dare a mia figlia che i soldi non possono comprare solo allora ti darò le mie figlie in matrimonio.’He says to me, his expression is one that looks serieous and intimidating.<
"You look lovely!" Axon is looking at me like I'm the only girl in the world. His stare alone could make me swoon."Thank you," I say while giving him my best smile. He takes his arm in mine and escorts me to a yellow Lamborghini. He opens my door for me to get in, then he jumps in the driver seat, and we were on our way to where I have no idea. He wants this date to be a surprise, and honestly, I'm a little nervous this will be our first date where we will be in the public's eye. Hopefully, I'm not on the Paparazzi's radar now. I'd say I still am, but I can dream, right? I thought for sure everything would be weird between us. Who would have thought my little lie would cause all this. In less than a month, I'll be Mrs. Tatianna Blaze. No, that's not right! Mrs. Moretti-Blaze. I like that it has a nice ring to it even if it's only for a year. The car finally stops by a massive field. Axon gets
So this is it? I'm standing in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection. My long black hair is tied back, and a veil is attached to the bun of my hair to make it all the more real. I'm not going to cry; I repeat, I am not going to cry. I turn to the side to admire more of this beautiful gown. Saying the word gown doesn't do this dress justice.It has a gorgeous beaded corset top and a poofy bottom made from tulle. It is complete with a long train that I am sure I will need two people to carry. I feel like a princess. My mother's standing beside me, balling her eyes out. If she's like this now, I can only imagine how she will be at my wedding. I just said wedding; I can hardly believe I am getting married, even if it is for a show. I am so happy and nervous.The wedding is only a few weeks away, and in a normal circumstance, I would have months, even years, to plan, but sadly I don't have the luxury of time. My father doesn't either. A tear runs down my che
"Mama, before you say anything more, I'd like to explain." She gives me a huge smile. "There's nothing to explain Hunny, we all make mistakes. The more important thing is, I'm finally going to get a grandchild from you."What? I strain my ear to hear the rest. Am I going to be a father? What the hell? I realize I really shouldn't be eavesdropping, but Tati's been acting so weird lately. Maybe her mother could tell me why now I understand what a horrible idea that was.After hearing noises down the hall, I decide it's best to walk away. I would rather someone not catch me eavesdropping. I am almost to my room when Adriano stops me. Great! What does this asshole want? He doesn't say anything. He only hands me an envelope. This guy gets stranger by the minute. I raise an eyebrow at him. What?"I told you this wasn't over; I suggest you leave before this gets out." The pit of my stomach drops. What gets out? I say nothing and begin walking to my room. Once I'm safel
"What are you doing here?" He stands in the corner of the room, his eyes roaming me hungry like I'm a piece of meat. My skin begins to crawl, and I don't want to know what he's thinking. "Tati, he's not right for you." "Adriano, I've told you a million times, I'm not interested. What I do with my life shouldn't concern you."I look at him and snarl my lip. "He can't love you like I can, please, Tati. I've loved you since we were kids." He walks towards me, his fingers reaching out to caress my face. "You mean since I was a kid, your sick, Adriano. Your almost my father's age." I wrinkle my nose in disgust and move away from his touch. "You'll see soon enough, Tati, and then you'll beg me to marry you." He smirks like there's something I don't know. "Please leave, Adriano; I need to get ready!"I raise my voice, hopi
"Tati!" Kia screams like a banshee causing people to stare directly at us."Shhhhh, they are going to recognize me, don't draw attention." Walking up to Kia, I give him a great big bear hug. He's smiling ear to ear. Thank goodness the people who were gawking have decided better of it, probably finding something better to do."I've missed you so much, now tell me everything!"He says, returning my hug.I tell him all about the events that have transpired to bring me to marrying Axon. Every once in, Kia interrupts me putting his two cents." Okay, I forgive you, but only if you take me shopping," Kia says as he grabs half of his bags, and I hold the rest.We walk out of the airport, where Axon is waiting with my car. He pops the trunk and helps Kia and me load the bags, filling my trunk full."My gosh, Kia, what on earth did you pack?"I ask in shock.He raises one eyebrow."Just the basics, don't even go there, Tati.
"Tatianna, is everything alright?" Her beautiful face is now a ghostly shade of white. She hasn't said anything since I've made that toast. How stupid could I be? Why did I have to confess my love for her so soon? Yes, our relationship is oddly unusual, but I thought she felt the same way about me."I'm fine, Axon; I'm sorry you've just completely caught me off guard. I think I'm falling in love with you too."Tatianna says while looking at me, her blue eyes gleaming in the moonlight.Letting out a breath I wasn't even aware I was holding, I grab her and hold her in my arms.While I kiss her forehead, she softly whispers, "but I'm scared."I don't think she's even aware she's voiced her fears. So I let her spoken words go unnoticed. I'm scared too, Tatianna. You have no idea how scared I am. The last woman I made my world wrecked it, leaving me a broken mess that no one has been able to fix, except for you. She
"Are you?"Axon says as he stares directly at the trash where the pregnancy test lies.Staring at the toilet, wishing I weren't here, I avoid his gaze. I can't believe this is happening to me. Heck, I even laughed at my Mamma when she accused me of being pregnant. Stupid birth control. "Tati, please answer me; I'm not mad."Why can't he leave? Doesn't he sense how embarrassing this is? I still can't figure out why my birth controls failed me. Crap! Stupid antibiotic. I was sick right before we did the deed, so I had to take antibiotics. I forgot all about it canceling out my birth control. " Tati, please!" He begs me to look him in the eye.I shouldn't feel ashamed after all; we are getting married, but somehow this isn't at all how I envisioned my life to go. Finally, I say the words I've been too afraid to say. "Yes, Axon, I'm pregnant, and it's yours!" Biting my lip, I fina
The night air nips at my skin, chilling me to the bone. Looking around, I see a dark shadow standing in the field. The light of the moon cascades his face. He seems like a lost little boy. I'm starting to think his breakup wasn't as simple as Kate made it out to be. What do I know about Axon? Maybe we shouldn't get married.No, this is something I have to do for my father. His one last wish is to walk me down the aisle—the only reason he's held on this long. Tears graze my cheeks, and I'm not sure if it is because of Axon or the thought of losing my dad. My sobs becoming louder, startled, Axon turns towards me." Tati, why are you crying?" He wraps me into his arms, my tears soaking his shirt."It's okay, Tati, I'm here, I've got you, we'll get through this." He smooths out my hair, whispering consoling words.We stayed wrapped in each other's arms for what felt like hours; for the first time in my life, I felt safe, but most of all loved. Light drops of ra
I pull up to the dimly lit brick building an hour later. Three Black SUVs are already there. Meaning I’m late.Running my hands through my hair, I take a batted breath. This is it. The men are waiting. We could end this. It’s all on how we play the game. My hand reaches for the door, I know I’m taking my time, but the thought of telling the Don the news has me stalling. Even though he is Tati’s father, he is still a stone cold killer. Although he is older and wrinkles cover his face, he has seen more blood than a blood bank. And his withered hands have held more life in them than most. He doesn’t take bad news well. The fact that it was one of my men that put the family at risk, has me worried. I enter the solid concrete room where Vito is waiting patiently with his hands behind his back. Two men are strategically placed on both sides of him. “Bendetto, my boy!” Vito walks over to me and pats me on the back. His eyes are bright. I let out a breath that I didn’t realize I
Johnny stares back at me with a look of pure terror in his eyes. I can smell the fear mixed with blood. I walk towards him with a predatory glare. “ Johnny, Johnny, typical. I should have known you were the traitor.” “Mmmmm” Johnny wiggles against the ties that bind him. Sweat pours into his eyes. I rip the gray duct tape from his smile and smirk in satisfaction as he screams out in pain. His beard hairs pull along with the tape. “Bendetto you son of a bitch” Johnny bellows out. Swiftly I rear back and punch him in the mouth, blood pours out and he spits it back at me. I grab him up with a fistful of his black curly hair. And bring his ear to my mouth. “Now you listen to me, you son of a Bitch!” I growl out in frustration. “ One of us is going to walk out of here, the other in little pieces. You can either tell me what I want to know and I will end your miserable existence quickly and painlessly, or option two I take great pleasure in torturing every last drop of informatio
Vito, Marco and myself are gathered around the antique Mahogany desk. I’m still not close to learning who is the traitor within the midst. It’s been a week and I’m going stir crazy. “Benedetto, if we wait any longer. Carl will take it as a sign of weakness. The family's fate rests on us taking the initiative.” Marco says as he walks up to the bookshelf with his hands behind his back. I can’t read his facial expression. But I know he is right. “Son Marco is right. We can’t hide. If you don’t act I will call the orders. Be warned that will risk an all out war. We don’t know who Carl has gotten too. I lost my best man. He was a traitor and I didn’t even know.” I rub my temples in frustration l know no matter who orders this attack, we are all screwed. “I have a traitor in my midst too. Vito no matter who orders the attack. Neither of us will have the upper hand. Give me a few days. Let my best men investigate. I will go down to the other warehouse and see to it person
Marco and I have finally made it out of the tunnel. My head has stopped bleeding and I am starting to feel the pain. I got a glimpse of myself in the car mirror. I could look a lot worse. We’re finally at the hideout. I took extra precaution to make sure we weren’t being tailed. As much as I want to get home, my family's safety is more important. I enter in the key code and prints to unlock the door. Just as I open the door I see a nine gauge pointed directly at me. “Don’t shoot.” I yell out. My final plea. Tati is going to shoot me. Tati lowers her gun, and lets out a sigh of relief. I wipe the sweat and blood from my brow. “Axon it’s you. I was so worried.” Tati says. Her eyes are swollen and it looks like she has been crying. All I keep thinking is I caused this. Everything that Tati has gone through is because of me. “Axon you’re bleeding, are you badly hurt? Come here and let me help you clean up and bandage your wounds.” The fight in me is gone and I am mentally and p
I pull the hidden lever on the floor and reveal a secret passageway. Dragging Marco with me down the slope, I tightly close the entrance. The fire above me burns, destroying everything my father built. Those things could be rebuilt, I only hope my men were okay. As soon as I get to the safe zone. I will be able to investigate and calculate the damage. I set Marco down. He starts hacking and coughing. The black soot is covering his face. We are both gasping for fresh air. My head is aching. If I would have stayed in that building for five more seconds I’m sure I would have passed out completely. Currently we were safe, but for how long? I should have known Carl would come after me sooner rather than later. How did the package make it past security? I scratch my head in frustration. For Carl to have delivered a bomb at the direct time I was there, there must be someone working for him on the inside. But who? I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone. Just as I thought
I’m sitting in the living room surrounded by family. Yet something is missing. Axon is off trying to end this war before it begins. It’s all hush, hush. I can’t help but to be frustrated. I can feel my nerves spark through my body. I never wanted this life. All my life I wanted to be a princess, but it turns out I am just not the type I’d hoped to be. Papa was right by keeping me from this life. As much as I love him, I don’t want my babies growing up in this type of lifestyle. I still have nightmares of the day the bomb went off. I try to clear it from my mind, but as soon as I close my eyes. The vivid image is there. I’m trying to put on a smile for Axon and the kids. I’ve been trying so hard to be the sister my brother needs, but deep down I’m just a scared little girl. The worst part is Axon has us all locked up, where nothing and no one can get to us. I feel so useless. “Tatianna are you okay?” Bianca asks with a small frown. “ I’m fine.” I try to give her a sma
I gather my men at the compound. At this rate the element of surprise is over. We either attack Carl now. Or wait for his attack. Now that Mama has escaped and told us his plans there’s no chance he will try to meet me, and storm my compound. I could have Vito rally everyone else, but their forces have been weakened. Not to mention there is a rumor Carl is working with the Russians. They have tried to get their foothold in Italy for a while now, smuggling firearms and women. None of the families have stooped low enough to work with them. None until now. I look at the information that my men have been able to collect. Along with the map my mama drew by memory of Carl's house. The house is tighter than Fort Knox, and I’m certain Carl has beefed up security. As dangerous as it is I may have to activate my mole that I have hidden deep in the organization. I shouldn’t take all the credit Marco hid him there years ago. When he first took over the Amato family. He managed to get one in
I stare at the crumbled statue in shock. All this time Paul accused Marco as the rat and it was him. Something told me there was something off about that guy. I reach for my phone to call Marco to gather only the best men, and do as the God Father asked.Only I'm interrupted by some unexpected visitors. Bianca comes into the room with her head lowered and Marco comes trailing in behind her. She doesn't even look at me,instead she goes straight for Mama and hugs her for dear life. My heart aches, this is a bittersweet reunion. I wish my sister would forgive me,but she's stubborn. Hell even Marco has forgiven me and he is the one I punched. I ignore the two's reunion and head straight over to Marco and whisper in his ear. "Marco, make the call and gather my men. The house needs to be swept ,and we need to be escorted to the safe house." Marco pulls away from me with a serious expression. "I'm on it boss!" He leaves the room in an instant to make the arrangement
I stare at the two in shock. How could this be? The woman resembles Axon, but Axon’s mama is dead. I watch as her crinkled eyes look adoringly at him. I know I shouldn't meddle, but shouldn’t Bianca be here? I still have no idea what happened between Axon and his sister, but it’s high time for a family reunion. Discreetly I slip my phone from my pocket and snap a picture of the two hugging and send it. Bianca won't answer my calls, but just maybe this will get her attention. A few minutes later she replies. ‘Is that my Mom?’I type back a simple ‘yes’ and instantly she replies ‘I’m on my way.’I put the phone back into my pocket so I don’t draw attention to myself. My papa stares at the woman like he has seen a ghost. Eventually, Axon and his mother break apart. “Mama I thought you were dead!” Axon exclaims as tears of joy fall down his face. “I’m so