Camila's POV
Mamá was beautiful which explained why these men were starring at me as I was no different. It may also have had to do with the fact that we looked eerily alike. But even I grew uncomfortable with the incessant starring.
I was locked in a room with people I barely knew, discussing my mothers will when it was only ever mamá and I living in a nice two story home in the suburbs of Los Angelos.
Why did all these random men need to be here?
The only people that deserved to be here were family. That only included Ethan and I.
"Why are all these people here? It's only suppose to be family?" I mutter to the man on my left who's currently playing candy crush on his phone.
Ethan heaves a sigh, his blue eyes finding mine. "I know it's a lot to take in Principessa. But these people are family. These were the people your mamá considered family." He spoke carefully, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.
With a small huff, I nod knowing that- unlike me-mamá was tied to the Italian mafia. The same mafia that saved us from danger and took us away all those years ago. The same mafia I should be grateful for.
Mamá loved all of these men, but it was hard for me to come to terms with it considering I was never allowed to meet or see any of them. The only exception being Ethan and the now late Don Sebastian Gonzalez.
And when I was lucky enough to get mamá to share some stories before bed, she would only ever tell me good things about the prince.
My prince.
It was odd yes, considering I hadn't ever met the man, but she'd tell me stories. Stories of the vile, brooding man who hid his generosity behind a cloak of intimidating power. A man with a soft side reserved for a collectively small pool of people.
She'd tell me how he could be horrible if provoked - but beneath all that stone was a teddy bear.
There was only one problem. I tended to avoid intimidating men.
I needed to have the upper hand and control when it came to men. And a power hungry dominant male was anything but what I was looking for.
I never longed for the day I got to meet him. It was never something to look forward to, for I knew I would only meet him when she was gone and I was unsafe. It was something we prepared for yet it still scared the shit out of me.
And even now, the idea made my stomach turn and my mind race with fear, because I was now under the protection of Alejandro Gonzalez- the head of La Famiglia.
"And to Camila Rodriguez, first and only child of the deceased, the deceased leaves the rights to her trust fund in the hands of her caretaker Alejandro Gonzalez until she turns twenty one." Rings the boring voice of the man standing at the front of the room, reading the papers at a snails pace.
"What?" I scowl my brows furrowing. "I was suppose to get the money now, not have a permanent babysitter till I'm twenty one." I whisper under my breath.
Ethan chuckles and I realize he heard me but I'm too annoyed to care. "It's okay Cam, Alejandro won't be too present in your life anyways. He's just there to keep the promise to your mamá and provide for you. I promise you'll have the right to use that money as you please."
I still cross my arms and glare ahead. "He better not leech off of her fortune, it belongs to me."
Ethan scoffs from next to me. "Sweetheart, he doesn't need to leech off your money. Where do you think that money came from in the first place?" He asks, raising a brow at me.
I pause, and look over at him, realization dawning my features. "Oh, right." I mumble, my cheeks flaming in embarrassment.
Ethan was the only other parental figure I had growing up. Only at the age of twenty five- he was more of an older brother, and the only member of La Famiglia I was allowed to see and interact with growing up.
He also happens to be second in command to Alejandro Gonzalez - the current Don of the largely operated underground Gonzalez mafia.
Alejandro Gonzalez was a man that I only ever spotted once, six years ago. I was thirteen, and curious as to why my mama was being so secretive, I'd hid in the hallway closet and all I'd gotten was a glimpse of his well pressed suit and the last trace of his low commanding voice as he spoke to Mamá.
We hadn't ever met, nor had we ever spoken to each other and now I was under his care.
"Your mamá would be so proud of how you're handling all this. Like a true warrior." Ethan whispers, kissing my temple as I lean into his side. I smile as my eyes water for the millionth time in the past three weeks.
Even thought mamá had prepared me for this day since I was little, it still hurt to know that my other half was taken from me.
But I push the tears back because mamá wouldn't want me to cry. There was nothing to cry about, everything was going to be okay because I now had La Famiglia.
Camila's POV . . . "So you're leaving this house to move to an even bigger one?" Mason mumbles, throwing himself onto my now empty mattress. I huff for the millionth time and send him a scowl but luckily Ava beats me to saying what's on both our minds. "Can you just shut the fuck up and pack? Seriously you've been holding that box this whole time. While we," She motions between us, "Have been doing all the heavy lifting."Mason's dark brows lift, "And I'm expected to do the heavy lifting because?" I narrow my eyes at the man child before me. My best friend was this close to driving me insane. Even if I had spent the last three weeks of my break from school alone, one minute with him and I was already wishing I had a needle and thread to see his big fat mouth shut. Why I choose to waste my time with such an idiot is beyond me, but Mason was the first ever friend I made when I came to America, and we just clicked. And our friendship had only strengthened last year when we both fo
Camila's POV The Gonzalez family manor isn't far from my house and I can't decide if it's a blessing or a curse that I'd have to finish out the rest of my senior year at the private high school. "You're gonna love it here, Principessa. You'll be closer to me and all the other men in the inner circle." Ethan says in my ear as I stare out of the window and out onto the secluded road we turn onto. Our driver brings us to a stop outside a large iron gate armed with cameras and men situated outside - men who are doing a poor job at hiding their firearms. Firearms that make me extremely uncomfortable. Even if my family was deeply rooted with the Italian mafia, I was not one who enjoyed violence nor was I exposed to it. I was always sheltered away from that side of La Famiglia and I wanted to keep it that way. The window rolls down allowing one of the intimidating men to approach the car. Instinctively, I tense and recoil back but luckily Ethan's right there to wrap his arm around me and
Camila's POV Sleep was something that never came naturally unless I was accompanied by mamá. Knowing that she was going to lay next to me and watch over me until I fell asleep was always what lulled me into a state of bliss. And so it only made sense that I couldn't fall asleep in this new beautiful room. The anxiety of being in a new place was driving me insane and so when I realize sleep wasn't going to come I sit up in my bed. I'd spent my day meeting some of the men and getting to know the staff. I'd lived a comfortable life with mamá, but we weren't wealthy enough to have maids, groundkeepers and others working on call. This was a different type of wealth. The rest of my night had been spent in my new room where I'd gotten ready for bed. Knowing I was in the comfort of my room, I slipped on my favorite two piece sleepwear set. It was a white two piece number, a mixture of lace and silk which made me feel cute yet sexy at the same time. It clung to my hourglass frame, the s
Camila's POV Deciding I wanted to just leave, I tightened my arms around myself and nod hesitantly. His eyes holding regret and uncertainty, scan my face before he goes to step closer but then stops himself as if thinking better of it. "Please don't hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do. I know my actions don't prove it, but I am here to help m." He says seriously. I stare back at him, my tears drying on my face as I give him an unconvinced nod, knowing all I wanted was to stay away from him. But before he can say anything else, I turn and scurry off into my bedroom, only allowing myself to breathe once I know I'm in the safety of my bed. It didn't take a complete genius to realize that was Alejandro Gonzalez - the man that was to be taking care of me. Yet he seemed anything but caring. . . . Breakfast was served first thing in the morning and it was like tradition for all the men to gather and eat together in the dining room. I make my way down the stairs afte
Camila's POV His thoughtful gaze moves to my comforter as he sighs. "Ethan told me about your liking to wear nice things that make yourself feel good. So please don't stop because of a stupid comment I made." He looks up meeting my eye. And although I don't want to, I believe in his sincerity. "What if it happens again?" My tone is soft and hesitant. Alejandro's head snaps up to mine as a hard look covers his face, "It won't. I won't. You have my word." I nod, believing him, but the frown on my face stays put. "What if the others say something?" His hard eyes turn cold and I momentarily think that I have done something wrong. I lean away from him, the action causing his face to soften in realization. "If anyone says anything or does anything, you come to me and tell me, yes?" It's not a question and my heart momentarily warms at the genuine concern in his voice. He moves closer, staring into my eyes with a look of promise. "I'll handle it, okay?" "Okay." I smile, the surge of com
Camila's POV I never thought I would be looking forward to attending school but being on personal holiday had really taken a toll on me. So much so that I was now excited to go to school. Saint Simmons Collegiate Institute was arguably the worst place on earth. Yes, it was a prestigious institute where affluential figures sent their kids to study before they were sent off to Ivey leagues, but to me, it was yet another daily reminder of just how much of a failure I was. Not only was I held back a year for my poor grades, but I wasn't much of a social butterfly.But that was besides the point. Today, I was excited and it all had to do with the fact that a certain handsome Italian man was taking me. I spent a long time getting ready, making sure my full morning routine was complete. I prided myself on self care and my luxurious bathroom made it so much easier. I never wasted time and expensive products on doing my makeup for school of all places, but today was an exception. A litt
Camila's POV Alejandro was finished approximately seven minutes later and I only knew because I stopped hearing curses in Italian that even I didn't know. And when he did come out, I made sure to hold my chin in my palms, cross my ankles behind me to stop them from swinging back and forth in mid air, while plastering a sweet smile on my lips. I bet I looked irresistible. He walks out now clad in only a pair of white briefs, too distracted using the towel in his hand to dry his hair to notice me. I sneak a peek down at his muscular thighs, my gaze naturally drifting little higher before my cheeks heat and I snap my eyes away, grateful that he had yet to notice me. Yep. He was packing. My focus returns to my phone and the cool air hitting the skin of my thighs from where my skirt rode up, sends goosebumps through me. Id quickly learned that I was a sight no man could pass up. Even the teachers at my school weren't expect from that for I had caught their wandering eyes and lustful
Camila's POV Upon my entrance he looks up, his sharp blue eyes behind the thick rimmed glasses widening at me but I didn't pay any mind. I was far too upset, needing someone to hold me and tell me how amazing I was. I knew It wouldn't be the same as hearing it from my new favourite Italian man, but it would do for now. I click the lock shut, which only meant one thing and William leans back in his chair giving me room to take a seat on his lap. I do but instead of straddling him, I sit facing his desk, my back pressed to his front and I hear no complaint form him. "Cam, I heard about your mother. I'm so sorry, sweetheart." He says and I can hear the frown in his voice as I close my eyes enjoying the feeling of him wrapping his arms around me from behind. I wiggle trying to get comfortable, the erection now digging into my ass getting annoying and he spreads his legs adjusting himself so it's not in the way. Did I also mention William got hard at the mere sight of me? Yeah, it wa
Camila's POV I hastily roll onto the ground ducking down behind my bed and away from the window. I then glance around and spot the door. I crawl closer but upon realizing I was still in the view of the window, I drop onto the ground and shuffle to the door. When I get to the door and crawl into the hall, I immediately dart up and dash towards the large black double doors. "Alejandro..." I call wearily, knocking impatiently. He doesn't answer but I try again, this time pounding harder as I cast a nervous glance to my bedroom door. "Alejandro!" What if they just got in my room and realized I was out here? The thought terrifies me and before I can open the door to his bedroom, I freeze at the sound of footsteps nearing from behind me. I wasn't alone. And then someone spoke my name. I scream and whirl around only to see Alejandro's large familiar form, staring back at me, cringing as he holds his ear. "Cazzo." When I register it's just Alejandro, I stop and snap my mouth shut, bri
Camila's POV Ethan was the equivalent of a sumo wrestler in his sleep. Which was why when I woke up and noticed that he was in bed next to me with his disgusting foot in my face, I wasn't surprised. I wanted Alejandro to stay and hold me, but he must have left when Ethan came back. The events of last night came flooding back to me and I breifly wondered what Alejandro did to those men. I debate asking, but think better of it when I realize how slim the chances of Alejandro - a Don - letting them go unscathed are.Alejandro was a calm and rational man for someone in the criminal world, but that was only because his vile side was hidden and only came out at times it needed to be. Breakfast was served later on weekends, giving me enough time to get ready and cover up the faint bruises with concealer. And by the time I make it into the room, I'm the last one at the table. I walk in the room and instantly feel the everyone's eyes snap to me. Many of the men came by earlier to ask me
Camila's POV In an instant Ethan is walking forward and it's when I see his familiar face that I grow hysterical once again and run into his arms. He holds me in his arms as he mutters something to Alejandro. I look back at Alejandro who is busy removing his blazer and rolling up his sleeves. "This will only take a minute, get her out of here." He throws over his shoulder to Ethan who nods."Let's go, Tweety." He mumbles in my ear placing kisses on my forehead as he leads me downstairs and out of the club. I retell Ethan the story in more detail than I did to Alejandro as he walks me up to my bedroom. Making sure to keep out the part about Monique when he asks me how I got down there. It wasn't her fault but knowing Ethan or even maybe Alejandro they would reprimand her for it anyways. "I'm sorry." I speak softly regretting all my choices as I get into my bed. "Don't be. It's not your fault." Ethan says, sitting on the edge of my bed, worry evident on his features. "You sure you
Camila's POV The man lets go of my arm and shoves me forward, causing me to stumble onto the ground. "Puttana, wouldn't do shit anyways." Gio spits angrily, shaking his head.Before I can even think, i'm on my feet and sprinting towards him. "Alejandro." I breathe, running into his arms and grabbing onto him for dear life. Instinctively he wraps a protective arm around me, tucking me into his side where I bury my head into him."Out." It's only one word but the order is enough to have me hearing various shuffling feet, before the room goes quieter than before, the only sound coming from my hysterical sobs. Alejandro's voice is the first one to break the silence. "Tell me what happened, Camila." I hear him speak. Despite the tension racking through his body, he tightened his arm around me. I lift my head out of his side and look up at him. His face is composed and collected, yet when he glances down at me, I see the alarm swimming through his dark gaze. His free hand moves the hair
Camila's POV I turn my head to where she's looking and spot two men glancing down at us from what seems to be a smaller second floor. One is younger looking with a big nose and the other is older looking with slightly grey hair.They're standing on the balcony looking down at us and when I connected eyes with the older man, he winks, whispering something into the younger mans ear, subtly pointing towards us."He wants you." Monique sings and I don't return her excitement as I glance back at her. "If Mr.Gonzalez is here, your best shot at getting to him will be up there. And that guy is your best ticket." My brows furrow. She had it all wrong, I wasn't a dancer trying to get with Alejandro. But before I can clear up the misunderstanding, I feel a hand on my forearm and I turn to see the younger man from the balcony. He sends me a rushed smile before resting his hand on my back and guiding me away from Monique.I look up at Big Nose with a frown. "Excuse me." I say trying to move out
Camila's POV Alejandro hasn't driven me to school all week, instead, he sends Marco to do it. And while I love blasting Taylor Swift and One Direction on purpose to annoy him, a part of me misses Alejandro. But the hurt is still there, slowly eating away at my heart. At first it was from his hurtful words but now it's from the way he doesn't even seem to regret them. Not with the way he's been acting at least. He's been avoiding me all week and on the rare occasion when I would catch a glimpse of him, he would ignore me. It gets so bad that by Friday i'm over that sac of shit and ready to move on. Only I still long to see him.Ugh, I hate catching feelings. Since it's the Friday where we had important guests over, I was locked away in my bedroom, all alone with nothing but the things in my room to keep me entertained. I did everything I could think of to pass the time, I bathed, did my skincare, painted my nails and toes a baby blue to match my sheer baby blue night tie with w
Camila's POV The second we got home, Alejandro abandoned me, disappearing somewhere in the manor while he spoke on the phone animatedly in Italian. Only I couldn't understand half the words he was spewing and I knew it was because I had yet to learn those curse words. In the meantime, I spent my time trying to get to know the other men in the house. I had taken a liking to Marco. Aside from being almost seven feet tall, quiet, always grumpy, and having an abnormally sweet tooth, he didn't talk much. The only time he would talk would be to tell me to politely shut up or let me know how annoying I was. I loved it. He was large. A couple inches taller than Alejandro and built like a football player, which would explain why he treated the gym as his second home. But spending time with him was something I grew fond of for he never walked around on eggshells like most of the other men did. "Marco!" I yell walking through the halls of the main floor in search of him. For such a larg
Camila's POV Alejandro drives me to school that next morning and I'm thoroughly surprised, yet I'm definitely not complaining. I don't know what made him change his mind, but I can't help the rush of excitement at the fact that he might actually be warming up to me. I still can't get a good read on him, nor have I ever caught him glancing at me with any desire or interest. And I briefly wonder if it's because I'm not his type or if I'm not attractive enough. The little bits of attention I've received from him are all relatively polite and all the affection is initiated by me. He has yet to show any signs of liking me. "I'm relatively attractive right?" I question out loud playing with the fries on my lunch tray. "Fishing for compliments and it's only what...." Mason checks his phone. "Noon?" He sends me a sarcastic smile from across the lunch table.Picking up a fry I flick it at the idiots forehead, it drops to the ground but he picks it up and slips it into his mouth anyways.
Alejandro's POVIt's a soft laugh, one I'd think to be somewhat charming had it not been at my expense. My hand tightens around the steering wheel, and I debate only for a moment what it would be like to put a brat like her, in her place. Before pushing the thought aside and letting it go.She was not the girl and I was not going to go there with her. "Seatbelt." I order, before driving out of the parking lot, making sure to remind myself that the man she called her tutor was getting into a red convertible. "Did you eat?" "Not yet." She waves off before turning towards me. "How was your day?" She says, sounding genuinely interested, and I momentarily pause. The only person to ask me about my day in so long and show genuine interest is a nineteen year old girl I was practically babysitting. I slump back into my seat."Irritating."I cast a glance towards her to see her frowning at me with her pink lips. "Anything you want to talk about?" Her voice is soft, almost hesitant and I sha