AlessioGood god, don't let this go on for too long.I closed my eyes, trying not to focus on Dad's loud voice as he lost his shit about Mikael, and the deal. As usual, Uncle was hyping it up, nodding like a bobblehead.As the oldest, I had the unfortunate privilege of being the one to break the news. A bullet Dante and Gian could dodge."I knew this would happen. I told you not to cross that family!" Uncle pointed out, going on another rant for himself."It wouldn't have mattered," I muttered under my breath, deciding to speak up. Dad was dad, but who was Uncle?"It wouldn't have mattered?" Dad raised his voice as if I had said something terrible. "Then I guess it also wouldn't matter if I were to give away your position?"Empty threats..."To who?" I hid the cackle that was about to leave my mouth. "Dante who has barely left diapers or Gian who nearly got us all killed today?" those words made them close their mouths, and I knew I hit a nerve, perhaps a victory.We had a big family,
AlessioIt was clear as day.Jimena wanted nothing to do with him, while he was obsessed with her. I had seen enough guys like him in my line of work, and it was obvious Jimena had taken her daughter and fled."What did you and Daddy talk about?"Naty went back to drawing, but I wasn't having it and pulled the marker from her hand, forcing her to look up at me. "Hey?" she pouted."Answer the question?" I mocked her in the same tone."Okay," Naty sighed deeply before sticking out her little pinky. "But first you have to pinky swear," she demanded."P-P-What?" I couldn't get those words to leave my mouth, yet I had somehow already connected my pinky with hers. I couldn't believe I was making deals with a child. Maybe Dad was right about me being unfit to run a business."Daddy promised he'll come and visit me again at school. He visited me in my break." Naty spilled the beans so easily."What did he say?""That he'll pick me up one of these days, so we can go to a fun park with swings an
MenaIf the situation wasn't that nerve wrecking, I would've laughed for myself for the way I was cleaning my face at the dressing table I had hijacked. I wasn't even that big on skincare, but if Alessio somehow did happen to enter the room, I had to look like I was doing something interesting.By now it was almost midnight, Alessio had been back for hours, but I hadn't seen him yet. Unless that man was secretly a vampire, I knew he would want to sleep at one point, and knew he could walk in at any second.For the past few days, I had been living in anxiety, slowly waiting for everything to crumble into chaos.The sound of the door finally opening didn't help that much either. It was Alessio.He walked in, and our eyes locked for a moment before I quickly looked away. I heard him let out chuckle, and soon after he had already disappeared to the bathroom.As the water was running, I moved myself to the bed and sat there like a zombie, wondering what would be the best to say when he woul
Mena"You've been waiting for me?" I asked. Looking at the woman, I had no choice but to admire her beauty. It might've been the way she presented herself, or the sundress which hugged her body—but there was just something about her.I could tell she had never had a worry in her life, other than which designer bag would match her outfit for the day.What struck me the most was not her beauty, but the way she had been involving Naty. It was both hearth warming and worrying, because I couldn't understand why.Giulia pulled me into a welcoming hug. "I hope I didn't interrupt your sleep, sweetheart.""Not at all, ma'am," I replied, trying to match her big smile."Giulia, please," she corrected me."Giulia.""Now sit. You have to help me eat all this food," She guided me to a chair. I sat down and looked at the plate in front of me, filled with eggs, toast, fruits, and much more I wasn't going to try and pronounce.My mouth watered at the sight, and I mentally kicked myself for having gone to
Mena"Whatever suits you," I replied, chuckling. I had been observing his personality from the second we had met, and it was mostly because he was interesting. He was mischievous, loud, stubborn, yet kind—and somewhere in between respectful and disrespectful.Dante piled some food onto his plate, not noticing I was staring at him. Then he snapped his finger, and raised his glass, making a maid rush over to fill his glass with some orange juice."Thanks, babe," he smiled at the blushing maid, openly watching her as she walked away. Mind you, I found him to be the most normal of the three brothers.Dante pushed some food inside his mouth. "Man, those waffles are tasting good today!" he spoke with his mouth full, but I wasn't disgusted. It was actually kind of cute."I can tell you were starving," I commented, watching him devour his breakfast."Hmm," Dante nodded. "When there's food on the table, I'm going to eat it. What else do you expect me to do with it? Put it in my ass?" he replie
AlessioAs I sat in the car with Donni and Levi, my mind was set on one thing. Taking care of the Jimena situation, involving that guy from the picture, was my main priority.Donni sat in the backseat, while I sat beside Levi. Nearly six months ago, Levi became my driver. Our first encounter was when I was completely wasted, unable to tell left from right. He was kind enough to drive me home from the club, and when I offered to pay him, he requested a job instead. He had been fully aware of who the Fanuccis were and the risks involved, but he was desperate, and I admired his courage.Donni had done his homework, digging up everything on the man from the picture. His name was Anson, and he was Jimena's ex, and Naty's dad. He was once an aspiring football player from Texas, but now turned to construction work, probably to provide for his family. According to Donni, many described him as a loudmouth with a temper, aggressive, violent, and physically abusive towards Jimena. Old neighbors
Alessio"What the hell, man!" Anson managed to get out, his expression full of shock and fear.I wasted no time, and delivered a well-deserved punch to his nose. He groaned in pain, and I grabbed his collar, lifting him slightly before landing another blow."I heard you were tough!" I punched him again, unable to contain my anger."I-I don't know what you're talking about, man," Anson stammered as if I had the wrong person. Judging by his eyes, he didn't know what the problem was."Come on, do something," I dared him, giving him a kick."I don't want to fight, I don't want any trouble, I'm sorry okay! I'm sorry, just let me go," Anson pleaded. His tough personality had already crumbled before he got the chance to show it. I couldn't believe this moron was the man Jimena had been running from.Anson protected his face with his hands, preparing himself for another blow."You want to hit women, but you don't want to fight me?" I gave him another kick, sending him to the ground. Kneeling
MenaWe were on our way to Miami, sitting in Alessio's private jet. There were two more hours to go, and not knowing the reason for this trip was driving me insane. Just like all days, Alessio was distant, only speaking when necessary—but I didn't mind.He was busy doing whatever he was doing in the back, while Naty sat on the opposite right of me with her face pressed against the window. Until now she had pointed out almost every single cloud, and gushed about flying nonstop.I hated flying. Usually, I would have several weeks to mentally prepare myself, but this trip had been decided overnight and I had no say. The only positive was that Anson could not stalk me or get to me from here."Mommy, are you alright?" Naty's concerned voice broke through my thoughts."Yes, baby, don't worry about me," I replied, faking a smile. I was seconds away from puking, but the only thing holding me back was the fear of Alessio throwing a fit.He had suddenly appeared from the back and walked towards
IsaacIt was only afternoon when Isaac carried a large bucket of grapes back into the mansion. As he walked, he was surrounded by the giggles of the children running around him.Among them were two of the many children of Amaro Ortega, a ten-year-old and an eight-year-old girl. They reminded him so much of his own daughter.The older one, Milena, looked up at him with wide curious eyes. “Can I help you carry the grapes, Mr. Isaac?” she asked.Isaac glanced down at her with a kind smile. "Maybe next time, kid. You know your brother doesn’t like you working."“So what? He doesn’t like us talking to you either, but I still do it,” Milena retorted. Isaac chuckled softly as the kids ran off.He had been brought to the house of Amaro Ortega, Julian’s brother. Amaro was a lawyer, a good and quiet man who didn’t say much. When Isaac first arrived, he had prepared himself for the worst, expecting some form of punishment or at least harsh treatment for all the damage he had caused the Fanuccis.
MenaI smiled down at the baby in my arms, his tiny fingers curled around mine as I admired how perfect he was. His full head, his dark eyes, the little sounds he made.Naty sat on Alessio’s lap, her eyes warm and curious as she gazed at her new baby brother.“What do you think?” Alessio asked her. “Do you like him?”Naty giggled in response. “He’s really cute, and I already love him so much!”Alessio and I shared a smile. Over the past months, we had both worried about how Naty would adapt, but for now, she seemed to be doing just fine. The delivery had been smooth, just as smooth as the pregnancy. Alessio stayed by my side the entire time, and I hoped raising him would be just as easy.I was still at the hospital, and after some visits, it was finally just us—a moment of peace.Naty reached out and gently grabbed the baby's hand, giving it a little shake. "Hi, baby—it’s your big sister," she spoke softly, a pout on her lips.The baby cooed, and we all laughed softly. "Does he have a
Mena "Look, Mommy, it's pink!" Watching her excitement filled my heart with warmth. "Is it for me? Can I open it?" Naty asked eagerly. "Is this the thing that's better than the candy ring?" Flustered, I looked at Alessio as he took the box from her. "I will open it for you, and while I do that—there’s something I want to ask you," Alessio spoke tenderly. He took Naty's hand across the table, and she smiled at him. I relaxed in my chair, wondering what he was about to ask her. “I’m not good at speaking,” Alessio began, “But I want you to know that what I’m going to tell you comes from the bottom of my heart,” his voice was sincere. Naty nodded, giving him her full attention as her eyes turned wide. For a moment, the air filled with silence as Alessio paused, thinking about his words. "Naty,” Alessio said, nervously. “Having you and your mommy in my life is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I love everything about you, I will always be there for you—and I will do
MenaI wrapped a scarf gently around Naty’s neck, making sure she was warm for the evening. She looked adorable in the dress I had chosen for her, for the dinner Alessio had planned.He hadn’t told me much, only that a driver would take us to the location. Whatever he told me, I just went with it—because I was too tired to investigate. I had already done that a lot lately.Naty showed me a wide grin.“What is it?” I asked, curious about the reason behind it."Nothing, I’m just really happy," her eyes sparkled.I immediately pulled her into my arms, caressing her hair with my fingers. She was really happy, that’s all I wanted to hear. After everything we had gone through, this was what she deserved. A joyful and carefree life.“Come on, let’s go,” I took her hand in mine.As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I noticed Liza in the foyer. Our eyes met and a smile spread across both our faces. It was the first time I had caught her alone since she handed me that letter. The letter that
AlessioI stepped into the room, letting the door slam shut behind me. Isaac, who sat on the bed, his back turned against me, turned instantly and our eyes met. His were full of regret, but mine were empty.He looked different, better indeed.His face was still bruised, his neck where the scissors had been, bandaged—but overall he looked good.I stuffed my hands into my pockets and leaned back against the door, watching him in silence. Would he be the one to speak up, act like we were just two old friends catching up—or perhaps offer an apology—or was he really smart enough this time to know he had to keep his mouth shut?Minutes stretched out, and neither of us broke the silence until he finally spoke."I know you still have a lot of questions," Isaac began. “And if you want to know more, I can explain—“I grunted. “There’s nothing more for you to explain, and I don’t have anything else to say to you,” I spoke coldly. "I’m here to give you instructions, and that’s it."Isaac nodded,
AlessioI sat in the chair in Julian’s office, waiting for the man to arrive. He had called me yesterday, told me Isaac was fully recovered, and now it was time to figure out what came next.Quite some time had passed, and I began getting impatient when the man decided to walk in at his own time, with two glasses in his hand. “Ah, if it isn’t my favorite fed lover,” he greeted me, handing me the drink before making his way over to his chair.A grin spread across his face, as if he was proud of his own joke. I scoffed, eyeing the drink in my hand.“The drink isn’t poisoned if that’s what you’re thinking,” Julian spoke.I released a chuckle, setting the glass down without taking a sip. “It’s not that,” I said. “I trusted you when I asked for your help, and I trusted you when I left Mena in your care—but now, I just want to discuss what needs to happen to Isaac.”“And that’s why you won’t drink?” “I don’t have time to drink,” I stated, my tone urgent.Julian’s expression changed, and
MenaI stared at my reflection in the mirror of the boutique, the dress hugging my flat belly. “Can you believe there’s a baby in there?” I caught Pilar’s gaze through the mirrors.It had been a few weeks since everything settled down. Life had returned to normal, or as normal as it could be for us. Domenico and Giulia had returned to Italy, and Alessio was back to his long hours leading the Fanuccis.“I’m sure it’ll grow,” Pilar smiled. “But have you already thought about what we’re going to do if you go into labor while I’m away on a gig?”I pouted, as did she. Pilar would soon be heading back home to continue her career, and I understood she had her own life to lead. As much as I wanted her to, she couldn’t stay here forever. The thought of not having her around had already started to make me feel lonely. She wasn’t just a friend, over time she had become like a sister.She was the one who always had the best advice, the one who made me laugh and forget the stress around me. Who wo
Alessio"Being a good leader means doing what you believe is right, even when it’s hard. You’re doing that. And that’s why you’ll be a great head of this family."I tried to focus and pay attention to Dad’s words, but it was difficult since I didn’t deserve them. After we’d arrived back at the mansion, I found myself in the study with Dad and my brothers to discuss today’s events.As far as he was concerned, Isaac had died. That’s what his little spy, Gian, had told him—and that’s what I would make him believe for the rest of his life.That didn’t mean I didn’t feel bad. I felt like shit. Lying to my family on such a scale was something I had never done before. I had always tried to prove myself and do whatever was necessary to keep this family together—but this time I failed.It was as simple as that. Letting Isaac live? I had no real explanation for why I did what I did. The only thing I knew was that Mena told me to listen to my heart, and it answered for me."I knew there was no r
MenaJulian walked over to his little bar and showed off his three special bottles. "What do you want to drink? Tell me.”I examined each bottle, picking it up to inspect it closer before letting out a deep sigh. I knew I couldn’t touch it, but looking would be alright. “I think I should probably take the one without alcohol.”He looked surprised. "You don’t drink?" Julian questioned."I do...just not now," I replied, setting the bottle back down gently.As Julian looked down at my stomach, I wondered if he knew what I meant. “Hmm,” he hummed, not going into it any further. He grabbed another bottle, waving it in the air.“I think this one is for you,” he poured me a drink. Then he led me to a sofa."You remind me of my niece," Julian started talking as soon as we sat down. He swirled the drink in his hand. "I haven’t seen her in a while, but she’s just like you."“What am I like then?"Julian smiled, "You’re soft, determined, and have these curious eyes—like you want to know everythi