MenaAs I sat across from Alessio, with his strict eyes piercing through me as they were waiting for an answer, I had decided that lying wouldn't do any good.It would only make the situation worse and if I had to believe my instincts, he already knew about Anson. This was just a way to test me, a way to see if I would be honest with him."He's Naty's dad, but you already know that," I gave him an answer, still calling him out even though I didn't have the right to."You mean her dad who you said wasn't in her life anymore?" Alessio countered, his tone making clear that I was the one in the wrong, and he was correct.He gave me the chance to come clean, and I didn't take it. I had a good reason though. I was already on thin ice, and back then, a simple confession would've made him snap."It's not like that," I mumbled, feeling surprisingly relieved now that, that was out of the way. I wanted to tell him about all the pain Anson had caused. Not just the emotional abuse, but the physica
MenaIt had been such a long time since I had heard such a loud bass in my ears. So long that I couldn’t even remember.The lights flashed all colors, and from the balcony of the VIP area, I could see people occupying the dance floor, having fun and showing some life.Way different than any atmosphere I had been in for the last couple of months.My eyes searched for Alessio, and the moment they’d found him, I had to let out a chuckle. His hands were around Gian, and he helped him stand up straight. He was so drunk he couldn’t remember his name anymore.The area was filled with his entourage. Beautiful women who had indeed gave me a run for my money, and more of his friends. Alessio also knew the guys. Some of them I had seen at the Fanucci mansion. Alessio didn’t look all that surprised at the outcome, and I guessed must’ve been used to Gian’s way of partying.Even though he was supporting his brother, he was still joking around with the guys and having a good time. When we had walked
MenaI furrowed my brows and pursed my lips, deciding not to interfere. This should get interesting.The guy nudged my shoulder. “Excuse me. Do you know him?”“Oh, I—““Does she know you?” Alessio moved his arm over my shoulder, pulling me in a protective matter. “She wants you to get up, and walk away. Now.” he became colder by each word that left his mouth.“I asked you first. Who are you anyway?” This guy didn’t know who he was dealing it, and by the looks of it, would not take no for an answer.“W-Who am I?” Alessio struggled to find his words. “Back home I never have to answer this question.”I laughed at the idea of some random guy humbling him like that.“Alessio Fanucci. My name is on the club,” he snarled. “Now get up and get going.”This time the guy’s demeanor had changed. With his hands in the air, he got up from the stool. “Sorry man,” he apologized. “My bad.”I felt bad for him as he stumbled away because of the nerves. He didn’t recognize him, but he recognized the name
AnsonImpatiently, I tapped my feet on the beat of the pouring rain as I waited in front of the mansion that would change my life.I had traveled all the way to Los Angeles for this, and I would not be leaving without meeting him.Leonardo Donati.The Leone.“What’s the name again, boy?” A rude guard at the gate asked, holding his communication device close to his mouth.“Anson Falco—that is F-A-L-C-O,” I spelled out my name. “I need to meet Leonardo Donati. It’s important!”He walked off again, eyeing me suspiciously as his mouth moved into the device. Sure, it was odd. A random man dressed in ordinary clothing demanding to meet the big boss, but I had my reasons.That bitch was going down, and so was her little boyfriend who she had sent after me.After years of being ungrateful, she packed her bags, my daughter, and fled. I had been looking for her for a while, and when I had found her—I learned that she had moved to a big mansion and would become the daughter-in-law of some powerf
AlessioStepping into dad’s office felt different this time. It wasn’t the usual bad news I came to deliver. The deal was closed, and Diego agreed to do business with us.Dad smiled, reaching for the champagne, and then he poured uncle another glass. “This,” he said, holding his drink up, “is a big achievement, Ales. Pulling Diego in is not something just anyone could have done."I looked back at Donni and Levi, who stood at the door. “I have Donni to thank for that,” I admitted, giving him a nod of acknowledgment. He was the one who got me the meeting in the first place.“I wasn’t even there. It was all you,” Donni wouldn’t take the praise.Uncle Stefano rushed towards Donni and patted him on his back. He’d always had a special affection for him. “I see big things in your future,” he told him.So now what?All sudden he was psychic?I chuckled to myself, thinking about the drastic change in their behavior. Dad and Uncle were practically shitting themselves. Now here they were, toasti
AlessioIt was meant to be brief, just a show to silence any doubts Dad or Uncle had about us, but the moment our lips met, something shifted. I could taste the sweet fruity lipgloss on her lips, and needed more.Gently, I moved a hand to her waist, gripping her bare skin with my hands. I pulled her closer and licked her lip with my tongue, wanting to see how far she was willing to go. She opened her mouth slightly, inviting me to deepen the kiss, and I did.The reason behind the kiss—all faded away until there was nothing but the warmth of her lips against mine. Fuck it, it wasn’t just for show anymore. We were both into it, and to deny that would be a crime.I slid my hands to her ass before lifting her up, and sat her down on the edge of dad’s office, neither one of us daring to cut off the kiss. I might’ve even thrown some of his papers on the floor in the process. I didn’t give a damn about anyone in that office. We were both desperate for air, yet neither of us dared to break aw
MenaIt seemed like my fingers were working overtime as I was texting back and forth with Pilar. If we weren’t texting, we were talking over the phone.In the span of just a week, we had gone from acquaintances to close friends and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. We had bonded over everything, from our shared sense of humor to our late night conversations about unserious things.‘Anyway, how’s that fine man of yours doing?’ I put down my phone just as quickly as I had read that text.My gaze drifted toward the closed bathroom door which Alessio was behind, showering.The fresh memory of our kiss was still in my mind. He had never addressed it again, just pretended as if it didn’t happen. It was good because it wasn’t something to discuss, but also horrible because it meant he didn’t felt that ‘thing’ what I felt during the kiss.It was a strange feeling I had never had before, not with Anson or any other high school flings. And as much as I tried to push that thought aside, I
MenaWaking up to an empty room had become a familiar sight, and this morning was no exception.Alessio had left early, as he always did. Fun fact, I had never actually seen him asleep before and had a theory that he might actually be a vampire.Sharing the bed with him last night wasn’t awkward at all. I felt comfortable around him which was something I could’ve never imagined a few weeks ago.Truthfully, I didn’t mind him leaving before me because that way he wouldn’t have to see my swollen face in the morning.After dropping Naty off at school, the mansion felt overwhelmingly large and empty. It seemed like everyone had something to do, except for me. I hated being a maid, and I wasn’t that big on cleaning—but it was better than doing nothing all day.In the afternoon, I encountered Liza, who had helped me so much in my first week as a maid here. She clearly wasn’t jumping up and down to have a conversation, so I didn’t bother her. If she feared befriending me because of the Fanucc
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