Chapter 1 DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No parts of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the written permission of a copyright owner. Copyright © 2023 by Jane Doe Writings ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ T R I G G E R W A R N I N G! The following book contains imagery that some readers may find distressing. ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ C R E D I T S I do not claim any right over any of the images used in this book. All rights reserved to the respective copyright owners. ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ A U T H O R ' S N O T E Thank you for choosing my story. Please, comment, and vote. I have worked really hard on these books, your appreciation means a lot to me! I love to read your thoughts and reviews. ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ U P D A T E S One Chapter Every Single Day (I might miss a day or two) Please, respect the updating schedule because that's all I can manage with my busy, hectic life. I'm a medical student. Cries ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ X O X O J A N E D O E W R I T I N G S

Chapter 2 Chapter 1 - Confessions

Scott ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ "Forgive me Father for I have sinned..." I let out a laugh, sitting in a confession room of our church, "Last night, I indulged in some adult activities with not just one, but two lovely ladies—Ms. Antonella and Ms. Kiara," I paused for a moment, waiting for his reaction, before continuing, "I seek your forgiveness and guidance to overcome my sinful desires.""Scott..." the warning in Father Linus' voice was not lost on me. I tried to conceal my laughter, "Ms. Antonella was a stunning blonde, and Kiara, a luscious brunette, had quite the impact on me. Ms. Kiara's bosoms were nothing short of lovely, and I couldn't resist their allure. I admit, Father, I am a weak man who couldn't resist straying off God's path.""Scott Mancini!" Father Linus was probably livid by now. I raised my hands in a surrendering manner even though I knew he couldn't see me through the other side of the confession room, "I can't remember the exact details of it as I had indulged myself in heavy drinking but what I do remember is being completely mesmerized by the impressive curves of their ample derrière. It was as if they were practically begging to be noticed, and needless to say, my naughty side couldn't help but take notice. Oh, how I wish I could rewind time and relive that moment again!""Scott, I don't need to hear every little detail of your indecent anecdotes. I understand your troubles and pray to God that he'd forgive you and lead you to God's path," he said all that in a single breath and then sighed, "Now, is there a real reason why you're here?" I frowned, how the fuck does he always know? I closed my eyes and slumped my head back, "It's fucking stupid.""Do not curse. You're in a church." I groaned, "When was my last confession?""A month ago, you also haven't visited me again." I raked a hand through my hair, "I know, Father, I've just been busy.""If there's something weighing on your heart, you know you can tell me. It will never leave this confession room, Scott," he said in his fatherly soft tone, the one he always uses on me. "It really is stupid, Father... Lorenzo asked me to be the godfather of his daughter," I told him. There was silence on the other side and I wanted to laugh. Father Linus was probably thinking about what drove Lorenzo to ask someone like me to be the godfather to his daughter. Honestly, I was thinking the same thing. "I don't see a problem." I let out a dry chuckle, "Me? The godfather to a little girl? I mean, shouldn't a responsible and morally upright individual be chosen to look after such a precious gift? I don't think I can protect something so precious. Given our line of work, if something happened to Lorenzo and his wife, I'd be the one to take care of that baby girl. And I don't think I deserve it or deserve her.""Scott, Lorenzo trusts you. He knows you, my son, he knows that you won't turn your back on him or his family in the time of need." I shook my head, "Exactly, Lorenzo knows what I am, who I am. If I had a little girl, If I were ever a father—which I wouldn't be—I'd never trust someone like me to take care of my daughter.""Why do you think that?""Women are precious, they are to be cared for, to be protected and I'm a prime example of how not to treat women. And I know that I accept who I am. But this, this feels like a big responsibility, Father." Again silence greeted me. "Scott, If you hold a belief that the little girl in question is a precious gem that is beyond your worth, then maybe, just maybe, you are the perfect person for the job. Your heart knows the true value of her worth, and it takes someone with a big heart to cherish and nurture such a precious soul." I raised an eyebrow, this was getting too sentimental for my standards. I had no idea what had gotten into Father Linus' head today because he knows I'm not the emotional kind. I shrugged, "Whatever, I guess, I'll give it try." That made him let out a laugh, "The christening is tomorrow.""Thank you for the reminder." I sauntered out of the confessional booth, holding back a grin as I made my way out of the church. Despite being labeled as the devil's spawn by Father Linus countless times before, I still enjoyed coming here every now and then. The old man had a soft spot for me, even if he refused to acknowledge it. I remember the time when he said to me, "I bet if I sprinkle some holy water on you, you'll turn into ashes and go straight to hell." Niko's mother, Anastasia Costello—the woman who raised not only Niko but me too forced us to go to church with her every Sunday. I guess that's how it was now a part of my sinful routine. No one really knew about it, not even Niko knows that I still swing by the holy house and confess my wrongdoings, that I sneak to the confession room once in a while to wipe my slate clean. It's bad for my street cred. I whistled my way to my car, many heads turned in my direction even a few traditional church-going girls couldn't help but look me up and down. They probably thought I was here to threaten the priest or someone else and I didn't correct them. I earned the title of a sinner along with many others and I was very comfortable with them. The men nodded at me in respect, all of them belonged to the La Cosa Nostra. The church was ours, everyone in it was on our payroll. I got into my car and raced down the road, the music blasted through the speaker and I put on my sunglasses as the sunlight almost blinded me. And before I knew it, the police siren rang out from behind me. I glanced at the police vehicle in the rearview mirror and parked my car to the side. The vehicle stopped and an officer stepped out and approached my car, knocking on the window. I pushed the button and the window rolled down. I took off my sunglasses and the second the realization dawned on the officer's face, he let out a nervous chuckle, "Mr. Mancini, ah, I didn't recognize the vehicle." I gave him a smile, "No problem, officer." He stepped back and extended a hand in the road's direction, he was as pale as ghost, a stupid man didn't even know that I wasn't going to shoot him or hurt him in broad daylight. We're the fucking La Cosa Nostra, not idiots. I revved the engine and again raced down the road, stopping only when I finally reached our club, "Terra Cognita" I stepped out and the second I entered, the men and women nodded their heads at me as I made my way to Niko's office. I pushed open the door and was greeted by the sight of my boss with his face resting on his wife's (unfortunately clothed) breasts as she sat before him on his desk—not the sight I wanted to see. Evangeline Costello wore a tight red dress, her head snapped back at the door to see who it was before her dark eyes landed on me, Niko didn't even bother to glance in my direction—that's how engrossed he was in that perfect pair of tits. Yeah, that sight of her in that skimpy red dress is fucking hot, I have always found this girl hot but not enough to betray Niko for it. But fuck, still the single sight of hers is enough to elicit a sexual response from me. "Good morning to the lovely couple," I slumped in the seat before them, placing my feet up on his desk. Niko finally glanced at me, "Get out." I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I watched them. There's nothing quite as satisfying to me as ruining someone's private moment. Evangeline stepped down from the desk and stood beside her husband, leaning in to whisper something into his ear before giving him a playful wink. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at their blissful ignorance. Married couples, ugh - they always think they're so damn cute. And then she turned to me, her eyes and smile still holding innocence even after everything, "Goodbye, Scott." I winked at her, "Goodbye, sweet cheeks." The moment she stepped out of the room, I turned to Niko, "We caught two outfit bastards this week again. Niko, they are planning something. You might want to set up that meeting with Salvatore Capone before it's too late." Niko dragged out his cigar, lighting it up, "He wants Joe Torrio. I'm not just handing over one of my capos. The Torrio family has been loyal to us for years. Send Capone a warning, and make sure he knows that if any of his men breached our territory again, it will be a bloodbath.""Decapitated heads of his soldiers would be enough to send that message." After that, I went out of the office and settled onto the couch in the corner as the waitresses served me drinks. And before I knew it, a blonde vixen on the dance floor already started to eye-fuck me. I nodded at her, just slightly tipped my head in her direction and she smiled at me from over her shoulder, giving me a glimpse of that phenomenal ass. And then she faced me, showing off those 34 DD stuffed in that little dress. Okay, now she totally had my attention. A girl with an ass and a perfect rack is what I'm talking about. Someone sat beside me and I looked to my side to see Lorenzo, he was grinning. God, that was a disturbing sight, I still wasn't used to Lorenzo being happy but somehow his princess and their spawn brought out a newer version of him. "What?" I asked him. "You sure about tomorrow?" he asked, ordering a drink for himself. I just shrugged, talking to Father Linus has helped. I was ready for it plus Lorenzo was a tough fucker, he won't die anytime soon, so their daughter will be their problem, not mine. "I am, now stop pestering me about it, and let me score that blonde bombshell tonight.""She's the relationship kinda girl," he said and I raised an eyebrow, how the fuck does he know? "And how do you know that piece of information?" He lifted a shoulder, "It's written all over her." I glanced back at the girl who was now seductively sucking on the straw of her drink, "The only sentence I see written all over her is that she is ready to be fucked." Lorenzo shook his head, "Do you know that most girls prefer long-term relationships over casual sex?" I smiled and replied, "Well, I guess they're lucky to have you for that. But, in case they are looking for someone for a night, they can always count on me." Lorenzo chuckled and said, "Sorry, my friend, but I'm a happily married man now. Only my wife gets to have me.""Oh, Denise is one lucky woman!""Delilah." I grinned, I just did it to piss him off, "I know. Now if you will excuse me, I have a very beautiful woman to unwrap.""Man, don't you think you should stop whoring around?""I don't consider it whoring. I just have fun with it. And unlike actual whores, I don't get paid for it." Lorenzo shook his head once more, letting out a disappointed sigh. I know why that was, he always said that I was disrespectful toward women, but little did he know, my love for them was boundless. Why would I subject just one woman to the wild ride that is a relationship with me when all of them deserve a little bit of my love? Who needs just one when you can have them all, am I right? As I glanced back at the stunning blonde, her eyes met mine, and I couldn't help but feel a spark down there. She leaned forward in her chair, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her ample cleavage, and I found myself unable to look away. With a smile, I raised my drink in a playful toast, silently inviting her to join me for some fun.

Chapter 3 Chapter 2 — Part Of The Sin

Allegra ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ Ugh, I was so irritated with these stubborn waves! I've been trying to tame them for what feels like hours, but they just won't listen to me. Every time I think I've got them under control, they spring right back into their wild, unruly state. It's like they have a mind of their own! Frustrated with the situation, I yanked my hair back and secured it into an overly tight ponytail, causing a throbbing ache to pulse through my head. I decided to dress up a bit today, usually, I just throw some clothes on and leave for college but today it was Lorenzo Vitelli—the Cosa Nostra's enforcer's daughter's christening. Now that I've hit twenty-one, my mother is on my case about dressing up, as if that's the only way someone will notice me and ask me to marry them. Can't she just let me enjoy my life without bringing up this outdated and sexist idea that my only value is in my appearance? According to the Cosa Nostra standards, I was quite old as most girls were married off at the age of eighteen. Some weren't even allowed to continue their studies. If it wasn't for my grandfather, I also would have been married off by now. Thanks to him, I can focus on my career and build a better future for myself. I wore a full-sleeved ankle-length dress and propped the strap of my handbag over my shoulder before getting out of my room. I made my way to the kitchen to see grandpa enjoying his morning coffee while my mama rambled on and on about finding me a husband of good stature. "I cannot believe you're still not getting it, Papa Linus! The doctors have already given up on you, and God knows how much time you have left. My point here is crystal clear—if Allegra manages to find herself a husband who is suitable for her, we'll have another man in the house to look out for us. The Cosa Nostra is not kind to women who don't have a male figure in their lives, and this is exactly why we need to take action now!""Good morning," I interrupted, grandpa's eyes twinkled with delight as they fell on me and my mother just turned her face the other way towards the stove like she usually does when I'm around unless she wants something from me. "Good morning, my sweet, have you had a good night's sleep?" grandpa asked. I smiled at him, "I slept peacefully through the night.""Of course, you did..." my mother let out a slight scoff. My throat constricted, and my relationship with my mother has always been tumultuous. Her strict adherence to Christianity left little room for anything else, and she rarely displayed any emotion other than irritation and rage. Over time, I grew accustomed to her behavior, but so did my grandfather, but the tension never truly dissipates. "So, when is the christening of little Aurora?" I asked, my hand reaching for my grandfather's wrinkly weak ones. "This afternoon," he answered, squeezing my hand back for assurance. "I'll be there..." My mother finally turned, putting a plate of scrambled eggs before me with a loud slam, "Yes, you will be. A lot of high-status men will be attending that christening and I want you to be on your best behavior. I want you to engage, and socialize a little. Refrain from showing off your education. We wouldn't want them thinking you're too smart for your own good, now would we? So just be sure to dumb yourself down. After all, we wouldn't want any of those La Cosa Nostra men to feel inferior to their wives now, would we? Heaven forbid." As soon as mama turned to face the other side again, I rolled my eyes with exasperation and that made grandpa laugh. Mama turned and squinted her eyes at me before marching out of the kitchen altogether. After having breakfast and sharing a few more joes with Grandpa, I stepped out of the house and took a bus to my best friend's house. Chiara Romano lived on the upper east side where all the other high-status members of the La Cosa Nostra lived. Even though grandpa made enough money from the church—Capo was very generous with him—he donated most of it to charities. So, after stuffing my face with breakfast and chatting with Grandpa for a bit longer, I hopped on a bus to visit my best friend Chiara Romano. Her place was on the upper east side where all the fancy people from La Cosa Nostra resided. We weren't poor, Grandpa was doing pretty well for himself thanks to Capo's generosity, but he still preferred to give most of his earnings to charitable organizations and if I was in his place I'd do the same. I've always been cool with a simple life. I never needed fancy stuff to make me happy - the little things always did the trick. I used to think, you know, what's the point in chasing money and things when they don't actually bring happiness? Real happiness comes from living a purposeful life with passion. That's why I never cared about having a big house or anything like that. The good stuff in life can be found in the small, simple things. I took the elevator up to her apartment and then made my way straight to her room. Chiara and I grew up together, she used to live in our neighborhood before her father got a big promotion from the capo and they moved here. Chiara's mother met me in the living room with a big smile, she hugged me and told me that she was in her bedroom. I beelined to her bedroom and flung open the door startling Chiara out of whatever she was doing. She immediately shut off her laptop's screen. I squinted my eyes as I made my way to her and sat on her bed beside her, "What were you doing?" She rolled her eyes before snapping it open once more. Different pictures of the underboss came to life, Chiara not only had the biggest crush on him, but she was also his number one stalker. "Do you think he is ready to settle down yet?" she asked, playing with her finger as she moved to another one of his pictures. This one was with a beautiful model, it was from the last year's charity event. "I don't know, I'm not the one who keeps tabs on his every move but he is going to be at the enforcer's daughter's christening in the afternoon, and guess who is invited," I said with a proud grin. She perked up, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and shaking me from side to side, "Please, tell me you're allowed a plus one." I made a face, "I don't think so." She visibly deflated back in her bed before I elbowed her side, "I'm kidding, why do you think I came here in the first place?" She shrieked up from the bed, running to her closet, probably to look for the perfect clothes. I followed her inside and saw her taking out a few dresses that were the least church friendly. "Friendly reminder, I don't think any of your clothes are church friendly.""Oh yeah, because I always dress to impress the church. Skin is the new Sunday best, didn't you know?" She rolled her eyes and scanned me from head to toe, clearly unimpressed. I sighed, "But we have to respect the church too, Chiara." She scowled, "Allegra, I'm gonna nail the underboss tonight and trust me, he's all about that skin baby! No room for those dull layers you church ladies clings to." Chiara always found it amusing to make jokes at my expense, but I didn't want to let it get to me. It used to hurt me when I was a teenager a few years ago but I never let on. Instead, I learned to let it roll off my back and carry on with my day. I've learned that sometimes the best response is no response at all. I sighed, standing beside her in the mirror, "Mama wants me to find a husband today, any tips?" She shrugged, tweezing her eyebrows, I winced I remember the pain of going through all this. I remembered the pain of excessive hair growth all too well. I used to be so self-conscious, feeling like Chewbacca from Star Wars. But now, thanks to laser treatment, I don't have to worry about it anymore. "Just aim lower and you'll be fine," she advised. I snorted, "What?" I sucked in a deep breath, mentally shielding myself from what was coming. "Oh, you want a guy who'd actually go for you? Good luck with that! Maybe aim for someone with lower standards, like a desperate soldier or something. Even if that means compromising on everything else." I couldn't help but dread the direction this was headed in, even though it was an all too familiar scenario, I approached it with a sense of humor. Trying to justify my physical appearance or reacting negatively to Chiara's jabs seemed like a pointless exercise in futility, which only worsened my insecurity. Instead, I opted to go along with her jests as it was far more convenient than the distress caused by an argument. I passed her a sweet smile, "Thanks for the advice." She shrugged, "Love ya, babe.""Love you too," that was true, I loved my childhood best friend too much to let these stupid things get between us. We spent the morning at her apartment, looking for dress after dress until she found one. She had no problem in the asset department that the underboss seemed to like too much. I only have extensive knowledge about the underboss because of her, she is an ass man—not my words but Chiara's but he also likes big busts too. Even though Chiara had big breasts, she still stuffed them with things to make them look even bigger. Even after I warned her a couple of times, Chiara still opted for a little white dress with spaghetti straps. I handed her my scarf to cover up a bit because she can't walk out of her apartment like this in front of her brother—who was also a made man. We made our way to her car and she drove us to the church. She parked and we stepped out of the car. Her eyes roamed around for the underboss's car before she found it and laughed with glee. I laughed with her, it was cute how much she was excited to see him. We entered the church, and a lot of guests have already arrived. The underboss was standing with grandpa, whispering something to him and I could see how hard grandpa fought a smile from creeping up. "Oh my god, my ovaries just freakin' exploded. Look at him, just look, Allegra." As I observed the underboss, I couldn't help but notice his striking appearance. However, his actions and behavior made me feel disgusted and repelled by him. I was appalled by the way he exploited his physical appeal. How can anyone find such a man appealing, knowing how he conducts himself? Being with such a person would make me constantly worry. How can someone share their life with an untrustworthy person without agonizing over their whereabouts or the possibility of them cheating? Undeniably, he had the body of a Greek god, but no degree of physical attractiveness can compensate for his immoral tendencies. I shrugged, "He looks fine." Chiara rolled her eyes, "Honey, he is more than fine. You are just bitter knowing you'll never have a chance with someone like him." I laughed, "I don't want a chance with him at all. He is all yours." The underboss' gaze flicked to us for a mere second before he gazed somewhere else. And Chiara completely lost it, she saw her chance and snatched my scarf off her shoulders. But her attention-grabbing move went horribly wrong when she tugged so hard that the delicate spaghetti straps on her dress snapped. Suddenly, her white bra was on display for all to see. Not knowing what to do, I stepped in front of her. By the moment everyone turned to look at us, I had covered Chiara with my body. I handed her my scarf back and she immediately wrapped it around herself. It was difficult to get out of there with only my little scarf and my body covering hers without flashing anyone. "I told you to wear a jacket over the dress," I hissed through gritted teeth. We went back out and went into the lady's room. I flung open the door and Chiara ran inside both of her hands over her chest, keeping her torn dress up. "What do we do? What do we do, Allegra?!" she screamed. "Don't worry, I'll figure out a way to fix it," I reassured her, trying my best to stay calm. Frantically thinking of a solution, I quickly suggested, "Let me text Santina, and she'll bring us a sewing kit. I can sew your dress back together, don't worry." Santina was one of the clergywomen and I'm pretty sure she will have something to fix Chiara's dress. The minutes ticked by slowly, and soon, an hour had almost passed. We tried to remain patient, but our anticipation grew with each passing moment. Chiara blew out a breath, "The ceremony must have ended by now, he must have left." I glanced at her, "No, I'm sure they are still here." Finally, a knock on the door resounded and I opened it to see Santina with a sewing kit, she handed it to me and I turned back to Chiara. "Take off your dress," I told her and she slid out of it and handed it to me, standing in the ladies' room in only her underwear and bra. We were in the middle of stitching up her straps when an abrupt banging echoed outside the door. Startled, we froze for a moment, unsure of what to do with Chiara standing half-naked. Without a second thought, we both sprinted toward one of the booths and hastily closed the door. "You nasty nasty girl..." The sound of a deep male voice sent chills down my spine. Oh no, what is happening? Why would a man enter the lady's bathroom, especially in a church? "Fucking rip my panties off!" the women screamed and we realized, oh my god, someone was doing uhm it in the bathroom with us trapped inside this booth. The next thing I heard was the ripping of fabric, I turned to Chiara and she seemed stunned, almost like she was about to cry. "What?" I whisper-yelled. "That's..." her voice came out thick and she cleared her throat inaudibly, "That's Scott." We cautiously approached the closed door of the booth, terror gripped me as I hesitantly peeked through the small gap. The sight before me left me gasping for air - a scantily clad woman was forcefully pushed against the mirror, while the fully clothed underboss relentlessly thrust into her from behind. Even though his back was turned towards us, I could see his face reflected in the mirror. "Praise the lord for this ass..." he said to her and she screamed even louder. I swallowed, and my cheeks heated up. I had never seen something so sexually graphic in my whole life. I blinked, facing Chiara as she seemed so engrossed in what was happening outside the booth. "Do you know the woman?" she whispered. I again glanced through the gap and noticed the woman, I almost let out a scream but covered my mouth with Chiara's dress that was in my hands. "That's Mrs. Gastone," I whispered back. Mrs. Gastone was a respectable lady in our circle. Despite having three children and a very loving husband, she chose to have an affair with the underboss. The thought of how she was betraying her family made me feel sick to my stomach. I could not fathom why she would risk everything she had for a moment of pleasure. It was a clear betrayal of her family's trust and a shameful act. My respect for her had been shattered, and I could not look at her the same way again. "Yes, YES! FUCKING RIP ME APART, BABY!" she screamed out. I felt ashamed by her words. Clutching Chiara's dress to my chest, I closed my eyes, hoping for God's forgiveness for what I had witnessed. All I could hear were the heavy grunts from the underboss and shrill screams from Mrs. Gastone. I felt ashamed to be in the same room as them, and my heart sank as I realized the gravity of the situation. What if someone found out about this? "That's a good little whore, yes, baby, fuck, yes.""Take it in your ass.""Dirty bitch.""Beg for cock." The scene in front of me was unbearable, and I couldn't bear it anymore. My hands automatically covered my ears as the words penetrated my soul, and I felt like crying. Witnessing them committing a sin made me feel ashamed, and I couldn't bring myself to watch any longer. By just being present there, I felt like I was a part of their sin. "I wonder what would it feel like if he did all those things to me..." Chiara whispered, still watching them through the gap. I didn't say anything or replied to her. I was so stunned that my muscles stopped responding to my brain's commands. "Get the fuck down on your knees," he ordered, and Mrs. Gastone probably did. And then a few moments later, I heard the underboss letting a strained groan almost as if he was in pain, "Swallow it." Then Mrs. Gastone let out a laugh, "I didn't let a single drop go to waste, baby." Their voices then stopped, I mustered up the courage and again peeked through the gap once more only to see them fixing their clothes. "We should do this again..." Mrs. Gastone whispered, adjusting her bra back in place. The underboss washed his hands before he raked his wet hands through his tousled hair, "I don't fuck the same woman twice. Now go home to your husband and kids, Gabriella. You wouldn't want him to find out about this, would you?" saying that he turned and walked out the bathroom as if nothing happened while leaving me traumatized for life.

Chapter 4 Chapter 3 — The Christening

Scott ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ I adjusted the cuffs of my impeccably tailored suit while we eagerly awaited Lorenzo and Delilah's arrival with Aurora. Across the room, Delilah's brother was stationed with his entourage of guards, casting doubtful glances in my direction. However, I remained unfazed by his skepticism. As Niko stepped inside the church with Evangeline and the little Masimo in her arms flanked by their guards. He flashed a grin at me. It took all of my self-control not to flip him the bird right then and there. But of course, being in public and him being my Capo, I had to resist the urge. I rolled my eyes as Father Linus disrupted my thoughts with a throat-clearing sound. "What now?" I questioned irritably. He replied with a vague, "Oh, nothing. Just feeling proud." I scowled at him and demanded, "Proud of what exactly?" He responded with a saccharine tone, "Of you, of course. For taking on this huge responsibility." I let out a laugh, shaking my head, "I'm only here because I know Lorenzo is a tough, twisted motherfucker and he won't die easily. So, I have nothing to worry about.""Scott. We're in a holy place," he reminded me. "I know, I know," I replied, feeling slightly annoyed. "Let's just be mindful of our language, okay?" he said with a friendly smile. "Fine, I'll watch my mouth," I replied, trying to sound sincere. I don't know how he does it, but he's the only one who can handle me with a few words. He's been there for me since the day I did the unthinkable at just thirteen years old. My own father was the victim, and I can still feel the coldness of his lifeless body beneath my feet. The whole Cosa Nostra wanted me dead after that, despite my heroic act of saving my best friend and the future leader of the organization. But Father Linus saw something in me that no one else did. He saw beyond the devilish image they had of me and took me under his wing. Whatever it was, I'm grateful for it. He was the only one who understood me at that age. He didn't push me away, he didn't judge me or mocked me. He loved me instead, no matter how nasty I was to him, how many times I insulted him, he was always there. He didn't give up on me. And I'll never give up on this old man, no matter what. Finally, the couple of the hour arrived with their little princess. Lorenzo looked so domesticated right now. It was kind of funny, actually. He was completely focused on cooing at his daughter and didn't seem to care about anything else. I mean, this guy has been known as the "monster" of La Cosa Nostra since his initiation. People were terrified of him and he never really talked to anyone. But now, look at him. He's showing a softer, gentler side that no one ever expected to see. It's pretty amusing, to say the least. Fuck, this is why I hate these kinds of things. It makes you emotional and shit. Delilah's brother walked into the middle as Father Linus started the ceremony. Lorenzo came over to me and asked me to hold Aurora. I froze and glanced back and forth at the little girl and Lorenzo. Holy shit, this was actually happening. Aurora made the faintest sound and it shook me to the core. With utmost care, I took Aurora from her father's grasp and held her close to me. I gazed down at her and watched her unfocused gaze dart around before she let out a soft yawn. Fuck, it was a beautiful sight. I get it, Lorenzo, I fucking get it. I get why he is so smitten by his daughter, she is gonna be a little heartbreaker when she grows up. I pushed her headband back as it slipped over her face and in a swift motion her little hand curled around my finger, holding it and guiding it to her mouth. "Today is a blessed day as we gather here to welcome baby Aurora into the embrace of our Lord and Savior. We are privileged to have such an exceptional family that instills the values of leadership and commitment in the child from the very beginning. The love and care showered upon her by her family is a testament to the beautiful journey that she would embark upon. I'm positive that Aurora will grow up to be a devout and pious young lady, guided by the righteous path of the Almighty." As I held Aurora over the small baptismal font filled with holy water, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be her godparent. Delilah's brother stood beside me, his hands also gently supporting Aurora. Even though a small part of me was annoyed that he was intruding on this special moment, I reminded myself that we both shared a love for Aurora. As I held Aurora close, Father Linus poured the holy water over her tiny head and made a cross on her forehead, reciting the sacred words, "I baptize you, Aurora Clara Vitelli, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.""Amen," every one of us said. As soon as Aurora was back with her parents, my eyes started wandering around the ceremony, and I caught Gabriella Gastone's lustful gaze fixed on me. Not caring a bit about her loyal husband and innocent children standing next to her, she shamelessly ogled at me with her burning desire. She'd been toying with me since the initiation of her oldest son, she came at me, telling me how unhappy she was with her husband, and I, being the bastard that I am, decided to help her out. It happened once; she only gave me a blowjob and now the woman won't leave me alone. I was fricking bored out of my mind, and these church girls are useless in helping me get rid of my frustration. So, I'm left with no other option than to go for Gabriella Gastone. That filthy cheating little whore might be the only one who can entertain me. I leaned closer to Father Linus, "Going out for a smoke." He nodded, "Do come back, I need to talk to you." I made my way out of the hall and entered the church's foyer. I could hear high heels clicking behind me and just as I was out of sight of the people inside the church, someone pushed me into the nearby wall. A mischievous grin spread across my face as I recognized the voice, "You do realize we're in a freaking church, right Gabriella?""Seriously, don't tell me that the notorious Mr. Mancini has finally found redemption and turned into a saint overnight." I turned around, leaning my back against the wall as she stood before me, licking her lips that were coated in dark and shiny red lipstick. "What do you want?" my voice was clipped. She trailed her hands down my body before cupping me from over my pants, "You know what I want, baby..." I raised an eyebrow, married women were never my type, too much trouble to handle. They always came with a handful of issues, angry husbands, and messed up children. I never had any interest in breaking up a family. But, in this case, I couldn't ignore the fact that her family was already beyond repair before I entered the picture. And honestly, it's not like I cared much. "You realize how fucked up this is, right? Go pay attention to your broken family, Gabriella." She twisted her lips at my words, shrugging it off like her family didn't matter, "Since when do you care about my broken family?" Her hand stroked my cock from over my pants and I couldn't help but get hard at her antics. With a quick movement, I seized her delicate wrist into my firm grip and deftly twisted it, pinning it behind her back. Even though I did not cause any physical harm, I just wanted to make sure she understood who was in control. My lips hovered over hers, I wasn't going to kiss her. Gabriella's tits collided with my chest. She grinded herself against me shamelessly, and I found myself losing all restraint. It was a complete debacle, with neither of us exhibiting a shred of self-restraint. I yanked her by the hair and changed our position, tossing her on the door and grinding my hard cock on the curve of her ass. She let out a sultry laugh, "Not here, I may be cheating on my husband but I don't want any of my sons to walk in on me." I glared up and caught sight of the ladies' room sign. The silence inside suggested it was vacant. Without a second thought, I ripped the door open and shoved Gabriella inside. She hit the floor on all fours, and I barged in after her, slamming the door shut and locking it from the inside with a forceful click. "You nasty, nasty girl..." I said as I slowly walked closer to her. Being the needy whore I knew she was, she got up, leaned onto the counter of a church bathroom, and offered her ass to me, "Fucking rip my panties off!" I unbuckled my belt and pulled my zipper down before taking out my cock and stroking it. I parted her legs further and then spat onto her asshole. I plunged into her hard and fast. I pulled her dress down from her breasts and watched as they jiggled in the mirror. Fuck, a woman with a big ass and a big rack was my fucking weakness. I slapped her ass cheek, "Praise the lord for this ass...""Yes, YES! FUCKING RIP ME APART, BABY!" she screamed out. I took Gabriella from behind, my balls slapping against her ass. I forced her face into the mirror before us, and her red lipstick got smudged. I felt her legs shaking against mine as I pumped harder into her. She was trapped between my body and the mirror, she kept repeatedly banging her head against the mirror and screaming harder and harder in pleasure but I knew better than to question her unhinged behavior. I pulled out of her ass. "Get the fuck down on your knees," I told her and she immediately turned, dropping to her knees, and looked up at me with hungry lust-filled eyes. She opened her mouth asking me to come into her mouth, I stroked my cock until I spilled inside her mouth and all over her lips and chin. She toyed with my cum a few times with her tongue and fingers, before I ordered, "Swallow it." She eagerly did, licking her lips and fingers clean, "I didn't let a single drop go to waste, baby." I tucked my cock back into my pants and then walked to the counter and washed my hand before fixing my hair in the mirror. "We should do this again..." Gabriella whispered adjusting her clothes back in place, she looked like a mess. I have no idea how she is going to explain this to her husband. He was one of our capos—not even a good one—he will think twice before coming to question me about his wife's sexcapades. "I don't fuck the same woman twice. Now go home to your husband and kids, Gabriella. You wouldn't want him to find out about this, would you?" I said, before buttoning my suit jacket. It was true, I can't stand having the same chick twice. They all become so predictable and boring. My attention span is short when it comes to women. I have never met a woman who could keep me interested for long. They just don't have what it takes. I stepped out of the ladies' room and went back inside the church. I went to stand beside Niko and sweet cheeks. She turned to me and raised an eyebrow, "Hey, where were you?" I grinned at her teasingly, "Oh, just doing some 'praying'." She understood, she knew me too well, her eyes popped, "In church?!" I nodded, "Yep, couldn't resist the holy vibes, you know.""You're disgusting," she whispered. I winked, "Guilty as charged. But, hey, at least I'm not boring, right?" I laughed, there hadn't gone by a day where she doesn't show how disgusted she is by me. It used to grate on my nerves before but now I just shrug it off. After the ceremony was over, everyone started to leave, I went to Father Linus, "What's up?""We're looking for a husband for Allegra," he told me. I frowned, "Allegra? Isn't she like fourteen or something?" Allegra was Father Linus's granddaughter. I think I may have seen her a few times, but my memory of her is hazy. The last time I saw her was probably three years ago when I visited Father Linus's house. I'm not sure, but I have this faint memory of her being a skinny kid with a high-pitched voice that was quite bothersome. "She is twenty-one, Scott, and it's time I find a suitable husband for her. Let's be honest, I'm eighty-two—" I cut him off, "Wow, you're ancient. Do you need help getting around?" He glared at me but then shook his head, "I'm eighty-two and the doctor ran some tests and found out that I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." Something drowned in my chest, the thought of losing him, fuck, that scared me. I didn't think anything will ever scare me but this fucking did. I laughed, trying to cover up a moment of weakness, "Those are some big words, I really don't want to know what that means." The man's head shook once more, a look of distress etched on his face. "What I need you to understand is that I cannot rest until Allegra's future is secured. The truth is, I fear for her safety once I am gone. Her mother's intentions are unclear, and I cannot leave her fate to chance. As for you, I have no concerns. Your future is bright, and I trust that you will thrive." Again, the dread rose in my throat to choke me at the mere thought of him dying. I placed a hand on my heart, "That's how little you care about me? I'm hurt." He ruffled my hair as if I were a teenage boy, "You will be fine, you're a tough warrior but Allegra, she needs someone to take care of her." I nodded, "What do you want me to do?" For a moment, he fell silent as if he was thinking something deep, and then he stared at me not saying a word, he just stared. I swallowed, he isn't going to ask me to marry her, is he? "I want you to find a good man for my granddaughter, someone who will take care of her, love her, and protect her with his life," he told me. As soon as his words reached my ears, I released the breath I didn't realize I was holding and broke into a broad smile, oh thank fuck! That was a close one. "That's it?" I asked, raising both of my eyebrows at the same time. He nodded, "Yes, you know many high-ranking men, it would be a great help." Leaning in, I placed my hand on his shoulder and assured him, "I'll do my best. Leave it to me." A relieved smile spread across his face, "Thank you, Scott. You can head out now." I smiled back, "You might want to clean up the ladies' room because I kind of defiled it." He paled, looking at me with wide eyes, "Please tell me it's not what I think it is." I laughed, "It's exactly what you think it is," he winked at him before moving out of the sacred holy house. I breathed in the fresh air and as I was about to get into my car, a shrill voice called out my name from behind, "Scott Mancini, is that you?" I turned and came face to face with a girl in a white skimpy little dress with a plunging neckline–definitely not for the church but for me. I smirked looking her up and down, I had seen this girl before at the Cosa Nostra's parties, and shit, she always bats her eyelashes, and sways her hips a little too much to get my attention. She had the perfect 34Ds, and a round ass and I didn't care to notice the rest. I raised an eyebrow and she turned fifty shades of red, "I'm Chiara Gambino." I nodded, "The Gambino family?" She beamed up at me, intertwining her hands before herself and shoving up her breasts even more, "Yup! So, I was thinking—" I cut her off, "Tell your father to come to see me at my office, you're father's been slacking with bookkeeping because we're not receiving the money owed. I don't have to remind you that stealing from the Cosa Nostra is a death sentence. Make sure he shows up or there will be consequences." My eyes finally moved to the girl next to her, and the first thing I did was scan her from head to toe. She was wearing a full-sleeved ankle-length modest dress, it was too loose for me to figure out her curves—bummer but what I did notice was her venomous eyes. I frowned at her, no girl had ever glared at me... ever. I couldn't help as my frown deepened, it was quite rare to see a girl looking at me with such intensity. Usually, girls were all over me, trying to get my attention. And the ones who didn't were too nervous to even look at me. But here she was, with her twisted lips and disapproving gaze, making it clear that she didn't like me one bit. I have to admit, it was rather amusing. Cute... I couldn't resist smirking and giving her a wink, all because of the way she was looking at me. And just like that, her tough exterior melted away, replaced by a look of complete shock. Her lips slowly parted and she couldn't even hold my gaze for a second longer, quickly averting her eyes elsewhere. With a smirk on my face, I quickly clicked the button to unlock my car and hopped in. Without wasting any time, I hit the gas and zoomed out of the church parking lot. Even as I sped away, I couldn't help but glance in the rearview mirror to catch a glimpse of the two girls I had left behind. And there they were, standing exactly where I had left them, frozen in their spots.

Chapter 5 Chapter 4 — Mother Flunker!

Allegra ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ "Why did he wink at you?" Chiara asked for the umpteenth time since we left the church. As we lounged on her bed, I couldn't help but marvel at the stunning view above us. The glass ceiling showcased the twinkling stars, creating a breathtaking sight that left me in awe. Her bedroom was a masterpiece, and I couldn't help but admire every intricate detail of it. I squeezed my eyes shut, "I don't know, he was probably trying to annoy us or something.""He didn't even bat an eye at me, which is surprising considering I fit the bill of everything he usually looks for in a woman," she said shaking her head. Her tone was laced with bitterness as if she couldn't understand why he wouldn't be attracted to her. "But of course, he was staring at you the whole time. It's not like you're his usual type or anything," she added, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "And to top it off, he even winked at you and smiled," she emphasized each word, making sure to let me know how hurt she was. I swallowed hard, I had no idea why he did what he did if anything his behavior disgusted me. How could he stoop so low? His shameful behavior only made me despise him more. I mean, who does that? Who willingly has an affair with a married woman who also has kids? It makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it. And don't even get me started on Mrs. Gastone; that woman is going straight to hell for what she's done. They have no respect for the church or the sanctity of marriage. "He is disgusting. I can't believe you're attracted to him," I stated with disdain. "He's absolutely repulsive. How can you be blind to the fact that he has no regard for religion or basic human decency? All he cares about is exploiting the people he interacts with, either by taking their lives or using them for his own twisted desires." Chiara blew out a breath, "He isn't that bad, and not everyone's life revolves around the church, unlike you some people actually have a life." I shrugged, Chiara will take his side no matter what, no matter how obnoxious that man is, "I hope you find a good man for yourself, judging by the scene we saw in the ladies' room this afternoon he doesn't seem like a person who would loyal and would respect his wedding vows. He seemed to have no problem in breaking up other people's families, let alone having one of his own." Chiara glared at me and then pursed her lips, "Many men change after their marriage. All they need is a good woman by their side to show them the right path." I cringed at her point of view, "A wife doesn't equal a personal therapist, Chiara. It's a two-way street. If you're looking for a loving partner, it's important to find someone who is capable of both giving and receiving love.""Maybe, I just want a man who is experienced in bed." I rolled my eyes, her ridiculous crush on the underboss was getting out of hand, "He will cheat," I said, trying to knock some sense into her. Her eyes narrowed, "He won't cheat. Once we're together, he'll be a changed man. You just don't understand.""Oh please. You're only fooling yourself. He's a player, and you're setting yourself up for heartbreak.""Don't be so pessimistic," she retorted. "I know what I'm doing. You just can't handle the fact that I have faith in him." I shook my head. "You're delusional. But fine, go ahead and learn the hard way. Just don't come crying to me when he breaks your heart." I pulled myself away from her bed, my lips pressed tight. Collecting my belongings, I stowed them inside my bag. In the midst of my preparations, she rose from her position. "Leaving so soon?" she queried. "I have to be home by eight, or else, you know mama," I disclosed, taking a quick peek at myself in the mirror and running my hands through my hair. "Sheesh, your mama is a real pain," she grumbled. I scowled, "She's still my mother, you know." I had to come up with an excuse for my mother. I can't deny that she wasn't the best mother to me. She didn't always prioritize my needs and desires. But, I can't blame her completely. Especially not after what I did to her. I said goodbye to Chiara and exited her room, only to freeze in my tracks at the sight of Benedetto lounging in the living area. Chiara's elder brother was a couple of years senior to us. Despite Chiara's repeated assurances that Benedetto had no romantic inclinations towards me, his queer stares always managed to unnerve me. In fact, his behavior changed drastically in Chiara's absence, leaving me feeling anxious and discomposed. My eyes quickly glanced toward the floor, and I made a move to leave their apartment without any further interaction. However, I knew that luck wasn't on my side when he rose from his seat and uttered my name, "Allegra...". As I heard Benedetto's voice, my heart skipped a beat and I turned around slowly, trying to hide my uneasiness. "Oh hey, Benedetto," I said, forcing a small smile to appear on my face. "I wish I could stay and chat, but I should probably head home..." Before I could finish my sentence, he surprised me by taking my hand and planting a soft kiss on the back of it. Benedetto loomed over me, his massive frame sending shivers down my spine. Chiara had warned me of his sadistic tendencies, and I couldn't seem to shake the notion that I was in danger. His coal-black eyes pierced through me, and his thick mane of dark hair only added to the ominous aura he exuded. Despite his twisted fixation on me, I couldn't bear the thought of reciprocating his feelings. The idea alone made me feel uneasy and nervous. "I heard a rumor that your folks are on the hunt for a husband for you?" he asked, with a note of curiosity in his voice. I felt a twinge of discomfort and shifted my weight, clutching my bag. "I think it's best if we don't discuss this," I replied tentatively, "And we shouldn't be alone together." He took another step forward, his expression was serious. "Come on, don't be shy. You can tell me," he urged, with a hint of playfulness. I looked him straight in the eyes, I wasn't the one to cower away from Made men, I have spent my whole life with them, I was not the one to get scared easily but sometimes when my honor is at stake, it does make me unnerved, "Yes, they are..." His grip tightened around my hand, and Benedetto asked, "Allegra, tell me honestly, do you have any kind of feelings for me?" Caught off guard, I stumbled over my words before finally blurting out, "You are my best friend's older brother, I don't think we should be having this conversation." But Benedetto persisted, "Please, just tell me what am I to you?" Unease creeping in, I watched Benedetto as he leaned in closer, his questioning eyes making me a little scared. He had never crossed the line with me but these interrogations were becoming too frequent. "I don't think of you that way, Benedetto. It's inappropriate for us to be alone together." I tried to keep my tone calm as I looked around for an escape route. He held my hand and placed it on his chest, he let out a sigh before saying, "I want to ask for your hand in marriage, Allegra. With me, you will have a secure life and protection." I swallowed hard. I had never really given much thought to marriage before and wasn't even sure what kind of man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. "I appreciate your proposal, but I'm not sure. Maybe you should talk to Father Linus about it.""What is going on here?" Chiara's voice resounded in the spacious living room as she stepped out of her bedroom, watching us with furrowed eyebrows. I yanked away my hand from Benedetto's grip, but he refused to release me. I stared at him, feeling uneasy as he hoisted my hand and pressed his lips against the back of it again. I cleared my throat and turned to Chiara, a skeptical look spread across her face as she looked between me and her brother. "I will call you once I get home," saying that I strode towards the elevator with hurried steps. "Yeah, you do that," she voiced from behind me. My heart raced uncontrollably as the elevator descended. The thought of leaving the building made my palms sweat and my knees weak. When I finally made it outside, I bolted towards the bus stop, anxious to reach the safety of my home as quickly as possible. As soon as I stepped inside my house, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. The sight of my grandpa's comforting smile immediately put me at ease, and without any hesitation, I ran towards him and held him tightly in my arms. "Is everything alright, my sweet?" he asked. I owe all of the freedom that I have today to him. He is the only person in this vast universe who has been there for me through thick and thin. "I am so scared..." I whispered into his chest as he led us into the sitting room. "What's bothering you?" He asked, his eyes filled with concern. "I am scared of getting married, Grandpa," I admitted, my heart heavy with anxiety. He sat down with me still wrapped on his side and rested my head over his chest, caressing my head, "You have to marry sooner or later, my sweet." I looked up at him and nodded softly, knowing that he only had my best interests at heart. I nuzzled my nose into his comforting smell, "Benedetto Gambino wants to ask for my hand in marriage.""Hm..." there was silence between us for a few seconds before Grandpa spoke up again, "Do you wish to be with him?" I leaned back and locked eyes with my grandpa, "You know, I don't really like that guy in that way. He's controlling and impulsive, he will try to control me and prevent me from studying. We will kill each other in a week." Grandpa shook his head, "Darling, you won't find a man in the Cosa Nostra who would support your educational pursuits after marriage. It's just not how things are done. He'll expect you to focus on taking care of the children and household." I winced, "I really wish you could find someone who understands my ambitions and lets me pursue them. I promise to still take care of the family and house, but I also want to follow my passion." Grandpa kissed the top of my head with a smile, "My little dreamer..." The timing couldn't have been worse when Mama barged into the tiny sitting room, and stated, "The Cerone family will be joining us for dinner tomorrow night. Their son, a top-ranking soldier of the Cosa Nostra, has taken a liking to Allegra. And, I believe it's a good match for her." Grandpa's face contorted in disapproval. "Aldo Cerone? He's quite old for our Allegra." Mama snapped back, cutting him off mid-way, "Perfectly aged for a girl like Allegra. We need a man in the house, not a boy." I glanced at Grandpa, "Who is Aldo Cerone?" Mama glared at me, "You will know tomorrow, Allegra." After having an eerily quiet dinner with Grandpa and Mama, I went back to my room. I changed into my pajamas and slid under the covers, I closed my eyes and let sleep take over. His voice echoed in my head, "Aly, cuore mio..." I was stuck in a nightmare, a flashback of that fateful night. "How was your party?" he had asked. "It was perfect!" I had replied. "She is still mad at me for allowing you to go," he had said, his words haunting me to this day. "I know you can take care of it, you always do, like Superman!" I had said, trying to make light of the situation. He had raised an eyebrow at my comment, "Superman?" I had nodded my head up and down, "Yes, you're my Superman—" But before I could finish my sentence, a loud bang had interrupted us. "ALY!" he had yelled, and in that moment, everything had changed. I shot up from my bed, my chest heaving up and down. I looked to my side and glanced at the wall clock, it was four in the morning, and the room was dark, so dark. I wiped the sweat off my forehead. I touched myself all over as if I was still there, stuck, hardly breathing. My heart was racing and my throat was parched. I reached out to the nightstand and fumbled for the water bottle. As soon as my fingers found it, I unscrewed the cap and chugged down half the bottle in one go. The cool liquid soothed my dry throat, and I let out a deep breath. As I placed the bottle back on the nightstand, I couldn't help but feel a lone tear slide down my cheek. The nightmare was still fresh in my mind, and the fear was suffocating me. I hastily wiped the tear away and slid back under the covers, desperately trying to push the images out of my head. Why bother sleeping when my mind won't settle down? Might as well get up and start my day. A refreshing shower always helped clear my head. Now, what to wear? Ah, this long sleeve button-up and maxi skirt combo should do the trick. And flats, of course - can't be bothered with discomfort today. I rarely wore heels, simply because of my height. I stand 5 ft 8 tall already, and when I add heels, I become almost 6 ft tall. And we all know how boys react around tall women. They often get offended, thinking their masculinity is being challenged. As for my mama, she never lets me buy high heels. According to her, it draws too much attention, and as a nice, modest Christian girl, I shouldn't be seeking that kind of attention. Sometimes, I wonder if my mama is right or if I am missing out on something. But then again, it's not like I have any place to wear heels these days anyway. As I trudged down the stairs, my appetite was non-existent. Mama's harsh words were sure to follow me around, and I simply couldn't bear it this morning. So without a word, I headed towards the door, escaping the hostile environment that had once been my home. I boarded the bus to NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Helping others, saving lives, and all that jazz. It may sound cliché, but that dream ignited in me when I was nine, and it never fizzled out. I burned the midnight oil to reach this point. It wasn't a walk in the park to secure a fully-funded scholarship to NYU. And maintaining it was even harder. I had to push myself harder and harder to maintain my CGPA. But it doesn't matter because it will all be worth it in the end. Or not, if I get married to a dirty, old-fashioned Made Man who wouldn't let me pursue my passion, even the thought gave me the shivers. I entered the campus and my eyes scanned the area for my two best friends, both guys. If my mama found out that I had been fraternizing with college boys, she'd definitely lock me up in a room. After the first lecture, I went to the library to study, I always kept myself ahead of everyone in the class, people kind of hated me for it but I didn't care. They thought I was stuck up and selfish just because I study too much. Someone smacked a book in the back of my head, "Hey, loser!" I groaned as Enrico and Silvio slumped on the chair on either side of me, both were Italian, and both belonged to the mob life they wanted nothing to do with hence they were here with me. The study session turned into an hour-long gossip session, they knew everything about everyone. They both didn't belong to the Cosa Nostra but they also refused to tell me where they belonged. At first, I was weary of them but then slowly I realized I had nothing that could be beneficial for them and they weren't interested in knowing anything about the Cosa Nostra. Silvio asked with a smirk on his face, "Hey, are you going to grace the floors of Sam's party with your presence?" I chuckled in response, "I'd love to, but I don't want to risk facing the wrath of my mama." Enrico quipped humorously, "Ah, come on! Live a little, my friend!" I shrugged playfully, "I'd rather not risk my future. By the way, are any of you handsome gentlemen interested in being my mom's future son-in-law? My family is looking for a suitable husband for me." They both cringed, "An arranged marriage?" But I decided to give them a little tease and gestured towards myself, saying, "Who'd ever fall for this?" Silvio quickly replied with a shrug, "I would." Enrico chimed in with a laugh, "Me too." I couldn't help but grin and drape my arms over their shoulders, saying, "Aw! Look at us, we'll make the perfect throuple." I often wonder how my college life would have been if I hadn't met Silvio and Enrico. Those two are the reason why I look forward to attending classes every day. We may be enrolled in different programs, but we spend most of our time together. The public library outside the campus has become our second home, a place where we exchange ideas, stories, and laughter. I'm glad I have them in my life. As soon as I stepped into the bus that would take me home from college, I felt an impending sense of doom. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something terrible was waiting for me when I reached home. And boy, was I right! As soon as I entered my room, my eyes locked on the most hideous dress I had ever laid my eyes on. Mother flunker!

Chapter 6 Chapter 5 — The Cerone Family

Allegra ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ I don't know if it was deliberate but my mother has chosen the most hideous dress anyone could ever ask for. This dress is so plain, it looks like something an Amish woman would wear. Long sleeves, full skirt, and white color - it's almost like a uniform. And what's with the cape on the bodice? Is it supposed to make me look more pure? Like some kind of symbol of innocence? It's ridiculous. Who cares what I wear? I am who I am, with or without this dress. But I suppose I'll wear it anyway, just to keep up appearances. The white color symbolizes my virginity. Never been touched. Never been kissed. No one has ever seen how I look like underneath all these clothes. All of a sudden, the situation became terrifyingly real. The thought of getting married and moving in with a complete stranger, becoming his wife, and bearing his children, whether or not I truly loved him, filled me with an overwhelming sense of dread. My heart felt like it was sinking to the bottom of my chest. With bated breath, I struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. The luck had run out for me, and the harsh truth of mob life stared me right in the face. I knew all too well what went on in the shadows of our cruel world. Even though Grandpa had been kind to me, I couldn't ignore the heinous crimes committed against women in La Famiglia. Fathers bartered off their daughters, and husbands treated their wives like trash. Infidelity reigned supreme. Most of them were cheaters—just like Mrs. Gastone. I wouldn't label myself a dreamer, as my grandfather often does. The truth is, I am a realist and fully aware of the obligations placed upon me. Despite this, I cannot shake the feeling that I deserve at least a bit of freedom. A decent man who would allow me to live a little shouldn't be too much to ask for, but it seems like an unattainable dream. With a tired sigh escaping my lips, I sluggishly made my way to the bathroom and turned on the shower knob. The warm water trickled down my skin, providing some respite from the exhaustion of the day. After a quick rinse, I grabbed a towel to wrap around my wet frame, and another one to dry my hair. As I walked back to my room, my gaze drifted towards my mother who sat on my bed, holding up a dress she had picked out for me. She ran her hand up and down the fabric of the dress and said, "You know what, I actually wore this dress when my marriage was arranged with your father. Can you believe it?" My lips trembled as I tried to hold back my tears. I couldn't believe it - my mother rarely spoke to me about my father or anything else. But in those rare moments when she'd share a bit, it was like a small ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy sky. Her life after my father's passing had turned her into this strict, distant woman. I still remember the good times - the way she used to smile and laugh without a care in the world, dancing around the kitchen while my father cooked. They were inseparable, meant to be together. Until they weren't. And now, I'm left with the shattered pieces of their once-perfect life. "The white color is the symbol of your purity, you know that don't you?" she asked, with a hint of doubt in her voice. "Yes, why do you ask, Mama? Is there something on your mind?" I inquired, feeling a little puzzled. "Well, I was just wondering if you've been behaving yourself lately," she said, with a raised eyebrow. "Why do you ask that, Mama?" I questioned, feeling a little anxious. "Because I don't want you to bring any shame upon our family," she replied, looking at me intently. "Are you going to behave yourself tonight?""Yes, Mama, I promise I will," I assured her, trying to sound confident. "Allegra, Aldo Cerone is a good, powerful man. He is the head of security of the Capo. Don't underestimate his connections and influence. I suggest you proceed with carefulness and make sure that his demands are met to keep him content. I want this to work." My gaze dropped down to the floor and I nodded, "Yes, mama, I'll make sure that this evening goes on smoothly, just as you expect it to." She nodded, "Do not talk about your stupid books or your college. He is expecting a wife, not a child to take care of." Like the obedient and perfect daughter I had always been, I nodded, "Yes, mama." She got off the bed, walked to me with the dress, and for the first time after so many years, she smiled at me. I was stunned - it was the last thing I expected from her. She handed me the dress with a gentle touch and then, to my surprise, she caressed my cheek lovingly. It was a gesture so unexpected that I couldn't believe it. She leaned towards me, I closed my eyes and felt her tender kiss on my forehead - a sign of love that I had never experienced before from her side. With a hesitant smile, she slowly made her way out of my bedroom. My legs turned to jelly, and I collapsed onto the nearby ottoman, gazing at the white dress as though it was a trap. The thought crossed my mind that my parents had found love in their arranged marriage. Could I possibly find it too? I changed into the white dress, my hands trembled with nerves. I combed my hair back into a sleek bun, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Finally, I lightly put some blush on my cheeks, hoping to add some color to my pale face. I then applied light pink lipstick that almost blended in with my lips. I stared at myself in the mirror for a long time, trying to convince myself that I looked my age of twenty-one. But with this dress and my hair styled like this, I couldn't help feeling like I looked older and out of place. The doorbell rang downstairs and I knew the guest had arrived. I sat on the bed and waited for my mama to call me downstairs. It took almost fifteen minutes before I heard my mother's soft voice calling me downstairs. My legs trembled as I trudged down the stairs, making sure to keep my eyes downcast. The familiar scent of Grandpa filled my nose as he came beside me and led me to the living room. "This is my granddaughter, Allegra Rossi, and Allegra, my dear child, this is Aldo Cerone, a firstborn son of the Cerone Family and the head of security to our Capo." As I slowly lifted my gaze to meet the person my mother had selected for me, a sudden fear gripped me. My breath caught in my throat and my heart raced as I locked eyes with the most intimidating and unforgiving pair of dark eyes that I had ever seen. I stood there frozen, my eyes took in Aldo's appearance who towered over me like a giant. He was an older man, ruggedly handsome with scars that crisscrossed his face as if he had been in some intense fights. His face held a permanent scowl as he looked me up and down, making me feel small and vulnerable. I couldn't help but tremble in his presence, feeling like a lost child in a stormy sea. We settled down in our seats, I couldn't stop fidgeting with my fingers that were resting on my lap. The men were engrossed in discussing the Cosa Nostra's business, and I struggled to keep up. In attendance was the entire Cerone family, including Vittoria Cerone, her husband, and their daughter. Vittoria's scrutinizing gaze gave me goosebumps, and I couldn't help but wonder if they were unimpressed with our humble home. With her son being the head of security, I presumed that the Cerone family was quite well-off, judging by her disdainful looks. A few moments later my mother chimed in, "Dinner's ready, I'd like you all to join us at the dining table." We all made our way to the dining room, I took my seat, and I couldn't help but feel apprehensive about the evening ahead. I found myself sandwiched between my Grandpa, and Donatella Cerone, Aldo's sister, whose piercing gaze made me feel uncomfortable. "So, Allegra, do you know how to cook?" I froze in my spot, I didn't know how to cook. Mama had never taught me and I was too busy paying attention to my studies and keeping my CGPA perfect to even think about anything else. Not wanting to disappoint Mama, I said, "I do..." I felt a knot form in my stomach as she nodded and started asking me questions. Now, I have to keep this conversation going. What do I even say? Maybe I can talk about myself? But what if I sound boring and uninteresting? All I ever do is go to nursing school, attend church, hang out with Chiara, Silvio, and Enrico, write, and babysit for our neighbors. Ugh, college is all I ever talk about, I need to find a way to steer this conversation away from that. Can I make a joke? Or maybe, I can ask her about her hobbies or interests? Okay, deep breath, I can do this. As we talked about babysitting, she inquired, "Do you have experience in handling kids?" With a nod, I replied, "Yes, I have been babysitting a little girl next door since she was only five months old. I am quite adept at taking care of children." Once the dinner was over, Aldo and his father excluded me and took Grandpa aside to have a conversation. I was left with the Cerone women who pestered me with endless questions, showing no signs of stopping. As Grandpa and the Cerone men returned, my breath hitched as my eyes locked with Aldo's for a mere second. In that fleeting moment, I couldn't help but shiver, consumed by the terrifying thought of becoming the wife of this man. The fear pulsing through me was almost suffocating, leaving me trembling with nerves. "Aldo would like to talk to Allegra alone," Grandpa announced, nodding at me. I could feel my heart pounding as I got up from my seat, my sweaty palms trembling as I slowly made my way toward Aldo. Without uttering a single word, we both walked into the adjacent room. The sound of the door shutting behind us sent shivers down my spine, making me feel even more anxious than before. As Aldo confidently approached me, my hands began to shake with nervousness. He extended his hand towards me, and for a moment, I hesitated, unsure if I should take it or not. My eyes darted between his hand and his face, trying to gauge his intentions. "I... We shouldn't, we aren't married nor we are engaged," I managed to say. I had no problem shaking hands with him but these Made men had a mind of their own. Even with a handshake, they'd say she is putting out. "You go to college..." he said, it seemed more like a statement than a question but I nodded nonetheless, "And you want me to believe you haven't done anything?" As soon as his words hit my ears, my eyes narrowed in annoyance. Was he seriously trying to suggest that I wasn't pure? My blood boiled as the urge to slap him surged through my veins, but I refused to let my anger get the best of me. Instead, I held my head up high and stated, "I have never indulged in such an activity. Not even a kiss. As a La Famiglia woman, I hold my values high and respect our traditions." He nodded and had a knowing expression on his face, it was as if he knew that already and just brought it up to see how I'll react. "I wanted to have a word with you in private because I wanted you to be the first one to know," he said with a calm voice. My heart sank and I braced myself for the worst. "What is it?" I asked with a hint of concern in my voice. "I have made up my mind, Allegra. I like you very much, you are everything I want in a woman. You are pure and honorable, and you know how to dress like a lady. You cook and you are good with children as you've said so yourself. I wanted a woman who'd know how to manage a household, and you checked all the boxes, Allegra. I would be fortunate to have you as my wife." Even though my heart drowned more and more as the words slipped from his lips but I managed to give him a faint smile, "I'm glad.""Now that it's done, we'll set the date of the official engagement but before we do that, is there anything you want to ask of me?" I looked at him, I couldn't help but notice his mature yet attractive features. He seemed like the kind of man my mother would approve of, someone who could not only provide for me but also be there for her. The thought of spending a peaceful and secure life with a man like him, like Aldo, crossed my mind. I know that I am capable of adapting to any situation in life and being married to Aldo would be just that - a new phase of life, but one that I'm ready to embrace. My voice barely audible, I gathered the courage to speak up. "Fidelity..." I murmured. He leaned closer and spoke softly, "What is it? Speak up." Taking a deep breath, I looked him in the eyes, "I need to be clear. I expect nothing less than fidelity from my future husband. Loyalty and respect are non-negotiable for me. I stand firm on my principles and won't settle for anything less.""I rarely indulge with any woman, Allegra," he said, letting out a dry laugh. "And after my marriage, I assure you that infidelity will not be a problem for you as long as you satisfy me in bed." I couldn't believe what I just heard. "As long as I satisfy you in bed?" I repeated incredulously. "What kind of condition is that? What happens if I fail to meet your expectations? And besides, I'm a virgin. I have no clue how to make a man happy," I asked, my tone serious. He again laughed, "Don't worry about that, I'll teach you, now is there anything else you would want other than fidelity?" With my palms interlocked, I replied, "I vow to be a supportive partner and a responsible parent to our children. However, I also have a dream to become a nurse, and I request your permission to continue my studies—" He cut me off mid-sentence, "Absolutely not. Under no circumstance will I permit any woman to socialize with other men while being engaged to me. Moreover, after we get engaged, you will no longer be permitted to pursue your academic pursuits. Educated women are not suitable for creating a harmonious home life." As I listened to him, I felt a surge of anger rising within me. I couldn't believe his blatant sexism. "Are you serious right now?" I asked him incredulously. "You actually think that a woman's only role is to be a homemaker? That's ridiculous. Women have the right to pursue any career they choose, as long as I am fulfilling my duty as your wife—" He scoffed at me, clearly not taking me seriously. "It's about following the traditional roles of men and women. Once we get married, you will stay at home, and I will be the breadwinner. That's how it's supposed to be." My tongue was itching to lash out with a scorching response, but I clamped down tight when I saw his temper was about to hit the roof. I didn't want to create a ruckus or give my mother another excuse to be disappointed in me. "And try to talk less from now on, I don't like it when women talk too much." Shoving my anger down, I nodded. The second they will step out of the house, I will say no to this engagement, "Yes..." Aldo calmed himself down before he apologized for losing his temper, he again made his terms clear before he walked out of the room and I followed behind. Aldo went to his family and they talked with Grandpa some more and suddenly they were all smiles and my mama had the biggest smile on her face. The official engagement would be a week from now. I tried to be civil while everyone congratulated us, but honestly, it was suffocating me. They finally left and Mama turned to me, "This is the happiest you have ever made me—""I don't want to marry Aldo..." Mama and I said at the same time. Mama's face transformed from a haunting silence to a fierce rage. Even though I knew how this conversation was about to unfold, I was also prepared to stand my ground and fight for my right to receive an education.

Chapter 7 Chapter 6 — Taking That Leap

Allegra ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ I flinched as another loud bang came from downstairs. Mama had been yelling for the last hour since I told her that I won't marry Aldo. She was hell-bent on forcing me into this marriage but I won't give up too, not until I find someone who'd let me be my own person too instead of just a wife and a mother. The door creaked open and Grandpa peeked through the gap. I managed to give him a feeble smile. "I won't marry him, Grandpa..." He entered my bedroom and came to sit beside me on the bed, he wrapped an arm around my back, "Do you have anyone else in mind?" I shook my head. "Benedetto Gambino?" I scoffed, "He is just like Aldo but younger. Benedetto is controlling and he is with a different girl every single day. You know how much I hate men like this." Grandpa sighed, shaking his head, "The Cerones are very powerful, I don't think he will let this go easily. This will bruise their egos." I turned to him, "You can talk to Capo about this, can't you?""He won't interfere with our family's business. He never does, not in the marital situations of his soldiers anyway." My eyes burned with unshed tears as I recalled what Aldo had said to me. I was ready to be the perfect wife and in return, I only asked for my right to education and he couldn't even give me that. I could imagine how the rest of our marriage life will go. It will be oppressive and miserable. "I don't want to marry him!" I snapped, getting off the bed and pacing back and forth in my room. The door snapped open making me jump as I knew who was there, "Do not put stupid ideas in her head telling her that she has a choice in this because she doesn't!" mama shouted at Grandpa the second she entered. Grandpa frowned, "Luna, let the girl breathe..." Suddenly, mama's eyes turned harsh, venomous, "Oh, let her breathe, you say? That's all she does, isn't it? Breathing as if she was the only one entitled to it. Breathing while sucking the life out of everyone around her. Breathing, simply because she robbed the air out of his lungs! It's like she stole my oxygen along with his. Her breaths have robbed me of everything. Bet she's enjoying every breath she takes, knowing she took everything away from me. She's conceited, only cares for herself, and has mastered the art of pretending to give a damn about others." Tears rolled down my cheeks, my heart breaking at every sentence that left her lips, "Mama..." She glared at me with such ferocity that I could feel the heat emanating from her eyes. "Listen to me, you are going to marry Aldo Cerone, and there's no room for negotiation," she growled, punctuating every word. "I don't care if I have to drag you kicking and screaming to the altar, but you are getting married, and that's final. You have taken me for granted for too long, and I'm sick and tired of slaving away for you," her tone left no room for argument. I glanced at Grandpa, one last time hoping he'd speak up for me but he just hung his head. He never talked back to Mama, he was just too kind-hearted to even get into an argument with his daughter-in-law. "Grandpa..." I whispered through a sob. "I always knew you were selfish, Allegra, but I never realized how low you could stoop for yourself. Your pathetic attempts to manipulate him with fake tears won't work! After everything, all I asked for was this godforsaken marriage and you can't even do that?" The tears wouldn't stop, and I struggled to keep my composure; this has been my life since my papa passed away. Watching her suffer hurts me to the core, and it pains me more to see her venting her frustration on the kitchenware or me. I know that I am the root cause of her agony, and I understand that she has every right to take it out on me. I have accepted it, I deserved it. "You took him from me..." she whispered. I blinked and more tears rolled down my face, "I know I did.""All because hearing a simple 'no' was too much for you to handle. You had to throw a tantrum to make sure everything goes our way.""I..." I had nothing to say. "And now a simple 'no' is not enough for me too. For once, try thinking of someone other than yourself!" saying that she turned on her heels and stepped out of my room. "Allegra..." Grandpa's voice fell on my ears but I was too numb to process anything, "I will personally ask Aldo to allow you to—" I wiped my tears, "No, no, it's okay... It's fine, Grandpa, you don't have to do anything for me," I said to him as Mama's words kept echoing in my mind, I couldn't help but feel a searing pain in my heart. Though I usually brush off her criticisms, tonight's accusations of selfishness stung me deeply, causing me to question my very character. Am I truly as self-centered and conceited as she made me out to be? ────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────── A week elapsed, a time I didn't care to recollect when I slipped into a sky-colored gown with an unremarkable cut. It had full sleeves and hung loose on my frame. I was left to wait in a private room until the moment arrived for my presentation as Aldo's fiancé in front of La Famiglia. A helpless lamb that is about to be slaughtered. Our engagement ceremony took place in the grand hall of the Cerone household, with only a select few in attendance. Capo and a handful of significant men from the Cosa Nostra, who were in close proximity to Aldo, were present at the small and intimate event. I grabbed the blue heels and made my way to the vanity without any particular emotion. I gazed at my reflection with an indifferent look. Adding a little more makeup than my usual routine, I knew Mama and Aldo had higher expectations but still refrained from overdoing it. Mama entered the room and her eyes scanned me from head to toe before giving a brief nod. I mustered a faint smile, but there was no response from her as if it didn't matter. She commanded me to follow her outside without any indication of emotion. With an unwavering demeanor, I made my way downstairs for the official introductions. Though my eyes still felt heavy with emotion, I had managed to suppress any outward display of it, leaving my smile unbroken as I descended the stairs towards Grandpa, Aldo, and our Capo, Nikolai Costello. Grandpa held my hand feebly, pressing it gently as he directed me toward my future husband. I approached Aldo and could feel his piercing stare. His eyes were like a void that could suck you in, leaving you with an insurmountable dread. His expression was devoid of any emotion, and I could sense the hurt that was coming my way. “It’s a pleasure to finally be with you, Allegra,” he said as he took my hand and gave it a light kiss. I tried to steady my shaking hand as he held it. "The pleasure is mine," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. I masked my nerves. His dark eyes met mine and I couldn't help but straighten my posture. As I stood with Aldo, my grandpa took a moment to assess us both, his expression inscrutable. It seemed as though he was finally grasping the reality of this marriage. Grandpa attempted to put up a menacing front and eyed Aldo with a stern gaze, but I knew that no amount of outward appearances could change what was inside. Grandpa had always been a gentle soul, undeserving of the cut-throat nature of our circles. With utmost reverence, I shifted my gaze towards our Capo and humbly lowered my head, "It is indeed an honor to meet you, Capo," I said, trying to convey utmost respect. In response, Capo gave me a brief nod and in his deep voice said, "If you face any issues with Aldo, don't hesitate to come to me." Aldo chuckled but I could sense the gravity of the conversation, "I assure you that I will take good care of her, Don Niko," he said. Capo's piercing gaze fell on Aldo, "It's not just about taking care of her. You understand the responsibility that comes with this. Don't take it lightly," he said, putting emphasis on every word. Following that, Aldo extended his arm toward me, expecting me to take it. I swiftly looked towards my grandpa, only to find him intentionally avoiding any eye contact with me. It was evident that starting from that moment, I was Aldo's property. Without any expression, I rested my hand on my fiancé's muscular arm as he led us away. The ring ceremony started, and I was supposed to place the ring on his finger first. As I stood there nervously, my eyes briefly met with my grandfather, but behind him, my mother's impassive cold gaze quickly caught my attention. She gave me a stern look, and I could feel my hesitation growing. With trembling hands, I finally placed the ring on his finger, hoping that everything would go smoothly. Aldo held my hand with an aggressive grip, his rough hands leaving an imprint on my skin. With an impassive expression, he slid the ring onto my finger deliberately slow, as if he was making a statement rather than celebrating our union. Amidst the charade of fake smiles, we were showered with congratulations. To maintain the decorum of a family affair, we didn't invite our friends. However, Benedetto; a close friend of Aldo was present. His face was devoid of any expression the entire evening. With his scowl, he appeared as a statue in the midst of all the festivities. As Aldo and I made our way to the dining room after the ring ceremony, I couldn't help but notice the fake smiles plastered on everyone's faces. Mama and the Cerone women were still chattering away about details for our wedding, while Aldo pretended to be interested in the conversation. I, on the other hand, was the only one who couldn't hide my lack of excitement. We reached the dining table, and Aldo pulled out a chair for me. I sat down with a forced smile, wondering how I would survive a whole meal with these people. I sat there with a plate full of food in front of me, barely able to take a bite. The questions that were thrown my way seemed to echo in my mind, as if each one held a weight of dread. Despite my hunger, my body refused to cooperate, and I could feel my appetite slipping away with each passing moment. I asked for permission to leave and rushed out of the hall which felt like it was crushing me. However, instead of heading to the washroom, I sprinted towards the balcony and inhaled deeply, feeling a sense of immense release as the fresh air surrounded me beneath the starlit sky. My heart was thumping as a deep, husky voice startled me, "You must be Allegra..." I quickly turned my head towards the source and saw the underboss leaning against the balcony, puffing on a cigarette. "The one who glares..." he said in a mocking tone followed by a sight laugh. I scrutinized him from head to toe. He was really good looking I wasn't blind or a nun, and I understood why Chiara and all those women were so smitten with him. He had jet-black hair, a pale complexion, and green eyes. Green eyes were so rare in the Cosa Nostra, from what Chiara told me his mother was Caucasian and his father was Italian, maybe, he had his mother's eyes. He was undeniably handsome, but it didn't mean anything to me. Then I processed what he had just said to me. I wrapped my arms around myself, rubbing my hands up and down my arms, "What?" He glanced at me, "Allegra... Father Linus' granddaughter," he stated as a matter of factly. I nodded, not wanting to indulge in a conversation with him. I knew all about him thanks to Chiara and I couldn't say I was impressed by any of it. Men who casually hop from one partner to another do not appeal to me. "What a perfect couple" he said, taking a long drag of his cigarette, "I'm sure you'll be very happy together." I rolled my eyes, "What's that supposed to mean?" He gestured towards the room where my engagement party was being held, "Your fiancé, I must say, he's quite the catch. I mean, if you're into mediocrity." I pursed my lips, annoyed by his words, "Yes because that's exactly what I was looking for in a partner. Someone who brings nothing to the table." A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips before it got wiped off, "I could've found a better one for you." My frown deepened, "And why would you find a partner for me?" He laughed, "Don't flatter yourself, little girl, your grandfather asked me to find a match for you." It might be true, grandpa was really close to Capo and his inner circle. I raised an eyebrow, "Little girl? I'm twenty-one!""And Aldo is forty-seven," he said, eyeing me up and down, his intense gaze burned into my skin and I involuntarily took a step away from him, "You are still a child compared to him, a tall child." I crossed my arms over my chest and his eyes briefly went to my breasts, even though they were little and almost unnoticeable in this loose-fitting dress, I still felt uncomfortable, "How old are you?""Twenty-nine..." he answered lazily. I didn't know what to say next so I just glanced at the night sky above me before looking at him once more, "He was my mama's choice," I have no idea why I told him that. I owed him no explanation. He laughed, "Then your mama should have married him." My gaze was fixed on the ground, and I stood there with no words to utter, nor any reaction to display. I realized that it was better if I left since if someone stumbled upon me with the underboss, it could potentially damage our reputation. However, the mere thought of returning to Aldo and his family made me nauseous enough to want to vomit the meal I'd just eaten. He took a deep drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his lips, he turned to face me. "Care to join me for a puff?" he asked, a teasing lilt to his voice. Our eyes locked, the air charged with an electric intensity that left me feeling a little weird. My heart skipped a beat when I realized how near he was. The heat emanating from his body blended with mine, sending shivers down my spine. I've always thought of myself as a tall and confident woman, but in his presence, I felt so vulnerable and small. With his body leaning in close, he towered over me by almost six inches. The scent of his cologne was so strong that it overwhelmed all my senses. "I don't think it's very honorable," I said, biting my lip and looking at the cigarette. "I find it very sexy when a La Famiglia woman goes against tradition," he whispered, "Fuck honor," he declared, a mischievous glint in his eye. Trembling, I reached for the cigarette in his hand, our skin brushing lightly against each other's. As he watched me intently, I placed the slender stick between my parted lips and inhaled deeply. The smoke hit my throat immediately, causing me to cough harshly and tears welled up in my eyes. I immediately handed the cigarette back to him. "I don't like it," I said, my voice rough. I noticed him muttering something under his breath as he laughed to himself but unfortunately, I failed to understand it. This left me with a frown on my face, trying to figure out what he was saying. "Why are you out here?" I asked in a monotone voice, secretly wondering why I was wasting my time talking to him. He carelessly tossed his cigarette butt on the ground and used his shoe to put it out before lighting another one. The golden light from the lighter illuminated half of his face, making him look like a character from a Hollywood movie. "I can't stand weddings, engagements, and all those tedious, long-term obligations.""I can relate," I said reflexively. He smirked and said, "Wow, you really despise these things, don't you? I mean, it's not like you just got engaged or anything." I paused for a moment, unsure of what to say next, before finally responding. "To be honest, the idea of marriage has never really appealed to me. I've always imagined myself leading a single and free life, free of any romantic entanglements." He raised an eyebrow in response. "If that's how you feel, why force yourself into a marriage?" I shook my head, the weight of responsibility heavy on my shoulders. "It's not that simple. There are certain expectations placed upon me that I cannot ignore.""Fuck it, fuck it all," he said, rolling his cigarette between his fingers. I cringed at his words, "What?""Fuck all this. What's the point of it all? This engagement, pleasing Aldo Cerone, and fulfilling your duties. Nobody's gonna give a damn about your happiness. It's your life, and you need to make tough decisions. You should do what makes you happy, nobody else will care." I disagreed, shaking my head in response, "I wish I could, but as I said it's not that easy..." He chuckled, extinguishing the cigarette halfway, and tossed it on the ground. Casually, he put his hands in his pockets and approached the door leading to the hallway. As he was about to leave, he jibed, "Well, perhaps you're a little scared of taking that leap, Allegra."