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“This weekend can't come soon enough. My father's pressuring me about joining the family business again. It's like he doesn't hear me at all. I don't know how else to show him I have no interest in heading our family.” Turning twenty-one also signifies assuming my official position as Underboss. Consequently, my father's involvement in my life intensifies.
The majority of my time is now dedicated to training alongside him, attending gatherings with fellow families, and managing the logistical aspects of the business such as drop shipments. If I don’t show him that I’m at the very least trying, he will put a stop to graduate school and isolate me until I comply. His determination to control my life causes my heart to ache. My mind is so consumed with what’s to come that I almost forget that Nico is on the phone.
“My father's doing the same. He even told me to cancel plans with you for a meeting this weekend. I warned him if he ruined your birthday celebration plans, I'd never forgive him and would intentionally sabotage our business.”
“You'd do that for me?” I ask, moved by the depth of his feelings.
“I'd move mountains for you, my love,” he replies with such conviction that tears well up in my eyes.
“I love you so much, Nico.”
“I love you too. We should hang up now so you can rest. I'll pick you up at six o'clock sharp on Saturday.”
“I’ll be ready! Can't wait!” Suppressing a yawn, we exchange final goodbyes and end the call.
Pulling back my covers, I place the phone back on the nightstand and recline against the pillows, my thoughts drifting to Nico. Given our families' involvement in the mafia, friendships with others were limited. Our education took place in exclusive private schools, and interaction was restricted to other mafia families. Residing within the compound surrounded by impenetrable walls made me feel confined, as if I were a prisoner. During peace talks with the Beneventi family at our residence, Domenico always accompanied his father. It was during one of those encounters that we formed a bond and from that moment on, we've been inseparable.
My relationship with Nico was the equivalent of having a best friend but that changed during my sweet sixteen celebration. We invited the Beneventis over for dinner and of course our father’s needed to discuss business. A few months prior, Nico had turned twenty, shedding the image of the little boy I once ran around my yard playing tag with. As I blew out my candles and opened my eyes, his intense gaze fixed upon me. A flush of warmth tinted my cheeks, making it difficult to avert my eyes. Standing at six feet three inches, with captivating chocolate brown eyes and a mane of thick, wavy jet-black hair, he embodied an allure that enticed a young woman on the brink of womanhood. We never discussed our attraction, however, there was something blooming between us.
Not long after, my mother sat me down for “the talk” about sex and, despite my lack of interest in boys, she was adamant that I start using birth control as a precaution. Having sex hadn't really crossed my mind, yet there was something about Nico's gaze that sparked unfamiliar sensations within me. That night, I was overwhelmed with an urgency to touch myself, desperately needing to quell the unfamiliar ache that pulsed through me. It led to me exploring my body and it was a relief to know that most of the girls at my school weren’t new to masturbation.
One day, a few months after I turned eighteen, my father asked me to go down to the wine cellar and grab a bottle from his special reserve. The Beneventis were over for dinner and we needed more wine. As I closed the cabinet, the sound of heavy footfalls reached my ears, and when I turned, Nico’s intense gaze met me. His presence was so overwhelming that I fumbled with the bottle. Within a few strides, he invaded my personal space, reaching for the bottle. His hand brushed against mine and my breath caught. The desire between my legs became almost unbearable, and all I wanted was his touch. His lips were warm as they grazed mine gently yet purposefully, causing an involuntary moan to escape my throat. From that night forward, Nico took me on an intimate journey that fulfilled me in ways I had never experienced before. Despite the potential conflicts with my family, I’m undoubtedly drawn to him, and if it means walking away from my family in order to be with him, I would choose us.
Reflecting on our past and how far we’ve come brings joy to my heart. I hold onto the hope that our fathers will eventually embrace and accept our relationship, granting us the freedom to live in peace. Whenever I gaze into Nico's eyes, I can see forever with him, and despite ongoing disruptions from our families, our relationship remains resilient. For now, our focus is on nurturing our love and building a bond that nothing can break. My eyes grow heavy as I drift into a peaceful sleep, knowing that I will soon be in Nico’s arms.
2
Liliana
The blaring alarm jolts me awake from a restless night's sleep. It was rather odd that I drifted off with thoughts of Nico, only to be plagued by unsettling visions of blood and an ominous pull into murky waters. Despite the fear that seized me, I found myself not resisting the darkness, and an eerie calm enveloped me. Unable to make sense of these haunting images, I reached for my robe and made my way to the bathroom for a shower.
I’m having breakfast on the terrace with my parents while my younger sister and brother are at school. Alongside Luca, my brother, was his twin, Alexandria. They’ve just entered their second year of high school and after hearing about my experiences, Alexandria expressed a newfound interest in pursuing higher education. When she confided in me that she wants nothing to do with the mafia, I felt a sense of responsibility as her older sister, to counsel and guide her through this life until she became an adult. Despite the promising opportunities that college could provide, Luca remained steadfast in his desire to follow in our father's footsteps. Loving the power and respect of being the head of the family. While I entertained the idea that Luca's aspirations might offer an escape from my own obligations, my father had yet to mention any plans for him to take my place.
Stepping out of the shower, I glance at the clock and see that I still have a little time to dry and style my hair. Using the hot brush, I create luscious waves that fall to my waist and I have no desire to cut it. Nico loves the length, often running his hands through the strands or grasping them firmly while he fucks me. There is nothing gentle about our love life. Our initial encounter was slow and sensual, given it was my first time but since our fathers controlled the amount of time we spend together, we’ve had more quickies than actual love making.
I’m putting the final touches on my make-up when a knock at my door sounds. “Come in,” I call out from my vanity inside the walk-in closet.
“Buon 21 esimo compleanno Tesoro! (Happy 21st birthday sweetheart) I have your dress all ready for you,” our house manager, Greta, announces, placing it gently on the bed.
“Grazie, Greta, I reply,” rising from my chair to embrace her. She has been our house manager since before I was born and she’s more like family. We have other house staff but Greta has been with us the longest.
“Your parents are already on the terrace enjoying their first coffee. You should hurry to join them. You know how impatient your father is,” she advises.
“He can wait a little longer, Greta. Don’t you get tired of marching to the beat of his drum?” I ask, curious as to how she will answer after a lifetime of service to our family. Breathing a heavy sigh, she responds,
“Sí Tesoro, but your father saved me from an abusive husband that nearly took my life. For that, I owe him. Besides, I enjoy taking care of all of you. You’re the only family I’ve known since leaving Sicily and I have no regrets leaving that life behind.”
Occasionally, I forget how life exists outside of these walls. I’ve been sheltered my entire life and never experienced abuse or hardship. It’s precisely why I long to break free. This isn’t truly living. Not that I wish for anything tragic to happen, I simply want room to breathe and forge a path based on my merits.
“Once I graduate, I promise to whisk you away on a trip where you'll be pampered,” I say with a smile.
“That sounds wonderful, a nice change of pace,” she responds, though her tone says otherwise.
Greta, with her kind heart and selflessness, deserves a rest from this life just as much, if not more, than I do. Giving her a gentle hug, I shed my robe and slip into a freshly pressed linen dress. As I reach for the door handle, she turns to me and says,
“Darling, your father only wants what he believes is best for you. You should truly listen when he speaks to you about being the head of the family. It is a great responsibility but you possess the same strength as him, and no one is better suited to take over once he's gone. He entrusts you with the empire he has built, and that alone should be enough for you to at least hear what he has to say.”
Before I can respond, she quietly closes the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts. One undeniable truth she speaks is that my father places more trust in me than anyone else. The mafia way of life runs deep in our family, spanning generations. Initially, it wasn't solely characterized by violence; it was about creating a community where every family prospered and generated wealth. However, with each generation, it devolved into a toxic world marked by greed and envy. Instead of unity, families now engage in ruthless battles for power and control.
