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“Where else would I want to live?” she asks.
In the home that’s your birthright. With me.
Of course, I can’t actually say that to her. I barely even believe it myself.
“All right, fine. I’ll cancel the lease. But you better get it back for me.”
“Of course, mi vida.”
She mutters something inaudible under her breath before saying good night and abruptly ending the call. I shake my head as I place my phone on the desk. There’s a knock at my office door, and I call for whoever’s on the other side to come in.
Mona offers me a small smile as she walks inside the office, carrying a tray holding a cup filled with ice and a bottle of whiskey. I get to my feet and accept the tray with a grateful smile.
“Who were you speaking to, honey?” my housekeeper questions.
Although housekeeper might not be the right title for her, it’s what she likes to be called. I’ve known Mona since I was a little boy. She worked in Valerio’s compound as one of the cooks. And during the time she did so, she gathered a couple of kids in similar positions to mine and practically adopted them as hers. Vlad and I were two of her kids. She was the mother we all didn’t have, taking care of us when we were ill and providing us with advice.
There aren’t a lot of people I care about in this world. But Mona’s definitely one of those people. She’s in her sixties now, older and yet stern and unwilling to let us relieve her of work. I’ve been trying to get her to retire for years with a promise to take care of her. But she insists on working.
A couple of years ago, I convinced Valerio to let her come work for me in my home. And she’s been here ever since.
“Aurora,” I say in reply to her question. “She was calling to lodge a complaint. It’s a very hard task, pleasing a princess.”
Mona laughs, the sound melodious and warm. Her chocolate-brown eyes rest on mine as she speaks.
“You do everything to make sure she’s happy, okay?” she asks.
Apart from the orphans in Valerio’s compound, Mona was also instrumental in raising the Maranzano princesses. Aurora’s not really her favorite at the moment though, considering she did disappear for a decade. I’m not sure Aurora has any idea just how many people she pissed off with that decision.
I’m not one of them, though. Pissed off would be an understatement for how I felt when I suddenly woke up one day to find her gone. Without a fucking word.
“Might be a little hard considering she hates my guts, and the only thing that would make her happy is being far away from me,” I say, my tone bitter.
Mona’s expression turns sympathetic. She places a warm hand on top of my palm comfortingly.
“I have no doubt that the two of you will work out your issues, Nicolas.”
“Doubtful, Mona. But your optimism is certainly refreshing.”
“Someone has to provide some to counter your constant grumpiness,” she teases, drawing a smile from me.
“Are you ready for the move?” I ask her.
Aurora’s not the only one that has to leave her home. I’ve lived in this place for five years with my men. It’s served as the base of my operations. But since I’ll be taking over my position as Don soon, the house isn’t going to work out anymore. While the three-story home has served me perfectly over the past few years, it’s too small to cater to the requirements that’ll come with my new position. The Maranzano compound is much bigger and more efficient, and it’s the first place that felt like home after my parents’ death.
It’s where I’m meant to be.
“Of course. Although I do feel a bit weird moving back to the compound after so long away,” Mona replies.
“I’m sure you missed it,” I tell her with a small smile.
“It’ll be good to have all of you boys back there once again,” she agrees.
“When I’m Don, I’ll make you the head of staff. You’ll be in charge,” I assure her.
She waves a hand through the air, “That’s not necessary, honey. I’ll be fine working in any capacity you see fit.”
“Yes, but you deserve the position, so I’m giving it to you. You can’t refuse a request from the Don.”
