Cara
It had been three years since the last time I talked with my cousin. We had a silent agreement that it will be the last. It was the day he renounced his position as the don of our family. He gave it back to me because he thought I was none other than the rightful heir.
My father was the don before him and even though I was his only child and his real heir, he gave it to Sol instead, his brother’s son. He reasoned that he didn’t want me to inherit it because I was his only daughter and he didn’t want anything bad to happen to me the same thing that happened to his brother and his wife. And the fact that I was the only female born in the entire family, that includes the Ranallos. Our family was dominated by males. It was a given that I was treated like a princess by everyone.
Being in the mafia, your life is always at risk and you are bound to have an unexpected death, especially when you're the face of the family. He didn’t want that for me. And though he denied me the position, I was still part of the mafia. Just a bit more discreetly.
That was the majority of the reason. And I also knew that part of the reason he denied me was of my ways. My methods of how I handle… things. He didn’t like that. He didn’t like my... dark tendencies.
Still, it’s not like I wanted the spotlight for me. I never had an ounce of interest in being the leader anyway. Despite my disposition, I believe in Sol. He was, after all, the kindest among us three. My father saw that. And he believed his legacy will be continued by him.
That is until he married the love of his life.
And though I agreed with my father’s decision, I couldn’t simply dismiss the chance for him to have his happiness. One he longed for so much. So with no second thoughts, I accepted it.
I must admit though, I have sought for action. I sought enjoyment more than sitting in my office all day doing business, meetings and signing papers. I was bored out of my mind and it had been a while since Sol and I interacted as a real family. He had been busy ever since he took over as don when babbo died. Unfortunately, he wanted me to stay away at that time. It was my father’s wish.
It was ironic that he gave it back to me and even thought I deserved it more. I very well know why.
Three years later… I’ll be seeing him again. I know I shouldn’t but I longed to hear and see him. After all, he’s my brother. Both he and Vassily are.
“Ciao, fratello.” I greeted as soon as he answered his phone.
“Cara…” It was the first time I heard his voice since the last time we talked.
“Missed me, fratello?” He was quiet. I can hear him breathe against the phone. “You do not have to answer that. We all know you are preoccupied with your family.” I said softly. I could not help but emit a small smile.
I have missed him so much. Even before I became the don.
“You got that right, sorella.” I can feel his smile despite the distance and his invisibility.
But this is no time for warm greetings and reunion. We have matters to settle.
“However… I did not call you to ask what I already know.” I paused. “Sol… it seems that you stole something from me.”
---
After the phone call, we immediately drove towards my cousin’s house. We did not need any direction from him. I have known it for years. I have let several of my men watch over them so no one would dare hurt his family. Even a single strand being harmed on the twins, they will know what to do.
As I stepped out from the vehicle, I smiled at how Sol chose a mansion for their home. He spared no expense for sure.
I smirked as I sauntered towards him. He stood firmly by the entrance of his abode. He was waiting for our arrival.
“Hello, my brother.” I said as soon as I was in front of him.
He embraced me instantly and kissed the side of my head. “I missed you, my little sister.”
Surprisingly, his Italian accent had been reduced and it put a smile on my face. He always had a thicker accent.
“Dad?” The cutest voice I’ve ever heard pulled us out from our moment.
My eyebrows shot up in excitement when I saw my nephews behind their father. It was the first time I saw them. My heart fluttered in joy. I turned to my cousin and saw that he was smiling.
I stepped towards them and kneeled at their level. “Hello, little ones.” I almost laugh at the thought that they looked exactly like their father. One with clearest blue eyes and the other with hazel. There was not even a hint of doubt when you looked at them. Our family always has strong genes.
The two eyed me with curious looks while I was staring at them adoringly. I want to keep them and spoil them rotten.
“Angelo, Adriano, this is your Aunt Cara.” I beamed at Sol’s introduction. I even grinned knowing the meaning of the twins’ name.
“Hello.” The two spoke in unison. My grin extended up until my ears.
Ah, how I desire to play and cuddle with these two. However, we have more pressing matters at hand so this will do for now.
“Franco.” I called. Franco immediately stood by my side. He handed me the gift I requested. I took it with sheer excitement and handed it to the twins.
“This is for you two. You can name him whatever you want. He’s a two month old golden retriever. Take care of him and love him, alright?” The two nodded in unison. They seem to do anything simultaneously and I love it.
“Happy birthday, Angelo and Adriano.” They blushed before throwing their arms around me at the same time. The puppy included. Their birthday was a couple of weeks ago but it’s better late than nothing.
“Thank you, Aunt Cara.” They said together, happiness blooming on their faces. A smile so wide painted them.
“Angelo, Adriano.” The owner of the voice was a woman. When she stepped out of the door and saw us, she was stunned.
Sol, woke her up from the trance. “Amore, come.” He beckoned her as I stood from my kneeling position.
“This is Cara Luna, my cousin, my sister. Cara, this is amore mio, Hailynn.”
Her smile mirrored mine, showing understanding and admiration. She knew me and I knew her. Hailynn emitted warmth and softness that of a mother as I observed her beside Sol. Their happiness and fulfillment cannot be denied.
“I apologize for suddenly appearing to you like this, especially that I’ve called only half an hour ago.” I watched my cousin, steadily. “But you and I need to talk.”
Hailynn looked up to her husband worriedly.
“How do you even know where my basement is?” Sol asked as we made our way towards his basement.“You know I know everything, fratello.” I smirked mischievously at him.He stopped walking and turned to me, making me stop as well. “What are you up to, sorella? What is this that you want to talk about?”My smirk immediately fell, replaced with solemnity. “You’ll see.” I replied as I started walking again and he followed suit until we finally arrived in his basement.The room was dark and I did not intend to switch the light on. I let the moonlight do its work. Franco stood at the corner, waiting for my orders. And in the middle of the room, Dylan Ross sat on the chair with his hands finally tied behind his back. His head bent to his front. He was consciously on and off from all the beatings I did to him back at his apartment.“Sorella…” Sol began. “Explain.” He spoke calmly but there was curiosity and hint of firmness behind it as he watched the man in question in the center of the room
We didn’t stay long in the basement after that. I left Franco in charge of the guy.Surprisingly, Sol wanted me to stay for a bit before leaving. His wife and I talked, catching up on three years worth of information since I was never really physically here for them and though I already knew most of the things, I let her talk. I appreciated that she wasn’t all shy and closed off around me and she was most definitely eager to tell me about her experiences with the twins and of course, my ever nice cousin. She and the twins retired for the night after our long ass conversation. It was pretty late and I can see the exhaustion on her face. Taking care of the two boys really made her tired, nonetheless the exhaustion doesn’t mean she’s not happy.I played with the twins and the puppy I gifted them which they named Alpha. Sol snorted at the thought because my middle name was Luna. The twins treated me as their very close aunt right away probably because they were so happy with Alpha. Ther
“No, please. No.” I begged, shaking my head in misery. “Come along now.” She spoke with a hint of impatience.She was standing outside by the door of the car, waiting for me to step out. But I didn’t want to step out. I knew what awaits beyond the door. I don’t want anything bad to happen to my family. No, not like this.I regretted complying to that bastard’s demands, at the same time not. I had no choice. Right now, I don’t know what to do. They’re going to be in danger again because of me.Tears pooled my eyes as I begged for her mercy.“If you don’t step out of the damn car, tesoro, I will visit them myself.” She snapped.“No, no, no! I…” I stopped her as she almost turned around to leave. I gulped. “Please… I’ll tell you who’s behind it. Please just leave my family alone.” She stared at me blankly. I know she’s waiting for me to speak what she wants to hear. My mouth opened ready to spill it to her but I couldn’t. I choked.My eyes were wide in alarm when she slammed the door s
I was in a daze the whole day as I watched my family bond with her. A mafia leader. The thought made me feel dizzy and nauseous. I was in mixed emotions the whole time. I don’t know when she’ll blow up and pull a gun to kill each one of us. She’s a walking time bomb.My mom introduced her to my grandma who was bedridden yet talks too much. She’s the reason my mom couldn’t leave the house to work. She had to watch over Damian and my grandma. I was the only provider of the family. That’s why I have to work hard. It’s the reason why I have to do what I had to do. Mortgage, bills, my grandma’s meds, they’re budget for the month- the list goes on. My dad died when I was just sixteen. He had an accident at their construction site. Although the company paid for compensation, it wasn’t enough for us. I was seventeen when I started working part time. I did a lot of odd jobs until I found a steady one at a diner. The owner was a friend and took me in willingly, understanding my predicament.I
I instinctively swallowed down my own saliva, throat bobbed up and down at the sight before me. Her beauty is that of a goddess and a body to match. She’s perfect and beyond.She grins when she sees my stunned state. “Ciao, tesoro.”Her voice pulled me out of my reverie. I remembered that despite being carved to perfection, she’s actually a witch. The nickname managed to put a frown on my face. I still have to find out what the heck that means.“I… I’m ready to talk.”There was a huge burden on my shoulders weighing me down. I don’t know if telling her the truth is right. It’s not like I have a choice. But she’s right here with my family and if I do something wrong, I don’t know if I can ever forgive myself for letting her harm them when I have the power to avoid it.Cara sat on the edge of my bed, discarding the towel that once caressed her dark hair. She pats the bed, gesturing to me to sit beside her. I followed defeatedly like a dog.She was silent and I knew she wanted me to star
“Good morning, dear.” Mom greeted Cara and somehow managed to ignore my presence in the dining room as we both emerged. “Buon gior-” She stops and realizes that she was responding in her language. “Good morning, Violet.” She replied with a smile. Mom convinced her yesterday to call her name rather than calling her with honorifics. She tilted her head to the side and looked at her questioningly. “You’re not really American, are you?”Cara looked at my mom with mirth. “I am a full blooded Italian.”Her eyes sparkled in interest and excitement… again. I sighed, letting myself sit on the chair. Breakfast was already laid on the table. It looked like a feast with all that she prepared. “No wonder you have this accent. It’s not that obvious but it’s there. You are so beautiful, too. And goodness! You are so tall.”Mom was 5’2 so she admires women who’re gifted with height. I roll my eyes. “You already said that countless times yesterday.” I muttered lowly but she heard me anyway and ga
“Dylan Ross…” She reached out and wrapped her hand from the nape of my neck. She pulls me to her, our faces inches closer to each other.“Swear your loyalty to me.”I couldn’t hold back my surprise. Her piercing eyes steady in mine, meaningful with a threat and warning.“I… you… you promised me.” Reminding her of her promise about my family. “I don’t break promises… unless you betray me.”I shook my head vehemently. “Never.”“Good. I’ll give you whatever you need, even whatever you want as long as you swear it.”“I swear it!” I said rather enthusiastically. I cleared my throat in embarrassment. “I mean yes.”For my family. Everything for them.She released a playful grin. Her fingers from the nape of my neck started stroking my hair. Warmth started to build from my belly.“Good boy.”---A few hours later, we arrived but it wasn’t in my apartment. I couldn’t ask Cara since she hastily stepped out of the car and immediately went inside the building. I stopped short, jaw dropping whe
DylanWhen I came back after a whole week of being AWOL, everyone in my department bombarded me with questions on where I had gone and what happened. As said in my medical certificate, I told them I had an accident and brushed off any further details. I told them I didn’t want to talk about it. Miles and Aiden, on the other hand, weren't having any of it. They wanted to know every little detail of what happened. I made a more believable explanation instead. It wasn’t exactly a lie since it really did happen. I told them that I visited my family and the medical certificate was fake.It didn’t take much of my convincing powers since I do have the capability to produce a fake certificate and they knew I hadn't really visited them for a very long time so it was only reasonable. Honestly, the certificate was anything but fake. It was real, authentic, legit. I knew she could easily obtain things like that but it never ceased to amaze me. Imagine having power and money like her. I don’t ha