Pretty Little Weapon

I’ve eagerly waited for the day my boyfriend would become the head of his family's organisation. And now, he had finally won! After years of conflict between Alessandro and his brothers, he had risen above them all. Today, he would be declared the new head of the family. And tonight, everything would change for me. My grip tightens around the tray I’m carrying, my smile deepening before I quickly lower my gaze. Afraid someone might notice the emotion written on my face. Notice how I was happy that my relationship with Alessandro, no longer needed to be a secret. “Hazel!” I flinch at the harsh call of my name, turning to see Vanessa glaring at me from further up the line. “Hurry up. Stop standing there like you’re lost!” “I’m sorry,” I murmur, suddenly losing my voice. Vanessa rolls her eyes, her expression filled with disdain. “I don’t understand why they keep you here. You barely speak, and when you do, no one can hear!” I say nothing, because I always shrink into my shell in the face of someone’s anger. She brushes past me, murmuring insults about me. Her words settle in my mind, leaving behind an ache I had grown used to ignoring. I hate it, then remember what Alessandro had once told me. “I like how quiet you are. Your submissiveness is attractive.” I blush, recalling how low his tone had dropped, and he gazed at me endearingly. The memory eased the sting, if only a little. “Hazel.” This time, the voice that called my name was gentler. I turn around, my expression easing as I meet his gaze. “Jasper.” Alessandro’s closest friend stood a few steps away. His usual carefree grin was missing, replaced by something I could not quite place. “You’re attending the ceremony, right?” He asks. “Of course I am! You know I can’t miss it.” I look at him with confusion. He nods slowly, but his gaze lingers on me longer than usual. “It’s going to be intense tonight.” He says quietly. “A lot of important people are attending.” I laugh softly. “You sound more nervous than me.” His lips twitch, but the smile never fully reaches his face. “Maybe I am.” I tilt my head slightly. “Why?” Before he can answer, the grand doors reserved only for the Don and his family swing open. Along with Jasper, and all the other people around, I lower my eyes and bow. But I peer up at Alessandro from beneath my lashes. He strides into the room with innate confidence. Even now, before the ceremony, he already looks every bit like a Don. I can barely stop the small smile that forms on my lips. I want to look at him, run to him and throw my arms around his neck. But I hold myself back. Tonight, things would finally be different. Alessandro stops in front of us, staring straight at his friend. “Jasper.” Jasper straightens immediately. “Boss.” I remain still, my head lowered, while waiting for him to acknowledge me. But he completely ignores my existence. I had always known Alessandro could separate himself when necessary. That he could turn his emotions on and off so easily. Still, it always hurt when he did. I wondered how he did it. Because I could never. Jasper gives me a look I can’t decipher, before stepping forward to follow him. They turn around and leave without another word. I stand there a little longer, before I slowly exhale and carry on with my duties. It didn’t matter. Tonight, I no longer needed to hide. The evening comes quickly. When I step into the main hall, my breath is taken away by the beautiful decorations. It’s the perfect place to swear in the new Don of the Crimson Gang. I move towards the designated area for staff, which is at the back. Away from the high-ranked and elegantly dressed members. But the distance doesn’t diminish the view in any way. At the front, the elders stand in a semi-circle. Their hands are clasped in quiet respect, and Alessandro steps forward before them. The hall falls into silence. One of the elders steps forward, raising his hand. “The time has come, to witness the rise of a new Don.” He says, his voice echoing through the hall. The men begin to speak in low, unified voices. The underboss brings forward a ceremonial blade and presents it to Alessandro. Without hesitation, he takes it and cuts across his palm. They mark him, sealing his authority, binding him to the role of head of the family. “Do you accept the burden of this title?” One of them asks. “I do.” Alessandro replies. “Do you swear to protect this family above all else?” “I do.” The final mark is made, and they declare. “You are now the Don!” The hall erupts into applause, eagerly waiting for the next part. The introduction of the woman who would stand beside him. “Is there someone who will stand with you?” An elder asks. The room waits in anticipation. Alessandro doesn’t hesitate to say. “Yes.” I straighten, my heart beating erratically as the moment I’ve waited for finally arrives. “Then tell us who will stand beside you.” The elder says. Alessandro’s gaze moves across the crowd, until it lands on me at the back. My breath hitches and warmth spreads across my cheeks. This is it. He stares at me with an intensity I was familiar with, but then... ...he looks away? “My woman...” He starts calmly, and I brace myself for the moment I’ll step forward. But he doesn’t say my name. “...is Juliette Rossi.”