Mafia Born

Chapter Three: One of the Boys...

**Veronica's POV**

"That's bullshit and you know it! I shot that f*****g guy five times. How did he even kill me? That's complete bullshit Marco. You're cheating!" One man shouted who was seated on the couch near the tv.

"If you actually knew how to play the f*****g game that s**t wouldn't happen." Marco said while laughing. He was sitting next to the guy who was clearly upset on the couch.

"Are you guys playing COD?" I asked gaining everyone's attention. Marco, the guy next to him, and the two others by the bar in the back of the room all looked over at me with shocked expressions.

"Boss's daughter! You play Call of Duty?!" Marco asked me breaking the awkward silence that was slowly growing in the room.

"Hell yeah, of course I play! What console are you guys playing on? Please say PlayStation?"

"Xbox ma'am. The best system in all the land. Until the next generation is released of course." The guy next to Marco responded.

"Oh, let me introduce you to some of the guys that are usually hanging around the house. You know me already. The best there is. Marco of course. This guy next to me is Luca. And the two guys back by the bar are Antonio and Riccardo. Fellas, let me introduce you to the boss's wonderful daughter." The men offer a nod and continue what they were doing.

"Veronica. Just call me Veronica please." I said

"Well, Just Veronica, would you like to play a round with me or you too chicken s**t to even try?" Marco questions me.

"Oh, it's on like Donkey Kong, Asshole!" I shouted and jumped over the couch to take my seat. Luca and Marco both moved over to make some room for me.

It took me a few minutes to get used to the controller since I mainly play on a different console but I think I surprised them with some of my many gaming skills. I'm not the best player but once I get into the swing of things, I'm in the zone. Headshot after headshot. Kill after kill.

"Behind you!" Luca shots warning me of an enemy player and I was able to take them out fast

.

"Holy s**t. You're good, Veronica" Luca said after the match finally finishes.

"Thank you, Luca. I have my moments." I chuckle a little and look around the room some more. "So is this like your hangout area or something?"

"That's exactly right. When we have time to relax, we tend to come here and blow off some steam. That could be with video games or a strong drink." Marco pointed towards the bar behind us where Antonio and Riccardo were still talking to themselves. I decided to get up and check out the bar.

"Welcome to Italy, Miss." Riccardo says as he lifts his drink in a cheering motion before taking a sip. "So, what's your poison?"

"Hmm, well what do you have?" I asked looking around at the many liquor and wine bottles that were displayed on the shelves.

"We literally have anything and everything you can think of when it comes to booze. It's fully stocked and has to be with us being here as often as we are." Antonio says jokingly.

"I'll take a whiskey. Neat please." Both Antonio and Riccardo's eyes widen in shock. "What? I'm not a cosmopolitan kind of girl all the time. I like to sip occasionally."

Antonio pours me my drink and hands it to me. I take a slight sip and can taste how strong the whiskey is. It's definitely not the basic kind of stuff.

"You can call me Tony, Veronica. And this i***t is Ricci. We prefer nicknames." Tony winks at me.

"So is this all the men that work for my father?" I asked as I looked around the room at everyone hanging out.

"Not even close. We are just the few that stay at the house and take care of things when the boss isn't around." Ricci responds.

"What on earth does my father do that requires so many tough beefy looking guys? He a gangster or something like that?" Ricci's face turned pale and Tony spits a little of his drink out once I finished asking that question.

"He dabbles in this and that. He can give you the big picture once he gets home tomorrow morning." Tony responds pouring another drink for him and myself.

"Well that's not shady at all." I say full of sarcasm.

"I just follow orders little one. Don't hate the player. Hate the game." Luca says walking towards us.

"So Veronica, what do you do back in the states? Got a job or boyfriend or something?" Marco asks me with a wink and smirk.

"You guys can chat, I'm heading to bed. Drinks are starting to catch up with me." Ricci gulps the rest of his drink and heads out the door.

"Yeah I'm right behind him. Boss will be here early and I want to get some sleep." Antonio said and was the next to retire for the night.

It was just Marco, Luca, and I left in the lounge now and I was a little intimidated being alone with them.

"Well, to answer your questions. I own a little coffee shop from the town I grew up in. I actually live right above it in a decent size apartment. No boyfriend. No hobbies. I tend to stick to myself."

"No man? And you own your own business? That's pretty impressive. Do you just sell coffee or do you sell baked goods as well?" Luca said while pouring himself a shot.

"Yeah, we sell some. Nothing too crazy because coffee is what the store is mostly known for. We sell things like bagels, donuts, cookies, and other sweets like that."

Luca takes his shot and then heads out the door. "I bid thee goodnight for now. Had my one and done. Night Veronica!"

And now I was alone with Marco.

Marco was definitely attractive but I didn't get the same cozy feeling I get when I'm around Teo. It's like fire and ice between the two men. Teo has pitch black hair and Marco appears to bleach his hair. Both men were too sexy for their own good and you could tell. Just the way they carried themselves since I've been around I could see they were playboys.

Marco also had tattoos but clearly not as much as Teo. His tattoos were mainly on his arms from what I could tell. He's also much taller than myself but not as tall as Teo or maybe around the same height. They are both similar in build but Marco appeared to be a little thinner than the Italian God I was talking to earlier.

"And then there were two." Marco said.

"And then there were two. I'll have one more drink before I call it a night. This whisky is stronger than what I'm used to." I chuckle slightly and watch Marco pull be another drink.

"It's a shame really." Marco is making eye contact with me and scans my body.

"What's a shame?" I asked giving him a puzzling look.

"Someone as gorgeous as yourself shouldn't have to come home to a cold bed." He walks around from the bar and removed the distance between us until he has my back pressed against the edge of the bar.

"T-thanks I guess."

Marco chuckles.

"Do I make you nervous little one?" I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. Yes, he makes me nervous but I wasn't going to let him know.

"No. You're just r-really close to me." Marco lifts my chin towards him with his fingers with slight force.

"Ah, I don't like when people lie to me." Marcos eyes seemed to have darken like something evil was awaken inside him. "I'll ask you again little one, do I make you nervous?" He whispered the last part in my ear sending shivers down my body.

"Yes."

Marco grinned and brought his face closer to mind so were inches apart but his body was practically smothering mine. I watch him look down at my lips and then back to my eyes before moving slowly closer destroying any empty space between us. I thought he was going to kiss me but instead decided whisper in my ear again.

"Good." He planted a gentle kiss on my cheek before turning and leaving the room.

I let out my breath I didn't even know I was holding once I knew he was gone. I poured myself a shot and took it quickly. Marco left me alone and riled up for nothing. Not like I was actually going to sleep with him or even kiss him but my body definitely wanted something to happen.

I noticed the time and decided to leave the room and head to bed. Walking the hall, I look at some of the paintings and artwork scattered throughout the house. Classically paintings adored most of the hallways and occasionally a photo of some men I couldn't recognize. Everything has a place which brings each piece of the house together.

I finally get to my room and notice that Teo's door is open just a little. I glanced in to see what he was doing and I didn't see him anywhere. I wanted to go in and see if he was even in the room but didn't want to be creepy. I turn to head back to my room when I hit what feels like a brick wall. I tilt my head up to see Teo staring down at me.

"Did you need something?" I took a step around him and brush myself off.

"No, I'm just heading to bed." Teo raised an eyebrow.

"Where did you go after you ate? I thought you said you were going to bed earlier?"

"I was gonna go to bed earlier but I walked around the house a bit and found the lounge. Met some of the guys. Tony, Ricci, Luca, and well I already kinda knew Marco from earlier." I could see Teo's jaw clench after I mentioned Marco. I wonder if there's bad history between the two?

"Curious little firecracker huh?" Teo said with a smirk.

"Why do you keep calling me a firecracker? I'm not a redhead."

"No, you're a hot head."

"You know nothing about me to place judgement on how hot my head is. No, that's not what I meant." I sighed heavily. The butterflies returned into my stomach even though he was picking on me. "You have no idea who I am to pass judgement like that." I crossed my arms at him.

"Well maybe I want to get to know you." Teo takes a step forward.

"And who says I'll let you?" I took a step back. I noticed a twinkle in his eye and he steps forward again.

"You'll let me. I know you want to." I take a step back and hit the wall. What's it tonight with running into things.

"There you go assuming things again." Teo was now on practically top of me. Our bodies pressed together. I could feel his muscles begging to be touched through his shirt. I wanted so badly to just run my fingers up and down exploring them. I think he could see the effect he was having on me as he didn't move.

"Ronnie, you and I both know this is going to happen. I feel the tension and I know you do too. Once you get it through that beautiful head of yours, we can begin to have the real fun." He slowly moves a piece of hair that has fallen in front of my face behind my ear and I instantly blush. "The only reason I don't have you in my bed right now is because you're Enzo's daughter and I do have some respect for women." I could feel his minty breath on my neck as his slowly placed a few tender kisses. I felt my body instantly react by moving my neck for giving him better access to tease me. He welcomed the gesture and continued. The whiskey I had earlier definitely has hit my head because I'm never like this once meeting a person for the first time. But I set aside all my worries and just enjoy the moment. I feel him stop and I move to look at him. He's staring at my lips. He leans in some and then gently moves to place a thoughtful kiss on my forehead. "So for now I'll just give you a taste of what's could come." And then he heads to his room shutting the door behind him.

I shake my head attempting to get the lustful thoughts out before I head to my room closing and locking the door behind me. Two men in one night have ignited a fire inside me that I thought was gone. Marco and Teo both made it clear tonight they're attracted to me. However, Teo's gentle touch has me earning for more over Marco. I was a little uncomfortable with how Marco forced me to look at him. I don't mind being rough when necessary but the darkness in his eyes was unsettling.

**The following morning**

Laying in my big comfy bed in the guest room, I could feel the sun slowly peak through the blinds. I'm not ready to get out of bed yet. Today's the day I finally meet my father but I can't help thinking what Rose said last night. Have I really been here before? If so, why didn't my mom talk about it?

I'm quickly taken out of my thoughts when I hear a knock on my door.

"It's open." I yell out not moving from the bed.

"Good Morning, dear! Thought you might like some fresh breakfast and some girl time." Rose enters the room with a tray of food and a smile.

"That would be lovely, Rose. Thank you." Rose walks over to the bed and sets the tray down.

"How did you sleep?" Rose asked.

"I slept pretty well actually. This bed is super comfy." Rose giggled a little.

"That's great dear! Now, I know you're probably a little nervous meeting your father today so I thought I'd offer some helpful tips." Rose said still with a smile on her face.

"Oh I'm not nervous. Just doing what my mother would have wanted." I saw Rose's smile fade slightly.

"Well, I do know your father is anxious to see you again. It has been 22 years actually since you were last here. A lot has changed since then."

"I was here before?" More questions seemed to pop in my mind. Why don't I remember? Why didn't my mom talk about our visits? What is she hiding?

"Of course you were. Every summer until your 3rd birthday. You mother and father would often vacation at the shore where you enjoyed the ocean."

"I wish I could remember."

"It's okay dear. You were very little. Anywho, your father does have a few house rules while you're here just for your safety and so you have the best experience while you're here."

"Rules? Does he know I'm not a child anymore?" I crossed my arms and gave a sour look.

Rose giggled some. "Yes he does. He knows you're a beautiful young lady now which is why these house rules are important." I sighed heavily before Rose continued. "Rule 1, if your father has his office door closed, do not enter. If it's open, go right ahead. Rule 2, if you want to leave the house you must take one of the men with you. Just for your safety. And rule 3, no boys. I don't know why your father told me to tell you rule 3. You're a grown woman and can do whatever you please. But please be careful. Any questions my dear?"

"So I'm pretty much stuck here unless I want a bodyguard or something and can't have any fun. Did I understand that correctly?"

"I'm just the messenger dear." Rose then got up off the bed and went into my closet. "I had the liberty of ordering a few things you might need while you're here. Comfy clothes, sundresses, swimsuits, and a few cocktail dresses just in case." Rose peaked her head out with a wink. "But for today, I think you should wear this."

Rose pulled out a knee high dress that was still in the packaging. Rose gently pulled the plastic wrap off to reveal a beautiful baby blue dress. It was long enough to reach my knees. The dress was sleeveless with a nude lace decoration on the front and on the back. The dress appeared to look more like a prom dress then just a casual dress.

"Oh my goodness. Rose, it's gorgeous. But I'm not going to prom. Don't you think it's too formal?" I slowly traced my fingers along the silk-like fabric.

"Not even close. You'll will be having dinner with your father tonight and thought this would be the perfect dress."

"Dinner? I thought he was arriving this morning?"

"He has some business to finish at his company office before returning home. He will be here for dinner and will be meeting you then. He would have called but he doesn't have your number."

I sighed again. "Well I guess I'll have to wait for dinner. What am I supposed to do till then?"

"We do have a pool and it is a gorgeous day outside."

My eyes widen. "A Pool? I didn't see it last night."

"That's because it gets dark quickly around here at night. Put on a swimsuit and I'll show you to the pool. You'll have a great view of The Valley from the back porch."

I jumped out of bed and ran into the closet. I love the pool and I love the sun. In another life, I swear I was a fish. I love to swim and I love the water. Knowing my father has his own pool definitely gives him some cool points.

I quickly shower and then put on an all black bikini that covers all the important parts not exposing too much skin. I'm not a skinny chick but I'm also not huge. I have curves and meat on my bones. It took me years to love my body but I do. All the stretch marks and scars make me unique.

I open the door and see Rose is standing outside waiting for me. She hands me a towel and some sunscreen. Two items I didn't think about grabbing because I was so excited. I smile thanking her as we walk down the stairs out to the backyard.