Mafia Born

Chapter Eleven: Don Emilio

** Teo's POV**

Once I got back to the mansion, I noticed Marco was already back while the other guys were probably still at the compound. I silently shook my head. Marco has been getting lazy lately. He's never at the compound to help with deliveries or train with the rest of us. I wonder if something's going on in his personal life? Hell, what am I even thinking? Marco doesn't have a personal life.

I entered the house and heard what sounded like Marco on the phone. I decided to head to where I thought he might be. I turn the corner to enter the kitchen but I could hear he was actually down the hall in Enzo's office.

What is he doing in there? No one's normally allowed in his office if he's not here. I tend to go in there whenever I want because, well, it's in my personality to do whatever I want. Enzo understands that. Marco, on the other hand, he's not supposed to be in there.

I was planning on making myself known the moment I was at the office door but something in my gut told me to wait and listen in on his conversation.

"Good. Have it ready in two weeks and we will make our move. No, wait. That's too soon. Let's try again in a couple months. You know how to reach me." Marco ended his conversation and let out a sigh. It sounded like he mumbled something else but it was too quiet to make out.

"Knock, knock. What the hell are you doing in Don's office when he's not here?" I asked rudely.

"He's not here. I can do what I want." He leaned back into the chair and loudly placed his feet on top of the desk.

I just rolled my eyes and walked over to him. I knocked his feet off the desk and he almost fell out of the chair. I chuckled to myself. Marco was never able to handle my strength.

"What the f**k took you so long to get to the compound? We needed you." I said to him.

"I had to make sure Rose was safe. I wasn't just gonna leave her vulnerable." He said as he shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm sure she wasn't alone. You're supposed to be my right hand, Marco. I expect more from you. When we get ambushed, you get your s**t together and head to base. You know this." I try to say without raising my voice. To my surprise, I succeeded. I said it in a smooth, calm tone. What's going on with me?

"Oh don't give me that s**t. You know this is how I am. Calm down. The only bad thing that honestly happened today was that guy in lockup getting his throat cut. I think other than that it was a good day." He laughed with a cheeky grin.

I lunged at Marco picking him up by the collar of his cheaply made shirt. I could see how startled he was in his eyes. Tightly gripping his shirt, and pull him up towards my face.

"I'm in no mood for your bullshit. You know we lost men today. Stop being a f*****g asshole or I will kick your ass." I say to him through gritted teeth.

I swear I hear him gulp and for a split second, and I could even see fear in his eyes. But as fast as it appeared, it vanished. Marco pushed my hands off his shirt and began to straighten out the wrinkles.

"You really need to work on your temper, Teo. Don't think Enzo would like that around his precious daughter." He winked and smirked at me. "Speaking of his daughter, where is she? Where's Enzo?"

"If you would have been at the compound, you would know what's going on. However, since you want to be a dickhead, you get left in the dark." I chuckled and gave him a solid pat on the back. I made sure to strike him hard enough to make my point.

"Pshh. Whatever, compagno. I'm going to the game room and having a drink. Care to join?" Marco asked as he headed out of the office.

"No thanks. I got some more work to do. Do you know where Rose is anyways?"

"She was last upstairs cleaning one of the rooms. I can't remember which one. You have fun doing whatever you're doing. You got my number." Marco then gave a slight wave and headed down the hall towards the game room. I shake my head, disappointed in what Marco has become, and head upstairs to find Rose.

To my surprise, Rose was straighten up my room and putting fresh towels in the bathroom when I found her. Before I could greet her, she rushed over to me, flung her arms around my body, and brought me into a warm embrace.

"Lodare Dio! I'm so happy you're safe. How's Lorenzo? How's Veronica? What happened?" I could see tears streaming down her face. Rose has always been the motherly figure in all of our lives and she loves all of us deeply. Especially myself. And I love her like a mother.

"Calm down, Rose. Everyone's okay." I close the door behind me just in case someone attempts to eavesdrop in our conversation. "I need you to pack a bag or suitcase or something for Ronnie. Because of everything going on, Enzo has decided it would be nice for us to take a trip down south where it's safer."

"Down south? Already? But she just met her father. Don't you think it's a little fast?"

"Hey, I don't make the rules. I just follow them and Enzo said you would know what to pack for her since, well, you're a woman and I know nothing about women." Rose chuckles and smacks me playfully on the arm.

"You and I both know that last statement is wrong. You know a lot about women. Even Don Emilio would agree."

I sighed. "Don Emilio doesn't like me and I don't blame him. Before Enzo took over, he could tell I was going to be trouble. I still am."

"You're too hard on yourself, Teo. You're a great man... And Veronica will be lucky to have you."

I looked at her shocked. How did everyone know I was already addicted to the boss's daughter? Is there a giant f*****g sign on my forehead or something?

"I have no idea what you're talking about Rose." I exit the room and head across the hall to where Ronnie was staying. "Let's get to work. I don't want to keep Enzo waiting."

Rose quickly followed me and began packing a suitcase with all sorts of clothes and feminine products.

As she finishes, I glance into the closet and see a long black gown tucked in the back. I pull it out and immediately see what Ronnie would like in it.

"Did you want me to pack that as well, Teo?" Rose asked as she was leaning against the closet entrance.

I could tell I was blushing because my face felt red. "I think it would be nice to treat her like the princess she is. Don't you think? Or would it be too much? I don't want to overwhelm her. f**k, I don't even know if she enjoys my company and I'm already thinking about date nights."

"I think she'll love it. I'll pack it just in case. Remember Teo, this whole lifestyle is new to her. Give her time to understand where she fits and who she wants to be. Being a mafia boss's daughter is not something you can just understand over night. Treat her well and show her the true Italian way. Our way." Rose gave me a kiss on the cheek and turned back to the suitcase.

Rose didn't take long at all to gather everything she assumed Ronnie would need for our trip. I packed a small suitcase for myself and headed down out to the car. Rose wasn't too far behind me as we packed the vehicle together. She gave me another hug and kiss on the cheek before I left back to the cabin.

The trip back to the cabin was short and I could see the sun begin to rise in my rearview mirror. Enzo was outside smoking a cigarette and appeared to be on the phone as usual.

"Morning boss." I said as I approached him.

"Morning Teo. Ronnie's still asleep. I was waiting for you to get back before I decided to wake her. Did she ever say anything about what was in the lockbox her mom left her?"

"Not to me. I saw it was still on the dresser when I checked on her before I left for the compound but I never asked about it."

"I'm just curious. Anyways, the guys are headed back to the mansion to meet Marco and we will come up with a counter attack. If it's indeed the cartel, they won't go down easy."

"Yes sir. Has Don Emilio been informed of our arrival later this evening?"

Enzo sighed. "Yes he's been informed and he's not happy I'm just now telling him Ronnie's home. I might take his advice and retire sooner than expected. Especially if s**t like this keeps happening."

"Don't worry, Enzo. This is just a small hiccup and we will fix it. We always do. Shall I go wake Ronnie?"

"Yeah, you can go do that. I'll go ahead and start a pot of coffee. If she's anything like me, she's not gonna be a happy camper waking up early. I know I never was."

We both laugh and head inside the cabin. Enzo goes into the kitchen and starts making the coffee while I make my way towards Ronnie's room.

I noticed the door was still cracked so I decided to slowly push it open. Ronnie was still sleeping curled up into the blankets. You could barely see her through the covers but you could see some of her long hair flowing on her pillow. I walked quietly to her side and sat down on the bed. I gently stroked her silky hair to see if that could wake her up. She stirred slightly and I heard a slight moan escape her mouth.

"Five more minutes mom. I'm dreaming of hot Italian men..." I couldn't help but laugh.

"Hot Italian men huh? Does that include myself?" I saw Ronnie's eyes pop open and she jumped back further from me in the bed. "I didn't mean to scare you. It's just time to wake up."

"Oh. Okay. Let me just get ready and I'll be out in the kitchen." She was still too far away from me for my liking. I move a little closer to her and she moves back again.

"Ah, I see what's going on. Guess those men you were dreaming about were better looking than me. That's fine... for now. Your dad's making coffee. Don't take too long because we have things to do." I got off the bed and headed to the door. I glanced back at her to see her big doe eyes just watching me. I wish I knew what was going on inside that beautiful head of hers but alas I never will. I offer a smile and wink before heading back into the kitchen.

**Veronica's POV**

Of course Teo would be the one waking me up. It's not enough I have now started to dream about him but now he's back in my room. I will never succeed in staying away from him. I probably won't be able to avoid him but I could at least be friends with him right?

I slowly get out of bed, stretch my body, and head into the bathroom to take a nice hot shower. Even though I showered last night, another shower sounds good to me. There's just something therapeutic about hot showers. In my opinion at least. I let the hot water wash over me and wash away all the sensations I felt yesterday and this morning. Wash away all the weird feelings of having Teo in my dream and the anxiety I felt after getting attacked. I let the water cleanse my soul kinda before I decide I'm done. I quickly dry my hair, put some makeup on, dress myself, and head into the kitchen.

Walking towards the kitchen, I could hear Lorenzo and Teo chatting but I was too distracted by the smell of coffee. I'm not a morning person and coffee was my savior when I had to wake up early.

"Morning Ronnie. Did you sleep alright?" Enzo asked me as he poured a cup of coffee.

"I slept alright... considering."

"Understandable. How do you like your coffee?"

"Mostly sugar and cream with a little bit of coffee. I like the sugar rush." I said sheepishly.

Both Teo and Lorenzo chuckled.

"Too much sugar can be harmful ya know?" Teo interjected and I just rolled my eyes. I could tell he saw it cause he just smiled at me.

"So I know you're wondering what the plan going forward will be. I decided I'm going to send you away for a little while and get things settled. When you get back, we will hold a party and formally introduce you to my extended family. I know they will just adore you just like I do."

"I just got here and you're already sending me away? I'm still adjusting to leaving my life in America and now you want to get rid of me." I was beyond upset at this point. I didn't know how to explain it but the whole situation made me livid.

"I'm not just sending you away. I'm sending you to someone very important and you'll get to experience southern Italy. I'm doing this for your safety. Please don't look at is as a bad thing. Teo will be going with you and staying with you while you're down there so everything will be okay."

Teo's traveling with me and staying around like my personal bodyguard? Just great I thought to myself. I mean, Teo is very easy on the eyes but I can already tell my self control will be a challenge to contain.

"So you're letting your guard-dog come with me? How thoughtful. Well, where are you sending me, Dad?" I said the last part sarcastically just so my father knew I was still disappointed in his decision.

"I'm sending you to..."

Teo interrupted before my father could finish after looking down at his watch.

"You'll see, Veronica. But if we want to get there before nightfall, we need to leave now. Enzo, I'll update you when I can. Veronica, there is a suitcase in the car packed by Rose so it should have everything you need. If there's anything she forgot, we can go shopping later. I'll be in the car waiting." Teo finished his coffee and headed out side.

"He's right. Time to go, Ronnie."

"One second!" I run back to the room, collect the box and letter I got from the bank, and head back to the front door. "Alright. I'm all set now." I thought for a moment but decided to rely on my impulses at this time. I went over to Lorenzo and gave him a tender hug.

"I know I sound ungrateful but this is a lot to adjust to for me. But, I'm strong and I'll get there. I will be stubborn at times and for that I'm sorry. So thank you, dad. Stay alive alright?" I gave him a kiss on the cheek and leave the cabin.

Teo was leaning on the familiar black escalade wearing his sunglasses and smoking a cigarette. I took my time walking to the car to really take in Teo's appearance. He was wearing black ripped jeans that clearly were a little too tight in certain places. Let's just say, Teo never missed squat day at the gym. He was also wearing a short sleeve button down loose black shirt. He was clever enough leave a few buttons open to show off the many tattoos he had on his torso. His muscles seemed to be too much for his clothes. He knew he looked good. Hell, he knew he looked like s*x on legs and that was an unfair advantage.

He flicked his cigarette and opened the door for me before disappearing around to the driver's side of the car. I guess I pissed him off with the dog comment. Oh well. Makes ignoring him that much easier.

Teo starts the car and we drive away from the cabin in silence. Maybe a half a hour passes before I decided to plug in my phone and listen to some music. The first song that plays is an old school boy band song and I quickly change it. Embarrassment flashes through my face and I pray Teo didn't see it.

"Boy bands and hot Italian men must be your thing, il mio petardo." Teo chuckled.

"I listen to all kinds of music actually. That band was my mother's and I's favorite when I was growing up. I must have been listening to it on the way here from the plane. Can't handle a little pop music mafia boy?"

Teo makes a weird face. "Mafia boy? What is that?"

"You have a nickname for me. Why can't I have one for you? I feel it's only fair."

"I guess. I mean I understand your logic but not that name."

I cross my arms and pout playfully. "Why not? I think it fits you."

Teo laughs again. "Oh darling. I'm no boy. I'll have to show you the difference one day if you let me." He winked and smiled at me.

Teo had such an amazing smile. Perfect white teeth and that surprised me since he was a smoker. He had slight dimples that appeared too when he smiled. It was adorable but I wouldn't dare tell him that.

"In your dreams playboy."

"Don't tempt me with a good time doll. You'll end up enjoying it too much."

"Whatever. Can you wake me when we get there? I'm still a little tired from yesterday."

I get comfortable and close my eyes.

"Dream of me princess."

I mentally rolled my eyes and let sleep consume me.

It felt like a few minutes later when Teo was announcing our arrival to the coast. I slowly opened my eyes and peaked out the window. There was still some sunlight out and it illuminated the waves as they crashed on the shore. It was beautiful to say the least. I rolled the window a little to smell the ocean air and feel the breeze on my face.

"So where are we going exactly? Does Lorenzo have friends all over the country?"

"Being in charge, your father has some pretty good connections. We are the Italian mafia after all so he has people all over Italy but not just here, all over the world too. Enzo's family has been in charge for generations. These kind of connections are hard to break. Especially if you still want all the perks that come with knowing someone that works for the mob."

"Well that's pretty cool. So are we going to a friends house or something?" I asked still staring out the window.

"Someone even better actually."

"And who could that be?" I asked cheekily.

"Don Emilio. Your grandfather."