Mafia Born

Chapter Ten: Don Lorenzo is his Name

**Lorenzo's POV**

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. That's all I could think after hanging up with Teo. How could I be so stupid to think I could keep my lifestyle a secret from Ronnie? She's my only child and I feel I just put her in even more danger. I should have told her everything the moment I had the chance.

Will she ever forgive me? Will she understand why I tried to hide who I am? Will she see me as a monster? So many questions were going through my head when I feel a strange feeling of defeat resurface again.

All my life, I was trained to be who I am today. I was born into this life and don't know anything else. Ronnie grew up away from all this. From all this drama and death and crime. I made sure she had a chance of a normal life. A life I always wanted but could never have. Emma was a great mother. She understood why I did the things I did. She was the sense of peace in my life that I needed to survive in this world. But now that she's gone, I will do whatever I can to keep Ronnie safe. I have to. I owe it to Emma.

My thoughts are interrupted when I hear footsteps of someone walking into the kitchen. I turn to see Ronnie pouring herself a glass of water from the sink.

"Hey..." I said quietly hoping not to startle her.

She jumps a little before turning to face me. I can tell she's been crying. Her eyes are red and puffy. Some of her makeup appeared to have been smeared. She looked exactly how I felt; defeated.

"Hi..." She responds while taking a sip of water.

"Can we talk?"

"I think we kinda have to, don't you think?" She finishes her water and then makes her way into the living room. She slowly chooses to sit across from be before crossing her arms and staring in my direction.

"You're right. We do have to talk."

She took a deep breath before speaking. "Look, I understand why you tried to keep me in the dark. However, I'm an adult now. I can handle the truth and if it's going to involve my safety, I need to know everything. And I mean everything, Lorenzo."

I won't lie, it still hurts that she won't call me dad or father or at least acknowledge I'm one of her parents but I do get her hesitation. I just hope one day she will learn to love me like I love her.

"There's really no easy way to say this so I'll just be straightforward. I'm the Don of the Italian Mafia. I have been since the day I was born pretty much. My father was a Don, my grandfather was a don, and so on. The Mafia lifestyle is all I've ever known. I've been trained to be ruthless and deadly. I've killed, I've maimed, I've tortured, and so much more. I've been the bad guy, and I've been the good guy. Just depends on which side you're on. When we were attacked at the compound, your mother and I both decided it would be best to have you grow up away from all of this. Yes, you're technically the next in line to be Don, but I didn't want you to be involved in this world. I wanted you to have the chance to have a normal life. Find a normal man, settle down, and have your own family away from this world. You can't be normal when you're born into the Mafia. Believe me, having you grow up and experience life across the world was not something I originally had planned for you. I wanted to visit and build a relationship with you but it was just too dangerous. It's still dangerous. I will always have enemies and I will always have a target on my back. Unfortunately, now that you know everything and you're here, you will also have that target on your back just like me."

I could see Ronnie was shaken up. Her eyes were wide and I could see tears forming but she was trying to keep them in.

"I promise you, Veronica, on my life, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and alive."

She sniffled a little bit and sighed before speaking about what I just told her.

"It's funny really. All my life I felt like something was missing. Not just you as a father but like I wasn't where I was supposed to be."

I was a taken back a little with her response. I was also confused.

"What do you mean?" I asked wanting to know more of what was going on in her head.

"Well, I just had this gut feeling ever since I was born that I wasn't where I belonged. I knew I was meant for something more. Not just some coffee shop owner in the middle of nowhere America. I just knew I was meant for more. Mom even noticed from time to time how I was itching to do more. She had me taking karate and physical defense classes at a young age. It was something that came natural to me. I also was drawn into shooting. I trained at the range whenever I was old enough to have a license. I felt this since of belonging whenever I was in a karate match or hit a target. It's what I felt like I was meant to do. So, it's funny to finally find out where I'm truly meant to be. And that's here with you, dad."

I couldn't believe what I just heard. My heart felt full again and a tear rolled down my cheek without me even realizing. My daughter, my Veronica, my blood, was just like me.

I slowly got out of my chair and headed toward Ronnie.

"Come here and give your old man a hug." I outstretched my arms for her and she smiled. She casually wiped her nose on her sleeve before embracing me in one of the best comforts I've ever known.

Unfortunately, are bonding time is cut short with the sound of my phone ringing.

"I'm sorry, Ronnie. I have to take this."

She acknowledges by shaking her head. She disappears back into the bedroom and I pick up the call.

"Well? What's going on?"

"We weren't able to get any information, boss." I hear Tony say nervously from the other end.

"What do you mean you weren't able to get any information? You guys had one of them locked up!"

There was a moment of silence. A moment one too long for my likely. My mind was racing. For once in my life, I had no idea what was going on.

"Answer me, Tony!"

"While Teo and I stepped out to do something, someone got to him first."

"Spit it out already for f***s sake!" I was losing my temper at this point. Tony knows how to push my buttons at all the wrong times.

"When we got back in the cell his throat was slit. Someone must have gone into the room after we left and killed him...."

I want to punch holes in the walls, flip over furniture, hit the crap outta of Tony for f*****g up a simple task. But I remembered Ronnie is just down the hall and I don't want her to see me in such a state. I take a deep breath and decide to respond.

"This is what's going to happen. Get the guys back to the house and we are going to figure out who the f*****g snake is once and for all. Tell no one about it and just get back. Have Teo come to the safe house. I have another assignment for him. And Tony..."

"Ye-yes boss?" Tony says.

"Don't. f*****g. Tell. Anyone. Got it?" I said through gritted teeth.

"Yes sir!"

I hang up the phone and slump back into the couch hanging my head down in defeat once again. What on earth is happening? We get ambushed and find out we have a rat in the same day.

I pull out my phone and dialed Teo.

"I'm on my way, Enzo. I'm just stopping to get a pack of smokes."

"Do you have any suspicions on who's trying to f**k with me?"

"I have a few guesses but nothing concrete. Let me do some digging and I'll get back to you."

"No. I want you to take Ronnie down south and visit Don Emilio."

"What?! No Enzo. You need me here. Sending me away won't help anything!"

I knew Teo would be mad. He's my best man and is bloodthirsty like myself. Hell, I taught him everything he knows. But, as much as I wanted him here, I trust him with my life and I know he will keep my daughter alive. She was my number one priority right now. Until it cools down around here, she needs to stay away.

"Teo, you know you're the only one I trust with my daughter. I've seen the way you look at her. I'm not blind or nor am I stupid. But I know you will keep her alive like you have done for me in the past."

Teo started to stutter a response at my comment. Like I said, I'm not stupid nor am I blind. I have eyes everywhere and maybe have been told a few things by a certain housekeeper. They are both adults so I'm not going to stand in the way of fate. I know for a fact, no matter what someone offers me in exchange for my daughter, I will never allow it to happen. However, Teo will see a different side of me if he breaks Ronnie's heart.

"Oh quite babbling. You're both adults so I'm not gonna stand in the way. But I assume you know you're a dead man if you break her heart?"

"Yes sir. I would never. I'd be lucky if Veronica would even let me close to her heart. I swear to you, Lorenzo, I will guard your daughter on my life."

"Good. See you when you get here. I'm going to go inform Ronnie." I hung up the phone and took a deep breath.

"Lord give me strength to be the man Emma always would want me to be." I whisper to myself.

I look up and check to see the time. It's a little after midnight. The whole day has passed and I already have to send my daughter away. I knew something like this was possible. That's why I always planned ahead. Always had a backup for my backup. Having as much power as I do, you have to double check your ass before someone else does.

I head down the hallway towards the guest room that's cracked open. I can tell the lights on the inside are off and I don't hear any noise coming from the room. I slowly creep open the door to see Ronnie fast asleep. She appeared to have showered and found some of the spare clothes Teo has here to sleep in.

I noticed the blanket had fallen off a little bit so I decided to head over and tuck her in. I ease the blanket back over her and she snuggled into the warmth. I gently sit on the edge of the bed and stroke her hair off her face. It's truly scary how much she looks like her mother.

She's has the same button nose, soft cheeks, small chin, and birthmark on the same eyebrow as Emma. Even though Ronnie may have most of Emma's physical traits, she has my mentality. She's tough and intelligent. Her looks can't fool me but they can definitely fool any other man into a trap of her choosing. Words cannot describe how blessed I feel to have her actually here with me.

I lean down and place a tiny kiss on her forehead before leaving the room.

"Sleep well, mia figlia." I shut the door behind me as I head back out into the living area.

To my surprise, Teo is already back and in the kitchen pouring a glass of whiskey it seemed.

"Better make that two if that's whiskey you're pouring." I say over to him.

"That's the only thing that cures this headache. Neat right?"

"The only way, Teo." I smiled over to him as I sat down on one of the stools in the kitchen. Teo handed me my drink. We clinked glasses and took the first sip.

"In the morning, I'm going to make a few more phone calls. I also have to let Don Emilio know what's going on. I'm sure he's aware by now we're at the safe house. You, Emilio, and myself are the only ones that know this location and get notifications anytime someone uses it."

"How's Veronica taking all of this? Were you able to speak to her?"

I took another strong gulp.

"Actually went a lot better than I thought. She's more like me than her mother and right now that's a good thing." I could see Teo was a little confused. "She's a natural is what I'm trying to say. The Don blood is strong in her."

"Did you still wanna plan her welcoming party? Now that we have a snake?"

"Yes." I said without hesitation. "We need to act like we're not searching for a traitor among us. We don't want to spook him and then lose him. I want him dead Teo. He needs to be taken out. I'll be damned if anyone gets to myself or Ronnie now that she's on my side of the world." I took another big gulp and so did Teo.

"I'm going to head back up to the mansion to grab a few things for Ronnie. I'm sure as a woman there are a few things she needs. Just wanna be prepared."

"I agree. I'm gonna stay out here and set the alarm. I might take a nap so don't forget to turn it off. I need to shut my eyes at least for a few moments."

Teo nodded his head. "I'll remember. Rest your eyes. I'll be back soon."

Teo finishes his last sip and heads out the door. I lock and set the alarm as I watch him disappear down the driveway.

Heading back to my favorite spot on the couch, I bring the bottle of whiskey with me. I sit down, open the bottle, and take another sip. I set the bottle down and just stare off into the living dark, empty room. I feel my eyes begin to get heavy and I take a few gulps before giving into temptation falling to sleep.

**Veronica's POV**

*Earlier in the day*

I heard Teo leave and I was surprised I felt a little disappointed. I was angry but didn't want him to leave. I strangely believed I was safer with him around. Even though after seeing him beat that man to death I should be traumatized, I was the complete opposite. I could tell Teo meant no harm to me whatsoever. You can tell just by looking at Teo that he's strong and knows how to fight. His scars definitely prove it.

I hear Lorenzo moving around and know I need to just address the elephant in the room. I glance at the mirror and the room and see how terrible I look. My eyes are puffy and red. I just sigh and head towards the kitchen. I'm thirsty anyway.

I slowly head into the kitchen and pour myself a drink a water. I'm startled slightly when I hear Lorenzo grab my attention.

*After some conversing*

Holy s**t did that feel good. My father and I truly had a bonding moment. It sucks that it was so short but I'm glad he finally understands a little bit more about me.

At first I may have acted a little terrified about the whole situation but I was somewhat prepared to be in that kind of predicament. Yes, I'm trained but I don't have a gun on me nor do I handle surprise attacks very well. Especially in a town where I've never been before. Granted, I should be able to adapt I will admit I am a tad rusty.

When I went away to college, I stopped taking karate classes and didn't have much time to go to the range. My schedule constantly kept me busy. If I wasn't in class, I was at work. If I wasn't at work, I was sleeping. And if I wasn't sleeping, I was passed out somewhere in the library. My major wasn't hard but I always wanted to be one step ahead. Always planning for the future in worse case scenarios. But keeping up with karate was something I was unable to accomplish. Once college was done, I had the coffee shop so again I didn't have room in my schedule. Of course I could make room if I wanted to but I decided to neglect my training. I worked out occasionally but that's when I found some spare time. My mother wasn't a needy woman but she required constant companionship.

There were certain days of the week we set aside to watch a certain show or to have a certain meal. It was a routine she loved. We even had special holiday traditions. Every Christmas we make sugar cookies shaped however we want. Whoever is the most creative wins. I remember one year I tried to make her in the shape of a cookie. It didn't turn out too well but she still let me win. Come to think of it, I think she let me win every year.

I take a deep breath and hold back the tears forming once again in my sore eyes. Thinking about her pains me even more now that I know her story. I wish I could just embrace her and thank her for everything she sacrificed to keep me safe. My mother was a saint and I will forever speak about her like one.

I decided to take a quick shower since I figured we were staying in the cabin tonight. I washed away all the the worry and sorrows of the day. I also thought back to that moment with Teo. Does he regret it? Do I regret it? Did he like it? Why did I like it? So many stupid questions that I slightly smacked my head to get my thoughts in check.

I enter back into the bedroom and search one of the dressers. To my surprise, there's some clothes in here that are just my size to sleep in. I put on some black baggy basketball type shorts and an oversized white tee. Perfect combination for sleep attire in my opinion.

As I rest my head on my pillow, I look over to the lock box and envelope Teo brought in earlier. I wanted to desperately take a peek but I was too exhausted and too emotionally drained to hear any more secrets or hidden truths my parents may have stashed away.

I get comfortable on the bed when I smell something familiar. It's not a strong scent but it's presence is definitely in the room. I try to locate the scent when I realize it's coming from my clothes. I take a big sniff to try and figure out what the smell is but I can't quite figure it out. It was definitely some type of men's cologne but I was confused as to why it smelt familiar. I shrugged if off and laid back down. I'm curious to what tomorrow may bring. Will we be attacked again? Will Teo kiss me again? Wait... I quickly sat back up.

"I will not give into him." I whisper quietly to myself. I don't need to be attracted or even consider messing around with one of my father's top men. I have to set boundaries for myself and I have to follow them. Maybe if I make a list of rules I'll be able to keep to myself.

I glance around the room and conveniently see a notepad and pencil on one of the dressers. I jump out of bed, quickly grab it, and hop right back in.

"Hmm..." I say thinking to myself. "Rules might make this a little easier. I am more of a rule person. Okay. Let's start with the first rule. No s*x. I think that's an obvious one honestly. The second rule will be not to get emotionally involved. I feel like it's better to keep my heart out of the picture. And the third rule should be to always think with my brain and not my heart. My past relationships never went how I expected mainly because I was a pushover and refused to face confrontation. I am determined to to change my ways so when a relationship does eventually happen, I'm ready."

I scribble down those rules and put the small piece of paper in my pocket of my jeans before resting my head on now a cool pillow. A few moments later and I feel sleep creeping in on me. Before I can completely fall asleep, I hear my door open and quickly peak to see Lorenzo checking on me. I feel him pull the blanket up a little further on me and I couldn't help but snuggle deeper into the comforter. Then I felt my father gently move my hair out of my face and a miniature smiled graced my face. His fatherly touch was soothing. Almost like he's been doing this all my life. I let sleep wash over me as he leaves the room.