Mafia Born

Chapter Six: Lorenzo Valentino

**Veronica's POV**

"I'm sure you probably have a lot of questions for me..." My father said again getting my attention. I was staring at some of the photos around his office. To my amazement, there were photos of my mother and myself all over. There were photos from all points of my life. I saw photos of all three us when I was child and even my high school graduation photo.

"How did you get all these photos?" I asked still looking at them.

"Emma would always send photos whenever she could. The ones I have framed are the ones that mean the most to me. I have a few photo albums at the bottom of the shelf filled with the rest of them." Lorenzo pointed at the shelf and it was nothing but photo albums.

"A few?" I chuckled and so did he.

"Okay, I have a good amount. Can you blame me? You're beautiful and your mother never missed an opportunity to capture a moment." Lorenzo stood up and reached for a framed photo behind him. "This is my favorite one." He placed the framed photo in front of me and I was in awe. I saw my mother smiling, Lorenzo holding her stomach, and I also saw myself looking up to both of them with a huge grin on on my face. "That was the last time you were here actually. I believe you were barely 3 years old."

"My mom was pregnant?" I was still looking at the photo.

"She was, yes. Here, have a seat and I'll get you that glass of whiskey I promised." Lorenzo went to the mini bar near the back, poured two glasses of whiskey, and returned to the desk.

We both take a sip and the office is silent. I wanted to ask so many questions but I wasn't ready to start the conversation.

"So, you can ask me anything you want and I promise to answer truthfully." Lorenzo said and took another sip.

"I'm not sure where to start honestly. I have so many questions but..."

"You're not sure you can handle all the information, right?" He interrupted.

"Exactly."

"Well let's start off easy. My name is Lorenzo Valentino. I'm a businessman with a few of my own companies spread out through the country. My parents live up in the northern part and are both retired. I am an only child so you don't have any blood related Aunts or Uncles but you'll meet some close friends of mine that I consider family. I'm 43 years old, just a year older than your mother. You're my only child, never been married, and that's about it when it comes to me. What about you?"

I wanted to roll my eyes but at least he started the conversation. "Veronica Valentino. I'm 25. I own a small coffee shop back home. Nothing too fancy. I occupy the apartment right above the store so it works nice. I do have a degree in business management so that's pretty cool. I live alone with my cat. Never married. No kids."

"No boys?" He had a serious look in his face.

"No boys or girls actually. It's the 21st century. Can't discriminate." I saw his eyes grow bigger with shock. Guess he didn't see that coming.

"Ronnie, now that you're here, there are some things we need to discuss."

"Normally, I don't let strangers call me Ronnie but I guess I'll let it slide for now."

"I came up with that nickname thank you very much so of course I will say it. Just get used to it."

I rolled my eyes. I couldn't contain myself anymore. This man is starting to get on my nerves. "So what did you want to discuss tonight? I already can tell I'm not going to like where this is heading so I won't be here too long to get the full story so talk."

I could tell he wasn't used to someone bossing him around like I just did. I may look nice but never judge a book by its cover.

"Well, first things first. After the passing of your mother, I have decided you will be moving here, permanently. I have taken the liberty of selling both your store and apartment. You'll see the money in your account by tomorrow morning. All of your things, including your cat, are currently being transported here as we speak..."

"EXCUSE ME?! You sold my shop, my apartment, and for what?! To keep me here against my will?! I don't know you. I am NOT staying here longer than I have to. You can't force me." I was livid. I was holding back tears that's how angry I was. I was emotional and confused as to what I was hearing.

"This is not up for debate, Ronnie. I know we don't have the best relationship right now but I promise I will work on it. But I can't risk anything happening to you so you're staying here."

"You know something about Mom's death, don't you?" Why else would be want to keep me here? He knows something but he's not telling me. "I deserve some answers damnit!" I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. They started flowing down my face and Lorenzo came around the desk to comfort me. He brought me into a strong embrace. As much as I hated him for what he just told me, I felt safe and loved in his arms.

"I'm sorry I made these arrangements without talking to you first but it had to be done. Yes, I know something about Emma's accident but I'm still looking into it."

"Why?" It was the only word I could get out. I don't know what I was asking but I just wanted some information.

"Why what, Ronnie?" He was still hugging me.

"Why didn't you want to be apart of my life growing up? Where were you when I needed you? When mom needed you?" He took a deep breath before responding. He sat on the desk facing me and I took the opportunity to take a seat as well.

"I wanted to be apart of your life. To watch you grow, learn, everything. That's all I ever wanted. However, we can't always get want we want. Your mother's family and my family never got along with each other when I met your mother. But the moment I met your mother, I was hooked. We were young and everything happened so fast. We fell in love rather quickly and then we found out she was pregnant. We ran away from both our families and tried to start a normal life away from the drama. Eventually, my family understood how much I cared for your mother and accepted her with open arms. Her family, however, did not want any part of her new life and cut her off. I don't know if they're still around or alive but your mom did have an older brother. He was the only one who kept in contact with your mom once she stayed with me. Until one day, when you were last here, our house was attacked. The panic and the emotions your mom experienced that day caused her to have a miscarriage. I decided that day it would be best to send you both away for your safety. I was crushed when I had to let you go. But your mom made sure she told me everything that was happening in your life. She would send photos, letters, and would call when she had the chance. Your mom also would visit me twice a year once you got old enough to be on your own." He paused for moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. "Your mother was just getting back from one of her yearly visits when I heard about the crash. Now, I'm a very successful businessman as you can tell so I've made a lot of enemies to get where I'm at today. I never would have imagined them threatening your mom or yourself. I thought I sent you both somewhere safe and somewhere no one knew who you were. I was wrong. Someone is after me, Ronnie. And I don't know who."

"What kind of business do you do that would create enemies as bloodthirsty as that?"

"That's another story for another day. The only thing that matters to me is that you're here and you're safe. I trust the people who enter this house with my life and hope you will too. I know this is going to be a huge change for you but I promise this is for the best." I took my glass of whiskey and chugged the whole cup.

"As long as the whiskey is this smooth, I'll be content." We both laugh for a moment and then we hear a knock on the door.

"Come in." Lorenzo yells. We both see Ricci peak through the door.

"Sorry to interrupt Boss but I have some news." Lorenzo nodded and then turned back to me.

"I promise we will finish this conversation another time. It's getting late so I will catch up with you some more tomorrow."

I guess what was my cue to leave. I got up, put my glass back down on the mini bar, and turned to my father before leaving.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Ronnie." And I left the room.

I took a few steps and noticed Ricci left the office door open. I was curious so I decided to get a little closer to see if I could hear what they were saying.

"What's so important you had to interrupt my conversation with my daughter?" I could hear the anger in his tone from where I was standing.

"I got word from the Russians concerning the cartel."

Cartel? Where have I heard that before? Isn't that like a gang or something? Why would my father need to know about them?

"What do they know, Ricci?"

"They recently have elected a new leader and its rumor he's an Italian you have history with."

Suddenly, I hear an extremely loud bang of something possible breaking come from my father's office. I had to cover my mouth quickly to hide a gasp that slipped because the sound scared the f**k out of me.

I'm trying to get a little closer when I feel someone grab on my hand yanking me down the hall away from the office. As I turn to look at my captor, two muscular arms pin me against the way and I'm face to face with Marco.

"You really shouldn't be doing that, little one. Do you think your father would like to hear that you were eavesdropping?"

He had a wicked grin on his face. I was extremely uncomfortable with this situation and I did everything I could not to look him in the eyes. I could also smell the alcohol on his breath.

He leans in closer and starts whispering in my ear. "I might just have to punish you for that..."

"You really have no idea what personal space is do you?" I asked finally making eye contact. His once ice blue eyes were now deep and dark full of hunger and lust.

"Cheeky. I like it." He then forces my face forward in place with his strong hands gripping my chin.

I quickly squeezed my eyes shut in attempt to avoid Marco's next move when I heard a thud which loosened Marco's grip completely. I opened my eyes to see Marco holding the side of his face in pain and Teo standing protectively in front of me.

"Next time I'm breaking your nose. Got it?!" Teo shouted quietly at Marco as to keep this moment a secret from my father who was still just down the hall.

Marco smiled at Teo before winking at me and walking away. Teo turned to me and concern was painted all over his face.

"Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?"

"No. He didn't do anything to me. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Teo grabs my hand and leads me out of the house into the backyard.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"I wanna show you something. You thought the view by the pool was amazing. Just wait for this." I saw a twinkle in his eye and I couldn't help but smile.

Teo leds me past the pool, past the balcony earlier, and down some hidden steps that venture down away from the house. The steps were all lit beautifully with flower bushes surrounding the walkway.

A few moments later, I see a lavish gazebo with tea lights all around. The gazebo is surrounded by what appears to be hundreds of bright red roses, piercing white poppies, and rich purple violets. I was amazed at the beauty before me.

"I often come here to think. It's one of Enzo's favorite places. I believed he had it made for your mother as an anniversary gift." Teo said staring off into the distance.

"I thought my dad never got married?"

"He didn't but in their eyes, they were married."

"Why didn't they get married?"

"That's a question for your father. I heard he told you about staying here?" Teo turned to look at me sitting on the bench inside the gazebo.

"He did. Something I wasn't really prepared for if I'm being honest. I'm an adult. I can take care of myself. But if he knows something about my mother's death, I'm going to stick around to figure out what he knows."

Teo signed heavily before responding. "Don't get involved in his business, Veronica."

"What's his business? He never really told me anything about his work except he owns some companies here in Italy."

"He's a businessman. That's all you need to know."

"Whatever, Teo." I turned away from him and got up off the bench. I went towards the railing and leaned down. I was staring off into the night sky when I heard a cell-phone ring.

"Excuse me for a moment, I have to take this." Teo walked back towards the steps to answer the phone. I followed because I was curious but stayed back a bit so he couldn't see me.

"Boss?.... Yes, yes I can do that..... Wait, what?... We can't always believe what the Russians say. They switch sides too many times. But if what they say is true, their leader could be right under our noses. I'll see what I can do. Yes, she's with me. I'll bring her back up to the house now." I heard Teo mumble something Italian under his breath. "Didn't that get you into trouble last time?"

I noticed Teo was still scrolling through his phone acknowledging my presence not too far away.

"Come on. Time for bed. Long day tomorrow." Teo turned and started heading towards the house. He voice was more cold and emotionless when he spoke. Like something changed in him as soon as he answered his phone.

It didn't take us too long to get back to the house. Teo went towards my father's office and I decided to head to the lounge to see if any of the other guys were around. I wasn't tired yet and could use some company.

I got to the lounge and no one was around. I was about to leave when Luca entered the room.

"Oh hey there Veronica, what you doing still up?"

"Not tired yet. Trying to find something to do before bed I guess."

Luca pondered for a moment before suggesting something. "How about a few rounds of Call of Duty before bed? I could use some sniper practice." He nudged me with his elbow.

"So you're saying you want to get your ass kicked again?" I laughed and went over to the TV to start setting up the game.

"Don't get too cocky now. Just because you're a girl and the Boss's daughter doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you."

"Oh s**t! Rematch!!" I turned around and saw Ricci and Tony entering the room. Looks like I got here at the right time.

"$20 bucks on Veronica." Tony called out from the bar.

"Oh come on. That's not fair. We work together and you can't even be on my side." Luca said.

"$100 bucks on Veronica." I turned around and saw Teo leaning on the door watching us but his eyes never left mine.

"Ooo mister big bucks over here trying to show off for the lady." Ricci said taking a seat next to me while munching on some chips.

"Okay. You guys better pay up when I kick her ass. I would love a new watch." Luca plugged in both controllers and took a seat on the floor in front of the couch.

The game started and all eyes were on the TV. Ricci munching away on his chips to my right, Tony drinking and watching from the bar, and Teo was standing behind the couch with his arms crossed. I could smell him as soon as he got closer. I wasn't going to let him distract me. I wanted to prove myself and show them how some girls can play video games.

After 5 rounds, I was the winner once again. Luca wasn't too happy and Ricci wouldn't stop laughing at him.

"This game is rigged. I'm going to bed." Luca tossed the controller and left the room.

"Anyone wanna play winner?" I asked and looked around.

"I've had a few too many shots to take you on right now." Tony said from the bar.

"I don't play Xbox so it wouldn't be fair. You would kick my ass without even trying." Ricci said and we both laughed.

"I'll play.." Teo said from behind me. He moved around the couch and took Luca's seat on the floor in front of me.

"Oh, you play?" I asked with confusion all over myself. I couldn't hide it.

"I do actually. I hope you're warmed up because I'm nothing like Luca."

"Oh, you're worse?" I giggled a little before I noticed a serious look on his face.

"No ma'am. I'm better..."

I gulped.

I hope I wasn't overly confident with Luca. I can't help but have a feeling Teo is really going to destroy me in this game. For a moment, I thought about how I wouldn't mind him destroying me physically. I quickly pushed the thought out of my head and pulled all my attention to winning this game.