Mafia Born

Chapter Twelve: The Mobster Grandparents

**Veronica's POV**

"My grandfather? I thought Lorenzo said they lived up North. Why are we going south?"

"Your grandparents have many homes throughout the country. During this time of year, they love to soak up the sun and drink limoncello." Teo responded calmly.

"Limoncello? I've heard of it but what exactly is it?"

I could tell Teo was shocked at my confession as his face clearly displayed not only shock but also some concern.

"I will have to try to understand that you may have been deprived of your culture since you were raised in America but I am disappointed in you. Limoncello is in your blood. Especially since Emilio only drinks his homemade."

"I think I had some once in college but that was years ago."

I noticed the car turn and start to slow down slightly. I looked out the window and saw we were no longer driving on paved road but instead on gravel. Teo started to chuckle when he saw me start bouncing everywhere.

"Yeah, the road gets a little bumpy at the end. We're almost there."

I sat back and enjoyed the view of the driveway up to the house. The house was as grand as Lorenzo's if not grander. You could tell this family has money and connections. I guess being in the mafia has its perks.

We finally arrive to the entrance and I see an elderly couple outside waiting for us. The man was short and well groomed wearing slacks matched with a nice burgundy polo. The woman was much taller wearing an apron over her dress that matched the man perfectly.

Teo slowly parks the car, jumps around, and opens my door for me. He reaches his hand out to help me but I ignore him and get out on my own. Before I could even feel my feet comfortably reach the ground, I quickly find myself locked in a warm embrace with the woman.

"I've been waiting years to finally see my beautiful grandbaby again. I can't believe how grown you are. You feel thin darling. You must eat something. Emilio! Get over here and tell Ronnie she's too skinny." She places many kisses on my cheek before turning to Teo. "Teo honey, please get the bags. I need to feed this child." She kisses me again before retreating into the house.

"Now let me get my hug, il mio fiore." The man barely came to my neck but he wrapped me into his arms tightly. He pulls back and just looks at me. I see his bright blue eyes which look just like mine. I could tell we were related. "It's good to see you again. It's a shame my son sent you away when you were younger. We have so much to catch up on. Come, let me show you around my home and get you something to eat. Teo, I'll see you inside." I look back and see Teo nod and begin to gather our bags as I'm pulled inside the beachfront mansion.

The house was immaculate to say the least. Everything looked rich and definitely felt Italian. I'm gonna have to get used to that. We ended the tour in the kitchen where I see the woman from earlier finishing cutting bread for sandwiches.

"Bella, you're going to ruin dinner with all this food. I thought you were just making a snack." Emilio said after glancing at the table.

"Oh hush. It's just something small for now. Here, Ronnie. Have a seat and tell me about your drive down here." Bella set a plate of food in front of me before sitting down next to me.

"It was alright. Better than flying. It's not my thing." I said and then took a bite of the sandwich Bella made for me. It had ham, salami, provolone, and some kind of spicy mustard and it was delicious.

"You look just like your mom, darling. Just like her. Except for your eyes. You got them from your father's side of the family." Bella said while staring at me.

"I get that a lot actually. My mom would tell me that all the time as well." I could see Bella and Emilio faces drop.

"I'm sorry for your loss, mio fiore. Losing anyone is hard, but losing your mother is one of the hardest loses one can experience. I know Enzo will take care of you. And now you're staying in Italy, we can make up for lost time."

I was confused for a moment. How did my grandparents already know I was staying here? Did Teo tell them or did Lorenzo say something? I decided to let it go for now but I was going to ask Teo later when I get a chance.

"I'd like that. I feel like everyone I meet knows me but I don't know them or can't remember them. It's weird."

"Well you did live here when you were first born until Enzo's house was attacked. He freaked out. He thought sending you and your mother away was the only way to protect you. I agree it probably wasn't the best thing to do but in the long run it was the right decision at the time. Bella and I disagreed but he's the boss now so he makes the choices." Emilio said while taking the empty plate away from me and into the sink.

Teo emerges from around the corner and starts to make himself a sandwich. I avoided any eye contact and give all my attention to Emilio and Bella.

"You dye your hair, don't you?" Bella asked me.

"I used to. I haven't dyed my hair in a while. I'm a natural blonde. And that comes with all the perks such as being clumsy and forgetful." We all laugh including Teo.

"Well, let me show you which room we have set up for you while you're here and I can help you get dressed for dinner." Bella said with a giant smile on her face.

"Are we going somewhere?" I asked looking at Emilio and Bella.

"I want to show off my beautiful granddaughter to all the locals this evening. We have a restaurant we own near the water that serves the best seafood around." Emilio got up, placed a gentle kiss on the top of my head and left the kitchen.

"Come darling. I have something special for you." Bella took my hand and led me to the back of the house to one of the guest rooms.

The room had a summer vibe throughout. The furniture was a light shade of wood with accents of blue and green. You could tell someone took their time to get all the details right. The handles on the dressers were shaped like seashells. But I noticed there were two beds in the room. Two full sized beds to be exact.

"I hope the room is to your liking. Your father insisted Teo stay in the same room as you so I made sure I had a room with two beds. But, if you want, across from this room is another guest bedroom with a king sized mattress. Plenty of room to spread out. Bathroom is last door down the hall to the right and through that door is a closet. In the closet, I had a dress picked out just for you. I'll leave you to it to get ready. We should be leaving in about a hour. Take your time darling." Bella kisses me on the cheek and leaves the room.

I sigh heavily looking at the beds in the room. Of course my over protective dad would give orders while I'm away. I head into the closet and see the dress hanging still with the tags on it.

It was a long white strapless dress decorated with sunflowers and yellow buttons that went all the way down the front. It was shorter in the front then it was in the back to add a nice flowing effect once the person puts the dress on. It was definitely me. I love sunflowers and the dress was perfect for this warm weather.

"Are you just gonna stare at it or are you actually going to put it on?"

I jumped and almost screamed when I turned to see Teo leaning in the doorway.

"Goddamnit Teo! You scared the f**k out of me."

He chuckled. "I didn't mean to scare you but we are on a schedule. I know women like to take their time to get ready and look their best."

I rolled my eyes. "Not all women take forever you know. Now, if you excuse me, I have a dinner to get ready for." I took the dress and headed out of the closet and into the room.

"Don't take too long roomie. Save some hot water for me." Teo said before I left the room.

I can't stand how cocky that man can be. But a part of me also secretly likes it, even though I will never admit it out loud.

I quickly take a shower, carefully put on the dress, put some makeup on, and dry my hair before returning back to the guest room.

I was looking for my flats in one of the bags that was packed for me when I smell the strong scent of blended herbs and subtle hint of fruit coming from behind me. I could tell it was Teo. I turned around and saw he was shirtless wearing tight black dress slacks. He disappeared into the closet and emerged wearing a silk black button down shirt still exposing his abs and numerous tattoos. His hair was still wet and a mess. He looked scrumptious. I wanted to run my hands through his hair and touch his chest. But I know better. I need to keep my hands to myself. At least for now. I might take a risk and dance with temptation one night. However, that night will not be any time soon.

"Hey Teo, did you happen to grab my flats from Lorenzo's? I can't seem to find them." I asked him still looking through my luggage.

"I think so. Let me take a look."

Teo slowly gets behind me and helps me look through the bag. He remains behind me with his shirt still opened and I can feel him in all his muscular glory. I swear I felt some water drop down the front of my dress from his hair. I was no longer paying attention on looking for my flats but now I was consumed with thoughts of Teo using his muscles for something else. His scent was hypnotizing and his body felt right against mine. I let my eyes close and begin to wonder what a night with Teo would be like.

"Found them." Teo whispered in my ear and placed a tender kiss on cheek before breaking the bond with our bodies. I almost moaned at the loss of warmth his body provided. I went to thank him but he had already left the room. I quickly put my flats on and head towards the kitchen where I heard Bella and Emilio chatting.

"Oh my goodness! Ronnie you look breathtaking. I knew that dress would look perfect on you. Don't you agree boys?" Bella turned to Emilio and Teo who were both looking at me. Emilio had adoration in his eyes while Teo's was filled with lust and something else. I couldn't tell what that something else was but I was intrigued.

"You look beautiful mi fiore. Let's head out to the restaurant. I'm starving." Emilio said and we all followed him into the garage into the vehicle.

Emilio and Bella sat up front leaving Teo in the back with me. I rested my hand in the middle between us and it wasn't long before Teo placed his hand on top of mine. I tried to move it but he grabbed it and kept it in place with his.

"Let go of me Teo." I whispered through gritted teeth not trying to draw attention to us.

"Quit fighting me and maybe I will. I know you feel it too." Teo whispered back at me.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." I said before finally freeing my hand and glancing out the window. I hear Teo sigh with frustration and that brought a smile to my face.

It didn't take us long to get to the restaurant and we were already sitting enjoying the atmosphere. All the staff treated us like celebrities and catered to our every need.

"Ronnie, would you like to try our homemade limoncello?" Emilio asked.

"Yes, please. Teo was telling me a little bit about it before we arrived. It's like a family recipe, right?" I responded.

"Yes it is. My great grandfather was known in the village for his fruits, vegetables, and limoncello. People came from all around Italy just to get a bottle. We weren't always in the mafia business but we were always hustling. Always trying to do what's best for the ones we love. Eventually, we became the Italian mafia." Emilio snapped his fingers and a waiter immediately appeared at our table with a bottle of what I assumed could only be limoncello.

The waiter pours a glass for everyone at the table and leaves the bottle in a bucket in the middle. I pick up my glass and take a sniff. It smelt good actually. The drink had a strong scent of lemon and you couldn't even smell the alcohol.

"Before we drink, I propose a toast." Emilio stated while grabbing his glass and holding it up. "For years, our family was missing a very important piece to our puzzle. We knew it was for the best but it still hurt us all deeply. Now that we are united, there is still someone missing. But I thank God you're safe, you're here, and with family that adores you. Welcome home, mio fiore."

"Welcome home!" Bella and Teo said while raising their glass.

"Thank you." I said and I raised my glass too.

The food arrived shortly after our toast and it was the best seafood I ever had. I'm normally not a seafood person but it all tasted fresh and beautifully cooked. I had to get the shrimp and lobster since I wasn't paying and I wanted to try something expensive. Teo got the same thing as me while Bella and Emilio got giant lobster tails with steak.

Everyone was chatting with each other and I excused myself to the bathroom. After I refreshed myself, I decided to take a detour and head to one of the balconies to get some fresh air. I pulled out my pack of smokes I had stuffed away and lit myself a cigarette.

I wish my mom was here. I wish she could have reunited with my father and the rest of the family. She deserved so much more than what I could give her when I moved back home after college. I should have spent some more time with her. I should have treated her better. There are so many things I wish I could have done to show her how much I loved and appreciated her.

"Mama, I hope you're doing alright up there. I'm thinking about you. Always." I say out loud looking up to the starry sky.

"Can I get one of those?"

I turn around and see Bella standing behind me.

"Of course." I hand Bella a cigarette and light it for her. "I didn't know you smoke."

"It will be our little secret darling. Dealing with these Italian men is never easy so sometimes you just need a little de-stressor. s*x can only do so much." Bella took a long drag off her cigarette. My eyes were wide with shock after hearing her last statement and she noticed. "Oh come on darling. I'm not some spring chicken and I know most of these men look like walking Italian gods. It's natural. How do you think I met Emilio?"

"How did you meet him if it's okay to ask?" I took another drag off of my cigarette.

"Oh, goodness. Well, I was maybe a little more than 16 at the time. Now remember, back in my day, arranged marriages weren't unheard-of in the mafia family. My father was from Sicily and had a strong following behind him. My father and Emilio's father thought it would be a good idea to unite the islands and the mainland. That's where I came in. It was a warm July evening when we finally arrived at the Valentino's mansion for our engagement dinner and I was beyond nervous. I had only heard about Emilio from stories and I knew I had to impress him. The dinner was fantastic but Emilio never arrived. His dad was furious. I just assumed he wanted nothing to do with the arrangement but I was wrong. We were about to leave when he finally arrived. He was covered in blood and sweat with his men surrounding him. I was shocked of course but he pushed passed his men and knelt down before me. He apologised for being late and promised to make it up to me for the rest of our lives together. And Ronnie, he has kept his promise to this very day. Lavish gifts, a beautiful son, and a wonderful marriage. I'm thankful for the arrangement because without it, I never would have met the man of my dreams. Emilio may look tough, but he's my little teddy bear."

We both chuckle and finish our cigarette before returning to the table.

"What took you girls so long? Get lost on your way back?" Emilio asked.

"No, we just took a moment to enjoy the view and I told her about when we first met." Bella said as we both sat back down at our seats.

"Oh, that ghastly story. You never get tired of it do you?" Emilio asked again before pouring himself another glass of limoncello.

"Hush now. I happen to love that story." Bella stated.

"In my defense, we were having problems with the damn cartel that night or I would have been on time." Emilio and Bella shared a short tender kiss. You could see they truly loved each other. It was a wonderful sight to see.

Teo rolled his eyes and chugged his last bit of limoncello he had in his glass. He then looked over at me and winked. I rolled my eyes in response. He smiled.

"Anyone have any room for dessert?" Bella asked the table.

"I know what kind of dessert I have room for." Emilio stated while looking at Bella.

"Me too..." Teo said low enough so only I could hear. Since he was sitting next to me, I decided to stomp on his foot to get that idea out of his head. "s**t!"

"Everything okay, Teo?" Bella asked. I couldn't help but giggle.

"Yes, I'm good. Just had a cramp in my leg."

"Well, since everyone's full, let's head back to the house and get some sleep. Bella has a big day planned for you tomorrow, Ronnie." Emilio said as we started to leave the table.

"Oh? What are we doing, Bella?" I asked as we all exited the restaurant and into the car.

"You'll see. Don't worry. I'll let you sleep in. I know how you young folk love to sleep all hours of the day. But not too long. I wanna show you some things while the sun is still out." Bella smiled at me.

After we all returned to the house, Emilio and Bella retired to their room leaving Teo and I retiring to ours.

I picked out a tank-top and some shorts to wear to bed. I was about to change when I forgot I wasn't alone.

"Can you turn around or something? I wanna put my pj's on." I said to Teo crossing my arms.

"Fine. I'll turn around. It's not like I haven't seen a naked woman before."

"Whatever, Teo. Please." Teo huffed but eventually turned around and I changed quickly into my comfy clothes. "Alright. I'm done. You can turn back around now." Teo did and took a moment to eye me up and down. I couldn't help but blush.

"You're cute when you blush." Teo said.

"I'm not blushing!" I say with a determined face. Teo was not impressed nor amused.

Teo proceeds to slowly unbutton his shirt in front of me. He's looking directly at me daring me to look away. I watch for a moment, giving into the temptation before I quickly realize what I'm doing.

"For f***s sake, Teo. A little warning would have been nice." I said turned around facing away from him. I hear his husky chuckle behind me.

"All done. You can turn around now. You could have watched, you know. I wouldn't have mind. I probably would have enjoyed it actually." I hear Teo say as I turn around. Teo's shirtless again exposing his handsome body. His tattoos were hard to see in the moonlight but you could tell his body was decorated with all kinds of art.

"How many tattoos do you have?" I asked as I climbed into bed.

"You wanna count them?" Teo asked as he joined me in my bed.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing? You have your own bed." I stated.

"I was coming to get my dessert, mio petardo." Teo said seductively.

Teo quickly got under the covers grabbing me and prevented me from leaving. In a swift move, I found Teo on top of me staring into my eyes. I could feel his warm body on top of me and I didn't want him to leave now. He kept looking down to my lips and back to my eyes. He was asking permission to kiss me again without using his words. I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to feel more of him. But is this the time to give in? Is this the time to taste some forbidden fruit?