Mafia Born

Chapter Nine: Teo's Nickname

**Teo's POV**

Emotions make you weak. They bring you down and f**k with your concentration. Or so I was told from some of the other men in the organization. Many learned to turn off all emotions, including love, and focus on more important matters. However, Lorenzo taught me differently. His love for Emma was something you would read about in fairytales and I don't care how pathetic I may sound, I want that. I want that love to make me stronger. I want that passion. I want that desire. And the moment I locked eyes with Veronica, I felt that.

She's the forbidden fruit that I can't help but crave. She's strong. She's smart. She's beautiful. And she's off limits.

I still can see the fear in her eyes when she flinched away from me in that alley. That crushed my heart. I would never hurt her and to think she was frightened of me, even for a moment, was more painful than getting shot. But she was right, that man was dead the instant he fell to the ground. I saw red and couldn't stop. If it wasn't for Ronnie screaming, I would have let the rage completely take over my body. When I saw that bastard hit her, I knew I was going to kill him. No harm will ever come to her as long as I'm around.

I walk out into the living room after kissing Ronnie goodnight to join Lorenzo. He's pacing back and forth talking on the phone to probably one of the men down at the warehouse informing him of this morning's events. I head into the kitchen and grab another cup of coffee. I feel my phone ring and see it's Ricci.

"Ricci, any news?"

"No, Teo. Tony and myself went through the whole manor and checked for any bugs but didn't find anything. We have doubled the security and installed more cameras so no one can get in or out without someone knowing."

I thought for a moment. "Where's Marco? He's usual the one who handles security and whatnot."

Ricci huffs over the phone. "Well geez, thanks for having faith in me. Would it kill ya to compliment me every now and then?"

"Where's Marco, Ricci?"

"He hasn't been around. Figured he was at the warehouse or doing whatever it is he usually does. Why?"

"No reason. Do me a favor, keep an eye on him." Something in my gut tells me Marco knows something. I don't know what it could be but I trust my gut. Lorenzo has many tricks and sticking with your gut was one of them. I didn't want to freak Ricci out so I didn't tell him what my gut was saying. I don't know who I can trust at the moment.

"Discreetly, right?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, discreetly please. Keep me informed." And I hung up the phone. Sometimes I forget not everyone I work with has gone through what I have and may not be as knowledgeable in certain aspects of life as myself. In other words, I work with some pretty stupid people.

"How's Ronnie doing?" Lorenzo asks as he walks into the kitchen to grab some coffee.

Oh, she's doing great. We hugged and made out for a bit... like I could tell him that. Part of me wanted to just to be cheeky but I didn't want to lose my third leg if you know what I mean.

"She's alright. It's best if we let her rest for awhile. It's not everyday you find out your apart of the Italian mafia."

"I wanted to avoid it a little bit longer, Teo. Let her enjoy her home and me for just smidge before telling her the ugly truth." He sighed heavily and sat on one of the stools. He rested his head in his hands and looked defeated.

I've known this man for over 15 years. He saved me from the streets when I was just a teenager. He trained me and groomed me to be the man I've become today. All those years and I've only seen him like this one other time besides today. Lorenzo is not a man to easily give up. He was born to be a leader. His aura reeks of power, respect, and fear. Defeat is not in his vocabulary.

"The only thing we can do now is move forward. Ronnie knows you're the Don. It was going to come out sooner or later. However, now that people know who she is, you know what could happen?"

Lorenzo's head shot up. "No. I'll never allow it. Plus, all the heirs are already married or have an arrangement, right?"

"I think so. But it's been awhile since all the families have gotten together." I didn't want to think about it but Lorenzo was familiar with the tradition. That's how he met Ronnie's mother. Even though it might seem like a terrible old tradition, it's not unheard of in modern times and especially for people like us.

Arranged marriages could be extremely profitable depending on which side your on. Money, territory, new alliances, and many other things could come from such a contract. Lorenzo took over the Italian mafia when he was young but swore to do things differently. He's never married and refused any alliances that would only happen through an arranged marriage. His heart was already taken and had to hide his love because of such deal.

"Jesus Christ I'm not ready to handle all those assholes who are going to try and marry my daughter just because of her bloodline. I'm going to make a few more phone calls. I'll be back."

I watched as Lorenzo picked up his cellphone, quickly dialed someone, and took the conversation outside.

I honestly never thought of the possibility of Ronnie getting stuck in an arranged marriage. A part of me knows Enzo would never allow anything like that to happen. He believes in love so will want his daughter to find love as well. But if someone has leaked information about Lorenzo having a daughter, she could be in more danger than we first imagined.

We are a strong organization. We have territories all over the world. We have a huge following and respect everywhere we go. However, being the number one mafia organization in the world creates enemies and some of those enemies will do anything to obtain our power.

My thoughts are interrupted when I hear Lorenzo return inside the cabin.

"I'm going to the warehouse. They caught one of the men from the ambush at the bank."

"Let me go, Enzo. You stay with your daughter. You need the bonding time. And I'm sure you guys will have more to talk about." I said grabbing the keys off the counter along with my gun.

"You're right. Let me know if he says anything worth my time."

I nodded and headed to the car. I needed an excuse to get away from Ronnie for awhile. Just some space to process everything. The desire I was experiencing to be around her was almost selfish and embarrassing. I would never dare admit these emotions to anyone any time soon. This is a secret I have to keep for the time being. Hopefully Ronnie will understand.

Driving to the warehouse, I didn't play any music. I decided to be alone with my thoughts and replay a certain event in my head over and over again. Ronnie's lips were softer than I imagined. Soft and plump. She followed my every move as my tongue entered her mouth. I felt her desire grow as I began to move my hands down her body feeling her silky skin under my fingertips. Her heart was beating fast and so was mine. It was just a kiss but it felt like so much more.

As I pulled into the warehouse parking lot, I noticed Marco's car wasn't there. I grabbed my phone and dialed him to see where the hell he could be during all this madness.

"Marco here."

"Where the hell are you?!"

"The manor. Why?"

"Get to the warehouse. Ricci already took care of the manor. We have a prisoner." I hung up the phone without hearing him respond. I'm really starting to lose my patience with Marco.

Heading into the warehouse, I'm greeted by the normal crew. Few men were working on a shipment we just got in, other people were training, and the typical chain jumpers were all busy as if nothing happened this morning.

"Heyyy Teodoro. Looking handsome this afternoon."

I don't even have to turn around to know who's trying to get my attention. Roxane. Typical chain jumper. She'll sleep with anyone to get power. I've never slept with her but I have had some fun with her from time to time. I knew she got around with other mafia members and I wasn't into someone else's sloppy seconds.

Roxane was a young one. She had a nice rack and huge ass. One of the many types of features us Italian men love our women to have. She has fire engine red hair and her eyes are a deep hazel. She's a beautiful woman but not someone I would waste my time on.

"Not now Roxane. I have s**t to do." I brush her off and head down the stairs towards the holding cells. I hear Roxane huff angrily as I walk off. I just rolled my eyes and focused on the task at hand.

I could already smell blood as I entered the room. I look around and see Tony beating a man tied to a chair. You could hear the strike of each blow since Tony was wearing his famous brass knuckles. Each punch harder and louder then the last.

"Enough." I said. Tony looked back at me and obeyed my order.

"He hasn't said anything worth sharing." Tony says as he wipes the blood off his weapon.

"And I'll never say anything. Just kill me and get it over with." The man shouted over to us. I grabbed my gun out of my waistband and slapped him hard across the face breaking his nose instantly.

"You'll speak when told to." I looked over at him and watched as he spit what looked like a few teeth covered in blood out of his mouth. I noticed his complete aura change. The once tough thug was crumbling before my eyes. "Now, who do you work for? You may speak."

"I work for the cartel..." The man had given up already. He was weak. He was scared. He'll tell me everything if I play my cards right.

"Which cartel? There hasn't been any activity from any gangs like that for years."

"We've been in hiding. Slowly recruiting. Things changed when we got our new leader."

"How many are there?" Tony asked.

"I don't know.." Tony backhanded the man harshly.

"Wrong answer. How many of you are there?" Tony asked again.

The man spit more blood out of his mouth before responding. "Over 250 men."

My eyes widen in shock. I was surprised at the amount of men they were able to recruit so quickly. It feels like yesterday we destroyed the last of cartel and Lorenzo's worst enemy.

"Where do you meet?" I asked while slowly tugging on my rosary around my neck. The man looked down to the rosary in my hands and all the color from his face vanished. I guess he knows who I am.

Everywhere I go, every day I wake up to get ready, I wear a black studded rosary around my neck. This rosary used to belong to my father before he was killed. I watched as the life left his eyes and the eyes of my mother that day. This rosary was the only thing I had left of my family and I used it to fuel my vengeance.

Training when I was younger, Enzo suggested I find a weapon, or something I could use to help make a name for myself. Tony is known for his brass knuckles, Ricci has a special switch blade, Enzo has an unique dagger, and Marco prefers to use his hands. Us Italians are known to be more on the dramatic side when it comes to handling our business. At first, I tried a bat but the sound of bashing heads wasn't the sound I was looking for. I wanted to inflict true pain and suffering. I didn't want the torture they feel to be short lived. My parents death was not quick and I wanted to truly f**k with someone until they are begging for their life. That's when I found this rosary.

My father used to be in a gang when I was little. I don't remember which gang it was but he was a mobster like Enzo. Well respected, great influence, and enemies all over. But he was also a very religious man. He prayed whenever he could, went to church when he had the time, and also taught me the way of the Bible. The rosary I wear was his that was handcrafted to his liking. He went to a jeweler and told them what he wanted. He wanted a rosary that appeared to look like a traditional set of prayer beads but in fact, they were made from a special barbed wire that wouldn't hurt the wearer if they knew how to hold it correctly. My father used this rosary to inflict pain on his enemies and I continue his legacy.

"You're the Angel of Death?" The man asked making eye contact with me.

I rolled my eyes. A stupid nickname that was given to me since I used prayer beads as my choice of weapon.

"I asked you a question. Answer it before you lose one of your fingers." I said to him with no emotion. I was now kneeling down at eye level with him. My eyes dark and full of hate. I'm sure he could sense it.

"I don't know. I just get a message about the mission details. I'm never involved with any planning."

Tony crosses his arms before speaking. "Why do I have a hard time believing that?"

"P-please sirs. I'm just a low rank. Have mercy."

Both Tony and myself can't help but laugh at this man's pleads.

I nod over to Tony and he begins to move the man's arms and tie them to the armrest of the chair. He was too weak to attempt to fight back. If we wanted information, we had to move quick.

I take one of his hands and wrap my rosary around his index finger. The man begins screaming and pleading for me to stop.

Exclaiming all sorts of things to get our approval.

I close my eyes and mentally prepare myself for the next step.

I'm not an evil man but I do evil things to those who f**k with my family. Lorenzo is my family. Veronica is my family. I will die to protect them and will do anything to keep them safe.

With a quick pull of the rosary, the man's finger is completely chopped off and on the ground. More blood splattering the floor and the walls followed by more screams of pain. I stand back up and put the rosary back around my neck.

"Keep an eye on him, Tony. Patch him up a little so we can question him some more. I'm gonna give Boss a call." Tony nods in acknowledgement and I leave the area.

I head back upstairs and into my office I share with Lorenzo here at the warehouse. I was surprised not to seem him pacing back and forth waiting for him. It was probably one of the few times he actually took my advice for once and stayed with Veronica.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Lorenzo.

"Boss?"

"What you got for me, Teo?" Enzo asked monotoned. I couldn't tell if he was alone or with Veronica but I knew I had to share what information I had.

"It's indeed the cartel. Apparently they recently elected a new leader that has completely reorganized everything."

Enzo sighed on the other end of the phone. "How many men are we talking about?"

"The prisoner said 250 but I think it's more than that."

"f**k! Did he say anything about a location or who the leader is?"

"Not yet. I'm having Tony clean him up before we go any further. He had taken a good beaten by the time I got there."

"You used your rosary didn't you?" Enzo asked and I could feel the seriousness in his tone.

"I did."

"Good. Hopefully you can get more from him once he's patched up."

There was a moment of silence. I wanted to ask about Veronica but I didn't want to draw attention to my feelings for her. At least, not yet. But I had a feeling that I needed to know if she was okay. I needed to be reassured that she was fine and no longer crying in the room. I wanted to hold her close and comfort her but I knew I needed to be here. I had a job to do and I needed to protect her.

"Anyways, I think I hear Veronica moving around in the back. I'm going to chat with her some more. Call me once you get more information." Then click, Enzo had ended the conversation.

I felt relief flow through my body knowing she was awake at least. I would message her but I don't want to cross any boundaries at the moment. She's vulnerable and it's not the time to make any more advances.

I decided to head down to the cafeteria and get some more coffee before returning to the holding cells. I had a feeling I was going to be here for awhile.

By the time I got there, Tony and Ricci were already there conversing to themselves. Roxane was there and immediately ran over to me before I could turn around.

"You know Teo, we could have some fun like we used to. I know you liked it..." She was trailing her fingers down my arms attempting to turn me on. I stood there and looked over her head at Ricci and Tony. I watched as they laughed their asses off at my current situation.

"Don't you have someone else you have to be on top of right about now?"

"f**k you, Teo! You don't need to be jealous."

I sighed heavily. "I'm nowhere near jealous."

She turns around and slowly grinds her ass on my crotch.

"You're the only one I think about late at night."

I quickly push Roxane off of me and turn her so she's facing me holding tightly to her wrists.

"Let me make this crystal clear. I don't want you. I never wanted you. You're disgusting and trashy. I don't want a woman who will sleep with anything and has no respect for themselves. Stop flirting with me. It just makes you look even more pathetic. I got drunk once and had a weak moment years ago. Let it the f**k go, Roxane. And leave me the hell alone."

"Okay, Teo. Your lost asshole" Roxane leaves as I release her from my grasp. Hopefully she finally gets the message.

"I thought you never rode the Roxane train?" Ricci asked me as I finally made my way to the guys.

"I didn't. She sucked my d**k once but that was it. She wanted to have s*x but I couldn't." Ricci and Tony laughed.

"It's not that great of a ride anyways, Teo. Ask Ricci, he would know." Tony said while elbowing Ricci in the side playfully.

"What? She's easy. What do you expect? I don't like a challenge."

"And that's why you'll get chlamydia again." I said causing Ricci to spit out his coffee and Tony to bust out laughing.

"It was one time!" Ricci proclaimed.

"It only takes one time genius." Tony says still laughing.

"What's so funny?" Someone asked from behind. I turn to look and see Marco finally showed up at the warehouse.

"Glad you'll finally be able to join us. What's been keeping you busy lately?" Ricci asked Marco.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." He responds.

"Well now that everyone's here, let's finish the interrogation and kill this fucker. I'd like to be done sooner rather than later." I said towards the men. They all agree and we start to head back down to the holding cells.

It had been a few hours since Tony had patched the prisoner up so he had some time to adjust to his new injuries. After we clean the wounds, we let them rest before we continue the torture. By doing this, we sometimes make the prisoners think they have a chance to survive even though we all know death is imminent. Just a matter of time before we finish them off.

Making our way towards the cell, I noticed it was awfully quiet. Usually, there are sounds of scuffling, painful moans, or something alerting us that someone was in custody and in the area.

We turned the corner and eventually realized why it was so eerily quiet. The man who could give us the information we desperately needed had his throat sliced with dry blood all around him. Someone killed him before he could talk.

"Who else has been down here, Tony?!" I yell not taking my eyes off of the dead body in the cell.

"No one, Teo. I patched him up and he was alive when I left him a few hours ago. I could have sworn I locked the door behind me."

"Well apparently you didn't and now we can't get any more information out of him! Check the security cameras. Figure out who's been down here. And you can tell Lorenzo how you f****d up!" I stormed out of the room and out of the building. I was heated and needed to be alone. Lorenzo is going to be furious once he hears what happened.