Mafia Born

Chapter Four: Pool Day Part 1

**Teo's POV**

For some strange reason, sleep was not on the agenda for me last night. I kept tossing and turning thinking about the exquisite beauty across the hall. I shouldn't be thinking this way about Enzo's daughter but I can't help myself. I was bewitched the moment I saw her and I don't think that's going to change anytime soon.

I turn over to see the sun is already up and I had a few missed calls from Enzo. It's too early for this I thought to myself. I pick up my phone and dial boss man to see what the problem could be this time.

"Enzo, good morning. I noticed you called. What's going on?"

"How is she? What does she look like? Did she see the house? Has she met Rose? What's the plan for today?" I removed the phone my ear, checked the time, and rolled my eyes.

"Boss man, it's only 8:00 in the morning over here. Too early for that many questions. But she's doing just fine. She's still sleeping. I'm sure Rose will be waking her up soon and telling her the rules you have for her while she's here. Rose met her last night after she got settled. She loves her room by the way." I could here Enzo sigh through the phone.

"Good. I should be back around 6:00 this evening. Please make sure Veronica isn't too bored before I get there. And for the love of God, don't tell her I'm the f*****g Don! I heard Marco almost slipped up yesterday. If anyone else f***s up, they're dead!" I had no idea what Marco did yesterday but I'm not surprised he messed up. Marco hasn't been himself lately. He's getting lazy and in our line of work, and we can't afford any mistakes.

"You have my word, Enzo. I'll keep an eye on her and make sure she's not bored. I think you forgot how great I am with entertaining women."

"Don't you even f*****g think about it, Teo! You may be my right hand but I won't hesitate putting a bullet in your skull. Off limits!!"

I chuckled and that didn't help Enzo's mood at all.

"Stop laughing, dipshit. That's my only daughter you're talking about. Off limits. End of discussion."

"I wouldn't dream of it man. I know the rules. I won't touch your daughter." At least not yet, I said to myself.

"Good!" And with that, Enzo hung up the phone and I was still laughing at how easy it is to get Enzo mad. He's been on edge ever since he found out Veronica would be traveling over here to meet him.

The day Enzo found out the love of his life died was one of the hardest days for all of us. Emma Wolfe was his best friend, partner, and soulmate. Their love story was something that you only read in fairy tales. Two households at war with each other, a forbidden romance, and unfortunately death.

I tossed my phone back on the nightstand and rolled over to get a couple more hours of sleep before I start babysitting today.

I'm woken again when I heard someone knocking on the door across the hall. I crack my door open slightly to see Rose standing at Veronica's door holding a tray of food. I shake my head thinking how many years Rose has been waiting to see little Veronica again. However, Veronica was not so little anymore. Instead, she was a full grown woman and Enzo will have his hands full keeping the boys away from her.

"Psssttt! Rose!" I whispered loudly to get her attention.

"Oh, good morning Teodoro! Everything okay?"

"Toss me a piece of toast before you take the tray in there please." Rose rolls her eyes and walks over to me still carrying the tray.

"Only because I made extra will I allow you to grab some toast. Any word from Lorenzo?"

"He said he should be here around 6:00 tonight. So I guess it's a formal dinner meeting tonight with the whole family." I smirk to myself thinking how tonight could possibly play out. I think Rose noticed and smacked me on the back of the head.

"Stop it right now, Teodoro. Tonight will be perfect. No fights. No arguments. Just great food cooked by me of course, great company, and a lovely family reunion."

"You do know you're cooking for the Italian Mafia and a room full of mostly testosterone driven men right??" Rose was not amused.

"I'm going to see if Veronica wants to enjoy the pool today. Maybe you should join her?" Again, my thoughts were taken else where thinking about Veronica in a swimsuit or maybe even nothing at all. "You two would make cute babies." Rose smiled and returned back to Veronica's door knocking again.

"It's open!" I heard Veronica shout through the door. I watched as Rose slowly disappeared into her room and I quickly decided I was in the mood for a pool day.

I find my swim trunks, jump in the shower, and get ready for the day.

I head downstairs and out to the pool house only to be greeted by Marco and Luca near the pool bar. Of course those assholes would be out here already.

"Good Morning, Sunshine. You missed one hell of party last night." Marco grins at me.

"What are you talking about?" I asked not amused. Luca just laughs and pours himself another drink.

"Little one joined us in the lounge for games and drinks." Little one? Marco has a nickname already for Veronica? I don't like it. I clenched my fists and did everything in my power not to punch the smug look off his face.

"She's pretty good at Call of Duty. Kicked my ass a few times." Luca said now scrolling through his phone.

"That doesn't surprise me. She is her father's daughter. It's in her blood to be good with a gun whether it's real or in video games." I commented.

"Well I'm more interested to see what other kind of skills she has if you know what I mean?" Marco nudges me playfully with his elbow. Did this moron forget what I told him last night? I was about to give him a reminder when I noticed his jaw drop with whatever was happening behind me.

I turned around to see Veronica holding a towel in her hand dressed in a sexy black bikini.

"f**k me sideways and call me Sally. God damn. The Don's gonna have a hard time keeping the guys away." Luca said. I rolled my eyes and Marco shook his head in agreement.

"Let the fun begin fellas." Marco said as he pushed me out of the way headed towards Veronica.

"Little fucker." I mumbled. Luca just smiled at me.

"Good luck, Teo. Marco's on a mission regardless of what the Don says." I rolled my eyes and decided to watch the interaction in front of me.

"Good Morning Little one. Did you dream of me last night?" I heard Marco ask her. Immediately I noticed something wasn't right. Her body was tense and she backed away from him at first but Marco grabbed her so she wouldn't get too far from him. I pushed Luca out of the way and instantly went up to Veronica.

"Ready for a swim?" I asked Veronica not looking away. She was scared of Marco. You could see it in her eyes. He must have done something last night to make her feel uncomfortable and I was going to find out what.

"I was having a moment asshole." Marco mumbled to me so only I could hear.

"f**k off, Marco." I then pushed him aside and offered my hand to Veronica.

"Come with me, my lady and we shall get you all set up by the pool." Veronica blushed and slowly placed her hand in mine.

I held her hand and walked over closer to the pool area. I was taken back a little how Veronica was in no rush to let go of my hand. It felt nice actually and soothing.

Wait a second? Did I just say something felt nice and soothing? What is she doing to me? Why am I like some love sick puppy around her and I don't even know anything about her? I guess that's something I'm going to have to find out as well.

I walked Veronica over to the balcony that overlooked most of our territory. She runs out of my grip and heads to railing full of excitement.

"It's gorgeous out here. Just look at that view. I could get used to that. You can see all of Italy from here."

"That's one of the reasons your father bought this place. Not only does it have all the upgrades rich folk want, but it has the best view all around." I watched as Veronica scanned the valley looking at the many grape and pepper fields.

"Does my father own any vineyards?" Veronica asked still admiring the view.

"He owns a few actually." Veronica looks at me with very shocked eyes. "I take it you like wine?"

"Guilty." Veronica giggled. " I can't help myself. I only like sweet wine though. Can't handle the dry stuff." I started to laugh.

"Nothing wrong with that. Wine is wine. I'll have to ask Rose bring out a bottle for tonight."

"Probably should grab two." Veronica sighs heavily.

"Nervous?" I asked. Veronica turns around and leans her back up against the railing facing the house.

"Extremely." I turn around and do the same.

"I think he's more nervous than you are." I watch as Veronica rolls her eyes.

"I highly doubt that." Veronica crosses her arms causing me to be distracted slightly by her chest. I think she caught me because she coughed breaking my concentration. "So we going swimming or what?"

"Oh, who said anything about we?" I smirked down at her and saw the confusion on her face. I quickly grabbed her and picked her up bridal style running straight to the pool.

"Don't you even think about it Teo. Put me down!" Veronica was laughing and smiling ear to ear. She was enjoying this just as much as I was. I got to the edge of pool and stopped. "Put me down you big ox!"

"Very well then." I then tossed Veronica in the pool. She let out a slight squeal before going under the water. I watched as she swam to the top and made her way over to where I was standing.

"That wasn't very nice." Veronica tried to appear mad but I couldn't take her seriously. She looks adorable when she's angry.

"In my defense, you told me to put you down. Just didn't say where exactly." Next thing I know, I'm getting pushed into the pool myself. I swim up to see Ricci walking towards the bar.

"Thanks Ricci!" Veronica yells over to him. He just gives her a thumbs up and keeps walking.

We spend the whole day at the pool. Swimming, talking, tanning, and the occasional drink or two.

"Alright everyone. Lorenzo will be here in a couple hours. No more pool time. Veronica, I can help you get ready if you like." Rose smiled towards her.

"I would love that Rose!" Veronica gets out the pool and I'm distracted once again by her beauty. How the water makes her bikini cling to every curve of her body. I swear I felt my heart skip a beat and felt all the blood rushing to my head. And not the head attached to my neck.

"Teodoro, could you and the other men clean up out here before returning into the house please?" Rose asked me.

"Of course. We will be in the house shortly." Rose disappeared into the house with Veronica closely behind.

"Ricci, did anything happen in the lounge last night between Marco and Veronica?" I asked.

"I'm not sure, Teo. Tony and I left before Marco and Luca did last night."

"Do me a favor and make sure Marco keeps his distance from her? I don't like the way he looks at her."

"Yes sir. I've noticed it too. What's his deal anyways?" I wish I knew how to answer that but I don't know what's wrong with him.

"I don't know but hopefully he snaps out of it. Enzo won't accept his attitude for much longer even if he's one of our best fighters."

Ricci and I cleaned up the pool area like Rose asked. Didn't take us too long and we were all inside getting everything ready for Enzo's return.

My phone rings and I look down to see Enzo is calling again.

"What's up boss man?"

"Just about to get into the car. Could we speak in the office privately before dinner starts?" I could sense the worry in his tone.

"Of course Enzo. Is everything okay?"

"It will be once this is all said and done. See you in 15." Then I heard the click of the phone.

I quickly head back up to my room and start to wash up for dinner. I decided to wear my traditional color, black. Black slacks, black button down, and slick my hair back to complete the look. I also decided to spray a bit of cologne cause why not right?

I step out into the hallway and overhear a conversation between Rose and Veronica.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Veronica. Just like your mother." Rose said.

"I miss her so much Rose. It just doesn't make sense." I could hear Veronica's voice crack slightly which pulled at my heart strings.

"What doesn't make sense dear?"

I wanted to stay and listen to what Veronica was about to say but Enzo sent me a message alerting to his arrival.

I swiftly made my way down the stairs and towards Enzo's office. To my surprise, he was already there sitting at his desk going over some documents.

"How was Paris?"

"Uneventful. Couldn't find any information about the cartels. I doubt they're even in France."

"I think we need to start looking closer." Enzo looked at me.

"What do you mean closer?"

"I think we should start our search here. Obviously it's someone from the valley or could even be someone on the inside." Enzo quickly jumped to his feet and banged hard on the desk. I thought he actually broke the desk for a moment.

"No one would dare cross me!" Enzo voice boomed through the room. He was furious.

"Of course no one would Lorenzo but we can't eliminate that option. Someone is after you and knows details about your life you've been trying to hide. It's a possibility."

Enzo let out a huff. "I know. You're right. I apologize for my outburst but I can't risk anything happening to Ronnie. I've kept her out of this for most of her life and now I have to bring her back in. I don't like it."

"I know and we will do everything we can to keep her safe. You have my word." Enzo looked at me like he was trying to figure something out.

"You'll be her personal bodyguard and tour guide while she's here. You're the only I trust with her. Unfortunately, I can't be there to show her the sights with work and all but I know you'll show her a good time."

I scratch the back of my head unsure of how I truly feel about the assignment. "I'm sure Tony or Ricci could do that. I could be more useful here."

Enzo shook his head no. "I disagree. You're the only one I want alone with her."

Alone with Veronica doesn't sound like a bad idea at first, but I don't know if I'll be able to behave myself. It's like I'm being tested or something and I don't know why.

"If that's what you want, I'll do it."

"Good." Enzo glances down at his watch and notices the time. "Let's head to the dining room. I'm sure dinner is almost done."

Both Enzo and I casually make our way to the dining room when Rose pulls me aside.

"I need you for a moment, Teodoro." She was grinning from ear to ear which meant she was up to something.

"Anything for you, Rose. What do you need? Need help fixing the table?"

"No, I need you to wait for Veronica at the bottom of the stairs. I don't think she knows where the dining room is and I have to get back to the food." I swear it's like Rose is trying to play matchmaker with Veronica and myself. Don't really think Enzo would like that very much.

"Of course I can do that. I'll see you in a few minutes." I place a gently peck on her cheek and head to the stairs.

It felt like forever standing there waiting for this girl to come down. I was scrolling through my phone when I heard the pitter patter of heels coming from the top of the stairs.

I glance up and had to do a double take to look at the magnificent beauty looking down at me.

Veronica was wearing a baby blue dress that barely reached her knees. I bet it made her ass look good. Can't really see it from this angle. Her hair was pulled back with a few pieces curled to frame her face. She had a little bit of makeup on but only to give some color to her lips and cheeks. Veronica catches me staring and blushes. I guess she's not used to this kind of attention.

I watch her every move as she elegantly makes her way down towards me. She keeps her eyes on her feet not wanting to fall. She gets to the last step and I noticed her foot slip and I rush up to catch her in my arms once again.

"We gotta stop meeting like this firecracker." I chuckle and so does she.

"I don't know. Maybe I like meeting like this." She looks at me and I want nothing but to taste her lips now for the first time. She has no idea what she's doing to me.

I lift her carefully and place both of her feet on the ground.

"Are you ready to meet your father, il mio petardo?" She looks at me with her big doe eyes obviously turned on by my Italian.

"Y-yes. I think I'm ready."

I offer my arm to her and she gladly accepts. Together we make our way to the dining room. As soon as we are about to enter, she tugs on my arm pulling me back.

"I don't think I can do this, Teo. I don't know why but I'm really really nervous all of a sudden." She's staring at the door and I can feel her start shaking.

"Hey..." I turn Veronica around to face me. "There's absolutely nothing to be nervous about. What happened to the spunky, outspoken, Veronica I met yesterday?"

She crosses her arms at me. "I'm still here."

"There you go. There's my firecracker. Remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable or want to leave, just tell Rose or myself and we will take care of you." I see her take a deep breath and shakes her head in agreement. "Don't worry, I'll be with you the whole time."

I pull the dining room open for Veronica and we both enter. I made sure to let go of her hand since I'm not trying to piss Enzo off. Scary Enzo wouldn't make a great first impression. Once we entered, you could smell the Italian food throughout the whole room. I go to head to my seat when Veronica pulls on my sleeve again.

"What's wrong, il mio petardo?" I whisper so only she can hear.

"Is that him?" She nods her head towards Enzo who's sitting at the head of the table. Enzo stands up and straightens his tie. I could tell he was more nervous than Veronica.

Once Enzo stood up, the rest of the men follow. Enzo cleared his throat before speaking.

"Welcome to the home country, Veronica." Enzo heads over to Veronica and embraces her in one of his well known bear hugs. She gives me look of pleading desperation and I try to hold back a grin.

Enzo then takes Veronica by the hand and leads her to her seat. I can already tell this is going to be an interesting dinner.