Obsessed with Darkness

Chapter - 4

 Avalana's POV

"Go ahead shoot me. You are the reason my brother is a f*****g criminal." I yelled poking my gun into his chin due to my short height.

"At one flick of his hand my gun flew away and he tugged me forward aggressively and turned me so I was pressed up against his strong chest.

"Let me go asshat." I hopelessly struggled against him.

"No can do neonata (baby girl)." He whispered in my ear making shivers go down my spine. His strong veiny arms on my body felt like hot pan.

I blushed involuntarily like a ripe tomato and thrashed more against his hold. "Don't try anything reckless again." He whispered again in his rich Italian tone and pushed me forward to my cousin. I immediately went to my gun and picked it up before anyone could snatch it away from me.

Every single man present was watching me like I'm some kind of a lunatic to point the gun at their boss and twice and throw a fit.

I was pulled away roughly towards the car by anthony. He threw me in and locked all the doors. I pouted and slumped on the seat.

I watched as he got engaged in a heated conversation with the boss man. From the looks of it he was frustrated while boss man was as cool as a cucumber. He glanced in my direction only to receive a middle finger from me.

He smirked in pure amusement before he turned towards Anthony and spoke a few words. I was curious to hear what they were talking but I had no choice but to seat in the damn car. Even the windows of this stupid car were controlled by the key.

Moments later Eli and Anthony came and sat in. I wasn’t in the mood to talk so I began to play on my phone.

"What the f**k did I tell you about not doing anything reckless Avalana." Anthony shouted out of nowhere making me jump.

"Don't yell. Maybe you guys are his lapdogs but I'm not. And I'm not afraid of bunch of goons." I screamed.

"I almost lost my life because of you and your stupid boss Anthony, so do not tell me what to do. I don't take orders from you." I cried. " I want to go home."

He clenched his jaw and looked forward. "You are not going anywhere until this mess is sorted." He said coldly.

"You can't stop me." I said in disbelief.

"I'll lock you in a room if I have to but I won't compromise your safety, Ava. You are safest with me and the Morettis." He spoke.

"You can't be serious. You are not my dad Anthony. I'm going back to the States first thing in morning." I said and crossed my arms.

"Ava don't compel me to be harsh on you. I got you in this mess and I'll get you out of it." He said.

“Yeah, you f****d up big time brother. How can you even expect me to trust you to keep me safe? I don’t f*****g wish to get myself involved with your criminal life any more than I am right now.” I spat in disgust.

Anthony punched the glove compartment in rage. I flinched. No one said anything after that. Eli kept driving silently. First, we went to the safe house to collect our belongings; more like they forced me to. And again, after a two-hour drive, we entered a huge property.

A gate twice the size of safe house opened for us. It was equipped with two security cameras on each side. As soon as we entered two guards checked the underside of vehicle. They were heavily armed. After clearance they let us pass.

"This is ridiculous." I exclaimed, gawking at the security measures.

"You cannot be too careful in mafia.” Eli said driving into the concrete path. Beautiful green garden surrounded the property with many beautiful flowers. After a minute we parked in front of a giant water fountain with four Angels carved intricately on four sides and water coming out of their mouth.

I stepped out and gasped at the ridiculously big mansion in front of me. The six-storey mansion was a beautiful modern architecture. The green gardens around the structure gave it an enchanted look. I was in love. The property was heavily guarded. Big scary armed guards patrolled the property continuously. There were rotating security cameras everywhere. This was more like a fortress.

"Come." Anthony sighed. "And please refrain yourself from doing any impulsive stunts this time." He pleaded. I nodded for him to calm down.

We stepped in front of a big cherrywood door and Eli ringed the bell.

Adrian opened the door and grinned when he saw me. "Boss lady." He mocked and saluted. Confused I looked at all of them.

Anthony tugged my hand and led me inside. The inside of house was even more amazing. It looked like an ancient museum with various antiques and framed photos of mafiosi.

Anthony dragged me to a big living room with black U-shaped leather sofa. "Wait here. I have some business with boss. And don't do anything stupid please." He said and after a nod from me he disappeared where we came from.

I looked around the room. It was very big with a giant fireplace, 72-inch LED TV on top of it. A big wooden coffee table was placed in front of sofa and a soft grey rug covered the floor.

I went to the big sliding window to my left and observed the outdoors of the mansion.

"-till then you guys should stay in the mansion." That deep voice came from the entrance.

I turned to find my cousin and boss man in the room. His eyes fixated on me although he was talking to me cousin. I uncomfortably walked to them.

"I understand." My cousin sighed.

"What's going on?" I asked looking at two men.

"We will be moving in for few days.” Anthony answered.

"WHAT THE f**k? No." I squealed.

"Avala-"he began but I cut him off.

"Anthony no. I'm not here to live with bunch of criminals. I came here to study. I have my classes in four days." I said. Both of them clenched their jaws. Anthony sighed while boss man just glared.

"Look we are still under the threat. And Vincenzo kindly offered us his home. We will stay here for couple days until the things cool down a bit, then you can start your classes. Until then we have to stay low. And this is the best option we have." He informed me.

"Whose Vincenzo?!" I asked in confusion.

They both looked at me as if I had grown six heads.

"That'd be me neonata." The boss man said.

"How am I supposed to know that" I snapped. "And there is no way I’m staying here."

"You don't have a choice baby girl. Your cousin already agreed." Vincenzo said flashing me a mocking grin. His eyes remained cold. I swear they are the eyes of Satan.

"Ava please. Don't fight me on this." Anthony sighed.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm in this mess because of you in first place. Don’t expect me to be his lapdog like you." I gritted out.

Vincenzo’s nostrils flared in anger.

"I will stay in hotel if I have to and go to the academy. I came to Italy for the course. And no one can stop me." I said.

Anthony was about to protest but Vincenzo stopped him. “You are a stubborn little girl but that stubbornness will get you killed in this situation. It will be better for everyone if you listen and obey.”

I gawked at the irritating human being in front of me. "What the f**k is that supposed to mean?! You can't stop me from taking my course."

"I can. Because you are in my territory and what I say goes here. It'll be in your best interest if you be a good girl and obey my instructions instead of pissing me off." He glared.

I took slow steps towards him mustering my best resting b***h face.

"First of all, I'm not your pet to obey you, you asshole, so do not try to control me. And secondly f**k. You."

With that being said I stormed off. Before I could even set my foot outside the living room I was yanked back.

"I like your fire kitten but now it's starting to tick me off. That smart mouth of yours will get you into big trouble if you keep this up.” he said in my ear rubbing his nose up and down. He squeezed my hands painfully and I hissed in pain.

"Now. Anthony will show you to your room. Your belongings have already been kept in there." He said and released me. Once he was good couple of feet apart I took in the much needed breath. That man made me breathless.

"D-don't ever t-touch me again." I stuttered like a damn vimp. He smirked knowing that he was successful in making me lose my cool. I groaned and looked at my brother.

They nodded at each other like robots. Anthony took me my room which was equal to a size of an apartment.

A large King-sized canopy bed was pushed up in the middle with a large tv in front. Left of the room was a big balcony with sliding glass doors and thick curtains. Right was the closest and a big bathroom with a giant tub, shower cubicle and whole wall mirror. The walls light cerulean blue and bedsheets were blue and grey pillows. A sofa set was kept near the adjacent wall. The bathroom was themed black just like back at Anthony's. The balcony had two resting chairs and a small table. A small nightstand beside the bed with water jug and two glasses.

"Who needs room this big?!" I questioned out loud.

I didn't even realise Anthony left without saying a word. I sighed looking at my luggage.

"I guess it's time to unpack. Again."

It took me sometime to unpack but once it was done the room looked somewhat like it was mine.

This mansion was beautiful no doubt but it lacked that homely touch. It felt lonely and empty. Oh, and it belonged to that infuriating stranger so I felt like a prisoner kept in a fancy prison.

I was hungry so I went out in search of kitchen. I went on first floor. There was no one in sight.

I decided to go opposite of living room and bumped into a maid. "Umm excuse me so you know where the kitchen is?" I asked.

The maid simply pointed in the direction I was going and scurried off.

Weird.

When I entered the kitchen all the men except for Vincenzo were sitting on the dining table conversing among themselves. As soon as they saw me the talking ceased completely and everyone began to scrutinize me.

"What?" I blurted out loud at their behaviour.

"Are all the men weird in this house?!" I asked throwing my hands in the air.

Adrian was first one to smile at my retort.

"It's not every day that have a female living in this house so everyone is a little baffled that's all." He chuckled.

I just glared at them and sat down. Everyone went back to their conversations except that Luciano guy. He kept staring at me as if trying to figure something out.

I tried to ignore it and took a plate. The table was full with various delicacies and my mouth watered. I quickly filled my plate with few French toasts and Risotto along with some salad.

But he continued to stare. Annoyed by the constant eyes on me I looked up and raised a brow at him. He was handsome. But not as much as Vincenzo.

ugh! I really need to get out of this house. I sighed at my thoughts.

"How did he let you go?!" He enquired out of blue.

"Huh?" Was my dumb reply.

"My brother. Vincenzo. How did he let you go after you punched him in the face and pointed a gun at him?! The people who did that are in their graves." He said casually confused.

The piece of French Toast fell out of my mouth after listening to his casual remark.

"What do you mean?" I asked with widened eyes.

"You really don't know who my brother is do you?!" He chuckled. Mind you he looked like a complete psychopath.

"Um, no?" I questioned in rhetorical manner.

His chuckling continued making me instantly annoyed again.

"Am I supposed to know who your brother is?!" I glowered at him.

He just smirked and went on eating his food ignoring me completely. I looked at Eli and Anthony. Neither of them would look into my eyes. I felt a little guilty for exploding at them like that but in my defence, I was caught off-guard and so many things happened which overwhelmed me.

I ate my food in silence and ignored the annoying man. Suddenly everyone stood up making me look up from my plate. Vincenzo aka Satan walked into the dining room and sat at the head of the table. His presence changed the atmosphere of whole room. I could feel the temperature drop a few degrees because of his cold expressions. One look at that man and you knew he was not the one to be f****d with. One glare could make you pee your pants. Those eyes of his were enough to send you running to the hills. Yet somehow, I found it funny to tease him and get him worked up. I was aware I was inviting my early demise but it was still fun nonetheless.

I just ignored everyone and continued eating. As expected, I felt his intense stare in the side of my head. I looked at him and sarcastically spoke with food in my mouth.

"What?! Am I supposed to bow to you? Your highness." I rolled my eyes.

His glare intensified of possible. But who was he kidding?! I was not his lapdog to cower away at his scary eyes. So instead, I ate my food not giving a flying f**k.

"Finally, you have someone that could challenge you brother." Luciano mocked.

Vincenzo ignored him and continued to glare at me making my heart go wild. The flashbacks of how he held me twice this day plagued my mind making me hot and bothered.

The maids quietly served the food to men and dispersed. I practically gobbled up my food, desperate to get away from those dangerous eyes and hurried into my room.

Once I was in the safe walls of my room, I blew out a breath. Beads of sweat rolled off my forehead, but from fear or something else that I didn't know.

All day I watched Netflix on the TV tucked into the warm covers.

At the dinner table I ignored everyone and finished my food in record time before the devil came in. Everyone watched me play hide and seek in amusement.

Once again I was safe from his treacherous eyes. They kept flashing in my mind making me uncomfortable. Pushing the thoughts of Satan away I changed into cotton shorts and my bra. I didn't like to sleep with much cloths on. The minimal the better. I locked the door and slipped under the thick covers on the fluffy bed. The amount of comfort that bed provided me sent me sprawling into the sleep within moments.

Hot. I felt hot.

I felt hot air on the side of my face. It tickled so I turned. This time I felt warm. I snuggled into it more letting a sigh of content.

Wait...

Warm?!

I jerked awake and frantically looked around. Someone was hovering over me. A big warm hand clasped onto my mouth before I could yell bloody murder.

"Calm down kitten it's me." That sensual deep voice blessed my ears. Million tingles erupted on my skin.

He was close. So close. If I raised myself a little, I would be touching his face. The room feel small despite of it being enormous. His domineering presence stole oxygen from my lungs. I was freaking out inside.

What if he murders me now and burns my body in forest?! No one would know.

"What the f**k are you doing here? And how did you get in?" I hissed.

He gave me a look.

"Of course, it's your house so you have key to every room." I muttered sarcastically.

He flashed me an evil grin.

"Why are you here?" I asked again looking into his eyes.

"You love to tease me kitten." He stated huskily nuzzling his face into my neck and inhaled my scent like a dog.

"So?" I asked trying to be unfazed by his actions.

"I told you your smart mouth will get you into trouble." He said breathing into my neck. My breath hitched.

"Now you face the consequences." He said rubbing my naked waist. I realised I was only in my bra and a dark blush spread onto my face. His heated body pressed into me more taunting me. With a squeak I pushed him off me.

"S-stop. Don't play games with me Vincenzo. Leave" I said covering up my half naked body.

"Not so smart now kitten?!" He mocked observing me.

"Just leave." I pathetically ordered him.

"What did I say about this being my house kitten. I'll come and go as I please. You cannot stop me although it's cute that you are trying." He chuckled.

I scowled at him pointing to the door. My heart rate was thousand miles per hour.

"Until next time Bambino (baby)." He whispered and just like that he disappeared into the darkness.

I was a hot mess. That night I had a hard time going back to sleep. Satan and his touch tormented my thoughts all night long.

The sun rose up in sky after an awfully long night and I couldn't be more thankful. I quickly got up and got ready. Like yesterday night my plan was to have a quick breakfast before anyone comes down and hide for rest of the day.

So, I walked down. As I came at the bottom of stairs, I heard my cousin's voice. I decided to eavesdrop.

Classic I know!!

"She's so upset. I don't know what to do." I could hear him sigh in defeat.

"Give her some time fratello (brother). It's a hard pill to swallow. The news hit her out of nowhere. I'm sure whatever she said was out of heat of the moment." I heard another voice whom I assume was Felix.

I didn't hear my brother's reply so I decided to leave before I got caught. I turned around only to slam myself into a strong chest.

“Ow.” I moaned rubbing my nose.

"You know it's not nice to eavesdrop kitten."

Of course, it had to be him out of all the people.

I groaned in annoyance. "I wasn't eavesdropping. I was passing by and words fell onto my ears."

"Sure kitten." He sarcastically drawled out. We both knew I was lying.

"Stop calling me kitten you sexy idiot." I said rather dumbly and then realised what I said.

"Oh so you find me sexy. I'm enthralled. Kitten." His usually blank eyes twinkled like Christmas lights.

"Aarrrgghh I can't deal with you right now. Move.” I shoved him and headed towards kitchen.

My plans to avoid him were completely ruined so I might as well enjoy my breakfast.

"I'm gonna kill that Italian devil. No, I'm gunna torture and then kill that Italian devil." I muttered while angrily shoving spoonful of cereals in my mouth.

"Who you planning to kill pumpkin?" Eli asked taking a seat on my left.

"No one." I growled and shoved a piece of bacon in my mouth, pissed.

“Who eats bacon with cereal?!” Eli chuckled looking at my plate.

 “I do. Got any problem with that?!” I exploded.

 “woah. Calm down. I did not mean to upset you.” He looked my me with wide eyes. I snorted and went back to my food.

Anthony, Luciano, Vincenzo, Felix and Adrian and two other men entered the dining hall.

I motioned Anthony to sit beside me. He was confused as first but complied.

"You settled in well?" He attempted to talk.

"Meh." I made a face.

“I understand.” He said gently and sighed.

"Can we talk after the breakfast. I cannot stand this tension between us anymore. Bring Eli too" I said quietly to him.

He gave me a nod and filled his plate.

I felt Vincenzo's stare at me and I blushed recalling yesterday night. I made a mistake of looking into his eyes. Satan was grinning in satisfaction. I instantly averted my eyes and ate my breakfast making a light conversation with Elijah.

The boys left the table one by one. Anthony left too after giving me an affirmative nod. I helped the maids in cleaning despite their protests. I'll go mad if I don't do anything. As I walking to my room Vincenzo came out of the room directly in front of mine.

"That's your room?" I asked.

"Sì(yes)"he said and took a step forward compelling me to take a step back.

"So your hide and seek is over?" He teased. I looked at him completely confused for few moments before I remembered yesterday's dinner. I was embarrassed and annoyed.

"One moment you are all Brave pointing gun and me and next you are hiding from me. Why kitten?" He asked looking so deeply into my eyes.

"I don't know maybe because you give me not so good vibes?" I sassed.

He didn’t utter a word but leaned in closer. Unintentionally I flinched a bit.

He hummed. "Do I intimidate you baby girl?" He asked tucking my hair behind my ear.

I felt so small in front of him. His large calloused hand cupped my cheek making me blush red.

"Answer me kitten.” He whispered leaning into me. I closed my eyes not wanting to look into his hypnotic ones.

"N-no." I whispered now losing all of my confidence.

"Your body tells me a different story." He breathed out.

A shaky breath left my mouth as I dared to open my eyes. His face was directly in front of me giving me a chance to observe his features up-close.

I noticed a small scar near his right eyebrow. His nose was slightly crooked. No sign of black eye bags under his gorgeous eyes. And his eyes, they were a unique shade of grey with blue specs; pupils dilated. For several moments I kept looking into those mysterious orbs. His lips so full and ready to be kissed. I suddenly yearned for a taste. A slight stubble graced his face giving him a sexy rugged look. His hair looked to soft I wanted to run my hands through it feeling it’s softness.

At that moment I wanted to forget everything and just press my lips onto his. I probably would've if he wouldn't have spoken.

"You look like you are going to jump at me any moment kitten." He smirked, his face expressions turning arrogant and amusement dancing in those eyes.

And just like that my trance was broken and a scowl plastered on my face.

"In your dreams kitten." I mocked him and quickly ran into my room and locked it.

My heart was f*****g pounding. I was about to kiss that arrogant criminal.

"What the f**k is wrong with you Ava?!" I muttered and sat on bed.

I was in middle of calming myself and someone knocked on the door. My heart went in frenzy again. I won't be able to handle another encounter with Satan.

Opening the door carefully I signed in immense relief when I saw my cousin and Eli were standing there and not him.

Because of him I forgot I asked them to come and talk.

"Were you expecting someone else?" Eli grinned.

"No." I scowled and opened the door wider for them to enter. We all sat on the sofa.

No one said a word. I sighed at the awkwardness and decided to rip the bandage off.

"I'm sorry.” I said and fiddled with my fingers. I could feel their shocked gazes on my face.

"Whatever I said to you was not right. The attack wasn't your fault. If anything, you saved my life. I should've been grateful but I couldn't handle everything thrown at me. So, I'm sorry and thank you." I said raising my eyes at them.

I recalled Anthony's words from morning. I felt so guilty. I hated it.

"It's okay little bird. We understand." Anthony said. "You were thrown in chaos abruptly. I don't blame you. But I'm glad we are okay now." Anthony said and smiled.

"Yes. So now we are good can we go on a date?!" Eli grinned. I rolled my eyes while Anthony kicked him in shin making him whine.

"So, what do you exactly do in mafia?" I asked curiously.

They both seemed hesitant and awkward. "We are the capos and snipers." Eli said.

"Capos? What's that?" I asked curious for more.

"We come third in hierarchy. First is the leader then the underboss and then capos." Anthony said. He looked really uncomfortable.

"Oh, so Vincenzo is underboss?" I asked.

"No." Eli deadpanned.

"Then?" I probed.

"He's the leader. The boss of Italian mafia." He said.

"What?! I thought the boss would be some old fat grandpa." I gawked at them. They both chuckled at me.

It's true. Since the day I found out about mafia I thought the boss would be some fat old man with stick in ass who used others to do his dirty deeds and enjoyed the power alone. Never in my dreams I thought that a sexy, dominant dangerous young man is the leader of the organisation.

"Not only he is the leader of cosa nostra he is the crowned as the mafia king." Anthony continued.

"What is cosa nostra? And what do you mean by mafia king?" I asked getting more puzzled.

"Cosa Nostra is the name for Sicilian Italian mafia. And by mafia king I mean he is the most ruthless of them all. Many leaders ruled the mafia through generations but none of them did what Vincenzo has. He took over at the age of twenty-three and within a year he was the most powerful of them all. Hence others recognise him as the king now. It's an earned title." He said proudly. The huge respect these boys carried for their King shined through their words.

Another realisation hit me and my eyes almost fell out. "I was teasing a mafia king. The most powerful man in while Europe if not in whole world." My heartrate sped up.

Then the pieces stuck together. I recalled Luciano's words. God I was so f*****g stupid.

"Are you okay? Ava?" Anthony asked taking my hand in his.

"Yeah." I said sighing. I was really lucky I was still breathing.

But why?

Good question.

"There's something we need to tell you." Eli said. I motioned him to go on.

"You have to sign omertà." He said.

"Now what the f**k is that?" I asked annoyed. This mafia thing is so complicated.

"It's a code of silence. By signing it you are agreeing that you won't give the evidence to police or any other person outside the mafia if ever caught or asked to. You'll remain silent no matter what." Elijah said becoming serious in fraction of a moment.

My eyes widened again. "And what if I broke it?" I asked dreading the answer.

Both hesitated for a moment until Anthony spoke. "You'll be killed by cosa nostra."

"THE f**k?!" I roared. "I will not sign away my life on some piece of paper."

"You don't have to sign right away. Just think about it." Anthony said getting up. They both exited my room after giving me a last glance.

How did I get tangled up in this f*****g mess?!

I decided to go to the gardens to free my mind. As I was walking to the stairs a maid stopped me.

"Signore (sir) has requested your presence in his office. I'm here to take you to him." She said with lowered head.

"Who?" I asked.

"Singnore Vincenzo." she said. Dread consumed me.

What does the Satan want now?!?!