The Mafia Boss's First Love

Chapter 09

IN FRONT OF THE MANOR, all members of the Senza had gathered—from the underbosses to the various associate leaders—waiting with bated breath for Elijah’s words.

Standing directly behind him were Vito, Taddeo, Casimiro, and Lorenzo.

“I have called all of you here today to issue a final warning,” Elijah declared, his voice devoid of any emotion, cold and sharp. “Anyone who dares to abandon the Senza through betrayal will face the death penalty, without exception. There is no room for termites in this organization—no one will be allowed to undermine me or my leadership. Not now, and not ever.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Questions hung heavy in the air—had a traitor been discovered within their ranks? Why else would their boss issue such a stern warning?

“Bring Tieves forward,” Elijah ordered, his gaze shifting to Lorenzo.

Immediately, the men dragged Saul into view. His wounds had been treated, but his presence alone sparked a fresh wave of whispers among the crowd.

“Il Capo, did Tieves betray the organization?” one man dared to ask.

Elijah turned his sharp eyes toward Saul, who stood with his head bowed in shame.

“Twinnie, look,” Taddeo whispered to Casimiro from behind. “Il Capo didn’t kill him. It seems he intends to humiliate him in front of everyone instead.”

“Humiliation is not Il Capo’s way,” Casimiro replied seriously. “For betrayal, there is only one price… and that price is death. There is a reason he is still breathing.”

Taddeo nodded, about to ask more when his phone suddenly buzzed. Seeing the caller ID, he excused himself. “I’ll be right back, Twinnie.”

As Taddeo stepped away, another voice rose from the crowd. “What shame has Tieves brought upon us, Il Capo? And why is he still alive?”

“Tieves was harmed by Congressman Dimaano simply because he is one of mine,” Elijah announced, shocking everyone present. Saul lifted his head, eyes wide—Elijah was not exposing his treason; he was shielding him. “Mark my words: in the future, if any enemy dares to lay a hand on my people, there will be no mercy. You have Senza Pietà—use that power and those connections to crush whoever stands against us.”

“Dismissed.”

Elijah turned on his heel, leaving the courtyard to head toward their next destination: the residence of Congressman Dimaano.

“Il Capo!” Saul called out, rushing to follow him. He bowed deeply, tears glistening in his eyes. “Thank you… I swear, my loyalty belongs to you and Master Casimiro until my dying breath!”

“I do not need promises that are meant to be broken,” Elijah said coldly. “I need you to show me. Earn your place again.”

“Yes, Il Capo!”

“If you are ready, let us go save your daughter.” Elijah began walking again until he reached Vito and the others.

“The soldiers we selected are ready, Il Capo,” Lorenzo reported.

Elijah scanned the group, his brows furrowing slightly. “Where is your twin, Miro?”

“Someone called him,” Casimiro answered.

“Let us move,” Lorenzo said with a smirk. “Penecarte the First will catch up. We shouldn’t waste time letting that bastard Dimaano enjoy another moment of his life.”

“The cars are ready, Penelton,” Vito informed him.

Without another word, Elijah marched toward the waiting convoy. Vito, Casimiro, and Lorenzo followed suit, along with Saul. As they reached the side gate, Elijah’s steps halted.

There, standing near the entrance, was Taddeo.

“Is that your f*****g twin, Miro?” Elijah muttered.

They all looked toward the gate. Taddeo had his back turned, seemingly speaking to someone.

“Hey! Penecarte the First! What the hell are you doing there?!” Lorenzo shouted.

Taddeo turned around—and as he did, a figure stepped out from behind him.

Elijah’s heart slammed violently against his ribs.

Did I just see her?

Taddeo walked toward them, dragging the person he was talking to by the arm.

“Wait… is that Silas?” Vito asked, recognizing the figure as they drew near.

Elijah couldn’t look away. There she was—Samara—partially hidden behind Taddeo’s large frame, looking smaller than usual but undeniably present.

“Il Capo—”

“—TIEVES!”

Samara’s voice cut through the air. She rushed out from behind Taddeo and straight toward Saul, her eyes filled with urgency. Elijah watched her every movement, his gaze intense, while Vito and the others exchanged knowing looks, observing their boss’s reaction.

Samara grabbed both of Saul’s hands. Saul looked surprised by the gesture, but Elijah’s eyes dropped to where their skin touched, a dark emotion swirling within him.

“I’m so sorry, Tieves!” she exclaimed breathlessly. “I didn’t know the reason you were meeting that congressman secretly was because of your daughter! If I had known… if I had only known sooner, I never would have reported you to Taddeo. I would have helped you!”

“You don’t need to apologize, Silas,” Saul said gently. “It was your duty to report what you saw. I knew you would tell Sir Taddeo, which is why I made sure to meet in places you would find me.”

Samara was about to reply when suddenly, a presence loomed between them. Elijah stepped forward, inserting himself between the two, forcing Samara to release her hold on Saul instinctively.

“Leave us,” Elijah commanded.

Without question, Vito ushered everyone into the vans. Taddeo guided Saul inside, leaving only Samara and Elijah standing alone in the quiet of the night.

“What are you doing at my manor?” Elijah asked, his voice low and dangerous. “Associate members are not permitted—”

“—I know that, Mr. Penelton!” she interrupted quickly, meeting his gaze bravely. “But please… let me come with you. I want to help save Tieves’ daughter.”

“Why do you need to go?” Elijah challenged, jealousy lacing his tone. “Is it just to help him? Or do you fancy that man, even though he already has a daughter?”

Samara shook her head frantically, waving her hands in denial. “No! That’s not it! I judged him wrong! I thought he was betraying the organization for his own gain, but it was for his child. You did the right thing not killing him, Mr. Penecarte. As a father, he put his daughter first—anyone would understand—”

“—you talk too much,” Elijah cut her off sharply. “I will not allow you to come. You are merely an associate. Return to the club and do your duty there.”

He turned to get into his car, but a soft hand grabbed his arm, stopping him dead in his tracks.

A strange current seemed to pass through his skin at her touch. He didn’t push her away.

“Please let me come, Mr. Penelton,” she pleaded. “I promise I won’t be a burden just because I’m an associate. I can fight, and you know that!”

“You are still a woman. And just an associate,” he stated, though internally, he was confused why he hadn’t pulled his arm away yet.

“Don’t underestimate me!” she fired back. “Yes, I am a woman, but I am strong. I just want to be useful, even if I’m not an official member. Let me come with you. I know I have no right to ask—”

“—then become part of my under wing,” Elijah interrupted, his voice dropping an octave. “Do that, and you will have a say in matters like this. It is a privilege I am offering you.”

Samara blinked, slowly removing her hand from his arm. “I… I will think about it. But can’t I choose to be under one of the twins instead? Why does it have to be you? Mr. Penelton… I’m not worth it to be under your wing—”

“—my under wing is your only option,” he said firmly, leaving no room for argument. He saw she wanted to say more, but she bit her lip and held back.

“Fine. I will think about it. But for now… please just let me come with you tonight.”

Elijah felt a strange, secret satisfaction bloom in his chest at the thought of her belonging to him.

“I’ll give you one week to decide.”

“What? Only one week?!” she protested as he opened the rear door of his luxury car.

“Get inside.”

“H-Huh? I’m riding with you? Can’t I just go in the van with Taddeo and—”

“—there is no space for you there,” Elijah lied smoothly. He couldn’t stand the thought of her squeezed inside a vehicle full of rough men. “If you want to come, get in. Or stay here.”

Samara had no choice. She slid into the backseat. Elijah closed the door gently, walked around the car, and got in beside her.

“Let’s go.”

The engine roared to life. The car pulled out first, followed by the vans carrying Vito and the soldiers.

They were heading straight for Congressman Dimaano, ready to deliver a surprise visit. The man had no idea that death was already knocking on his door.