Heir’s Redemption

Chapter 36

VINNY’S POV

I’ve spent all morning making sure Sage’s birthday party was perfect. Even though she made the preparations and chose all the decorations, I was still worried something would go wrong.

I’ve been directing the decorators and caterers, making sure they prepared everything perfectly.

I even had some of my men help move things around in the ballroom that was the venue for Sage’s seventeenth birthday party.

The Mafia community and all of her friends from school were coming, not to mention the horny teenage boys who’ve had their eyes on my woman.

I wasn’t looking forward to this party, but I was just happy that we were celebrating her. We should honestly celebrate my woman more often—she’s special.

“Mock-tails and soda for everyone underage, then champagne for everyone else.” I advised the waitstaff.

They were dressed in black slats and white button ups with black vests on top. A string band was setup in the front of the ballroom, leaving room in the middle for dancing. Then a buffet style section was on the side of the grand ballroom. They were serving all kinds of food—Sage’s favorites.

A seven tiered pink cake with glitter sat off to the side, stealing the show. It was definitely Sage’s taste—everything pink and glittery, and super grand.

Guest’s started to pour into the ballroom as the clock got closer to eight o’clock. Sage would be arriving soon with Rowan and their families.

It was imperative that everything was ready before she arrived. It needed to be perfect because she was perfect and I just wanted this whole night to be perfect for her.

A loud crash sounded out as one of the cooks dropped an empty serving pan.

“Drop another pan and you’ll be f*****g fired!” I yelled out from across the room, making the man visibly pale before he picked it up and ran off.

My parents walked over with amused expressions on their faces.

“Vinny, honey.” My mother mused, “You gotta calm down, everything is alright.”

She was dressed in a long black gown that was of the finest silk. She looked like a queen—somebody fitting to have been the former Donna of the Italian Mafia.

“Mama.” I groaned, “I just want things to be perfect.”

My father chuckled as he pulled my mother into his arms.

“Nothing will ever be perfect, son.” My father advised, “Just relax and be there for the birthday girl. I’m sure she’s expecting a dance from you.”

I took a deep breath and nodded my head.

“Look at our heir.” My mother smiled, “So in love and such a good man.”

She reached out and grabbed my cheeks before tearing up. “You’ve grown up so much my beautiful baby boy.”

“Ma.” I complained as guests started to stare.

“I’m sorry.” She mused, “I just can’t help it.”

My father kissed her cheek before interlacing their fingers together. “Let’s leave him and go entertain our guests.”

“Yes, entertain.” My mother frowned, making me smirk.

My mother didn’t like to play nice, especially to people she didn’t like.

She hated entertaining the mafia community—especially since most of the people apart of this community were fake and couldn’t be trusted.

I was surprised at how smoothly business has been going between us.

I watched my parents walk off before more guests flooded into the ballroom. I checked my Rolex, seeing that it was two minute till eight.

Sage would be here any minute.

Large pink carnations were decorated around the room, along with pink wildflower centerpieces on every round table that surrounded the room. The lights were dimly lit as strings of fairy lights were strung up all over the place. A photo both sat at the back of the ballroom, along with costumes for the kids to dress up and take photos.

Everything looked amazing, I just hope Sage liked it.

Guests mingled around the ballroom while I grabbed a drink from the open bar. I downed my glass of scotch and avoided the men who wanted to talk business.

Tonight wasn’t about business, it was about Sage.

Teenage girls dressed in their best gowns and dresses, stared and drooled, thinking they could catch my eye.

As if.

The string band started to play the opening ceremony music, letting me know Sage was here.

The doors to the grand ballroom opened, uncovering Sage’s parents and her family.

Uncle Matteo and Aunt Keisha were dressed in their best designer garments as they led Sage into the ballroom. Jade was with them, wearing a revealing red gown. Rowan stepped in behind them wearing an emerald green gown, complimenting her big green doe eyes. Her fathers, Uncle Connor and Giuseppe, also stepped in beside her.

My eyes rested on the birthday girl and how sexy she looked.

She wore a baby-pink tube dress that clung to her figure like glue. It sparkled underneath the fluorescent lights with every step she took. Her long-taupe hair was straight and flowed down her back. Her face was covered with light makeup, bringing out her already gorgeous features.

The white heels on her feet made her short frame taller by several inches and the small silver tiara on her head was perfect.

It made her look like a princess—a mafia’s princess.

My heart swelled in pride, knowing she was mine.

She was f*****g mine!

My c**k pulsated as I continued to look at her. I admired the way her breasts sat so perfectly on her chest. I drooled over the way her curves were on display, along with her thick thighs and smooth bronze skin.

Fuck, she was so perfect.

Guests swarmed her—mostly girls her age, along with boys from her high school.

I gritted my teeth, seeing the way they looked at her. If they didn’t watch their eyes, I was gonna cut them out of their sockets.

I watched as people hugged her. She shared smiles and laughs, while I stood across the ballroom, watching every second of it.

My heart fluttered at the way her face lit up when she smiled. She had these small dimples on the side of her lips that would show every time she smiled.

God, she was so beautiful.

“You hit that yet?” Riccardo questioned from next to me, bringing me back to reality.

I didn’t even see him approach me.

“What?” I questioned.

“You hit that yet?” He asked again as he stared at Sage, “Everyone’s been trying to get a piece of her, but it seems that she only has eyes for you. I’m just wondering if I could borrow her when you’re done.”

My rage bursted out of me as I wrapped my hand around his throat and choked him.

“The f**k did you just say?!” I growled.

“I didn’t mean any disrespect.” He gasped for air, as his eyes widened the size of saucers.

“If I ever hear you say some dumb s**t like that again, I will f*****g kill you.” I threatened, “I don’t ever want to see you looking at her or near her for that matter. Am I f*****g clear?!”

He nodded his head the best he could as I continued to choke him.

I released him, knowing he got the message.

He scrambled away from me, while the rest of the room was staring at us and what just happened.

I smoothed down my suit jacket and twisted my face until there was no more emotion left.

Sage’s eyes met mine and I could see the worry in them. She was surrounded by a lot of people and they all wanted her attention.

I just gave her a small smile before walking off.

I needed a drink if I was gonna survive this night.

…

I watched as Sage moved around the ballroom, talking with every guest and showing her thanks to them for attending her party.

Her gift table was stacked full of gifts and envelops full of money.

Sage and I haven’t spoken to each other yet. I’ve stayed back and just watched her, knowing I needed to give her space to mingle with her friends.

It was her birthday party after all.

Even though I wanted to steal her away and hog all of her attention, I couldn’t.

She deserved this.

She deserved for people to be obsessed with her and want to talk to her.

It angered me, but I’d get over it.

Plus, I was gonna get to spend the rest of my life with her. I could spare a few hours not being by her side.

It was just hard.

My fingers were itching to brush against her soft skin and hold her close. I wanted her on my arm so everybody knew who she belonged to.

Sage glanced my way again, sharing the many looks we seemed to give since the start of this party.

She hasn’t made a move to come and see me and I don’t know how to feel about it. I wanted to give her space, but I’d thought she would at least take the initiative to come over and see me.

I guess I was wrong.

I nursed another glass of scotch before downing it. I could feel the alcohol seep into my pours, letting me know I drank one too many.

Movement caught my eye as I watched a boy approach Sage. He held his hand out as he looked towards the dance floor.

Like hell if he was gonna dance with her.

I slammed my glass down on the bar counter before charging towards them. My steps held power, making everyone move out of the way and make room for me as I walked across the ballroom.

I shoved the boys arm away and glared down at him.

“She won’t be dancing with you, so get the hell out of here!” I demanded, making him run off quickly.

Fucking pathetic—he didn’t even try and fight for her. He definitely didn’t deserve her.

I turned and looked down at Sage who had a pleased smirk on her face. I furrowed my brows, not expecting her reaction.

“If I can’t dance with him, then who can I dance with?” She asked.

“Me.” I replied, “I’m the only one you get to dance with, understand?”

She nodded her head, pleasing my soul.

“So.” I smirked, “May I have this dance, my queen?”

Her friends whispered and giggled around her as they listened.

“Yes.” She smiled, “I thought you’d never ask.”

She placed her hand in mine. I pulled her into my chest quickly, catching her off guard. I moved through the crowd while keeping her close until we stepped onto the dance floor.

I rested one hand on her waist while the other held her’s. We swayed to the slow music as she rested her head on my lower chest.

After a minute, she wrapped her arms around my waist and made me feel complete. She surrendered in my arms as I held her waist and continued to sway us to the music.

“You’ve been ignoring me all night.” She whispered.

“I haven’t, I just wanted to give you space so you could enjoy your birthday with your friends.” I explained, making her snort.

“Those people are not my friends.” She mused, “They are just people who go to my school. Rowan and Caterina are my only true friends.”

“Good to know.” I smirked as I brought my hand up and twirled some of her hair with my fingers.

“You look good tonight.” I whispered, admiring her long hair and the way it felt in my hand.

“Just good?” She mused, “I thought I looked sexy.”

I chuckled in her ear before pinching her hip.

“You’re a f*****g tease.” I whispered as she laughed into my chest, “You should only look this good for me, not anybody else.”

“I couldn’t help it.” She said back, “I wanted to see you sweat in a room full of people.”

“I did not sweat.” I argued, making her laugh even more.

“Yeah, you just almost killed people instead.”

I smirked, knowing she was right.

“Well, they need to learn that you belong to me.” I told her, “Your mine.”

I whispered the last two words, making her release a soft moan that made my c**k twitch by how sexy it sounded.

“You’re f*****g mine, Sage Valentina Rossi.” I growled, “And only mine.”

“Vinny.” She moaned as I felt her knees waver before she started to drop towards the floor. I grabbed her and held her in my arms.

“Ready for our finale?” I mused, making her flushed face look even more sexy.

She nodded her head while her breathing stayed erratic from my possessive claim.

I grabbed her hand and spun her around before dipping her. I leaned in so close where our lips hovered over each other.

I could smell the strawberry mock-tail she had on her breath as she looked up at me with so much desire.

“My beautiful queen.” I whispered before kissing her cheek and bringing her back into my arms.

The crowd around us applauded at our dance, making me aware that we were still in a room full of people.

When I was with her, everything else disappeared. It was only her and I and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Sage!” Her friends waved her over, wanting to talk to her.

Before she could leave, I grabbed her hand and stopped her.

“I have some gifts for you.” I told her, “When you’re ready, I’ll take you to see them.”

She smiled before approaching me and standing on her tippy toes to deliver a soft kiss to my cheek.

“Thanks, Vin.”

I smiled and let go of her hand, watching her walk back towards her friends.

I watched as her hips swayed with every step. She looked back and winked, letting me know she knew I was watching her.

Fuck.

This was gonna be a long night.