FEDERICO

"Five days."

I slam my fist on the table. "Five fucking days and we still have nothing?"

"I want fucking heads for this!"

I scan over the faces of my men, Zia Rosetta and Angela. "Someone has to have information on what the hell happened with the alliance we had with the Gallos, why would they flip the script like this?"

"Are you accusing your own family of betraying you, Federico?" Zia Rosetta eyes her drink in her hand before she takes a sip. "That's a very serious allegation, nipote." (nephew)

"You seem to forget you taught me to trust no one, Zia."

She looks back at me, raising an eyebrow as she folds her arms. "And do you?"

Domani lifts his gaze to meet mine and Angela also looks at me, waiting for my response.

"Everyone in this room knows it wouldn't be the first time betrayal reared its ugly face in this family, but...I am confident that everyone in here would each give their life to ensure the mission we set out to do is complete."

"Confidence and trust are not the same," Zia Rosetta states, observing me.

"Well, then I guess you have your answer." I narrow my eyes, wondering what the hell she's doing, but she merely shrugs in response.

"The real question, Federico, is are you willing to do the same? We all know your focus has...shifted since this began."

"Tiziano is still and has always been the target for all of this."

"What about the girl?" One of the men questions. I run my tongue over my teeth to keep from lashing out at his reference to her as the girl. They know her fucking name.

"There's been a development that I'm looking into." Questioning expressions stare back at me.

"What development? You haven't informed us of any changes." Zia Rosetta leans forward in her seat and her accusing eyes bore into mine.

"Last I checked, I'm running the family and the businesses how I see fit. I don't need to run every little detail through you." We continue to glare at each other, both unwilling to yield to the other.

Domani clears his throat. "Regarding the Gallos, I have a theory, since we are discussing Nora."

"We are not discussing Elenora."

Domani shifts in his chair. "Hear me out, the Gallos took a gamble going against you, Rico, but before the attack happened, we knew there was talk about them aligning with Diegos' family to take on the Russians after that fucking gunfight that was splashed all over the news."

"I can only assume Diego approached the Gallos, not the other way around. You know he has his eyes set on Elenora." Domani theory only infuriates me more as the night I watched Diego grope and fucking shove his tongue down her throat flash in my mind.

"If Elenora is a factor in that, then we need to tighten our focus on Gabriel, too," I mutter before I finish my drink.

"Gabriel is not a threat."

Everyone looks at Angela. She takes a deep breath, and struggles not to fidget under my heated glare, but she looks back at me, determined. "We...we've been...we're seeing each other again."

Zia Rosetta scoffs next to her and Angela scowls. "You have something to say, then say it Rosetta."

My Zia's head snaps back to Angela. "You forget your place."

"Enough." Angela avoids looking at me for a few seconds before she finally does. "We'll talk after." She gives me a subtle nod.

The remainder of the meeting goes on without any more surprises and everyone disperses after it ends, however Zia Rosetta lingers, but one look from me and Domani distracts her with some shipment details and leads her out of the room.

Angela sighs when she sits down next to me. "Before you go all protective best friend on me. I know what I'm doing Rico."

"If you want to be with someone who treats you like shit that's your prerogative. Your body, your choice."

She laughs. "God, you're such a drama queen!" She shoves my shoulder when she stands to pour a couple of drinks for us. "You can't judge Gabriel based on what he was like as a damn kid."

"Are you saying he didn't know better? I'm no fucking saint, and I would never put myself in that situation either, but even I'm not that heartless."

"The jury's still out on that, but I think a certain doe-eyed badass, may be changing your tune, Rico."

I smile, picturing said eyes. "Damn, you're thinking about her right now, aren't you?"

I snap out of my thoughts.

"No."

"Uh-huh. Well, all I'm saying is Gabriel and I were sixteen when it felt like our lives were over. Obviously it wasn't, but again, we were kids, Rico and it sure as hell felt like it then. He made a mistake but so did we. And..." she trails off, looking down at the drink in her hands..

"And what, Ang?"

"I never stopped loving him. All these years later, all the fucking disaster relationships and nothing and no one has ever measured up to him." She sighs, sitting back down. "I don't expect you to understand because you've never let your guard down enough to feel love let alone love someone else."

I don't say anything and sense her observing me. I take my time finishing my drink.

"Wait, a damn fucking minute." She grabs my face to look at me and gasps. "You're in love aren't you?!"

"Lower your fucking voice."

"Holy shit! Tell me everything! Wait, how's this going to work with taking down her father?"

"I...I don't fucking know. Regardless of how I feel, she's going to fucking hate me."

"Not if you come clean. I mean, she'll probably try to beat the shit out of you and from what I've seen with that sharp, biting humor of hers, you'll have to take a tongue lashing."

Angela chuckles and sips on her drink. "Aw, my little Rico is all grown up, falling head over heels in love."

"I don't think it's love, maybe I just need to fuck her."

Angela slaps the back of my head. "Stop it! You just got done talking about Gabriel treating me like shit and now listen to you."

I groan, as I lean over, resting my elbows on my knees, holding my head. "If this is what love feels like, I don't understand why people want to willingly put themselves through this fucking torture. She's constantly in my thoughts so I can't focus on anything. Not to mention she infuriates the living hell out of me, with her annoying habits and defiant attitude and her need to be nice to every fucking person she meets, including the men in the family. She's a workaholic, worse than I am. Do you know she talks to herself? And on top of that she talks in her sleep. Just non-stop talking."

"Okay, well, if it's that awful, then have Domani move in like you originally planned." I lift my head at her words. "I know he'd be more than willing to take one for the team, especially if it means he gets to close the deal with her."

"Has he been talking to her? Did he say something?" My blood begins to boil. I need to have Mickey check his phone logs for me.

Angela laughs. "Easy. Down, boy. I was kidding, geez. And clearly these things you find so fucking annoying are actually things you love about her."

"She can't stand me."

"You can't blame her. But I'm willing to bet her true feelings might surprise you. Here's the thing Rico, there's still time for you to put this vendetta behind you and focus on this new happy development between you two."

"I can't. This is all I've trained for and worked for since I was six."

Angela sighs. "Is losing Elenora worth it to you?"

No, it's not. But I can't just forget what Tiziano did to my parents. It's because of him that they're dead and that I grew up without them.

But the Gallos weren't supposed to turn on me the way they did and this adds another complication to this entire fucking plan.

My phone chimes and I glance at a text message from Smiley.

Smiley: Just arrived at the Borelli's. Sunday dinner.

Me: I'm on my way.

I stand. "I've got to go."

"Just think about what I said, okay?" Angela stands as I reach the door.

"Sure." I open the door but stop. "Ang?"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful with Gabriel." She nods and I walk out.

______________________

The Borelli house maid ushers me inside the home and Smiley greets me.

"Where's Elenora?"

"She's with her Pop. Dinner's about to start. Do you want me to stick around?"

I shake my head. "No, I'll take her back to the penthouse when we're done. Thanks Smiley."

"Pinocchio!"

Maya squeals and rushes down the stairs, but she misses a step and I hurry to catch her so she doesn't end up tumbling down.

"My hero!" She gives me a loud wet kiss on my cheek.

"You need to be more careful, principessa." I chuckle and begin to lean away but she keeps her arms around my neck, hanging on me. (princess)

She giggles and I smile, lifting her in my arms. "You should come around more often. I could get used to this."

"Maya Elenora Borelli, what on earth are you doing to poor Rico?" Teresa exclaims when we walk into the dining room.

"I'm not doing anything, he wanted to carry me. Look at his face, I couldn't deny him!" Maya gives me an exaggerated wink and I laugh.

"Sure, when she does that and it's cute. I do it and I get called a crazy clinger." Luna snorts.

I set Maya down on a chair and she pats the one next to her. I smile as I sit down and then she claps excitedly. "Look Nora, Rico wanted to surprise you!"

I turn my head and see Elenora walking in with Tiziano. Her eyes scrunch as I smile back at her. "Hey, baby." I kiss her cheek. Her face grows pink, knowing her family is watching.

"So...you two are moving forward then?" Tiziano questions.

Elenora clears her throat. "We're tolerating each other."

She looks around as I guide her back to the table and pull her chair out. "Where's Smiley?"

"I relieved him for the night. I'll be driving you home—back to the penthouse, I mean."

"How did you know I was here? Oh wait," she shakes her head. "Smiley told you right?"

"Actually you did." I smile. "Last night in bed."

Her eyes grow wide before she looks over at Teresa, who sputters from the drink of water she had been taking.

"In bed?" Luna seizes an opportunity to get more details. "So, how else are you two tolerating each other besides in bed?" She mischievously smiles at Elenora.

"Luna!" Teresa hisses and pinches her arm.

"Ow, ma! Geez!"

I interlace my fingers with hers and then bring her hand to my lips.

"Oooo Rico like-likes you Nora," Maya states, giving us a toothless grin.

Teresa takes a sip of her wine now, observing me carefully.

"We're not—"

"We're not wanting to label it yet, but the more time we spend with each other, the harder it is to resist our...connection." I cut Elenora off as we stare at each other.

Tiziano clears his throat and everyone looks over at him, his eyebrow is raised as he focuses on his food, but doesn't say anything at first. "We'll talk more about this after dinner."

"Sounds good. I have a couple of things I wanted to discuss with you as well, Tiziano," I inform him. Elenora glances at me, suspiciously.

"Rico, guess what?" Maya grabs my hand and I turn my attention to her.

"What, principessa?" (princess)

"I got a ten out of ten on my math test!"

"I'm not surprised, with how smart you are, Maya." I pinch her nose and she giggles.

"Since you're staying, will you help me with my homework again? We moved on to fractions and there's a few problems that are a doozy for me," Maya informs me after she forks a large amount of pasta into her mouth.

I chuckle. "Of course, cucciola." (little cub)

"Rico, do you mostly live in the city?" Luna asks.

"Yes, but I have a home in North Castle, and others in Miami, L.A. and Italy. But I mostly stay in the hotels the family owns."

"Why?" Maya asks next.

"Well, because it's just me." I take a long sip of wine, and let go of Elenora's hand to pull at the collar of my shirt.

"What about your Zia's and cousins? Don't you all live together?" Maya follows up with more questions.

"No, not since I was younger. We're all so busy, with our own things." I focus on my food, sensing everyone's eyes on me.

"Don't you eat dinner together?" Maya asks innocently with her never ending interrogation.

"We do once a month, but we've all been busy recently, and it's been a few months since we've actually had a family dinner."

Elenora places her hand on my leg; I didn't realize it's quickly tapping. I look over at her and she gives me a small smile.

"Well, now you have Nora, and we eat together as much as we can." Maya places her hand on my arm, too.

"Yes, I have Nora, now." I smile and take her small hand, kissing it and Maya giggles. While my other hand holds Elenora's under the table.

"Next time, I'm sitting next to him." Luna not so subtly whispers to Jackie and Teresa smacks the back of her head as she sets down a Ciambella cake.

Elenora begins gathering everyone else's plates and heads to the kitchen. "Why are you cleaning up after everyone?" She jumps, not realizing I had followed.

"One day a week we have dinner with no staff and we all take turns helping." Elenora sets the plates in the sink and I come up behind her. She turns around and I place my hands on either side of her, and smile. "What are you doing, Rico? And why are you being like this around my family? We are not in public."

I shrug, running my fingers through her hair. "Because I want to."

Then I'm trailing my fingers down the side of her neck, skimming down over her sweater. She gasps when I give her nipple a light pinch. I slowly lift my eyes to hers. "I'm dying to put them in my mouth, Elenora."

I keep my eyes on her as I slide my hand down then up underneath her shirt and bra. My hand is on her warm breast, gently kneading it. Her eyes flutter close and her breaths quicken. "Rico, someone will see."

I dip my head near her ear and move closer. "No one will see, patatina mia." I can't help my hand moving roughly over her breast now, but I manage to keep the kisses on her neck soft. (my little potato)

Teresa's voice pulls me out of my lust filled moment, and Elenora pushes me away as she turns to start the faucet to begin rinsing the dishes. I face towards the counter, hiding the tent in my pants.

"Rico, Tiziano would like to see you in his study, caro," Teresa states and hands me two slices of cake to take with me. "I'll bring in the coffee in a few minutes." (dear)

"Of course, and thank you for the delicious dinner." I bend down and kiss her cheek and a slight blush creeps on her face. I glance back at Elenora but she focuses on the dishes.

"Elenora, I won't be long."

She looks over her shoulder and nods; I walk over to her and maneuver the plates on one hand and place my other hand on her neck, tilting it and kiss her softly.

Teresa begins her interrogation as soon as I step into the hallway. "Well, are you going to tell me what caused your sudden change of heart, Elenora? You went from despising and insulting him at every chance you got to...to...sharing his bed? Kissing? Looking at each other all googly-eyed?"

Googly-eyed? I chuckle as I continue making my wait for Tiziano's study. I step inside after he tells me to come in when I knock.

He stands when he sees me and I set the cakes down; he gestures for me to sit down across from him. "Listen, Rico, I'll cut to the chase. It's clear things have changed between you and my daughter. But I want to make sure you know I will not tolerate you playing with her heart." My phone chimes,interrupting us, but I ignore it and focus on responding to Tiziano.

"I can't deny things have progressed between us. And...and I do care about her, which is why I wanted to talk to you. I think we need to evolve the arrangement from dating to engaged like we talked about previously. Considering what has happened, you know your enemies are watching her—all of you, but we need to make sure they know our alliance is real and what better way than uniting our families through a marriage."

He doesn't say anything for a moment. "And you'll go as far as marrying her?"

"Yes." I surprise myself at how I respond without hestation.

"The truth is Federico from what I've seen you've proven yourself as a trustworthy man. You've saved her on multiple occasions and for that alone I'm forever indebted to you. And the other reality I know is that Elenora would not tolerate you as much if she didn't care about you, too. But I will expect you to honor your commitment in every sense of that meaning during, your engagement, and the marriage if it gets to that point."

"You have my word."

My phone rings and I see it's Mickey. "I'm sorry I need to take this."

I stand and move away from his desk. "Pronto."

"Boss, I've got a name for you on Nora's creeper."

"Who?"

"After tracing and retracing their steps with their purchases from the flower shop and the chocolate store, there was one time when he—"

"Mickey, who the fuck is it?" Impatience taking over. Mickey gives me the name and my pulse quickens. Son of a bitch!

"Mickey, have some men look into his current whereabouts, and call me back." I hang up and rush out to find Elenora.

"Rico, what is it?" Tiziano follows me out.

But my only focus is on finding Elenora.

"Elenora!" I come to the living room, scanning each of the faces, not finding hers.

"Elenora left," Maya tells me.

"What?"

Teresa walks in around the corner, concern etched on her face. "What's going on?" I start to call her but I see her text that was sent earlier.

Elenora: Hey, don't freak out, but I needed to grab something for Clara, she's meeting me at my parents house soon. Xx

I call her number, but she's not answering.

Fuck.

"She needed something from the apartment, but she said she wouldn't be long!" Teresa yells the last part as I rush out of the house and get in my car.

I keep trying her cell phone while I use the car phone to call Domani to meet me at her apartment.

She's going to be fine. In fact, she's going to cuss you out for following her in the first place, not to mention when you tell her you put a tracking device on her phone while she was sleeping.

She's fine.

She's fine.

But I know the nagging dread in my stomach won't settle until I see her.

Until I hold her.

Until I tell her; she needs to know.

***

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