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MARIA

When I heard Leonardo's voice behind me instead of Vincenzo's, I stopped myself from going into the car.

My hand left the handle before I turned, narrowing my eyebrows towards him as he approached.

"You're not Vincenzo," I pointed out, my lips tightening as I stared at him. That meant that Vincenzo was dealing with my father.

"Are you mad at me?" Leonardo asked, my eyes catching onto his broad shoulders that pressed against his white shirt as he straightened his back. He held a strong gaze as he came closer, my heart rate beginning to pick up again at the lack of distance between us.

I lightly scoffed, "Mad at you? Do I have a right?" I pulled the car door open and sat in the passenger seat. Clearly he was going with me.

"Just tell me this," I started as I pulled on my seatbelt and he turned on the car. I stared straight ahead as I sharply asked, "Was this your plan all along?"

I wasn't even shocked when he so honestly replied, "You're his daughter. He often comes to you for money. That would mean it wouldn't be long until he showed up and asked for more." Then his head turned to face me as we stopped at a red light, but I faced the window, my teeth practically grinding together.

"Nothing slips out of my control, Maria," he said, and that was when I recognised he wasn't just talking to me as Leonardo. "What is deemed punishable is punished. I collected a debt, a debt being your father." His intimidating voice made me continue to turn away from him.

"So you waited from the start," I added in a sour tone. "You waited until he'd show up before me so you could capture him for what he did." He didn't reply, gripping onto the steering wheel, and I let out another exhalation of frustration. I didn't know how to feel—angry? Betrayed? Was he wrong? Not completely. But it still felt slightly hurtful. I was unable to get rid of the frown on my face.

My head rested against my fist. I didn't care—I really didn't. He wasn't my father any longer, and he was due a punishment from the Romanos for a long time in waiting. "What?" I sarcastically continued, though I knew there was nothing else that needed to be said in that silence. "You couldn't just have told me you wanted him? Did you have to sneak around and—" I was forced to stop and swallowed down my petty annoyance. Out of all people, I certainly didn't have the right to snap at him.

We reached the building, and I wasted no time leaving the car. I kept telling myself that I wasn't frustrated, that it wasn't a big deal, but the emotions weren't so easily going away. There wasn't a reason to be mad. I just felt blinded.

"Maria—"

"Don?" I quickly shot back as I slammed the car door shut. I raised my eyebrows and shot him a glare. His face turned into a glower at my provocation. I made my way up to the penthouse, a million and one thoughts running through my mind as I ignored him. I was becoming breathless with confusion and exasperation.

"What are your thoughts right now?" Leonardo questioned behind me, following me closely up the stairs. I shrugged, forcing myself to look upwards and away from him.

"You're the 'Don'!" I continued to be petty, "Does it really matter what I think?"

He sharply inhaled. "So you're going to keep going like this? Being—"

"Being what?" I snapped, climbing what felt like mountains of stairs, my voice echoing. He didn't respond at first, simply sighing loudly.

"I'm not apologising—"

"I didn't ask you to."

"You're mad at me."

"I am completely fine."

He sighed once again. "Maria—"

"What?" I retorted, finally done with the stairs as I reached the long hallway towards the entrance. "Don't worry about me, Don. Not like you ever did when you planned this."

Okay, I was mad. The more we were going, the more irritated I was growing. I wanted to vent and rant on and on about how he could've just told me he was seeking my father rather than waiting around, planning, and deciding to lure him out using me. It wasn't a big deal; I knew it wasn't, but it was the principle. I didn't like how he went behind my back. I would've been fine if he had told me earlier on.

"He was wanted. It was better that you didn't know." I almost laughed in his face.

"I told you I don't want to know what happens to him, and I don't care what happens to him. He reaped what he sowed," I snappily reminded, "and better for who? For your own consciousness?"

"Maria," he let out in frustration. I passed the security to unlock the door. "Stop holding it in."

"I think I'm making it very clear how I feel, Leonardo," I shot back. "I feel used, Don," I expressed in a sarcastic and bitter tone. "I'll get over it, so leave me alone." I pushed the door open and didn't even switch on the lights as I quickly walked in, my feet practically stomping against the ground.

A very dim light came on as he entered behind me. "I should've told you," he finally said in a low voice. His conscience always won in the end.

But I harshly replied without thinking, "Yeah. Yeah, you should've. But I should've told you about Sienna." I brought up something that could've easily been avoided. "And that's why we're in the mess that we are now, Don."

I stopped walking, standing by the chest of drawers near the entrance in the hallway. Suddenly every feeling of anger disappeared. I went too far and brought up a topic we hadn't mentioned in a long time. I wished I hadn't been so annoyed. An instant regret hit me during that silence. I squeezed my eyes closed and gently sighed, slowly turning to apologise.

He grabbed my hand, pulling it hard, and for a second, I genuinely thought he was angry. My heart stopped as he turned me around as I gasped. It was for a split second that our eyes met before his lips crashed down onto mine.

I was shocked; his strong arms wrapped around my hips and pulled me against his body before his large hands slowly reached my face. His warmth engulfed me. He cupped my face; his fingers caressed my cheeks as he deeply kissed me. He was confident; he was unhesitant. I couldn't reject him; my stomach fluttered at his touch. I missed it—I missed him, his touch, his taste, his love. My hands squeezed his shoulders as our heads tilted. It was like he was desperate for it, that he had been containing himself for too long. I felt it, his earnestness. He was frustrated. All anger from before had been fuelled into a lustful and fiery kiss; he was filled with fervour.

It was different; Leonardo had never kissed me that way, and I didn't fight against him, obedient against his lips. But I liked it; I liked how he dominated me, how he had taken complete control over me. He was strong, he was urgent, he wouldn't free us for even a second; it was intense. I didn't know he had such power within him. I was breathless against him, my mind unable to keep up with his passion. My legs stumbled backward for stability, a sore pain stinging my back the moment it bumped into the drawer behind me. I was kissing and kissing him, unable to comprehend where all of his ardour was coming from. One hand stayed against my cheek, the other held onto my hip. My hands pressed against his shoulders, we were moving backwards, but there was no place else for us to go. The handle was digging into my back.

It suddenly felt hot; my skin was burning with heat. Leonardo grew hungrier, and as he did, the kisses became louder, rougher, and needier; he was on fire. My neck was beginning to ache from lifting it up for so long. I had lost control; my hands slid down to his hard chest, pushing back against his hard chest. "L-Leo-" I managed to separate our lips for a few seconds, feeling the handle dig deeper into my back. His lips, as though they were magnetised to mine, pressed against me once again.

Then his hands ran down to my thighs and lifted me up in a single move. I gasped against his lips, gripping onto his broad shoulders as he sat me on top of the drawers, finally putting us at a better level with each other. He pulled my hips to him, our bodies pressed against each other. His fingers combed through my hair, keeping it away from my face as he left my lips, allowing me to catch my breath. Leonardo's hands ran across my body, each touch sending tingles throughout. I couldn't contain the moans coming out of me; his hands slid under my top, feeling all across my skin. I felt my face flush the moment his hands felt the arousal evident on my chest. The sensation of his mouth against my neck made me shiver; I moaned out loud, my legs, which he was squeezing, tightened against his waist.

He smelt amazing; I was allured even by his captivating scent, deeply inhaling, my arms wrapped around his neck. Slowly, his hand reached my inner thigh, delicately moving its way higher. My legs tensed immediately, the anticipation making them shiver. "So it's Don now, mia regina {my queen}?" He whispered seductively against my neck, "Hmm?" His lips reached mine again, and my hands reached his face on either cheek, his stubble rubbing against my fingers. His deep, attractive voice was decreasing the patience in me. His finger was still there, teasing me. It had been so long; even imagining it was making the fire burn within me.

I sharply inhaled, feeling his hand grow deeper between my legs. I'm desperate for him to satisfy me. "God, Maria," he murmured into my ear huskily. "You're making me so fucking frustrated." His hands moved out to my hips and tightened their grip as sparks of fire and burning lust grew within me at his low murmurs. I softly whimpered, yearning for his touch again.

My head slowly tilted back as he stained my neck with his love bites. "Leo..." I softly moaned out, unable to hide my neediness for him. I was fully submitting to him, unable to remain level-headed in the strong presence of his might.

He tutted, a surprising action that made my insides rage with fuelled desire. "Say it again, bambina, and I'll stop playing with you," Leonardo breathlessly murmured, gently and slowly pecking my lips, his glistening, enticing eyes locked into an intense gaze with me as his fingers drew circles against me. Then his lips went back to my neck, sending tingles across my skin. "And say exactly what you want me to do to you, mia regina." My hands slid down and pressed onto his shoulders, a strained moan leaving me as my hand then travelled to the back of his head.

"Are you...striking a deal with me?" I managed to speak, feeling his hand linger upwards against my skin. I shivered, my thighs tightening against him. My back arched as I inhaled. There was only one more step from there. He pulled away, meeting my eyes once more. His hand lifted my chin, his face drawing near to mine again.

"Say it."

"Mio Don," I whispered delicately, giving in quickly, "Mio Don, farmi piacere {pleasure me}." A powerful wave of desire filled his eyes. Leonardo pulled me by my hips swiftly and once more, kissed me with a fervent passion that made me forget everything else. Our hands roamed each other, and we were ready, both his hands slipping beneath my skirt, holding onto my bare hips, his fingers sliding beneath my underwear, ready, prepared to slide it down at any moment, his lips travelling down my neck as I moaned out loud for him to please me.

The sound of light, quiet footsteps unexpectedly filled my ears.

My eyes flew open as my hands tightened on Leonardo's shoulder. As soon as it landed on a person, I froze, my mouth hanging open in shock. With wide eyes, my hands began to unconsciously push Leonardo, the moment of lust disappearing in a single, quick second. "Oh. My..." It slipped out as a thousand questions ran through my mind as my eyebrows knitted together in confusion at the sight of the figure not too far away in the dark.

"Leonardo—there's a boy—behind you, there's a boy—"

He whipped out his gun and aimed it in a single blink, his whole body shielding me as he aimed it at the boy tiptoeing his way towards the front door.

I stared at him in shock, peeking from behind Leonardo's shoulder, as I quickly began fixing my clothes. His body had completely blocked me.

It was a boy, a preteen-looking boy who was well-dressed and a little short. He had bulky headphones around his neck, a hoodie, and some baggy cargo pants. I noticed that he also had the latest trainers from a particular brand. His brunette hair was fluffy like Leonardo's, and he even had the same eye colour as him, except darker.

The boy was frozen; his shoulders were sky-high, and his body was crouching forward. He looked like he was sneaking out. I questioned how the hell he even got in and passed security.

Leonardo let out a loud sigh and lowered his gun, returning it to its place at the back of his trousers. I blinked in surprise, wondering why he seemed so calm at the intruder.

"Romeo, what the fuck are you doing here?"

The boy then let out an awkward laugh, glancing between the two of us. He had a nice smile with a charm to his eyes. I was still confused.

"Romeo?" I repeated incredulously, the boy's wide, sparkling eyes slowly reaching mine. His cheeks were bright red, and he could hardly look at us. Leonardo exhaled and ran his hand through his hair before moving to the side, allowing me to cross my legs fully, pulling down my skirt.

The boy stood straight, bringing his lips together and lowering his shoulders, looking like he had found his confidence again. He smiled, though it looked slightly cocky, and gave me a wave. "Are you going to tell her, big boss, or should I?" I blinked again. He sounded so assured for a child.

"Romeo," Leonardo huffed as he rolled his eyes, his hand pointing in his direction. "Maria," his hand pointed in my direction. I met Leonardo's eyes, looking at him in complete confusion. He rubbed his chin, looking annoyed.

"That's Romeo. My younger brother."

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"Your younger brother?" I repeated in astonishment, my wide eyes following him around the kitchen as he put the rest of the ingredients in the fridge. My hand went to my mouth, covering it, as I realised how loud I was. "There's only four of you brothers, Cris, then Vince, then Dante—since when did you have another younger brother? And why is he so...little?" I hissed, still unable to comprehend what had happened an hour ago.

"Since his donor was a part-time womaniser and slept with any woman he wanted," Leonardo bluntly said, addressing his father. He dried his hands after he had washed them and lifted the lid on the creamy carbonara spaghetti that had just finished cooking. It smelt amazing. He took a small portion out and began blowing away the heat, a nonchalant look on his face whilst I gaped at him.

I let out a breath, leaning forward. "Hang on, so, if—if Romeo exists—who else does? Why didn't you tell me you had half-siblings too?"

"Romeo's the last," Leonardo casually explained, his eyes focused on his fork. Then he approached me, the fork coming close to my mouth as he gave me a taste of what was for dinner. It was amazing. I chewed as I listened, "Good," I quickly said before he began explaining.

"He lives with his mom not too far away, and they're close. His mom adores him. That's why they also have arguments, so he often comes here when he's in trouble." Leonardo sighed, shaking his head. "I wonder what it is this time. Romeo is a little shit, but he means no harm."

"So are you his safe place?" I softly commented with a smile, relaxing. I was glad that I finally knew who the boy was, but I still felt awkward knowing what he saw. Leonardo looked away for a moment as I noticed his ears turning red.

"Your lips," Leonardo said, intently gazing at them, quickly avoiding my question. He made my head muddled as I began to recount our last moment together over at that drawer, feeling emotions I hadn't experienced in a long time. I suddenly crossed my legs, feeling the pressure between them again. "Hmm?" I pulled a strand of hair behind my ear awkwardly.

"They look a little swollen."

My eyebrows immediately knitted together. I pulled out my phone and looked in the camera, touching them. With a sigh, I glanced up at him again. "Thanks for giving me a filler, Leonardo."

Dinner was quiet at first. Romeo kept his head down with his eyes on the game he was playing on his phone while eating. I was still thinking about how far Leonardo and I had gotten earlier. A second later and things would've been very different. I felt a little out of place; we hadn't talked about that heated session yet or even our argument and how Romeo was there out of nowhere. I felt like showering; I was hungry, thirsty, and I couldn't remember the last time I had been to the bathroom in a few hours.

The food was good, though, so that was what I tried to keep my attention on.

Leonardo snatched the phone out of Romeo's hands, giving him a stern look as Romeo pouted like a child. Leonardo seemed chilled for someone who was practically devouring me hours before.

I could feel Romeo's eyes on me as we ate. I poured myself some water, and as I took a few sips, I was about to start a conversation with him until Romeo came out with, "You know your neck is covered in hickeys? They're massive." I coughed so roughly, covering my mouth, my wide eyes on the child who was smirking as he stuffed his mouth with spaghetti.

Leonardo sighed for what felt like the millionth time, "Romeo—"

"What?" He innocently said with a mischievous glint in his eyes as he glanced between us. Romeo swallowed, looking like he was holding back a snigger. I wasn't even surprised at how childish he seemed. Romeo was cheeky, but he was adorable; he looked like he would've been even cuter as a baby.

He shrugged before whining when his brother kicked him under the table. "Watch your mouth when you talk to your sister-in—" Leonardo halted at his own words. I swallowed uncomfortably, staring at my plate. Who even was I to him?

"Sister-in-law," Leonardo fully finished. I turned and looked at him, though his hard eyes were fixed onto Romeo, who muttered an apology before continuing to finish off his plate. My chest began to hammer again, and I slowly picked up my fork once more, eating a little.

"Thanks for the food," Romeo quickly said, snatching his phone back from his brother before standing up.

"Romeo, sit down—you still need to explain what the hell you're doing here. Does your mom know?" Leonardo sternly questioned, his eyebrows narrowing at his brother, who was ready to escape.

Romeo's grin extended. "I don't know. We can speak tomorrow; I'm taking that small room, and it's the weekend, so the game is on." He was implying he wanted no distractions. He gave us a peace sign before leaving swiftly with a playful laugh. Leonardo rubbed his eyes. Leonardo sometimes really was the father to his brothers. I lightly laughed, finding the kid amusing. I hoped we'd get to speak more in the morning.

Leonardo groaned, "That little—"

The door burst open again with Romeo's head peeking through the opening.

"Oh, and I'm telling our moms what you just did in front of me," he shook with a disgusted look on his face. "Gross."

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~ Author's Note ~

Maria didn't realise how much tension she felt with Leonardo until that little argument!

Did she have a right to be annoyed that Leonardo didn't tell her about his plan to capture her father?

Romeo is a brother unseen before! His playfulness is already showing in this chapter.

What will happen next? Keep reading to find out!

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