Arielle
·SECRET·
I poured myself a glass of water, drank it, and watched my trembling hands. I felt a tachycardia through my body, those dangerous things always shake every hell out of me. Being a Tacone is not enjoyable—not at all.
Growing up in New York City, as the daughter of the mafia's leader has its perks. I never grew up wanting anything with monetary value, never went hungry or thirsty, and always had a bed to sleep in. What I craved was companionship, love, and freedom.
"Another murder?" My mom scoffs, joins me in the kitchen, and takes a seat near the island bar.
I nod, "They were responsible for it, our men shot for self—defence." I keep the glass on the granite table, which drew Mum's attention toward the table.
"Self-defence!" She mumbled with a smirk, "You freaked out as if it were the first murder you've witnessed." She says with a sharp gaze.
"This is not my cup of tea! Anyway, it happens." She's right. It's not the first time for me to witness a murder. But somehow it does not feel right.
"You don't belong to this world, darling," Mom added.
"Do you think I deserve better than this..."
"A lot more, maybe better than this or worse than this. It depends."
"What do you mean?" I threw a glance at her.
"Big things don't come in small packages", she smirks at me and leaves the kitchen.
After having dinner I walk to my father's study room. He told me to join him. He told me to join him, he said there was something important to discuss with me.
"Hey, Dad, what's the matter?"
He glances at me with the same rough
Expression. "Today's murder wasn't self-defence?" He snapped.
I shook my head, "It was!"
"Never unveil this secret, no matter what happens!" He warned me.
"Nothing happened on the eleventh of August, Dad!" I assure him that instead of knowing he knows everything.
"Good! We'll be celebrating your birthday tomorrow, and I have a deal with Leonard O's." This name sends chills down my spine. I don't think I will be able to forget this name ever again.
"WHY?" I snapped with a bewildered face... "They are our rival, right?"
"It's your birthday, let's welcome them nicely. We have a deal to discuss, I chose your birthday because they'll not be able to attack.
"Is it about drugs or something?" I snapped.
"It's not your business! Get ready for tomorrow." He stated.
There was a knock at the door, then a bold
"Is it about drugs or something?" I snapped.
"It's not your business! Get ready for tomorrow." He stated.
There was a knock at the door, then a bold figure walked inside. Alexander Tebaldi, my father's right hand, most trusted one, now looks serious, furious with his fists closing tightly. He's hot, super hot I mean. Dark hair, hazel eyes, well—built figure with bulging biceps, a really charming man he is.
He threw a sharp gaze at me, his eyes rapped my body briefly. There's something about him which makes me feel different. I can't control myself when I face him. I just don't know why.
"Xander!" Dad exclaimed.
"I need to leave!" His voice made me shiver for a moment. His presence makes me feel ten feet tall and I don't know where I gain so much courage and confidence in front of him.
"Why?" It escaped from my mouth, both
Stared at me blankly.
"Ariella? Don't interfere!" My father warned me.
But I want to know why he's leaving.
"I mean—tomorrow is my birthday, and I wanted every staff to be there," I mumble with a half smile.
"We'll celebrate it later!" He said with a coarse voice.
Later! Does he mean it? He wants to celebrate my birthday again. I blushed, "If you say so." He turned back to face my father, and I didn't bother to take an inch of step away from them; I wanted to be a part of their conversation.
"Why do you want to leave, all of a sudden?" Dad asked Alexander.
"My mother is not well, and I have things to sort out. It's urgent and I need to be there." His voice is serious.
"Okay, you can leave. But you know we'll need you especially for tomorrow, the—"
"Leonardo will be here," Dad stated.
"Yeah, I know…" Dad cut him off. "Family first, Xander. I'll manage for tomorrow." My eyes landed on my father when he said, 'Family first.' He doesn't give a fuck about us! Family is a weakness for him.
"I will leave tomorrow morning." He turned his head toward me, and he had a smirk on his lips, which tells me he will wait for my birthday.
"Why not now!"
"I got something to do after dusk." He stole a glance from me. A smile appeared on my face.
"I'll take your leave, Dad!" I left his study room. I was walking by the corridor, and I heard footsteps behind me. Turning to the back, I saw the dashing figure, "Alexander!"
"You were expecting someone else?" He mumbled with his hands inside his pockets. I feel my cheeks burn.
"No, is it important to leave tomorrow?" I
Questioned him, he took some steps forward, and my back almost hit the wall.
"I got things to do!" He said in a cold tone. Taking some steps closer, he put his hands beside me, blocking my way as if I were about to run.
"It's my birthday," I whispered with heavy breath. He runs his knuckles against my shoulder. I watch his action then back to his eyes.
"Why so much interest in your father's assistant?" He questioned.
"You don't deserve to be his assistant, Mr. Alexander!"
"Maybe you're right!"
"I'm right?" Looking into his eyes, I smirk. I can spot an angry and cold personality behind this angelic face—a real devil. He nodded with a smile.
"Who are you?" My question caused me to push him with all my forces.
"Time will reveal, Ma'am." He half-smiled
With a devilish look. He put his hands back into his pockets. He was about to walk away when a sudden thought hit me hard.
"What's your surname?" I blurt out in a serious tone. He turned to me with an amazed smile.
"Tebaldi."
"It doesn't suit you, because I know the Tebaldi's family and I know you are lying to us—to my father. You know the Tacones don't forgive liars!"
"And I know you'll never let me down!" He assured with a cold voice.
"Who are you? I'm going to complain!"
"Your father won't believe. If he can trust his left man more than his life, then believe me—he trusts his right man more than his soul, Bambi..."
"Don't worry I'll find out at any cost!" I mumble softly with a half smile.