Chapter 1
Liliana
Istartle at the initial chime as the clock strikes midnight, jolting me from my thoughts. My chest flutters with a mix of emotions until the twelfth chime concludes, marking my formal entry into adulthood. While some argue that turning twenty-one doesn”t inherently make one an adult, my life experiences defy that notion. In my world, I”ve witnessed things beyond the ordinary, shaping my perspective despite my young age. I”ve grown accustomed to the perils of the mafia lifestyle, accepting it as an integral part of my upbringing. Taking a deep breath, I reach for the silk robe resting at the foot of my bed and make my way to the chaise beneath the bay window. From there, I enjoy a perfect view of the full moon illuminating the early morning sky.
The shadowy figures moving across the grounds, safeguarding my family as we sleep, have become a familiar sight. Yet, I can”t help but yearn for a semblance of normalcy, a life without the constant need for protection. Gradually, I”ve accepted this as my reality, realizing that the ordinary existence I desire remains out of reach… for now. As I prepare for graduate school in the upcoming fall, my father will not relent on my bodyguard accompanying me. Since I’ll be traveling to England to attend Oxford, the trade-off is relinquishing some freedom; my guardian accompanies me to every class and stays within arm”s reach during social events. It may not be the freedom I envisioned, but it goes beyond the restrictions placed on me during my undergraduate years.
Domenico is not happy about me going away but he understands my need to explore life away from Chicago. Besides, it’s only for two years and I’ll be home during the holidays. Speak of the devil, his custom ringtone sounds and I hurry across the room to grab it from the nightstand.
“Hello, my love,” I answer.
Instead of saying hello back, he serenades me with the “Happy Birthday” song. The velvety tone of his voice brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. He’s always very thoughtful and finds little ways to lighten the stressful life we live. When the song concludes, I can’t help but release a sigh of contentment.
“Happy birthday, my sweet Lili,” he says.
“Thank you Nico,” I reply as I lay across my bed and imagine he’s here with me.
“Are you excited about our date this weekend?”
“More than excited,” I respond. Getting to spend some much-needed alone time with Nico will make my birthday perfect. Like my father, his father, Carlo has tried to interfere with our plans and make our lives miserable. Truth be told, it’s because of their need to control everyone’s lives.
The preparations for my party have been underway for the past six months, covering everything from flowers and catering to decorations. The guest list is finalized, and only a few remaining details need attention. The celebration is scheduled for a week from this Saturday, so Domenico and I planned a private celebration of our own. Despite initial disapproval from my father, my mother managed to convince him to allow me some alone time with my boyfriend. While we”ve had secretive moments in the past, eluding our bodyguards, I felt it was time to outgrow those childish games at my age. Although my father has accumulated enemies over the years, there hasn”t been a significant threat to our family in over a decade. With the Rinaldis and Beneventis in a state of peace, we’re as safe as we can be.
“Our hotel reservation is confirmed, and instead of venturing out, I thought we could indulge in some room service. How does that sound?”
“Sounds perfect! I can’t wait to be in your arms again, Nico,” I whisper into the phone.
“Is that so?” he asks, his voice taking on a seductive tone.
“Yes, it”s been over two months since we”ve had some alone time. Don”t you want to be alone with me, Nico?”
“Of course, I want to be alone with you again. Just teasing you, Lili.”
“This weekend can”t come soon enough. My father”s pressuring me about joining the family business again. It”s like he doesn”t hear me at all. I don”t know how else to show him I have no interest in heading our family.” Turning twenty-one also signifies assuming my official position as Underboss. Consequently, my father”s involvement in my life intensifies.
The majority of my time is now dedicated to training alongside him, attending gatherings with fellow families, and managing the logistical aspects of the business such as drop shipments. If I don’t show him that I’m at the very least trying, he will put a stop to graduate school and isolate me until I comply. His determination to control my life causes my heart to ache. My mind is so consumed with what’s to come that I almost forget that Nico is on the phone.
“My father”s doing the same. He even told me to cancel plans with you for a meeting this weekend. I warned him if he ruined your birthday celebration plans, I”d never forgive him and would intentionally sabotage our business.”
“You”d do that for me?” I ask, moved by the depth of his feelings.
“I”d move mountains for you, my love,” he replies with such conviction that tears well up in my eyes.
“I love you so much, Nico.”
“I love you too. We should hang up now so you can rest. I”ll pick you up at six o”clock sharp on Saturday.”
“I’ll be ready! Can”t wait!” Suppressing a yawn, we exchange final goodbyes and end the call.
Pulling back my covers, I place the phone back on the nightstand and recline against the pillows, my thoughts drifting to Nico. Given our families” involvement in the mafia, friendships with others were limited. Our education took place in exclusive private schools, and interaction was restricted to other mafia families. Residing within the compound surrounded by impenetrable walls made me feel confined, as if I were a prisoner. During peace talks with the Beneventi family at our residence, Domenico always accompanied his father. It was during one of those encounters that we formed a bond and from that moment on, we”ve been inseparable.
My relationship with Nico was the equivalent of having a best friend but that changed during my sweet sixteen celebration. We invited the Beneventis over for dinner and of course our father’s needed to discuss business. A few months prior, Nico had turned twenty, shedding the image of the little boy I once ran around my yard playing tag with. As I blew out my candles and opened my eyes, his intense gaze fixed upon me. A flush of warmth tinted my cheeks, making it difficult to avert my eyes. Standing at six feet three inches, with captivating chocolate brown eyes and a mane of thick, wavy jet-black hair, he embodied an allure that enticed a young woman on the brink of womanhood. We never discussed our attraction, however, there was something blooming between us.
Not long after, my mother sat me down for “the talk” about sex and, despite my lack of interest in boys, she was adamant that I start using birth control as a precaution. Having sex hadn”t really crossed my mind, yet there was something about Nico”s gaze that sparked unfamiliar sensations within me. That night, I was overwhelmed with an urgency to touch myself, desperately needing to quell the unfamiliar ache that pulsed through me. It led to me exploring my body and it was a relief to know that most of the girls at my school weren’t new to masturbation.
One day, a few months after I turned eighteen, my father asked me to go down to the wine cellar and grab a bottle from his special reserve. The Beneventis were over for dinner and we needed more wine. As I closed the cabinet, the sound of heavy footfalls reached my ears, and when I turned, Nico’s intense gaze met me. His presence was so overwhelming that I fumbled with the bottle. Within a few strides, he invaded my personal space, reaching for the bottle. His hand brushed against mine and my breath caught. The desire between my legs became almost unbearable, and all I wanted was his touch. His lips were warm as they grazed mine gently yet purposefully, causing an involuntary moan to escape my throat. From that night forward, Nico took me on an intimate journey that fulfilled me in ways I had never experienced before. Despite the potential conflicts with my family, I’m undoubtedly drawn to him, and if it means walking away from my family in order to be with him, I would choose us.
Reflecting on our past and how far we’ve come brings joy to my heart. I hold onto the hope that our fathers will eventually embrace and accept our relationship, granting us the freedom to live in peace. Whenever I gaze into Nico”s eyes, I can see forever with him, and despite ongoing disruptions from our families, our relationship remains resilient. For now, our focus is on nurturing our love and building a bond that nothing can break. My eyes grow heavy as I drift into a peaceful sleep, knowing that I will soon be in Nico’s arms.