Santi's Downfall

Chapter 5: Sicily

I looked at the man who was probably also a few years older than me sardonically. "Yes, I can tell."

He smiled at me warmly the complete opposite of that man who just left. He held out his hand in my direction. "Niccolo Marchesi. Nico, for short. Cousin and right-hand man of that grouchy man."

"Cousin and right-hand man?" I echoed taking the offered hand and shaking it briefly.

"Yep," he answered ruefully with a slight smile on his face. I have to admit that I could notice physical similarities in their appearance now that he mentioned it. "Despite his not-so-welcoming attitude, I cannot do anything because he's the head of our family so we have to accept his temperamental nature.

My lips slightly parted at this new information. "You mean to say that he's your leader? The boss?"

Nico smiled proudly in my direction. I never saw a man who was so proud of his boss—a mafia, no less. "Yes, one of the—if not the most feared man in whole Sicily. The head of the Marchesi Famiglia."

My forehead creased, thinking of Santino Marchesi. "But isn't he too young to be the boss of your organization? I mean, how is he? Twenty-six? Twenty-seven?"

"You think so?" Nico raised an eyebrow while looking at me with amused eyes. "But you are correct, he was too young when he inherited the position in our famiglia when his father suddenly died from an ambushed."

My hands flew on my mouth as I couldn't help but gasp. "Oh, my goodness!"

He gave me humorless smile. "Don't be surprised, Signorina, being a member of a crime group it's inevitable that your life is in constant danger that's why you have to be careful always."

"Is that the reason why he forced me to come here with him? Is he somewhat worried about my safety since I have now an unavoidable association with him?"

He chuckled while shaking his head slightly. "I never realized that you are an intuitive woman. Yes, he was taking no chances that our enemies were going after you when they learn about Santi's association with you. He thinks if he didn't bring you here and left you in Los Angeles on your own our enemies might use you to get him—"

"How long do you intend to chat with one another in the middle of the driveway?!"

I was startled by the booming voice of Santino which made my heart nearly miss a beat. Nico and I couldn't help but look on the balcony on the second floor where the mob boss was looking...no, glaring at us darkly. He was gripping the stone railings in his hands hardly he was probably thinking that railing was our neck.

"You," he pointed his index finger at his cousin. "I don't remember giving you orders to chat with that woman if I remember correctly we're supposed to have a meeting in my office right now. And you woman..." he next pointed his finger in my direction. This man was bad-tempered as Nico mentioned. "Don't waste my consigliere's time."

"For your information," I snapped at him, sending him a dark glare also. "I have a name! Don't you ever call me 'woman' again or you're solely going to regret it, do you understand?"

We have this staring contest where he was on the high tower of his castle and he was eyeing the trespassers on his property. I knew that I was probably betting my neck here but I couldn't just let him disrespect me like this. I don't care if he's a fearful boss of an underground organization I am not one of his subjects.

I thought he was going to say something but he pointedly ignored me and focused his damn attention back on his cousin. "You," he gestured with his head inside the house. "In my office. Now!"

With that, the high and mighty crime boss left the balcony on the second floor. Nico looked at me with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that but you'll get used to his temper eventually. I will have a maid help you settle in your room, Signorina. Let's go inside."

I only managed to nod and I found myself walking behind Nico we were about to enter the magnificent mansion of the crime boss. If I found the outside impressive enough I wasn't prepared that the inside would leave me speechless. It was, indeed, a fucking castle like my initial thought!

Once inside I was greeted by the stunning marble staircase with high ceilings and stone arched columns. Geometric patterns in gold and blue line the ceilings while Byzantine décor items and paintings fill out the interior.

This wasn't a freaking house but more of a museum. How can people not feel intimidated once they have been invited here? But then again, you will feel a lot more intimidation once you meet the owner of this stunning house. He was no ordinary man he was a mafia boss which means he probably had limitless access to priceless artifacts that can only buy in the black market.

"This way, Signorina." My attention was snapped back to the present when I heard the accented voice of a young woman gesturing me to follow her and the second floor.

I looked at Nico who gave me a reassuring smile. "She'll show you to your room and if you need anything or if you don't like the decoration of your room don't hesitate to tell me and I will inform the boss about it."

"I'm sure there's no need for that," I replied dryly before I ascend to the marble staircase with the maid. The second floor of this house was as grand as the ground floor. Everything about this place speaks elegance and luxury no wonder Santino Marchesi lives in this place. I was mentally taking notes on which corridor we went to so I wouldn't be lost on my own in his massive place. After some time we finally arrived at my designated room.

"I hope you like this room, Signorina," the young maid stated in heavy English while looking at me with a proud smile on her face. "If you need anything I will be here to serve you. My name is Greta."

"Thank you," I smiled back at the friendly woman. I think she's the same age and I couldn't help but wonder to myself how did she end up working at the crime boss's house. Does she even aware of her employer's thru nature of work? Well, it wasn't my place to put my nose in other people's business.

Once Greta left me alone in my new room my luggage was already there waiting for me. I placed one piece of luggage on the massive bed curious about what items in my house Santi's men put inside. I was rather surprised that my clothes were neatly folded inside as if I am having a vacation instead of being dragged here against my will.

I could feel the heat spread through my cheeks when I saw even my undergarments were here! They rummage my things inside my room as if it was nothing. I think I need to have a word with their boss about this matter. I did the same with the other luggage and I laughed humorlessly seeing my shoes, makeup kits, and even toiletries but I was startled to see something I didn't expect to see in this luggage. I carefully pick up the framed photo of my Dad and me that was taken during my high school graduation.

I sat on the edge of the mattress and stared at the framed photo in my hand I run my fingertips on the glass cover over the figure of Dad my eyes started to blur from tears. "Is it true, Dad? Did you purposely lie to me about the true nature of your work? Were you involved with the mafia as Santino Marchesi claimed? Why did you leave me in his care? Can I trust him since you trust that guy? Why did you leave all of a sudden? I am now all alone..."

I couldn't help but question my father on how I got into this situation. Maybe if he didn't die early my situation would be different. But there's nothing I could do right now but comply with the last wish of my Dad and trust that mafia despite my reservations.

I carefully placed the framed photograph on the bedside table warily and started to unpack my things. I was in awe when I realized that my huge room have an equally huge walk-in closet. My casual clothes feel out of place in this luxurious closet.

I sighed deeply. I could feel that I was having a Cinderella moment here living in the palace-like house only that I was not in the palace of prince charming but in the handsome villain in the story.

Yep, how I wish someone would rescue me from his evil grasp soon.

A/N: FOR THE COMPLETE VERSION OF THIS STORY HEAD TO MY PATREON ACCOUNT THE LINK IS ON MY BIO.