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Gianna Romano
Devonte and I boarded the jet hand in hand. Since he asked me to be his girlfriend yesterday we've barely been apart and I can see us being this way for a long time. He just understands me completely and I understand him fully in return. It's a little weird to be this way but I wouldn't change it for the world. For the first time in my life I am in love and it is the best feeling I've ever felt. I'm on cloud nine and it's all because of the amazing man I get to call mine. We both took our seats and fastened our seat belts.
Not too long after that Elena, Calogero and Adriano boarded the plane, followed by Andre, Alexis, Black and Katelyn. My father had insisted it was fine for Jordan to come along too but he'd claimed it was more hassle and stress than it was worth; which I totally understood but I wish he would've come along. Of course Angelica stayed behind with him and the other girls will be flying out in a few days time, closer to the day of Roman's funeral.
I still can't believe he is gone. That was one thing I've never prepare for; death. People say to prepare for it because it could happen any time but I can't fathom it. I don't want to think of someone possibly dying to tomorrow, it seems so wrong. Unfortunately it's the sad reality of this side of life but I will not be a person that follows such a thing. I'll always be caught off guard when someone passes away because nine times out of them they didn't deserve it at all. Roman didn't deserve it at all.
On a happier note, Devonte was properly introduced to Vittoria (who will be my stepmother soon), Emilio, Giancarlo as well as Adriano and Calogero. Of course my uncles and brothers have him a hard time at first and probably gave him the same 'if you break her heart, I'll break your neck' speech but thankfully they all get along. Him, Adri and Cee have gelled quite nicely and I can already see the friendship forming which is something I didn't expect - without Calogero maybe but definitely not with Adriano.
"Gia!" Katelyn squealed and ran over to me. "I've missed you!"
I couldn't help but laugh and smile. "Aww sweetie, I've missed you too. Did your tooth fall out yet?"
"Yes! And tooth fairy gave me money!"
"He did?!"
She nodded. "One hundred bucks!"
"One hundred? That's a lot! You must've been a really good girl then."
"I always am."
I looked up at Black who simply shrugged and smiled in response. For a man who's so hard and ruthless he certainly is an amazing father. He wouldn't strike you as the type but seeing him with Katelyn brings you a whole other perspective on him. He's a big softy when it comes to his little girl. Who wouldn't be with her though? Her smile is enough to make you melt and give in to whatever she wants.
After speaking with the pilot Adri and Cee finally came to sit down in the seats opposite Devonte and I. Katelyn who was sitting on my lap watched them do so but as soon as Adriano looked up at her with his big blue eyes and smiled, she turned away and nuzzled her head into the crook of my neck. Uh oh..I think this little girl might have a crush.
"Katelyn?" I said softly and gently tickled her sides which made her laugh and look up at me. "These are my almost brothers. This is Calogero but you can call him Cee and this is Adriano but I like to call him occhioni (big eyes)."
She smiled and looked at Cee who smiled and waved. She waved back before diverting her eyes to Adriano. He simply smiled at her and again she nuzzled her head into the crook of my neck. Yup, someone definitely has a crush. I glanced at Black who had a hard mug on his face. I couldn't help but laugh. Devonte and the boys joined in too. If he's like this now with an innocent little crush, I can only imagine what he'll be like when she brings home her first boyfriend.
"Come on babygirl, we gotta go get buckled up."
Katelyn shook her head and instead of staying with me she reached out for Adriano. Devonte snickered at Black who mugged the hell out of his daughter but sighed and went to sit down with Andre and Lena who were consoling Lex who'd been an absolute wreck. Adriano grabbed Katelyn from me and sat her down on his lap. She smiled shyly at him before resting her head on his shoulder and playing with the zipper on his jacket. No more than five minutes later she was out like a light and our plane was taking off.
When it was safe to do so I removed my seatbelt and focused my attention on my man who was staring out the window in what seemed to be deep thought. He'd been a little off this morning but with everything going on I didn't really pay it any mind. Now that we're somewhat away from everything though it's obvious that there is something bothering him. Everyone else was either asleep or had headphones in and I know when we get to Florence the likelihood over ever having alone time with him will be little to none, so it's now or never to ask.
"Baby, are you okay?"
He turned his head to face me. "What makes you ask that?"
"You've been a little off all day. Did something happen? Did someone say something?"
He sighed. "My mom's in New York. She came unannounced and we got into it because she came into my house being disrespectful to Emery who stepped into a motherly role when she left to Florida."
"She's still at the house?"
"No, I put her up in a hotel. Jordan did not want her in that house with him and honestly I don't blame him."
"You don't have to answer this because I don't want it to seem like I'm prying, but why did she move to Florida in the first place? Like why couldn't you move your grandma into your house? Wouldn't that have made more sense?"
"Believe me, it makes a lot of sense but my grandma can be a piece of work. I love her and all but my view of her changed when Jordan came to live with us. She hated and still to this day hates the fact that my dad had a child on her daughter and so she took that out on Jordan. She did the nastiest things to him and he was only a kid. Not to mention he'd just lost him mom. I admit I was confused and weirded out by the situation at first but that was still my brother and we got along easily. I wasn't going to not accept him because we didn't have the same mom, that's stupid."
I nodded. "So have you spoken to your mom since?"
"I tried to this morning when I was dropping her at the hotel on my way to your place but it went left. I've honestly never seen her such a way before, not even when she was going through all that stuff with my dad when Jordan was revealed." He looked down at the ground. "The only thing I can think of is drugs. I've seen it change people just like the way she has and as much as I don't want to admit it, Miami is notorious for that stuff. If it is then I need to get her sober, get her some help. I don't want to lose her."
I reached over and caressed his cheek with my thumb. He sighed and lent into my touch before gently gripping my arm and rubbing it with his thumb.
"You want lose her baby." I said softly which made him open his eyes. "When we come back here I'll help you figure it all out, okay? For now I just want you to try relax and don't let this stress you out more than it already is, it's not good for your health."
"I love you so much."
I couldn't help but smile like an idiot. This is only the second time he's said this directly to me, though this time it feels so much more real because we're officially together. I don't think any other man could ever make me feel this way.
"Ti amo (I love you)." I replied before leaning in and connecting my lips with his.
"Oh my bitch is getting pregnant by the time we come back to New York!" Elena's loud self hollered making Devonte and I pull away from each other.
She'd said that a bit too loud though because both Calogero and Adriano paused their music and looked at me.
"Please don't." Cee said seriously. "If you're doing grown people things then use protection."
"Man fuck all that, don't do it at all! I swear on everything Devonte, if you get her pregnant I'll have you castrated!"
"Will you stop? I'm not going to get pregnant. For crying out loud we just got together, I'm not ready to do all that."
These people need to chill.
Just because I'm in a relationship doesn't automatically mean I'm having sex. The same goes for anyone else in the world. Besides, I'm not like that at all and I'd like to be finished with college first before having any children. And I want a ring first. You know like Nicki said; ain't pushing out his babies til he buy the rock. Well that's me.
_ _ _
Upon arrival in Italy everyone went straight to the Mafia Headquarters. The new guests (Devonte, Black, Katelyn, Alexis and Andre) were all in awe at large the Romano estate was. Devonte's houses were huge but this was next level and it showed. Not just in how large the house was but how lavish the interior was and how everything was put together. It was certainly made for people of status - fit for royals in other words. Then once everyone was settled, Gianna took her boyfriend, Alexis, Andre, Black and Katelyn sightseeing. Of course Elena, Calogero and Adriano tagged along too - not that Adri really had any choice, Katelyn had been stuck to him like glue!
It was bittersweet being in Florence under the circumstances but everyone was trying to see the positive out of the situation, just like Roman would have if he were still here. Plus the stories Gianna had to go with some of the places she showed them made everything that much lighter. Even Lex managed to crack a sincere smile and although it probably wouldn't last long, it meant the world to Gianna and Devonte who'd watched her bawl her eyes out for two days straight now.
"Candy! Candy! Candy! Occhioni (big eyes), candy!"
Everyone laughed at the little girl who was in Adriano's arms - she'd refused to walk because she wanted to be all over him. Black just had to suck it up because he hated saying no to Katelyn. Adriano didn't mind though, as surprising as it may sound he loved kids. She was now pointing at a store across the street that was painted gold and had all different candy designs over the sign.
"Oh, Barney's! That is the best candy store you'll ever go into. I'm so serious." Elena said and that only made Katelyn more hyper.
"Can we go? Please!"
Adriano looked at Black. "I can take her so you can keep looking around. Only if it's cool with you though."
"It's good but not too much candy, aight Katelyn?"
"Yes daddy."
"And you listen to Adriano otherwise you'll get a whooping."
"It's Occhioni!"
Adriano looked at Gianna who was holding hands with Devonte. "See what you've done with that nickname? Lord help us all."
"You secretly love it so shut up."
"Whatever. I'll catch up with you later."
Elena laughed as soon as her brother was gone. "He does love the name but he'll never admit it."
"What does it mean anyway?" Alexis asked.
"Big eyes."
She nodded. "Yup, very fitting."
The group walked down the main street until they reached Antonelli's - the best Italian restaurant you could possibly go to. Everything was perfection and it worked out even better since Calogero owned it which meant he and anyone he bought along with him ate for free. He may have been based in Spain but his business spread worldwide - from having places like this to owning stocks, the middle child was everywhere.
"Buon pomeriggio Signor Antonelli, come sta? (Good afternoon Mr Antonelli, how are you?)"
"Salve (hello). I am very well thank you. These are my guests. My baby sister Elena, my topolina (little mouse) Gianna, her boyfriend Devonte, Andre, Alexis, Black and my big headed brother should be coming soon with Black's little girl. Please escort us to the table."
"Si (yes), follow me."
The waitress led them all over to a private section of the restaurant and got them all seated before bringing over some menus. Ten minutes later Adriano joined them again with Katelyn who had a bag full of different candies. Even when Black reached for her, she still stayed with Adriano - it was obvious now that she would be like this for the whole trip.
Gianna browsed over the menu not quite knowing what to get. Everything the chef here made was absolute perfection. He made pure Italian cuisine and it was the best anyone would ever have. They may have been in a restaurant but everything was made with love and cooked like it would be at home which is exactly what Calogero had envisioned for his restaurants - a classy dining experience but food that tasted like home.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Miss Gianna Romano. You've grown baby."
Devonte's eyebrows knitted together at a young man who approached the table and went straight to Gianna placing a kiss on her cheek as he hugged her. Gianna was quick to pull away and grabbed her man's hand that was resting on his thigh that was bouncing up and down.
"I haven't seen you around in a long time gorgeous. Since we shared that one night actually. Hopefully I didn't go too hard on you."
Alexis choked on her drink at the same time Elena did. They both knew the story and it had just clicked that this was the boy that Gianna had told them about - the one that didn't even pop the cherry. Adriano covered Katelyn's ears and looked at Gianna.
"Topolina (little mouse) what is he talking about?"
"Nothing." Gianna replied to Adriano before looking back to Lucio. "I think it's best if you go. Now is definitely not the time to talk about this, especially when there is a child here."
"Don't be like that baby, you know if you stop playing we could be a great couple. My father just bought me a new Lamborghini and I my own house now."
Gianna shook her head. "Lucio there will never be a you and I, understand that please. I'm happy with the man that I am with and wouldn't trade him for the world."
She looked at Devonte and pecked his lips. The action made Lucio scoff.
"Him? Baby he's not even your type."
"Stop calling me baby and you don't even know my type. Now leave."
"I know that it's not a black, tattooed thug."
Devonte stood up immediately but Gianna was quick to get in front of him. There was no way in hell she was letting anything happen because Devonte would surely win and the last thing he needed was to have an assault or murder charge in a foreign country.
"Figlio un cane (son of a bitch) don't come for my man like that!" Gianna snapped, getting in Lucio's face. "Don't you ever disrespect the man that I love. He's more than twice the man you'll ever be and I suggest you get the hell out of here before I have my brothers throw you out before I let my man deal to you."
"Gran' disgraziato (big disgrace) you are Gianna. We're supposed to be together, we're made for each other. Don't go against the grain like this, not for someone who's not even in your league."
"And you think you're in my league? Boy you have got to be joking. I have my own shit and I have all that because my father was smart enough to flip my pocket money by investing. My father doesn't give me handouts, he strategies and provides me with the tools I need in order to do things myself. Unlike you who depends on daddy for everything. Seriously, ma' va te ne a fanculo (go fuck yourself). Leave."
"You heard my lady. Leave."
Lucio shook his head. "You'll come back to me when you realise no one can do you like me."
He turned to walk away but both Elena and Alexis couldn't pass up the opportunity.
"Tell your daddy to buy you a new dick too with your couldn't pop the cherry having ass!"
"Ce un cibirut (you have a small dick), why would she want you?!"
The two busted out laughing when he practically ran out of the restaurant. Calogero and Adriano were shocked at what they'd heard and had both made a note to speak with their topolina (little mouse) privately when they got back to the estate. Black and Andre were shocked as well but they couldn't deny their amusement - if only they'd known what was said in Italian. Gianna sighed and turned to Devonte who's jaw was clenched. She reached up and cupped his face in her hands.
"I'm sorry about that."
He sighed. "You don't have to be sorry for an idiot's actions. Who is he though? Do y'all have history?"
"I'll tell you when we get back to the house."
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Welcome to Italy alright 🤣
Questions + Responses:
Cee's restaurant in MM
Katelyn is such a cutie ❤
She has a lil crush on Adriano!
Devonte's situation with his mom?
The incident at the restaurant with Lucio? 😅
How do you think Von will react to Gianna telling him about her experience with Lucio?
Vote, comment & share 😁✌