An early update just because I got excited :)

An Important note: I use Google Translate and other websites to write the Italian phrases in this book, so I am not an expert on the language. You might find mistakes, and I apologize. Moreover, I will not put the English translation in brackets because I want you to experience what Jolene goes through in this novel. If she decides to translate what she hears, you will know, but if she doesn't, you will feel her confusion. This is my method for this book.

 I hope you like it!

Dario

"So, you are keeping an eye on Jolene Hansley? How come?" Enola asked once she placed Andrea, my two-year-old nephew, in his bed. It was seven in the morning, and he could not sleep all night due to a high fever. So, I decided to stay at her house since her husband was out of town for one night. He had to attend a meeting I ordered and asked me to look after his son.

I was a mafia don, so Andrea's existence in my life eased some of the nightmares. I killed many unholy people and destroyed their crooked businesses without any regret. I was not a saint, but they were irrational blood-craving monsters. They did not care about the consequences of their actions, so I terminated them. However, the looks their children gave me when they learned about their parent's death broke my heart.

I was selfish there and did not think about the situation thoroughly. Therefore, I promised myself never to end someone's life without preparing the necessary means for the children's survival. I helped them find new warm homes and secured them financially. Despite some of the mafia members' protests, that was the least I could do to help innocent people live.

"Her dad asked for a favor to watch over his daughter, and I don't know why yet, but I will find out soon. Dante agreed to open a Hansley's Watches branch in Sicily, so I did not push for answers. I got what I needed for a reasonable cost." Her vague situation in New York bothered me, so I decided not to open up to her until I could trust her with the real reason she was partnering up with me in Sicily. Not even Enola knows why I want her.

Enola nodded as she sat on the couch. "Don't mess with her. Uncle Dante entrusted you with her safety; you better do a damn good job at it. Don't pull your 'I am dangerous and cold' vibes on her. Remember, she is not a part of the mafia. For all we know, she could be a fragile and kind woman," my sister said firmly, and I nodded. Not because I felt intimidated by her but because I did not have the willpower to argue with her.

"I better head to my house and shower before I pick her up from the airport," I said as I grabbed my car keys.

"You should because you reek of barf, and let me meet her when she settles down. Arrivederci!"

I sniffed my sweater, and the smell was horrible. My little Andrea was too precious to get sick. "Ci vediamo dopo," I replied and headed out.

~~~

I stripped from my clothes and entered the bathroom. There was a huge mirror, so I could not help but glance at the big scar on my left side and sigh. It was my daily reminder of all the bad things I have done and, sadly, am still doing in my life.

 I will stop one day but not today.

I ran my hand along the scar and shook my head. "One can never be careful enough." I ran the water and scrubbed my body. After I made sure the smell was gone, I turned off the water and stepped out of the bathroom. I wrapped a towel around my waist and opened my laptop.

I searched for Jolene Hansley online, and her picture popped out. She was in a black suit and shaking hands with New York's mayor. For a twenty-seven-year-old woman, she was impressive. She was a CEO with a master's degree and, to say the least, attractive. Her facial features were beautiful and alluring.

I bet she has everyone down on her feet.

I will not tolerate her behavior if she turns out to be a bitch.

My phone rang, breaking my chain of thoughts, and I picked it up while scrolling down her profile for a few more seconds. "Ciao!" I heard over the phone, and to give him proper attention, I turned off my laptop. 

"Ciao," I said as I put it on speaker. I grabbed my gray suit and wore it.

"Dario, when will she land?" my grandpa asked in a rushed tone, and I narrowed my eyes at his curiosity.

"At one, there's still an hour-"

"Capisco," he said and cut our conversation short. I was not surprised since Nonno was always weird, but I loved him. He raised Enola and me independently and trained me to be the next don.

Our grandfather took on the role of both our parents, and I will be forever grateful for his dedication to letting us succeed, whether in the mafia or not. Enola decided to stay away from the family business and be an elementary school teacher. We supported her decision and protected her from the media and unwanted attention. She deserved a peaceful life, and we delivered. However, her husband, Mattia, was one of my good friends and very loyal to the mafia. He respected his wife's wishes and never mentioned any mafia-related business at home.

After styling my hair, I went to the guest room across from mine and ensured that it was clean for Jolene to stay in. I cracked the windows open for a breath of fresh air and checked if the lights were functioning properly. My house was secluded and far from people's eyes, so I did not need any extra security or guards to watch over the house. I can protect myself and my guests in case of an attack.

I headed to my car and drove off to the airport.

~~~

"Where was she?" I asked myself as I looked at the clock. It was half past one, and she was nowhere in sight. But then it occurred to me that she was probably waiting at the other exit of the airport. I cursed under my breath because I did not want to bother the old lady sitting next to me on the bench, and I got up. I hurried to the second exit and saw the woman I would be babysitting standing with my grandpa. They were far from me to hear what they were talking about, but I sensed their conversation was not pleasant based on her expressions.

Grandpa grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him, and I immediately realized what was happening. Jolene looked uncomfortable and about to scream for help. However, her following action startled me.

She flipped my grandpa to the other side and was about to hit him when I finally stepped in. "Nonno! Jolene!" I yelled, and she stopped. She is not fragile, Enola.

"Dario, il mio nipote preferito, tell her I was joking and mean no harm!" Grandpa pleaded, and I rolled my eyes. His prankster side got the best of him, and she made him regret his actions.

"Grandpa, stop lying. I know I am not your favorite grandson. Besides, you reap what you sow."

He nodded with a glare. "True, Enola is my favorite grandkid. You suck. Now, help me stand. She banged me up real good." I grabbed grandpa's hand and pulled him up. He looked at Jolene and laughed. "Welcome to Sicily, Jolene. I had to confirm that you are not some snoopy-spoilt brat who doesn't know how to stand up for herself. You passed the test with flying colors."

I looked at Jolene, and to say she was attractive was an understatement. The brown in her eyes was captivating. However, to me, looks were not as important as personality. "I will not apologize for flipping you since it was a test, sir. You can put ice on your back once you get home, though. It will bruise for sure; ask dad." She grinned and extended her hand to shake grandpa's hand. She sounds so full of herself, but I might be wrong!

"I am Basilio, and I like you already, Jolene. Dario, don't fuck this up. Protect her at all costs, or I will skin you alive," grandpa threatened, and I nodded in understanding. He was the only one who knew about the real reason I invited her to Italy, so he was basically telling me not to drag her into my not-so-innocent business and put her in danger.

I extended my hand to share hers, but she looked at it momentarily. I cleared my throat, and she looked into my eyes. "I am Dario Romano, the Mafia Don. You will be by my side 24/7 until your issue is resolved. I promised your dad I would keep an eye on you, so don't do something stupid while you are here, okay?" I said, and I saw her frown.

"I don't need your protection because I don't want to owe you anything, nor do I want your pity. As you saw, I know how to defend myself perfectly. I came here to do business as planned, and I hope you meet my expectations, Dario. I don't care about the mafia. I care about my company." Her firm tone indicated that she was not here to play, and I admired her seriousness. However, it could all be a facade, and she could be a bitch.

"She's a tough crowd to please, nipote. Be careful, or she will rip your arm off and shove it up your ass." Grandpa's last comment before he got into his car infuriated me, but he did not give me the chance to reply.

I sighed, letting go of my anger. "Let's go. I parked on the other side. You will live with me from now on."

She grabbed her back bag, and I dragged her suitcases. "No, thanks. I will stay in a hotel room until it's over."

I looked at her, feeling my blood boil, but I surpassed my fury and took a deep breath, calming myself. "No, you are staying with me, which is final. I promised your dad always to keep you by my side, and I never broke my promises. I will not start now just because you think you are entitled and stubborn," I replied rather harshly, but she did not flinch. Tough crowd indeed.

"I am not entitled, but I am stubborn. However, I am too tired to argue any further with you. The room better be clean, though."

I rolled my eyes. "It is. Where do you think I live? In a dumpster?"

Jolene was annoying, and I was already picturing our arguments every damn day.

She chuckled. "That thought crossed my mind. I didn't say it, though; you did. Now, let's go."

She was a handful, and I was not too fond of this type of personality.

~~~

14.10.2022

So, what do you think about Dario?

What do you think will happen next?

See you next chapter :)