POV: Angelo

I glance at the screen of my phone, checking for any sign of a message or missed call, but the screen is blank with only the clock digits and battery percentage showing as well as the other usual lock screen essentials.

I don't know why, but I've looked almost 17 times in the past 20 minutes.

Or maybe, deep down I do know what I want to see - and who it's from?

I quickly shake the thought from my mind as I look up to be met with a pair of almost black eyes.

"Afternoon Padre." I say icily, the sharp, hostile edge in my voice would have made any other person flinch.

"Figlio" is the response I get. Inside me, I can feel all my nerves stand on edge as thick, hot blood pumps through my veins. Anger is present in my mind, yet I remain, stone cold and expressionless.

I say nothing more to the person ahead of me. In my opinion, words would be wasted, speaking to that monster.

"I'm sure you understand why I asked you to meet me at my office." His voice matches mine, empty and monotone.

I glare at his face, wanting to punch it so badly right now. I clench my fists in tight balls under the desk I am sat behind and clench my jaw before forcing myself to give a curt nod.

"Very well. It was a stupid, reckless thing for you do do Angelo! What the hell were you thinking running off like that for almost 7 months! You are not a child for Christ's sake, you have duty and responsibilities which are to be fulfilled."

I restrain myself from rolling my eyes dramatically at the mans scolding. I don't have time for this shit.

"I understand." I reply, in a business like manor, because that's all this is. Business.

I'm only here to resume my roll as the Mafia's leader, and my father is only here to make sure I do it.

I watch as he rests his hands on the oak desk and presses his weight onto it. He doesn't exactly tower over the desk, but his standing position puts him above me.

"I didn't raise you like this." He states more to himself than me therefore I remain unfazed and stay still.

"I want complete reassurance that you will not pull another stupid stunt like that again!" He says, his eyes burning holes straight into mine.

"I won't." I reply and stand up from the leather seat I was previously sat in. I'm now looking down at him, considering I'm quite a bit taller than him.

"Goodbye Padre" i state and give him a slight nod before turning my back to him and heading towards the door.

"Not so fast Angelo." He says and I almost groan angrily. Almost.

I turn to face him again and he adjusts his suit jacket. He clears his throat and straightens up.

"You were born a leader, and you are a leader. I am proud of you figlio, believe it or not. No matter what happens, I will always be proud of you." His facial expression remains stone cold, but I can see the sincerity in his dark brown eyes.

What he said shocks me so much I nearly collapse. I blink once, then twice, making sure this is real before furrowing my brows together.

My father hasn't said anything of the kind since I was a boy. I don't know how to act, or how to feel in the situation so I just stand there in a pensive manor, trying to remove my awe and find a logical explanation for what just happened.

"Why are you saying this?" I finally ask, but my voice comes out quiet, almost like a whisper.

My father stands regarding me, mirroring my pensive manor, before replying.

"I'm no longer young Angelo, I can no longer be the leader. You, my son, are now the boss as I am stepping down completely. I know that you will do a better job than me, because you are an extraordinary man. I'm telling you that I am this proud because, I fear if I do not, it may be too late."

I let my facade drop, and stand there in awe. My father is a workaholic; even in his retirement he would still oversee all decisions made, I can't believe he would give it up.

He's not that old though. He's what, 52 or something similar. He's got ages left to live, I don't understand what he is talking about.

Unless, he isn't telling me something.

"What aren't you telling me?" I ask angrily. I don't like being left in the dark, I hate secrets being kept from me.

He chuckles and shakes his head slightly. I frown at him and await his response.
After a while, he finally says something.

"You've always been smart Angelo. You can even tell when your old man is hiding something. Well done." He chuckles slightly.

It's odd to see my father do anything other than frown and bark orders at people.

I remain silent, indicating that he should proceed to his explanation.

"Your not going to like what you hear next." He says and my eyes snap up to his eyes.

"What is it?!" I ask impatiently. I hate it when people beat around the bush. I'd rather be told straight what's going on that waste time.

"Before i tell you what it is, I need you to promise me something. Stay away from Aletta." His answer makes my jaw drop.

"What has Aletta got to do with any of this?!" I growl aggressively. I can't stand the thought of her getting mixed up in all this danger. What is her involvement?

"Promise me, figlio." He says and I just stare at him.

"Why?!" I sharply retort and he folds his hands across his chest. I can tell his patience is gradually disintegrating.

"Aletta is my best friends daughter, and therefore she is basically a part of the family. It is not right that she should be put in danger, simply because of a fling with you. Your dangerous, and bad, destructive things follow wherever you go. Tell me Angelo, is it worth putting her life at risk just because you are being selfish?"

Astonishment as well as rage blind me. What Aletta and I share is not a fling. Hell, we only kissed once! And that was the best kiss I have ever experienced in my entire existence.

But my fathers right, I shouldn't put her in danger just because I'm being selfish. I would destroy her. She's like beautiful, fine glass and I'm a bulldozer. It could never work without me destroying her.

And so I agree.

"I promise."

"Good," my father replies and nods his head. "I know this is hard for you, but it's the right thing to do."

"Spare me the sympathy, you wouldn't understand anyway." I retort and drag my eyes to the floor.

"What does Aletta have to do with any of this though?" I question, remembering what my father hinted at earlier.

This time, my father does not hesitate to spit out the truth. He gives it to me short and blunt, and like a dagger to my chest I receive the message.

I replay what he said over and over in my head as my stomach churns and knots, twisting and contorting, evoking agony.

I replay what he said over and over again, not wanting to believe what he said...

"Aletta has been kidnapped"...

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Author note: Hey guys!

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Can't wait for the next one! I'm so excited, idk about you!

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Byeeeee :)