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Chapter 6: It’s all clear

Leonardo

My gaze lingered on Aurora’s retreating form, her slender legs eating up the distance as she hastened to keep up with me. Only a few people dared to confront me so it was no surprise that I found her audacity amusing, especially when she was in no place to speak to me like that.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, noticing her sudden hesitation. I didn’t know exactly what she had in mind when she said those words earlier but she has surprisingly got me intrigued.

Her eyes flashed with defiance, but I could detect a flicker of fear. "Do you want me to do something to you?" I pressed, my voice low and even.

I watched her cheeks flushed as she backed away. I expected her to look away from my gaze but she didn’t and I found myself smiling. I wasn't even supposed to glance her way because of the crimes her father had committed but watching her squirm was indeed entertaining.

"You wish. I wouldn't even let you." She narrowed her eyes into thin slits as her eyes locked onto mine. I couldn’t wait to quench that fiery spirit and yank out that sharp tongue of hers but until then….

"Let me do what?" I asked, lifting a brow as I closed the distance between us.

Her eyes flashed, her jaw setting in defiance, but her cheeks betrayed her, flushing a deep pink. "Nothing," she spat, her voice trembling slightly.

I chuckled inwardly at her attempt to hide her true intentions. “I don’t know what you have in that pretty little head of yours...” My tone remained detached. “…but maximize this luxury as much as you can.” My eyelids grew heavy with disinterest. “It won’t last long.”

"I just want to know why you're keeping me here," she snapped, her voice firm, but her breath catching as she took another step back. My eyes flashed with irritation as my gaze shifted to the red color pouring down from her head. I never liked bright colors. They were always too loud and bold…especially red. I had always preferred dark or neutral colors but out of the thousands of hair colors that this brat would have been born with, it had to be the color red. The universe had a sick sense of humor, didn’t it?

“That’s none of your business.” I hissed as the cloying scent of caramel wafted up my nose, pulling me out of thoughts. I gritted my teeth, hating the fact that my traitorous nose couldn't deny the allure of the scent. It was like warm honey, dripping with golden sweetness, but tainted by the memory of her venomous words.

Just know that keeping me here would be your biggest mistake.

If anyone's at fault here, it's you!

Learn how to have manners assshole…you’ll need it someday.

My eyes drifted to the door behind us before I turned to leave. Thank fuck I caught her before she could come in any farther. I don’t even want to think of what would’ve happened.


I stepped into the elegant restaurant, scanning the room for Matteo. He was the one who had been insisting we meet up. If it wasn’t for him, I would have been in my office planning my next move to eliminate the rogue operative and secure our east coast operations.

“Leo….” A warm smile spread across his face as I settled in the seat opposite his. “How long has it been?” His smile flourished, deepening into a hearty chuckle.

“Matteo,” I replied, my tone even and measured as we exchanged a firm handshake.

“Always a killjoy…” he scoffed with a grin.

You used to be one until you got married. I bit back my reply as I glanced around again, taking in my surroundings. It was my first time here even though I had heard a lot about this place. I wasn’t exactly the type that enjoyed going out or socializing.

My eyes drifted from place to place taking in the soft golden lighting illuminating the elegant atmosphere and the cream-colored walls adorned with vintage Italian art. Dark wood accents and crisp white tablecloths adding sophistication, while the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces wafted from the open kitchen. La Dolce Vita…commonly known as the heart of the city. If I were to be honest, I’d say the place could use a major facelift but to people like Matteo who cherished nostalgic charm and sentimental value…it was perfect just the way it was.

Sometimes I couldn’t help but wonder how a softie like him was still surviving in the Mafia world.

“I see you haven’t changed.” Matteo said, pulling my attention back to him.

“Don’t see any reason to.” I looked away from his gaze before turning to the waiter who had just presented us with menus. Matteo and I used to be very close…we still were but after he got married, it wasn’t just the same. Especially when his wife had turned him into a giant marshmallow. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. The things men do for love.

"We'll have the chef's special, please. And a bottle of your finest Barolo." Matteo said when I didn’t say anything.

As soon as the waiter departed, he leaned in. "So, Leo, how's business?"

"Prospering," I said, unfolding my napkin before meeting his gaze.

He then let out a small chuckle. "I hear you've expanded into tech. Smart move."

"Adaptation is key," I replied, lifting a brow. “I’m not gonna be tied down picking out fucking curtains and couches for the rest of my life. The world’s moving forward and I’m going to move with it.”

“Okay,” a small smile formed on his lips as he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. “No need to get offended…”

My eyelids sank. “ I’m not offended.”

“Oh how can I forget.” Sarcasm dripped from his words like espresso from an Italian cafe. For someone who liked spending most of his time outside the country, I was shocked he still had his accent in check. “You’re Leonardo D’Introno….you never get offended.” He lifted his chin an inch higher with a smug look on his face.

All of this to get on my nerves? Not today Matteo.

"Your selections, gentlemen." the waiter announced as he reappeared, presenting two dishes of chicken cacciatora and a bottle of Barolo. He moved towards us expertly balancing a tray laden with our orders.

Matteo’s eyes sparkled as he lifted the wine bottle, examining the label. “Excellent. Just like old times, right Leo?”

I responded with an arc of my brow before turning to the waiter. “Indeed….just like old times.”

Matteo gestured for the waiter to leave assuring him that we were fine before he finally left. “Were you trying to scare him off?” Matteo’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he poured the Barolo into the glasses.

“What do you mean?” My brows furrowed as I reached for one of the glasses.

“That…” he pointed towards my forehead before dropping his hand. “….I know you’re normally in a bad mood but this…” he nodded towards my head before lifting his glass. “Come on. Talk to me, what’s wrong?”

For the first time since I had set foot in this restaurant, I smiled. “What the fuck are you talking about, Rossi?” I scoffed, taking a sip from my glass letting the drying sensation spread across my tongue.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about amico. Cosa ti disturba?” He tapped his fingers on the table, his eyes never leaving mine. This was the one side of Matteo I didn’t like. The fact that he didn’t rest until he got what he wanted….including answers. It was a good character trait for a Mafia Boss but not for a pestering friend.

“You’re right.” I took another sip of my drink. “Something is bothering me.” A smirk formed on my lips as his eyes lit up. “And that something…that someone is you.” My smirk widened as his lips twisted into a scowl.

“I was wondering why you called me here?” I slammed my glass on the table. Hard enough to draw attention but careful enough not to shatter it. “Now it’s all clear.”

“What are you planning to do with her, Leo?”

“That’s none of your business.” It had been exactly one month since I demanded that De Luca hand over his daughter to me. It was only normal that information had reached Matteo. Even though he had become a softie over the years, it didn’t change the fact that he still had eyes and ears everywhere.

“Well it is my business considering the fact that we both found out the truth.”

“But it’s my life.” I scowled. I wasn’t ready to listen to anyone. I had already made up my mind and nothing was going to make me change my plans.

“Don’t do something you’ll end up regretting Leo.” Matteo said, his voice barely above a whisper as he rose from his seat.

“You should worry about your own future…not mine.” I said getting up. “I hear Giulia’s having a baby...you most definitely have a lot to worry about than an old friend, don’t you?”

His gaze softened. “Leo...”

“If you’ll excuse me…” I cut him off abruptly. Like I said earlier, I wasn’t in the mood to reason with anyone, especially not on this matter. “I’ll take my leave now.”

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