Uniting the Families

[such_a_bad_man]

Mike Nardelli looked across the table at the younger Gio Moretti. All the hired muscle was on display for this meeting between the two Capos of their respective Families. In reality, the playing field couldn’t be more uneven. Still, Mike didn’t want to erase any more names from wall of the restaurant where they found themselves. Tuturro’s was the place where the Four Families met to carve up this city among themselves. It was an arrangement that allowed business to flourish for 100 years, but it was Mike that started taking names off the wall in this place. Not a list of painted names, but rather plaques commemorating accomplishments of civic pride that each Family made possible. As each Family was erased, so to were their names from places of prominence in the restaurant.

Mike didn’t like the direction the Families took when he was a young man. Narcotics fell on his city like an atom bomb. Within 5 years, the entire Underworld was rife with dealers, addicts, traffickers, and money. Mike didn’t like how it changed the city, as well as a few of his personal friends. He swore that he would make the Families respectable again.

It wasn’t enough to get the Families out of the drug trade; he had to make a statement. His genius play was to offer banking services to those that suddenly found themselves cash rich. Everyone knew that the Nardelli’s had the capital to cover a dark bank. They didn’t seem to realize that he wasn’t doing this out of the goodness of his heart, however. Soon, the Nardelli’s had the cash to grow their gambling and prostitution rackets. Then came the gun running and chop shops. Soon, the Nardelli’s were making more money than the other families combined.

Mike called a meeting here at Tuturro’s almost five years ago now. He wanted to buy out the other families, to fold all their businesses under one Family with him at the top. Nearly 100 years of independent operation made the other Capos proud. They would never submit to someone as young as Mike was at the time. He was only in his mid-30s; the other Capos had nearly 20 years on him. They wouldn’t sit back and listen to a kid.

In all honesty, the meeting had been a courtesy. A courtesy the other Families didn’t recognize. The next day, Mike went to war.

Block by block, borough by borough, he took over the city. His men were handpicked. Each one was a calm cool operator that was loyal to a fault. That’s why Mike won. The other Families had gangsters; Mike had Soldiers. Eventually, when enough blood had been shed and it looked like Mike was poised to take over the city, the other Families asked him to a peace summit. They wanted it on their turf; they didn’t choose Tuturro’s. Their lack of respect for tradition sealed their fates.

Mike never went to the summit; he blew up the building and brought it down on their heads. It was a sign. There were no more Four Families. There was just one Family now. But Mike didn’t factor in one thing.

That one thing sat across from him in the restaurant where it all started. Gio and his sister, Alessandra, weren’t at the summit. It made sense; Gio’s dad, Antonio, knew his boy was a fuck-up and didn’t involve him too deeply in the family business. He also knew that Gio’s temper would not be helpful at the summit. Alessandra was a citizen; she didn’t want anything to do with her father’s life. She was a shoe-in to go to college. That decision a long time ago may have saved her life.

But that didn’t mean that she was out of Mike’s mind. She had a place front and center as he conversed with her brother, Gio. Today was about finalizing how things would happen going forward between the Nardellis and the Morettis.

“Now, we can’t go back to a shooting war, Gio. The cops are already going after everything they can think of. You keep coming after me with this vendetta we’re both going to wind up going to prison. That’s no good for anyone. There is another way it can go, but I know you don’t want that,” Mike explained. They had been going back and forth for hours now; it looked like Gio’s resolve was going to crack. After all, Gio may want to avenge his dad, but Mike could tell that he wasn’t about to throw his life away to do it. If he would have, Mike figured the kid would have come in shooting. When he didn’t, Mike knew the angle to take.

“Look, I want things to get back to normal. We’re not making any money so long as we keep fighting. I know things are tight for you. That was by design to win this war, but I don’t want to wipe out the last Family outside of mine. That’s no good for our history. I’m a magnanimous man, Gio. I hope you know that. I pay my people very well and they love me for it. I want to do the same for you. I want to see the Morettis regain some of their stature again. For that reason, I want to give you some of your territory back. It won’t replace your father, I know, but consider it a gift. The Reynolds neighborhood, between 23rd and 31st, from Maple to Aspen… it’s yours, along with all the businesses that work in that area,” Mike said, sitting back.

Gio looked shocked, he never imagined gaining back some of his family’s turf in this meeting. He thought he was coming here to surrender. “Thanks, Mike. That’s… that’s more than I figured I’d get. I can’t help but figure there’s got to be a catch,” Gio said, breathing a little easier.

“Gio, you’re a bright boy. There is an extenuating circumstance that is preventing me from just handing it over to you. I need to know that this war is really over between us. You can say that it is, but that might just be a ploy to get outta here and back to spinning up some other scheme that’s just going to get more people killed. I don’t want that and you know you can’t afford that anymore,” Mike said, pausing to sip his Chianti.

“What more assurances can I give but my word?” Gio asked, still not touching the food on the table before him.

“Sadly, a man’s word doesn’t count for much anymore, more’s the pity. In more ancient times, such truces were sealed with an arranged marriage. If the truce goes sideways, the person that marries into the other side, well… they pay for it,” Mike suggested.

“Okay, so… you want someone from your family to marry a Moretti? Who did you have in mind?” Gio asked, not seeing the obvious solution.

“How’s Alessandra these days?” Mike asked pointedly.

“My sister? You want me to marry off my sister?!” Gio said, sounding upset. The gun men on both sides shifted nervously. Mike held up his hand to the men behind him and they relaxed.

“Gio… I don’t see what other choice you have. You think you know how much money and manpower I can bring down on you and your family?” Mike said before snapping his fingers.

Suddenly the front door of Tuturro’s is yanked open as the fire door in the back beeps as well. The restaurant is filled with at least 3 times the gunmen that Mike had brought originally. Within seconds, all the men Gio brought are disarmed and kneeling on the ground behind him.

“Like I said, Gio, there is another way we can end this war, but I don’t want my future wife looking at me and seeing the man that killed her father AND her brother in the same year…” Mike said, pulling the young man in close and speaking into his ear. “Why don’t you give her a call and see if she’s free to meet some visitors tonight?” he said, pressing his gun into the young man’s ribs. “Please.”

 

[Kililia]

Gio Moretti may be a hot head but even he knew that he was in deep trouble. He knew he had no option to but play along till he could outwit Mike Moretti. After all he knew, she was not interested to stay in the family business. He would need find a way to discreetly communicate to his sister that he was in trouble. He grit his teeth as Mike said "please" knowing they both knew he fucked up big time. He reluctantly pick up his phone slowly and dialed his sister's number. He was grateful that she picked up right away. He glared at Mike Nardelli as he try sound casual : " hey....it's me...look, I be coming home early...I need to see you...what?! What you mean, your not home?! Oh shit, I forgot, it's your birthday...I mean, of course I knew, that why I need see you" * He was annoyed as his sister reminded him that he was at fault* " I said, I did not forget your birthday...that's why I wanna come over and give your birthday gift...just be at home...Jesus Christ, yes I know,I know.."* he hung up freaking annoyed and pissed as he had no birthday gift and would need somehow explain the situation.

Alessandra Moretti was beyond pissed as she hung up her cell, she could not believe that her brother had the nerve to order her be home. She looked at her friends and sighed:" Gio, want me home now..." *Her girlfriends cursed and complained as they made the effort to make a private party and they already started to drink alcohol. She looked down at her phone and shrugged" fuck it, I am staying, let's party?" * She laughed as they all cheered and started pass the shooters. She started with drinking games and danced till they could no longer stand .*

Many hours passed, as she parties and dozed off. She woke up and found over 20 text messages on her cellphone. She read and listen to all the messages of her brother freaking on the phone. She glance at the time and realized she partied almost the whole day. She cursed as she was still a bit drunk and doubt she could ask her drunk friend to drop her off. She end up informing her friends of her departure. She carries her gifts in her purse which mostly consisted of cards for spas ,clothing, etc. She stumble her way out her friend house and called for a uber. She end up dozing off most of ride as the Uber driver drove her straight home. She quickly gave the driver a nice tip before she step out of the Uber and watch him leave. She was wearing the purples summer dress that she bought to wear on her birthday which accentuated her violet eyes. Her long Raven hair was in a long braid that ended at her firm,round derriere. She glanced at her watch, which indicates 11pm. She was so annoyed as she made her way to the door . She started texting to her brother:" where are you?!! I'm freaking home...it's better be an amazing birthday gift". She did not even care that she arrived 7 hours late from the time her brother called her since it was her birthday. She suspected he only wanted to talk of his new insane plan to destroy his only enemy Mike Nardelli while his stupid girlfriend leach off him as he practically did every night.

Alessandra looked into her purse as she seem unable to find her keys:" geez, seriously....give me a break" *She started to checked into her purse for her keys for about 2 minutes before finding them. She quickly made her way into the house and realized that her brother did not appear to be home. She smirked to herself as she tossed her high heel aside as she mumbled to herself: " Thank god, i did not bother coming early on my own birthday"

Unlike her brother, Alessandra Moretti was quite petite, 5'0 tall to be exact. She always wore heels as most girl appear taller than her. She made her way to the kitchen and got herself a bottle of water. She was both hurt and disappointed that her brother was so hungry for power that he forgot her first birthday without their father. Her mother had left for a trip for 6 month or more to recover while she left the business in her son's hand and the daughter home.

Alessandra Moretti made her way up the stairs slowly, sipping on the bottle of water. She glance at the time and suspected her brother was to busy trying start a war. High school had finally finished and she had decided to leave the family, change her name and live off grip for months with her savings.Then she could leave for another city and go to school and start her life all over again while her brother pissed off the most dangerous man in the criminal organization. Unlike most daughters of such wealthy family, she saved her cash in case of an emergency. She knew that might come a time to run away from this family business. She had her "Camping gear" in the closet,which was actually a go bag for when came the time to run away. Of course no one knew of it, especially her brother that was busy between flaunting his power or party girls.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

As Alessandra walked in her room upstairs, she heard the door open downstairs. From the sound of things, Gio had finally showed up. The timing was a sit suspicious, but he started calling out for her.

"Ali? Ali, can you come down please?" As usual, Gio used his nickname for her when they were in grade school. Never mind the fact that Alessandra was using her full name these days to sound more adult. Gio never caught on and insisted on calling his "little sister" by her shortened version.

As Alessandra made her way downstairs, ready to resume their old argument, she saw that Gio wasn't alone in the living room. There were at least 5 men spaced around the room with Gio standing in the middle. There was another man, sitting in her father's old arm chair, sitting with one leg crossed over the other. When she saw him, a smile crept across his face.

Mike was so pleased to see Alessandra again. He knew early on that she had inherited her looks from her mother; he needed to bide his time and the young beauty would make an excellent wife. Her dress tonight made her eyes flash, or maybe it was the sight of him in her home that made her react as she did.

"Good evening, Alessandra. I apologize for calling on you so late, but your brother and I were discussing things and it couldn't wait. I felt we couldn't continue without bringing you into the conversation," Mike began. As he sat there, one of the men poured some of the finer whiskey left behind on the bar by Gio and Alessandra's father and brought the glass over to Mike. Mike let it aerate and took a sip. "I will admit, your father had quite the palette to appreciate his fine collection... but I digress. Gio, if you would be so good as to explain our presence tonight. I'm sure your sister would love to hear the good news."

Gio's face twisted as he knew what Mike was up to. Gio didn't have to like the terms, but Mike didn't have to be an ass about it. As he looked back at Mike, he saw that this was all part of the plan. Gio took a deep breath and turned back to Alessandra. "Mike and I have set up a deal to make peace between his Family and ours. There will be no more bloodshed."

He paused, letting Alessandra absorb that news and react to it. He wanted her to have a moment with just that relief before he continued. "He does have a condition. We get back the old neighborhood, but he's giving it to us as a dowry, of sorts, for a marriage between our families." Gio glanced back again, swallowing as bile started to rise at the thought of what he had to tell his sister.

"The peace is contingent on you marrying Mike Nardelli." Gio said, sounding so defeated. He couldn't look into his sister's eyes as he said it, looking down to the floor to his left as Mike shifted in his seat to see how Alessandra would take this news.

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra rolled her eyes as her annoying brother called her by her nickname. He could not even make an effort to call her by her first name even on her birthday. She turn around and made her way down the stairs:" I am not spending the last hour of my birthday with you stupidly bragging of pissing off Mike Nardelli. Seriously, you have a death wish,broth..." * She suddenly realized these were not the family guards. She turn sensing someone in her father's chair. It took a moment to register but to her horror is was Mike Nardelli sitting in her father's chair. Everything seem to happen in slow motion, it took a moment to realize what he was saying.

She looked at her brother and knew from the beginning it was not gonna be good news. First of all, someone as powerful as Mike Nardelli would never give anything free and worse her brother would never be reasonable and agree to deal. Which meant Mike Nardelli had the upper hand and her brother was in deep shit.

Alessandra blink in disbelief to her brother's statement, that moron had actually dragged her into this complete mess. She gulped and tried to stay calm knowing her reaction might get them killed or worse.

She wanted to strangle her brother at that very moment before she turn to face the most deadliest man of her father's world: " I think there is a serious misunderstanding...I have nothing to do with my brother's plans. So if you want my father"s territory, house you can take it for all for all I care. Your more than welcome to it but I am out of the deal. "

Gio approached her and whispered: " Ali...its..look, its the only deal for us, right now..." Alessandra looked at her brother angry: " You party all day, and start picking fights cause of your ego and expect you use me as a ticket out of your mess?"

Gio started lose his own temper: " Look Ali, you dont get it cause your a girl...this is life and you know what..***** is hard"

Alessandra finally lost her composure when it came to her brother attitude, the moron was to arrogent to even acknowledge his mistake to her at such a time: " Here is a life lesson, brother... Life is hard....its harder when your stupid. What did you think would happen, if you kept pissing off the wrong people....did you actually thought they take your attitude that our parents did...? *She sounded more like the adult between them.

Though she hated the man that killed her father, she also knew this was one of the consequence of living in their father's world. She had prepared herself a long time ago for her father's murder. She had no illusion of a romantic vision of being in the mob. She was more of a realist, one that wanted to grab her bag and leave that life right this moment.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Mike didn't speak as the siblings argued in front of him. It seemed like this was a confrontation long coming between the two of them and he knew enough to stay out of family matters. As he waited for them to talk it out, he sat and enjoyed Lorenzo Moretti's fine selection of alcohols. When it seemed like the yelling was over, Mike cleared his throat.

"Alessandra, if I may... Please." He said, gesturing to the armchair beside him. He hoped that Alessandra was her father's daughter and would at least listen to him and not act like a petulant child and stomp off. If she didn't sit, however, his men would make her sit. Either way, he would begin.

"I know that this is not the way you hoped things would be settled between the Families. I know you had your own plans for your life and it had nothing to do with me or the business. But this has to end. Now, I could have just killed your brother and his lieutenants and that would have been that, but I think we all can agree that there has been enough death this year. Your Family has lost so much; however, it is the last Family that resists me. You can save a lot of people a lot of pain and heartache if you agree to this, Alessandra. You will find that living as my wife has its advantages. You will want for nothing. Your free time will be yours. You may pursue any intellectual endeavor you choose. I can provide that for you. All you have to do is say yes," Mike spoke. As she had heard, Mike was a skilled negotiator and there was no hint of malice in his voice.

But the look in his eyes told a different story. There were whispers about the cold dead eyes of Mike Nardelli. It was like he was staring through you when he spoke to you. He made you feel like you weren't even there.

Gio spoke up. "It's a good deal for us, Ali..." He said, sounding a bit desperate as he stood there.

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra sat beside Mike as she listen to his deal. She knew she had to act as if she would be going along with the plan and buy herself enough time to think of a way to escape this deal. A chill went down her spine as he spoke gently to her and offered her a good life. She wanted to stomp,scream and leave the room but knew it was not an option. She nervously ran her hands over her dress as she try to think a way to avoid this wedding.

She took a deep breathe: " I am very flattered by your offer,mr Nartelli...it's just that I know nothing about you" *she ran her fingers through her hair* " can you seriously marry a complete stranger? You have no idea of the life, I lived or bad habits I learned over the years..."

She force a nervous smile and looked at her brother:" I am sure my brother can offer you a much better deal than be married to someone like me..isn't that right,big brother"

Gio looked scared an annoyed: " I know you wanted to travel and all that shit, you can still do that shit...fuck you can have separate lovers, it's just a contract marriage" * It was obvious that Gio find no real value in marriage unlike Mike Nardelli*

Alessandra looked back at him:" Is that what your offering, marriage on paper while we have each other lovers?" * She was unaware of Mike family values. For a moment she wondered if she could live with him while having her own man. Perhaps he did not want a real wife with kids. Maybe she wondered he wanted her as a wife for appearances and he was perhaps gay even though he appear more like a dominant straight man. She knew that she did not want. She knew one thing for sure, it was that she did not want to give her virginity to Mike Nardelli and even less have his children*

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Mike sighed, a look of disappointment settling on his face as he looked over at Gio. He set his glass down and folded his hands in his lap as he looked at the younger man. "Gio, that's just the sort of thinking that has made our Families so weak in the last few generations. People chasing hedonistic pleasure made the drug crisis in our city so much worse. It made family members turn on other family members as they chased self-aggrandizement. What I am trying to do here is make our Families respectable again. Make them into something that people aspire to be, rather than a means to an end. I wanted this deal with your sister because I believe she is the sort of woman that will make a strong wife and mother for my family."

He turned and looked at Alessandra. "Trust me when I say that you won't need other men in your life if you take me as your husband." He said, trying to be reassuring. Through all of this, he hoped that the Morettis would see there is only one option and choose it graciously. He didn't want to force them into anything.

"If you wish to travel, we can take my private plane anywhere in the world. If you wish to learn, I can give you the finest tutors. If you wish to take in culture, my Family contributes to the libraries, museums, ballets, and theaters all over the city. As I said before, you will want for nothing." Mike reiterated, trying to show her that this deal is worth it.

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra was a bit surprised of his own goals for the family, he was not what she expected as a man leading a very powerful family. She expected to be the type to make quick money and little concern for the rest of the world while their bank account grew with every deal like her father and brother. She blushed as the mention of her being the mother of his family. It was such a bold statement to be said before witnesses, especially to her family.

She gulp as he turn to her as he offered a chance to have the life of a princess in exchange of being his wife. Hell, for a second she considered it as it was very tempting offer. She lowered her gaze as she reminded herself the cost of being his wife, she doubt he react well to a divorce. She force a nervous smile: .... I am very flattered by such an offer..." *She try think of a way to get out of his mess and buy herself some time* " Mr. Nartelli,... may i have time to think of this offer...its just, this is so sudden and i am not even fully sober from my birthday party..." *She was doing her best not to piss him off* " You have to understand, i never even been on a date and this marriage proposal was unexpected. Its a lot to process in a few hours, god knows, i been stress enough with the chaos my brother been cause since my father's passing..."

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Mike nodded. "That is very wise, Alessandra, and further proof of the wife you would be. This is a life-changing decision for yourself and for your family. It should not be entered into lightly if it is not your deepest desire. I will return in the morning and we can discuss your decision over breakfast. It will be my pleasure. For now, I will entertain Gio at my estate. Since he will be joining us, it stands to reason that we travel together, rather than run all over the city."

Mike got to his feet as two of the men took hold of Gio by the shoulders. He looked around a bit panicked before Mike came up and held him by the back of the head. "Relax, Gio, relax. You have nothing to worry about." He looked back at Alessandra as he spoke. "You're going to be my future brother-in-law, after all." He let go of Gio as he gestured to the door.

The two large men hauled Gio out of the house. He struggled, but didn't call out to Alessandra. He didn't even raise his voice at all for fear of how it might set Mike off. The remaining men all filed out behind Mike and shut the door. Silence descended on the house again as Alessandra was left alone; Mike was true to his word after all.

What she didn't know was the two men taking up a stake-out position watching Lorenzo Marotti's old house. If Alessandra were to try and run, she wouldn't get far. She also knew that Gio was still in Mike's custody. There was no telling what might happen to him if she ran.

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra Moretti sighed in relief as Mike nodded and allowed her to take the evening to digest the news. She gave a nervous smile: " Thank you for being understanding, Mr. Nartelli. " Her smile faded as Mike decided to keep her brother at his estate : " what?....yeah....of course...that sounds reasonable..." She look back at her brother knowing every action she made now would be closely examined till their morning date. She force a smile: : I guess, i see you boys, tomorrow..."

She wince watching them carry her big brother away, she watch them quietly leave. The moment the door closed, she fell to her knees, feeling sick and cold. She knew Mike would not hesitate killing her brother if she declines and might still claim her as his woman. She ran to the washroom to throw up and wash her face. She walked to her bedroom and burst into tears of fear and rage that her brother brought her life to an end. Once she finished freaking out, she try think of a plan to get them out of this mess alive.

By dawn, she took her decision to do her best to get her brother and herself out of this horrible mess. She took a shower and slip into a pretty flower summer dress and french braided her hair. She decided to be the perfect example of an Italian woman as a greeting. the moment her brother was allowed to text her to inform her they would arrive in an hour. She started to cook a massive breakfast meal, different type of eggs, sausages, bacon, croissant, french bread, beans, coffee, tea. She set the perfect buffet table for the breakfast for their arrival. She heard them arrive and took several deep breathes before opening the door as they rang the bell. She open the door with a smile: " Welcome to my home, mr.Nardelli.." *She motion them to enter her home with a smile, giving them a view of the perfect buffet on the table* " I hope, to make up for our horrible first encounter...I was not prepared to welcome guests last night" *She motion his guards that they were welcome to join them for breakfast*

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Mike wasn't sure what to expect when he arrived that morning, but what greeted him was a surprise to say the least. Not only at Alessandra dressed beautifully for him this morning, she had worked so hard this morning to make a breakfast for him and his men to make up for the previous day. He had made reservations at a bistro he preferred, but after smelling the wonderful baking smells and how delicious the food looked, he couldn't be so ungrateful as to say no.

"You've outdone yourself, Alessandra. Really, you have." He said, kissing the young woman on the cheek in greeting on his way into her house. The men filled in, including Gio. He was very much in good health and looked like he had gotten the best night's sleep he'd had in a long time. He didn't say anything to Alessandra as the men pulled him inside.

Meanwhile, Mike had taken the place at the head of the table. Gio was placed at his left hand and one of the men held out the chair to his right to Alessandra. "Please, join me. My men will serve this morning; you've already done enough work for us," Mike said, waiting for Alessandra to sit before he did. His men were also well versed in etiquette; they all reamined standing until the woman in the room sat.

Once Alessandra took her place, the two most junior looking men in the room began to make plates for everyone from the spread on the buffet table. Without placing an order, one of them placed a prepared cup of coffee beside Mike. He smiled and thanked the young man as he sipped it. "Ah, perfect, Donnie. Good work. Would you care for some coffee?" Mike asked looking at Gio and Alessandra.

Gio swallowed nervously. "None for me, thank you..." He sounded polite this morning, but looked terrified as he shared the table with Mike.

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra was a bit shocked as he boldly kissed her cheek as he made his way inside. She was reknown to be a good cook and only reserve it for close friends and family it was the only intimite gesture she could think of to calm the situation. She smiled at his compliment before sitting at the table, thanking his men for pulling the chair for her.

She nodded: " Yes actually, i would enjoy a cup of coffee, if you dont mind." *She thank the man that served her and looked at her brother annoyed as he now decided he cower even at the breakfast table: " Don't be silly gio, eat something...your so dramatic..." * she sipped her cup of coffee as she had the night to think of the situation. She set down her cup and looked at Mike: " I best get this matter resolved before my big brother faints. I decided to accept being your wife if the offer is still on the table. On the condition, that my brother is completely banned from the family business on any level. " *she sipped her coffee as her brother looked outraged. She set down the cup of coffee as she looked at Gio: " I am sorry but i think its best you are not allowed in the family business...You only took over less than 6 months and 1/4 of father's men are dead and here you had underestimated and provoked a war with Mr. Nartelli"

She shrugged as her brother stood up outrage as he felt betrayed: " how can you say that?!!? He killed our father! " Alessandra sipped her cup and watch the men force him back on the chair: "True but that was expected, either jail or death...its the life HE chose. He knew the risked and accepted that fact, you can't win with an ego as big as yours. Yes you had power and you used it to get laid and flex the muscle that you carried. you dont have real skill to lead thats why you brought death at our door step, dear brother. "

She took a bite of her bacon and smiled as it was just cooked perfectly: " If you have not realized yet, big brother...I am keeping you alive till you screw up again...."

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Mike didn't interject as Alessandra broke things down for her brother. He was too elated to hear her acceptance anyway. Listening to her explain why she agreed as well as why she felt no ill will was refreshing. It also showed Mike that Alessandra understood the way the Families operated, even if she never stepped across the line to take part in the business. It was more evidence in his eyes that Alessandra was the right choice.

"Gio, if her condition is that you are out, then I suppose that means that leadership of your family falls to your sister." He paused, looking at his future bride to make sure that was her intention. "And with the truce our wedding will broker, she will assume control of your territory and enterprises. I assure you that I will not interfere in her decision-making or orders. She is a Marotti and will be treated like any head of a Family in peace time. I will provide advisory advice should she ask for it, however." Mike added as he placed a hand on Alessandra. "Her success is my success after all."

Mike looked once more at Gio. "This is what we both want, Gio. You never had a head for leadership; otherwise you could have fought me and brought in the help of the remaining Families, but that's not your style. You like to live like a gangster, but have no idea what it takes to stay one." Mike's tone was icy, hoping to make Gio understand that Alessandra's acceptance closed their business. It was done in Mike's eyes; he didn't want Gio taking a swing at him or his business later out of some still lingering need for revenge.

 

[Kililia]

Gio eye bulged as he stood up:" your just a damn woman, what the hell ...do you know about our business.. ?!?! You can't just fucked into power! Your nothing but a fucking whore ! Don't think, I did not notice cash missing, Ali yours a whore and a thief! "

Alessandra looked back at her brother as she felt her own temper rise:" How dare you call me a whore...I never wanted to be in this lifestyle! You were suppose to take over and take care of the family which include the men that was slaughtered for no reason! Do you know how many orphans you made, of course you don't!

She stood up shaking with rage:" where the hell you think, I been going out most of the days ,Gio?! I been visiting their families, paying the kids education and putting food on their plates! So yes, I been taking money to watch over the family of the men that you sent to death for fun. While YOU sleep right and left...so only whore at this table is YOU!

His men force Gio back down as they was surprised by the revelation.Alessandra found it difficult to ignore the consequence of her brothers action. She worked daily to help the families as she view the men that work for them like family . It was impossible to disregard people that watch you grow up and we're kind to you.

Her brother rolled her eyes and replied:" they suppose to die at our command,stupid woman" Alessandra jaw dropped as she stared at her brother in disbelief . She fought the urge to lash out:" you moron, you seriously think they follow you blindly when you show no care for your people. Not mention your one person they are hundreds...they can easily turn against you"

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Mike was about to have his men put Gio back in his seat, but Alessandra responded better than he could. He smiled proudly as he heard that it was Alessandra that stepped up to help the families that were hurt in the attack that killed so many. Gio never struck him as the sort to care for that, but was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that his father had taught him something before he passed. It seemed that Alessandra was the one listening in the end. She may have been a citizen, but she did the right thing as far as her Family was considered.

"I looks like you weren't leading anything to begin with, Gio. It shouldn't be any trouble for you then when we take over. One more thing..." Mike gestured and one of the men standing behind him pressed a gun to the base of his brain stem. "If you ever lash out at my fiancee like that again, I don't care if you are her brother; I'll kill you." That icy nature of Mike Nardelli crept back in and Alessandra was reminded of the man that had declared himself her fiancee. The cold reality came crashing back down.

"For now, enjoy your breakfast..." Just as quickly, the gun was gone and Gio sucked in a gasp of relief as he could breathe again. Mike went back to his plate as though nothing had happened. He smiled as he tasted the food, reaching over to pat Alessandra's hand.

"This is very delicious. Thank you." He said quietly, smiling warmly. As breakfast wound down, Gio found his voice again.

"How long do you expect me to put up with this?" Gio asked.

"For now, I feel a month is enough time for us to prepare for the wedding," Mike said calmly.

"A month?!" He protested.

"You'll find that I am a capable leader when it comes to organizing events. There's also no reason to have a lengthy engagement. It doesn't serve either of us." Mike explained.

Gio was searching for something to say, something to make his point for more time, but he couldn't come up with anything. He just looked at his sister, hoping she had a plan.

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra eyes widen as one of the men pressed the gun at the back of Gio head. The icy tone of Mike Nartelli send a cold chill down her spine. She wanted to instinctly defend her brother but knew that Gio would use it to start a fight that might get him killed. She sat back down and finished her cup of coffee. She glance at her now fiancee as he gently patted her hand.

She could see that her brother hope she had a plan. She knew, she would need to secure his safety and her mother before she ran away from this complete mess. She knew that her people respected her enough to understand why she ran away. Which also meant, she needed pick a new leader to ensure their safety.

Unlike her brother she actually cared for her family. She was considering handing power to Mike Nartelli before she disappeared. The problem was her stupid brother's ego that could screw up her plans. A dark side of her heart was considering having him indirectly executed.

Alessandra now had less than a month to think of a way to escape Mr.Nartelli. She had to figure out his routine so that she can make a perfect escape plan. She just fear that her fiance made her plan impossible before he found out. Worse yet, she need find out a way to get her brother to go along her plan without whining.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

The people around the table ate quietly in the time that passed. Mike noticed how quiet the Morettis had become and it looked like they were not taking this news well. It was their best option, in his mind. The other involved wiping them out as well as anyone that still worked for Gio. Mike hated loose ends.

He finished his breakfast and sat back, sipping his coffee. He looked at Alessandra and Gio again before clearing his throat and leaning forward. "Look, I'd much rather you both go along. I can make this very hard on the both of you if I desired, but that will not get anyone what they want."

Mike sat back, reaching in his suit jacket pocket for a cigarette case. He cracked it and looked at Alessandra. "Do you mind? If you'd rather I not fill your house with smoke, I will honor your house." He saw her shake her head and smiled. Slipping the end into his mouth, he retrieved the gold lighter his father received from his father and sparked the end of the smoke to life.

"Gio, I need you to go back and talk with your people. Get them in line and explain the new rules. A few of my guys will go with you in case there is trouble from any of them," Mike explained, pausing to puff on his cigarette.

"Alessandra, this is still your house until the wedding. I am a traditional man; I would not want to ruin our honeymoon by having you come live with me or by dropping by for intimate visits." He said, laying his hand on hers. "I know your mother would not approve." He added.

"For now, I will have some of my people watching your homes as a security precaution. With me solidifying things with your Family, I want to make sure some rogue agent doesn't try to disrupt things." Mike said standing. As he did, two of the men hauled Gio to his feet and walked him toward the door behind Mike.

Mike paused and turned back to Alessandra as Gio was taken out the door with a good number of the men that were inside. From the sound of it, more men watching the exterior joined them before a number of cars drove off.

"Alessandra, please understand I hold you in the highest esteem and respect. That is why I chose you to be my wife... I ask that you be smart and resist the urge to breech that trust." He said, leveling that same icy look at her before he turned and left with the rest of his men.

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra hated the complete situation, she was cursing as she head to the kitchen to do the dishes. She was surprised to find out Mike's men had clean up the kitchen. She was used to pick up after everyone when the maid was away. God knows her brother was a slob. She end up sitting down to rest in the livingroom.

She heard her cellphone ring and was glad to find out it was her friend Jake calling over. She answered and was pleased to find out he wanted to meet her. She quickly changed into a white dress with purple pokedot. She quickly did her hair in a French braid and once she finished dolling up, she spun I front of the full mirror.

She knew she had to deal with Mike but that was in 1 month and right now Jake would be a great distraction from reality. It was not a date just an outhing. She quickly rushed out and jumped in her car and headed out. She drove to see Jake as she look forward to have diner with her crush. She found him waiting for her at a parking lot of a park. She walked over to him with a big smile as he greeted her. He had a pik Nik basket with him and led her to the pik Nik table. She smiled and spoke of her plans for her studies. She was unaware that Mike Nartelli men were following her as well reporting everything to her fiance. She end up returning home feeling like a normal young lady.

She step out of her of her car and headed home ignoring the fact she felt trapped in a deal where she would never win.She step out of her of her car and headed home ignoring the fact she felt trapped in a deal where she would never win. She got in her house, receiving a text from Gio saying a meeting for the next week for her people to speak of the family situation change. She could not believe that she would end up married to a the deadliest man in the underworld. She toss her shoes aside and answered the txt from Jake asking if she got home safe. She hung up and headed to the kitchen to get a bottle of water and headed to her bedroom. She did not even bother telling her mom knowing Gio would need to inform her as well. She knew her mother would be livid but could not help change the situation.

She decided that she would go along with the marriage for now and make damn sure she never end up pregnant by him and once she has her family safe, she should simply vanish and start her life over again maybe off grid. She told herself, Mike Nartelli could easily remarry and have kids with another woman and legally divorce her.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

As Alessandra walked around her place, glowing after a day out with Jake, she heard the door open downstairs. When she looked downstairs, Mike was walking into her living room and taking a seat in her father's old chair. "Alessandra, could you come down here please?" He called out, not realizing she was spying on him from the top of the stairs.

This time, he was not so polite and took one of her father's old cigars from the humidor on the end table and sparked it to life. He puffed away on it as Alessandra walked down barefoot.

"Ah, dear, you are here... Please, come sit." He gestured to the empty armchair beside him. As she sank into it, he took another puff and turned to look at the young girl.

"Was I unclear? Did I not give the correct impression of your current situation? If I did not enunciate properly, please speak up so I can clear up whatever is clouded." Mike said, waiting for her to speak.

He took another puff and leaned in. "Are you not my fiancee now? Are we not to be wed in a month?" He waited for Alessandra to confirm those facts. "Then why are my men seeing you entertaining other men? Why are you not preparing your mind, body and soul for the blessed event? Do you not take matrimony seriously? Is it a flippant exercise to you?"

He got up and walked around the living room, seeming to be stewing on something. He didn't speak for a few moments before stopping and looking at Alessandra. "Given the events coming in a month and the cessation of hostilities that I am trying to broker, you will stay in your house for the next month. If you need anything, I will have men watching the house; you can ask them for whatever you need. To that end, you will cook for yourself. No carry out or delivery meals. Use this to prepare yourself when you become my wife." Mike said finally before walking over.

He held out his hand. "Your car keys, please." He said. It sounded like he was asking, but she knew it was a demand.

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra looked at his hand and back at him in disbelief. He maybe a mobster but she refused to be caged in her own house. She did not ever bother to reach for her Keyes nor simply comply to his order.


" We are only engaged for peace of our ppl and for you to own more territories that I don't care about as long as you don't hurt my family" * she step back from him* " I will not be locked in my own house cause you have insecurities, Mr. Nartelli. You act if you found out, I gave a blow job to another man"

She got up from her chair,simply turn and headed for the stairs:" I have no intention to give you my keys nor stay in a house like a prisoner" * she began walk up the stairs still annoyed by the situation of being married to him or having him try put rules down;" I am not a child, this is only a marriage for business. I will see Jake or any other men I desire since they are my friends. " She rolled her eyes as she was sure he was a womanizer like her father and most of the mobster she met:" it's not as if you will stop seeing other women cause we are married. I know how this works,Mr. Nartelli, we marry for image and expect me to be home cooking and pop babies while you will Fuck everything that moves"

She began walking up the stairs:" so you may return to your house without my keys. I am going to bed and don't even think of locking me in this house. Now good night,Mr Nartelli....I have school appointment tomorrow morning" * she dismissed him as she headed to her room.*

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Just as Alessandra was about to slam her door, Mike slid his shoe in to block the door before pushing the door open even if she tried to stop him. He walked in, spewing smoke into her room without his usual grace and manners. "Alessandra, it appears that you have some misconceptions about what I have arranged to bring your family together with mine."

Mike walked toward her, looming over her. She hadn't really grasped how much taller and wider he was than her when he was acting politely. Now, he put his size to use to make sure that he had Alessandra's attention. "You are to be my wife in all the various ways that is meant. You will live in my home, you will keep my house, you will cook our meals, and, when the time comes, you will raise our children. I am extending you this courtesy because I know you are a fine woman with a good heart and will be a good mother to my children. But do not presume that this grants you any leeway. I am agreeing to this because I don't want to wipe the last Family other than mine from the world."

He took one more step, pressing her up against the dresser behind her. "But if you push this, there will be repercussions. I know you would do anything to save the wives and children of the men you lost from additional pain, so if you refuse my direction, I will visit the punishments on your brother and every man, woman and child your family has left based on the degree of your stubbornness."

He takes hold of Alessandra's chin and turns it to look at him. "Look in my eyes and know that I am deadly serious. Now, will you continue to be a petulant child?" He opened his hand. "Or will you give me your keys?"

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra was pissed and shocked that he dare push himself into her room, she was annoyed as he smoked in her room. She did not like the tone of his voice at all, no man ever spoked to her in such a fashion.

She tense up as he loomed over her, she definetely never noticed how tall he was till this moment. She hated how Mike reminded her that she was his woman. She hated how Mike reminded her of her wifely duties towards him. She looked away as he reminded her, that he expected her to have his children and raised them as family. She turn to glare at him as he reminded her that he could easily wipe out her family. She hated the power he had over her life, she bite her tongue not wanting to lash out like a child.

She gasps as he dare pressed her against the dresser, she paled as he threaten to kill the people she loved if she dare defy his authority.She clutched her fists tight and turn away as she try to calm her rage. She hated knowing by the tone of his voice that he was not making empty threats.

Her eyes widen as her lifted her chin, he could see the rage in her purples eyes they almost seem turn violet as she was fuming. She reaches in her purse to pull out her keys as she clutche them feeling as if he was robbing her freedom. She hated how he could easily remind her that he had final say on the matter: " Are you seriously imprisonning me forever cause i have male friends?" * she clutch the keys as she wanted to run away*

 

[such_a_bad_man]

"It's not imprisonment. Just precaution. I'd hate for you to get second thoughts between now and the wedding. Plus, you don't have male friends; you have guys that hang around hoping you'll fuck them. That's what men your age want from the women they call 'friends'. I hate to be the one to tell you the truth of the world, but you'll find that living with me will be quite eye-opening about the true nature of things."

Mike still held his hand out, waiting for Alessandra to place her keys there. "Now... be a good girl, and hand over your keys. I'd hate to have to resort to the alternative."

 

[Kililia]

Alessandra rolled her eyes as he mention precausion and was annoyed once more as he mentioned her having second doubts. She tense up as he assumed her friend wantedto fuck her, she known rthem forever. She glared at his hand as she clutched her keyes as she knew she was going to be at a great disadvantage without transportation:" Are you always planing to threaten my love ones to get what you want..." *She handed him the keys, upset as she try push pass him: " I never wanted to be part of this mess..."

She turn to him: " I can sign over the territories, men, whatever you like, but i can not be your wife. I will never love you as a wife should love a husband...You seriously think, i could sleep with a man that do not love even less have a child? Thats madness...Let me go from this marriage and you can have the rest! I just want my freedom and live the life i always wanted..."

She pushed back her hair: " I don't want to be with a mobster...i am not like my mother, who is fine living with a man that will spend half his life in prison...Let me go, you can have the lands, why are you so damn determine to be with a woman that will never love you. You can have any woman...just NOT me. No one knows of this deal expect us...so let me go and i will vanish...you can have any woman you desire as a wife and i can life my own life"

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Mike took the keys as she placed them in his hand. He slipped them into his pocket and turned to leave, giving her room to walk around. As soon as he did, he turned back to look at her.

"Who do you think you're talking to right now?" Mike asked, turning to face her fully. "You see, no one has ever given you boundaries before. No one has tried to make you walk the straight and narrow. Your father didn't. Your mother certainly didn't. That is something that you can get out of this, Alessandra. You can gain discipline. You may not enjoy your new life as much as the old, but in time, you will see that structure, order, purpose, direction are all positive aspects to have in your life."

He puffed on the cigar again. "And I don't expect you to love me right away. I roped you into this marriage. I am the man that had your father killed (I am sorry about that; don't ever think I take joy from that.). But, in time, you will see the advantages of being my wife. You will see the luxuries and opportunities I can provide. You need to take a breath and realize that what you had is gone. Today, we start a new chapter in your life."

He turned for the door. "Oh, I will be back for dinner at 7:00pm tonight. It will just be you and I. I'd like to see the sort of effort you can apply in the kitchen. If you need groceries, Mack or Leo will be on the porch. Give them a list and they will see that it is filled. And wear a dress... and heels. I think you look very beautiful in such an outfit." Mike said just before leaving the room. Nothing he said was a question or a request; it sounded as though it were expected.