Under Mafia Protection

Mena 

Peeking out of the window, I could see we had reached the Fanucci estate. My heart pounded against my chest, and the reality hit me. It was all too overwhelming, and I couldn’t believe that I had actually stepped inside of the car. 

This time around there was no turning back 

Naty, who was sitting next to me with eyes filled with confusion had already been given simple instructions. No matter what happens, don’t say anything unless Mommy tells you to. 

As understanding as she could be, despite her age, she had only nodded in agreement. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“We’re here, Miss,” the driver said the obvious. It also might’ve been because it looked like I wasn’t getting out anytime soon. 

With a raising heart, I stepped out of the car, clutching my daughter’s hand. 

Instantly the doors to the mansion opened, and the security stepped aside to let us enter. The scene seemed like something straight out of the moi. 

Letting my luggage be for now because I feared I would’ve gotten yelled at otherwise, I entered the mansion where all the maids were lined up. Their gazes were directed at the floor. 

Among them, I spotted Liza and Madam Catherina, who was leading the group. These were all women I worked with, treating me like some kind of royalty. 

I tried to catch Liza’s eye, hoping for a small feeling of support, but when our eyes met, she quickly looked away. I wondered if she knew the truth. or if she thought I had played her. If it was the latter, 1 could definitively understand her reaction 

My stomach did turns as the Fanuccis revealed themselves like characters on a stage. Alesin, his siblings, and of course, his parents. Giulia and Domenico Fanucci. 

Domenico. The sight of that man was intimidating. So intimidating I had forgotten for a second that the real thing I should’ve been scared off was Alessio’s reaction on Naty. 

I was glued to the spot, holding Naty’s hand like it was my lifeline. 

Alessio stepped forward, his jaw tense, anger exposing itself beneath his forced smile. Our eyes locked, but the feeling was different. His were of rage, mine of nerves. 

He didn’t hesitate to press his lips to my cheek, and I couldn’t suppress the tremble that ran through me as it brushed my skin. Then he moved his mouth to my car, and I knew what was about to come. “Don’t you ever make a fool out of me again” 

Alessio pulled away, gripping my shoulder as he waited for my response. His brow had been slightly raised. I could only nod, my smile a bit s 

shaky 

After our short interaction, he knelt down to Nary, brushing her hair aside gently. Time stood still as I waited to see how he would acknowledge my daughter. I expected the worse, but surprisingly enough it wasn’t. “You look just like your Mommy,” he said, poking her cheek playfully. 

Naty giggled, “Really” 

Her smile was the only thing brightening the extremely awkward atmosphere. Still, I prayed she wouldn’t suddenly make a comment about her dad. The last thing I needed was for Alessio to find out about Anson. 

Tm Naty she introduced herself, asking no further questions. Who are you?” 

There it was 

Before I could respond, Alessio chuckled loudly, fixing her jacket. He didn’t give her an answer. Instead he glanced back at his linle sister. Melody. who clung to their mother’s leg. I have a friend for you to play with,” he told Naty. 

“Come on,” he demanded for us to follow 

Then it kicked in that I was actually meeting the family I had feared, even tried to avoid while working here. I wasn’t looking forward to meeting them, and maybe the feelings were mutual because by the second step, Domenico Fanucci let out a huff and walked away disapprovingly. I really couldn’t blame him because this whole thing was ridiculous. 

Had Anson not shown up when he did, I would never have gonen into that car. 

12:01 PM O 

“You are beautiful. I guess I can understand what he sees in you,” Giulia Fanucci greeted me with a warm, welcoming smile before giving me two  on my cheek. From what I had heard, everything about this woman was genuine and so were her reactions. So far so great 

“And who is this lovely young lady?” 

“This is Naty,” I replied, feeling a mix of relief. She was adorable. No one could hate her. 

This is Melody,” Giulia introduced her daughter to Naty. Tm sure the two of you will be great friends,” 

“Hi, Melody greeted her. Seconds later the young girl began talking about her toys while I moved to Gian. 

Also he greeted me with  on my cheeks, although this time it seemed forced. He clearly wasn’t interested, which was fine by me. 

One thing which did surprise me was Dante’s cold reaction. The only acknowledgement he gave me was a cold nod, kind of odd given how he acted 

before. 

“Okay, I’m sure Jimena agrees that it was very nice to meet you all!” Alessio cut it short “But I need to talk to her. Melody show Naty your toys!” his words were rushed as he forced the children to lock their hands together. 

He pulled me away by slamming his hand around my waist, but it wasn’t soft and gentle. I bet he wanted answers, and couldn’t wait to confront me. 

I was in some deep shit. 

With a firm grip. Alessio led me through the mansion, straight to the lion’s den. His room. 

The second he shut the door, he immediately pinned me against the wall. It wasn’t aggressive, if anything it was gentle. His dark eyes were intense, boring into mine with a slight smirk playing on his lips. 

Avoiding his gaze was of no use because he wouldn’t let me lose it. 

What did he want to discuss? 

Was he going to confront me about the lie? 

I had expected for him to be furious, to wrap his strong hand around my neck and choke me, so the fact that he didn’t made me even more 

anxious. 

“I should… Alessio began speaking, then he shook his head. “No, let’s switch things up,” he bumped me, almost playfully. “How about you tell me what you think should happen to you?” His tone held some kind of mockery.