Book 1 of the Moretti Chronicles
PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS "The Girl Who Walked Into A Bar"
•1st place General Fiction in Star Dazzle Awards
•Best Plot Twist in Star Dazzle Awards
I was so close, so close to coming when a knock on the door interrupted u...
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"Are you sure about this?" Emilio asked looking at me with concern.
Was I sure about this? Hell no.
Was I still going to go through with it? Hell yeah.
"I'm fine" I reassured him with a forced smile. I don't know who I was trying to convince, him or me.
"We can go back home if you're not feeling up to it" he suggested holding my hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
We were currently sitting in the car outside the warehouse where everyone was waiting for us. A few days ago I was sure that this was a good idea, but now that I was actually here I was scared. I was afraid that they wouldn't accept me, afraid that they would think that I wasn't good enough.
"No. Let's get this over with" I said getting out the car with his help before I changed my mind.
It was time, time for my induction into the mafia. I had convinced Emilio to get everything done before I gave birth. He was a bit reluctant at the beginning, but he came around when I explained my reason for wanting it so soon.
He walked me over what was going to happen and what I needed to memorize to say. It seemed easy enough. I was wearing a long fitted dress, with flats for the occasion.
I walked inside the warehouse and was greeted by a long table with members from different mafias seated. They all turned their attention to me and I gave them a small awkward wave. Emilio led me to the table and sat me down at the right side next to the head of the table. He took his seat at the head and gave me a reassuring smile, which did nothing to ease my nervousness.
There was a mix of old and young people. A few women were here too. Emilio's father sat right across from where I sat staring at me. I didn't linger on him, not wanting a repeat of what happened on our first encounter. Although I doubt that there would ever be a repeat.
"Thank you all for being here on such short notice. We are all gathered here for the induction of Layla Smith. Some of you might know her as Masha Dmitriev, the only living descendant of the Dmitrievs. She is also the rightful leader of the Russian Mafia" he announced. They all nodded in my direction to show their respect and I nodded back as an acknowledgement.
"Let's begin" he continued with a smirk.
Everyone around the table joined hands and recited the oaths and promises of loyalty. I was able to recite along with them because Emilio had taught me what to say. I smiled a little, proud of myself for being able to say each word without faltering.
After that was finish Emilio lit a paper and handed it to me. I was supposed to hold it until it burned out. I held it until the fire burned my finger and that was when I dropped the paper on the table, the remainder of the paper burning on the table. Everyone sat silently watching me.
"I declare myself as the godfather for Layla. I will guide her into the Mafia life. If there are any objections, speak up now" Emilio said looking ahead.
Everyone looked around to see if anyone would object to my joining. No one spoke up and the ceremony continued. It was now time for me to make my promise to the mafia.
"I promise that I will be a member of the family for life" I said with confidence and conviction.
Emilio took my hand and then proceed to retrieve a needle from the tray on the table. I was not a fan of needles and he knew. He caressed my hand in his as a way to tell me it was going to be ok.
I took a deep breath in and waited for him to proceed. He held out my trigger finger and the needle. He pricked my trigger finger with the needle and I flinched a little.
A book was placed before me and I was instructed to press my finger beside my name, so I did just that. I was now considered a member of the Mafia. I had signed away my life to joining a criminal organization. Hopefully, I won't go to prison, because that would suck.
That was it. That was all it to for me to be a part of their family. It wasn't very hard for them to accept me since my name was very important in the mafia world, the name given to me by those monsters. At least they were all gone now, except for my so called mother.
No one knew where she was. It was like she disappeared; hopefully she would stay gone for good.
I sat quietly as they all had discussions of some of the problems that they were facing. My butt was cramped, but I didn't want to get up and draw attention to myself so I stayed put in my seat.
"Are you ok?" Emilio whispered leaning close to me so that no one else could hear.
"I'm ok" I whispered back.
"No youre not. We're leaving"
"I'm sorry everyone, but we have to go. Thank you all for being here" he said standing to his feet and then helping me up.
"Pregnant girlfriend" he joked and everyone laughed at that. Who knew they could laugh? They were all so serious.
They nodded their heads in acknowledgement and we left.
"Wait-" we heard someone call out from behind us when we got outside. We turned around and were now face to face with Emilio's father. I immediately put a protective hand on my baby bump and stepped behind Emilio.
"I just want to apologize to Layla for the way that I treated her when we first met. I know that it might be impossible for you to forgive me, but I am truly sorry" he said with what looked like remorse.
It was a complete contrast to the man that had almost choked me to death. He looked like he was genuinely sorry, but I wasn't about to let my guard down just yet. Actions spoke louder than words.
I remained quiet behind Emilio, not sure what I was expected to say. Instead of lashing out, I decided it was best to stay quiet.
"We have to go" Emilio said coldly.
He helped me in the car and got in himself. He sat down with a perplexed look on his face as he focused his attention ahead. He was so stiff and tense.
"Is everything ok?" I asked running my hand up and down on his thigh.
"Everything's ok"
"Are you sure, you seem a little tense"
"It's just that I've never seen my father apologize before. He must really have taken a liking for you or he's just being nice because you're the mother of his soon to be grandchild. But that doesn't make any sense either, because he's never nice" he said groaning in frustration.
"You need to relax and stop worrying"
He leaned over to my side and kissed me. I responded to the kiss immediately bringing my hands up to his face and cupping his cheeks. He bit my lip for entrance and I opened my mouth to grant him access. He groaned as soon as his tongue came in contact with my own, lips moving in sync.
Our tongues moved sensually against each other as we both explored each other's mouths. He pulled back all too soon with my head following his as he pulled back. He chuckled at that and pecked my lips.
"I love you. Do you know that?" he smiled that award winning smile.
"I love you more" I said smiling like an idiot. I felt like a teenager who was high on love.
"Impossible" he whispered.
"Yes possible" I said moving in for yet another kiss.
