Capo Dei Capi (Secrets of the Famiglia Part 1)
Chapter 4 (Aliyana)
The Catelli’s were kind to the children, raised them as they would us. But for us, it wasn't the case.
We weren’t accepted in Chicago as our parents had hoped. I was treated the worst and called a whore for staying with four boys.
They didn't consider that we were staying with their Capo’s sister and husband. Well, they just didn’t care. It wasn't the Adults that made us miserable, it was their kids.
Our Famiglia killed a lot of their family. They wanted to do the same, but their hands were tied, and payback wasn’t off the table.
What the other kids hoped would make us miserable and easy targets made us stronger.
“Yes, indeed we are,” Ren touches my head. His gaze straining far away. I don’t need to be his mind reader to know the night he is thinking about. The night we were saved by a Di Salvo.
“Now, you all join the same University. One day your kids will be just as close,” My sister says.
To the people in the Famiglia, these four boys are my brothers. After seven years, the stories amongst our kind became history, and Papa's choice of sending his half-blood daughter was regarded as an honorable action, not a suicide to his name.
But unfortunately, marriage to any one of the boys would be a scandal. It was the one rule Papa couldn’t be clearer about as I got older.
The thing is, I didn’t care, the lot of them were not him.
It was 2-days after my 15th birthday and the first day of summer vacation when I fell hopelessly in love with the handsome Leonardo Catelli.
The sun was blazing, giving his skin that extra golden glow as he stood in the Chicago heat.
He was moaning to Ren and Gabriel about having to fetch us. He was 19 and the epitome of bad-boy. And I was a 15-year-old girl with crazy hormones. The poster girl for all things wrong.
He looked right past my short form as I stood gawking at his tall one. Black glasses hiding the eyes that would come to haunt me in the days that followed.
his
and him - A
only one for me. Maybe it’s his voice, or broad shoulders, or
convinced
my driving force to get into University. The reason I choose to stay in Seattle, far away from my
he crosses the Campus grounds and a few more when he attends frat parties is
if he is the sole reason
was proud when I announced that I was going to further my studies.
me in
as my sister. My father still
Is he as charming as Deno?” I question Ren, changing the topic of conversation
Marco. I have not seen the man in person, but his brother,
always welcomed.
it aloud, I would call him a friend. But Deno once told me that his friends were actually the enemies, he would one day
to be his enemy.
him. There are rumors that the Famiglia is shifting power. And Deno Catelli is
say again, I know the dealings of our men. Not the false stories that
to be proud of the Bratva's blood in my veins. He said our women were strong, but the Russian's made
I like to believe that is true.
come to know of the Bratva isn't something I want to be known for.
to marry for power, or you might just be stuck with one of my clan.” He laughs as I smack his arm, knowing he is teasing me because of Leonardo.
brother is in the negative. Marcello Catelli won’t let his sons marry a half-breed, no matter
rings. I know the ringtone all too well, his fathers.
it, just frowns.