Chapter 9

The past few days have been a blur. Connor was obviously outraged with my response to his message and had ordered Liam to launch an all out cyber war on us. He had been relentlessly attacking Luciano's servers and trying to hack into every security system. He wasn't only targeting the house, oh no, the little fucker was hitting everything the Italians own. From the clubs to the warehouses to Luciano's bank accounts. Luciano would have lost a few million dollars if I had been a few minutes too slow. Liam was showing me what he was made of and I had to grudgingly admit, he was good. Not as good as me but he was definitely keeping me busy. It obviously didn't help that I wasn't familiar with Luciano's dealings and properties so the guys had to compile a folder detailing everything and goddamn was that folder thick. I knew Luciano was a prominent businessman but the man had legitimate companies and dealings all over the US and the world. I had to create an algorithm to figure out which was Connor and Liam's next possible

target. I had holed myself up in my room since Luciano and the boys were busy doing damage control in his office. I didn't want to be in the way and when I went deep into the dark net, I basically lost touch with reality. I barely joined the rest of them down for meals since my sleeping schedule wasn't even a schedule anymore. I was surviving on copious amounts of caffeine and if it weren't for Magdalene making sure someone sent up food for me, I would have starved to death long ago. Emilia and Sofia were busy at work and I barely saw the boys since they too were so busy.

"That's it. I'm gonna throw that laptop away."

I jump at the sudden intrusion, looking at the direction of the voice. Emilia stands there, her arms crossed with a frown on her face. I rub my tired eyes and stifle a yawn. Glancing at the clock, my eyes widen in surprise at the time.

"Shit, it's already 9am."

"How long have you been at this?"

"Umm, I had dinner at 10 so 10.30 I guess."

She curses and walks into my room, carrying a tray of food with her. My stomach rumbles at the heavenly smell of bacon and she chuckles at me. Putting the tray down in front of me, she joins me for breakfast. I'm so hungry that I don't bother starting a conversation with her as I eat, practically inhaling my food. When we're done, she places the tray outside the room and comes back in.

"Go take a shower. We're gong out."

I groan, my mind already drifting back to work.

"Emilia, I've got tons of shit to do."

"You've holed yourself up in this cave for the past 3 days. You're going out now."

"But Liam is attacking-"

"I just spoke to Luciano. He said that the attacks have ceased ever since you ...cyber blasted them I think is the word he used."

I scoff at his term,"Cyber blasted? More like I opened a backdoor in his server and sent a freaking nuclear bomb that fried his system."

Her eyes widen at my statement. "Jesus, you don't play around do you?"

I scowl,"That idiot tried to fry my computer so I showed him how we pros do it."

She shakes her head in amusement, and shoves me towards the bathroom.

"Now, this pro is gonna show you how to relax."

I open my mouth to object but she shuts the bathroom door on me..again.

I sigh, stripping and getting into the shower. Once I'm all clean and fresh, I wrap myself in my towel and head out. Emilia's not in my room anymore but she's placed some clothes on my bed. I change into the skinny jeans, crop top and throw on the bomber jacket.

Deciding to keep my makeup simple, I apply a light layer of foundation with some concealer to cover my dark circles. I finish my look with some eyeliner and a nude lip. Leaving my hair down in its natural waves, I grab my Chanel bag, throwing the necessities in there along with my tablet in case Liam tries anything while I'm out.

I head downstairs where Emilia and Sofia are waiting, clad in casual outfits like me.

"You ready?" Sofia asks me after giving me a hug. I nod, holding up a finger.

"Gimme a sec. I'll meet you guys at the car."

They nod and head outside to the car while I head towards Luciano's office. I felt kinda bad that I was going out amidst all this but Emilia was relentless when she wanted something. I knock on his door, opening when his deep voice tells me to come in. He's busy looking through some documents, Luca helping him while Angelo is on his laptop. He looks up when I step in and a surprised expression crosses his face.

"Alessandra. I see my sister managed to get you out of your cave."

I scowl playfully at him,"Was this your idea?"

He chuckles,"Nope, but I was planning on getting you out of your room today. When Emilia told me her plan this morning, I figured I'd let her walk into the battle zone. She is unharmed right?"

I blush slightly in embarassment, remembering what happened two days ago. The boys had come to my room to see how things were going. Unfortunately, they had caught me in the middle of my battle with Liam and I had kinda snapped at them.

"I really am sorry about that." Angelo comes over, slinging an arm around me.

"We forgive you. By the way, Luciano told me you fried his server. Is that true?"

I grin happily, causing them to laugh at my happiness.

"I did more than fry it. It's in ashes."

Luca highfives me while Luciano shakes his head, an amused smirk on his lips.

"You are one scary woman, dolchezza."

"Don't you forget that. However, your sister is scarier and if I don't go now, she will have my head."

Angelo nods his head, eyes wide as if remembering some traumatic memory. He all but shoves me to the door, "She is the scariest person I've ever met. Scarier than Don over here."

I laugh, barely calling out a bye over my shoulder as he pushes me out into the hallway. Taking a deep breath, I prepare myself to spend the day with the two hurricanes waiting in the car for me.

I take a look in the mirror, my eyes widening in surprise.

"You look amazing." Emilia says beside me and Sofia chimes in with a "You look beautiful."

Emilia had driven us to a saloon to get our hair and nails done. She and Sofia along with the hairdresser had suggested that I trim my hair a little and get some highlights in it. I was slightly hesitant about the highlight part but they convinced me that it would look good and they were right. My brunette locks now had red and caramel highlights in them, complimenting my tanned skin and blue eyes.

"I love it. Thanks guys."

Emilia had decided to cut her long hair to slightly below shoulder length, adding some blonde highlights in them while Sofia had decided to get bangs and she was totally rocking her new look. Both of them were. While the girls were admiring their hair, I quietly slipped away and paid the bill. Needless to say, they were furious when they found out but reluctantly accepted when I explained that it was my thank you gift to them. The both of them have been amazing to me since I arrived, making sure I felt welcome and at home.

We head back home and I notice that there's more activity around the compound than normal.

"What's going on?"

Emilia and Sofia exchange a look before Sofia turns to me.

"Oh, didn't Luciano tell you about tonight?"

I send her a clueless look. "What's tonight?"

"Everyone in the mafia has dinner together once a month. It's a casual thing, just for everyone to catch up and relax. It's Luciano's way of thanking his men."

I nod, Impressed.

"Make sure you're ready by 8. It's in the ballroom." Emilia chimes in and I turn to her, shaking my head.

"It's a mafia affair. I really shouldn't be there."

Both of them scoff at my words, waving me off. "Nonsense, you're one of us now."

Just then, Luciano spots us in the hall.

"Alessandra, we're having our monthly get together tonight at 8. Please join us."

"I really don't wanna impose. It's a mafia thing that you guys have-"

"Nonsense. If you're not there at 8, I'll drag you down by your red locks myself." he says before disappearing.

I scowl at him while the girls snicker beside me.

"It's not a formal event but wear something nice yet casual like a dress or something." Emilia says and I nod.

"You look exhausted. Why don't you get some rest before tonight?" Sofia says in a motherly tone and I send her a thankful smile.

"That sounds like a good idea. I'll see you guys later."

I head up to my room, not bothering to change out of my jeans. Throwing my jacket on the chair, I flop onto the bed and am out like a light.

My alarm wakes me up and I slowly stretch, feeling much better. I lazily get out of bed and glance at my phone. I had an hour before I had to be down, giving me more than enough time to get ready. I take a quick shower, shaving and moisturising before heading to my closet. Flipping through my clothes, I come across my red Dior jumpsuit that I haven't worn in a while. I take it off the hanger, examining it. Satisfied with its perfect blend of casual and dinner party vibes, I slip into it, finding a pair of heels that match. Since I just had my hair done, I didn't have to do anything except run my fingers through it to get some knots out. I sit at my vanity, applying my foundation and concealer. I apply some blush and bronzer to warm up my features and a thin stroke of eyeliner and mascara to make my eyes pop. Feeling a little bold, I paint my lips with a bold red lipstick that matches my jumpsuit. Happy with my appearance, I spritz some perfume on and grab my phone. Cursing silently when I realise that it's already 8, I slip into my heels and head downstairs.

[She only wears the jumpsuit.]

Silence. That's what greets me as I descend the last step. I had expected the house to be bustling with everyone's arrival but its quiet. There's literally no one in sight. My first thought is did I get the details right but my second thought has me scanning my surroundings, completely alert. There was no way Connor's men got in. I walk slowly and quietly towards the ballroom, my mind running through multiple scenarios. I slowly open the door and take a step inside. Darkness greets my eyes and I'm about to grab my gun when the lights suddenly switch on.

"SURPRISE!"

I almost jump, my hand flying to my gun. Luckily, my eyes register the scene in front of me before I actually drew my weapon. The first person I spot is Emilia, her hands intertwined with Angelo. Luca and Sofia are beside them, grinning away at me. There's about 30 people in the room, mainly Luciano's men and Magdalene. Speaking of Luciano, I spot him standing towards the end of the group, those grey orbs of his focused on me.

"Happy birthday!"

My gaze snaps back to Emilia who's appeared in front of me and is leading me towards everyone. I look at her, confused for a moment before realisation dawns over me. I close my eyes briefly, "Today's the 25th." She stares at me in horror,

"You forgot your own birthday? I thought you were just hiding it from us all day."

"I'm not surprised she forgot. Seems like typical Alessandra behavior." Angelo says beside her and I scowl playfully at him. He chuckles, pulling me into a hug and placing a brotherly kiss on my head. Luca and Sofia do the same , wishing me and I turn to Emilia. I hug her tightly, knowing she planned this whole thing.

"Thank you."My voice comes out in a whisper as my emotions choke me up a little. She hugs me back even tighter, whispering a "You're very welcome. You deserve this."

I pull away, looking at her. "How did you even know it was my birthday?"

She wiggles her eyebrows at me,"Luciano told me a few days ago."

I turn to him and narrow my eyes playfully at him. "You're the culprit behind all this." He smirks at me, walking closer. He's about to say something when a high pitched voice beats him to it.

"Happy birthday Alexa!" Brianna pops up behind him, wearing a revealing dress. She gives me a fake smile, eyes scanning my outfit. Luciano glares at her and her face pales slightly when she notices.

"What the hell are you doing here? You were not invited."

"I-I heard about it and thought I'd come wish Alexa here happy birthday. Aren't you happy to see me Luciano?"

His expression turns dangerous at her words, "It's Don to you and you didn't have to wish Alessahere. We all know that's not why you're really here."

I'm not too sure what to say and the others notice my discomfort. Emilia gently tugs my arm and pulls me away from them. Out of my peripheral vision, I see Luca and Angelo try to escort Brianna out.

"Happy birthday Alessa!" I turn around and smile when I realise it's James. That's how the rest of the evening went. Everyone wished me and Magdalene brought out a huge cake. After I blew my candles and cut the cake, the party really started. I went around the room, mingling and chatting with everyone. I took a million pictures and danced the night away. Luciano and I never got the chance to continue our conversation as he was busy chatting with everyone else too. Emilia did manage to get a picture of the two of us and I thanked the Lord I had applied blush to mask the heat on my cheeks as he put his muscular arm around my waist, flashing a panty-dropping smirk at the camera.

The party ended at around 1 in the morning and everyone left happily stuffed and exhausted. It was just the 6 of us left when Emilia insisted I open my presents from them. She and Angelo had given me a huge basket filled with my favourite chocolates from Godiva and a pair of expensive Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses. I put them on, striking a pose and Angelo whistles while Emilia snaps a picture. I thank them, giving them a hug. Luca and Sofia hand me their gift next and I tear up at Frankie's handwritten card. He had drawn a stick figure of the two of us and written a 'I love you, Uhyessa. Love, Little man." in big, messy, colourful letters. I made a mental note to give him a huge hug and kiss in the morning. Luca and Sofia had gotten me a diamond charm bracelet and I laugh as I notice the charms are one of a gun, one of a skull and one of a cross.

"Thank you guys so much for all this. Honestly, it's the best birthday I've ever had."

"You're forgetting my present, dolchezza." Luciano who had been silent this whole time speaks up, his signature smirk present.

I raise an eyebrow, not expecting him to actually get anything for me.

"If you're gonna shoot at me again, I'll pass." The others burst out in laughter as Luciano scowls at me.

"You're never gonna forget that, are you?'

I stare at him incredulously, "You fired a bullet at me within 2 minutes of meeting me. I don't think I could ever forget it."

He rolls his eyes at me before taking out a thin, long box from his jacket pocket. He hands it to me,"Well, hopefully you like this better than a bullet."

I gingerly take it from me, slightly curious as to what was inside. I mean, I didn't peg Luciano Moretti as the type of guy who bought people presents for their birthday much less someone who bought jewellery. I open the box and my hand instantly flies to my mouth. I hear the others gasp and Angelo mumbles something that sounds like "I knew it" but I'm too busy staring at the necklace with wide eyes.

I look up at him and to my surprise, he looks slightly nervous.

"Vincenzo" is all I can whisper as I carefully lift the necklace from the box. It's not the thin chain of the necklace that has me overwhelmed but the pendant. It's delicately shaped like a wolf, clearly custom made and very clearly expensive by the small diamonds that surrounds it. It wasn't the monetary value of it that brought tears to my eyes though but the significance of it. The symbol of the Italian mafia was a wolf and Luciano giving me this was a sign of acceptance.

"You may not be an actual Mafia member but you have protected us with your life and that makes you one of us. I hope you accept this." he says softly and I look at him in amazement.

"Its beautiful. I-I don't..thank you Luciano." I tell him and he gives me a small smile. He takes the necklace out of my hand and goes behind me. I suppress a shiver as his hand lightly brushes my hair over one shoulder and I feel the cold metal settle comfortably in the valley of my breasts. I turn around and before I can stop myself, I tiptoe and give him quick hug. He's clearly shocked, not expecting it but I don't give him the chance to push me away or hug me back as I unwrap my arms just as quickly. I avoid his gaze as I turn to look at the others. The girls immediately come closer, admiring the necklace and I use them as a distraction until I head back to my room.

I go to sleep with the necklace still around my neck, not wanting to take it off just yet. As I drift off, I mentally berate myself as my mind drifts back to when I hugged Luciano and the shocked expression on his face. I facepalm myself, cursing my stupid brain for acting so emotionally in that moment. I was gonna pretend like it never happened. Yup, I never hugged him and if he brought it up, I would just brush it off like it was no big deal. I mean, I hugged Luca and Angelo too.

They're not Luciano Moretti, you idiota.

Oh shut up, stupid subconscious.