Chapter 2 2

Today has arrived – the day I've anticipated throughout my entire existence. It's the very purpose for which I was brought into this world, the calling that has defined my very existence. My father, the longstanding leader of the formidable Gustavo family, is finally relinquishing his throne after an impressive reign spanning 32 years. The torch is being passed to me, his firstborn and only son, and I stand ready to shoulder this immense responsibility.

In the quiet hours before dawn, I awoke, a surge of determination coursing through my veins as I readied myself for this momentous occasion. My tailored suit had been meticulously pressed and crisply ironed, a reflection of the attention to detail I intended to bring to my leadership. I indulged in a lengthy, contemplative shower, ensuring that my appearance was impeccable, as it always was. My aim was clear: to convey to not only my father but also the loyal men who had served under his command that I aspired to surpass his legacy.

Today, I was poised to assert my dominance."

The immediate family gathered in my father's office downstairs. His office is large enough to fit my grandparents and our closest business associates. I was the last to enter the office. My father sat in his large leather chair behind his desk, sipping on his bourbon, while my mother stood strongly behind him, smiling at all the guests.

All eyes turned to me as I closed the two oak doors behind me.

"Son, you have finally graced us with your presence." My father seems to be in a happy mood. He is finally able to retire and spend time with my mother, something I know he has wanted to do for a long time.

That was a concept I could never understand.

"Perfection takes time to achieve, father, but I'm here now." A small wave of laughter coursed through the room. No matter what situation I was in, I could always manipulate a room to my advantage.

"Are you ready for this, son? You know, once we start, there is no going back. You will be the leader of the Gustavo clan until you have a son." My father warned me one final time. He knew that I didn't really have a choice in the matter, but he still wanted me to know that I was signing my life away too.

This life isn't for everybody. This life is for the heartless and the cruel. There is no time for feelings or emotions other than arrogance and anger. There is no time for love or affection, just simple flings here and there. There is no time for friendships and relationships. Work, money, and power were the only things that mattered. I had to learn the hard way. My father prepared me for this life for a long time. There was a time when I thought I could love and maybe be happy with someone away from this life. I learned the hard way that those dreams weren't meant for me.

Now, this cruel, cutthroat business is all I know. The only thing I craved I am more than ready to give up my life of playboys and childhood games. I am ready to show the world what type of man Albertini Gustavo really was.

Father, I accept and embrace the role as the new leader of the Gustavo clan."

"Okay, let us begin."

The ceremony consists of many things. A long and tedious tradition before I can take my title as a leader. First, I was blessed by our priest, Father Andrew. He prayed for a long life of health, wealth, and protection in my favour. After was the recitation of the old commandments of the mafia group. My ancestor created a commandment that each potential ruler must read and recite before taking the position. This swears their loyalty not only to the Gustavo family but to the people we serve.

"Please recite the commands, Albert," My father requested.

"I, Gustavo Albertini, giuro la mia vita alla famiglia Gustavo. Prometto di condurci alla ricchezza e al potere. Prometto di proteggere i miei uomini e la mia famiglia ad ogni costo. Prometto di essere un uomo con la moglie e i miei futuri figli. Porter fortuna al mio popolo. Nessun uomo dovrebbe soffrire la fame sul mio orologio. Se fallisco, la mia vita sarà nelle mani del signore e della mia famiglia. Io onoro e rispetto il nome vincenzo e lo protegger per il giorno in cui morir."

{"I, Alertini Gustavo, swear my life to the Gustavo family. I promise to lead us to wealth and power. I promise to protect my men and my family at any cost. I promise to be a man with my wife and my future children. I will bring luck to my people. No man should be hungry on my watch. If I fail, my life will be in the hands of the Lord and my family. I honour and respect the name Gustavo and protect him for the day I die"

After the recitation, my father poured me a glass of his strongest and oldest bourbon. Before handing me the glass, Martin, our personal tattoo artist, sat me down on the chair in front of my father's desk and commanded me to take off my shirt. The final stage of my initiation was a tattoo of the Gustavo crescent on my back. It was a lion holding the crest of everything the Gustav Zaottio family stands for.

It was a lion holding the crest of everything the Gustavo family stands for. After hours of excruciating pain, the job was complete. My back was covered in the beautiful ink of my family's crest. As I put my shirt back on, I stared into the eyes of my parents that stood before me. I've never seen them so proud of me. My father passed the drink to me and bowed his head in respect. One by one, everyone in the room bowed their heads, waiting for me to chug the drink. I finished the drink in one hastily taken gulp and slammed the glass on the desk.

"I hereby give my son, Albertini Gustavo, the crown of the Gustavo clan. You are now our new leader. Congratulations son." Sudden cheers and claps surrounded the room as everyone stepped towards me to show me their respect and gratitude.

"Oh, my dear boy! You're all grown up." My mother was one of the first to congratulate me. Crushing me in one of her embarrassingly strong hugs. For a 5'4 woman who only weighs 130, she's a strong one.

My father was next, patting me on the back and giving me a proud smile. A look I will cherish for the rest of my days.

It was a party from then on. My mother moved everyone to the main lobby for drinks and food as more family came to celebrate. Suddenly, the mansion was filled with hundreds of family members, friends, associates, and workers from all over Italy. It was quite a sight to see.

I made sure I went around to meet every person in the room before finding comfort in a private lounge with a few models that my mother invited. They were a beautiful young, gorgeous woman just waiting to show special gratitude for my big day. This is the life I will never get tired of. Beautiful models day by day showering me with sex and affection. What more can a man want?

"Ouu Albertini, I am so proud that you became the leader today. Such a strong man," Pamela, one of my favourite companions, purred seductively in my ear. Out of all my conquests, she was definitely the wildest.

"Oh, Pam. You knew sooner or later I was going to own Italy." I purred back. Right before I leaned in for a glorious kiss, my father walked in.

Father, I am a bit busy at the moment," I growled. This man always knew how to ruin a moment.

"I can see that, and I don't care. I want to talk to you alone." With that, the women scattered out of the room like mice.

"What father?"

"What do you think you're doing? You're a leader now. Do you not know what that means?"

"Father I am single and young! What do you want from me?"

"Oh, on the contrary, You are far from single!"

I jumped out of my seat at his comment. What did he do?

"Father explain!"

"Don't tell me you forgot about the pact we made with the Zanotti family years ago. The only pact that has lasted almost 100 years"

"Father clearly I don't know the fucking pact! CAN YOU JUST TELL ME ALREADY!"

"Well, son, the pact where you have too wed the 5th daughter in the Zanotti family on her 22nd birthday. Which means you only have a few months to get your life in order before she is brought here."

EXCUSE ME?! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT?!