Aurora's Vendetta

Chapter 1

Aurora's POV

"I want revenge for the death of my parents." I fumed, but a tad bit scared at the decision I had made.

"What do you mean by having revenge?" He asked, looking bewildered.

"I can't think of anything else to do, Uncle. The thirst for revenge doesn't want to be quenched even if it's all in the past."

"You can't have any revenge and you won't. This isn't the right time."

"No! Uncle. There is no way I'm going to let the death of my parents slide. Those people made me orphans and even though they aren't alive to face the consequences as I'd have wanted, their sons will pay for it." I spat, my fingers clenching into fists as my face turned red.

My uncle, Lorenzo, had told me the truth about the death of my parents yesterday and I couldn't just stay still. Anger boiled in me as I remembered the story he told me, and I wanted nothing more than to kill them myself.

It wasn't possible as Aldo Moretti was dead and so was his wife.

"No, principessa. You are a woman and you should concern yourself with getting married, raising kids and pleasing your husband. Not going on some revenge mission like your life depends on it." He snapped, getting frustrated at my resolve to get revenge.

"Unfortunately, my life depends on what I'm about to do. There's no way I can live like a normal human knowing that my innocent parents are still stirring restlessly in their graves. My decision is final and I'm leaving for New York next week." I concluded, with my jaw ticking in absolute resolve.

There was nothing he could do to change my mind.

I stared at my uncle's house one more time as I stood at the facade. My eyes darted to the flowers that decorated the porch and the white frangipani trees that were planted in a straight pattern. I could remember feeling whole whenever I inhaled the vanilla scent of its flowers.

The beautiful bungalow I had known to be home wouldn't be one anymore.

Finally, I'd found a way to convince my uncle on my revenge mission. I had to do it for my sanity to remain intact and also to honor my late parents. They didn't deserve to die as the reason for their death still sounded trivial to me.

"Promise me you'll be fine, Principessa." Uncle Lorenzo tugged my arm like a little child and I could see him struggle to keep his emotions in check.

We were both strong people that taught ourselves never to show our emotions. I'd have cried if I was any other girl, but I wasn't that type. Crying wasn't just my thing.

"I'll be fine, uncle and I promise to text you everyday." I promised as I put the last box in the car's booth.

He hugged me as I relished every moment of our time together. I was taking a big risk and Matteo would never forgive me if he found out my true intentions.

"If things spiral out of your control, please come back home."

"Sure thing." I said as I pulled out of his embrace and hopped into the 2018 Toyota Mirai that was to take me to the airport.

Everything was set in place. I'd found a spot in the Capo's house which was what I needed. There was a saying that the easiest way to get a man was his stomach, I wasn't sure it applied to him but I still had to try.

My flight was scheduled for 2pm and I just had thirty minutes left to get to the airport. Streaks of nervousness were already flowing into me but I calmed myself.

🌺

Three hours later, I was heading to the Capo's mansion in a luxurious limousine. My uncle made sure that I was comfortable and I almost ran back to thank him.

The closer we got to his house, the more anxiety overwhelmed me. How was I going to cope with the devil himself, someone that reminded me of my parent's killers?

The chauffeur took a narrow bend and drove straight ahead. I fed my eyes with the sight of high rising buildings with some bungalows in between them.

"We have arrived, Signorina." He said in Italian and I opened the car door.

I got out to meet a huge house standing in front of me. My eyes darted to my sides and I realised that unlike other buildings that we passed by, the Capo's house was secluded from the view of others.

The chauffeur brought my medium sized box and a bag and offered to take it to the house.

"No, sir. I don't want to be a bother. I can take care of myself." I refused and bowed.

He smiled kindly and drove away, leaving me to my fate. My heart thudded faster and I felt like changing my mind as the reality of what I was about to do dawned before me.

The gate opened before me and a hefty man stood by the side with an emotionless face, just the way I did.

"Good evening, Miss. The Capo's brother awaits you inside." He announced with a slight Italian accent then took my box from me, dragging it while I walked behind him.

The mansion was a sight to behold, yet it echoed blood money in loud volumes. The lawns were decorated with different types of flowers I couldn't identify, then a pool was pitched at the farther end of the building.

I stopped ogling and increased my pace to match the man's step as I didn't want to miss my way.

He opened the door and handed the box back to me while I walked in. I was greeted by dark marble columns and floors which matched the white grandeur ceilings. There were several large windows with brown flowery curtains draping over it.

A woman who was likely to be in her mid forties came to me with a curt smile plastered on her lips.

"Good evening, ma'am." I greeted and swallowed.

She scrutinised me slowly, giving a frown at the sleeveless blouse I wore. I had taken off my denim jacket earlier and forgot to put it back.

"What is your name?" She asked coldly, as she retreated to an armchair that sat in the middle of the living room. The seat looked fluffy and soft.

Obviously, Matteo had a high taste in furniture.

"Aurora Mancini." I replied quickly.

My uncle and I had argued about changing my name but I found no reason to. Besides, my killers were dead and I doubted that Matteo Moretti, the ruthless Capo, had any reason or time to search for me.

"Aurora.. That's a strong name." She muttered as I bit back the scoff that nearly fell off my lips. "My name is Ginevra. Sit there and make yourself comfortable, I'll be back soon." She ordered and I lowered myself onto the armchair.

The softness and fluffiness helped me relax a bit as my eyes kept darting to every single furniture in the house. The centre table was made with the finest wood which was smoothened to perfection.

The doors were wooden too, but they looked very hard, maybe harder than steel. That I couldn't tell as I just wanted to be done with the introductions.

Heels of shoes clicked from the stairs. I watched Ginevra and a handsome young man walk towards me. His face was cold and his eyes emotionless as I had seen in pictures.

I quickly stood up to greet them, but my heart tinged with disappointment seeing that it wasn't Matteo.

Damn! Why was he looking like a Greek God? I noticed that I was drooling then batted my lashes while he observed me slowly with a subtle expression that revealed desire in its tiniest bit.

Did he like me?

Chapter 2

Aurora's POV

"Here she is. Aurora Mancini, she came from New York to fill in for the position of a cook." She explained and then I realised that she was the one who interviewed back in New York.

He nodded to her explanation and dug his hands in his pocket. "I trust you to watch over her. You know that Matteo only eats homemade food and detests poorly cooked meals."

Ginevra nodded. "I'll make sure everything goes well." She averted her gaze from him to me and scrutinised me again. "She looks efficient, I don't think she'll give us any trouble." She said to him like I was invisible.

"Fine." He breathed and walked away with a guard who I didn't notice was standing by the corner following him.

She turned to me fully, obviously ready to dish out all the rules she had made for the other staff. I didn't care about her rules. I was there for a reason and even though I'll try to behave well in order not to get caught, I wouldn't allow anyone to mess me up.

"Aurora, you'll prepare our dinner while one of the servants will assist you. For tomorrow and other days, breakfast should be ready by 7am, lunch by 1pm and dinner by 6:30pm. Anything short of that and you'll answer to the boss directly." She said and resumed walking.

"Yes, Ginevra." I smirked as she talked about answering to the boss.

That was my reason for coming here. I wanted to answer to him and see the ruthless son of the people that killed my parents. My uncle had taught me that anyone associated with the Mafia were murderers, especially the Made men. None of them had clean hands, but there had to be a line drawn when it came to killing innocent people.

She led me into the kitchen and I almost screamed in delight. If not for this revenge, I'd have been in a culinary school, sharpening my cooking skill.

But I didn't plan to stay for too long as three months was enough for me to get my Vendetta and leave. No one would ever suspect that I killed the two sons of Aldo Moretti.

"This is our kitchen." She said with a hint of pride in her voice. "Our former cook used to enjoy cooking here until she got married. I hope you do better than her."

"Sure, I will." I replied with confidence.

My cooking skill was unmatched and the cafe I worked at was. sad to see me go. There was no doubt that I'd replicate everything I had done there.

"According to the roaster, we would be having chicken marsala and spaghetti. That's the Capo's favorite food and he likes it spicy. Don't forget that." She said and I nodded, secretly happy that Matteo was coming for dinner. I wanted to see him up close.

"I'll lead you to your room so that you can drop your things. In ten minutes you should be in the kitchen so you can meet up on time."

Thirty minutes, I was done cooking and serving the meal on several fancy ceramic chinaware.

"Are you done cooking?" Asked Ginevra.

I watched her reaction to the aroma of the meal that filled the kitchen. She swallowed and glanced at me.

"Yes, Ginevra and I've finished serving them. You can alert everyone to come down for dinner." I said softly with a small smile.

I was proud of myself.

"That was fast. I hope the food tastes as good as it smells. To ensure that it tastes nice, I'll have to taste it myself."

"Ok." I agreed and brought out a little ceramic bowl then served a little for her.

She dug her fork into the spaghetti and moaned at the taste. "This is delicious, Aurora. Tell Ilaria to serve this quickly." She ordered.

Finally everyone was at the table excluding Matteo and Angelo. According to Ginevra, the cook was the only worker allowed to sit at the table during dinner in case there was any problem with the food.

"We can't eat until the brothers are here." She informed me quietly then turned her head at the sound of some footsteps.

I averted my gaze from her and stared at the devilishly handsome duo waltzing into the dining room in all their glory. My eyes were fixated on who I supposed was Matteo as his face wore a cold mask just like his younger brother. Only that he had a feisty demeanour alongside the coldness and also an intense stare.

His height was intimidating and I wondered how I was still able to stare without cowering.

He glanced at me and walked towards his chair which was at the booth while his brother sat beside him.

"Let's eat." He rumbled and fixed his gaze on me without looking away.

I looked away and waited for all of them to begin eating before I started. My ears were itching to hear their reviews on the food and only ingrate could say that it wasn't delicious.

"This tastes divine. Did the new cook prepare this?" Angelo asked and I risked a glance at him since he was seated beside me. He ate the meal ravenously and that gave my heart tiny sparks.

I didn't reply since the question wasn't directed to me. My uncle had taught me that I shouldn't speak unless I was spoken to, not because I was daft, but it would give me an edge over the speaker.

"Yes, she prepared it. I think we have gotten the right person to replace Martina." Ginevra declared.

"Let me be the judge of that." Matteo objected in a low rumble that showed that he was in a position to give orders. And I observed that he hadn't touched his meal yet.

"I'm sorry. I just got carried away by the meal and started blabbing. It won't happen again." She apologised and he nodded.

My eyes were fixed on how he held the fork delicately, slowly mixing the spaghetti with the marsala. He brought it to his lips and I forced my eyes to keep looking. I could tell that he wanted to draw out a certain reaction from me which I wouldn't give him.

He finally ate it while shutting his eyes. His eyelids fluttered open and immediately he glanced at me with a look of satisfaction. His lips twitched a bit then returned to normal, but then my heart did a staccato beat.

No way! He was the enemy and I couldn't let my heart pound this way.

Chapter 3

Aurora's POV

"Don't tell me that you don't like it." Angelo said and dug his fork into the tender chicken, then he glanced at me. "I didn't think you'll do well, but if there's anything the Moretti's like, it's good food and you've won my heart with this."

"Thank you." I appreciated and stared at my meal which was getting cold.

"Eat your food, or it will get cold." Matteo said to me in his deep baritone voice.

I stared at him but he only held my gaze and continued with his food. "Sure I will. I just wanted you all to eat first." I said and dug into my food as well.

Spaghetti didn't bode well in my stomach if it got cold.

After what seemed like eternity, we were all done eating and Ilaria cleared the table while I joined her to wash the dishes. She was a chatty type and I felt drawn to her sad story.

A weary feeling gnawed in my heart when she told me that the Capo had saved her from being raped by her uncle. It was good for her, but the fact that his father made me an orphan would never change.

Ginevra walked into the kitchen with a look of disapproval on her face. "You are a cook, not a maid, Aurora. Why are you washing the dishes?"

"I felt like helping her. Besides, she has been doing alot since I came in and it made me uncomfortable seeing her do all the chores alone."

Ginevra snorted, still in disapproval of my response. "I hope you know that you won't be paid extra for taking care of some of the chores?"

"It's voluntary, Ma'am."

"And make sure that this assistance of yours doesn't affect your job." She warned and was about to walk away when she paused. "The Capo wants to see you in his study now."

My face turned red as anxiety wrecked through my nerves. I knew that I would have to meet him at some point, but I didn't know it would be that quick.

"Alright, I'll be with him soon."

Ilaria released the breath she had been holding. I glanced at her, "Are you that scared of her?"

"Saying that I'm scared is an understatement, I'm terrified." She closed the gap between us and whispered into my ears. "That woman is a she-devil. But thanks to her, this house is in order."

"I don't think I've ever heard such a fearful description."

"She isn't bad, just terrific. I'd like to give you some advice, when going to see the Capo, don't look scared. He detests weak women that can't even hold his gaze." She advised me.

"I'll put that at the back of my mind. Thank you Ilaria, you should go to bed because it's getting late already."

"Good night." She said and turned off the kitchen lights.

I left the kitchen after her wondering what wing his study was. The house wasn't just big, it was enormous and I regretted not having to ask Ilaria how to locate his study.

After going through several rooms, I got to the last room which was at the end of the east wing. The door wasn't locked as light reflected from it.

I walked briskly towards it, hoping it would be the room as my body ached for rest.

"Come in." A deep voice ordered before I even lifted my hand to knock.

The door gave way as I pushed it lightly and entered the room. It was spacious and richly furnished. It was too big to serve as just a study.

My eyes darted to the man who asked me to come into the room and since we weren't talking yet, I was able to gather some of his visible features that weren't hidden under the wooden desk.

His dark brown hair which was styled in a comb-over tousled over his face while he stared at the files in front of him.

"You sent for me, Sir." I said to break the silence. The day was hectic and just like every other person, I needed to rest.

"I know. Sit down." He demanded without lifting his head.

Every word that left his mouth sounded like an order which irked me. I wasn't used to being ordered but since I was here for a reason, I had to take it all in.

"What made you apply for a job here?" He asked, finally taking his attention off the files and resting his amber orbs on me. And I wondered why I didn't notice how beautiful his eyes were in the dining room.

"I was tired of being at the same place for several years, so a job vacancy for the position of a cook came up while I was searching for jobs and I took it."

He regarded me with a speculative gaze but I didn't look away as Ilaria's warning kept ringing in my ears.

"What about your parents, guardians? How did they feel about your decision?"

"I don't have parents, just an uncle. But he trusted me to do well on my own so it wasn't a problem."

He nodded and got up from his executive chair, approaching me fluidly like every step of his was determined to achieve a certain goal. I stared at his firm lips and wondered how many people he had kissed or tricked to their deaths.

"Let's get to the reason I called you out here. You're supposed to be sleeping and I apologise for rubbing you off that luxury but I have to interrogate you and ensure that your reasons for coming to work under me are right."

I held back a snort that almost escaped my mouth. He was very smart, so I had to give it to him. After all, he needed the smartness to trick his rivals, I was sure his father had the same traits.

"Why do you love cooking?"

I took a deep breath. "I'm a foodie and I enjoy seeing the satisfaction that lits up people's faces after they finish eating what I prepare. It's my passion."

He bore his eyes into mine with his face unreadable. His lips remained pursed as if he was trying to think of the next thing to say to me."It's good that you have such passion, but why come here? I mean, you won't get the kind of exposure you need to become a world wide chef if that is your aim."

This sneaky bastard, I thought in my heart.

"Rome wasn't built in a day. Let me give you an example, a footballer doesn't just make a shot, rather, he thinks of the best way to give a goal. That's the exact thing I'm doing."

"Nice points you have there. But I'll warn you ahead of time, don't mess with me or anyone related to me. You might have heard of the former cook that worked here, right?" He asked and I nodded, wondering what he was aiming at. "She was a spy and tried to get information from me, but she made a mistake."

He paused and my breathing became uneven. His gaze lingered on me as he tried to gauge my reaction. I could sense what he was trying to do but I wouldn't let him see through me.

"What mistake did she make?" I asked with a raspy tone.

"She fell in love with me and couldn't stop herself from telling me the whole truth. I didn't kill her, but I made sure that she would never come near me or this city, ever again."

"I'm not her." I countered.

"I know, but if you had such intentions before coming here, be rest assured that I won't have pity on you like I did with her." He stated, fixing his gaze on me so that I could see how serious he was.

His eyes became feral, causing fear to well up in me.

Then I reminded myself of our positions. I was the predator and he was my prey, and I had a greater edge over him because he was ignorant of his position.

I kept reminding myself of that fact as he drew closer to me while I moved away, but he didn't stop until I was backed onto the wall with no way of escape.

"Why are you scared now, do you think I'm going to hurt you?" He rumbled and I almost rolled my eyes.

His father murdered people for a living, did he expect me to believe that he would be any different?

"I'm not scared." I replied firmly, letting him see through my gaze that I didn't give a shit about him even though my heart was pounding furiously against our closeness.

"Oh really?" He smirked with his firm lips parting slightly as he lowered his face to mine.

"What are you doing?" I asked with a slight shiver.

He didn't reply but lowered his head closer so that there was just but a little space left before he kissed me.