Claimed by the Mafia Prince

I just graduated from college. I majored in business. But what does a BA degree get you when you are low income? You will have to struggle in getting an interview anywhere. I have a student loan to pay off. I hated the classes I was taking but I had to get a business degree in order to pursue my passion to be the chef at my own restaurant. I was able to get a part time job to pay for somethings. I only have a small studio apartment if that is what you want to call it. The streetlights need to be repaired. There are broken sidewalks, and the buildings are pretty much vacant.

Okay, yeah, it is a small studio that is part of an old warehouse. My uncle let me rent the room above.

I hardly ever seen my uncle. He would stop at the warehouse once a month, have a meeting with a bunch of men and then gone again. I wonder if her ever remembered I lived upstairs. Not that I mattered to anyone. I always felt like I was an outsider in my own family. My parents abandoned me when I was sixteen. I was able to get a part time job at the local supermarket to support myself.

Uncle Vito told me to stay in the small studio until he moved up and was able to buy a house, whatever that meant. Usually, when the cars started to show up for the 'meeting', I would simply either lock my door and turn on the music or just leave building, using the backstair entrance.

Today, I found a message from my uncle to set up the tables and place wine bottles and glassed at each table. Along with bruschetta, antipasto skewers and Italian meatballs. He also mentioned that I would be serving everyone there. I quickly put my apron on and went downstairs to prepare everything. The warehouse had a large kitchen that was stocked for today's meeting.

I quickly put the seasoned meatballs in the slow cooker and assembled the antipasto skewers with cherry tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, spinach, fresh mozzarella balls, roasted bell peppers and Italian bread brushed with olive old and grilled.

I made a simple classic Italian bruschetta with tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic and fresh basil. I drizzled balsamic vinegar and olive oil lightly. I set water pitchers out as well. I never opened the wine bottles until I received permission from the guests after seating.

Meatballs were ready, so I put picks in them so it would be easier to eat. I set all of the tables. Which were five large round tables in total with eight chairs at each one. I double checked all of the tables and walked back into the kitchen.

I changed my apron to a black apron. As soon as I fixed my hair up into a tight bun, I heard voices in the meeting area. I quickly walked back and found the men were walking in to be seated. I quickly walked over to the first table and pulled out a chair for a very tall gentleman to sit and he held up a hand. Which meant his guard would seat him. I simply nodded and walked back to the serving table.

I never made eye contact with anyone that came here. I heard the snap of fingers and I quickly walked over to the table and the guard said to serve his boss. I nodded quickly and assembled his plate. I tilted my head up a bit at the guard, never making eye contact. "The wine sir? Shall I open it?"

The guard nodded, so I opened the bottle and set it back in the bottle holder. Most of the time the guards served their bosses. I quickly walked over to the next table as the next group of men walked in. Most of the other guards stood in the background close to their bosses.

Time flew by as everyone was served. My uncle walked in and nodded to me. I quickly walked to the back entrance and closed the door. I walked as fast as I could up the stairs and into my studio. I closed the door and locked it. I put my music on, and I decided to clean my shower. I scrubbed it clean and put clean towels up the towels. I stripped my bed down and changed the sheets. Going to need to do laundry soon. I was getting ready to scrub the stove clean when my phone buzzed.

I had my headset on with the earbud for music and I checked the message. It was from my uncle to come back downstairs. Oh crap, what did I do? I was starting to re-think everything, every step in making the food. Dammit. Oh crap, they hate the food. Did I screw something up?

Now is not the time to panic. I squared my shoulders and stood straight up. I made my way back to the kitchen and my uncle was laughing with a man that was smiling.

"Yes, uncle. You called for me?" Still looking down. My nerves were shot.

"Yes, Valeria. This is Giancarlo Barone. The Mafia Godfather. He would like a word with you."

What the hell? Me? Seriously? My whole body stiffened.

"He liked your food very much and is offering you a job in his pub and would like for you to serve these types of appetizers to his customers." My uncle said with a proud tone.

"Valeria, my dear. It is very nice to meet you. I must say, your cooking reminds me of my mother's cooking."

"Thank you, sir. I am honored to meet you. How can I be of assistance for you sir?" I kept my head tilted down and was so afraid to make eye contact. My eyes bounced from my feet to his tie."

"First, please, do not be afraid. Look at me, my dear." Giancarlo said softly.

My hands were shaking. I slowly looked up and my uncle then to Giancarlo. He smiled at me. He was very good looking for an older man. His eyes were soft, and he had a gentle smile. This man was to mafia godfather, and he asked to speak with me?

My uncle nodded and excused himself. I was left alone with the mafia godfather. Christ. I feel my body starting to sway, geez! Valeria do not pass out! I kept repeating in my mind.

He reached forward and took my hands in his, "Don't be afraid, my dear. I have a job offer for you. I have a pub in the center of the city and would love for you to become my chef there. Tell me what salary would you like?"

"But I am not a certified chef. I just cook foods like my grandmother used to make. What if no one likes my food. I...I...I do not want to disappoint you or embarrass my uncle." I am terrified of disappointing this man.

"Nonsense. You will work for me. Here is the address and I have a much better loft above the pub. Very quiet. Private and secured. Your uncle is already aware that I am stealing you from him. Pack your bags my dear girl. I will have my men move your bags and whatever you would like to take to your new home. I will be waiting. Do not forget to come up with a salary for yourself. With cooking like this, you deserve it. I do not like to wait." He said with a smirk and leaned down and kissed my cheek.

He held his fingertips to my chin, "Such a lovely girl. You learned well from tua nonna." Giancarlo whispered and smiled as he turned away.

I stood there with my mouth hanging open, like an idiot! Stars above I think I am going to throw up! But he liked my cooking that much?

My uncle walked back into the hallway, "Do not screw this up. It will make me look bad."

"Yes, uncle. Of course. When am I supposed to leave?"

"Now! The moving truck will be here in thirty minutes."

I quickly went to me room and put my laptop in my backpack and gathered my college books. I already had the bed stripped, so I just folded the clean sheets and blanket and left it on the end of the bed. I did not have many clothes. So, I got the little suitcase I had and packed my clothes and shoes in it. Ten minutes later, I was ready.

I felt like I was being dumped again. I walked quietly to the back of the warehouse and there were two very tall and big men standing by the door.

One smiled, "Ms. Rossi, ready?"

"Yes, sir." I kept my head down.

"My name is Mikey. I am not a 'sir' type of guy with lovely ladies as yourself. Where are your things?"

"This is it. I do not have much." I show him my little suitcase. I said quietly.

He smiles and takes it from me and motions toward the door with his hand. "That guy there is Jimmy. He is my brother. I hear you make some awesome food. I hope we get to sample some food when you are set up at the pub." He laughs

"Nice to meet you both. I hope my food is good."

We walk to a black SUV and Jimmy opens the door and says, "If Mister Barone hired you, your food is awesome."

We make small talk on the way downtown toward the center of the city as I gazed out the window and the scenery. All of the lights. The people. The music playing. We passed Rockefeller Center. I wonder what it looked like during Christmas. My heart is beating so loud, I can hear it thumping.

I have only been in the center of the city twice, both times to go to Rizzoli Bookstore. I wanted to see New York City. It was absolutely beautiful at night. I wonder what it looks like during the day.

We park behind a pub, under an awning. It looks like where limos would park, and the guests would use the private entrance. Not to be seen by the public eye off the streets.

I was guided into the upstairs office, where I was told to wait for Mister Barone. I was sitting outside of his office, and I heard yelling coming from inside. I was starting to panic. The door flew open, and this man walked out cussing in Italian. He did not notice me in the corner of the waiting area. I froze and Mister Barone walked out, "Ah, Miss Valeria, please come in."

I slowly got up and walked into his office as he held out his hand guiding me inside.

"Do not pay any attention to the young fool that walked out in a rush a moment ago." He whispered.

I nodded. He asked for my information to give to his accountant for payroll. About an hour after that, I was introduced to my new kitchen. Mister Barone said this was my domain and no one was to tell me anything on how to run my kitchen. I smiled when he told me to do whatever it was my heart wanted to do.

He reassured me that no one would bother me. I smiled and thanked him. My hands were itching to start cooking. There was something about the atmosphere in the kitchen that relaxed me. I looked around the kitchen and put my ear buds in and put my pandora music on. I moved some things around and set up the equipment the way I wanted it. I started to write out my menu for salads and appetizers. I sent in my order for supplies. One of my favorite sad songs came on:

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

Oh-oh, oh-oh

Lord, make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother

She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors

Oh, and life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no

Ain't even gray, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

I was humming and did not realize I was singing softly.

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

And I'll be wearing white when I come into your kingdom

I'm as green as the ring on my little cold finger

I've never known the lovin' of a man

But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand

There's a boy here in town, says he'll love me forever

Who would have thought forever could be severed by

I felt goose bumps on my arm and felt a light breeze on the back of my neck. I turned around slowly and nothing, no one. It must be in my mind.

I turned off my music as it reminded me of my boyfriend that almost killed me.

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls

What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar

They're worth so much more after I'm a goner

And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singin'

Funny when you're dead, how people start listenin'

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

Oh-oh, (oh-oh)

The ballad of a dove

Go with peace and love

Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket

Save 'em for a time when you're really gonna need 'em, oh

The sharp knife of a short life

Well, I've had just enough time

So put on your best, boys, and I'll wear my pearls

I inhaled deeply and turned around slowly as I could swear that I smelt a man's cologne. Cool Water, one of my favorites. Then the air felt warm and my body and mind relaxed. What gives?

It must be all in my mind. Maybe just someone that passed by the kitchen. Oh well.

I was so excited. I did not realize it was so late. It was almost eleven o'clock and if I did not hurry, I would miss the city bus home. I locked up and rushed out the door.

I ran into a hard mass at the back door. I fell back on my ass. I dropped everything my bag, my bus pass and my clipboard for the kitchen. I looked up and the greenest piercing eyes were looking into my brown eyes. Oh my god!

I just left the house and was headed to meet with my father at Vito's warehouse for our bi-monthly meeting. I had missed a few of these meetings. My father is wanting me to take over for him sooner than usual. I had just returned from Chicago. I was there for several weeks taking care of business. Someone had hit our warehouses, stealing our merchandise. The merchandise that we were to deliver to the Russians.

I had found out that we had a rat in our group. I set up a trap to catch the rat. He was double crossing us and selling to the Irish group. We took care of the rat and go the merchandise to our Russian bratva customers.

My mother, Arianna, had just sent me a message asking me to give my father a message about hiring some chef from Vito's for our downtown pub. My father had brought her some of the food that was served at the last meeting and my mother said that the cook was phenomenal as the food reminded her of the old country.

It would be good for the business and the current chef had just up and left without a word after we found out he was slacking and stealing supplies for his catering truck. My younger brother, Dominic, is dealing with that issue.

My father called me into his office and asked if I decided on the marriage proposal from his ally. They want me to marry Jacques's daughter to better our alliance. I do not like arranged marriages. It never ends well. I want to be able to feel something for my wife. Just not have a bed warmer and baby mama.

I stormed out of my father's office as we ended our discussion. I fly past someone that was sitting in the corner of the waiting area. I heard a gasp and kept walking. I needed fresh air. I went up to the top floor and onto the roof area where the second bar was.

I paced back and forth, like a caged lion. I calmed myself down and walked back to my father's office. I knocked and walked in to find my father deep in thought. "Father, I am sorry I raised my voice at you. I meant no disrespect. I just, just..."

"I understand son. Your mother was my choice. I courted her and my father was furious because I did not want to marry some Italian girl I never met. I completely understand."

"Thank you, father. I just want to meet a girl that is not like the rest of the woman in our world. Someone who can hold her own and makes her own choices. Be able to be like...like"

"Your mother." My father whispered.

"Yes, like mother."

My father smiled and then had a funny smirk on his face. "Son, do me a favor and check on our new chef. Make sure the chef has everything they need. This person is new but creates wonderful food. Just like your nonna used to when she was alive. Your mother absolutely loves the chef's creations."

"Certainly father. Anything else?"

He smirked and waved me off. What was that look, my father just gave me? What is he up to?

I thought about the arranged marriage offer and refused it, I never dated. Most of the girls that we grew up with were high maintenance, spent too much money and wore too much make-up and perfume. They always wanted everything fancy and expensive. Can a girl just be natural?

I heard humming and then quiet singing coming from the kitchen. I stopped in my tracks and listened to the words. How sad the song was. But a beautiful voice. Soft and gentle. So much pain. A girl. Is this our new chef?

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell 'em for a dollar

They're worth so much more after I'm a goner

And maybe then you'll hear the words I've been singin'

Funny when you're dead, how people start listenin'

If I die young, bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

Oh-oh, (oh-oh)

I was about to walk into the kitchen, when to door flew open. I jumped back as a young woman lost her footing and ran into me. She fell back dropping everything. Her shoulder bag fell behind her. A clip board and a bus pass were at my feet.

I looked down into her beautiful chocolate eyes. She had dirty blonde hair. Pouty pink lips. My dick is at attention. Dark eye lashes. She looked up into my eyes, then looked back down at the floor. Like she had made a mistake making eye contact. She seemed too fragile, timid.

"I am so sorry miss. Let me help you." I reached down to her to help her up. She was scrambling away. Like she was afraid. "I won't hurt you. Let me help you up."

"No sir, no it was my fault. I am such an idiot. I was my fault. I will be out of your way. I just need my bus pass."

"Nonsense, give me your hand. I should have been watching where I was walking." I whispered.

She was shaking. She kept her head down as I reached for her hand. I helped her stand up and picked up her bag. I grabbed her clipboard and bus pass and handed them to her. She kept apologizing and stuttering.

"Hey, hey. You did nothing wrong. Are you okay? It was not your fault. Look at me." I raised my hand slowly under her chin and she jerked back. I thought to myself, someone did something to this sweet girl.

"I am sorry, I must go. I cannot miss my bus." She grabbed the bus pass and ran past me. I blinked and stood there. What the hell happened to her. She seemed so sweet and innocent. Just like a little lamb.

"Hold on!" I walked quickly behind her. She headed out of the back door in a rush to the corner bus stop. Which is two blocks away. It was late at night, not safe for a young woman to be at the bus stop. I caught up to the girl at the bus stop. She sat on the bench looking down.

"Missed it?" I said quietly and she jumped.