I Am The Boss

Once upon a time, I guess that is how they start a nice fairytale or some romance story.

My father never missed the chance to tell me about his love story when I was a child. From his story, it was clear that he loved my mum so much and dad pampered me a lot.

Twenty-seven years ago, at a nice and lovely coffee shop, the weather was beautiful and bright, two souls from parallel worlds met, my mum and my dad.

My dad was the dreaded Mafia boss, commanded respect from everyone, including from rich families and politicians, everyone was scared of him. At his sight, everyone trembles and bows.

However, on that faithful day, the dreaded Mafia boss met the prettiest woman on Earth.

Dad was enjoying a nice cup of coffee when mum walked in to order some coffee. Mum paid for the coffee she ordered for and left. The guy at the counter noticed a purse lying on the counter and realized it belonged to mum. He tried to go after mum when dad stopped him from doing so. Dad paid for the coffee he had and left to find my. He was a bit late as mum already left in a cab. Dad opened her purse and saw took out a card, which was her office card. He decided to contact her.

Dad got home had finished up with what he was doing and decided to relax with a nice glass of red wine and a nice music at the background. While relaxing, mum's picture played in his mind and dad didn't realize he was smiling. He recalled that he was to contact mum. He quickly got off from his seat and searched for the purse as he couldn't recall where he placed it. Finally, he found her purse and searched through it and saw her contact card and quickly dialed the number. No response the first call, he redialed it and finally someone picked up. Dad could barely speak as he became dumbstruck as the voice on the phone melted his cold Marian heart. The hello from mum went on until she got the up and hung up. Dad realizing his foolishness dialed back mum's number again. Luckily she picked and he was the first to say hello. Dad apologize to mum and informed her about the purse she left behind at the café. They decided to meet up at the café.

The next day, dad got ready and left for the café. He was the first to arrive. He waited patiently for mum, so unlike dad. Not long, mum walked in, looking so gorgeous in the Navy blue gown and black jacket she wore. Dad was totally smitten by mum's beauty. He could barely take his eyes off from her. They introduced themselves and dad handed over the purse to mum . Mum was grateful to him and requested to pay for the coffee they had. Dad declined and paid for it. Dad insisted that they should meet and asked mum to see it as a way of repaying his kind gesture. Mum agreed and they bid goodbye.

Dad has fallen head heels over mum and wanted her for himself. Dad couldn't muster the courage to confess his feelings to mum. He decided to become friends with her and then they started dating after he professed his love for her and it turned out mum loved him too. Dad realized mum's hatred for Mafias and lied about his identity. Dad rented a house and lived with mum.

Mum's family moved dad but then, their lovey-dovey marriage ended when dad's rival exposed dad's identity to mum. Mum was shocked bad went into labour for my younger brother. Unfortunate, both mum and my brother died, leaving my dad heart broken and shattered. Dad wasn't allowed to see mum's corpse. He was able to take my dead brother's body home and buried him and mourned him and mum for years. Dad refused to remarry.

Dad showered me with lots of love and treated me as a princess but while growing up, I fancied guns, knives, daggers, hammers and I secretly watched the Mafias train on how to use knives and guns. When dad found out, he was mad at me but finally gave in and let me train as he was happy to see me make myself a strong being. I had chosen a path he didn't want for me but he had to support me, after, he needed a successesor. I've known the weight of a gun ever since I was twelve and began to shoot at fourteen.

On my 20th birthday dad became the supreme Mafia king and I became the Mafia queen of our Mafia group. I trained so hard and became ruthless and dreaded by many. While I was in high school, no one cares mess with me, knowing my status and the place I'm coming from. College was fun as I exercised much power after being declared the Mafia queen, I feared no one. No one cares double crosses me. I moved with my own members of the gang, comprising of well built and scary looking guys. I never failed exams, unless you have a death wish which I'm always willing and ready to grant anyone who has such. My name makes wave in the city, everyone feared me and I loved it.

I'm Serena Riccardo, the feared Mafia boss and daughter of supreme Mafia king, Riccardo Alberto. I'm beautiful and fierce. Not into feminine things. Never dated, no first love , no crushes, no kisses, I only kissed my dad's cheeks as a sign of love and my gun whenever I want to go on a serious mission with the gang. Have I killed? Yes I have, especially during the Mafia clash, it was a blood bath and I shot down lots of Mafias from the other group.

I dress up in suits, or tuxedos and trousers and hats or wear leather outfits, almost always on black and always complimenting my look with dark shades.

Ever since the responsibility of leading the Mafia group was given to me, I have not taken a break, neither have I deviated from my duty nor failed as a ruthless leader. I'm proud to be the boss.

My mafia group are so powerful that we handle lots of government contracts or make sure that a particular person is awarded the contract for us to benefit hugely from it. We run the largest and best casino, night clubs and club house in Venice, Milan, Naples, Modena and Prato and we make lots of money yearly. I'm handling an important hotel project right now and also dad is planning launching a big café in memory of mum, so sweet of him.

Dad invited me to his chambers to discuss about an important deal. In the middle of the discussion, dad threw a random question at me. Dad had asked me if I had a boyfriend. Honestly speaking, I was shocked and speechless. For the first time, dad asked me such a question. I forced out a smile and said no. dad tried to know about my romance life but I stopped him and reminded him about the deal. After the discussion, I left his chambers for my room.

In the evening, I decided to take a walk , when I noticed one of the gang member flirting with a maid. They became aware of my presence and embarrassed when they noticed me staring at them. The maid quickly ran off while the dude apologised and left.

I sighed and drank from my wine glass, I had my seat and watched the love birds in their cage.

"Even birds have lovers" I said and sighed again. "I wonder when I'll have a lover. Will I ever have a lover? What kind of guy do I actually want? Definitely a handsome, really handsome and... I don't know but I know one thing for sure, when I meet him, I will know that he is definitely the one for me" I said and smiled.

Dad's birthday is fast approaching, I decided to drop by at the mall and pick up his favourite things and some nice things to gift him, once I was done with the meeting I had attended. The meeting was a success and ended, I was able to strike a deal with the investors. I left for the mall with my men. I looked good in my red tuxedo, red trouser and a black hat, and dark shades to compliment my looks and my gun in my hand.

We arrived at the mall and went in. we drew a lot of attention, many knew me and they fretted at the sight of my presence. I stopped and scanned the stores and finally pointed at a particular store to do my shopping. As usual, once I pick a store to shop in, my men clears the customers in the shop and I shop in peace.

I made my choice and my men moved in and announced that everyone should vacate the store. Normally, people would refuse to obey such instruction but people fear guns more than the one holding it, well..my men took out their guns before going inside to make things easy. Everyone quickly rushed out of the store. One of my men came to inform me that they have cleared the store. I went in and heard some voices in the store. One of my men was having a confrontation with a guy in the store who had refuse to leave the store. My man dragged him along with him but came to a halt when they saw me. He smirked.

Well, well, well, if it isn't Rocco, who else could stand up against me. Rocco is from a rival group and I really hate him. His sight disgusts me and whenever I see him, it feels like some insects are crawling on my skin.

We stood before each other, glaring at each other, with hatred showing on our faces. I smirked.

"Leave while we are still being nice to you" I said.

"What? Nice? Good grief. I can shop where I wish to . I'm not leaving" Rocco said.

"You can choose another store and shut it down and do your shopping" I said.

"Same applies to you. As for me, I'm not leaving. Now get lost and let me shop in peace" Rocco said.

"Rocco! Don't get me angry"

"Do I look like I care. Get the hell outta here, psycho"

"What did you just call me?

"I never knew that your mafia group is so stupid. I know it's quite a crazy group, but I never knew that they would let their craziness get out of hand by making some weak woman their mafia lord, so disappointing"

"Are you hurt? Does it hurt your ego that the one person who keeps defeating you is a woman? Well, Rocco, I give you just five seconds to get out. One...two.."

"Three...four...may I continue? I'm not scared of you"

"Rocco! Leave immediately!

"Still repeating the same thing. I don't care what you say, I'm not leaving here"

First of all, I hate Rocco and everything about him makes me sick. Secondly, I hate it when someone disobeys my orders and anyone who dares flout my orders is my enemy. Out of anger, I pulled out my handgun and pointed it at Rocco leaving him surprised. He smirked and took two steps forward, having the gun touch his forehead.

"Go ahead and shoot girl"

That irritated me. I was ready to pull the trigger but didn't do so. He realized I wasn't going to shoot him and quickly pulled out his gun and pointed it at me. I smirked and asked him to put his gun down which he refused to do, rather he asked me to take my gun off his face. An argument ensued and we began to yell at each other.

"Enough! A voice came from Rocco's back,

Someone else was in the store. I looked and saw a very handsome young tall man in a black trouser, white shirt and a long ash coat. He looked really handsome.

**********************************************************************************

Few moments ago...............................................

While Rocco and I were having our silly argument, this young man was shopping then he noticed that the store was quiet. He decided to take a look around the store to see why it was so quiet. He walked in on Rocco and I pointing guns at each other.

Rocco turned back and saw this handsome gentleman approaching us. The gentleman stood before us questioning our actions. He was shocked to see us point guns at each other and quickly asked us why we were pointing guns at each other. He requested us to put our guns away and leave quietly.

Surprisingly, I did what he asked us to do. I did shock my gang when I had put my gun away. He thanked me and asked Rocco to put away his gun. Rocco smiled and put away his gun. My gentleman turned to me and asked me not to point guns at people.

Rocco sniggered and called me a fool which got me angry but I couldn't do anything. For the first time I wanted to do something but couldn't do it because of some stranger.

"Why ain't you gonna point your gun at me? You are mad at me right? Well, well, well... Serena, you can bid goodbye to this world" Rocco said pointing his gun at me.

My hand went numb to lift my gun and probably shoot Rocco. My gentleman quickly turned and hugged me, using himself as a shield to prevent the bullet from hitting me if Rocco eventually fires the gun. I was so shocked. A guy who knows nothing about me is willing to take a bullet for me? Rocco laughed and said he isn't like me who can shoot someone at his back or shoot innocent people. Rocco put his gun away and left with his gang.

I didn't notice him leave as I was lost in the arms and eyes of my handsome gentleman. He looked into my eyes, honestly, I was melting slowly. Could this be love? Perhaps, love at first sight? My heart raced so fast and I tried so hard to control it as I was scared he would hear my heart beat so fast and that he might catch on that he is the reason my heart was beating so fast. I have never felt this way before. My heart has never raced for any guy, why race now?

He finally freed me from his arms and apologised to me for hugging me without my consent. Still in disbelief that someone aside my gang members is willing to get hurt for me while protecting me.

"Uhmm..are you okay? He asked but I said nothing cause I was lost in thought. "Hello, are you there? Hello" He waved at me and snapped his finger at my face and I came back to reality and quickly forced out a smile.

"Oh yes. Yes, thank you. Thank you for saving my life. I really appreciate it. We don't even know each other, yet you chose to risk your life for me. I'm indeed grateful to you" I said with a huge smile on my face.

"It wasn't anything" His glance fell on my gun. "You should put that thing away. That shouldn't be in your hand" He said pointing at my gun."

"Huh?

"Your gun, put it away. Where is your bag? He asked

"My bag? I didn't come with any bag" I said.

"I don't know why you have a gun, maybe for protection, please, put your gun in your pocket. I'm not saying this for you or trying to protect but the eyes of the innocent people out there and the kids in the mall from beholding such dreaded thing. Take care. I will leave then" He said and left the store while I turned and watched him leave.

SERENA'S POV

Armando whow surprised with what had transpired between myself, Rocco and my gentleman approached me immediately.

"Boss, what do we do to Rocco? Armando asked

"Kidnap him. I'm gonna deal with him in my own way. First of all, let's get done with the shopping and then, go teach Rocco a lesson" I said to my men

" Yes boss" replied my men.

We finished up with shopping and left the store. My eyes searched for Rocco. I turned and made an eye contact with my gentleman who saw me holding a gun. He quickly looked away and walked away. I bet he was disappointed that I didn't take his advice.

My men were able to capture Rocco and brought him to me at some place where I usually punish those who double cross me. I dealt with Rocco and had my men abandon him on the streets.

I returned home with the gifts I had got for dad dad and asked my men to place them in my room. I left to meet my father who was enjoying a nice cup of tea while he read through some papers. I said my greetings to him and had my seat. I had lovely smile on my face which father noticed.

He tried to find out the reason behind my smile. I said nothing to him and took my leave. I walked into my room and sat on the bed.

I suddenly had a flashback on what had taken place at the mall. I fell on the bed, smiling. I can't believe what's going on or what's happening to me. Have I actually fallen in love with this gentleman of mine or is it a mere attraction? I really hoped and wished to meet him again.

MATTEO ALESSANDRO POV

I got home and two maids rushed to welcome me. I handed my shopping bags to them and went in. I said my greetings to my mum and left for my bedroom. I walked in and shut the door. I removed my jacket and placed it on the bed and began to unbutton my shirt then I recalled what transpired between me and those guys with guys. What baffled me the most is the fact that I used myself as a shield to protect some lady I do not know. I mean why would I do that?

I removed my shirt and placed on the bed and sat down to remove my shoes. Why did I do that? Risk my life for someone? She had a gun, she could take care of herself, there was no need to protect her with my body. I hope not to run into her again or into such awkward situation.

I went into the bathroom and removed my trouser and walked into the shower cubicle and switched on the shower and shut my eyes. I could clearly see her face. She has such pretty eyes and lips. Come off it Matteo, I said to myself and quickly opened my eyes. I can't possibly be attracted to some lady I just met. I finished up with my bath and returned to the bedroom.

SERENA'S POV

A week has gone by and I haven't seen my Mr handsome gentleman, kinda miss him and I don't know why I do, maybe it's love. I really wish and hope to see him again and soon.

I have an important project to secure and I needed to pay in the money immediately. I rushed to my office and unlocked my safe only to discover that the money I had placed in it has reduced drastically without me using any of it. It was a huge shock to me. Who could summon the courage to steal from me. He definitely has a death wish which I am ready to grant.

I quickly removed the remaining money and placed them on my table. Where could my money have disappeared to, I wondered. I yelled and called in my gang to my office. They were quite surprised to see me really angry. I pulled out my gun and placed it on the table where the money laid.

"My money is missing. Who took money from my safe? I promise, I won't hurt you"I said.

No one said a word to me as their faces were down and this pissed me off.

"Who was the last to enter my office? I asked and got no reply from them.

I grabbed my gun, pulled the trigger and shot into the air and quickly pointed the gun at them.

*Y'all don't want to say a word right? Fine. I'll grant your wish. Never to say a word. RIP guys"

" Boss.." Armando said " Calm down"

" I should? I see. Y'all should get out of my office but be rest assured that I'm going to search y'all, your houses and your apartment. Got it? Now out! I yelled, kicking the chair.

Everyone left except Armando, my right hand man.

"May I say something boss? He asked

" What is it and what are you still doing here?

"Cause of you boss. Maybe, cause you're so angry that you have forgotten that you installed cameras outside and inside your office. You can watch the footage and find out who stole your money" Armando said.

I quickly stared at him

Why didn't I think of this before raising an unnecessary alarm that my money was stolen. I should have done what he said. I hope the thief doesn't escape.

I quickly checked out the footage on my computer and my jaw dropped when I saw Paulo, one of my men steal from me. I got really angry and quickly showed the footage to Armando who was shocked to see Paulo steal the money from the safe. How did he get the password to the safe. Then it dawned on me, he's an expert when he comes to stuffs like this, coding and passwords.

I picked up my gun and asked Armando to come with me to get Paulo. Armando advised me do that later. He requested me to go withdraw some money and secure the project first and then we can handle Paulo later. I agreed with him and we left to finish up with the project. I took some money from the vault where we stack millions of various currencies like dollars, Euro and the rest of them. I left with the money and met up with Armando in the car. I got in and we drove off. Luckily, I was able to secure the project and heaved a sigh of relief. Now back to Paulo's case. I'm going to deal with him.

I thought of how to punish him in a wicked way. First, I need to get my money back from him and then delete his being from the world.

I got back home and briefed dad about the meeting and the progress of the project. Dad was happy and proud of me. I took my leave and left with Armando for my room. I stopped walking and turned towards him. I had asked him to track Paulo down and inform me about his whereabouts as soon as he finds Paulo as i had a feeling that Paulo won't be in his house.