My Birthday Surprise Husband Is A Mafia Lord

Vanessa POV's

My heart was brimming with joy as I walked towards my father, his hands resting on the well decorated staff carved out of an expensive piece of wood that showcased his power and wealth.

"Happy birthday, my Nessa," he whispered, placing a tender kiss on my cheek. His warmth filled me with joy, the kind only a father's love can bring.

"I have a surprise for you," and despite the joy in my heart and on my face, I couldn't help but feel a slight wave of unsettlement. I didn't know why but somehow I felt that there was more than the celebration for my twenty-Fourth birthday.

Being the only daughter of Emilio De la Cruz, one of Italy's most powerful men, I was no stranger to surprises. His wealth and influence followed me everywhere, casting a long shadow over my life. Even though I was legally his first child, my father treated me as his cherished last, something I never questioned-until now.

He led me away from the party, where a group of unfamiliar men in black suits waited. Their stern expressions and silent demeanor would have frightened anyone else, but I was accustomed to my father's world-a world where men in black meant business. As the first child to my father, I was his biological heir which meant I was about to make history.

The unease I was feeling was having a tug of war with the excitement that swelled within me.

I have waited for this day for years, prayed and fought and my father has always reminded me that certain things were not meant for women which was what brought the question - Why were we here?

I shook my head, remembering that today was a day of joy as I was on the verge of breaking those outdated beliefs.

My father held my hand and helped me into his Rolls Royce, and I couldn't help but exhale, the uneasiness was still there but I was trusting that my long-awaited dream was about to come true.

We pulled up to the airport and the first thing I noticed was the empty lot, I wasn't worried. Daddy owned alot of places.

But as we pulled up, that unease from earlier bloomed into full-blown worry. I noticed another car pulling up behind us, and my heart sank when I recognized it as one of my three step-brothers'. Antonio, my immediate younger brother, stepped out, flanked by our siblings, their faces twisted into identical smirks.

What were they doing here?

My father helped me out of the car, but my attention was on Antonio, whose grin made my skin crawl.

"Father?" I questioned, but before I could press him, Antonio cut in with that infuriating smirk.

"I have gathered you all today because it's a special day, and as such, I have special news," my father said, taking my hand and guiding me toward a private jet. The unfamiliar badge on the jet only deepened my suspicion. My brothers' knowing grins told me they were in on whatever was happening.

We stopped at the base of the jet, and my father handed me a key that looked unlike any car key I had ever seen.

"For you, my Nessa," he said, his voice soft yet heavy with meaning.

My eyes widened in disbelief as I snatched the key. "Yo-u got me a private jet?!" I shrieked, unable to contain my excitement. I threw myself into his arms, tears of joy streaming down my face as I kissed his bald head, laughing in both Spanish and English.

"Your husband did," Antonio's voice sliced through my happiness, freezing me in place.

My joy turned to ice as I whirled around to face him, my voice trembling with anger. "Are you such a brat that you can't go a day without trying to ruin my life? This is my birthday, for God's sake!"

Antonio stepped closer, his amusement only deepening my rage. "You mean, your wedding day."

A chill ran down my spine as I looked at my father, silently pleading for him to deny it. But his eyes avoided mine, his guilt unmistakable.

"Dad?" My voice cracked, my thick Italian accent betraying the fear creeping into my heart.

"I was going to tell you," he started, but the words felt like a knife twisting in my gut.

"You said it was a surprise," I stammered, trying to rationalize his betrayal. "I can't be mad because you didn't tell me about the jet before-"

But he had already stepped back, and Antonio's mocking grin remained fixed.

"What's going on?" I asked, dread filling every fiber of my being.

Antonio sighed, exasperated. "What part of 'it's your wedding day' do you not understand, chica?"

"Enough!" My father barked, cutting him off. "Go and watch the car."

For the first time that day, Antonio's smile faltered. "Yes, Papa," he muttered before leaving, but the damage was done. I was alone, surrounded by unfamiliar men who now inched closer, their intent clear.

Panic seized me. "Dad?" I pleaded, but he grasped my hands, forcing me to focus on him instead of the looming threat.

"Our families have been at war for far too long, Nessa," he said, his voice heavy with resignation. "This marriage is the only way to stop the bloodshed. The Gneros are a powerful ally, and they are a perfect match for you."

I gasped, the reality of his words crashing down on me. "What?"

"Forgive me. My Nessa. I'll see you very soon, before you even know it," he said, his voice breaking as he stepped away, leaving me to the mercy of the men who now closed in.

"No. no!" I screamed, my mind battling with disbelief. How could he do this to me? How could he sell me off like a pawn in his mafia game?

But it was too late. The men grabbed me, their grip firm but not unkind as they pushed me toward the jet. I fought back, but one of them lost patience and threw me over his shoulder, sprinting up the stairs while I kicked and screamed, calling out for my father.

As I was carried away, I caught a final glimpse of Antonio, his eyes gleaming with victory as he took everything from me in one cruel stroke.

My mind was at war with itself, each thought spiraling as it became clearer and clearer than we were flying toward an unknown future.

I had to be calm and If there was one thing I had learned from my father, it was that composure was power. I would not let them see me break.

We arrived shortly after and I couldn't help but realize how much wealth was poured into the structure, it beat the mansion I grew up in as a child. The Gneros were clearly wealthy beyond measure. The men handed me off to a group of stern-faced women, who led me through the mansion with the efficiency of those used to taking orders.

But as we walked, I heard voices-male voices-coming from somewhere deeper in the house. My heart pounded as I realized this might be my chance. If I could meet this Gnero, maybe I could convince him that this marriage was a mistake.

I bolted, ignoring the shouts of the maids. My dress hiked up as I ran, and my heels clicked furiously on the marble floors. I reached a grand door where the voices were loudest and flung it open.

My eyes widened in shock, a gasp escaped my lips immediately drawing attention of everyone in the room as I felt the blood drain from my face.

"Ah. I see, my wife has arrived," he said, his voice smooth but his eyes holding something sinister, it made my skin crawl.

Vanessa POV's

The blood that drained from my face must have drained from my head as well.

A wobble in my knees threatened to make me lose my balance, I grabbed the thing nearest to me to steady myself while my eyes took in the sight before me.

I couldn't marry him?!

The more my eyes ran through his appearance, the more I believed it.

His eyes were darker than a moonless night and apparently ,they were the only visible part of him.

I wanted to speak but my throat was clogged. Why in heaven's name was he drenched in - was that blood?

Gnero moved close to me and I confirmed what I feared. The sharp, metallic scent overpowered the remnants of his cologne-a contrast that made my stomach churn in agony.

I wanted to puke but at the same time, I wanted to ask whose blood it was.

I closed my eyes and suddenly got the inkling, if I wanted to be heir then I couldn't ask questions like that. I had to act like I was tough instead of wanting to reel out my own guts.

I forced my eyes open and stood straight, clearing my throat.

His eyes, cold and calculating, flicked over me, a glimmer of amusement in their depths. I refused to flinch, holding his gaze until he was just two steps away.

"Now that I have your attention... I'll assume you are Gnero," I said, my voice steady despite the laughter that erupted from the others in the room. We were the only two not laughing.

"I have something to say to you, but maybe when you're better dressed?" I tried to maintain a formal tone, but he only smirked.

"Whatever you have to say, you can say it here," he replied, his voice flat, almost bored. A wave of irritation surged through me. I didn't like him-not one bit.

"Are you sure about that?" I stepped forward, our eyes locked in a silent battle. My father had unknowingly taught me how to use intimidation, but Gnero wasn't easily swayed.

"Well," I continued, standing tall and intimidatingly. "I don't care to know who you are, and you certainly don't want to know who I am. While your gift was unexpected, it was also unnecessary and unneeded and hence I'll be rejecting it. I want whatever arrangement you think is happening here, neutralized and done with. I will be returning home with nothing from you and on time, so I can beat some sense into my stupid brother and I will forgive and forget this audacious insult of an implied marriage"

Silence fell over the room and despite how strong I had portrayed myself, I felt uneasy with the deafening quiet.

I opened my mouth, daring to ask if he understood what I had just said when he chuckled, a sound that was both unexpected and beautiful.

He chuckled longer than was necessary and I frowned "Are you done?"

He wiped a tear from his eyes but I was sure it was fake and was about to turn away from me - "Did I stutter?" I dared to ask and he stopped in his movements to look at me from the side of his eyes.

"i can't do that, princess" his tone insulting.

Princess?!

"I don't think I asked for a written permission or a spoken one. I'm telling you what I'm going to do so you're not surprised when you wake up and find me gone," I deadpanned, stepping closer. But he matched my step, towering over me.

His presence was overwhelming-broad shoulders, a muscular frame, and an aura that screamed danger. I couldn't help but notice how easy it would be to run my hands along those bulging arms. My thighs pressed together involuntarily as he stared into my soul.

"You are my wife, cupcake. Papers were signed before your father and brothers at a court, fortifying the wedding. You can't dissolve the marriage; it's unethical. And I don't do well with unethical," he said slowly, as if I were too stupid to understand otherwise.

"First, don't ever call me cupcake. Second, I'll be leaving your house one way or another, with or without your knowledge," I spat, crossing my arms defiantly. He smiled-a rough, yet beautiful smile.

"Unless your father can return the ton of gold I offered him, the signed treaty, and the valuable information about his enemy, then sure, you can waltz out of here, and no one will stop you," he said casually. I stepped back, my mind reeling.

Gold? Why would my father need gold?

"My father is one of the wealthiest mafia leaders in Italy. How dare you suggest he needed your gold?" I demanded, but he only smiled.

"Looks like you won't be leaving anytime soon," he mocked, signaling to someone behind me. I turned just in time to see unfamiliar men approaching, ready to drag me away. I placed a hand on Gnero's chest, a futile attempt to shield myself, but he only enclosed me in his arms like a snake.

"Don't worry, cupcake. I'll be protecting you from now on," he whispered. I pushed against him, disgusted by his words and by how much a part of me liked them. The men dragged me away, taking me to a room meant to be mine, leaving me with my spiraling thoughts.

Why would my father take money for this marriage?

Time slipped away until a knock sounded at my door. Gnero entered without waiting for my permission. I rolled my eyes, folding my arms as I sat up in bed.

"I will not be performing any wife duties. If that's what you're here for, you better turn around and leave," I warned, but he ignored me, walking in fully dressed in a clean shirt, his hair styled, he looked every bit the dangerous mafia leader.

"There's a small party in an hour. I've arranged everything, including your dress, which is in your wardrobe. A maid will come to fetch you," he said coldly, dismissing my earlier words.

I scoffed, standing as he turned to leave. Grabbing his arm, I forced him to face me.

"Maybe I wasn't clear earlier but I will not be participating in any wife duties-sexual or otherwise," I said firmly, crossing my arms under my chest. His eyes flickered to my neck before returning to my face.

"Are you sure about that?" he asked, his voice low, his pupils dilating as he watched me. A sudden, sinister thought crossed my mind-what if I seduced him? Maybe he'd give me what I wanted.

I stepped closer, a sly smile playing on my lips as I let my hands fall from my chest, subtly adjusting my posture to draw his attention.

"Games are not my thing, princess," his eyes were slits, his voice husky and almost unreadable, but I read them. I could see what was beneath because it was a mirror to mine. It was pure desire and I was determined to put it to good use, after all there was always more than a way to finish a man, my mother would always say.

His hand stretched and made soft circles on my skin as it landed my neck. My head tipped back on impulse, heat coming from the center of my chest as a soft gasp escaped my lips, his body leaning into mine, his lips coming close as my body suddenly felt foreign.

I thought I was in power? In control?

His hot breath whizzed past my ears and I wanted those lips somewhere else.

"Downstairs. One hour," he whispered, pulling me from my thoughts.

"And cupcake? When I want you, you'll be the one begging," he added, his eyes darkening as they roamed over my body, undressing me with a single glance.

"I'm not coming," I said, my voice shaky as he walked away.

"You don't want to test me, Nessa. Trust me," he threatened before leaving, and I frowned.

We'll see about that.

Vanessa POV's

I ran to the door and locked it quickly, securing the key. The dress-a silky navy-blue gown-hung in the wardrobe, and a sudden idea came to me.

If there was no dress, then there would be no party, and if there was no party, then I could go home! I grabbed a pair of scissors from the bathroom and shredded the dress until it was beyond repair.

Satisfied, I climbed into bed and drifted into sleep, but I was woken by a harsh sound. As my vision cleared, I gasped in shock to find Gnero standing by my bed, a large hole torn through my door. His eyes were cold and angry.

"What the hell!" I exclaimed, half frightened, half furious.

"I don't like games, Nessa," he said, his voice calm in contrast to the storm in his eyes.

"No, you just like to break down someone else's door," I spat, and he crossed the room to meet me.

"You have ten minutes to get dressed, or I will take you over my knee, spank that ass so hard till my palm is imprinted on it, swing you over my shoulder with your bare ass, and take you downstairs to the party. Either way, you're coming with me. So choose, cupcake," he said, and despite my anger, the idea of his hands on my ass sent a shiver down my spine. I unknowingly clenched my thighs together, and he noticed. Embarrassment flushed my cheeks, and I crossed my arms, my breasts jiggling with the movement.

"I can't," I said, my voice defiant, and he raised an eyebrow.

"What does that even mean?" he asked, his eyes following my gaze to the bed, where the shredded dress lay in tatters. He moved past me, picking up the ruined fabric.

"Do you realize how much this dress costs?" he asked coolly.

"You're rich. You'll get another one," I retorted, bratty and unyielding.

"Wrong," he said, grabbing my forearm. "You're going to wear this, your own design."

"It's destroyed and impossible to wear," I snapped, pulling my arm free. His grip was strong, but I refused to show weakness.

Gnero let out a low, growl. "You underestimate me, Nessa. I can make anything happen." He stepped closer, his presence suffocating as he loomed over me. His voice dropped to a whisper, sending a chill down my spine. "But you're right about one thing. The party can wait."

His hand moved swiftly, grabbing the torn dress and tossing it aside. My heart pounded in my chest as I backed away, the bed hitting the back of my knees.

"You're not wearing that dress tonight," he stated, his eyes dark and unreadable. "But don't think for a second that you've won."

I tried to hold onto my defiance, but the intensity in his gaze made it hard to breathe. "What are you planning, Gnero?" My voice came out shakier than I intended.

A smirk curled on his lips as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek black phone. He pressed a few buttons, and within seconds, there was a knock at the door-what was left of it, anyway.

Two women entered, their eyes downcast, holding a garment bag between them. Without a word, they approached the bed and unzipped the bag, revealing an even more exquisite gown than the one I had just destroyed. It was a deep crimson, the color of blood, with intricate lace details and a plunging neckline. It screamed power, and I hated how beautiful it was.

Gnero's eyes never left mine as he spoke to the women. "Help her get dressed. I'll be waiting downstairs. She has five minutes." With that, he turned and left the room, his departure as sudden as his arrival.

I stood frozen, my mind racing. The two women began to approach me cautiously, and I waved them off. "I can do it myself," I snapped. They hesitated but nodded, stepping back as I took the dress from the bed.

As I slipped into the gown, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation bearing down on me. Gnero was relentless, and every move I made seemed to push me further into his web. But I couldn't let him break me. I had to stay strong, find a way out of this nightmare.

The dress fit like a second skin, hugging my curves in all the right places. I hated how it made me feel powerful and vulnerable at the same time. The deep red fabric contrasted sharply with my pale skin, making me look like a queen ready for battle.

With a final glance in the mirror, I steeled myself for what was to come. Gnero had won this round, but I wouldn't let him control me, no matter how much he tried .

I made my way downstairs, each step echoing in the empty hallway. The house was eerily silent, the usual noise of servants and guards absent. It felt like I was walking into a trap, but I had no choice. I had to face him, even if it meant playing by his rules for now.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Gnero was waiting for me, a glass of dark liquor in his hand. He looked up as I approached, his eyes raking over me with approval.

"You look stunning," he said, his voice low and smooth. "The color suits you."

I ignored the compliment, my jaw clenched. "Let's get this over with."

He smirked, clearly enjoying my resistance. "The party is just the beginning, Nessa. You and I have a long day ahead.."

As he extended his hand towards me, I hesitated for just a moment before taking it. His grip was firm, and as he led me towards the double doors at the end of the hall, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into a battle that would test every source f strength I had.

But one thing was certain-I wouldn't go down without a fight, that was until the doors opened and I saw no trace of my family and instead I saw more unfamiliar looking faces all looking grim.

Gnero left the comfort of my arms and went to the men, they stood still all gathered and whispering to each other and a feeling of doom set in.

Gnero came to me, his face carrying a grim expression that suddenly alarmed me.

"Is my father on his way?" I asked

"We need to talk," He said and held my hand , taking me to a corner but I could feel people staring at me intently.

"Is it the dress or what? "I asked saucily then rolled my eyes impatiently.

"When are they coming?" I asked again concerning my family but Gnero's lips were pressed in a thin line andsuddenly my heart felt very heavy.

"I'm afraid, your family wont be coming," he said slowly and somehow I thought there was a message attached to the sentence.

"They've been in an accident, your father is dead," he said.