SAVED BY THE MAFIOSO

Prologue | Maria.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and saw a broken girl, showing her true face. My eyes were a mess, it looked like a panda, the dirty tears of mascara and eyeliner created a stained path to the chin. My lipstick also smeared to the side, when I uselessly tried to take it off.

The perfect dress for my engagement night was completely crumpled.

Resigned, I took a shower and washed all the remnants of his touch and put on my pajamas, without caring that there was a party downstairs. I hid in the covers, closing my eyes, forgetting wishing that night.

The ring on my finger weighed ten kilos. Angry, I thread her away in the room.

I heard a soft knock on the door.

- Hey, what happened? His engagement... - Anastasia[1] came in and closed the door. She got on the bed. - What happened?

- Nothing - I lied.

- I know you. Tell me the truth. - Your tone of voice has changed. - You went out alone with your fiancé and went straight back to the room. My mind is running everywhere, please tell me something.

I denied it and simply pulled her into my arms, crying with her face hidden in her neck. Anastasia kept me there, tight, my physical and emotional pain was so great that I just wanted the comfort and protection of my sister and best friend.

- What happened? - I heard the deep voice of my brother-in-law, who made me tremble with fear, ashamed that he knew.

- I don't know, but I know I want you to take him and make him speak - Anastasia determined. I closed my eyes again, protected by those who really loved me.

ROCCO.

The cold night didn't stop some people from doing shit. I watched the girls going through the parking lot of the nightclub, with their short clothes and flashy fur coats as the place asked. From inside the car, I looked closely at the movement in a sedan. He looked at the same thing as me, however, with different intentions. He waited for them to go through the darkest part to leave.

Fucking idiot.

He walked after them like a dog in heat, without noticing my presence in the shadows. I stopped in my corner, waiting for the right moment and as soon as they shook towards me, also without noticing me in the darkest corner of the parking lot, I left and stopped in front of him. His eyes widened.

- Do you just like to chase women, son of a bitch? - He retreated, raising his hands. - It's no use running - I said and sighed. He ran.

I rolled my eyes and went after him, picking him up quickly and erasing him, taking his fainted body to my car's suitcase. I threw it inside, slamming the door and fixing my crumpled clothes. The man was a pig

Stupid to think that he could persecute and scare women who belonged to an Italian mafia club.

Back at the wheel, I drove around the city and my phone rang. - Yes.

- I need you here - Stefanio[2] spoke firmly. - Finish with your package.

- Right.

I ended the call, leaving my phone on my lap and stopped near the family shed, solving the problem I was asked for. The girls would be safe. They worked in the family clubs as employees, they were not slaves or trafficked. Since Mrs. Rafaelli assumed, this kind of thing no longer existed and she ordered the girls to be protected.

The night was my home. I lived in the darkness, alone, doing my job and going back to my apartment whenever I had more than a few hours off. I drove back to New York, where Stefanio was. He was younger than me in a few years, however, his rise gave him a position well above mine. I performed the silent dirty job that never left a trace.

I entered the family apartment complex[3]. I was one of the few who had access beyond the parking lot and the soldiers' apartments. I went up the ramps and stopped my car, looking at the two stupid guards who got ready, getting straight in fear of my presence. In the elevator, the little song made me angry.

- Does this shit need to touch? - I grumbled when I came across Enzo Rafaelli [4] in the hallway of his office.

- The purpose has a lot of effect. - It gave me a crooked smile.

- What do you need?

- Come in. - He pointed to his office.

Stefanio was inside with a man I knew only from

Far away. Romano Carlucci [5] gave me a suspicious look when he was officially introduced to me. His tattooed hand full of scars seemed like a continuity of mine and this did not go unnoticed by us. Enzo returned to the living room and took his place.

- There is a situation in Philadelphia that needs your services - Stefanio started talking.

Few knew me in the family. My parents were sub-bosses of an important place and died when I was little. I was raised by several families, staying from time to time in the houses of who I was

I am obliged to take shelter until I become an honorable, started at the age of twelve and going to live with the other soldiers. I've always been good at not being noticed. He disappeared and saw what no one else saw.

Enzo Rafaelli, when he took over, realized my talents and took me to a place where I was trained by a woman. She was young and became my biggest nightmare for several months. The boy who went in there, left a man with no past, present and future. I was a shadow capable of adapting to the environment necessary to survive.

The meeting took part without me saying a single word. They weren't necessary and I didn't say if I didn't. For several days, I prepared myself to take on my new task, identity and personality. I let my hair and beard grow, bought new clothes and packed a suitcase to get to the apartment complex of single men in Philadelphia.

My mission had a purpose that it was necessary to be among them.

I found a room and took it for myself, went in and out without saying anything. Carlo, Carlucci's trusted man, gave me a mocking smile before signaling that I should follow him to receive instructions. He didn't know who I was. I didn't ask why Romano chose not to tell anyone that I was there to check his

Men and find out how many of them were with their fingers buried in a betrayal.

- We don't like mess around here - he determined before leaving.

I nodded. If he knew...

My job was to monitor some restaurants, expel annoying customers and remind those abused who they were getting involved with. I was responsible for making rounds at dawn, which gave me the gigantic advantage in looking at actions that no one wanted. For several months, I lived without anyone noticing my presence. Going in and out without being noticed and making my reports.

When Romano found what he needed, my service was finished and he asked me to go to his house. I didn't need to be in disguise. I shaved, cut my hair and changed my clothes, driving my sports car to your luxurious property in a far corner of the city.

I stopped at the entrance, waited for the iron gates to open slowly and went to the visitor vacancy. To my surprise, Anastasia Carlucci opened the door. Barefoot, in jeans shorts and a T-shirt that appeared to be her husband's, she gave me a polite smile before warning that I was being expected in the office.

That woman had the respect of her husband's men. Not all of them, those who did not know her did not have much to say, however, those who worked in the building and in the residence were just compliments to the wife of the local boss.

Anastasia was the daughter of a traitor and I was there when her biological father died. I was just a young man in the car, being taken to an execution with men from the Sicilian family. She didn't know that and would never know it through my mouth. As she mattered, she became an adult, healthy and married woman.

Unlike me, she was not thrown from house to house. She was raised by her uncles in a family within not far from what was left of my family. From time to time, I saw her pass by with her sister, both young and happy, full of smiles and without carrying the amazing darkness of the family.

In front of the office, I didn't have to knock. I closed the door behind me and waited for the order. Romano was sitting in his chair and pushed an envelope towards me.

- The last few months have been confusing and now that I have all the facts clarified, I need you to go to a different stage. Everything you need to know is there.

I listened carefully to my next mission. He was used to being thrown from one side to the other. I didn't mind being a nomad, having a home was for those who were once used to such a thing, which was not my case.

- I will contact you whenever necessary.

Romano gave a nod, dismissing me.

As I left his house, I heard a cry from a small child and I hurried through the door. Carlo was coming in and stared at me, suspicious, with his eyebrow arched and obviously recognizing me. I gave him a very sharp smile in exchange for the frown, when I realized that I was not who he thought in recent months.

I went back to my car, passing by the road at high speed and went straight to the airport. I never accumulated personal things, anything that I couldn't carry in the suitcase of my car in the cities where I stayed. My first stop would be a return to the past. Soon after, I would go directly to my new identity.

MARIA.

I slid the brush through my perfectly smooth strands and divided in half, completing the appearance of a doll with my simple makeup: well-made skin with base and concealer, contour, blush, mascara and a thin eyeliner that gave me the air of a princess that everyone loved. I took the pink lipstick and passed by, staring at me, wanting to clean everything and go back to my bed.

I couldn't fall apart. I repeated to myself that I was strong enough to face what was necessary. I went back to fixing my hair, going to the collar of the dress and a firm knock sounded on the door. Before I could answer, my sister showed up with her hair tangled up, wearing a husband's shirt, sleeping shorts and my nephew sucking on the breast.

Anastasia never cared about being perfect. She was fun and wild, a fierce protector and an unparalleled best friend. The sister that life gave me. The best in the whole world. Sometimes, I envied her completely. She was beautiful and breathtaking, had a princess life and yet she didn't care about bullshit.

I was a well of futility next to my sister and I spent my whole life worried about useless things, without strengthening my mind and

Heart at the most important moment.

- He doesn't want to let go of my chest - Ana started talking with regret. - I won't be able to keep up with you. Dad asked you to go to the office.

- It's okay - I guaranteed and remembered to smile as I always smiled, masking the hole I felt in my chest. - I can face this alone.

Anastasia gave me a critical look, as if I knew perfectly well that I was holding myself by a thread. I've always been a good girl. I never got into trouble and every time I was solded, it was because I was on her wave. Ana was the one who prepared, challenged, did not keep her tongue inside her mouth and farted whoever was in front of her. I was more restrained, fearful, if they yelled at me, my eyes were filled with tears. If they yelled at her, my sister would grow up into a dragon.

That night, I needed to have been a little more like her.

With a huge mental effort, I got up from the padded stool of the dressing table and went outside the room. I walked down the corridor calmly, one step at a time, aware that my sister was watching me like a hawk. I went down the stairs and my brother-in-law was standing, near the hallway, sticking the phone in his pocket and I avoided looking into his eyes. I couldn't stand the shame.

Before entering my father's office, I stopped and focused on the sound of the waves hitting the bursting and corals near the beach. That was it. Facing fate. I opened the door and didn't look at my mother, much less at my father. I focused my gaze on the photo on the table and occupied the armchair in front of the huge mahogany table, which Dad had kept for many years in his office at our beach house.

I was ready to apologize for being so weak, for embarrassing our family when we had barely managed to get back on our feet, but I didn't want to be engaged anymore. I prayed that that night would not have undesirable consequences, which would make me join a man who could not stand the touch for the rest of my life. Before I could talk, Dad apologized to me and said something I didn't expect.

I looked ut and found his fault. But it wasn't my father's fault that my fiancé didn't keep his dick in his pants. It was a relief. I was free.

- Romano reached an agreement with his family. They will protect the news until it is inevitable and the consequences will not be so painful for you. As soon as the right time passes, we will look for another family and this time, I will make sure to promise it to an honorable man. - Dad bowed. - Forgive me, my sweet.

I wanted to scream so that he wouldn't look for anyone else, but everything was stuck in my throat. Without saying anything, I looked at the ostentatious wedding ring and thought about how happy I was to see her, feeling like a princess, finally fulfilling my dreams as a girl to have my house, my husband, my life and prepare myself to have children. I thought you had met my prince charming.

It was so hard to accept that the reality was cruel.

I slid the ring from my finger and put it on the table. She tinkled and stopped near the mug of water. I got up and turned my back, not before I noticed my brother-in-law's look. Romano knew. For some reason, I hadn't told my parents. I quickly deviated and left the office, ignoring my mother's crying call.

Then I would deal with her, hear her regrets of being ashamed and that all her friends would talk about the end of the engagement for months until she found out the reason for the breakup.

I went straight through the back, scaring the housekeeper and cook, and ran around the backyard, circling the pool. I took off my sandals when I got to the sand and went straight to the sea. My dress was lace with a lining and got stuck as soon as the first wave burst on me. I advanced in the ocean,

Desperate to wash my memory and all the confused, negative and stressful energy that took hold of my soul.

I dived to the calmest part, floating, looking at the sky, choosing to get lost deeply in the blue immensity. I sank, held my breath and stayed as much as I could until I felt that my head was hurting and my lungs exploding. I emerged and was suddenly pulled up, which made me swallow water. Coughing, spitting.

- What were you doing? - Romano shook me. - We lost you in the water! You can't do that, Maria!

I couldn't say anything, still coughing with the salty taste of the sea and being pulled out of the water. Anastasia crossed the strip of sand running and I hated myself for seeing the tears running down her face. I was taken in your arms.

- I'm sorry - I spoke hoarsely.

- I've never been scared like that again, did you hear me? I love you and I never want to live without you. - He held my face very firmly. - Come on, let's go in.

I let myself be taken to the room. My sister went in with me in the shower, helping me put on my pajamas and combed my hair as if I were a small child. Everyone was thinking that my sadness

It had everything to do with the end of the engagement that I was exploding with happiness a few weeks before. In fact, no one knew how relieved I was to never see him again.

Anastasia held my shoulders and stared at me with caution.

- Romano told me.

Damn. I should have known that he wouldn't keep something like that from my sister for a long time. They had a promise to never lie to each other.

- Why didn't you tell me anything? I would have his cock cut into thousands of pieces and give it to our dogs.

- I didn't deny it. I said yes - I whispered.

Anastasia exploded. His temperament was erupting.

- He shouldn't have... - She stopped talking when my eyes filled with tears. - Don't feel fear, guilt and much less shame about it. He deceived you, made you believe that he was living a romance and even though he said yes, he was manipulated. It's not your fault. Do you understand?

No. I didn't understand. I paralyzed with fear. - Why do I feel so dirty?

My sister looked at me with affection.

- You dreamed of fairy tales, that your marriage would be like in the novels you spent your whole life reading and had a huge disappointment right at first. - He held my hands and squeezed. - This moment does not sum up your whole life and does not mean that you will no longer live the way you have always dreamed. Have faith and patience.

I didn't believe that one day I would believe in my sillyest dreams again. All I wanted was to get in bed and sleep until I couldn't anymore. Without saying anything, realizing that I was at my limit again, my sister covered me and lay down with me, just as we did as children, whenever we were sad, afraid that Dad would not come home or simply needing each other's affection.

I missed her every day. The distance was cruel, but I knew that my sister was very happy and loved by her husband, she was conquering her space and new friends. I closed my eyes, hugging a pillow while she hummed a lullaby in Old Italian, with words little used today, one that our maternal grandmother sang whenever we went to sleep in her house.

All my heart needed at that moment was peace and comfort. I was loved by my family and would not give up on my life

For him, but I was hurt and needed some time to heal myself and maybe so, to feel proud of myself again. Maybe my sister was absolutely right with her little criticisms through my spoiled outbursts: it was time to grow and mature.

MARIA.

Mom was eating and talking non-stop during dinner. My father listened with patience and love. He never changed with her meaningless chatter and I never saw the two fighting, although they had very different personalities. Dad was affectionate and loving at all times, even though he was a sub-boss of the mafia.

He was dangerous, I only saw him once as a family man and I was very scared. We were the target of her unconditional love and devotion. Anastasia found a man who had a terrible fame and was a prince with her. So, why wouldn't I make it?

- I want to spend the summer at Casa Marino - I said, in a suppet. My parents didn't allow me to travel alone.

Dad stopped eating.

- We're already here, sweetie. Why do you want to go there? - Dad drank his wine.

- I want to stay inside. - I swallowed it dry. - I need to get away a little. - I played with my food on the plate.

After Anastasia had to leave to accompany her husband, I felt more lonely and somewhat idle every day. Talking to my cousin Letízia, I heard her say that she came back renewed after spending some time at our cousin's hotel. And I was free to stay there as long as I needed.

- Tell me when you want to go and I'll arrange everything - he agreed. I realized that Mom was angry, but she didn't say anything so as not to contradict my father's order.

I put up with your bursts and ran away from emotional conversations, without revealing anything, just saying that I was fine. There were days when I woke up incredibly hopeful that everything would be fine and others, that I thought that the wound would never be healed. Physically, Anastasia made sure that she went to the doctor and had tests. Without pregnancy and no diseases, I slept better the following nights.

I didn't want to talk to the doctor. I let her handle everything.

While my sister was here, I spent my time with her and the baby. It was easier not to think about myself occupying myself changing diapers, spoiling our beautiful little boy and laughing at the random nonsense of

Anastácia. She and Romano were fighting over some silly things, which were funny to watch.

Then I wandered around the house and walked on the beach only contemplating the time, which passed in an exaggerated slowness, filling me with thoughts that I would not like to have. Not in the mood to exercise, I slept all night in the afternoon and still naped in the library after tea. It even looked like I was taking some tranquilizer.

I wanted to get out of that lethargy and with that, I barely waited for my mother to grumble, ordering me to pack my bags and organize the trip. My new backguard almost didn't talk to me, he wasn't very sociable. I still missed Marcelo and his death was fresh in my heart. I felt mourning, even though I heard my mother saying not to feel it.

The trip to the interior of the island was very long and tiring. The car was comfortable and luxurious, but the weather inside it was simply annoying. However, it was very worthwhile to go out and breathe the fresh air. Aunt Sara left the main entrance with her arms open and making as much scandal as my grandmother would if she were still alive.

Maria Catarina, my little cousin, ran after her and hugged my legs. She was sweet and kind like her mother, in addition to a tremendous

Annoying little pest like Lucca.[ 6] His hair was dark like his father's

And Anna's smile. I squatted and gave her a tight hug, happy and surprised to see her. My cousin left the hotel, with his phone in his hand and received me with all the usual affection.

- I didn't know they were around here - I said in your hug.

- Anna needed a break from the routine to paint. - He clarified and her phone rang. - Sorry, I need to go back to the office. - She kissed my forehead and left.

Aunt Sara took me to the room where I would stay. It was one of the largest, facing the private garden and with a spectacular view of the sunrise on the field line. I stood in the window, contemplating the landscape and letting that beauty invade my heart and bring some of the light I needed so much.

I took a shower, told my parents that I was fine and put on some fresh clothes to walk. I received a thousand recommendations and asked my guard to leave me alone. I wasn't going to leave the property. He looked at me suspiciously. Since everyone thought I drowned after the end of the engagement, they were cautious. Although I said I didn't do it on purpose, they didn't believe me.

The trails were very lively because guests usually walk around the land. Listening to music, I got distracted and ended up getting lost. I didn't see

But the house and I didn't know which way I should go back to. I walked in search of a shadow to think about and saw a cabin with a blonde woman painting on the balcony.

- Are you lost, young lady? - Anna joked from afar.

- You don't know how happy and relieved I am to see you. - I sighed and threw myself on the steps of the stairs. I dried the sweat, feeling my throat dry.

- There is water and juice in a minibar in the kitchen - he warned laughing, still concentrated on the huge screen attached to a gigantic easel.

I ran in and noticed that it was a well-adjusted cabin, equipped with some appliances. I grabbed two bottles, using one to wet my face, neck and wrists. The other one, I drank it all. Sitting on the floor, I leaned against the wall, crossing my legs and respected the silence so that she could paint. My phone still had a lot of battery and in the shade, with a fresh wind, I ended up napping.

- Hey, girl. Wake up. - Anna poked me gently. - Did you get tired?

- Exhausted. How did you get here?

- Lucca brought me. - He smiled crooked and sat next to me. - Did you decide to take a few days of vacation?

- I love your kindness, but I know you know about the end of the engagement.

Anna gave me a calm look.

- The news went fast in the family. I want to know if you're okay and that's the only thing that really matters. - He patted my knee.

- I don't know. - I sighed and decided to be honest. - I'm not well, to tell you the truth. I'm confused and lost. I've spent my whole life wishing to get married and have children, now it's the last thing that goes into my mind. I didn't dream of being anything other than mother and wife. And now...

- And now you're young enough to start from scratch as many times as necessary. You have time to have new dreams and build a totally different life than expected. - Anna leaned her head against the wall, looking forward and followed her gaze. The sun shone in the meadow in front of us in an impressive shade of orange. It filled my heart with hope. - There is something really beautiful about being able to write our story the way we want. I know that your parents are part of something that has its own laws and traditions, but maybe there is a way to do something that is outside the bubble. Talk to your sister, she works abroad.

Anastasia only worked outside because Romano didn't care. Any other husband could complain that his wife is not at home

Taking care of the children all the time. Still, that conversation with Anna made me want to seek a completely different direction for my life.

Some adult women in the family worked in simple positions in companies and even ran large sectors. Despite not having a college, she was intelligent, friendly, good at mathematics and would learn what was very easy. I just needed new air.

A new life.

Lucca went to pick us up a few minutes later and I was quiet during dinner, just watching Maria Catarina be the center of attention with her chatter and little Pietro with pumpkin puree all over his face, giving me naughty smiles. He had his mother's brown hair, lighter eyes and was a laughing child.

Alfredo, my aunt's husband, gave me a nice smile when he arrived a little late to eat. The table was full, with many options and I realized that I had eaten more than a few bites, as it had been in the last few weeks. After dessert, I said goodbye and went straight to the room.

My phone was charging, I picked it up and sent a message to my sister. She called me back almost at the same time.

- What do you need? I'm here ready to listen to you! - He joked, but it was true. That's why I loved her so much. Anastasia even seemed to have supernatural powers. If she wanted to, it would happen. I needed to be inspired by her and find a little more balance in the confused emotions that grew inside me.

- I want something different and I don't know if I'll have permission. I need Romano's help - I spoke quietly, with a little shame and I hated myself for that.

- Romano? - I ignored your tone of surprise. There was nothing against my sister's husband, at first, he scared me and I was terrified that he would hurt Anastasia. Later, he became familiar and comfortable.

- I want a job, do something different, I no longer want to sit and wait for a marriage proposal. In fact, I don't want suitors. I don't want a husband. - My voice was trembling. - I don't want a wedding.

- Maria, I understand that you are traumatized...

- No, Ana. - I cut it and she sighed.

- I'm going to talk to Romano. As much as he doesn't care much, the problem is our parents. The biggest problem is mom - she emphasized what she knew well. If they stayed by my side, my parents

They would lose their strength. It was enough for Romano to convince my father, that my mother would become a pinscher complaining, but it would not cause damage. - I will check what I can find for you.

- Thank you for supporting me.

- All for your happiness. You and me forever, remember? - Forever.

I ended the call with a spark in my heart that I expected to become a fire. I wasn't ready to face the unknown, but I would go with all the courage I had. It was time to get out of my bubble.