The Honor to Serve the Mafia Princess

GIANNA RAINE

"Everyone in position?" I whispered into my earpiece.

I am watching all the monitors in front of me, which showed any movements of our enemies. I spotted some movement and quickly gave orders.

"Ready."

The eight team members inside the warehouse prepared for the ambush.

"Ready, Lady G."

I pressed a few buttons while speaking into my earpiece. "Attack."

Gunfire erupted over the earpiece as I watched my team take out the enemies one by one.

"Lady G..." Onyx spoke through the earpiece. "We got the item."

"Good." I clicked my earpiece to talk to another team member. "Your side, Sapphire?"

"Clear!"

I took a deep breath and ordered them to fall back so we could leave. Onyx handed me the items we had retrieved.

I heard someone was stealing important items from the organization, and I am here to get them back.

I have two all-girl squads: Dominion Sisters and the Nightingales.

Don't judge me by their names, I didn't name them. I didn't have time to come up with names, so I just let it be. If I had known they'd sound cheesy, I would've done it myself. Oh well.

I called them together and explained that I had a new mission for them. They listened carefully. As I explained, I rubbed my head, feeling slightly dizzy and with a headache. Why did I suddenly feel nauseous?

"Lady G, are you okay?" Ivory asked. She's part of Dominion Sisters.

"Yes..." I said, even though I am not.

"Headache again, Lady G?" Crimson asked.

"I've noticed your head hurts a lot lately," Serpent added.

"I'm fine."

Onyx approached and handed me some water. I accepted it but didn't drink. Even though these people are close to me after spending so much time together, I never show weakness in front of them.

"Maybe Lady G is pregnant!"

I shot Sapphire a sharp look for saying that. She quickly covered her mouth as if she were trying to play it off like a joke. Annoying.

"What? How would that even happen?" Sapphire laughed.

They all laughed loudly, but they stopped when they noticed the sharp look I gave them.

"Just kidding! Haha, if Miss Gia keeps us waiting later, we'll be stuck!"

My squads are rowdy. How I tolerate them is a mystery even to me.

"True! How could Miss Gia be pregnant? She scares any guy who comes near her."

Like I did with the other group, I gave Onyx a sharp look. But that's the truth. I'm cautious around men, not because I'm afraid, but because I find them irritating. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against men. I have male cousins and a twin brother, and I'm fine with them. It's just that most men annoy me, they use their bodies more than their brains. I avoid talking to them and engaging with their shallowness.

After that, I dismissed my squads and went back home. I rubbed my head as I entered. Why am I still in pain?

The house staff greeted me, but I didn't respond. I stopped walking when I saw my twin brother.

"Gia," he greeted.

"Gio." I remembered we'd just had an argument. We had fixed things, and our relationship was okay again.

That argument was the first time his words actually hurt me.

"I just visited Mom and Dad. How's the mission?"

"Fine," I replied. I let go of my head to avoid Gio noticing.

Gio is just like me, emotionally distant. Well, not literally heartless. We used to understand each other perfectly, and that was enough for both of us. But after he got married, he changed. Sometimes, I don't even recognize my own brother.

It feels so lonely here, Gio.

"Are you going home?" I asked.

"Yeah, my wife needs me. She just got out of the hospital, and she's pregnant. Why?"

I looked at Gio, then shook my head. I thought we had time to talk, but it seemed we didn't.

"Also, I need to have a send-off party for one of my bodyguards."

I frowned. Who's leaving?

"Who?"

"Elliott. He's resigning."

My eyes widened. That noisy guy?

Out of all my brother's staff, I cannot stand being around Elliott.

He's resigning, huh?

"I see. But I don't have time for that. Besides, I'm not close to any of them."

Gio gave me a small smile. I frowned at his smile. "But Elliott took good care of you in the past, remember?"

I do. Before my brother got married, he's overprotective of me. Whenever he left, he would leave one of his staff to "protect" me in his place. That bodyguard was always Elliott.

"Alright. Your wife might be looking for you. I'll rest now," I said.

Gio came closer and kissed my head. "Take some rest, Gia. You look pale. You might get sick."

I just nodded and watched him leave. After he left, I walked into my room, then straight to the bathroom, where I immediately vomited. I didn't understand why my stomach felt so wrong.

Afterwards, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I couldn't understand what was happening to me. I remembered what my staff jokingly said, they suggested I might be pregnant.

That's impossible.

I went over everything that had happened. While doing that, I ran to the nearest pharmacy and bought a pregnancy test kit. Nothing would be lost if I tested myself.

I got home and used the test kit. As I waited, my mind raced over how I could have gotten pregnant that way...

My eyes widened. It was vague, but I remembered. I looked at the test and gasped at the result.

Two lines. I am pregnant.

I held my stomach, staring at it. There's a baby growing inside me. I couldn't believe it. I used the remaining test kit, hoping the first one is wrong but the result is the same. Two lines.

I am pregnant.

I closed my eyes and walked down memory lane. How could I let this happen? It was just one night. One night, and now this.

As I absorbed the news, I couldn't help but recall what had happened the night this baby was conceived.

I had argued with my twin brother. It wasn't our usual argument, this time, he said words I couldn't accept. Words that wounded my heart, even if I usually don't feel much. Hearing them from him, my twin, the person I thought understood me most, hurt more than I could have imagined.

We were at the hospital when it happened, and I ran outside, not knowing where to go or what to do. How dare he say those words to me?

I know people think I have no heart and feel no emotions, but hearing that from Gio tore something inside me.

"Miss Gianna!"

Someone grabbed my hand and pulled me. That's when I realized I was about to be hit by a car. I hadn't noticed I was in the middle of the street.

For the first time, I cried. After holding my emotions in for so long, I never imagined my twin could make me feel this vulnerable.

I looked at the person holding me and saw one of my brother's staff.

Elliott.

Worry is clear in his eyes. I quickly pulled my hand away and avoided his gaze, wiping the tears from my cheeks. He couldn't see me like this. I had never cried in front of anyone.

"Are you-"

"You don't see anything." Once my face looked normal again, I looked at Elliott coldly. "Understood?"

He scratched his head but nodded.

I left the area, but I could feel Elliott following me.

I don't like him. Of all my brother's staff, it's Elliott who annoys me the most. Not only is he noisy, but there's something else about him that irritates me. Out of all my brother's staff, he's the one always absent from the house. Gio claims he often sends Elliott to other places but I'm not buying it. They're hiding something.

Not that I care.

"Stop following me!" I glared sharply at Elliott. Of all my brother's staff, only Elliott has the ability to draw out my anger like this.

Usually, I am calm and cold... distant even. But right now, I'm raising my voice because he keeps following me or maybe my emotions are erratic after arguing with Gio. Yeah, that's the reason.

"I can't do that. If your brother finds out I left you, my head will roll on the floor!" He dramatically clutched his head. "Poor Boss. I'm the only handsome one in his staff, and if I leave-"

I didn't listen. I walked away. I don't have time for his nonsense.

I lost Elliott in the crowd, got into my car, and drove away.

I'm not the type to go to bars alone. But right now, I feel like drinking.

I parked at a bar and went inside. I sat at the bar stool and ordered a drink.

For the past few hours, I sat there alone, drinking. Every time I remembered my brother's sharp words, I drowned myself further in alcohol.

I put my glass down on the counter. I am already feeling dizzy. How many drinks had I had?

My vision was spinning. This was the first time I drank like this without control.

I tried to stand, but I couldn't. I was dizzy, and if I stood, I would just fall.

"Careful..."

Someone grabbed my waist and helped me back onto the stool.

My vision was blurry. I couldn't make out the man helping me. Damn, I hate this. I don't need help, especially over some stupid reason like getting drunk.

I still couldn't see him clearly. Do I know him? He looks familiar.

"Here, Miss. Have some water."

He handed me a glass. I drank it, feeling my throat burn from the alcohol.

The man stayed with me. He never left my side. I didn't even notice that I had started telling him why I was drinking.

"I never expected to hear those cruel words from my brother!"

I clenched my fists from anger and sadness over what happened between my brother and me.

The man approached me and hugged me. I was surprised because I had never been hugged like that before.

My lips trembled. No, I refused to cry. A warrior never cries. You are a warrior, Gianna.

But the hug felt so good.

We eventually pulled apart, and the next thing I knew, I was leaning my lips toward him.

What happened between us is unclear. All I know is that the next morning, I woke up with blood on my thighs, a sign of what had happened between us. While cleaning myself, I saw a business card on the floor. I think he left it.

When I fully realized what had happened, I quickly went to my room. I remember picking up the business card and hiding it somewhere.

I looked at the business card and read whose it was. When I first found it, I just hid it and didn't pay attention. I told myself I might need it later, even though I was confident that whatever happened between us was just a one-night stand.

I closed my eyes. I tried to forget what happened because I'm not the type of person to have a one-night stand. Hell, I've refused many marriage proposals because I feel I'm not worthy of being a wife.

I am no wife material. So why me? Why am I pregnant now?

Constantine De Graaf

Chief Executive, D.G. Airways

There's a phone number and an email address. There's also an office address.

"Pennsylvania, huh?"

I've heard of this airline, but I've never booked a flight with them. I just don't know why.

I took a deep breath. Is this him? Is this the man I had a one-night stand with?

I don't remember much because of how drunk I was that night, but I'm sure it was one steamy night.

I bit my lip and shook my head. I shouldn't think about those things.

If I'm really pregnant, it's only normal to let the father know. After all, a baby can't be created alone. Before anything else, I need to see a doctor.

No, I'm not expecting him to take responsibility. I can handle this parenthood alone. I just want to inform the man I slept with so he knows a child resulted from that night. Whether he accepts it or not is up to him. I also have no plans to marry. He doesn't need to worry or feel obligated. I won't tie him to me just because we created a child.

And no, my family will not know, at least not yet.

I organized my things and called someone to schedule a pregnancy examination. I need proof that I'm pregnant before facing the possible father of my child.

I will see you soon, Constantine De Graaf.

GIANNA RAINE

My doctor confirmed that I am pregnant. I stared at the test results she gave me.

I also calculated the possible date of conception, and I remembered that after my fight with my brother, the two of us drank alcohol together.

"Does drinking alcohol affect my pregnancy? I was not aware at that time that I was pregnant, so I took some," I asked, frowning, unsure if I should be worried.

I don't really know how to feel. I may look like I accepted this pregnancy easily, but I'm still shocked. I never dreamed of becoming a mother because I don't think I have the ability to be one. I don't want to get married because I'm not wife material.

That's why all of this feels overwhelming.

"The baby is healthy, so I don't think it caused any harm. Just don't do it again," the doctor said.

She sat in front of me. I felt agitated. I didn't know if I am ready for this responsibility, but I'm also not someone who runs away.

People may call me heartless, but I would never take away a baby's life, even if I didn't plan any of this.

"Does your family know?"

Dr. Milligan has been our doctor for years. My mom and I used to come to her every month for checkups. She has known me since I was young.

"Don't tell anyone." I looked at her coldly. She understood exactly what I meant. She wasn't scared either, she's already used to my personality.

"I won't. I have a non-disclosure agreement with you, Gianna." Dr. Milligan sighed. "But why don't you want to tell them? And who's the father?"

I simply looked at her and didn't answer. I'm not obligated to explain anything.

She understood again and didn't push any further. She gave me a few reminders and prescribed vitamins. After that, I left her clinic.

Sunlight and cool air greeted me outside. I closed my eyes for a moment, and when I opened them, I stared at the bright sky.

I still can't believe I'm pregnant.

I touched my stomach. I couldn't feel anything; not physically, not emotionally. I still felt numb, as if I am only accepting the baby because it's already here, not because I feel anything about it.

I wonder... will my perspective change when I hear the baby's first cry? When I finally see it?

I don't know what to expect. I can't compare myself to my mother, she loved us even before we were born. My father never witnessed our first cry; he wasn't even there when we came into the world.

Even before my twin brother and I were born, our lives were already complicated. Maybe that's why we turned out this way. The only difference now is that Gio is slowly learning how to feel emotions because of his wife.

As for me... I'm a lost cause.

I got into my car. I'm not the type of person who keeps a bodyguard. Most people don't even know me. Some might think I'm just an ordinary woman. I'm rarely targeted by enemies because, aside from being able to fight back, they don't know I'm Gianna Raine Locatelli.

Unlike my brother, who is a mafia boss and the head of the family, I'm not essential to the organization. If I disappeared, nothing major would happen. So, I don't really need a bodyguard.

Before I left the place, my phone rang. I looked at it and saw my cousin's name.

"Veronica," I greeted.

"My goodness! The weather is so hot, but your voice is freezing. Are you alive or not? Aren't you happy I called?"

I moved the phone away from my ear because her voice was painfully loud.

"What do you want?"

She groaned, knowing that no amount of drama would get anything from me. "Let's meet. Claire is here. The witch rarely shows up. Let's get together. Also, before I leave New York."

Even though I'm not very approachable, there are people I get along with. Veronica Locatelli and Claire Hudson are my second cousins, and despite our different personalities, we manage to get along. I can tolerate Veronica's loud voice and Claire's superiority complex, and in return, they can tolerate my cold personality.

Veronica texted me the meeting place, and I went there quickly.

We rarely meet. Claire lives in Italy and barely comes to the US. Veronica lives on an island, and I'm busy traveling to different countries.

"Gia!" Veronica jumped at me and hugged me. I automatically rolled my eyes because I'm not fond of affection.

Veronica laughed when she saw my reaction.

"You're so dramatic! Not even a little sweet?"

We sat down, and Claire was beside me. She just stared at me, studying my face.

"You seem different," Claire said after examining me.

"What?"

She squinted at me, then smiled. "You're glowing."

She held my wrist and lifted my arm.

"Look at your skin!"

Claire let go and blinked, as if she had something on her mind but pushed it aside.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you're pregnant." Claire laughed. Veronica looked at her and laughed too. They shook their heads.

"That's impossible. Gianna? She scares away almost every man. How many marriage proposals has she rejected?"

I didn't say anything.

I ordered fresh fruit juice while my cousins ordered wine. I just told them I didn't feel like drinking wine today.

Claire kept giving me meaningful looks, and even though she might already have an idea of what's going on, I won't confirm anything. She can think whatever she wants.

I went home after spending time with my cousins. I'm not a very sociable person, so whenever I can, I prefer staying alone in my room.

I don't have anything to do. I don't have any missions at the moment, and I can manage our company even without being physically present. I just don't like socializing. Honestly, even when we were kids, people could talk to Gio more easily than to me. The only difference was that whenever he saw me hiding in a corner, he would choose to go to me instead of spending time with our cousins.

So why did he leave me now?

I sound like someone with a brother complex, but I'm not. I just expected that Gio and I were the only ones who truly understood each other. Now that he's far away, it feels like no one else will understand me anymore.

I shook my head. I shouldn't dwell on the past. I can't always expect my twin to be there every time I need him. We're walking different paths now.

GIANNA RAINE

"Gianna, is that you, sweetie?"

I stopped walking. I turned to the voice and saw Mom. She smiled when she realized it was really me.

"Mom," I greeted. I walked up to her and supported her. I heard from the servants that she hasn't been doing well...her legs, specifically.

When we were kids, Mom got into an accident, and we almost lost her.

It was my fault.

Even though Dad and Gio always tell me it wasn't, I know deep down that it was my fault.

"Why are you walking without your nurse? You might get hurt, Mom." I helped her until she sat on the sofa.

"I can still walk. My legs only hurt when I stand or walk for too long, but I can manage." Mom smiled at me. "I'm just happy to see you. When did you get back?"

"Yesterday."

Mom's eyes widened. "Yesterday? And you didn't find time to visit your mother?"

The moment she said that, I wanted to leave. In our family, Mom is the only one who is expressive and emotionally aware. From my father to me and Gio, all of us lack that. And right now, I'm the most defective of all.

I sat beside her. I lifted her legs onto my lap and massaged them. There were scars on her skin, it's not noticeable unless you look closely. And those scars reminded me that it was all my fault.

I clenched my jaw, making sure my mother couldn't see any emotion on my face.

"You don't have to do that, sweetie," Mom said. "I'm fine."

I didn't say anything. Mom may say she's fine, but I know she's not. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have had that accident. If only she had let me handle things back then.

While I was massaging Mom's legs to relax her muscles and nerves, she held my hand. I looked at Mom, and she gave me another warm smile.

"What's wrong, Gia?"

My jaw tightened at her question. "Nothing," I answered briefly.

Mom's smile softened with a hint of sadness. "I know something's bothering you. I'm your mother, so I can tell when you're thinking about something or feeling sad. I hope one day you'll let me be a part of your life, Gianna."

I frowned. "I'm okay, Mom. Nothing's wrong. This is just how I always look."

I know Mom isn't buying it. She can read me even when I try not to show anything.

If I can take care of the baby in my womb properly, will I be able to be a good mother like her? I'm not sure.

When Mom's nurse arrived, I decided it was time to leave. I just told her I had something else to do.

I was about to go upstairs when I ran into Dad. My eyes widened in surprise. I didn't expect to see him but I quickly hid it. I controlled my emotions and wore my usual cold, expressionless face.

"Gia, you're here. I heard you arrived yesterday, but I didn't see you."

Atty. Agatone Locatelli is my father. He's the mastermind of our organization in his prime, before my brother took over.

"Dad..." I didn't know how to face him. If anyone could read me and my brother, it would be him. Even Mom has her limits. "Yes, yesterday. I couldn't see you because I was busy."

I walked up to Dad and kissed him on the cheek. I avoided looking into his eyes because it felt like looking at my own reflection. Also, I didn't want him asking if something was wrong.

"I'm going to rest now."

I started to leave, but he called me again.

"Gianna..." I looked back at my father, who looks so much like us. "I'm glad you're here. I hope you'll stay a little longer this time."

I felt something unusual when I heard those words. I was surprised to hear that from him.

I placed my hand on my chest. It feels warm. I took a deep breath and left for my room. Too bad I couldn't stay any longer.

I packed my things because I'm leaving for Pennsylvania.

After packing my things into my bag, I sat down at my laptop. I started working, planning to finish all the important tasks I had.

I was busy when I suddenly opened a file I didn't expect to be included in the emails from Gio's office.

It was his schedule from last year. Not that I'm stalking my own brother, but I found something that caught my attention.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Why was my brother going to Pennsylvania?

There were no details, so I immediately called my secretary. She's excellent at gathering information, which is why I rely on her so much.

"Lady G..."

"Veronica, can you find any information about why my brother is going to Pennsylvania? I want to know if he's visiting someone or if it's purely business."

I waited a moment, and soon I received an email from my secretary. She had probably contacted my brother's secretary, and since I was the one asking, they gave her the details.

I opened the email and raised my eyebrows at what I saw.

My brother meets with Constantine De Graaf whenever he goes to Pennsylvania. Why? What are they discussing? My brother knows this man, but I've never met him.

I became even more curious about who this Constantine De Graaf was. On top of that, I couldn't help but imagine how my brother would react if he knew there was a possibility this man could be my baby's father.

I still wasn't sure if he really was the father. All I had was his business card. I couldn't even remember the face of the man I had a one-night stand with. I needed to confirm it.

I slept that night, and the next day I didn't waste any time, I went straight to Pennsylvania.

My mother's sad that I am leaving, but I told her it would only be for a short time. After this, I would go on a longer vacation to spend time with them.

On the way to Pennsylvania, I thought about how I would talk to Constantine De Graaf. Maybe I could use my brother's name, since they always communicate with each other anyway.

I checked in at a hotel and left my things there. I didn't bring much, since I'd only be there a few days, or maybe just one.

I didn't waste any time. After checking in, I immediately left to go to D.G. Airways.

When I arrived at the company, I went to the front desk. They asked if I had an appointment.

"I don't, but can you please tell them that a representative of Gioseffo Locatelli is here? This is urgent."

The moment they heard the surname Locatelli, they immediately called their boss's secretary.

The company is huge. Now I understand why D.G. Airways is considered one of the best airlines. I just never booked a flight with them before.

"You may enter now, Miss. 15th floor."

I nodded and went inside. They gave me a visitor's pass but didn't take my ID.

On the 15th floor, someone met me and said that Constantine De Graaf was in a meeting, so I would need to wait for a few minutes.

"That's fine, I don't mind," I said.

I sat in the waiting lounge. They offered me drinks and snacks, but I didn't touch them.

"Miss, you may go in now."

I stood up and followed the woman. She led me into a large office, which I assumed belonged to Constantine De Graaf.

When I entered, he had his back to me. He was on the phone, so he hadn't noticed me yet. I saw his nameplate:

Constantine De Graaf, CEO

After he finished his phone call, his secretary came over and mentioned me.

"Locatelli, huh?"

He slowly turned around and my eyes widened in shock when I saw him.

What the f**k? "Elliott?!"

Like me, Elliott looked equally surprised.

"Miss Gianna?"

I glanced at the nameplate again. There is no mistake.

How is it possible that Elliott, my brother's ex-bodyguard, is the same Constantine De Graaf I've been looking for?

Does this mean... my brother's ex-bodyguard is the man who got me pregnant?!