The Perfect Sin

45

𝗟 𝗨 𝗟 𝗔

I wore the bracelet and necklace to dinner last night, pairing it with a white dress and sandals. The dark red stood out against the soft innocent white, complimenting the look perfectly.

Everyone joined us and we engaged in actual conversation other than just the topic of business. Not that Renzo would discuss his business in front of me and Sofia anyway.

Renzo left earlier with Sal while Elio, Gianni and the others have to babysit me and Sofia. I mean, that's not exactly what Renzo said they'd be doing, but it is basically what they're doing.

Elio definitely isn't making himself look suspicious by sitting at the table in the kitchen, in perfect line of sight to the table that me and Sofia are eating breakfast at outside.

Isn't he supposed to be trained in the whole 'spy thing'? He's the underboss of this mafia and yet he can't even discreetly watch two young girls from a distance without making it completely obvious.

"So," Sofia says as she takes another bite of the slice of watermelon she's currently holding. "What do you think of Italy so far?"

I swallow the fresh orange juice in my glass, placing it on the table next to my incredibly delicious fruit platter. "It's beautiful." I say truthfully. "Is this Renzo's villa?"

She shakes her head with a small smile. "No," she says as she chews another bit of melon. "He just rented it for the week."

The backyard is just magical. With a large swimming pool which also has a small waterfall attached to the end, a tennis court, vegetable garden, fire pit, stone pizza oven and sun lounge area with chairs, tables and a mini bar.

What's not to like? It's incredible.

"Does this scare you?" I ask cautiously, watching as she offers me a puzzled expression. "This life, I mean."

She shrugs a shoulder nonchalantly. "It's all I've ever known. I've been sheltered my entire life, first by my papa and now by Renzo. Honestly, I've never been allowed to see the extreme side to this business, and I'm grateful that I haven't in a way."

I frown slightly, picking up another piece of pineapple and grimacing at the initial bitter taste as I listen to her.

"I've never known a life that doesn't involve violence, danger and death. It's scary but I've just learned to live with it." She adds. "When you don't know anything else, there is much you have to adapt to."

"Were you close with your parents?" I ask.

She nods her head. "Yes. My mama and papa were the best. My papa was very strict but he loved us dearly. My mama was beautiful and my papa would have done anything for her."

I take another piece of pineapple. "What were your brothers like before they died?"

"Leandro was quiet. We always knew he was there and he made sure to make his presence known wherever he went, but he was just.. quiet. He looked up to Renzo a lot and they were always very close. They still are now, but when my parents died.. he changed." She sighs. "He's never really been the same, but he doesn't open up to anyone. He's arrogant and stubborn." She says with a breathy laugh.