Entitled

D U E - Y E L L O W

"If it doesn't burn a little , then what's the point of playing with fire?"

-Bridgette Devoue

Francesca River de Luca

Leone is the oldest of all his cousins and mine too. So, some followed and obeyed him out of respect and admiration but others, they never had a choice but to bow down to him. Pure fear ran in their blood when it came to Leone Alessio Valentini. He commanded all attention and respect. He is an honorable man. But the worst is that, that stubborn ogre wouldn't stop until he has what he wants.

It was summer holidays and we were visiting Leone's grandfather in his farm in Basilicata. Leone threatened and manipulated all our cousins, that nobody would sit beside me in the journey because he deserved to sit with me simply because he was entitled to me.

But I wasn't having any of it. I was sure that I wasn't going to simply tuck my tail and listen rather I was going to show him that I was my own person and I was raised better than that.

So I gave my papa the best puppy dog eyes, went on my knees and created a fuss that I had a nightmare and I wanted to sit with him. Of course, I was granted my wish 'cause who on earth can ever resist puppy dog eyes?

I was so smug that it was practically oozing out of me like rays from Sun. And Leone Alessio Valentini is anything but stupid. Not that I didn't know that I was digging my own grave.

At the age of seven I was beyond terrified of darkness. And Leone got back at me by locking me in the stables the whole night. I screamed and cried all night but of course, nobody in their right sense would cross Leone. So none of our elders got hold of the news before time. Leone had everybody's loyalty. But after that I was scared of a lot of things but darkness and cold were checked off the list and I had a new best friend Francesco, the ghost boy.

I still don't know about the reality of that night. I don't know whether I imagined it all or there actually was someone in the stables who held me all through my not so graceful sobs, not uttering a single thing.

If I ever meet him again, I am sure he will make a great friend. Ghost or not.

"How can you do this to me papa?" I asked my father agitated.

"Mia figlia, try and understand this is important for all of us. You know our business is almost in it's grave and it's very important to me. It's our legacy, principessa. It's not like I am asking you to marry some unknown monster. You're marrying Leone. He had been a childhood acquaintance of yours. We all know him so well. He is an honorable man who will respect you and love you beyond bounds. Well, we all know that being Leone Alessio Valentini's woman is an honor in itself. Common now amore cheer up." He said as if he wasn't marrying me off to that arancia due to business.

"Papa you remember what he did to me all those years ago right? You remember that he extracts some sadistic pleasure seeing me helpless and embarrassed, don't you? He will make sure that I have emergency room number on speed dial every time he and me shared the same air. " I stated waving my hands frantically as if that would help.

Gods! Its been two hours and we are still stuck like a broken record player.

"Look Ri, there's no future in the past. He was a kid and so were you. Don't tell me that you didn't get back at him for all his pranks. But on a serious note, we men tend to do absurd things to gain our women's attention. I think he just wanted all of you for himself, we all know how possessive he used to get. Now let the past and all your prejudices pass aside and give the lad a fair chance to prove himself, after all it was his idea to merge our businesses. I'll see you at dinner. Think about it." Papa said and walked out patting my head on his way.

I didn't hear anything after papa mentioned who's great mind sowed this idea into all their heads.

I am going to murder him!

How dare he! That ogre! He always had a say in whatever in the name of heaven I did. He always made sure that a dozen of men followed me around in the name of security. I felt like I was still trapped in his cage of possession, even when I was miles away from him. I adjusted to it all so that he stops with all the drama but no he had to go and create a new errand. The little games were alright, we both kind of matched each other but this is one hell of a scene. Why would he do that to me. What did I ever do for him to go all General Kai on me? Nothing never.

Wait! Oh sweet Jesus!

"No way! Nope, nopetity this can't be that. No no no no no!!!!!!! I Am dying, I am doomed." I almost screamed in fear.

I was so stupid to think that I was off the hook just because he took time in striking. I should have known that if Leone didn't tolerate my little rebellion just for a seat, then he was not going accept my stunt to stay away from him for ten years without retaliating. He never forgot, he waited like a perfect predator for the perfect time, so that the probability of the capture was maximum.

I am still going to murder him.

I dialed the number which I have learnt by heart but never had enough courage to actually call. But today I had the motivation. My anger was fueling my determination.

But sometimes you just know that it's a lost cause. If you don't get burnt a little then what's the point of playing with fire, right? But you cannot jump into an inferno and expect to get out with mere burns. Leone Alessio Valentini is that ever consuming inferno.

Author's note:

Yes, this chapter is kind of a filler. Then again what's a good story without a solid foundation? Fillers are actually filled with juicy secrets. But they reveal themselves only to the willing eyes. Now, are you watching closely?

In case you don't know who General Kai is, he is the supreme warlord of all China, he is the beast of vengeance, the maker of widows and well, he used to work with Oogway (don't mention it in front of him).

Well jokes apart, he was the antagonist of the movie Kung Fu Panda 3. Make way for the dragon warrior people!!

Thank you all. VOTE IT UP.

Translations:

Mia figlia - My Daughter

Amore - Love

Arancia - Orange

Akankshya