Son of the Boss

Acceptance

-Night of the Masquerade-

A L E S S I O

"It has been decided. The Rossi and Romano family WILL become one."

My fingers curl around the edge of my father's desk. I can't even see straight.

Red takes over my vision and all I can picture is my fist going through the damn wall.

"Did you even think to mention this to me before you agreed to this?" I snap. He laughs and leans back in his chair.

"Why ever would I need to do that, Alessio?"

My eyes narrow. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

He groans and pushes himself up from his chair. Shadows cast across his aged face. Silver tinged hair and dark eyes.

"I still make the decisions, Alessio. I make decisions that I know are best for you and the family."

My anger flares and my fists come down against the desk without warning. He doesn't even flinch.

"I will not marry that, bitch."

He laughs and lights a cigar. "You will because I ordered it. The contract has been signed."

The urge to punch him right now is so fucking unreal.

He continues, "I'm sure you are worried about the pretty little vixen you've had around here. You're welcome to keep doing as you wish but keep your focus on your soon-to-be bride."

"What are you talking about?" I lie. I don't want him to even think about Olivia. The thought of him looking at her made me sick knowing his past.

"The pretty little girl with the blue eyes that has been running around here. Is she just another whore from the club?"

"Don't talk about her like that. She's not a whore."

He snickers, "Have your fun, son. I was your age once, don't forget it."

"What do we even get out of this, Adolfo? What is the point? This has never even been a thought for us with the Rossi family."

"More than half profit and several ports we have never had access to before. The Rossi family has expanded and have even moved into France and a few places in Russia. We need to grow, Alessio. It's important for the family to have enough security."

I sit there and sigh. Defeat settling in fast.

I stand up from the chair and turn my back to him.

"Fine. I'll do it."

O L I V I A

The engine turns off and I look over at Mateo. His dark eyes soft as he stares at me silently.

My heart was aching and the lump in my throat hadn't gone away. I didn't understand what was going on with Alessio.

We didn't even really know each other. Why would he say he's falling in love?

Was...Was I falling in love with him too? Can it really happen so quickly?

"Miss Moore?" Mateo's voice breaks the silence.

I look over sadly, "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Should I worry about him? About Alessio?" I ask nervously.

He smiles and reaches out with a reassuring hand on my forearm. "He knows what he's doing. Give him some credit."

I nod but the hurt is still very clear on my face. I climb out from the passenger side and take my bags from Mateo. He waits patiently as I walk into my home and find mom moving around in the kitchen.