Arielle

·SECRET·

I poured myself a glass of water, drinking it I watch my trembling hands. I felt a tachycardia through my body, those dangerous things always shakes every hell out of me. Being a Tacone is not enjoyable—not at all.

Growing up in New York City, as daughter of the mafia's leader has its perks. I never grew up wanting anything with monetary value, never went hungry or thirsty, and always had a bed to sleep in. What I craved was companionship, love, freedom.

"Another murder?" My mom scoff, joining me in the kitchen she take a seat near the island bar.

I nod, "they were responsible for it, our men shot for self—defence." I keep the glass on the granite table which dragged mum attention toward the table.

"Self defense!" She mumble with a smirk, "You freaked out as if it were the first murder you've witnessed." She says with a sharp gaze.

"This is not my cup of tea! Anyway it happens." She's right. It's not the first time for me to witness a murder. But somehow it does not feel right.

"You don't belong to this world, darling," Mom added.

"Do you think I deserve better than this..."

"A lot more, maybe better than this or worse than this. It depends."

"What do you mean?" I threw a glance at her.

"Big things doesn't come in small packages" she smirks at me and left from the kitchen.

After having dinner I walk to my father's study room. He told me to join him, he said there is something important to discuss with me.

"Hey dad, what's the matter?"

He glances at me with the same rough expression. "Today's murder, wasn't self defence?" He snapped.

I shook my head "it was!"

"Never unveil this secret, no matter what happens!" He warned me.

"Nothing happened on eleventh of August, dad!" I assure him instead of knowing he knows everything.

"Good! We'll be celebrating your birthday tomorrow and I have a deal with the Giordano's." This name sends chills down my spine. I don't think I will be able to forget this name ever again.

"WHY?" I snapped with a bewildered face..."They are our rival, right!"

"It's your birthday, let's welcome them nicely. We have a deal to discuss, I choose your birthday because they'll not be able to attack.

"Is it about drug or something?" I snapped.

"It's not your business! Get ready for tomorrow." He stated.

There was a knock at the door, then a bold figure walked inside. Alexander Tebaldi, my father's right hand, most trusted one, now looks serious, furious with his fists closing tightly. He's hot, super hot I mean. Dark hair, hazel eyes, well—built figure with bulging biceps, a really charming man he is.

He threw a sharp gaze at me, his eyes raped my body briefly. There's something about him which makes me feel different. I can't control myself when I face him. I just don't know why.

"Xander!" Dad exclaimed.

"I need to leave!" His voice made me shiver for a moment. His presence makes me feel ten feet tall and I don't know where I gain so much courage and confidence in front of him.

"Why?" It escaped from my mouth, both stared at me blankly.

"Arielle? Don't interfere!" My father warned me.

But I want to know why he's leaving.

"I mean—tomorrow is my birthday, and I wanted every staff to be there." I mumble with a half smile.

"We'll celebrate it later!" He said with a coarse voice.

Later! Does he mean it? He wants to celebrate my birthday again. I blushed, "if you say so." He turned back to face my father and I didn't bother to take an inch of step away from them, I wanted to be a part of their conversation.

"Why you want to leave, all of a sudden?" Dad asked Alexander.

"My mother is not well and I got things to sort out. It's urgent and I need to be there." His voice is serious.

"Okay, you can leave. But you know we'll need you especially for tomorrow, the Giordano will be here." Dad stated.

"Yeah I know..." dad cut him "family first, Xander. I'll manage for tomorrow." My eyes landed on my father when he said 'family first' he doesn't give a fuck about us! Family is weakness for him.

"I will leave tomorrow morning." He turn his head toward me, he has a smirk on his lips which tells me he will wait for my birthday.

"Why not now!"

"I got something to do after dusk." He steal a glance from me. A smile appeared on my face.

"I'll take your leave, dad!" I left from his study room. I was walking by the corridor, I heard footsteps behind me. Turning to the back. I saw the dashing figure, "Alexander!"

"You were expecting someone else?" He mumble with his hands inside his pocket. I feel my cheeks burn.

"No, is it important to leave tomorrow?" I questioned him, he takes some steps forward and my back almost hit the wall.

"I got things to do!" He said in a cold tone, taking some steps closer he put his hands beside me, blocking my way as if I was about to run.

"It's my birthday" I whispered with heavy breath. He runs his knuckles against my shoulder. I watch his action then back to his eyes.

"Why so much interest toward your father's assistant?" He questioned.

"You don't deserve to be his assistant Mr. Alexander!"

"Maybe you're right!"

"I'm right? " Looking into his eyes I smirk, I can spot an angry and cold personality behind this angelic face—a real devil. He nodded with a smile.

"Who are you?" My question caused me to push him with all my forces.

"Time will reveal, Ma'am." He half smile with a devilish look. He put his hands back into his pocket. He was about to walk away when a sudden thought hit me hard.

"What's your surname?" I blurt out in a serious tone. He turned to me with an amazed smile.

"Tebaldi."

"It doesn't suit you, because I know the Tebaldi's family and I know you are lying to us—to my father. You know the Tacone's doesn't forgive liars!"

"And I know you'll never let me down!" He assured with a cold voice.

'Who are you? I'm going to complain!"

"Your father won't believe. If he can trust his left man more than his life then believe me—he trust his right man more than his soul, bambi..."

"Don't worry I'll find out at any cost!" I mumble softly with a half smile.