The Mafioso's Lily: The Flower of the Month

“Hello. Chiara. Are you still there?” She has said nothing, and I swear I heard a sniffle.

“Yeah, sorry. I just woke up. I was brushing my teeth. Oh my goodness, Lily. In love with who?”

“Well, that is the part you have to promise me you won’t tell.”

“I promise.”

“His name is Julio Barbieri, and he is everything.” My dreamy voice takes over.

“Everything, huh, baby?” Oh, shoot. Where the hell did he come from?

“Yes, babe. Everything.” his eyes go soft, and he leans closer to my face. I see the love inside of him, and I know I am the one it is all for. The moment his mouth touches mine and his weight is on me, everything else is forgotten. In the distance, I can hear my name being called, and I have a sense of deja vu.

“Who is that? Lily?” I hear my phone drop to the floor, and I can’t even care right now. So much for taking a nap.

THIRTEEN

CLICK

THE NEXT DAY

Fuck my life. Now I know why men lose their minds when dealing with the women in their lives. After speaking with Cillian last night to coordinate my sister’s visit for today, during said convo, I had to assure him I would guard her with my life. If I didn't respect his love and devotion to Daf, I would be insulted that he feels I would let anything happen to my little sister.

My sister came back today to swim with the girls and then dress shopping after, I presume, but it is the constant yapping, giggling, and watching all the men in the house watch them. The rational part of me knows they are guarding them, but I still fucking hate eyes on my woman that are not mine. They spent a few hours swimming and talking and playing with baby Lorelei who at five months old is already running shit. She wails, and everyone in the house starts trying to figure out what the hell it is she needs. Even my ass is trying to make goofy faces and shit. What an ass. Good practice, though.

An hour ago, they left to go downtown Miami to a styling studio where Jewel had a few top-notch dress designers coming to show her some dresses. Each lady is flanked by two guards, all six of which are women but the baddest in the business. I would much rather be the one escorting them, overseeing their safety, and watching my woman beam with all the attention. I am stuck, however, listening to the tapes we have gathered from the tracking and listening device we planted. “You all set?” Dario walks into the shared office for the organization and sits in the chair to the left of me.

“Yes, I was just about to start. Any word on the girls?” I know they just left, but I am anxious. Not only is my pregnant sister with them, but so is my future.

“I must say it is great for once to not be the only neurotic motherfucker in the room. Welcome to the club, my friend.” He pats me on the back before sitting back down. “They are fine. They made it to the private viewing venue, and all six of the guards are with them. I was going to meet them there in a couple of hours to pick up Jewel so we can go to my parents’ house with the baby, but I have a conference call with a prosecutor and judge, so I will wait for them here. Your sister's guards will escort her home, and I assume Lily’s will bring her here…yes?”

“Yeah. She can ride with Jewel.” I don’t like it, but she has been enjoying being able to get out and hang out, and I don’t want to dim her light.

“I expected nothing else from you. Well, if you hear anything interesting, let me know. I will be in my home office if you need me.”

“Will do.” When he walks out, I take a second to ease my anxiety and pace the room. I have been unsettled all day, and I don't know why. Something seems...quiet. Too quiet. Stretching my arms, I sit back down, and I know I need to first take care of the phone call I have been putting off. Pulling up my phone contacts, I find the number for my angel’s sister and take a deep breath and call it.

“Who is this?”

“My name is Julio. I am looking for Giulia DeSantis.”

“Again, I ask, who the fuck is this?” Getting off to a good start.

“I am calling about your sister Lily.” I hear silence on the other end for a second, and then she responds.

“Is she alright? What has happened? Where is Dario?”

“I am sorry to alarm you. Lily is fine. Dario is still in charge. I am his right-hand Click. Maybe he has mentioned me?”