The Mafioso's Lily: The Flower of the Month

“Cousin,” I say, moving in closer. “Tell me you didn’t do this. Tell me you didn’t set this up.” She swallows before looking at me.

“I didn’t. I heard my father discussing Daffodil. When I found her, I followed the paper trail of her college tuition to you. I applied to be a detail for your girl because I knew I could watch out for her. I know I should have told you who I was, but I thought it safer this way. I swear I checked the information on the venue. No one on the payroll or family of anyone showed up.” I stare at her, unmoving and not giving anything away to test her sincerity. The thing is, I believe her.

“I haven’t seen you since you were a little girl, but those eyes are unmistakably Coronado eyes. You should have told me, Bella.”

“I know.” She hangs her head. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Scar move closer to us, his hands twitching and chest moving up and down.

“Scar.” I address him, wondering why he is standing behind her like he is protecting her.

“I don’t like her fucking head down. Lift it, my Bella.” Well shit. The minute his voice resonates through the warehouse, her entire body stiffens and relaxes simultaneously. His name for her is intimate, and I don’t know whether to kill him for touching my little cousin or to pat him on the back and welcome him to the club of the whipped.

“What the fuck is going on?” I must sound angrier than I feel. Dario moves to my left and Volt to my right. This is them preparing to hold me back.

“She belongs to me.” Is all he says before he pulls her into his arms and behind him slightly.

“So you fucking knew and said nothing?” Dario growls at him.

“No. I didn’t know. She wouldn’t tell me her last name. I have been trying to backtrace her for weeks now but always hit a hard stop. Does not change the fact that she is mine. Her ass is going to be red for keeping this shit from me, but at the end of the day, mine.”

“Bella, is this true?” I revert back to calling her what we used to call her when she was a baby.

“I-I don’t know.” Scar growls at the response and turns around. I am intrigued by this situation, but my phone rings, and I see it is Lola.

“Lola.” I am already halfway out of the building to my car.

“She is up Click and asking for you.” Thank fuck.

“I am on my way.” I am coming, baby. Both babies.

SIXTEEN

LILY

“Julio.” My voice is scratchy and a bit whiny. I feel groggy and unsure even though I know where I am. I just don’t know why. I want to open my eyes, but I feel a little dizzy and don't want to vomit. When I awakened earlier, Julio wasn’t here. Lola was at my side in seconds when she heard me panicking and calling for him. I asked her like a hundred questions, and all she will say is that he will be here soon. I must have fallen back asleep. This bed is so darn uncomfortable. I am trying to sit up but find when I move my hands, I am hooked up to so much stuff.

“Calm down, baby. I’m here.” My eyes fly open, and he is leaning over me, close enough to kiss.

“Julio.” Tears stream down my face. When I didn't see him when I woke up initially, it made me nervous. I knew he would come if he could, but what if he couldn't?

“Fuck angel, please don’t cry. I can’t take it.” I try to stop not wanting him to feel bad, but every time I try to calm down, a hiccup happens, and more tears come. “Ripping my fucking heart out, baby. Everything is ok. You are going to be alright.” He whispers in my ear before kissing me slowly. Greedily, I pull on his neck, wanting him closer to me and more of his mouth. I am feeling overwrought, and he is the only thing that can calm me. With hushes and soft strokes, he calms my distressed heart and pulls back from my mouth. “It’s ok, baby.” His forehead is on mine, sending crazy calming signals through my body.

“What happened?” I ask him. His eyes lock on mine, and I see the worry in his gaze.

“What do you remember?”

“I remember being with the girls. I had two glasses of champagne. I was feeling a little tipsy, which I thought was ok, but then when things started spinning, it felt like something was wrong. I couldn’t find my phone and thought I left it in the backroom. Some guy bumped into me, which hurt a bit, and I remember nothing else.” His jaws clench, and his eyes squeeze shut before he opens them and shows me regret.