Kieren
I stepped into my office, my mind buzzed with excitement from my recent encounter at the animal shelter. The image of her, so close yet unaware of my presence, lingered in my thoughts like a sweet poison.
"Yo brother, what's got you grinning like a Cheshire cat?" Ronan's voice snapped me out of my reverie, bringing me back to the present.
I chuckled, trying to play it cool. "Nothing much. Just had an interesting encounter today."
His eyebrows shot up in curiosity. "Oh? Do tell."
I settled in my armchair.
"She bumped into me."
His interest was piqued now, and I could see the gears turning in his head.
"Well, I hope your little escapade didn't raise any suspicions."
"Well, she is going to suspect." I leaned back in the chair, a smirk played on my lips.
"You see, my girl is too smart. She'll definitely try to hunt it down." A sense of pride swelled within me.
"What will you do then? If she finds out?" He folded his hands across his chest and gave me a 'you better not get fucked over' expression.
"She'll only find what I let her, so don't sweat it." My tone was casual, but inside, I knew I held all the cards.
"By the way, make a generous donation to Paws Haven Animal Shelter right away and get an invitation to their event next month." I heard the old lady in the animal shelter inviting her to an event. If she gets invited, I get invited, wherever she goes, I go.
"Generous, how generous?" Ronan questioned playfully.
"Enough to secure us the position of guest of honor." I said with a faint glint of prestige.
"You guys have too much time to chit chat these days." Rowan's eyes narrowed in a mixture of sarcasm and annoyance .
"Ouch, someone's feeling left out." Ronan mocked him.
"And someone's eager to get their balls plucked out.
Seriously, Kieran. So you're just going to forget me just because I am married?" My youngest brother marched towards me.
"I was just being kind to you so that you enjoy your honeymoon, mate."
"The word 'kind' doesn't roll off well on your tongue, so no thank you." Rowan took a seat accross from me.
"Well, I'll have you know, I've been practicing my 'kind' pronunciation in front of the mirror. It's practically rolling off my tongue like a red carpet now! So, thank you very much!" I said with wry humour.
"For a certain kind woman, I suppose." Rowan gave me the knowing grin.
Ronan accompanied his expression.
"Well," I tried to change the subject.
"I'll make sure to pencil in some mobster talk between your domestic duties, dearest baby brother."
"My pleasure." He bowed sarcastically.
I shifted my attention back to my phone. It's almost time. She should be home by now.
"So, have you met the girl personally yet?" Rowan glanced at my phone and me.
"Not yet, but soon." I replied, not looking up from my phone.
"She doesn't know your identity yet?"
"No, she doesn't."
I focused on her current location. She is not moving much.
"When are you planning to reveal yourself?" Rowan has always been the question bank since childhood.
"I don't know." I replied dryly.
"Man, I never imagined you would go two years without fucking anyone.
Why not have some fun?" He said casually with a relaxed grin.
"No, thank you. I masterbate."
She left her office.
"Come on, a pussy is different." He swirled on his roller chair while Ronan sighed and disconnected himself from this conversation.
"And it's not like you're dating her or something, why so loyal."
I looked up from my phone, my eyes conveying no emotion.
"I simply cannot stand any other woman." I paused.
"She's my only obsession, addiction and my damnation."
I declared.
"You're so damn whipped."
"And pathetic."
My brothers stated one after the other.
"I wonder if you still desire the billions of dollars you're enjoying. If so, kindly get lost and attend to some tasks."
"On it boss."
"Ciao capo."
Idiots. They're good as long as they're working, but a literal pain in the ass the rest of the time.
Ronan and Rowan are my only family besides the mafia clan. My dad, Giuseppe Moretti, strayed and fathered twin boys with another woman 'accidentally'. She died later for some 'unknown reasons'.
When my mom, Ciara Moretti found out, she killed her cheating husband, took charge of Cosa Nostra and adopted the twins when I was four. She raised all of us as her own, though she always favoured Rowan more. My brothers wanted to remain as my coordinates and had no interest in taking over the Empire. Two years later my coronation, my mother died. And that's how we became a family of three, with a twist.
At twenty-four, my brothers and I seized control of the Cosa Nostra. A tight-knit team of five, with Ronan as the underboss, and the second in command. Rowan, the relentless Caporegime. Luca, my consigliere, Jayson, the elusive hacker, and myself, the formidable capo. Kieren Moretti.
We are all successors of the people who once served the cosa nostra with honor. And we all understand that blood is thicker than water and loyalty, is thicker than blood.
Beyond our inner circle, an army of soldiers, assassins, and associates awaited our command, comprising skilled hackers, cunning doctors, and insiders within the law.
In just a few short years at the helm, our empire burgeoned. We are feared and revered in equal measure across the underworld.
Ruthless, merciless and monsters, The Moretti Brothers.
Quite a reputation.
My phone buzzed with a notification.
Who are you talking to Mia amino?
I switched to my laptop, sneaking into her WhatsApp. With access to all her social media and apps, keeping tabs on her was a breeze. And there she was, texting Amelia again. Always Amelia.
The message read, 'Guess what Amy, I got a pass to Nova Rain's art exhibition.'
'OMG! How?' Amelia replied.
'Ethan got me an invitation.'
That name struck a chord. Who the hell is Ethan? The mere thought of another man within a five metre radius of her made my blood boil. The urge to grab her, pin her against the wall and slice that man's throat while he is alive and to make her feel the same fear she instills in me surged within me like a tidal wave.
'Damn! Lucky you! When are you going?' Amelia texted.
'Saturday night.'
'okies! Have fun babe!'
Well, Saturday night it is, Mia amino.
Just pray that the Ethan guy doesn't accompany you. My men hate to dispose dead bodies on weekends.