The Mafia’s Forbidden Desire

ROSALINDA I had been at the coastal hideout for a week now, and everything was starting to bore me out. I’d take walks by the beach, play with Carlo, read books, and watch movies. Lather, rinse, and repeat. I missed Antonio. I missed every single member of my family. I hadn’t seen any of them since I left home; we had just been speaking over the phone, and that wasn’t enough for me. I needed to see them. I was hurt and mad at what Antonio did, but I couldn’t hate him forever. Not only for myself but also for Carlo, who also missed his father and wouldn’t stop asking about him every minute. I needed to return home. We needed to return home. Picking up my phone, I dialled Antonio’s number before I could change my mind. “Hello.” He said from the other end of the phone when he picked up. “Antonio.” I called, my voice barely a whisper. “I am ready. I want to come back.” “Good, because I’m coming for you.” He muttered before ending the call. I packed mine and Carlo’s bags afterwards, expecting him to come pick us up in a few hours, but when he walked through the door barely twenty minutes later, shock gripped me by the throat, and my mouth fell agape. “H- ho-how?” I stuttered. “I was already on my way when you called.” He cleared my confusion as he inched closer to me in long strides, wrapping his arms around me possessively. “I couldn’t survive one more day without you, Rosa.” I went quiet, unable to portray my feelings in words, as I just allowed myself to feel the sweet warmth his body radiated. I loved him much more than I could even imagine. “I missed you.” He told me as we pulled away from the hug, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek. “I missed you too.” I muttered, meaning every single word. Leaning in, he placed his forehead on mine. “I am sorry, my love. It was never my intention to hurt you.” “I’m sorry too.” I breathed. Even though he hurt me, he must have also been hurt by my absence, and I was sorry I put him through that. “I never want to lose you.” He expressed himself, his voice barely a whisper yet tinged with vulnerability. I never wanted to lose him either. Even the thought of that was driving me insane. I needed him in my life. Forever. “No more keeping secrets.” I breathed into his mouth. “No more kissing secrets.” He affirmed before pressing his lips on mine. We smothered our lips against each other, kissing so desperately like our lives depended on it. The heat of desire licked every fibre of my being, wanting him to touch me and fuck me like he always did. The way I always enjoyed. Oh, how I’ve missed this. “Daddy!” Carlo’s voice suddenly interrupted us, and we quickly disentangled from each other’s hands. I dipped both hands into my back pocket, looking everywhere except in Carlo’s direction. I was too ashamed to look at my son after seeing me in that position with his father. Antonio, on the other hand, didn’t seem fazed by it as a face-splitting grin tugged on his lips. He rushed towards Carlo, beaming, “My boy!” ***

After we left the coastal hideout, I asked Antonio to take me home, as I had missed my family and needed to see them. He agreed without protest. When we arrived at the mansion, I stood in front of the building, and a lot of memories came running through my mind as I gazed at the environment. This place used to be my home, where I grew up, and I couldn’t believe that within the blink of an eye, everything changed-my home was now with Antonio. The love of my life. Upon entering the building, the first person we encountered was Mary. She jumped on me, overly excited to see me. “I’ve missed you so much!” She beamed before turning her attention to Carlo and carrying him in her arms. “Hey, Carlo.” She beamed, kissing his cheeks. I walked away from them, a smile tugging on my lips as I made my way to Papa’s office to see him. I knew just where to find him. His face lit up immediately I entered his office. He leapt to his feet and hurried towards me, wrapping his arms around me. “Rosa. My Rosalinda.” He beamed. We stayed in that position for a few seconds, smiling from ear to ear, before finally pulling away from the hug. “How are you, Papa?” I asked him, genuinely concerned. “I feel more alive than ever.” He replied, chuckling. Before I could say anything more, he added. “Hope he’s not maltreating you.” I couldn’t help but smile at his question, knowing Antonio would never treat me badly. “No, Papa.” I shook my head. “I am fine.” He raised a brow. “Are you sure?” I nodded, assuring him. “Papa. You don’t have to doubt Antonio. He loves me.” A satisfied smile played on his lips, and he nodded slightly. “I am glad.” We talked for a while, catching up on a lot of things, before I finally left his office and went to Mama’s room to see her. But she was on the bed, sleeping, when I got there. Not wanting to disturb her, I decided to sneak out, but before I could even turn around, her eyes snapped open. She narrowed her eyes as she stared at me, muttering in a sleepy voice. “Rosa?” “Did I wake you up? Sorry.” A smile touched my lips as I inched closer to the bed and sat by her side. Sitting up, with a bright smile forming on her lips, she opened her arms wide. “Come here.” I sank into her arms. “I missed you, Mama.” She placed a kiss on my forehead. “I missed you too, Rosalinda.” *** After I left Mama’s room, I went to my sister’s room in search of her, but I didn’t find her there. But luckily, I met one of the maids on my way out, and she informed me that Sofia was in the kitchen. I made my way to the kitchen, and as I entered, I found her bantering with Matteo as usual. They were so engrossed in the banter that they didn’t even notice my presence. I could watch those two all day without even getting bored. I missed them. So much. “Missed me?” I muttered, a wide smile curling on my lips as I approached them. Sofia flipped her head to the side, and her face immediately lit up when she saw me. “Rosa!” She screamed as she hurried towards me and jumped on me. “Easy!” I exclaimed, worried about her protruding belly that was pressed against me. But she didn’t seem to care. “I missed you so much!” She screamed, her arms refusing to leave my body. I chuckled. “I missed you too, little sister.” “Well, I didn’t miss you.” Matteo muttered as he joined Sofia in hugging me. “I missed you too, brother.” I chuckled. “Thank God you’re here!” Sofia exclaimed when she finally let go of me. “I was going to call you and tell you the good news.” “What good news?” I asked curiously. “We have a wedding to plan. The wedding is in two weeks. We are tired of being apart!” She beamed excitedly. My eyes widened in surprise. “You and Oliver are getting married?” Before she could even reply, I wrapped my arms tightly around her. “I am so happy for you. Finally!” If three months ago I was told that Sofia and Oliver would end up together, I would have sworn with my life that it wasn’t possible. But here they were, about to get their happily ever after, thanks to Oliver being a Petrov; if not, it would never have been possible. I was genuinely happy for them. “So, what-” Sofia started, but she suddenly trailed off and rolled her eyes, her gaze in a particular direction. I turned to look at her line of sight, only to see Antonio standing in the door frame. “Are you done? Let’s get going.” He muttered as he ventured into the room. “Actually…” Mama appeared behind him, a wide smile curling on her lips as she offered. “I think you guys should stay for dinner. Let’s have dinner as a family.” “No, uhm-” Antonio tried to decline her offer, but she cut him off. “It’s not even a request. You’re staying. I’ll cook.” She said with finality.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.