Stella (Book One of Dark Souls Series)

Ischia

*~*
la gioia- a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
*~*

"Ciao, everyone!" I heard what sounded like a happy, drunk person.

My eyes widened, and I looked at Adonis.

"That is zia Alcina," he mumbled as a huge smile crossed his lips. He stood up and reached for my hand. "If she's here, then so is the rest of the family."

"Why is your family so huge?" I asked as I grabbed his hand. I let him pull me up from the floor. We had spent over an hour in the den. He was doing work on his laptop, and I was reading my book.

"We want to keep everything inside of the family, so we need a lot of heirs," he answered.

"Like the mafia?" I asked him. Adonis shook his head as he placed his hand on my back and led me out of the room.

"Compared to other companies in my family, the mafia is a small deal for us. And it is only for full-blooded Verettis."

I looked at him. "I thought your mom was American."

He chuckled and shook his head. "She may dress like a soccer mom, but Mother is one hundred percent Italian."

"Wow," I whispered.

He looked down and smiled at me. "You are too cute," he said before kissing my cheek. I pretended to cringe at his sweetness and faked a gag.

"Pretend you don't love it," he said before we laughed.

Soon, I heard shouting.

"A normal day in our household," he mumbled. "You and Eva couldn't be safer."

We walked down the hall and into the living room.

"Thank you for defending me earlier," I said. He stopped walking and took my hands. I saw his jaw twitch, and I was hoping I hadn't made him angry.

"Nonna Bel tends to try to control things. She tried to get Stef's wife sent back to the States. When everything started to get out of hand, he almost called off the wedding. In the end, it worked out. Nonna knew if Stef stood as Don, his children wouldn't inherit the title-"

"Because they would be half American and the organization becomes even more illegal," I said as the realization settled.

Americans hate Italian mafias, Yakuzas, and any other mob they couldn't control. If Stefano had children, they could be trialed at a reasonable age for aiding and abetting in illegal activities with foreigners. It wouldn't have mattered if their father was Italian or not.

He nodded. "You're learning."

I stood on my toes and pressed a kiss against his lips. His hands slid down my hips, and he grabbed my ass.

"I love you, Adonis," I said softly. The words still felt easy to think, but hard to say.

"I thought I was dreaming when I heard you confess your undying love to my mother," he said dramatically.

I groaned and rolled my eyes before palming his face.

He grabbed my hand that was on his face and kissed my palm and wrist. I felt myself blush under his intense gaze.

"Ti amo, Stella," he whispered against my hand.

I smiled and blushed like an idiot as he led me into the lobby.

"E stasera, tu sei mio."

I looked at him to see him pretending he didn't just say that in my ear.